AOPA ePilot — Vol. 9, Issue 33

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Volume 9, Issue 33 • August 17, 2007

In this issue:
Airlines create their own problems
Columbia hardest hit by G1000 problem
Latest trends in aircraft, technology at AOPA Expo

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FAA Funding Debate

H.R.2881 THE BEST WAY TO FINANCE FAA, MEMBERS TELL CONGRESS
AOPA members are telling the House Ways and Means Committee that H.R.2881 is the best way to finance the FAA and modernize the air traffic control system. Members of that committee will be voting on the House FAA funding bill when Congress returns from vacation in September. The Ways and Means Committee is the next step in the progress of H.R.2881. That committee must approve the bipartisan recommendation from the House Transportation Committee to continue using aviation and general fund taxes—rather than user fees—to fund the FAA. "General aviation is willing to help pay for air traffic control modernization, but we are not willing to pay for a tax cut for the airlines," wrote an AOPA member in Michigan to Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.). See AOPA Online.

AIRLINES CREATE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS
It's the increasing number of airliners competing for runway space—particularly regional jets—that are a major cause of airline delays, NBC's Tom Costello reported on August 14. The airlines have grounded 385 larger aircraft since 2000 and replaced them with more than 1,000 regional jets. "Fewer seats, cheaper to fly, but competing for the same limited space on runways," Costello said. Additionally, last week the Department of Transportation reported that airline flight delays in June were worse than either May or June of last year. All of this confirms AOPA's analysis. "The facts clearly show that the airlines' own scheduling practices are a major cause of the problems," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. Read more in "Frequent liars: Airlines hide truth about delays." (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

SOUTHWEST'S 'STRAIGHT SHOT' MISSES THE MARK
AOPA members have a sixth sense, it seems, when it comes to spotting the airlines' user fee propaganda. The latest is a Southwest Airlines' editorial, "Straight Shot" in the August 2007 edition of Spirit, its in-flight magazine. Members were quick to call AOPA's attention to it. One member—a Southwest frequent flier and stockholder—stated he would be contacting the company. AOPA encourages Southwest Airlines' customers to e-mail CEO Gary Kelly. If you'll be flying on the airline soon, print this rebuttal to stick in the magazine. For more ways to show your opposition to user fees, visit AOPA's "You Can Help" Web page and call AOPA's Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA) to request your "Stop User Fees" stickers.

For complete coverage of the FAA Funding Debate, see AOPA Online.

GA News

9/11 LAW CONTAINS NEW SECURITY MEASURES THAT AFFECT GA
If you are returning from a Mexican siesta or Caribbean sojourn, be advised that the U.S. government plans to watch general aviation aircraft more closely. As part of a broader piece of security legislation, which President Bush signed into law on August 3, is a measure that will require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to determine which aircraft—registered foreign or domestic—flying into the United States must furnish passenger manifests before departure. Currently, aircraft do this upon arrival. In addition, the new statute calls for the TSA to conduct threat or vulnerability assessments at GA airports and authorize a federal funding program for security improvements at those airports. See AOPA Online.

ILLINOIS AIRPORTS AWARDED FOR USING AIRPORT WATCH
See something or someone suspicious at your airport? Report it through AOPA's Airport Watch. Six Illinois general aviation airports that use the program to keep their airports secure recently received Security Awareness Partnerships awards for their efforts. The Transportation Security Administration offers a toll-free hotline (866/GA-SECURE) through Airport Watch to allow individuals to report suspicious activities at airports. "Airports around the country are using Airport Watch—and it works," said Rob Hackman, AOPA senior director of regulatory affairs. "It has been cited in numerous government studies as a program that enhances airport security without imposing a burden on pilots or airport personnel. Following the voluntary steps in Airport Watch could help prevent future federally mandated restrictions."

AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION HELPS FAA ADDRESS RUNWAY INCURSIONS
AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation were among the key players at the FAA's runway incursion summit August 15. Following the Comair accident in Lexington, Ky., and air carrier runway incursion incidents at Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International and Chicago O'Hare International airports, the FAA called in some 40 industry representatives to find solutions. "While the most serious incursions have involved air carrier aircraft, general aviation pilots cannot be complacent," said AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg, who chaired one of the workshops. The group recommended immediate safety reviews at airports to identify problems with signage, markings, and procedures; it also suggested accelerating already-approved projects to improve surface markings and signs. The foundation offers runway safety education materials that are used by GA, the FAA, and the airlines.

