AOPA MAKES PITCH TO SAVE MEIGS AND HELP CHICAGO PARKS
AOPA presented a bold plan before the Chicago media yesterday that would bring an infusion of $41 million to the Chicago Park District through a federal aviation grant and restore Meigs Field. The plan calls for the park district, the current owner of the land, to sell Meigs to the City of Chicago for $41 million, which is the fair market value of the property based on a July 2001 appraisal conducted by a nationally recognized aviation expert. As operator and sponsor of Meigs, the city can apply for and obtain the funds necessary to purchase Meigs through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Additionally, the influx of capital would allow the park district to use part of Northerly Island, where Meigs is located, to create a new park and improve others. "This a sensible solution to the Meigs issue for everyone," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Purchase of the Meigs property from the park district by the city would be an uncomplicated process, using FAA funds that are set aside specifically for aviation infrastructure projects as well as the acquisition of airports for public use."
...FUNDING PLAN WAS LOOKED AT BEFORE
AOPA's funding plan was initially reviewed in 2001 by then FAA Administrator Jane Garvey and Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, both of whom felt it was a "viable approach." AOPA attempted repeatedly to take its proposal to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, but its efforts were rebuffed despite support for it from intermediaries close to the mayor. Boyer said AOPA dropped its efforts when the mayor and Illinois Gov. George Ryan reached their O'Hare expansion plan agreement in December 2001, which was supposed to allow Meigs to stay open for another 25 years. But on March 30, Daley secretly had the runway bulldozed under the cover of darkness to put an end to the debate. "While Boyer's announcement today is an important part of AOPA's effort to reopen Meigs Field, we are also hard at work with key members of the Illinois legislature for passage of a bill that would do the same," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. For more, see AOPA Online.
THREAT LEVEL GOES UP, NO AIRSPACE CHANGES FOR MOST PILOTS
Although the terrorist threat level was raised from yellow to orange Tuesday, there were no new immediate airspace restrictions with the exception of the Washington, D.C., area. The FAA issued notams reestablishing Tipton Airport as the "gateway airport" for aircraft flying to the "DC-3" airports in Maryland (College Park, Washington Executive/Hyde Field, and Potomac Airfield) and suspended waivers for flight in the 15-mile "no-fly" area around Washington. In addition, waivers to the sporting event notam were suspended. "AOPA has worked hard over the preceding weeks to make sure that general aviation is well understood by the decision-makers," said Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president. Pilots are again urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities at their airports to Airport Watch by calling 866/GA-SECURE. For more, see AOPA Online.
1911 WRIGHT MODEL B CRASHES
Ken Hyde, the head of the Wright Experience near Warrenton, Virginia, that will build and fly a reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer at Kill Devil Hills this December, was in surgery Thursday for a broken arm following the crash of a Wright Model B. Hyde's Discovery of Flight Foundation had built the aircraft for Northrop Grumman for display at this year's Paris Air Show, according to the Fauquier Times-Democrat. The aircraft is also the subject of a NOVA public television program, Inventing the Flying Machine, to air late this year. Hyde was performing high-speed taxi tests on Monday when the aircraft veered toward a ditch, the newspaper reported, so Hyde decided to fly the airplane out of trouble. He was able to circle for about 10 minutes, dodging trees and power lines, before it dipped a wing and headed into a tree, the newspaper said. The setback will not affect plans to fly the 1903 Wright Flyer.
TAYLORCRAFT GETS NEW OWNER
Rights to the Taylorcraft line have been sold to former automotive dealer Harry Ingram of La Grange, Texas, who is also a pilot and enthusiast. He has quietly put the Taylorcraft F-22 series aircraft back into production in a former cabinet factory near the Fayette Regional Air Center in La Grange. He is the sixth owner in 17 years and said that, in view of unsuccessful attempts at placing the aircraft in production in the past, he wanted to simply do it before talking about it. Ingram received seven completed fuselages as part of the deal when he bought the company from a Delaware owner several months ago, and is finishing the first aircraft, a 118-hp tailwheel model that currently sells for $59,995. Ingram said he has arranged special financing at $6,000 down and $499 a month. Pricing for other models has not been determined. The F-22 series of four aircraft includes both tailwheel and nosewheel models with either 118-hp or 180-hp engines. For information, call 800/217-1399 or 979/242-3695.
