|
May 8, 2005
NewsWire Complete Issue
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
|
This issue of AVweb's AVflash is brought to you by ... Teledyne-Continental Motors (TCM)
 ADAM, CIRRUS, DIAMOND, LANCAIR, LIBERTY ...
The most respected new aircraft on the market all choose
Continental engines. Bring your aircraft up to speed with a genuine Continental engine. Select from factory-new, factory-rebuilt, or factory-backed overhauls by Mattituck. Add value to your aircraft
and the peace-of-mind that you're flying behind the best — Continental. For further details, visit TCM's booth at Sun 'n Fun or go online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/tcm/avflash.
|
FAA Told To Control Costs
Following last week's hearing on the state of the Aviation Trust Fund, members of the House Aviation Subcommittee didn't seem very
convinced that user fees would be the answer to the FAA's funding woes. "Switching to a user-fee system raises more questions than answers," according to ranking committee member Jerry Costello
(D-Ill.). Other financing alternatives discussed at the hearing included increasing the current aviation taxes, fixing the annual contribution from the General Fund, and providing the FAA with
borrowing authority. Ken Mead, inspector general for the Transportation Department, testified, "The Congress and the aviation community need assurances that [the] FAA is doing all it can to control
costs before decisions can be made about the adequacy of current funding levels and whether or not additional revenue is needed." Mead also said that congestion pricing -- charging more for takeoff
and landing slots during peak travel times -- should be included in the debate and set forth an agenda. "There are four basic steps FAA needs to take -- getting a handle on its cash-flow requirements
for existing projects in its capital account, controlling costs and improving the effectiveness of the Agency efforts, finalizing the implementation of a cost-accounting system, and determining
funding requirements for future initiatives. Any business seeking an infusion of capital would take these steps. Moreover, these are preconditions for determining whether current funding sources will
be sufficient or whether new revenue streams and authority are needed," Mead said.
Meanwhile, the Reason Public Policy Institute, a libertarian think tank that has proven influential in some D.C. circles in recent years, released a
report last week on the issue of funding the nation's air traffic control system. The institute has long been a supporter of user fees, but now has backed down somewhat on the argument as it pertains
to GA. The new report recommends that piston-powered GA aircraft pay only the aviation fuel tax, and no user fees at all. "We think [the report] still misses the point," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "GA shouldn't be charged for a system we don't need and for the most part don't
use." Boyer added that more than 90 percent of piston-powered aircraft flights are VFR, yet every one of those flights still helps pay for the system they are not using, through the fuel tax. "If it
weren't for the huge demands the airlines place on the system with their rush-hour scheduling, the air traffic control system would be much smaller," Boyer said. In a 1996 report, the Reason
Foundation suggested charging fees to GA pilots, such as $9.27 for a weather briefing, $4.65 for contacting a tower, and $9.27 for an IFR flight plan. AOPA soundly criticized that report.
No Contract, But More Talks Set
New Piper Aircraft has been working to get back up to full production after last year's hurricanes, and now about 720 workers are saying it's
time for a new contract. Picketing started about two weeks ago and has continued sporadically since. Negotiations were held last week, and some workers were hopeful that a tentative agreement would be
reached by the weekend, but it didn't happen. "We've made some progress on contract language," union spokesman Bob Wood told tcpalm.com. The two sides will resume talks on May 26. New Piper had no comment. "We decided
from the beginning that we would not negotiate this in the media," spokesman Mark Miller told tcpalm.com. "We are honorable people, and we plan to stick by that." The union workers are asking for
higher wages, new overtime rules, a pension plan and better health benefits. They also want Piper to honor seniority if layoffs are necessary.
The New Piper employees voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in October 2003, after New Piper cut wages by 6 percent. They've been waiting for a contract
ever since. "The [union] doesn't seem to appreciate what we're really up against," Piper President Chuck Suma said in a statement. "This isn't about being stingy with company money ... This is about
working to make Piper a company that will survive." New Piper delivered 37 aircraft in the first quarter of 2005, with billings of about $21 million, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. That was down from 53 aircraft shipped
in the same period a year earlier. But there may be very natural reasons for that. The company blamed the drop on delays caused by the hurricanes.
