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United States Pilots Association |
For those planning flights in Texas over the holidays, the FAA has issued a NOTAM expanding the Prohibited Area P-49 beginning Sunday, December 26, and continuing through Sunday, January 2, for President Bush’s visit to his ranch.
Please check with FSS before flying near this area.
Merry Christmas!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
First of all, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to all our USPA members and families from your Branson office staff, my co-pilot Willie, and the 17 deer and 14 wild turkeys in the yard! We intended to be watching last night at midnight to see if they would speak to us. If they had, I feel sure it would have included “Thank you” to Grandpa for the corn he puts out for them. In 6 cold degrees, corn helps keep their bodies warm.
We’ve just past the winter solstice, and the nights are still long, and invite us to read—and to mostly read about flying. A dear friend gave me a most welcome Christmas gift in the form of “The Wright Sister” (Katherine Wright and her famous brothers) by Richard Maurer. You can find it on the Internet, if not at your local bookstore.
I couldn’t put it down. I now feel that I KNOW the Wright family, and understand much better their dilemma of competition, too much or too little publicity, attempts to steal their discovery, selling their invention, the reluctance of our government to feel it of value, etc. And among all the “business” issues, the personal lives of the Wrights are revealed in perspective. This wasn’t very long ago, you know. Orville Wright died while many of us were already here on this earth.
Anyway, since I enjoyed the book so much, I thought I would share the title and author with you in case you were looking for a Good Merry Christmas Read.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
If you’re interested in seeing a video of Amelia Earhart’s final takeoff from New Guinea, you might like to check out www.TIGHAR.org. (The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery).
This aviation archeological foundation has some very interesting information on Earhart and other old aircraft.
Thanks to USPA Member Penrod Turk of Kansas City, MO, for recommending this aviation website.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
As we understand it, the FAA has a year to prepare for issuing new pilot certificates which will include your photo, will be tamper-resistant and counterfeit-resistant, and may store biometric information.
It’s likely you won’t get the new license until you get a new rating or certificate. And, hopefully, the photo equipment will be located at your medical examiner’s office so that you won’t have to travel to your nearest FSDO.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA Member Penrod Turk of Kansas City, MO, sent us this link to a very interesting video of the inside of a jet engine. Take a look. It’s very interesting.
http://www.rolls-royce.com/education/schools/journey/flash.html
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
It seems the future of FSSs is still a moving target. While visiting a FSS in Mississippi recently, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told a local newspaper, “We don’t know whether it is something that ultimately will be staffed by federal specialists or something that would be staffed by specialists in the area, but under private contract. That decision will be made in a couple of months.” She further stated that the FAA might yet decide to continue operating the FSSs itself.
FSSs primarily serve GA. However, the also provide work with military and commercial pilots. Alaska is not figured into the deal.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA member Mike Radford of Branson, MO, and his wife Shari are hitting the road for God, family, and country, as they begin their “A Salute to Service” tour sharing their Christian heritage with American Veterans and their families. Landing at “smaller” airports around the country in their Glasair, they plan to reach those men and women who served our nation, to offer long over-due respect and thanks, and to invite the Veterans to share their stories.
For more information on the Radford pilgrimage, go to http://www.asalutetoservice.com/
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
May 3, 2004, a much-needed control tower was opened in Denton, TX, to serve the large volume of air traffic which had increased over the years. Open only 12 hours a day, the Denton tower is still the sixth busiest of 28 in the region (many of which are open more hours), and is growing rapidly.
In the interest of safety, USPA is working to encourage the FAA to install a D-Brite Display Radar System at Denton. Toward that end, USPA President Steve Uslan and Past President Chuck Huber, along with TPA President Terence Jarog will soon be meeting with Congressman Michael C. Burgess to solicit his help.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association