Volume 9, Number 47b November 20, 2003

Email this AVflash to a friend

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

STOP THE NOISE
A long-simmering feud over aerobatic flying near busy Hanscom Field, just outside Boston, Mass., has reached a new level, as a group of local residents is pressing a million-dollar lawsuit against several pilots based at the airport, alleging that they are creating a noise nuisance. One of the pilots named in the suit, Steve Pennypacker, told AVweb yesterday that he and his partners are planning to sell their airplane, as a direct result of the pressure. "Flying is just a hobby for me," he said, "but my concern is that this can be used against other pilots. It's a sign that intimidation has won out over rational discussion." More...

...MAY SET NATIONAL PRECEDENT...
Mike Goulian, a national aerobatic champion and president of Executive Flyers Aviation, is also named in the suit, and faces tough choices. "It's going to cost us at least $20,000 to $50,000 to fight this," he told AVweb yesterday. "That's a big expense. The worrisome part -- besides the money, and my future and my living -- is the precedent this can set for others nationwide." Goulian said that pilots had been to meetings with neighbors to try to find equitable solutions to their concerns. "We thought we had some good ideas, and had been making progress," he said. The lawsuit came as a surprise. He has no choice, he said, other than "to just keep fighting it." More...

...AS PILOTS SEARCH FOR LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
This latest conflict at Hanscom, pilot Peter Schmidt told AVweb yesterday, "has been a real wake-up call that it's time for the aviation community to do something proactive." Schmidt, who flies a Pitts, has formed the American Free Skies Association to seek long-term solutions to such conflicts by building bridges between pilots and the people affected by the airport. Education can make a difference, he says. "Some of the people who are bothered find the noise irritating because it scares them," he said. "They hear changes in the engine noise and think the plane is going to crash. Once they learn that what they are hearing is normal flight training procedures, some of that can be allayed." Pilots need to be educated as well, he said. More...

FAA'S EXTREME MAKEOVER
On Tuesday, the FAA announced a major overhaul of its organizational structure, with the aim of making the agency leaner and more efficient. The new Air Traffic Organization (ATO) business structure will consolidate the FAA's air traffic services, research and acquisitions, and Free Flight Program activities, and focus on providing the best service for the best value to the aviation industry and the traveling public. "Today is the first phase of creating a true, performance-based air traffic organization," said Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. The ATO was developed under the guidance of Russell Chew, a former American Airlines captain and executive who now serves as the FAA's first chief operating officer. More...

...WITH WHAT EFFECT ON GA SERVICES?...
It's too early to say what the ultimate impact of these changes will be on the GA pilot, FAA spokesman William Shumann told AVweb yesterday. But initially, "pilots won't see any difference," he said. "They will still be talking to the same people at air traffic control and at the Flight Service Stations." Any changes that occur would be gradual, he said, and won't begin until the initial in-depth analyses of the organization have been completed. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey said in Tuesday's news release, "The ATO will bring about lasting change in how we manage our air traffic services, systems and resources." But those changes "will be invisible to the flying public," said Shumann. More...

...AND MEETS MIXED REACTION FROM ALPHABETS
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association applauded the new structure and staffing. "The FAA has put together an outstanding leadership team and we look forward to working with them as they move towards achieving their goals," said GAMA President Ed Bolen. National Air Traffic Controllers Association President John Carr was even more enthused, calling the initiative "bold and smart" and COO Chew "innovative and thoughtful." AOPA President Phil Boyer was a bit more circumspect. "AOPA will be paying close attention to the ATO," said Boyer. "We want to make sure GA continues to have access to the system, that the FAA continues its long-range work to develop new approaches where none currently exist, and that funding for the new organization does not become user-fee-based." More...

NTSB BLAMES CREW IN WELLSTONE CRASH, SEEKS STRICTER CHARTER OVERSIGHT
The flight crew was to blame in the crash last year of a Raytheon (Beechcraft) King Air 100 carrying Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone and seven others, the NTSB said Tuesday. Neither icing nor crew fatigue were factors, according to the board's findings. The flight crew failed to maintain adequate airspeed on approach, stalled, and did not recover. "This tragic accident ... points out the need for more aggressive action to improve safety in the on-demand charter industry," said NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman. The crew members, according to the report, both had shown below-average flight proficiency, and the charter operator had not trained them properly. The King Air, operated by Aviation Charter Inc., was on a flight from St. Paul to Eveleth, Minn., when it crashed on approach to the Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport on Oct. 25, 2002. More...

FAA BILL, THE MONEY, THE PROGRAMS, THE JOBS...
In the Senate on Monday, Republican leaders tried to force a vote on the stalled FAA reauthorization bill, but failed to garner enough support, as their motion failed 45-43. Democrats, much to the satisfaction of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), are standing fast for guarantees that would restrict privatization of more control towers. NATCA President John Carr called upon President Bush to work with Congress to break the deadlock. "The administration ... has undermined the will of the Congress and held up the FAA Reauthorization bill -- jeopardizing tens of thousands of jobs and critical air safety functions," Carr said in a statement Monday night. More...