|
JA AIR CENTER, YOUR GARMIN SOURCE, IS LOOKING
TO PURCHASE
USED GPS UNITS, AVIONICS, AND AIRCRAFT
Current inventory levels allow JA to offer top dollar for used GPS, avionics, and aircraft. Call (800) 323-5966 for your current value
with no purchase required. JA Air Center, Garmin's largest avionics dealer, stocks all the new Garmin aviation GPS units including the GPSMap 296 (new low price of
$1,495), iQue 3600A PDA/GPS, GPSMap 196, GPSMap 96C, and GPSMap 96. We also stock Garmin accessories; software; and outdoor, mobile, and marine GPS
units. JA Air Center [Dupage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago, IL] provides the finest avionics installations, turbine/piston maintenance, avionics/instrument
service, mail order, and aircraft sales. Also, we offer FBO services and fuel at Dekalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) in Dekalb, IL. Please call (800) 323-5966 and
mention this AVflash, or order online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ja/avflash. |
Glider Training Helps
Luck and some long-dormant flying skills helped two passengers aboard a twin-engine (formerly Rockwell) "Jetprop Commander" (a 695A per the registration database) survive a crash landing after the
pilot became incapacitated shortly after takeoff from North Las Vegas Airport on Thursday morning. Gerry Garapich had a few lessons in a glider 20 years ago, but when his friend Doug Reichardt lost
consciousness at the controls, he was able to turn off the autopilot and guide the airplane back to the airport for a relatively safe landing. He hit the dirt short of the runway, with the gear still
up. But that might compare favorably to a gear-up runway landing with sparks and fire. Garapich and his fellow passenger were taken to the hospital but were not seriously hurt. The pilot died,
apparently from a heart attack.
In a strange twist on that story, another passenger had to take over in a small airplane last week, but under very different circumstances. Pilot Mike Spicer, 55, and his friend Arnie Knoettgen were
flying Spicer's Cessna 150 to help police track down a fleeing suspect in Clay County, Kan. They spotted the suspect hiding in a field, and began to circle his location, when they heard a crack. A
bullet punctured the passenger-side window and grazed Spicer's forehead. He was losing lots of blood and having trouble seeing, so Knoettgen took over the controls while Spicer stanched the bleeding,
and the two worked together to bring the 150 down to a safe landing. Knoettgen, who is an EMT, knew the wound was dangerous, even though his friend remained conscious and lucid. "Head wounds can fool
you," he said. "Everything can seem fine at first, but [the patient] can be gone in a moment." Spicer, who operates the local airport, occasionally helps out Sheriff Chuck Dunn. Both Spicer and
Knoettgen said they're still willing to fly when needed -- but Dunn said next time, just stay a little higher. Suspect Michael Michaud, 28, was arrested the next day, and is charged with two counts of
attempted first-degree murder.
PILOTS, SAVE UP TO 70% ON YOUR LIFE INSURANCE!
If you have or need life insurance, compare and save at
the Pilot Insurance Center. You will receive the best policy at the best price. Don't overpay for life insurance just because you are a pilot. Pilot Insurance Center specializes in providing
pilots — from student to ATP — with premium rates that are not available through other agents. A+ RATED CARRIERS – NO AVIATION EXCLUSIONS – Fast and Easy Application Process. For a
complimentary quote, call 1-800-380-8376 or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/piclife. |
ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) has been under development for a decade or so, and its deployment in Alaska has been
credited with helping to improve the safety statistics there. Now the FAA has announced that it's available on the East
Coast, in a developmental state, between New Jersey and Florida. The system provides equipped aircraft with traffic advisories even in areas that are out of radar range, and also brings terrain
information and real-time weather to the GA cockpit equipped with a multifunction display. It allows both controllers and pilots to see equipped traffic during ground movements, reducing the chance of
collisions, and helps pilots to find their way even on strange airports. The system can also display current airspace restrictions. Access to the information is free. "Allowing pilots to voluntarily
equip their general aviation aircraft with ADS-B is a positive step toward bringing modern technology into the National Airspace System," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA's senior director of advanced technology. "Some staff at the FAA would eventually like to use ADS-B in
place of radar, but the big benefit to general aviation is the free weather and traffic."
