|
United States Pilots Association |
Many of you have met my father, Stanley Sykora. Therefore, I feel you would want to be advised that he passed away early this morning at age 98 at Tablerock Healthcare Nursing Home in Kimberling City, MO.
After a wonderful January fishing trip at our dear friends Joe and Lois Phelan’s home in Lafitte, LA, (Joe is a USPA member), which included Dad’s first time at a Mardi Gras parade (he was loaded down with beads!), he suffered a stroke on Feburary 11, spent one month in the hospital, and went from there directly to the nursing home. It was gradual decline nearly the whole time, and his passing finally became a blessing. I’ll forever be grateful to the Phelans for being so kind to Dad.
Dad enjoyed getting to know so many of my flying friends, and you were all so thoughtful and kind to him. He especially liked to fly with me and Paul, and had attended several of our flying functions, including an air show and poker run. The one flight he had mixed feelings about, however, was the time he sat in the back of a Cessna 182 while his daughter jumped out near Table Rock Lake. He always said he preferred flying to sky diving!
Attached is Dad’s obituary.
Thank you for whatever kind words you may have said to Dad, and for being my friend.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Stanley Sykora of Branson, MO, passed away on June 25 at Tablerock Healthcare Nursing Home. He is survived by his daughter, Jeanette Hoynacki, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. His wife of 73 years, Rose, passed away in 2002. Stanley was born in Belleville, IL, where his parents immigrated from Czechoslovakia.
Stanley and Rose operated a grocery store in St. Louis until 1964, when they retired and moved to Branson. A champion golfer and bowler, Stanley had collected many trophies through the years. He also loved to fish and play cards. He had served in the U.S. Army.
Under the care of Whelchel Funeral Chapel in Branson, his body will be cremated, and there will be a memorial celebration of his life on July 24.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Humane Society of the Branson Tri-Lakes Area, 102 Washboard Holler Road, Reeds Spring, MO 65737.
It was no shock to me to read that once again the individual's rights are being trampled upon in the name of "The greater good for the greater number.” Apparently the court in a divided opinion feels that the home you own is not equal to the new shopping center a developer wishes to erect in its place. Just look at the justices who voted for this absurd decision.
However, I have a solution to offer regarding airport expansion. Since the law now permits condemnation for the greater good of the greater number; lets begin by taking the homes of the most vocal opponents of airports where greedy developers have built right up to the airport boundaries. It is obvious to me that the airport provides far greater tax benefits to the community than a lowly one family home. Perhaps we could expand that 3,000 foot strip to 8,500 feet, eliminate a lot of pesky homeowners, and turn the remaining property into an industrial park (as they did in Kansas not too long ago).
Why, the options are limitless. Every town could have its own intermodal facility combined with their airport. The fact that a percentage of the population would be forced to move elsewhere is irrelevant, especially considering they might lose their new homes to yet another "public good" scheme. Yes, I am kidding. What do you want to bet that someone else will come up with a similar idea soon?
On another subject, I noted today that the Congress increased the funding to the FAA with a proviso that user fees are out. I find it highly coincidental that one week after AOPA's plea for donations to the Air Safety Foundation to combat user fees, Congress takes user fees out of the equation. Regardless of what you and I think, we are still going to be faced with late night tower closings, elimination of NDB approaches around the country, cutbacks in the safety programs, and a great reduction in other services offered by the Feds. If you want a type rating in a DC-3 today, just call the FAA and see how long it takes to schedule a ride (if you can).
Fly unannounced into the Washington D.C. ADIZ. Then you will really see the FAA operate to peak efficiency. Something is radically wrong in Washington. We seem to be more concerned with Flag burning than running our country.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
The tall tower approximately 33 miles east of Denver International Airport that USPA feels is a hazard to navigation, is up and operational, and, according to USPA Regional VP Bruce Hulley, is sporadically unlit.
The tower is 1.995’ tall, and in the vicinity of Byers, CO. Please be aware of this potential hazard when flying in that area.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA member Leslie Weinstein has sent us a letter signed by the Senators and Congressmen serving the Boise Idaho area. The letter protests the FAA's decision to shut down the Control Tower at Boise International Airport from 12:00 midnight to 05:00 a.m. every night. Of course, no consideration was given to the general public awaiting their Fedex, UPS, and other priority shipments that ordinarily come in late at night.
Do not think this will only apply in Idaho. One can only imagine the commotion during the winter months when aircraft are turned away from Boise because of the closed tower. The FAA is trying to reduce operating expenses normally funded by the Aviation Trust Fund. They are doing this by reducing their services to the public, which is unacceptable.
There is another way to go in this situation. Take a survey as to who uses the airport late at night and charge them for the privilege. Perhaps when the recipients of a $15.00 express package find their fee going to $40.00 or more, the public might begin to understand the actual value of an airport. Frankly, I feel Ms. Blakey should be removed from her office for gross dereliction of the FAA's dedicated role to promote air safety in this country.
