Post by Major Destruction on Sept 23, 2005 9:48:40 GMT -5
GA News
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE QUESTIONS ADIZ
The highly respected Congressional Research Service (CRS), the nonpartisan public policy research arm of the U.S. Congress, has raised questions concerning the effectiveness of the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and its effects on general aviation. "Detailed risk-based assessment, examining the various different types of GA operations conducted in the [National Capital Region], may be undertaken to identify airspace controls and alternative security measures that strike an appropriate balance between meeting security needs and maintaining a vibrant GA industry in the region," the service said in a report for Congress. "This certainly reinforces AOPA's position that one size doesn't fit all," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "A small, slow, light GA aircraft is not a significant threat and shouldn't be treated the same as a much faster, much heavier airplane like an airliner. The FAA's proposal to make the ADIZ permanent is unnecessary and will continue to harm general aviation." CRS said that the ADIZ is frequently "oversimplified" in policy discussions, viewed as simply a 30-nautical-mile ring around Washington, D.C. But the ADIZ dimensions are actually considerably larger, with a lateral extent of "more than 3,000 square nautical miles." Noting that the FAA spends $11 million in taxpayer money each year on the ADIZ, the CRS said, "Questions remain regarding whether less costly alternatives could provide equally adequate protections." See AOPA Online.
VOLUNTEER PILOTS, AVIATION CHARITY GROUPS READY FOR RITA
At ePilot broadcast time, Texas was readying itself for Hurricane Rita, and a variety of general aviation charity groups were poised to offer their assistance. Even as they continued to help with the ongoing Hurricane Katrina relief effort, volunteer aviation groups like Angel Flight South Central were preparing to deliver air transportation to those who might need assistance in the wake of Rita. Other organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol will also no doubt serve a vital role. For a central listing of free transportation services provided by volunteer pilots and charitable aviation groups, or to offer your support for these efforts, visit Air Care Alliance's Web site.
LOCKHEED SET FOR SMOOTH FSS TRANSITION ON OCTOBER 4
Lockheed Martin will be taking control of flight service station (FSS) services in less than two weeks. "AOPA has been in virtually constant discussions with Lockheed Martin as it moves toward the initial FSS transition on October 4," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We want to ensure that there will be no service glitches for pilots." The operational equipment, radio frequencies, telephone numbers, and FSS facilities will stay the same. About 1,900 of the current 2,000 FSS employees have accepted job offers from Lockheed Martin, which means that even the familiar voices giving your preflight weather briefings will stay the same. When Lockheed's 18-month transition is complete, you should see improved services. In addition to online briefing tools, your telephone calls will be answered within 20 seconds and radio calls within 15 seconds. Pireps must be processed within 30 seconds of receipt, 15 seconds if they are urgent. "And all of these enhanced services are being provided without user fees—AOPA made sure of that," Boyer said. "It is estimated that Lockheed's contract will actually save the government about $2.2 billion over 10 years." See AOPA Online.
MORE PRECISION APPROACHES AS WAAS CONTINUES TO GROW
WAAS up? Well, today 37 general aviation airports that had no precision instrument approach before now have WAAS LPV approaches—approaches that offer ILS-like minimums through a GPS-based system rather than a ground-based one. There are now more than 100 runway ends that previously lacked an ILS that now have LPV approaches, and the FAA has now commissioned a total of 240 LPV procedures. "For instrument-rated pilots, that's a tremendous increase in safety and utility," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA director of advanced technology. "A WAAS-LPV approach can give you minima close to an ILS, and it's even easier to fly." AOPA has been a strong advocate of WAAS, lobbying hard in Congress to keep the program funded and on-track during its difficult development phase, and keeping the pressure on to rapidly add approaches to GA airports that don't have an ILS. A third satellite will come online next year, providing redundant WAAS coverage for the entire United States.
