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United States Pilots Association |
This month I am going to digress from airports and airspace. There is another insidious threat to our freedoms and safety that is occurring on a daily basis. Many of you have no idea as to what is happening. Here are two seemly-unrelated facts. See if you can connect the dots.
Last week an aircraft made an emergency landing at Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM. The pilot declared a fuel exhaustion problem. The Air Force surrounded the plane upon landing and discovered it was full of illegal immigrants including the pilot. All were turned over to The INS for investigation etc. Most probably all were released with a desk appearance ticket to return to court at a future date. None ever show up. This incident begets several questions. First, why not land at Clovis Airport where fuel was readily available? Second, why is an American registered aircraft tooling around the skies full of illegals, including the pilot? Third, how many more of these flights are conducted each day in our country without the authorities becoming aware? Who is watching the store?
Two weeks ago a 69 year old experienced pilot and a student pilot accompanying him were intercepted over Washington, D.C., and forced down to land at Frederick, MD. The pilot had his license revoked (as he should have). The Air Force had a grand time chasing a Cessna 150 with Blackhawks and F-16s along with Customs Department Citations. Who is chasing these "bogeys" along our Southern border?
During the past three weeks I have personally worked on a project to bring the parents of a Peruvian exchange student into the country to witness their daughter's graduation from high school. The parents were turned down by the American Embassy after requesting tourist (non-immigration) visas. Assistance was requested and obtained from our local Congressman and also our U.S. Senator, our Governor, Secretary of State, Mayor, District Attorney and City Manager. All supported the request with E-Mails to the embassy. The parents were still turned down.
What is the connection? All of these incidents/actions were as a result of new regulations imposed by the Homeland Security Administration. We are allowing thousands of undocumented people into the country every week. When we catch some of them they are arrested, detained, and released in our country with a promise to show up at a future court date. Legitimate people wanting to visit our country are routinely denied that right. Are you aware that you now have to carry a passport to visit and return from Canada?
Do you believe the pilot of the Aircraft that landed in Clovis carried insurance? Do the planes hauling drugs carry insurance? Does impounding cigarette lighters, nail files, and hatpins improve our safety while flying on the airlines? I think not.
Has anyone read the Readers Digest article on how HSA monies are being spent all over the country? Do we know who hijacked our airliners on 9/11? If so, why are we targeting 90-year-old wheelchair bound citizens for "special security screening" at airports while young males of obvious Middle Eastern origin are let through? There is something very wrong in our government when these unconscionable acts are carried on every day in the name of "Homeland Security".
What can we do? First we can write our federal legislators saying enough is enough. It does not take a rocket scientist to see we are being fed "feel good" news. I laugh when I see the box full of cigarette lighters that have been impounded from passengers. It is about time that we get serious about securing our borders from all those who do not belong here. We are still the greatest country on earth and we should encourage legitimate visitors to tour our shores. I say, if the elected and appointed officials in our government will not do their jobs, then let us find others who will. Lets get rid of the FAA, HSA, INS, Border Patrol administrators and get good people into those positions. We are ultimately strangling the airlines with these non-sensical regulations. The airlines, in an attempt to reduce their costs are saying General Aviation needs to pay more. Perhaps it is the government that needs to reassess its priorities before it is too late.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
The United States Pilots Association is presenting an FAA WINGS Safety Seminar at 7:00 p.m. on Friday June 3, 2005, in the auditorium of the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum at 31001 Magnuson Avenue on the Pueblo, CO, Memorial Airport. This seminar is free to the public.
The presenters are USPA Safety Program Chair Bruce Hulley from Denver and Patrice Gapen. Both are FAA Aviation Safety Counselors. Mr. Hulley will cover many of the recent changes in the FAA which have impacted some pilots, to include the new Sport Pilot certificate, changes to the Recreational Pilot regulations, imminent closures to Flight Service Stations, and the FAA's Pilot Proficiency Program (called the WINGS Program). Ms. Gapen will deliver a presentation on factors which directly affect women in the aviation industry, from soloing to advanced certification. Are there barriers that are gender related? Come to this fascinating program and find out.
Pre-registration is not required. USPA is having a private tour of the museum beginning at 4:00 p.m., followed by a catered dinner. If you are not attending the total USPA Annual meeting, but would like to join us for the museum and dinner before the Safety Seminar, contact Bruce Hulley prior to May 31 for reservations (303 261 4428).
This Safety Seminar is being hosted by the US Pilots Association and Flower Aviation at Pueblo with support from the FAA Denver Flight Standards District Office. For more details, contact Bruce Hulley at 303 261 4428 or 73555.1544@compuserve.com.
Bob Worthington, Southwest Regional VP
United States Pilots Association
How is this for a rationale?
Mayor Richard Daley, King of the Republic of Chicago, has come out with yet another pearl of wisdom. His Dishonor was referring to the recent Cessna 150 incursion into the Washington, DC, ADIZ.
It was not bad enough that the Mayor sent his storm troopers in at night to plow up the runway at Meigs Field. Now he wants the Federal Government to declare the kingdom of Chicago an ADIZ so he does not have to worry about those pesky small planes flying over his Fiefdom.
