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United States Pilots Association |
Working as USPA’s webmaster from day one, USPA Executive Director Emeritus and current VP for Meetings (among several other things) Arnold Zimmerman of St. Louis, MO, has happily forwarded the job of webmaster on to USPA member JC Zalog of Branson, MO. We are all deeply grateful to Zim for spooling up his CPA brains to tackle the challenge of running a website, and he’s done a tremendous job these many years. When JC offered to help remodel the website appearance, Zim didn’t hesitate to accept the offer, which quickly became “the whole nine yards.”
Although a computer systems analyst by day, JC admits that most of his hours haven’t been spent on websites, but he’s had some fun making a few changes. Check it out at www.uspilots.org.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Starting January 19, pilots are requested to immediately report any laser incidents to air traffic controllers, who then will advise all pilots in the area and contact law enforcement officials, according to a new FAA Advisory Circular. A warning will also be broadcast on the appropriate ATIS, and pilots are asked to file a written report after landing.
According to Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta, …..”While laser encounters have recently increased, there is no indication that terrorists are at work. The incidents seem to be the result of pranks or carelessness.”
For full details of the Advisory Circular, click on the link above.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The Missouri Department of Transportation Aviation Section recently completed The Economic Benefit of Missouri’s Airport System. Of the $9.5 billion total economic activity to the state, GA creates over $1.1 billion in economic activity and $363.7 million in payroll representing 11,000 jobs.
The booklet describes the economic impact airport by airport, and can be a very useful tool when explaining the benefits of GA to the uninformed (including elected officials).
For more information, contact Joe Pestka, Administrator of Aviation, 573 526-5570.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Recognizing the dangerous situation created by a 760’ radio antenna tower 1.5 miles from the Fullerton, CA, airport, AOPA has announced that it …”will work to ensure that the tower will not be a hazard in the future.” Two people were killed when their Cessna 182 collided with the tower December 19, 2004, destroying the tower.
An earlier accident in 1970 resulted in one fatality. Both accidents occurred in day VFR. The tower has never been lighted since its erection in 1947.
Both AOPA and USPA will oppose any reconstruction of the tower.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
As of January 18 (next Tuesday) all certified flights instructors and flight school staff currently providing any type of training to any type of student must complete the security awareness course. The deadline applies to all CFIs, whether or not they train foreign students.
Fortunately, the half-hour program is available online at http://download.tsa.dhs.gov/fssa/training/. At completion of the course, you can print out a certificate to retain as your record of completion. AOPA is also offering the training as part of its Flight Instructor Refresher Courses.
Current but inactive CFIs, as well as those with expired certificates, are also encouraged to complete the program. Active CFIs who miss the deadline should take the training as soon as possible.
For more information on the TSA’s Alien Rule, go to http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=4&content=09000519800d8df0.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
It’s not new advice, but since the 11/28/04 accident at Montrose, CO, the NTSB wants all pilots to be reminded to LOOK and TOUCH airplane surfaces for ice and frost prior to flying, and have issued an Alert Letter for this purpose.
The letter states the Safety Board believes the only way to ensure the wing is free of critical contamination is to touch it.
It’s still very much winter. Let’s all be safe out there.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
As you can see from the following email received from Agua Dulce in California, an attempt is being made to close down their airport. Since we need MORE airports rather than LESS, President Steve Uslan has written support of the airport in behalf of USPA, and is requesting all USPA members who agree to also write their support.
See the information below for details.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
From: Mary Johnson [mailto:mary@aguadulceairpark.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 3:48 PM
To: Aviation Groups
Subject: Agua Dulce Airpark Public Hearing 1-22-05
TO: ALL AVIATORS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE AGUA DULCE AIRPARK
FROM: Mary Johnson, Airport Manager mary@aguadulceairpark.com
661/268-8835
RE: AGUA DULCE AIRPARK PERMIT (L70)
I need your help! On Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 9:00 am, there is a public hearing regarding the revocation or modification of the Agua Dulce Airpark's permit to operate.
A few vocal residents who live within the flight path would like to close or severely restrict the airport.
Here's how you can help...
1. Continue to fly quietly and safely
2. Send an email to LA County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich voicing your support of the airport and it's vital link to general aviation in Southern California
3. Attend the public hearing on Saturday, January 22, 2005
We are fighting to keep this airport open. I know I can count on your help. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Visit our website at www.aguadulceairpark.com for an easy link to fill out a letter of support. I will make sure it gets forwarded to the correct officials.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
CONTACT INFO:
Michael D. Antonovich
Email: mantonovich@bos.co.la.ca.us
Office: 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Copy: support@aguadulceairpark.com
Public Hearing Details:
January 22, 2005, 9:00 am
Acton Middle School, High Desert School, 3620 Antelope Woods Rd, Acton, CA 93510
Agua Dulce Airpark Website: www.aguadulceairpark.com
AvFlash reported recently that John Carr, president of the National Air traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said the FAA’s ten-year plan for air traffic controller staffing could lead to user fees for FAA services. However, the FAA denies that user fees could be implemented in the near future. Carr further is quoted as saying that the impending staffing crisis will result in GA being squeezed away from urban airports, and traffic will be delayed due to reduced staffing at towers.
According to AOPA, the act of Congress prohibiting user fees expires on September 30. Struggling with financial problems, the airlines will be making sizeable political contributions and lobbying hard to push more costs—user fees—on to GA.
Stay tuned. And stay involved.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Tired of winter weather? Then begin planning right now to attend the USPA flyout to Mobile, Alabama, March 17-20, 2005. Room reservations must be made by March 13, so do it now!