AEROBATIC COMPETITOR MARTA BOHN-MEYER DIES IN CRASH
Two-time member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team and chief engineer at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Marta Bohn-Meyer died Sunday in the crash of her Experimental-category Giles 300 aerobatic aircraft at Clarence E. Page Municipal Airport near Oklahoma City. Bohn-Meyer was the U.S. Unlimited Team manager this year during world competition. She was the first female crewmember from NASA or the U.S. Air Force—and only the second woman—to fly in a 2,000-mph Lockheed SR-71. The International Aerobatic Club said Bohn-Meyer was practicing for the upcoming U.S. National Aerobatic Championships when her airplane crashed. She was featured in 2001 in AOPA Flight Training. Her husband, Bob, also an SR-71 pilot and NASA engineer, was at the airport with her coach, Sergei Boriak, at the time of the accident.
COMMANDER AIRCRAFT LOOKS FOR NEW LOCATION
Commander Premier Aircraft Corporation (CPAC) has announced that it will reluctantly leave the Oklahoma City area by the end of September and seek a new location to build its airplanes and support the existing fleet. When CPAC acquired all of the assets of the bankrupt Commander Aircraft Company in June, it didn't include the right to remain at Wiley Post Airport. "We are very disappointed that we could not secure a production location at any airport in the Oklahoma City area," said Joel M. Hartstone, CPAC president and CEO. Company officials tried unsuccessfully to lease local facilities so that they could build the airplanes where the institutional knowledge remains both at the production worker and FAA certification levels. "We are frustrated and very sad that we must now abandon them and establish operations elsewhere," Hartstone added. CPAC plans to announce the new location soon.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
Squawk Sheet
FAA TAKES LYCOMING CRANKSHAFT AIRWORTHINESS ACTION
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive calling for crankshaft replacement in certain 360 and 540 engines built or with crankshafts replaced after March 1, 1999. As AOPA first reported in July, this AD affects some 1,100 aircraft, in models ranging from Aero Commanders and Aerostars to Socata Trinidads. Many of the affected aircraft are Robinson helicopters and late-model Cessna 182s. You'll need to know your engine model, engine serial number, date of manufacture, and horsepower rating to determine if your engine is affected. "Lycoming tells AOPA that some 238 engines have already been sent to the factory in response to the earlier service bulletin, and the company has completed repairs on about half of them already," said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy. "The company has been in direct contact with the owners of more than 660 of the affected aircraft." Lycoming will pay repair, shipping, and reasonable labor costs. This is a continuation of the problem that had affected high-powered, large-bore turbocharged Lycoming engines three years ago.
FAA ISSUES HARTZELL AD FOR SOME OLDER AIRCRAFT
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) for mostly older airplanes that have certain Hartzell propellers. The FAA said the AD resulted from two incidents where "Z-shank" blades failed and separated. Teardown inspections detected corrosion in the blade bores. The AD affects about 1,200 aircraft in the U.S. registry. The AD goes into effect on October 14 and requires the inspection of the propeller blades and other critical propeller parts. "The positive for some aircraft owners is that no action is required if the time-since-overhaul (TSO) of the propeller is 10 years or less on the AD's effective date or the propeller assembly was inspected under a previous Hartzell service bulletin," said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy. For aircraft where the TSO is not known, the service bulletin has not been complied with, or the TSO date is 10 years or older, the FAA has set up deadlines ranging from 12 to 36 months for completing the inspections. Download the AD. For more information, see AOPA's issue brief.
FAA ISSUES AD FOR PIPER MODIFICATION
The FAA has adopted an airworthiness directive (AD) for certain New Piper Aircraft models that have incorporated the Petersen Aviation auto gas modification under a supplemental type certificate. The AD requires owners to replace parts to prevent fuel leaks. Petersen will cover the cost of parts and labor. The AD affects 50 airplanes in the U.S registry. It becomes effective November 4. Download the AD.
Inside AOPA
AOPA EXPO BRINGS FIRSTS TO TAMPA
First time AOPA Expo will be in Tampa. First time a Secretary of Transportation will address Expo. And quite possibly the first time that Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and aviation humorist Rod Machado will appear in the same venue on the same day. Their styles may be different, but both are a "must see." Mineta opens the first Expo general session on Thursday morning, November 4. Then at noon, laugh and learn with Rod Machado at the Expo opening luncheon. If you've never been to Expo before, why not make another first? And if you have, you know all about the fantastic seminars, the exciting exhibits, and the great fun that awaits pilots on the Tampa Bay waterfront. For more information or to register, see AOPA Online.