COMPANY DELIVERS FIRST NEW CUSTOMER MICCO SP26
After a long hiatus and a change in ownership, the Micco SP series of aircraft is back in production under a new FAA production certificate. Earlier this month, LanShe Aerospace delivered its first SP26 after acquiring the company from the Seminole Indian tribe in February. A production certificate is the last step in the approval process to manufacture duplicate parts under an FAA-approved type design. LanShe is offering the two-seat SP20 for a base price of $199,000 and the SP26 for $256,000. LanShe owner Wadi Rahim was in the process of restoring Lake amphibian aircraft to production when he realized that it would be less expensive to buy the Micco factory in Florida than modernizing the Lake factory in Maine. He can now work on Micco and Lake aircraft under the same roof.
EMBRY-RIDDLE EQUIPS FLEET FOR TRAFFIC, WEATHER INFO
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will equip 100 of its training aircraft in Florida and Arizona with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) technology from UPS Aviation Technologies to track its fleets. Pilots of similarly equipped aircraft can see traffic on a cockpit display. "Successful implementation in Arizona and Florida could convince the FAA to complete the installation of ground stations throughout the country," said Sean Jeralds, chairman of the flight training program at Prescott, Arizona. The system can also uplink weather. AOPA has two aircraft flying with ADS-B equipment, and has been testing the system for several years.
U.S. TO HOST WORLD AEROBATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
It doesn't happen that often in the United States, but on June 25 America will play host to the World Aerobatic Championships in Lakeland, Florida. So far 58 pilots from 10 nations are registered to fight for the title of world aerobatic champion at the event. Both a men's and women's champion will be chosen. It is styled after the Olympics. Competitors will pull some serious G forces during the contest, from negative five or six Gs to as many as 12 positive Gs. Competitors are able to sustain the momentary G forces through careful training. The competition ends on July 4. The public may attend for $10 per day or obtain a $50 pass for the entire event. For information, visit the Web site.
SOARING SOCIETY CHIEF RESIGNS
The 13,685-member Soaring Society of America is searching for an executive director following SSA President Larry Sanderson's resignation early this year after 20 years at the helm. The position has been given the new title of executive director. Karol Hines, a regional director for SSA, said the position will pay in the "high five figures." SSA has a staff of about a dozen fulltime personnel and is based at Hobbs, New Mexico. The ideal candidate is a pilot, not necessarily a soaring pilot, with strong advocacy skills and five years of management experience who is able to meet the group's goal of expanding membership 10 percent each year for three years. SSA has already located several good candidates. Those interested should e-mail, or mail a resume to: SSA Headquarters, Post Office Box 2100, Hobbs, New Mexico 88241-2100.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
Inside AOPA
SEVERAL SAFETY SEMINARS OFFERED AT AOPA FLY-IN
AOPA's thirteenth annual Fly-In and Open House offers a great chance for fun and to shoot the breeze with fellow aviation enthusiasts, but there's much more to it than that. AOPA President Phil Boyer will be conducting a seminar about the challenges facing general aviation at 11:30 a.m. Pilots will have an opportunity to ask questions. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation will present three of its acclaimed safety seminars, Spatial Disorientation at 9 a.m.; Single Pilot IFR at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and Operation Airspace at noon and 3 p.m. In addition, Tom Kirton of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will present two sessions of Aeronautical Decision Making for Private Pilots. And AOPA Pilot columnist Rod Machado will host a seminar on defensive flying. See AOPA Online for complete information.
STATE OFFICIAL TRIES TO REPEAL MICHIGAN BACKGROUND CHECK
Michigan State Rep. Steven Ehardt, an AOPA member and pilot, has introduced legislation that would overturn the state's criminal background check requirement, established last year, for flight students. AOPA staff, led by Great Lakes Regional Representative Bill Blake, have been working closely with Ehardt in crafting House Bill 4704 that would remove the background check requirement and replace it with some common sense security measures for flight schools. "While AOPA continues to pursue overturning the current law through a lawsuit, our hope is that Ehardt will be able to eliminate the law with this new legislation," said Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president. The bill is currently assigned to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.
