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United States Pilots Association |
To make sure you get your room reservation made in time before the block of rooms is dropped by the hotel, you must do it by March 1. So please do it now!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
I predicted this would happen. The first time in almost 50 years since birds were involved in another airline accident that brought the plane down, and now this from the Associated Press. Maybe President Obama can use some of the TARP money to be able to spot seagulls, pigeons, and geese at ten miles. One can only wonder if they make transponders for birds that Squawk (pun intended) ident when traveling through Class B and C airspace.
Steve Uslan, President
USPA
Bird radar could be expanded to all area airports
by Associated Press
Friday January 23, 2009, 7:42 AM
Birds near airports are often a problem for pilots during takeoff and landing.
Authorities say they want a sophisticated bird-detection system at a New York airport where a US Airways plane took off before splashing down in the Hudson River.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Aviation Director William DeCota says the system could easily encompass all three major regional airports -- LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark.
For full Advance coverage of the Hudson River plane crash, click here.
He says the system is already slated to be deployed at Kennedy airport. The system beeps when birds fly near a jet, allowing air traffic controllers to warn pilots.
Flight 1549 departed from LaGuardia on Jan. 15 before a collision with birds knocked out both engines. The pilot ditched the plane in the river. All 155 aboard survived.
The National Transportation Safety Board discovered a feather on one of the plane's wings.
USPA President Steve Uslan forwards this information from the FAA, in case you have not already been so advised.
Termination of Satellite Monitoring of 121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU READY?
Notice Number: NOTC1518
Termination of satellite monitoring of 121..5 MHz ELTs will happen in under a month. Are you ready?
On 1 February 2009 , the International Cospas-Sarsat [1] Organization ( U.S. included) will terminate processing of distress signals emitted by 121.5 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). Pilots flying aircraft equipped with 121.5 MHz ELTs after that date will have to depend on pilots of over flying aircraft and or ground stations monitoring 121.5 to hear and report distress alert signals, transmitted from a possible crash site.
Protect each other…
Currently only 12-15% of the registered aircraft in the United States are flying with 406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is at least an 85% chance that an aircraft in an accident will only transmit a 121.5 MHz signal, thus remaining silent to the satellites. It will be up to other pilots monitoring the 121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert Search and Rescue authorities to accidents involving 121.5. When you fly, look out for your fellow pilots and when possible monitor 121.5 MHz.
If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard, report to the nearest air traffic control tower, the time and location of when you first detect the ELT , when it is the loudest and when it drops off your radio. Listening and reporting may well be the difference that saves a life.
Protect yourself…
Cospas-Sarsat System ( U.S. included) has been and will continue processing emergency signals transmitted by 406 MHz ELTs. These 5 Watt digital beacons transmit a much stronger signal, are more accurate, verifiable and traceable to the registered beacon owner (406 MHz ELTs must be registered by the owner in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). Registration allows the search and rescue authorities to contact the beacon owner, or his or her designated alternate by telephone to determine if a real emergency exists. Therefore, a simple telephone call often solves a 406 MHz alerts without launching costly and limited search and rescue resources, which would have to be done for a 121.5 MHz alert. For these reasons, the search and rescue community is encouraging aircraft owners to consider retrofit of 406 MHz ELTs or at a minimum, consider the purchase of a handheld 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon ( PLB ) which can be carried in the cockpit while continuing to maintain a fixed 121.5 MHz ELT mounted in the aircraft’s tail. Protect yourself and your passengers and Get the Fix… Switch to 406.
Remember, after February 1, 2009 , the world-wide Cospas-Sarsat satellite system will no longer process 121.5 MHz alert signals. Pilots involved in aircraft accidents in remote areas will have to depend on pilots of over flying aircraft and or ground stations to hear emergency ELT distress signals. For further information concerning the termination of 121.5 MHz data processing visit www.sarsat.noaa.govor contact Switchto406@noaa.gov with any questions.
________________________________________
[1] The Cospas-Sarsat Organization provides a satellite based world-wide monitoring system that detects and locates distress signals transmitted by Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). The system includes space and ground segments which process the signals received from the beacon source and forwards the distress alert data to the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center for action.
