USPA News

BRANSON REGISTRATION CORRECTION

Please note that the phone number for the hotel on the Branson Flyout registration form was incorrect. To make your reservation at the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills in Branson, please call 417 335-4727 or 877 335-4727. Until February 12, the hotel is only open for reservations M-F 8am-5pm, then they move to 24/7.

I apologize for the error and do hope it has not caused too many people any inconvenience.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

NEW BRANSON ATTRACTION

To whet your appetite for USPA's spring flyout to Branson, check out the following:

Eco-Adventure Coming to Branson, Missouri
Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour to Begin Operations in Spring of 2010

Branson, Mo. – (Tuesday, January 26, 2010) – Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, now under construction in Branson, Missouri plans to be open this spring. Construction of the platforms for the new Eco-Adventure is ahead of schedule. Branson’s newest attraction, conveniently located on Highway 65 only seven miles north of downtown Branson, will introduce visitors to a unique form of outdoor entertainment. “This is a completely different experience,” points out General Manager Emma Hamilton, “and there is no other attraction that comes close to combining ecology and adventure in a fun activity that is both exciting and safe for people of all ages.”

Using a system that originated in the jungles of Costa Rica, the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour will allow guests to soar in the Ozark Mountains. As visitors “zip” from observation platform to platform, through and over the trees, certified guides will accompany participants pointing out unique topographical and historical features of the Ozarks. Certification for the guides will be provided by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), as will be the accreditation for the courses themselves.

Branson visitors will be able to experience the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour® a two and a half hour, interactive tour which will feature a variety of zip lines, walkways and platforms; and the Blue Streak Fast Line®, a thrilling one-stop ride from the top of the property to the base. Hamilton adds, “Visitors will be able to experience the Ozark Outdoors through all the seasons, as we run year round…only pausing for lightning.”

The Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour is the only facility of its kind in the region. “We can take up to 12 people at a time on each tour, so there is a very limited capacity.” states Emma, “In many areas, zip line canopy tours are sold out weeks and months in advance, so we strongly advise making reservations now.”

Tours begin May 1, 2010, and can be booked now by visiting www.BransonZipline.com or by calling 417-561-2500. The course has been designed to be a low impact activity that is appropriate for all ages.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

BRANSON FLYOUT

United States Pilots Association
SPRING FLYOUT - ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AND BOARD MEETING
Branson, MO - May 20 – 23, 2010

Known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson, MO, is truly a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination — and an incredible value — with more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, shopping galore, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts and meeting and conference facilities.

And in 2010, Branson is celebrating 50 years of family entertainment! Silver Dollar City is celebrating 50 years of entertaining families with events throughout the year and a new $7 million ride — Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast. And the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

More than 150 crafters will exhibit their work during the 37th Annual Plumb Nellie Arts & Crafts Festival in Historic Downtown Branson on May 21-23 2010. The name "Plumb Nellie" is derived from an Old English expression that described street fairs in olden times when local farmers brought their produce and home crafts into the town square to sell. "Plumb" comes from the carpenter's plumb line that is used to be certain everything is square, and combined with "Nearly" (Nellie) it means perfectly nearly. It's a bit redundant and ungrammatical, but the old timers used to say, "You can find "plumb nellie" anything at the fair." Crafters and artists from all over the Midwest will participate.

The show is sponsored by the Downtown Branson Main Street Association to celebrate heritage and home crafts, the culture of arts and crafts, and the skills of individuals who want to keep the traditions of the past alive.

Hosting over seven million people each year, come see what all the excitement is about! As a USPA member or guest you will enjoy our special group rate at a top notch property, a fun lineup of activities, and great GA fellowship. Sign up now!

Hotel: Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, 203 N. Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO 65616. For additional information check out their website at http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-bransonmissouri-
MO068. The rate is $70, plus tax, which includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Call 1-800-213-2584 or 417-334-7535 for reservations. To obtain our special rate, you must tell them that you are with the United States Pilots Association. The hotel will honor our rate for a few days before and after our meeting
dates. The cut-off date for our block is April 20, so reserve your room now. The hotel can't guarantee availability or the special rate after that date. There will be a hospitality suite in the hotel.

Airport and FBO: M. Graham Clark - Taney County (PLK) is the airport of arrival. Runway is 11-29 (3739x100). VOR/ DME RNAV or GPS approaches are available. CTAF is 122.7. Host FBO is Taney County Airport which is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (May operating dates not confirmed yet.) They have offered us free tie-down. Phone is 417 332- 1848 or fax 417 332-1850.