Professional pilots in Europe have been told that it's OK to take a nap while flying, as long as they remain at their post, strapped into their seat at the controls (if only we could get away with
that). The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) last week issued new guidelines saying that a quick cockpit snooze up to 45 minutes long is allowed, the UK Mirror
reported on Saturday. The "controlled rest" is OK only in the cruising phase, where pilot tasks are less demanding, the JAA said. There's nothing new about pilots napping -- one pilot told the Mirror
he once woke up to find all three pilots in the cockpit had nodded off at once. The new policy requires that a member of the cabin crew schedule a wake-up call. A spokesman for the British pilots
union, BALPA, said naps aren't the solution to pilot fatigue. BALPA suggests that schedules should allow for adequate rest between flights. But in a long-haul situation, there should be procedures to
allow for adequate rest aloft. BALPA has raised concerns in the past about fatigue issues. When large aircraft like the A380 go into service, some flights will be up to 20 hours long, and more study
is needed to find the best way to ensure crews get enough rest, BALPA said.
Meanwhile, a captain for Alitalia was fired last month for leaving the cockpit to sleep in a bunk during a flight from Rome to Miami, according to The Mirror.
JOIN NAA AND CELEBRATE AVIATION'S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
What a great time to join
the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the nation's oldest aviation organization — marking their 100th anniversary in 2005! NAA membership is a terrific value for any aviation
enthusiast. You will receive two magazine subscriptions — Smithsonian's Air & Space and NAA's Aero — and access to aviation records, product discounts, and much more. Call NAA
at (703) 527-0226 to become a member of the NAA family, or sign up online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/naa/avflash. |
The Class B airspace around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is some very high-traffic, complex airspace, and a new proposed rule aims to make it easier to use and reduce the potential for midair collisions. The plan
proposes to expand the eastern boundary to ensure containment of instrument approaches, improve the containment of jet aircraft within the airspace, and simplify VFR navigation, while shrinking the
overall size of the Class B by about 100 square miles. The FAA has already aired the plan in local public meetings, and won the support of AOPA. The FAA is open to additional comments through May 23. A request to allow VFR flight along the shoreline near
Point Dume was OK'd, but several other comments asking for more space for VFR operations were turned down. To have your say, go to the docket and
enter number 18612. You must include "FAA Docket No. FAA-2004-18612 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-05" at the beginning of your comments.
There's been talk for a while now that more of the mainstream aircraft manufacturers might follow Cessna's
lead and jump into the very light jet (VLJ) market. Embraer, of Brazil, confirmed those rumors last week, with an official announcement that it
plans to introduce a new VLJ with six to eight seats, and a new light jet that will carry eight or nine. The investment in the new jets will total $235 million, the company said. The jets will be
"best-in-class," according to Embraer, featuring "premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating cost." Both jets will be designed for single-pilot operation. Better start saving now,
though -- prices start at $2.75 million. The VLJ will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW617F engine, with 1,615 pounds of thrust. Its range will be up to 1,160 nautical miles and it will have a
maximum operating speed of Mach 0.7. It will be designed for a short takeoff distance and is capable of flying at 41,000 feet. The VLJ is expected to enter service in mid-2008, Embraer said. The light
jet, with up to nine seats, will be powered by P&WC's PW535E engine, with 3,200 pounds of thrust. It's expected to enter service in mid-2009 and be priced at $6.65 million. Embraer said it estimates
demand for approximately 3,000 very light and light jets over the next decade, not counting the air-taxi market. (Eclipse says
it currently has more than 2,000 orders for its 500.)
The U.S. government has found that many of the security protocols that have been put in place since 9/11 are ineffective, unreliable and too costly, The New York Times reported yesterday in a front-page
story. For example, audits have shown that replacing private airport screeners with TSA workers didn't improve security. Millions spent on screening equipment also has had dubious results. The TSA
bought 1,344 machines at $1 million each to search for explosives in checked bags, but they set off false alarms for up to 30 percent of all luggage, the Times said. The frequent alarms mean more
screeners must be hired, and when it gets busy, sometimes the checks are bypassed, workers have said. So has all the spending been worthwhile? "The nation is more secure in the deployment and use of
these technologies versus having no technologies in place at all," Brian Roehrkasse, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, told the Times. A report on aviation security released last
week by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, argues that the TSA needs to be reorganized to
focus only on aviation. In other TSA news, President Bush on Friday nominated Edmund "Kip" Hawley to be the fourth head of the agency, which is only four years old. The TSA's current chief, David
Stone, will leave the job in June. Hawley previously was vice president of transportation services for the Union Pacific Railroad. He is expected to lead a transition in the agency to a use of more
high technology.