Address SARSAT inquiries to:
NOAA SARSAT
NSOF. E/SP3
4231 SuitlandRoad
Suitland, MD 20746
Phone: 301.817.4515
Toll free: 888.212.7283
Fax: 301.817.4565
You have received this notice from FAASafety.gov because you have selected "Local Air Safety Information" in your preferences on your FAASafety.gov account. Click here to log in and edit your preferences on FAASafety.gov.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
USPA SPRING FLYOUT TO TYLER, TX
USPA Meetings VP Bob Worthington has planned a very special meeting in Tyler, TX, for March 12-15, 2009. USPA will not only have its usual board meeting and gathering of board and members and touring of special area highlights, but we will have the opportunity to bring GA information and experience to school age youngsters who have interest in aviation careers. This is a flyout you won’t want to miss! Come join in a good time, a sharing of aviation information, and assistance for some fine young folks.
Registration form attached.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
USPA Spring Flyout
12-15 March 2009
Tyler, TX
Special USPA Theme: Aviation Career Day in Tyler at the Airport.
USPA in conjunction with the Tyler Historic Aviation Memorial Museum will host on a series of short presentations on various careers in aviation Saturday morning, 14 March. Topics will include how to become a pilot; aviation writing; flying for the airlines, corporations, military, and charters; teaching flying; aircraft maintenance; managing airports; working for the FAA; and how to get scholarships for college or vocational education. USPA members will do the presentations.
This presentation will be at the Aviation Museum at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport from 9:30 am to noon. From noon to 1:00 pm USPA members who so desire will have their airplanes parked on the museum ramp, open to the public. The purpose of this presentation and aircraft display is to introduce Tyler high school students and interested adults to the various career opportunities available in aviation and how to obtain information on ways to get the required education and training.
Tyler, TX, is a community of 90,000 people (www.tylertexas.com) about 85 miles southeast of Dallas. Incorporated in 1846, it was named after President Tyler who helped Texas become a state. The city has an international reputation for its rosebushes and floral gardens, which will start blooming when we are there. The temperatures will range from daytime highs of 70 to night time lows of 50. There are enough museums, old homes, gardens, and shopping attractions to satisfy the interests of all our members.
Airport and FBO: Johnson Aviation (www.100LL.com, type in TYR and then Johnson Aviation) at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR). Free tiedowns and discounted fuel. Avis and National rental cars are available. Open 7 days from 7am to 8pm. Phone: 903 593 4343. This airport is serviced by both American Eagle and Colgan Air (Continental). Transportation is also available to and from DFW and Love Field daily by Horizon Transportation (903 534 3688). For info on the airport go to www.acukwik.com/airportinfo/KTYR
.
Hotel: Marriott Residence Inn. $100/night, plus tax for a studio suite. Included are complimentary full hot breakfasts every morning. The hospitality suite and meeting will be here. Call 903 595 5188 for reservations. This hotel does not offer airport pickup.
Schedule: Thursday: FAA WINGS Safety Seminar from 7pm to 9pm at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (www.tylerhamm.org) on the airport. The museum will open at 6pm just for USPA members to tour the facilities before the seminar. This museum has 13 military aircraft on display, considerable exhibits and displays, a gift shop, and a library.
Friday: USPA board meeting (all members and guests welcome): 8:30 am to noon. Lunch will be on your own. At your leisure USPA has arranged for an afternoon and supper at the Tyler Caldwell Zoo (www.caldwellzoo.com). This is an 85 acre park of natural habitat of over 2000 animals and endangered species from North America, South America, and Africa. The zoo has two aquariums, a gift shop and concession. From 4:45 to 6:15 USPA members will be served supper (cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, chicken salad, drinks, and cookies) in a private room overlooking the zoo grounds. We must exit the zoo by 6:30 pm.
Saturday: USPA Aviation Career Day at the Museum in the morning. This will end for most of the USPA members around noon, and the rest of the day will be open for members to sightsee Tyler. The Saturday evening banquet with a guest speaker will be at the Potpourri Restaurant across the street from our hotel. The entre choices are country fried catfish or pepper burgundy steak, plus all the fixings.
Sunday: Depart for home.