If you are arriving by airline, Branson Airport (BBG) is your destination. They have been offering very competitive prices.

Transportation: Avis rental cars are available at both airports. The rate for a small car at PLK is $29, and they will usually give you a larger car for that price. Call 417 334-4945 and tell them you're with USPA. Consider sharing cars. Make your rental car reservation NOW.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Thursday, May 20
3:00 p.m. - Midnight Hospitality Room Hotel
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Safety Seminar KPLK

Friday, May 21
Noon - Midnight Hospitality Room Hotel
6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Continental breakfast for hotel guests
9:00 a.m. - Noon USPA Annual Membership Meeting and
Board Meeting - all members and guests invited
Remainder of the day Enjoy Branson!

Saturday, May 22
Noon - Midnight Hospitality Room Hotel
6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Continental breakfast for hotel guests
Noon Lunch together at restaurant TBA
3:00 p.m. Pierce Arrow Theatre
Remainder of the day Enjoy Branson!

Sunday, May 23
6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Continental breakfast for hotel guests.
Depart at your leisure or stay and enjoy
more of the Branson area.

REGISTRATION FORM
Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________City___________________State_________Zip__________
Phone _______________________________ Email__________________________________________
Basic Registration (Safety Seminar, hospitality suite, meetings) _____________@ $30 ___________

Send registration form with check or credit card information to: USPA, 1652 Indian Point Road, Branson, MO 65616. If you would like to register at a secure website, go to www.uspilots.org.

Charge it! M/C____ or VISA____ Card No._________________________________________________
Exp.____________ Signature_____________________________________________________________

For more information, call Jan Hoynacki at 417 338-2225 or email at jan@uspilots.org.

SHAKESPEARE IN WASHINGTON

I was conversing with Don Smith of The Texas Pilots Association this week about the current aftermath of the underwear bomber incident. Don used an expression that I thought was a classic description of the TSA. He called it Security Theater.

We are subjected to ID checks upon entering security prior to being admitted to the waiting areas for our flights. We must show our boarding passes. Then we have to remove belts, shoes, all metal objects (jewelry), change, and liquids not contained in small plastic bags. Our cell phones, laptops and carry ons are subjected to X-ray machines. In many cases we are wanded and then sent on to our gates.

If I were a terrorist, why would I even try to go through security? The best place to set off an explosive device (backpack) is in the lines prior to going thru security. You would get the maximum killing effect on the greatest number of people.

I have seen elderly people subjected to all kinds of indignities in the name of security. This week an eight year old boy was denied boarding because his name appeared on a "no fly" list. Generally speaking the TSA people who work the lines are three steps below a security guard at a landfill.

All this having been said, I look at this as an opportunity for General Aviation. The flying public is not stupid. They see these numerous security breaches where their lives are put at risk. Eventually the airlines are slowly going to be put out of business due to the inconveniences put up by TSA. GA is the best source to then be able to move people at reasonable cost without all of this "feel good nonsense" to go through.

Think about this. Airline fares will continue to rise. Using my home city of Odessa, TX as an example, were I to try to fly to Dallas, it would take me half an hour to drive to my airport (MAF), two hours to check in and go thru the above mentioned gyrations, about one hour plus to make the flight, and about a long half hour to get baggage and find ground transportation. I will be crammed into a very uncomfortable seat on a regional jet and not allowed to use the restroom or have anything on my lap for the flight.

Is it any wonder that I will take the extra half hour, drive directly to my destination from Odessa, and arrive in a whole lot better frame of mind. BTW, this does not take into account the notorious DFW conga line which can and does add a half hour to your ground time until you arrive at your gate.

My other option is to use a Cessna 172XP, fly direct from Odessa airport (KODO) to the nearest airport in the metroplex, land and be on my way all in less than three hours. I can even return home before dark. Try that with the airlines.

Plug this into your computer as well. My plane burns eight gallons per hour. Assume 4.5 hours of flight time with fuel at $4.50/gallon. It will cost me $162. You cannot fly one way to DFW for that figure.

Eventually the short haul and regional airlines will lose so much of their passenger loads the number of flights will be cut and you can see the inevitable result.