The only problem here is the government's out-of-control spending for homeland security versus the drop in airline contributions to the trust fund because of low ticket prices (below cost) charged by the airlines in the name of competition. Be advised; this road show will appear at your airport if it is not nipped in the bud. Just imagine landing to minimums by utilizing weather from another source over 100 miles away.
It's getting scary out there folks. I suggest letters to your elected officials and pressure directed to your airport mangers, City Council, and Mayor's office. This scheme needs to be stopped NOW!
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
It’s time your voice was heard! If you want to continue to have freedom of flight in America, contact your federal Congressman and Senators TODAY (for phone, fax, and email addresses, go to http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/.) Tell them that General Aviation pays its fair share of taxes, and to vote NO to user fees. Otherwise, it is very likely you will soon begin enjoying aviation as they have it in Europe and the rest of the world.
A fight is underway in Washington about how to fund the FAA. The FAA says more money needs to be brought into the system with a “consistent, predictable funding stream.” Airlines favor user fees because they would like to eliminate some of their costs and pass them on to GA. USPA, AOPA, EAA, etc., strongly and unanimously oppose user fees, especially without clearly defined system modernization plans, effective cost controls, and accountability for capital improvement programs. If the FAA operations budget was properly funded as intended—out of the general fund—and capital improvements were covered as intended—by the Aviation Trust Fund—there would be no funding “crisis.”
The Trust Fund—funded by GA fuel taxes and an airline passenger tax—was created to pay for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Facilities and Equipment (F&E). Day-to-day operations are funded by congressional appropriation taxes. However, in recent years, the Trust Fund has been funding large portions of the FAA’s operations budget, and merely maintaining F&E, not replacing and upgrading. Therefore, there is no money for critical capital improvements and the modernization of the National Airspace System.
Contact your elected officials today, and tell them that cuts and user fees are not options. If you don’t, you may soon wish you had.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The USPA Board and members will meet during the AOPA Expo in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. There is no USPA registration required to attend this meeting.
Reservations at the headquarters hotel book up very fast. Go to the AOPA website and click on Expo for hotel information and the Internet reservation system. Rooms at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina are $169 per night, and there are other hotels/motels to select from. However, the Marriott is across the street from the convention center, and all other hotels are several long blocks away.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The Missouri Pilots Association Annual Convention, sponsored by the Southwest Missouri Chapter, and held in Neosho, MO, last weekend was indeed one never to be forgotten. With the assistance of his members, Chapter President Mike Curtis took it upon himself to put on a convention unlike any others before. And to highlight the event, he engaged speakers outstanding in the field of aviation: Dick Rutan, famed around-the-world Voyager flyer and test pilot, and Dr. Carlene Mendieta, who duplicated Amelia Earhardt’s 5,500 mile flight across the U.S. Both brought fascinating stories of their exploits to a packed hangar on the Neosho Airport Saturday night.
In addition to outstanding programs, the convention included EAA Young Eagles flights which totaled 126 for the weekend. There was a static display, many door prizes including an Anywhere Map GPS, booths, food, and a gathering of motor cycles and antique cars, to which the public and press were invited. Unfortunately, Mother Nature prevailed with Saturday afternoon storms, putting a damper on outside activities for a time. But all who attended agreed that Mike and the SW MO Chapter had gone where none have gone before—an outstanding convention to long be remembered.
Thanks, Mike and the SW MO Chapter for your hard work in putting together an outstanding MPA convention!
The pictures below is Past USPA President Paul Hough hugging Amelia.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA Director Jan Hoynacki was surprised and humbled to receive the Missouri Pilots Association Blackford Trophy Award, along with Carolyn Morris of Osage Beach, MO. The traveling trophy was presented to Jan and Carolyn at the MPA Annual Convention this past weekend at Neosho, MO.
Voted on by the MPA board, the Vincent Blackford award is to recognize the member of the board who has done the most outstanding job as director during his term, and has been presented annually for more than 40 years. The beautiful, large trophy is kept by the winner for a year, until the next annual meeting, when it is presented to the new recipient.
Picture below shows recipient Carolyn Morris, MPA President Duane Smith (who is also USPA VP Membership Designee), and recipient Jan Hoynacki.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
TPA President Terence Jarog has extended an invitation to all USPA members to attend the 2nd annual TPA Cowtown Warbird Roundup this Saturday, June 18, at the Vintage Flying Museum at Fort Worth Meacham Field (FTW), 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fly-ins attend free, and TPA will have a booth on the south side of the hangar, with chairs to rest awhile.
Vintage aircraft and Warbirds will have a special place reserved if you RSVP. The museum, the OV-10 Bronco Association, and Texas Air Command will have an open house, the Women in Aviation will cook pancakes for early birds starting at 8:00 a.m., 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. And check NOTAMs, charts, and databases.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
We are back less than one week from USPA's annual meeting in Pueblo, CO. If you did not attend, you missed some of the most informative, on the cusp, information regarding the FAA. Did you know the FAA has already created five letter identifiers to be used whenever we (General Aviation) request and obtain a weather briefing, file a flight plan, talk to an airport tower or work center? I have it on good authority this procedure is ready to be implemented the moment USER FEES are approved. We will begin to be charged for every function of the current ATC system we utilize. In fact, I am told the only reason this has not yet gone into effect is the expression, "Cancel everything, I'm going to squawk 1200." Here we sit arguing over the possible imposition of user fees, and the FAA already has it all figured out. I say, lets continue to negotiate with these people, until one day we begin paying. Now is the time to let your voice be heard.
From another trusted source comes this little jewel of information. The FAA is seriously considering the closure of a number of airports around the country during the nightime hours of 12 midnight to 0500 am in the morning, Obviously the theory here is with less airports open during those hours, less controllers need to be on duty, etc. You get the idea. A copy of the letter describing this scheme is enroute to me. Supposedly this idea emanates directly from the White House.
I have a suggestion to offer. Why don't we get rid of all of the federal politicians? Just think how much could then be saved in salaries, pensions, medical insurance, etc. We might be able to fund the FAA on those savings alone.
Today I read that Boeing is far ahead of Airbus in the sale of new airliners this year. Those airliners will be flying in this country very soon. You know they will be utilizing the air traffic control system to the exclusion of General Aviation. I can only wonder if LAX or DFW is going to shut down at night to save money. The fact we may not be able to get our FEDEX or UPS packages until two in the afternoon means nothing to our government.
One more point. I recently had to fly the airlines from Midland, TX, to Kingman, AZ. I paid the standard fare on Southwest to Phoenix. No Problem. To get to Kingman from Phoenix, I flew in a Beech 1900 operated by Great Lakes Aviation. We flew from PHX to Prescott, thence to Kingman. The fare on Great Lakes was advertised as $69.00 one way. The actual cost was over $100.00, after they factored in a fuel surcharge (imagine that) and three different taxes. That is a per mile cost of over $1.00. Compare that to Southwest whose cost was less than $.50 per mile with no surcharges. Service into Kingman is subsidized by the U.S. Government. Great Lakes is the only provider. What's wrong with this picture?
We need to get moving on protesting to our senators and congresspeople. If we don't, we will wake up one day and come to understand what it is like to fly in France.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
The USPA flying/meetings in Pueblo, CO, this past weekend were very well attended, and much important business was conducted in behalf of GA. On top of that, members had dinner and a tour of the Pueblo Historic Aircraft Museum, and many attendees took the opportunity to visit more of the beautiful Colorado area, including the spectacular nearby mountains, the Royal Gorge, the quaint mountain towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, and the Holy Cross Winery, and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, not to mention the excellent Pueblo shopping.
Among the business items on the agenda was the election of new officers for the coming fiscal year beginning July 1. All officers except VP Membership were re-elected, and Duane Smith of MO was elected as VP Membership, since Chuck Huber asked to step down from that position due to time constraints. In addition, the issues of user fees, MOA expansions, restricted airspace, airport closures, escalating costs of flying, membership development, and organization publicity were addressed and actions taken. State organization bylaws were approved by the USPA board, in order that any new state group desiring to organize under USPA may now do so, and is therefore eligible to come under the USPA’s 501c3.
Bob Worthington presented an informative program on historical items of interest from the Roswell, NM, area, where USPA will be meeting September 22-25. Among those residing in this area in the 1800’s was Sheriff Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, known to all of us. This will be a flyin/meeting you will want to attend, as the area is steeped in fascinating history, to say nothing of the obvious UFO information and tours available there.
The next meeting after Roswell will be November 5 in Tampa, FL, in conjunction with the AOPA Expo. Meeting locations for 2006 include Tunica, MS, New Orleans, LA, Dayton, OH, and Palm Springs, CA.
Check out the USPA website for Pueblo flyin/meeting pictures soon to be posted there.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
FYI, the FAA is expected to issue a NOTAM restricting flight in the STL
area during President Bush's planned visit on Thursday, June 2.
The President is scheduled to be in St. Louis for an event Thursday evening.
It is expected that the NOTAM will establish a large TFR limiting general
aviation flight, which are usually 60 nautical miles in diameter
(30-nm radius) and contain one or more smaller general aviation no-fly zones.
Because TFR airspace frequently changes, it is wise to call FSS before flight.
Don’t make the newspapers! Do your do-diligence!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association