REGISTRATION FORM
Name_______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
City ________________________________ State___________ Zip _____________
Phone __________________________________ Fax ________________________
Email _______________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION COST: Thur. evening at the Aviation Museum and the FAA Safety Seminar WINGS program, Fri. afternoon at the Zoo and supper at the Zoo, Sat. evening banquet, Hospitality suite, full hot buffet breakfast every morning, and USPA registration fee:
$80.00 per person X number of people_______= $__________.
Send Registration Form with check or form above to: United States Pilots Association, 483 S. Kirkwood Rd., Suite 10, St. Louis, MO 63122
Charge it! M/C______ or VISA______
Card No._________________________________ Exp.______
Signature___________________________________________
For more information contact Bob Worthington at 575 522 6785 or rworthin@zianet.com.
USPA/MPA COMBINED ANNUAL MEETING 5/09
We’re looking forward to a fantastic turnout for our combined USPA/MPA annual meeting in Branson, MO, May 7-10, 2009. See the attached registration information , AND REGISTER NOW. And don’t forget to make your room reservation as well.
L&K,
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
Missouri Pilots Association
United States Pilots Association
COMBINED ANNUAL MEETING, BRANSON, MO – MAY 7 – 10, 2009
As if you needed another reason to come to Branson! Just in case world-class entertainment, shopping, championship golf courses, theme parks, and an incredible setting in the Ozark Mountains aren’t enough, there is yet another incredible attraction that you won’t want to miss.
The FIRST Annual Branson Air Show, which will set the stage for the grand opening of the Branson Airport, takes place May 8-10, 2009!
What better way to celebrate the opening of Branson Airport, the first privately financed and operated commercial airport in the United States, than through a world-class, action-packed air show? The country’s top air show performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds, US Army Golden Knights, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Manfred Radius, Patty Wagstaff, John Klatt (Air National Guard) and many more, will provide stunning displays of aerial acrobatics at this must-see event.
The show will also feature B-17, B-25, P-51 Mustang, Sea Fury, P-47, and Corsair static displays in addition to a concert from a to-be-determined performer.
Saturday Air Show VIP tickets for special tented seating are included in the registration package. If rained out, your ticket is good for Sunday. Tickets for the Friday and Sunday Air Shows are available at www.bransonairport.com.
Full registration attendees are eligible to win many outstanding door prizes (including a Bose headset and a Garmin 396) which will be awarded at various times during the weekend events. The Saturday night banquet will feature a special speaker TBA.
Hotel: Lodge of the Ozarks, 3431 W. Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616. For additional information check out their website at www.lodgeoftheozarks.com. The rate is $80 plus tax which applies two days before and two days after our event and includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Call 1-800-213-2584 or 417-334-7535 for reservations. To obtain our special rate, you must tell them that you are with the United States Pilots Association. Half of the room block goes away March 23. And the final cut-off date is April 23, so reserve your room now. The hotel can’t guarantee the availability or the special rate if reservations are not made by then. There will be a hospitality suite in the hotel.
Airport and FBO: M. Graham Clark - Taney County (PLK) is the airport of arrival. Runway is 11-29 (3739x100). VOR/ DME RNAV or GPS29 approaches are available. CTAF is 122.7. Host FBO is Taney County Airport which is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They have offered us a locally competitive price on fuel and free tie-down. Phone is 417-332-1848 or fax 417-332-1850. If you are arriving commercial, Springfield - Branson Regional Airport (SGF) or Boone County Regional Airport, Harrison, AR (HRO) is your destination.
Transportation: Ground transportation will be provided between the M. Graham Clark - Taney County Airport and the hotel. A rental car is advised for getting to and from the air show and area attractions. Avis rental cars are available at the airport. Rates are: compact $25, mid-size $30 and full size $35. Call 417-334-4945 and identify yourself as attending the MPA/USPA meeting to have a car ready for you at the airport. Because of the Air Show, cars will be scarce. Consider sharing cars. Make your rental car reservation NOW.
Schedule of Activities:
Thursday
3:00 p.m. – Midnight Hospitality Room Room 254-255
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Safety Seminar M. Graham Clark Airport
Friday
Noon – Midnight Hospitality Room
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast for hotel guests
9:00 a.m. – Noon USPA meetings
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. MPA meetings
.