This is why I feel that no matter how low Vref or blue book values go, my airplane makes/saves me money every time I use it for a flight of 500 miles or less. Do the math with your bird. I'll look forward to seeing you at your local airport in the future.

Steve Uslan, President
United States Association

As a cost saving measure, and to siimplify communications, USPA is officially changing its registered address and phone number from Kirkwood, MO, to Branson, MO. Therefore, please address all USPA communications as follows:

United States Pilots Association
1652 Indian Point Road
Branson, MO 65616

417 338-2225

Thanks!

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

VOLUNTEER FLIGHTS

AOPA has had email news every day providing news info about the many pilots who are flying people and supplies to Haiti as humantarian relief. Yet if you read the news and emails from relief organizations already working in Haiti they say these people are actually doing much more harm than good. All the planes, people and supplies arriving without being asked are over taxing the relief efforts. Planes have to be parked and refueled which takes away from priority tasks, unrequested helpers need to be housed and fed and there is neither food nor shelter for them, and many supplies are not what is needed. A recent report cited that a can of peas costing 50 cents in the states then costs $80 to be given away due to the cost of getting it to people in country. Many medical supplies are out dated or not needed. So the relief workers do not want any more planes, people or supplies in Haiti. The best good can be done by contacting a local chapter of a relief organization alre ady on the ground in Haiti and giving them money to support their operations in Haiti.

This brings me to my second point. A few days ago an NMPA member sent me an email describing how good he felt flying as a volunteer pilot for a volunteer pilot organization. He asked me to pass on to NMPA members the name of Grace Flight and it now is operating in NM. He also mentioned there may be a monetary fuel reimbursement for pilots completeing mercy, charity flights.

Now comes my caveat. There is quite a bit of controversy between receiving fuel reimbursement (the CAP has an exception) and the FAA and the IRS. Some private pilots have received FAA sanctions for being reimbursed for fuel. But doing volunteer mercy flying can be a way to extend your flying activity, helping many in need. And Grace Flight is one of several volunteer pilot organizations in NM.

To learn more about the various volunteer pilot groups go to the Air Care Alliance web site (www.aircareall.org) or contact NMPA member Rol Murrow who is involved in the Air Care operations. Rol is at rol.murrow@wolf-aviation.org. For several years I was a SAR pilot for the TX WING of the Civil Air Patrol. I was reimbursed for mission flights using my plane and got to fly several mercy flights with patients or the parents of mediacl patients. It was rewarding and I enjoyed it.

Check out the web site or contact Rol to learn more about Grace Flight and all the other volunteer pilot organizations operating in NM that do need pilots and planes.

Bob Worthington, President
NMPA

Finanally the FAA has conceded to the fact that the "new" WINGS program has problems. It is being changed.

In early 2006 the FAA began to recruit and train new people to manage the new WINGS program. FAA Aviation Safety Counselors would be no more. Instead they would become FAASTeam Representatives and join the 21st Century electronic wave of the future.

In my opinion the new WINGS program was a poor substitute for the then-current program. The old program was simple to manage, was easy to conduct, and any pilot could get her or his WINGS. But the FAA was determined to scrap that and set up a new, electronic program. All in the name of improved safety. Several versions were produced by the FAA as to why the "old" WINGS was not working but the replacement was an ill-conceived and poorly executed program which made safety training an elusive objective for many pilots to ever achieve under the new WINGS program.

From the beginning it was frought with problems. Primarily it was available only to pilots with computer/internet/email access. And to make it worse it was the most confusing, complex, user unfriendly internet sytem that could possibly be devised by government employees. In a word, it sucked.

In spite of us pilots being told by the FAA about how successful it was and how most pilots took to it with a passion all my friends told me they were no longer using the FAASTeam WINGS program to get their BFR (now just called the Flight Review). CFIs I knew were not becoming electronically connected as the entire system was not worth the frustrating time it took to manage the system. Most pilots I know found it so poorly designed and so complex to use they just ignored it.

Well, much of that is scheduled to change. Today the FAA released the news (see faasafety.gov news notice # NOTC2109) that changes in the WINGS program were forthcoming. To see these changes go to www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/Jan/Summary_of_Changes.pdf . There are 20 changes in the chart.

Some of the more prominent changes are that neither pilots nor CFIs will have to be electronically connected to the FAA to participate. Much of the confusing computer devices and programs the FAA required users to fight are being simplified. The FAA is now doing testing of the new system. It hopes to make the changes effective on 1 March 2010.