It’s not just business, folks. Check out the interesting and fun activities on the registration form.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
WINTER FLY-OUT, MOBILE, ALABAMA – March 17 – 20, 2005
Make your destination to welcome in the beginning of spring at our winter fly-out in Mobile. It is a 300 year-old port
city situated on the shores of picturesque Mobile Bay, which traces its history to early French explorers in North
America. It has a proud Southern Heritage unlike any other US port city. It was the last Confederate port to fall in the
Civil War. It was in Mobile Bay that Admiral Perry ordered, “Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead.” Torpedoes are
what we now call mines. Tied up very near to our hotel is the Battleship Alabama. This ship took part in many battles
in the Pacific during World War II. With its aviation Museum, it will be a focal point for us while we are in Mobile.
And, there are so many other interesting things to see and do in Mobile that it is impossible to list them all here.
Mobile is also the home of the Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) engineremanufacturing
factory, which is something that all pilots will be interested in.
Our weekend plans include a Friday afternoon tour of that facility. Teledyne
Continental Motors (TCM) is an operating division of Teledyne Technologies,
Incorporated with a focus in general aviation and power systems. In general
aviation, TCM develops and manufactures piston aircraft engines, conventional
and digital electronic engine controls, and deep cycle aviation batteries. The
company also designs and manufactures small turbine engines for unmanned
military aircraft application.
Plans for the meetings, seminars and social activities offer something interesting for all USPA members and guests.
BB-60 pictured here is just one of them. See the Schedule of Activities following for all the plans for the weekend.
Airports: Downtown Mobile Airport (Brookley Field BFM) is the selected airport of arrival. If arriving commercially,
the airport will be Mobile Regional (MOB.) Host FBO at Downtown Mobile Airport is Downtown Air Center, who
offers us a 25 cent per gallon discount on fuel and free tie down (they request that you bring your ropes if you can.) All
conveniences, such as pilot’s lounge, courtesy cars and rental cars are available. Phone: (251) 433-2800 Fax: (251)
433-2857.
Transportation: The hotel provides transportation to and from both airports. However, rental cars are also available
from the FBO insuring that you can pick it up and leave it at the airport. Call (251) 433-2800 to reserve a car.
Hotel: Las Brisas on the Bay, 1525 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, AL 36527. Telephone: (251) 626-7200 Fax:
(251) 626-7233. Room rate is $59.99 per night plus taxes. This rate includes a full breakfast for two. Reservations
must be made by March 13th (Tell them that you are with USPA and use the group code number fly1.)
Schedule of Activities
Thursday, March 17 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Dinner at Big Jim’s Speak Easy and Lounge, which is located in the
hotel, prior to the seminar is at your expense, but would be very convenient. Safety seminar in hotel conference room
featuring Don Fitzgerald of Teledyne Continental Motors, then a short break followed by a presentation on “Operating
general aviation aircraft in cold weather” by Bruce Hulley, Safety Councilor, Denver, Colorado. Prize drawings will be
made at 9:15 p.m. Hospitality and registration are available at the hotel before and after the seminar.
Friday, March 18 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. General members meeting in hotel conference room. 11:30 a.m. Lunch
on your own. 12:30 p.m. leave for Teledyne Continental engine remanufacturing factory for 1:00 p.m. tour of the
facility. 6:30 p.m. Banquet at the hotel. Hospitality and registration are available at the hotel before and after the
banquet.
Saturday, March 19 – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Board meeting in hotel conference room. All members are welcome.
Lunch on your own. Afternoon tour of BB-60 Battleship Alabama, SS-228 Submarine USS Drum and Aviation
Museum or visit the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola which is 40 miles from the hotel. Or, consider a bus tour of
historic Mobile. The related fees are not included in the registration fee. 6:30 p.m. Dinner in the Officers Ward Room
on board the Battleship Alabama. Hospitality room at the hotel will be open before and after the dinner.
Sunday, March 20 – Depart at your leisure or stay over a few more days and do some of the things you didn' t have
time for in our short weekend. An interesting day could be spent at the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola.
Registration Form
Name(s)________________________________________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________________________________
City__________________________________________________________ State_______Zip___________________
Phone_____________________ Fax______________________ E-mail_____________________________________
Number Amount
Basic Registration: $105.00 (Wings seminar, hospitality suite, meetings, Friday
Banquet and Saturday dinner on the Battleship Alabama) ______ @ $105.00 ________
TOTAL $________
Send registration form with check or form below to: United States Pilots Association, 483 S. Kirkwood Rd., Suite 10,
St. Louis, MO 63122. If paying by credit card, the registration form may be faxed to: (314) 843-5155
Charge it! M/C______ or VISA______
Card No._________________________________ Exp.______
Signature___________________________________________
For additional information, please call USPA at (314) 849-USPA
USPA President Steve Uslan has called to our attention another tragic, fatal accident involving a tall tower—this one at La Mirada, CA, 1.5 miles W/NR of the Fullerton Airport (KFUL).
On December 19 a husband and wife lost their lives while approaching to land at KFUL on an apparent VFR day. As stated by President Uslan, “VFR in the Los Angeles basin usually means three miles forward visibility in haze. The airplane struck a guy wire supporting the tower and burst into flames.”
“Apparently pilots had been lobbying for a long period of time in an attempt to have strobe lights installed. In fact, both of Fullerton’s airport advisory committees had asked the radio station (tower owner) to add strobes in 2001.”
“USPA believes the continuous proliferation of these obstructions—especially in the vicinity of airports and approach paths to airports—is a form of Russian Roulette where the gun is loaded with five of six shells instead of one. How many more pilots and passengers have to be killed before someone in the various government agencies stops the blanket approval of these hazards to flying?”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
A recent issue of AvFlash called my attention to REAL flight that I would like to share with you in case you haven’t seen it. You can fly with Tilly by clicking on the link below.
http://media.animal.discovery.com/convergence/spyonthewild/birdtech/birdtech.html
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association