AOPA CHIDES GOVERNOR FOR NUCLEAR PLANT TFR REQUEST
AOPA President Phil Boyer told Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty last Friday that there is absolutely no reason for the FAA or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue flight restrictions over Minnesota's nuclear power plants. In a letter responding to the governor's calls for such temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), Boyer said, "General aviation aircraft do not pose a risk to nuclear power plant safety and… it is inappropriate for the federal government to institute airspace restrictions or allow the closing of vital general aviation airspace or airports in proximity to them." See AOPA Online.
FAA MAKES CHANGES TO FIELD APPROVAL POLICY
Making good on its commitment to AOPA, the FAA this week revised its field approval policy to correct problems caused by a September 2002 policy change that made it more difficult for aircraft owners to make common modifications. These included installing wing-tip strobes, converting generators to alternators, and converting drum to disc brakes. The FAA's latest revision to the Flight Standards Service Airworthiness Inspector's Handbook, known as "Change 16," becomes effective immediately, except in Alaska, where it will be phased-in. It incorporates recommendations by AOPA, others in the general aviation industry, and the FAA inspector workforce.
FAA PROVIDES NEW RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR ARKANSAS AIRPORT
As a result of AOPA's recommendations, pilots traveling to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport that serves Fayetteville and Springdale, Arkansas, will soon be able to better communicate with ATC. The FAA will install a remote transmitter and receiver (RTR) that will be operational prior to the implementation of the Class C airspace on July 10. According to the FAA, the airspace change is needed to support increased aircraft operations at the airport and the increased potential for midair collisions in the area. "Class C airspace alone would not have improved the level of safety at the airport," said Heidi Williams, AOPA manager of air traffic policy. Pilots also needed the upgrade in communications equipment, she added.
PARK SERVICE MAY RESTRICT ACCESS TO DENALI
AOPA is opposing government plans to restrict general aviation access to Alaska's Denali National Park and is calling on pilots to do the same. The National Park Service has drafted a new plan for managing park resources. Under most of the alternatives put forward, including the one preferred by the Park Service, GA aircraft would be banned from landing, except in an emergency, in the 1.5-million-acre area that makes up the Old Park. "How can the National Park Service do something so outrageous?" asked Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president. AOPA is urging pilots to file comments on the plan. The deadline is May 31. Comments may be e-mailed, or sent by regular mail to: Superintendent, Denali National Park and Preserve, Post Office Box 9, Denali Park, Alaska 99755.
AOPA AIRCRAFT FINANCING PROGRAM LOWERS RATES
AOPA Certified partner MBNA America Bank has lowered the fixed interest rates for the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program by as much as three-quarters of a percent on some loan amounts. The lower rates coupled with long repayment terms make purchasing an aircraft easier and more affordable than it has been in years. Because there are no restrictions on the age of the aircraft being purchased, most general aviation aircraft will qualify for financing. For more information, see AOPA Online.
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On Capitol Hill
HOUSE AVIATION BILL IS GOOD FOR GA, AOPA SAYS
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved its version of the FAA's funding (reauthorization) bill (H.R.2115) that includes several AOPA-backed provisions that address issues of interest to general aviation pilots. At the top of the list is an AOPA issue addressed by committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) who developed a fix for the "pilot insecurity rule" guaranteeing a third-party appeals process for pilots facing certificate revocation if suspected of being a "security risk." The legislation would also reverse an FAA classification of air traffic control that would have made ATC susceptible to privatization efforts. It also includes a "Meigs Field legacy provision" that would establish a $10,000 per day fine for failing to give 30-days notice before closing an airport listed in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. To help pilots in the Washington, D.C., area, AOPA member Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) sponsored an amendment that would require the FAA to justify to Congress the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) within 30 days and then every 60 days thereon that it remains in place. For more, see AOPA Online.
Quiz Me!
Here's a question asked by an AOPA member last week of our AOPA technical specialists. Test your knowledge.
Question: I hold a private pilot (single-engine land aircraft) certificate and I'm thinking about adding a helicopter rating. Do I need to take another written test?
Answer: The answer can be found in 14 CFR 61.63(b)(5) which provides guidance in what is needed for additional ratings to a pilot certificate. It states that an applicant who holds a pilot certificate and wants to add a category rating "need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, power-lift, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level." See AOPA Online.
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? Call 800/872-2672 or e-mail to inforequest@aopa.org. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to epilot@aopa.org.