My only question is why did it take the FAA 4 years to do something. In early 2006 it was readily recognized by most pilots who use computers how bad the new WINGS system was to actually use. I know the FAA was receiving many non-complimentary comments from pilots since we first saw what a miserable system had been created. And like so many "new" government programs, our comments were ignored. After all, who knows best? Uncle Sam's employees, right.

I hope these changes do improve the program as I do believe my pilot friends and CFIs more than the FAA as to how much it was being used.

One change that will help NMPA. We would submit our safety seminar programs to the FAA and it required us to state the number of seats available to FAASTeam WINGS members who could sign up. Unfortunately the FAA would not use our stated number of seats but would always reduce the available seats, sometimes up to 50%. This limited the number of pilots who wanted to sign up to receive WINGS credit for the seminars. To make this worse, about 40% to 50% of the pilots signing up for credit (and making one less seat avaialable) would never show up. This system is being changed.

So pilots, check out the faasafety URL noted above for the changes and see what you think.

USPA FLYOUT/MEETING BRANSON

Great! Some of you are already making your reservations for our membership and board meeting in Branson, MO, May 20-23! It's a good idea to book your room now before our block of rooms is filled.

To make your room reservations at the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills at our great $70 group rate, call 417 335-4727 or 877 335-4727 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After February 12, the hotel hours for taking group reservations will be extended. Be sure to mention you're with USPA!

Our host airport is the Taney County/M. Graham Clark Airport (KPLK)--the closest airport to Branson. Mark Parent, Airport Manager, is waiving the usual $10 ramp fee just for our members. So please be sure to FILL UP your fuel tanks while there! The economy and area competition are very challenging for airports, and both PLK and Avis on the field at PLK are welcoming us with good rates and great service. Our safety seminar will also be held at PLK on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. So please consider filling your tanks there.

If you would like to talk with Mark about hangar space, etc., you can reach him at 417 332-1848.

More info coming! Keep tuned!

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director

THIS AND THAT

Having endured an attack committed by a buzzard against my airplane several months ago, I am very much in favor of the new reporting procedures instituted by the FAA in an attempt to get a handle on these occurrences. Airports around the country are being told to submit every known incident involving birdstrikes and ground borne animals (deer etc.). A recent article on Yahoo cited airline strikes at 12,000 feet ASL, as well as many away from airports and populated areas. Hopefully someone will come up with a system to thwart many of these bird vs airplane incidents.

The Christmas day attempted bombing of a Northwest (Delta) Airbus by an Islamic terrorist could have killed almost three hundred people in the plane and untold numbers on the ground. The failures of our government to weed this idiot off the plane will be investigated and probably cleaned up before we really find out where the failure lay. Suffice to say the President did not seem to care enough to get involved until days after, and the head of the airline security for TSA, "was in constant touch by cell phone from the ski slopes in Colorado." I have been saying for years that TSA provides a "Feel Good Mentality" to airline passengers, but really is unable to render any major assistance in the area of airline and major airport security. It is simply a newly formed (2001) government funded employer that reminds me of the gang that couldn't shoot straight.

Let us take some lessons from El Al--the national airline of Israel. They interview every passenger several times (by different people) before issuing a boarding pass. Their security is the best in the business. Political correctness is not in their lexicon. When a passenger pays cash, for a one way ticket, has no baggage, and is on several no fly lists, he simply will be refused passage and probably will be arrested.

The giving of civil arrests under criminal statutes is a travesty. These people are sworn enemies of our country. They should be tried in military tribunals and dealt with as combatants, not criminals. Can you imagine giving Miranda rights to battlefield combatants?

What will really happen here is what is happening now. President Obama--for all of his talk about civilian trials--is exterminating our enemies by using pilotless drones to rocket and bomb the enemy. I agree with this method. I say, do not give the people in Gitmo civil trials while we are killing their compatriots and civilians in droves. Nobody ever won a war with diplomacy. What do you think our soldiers etc. will do when encountering a combatant? Read him his rights? You draw your own conclusion.

There was a "security breach" at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey, caused by an overeager male wishing to escort his girlfriend to her gate for a flight. He ducked under a rope and was spotted by someone who reported the movement to TSA. TSA shut down the entire terminal for many hours while the boyfriend went home. The TSA employee assigned to this area was on his cell phone and did not see the breach.