SECURITY WEB PAGE HELPS PILOTS PROTECT THEMSELVES, AIRCRAFT
With security issues top of mind on Capitol Hill and in the news, it's more important than ever for pilots to protect general aviation, and themselves, by complying with security guidelines. AOPA has made it easy by gathering everything you need to know about GA security in one location. AOPA Online's new security resource section divides the information into easy-to-understand categories that tell you exactly what you need to do to effectively secure your aircraft and airport, plan a flight in the vicinity of restricted or special-use airspace, operate in the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), or respond to an intercepting aircraft. Test your practical knowledge with a security quiz, then add to it by taking one of several free online courses. Or check the latest security-related airspace restrictions and conveniently plan a route around them with AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner.
DEFERRED MEDICAL PROCESSING DELAYS SEE INCREASE
The FAA has all but eliminated the backlog of special issuance medical certificates by pulling in staff resources to clear out the queue. But the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine sources have told AOPA that while that backlog was significantly reduced, that resource concentration means the delay in issuing deferred medical certificates is now up to about 120 days. But there is plenty that you can do to keep your medical certificate out of that queue. "Pilots need to be informed consumers when they renew their medical certificates," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "We've seen many cases where medicals were needlessly deferred to Oklahoma City, and that meant the pilots had unnecessary delays before they could fly." So you need to do everything you can to avoid a deferral, and AOPA has the resources to help you, starting with TurboMedical and the medical certification specialists in the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA). More on AOPA Online.
CONQUER CUSTOMS OPERATIONS WITH PROPER PLANNING
Before you set out on any international flight, make sure you have reviewed the entry procedures for the destination country and for your return to the United States. Becoming familiar with the regulations, organizing the required paperwork, and planning ahead ultimately will save you time and help eliminate noncompliance penalties. And these penalties are stiff—a $5,000 minimum fine for the first violation and a $10,000 minimum for the second. Customs can even seize your aircraft. To avoid these fines, use the resources in AOPA's Pilot Information Center "International Flying and Alaska" section. If you do have an unsatisfactory experience with Customs, e-mail AOPA's Pilot Information Center or call 800/USA-AOPA. This allows AOPA to pass on information to help other members avoid the same problems. See AOPA Online.
HAVE YOU UPDATED YOUR AOPA MEMBER PROFILE?
To make the most of your membership and allow us to serve you better, please visit AOPA Online and update your personal member profile.
AOPA Airport Support Network
FIRST AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK BOARD OF ADVISORS APPOINTED
AOPA President Phil Boyer welcomed 15 Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers to the first ever ASN Board of Advisors meeting Saturday. The volunteers gathered in Dallas-Fort Worth to begin developing a strategic plan to advance the ASN program, an already successful effort with about 1,700 volunteers. "We are fortunate to have such a vast pool of volunteers so dedicated to general aviation's community airports that they were willing to spend a weekend locked in a room to improve the ASN program," said Boyer. "The overwhelming part is that we actually had to narrow down the group to a manageable number." The volunteers appointed to the board represent a range of airports—from a small privately owned, public-use field to the busiest of GA airports—and bring expertise on various airport issues. See AOPA Online.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation News
AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION CANCELS TWO TEXAS SEMINARS
Because of the storm threat from Hurricane Rita, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has canceled its safety seminar, "The Last Five Miles," scheduled for September 26 and 27 in San Antonio and Houston, Texas. (The seminar is still on for Fort Worth on September 28 and Austin on September 29.)
PILOT DECISION-MAKING SEMINAR TO DEBUT AT AOPA EXPO
For years pilots seeking to learn more about good decision making have faced a multitude of acronyms and buzzwords like ADM, IMSAFE, DECIDE, PAVE, CRM, and SRM. Yet, year after year, poor pilot judgment continues to account for a staggering number of aircraft accidents. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newest safety seminar, "Do the Right Thing: Practical Decision Making for Pilots," takes a different approach to the problem. Using plain language and thought-provoking scenarios, it cuts through the "alphabet soup" and gives you a better perspective on how to manage the risks, make the tough choices, and prevent small mistakes from becoming big problems. The new seminar will debut from November 3 through 5 at AOPA Expo in Tampa, Florida. The interactive DVD presentation allows the audience to make choices on which way the pilot should go, then see the consequences of their decisions.