Technically advanced aircraft (TAA) are defined by the FAA as having at least a moving-map display, an IFR-approved GPS navigator and an autopilot. The advent of this technology has raised issues
about training, which AOPA's Air Safety Foundation (ASF) addresses in a new report, released last week. The
report suggests how training should change to reflect the demands of flying TAA, and also takes a preliminary look at assessing the safety record for these aircraft. The report examines the challenges
for pilots transitioning to TAA and flight schools starting students out on the new systems; handling characteristics; and TAA hardware and software, including terrain, traffic, weather and
engine-monitoring equipment. Recent research might suggest a tiered learning approach. Twelve accidents involving TAA
are examined, and the ASF found that most were pilot-related. "Poor judgment will always be poor judgment, regardless of the aircraft being flown," said Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce
Landsberg. The entire report can be downloaded for free at the ASF Web site.
|
"IT'S LIKE HAVING A NEW AIRPLANE!"
"My airplane uses less fuel on a trip than some SUVs." "General Aviation
Modifications' (GAMI) injectors pay for themselves with the fuel savings. A big bonus is how much smoother the engine runs." "Customer service is just that — SERVICE!" These are
what GAMI customers have to say about GAMIjectors. Find out how GAMIjectors pay for themselves and save fuel when installed in your aircraft. Go online to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/gami/avflash. |
All 15 people aboard died Saturday when a Fairchild Metroliner crashed during a rainstorm in a remote area of
Australia. It was the country's worst civilian aviation accident since 1968...
Air Midwest and its maintenance provider, Vertex Aerospace, publicly
apologized on Friday for mistakes that contributed to the crash of a Beech 1900 in Charlotte, N.C. All 21 people on board died in the 2003 crash...
Cause of Learjet crash that killed golfer Payne Stewart and five others now is being debated in a Florida court...
Northwest Airlines has ordered up to 68 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing announced last week. With its
initial delivery in August 2008, Northwest will be the first North American carrier to operate the 787...
Modified Williams FJ33-4-15M turbofan engines with an inverted oil system for aerobatic flight have been installed on the Javelin Jet prototype, ATG said last week...
The laser Visual Warning System designed to warn pilots who have entered the Air Defense
Identification Zone over Washington, D.C., without FAA authorization will become operational May 21.
Drop us a line. Heard something that 130,000 news-savvy pilots might want to know about? If it caught your eye, it would likely interest someone else. Submit news tips via email to
newstips@avweb.com. With our warmest thanks.
AVmail: May 9, 2005
Reader mail this week about ATC user fees, radioactive instruments, FAA waste and much more.
|
ASA BRINGS YOU A LIFETIME OF HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATIONS
ASA's new portable push-to-talk switch works with
any general aviation headset, intercom, and radio. It features a low-profile ergonomic button, superior contact switch, heavy-duty gold-plated plugs and jack, durable shield-coiled cord, hook and loop
mounting strap, molded strain relief, and a lifetime warranty. Eliminate the distraction of picking up the microphone, keep your focus on flying the aircraft, and modernize your interior with the
sleek functional design. For complete details about this new product, visit ASA's web site at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/asadirect/avflash. |
COLUMNS
Pelican's Perch #20: Ground All Bonanzas?
There have been several crashes of Beech T-34 aircraft caused by wing-spar failures during the last few years. The raging controversy over the T-34 structural issues and the FAA's heavy-handed
approach may well affect all aircraft. AVweb's John Deakin has updated this eerily prescient six-year-old column.
_______
COLUMNS
CEO of the Cockpit #44: Raise The Nina!
For modern airline pilots like AVweb's CEO of the Cockpit -- who spend all day in an FMS-guided autopilot-flown aviation wonder -- the appeal of flying old, low and slow during their days off (or in
retirement) is understandable. But why would someone spend millions to rescue something that would be cheaper to build from scratch?
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/
Overheard on approach to MCO...
TWR: Traffic 12 o'clock, 2 miles, an Airbus.
Airliner: Traffic in sight.