My opinion is that eventually the onerous security mandated by beaurocrats in government will eventually kill off the legacy airlines entirely. We all need to be observant and willing to jump in as that gentleman did on Northwest. Government cannot protect us.

Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association

COMFORT INN HQ FOR USPA

Plans are underway for the USPA members/board meeting in Branson, MO, May 20-23. The beautiful Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, a property of USPA member Carroll Myer, will be our center of operations for four fun-filled days in the Ozarks.

To book your room at our special group rate of $70 (usual rate is $94.99), call 417 335-4727 or 877 335-4727 now and mention USPA. Comfort Inn has agreed to honor our rate for extensions both before and after the three nights, so you may want to stay longer and enjoy more of what one of America's top tourist destinations has to offer. Since the special rate cut off date is April 20, why not book your room now!

Our host airport is the Taney County/M. Graham Clark Airport, which is the closest airport to the Branson activities. Hertz rental cars are available for $29 a day. Call 417 334-4945, and tell them you're with USPA.

If you choose to fly to Branson commercially, check out the great rates at BBG (www.flybranson.com).

More information to come! Keep tuned!

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

COMFORT INN HQ FOR USPA

Plans are underway for the USPA members/board meeting in Branson, MO, May 20-23. The beautiful Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, a property of USPA member Carroll Myer, will be our center of operations for four fun-filled days in the Ozarks.

To book your room at our special group rate of $70 (usual rate is $94.99), call 417 335-4727 or 877 335-4727 now and mention USPA. Comfort Inn has agreed to honor our rate for extensions both before and after the three nights, so you may want to stay longer and enjoy more of what one of America's top tourist destinations has to offer. Since the special rate cut off date is April 20, why not book your room now!

Our host airport is the Taney County/M. Graham Clark Airport, which is the closest airport to the Branson activities. Hertz rental cars are available for $29 a day. Call 417 334-4945, and tell them you're with USPA.

If you choose to fly to Branson commercially, check out the great rates at BBG (www.flybranson.com).

More information to come! Keep tuned!

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

MORE ON LORAN

This information on Loran comes to us from NMPA President Bob Worthington:

There are several NMPA members who have and use LORAN in their planes. This elimination of the LORAN as a navigation tool means a loss of some very expensive equipment in one's airplane. The following email sent to me by NMPA member Rol Murrow cites what is being done to halt the termination of LORAN. Read what Rol has to say and perhaps you may be able to become part of a movement to keep the LORAN systems.

Bob Worthington, President, NMPA
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bob,
I think you know how strongly opposed I have been to termination of LORAN. If you wish to know why here are some very good links.

Basically, for GA there is no good backup for the day the satellites become inop - and that day will come for someone some time. If not everyone given a bad enough solar flare or improper software update of the satellites.

For those of us in the Southwest there are many places where traditional navaids do not work at lower altitudes. LORAN could be very important then.

And if the government made a commitment to e-LORAN then the equipment manufacturers would be motivated and could easily add it to the GPS boxes as an excellent and inexpensive backup for GPS.

I received information from Bob Lilley at the loran group www.loran.org that there is a study (yes another one, possibly by MITRE?) underway sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security to deal with the backup question and the potential need for eLoran. Results may be due in February or early March.

There is still Senate correspondence (by minority Senators from Maine) that the decision is wrong and ill-informed, and at least one Senator is speaking to the mainstream press. See

http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Press.MinorityNews&ContentRecord_id=09b37331-5056-8059-760b-18d90ed973b6

and

http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0a35895c-802a-23ad-4c93-d0a7ced1889d

Information continues to flow from the Loran community to James Schlesinger, of the U.S. Positioning, Navigation and Timing office, recognizing that he can walk into very big doors and make a difference.

Bob Lilley was impressed by a November piece which he just discovered, and so am I, from a US Department of Defense perspective:

http://www.gpsworld.com/defense/loran-what-president-meant-say-was-9127

That link takes you to an excellent discussion of why LORAN is so important.

In short, there's no wait-and-see here. The problem persists; write to your Congresspeople.

Feel free to circulate this to the list.

Rol Murrow, Executive Director
Wolf Aviation Fund
2060 State Highway 595
Lindrith, New Mexico 87029
www.wolf-aviation.org
rol.murrow@wolf-aviation.org
Phone: 575-774-0029
Cell: 505-362-8232

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

LORAN LEAVES IN FEBRUARY

The NMPA calls our attention to the fact that if you have a LORAN system in your plane, it becomes obsolete in less than a month.