COLUMBIA HARDEST HIT BY G1000 PROBLEM
Most aircraft manufacturers are reporting few problems caused by the discovery of bad attitude indicators in 2 percent of newly manufactured Garmin G1000 avionics systems, but Columbia Aircraft furloughed 300 of its 481 employees. Columbia officials said they did not want to repeat a situation last year in which they had 100 airplanes on the ramp awaiting initial FAA certification of the G1000 when a hailstorm damaged 67 aircraft. Aircraft can be delivered for VFR flight only. Columbia had two or three aircraft on the assembly line and seven or eight in flight test. Diamond Aircraft Vice President for Sales and Marketing Heike Larson said there has been little impact at her company. It did not stop production or furlough workers. Larson praised Garmin for its daily communication while troubleshooting continues. Mooney Airplane Company says it has enough properly working units on hand to sustain deliveries for two weeks. Cessna Aircraft chose to briefly stop deliveries. Download Garmin's service alert.

LSA WINS NASA PERSONAL AIR VEHICLE CONTEST
A Slovenia-built Pipistrel Virus light sport aircraft took $150,000 of the NASA-sponsored first-year prize money after coming closest to the goal of a futuristic vehicle. The Personal Air Vehicle Challenge, conducted by the CAFÉ Foundation in California, will continue over the coming years with additional prize money available. The Pipistrel's light weight helped it capture prize categories for efficiency and short takeoff capability. A Vans RV-4 had the fastest speed and least amount of noise pollution, flying off with $75,000 in prize money. The trusty Cessna 172 exhibited the best handling characteristics, which won it $25,000. Next year's challenge is to put all the strong points of the airplanes that entered into one aircraft. Watch the aircraft during testing, a period that was not open to the public.

BUYING OR SELLING AN AIRCRAFT?
Is your airplane on the market? Or are you searching the market for a new aircraft? Calls to AOPA's Pilot Information Center regarding buying and selling aircraft have increased recently. AOPA offers online resources to help you through either process. Check out "Selling an Aircraft," which explains the paperwork involved in a sale, and "Tips on Buying Used Aircraft," which covers everything from where to look for an aircraft to the prepurchase inspection to financing and insurance.

CELEBRATE HUMAN FLIGHT ON NATIONAL AVIATION DAY
Here's the perfect excuse to go flying on Sunday, August 19—it's National Aviation Day. The holiday was established by a presidential proclamation in 1939 for the anniversary of Orville Wright's birthday. Orville piloted the 605-pound Flyer on its first flight at Kill Devil Hills, traveling 120 feet in 12 seconds, the morning of December 17, 1903. Special programs are planned at the Wright Brothers National Memorial on National Aviation Day.

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Dreamed of joining AOPA's Communications Division? We're looking for a senior editor/publications. See the job description.

For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.

Inside AOPA

GET STUDENTS SET ON THE 'PATH TO AVIATION'
As students prepare to head back to school, remember to teach young people about aviation, the joy of flight, and the vast career opportunities. Do your part and introduce fellow pilots and teachers to the AOPA Pilots and Teachers Handbook (PATH). PATH provides expert resources to help bring basic aviation topics into the classroom with 11 easy-to-follow modules, which highlight common questions people often ask about general aviation. PATH ties activities to secondary school topics. It also guides pilots and teachers to arrange a classroom visit or field trips to local airports where aviation professionals can share their enthusiasm and knowledge of flying with students. Request a copy or download AOPA's PATH to Aviation.

MENTOR GIVES STUDENT A NUDGE TO START FLYING
Following an AOPA "Invitation to Fly" seminar in Kansas City, Mo., student pilot Bill Coiner knew it was time to get over his fear and start flight training. Coiner discovered flying is not "too hard" with the help of his AOPA Project Pilot mentor Tom McChesney. "Tom and I meet on Friday's at a local coffee shop. It is great to talk to a pilot about what is up and coming in my training," said Coiner, who is currently working on night flying out of Johnson County Executive. Join others who are inspiring future pilots through AOPA Project Pilot—it's simple, fun, and rewarding!