Remainder of the day Tour Branson Landing, dinner, shows, etc.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. – Midnight Hospitality Room Open
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast for hotel guests
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Branson Airport Air Show
7:30 p.m. MPA/USPA Awards Banquet, Club Vegas
Sunday
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast for hotel guests
Depart at your leisure or stay and enjoy more of the Branson area and the Sunday Branson Airport Air Show
Registration Form
Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________________________ State ______Zip___________________
Phone_____________________ Fax______________________ E-mail________________________________________
If flying in: Arrival Date_____________ ETA_______________N#____________
Number Amount
Basic Registration (Not including hotel accommodations): $110.00
(Safety seminar, hospitality suite three days, transportation between airport and Lodge,
Meetings, Saturday night banquet, and Saturday Air Show
______ @ $ 110.00 _______
Options:
Deduct if registering before April 7, 2009 ______ @ $ 20.00 ______
Total $ _______
Send registration form with check payable to USPA or credit card information below to: United States Pilots Association, 1652 Indian Point Road, Branson, MO 65616. If paying by credit card, the registration form may be faxed to: (314) 843-5155. Or, if you would like to register at a secure site on the Internet, go to www.uspilots.org.
Charge it! M/C___ or VISA___ Card No._________________________ Exp.____ Signature____________________
For more information, call Jan Hoynacki at (417) 338-2225, email at jan@uspilots.org or JC Zalog at (417) 338-2229, email at jczalog@gmail.com.
This gives you an idea as to what can be accomplished when we all stick together and speak as one. As I said previously, hopefully Congressman Barney Frank will butt out of aviation issues since he obviously knows little or nothing about the subject. Just remember folks, this is only the beginning.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
(NOTE: USPA is a member of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director, USPA)
Dear Steve,
We did it!
Thanks to the hard work of members like you, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is proud to report that the “divestiture” provision in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), which would have had a devastating effect on General Aviation, has been dropped from the bill.
Over the past three days, Alliance members across the country contacted Congress with thousands of emails, faxes and phone calls voicing their support for General Aviation and explaining why this piece of legislation had to be revised. As you can see in the AP article below, Congress recognized the critical role that small airplanes play in the daily lives of Americans and acted quickly to protect the small communities and businesses across the country that rely daily on General Aviation.
In short: You spoke - Congress listened.
Thank you for working so hard to safeguard the future of General Aviation in America.
Sincerely,
Joe McLean
Executive Director
Alliance for Aviation Across America
________________________________________
________________________________________
Airplane ban stripped from bailout bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bank executives will get to fly their company jets after all.
House legislation placing restrictions on financial institutions that get assistance through the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program had included a provision that recipients of the money would be prohibited from owning or leasing private aircraft.
But Kansas is one of the nation's centers of aircraft manufacturing, and Kansas lawmakers complained that the provision could reduce aircraft orders, cost jobs, and damage the industry's image.
On Tuesday, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass, the author of the bill, lifted the jet ban from the bill.
In a letter to Frank on Monday, Rep. Dennis Moore, a Kansas Democrat who sits on the Financial Services Committee, argued that the industry employs more than 44,000 workers in Kansas and that suppliers employ many more. "General aviation contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and employs more than 1,265,000 people," Moore wrote.
Also on Monday, Rep. Todd Tiahrt, a Republican whose Kansas district has the biggest manufacturing presence, advised that he would seek an amendment to have the provision removed.
Relinquishing the jets was part of a broader provision that included limits on executive compensation, the same type of limits included in government loan agreements with General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC last month.
Chrysler, GM and Ford Motor Co. executives caused a stir in Washington when they flew their private jets into town last year to plead their case for a bailout from Congress.
"We have to be careful about Congress overreacting, leading to the unintended consequences of losing these high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here in Kansas," Moore said.
USPA Hosts Aviation Career Day in Tyler, TX
On Saturday, 14 March 2009, the United States Pilots Association in conjunction with the Tyler Historic Aviation Memorial Museum at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport will host a series of presentations on various careers in aviation. Topics will include how to become a pilot; being an aviation writer; flying for the airlines, corporations, military, and charters; teaching flying; being an aircraft mechanic; managing airports; flying for the FAA; and how to get scholarships for college or vocational education. USPA members will do the presentations. Invitations have been given to the Tyler schools for their students to attend. This presentation is free and open to anyone interested in aviation.
