The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded, Illustrated News Coverage At AVweb's NewsWire.

GA SECURITY IN PRACTICE -- FUEL STARVATION...
A pilot who said he ran out of fuel while circling outside the Washington, D.C., ADIZ, waiting for ATC to find his flight plan and clear him to enter, crashed four miles short of the runway on Sunday. The pilot and his two passengers suffered minor injuries. The Cessna 172 went down near Baltimore's Martin State Airport shortly after noon, according to the FAA Preliminary Report (scroll for Record 10). "The controller told me they couldn't find me in the system," pilot Dale Roger told the Baltimore Sun, and he kept circling for about an hour, waiting for an OK to enter the ADIZ so he could land at Martin Airport. More...

...FUELING FEARS ABOUT SECURITY-INDUCED DANGERS...
"Fuel management is the pilot's responsibility," AOPA President Phil Boyer said in a news release on Monday. "But having said that, AOPA has repeatedly warned FAA and the Transportation Security Administration that the operational gridlock caused by the ADIZ procedures would result in an accident, and now it appears that this has happened." AOPA said it will file a Freedom of Information Act request for the ATC and FSS audiotapes. AOPA had asked the FAA and TSA to establish ingress and egress routes for the ADIZ, but on June 9, that request was denied. "This response is not acceptable," said Boyer. "As the accident clearly demonstrates, there is a serious safety-of-flight issue that is being ignored." More...

...AS RESTRICTIONS AFFECT AIRSPACE WORLDWIDE
The D.C. airspace is far from being the only victim of security restrictions. In Florida, the World Aerobatics Championships (WAC) underway in Lakeland ran up against a 30-nm TFR that sprung up Monday night during a campaign visit to Tampa by President Bush. By working with the FAA and the Secret Service, and with help from EAA, the WAC was able to obtain a waiver so the competition could continue without interruption. In Europe last week, French fighter jets almost shot down a civilian helicopter that wandered over Lake Geneva, after a Swiss controller jokingly labeled the helicopter as "al-Qaeda" on his radar screen. More...

REPORT BLASTS FAA ON COST OVERRUNS, PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS...
The FAA is years behind schedule on many of its projects, while costs increase at rates that are not sustainable or affordable, the Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General concluded in a report issued last week. "Overall, the 20 projects we reviewed have experienced cost growth of about $4.3 billion and schedule slips from one to seven years," according to the report. "Moreover, FAA is just starting complex, billion-dollar efforts ... If FAA does not exercise more management control over its acquisitions, existing projects will be further delayed, and new projects may not start as planned." More...

...FOR STARS, WAAS, DATALINK, AND MORE...
Among the projects critiqued in the report are satellite navigation systems, weather systems for controllers, and new technologies to prevent accidents on runways and taxiways. For example, STARS, the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, is seven years behind schedule, and its estimated cost has ballooned by 80 percent, from $940 million to $1.7 billion. The estimated cost for implementing WAAS, the GPS-based Wide Area Augmentation System, has gone up a whopping 227 percent, from under a billion to almost $3 billion, and it's five years behind schedule. More...

...AND OIG SUGGESTS FIXES
The report found that since most of the projects reviewed do not have reliable cost, schedule, or performance baselines, the "FAA cannot effectively plan, manage programs, or meet expectations for improving the safety, security, and capacity of the National Airspace System." The agency must take steps to control costs, maximize the impact of each dollar spent, and develop methods to hold managers and contractors accountable for meeting performance goals, the report said. The OIG performed its review from December 2002 through May 2003. The report also recommended that the FAA update the cost, schedule, and performance baselines for many of its major acquisitions, including STARS, ITWS, LAAS, and WAAS at a minimum. More...