AOPA Expo Preview

DISCOVER THE LATEST TRENDS IN AIRCRAFT, TECHNOLOGY AT EXPO
AOPA Expo 2007 is your chance to join AOPA President Phil Boyer and other industry experts for AOPA's general sessions. Explore a new level of flight during "Bigger. Faster. Better? Trends in New Airplanes and Technology." Other sessions include "Where Will You Land? Promoting and Protecting America's General Aviation Airports" and "Headquarters: Frederick, The Latest News From Your Association's Leadership Team." More than 60 hours of seminars are also offered, including "Rod Machado's Aviation Humor" and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's "GPS WAAS" and "Do the Right Thing: VFR/IFR Decision Making for Pilots." Check out other seminars and design your own interactive expo schedule online. If you miss a foundation seminar, it will be available to watch on the Air Safety Foundation's Web site shortly after Expo, thanks to United Technologies (UTC).

AOPA Airport Support Network

JOIN THE AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK TODAY
Ensuring the health and vitality of your airport is up to you—residential development and economic and political pressures can restrict your flying. Every day nearly 1,900 Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers are working with AOPA headquarters to help save their airports, but we need more. Below is a link to a list of the airports where an ASN volunteer could make a difference.

ASN is looking for volunteers in the Midwest Region. Click on a state to see a list of airports that need volunteers: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Missouri.

To nominate a volunteer, which can be yourself, or to learn more about the Airport Support Network visit AOPA Online.

AOPA Air Safety Foundation News

TAA RESOURCES HELP PILOTS TRANSITION TO GLASS COCKPITS
Although glass cockpits can deliver multiple safety benefits, pilot training has to evolve alongside technology. For a frank assessment of the state of technologically advanced aircraft (TAA) safety, download the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's 2007 report. The report highlights the challenges of TAA training and provides an analysis of some TAA accident reports. Also check out the TAA Resources Web page for more learning tools like TAA reviews and pilot reports, avionics reviews, links to manufacturers, training tips, and more.

MANEUVERING FLIGHT: HOW SAFE ARE YOU?
In a fatal maneuvering flight accident near Ojai, Calif., "two lead airplanes separated from the group, descended, and flew up a canyon. Moments later, smoke and fire were observed." Find out what went wrong and learn how to avoid similar accidents in the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Advisor, Maneuvering Flight: Hazardous to your Health?

HELP YOUR COCKPIT COMPANION LEARN TO LEND A HAND IN THE AIR
Do your passengers get nervous while flying? Do you know someone who wants to learn more about how to fly the airplane? The AOPA Air Safety Foundation Pinch-Hitter online course provides need-to-know information to help nonpilots learn to use the radio, navigate, and land the airplane in an emergency situation. The course provides a basic introduction to what flying is all about, both for prospective pilots and for those who just want to feel better about flying as passengers. Pilots should log out of the Web page so the nonpilot flying companion can create his or her own account to print a completion certificate at the end of the course.

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: I'm curious to know if the training time I have in my flight school's flight simulator can be logged in my logbook as pilot-in-command (PIC) time?

Answer: You can't log the time as PIC because you are not actually in flight [see FAR 61.51(e)]. However, pilots can use FAA-approved aviation flight training devices at any time during their training, both on their own and with an instructor. Just keep in mind that to be counted toward any required times for a certificate, rating, or to maintain currency, an authorized instructor must be present, and an entry must be made in your logbook. There are limitations on how many hours can be counted, so check FAR Part 61 for your certificate level. For more information, read AOPA's subject report, Flight Training Devices.

Got a question for our aviation services staff? The AOPA Pilot Information Center is is at your service. Call toll-free 800/872-2672 to speak to a specialist about any general aviation topic. Or e-mail to pilotassist@aopa.org. Send comments on our Quiz Me! questions to epilot@aopa.org.

Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes Update

CATCH-A-CARDINAL IN CRUISE MODE
As we fly through the heart of our engine break-in period in the Catch-A-Cardinal (a 1977 Cessna Cardinal), we're keeping a close watch on the engine's parameters and logging the data. You can see the details in this week's update. Also view some pictures from our cross-country trip to Plane Plastics in Oklahoma last week.

Picture Perfect

The AOPA Online Gallery allows you to download your favorite aviation images to use for wallpaper, send a personalized e-card, and order high-quality prints to be shipped directly to your doorstep. Search the hundreds of fabulous images in our archives and select your favorites today! For more details, see AOPA Online.