This presentation will be at the Aviation Museum running from 9:30 am to noon. From noon to 1 pm USPA members will have their airplanes parked on the museum ramp, open to the public. The purpose of this presentation and aircraft display is to introduce Tyler school students and interested adults to the various career opportunities available in aviation and how to obtain information on ways to get the required education and training.
USPA is working with a local pilot group to provide free airplane rides for attendees. At press time the final arrangements have not yet been made.
For pilots in the Tyler area USPA and the Federal Aviation Administration will present an aviation safety seminar at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum on Thursday evening, 12 March, from 7 to 9 pm. This will be a part of the FAASTeam WINGS program and interested pilots can go to www.faasafety.gov to sign up for credit for attending this seminar. The seminar is free and open to the public.
The Aviation Career Day is a part of the Spring Directors’ Meeting of the USPA which will be held in Tyler from 12 to 15 March. In addition to conducting USPA business, the directors, spouses, and other members will be visiting the Caldwell Zoo on Friday and enjoying supper there and holding a Saturday evening banquet at the Potpourri Restaurant. Most members will be arriving in their own planes and using Johnson Aviation, Inc., at the airport for parking and fuel during their stay in Tyler.
USPA is a national 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization of pilots created in 1981 to bind together the interests of general aviation and to promote aviation safety and education. The association is made up entirely of volunteers and it is managed by its members. It meets 3 or 4 times each year in different parts of the US for its fly-ins and business meetings. Membership is made up of individuals, chapters, and state pilot associations. Information on USPA can be found at www.uspilots.org.
#####USPA####
Bob Worthington, VP
USPA
Bob Kraemer, President of the Gateway Chapter, MPA, has provided the following information:
This is an article about the confusing nature of the Branson Airport's identifier. Missouri pilots in particular should be knowledgeable about this because there is a potential for confusion that could have safety implications.
http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=98643501-89bf-47a8-ab01-2a9f08e921b5&Dynamic=1
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
President elect Obama has not even been inaugurated and already the vultures are flying fast and furious inside the Washington, D.C. Beltway. Congresswoman Barney Frank of Massachusetts has proposed a bill requiring any company seeking a federal bailout to divest themselves of any owned aircraft before consideration will be given to their request. Barney Frank is one of the prime culprits behind the subprime mortgage mess. This reformation of the TARP bill shows his absolute ignorance of the part that aircraft play in the many companies across our land.
If any of you who read this do not get motivated to resist this absurd legislation, then do not complain when the amendment becomes realty.
Where is the "Change?" Where is the “Hope?” Certainly not in the mind of a man who permitted a Gay prostitution ring to be run from his own residence in Washington.
I strongly hope the FAA steps in to force the bill to be withdrawn as Congress cannot regulate aircraft. Mr. Frank should go back to what he apparently knows best.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Jonathan Rimington, President of the Missouri Pilots Association, is urging action from members in regard to proposed TSA rule making. We would all do well to follow his lead. See his comments to MPA members below:
The TSA is a very large camel! A CALL TO ACTION.
The nose of the camel is trying to push into our tent. I don’t like it and neither should you. Every member of the MPA should be horrified at the dangers of over-regulation imposed by overzealous officials who have no understanding of General Aviation and its benefits to our society and economy. It seems to me that they are just trying to get their noses out of a political storm by dreaming up threats to our nation from where no threat exists – General Aviation. That said, the camel is real; the camel is big.
I ask every member to write a letter stating your objections to the proposed TSA rule making known as, “Docket No. TSA-2008-0021”. To be of effect your letter must arrive (by email of regular mail) by February 26, 2009. The addresses are:
Docket Management Facility,
US Dept. of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave SE,
West Building Ground Floor
Room W12-140
Washington DC 20590-0001
Or online at: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=090000648079cc2f
For more detailed information please go to: http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/gasecurity/submit.html
AND
Write to your Congressman and Senator.