Picture Perfect
Looking for a unique gift for Father's Day? Order high-quality prints from the AOPA Online Gallery. Search the hundreds of images, select your favorite, and with just a few keystrokes, a print will be shipped directly to your doorstep. Orders must be placed by May 30 for guaranteed delivery. Of course, you can still download your favorite images to use for wallpaper or send a personalized e-card. For more details, see AOPA Online.
What's New At AOPA Online
Thousands of pilots will flock to Philadelphia this October to attend AOPA Expo 2003. You'll find the latest in general aviation information, new gear, and airspace briefings in one convenient location. Not to mention a static display of more than 60 aircraft! For more information or to register, see the Expo page at AOPA Online.
Weekend Weather
SOUTHWEST FORECAST
Synopsis: No significant surface features over this region outside over thermal low pressure over the desert region.
Flying Forecast: Isolated to widely scattered afternoon and evening thundershowers will be possible over areas of the Rocky Mountains Friday through Sunday. Some overnight and morning MVFR/IFR ceilings/fog will be possible along the California coast. Otherwise, VFR over the region.
See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
ePilot Calendar
WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Millington, Tennessee. The MidSouth Charity Airshow takes place May 31 and June 1 at Millington Municipal Airport (NQA). This world-class event benefits children's charities and features the Navy Blue Angels, Sean Tucker, Jimmy Franklin, Dan McClung, Mary Dilda, Dan Buchanan, Bigfoot, Jim LeRoy, Jan Collmer, Frank Ryder, Kirby Chambliss, Shockwave, and Lee Lauderbac. Contact Dan Ventre, 901/753-1653, or visit the Web site.
Marfa, Texas. The Texas Glider Rally takes place June 1 through July 20 at Marfa Municipal Airport (MRF). Sailplane pilots from around the country gather in West Texas to earn FAI badges and set soaring records. Glider instruction available. Contact Burt Compton, 800/667-9464, or visit the Web site.
FLYING DESTINATIONS IN CALIFORNIA
Columbia, California. The Bellanca-Champion Club West Coast Fly-in takes place May 30 through June 2 at Columbia Airport (O22). A fun mix of flying, eating, and education. Spot landing and flour bombing contests Saturday. For more information, see the Web site.
Ramona, California. The Ramona Air Fair takes place May 30 through June 1 at Ramona Airport (RNM). Benefits the families of aerial firefighters who died in the line of duty. World War II fighters, bombers, experimental aircraft, hot air balloon flights, night show with fireworks, balloon glow, and dance. Contact Chris Cooper, 619/517-5867, or visit the Web site.
Hemet, California. The Hemet-Ryan Airshow takes place May 31 at Hemet-Ryan Airport (HMT). This World War II training field will host aerobatics along with demonstrations by Hemet Police Department and fire and search and rescue personnel. Contact Elisa Grey, 800/984-1000.
Laverne, California. A Bell 47 Helicopter Fly-in takes place May 31 at Brackett Field (POC). From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Contact Danny Rodriguez, 310/214-2822.
Modesto, California. Airport Appreciation Day takes place May 31 at Modesto City-County-Harry Shamm Field (MOD). Airshow, rides, static display of all types of aircraft. Hosted by Sheriff's Aero-Squadron. Contact Jerry Waymire, 209/529-8254 or 209/525-6426.
Oakdale, California. Aviation Discovery Day takes place May 31 at Oakdale Airport (O27). Aircraft displays, food booths, radio control aircraft, Young Eagles signups, play area for kids. Contact Gary Briery, 209/847-4296, or visit the Web site.
Oakland, California. A celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the First Transpacific Flight takes place May 31 at the Western Aerospace Museum at Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK). The Centennial of Flight Society sanctioned event will include the sons of the pilot and radio operator as speakers. Contact Tom Hieronymus, 510/534-8651, or visit the Web site.
To submit an event to the calendar, or search all events, visit AOPA Online. For airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online. For comments on calendar items, contact calendar@aopa.org.
ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
(All clinics start at 7:30 a.m.)
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Austin, Texas, June 7 and 8. Clinics are also scheduled in San Jose, California, and Columbus, Ohio, June 14 and 15. For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Renewal Online.
ASF PINCH-HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES
(Pinch-Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.)
The next Pinch-Hitter?? Ground School will take place in Columbus, Ohio, June 15. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Frederick, Maryland, June 7. Topics vary; for complete details, see AOPA Online.