ENHANCEMENTS UPGRADE THUNDERSTORM AVOIDANCE MINICOURSE
When you're flying deep within the clouds, it can be hard to tell the benign from the threatening until it's too late. Air traffic control can help—but only if you understand their capabilities and limitations. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newly updated Avoiding Thunderstorms minicourse can give you the information you need to fly safely when thunderstorms are in the forecast. The four-minute course focuses on the importance of proper communications including verifying with each controller you are handed off to exactly what services you will receive. The point is dramatically illustrated with actual ATC transmissions between controllers and a pilot who flew into a Level 6 thunderstorm with tragic results. Updates to the course will help you understand ATC's weather capabilities and how to use them to your advantage. For more free online courses, visit the AOPA Online Safety Center.
SPRING INTERNSHIP WITH AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is seeking applicants for a full-time spring internship. If selected, you'll assist in developing upcoming programs for the foundation, and conducting aviation safety education and research for the general aviation community. You'll receive hourly pay plus a stipend to assist with moving, housing, or flying expenses. The deadline for applications is October 28. For more information, see AOPA Online.
Quiz Me
Here's a question asked by an AOPA member who contacted our aviation services staff through the AOPA Pilot Information Center. Test your knowledge.
Question: What happens when an airplane used for hire goes beyond the 100-hour time frame for its inspection? Can a plane fly past the 100-hour limit without the inspection?
Answer: Yes it can. The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded, but not by more than 10 hours, while the airplane is en route to a location where the inspection can be conducted. Be sure that the excess time used to reach the location for inspection is deducted when computing the next 100 hours of time in service. See the regulation.
Got a question for our aviation services staff? The AOPA Pilot Information Center is a service available to all members as part of the annual dues. Call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), or e-mail to pilotassist@aopa.org. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to epilot@aopa.org.
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE QUESTIONS ADIZ
The highly respected Congressional Research Service (CRS), the nonpartisan public policy research arm of the U.S. Congress, has raised questions concerning the effectiveness of the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and its effects on general aviation. "Detailed risk-based assessment, examining the various different types of GA operations conducted in the [National Capital Region], may be undertaken to identify airspace controls and alternative security measures that strike an appropriate balance between meeting security needs and maintaining a vibrant GA industry in the region," the service said in a report for Congress. "This certainly reinforces AOPA's position that one size doesn't fit all," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "A small, slow, light GA aircraft is not a significant threat and shouldn't be treated the same as a much faster, much heavier airplane like an airliner. The FAA's proposal to make the ADIZ permanent is unnecessary and will continue to harm general aviation." CRS said that the ADIZ is frequently "oversimplified" in policy discussions, viewed as simply a 30-nautical-mile ring around Washington, D.C. But the ADIZ dimensions are actually considerably larger, with a lateral extent of "more than 3,000 square nautical miles." Noting that the FAA spends $11 million in taxpayer money each year on the ADIZ, the CRS said, "Questions remain regarding whether less costly alternatives could provide equally adequate protections." See AOPA Online.
VOLUNTEER PILOTS, AVIATION CHARITY GROUPS READY FOR RITA
At ePilot broadcast time, Texas was readying itself for Hurricane Rita, and a variety of general aviation charity groups were poised to offer their assistance. Even as they continued to help with the ongoing Hurricane Katrina relief effort, volunteer aviation groups like Angel Flight South Central were preparing to deliver air transportation to those who might need assistance in the wake of Rita. Other organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol will also no doubt serve a vital role. For a central listing of free transportation services provided by volunteer pilots and charitable aviation groups, or to offer your support for these efforts, visit Air Care Alliance's Web site.