Below is what I have written and sent to the TSA:
I represent over twelve hundred members of the Missouri Pilot’s Association, an organization of individuals, businesses, local airports, and aviation professionals.
On behalf of our membership I wish to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the Transportation Security Administration’s proposal to impose commercial air carrier security regulations upon General Aviation, regulations that we believe to be a “solution” to which no problem exists.
These are our comments and concerns:
• The proposed regulations would impose onerous and unnecessary costs upon a sector of aviation in the United States that in reality poses little or no threat to the Nation or its constituent States.
• The financial and manpower burden placed upon small airports that are quite capable of accommodating aircraft of up to even 30,000 pounds would be so expensive to aircraft and airport owners as to force the permanent closure of such airports. Such an outcome would cripple a major sector of the national transport system and destroy hundreds of businesses and place many thousands out of work. The resulting unemployment would place a huge strain upon State and Federal government agencies that assist the unemployed. Not clever in these perilous financial times – or ever.
• No small-unmanned municipal or private airport can afford the manpower or security equipment to police the proposed regulations, nor should they be required to do the job of the Federal Government. Certainly the proposal is not cost efficient related to any derived or perceived benefit. Although it would seem that only about 312 airports would be so regulated in the first instance does that mean that to comply all aircraft over the 12,500 pound limit MUST be based at and only land at these airports? The thought is both unworkable and preposterous.
• The arbitrary selection of 12,500 pounds will place a huge strain on business air travel in the private sector. Many popular aircraft used for business are above this weight limit yet are used solely for the purpose of carrying passengers known to the pilot, to those employed by the owner, or who are known guests of the owner/pilot. This poses un undue and unnecessary burden upon them.
• This weight limit also prevents popular “joy rides” at air shows that raise money for charities. Many of these rides are in classic/vintage aircraft. There is no practical way that such passengers could be screened during air show events. Many vintage aircraft are owned by charitable organizations that rely on funds so gained to keep history alive.
• Who will pay for the implementation of these costly and unnecessary regulations? Why should any member of our organization pay for such regulation over and above the taxes we already pay? Why should our members and other pilots and aircraft owners perform, or employ third party companies to perform without compensation that which is a function of Government?
• We seriously doubt that the proposed TSA ruling could withstand scrutiny as to its constitutionality. It is certainly in opposition to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13 (1) to which the United States is a signatory. That Article states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.” The curtailing of freedom of movement by the imposition of regulations such as proposed is a gross violation of that right.
• We demand an answer – why is general aviation being singled out when the reality is that aircraft such as targeted by the regulations in reality pose little or no threat to the security of the United States and certainly far less than that posed by the millions of foreign and domestic trucks that travel unhindered on our highways every day. Remember Timothy McVeigh?
• We believe that many of the proposals contained in the docket are unworkable at the majority of GA airports and place an undue burden on an undeserving sector of the economy. It is obvious to us the TSA has no understanding of the structure and workings of General Aviation as an important part of our economy. It is a sector that employs many thousands of people. Its very existence as a viable sector of the economy is such that it is highly vulnerable to the negative effects of ill-conceived regulations.
• We also wish to state our strong objection to the fact that no public hearings on this issue have been scheduled in the central Mid-west (Kansas City or St Louis) where we can voice our opposition in person.
• Are we concerned for the safety of our country and all its citizens? Of course we are. We believe that we can police ourselves as we have always done with sensible self-imposed programs such as the Airport Watch Program. We look forward to contributing to the effort to address any real general aviation security concerns in such a way as not to negatively impact small towns and communities, businesses, pilots and aircraft owners around the nation that rely on general aviation.
Jonathan Rimington
President, Missouri Pilot’s Association
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
USPA Spring Flyout
12-15 March 2009
Tyler, TX
Special USPA Theme: Aviation Career Day in Tyler at the Airport.
USPA in conjunction with the Tyler Historic Aviation Memorial Museum will host on a series of short presentations on various careers in aviation Saturday morning, 14 March. Topics will include how to become a pilot; aviation writing; flying for the airlines, corporations, military, and charters; teaching flying; aircraft maintenance; managing airports; working for the FAA; and how to get scholarships for college or vocational education. USPA members will do the presentations.