SECURITY MEASURES FOR GA AIRPORTS
On Monday, the General Aviation Airport Security Working Group released its final report on GA security to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The goal of the Working Group, made up of representatives from GA alphabet groups such as GAMA, AOPA, EAA, NATA, NBAA, and more, was to develop guidelines for security at the nation's GA airports. The group recommended that pilot certificates should include photos, specific threats should be better disseminated, the TSA should reward airports for terrorism-related convictions, and federal funds should be allotted to build more hangars. Overall, the report concluded that GA airports are so diverse, the best approach is to proceed case by case, but outlined general practices that can be followed. More...

CRM WELL BEYOND THE COCKPIT
Crew resource management may be old news to pilots, but the concept is now making waves in other industries where communication among workers can mean the difference between safety and disaster, The (U.K.) Herald reported Monday. Techniques that pilots use to help avoid accidents are being adapted to reduce the risk of mistakes in hospital operating theaters, nuclear plants, fire departments, and prisons, where teamwork is critical. A CRM research center in Scotland has been working to adapt aviators' methods to the medical professions. "The skills are about recognizing the potential for human error, knowing your own limitations, and the effects of fatigue and stress on your performance," Dr. Nikki Maran told The Herald. More...

GA MEETS COMMUNIST CHINA
In Shanghai this week, businessman Li Linhai expects to take delivery of his brand-new Robinson R-44 helicopter, the first light aircraft bought for private use on the Chinese mainland. Li will fly his helicopter for business trips and family visits, he told the China Daily. Despite the high cost of flight training, about $241 per hour, demand is growing, and another businessman has already placed an order for the first private light airplane. China aviation authorities are mapping out regulations on the application for the purchase of planes and for takeoff procedures, according to China Daily, and the market for light planes in China is projected at 10,000 in the next 10 years. More...

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON CREDITED WITH FIRST LOWER-48 RESCUE
A Cleveland man who got snowed in while camping in the Adirondack Mountains in New York last week was rescued by a UH-1 Huey helicopter thanks to the help of his personal locator beacon (PLB). The rescue marks the first such use of a PLB in the contiguous United States. About 10 a.m. on Nov. 14, Carl Skalak, 55, was faced with frigid weather, four-foot snow drifts and a frozen river that he had paddled in on. He activated his beacon, and after being routed through various agencies, the helicopter was dispatched to his coordinates with a medical team. "I am profoundly thankful for all those who were willing to put themselves in harm's way on my behalf," said Skalak. "Many terrific people worked together to make this mission a success." The system worked just as it was supposed to, said NOAA officials. More...

ON THE FLY...
The Thunderbirds celebrated their golden anniversary in style...
Two pilots died in midair of C-180 and PA 28-181 in R.I. on Sunday...
Fifth runway at Boston's Logan Airport got the go-ahead Tuesday...
The TSA this week issued security directives for air cargo...
An Osprey V-22 is in Nova Scotia to test de-ice and anti-ice systems...
Congress members protested beer logos on NASM airplane exhibit. More...

NEW ARTICLES AND FEATURES ON AVWEB
SPECIAL EVENTS
Learning To Fly Again For The First Time
Building a painstakingly accurate reproduction of a 100-year-old airplane is one thing -- figuring out how to fly it, and not get killed in the process, is quite another. That's the challenge faced by The Wright Experience team as they prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of flight on December 17 at Kill Devil Hills. More...

BUSINESS AVFLASH
&lid=bizav">HAVE YOU SIGNED UP yet for AVweb’s NO-COST twice monthly Business AVflash? Reporting on breaking news, Business AVflash also focuses on the companies, the products and the industry leaders that make headlines in the Business of Aviation. Business AVflash is a must read! Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/ More...

AVWEB'S PICTURE OF THE WEEK...
We received over 100 pictures last week. Congratulations to this week's winner, Vess Velikov, of San Jose, Calif. His photo captures the unique beauty a shiny the Pacific Coast Air Museum’s P-51D displays. This picture was taken at Wings Over Wine Country Airshow. Great picture, Vess! 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 More...

AVWEB'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK...
We received over 300 responses to our question last week on flying personal jet aircraft. About 14 percent of those responding felt those pilots transitioning to these aircraft should have previous turbine experience, at least 1,000 hours flight time and a Commercial certificate. About 31 percent felt some of these skills sets were necessary, while 27 percent felt none were applicable.

To check out the complete results or respond to this week's question, go to http://www.avweb.com/qotw
This week, we would like to know your thoughts on joining aviation organizations. More...

