Volume 10, Number 21b -- May 20, 2004

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

TSA RELEASES GA SECURITY GUIDE
After many months of meetings, the Transportation Security Administration has released a set of general aviation airport "security enhancements." This document had the potential of being extremely onerous for GA and all who dwell therein ... but almost surprisingly, it isn’t. "This is not one-size-fits-all," General Aviation Manufacturers Association VP of Government Affairs Brian Riley tells AVweb. "No one set of rules would fit all 5,000 public-use airports, nothing would be broad enough. [The] TSA is allowing airport operators to determine what would be best at their particular facility." What the "Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports" does is give airport managers information about what other airports similar in size and proximity to population centers are doing, and how they can do it, too. More...

...ARE WE THERE YET?...
How exactly do you know what your local GA airport should be doing? Obviously, those busy paved aerodromes near larger cities and potential targets are expected to do more than grass strips surrounded by pastures and farmland. The 48-page document includes a type of scoring system to determine what sort of security your facility should have and offers a number of suggestions. The suggestions range from keeping an eye on aircraft renters to establishing an on-airport "community watch" program. An amazingly reasonable sentence warns airports that "Expending resources on an unnecessary security enhancement (e.g. complete perimeter fencing, and access controls) instead of a more facility specific, reasonable, and more effective method (e.g. tiedown chains with locks) may actually be detrimental to an airport’s overall security posture." More...

...MEANWHILE, GA'S THREAT LEVEL DIMINISHES
Based on what we're seeing on the local evening news during this May ratings sweep, general aviation aircraft and airports are an increasing danger to life, liberty and the pursuit of terrorists. Thankfully, compelling promos and artfully edited sound bites haven't convinced the TSA that a total GA lockdown is needed. Look at page 10 in the just-released TSA security guidelines and you will see this: "[The] TSA has not taken a position that GA airports and aircraft are a threat, in and of themselves." More...

GENERAL AVIATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND FIGHTS BACK
GA pilots and airplane owners may have gotten a break from the TSA, but there is still danger afoot, warns Steve Cunningham of the General Aviation Legal Defense Fund (GALDF). The GALDF was formed in response to the Massachusetts group Stop the Noise, which has been busy suing pilots who have the audacity to fly over their homes. "I have never seen this in America, never," Cunningham tells AVweb. "We [the GALDF] want to go on the offensive ... we intend to try these people [Stop the Noise] in the court of public opinion." The fund hopes to raise $100,000 to help pay legal expenses for those pilots entangled in the Stop the Noise lawsuit, and spread the word that airplane liberties are just the first rights that may be lost if the lawsuit succeeds. The landowner-filed court action claims that legal GA flights over homes, towns and property are a "nuisance." Landowners are also demanding to be compensated for their alleged inability to use their property. More...

...YOUR HELP IS NEEDED, TOO
Cunningham and crew have set up a Web site and are encouraging that donations be made, because any pilot could be targeted next, and he or she will need your help. Though the case could be tossed out of the courtroom in Massachusetts, this type of thing will probably not end there. Cunningham tells AVweb that people from Wisconsin, California and other states have come to meet with the Stop the Noise group. He is urging even those who have never flown in a small airplane or considered flying lessons to take notice. "ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, they're all at risk if this lawsuit sets a precedent," he says. More...

ADAM AIRCRAFT TALKS TEXAS
currently based in Pueblo and Centennial, Colo, is looking to head south with its A700 Adam Jet, according to the Dallas (Texas) Business Journal. Centennial Airport manager Robert Olislagers confirms to AVweb that Adam is looking, and has been for some number of months. Olislagers says Colorado has precious few economic development dollars to dole out and that has hamstrung his efforts to secure the A700 final assembly facility at Centennial Airport. Olislagers is high on the company and the A700 personal jet. "I think whoever comes out of the gate first with a microjet will make a significant impact. It is something we desperately wanted to keep here, but we had nothing to offer." More...