We understand the Coast Guard published a Federal Register notice last week regarding its intention to terminate transmission of the LORAN-C signal February 8, 2010, as a cost saving measure.

Effective February 8, 2010, the U.S. LORAN-C signal will be unusable and permanently discontinued. This termination does not affect U.S. participation in the Russian American or Canadian LORAN-C chains. U.S. participation in these chains will continue in accordance with international agreements.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

ARE YOU SLEEPY?

My insurance company recently sent me a flyer with some interesting and important information on aviation safety. Of course, it's in their best interest to not pay any claims for me. And it's in my best interest to not do anything that would cause them to pay any claims for me! At least we're on the same page there.

So I read what they sent, just as I attend safety seminars more frequently than required. Every once in a while I learn something new. And it never hurts to be reminded of things once learned but maybe now forgotten. If you don't use it, you lose it!

This particular flyer contained an article on the negative effects of sleep deprivation, especially as applied to pilots. Are you aware that if you have been deprived of several hours of sleep you face a condition similar to flying under the influence of alcohol? Yet according to this article, up to 80 per cent of NASA pilots surveyed reported nodding off in the cockpit. Furthermore, health risks associated with disturbed sleep increase by 32 per cent for hypertension, 124 per cent for congestive heart failure, and 464 per cent for anxiety or depression.

David L. McKay of USAIG recently said, "I am absolutely sure that some element of fatigue has contributed in some way to every operational aviation accident. Every pilot knows from their earliest training experience that alcohol and aviation don't mix. Yet the industry has been slow to acknowledge that the physiological impact of fatigue on pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, and ramp personnel can be just as debilitating as having several drinks."

Life is busy, we sometimes cut short our time devoted to refreshing sleep. When you plan your next flight, include adequate rest on your checklist. You and your insurance company may be glad you did.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

ARE YOU SLEEPY?

My insurance company recently sent me a flyer with some interesting and important information on aviation safety. Of course, it's in their best interest to not pay any claims for me. And it's in my best interest to not do anything that would cause them to pay any claims for me! At least we're on the same page there.

So I read what they sent, just as I attend safety seminars more frequently than required. Every once in a while I learn something new. And it never hurts to be reminded of things once learned but maybe now forgotten. If you don't use it, you lose it!

This particular flyer contained an article on the negative effects of sleep deprivation, especially as applied to pilots. Are you aware that if you have been deprived of several hours of sleep you face a condition similar to flying under the influence of alcohol? Yet according to this article, up to 80 per cent of NASA pilots surveyed reported nodding off in the cockpit. Furthermore, health risks associated with disturbed sleep increase by 32 per cent for hypertension, 124 per cent for congestive heart failure, and 464 per cent for anxiety or depression.

David L. McKay of USAIG recently said, "I am absolutely sure that some element of fatigue has contributed in some way to every operational aviation accident. Every pilot knows from their earliest training experience that alcohol and aviation don't mix. Yet the industry has been slow to acknowledge that the physiological impact of fatigue on pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, and ramp personnel can be just as debilitating as having several drinks."

Life is busy, we sometimes cut short our time devoted to refreshing sleep. When you plan your next flight, include adequate rest on your checklist. You and your insurance company may be glad you did.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

USPA ANNUAL MEETING MAY 20-23, 2010

It's time to schedule USPA's annual membership meeting and board meeting. With many requests to re-visit Branson, MO, we've heard you, and we've done it! Put down the dates of May 20-23 and watch for more information to follow.

We'll be staying at the Comfort Inn and Suites at Thousand Hills, owned and operated by fellow USPA member Carroll Myer and his family. It's always good to do business with our fellow USPA members. But we're certainly not sacrificing quality or price in order to do it! Check out their beautiful property at
http://www.myerhotels.com/branson-hotels-lodging/thousand-hills/ And note the great room rate of $70, plus tax! You'll have to book your room directly yourself and before the cutoff date in order to save $25 a night from the regular rate.

Each room has two queen beds and endless amenities, including an expanded continental breakfast each morning. More details to follow.

Put May 20-23 down on your calendar now, and plan for a fun time and a good meeting in one of America's finest family destinations. In fact, bring your family along! They might want a good excuse to enjoy Branson, too!

Keep watching. More information to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA