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United States Pilots Association |
A fellow Mooney pilot suggested I check out www.fltplan.com, as he is using it regularly, and he finds it very helpful on his frequent flights. I found it very complete, to include approach plates, enroute charts, weather, winds aloft, and more, and most all functions are FREE. It will also file your flight plan for you. You might want to check it out.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
At a recent USPA meeting, President Steve Uslan said he would send members some suggested wording for a letter to our elected officials regarding user fees. That letter follows. Please feel free to use any part of it, or none of it, but please write your Congressman and Senators. That’s the way our system works.
Addresses can be found at http://www.house.gov/writerep/ and http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Remember: The only worthless letter is the one you haven’t written.
Honorable Mike Conaway
Congressman
411 W. 8th Street
Odessa, TX 79761
Re: FAA Management issues
Dear Congressman Conaway:
For several years now the administrator of the FAA has been stating that "User Fees" were necessary to be levied upon all pilots and aircraft owners. This process would require the hiring of many more people to police the industry and would no doubt end up costing the government far more than the fees bring in. Oil and various aircraft fuels have been selling at very high prices this past year, meaning that revenues from the aviation fuel tax must also be correspondingly high. I urge you to vote against any imposition of user fees and instead request you urge the administrator to clean up her department and get rid of the waste and poor performance it is so well known for.
Recently I was informed that the FAA was giving a sum in excess of $300 Billion dollars to the City of Chicago for improvements at O'Hare Airport. Putting this sum of money into the hands of the current city administration is almost criminal in its intent. This is an excellent example of why small plane pilots should not be penalized in the form of user fees when the FAA cannot and will not adhere to good business practices.
I hope you will vote against these travesties and use your influence to see that the FAA is run properly.
Sincerely,
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The 2005-2006 USPA Directory has been posted to the website, www.uspilots.org. Organization bylaws, names and addresses of officers, and much more are included. As we are no longer printing and mailing annual directories to our members, please print it out for yourself and refer to it on line at your convenience.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Want to check out something on a sectional and don’t have your charts handy? Go to skyvector.com. You can select your airport, and it will take you automatically to the correct chart. Then you can zoom in or out and scroll to surrounding charts. It also provides weather info. The charts are not for navigation, however.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of our dear friend, Hank Haddock. Hank “slipped the surly bonds of earth” Thursday January 12, 2006 after a brief battle with cancer. He will be missed. Services pending.
Jeanne Cooper, Secretary
Ozarks Chapter, MPA
IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2005
To Order Online: bookstore.gpo.gov Toll free: 866–512–1800
DC Metro Area: 202–512–1800 Fax: 202–512–2104
Official Guides for Pilots and Trainers
Washington, D.C. – In recognition of Aviation Month, the U.S. Government Printing (GPO) is offering for sale this special collection of publications designed especially for pilots and trainers.
Airplane Flying Handbook, 2004. Designed as a technical manual to introduce the basic pilot skills and knowledge essential for piloting airplanes. Provides information on transition to other airplanes and operation of various airplane systems. Paper. 2004. 280 p.; ill.
S/N: 050-007-01365-5, ISBN: 0-16-072261-6 -- $44.00
Aviation Weather Services. Explains weather service in general and the details of interpreting and using coded weather reports, forecasts, and observed and prognostic weather charts. This publication can also be used as a source for study for pilot certification examinations. Paper. 1999. 214 p.; ill.
S/N: 050-007-01329-9, ISBN: 0-16-067457-3 -- $30.50
Weather For Aircrews. Familiarizes the aircrew member with fundamentals of weather. Serves as a text for undergraduate pilot and navigator training programs, all United States Air force instrument refresher training and flight instruction programs, and various unit and individual flying training programs. Provides weather guidance for visual and instrument flight under most circumstances.
S/N: 008-070-00718-5, ISBN: 0-16-049015-4 -- $23.00
Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook. Presents suggestions and safety related recommendations to assist amateur and ultralight builders in developing individualized aircraft flight test plans. Paper. 1995. 96 p.; ill.
S/N: 050-007-01087-7, ISBN: 0-16-042636-7 -- $9.50
Balloon Flying Handbook, 2001. Designed to introduce basic pilot knowledge and skills essential for piloting balloons. Also introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge needed as they progress in pilot training. Paper. 2001. 133 p.; ill.
S/N: 050-007-01313-2, ISBN: 0-16-050838-X -- $17.00
Flight Check! The Story of FAA Flight Inspection. Traces the history of flight inspection, instrument flight procedures, and aeronautical charting from the early days of aviation to today. Paper. 2002. 167 p.; ill.
S/N: 050-007-01342-6, ISBN: 0-16-067587-1 -- $29.00
-more-
FAA Aviation News. Contains updates on major Federal Aviation Administration rule changes and proposed changes, as well as refresher information on flight rules, maintenance airworthiness, avionics, accident analysis, and other news. Subscription. List ID: FAN
S/N: 750-002-00000-5, ISBN: 0-16-011812-3 -- $21.00 a year.
Student Pilot Guide. This authoritative guide provides information on general procedures for obtaining FAA Student, Recreational, and Private Pilot Certificates. Paper. 1999. 31p.
S/N: 050-007-01265-9, ISBN: 0-16-058886-3 -- $3.00
Sport Pilot, Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider, Flight instructor, December 2004. Establishes standards for the knowledge and skills necessary for the issuance of a Sport Pilot Certificate. Looseleaf. 2004. 186 p.
S/N: 050-007-01367-1; ISBN: 050-007-01367-2 -- $14.00
Sport Pilot, Practical Test Standards for Airship, Balloon, Flight Instructor, December 2004. Provides standards for the knowledge and skills necessary for the issuance of a Sport Pilot Certificate. Paper. 2004. 132 p.
S/N: 050-007-01368-0, ISBN: 0-16-072412-0 -- $11.00
Sport Pilot, Practical Test Standards for Weight Shift Control, Powered Parachute, Flight Instructor, December 2004. Establishes the standards for the knowledge and skills necessary for the issuance of a Sport Pilot Certificate. Looseleaf. 2004. 148 p.
S/N: 050-007-01369-8, ISBN: 0-16-072413-9 -- $12.00
Practical Test Standards for Powered Parachute (PPL and PPS), Weight Shift Control (WSCL and WSCS), December 2004. Establishes standards for private pilot certification practical tests for the powered parachute category (land and sea) and weight shift control category (land and sea).
S/N: 050-007-01370-1, ISBN: 0-16-072458-9 -- $9.00
If you are interested in these publications, please reference the GPO online bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/aviation.htmlPublications may be ordered online, via phone, fax, email, or postal mail. To order online, visit our online bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. To order by phone, call toll free 866–512–1800 or, in the DC metro area, call 202–512–1800 (M–F 7:00 am –9:00 pm EST) by fax, dial 202–512–2250. Send email orders to contactcenter@gpo.gov. Send mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250–7954. All orders require prepayment by check, American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS, or SOD Deposit Account.
Media Contact: James Cameron 202-512-1709 PPR 05-23
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
I hope by now you’ve registered for USPA’s flyout/meeting in Tunica, MS, March 16-19.
Note the hotel cut-off date of February 16. Tunica is so popular, there is no guarantee you can reserve a room after that date. And note the price! Only $79. Plus a fuel discount at the FBO, and no tiedown fee.
Thanks to USPA Webmaster JC Zalog, YOU CAN NOW REGISTER FOR THE FLYOUT ON LINE AT WWW.USPILOTS.ORG.
Make your plans now! This promises to be a relaxed, fun gathering.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
18 March, all day at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo.
ALL USPA MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE.
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> The New Mexico Pilots Association in partnership with the FAA and the USAF is able to offer an all-day USAF High Altitude Chamber aerospace physiology class and a high altitude chamber flight. For NM pilots who fly in the mountains and above 10,000 feet AGL, this is the opportunity to learn, first-hand, in a safe environment, what happens to you when you become hypoxic. You will experience and learn what your personal signs are of you getting hypoxia.
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> The course will begin at 9 am at Holloman (and end around 4 pm) with the physiology classes and then the chamber flight. At the end of the course you will receive an FAA Form 3150-1 noting completion of the FAA's Physiological Training Course. If you also want a logbook entry, we will have a CFI present who can make an entry in your logbook.
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> The attendees will meet at the Alamogordo Airport (ALM) where a USAF bus will meet us and leave at 8:30 am to take us to the USAF Base. Even if you are driving, you must go to the course on this bus. There is a restaurant in the terminal building which should be open for breakfast. Lunch will be available on the Base. At the completion of the course around 4 pm the bus will return everyone to the airport.
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> At this same time NMPA safety counselors will be presenting in the morning a WINGS safety seminar to members of the Holloman AFB Aero Club.
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> There is a $50, no-refundable fee to the FAA to sign up for the course. The completed applications and $50 must be in to the FAA 30 days before the course on Friday 17 February. This application and money (check or money order) is not to be sent to the FAA but to this course point of contact, NMPA president, Bob Worthington, who will make all arrangements with the USAF and the FAA. Worthington has the FAA application forms and can email them to you (preferred way) or regular mail them to you. Contact Bob at 505 522 6785 (leave a message if no one answers) or email at rworthin@zianet.com. Bob must have all the applications and checks in hand no later than Monday 13 February 2006.
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> There is a requirement for at least 12 people for the USAF to hold this course. There is also a maximum number of attendees which is 18. This means if we can't get at least 12 attendees, it will not be held and once we have 18 people apply, that is all we can take. No one under 18 can attend. You must hold a current FAA medical certificate; you cannot have a beard of any sort; and you must complete the physiological class before entering the chamber.
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> So if I don't have 12 applications with $50 checks by 13 February, then I will not be able to send in the applications and the course will be cancelled. As soon as I have 18 applications and checks, I cannot accept any more and the 18 applications will be sent in at that time.
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> This is a very rare opportunity to go through a high altitude chamber program that is not offered very often. I urge all of you to contact me immediately to get your application. I will also try to post this info and the application on our NMPA web site (www.nmpilots.org) so you can read it and download it to send to Worthington.
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> It is suggested if you live some distance from Alamogordo you consider arriving Friday afternoon or evening and stay in a motel in town so you will not be pushed to get to the airport before 8:30 am.
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> This course will be the March NMPA fly-in and safety seminar.
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> Bob Worthington, NMPA President
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USPA has received a number of letters complaining about issues discussed in the President's monthly column. While there have been far more complimentary kudos than harsh criticism received, I feel it is necessary to bring my position to all that read this. I have been elected to represent USPA and it's membership in the neverending battle against over regulation and under performance by our government entities. I choose to do this by telling it just like it is. When you read about an issue in this column, you may be sure someone has brought it to USPA to get the subject out to our members. Here is one such issue.
We were recently contacted by several pilots from the Albuquerque area, complaining about the fact that there was no preflight briefing service available from ABQ FSS at different times. The reason given was "lack of staffing.” This is unconscionable and a direct contradiction to what we were all told when the FAA let the contract to Lockheed-Martin. This is a classic example of promised savings to the FAA by "outsourcing.” Think user fees! Here are the unredacted/unedited comments we received.
"Actually we received complaints from several pilots. They stated that when calling the ABQ FSS and attempting to access the TIBS menu, they received a recording stating the service was not available due to lack of staffing. Yet another source we contacted advised that many change orders are being implemented that will greatly increase the cost of the Lockheed/Martin contract. Our source further stated that ultimately there may be no cost savings by using L/M over the old FSS system. "
What is happening here is the L/M contract is handling all of the former FSS briefings around the country. Albuquerque is trying to service AZ, NM, and West Texas. If you dial the 800 number you are just as likely to reach the former San Angelo FSS, Fort Worth FSS, or Albuquerque if you live in any of the three states mentioned.
I have no quarrel with Lockheed Martin. They will do whatever they have to in order to show a profit. The problem here is at the highest level in the FAA. Increased costs and reduction in services is not what we were told would happen as a result of the outsourcing of these services. You may be sure that whenever we receive reports of diminution of services from anywhere around the country, we will let you know.
Now, lets jump ahead to the Chicago, IL, situation involving O'Hare International Airport. Last month I reported that the FAA was letting a $15 billion contract to the City of Chicago to modernize and improve O'Hare. That money will go in the form of a $300 million down payment to the City administration to be doled out by them to contractors, etc. chosen by them. Reading the news reports of the rampant and ongoing corruption in the Daley administration, and considering the fact that this same mayor plowed up a reliever airport in the middle of the night, would you want to reward him with this contract? This is your FAA at work.
I suggest we all write to our elected officials in the federal government and protest this pork barrel give away.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
USPA Executive Director Jan Hoynacki and Past President Paul Hough recently had an opportunity to tour Garmin International with the grandson of USPA member Micky Pinkston. Scott Smith is the Northeast Regional Sales Rep for Garmin, following in the footsteps of his father Jerry Smith who also is employed by Garmin.
The beautiful Garmin facility in Olathe, KS, was recently expanded to accommodate the company’s increased production, as well as allow for future expansion. Dressed casually (as is the norm it seems these days), everyone we met was bright and energetic, and appeared enthusiastic about their company and products. All working in aviation customer support are pilots and/or instructors.
The full article, complete with photos, will appear in an upcoming issue of America’s Flyways.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association