Post by Major Destruction on Dec 23, 2005 9:49:17 GMT -5
AOPA PUSHES FOR GA PROTECTIONS IN UAV DEBATE
Is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to patrol the U.S. border with Mexico a good idea? Recent congressional testimony suggests that it might not be a panacea. AOPA has been advocating a "seamless integration" of UAVs, fearing that they may not mix well with existing general aviation aircraft already using the airspace. And AOPA has been raising those concerns with members of Congress, including Rep. Bennie Thompson, (D-Miss.), the ranking Democratic member of the Homeland Security Committee. During a hearing last week, Thompson learned from the Department of Homeland Security inspector general that one UAV requires a crew of up to 20 support personnel, and the operating cost is more than double that of a manned aircraft. "In all of our interactions with federal officials, including AOPA's representation on the RTCA UAV special committee, we have insisted that unmanned aerial vehicles must not have a negative impact on general aviation operations," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "They should be certified to the same level of safety as piloted aircraft, and should reliably sense and avoid other aircraft." See AOPA Online.
GA SERVING AMERICA TV AD CAMPAIGN BEGINS
The first ads hit the air Thursday morning. And they'll continue through the busy holiday season. AOPA is airing five different commercials on the Weather Channel to show the non-flying public the many benefits of general aviation. The commercials reinforce the messages that general aviation is a vital part of the U.S. lifestyle and does not pose a threat. From assisting with hurricane relief efforts to air ambulance and other types of humanitarian flying, GA is an integral part of American life. "General aviation is key to so many aspects of American life," said Jeff Myers, AOPA executive vice president of communications. "And our newest commercial demonstrates that there's no reason to be concerned by small planes flying overhead. GA aircraft are no threat." You can view the commercials online by visiting AOPA's GA Serving America Web site or check out the schedule.
~ AOPA Close to Home ~
AOPA AGAINST PROPOSED OKLAHOMA RESTRICTED AREA
A proposed restricted area near Fort Sill, Oklahoma, would negatively impact general aviation, AOPA told the FAA. Download the letter. One of the last open VFR corridors would be closed, and the area would be shut off to GA pilots who use it to cross from east to west over the Wichita Mountains. "The proposal indicates the restricted area is needed as an 'additional maneuvering area,' but that doesn't meet the FAA's minimums to constitute 'a hazard to nonparticipating aircraft,'" said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "While AOPA understands the Army's need to properly train, this proposed activity does not constitute a hazard or warrant a new restricted area."
~ AOPA Close to Home ~
AOPA RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT PUTTING SCHOOL NEAR AIRPORT
City officials in Shawnee, Oklahoma, are taking steps to build an early childhood development center across the road from Shawnee Regional Airport. That land is currently airport property, so building a center there would be incompatible land use and is prohibited by FAA regulations. However, the airport sponsor is selling the land, which could then be used to build the development center. "AOPA is strongly opposed to locating schools near airports and encourages airport sponsors to build schools no less than two miles from airports," wrote AOPA in a letter to the FAA Southwest Region Airports Division. "Even if the land is not airport property, building in that same area will still create an incompatible land-use situation." AOPA requested that the FAA deny the property release until the city proposes a more compatible land-use development option.
AIRPORT HOSTS DC-3 BIRTHDAY BASH
Santa Monica Airport, which was once the home of the Douglas Aircraft Company, celebrated the DC-3's seventieth birthday on December 17 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the DC-3 Monument Park. This is where a recently restored DC-3 dubbed The Spirit of Santa Monica will be installed on a pedestal for permanent display. The celebration included a USO-style Christmas party, dancing, DC-3 flybys, and a vintage aircraft display. Guests of honor included astronaut Buzz Aldrin, airshow legend Bob Hoover, actor and pilot Cliff Robertson, and members of Donald Douglas' family. The Spirit of Santa Monica began life in 1942 as a Navy R4D-3 (serial number 20107). It resigned from military service in 1946 and was flown by civilian companies. The airplane was donated to Santa Monica's Museum of Flying during the 1990s. It has streamlined cowlings and wheel-well doors and other features that were part of an upgrade package. Read more about the DC-3 on AOPA Online.
WHO'S THE WORLD'S GREATEST PILOT?
AOPA Pilot columnist Barry Schiff wrote about the greatest pilot in the January 2006 issue of the magazine. He defined it as someone who not only possessed the skills, but also had a tremendous impact on aviation. Take our online survey and let us know what you think. The results will appear in the "Pilot Briefing" section of an upcoming issue of the magazine.
TV SHOW TO FEATURE RED BULL AIR RACE
The Red Bull Air Race World Series will be the subject of an NBC TV show on Christmas Eve. Shot in San Francisco earlier this year, NBC's Jeep World of Adventure Sports will cover all the high-speed action by aerobatic pilots flying around a three-dimensional racecourse. NASCAR racing legend Rusty Wallace will provide commentary. The show is scheduled to air at 3 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, December 24.