This presentation will be at the Aviation Museum at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport from 9:30 am to noon. From noon to 1:00 pm USPA members who so desire will have their airplanes parked on the museum ramp, open to the public. The purpose of this presentation and aircraft display is to introduce Tyler high school students and interested adults to the various career opportunities available in aviation and how to obtain information on ways to get the required education and training.
Tyler, TX, is a community of 90,000 people (www.tylertexas.com) about 85 miles southeast of Dallas. Incorporated in 1846, it was named after President Tyler who helped Texas become a state. The city has an international reputation for its rosebushes and floral gardens, which will start blooming when we are there. The temperatures will range from daytime highs of 70 to night time lows of 50. There are enough museums, old homes, gardens, and shopping attractions to satisfy the interests of all our members.
Airport and FBO: Johnson Aviation (www.100LL.com, type in TYR and then Johnson Aviation) at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR). Free tiedowns and discounted fuel. Avis and National rental cars are available. Open 7 days from 7am to 8pm. Phone: 903 593 4343. This airport is serviced by both American Eagle and Colgan Air (Continental). Transportation is also available to and from DFW and Love Field daily by Horizon Transportation (903 534 3688). For info on the airport go to www.acukwik.com/airportinfo/KTYR
.
Hotel: Marriott Residence Inn. $100/night, plus tax for a studio suite. Included are complimentary full hot breakfasts every morning. The hospitality suite and meeting will be here. Call 903 595 5188 for reservations. This hotel does not offer airport pickup.
Schedule: Thursday: FAA WINGS Safety Seminar from 7pm to 9pm at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (www.tylerhamm.org) on the airport. The museum will open at 6pm just for USPA members to tour the facilities before the seminar. This museum has 13 military aircraft on display, considerable exhibits and displays, a gift shop, and a library.
Friday: USPA board meeting (all members and guests welcome): 8:30 am to noon. Lunch will be on your own. At your leisure USPA has arranged for an afternoon and supper at the Tyler Caldwell Zoo (www.caldwellzoo.com). This is an 85 acre park of natural habitat of over 2000 animals and endangered species from North America, South America, and Africa. The zoo has two aquariums, a gift shop and concession. From 4:45 to 6:15 USPA members will be served supper (cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, chicken salad, drinks, and cookies) in a private room overlooking the zoo grounds. We must exit the zoo by 6:30 pm.
Saturday: USPA Aviation Career Day at the Museum in the morning. This will end for most of the USPA members around noon, and the rest of the day will be open for members to sightsee Tyler. The Saturday evening banquet with a guest speaker will be at the Potpourri Restaurant across the street from our hotel. The entre choices are country fried catfish or pepper burgundy steak, plus all the fixings.
Sunday: Depart for home.
REGISTRATION FORM
Name_______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
City ________________________________ State___________ Zip _____________
Phone __________________________________ Fax ________________________
Email _______________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION COST: Thur. evening at the Aviation Museum and the FAA Safety Seminar WINGS program, Fri. afternoon at the Zoo and supper at the Zoo, Sat. evening banquet, Hospitality suite, full hot buffet breakfast every morning, and USPA registration fee:
$80.00 per person X number of people_______= $__________.
Send Registration Form with check or form above to: United States Pilots Association, 483 S. Kirkwood Rd., Suite 10, St. Louis, MO 63122
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For more information contact Bob Worthington at 575 522 6785 or rworthin@zianet.com.
USPA President Steve Uslan will be attending the TSA Hearing in Houston, and he encourages everyone to attend one of the hearings if at all possible and to call these hearings to the attention of others.
Following is the information as sent to Steve:
Dear Steve,
Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed a new set of rules aimed at increasing the safety and security of our airways. As you well know, the general aviation community has been at the forefront of helping to develop regulations that will guard against the chance that a general aviation aircraft could be used for terrorist activity, including the Airport Watch Program, cross-checking of pilots against federal no-fly lists, and fingerprint-based background checks on all foreign-born citizens as a requisite for flight training. These are all examples of the GA community's leadership on security issues.
Unfortunately, these new proposed regulations would greatly harm general aviation and the many groups, businesses and communities that depend on it -- in fact, these rules would render impossible even the most basic of emergency maintenance and repairs.