PALM-SIZE EMERGENCY BEACONS MAKE NATIONWIDE DEBUT
On Tuesday, personal locator beacons (PLBs), which have been in use in Alaska since 1994, became available to pilots in the lower 48 (see AVweb's review). The small, easily portable beacons, which use satellite signals to pinpoint location, have been credited with saving hundreds of lives in Alaska. Boy Scouts in Waterbury, Vt., carried out the official test of the technology on Tuesday, and were quickly located in the woods by rescue crews. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says lower-end units are available for $300 to $500, but a quick Internet search this week found many prices from $599 to $1,200. Prices are expected to come down as demand and production increase. Users of PLBs must register them with the NOAA. More...

AIRBUS AND BOEING, LOOK OUT: THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING
The 300-plus private and state-owned companies that comprise Russia's struggling civilian aircraft industry must merge into a single entity that can compete with Boeing and Airbus, Vice-Premier Boris Alyoshin said last week in Moscow. The industry will draw up a plan this year to detail how it will achieve that goal, Alyoshin told the Associated Press. Alyoshin also said the Tupolev and Ilyushin companies are already working on a merger, and MiG and Sukhoi will be privatized next year, according to Pravda. Last year, Russia produced only seven civilian aircraft, while Boeing built over 300. More...

WWI FIGHTER REPLICA TO BE SOLD ON EBAY
Back in 1999, 13 Oregon pilots came up with a plan to build 14 identical replicas of the Nieuport 11, working together as a team. This summer, the whole fleet is finished, and the extra airplane will be auctioned off on eBay sometime in August. The proceeds will be donated to the EAA Willamette Valley Chapter 292 building fund. The Nieuport to be sold will be on display before the auction at the Northwest EAA Fly-In, July 9-13 in Arlington, Wash., and at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., July 29 - August 4. For those not in on the bidding, you can get a taste of WWI aircraft aloft every weekend in New York at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome -- and now there's a free ground shuttle for pilots who fly into the nearby Kingston-Ulster Airport (20N). More...

ANTI-AIRPORT GROUPS UNITE IN U.K.
British groups representing more than 4 million people joined on Monday to take a stand against airport expansion, the Guardian reported this week. About 20 groups concerned with conservation and heritage, or that target specific airports such as Gatwick and Heathrow, issued a joint statement that said any further airport developments would seriously damage the economy and the environment. The statement opposes any expansion at any of the sites, arguing that the government has failed to make a case that more air service is necessary. If the cost of air tickets wasn't kept artificially low by government subsidies, growth in air traffic would be contained, they said, according to the Guardian. More...

AD WATCH: REPLACEMENT OK'D FOR HARTZELL PROPELLERS
The FAA last week issued a Final Rule regarding certain Hartzell propellers with aluminum blades, revising an existing Airworthiness Directive. Affected aircraft include models from Cessna, Piper, Beech and others (check the list). The new rule permits the replacement of affected propellers with Hartzell model "MV" series propellers as an alternative to the initial and repetitive inspections of the affected props. The change was prompted by type certification approval of the MV series propellers that are direct replacements for the affected propellers, and Service Bulletin approval to allow modification of affected propellers to the MV type design configuration. The revised AD is effective July 31. More...

"HONEY, WE HAVE A PROBLEM..."
Mary Ann Stout, of Ormond Beach, Fla., got an unusual phone call last Wednesday morning from her husband, Larry, who was out flying his Experimental biplane, a Marquart MA-5 Charger. He was all right, he told her, but the airplane had crashed into a tree and he was stuck. Mary Ann called 9-1-1 and guided rescuers to the downed airplane, in a wooded area near the Volusia County line, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Larry was taken to the hospital shortly afterward, with minor injuries, but injury to the Charger, according to the FAA's preliminary report, was substantial. More...

ON THE FLY...
A New Jersey bill that would have required pilot background checks died this week...
Stephen Finger took over on Tuesday as president of Sikorsky Aircraft...
Three Reno unlimited racers will fly at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh later this month...
The World Aerobatic Championships continue this week in Lakeland, finishing tomorrow....
Chip Erwin, flying a Zenair Zodiac CH 601 XL, won the Schneider Cup 2003 seaplane race. More...