Let us not put any rhyme or reason to this lunatic’s feelings. Let us not consider the fact that 9-11 was perpetrated by the use of airliners. The last time I looked, both O’Hare and Midway were operating at capacity. I for one would accept the proposed ban if the airlines were also prohibited from flying in and out and over Chicago.
The International Rotary Clubs are holding their annual convention in Chicago this summer. Both my wife and I are active Rotarians. That said, I will not enter the Babylon of the midwest due to Mayor Daley’s disgraceful actions. My money is far better spent in cities and towns that appreciate, foster, and nurture their airports.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has done what many consider the impossible. He has gone against the Democratic controlled state government in New Mexico and opted for the closure of Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM. One suspects that if the base closes, and the F-16s are moved elsewhere, then the need for all of this airspace will go away, along with the proposed expansion of the existing MOAs and the related closings of the VFR airways.
This whole plan to expand military presence in New Mexico was fraught with poor decision making and optimistic research that was essentially untrue. It is truly refreshing to see that at least one member of our federal government understood the inflated need as offered by the Air Force, and subsequently declined to approve this very risky venture. I for one applaud his actions. It is hoped that the Air Force will look carefully the next time before it attempts to grab airspace for no legitimate reason.
Now; let us see first if the base really closes. If it does, let us see if the Air Force gives back the existing MOAs and relinquishes it's claim to the skies over eastern New Mexico.
USPA can take great pride in the knowledge that we fought hard and fairly in opposition to this planned expansion. Pilots in New Mexico and Texas can breathe easier knowing that the possibility of a midair with an F-16 has been dramatically reduced.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Why not join TPA for some fun and educational times this summer! Here are their plans, as provided by TPA President Terence Jarog.
Here is the Summer Fly-In Schedule.
It should soon be on the New TPA web site.
If you have any questions please e-mail me
and I'll get you the info.
Saturday May 21 Denton AirFair (DTO) Tower frequency 119.95.
8th Annual Denton Air Fair (Denton) Mark your calendars for Saturday,
May 21, 2005 for the 8th annual Denton Air Fair, held at the Denton Airport. The air show flies from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, kicking off with a pancake breakfast 8-10 am by the 99s (suggested donation $4.00). The public is invited to enjoy fly-ins, static displays, helicopter rides, and Jay Jay The Jet Plane. There will be World War II aircraft (including a B-17 and a P-51), aerobatic maneuvers, and parachute drops, even an army tank.
Field is closed from 12:00 to 3:30 for the aerobatic show. Experimental and vintage aircraft will be on display. Booths and concessions will be operating. Time: 8 am to 4 pm Cost: Adults $10, school age (6-18) $5.00, under 6 get in free. Fly ins get in free. No charge for parking.
Location: Denton Municipal Airport. Take the Bonnie Brae exit off I35E or I35W and follow Airport Road one mile to the airport. For more information, call (940) 484-1603.
Saturday June 18 Cowtown Warbird Roundup. Fort Worth Meacham (FTW)
http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/events.shtml
This event will be held at Vintage Flying Museum at the Fort Worth Meacham Airport (KFTW). Scheduled time is from 0900 until 1600. Vintage aircraft and Warbirds will have a special place reserved if you RSVP. The Museum along with the OV-10 Bronco Association and the Texas Air Command will have an open house, the Women in Aviation will cook pancakes for early birds starting at 0800 and there will be fly-bys, rides and fun for the entire family.Wear your military or WWII period clothing for this reenactment fly-in.
Saturday July 16 Fredericksburg, TX (T82)
http://www.hangarhotel.com/
This was the most requested destination for a fly-in on the survey and we’ll lunch at the Airport Diner. It’s a classic 1940's - 1950's diner, located next door to the Hangar Hotel and immediately adjacent to the Gillespie County Airport-T82. From the booths, you can watch airplanes and other aircraft come
and go while enjoying great sandwiches, breakfast all day, and the daily Chef's Blue Plate Specials. The Diner is not just a place to grab some food, but rather a unique atmosphere to relax and enjoy a good meal while reliving the past. And you never know what you might see land just outside the window!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
To all:
I, too, have read AVFlash and the "quote" attributed to Ms. Blakey. What I feel we must all understand is the fact that Ms. Blakey and all of her underlings in management at the FAA are fighting for their survival. They feel that for them to survive, they must come up with alternatives to the present fuel tax and ticket surcharges. The one great option is user fees assessed against you and me and everyone else that flies. There is a huge down side to this option.
Let us assume that you wish to fly from Deming, New Mexico, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Do you need to obtain the most current weather from the FAA? No, you can get it for no cost from the Internet, the weather channel etc. The end result is most of us will not choose to call the 800 number for a weather briefing. How about filing a flight plan? If you knew it was going to cost you each time you did it, would you file? I think not. What about tower contact at your destination? Most of us will opt to go into an uncontrolled airport where calling your position out on a unicom or CTAF will not be create a charge. The end result is many (most) of us will not want to perpetuate the myth that we are the problem. We simply will choose not to use the system.
