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United States Pilots Association |
AOPA is always working for the benefit of General Aviation. I seem to recall that then-candidate Obama stated in AOPA's magazine prior to the election in November of 2008 that he was against user fees in any form. We are all aware that John McCain was an advocate of user fees. Perhaps many who read the Obama column may have voted for him in the mistaken belief that he really cared about non-airline flying. My conclusion is this. There is no basic difference between one party or the other. They both say one thing and do the other. Remember, "Read My Lips," etc. The only way we will defeat this once and for all is to lobby our elected officials continuously until we get their attention. I for one am tired of being asked to subsidize one group (the airlines) while they get a free ticket to the bankruptcy court.
I say again, this issue is no different than negotiating with Chavez, Assad, and the Taliban. You do not negotiate with bullies. Instead, you make your case in the media and get the public's attention. When the charity flying ceases because of increased costs, and we begin parking our airplanes, then and only then will Congress take notice that the remedy was far worse than the illness. We need to take the gloves off and once and for all defeat this issue. Stop thinking that being nice will work. It will not.
Our current administration in Washington wants to make all of us equal. Never mind that this radical form of socialism has never worked. If you want to see what the inevitable results of user fees will be, just look at the European Union. A cross country flight of 500 miles could easily cost you over $300.00 in fees alone.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
USPA Member Jim Carney of Germantown, TN, and his wife Janine fly adopted pets to their new homes from an area animal shelter. Here we see their latest lucky friend on his way to a loving home in Pennsylvania. Says Jim, “Rambo, on his way to his new home in PA. What a great passenger, wish humans were that good.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
At its annual meeting in Branson, MO, May 8, the United States Pilots Association presented USPA President Steve Uslan an award of recognition and appreciation for his efforts and support of the general aviation organization. President since 2004, Uslan has worked tirelessly for the promotion, safety, and affordability of GA in the United States. He is a successful insurance agent in Odessa, TX.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
USPA VP Bruce Hulley was recognized for his work with aviation safety and education in behalf of the organization during the meeting in Branson, MO, May 8. A long time member, officer, and supporter of USPA, Bruce is an aviation instructor and owns and operates a flight school in Colorado. His work in general aviation nationally and internationally have played an important role for many years.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
Saturday, 5/16, the third annual fly in breakfast at Odessa-Schlemeyer Field (KODO) takes place. Homemade breakfast, parachute jumpers, classic car displays, flour bombing and spot landing contests and much, much more. Sponsored by the Ector County Airport Association.
For more information contact Steve Uslan, 432-556-0120. Fuel discounts apply.
Steve Uslan, President
USPA
USPA has obtained a copy of the "Aviation Security Directive" #SD 1542-04-08F as modified effective 12/10/08. This piece of trash speaks volumes about what can happen when a government agency seeks powers not intended to be granted when they were formed.
First, let’s understand the problem. TSA says the threat to U.S. Civil Aviation remains significant. "Current credible intelligence indicates plans to develop attacks against targets in the United States, including airports and civil aviation." I believe that these so called unidentified credible intelligence reports come from the minds of TSA personnel. Think about it. Why would a terrorist organization take the time and trouble to attack a GA airport that generates forty or less movements a day? Badging fuelers, pilots, and other workers is not the answer. Is your name on a do not fly list accessible to the airlines? If so, no badge. Did you get arrested 10 years ago for disorderly conduct while demonstrating against some issue? No badge.
There are those that believe anything that comes out of HSA, TSA, Customs, DEA, etc. We, who question these edicts, are labeled as unsympathetic to the security of the country. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The purpose of this security directive is to give TSA/HSA complete control over GA airports and facilities, passing the cost of such security onto the users of these facilities. In addition, we have to absorb new employees whose only job is to create business security programs and implement them on these airports. Simply stated, this is taxation without representation. It is also user fees by another name.
When you are awarded a Private Pilot License, your name becomes included in a federal data base. I am sure there are no murderers, kidnappers, terrorists, or sexual predators given licenses. How do I know? It is common knowledge that the FAA cross checks names with state driving records. Got a DUI last year? If not declared on your medical renewal, you can and will be revoked. How many levels of security are enough?
Finally, Congress has woken up to these shenanigans and is attempting to put the reins on these "Emergency Directives.” It remains to be seen whether they will be successful. Contact your Congress person and Senators. Tell them that enough regulation is enough. Frankly, I cannot see Al Qaeda taking aim on Pecos, Texas, or Duncan, Oklahoma. Can you?
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Saturday morning at 0930am USPA and several other sponsors held an FAA sanctioned FAAST Team Safety Meeting at Odessa-Schlemeyer Field (KODO) in Odessa, TX. The meeting was organized and run by Steve Uslan, President of USPA, with audio visual assistance from John Boatright, Regional Safety Manager for The FAAST team from Lubbock, TX.
Eighty-two people attend who signed in and about 20 arrived late and had to stand. Our guest speaker was Michael Harvey, Tower Chief for Midland, who spoke of the FAA ATC mandated traffic restrictions now in effect at MAF. Essentially, due to controller errors and pilot deviations, no simultaneous approaches to different runways will be permitted, and no low approaches are being allowed. This nonsense has resulted in DEs giving Instrument check rides having to go to either Hobbs, NM, or San Angelo, TX, to complete the ride. Imagine the increase in fuel costs to go two hundred miles out of the way to get your rating. Then factor in the ride in a Baron or even a King Air. Suffice it to say this little darling will be coming to an airport near you in the future. It is just another small removal of our privileges; this in the name of safety.
I have said before, that when you have an underutilized airport with six or eight runways, and you close all but one to pilot access, you may increase safety slightly (very slightly). However, it is probably even safer to close all the runways all the time. Then no operational errors can occur. A very heated discussion between several of the local DEs and CFIIs ensued with a great amount of give and take on both sides. Folks, you are not going to be happy if this comes to your airport.
On the plus side, a one hour discussion took place on runway safety utilizing the FAA video, "Was that call for us?" Numerous donated door prizes were awarded. I have to say this is one of the best safety meetings I have ever attended, with plenty of audience participation involved. USPA is the first organization to bring this new program to the attention of local pilots.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association