Is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to patrol the U.S. border with Mexico a good idea? Recent congressional testimony suggests that it might not be a panacea. AOPA has been advocating a "seamless integration" of UAVs, fearing that they may not mix well with existing general aviation aircraft already using the airspace. And AOPA has been raising those concerns with members of Congress, including Rep. Bennie Thompson, (D-Miss.), the ranking Democratic member of the Homeland Security Committee. During a hearing last week, Thompson learned from the Department of Homeland Security inspector general that one UAV requires a crew of up to 20 support personnel, and the operating cost is more than double that of a manned aircraft. "In all of our interactions with federal officials, including AOPA's representation on the RTCA UAV special committee, we have insisted that unmanned aerial vehicles must not have a negative impact on general aviation operations," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "They should be certified to the same level of safety as piloted aircraft, and should reliably sense and avoid other aircraft." See AOPA Online.
GA SERVING AMERICA TV AD CAMPAIGN BEGINS
The first ads hit the air Thursday morning. And they'll continue through the busy holiday season. AOPA is airing five different commercials on the Weather Channel to show the non-flying public the many benefits of general aviation. The commercials reinforce the messages that general aviation is a vital part of the U.S. lifestyle and does not pose a threat. From assisting with hurricane relief efforts to air ambulance and other types of humanitarian flying, GA is an integral part of American life. "General aviation is key to so many aspects of American life," said Jeff Myers, AOPA executive vice president of communications. "And our newest commercial demonstrates that there's no reason to be concerned by small planes flying overhead. GA aircraft are no threat." You can view the commercials online by visiting AOPA's GA Serving America Web site or check out the schedule.
~ AOPA Close to Home ~
AOPA AGAINST PROPOSED OKLAHOMA RESTRICTED AREA
A proposed restricted area near Fort Sill, Oklahoma, would negatively impact general aviation, AOPA told the FAA. Download the letter. One of the last open VFR corridors would be closed, and the area would be shut off to GA pilots who use it to cross from east to west over the Wichita Mountains. "The proposal indicates the restricted area is needed as an 'additional maneuvering area,' but that doesn't meet the FAA's minimums to constitute 'a hazard to nonparticipating aircraft,'" said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "While AOPA understands the Army's need to properly train, this proposed activity does not constitute a hazard or warrant a new restricted area."
~ AOPA Close to Home ~
AOPA RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT PUTTING SCHOOL NEAR AIRPORT
City officials in Shawnee, Oklahoma, are taking steps to build an early childhood development center across the road from Shawnee Regional Airport. That land is currently airport property, so building a center there would be incompatible land use and is prohibited by FAA regulations. However, the airport sponsor is selling the land, which could then be used to build the development center. "AOPA is strongly opposed to locating schools near airports and encourages airport sponsors to build schools no less than two miles from airports," wrote AOPA in a letter to the FAA Southwest Region Airports Division. "Even if the land is not airport property, building in that same area will still create an incompatible land-use situation." AOPA requested that the FAA deny the property release until the city proposes a more compatible land-use development option.
AIRPORT HOSTS DC-3 BIRTHDAY BASH
Santa Monica Airport, which was once the home of the Douglas Aircraft Company, celebrated the DC-3's seventieth birthday on December 17 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the DC-3 Monument Park. This is where a recently restored DC-3 dubbed The Spirit of Santa Monica will be installed on a pedestal for permanent display. The celebration included a USO-style Christmas party, dancing, DC-3 flybys, and a vintage aircraft display. Guests of honor included astronaut Buzz Aldrin, airshow legend Bob Hoover, actor and pilot Cliff Robertson, and members of Donald Douglas' family. The Spirit of Santa Monica began life in 1942 as a Navy R4D-3 (serial number 20107). It resigned from military service in 1946 and was flown by civilian companies. The airplane was donated to Santa Monica's Museum of Flying during the 1990s. It has streamlined cowlings and wheel-well doors and other features that were part of an upgrade package. Read more about the DC-3 on AOPA Online.
WHO'S THE WORLD'S GREATEST PILOT?
AOPA Pilot columnist Barry Schiff wrote about the greatest pilot in the January 2006 issue of the magazine. He defined it as someone who not only possessed the skills, but also had a tremendous impact on aviation. Take our online survey and let us know what you think. The results will appear in the "Pilot Briefing" section of an upcoming issue of the magazine.
TV SHOW TO FEATURE RED BULL AIR RACE
The Red Bull Air Race World Series will be the subject of an NBC TV show on Christmas Eve. Shot in San Francisco earlier this year, NBC's Jeep World of Adventure Sports will cover all the high-speed action by aerobatic pilots flying around a three-dimensional racecourse. NASCAR racing legend Rusty Wallace will provide commentary. The show is scheduled to air at 3 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, December 24.