LOCKHEED SET FOR SMOOTH FSS TRANSITION ON OCTOBER 4
Lockheed Martin will be taking control of flight service station (FSS) services in less than two weeks. "AOPA has been in virtually constant discussions with Lockheed Martin as it moves toward the initial FSS transition on October 4," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We want to ensure that there will be no service glitches for pilots." The operational equipment, radio frequencies, telephone numbers, and FSS facilities will stay the same. About 1,900 of the current 2,000 FSS employees have accepted job offers from Lockheed Martin, which means that even the familiar voices giving your preflight weather briefings will stay the same. When Lockheed's 18-month transition is complete, you should see improved services. In addition to online briefing tools, your telephone calls will be answered within 20 seconds and radio calls within 15 seconds. Pireps must be processed within 30 seconds of receipt, 15 seconds if they are urgent. "And all of these enhanced services are being provided without user fees—AOPA made sure of that," Boyer said. "It is estimated that Lockheed's contract will actually save the government about $2.2 billion over 10 years." See AOPA Online.
MORE PRECISION APPROACHES AS WAAS CONTINUES TO GROW
WAAS up? Well, today 37 general aviation airports that had no precision instrument approach before now have WAAS LPV approaches—approaches that offer ILS-like minimums through a GPS-based system rather than a ground-based one. There are now more than 100 runway ends that previously lacked an ILS that now have LPV approaches, and the FAA has now commissioned a total of 240 LPV procedures. "For instrument-rated pilots, that's a tremendous increase in safety and utility," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA director of advanced technology. "A WAAS-LPV approach can give you minima close to an ILS, and it's even easier to fly." AOPA has been a strong advocate of WAAS, lobbying hard in Congress to keep the program funded and on-track during its difficult development phase, and keeping the pressure on to rapidly add approaches to GA airports that don't have an ILS. A third satellite will come online next year, providing redundant WAAS coverage for the entire United States.
AEROBATIC COMPETITOR MARTA BOHN-MEYER DIES IN CRASH
Two-time member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team and chief engineer at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Marta Bohn-Meyer died Sunday in the crash of her Experimental-category Giles 300 aerobatic aircraft at Clarence E. Page Municipal Airport near Oklahoma City. Bohn-Meyer was the U.S. Unlimited Team manager this year during world competition. She was the first female crewmember from NASA or the U.S. Air Force—and only the second woman—to fly in a 2,000-mph Lockheed SR-71. The International Aerobatic Club said Bohn-Meyer was practicing for the upcoming U.S. National Aerobatic Championships when her airplane crashed. She was featured in 2001 in AOPA Flight Training. Her husband, Bob, also an SR-71 pilot and NASA engineer, was at the airport with her coach, Sergei Boriak, at the time of the accident.
COMMANDER AIRCRAFT LOOKS FOR NEW LOCATION
Commander Premier Aircraft Corporation (CPAC) has announced that it will reluctantly leave the Oklahoma City area by the end of September and seek a new location to build its airplanes and support the existing fleet. When CPAC acquired all of the assets of the bankrupt Commander Aircraft Company in June, it didn't include the right to remain at Wiley Post Airport. "We are very disappointed that we could not secure a production location at any airport in the Oklahoma City area," said Joel M. Hartstone, CPAC president and CEO. Company officials tried unsuccessfully to lease local facilities so that they could build the airplanes where the institutional knowledge remains both at the production worker and FAA certification levels. "We are frustrated and very sad that we must now abandon them and establish operations elsewhere," Hartstone added. CPAC plans to announce the new location soon.
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
Squawk Sheet
FAA TAKES LYCOMING CRANKSHAFT AIRWORTHINESS ACTION
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive calling for crankshaft replacement in certain 360 and 540 engines built or with crankshafts replaced after March 1, 1999. As AOPA first reported in July, this AD affects some 1,100 aircraft, in models ranging from Aero Commanders and Aerostars to Socata Trinidads. Many of the affected aircraft are Robinson helicopters and late-model Cessna 182s. You'll need to know your engine model, engine serial number, date of manufacture, and horsepower rating to determine if your engine is affected. "Lycoming tells AOPA that some 238 engines have already been sent to the factory in response to the earlier service bulletin, and the company has completed repairs on about half of them already," said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy. "The company has been in direct contact with the owners of more than 660 of the affected aircraft." Lycoming will pay repair, shipping, and reasonable labor costs. This is a continuation of the problem that had affected high-powered, large-bore turbocharged Lycoming engines three years ago.