(pause)
And he'll be happy to know his rudder is intact.
| Sponsor News and Special Offers
Access to AVweb and AVflash is provided by the support of our fine sponsors. We appreciate your patronage. |
| SHOPPING DEALS |
|
LANCAIR COLUMBIA 400 — NOW CERTIFIED TO FL250
The Columbia 400's twin
turbochargers can now be put to full effect with the aircraft's recent certification to 25,000 feet. With the added altitude to play with, the Columbia 400 gives pilots even more
flexibility than before. Set the throttle to 80% power and cruise at 235 knots — that's faster than any other piston-powered aircraft in production today. Or ease the power back and
increase range to standard-setting levels. A company official recently flew an unmodified Columbia 400 non-stop from Bend, Oregon to Fort Worth, Texas (a distance of more than
1,300 nm) while averaging 200 kts. Find out what a Columbia 400 can do for you. http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/lancair/avflash |
E-OX: A HIGH-QUALITY PORTABLE OXYGEN IN NEW 2-, 3-, & 4-PLACE SYSTEMS!
Join hundreds of pilots who
have discovered you don't need to spend $600 or more to get a high-quality portable oxygen system. With prices starting under $200, E-Ox is the ideal choice for pilots. E-Ox uses 100%
medical-grade components. It's light, compact, and slips easily into your flight bag. E-Ox's new 2-, 3-, and 4-place systems have individual Nelson type flow meters ranging in cylinder sizes from 425
to 680. The one- and two-place economy systems come with cylinder sizes from 36 to 680 liters. Custom-design your E-Ox system by calling Aeromedix.com at (888) 362-7123, or go
online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/aeromedi/avflash. |
AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIPS NOW ON ASO!
Have an aircraft share you need to sell?
Advertise it on ASO! For a limited time, Brief Ads (text only) are complimentary, and Comprehensive Ads (photos & specs) are subject only to a one-time $40 set-up charge. Take advantage of this
special offer today! For more information, please call (888) 992-9276 and tell them you saw this AVflash mention, or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/aso/partner/avflash. |
PRICELESS PEACE-OF-MIND FOR JUST $9.95 A MONTH!
Sign up now for the AVweb Edition of Flight
Explorer, the PC-based service that provides a real-time picture of all IFR aircraft in flight over the U.S. and Canada. Simply enter the N-number to track a flight, be alerted to delays, and get
updated ETAs. The AVweb Edition of Flight Explorer costs just $9.95 a month. Subscribe at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/flightexplorer/avflash. |
YOU WORKED HARD FOR THAT IFR TICKET; NOW PROTECT IT!
Subscribe to 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 today for guaranteed savings for as long as you subscribe. http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/ifrref/avflash. |
FLYING MAGAZINE'S JUNE ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS "THE NEW PIPER MIRAGE:
Still a Glamorous Shape." New
Piper's model PA-46 turns 21 this year and is as good a pressurized piston single-engine concept as ever. This issue's articles also include: "The IFR Safety Conundrum" — why isn't the record as
good as expected?"; "Boeing vs. Airbus" — they fight it out with business jets, too; "Cockpit Entertainment Has Arrived"; and much more. Order your Flying subscription online for
exceptional savings at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/flying/avflash. |
CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS! GIVE THE GIFT OF SAFETY FROM CO GUARDIAN
CO Guardian has
carbon monoxide detector models from portable units to panel-mount units. Each unit's solid-state sensors and temperature sensors (EMI-shielded to prevent radio interference) are built in the USA and
FAA-certified. Visit CO Guardian at Sun 'n Fun to check out special show prices, or go online to find the CO Guardian model right for your aircraft at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/cog/avflash. |
| SPONSOR NEWS |
ATTENTION, PIPER OWNERS & PILOTS
The new Piper Flyer Association (PFA) provides parts locating,
tech support, a monthly member magazine, online forums, national & regional events, an annual convention, seminars, and more. For less than a tank of fuel ($39.00 for a one-year membership), you can
access the needed information to expand your knowledge and get more enjoyment from owning and flying your Piper aircraft. Join the Piper Flyer Association (PFA) today as they build the ultimate Piper
association. Go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/pfa/avflash. |
THOUGHT THAT USING GPS WOULD BE FUN, DIDN'T YOU?
Then you went through the manual and
came away frustrated and confused. Stop laboring to understand those manufacturers' manuals! For less than $40 (plus shipping and handling) you can better understand and operate most of the modern GPS
units on the market with ZD Publishing's Pilot Friendly GPS Manuals. GPS operation is fun and rewarding when you understand how to get the desired results. These manuals will help
you through all operations. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/zdpub/avflash. | | _____________________________________
We Welcome Your Feedback!
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.
It's flying till every part stops.
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.
|
Printer-Friendly Version