Tell TSA: One Size Does Not Fit All
You can make a difference. As part of its rule-making process, TSA is holding community hearings to invite public comment and gather input on the new rules. If you reside near the cities of Chicago, Burbank, or Houston, we urge you to attend one of these hearings and voice your opposition to these ineffective and harmful regulations. The TSA's hearing schedule is listed below.
• Jan. 16, 2009: Chicago, IL (Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare, 5440 North River Road Rosemont, IL 60018)
• Jan. 23, 2009: Burbank, CA (Burbank Airport Marriott, 2500 North Hollywood Way Burbank, CA 91505)
• Jan. 28, 2009: Houston, TX (Hilton Houston Hotel, 12400 Greenspoint Drive Houston, TX 77060)
Please don't hesitate to call us at (202) 223-9523 for information on how to attend. You can also click here: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/tsnm/general_aviation/rules.shtm .
Thank you for your dedication to protecting general aviation.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
In case you didn’t see this article in AvFlash:
Privatization Plan For California Airport Faces Obstacles
Although a new commercial airport due to open soon in Branson, Mo., will be privately run, and hundreds of small GA airfields are operated by private owners, efforts to convert existing government-run airports in the U.S. to private management have met resistance. Since 1997, only six airport operators have applied to an FAA program to privatize airports, and five terminated or withdrew their requests, the Los Angeles Times reported this week. Only a plan to privatize Midway Airport, near Chicago, remains in play. Now, local officials in Long Beach, Calif., are discussing a plan to privatize their municipal airport, but the plan is controversial. "I don't see this as a very attractive target for a takeover by private companies," Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga told the Times. "The airport is close to residential areas, and there's a grandfathered noise ordinance that would be of concern ... I don't know how the airport will be profitable unless there is expansion." And expansion is problematic, since the field is surrounded by densely settled, affluent neighborhoods.
Privatization is common in Canada, Europe and Asia, the Times reports. More than 50 airports worldwide have privatized their operations, management or ownership since 1987.
Branson Airport is scheduled to open in May, with a single 7,140-foot runway and a control tower staffed by FAA contract personnel. The project cost $155 million and the owners expect 500,000 passengers per year, growing to 1.5 million within five years. The airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown Branson, a popular tourist destination.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Greetings! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. United States Department of Homeland Security announces additional measures to strengthen private aircraft security by requiring more detailed information about arriving and departing private aircraft and persons onboard, within a timeframe necessary for the department to assess the risks that certain flights may pose to national security, according to DHS. The Advance Information on Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States final rule expands on existing regulations and is part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen general aviation security.
“We’re placing considerable emphasis on raising security in the general aviation sector,” says Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “By getting basic electronic information in advance, like we do with commercial aircraft, we are able to substantially reduce vulnerability.”
The final rule will require pilots of private aircraft to send U.S. Customs and Border Protection electronic manifest data relative to all people traveling onboard. The final rule has been sent to the Federal Register for publication and is currently available at www.cbp.gov.
Secondly, the Transportation Security Administration was urged not to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to aircraft security by essentially transferring measures used for airline security to business aviation. The first of a series of public hearings into Large Aircraft Security Program being proposed by the TSA was held in White Plains, New York and National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen said that hundreds people packed the meeting room with a consistent message to properly tailor security measures to the special considerations of business aircraft. Bolen stressed business aviation isn’t trying to duck security measures and said General Aviation “takes a backseat to no one” in the implementation of effective programs, such as Airport Watch, which have been done at the initiative of the community and not at the bidding of the federal government.
Thirdly, Following is an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Aircraft and Airport Bills are as follows:
Missouri House of Representatives
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
There are no bills indexed by this subject.
Last Updated January 7, 2009 at 9:01 am
Notice: The First regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will convene Wednesday January 7, 2009.
NOTE: Your Web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all aviation bills.
Web site address for Illinois legislation: www.illinois.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all aviation bills.
All other states should follow this same format, to search your specific state’s aviation and airport bills.
Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for general aviation.
So let us not forget to exercise our rights and privileges, so we can continue to make a “Difference for General Aviation”.
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
SAFE FLYING!
Larry G. Harmon
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
United States Pilots Association
USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com