FAA ISSUES HARTZELL AD FOR SOME OLDER AIRCRAFT
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) for mostly older airplanes that have certain Hartzell propellers. The FAA said the AD resulted from two incidents where "Z-shank" blades failed and separated. Teardown inspections detected corrosion in the blade bores. The AD affects about 1,200 aircraft in the U.S. registry. The AD goes into effect on October 14 and requires the inspection of the propeller blades and other critical propeller parts. "The positive for some aircraft owners is that no action is required if the time-since-overhaul (TSO) of the propeller is 10 years or less on the AD's effective date or the propeller assembly was inspected under a previous Hartzell service bulletin," said Luis Gutierrez, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy. For aircraft where the TSO is not known, the service bulletin has not been complied with, or the TSO date is 10 years or older, the FAA has set up deadlines ranging from 12 to 36 months for completing the inspections. Download the AD. For more information, see AOPA's issue brief.
FAA ISSUES AD FOR PIPER MODIFICATION
The FAA has adopted an airworthiness directive (AD) for certain New Piper Aircraft models that have incorporated the Petersen Aviation auto gas modification under a supplemental type certificate. The AD requires owners to replace parts to prevent fuel leaks. Petersen will cover the cost of parts and labor. The AD affects 50 airplanes in the U.S registry. It becomes effective November 4. Download the AD.
Inside AOPA
AOPA EXPO BRINGS FIRSTS TO TAMPA
First time AOPA Expo will be in Tampa. First time a Secretary of Transportation will address Expo. And quite possibly the first time that Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and aviation humorist Rod Machado will appear in the same venue on the same day. Their styles may be different, but both are a "must see." Mineta opens the first Expo general session on Thursday morning, November 4. Then at noon, laugh and learn with Rod Machado at the Expo opening luncheon. If you've never been to Expo before, why not make another first? And if you have, you know all about the fantastic seminars, the exciting exhibits, and the great fun that awaits pilots on the Tampa Bay waterfront. For more information or to register, see AOPA Online.
SECURITY WEB PAGE HELPS PILOTS PROTECT THEMSELVES, AIRCRAFT
With security issues top of mind on Capitol Hill and in the news, it's more important than ever for pilots to protect general aviation, and themselves, by complying with security guidelines. AOPA has made it easy by gathering everything you need to know about GA security in one location. AOPA Online's new security resource section divides the information into easy-to-understand categories that tell you exactly what you need to do to effectively secure your aircraft and airport, plan a flight in the vicinity of restricted or special-use airspace, operate in the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), or respond to an intercepting aircraft. Test your practical knowledge with a security quiz, then add to it by taking one of several free online courses. Or check the latest security-related airspace restrictions and conveniently plan a route around them with AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner.
DEFERRED MEDICAL PROCESSING DELAYS SEE INCREASE
The FAA has all but eliminated the backlog of special issuance medical certificates by pulling in staff resources to clear out the queue. But the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine sources have told AOPA that while that backlog was significantly reduced, that resource concentration means the delay in issuing deferred medical certificates is now up to about 120 days. But there is plenty that you can do to keep your medical certificate out of that queue. "Pilots need to be informed consumers when they renew their medical certificates," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "We've seen many cases where medicals were needlessly deferred to Oklahoma City, and that meant the pilots had unnecessary delays before they could fly." So you need to do everything you can to avoid a deferral, and AOPA has the resources to help you, starting with TurboMedical and the medical certification specialists in the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA). More on AOPA Online.
CONQUER CUSTOMS OPERATIONS WITH PROPER PLANNING
Before you set out on any international flight, make sure you have reviewed the entry procedures for the destination country and for your return to the United States. Becoming familiar with the regulations, organizing the required paperwork, and planning ahead ultimately will save you time and help eliminate noncompliance penalties. And these penalties are stiff—a $5,000 minimum fine for the first violation and a $10,000 minimum for the second. Customs can even seize your aircraft. To avoid these fines, use the resources in AOPA's Pilot Information Center "International Flying and Alaska" section. If you do have an unsatisfactory experience with Customs, e-mail AOPA's Pilot Information Center or call 800/USA-AOPA. This allows AOPA to pass on information to help other members avoid the same problems. See AOPA Online.