DENVER CONCERNED WITH DEN GROWTH
As Olislagers bemoans his lack of economic incentives in Arapaho County, there is debate in Denver as to whether the state is competitive in developing an aviation industry. However, the concern seems centered on Denver International Airport (DEN) and airline expansion. The study finds that new commercial aircraft and airplane parts that go on commercial aircraft should be exempt from Denver's 3.5% sales and use tax. The study also finds that more study is needed. Airlines that purchase planes for delivery to Denver regularly get socked, as do those paying for maintenance and repairs. More...

FAA AGREES TO HELP WITH TANKERS
It took no less than the U.S. Congress to get the FAA, NTSB and Forest Service in a room together to come up with a plan that might get at least a portion of the country's grounded fire-tanker fleet back in the air. Last week, the Forest Service grounded 33 tankers after the NTSB raised serious concerns about their airworthiness. But once they were grounded, there they sat. The NTSB can't inspect and certify planes, and the FAA doesn't have jurisdiction over the firefighting birds. A request from concerned congresspersons compelled the FAA this week to agree to help the Forest Service come up with an inspection system of its own. FAA spokesman Les Dorr wouldn't speculate on whether the effort would put any airplanes back in the air in time for the wildfire season. More...

AIRPORT STATUS DELIVERED TO YOUR BLACKBERRY
In the race to make all things technology-accessible, your Friendly Aviation Administration has launched a program called Fly FAA Wireless. All you need to have the information at your fingertip is a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a, well, fingertip. FAA Fly Wireless contains all the downloadable latest on weather at the nation's largest airports, plus information on flight arrivals and delays. This version is mainly for the flying public, not pilots, but will tell anyone who queries whether they are going to miss their next connection. More...

NEVER AGAIN: YOUR GUIDE TO KICKING TERRORIST BACKSIDE
One big thing has changed in the wake of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Terrorists intent on taking over commercial airliners had better be prepared for a hair-pulling, screaming, kicking, multi-passenger set-to. We've all reassured ourselves that we would fight in that type of situation, but exactly what should we do if we're sitting wedged between two other pax and someone pulls out a weapon? Authors Mark H. Bogosian, Michael K. Regan and Tommy L. Hamilton tell you in a new book entitled, "Never Again: A Self-Defense Guide for the Flying Public." The book was assembled in 2002 for consideration as a federal cockpit- and cabin-defense manual, and goes through a number of easy-to-follow self-defense tactics and techniques. More...

SUN 'N FUN CLAIMS RECORD EXHIBITORS
Despite a week that began cool, wet and windy, Sun 'n Fun officials in Lakeland, Fla., confirm things ended well. By the last of the seven-day run at Lakeland's Linder Regional Airport, some 160,000 visitors had walked through the gates, 5,000 airplanes had come to visit, and 501 commercial exhibitors -- a record number -- had set up shop. More...

ON THE FLY...
NATA launches ground-safety initiative... Two F-16s collided over the border of Illinois and Indiana, killing one pilot...
Boeing Co. has made its final offer to machinists in St. Louis...
A snockered stripper got past security in Scotland and climbed aboard a private jet to doze...
A bus and a plane collided at Russia's Sheremetyevo-1 airport, injuring nine...
Women in Aviation choose March 10-12 in Dallas for 2005 convention. More...

BUSINESS AVFLASH
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. Watch for a Business AVflash regular feature, TSA WATCH: GA IN THE "SPOTLIGHT". Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/ More...

NEW ARTICLES AND FEATURES ON AVWEB
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BRAINTEASERS
Quiz #81: Know Your Limits
The freedom of flight is only limited by your imagination and a few thousand federal regulations. Let's navigate down to the regulatory minimums without slipping too many surly FAR bonds. More...

AVWEB'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK ...
What does the future hold for 100LL? Tell us what you think in AVweb's "Question of the Week." PLUS: Results from last week's poll on the FAA. More...