______________
SHOPPING DEALS

FAA APPROVES AVEMCO-KING PRACTICAL RISK MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR WINGS PROGRAM Plus, most pilots will be eligible to receive the full 10% Avemco Safety Rewards premium credit through participation in the Wings program. Since the start of the Avemco Safety Rewards Program there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of risk management training for all pilots. Avemco is the leading pleasure and business general aviation insurer in the U.S. For more information on this program and the advantages of buying direct by call 888-241-7891, or go online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avemco

CESSNA EXPERTS ARE INCLUDED WITH A CESSNA PILOTS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP Along with terrific hands-on seminars, an online e-newsletter and a print publication directed exclusively to Cessna pilots and owners. Any Cessna pilot and/or owner would appreciate a CPA membership at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/cpa

ATTENTION PILOTS! THE BEST VALUE IN FULL-MOTION SIMULATOR TRAINING IS HERE! Flight Level Aviation has a 10-day IFR rating program, MULTI-engine recurrent training, SINGLE-engine recurrent training, AIRLINE simulator prep instruction, and PINCH HITTER training. Flight Level Aviation's instruction is customized in one-or two-person classes. There are no pre-set syllabus or audiotapes. Your individual needs are met with training in the FULL-MOTION simulator, ground school and in flight. SPECIAL AVWEB OFFER: Mention this AVflash to save $25 when two pilots sign up for simulator training as a pair. Complete details at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/flav

YOU WORKED HARD FOR THAT IFR TICKET. NOW PROTECT IT! Subscribe to IFR Refresher, the monthly magazine dedicated to keeping IFR-rated pilots ready for anything! IFR Refresher polishes your proficiency, challenges your knowledge, briefs you on changing regs, and keeps your decision-making skills sharp. Order for guaranteed savings for as long as you subscribe at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/ifrref

SUMMIT AVIATION'S COMPUTERIZED AVIATION REFERENCE LIBRARY KEEPS TRACK FARs can change on any government working day. Many handbooks and advisory circulars are updated at predetermined intervals, others are updated irregularly; and others are rarely changed. Summit Aviation keeps track of all of this for you with the Computerized Aviation Reference Library. The Library is a collection of hundreds of FAA publications and other vital information on a single CD-ROM that organizes, formats and makes information accessible! Updates are available from twice a year to every two weeks. YEAR-END SPECIAL: Save 25% off any subscription through December 31, 2003 at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/summit

TAKE ANY VEHICLE FOR A SPIN WITH THE CARPROP! The Carprop is a free spinning propeller mounted on the front of a vehicle indicating the driver's enthusiasm for flying. As the vehicle moves the propeller spins. The Carprop's design feature allows the propeller to park in a horizontal position when the vehicle stops and doesn't interfere with the license plate numbers. For the pilot who has everything this is the perfect gift! Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/carprop

SATISFACTION IS 100% GUARANTEED AT SKYGUY Skyguy brings you exceptional value on Feather Lite stereo headsets and genuine leather flight bags with the best in customer service. With Skyguy's incredible prices you can order as gifts AND for yourself! Go online and order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/skyguy

AVIATION JEWELRY - THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH A 10% DISCOUNT On all Port-to-Port Aviation Jewelry. Plus, a flat $6.00 shipping charge for any order amount Costume, sterling silver and 14k gold aviation jewelry from Port-to-Port will add sparkle and shine to your gift giving. Order and save at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/port

"2012 AIRBORNE PROPHESY", THE FUTURE BASED ON MIND-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY This suspense novel will keep you on the edge of your comfortable recliner! Oil reserves dwindle, world politics unbalance, the earth is in a state of astronomically-based changes and war is waged. Get lots of Hawker 800 right seat "time" with corporate pilot Kate as she becomes intertwined in a global takeover plot...with a few romantic moments along the way. http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/safegoods

YOUR ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR ALL THINGS AVIATION IS AVWEB'S SHOPPING PAGE Our sponsors offer great products and services at fantastic prices. Shop here, or print out a copy and leave in a conspicuous place with those things marked you want! From airplanes to Zulu time watches, find it all on AVweb at http://www.avweb.com/shopping

______________
SPONSOR NEWS

AVIATION SAFETY'S DECEMBER ISSUE FEATURES: "When Training FITS"; "Square Patterns"; "Blow Through Snow"; "Primed for Start"; "V is for Variable"; plus accident reports, maintenance issues and real-life learning experiences, all in the November issue of Aviation Safety. Order your subscription at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/avsafe

NTSB REPORTER BRINGS YOU THE FACTS! Why would a pilot who had lost an engine and was about to be going down tell ATC that everything was fine and dandy? Could he have been worried about possible paperwork and an FAA investigation which might follow? While we'll never know what was going through his mind, you'll be fascinated to see the transcript of communications between the pilot and Air Traffic Control. It's in the November issue of NTSB Reporter. Order a subscription for yourself or as that perfect Holiday gift at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ntsbrepo

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?

AVflash is now available in optional easier-to-read graphic format, which includes some photos and illustrations. If you prefer, you can continue to receive AVflash in text-only format. Simply follow these instructions and AVflash will continue to arrive as it always has, in text format.