AVWEB'S PICTURE OF THE WEEK...

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS ***

We received over 100 pictures last week. Congratulations to this week's winner, Stanley D. Lindholm, of Westlake, OH. His photo, titled "Liftoff!" captures one of the most exhilarating moments in flight: takeoff! This sharp picture was taken on June 15 at the Father's Day Fly In, Beach City, OH. Nice picture, Stanley! Your AVweb hat is on the way.

To check out the winning picture, or to enter next week's contest, go to http://www.avweb.com/potw.

**Due to privacy issues, AVweb does not publish e-mail addresses of readers who submit photos. More...

AVWEB'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK...

We received over 700 responses to our question last week on cellphone use in airplanes. Approaching half (44 percent) of those responding felt there might be some risk of interference when using cellphones in the air but were not totally sure of that fact. About 28 percent don't see a problem with their use and have done so on GA and airline aircraft alike. Only 8 percent felt using cellphones in the air compromises everyone's safety.

To check out the complete results, go to http://www.avweb.com/qotw.

This week, we would like to know your thoughts on using anti-depressants before flight. Please go to http://www.avweb.com/qotw to respond.

Have an idea for a new QOTW? Send your suggestions to qotw@avweb.com. Note, this address is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers. More...

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AVweb's AVscoop Award...

Congratulations and an AVweb hat go out to Matt Seabright, this week's AVscoop winner. Submit news tips via email to newstips@avweb.com. Rules and information are at http://www.avweb.com/contact/newstips.html.

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New Articles and Features on AVweb

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AIRVENTURE 2003 OSHKOSH
AVweb's AirVenture 2003 Survival Guide -- Part One
AVweb presents an insider's guide to the hows, whys and wheres of EAA's AirVenture 2003 at Oshkosh. AVweb columnist Rick Durden provides you the benefit of his years of OSH experience with tips you won't find anywhere else. This first part of a two-part series covers how to prepare for your pilgrimage to Aviation Mecca, what to bring, where to stay, when to go and what you need to know before you get there.

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MAINTENANCE MATTERS
Prop Strike!br> When it happens, it is loud, scary and embarrassing. But prop strikes can range from minor to life-threatening, and your health and pocketbook depend on determining how much inspection and repair is needed.

Sponsor News and Special Offers Remember, we are able to provide FREE access to AVweb+AVflash thanks to our fine sponsors so please try to patronize them whenever you can.

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SHOPPING DEALS

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SPONSOR NEWS

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SMITHSONIAN'S AIR & SPACE MAGAZINE IS A HISTORICAL KEEPER! August/September issue highlights: The Hmong Air Force, trained by the CIA they fought like tigers to protect their homeland; Hong Kong's Kai-Tak airport has closed, can the flying club keep the legends alive?; Space Garden; State Secret: The Trade War; Of Tri-motors and Travel Airs; and much more to peak your interest and increase your knowledge. Order subscription online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/smithson

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WHILE AT AIRVENTURE SUPPORT THOSE WHO BRING YOU FREE AVFLASHES! Stop by and tell AVweb sponsors how much you appreciate their support of your FREE issues of AVflash twice every week. For a list you can print out and take with you go to http://www.avweb.com/shopping/sponsors.html

AVflash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest aviation news, articles, products, features and events featured on AVweb, the Internet's Aviation Magazine and News Service. http://www.avweb.com

Letters to the editor intended for publication in AVmail should be sent to mailto:editor@avweb.com.com. Have a comment or question? Send it to mailto:newsteam@avweb.com.

Today's issue written by News Writer Mary Grady:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#mgrady
AVweb's editorial team: http://avweb.com/contact/authors.html.

Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team: mailto:sales@avweb.com.

Let's all be careful out there, okay?

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