AVWEB'S PICTURE OF THE WEEK ...
It's been over a month since Sun 'n Fun, but photos from the Florida fly-in continue to dominate our "Picture of the Week" feature. This week's winning photo was taken at the show by Robert Blais of Granby, Quebec. Congratulations, Robert — your AVweb baseball cap is on its way! More...

Terrific Ideas for Father's Day at
AVWEB'S SHOPPING GUIDE

SHOPPING DEALS

AIRSPORT ALTITUDE ALERTERS OFFER 10% DISCOUNT & COMPLIMENTARY SHIPPING
AirSport Avionics is the only manufacturer of Altitude Alerters that work by listening to everything your transponder and encoder are reporting to ATC, both Mode A (squawk code) and Mode C (altitude).  A  double benefit!  AirSport Alerters are completely portable and don't require permanent installation.  MAY SPECIAL: 10% discount on all models, plus complimentary ground shipping.  Order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/airsport/avflash.

SELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ON FLYING WITH A FLYING CARPET
Do your friends and family understand your passion for airplanes? Sell them on flying with Greg Brown's new book, Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane. Not only will they enjoy the story, but after reading it. they'll finally understand why you fly (and why they should, too)!  AVweb Exclusive: Order online for an autographed copy at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/paperjet/avflash.

GIVE DAD FUNCTION & BEAUTY IN A CHASE-DURER TIMEPIECE + A SPECIAL OFFER
Chase-Durer, makers of world-renowned watches, is offering their perfectly balanced, platinum-toned pen with gold accents for only $30 (regularly $90) with any watch purchase. Beautiful and functional timepieces for both men and women, with Chase-Durer workmanship and quality. Order today in time for Father's Day (June 20) at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/chasedur/avflash.

FLYING MAGAZINE'S JUNE ISSUE IS TYPICAL "FLYING"
Starting with the new Cessna Citation XLS on the cover, Flying magazine's June issue covers articles on: That approach to landing; a look at Piper's new 6X and Saratoga with Avidyne's FlightMax Entegra glass cockpit; fractional ownership; and columns written by aviation's top journalists. Order your personal subscription with AVweb special prices at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/flying/avflash.

FIRST-TIME PILOTS ARE USUALLY SPEECHLESS; THEN THEY CAN'T STOP TALKING
It starts with Be A Pilot, the national learn-to-fly program sponsored by the General Aviation community.  Since 1997, over 200,000 people have registered to take their first lesson at one of the 2,114 flight schools nationwide.  Give the gift of flight.  Register for a low-cost $49 first flying lesson at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/beapilot/avflash.

SPONSOR NEWS

ATTENTION, SOUTHERN REGION RESIDENTS!
OurPLANE, in conjunction with Banyan Aircraft Services at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, will host an open house May 22-23. Stop by to see how you can have a brand-new aircraft for the cost of a second car — with fractional ownership. Choose from Cessna, Cirrus, and Raytheon aircraft. For more information, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ourplane/avflash.

DA42 TWIN STAR CERTIFICATION: LOTS OF FIRSTS
Diamond's DA42 Twin Star marks some significant milestones: First Aircraft Type Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); first piston aircraft to incorporate new propulsion, avionics, and airframe technology; first modern jet-fuel/diesel-powered twin-engine aircraft; and first certified application of the fully integrated Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.  See for yourself at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/diamond/avflash.

KITPLANES — THE MAGAZINE FOR DREAMERS AND THE SERIOUS BUILDERS
The July issue of Kitplanes magazine features: Advice from Grand Champion Sky Raider designer Brian Raeder; Italy's Tecnam Echo is built in record time; an RV-4 with a fully retractable landing gear is possible; the personal outer beauty of some special homebuilts; Oregon Aero explains their seat that will ensure crash protection; taking a look at the day when fly-by-wire could be in a homebuilder's future; and the third part of "Build a SeaRey." So, dreamer or serious builder, don't miss a single issue of Kitplanes magazine. Order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/kitplanes/avflash.

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 Liz Swaine:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#lswaine
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.

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