Let us not forget that we use 2% of the available facilities, and the airlines, the military, and commercial operators 98%. It certainly is not our fault that the system is not paying for itself under present conditions. Imagine what the shortfall will be when that one billion annual passenger count starts flying on the airlines.
It is time for all of us that want to continue to fly unencumbered by more federal imposition of user fees, to step up to the plate and start swinging the bat. For starters, I say it is time to stop trying to negotiate with Ms. Blakey and her ilk. Instead I suggest the following.
Let President Bush and your local politicians that you support, become aware that no more political contributions are coming, unless and until the issue of user fees is disposed of. Contact your two Senators and all of your Congress people, and advise them of your feelings on this issue. Emphasize the dangers involved if pilots choose to operate outside the system.
In the next week USPA will have a form letter up on our website. Pull the letter down, give copies to everyone you know, and let’s see if we can start a groundswell of protest before this becomes a done deal. Get your friends, your family, and the businesses at your local airports to send in their protests. Get the information out to your local media, tying the viability of the aviation companies operating in your area to the loss of their income as a result of user fees.
Together we can prevail.
Steve Uslan
President, USPA
As the user fee issue takes stage front and center, AVFlash quoted FAA Administrator Marion Blakey as saying, “Tying fees to the cost of providing service protects both FAA and the customers who use FAA services. We also believe that a cost-based revenue structure would provide incentives to our customers to use limited resources efficiently and to the FAA to operate efficiently, as stakeholder involvement can help us ensure that we are concentrating on services that the customer wants and is willing to pay for.”
But then she goes on to say, “I want to be clear. I am not at this point advocating user fees, or endorsing new excise taxes, or urging debt financing, or seeking a bigger share of the General Fund. I am saying that we have an opportunity in the near future for positive change and we need to begin the discussion now. We need to have a funding mechanism that ensures our costs and revenues are aligned."
Sounds like user fees to me. What do you think?
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
If you plan to fly in the Washington, D.C. area, there will be a new visual warning system in use beginning May 21, as explained by this information from the FAA:
Subject: New Visual Warning System for restricted airspace around Washington, D.C.
The Visual Warning System (VWS) is designed to warn pilots who have entered the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the Washington, D.C. area without the authorization of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control. VWS is a ground-based system that uses safety-tested low-level beams of alternating red and green lights to alert pilots that they are flying without approval in designated, restricted airspace. These visually conspicuous lights, distinct from other light signals currently used by FAA Air Traffic Control, are designed to provide a clear warning to pilots who enter the ADIZ without authorization and cannot be contacted on the radio by Air Traffic Control. The VWS will become operational in the Washington DC area on May 21, 2005.
For more information on VWS go to:
http://www.faa.gov/news/news_home/visual_warning/
http://www.norad.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.news_fact_vws
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
After extensive negotiation, The College of the Ozarks and Taney County have announced the takeover of the M. Graham Clark Airport by the county on July 31, 2005. Part of the arrangement is that the airport name shall remain as it is.
Currently the plan is for the county to have a board to oversee the daily operation of the airport, which may include hiring an FBO. It is planned that there will be flight training for the college and the public, as well as aircraft maintenance, fuel, and rental cars. Recognizing the important economic impact of the airport, the county plans to maximize the effectiveness and operations of the airport facility.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USER FEES---WHY?
All of the current problems affecting General Aviation pale in comparison to
the possibility of the imposition of user fees to small plane operators.
Presently all of aviation is taxed when fuel is purchased, and the proceeds
of those taxes are deposited into the aviation trust fund. The fund is
supposed to pay for the expenses of the FAA and airport improvements. Thus
far this year we have seen the flight service stations emasculated and the
whole concept of preflight briefings etc., outsourced to Lockheed Martin.
This is supposed to save a huge amount of money. My opinion is that within
three years after this program is in effect Lockheed will be back to the
well demanding more money. The alternative is less services or possibly user
fees.
Every report I have read recently states that within the next few
years the airlines will be moving over one billion people per year. The
current level is around six to seven hundred million. To move that many more
people the airlines will have to put more planes into the air and/or utilize
larger aircraft. Each one of those planes will be using FSS and Centers.
Does anyone realistically think that general aviation adding some 2000
aircraft annually to the overall fleet while subtracting the wrecks and the
unloved will have any where near that kind of growth? I think not. Yet, we
have airlines complaining that we are not paying our fair share. My opinion
is the FAA is riddled with mid to high level incompetant managers that are
only concerned with their survival. Perhaps the whole FAA should be
privatized with a fixed budget. Exceed your spending limit and be fired.
If anyone doubts the ability of the government to waste tax money, simply look
at the TSA. Bobby pins and nail files are confiscated from elderly ladies
while our southern borders are wide open to all who come. What is wrong with
profiling? Look for those who we know are out to do us harm. We are spending
billions to fund the confiscation of cigarette lighters and aforesaid nail
files, but we cannot continue the funding of the working folks at the FAA.
I see AOPA and the NBAA running to meetings opposing user fees to bail out the
FAA. What is needed is a combined campaign by all in aviation to kill this
idea before it begins to develop traction.
Steve Uslan,President,USPA