HAVE YOU UPDATED YOUR AOPA MEMBER PROFILE?
To make the most of your membership and allow us to serve you better, please visit AOPA Online and update your personal member profile.
AOPA Airport Support Network
FIRST AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK BOARD OF ADVISORS APPOINTED
AOPA President Phil Boyer welcomed 15 Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers to the first ever ASN Board of Advisors meeting Saturday. The volunteers gathered in Dallas-Fort Worth to begin developing a strategic plan to advance the ASN program, an already successful effort with about 1,700 volunteers. "We are fortunate to have such a vast pool of volunteers so dedicated to general aviation's community airports that they were willing to spend a weekend locked in a room to improve the ASN program," said Boyer. "The overwhelming part is that we actually had to narrow down the group to a manageable number." The volunteers appointed to the board represent a range of airports—from a small privately owned, public-use field to the busiest of GA airports—and bring expertise on various airport issues. See AOPA Online.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation News
AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION CANCELS TWO TEXAS SEMINARS
Because of the storm threat from Hurricane Rita, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has canceled its safety seminar, "The Last Five Miles," scheduled for September 26 and 27 in San Antonio and Houston, Texas. (The seminar is still on for Fort Worth on September 28 and Austin on September 29.)
PILOT DECISION-MAKING SEMINAR TO DEBUT AT AOPA EXPO
For years pilots seeking to learn more about good decision making have faced a multitude of acronyms and buzzwords like ADM, IMSAFE, DECIDE, PAVE, CRM, and SRM. Yet, year after year, poor pilot judgment continues to account for a staggering number of aircraft accidents. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newest safety seminar, "Do the Right Thing: Practical Decision Making for Pilots," takes a different approach to the problem. Using plain language and thought-provoking scenarios, it cuts through the "alphabet soup" and gives you a better perspective on how to manage the risks, make the tough choices, and prevent small mistakes from becoming big problems. The new seminar will debut from November 3 through 5 at AOPA Expo in Tampa, Florida. The interactive DVD presentation allows the audience to make choices on which way the pilot should go, then see the consequences of their decisions.
ENHANCEMENTS UPGRADE THUNDERSTORM AVOIDANCE MINICOURSE
When you're flying deep within the clouds, it can be hard to tell the benign from the threatening until it's too late. Air traffic control can help—but only if you understand their capabilities and limitations. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newly updated Avoiding Thunderstorms minicourse can give you the information you need to fly safely when thunderstorms are in the forecast. The four-minute course focuses on the importance of proper communications including verifying with each controller you are handed off to exactly what services you will receive. The point is dramatically illustrated with actual ATC transmissions between controllers and a pilot who flew into a Level 6 thunderstorm with tragic results. Updates to the course will help you understand ATC's weather capabilities and how to use them to your advantage. For more free online courses, visit the AOPA Online Safety Center.
SPRING INTERNSHIP WITH AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is seeking applicants for a full-time spring internship. If selected, you'll assist in developing upcoming programs for the foundation, and conducting aviation safety education and research for the general aviation community. You'll receive hourly pay plus a stipend to assist with moving, housing, or flying expenses. The deadline for applications is October 28. For more information, see AOPA Online.
Quiz Me
Here's a question asked by an AOPA member who contacted our aviation services staff through the AOPA Pilot Information Center. Test your knowledge.
Question: What happens when an airplane used for hire goes beyond the 100-hour time frame for its inspection? Can a plane fly past the 100-hour limit without the inspection?
Answer: Yes it can. The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded, but not by more than 10 hours, while the airplane is en route to a location where the inspection can be conducted. Be sure that the excess time used to reach the location for inspection is deducted when computing the next 100 hours of time in service. See the regulation.
Got a question for our aviation services staff? The AOPA Pilot Information Center is a service available to all members as part of the annual dues. Call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), or e-mail to pilotassist@aopa.org. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to epilot@aopa.org.