Weekend Weather

SOUTH CENTRAL FORECAST
Flying Forecast: Patches of MVFR fog are possible over coastal LA Friday morning but will burn off shortly after sunrise. MVFR/IFR showers and thunderstorms will affect southern TX on Friday morning and central TX by that afternoon. MVFR/IFR showers and thunderstorms will then move into northern TX and southwestern OK by Saturday morning and into the afternoon hours. Mainly VFR showers will spread into central OK by early Sunday morning. MVFR showers and thunderstorms will then move into AR, MI, and IL by Sunday afternoon or evening.

See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.

ePilot Calendar

UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Bellefontaine, OH. Bellefontaine AirFest 2007 and Pancake Breakfast takes place August 18 and 19 at Bellefontaine Regional (EDJ). Contact Galen Harris, 937/599-4275, or visit the Web site.

Mexico, MO. The Elks Club Military Appreciation Airshow takes place August 18 at Mexico Memorial (MYJ). Contact Steve Hagan, 573/581-0125.

Camarillo, CA. The EAA Chapter 723 Camarillo Airshow takes place August 18 and 19 at Camarillo (CMA). Contact Larry Beckett, 805/646-7053, or visit the Web site.

McMinnville, OR. The McMinnville Antique Aircraft Fly-In takes place August 17 through 19 at McMinnville Municipal (MMV). Contact Frank Wallace, 503/341-9409, or visit the Web site.

Lumberton, NJ. The Ninth Annual Kathy Jaffe Challenge takes place August 24 through 26 at Flying W (N14). Contact Ron Chadwick, 732/671-6089, or visit the Web site.

Indianapolis, IN. The Indianapolis Airshow takes place August 25 and 26 at Mount Comfort (MQJ). Contact Pat Robertson, 317/335-3371.

Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Aviation Expo and Airshow take place August 25 and 26 at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown (MKC). Contact Ed Noyallis, 816/289-7218, or visit the Web site.

South Lake Tahoe, CA. The Eighteenth Annual Lake in the Sky Airshow takes place August 25 at Lake Tahoe (TVL). Contact Krista Eissinger, 530/541-0480, or visit the Web site.

Eugene, OR. The Norwest Fly-Fest 2007 General Aviation Expo and Airshow takes place August 25 and 26 at Mahlon Sweet Field (EUG). Contact Phil Groshong, 541/682-5063, or visit the Web site.

UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS IN THE MIDWEST REGION:
Forest Lake, MN. The Forest Lake Fly-In takes place August 18 at Forest Lake (25D). Contact John Schmidt, 651/776-1717.

Council Bluffs, IA. The Council Bluffs Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast takes place August 19 at Council Bluffs Municipal (CBF). Contact Lisa Smith, 712/323-2173.

Monona, IA. A Fly-In/Drive-In Pancake Breakfast takes place August 19 at Monona Municipal (7C3). Contact Sharon DeSotel, 563/539-2561.

Mankato, MN. An EAA Chapter 642 Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast takes place August 19 at Mankato Regional (MKT). Contact John Barsness, 507/345-1510.

Guttenberg, IA. The Seventh Annual Abel Island Fly-In, Float-In, Potluck, and Barbeque takes place August 25 at Abel Island Airpark. Contact Dr. Gary Fisher, 319/480-0913, or visit the Web site.

Chillicothe, MO. An EAA Chapter 944 Fly-In and Grandriver Barbecue Contest takes place August 25 at Chillicothe Municipal (CHT). Contact Dyle Wilson, 660/359-5396, or visit the Web site.

Iowa City, IA. The Twenty-ninth Annual Fly-In Breakfast takes place August 26 at Iowa City Municipal (IOW). Contact Jim McCarragher, 319/338-9222.

Owatonna, MN. A Civil Air Patrol Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast takes place August 26 at Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA). Contact Dave Beaver, 507/444-2448.

To submit an event to the calendar or to search all events visit AOPA Online. For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Sacramento, CA; and Colorado Springs, CO, September 8 and 9. Clinics are also scheduled in Phoenix; Baltimore; and Seattle, September 15 and 16. For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Refresher Online.

AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Atlanta, Morristown, NJ; King of Prussia, PA; and Germantown, TN, September 10; East Windsor, CT; Bethlehem, PA; and Nashville, TN, September 11; Billerica, MA; and New Cumberland, PA, September 12; and Manchester, NH; Pittsburgh; and Alcoa, TN, September 13. The topic is "Regulations: What every pilot should know." For details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.

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