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June 26, 2006

By The AVweb Editorial Staff

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Mineta, who will resign effective July 7 (download the letter of resignation from Secretary Norman Y. Mineta to President Bush, here), appeared to be a moderating influence on Blakey's apparent ambition to institute widespread user fees throughout the system. He was occasionally at odds with (or seemingly confused by) the FAA's drive toward a user-pay system, particularly when it concerned GA. He publicly stated his opposition to GA user fees in several high-profile forums, including AOPA Expo in Tampa last November. However, it should also be noted that the statements were never unequivocal and he worried business aviation officials earlier this year when he seemed to suggest that business aviation was somehow distinct from general aviation (and thus ripe to be assessed user fees). On the other hand, since direction for the overhaul of the FAA seems to be coming from the Oval Office, the name on the door at the Department of Transportation may not matter much and Blakey certainly has the credentials. Before taking over the FAA, she was head of the National Transportation Safety Board. Mineta Missed By Alphabets Aviation groups are unanimous in their disappointment that Mineta is leaving and AOPA President Phil Boyer said in a news release that he was an ally for GA. He also said the administration should choose a successor whose values mirror Mineta's. "It is critical that the Bush Administration chooses a successor who has the same level of understanding of the value of general aviation as Norm consistently displayed," Boyer said. "He understood the importance of GA pilots and promoting safety. That's one reason he has repeatedly opposed user fees on GA." National Air Transportation Association President Jim Coyne said Mineta worked hard in cabinet to ensure aviation projects got priority. "Working with leaders in both political parties, Secretary Mineta successfully made transportation policy a top priority in Congress among both Republicans and Democrats," Coyne said. FAA Low-Key On DOT Secretary's Departure The FAA didn't have much to say on the resignation. Blakey issued a four-line news release that noted Mineta's long career. "His work made terrific contributions to reducing congestion and to the safest period in aviation history," Blakey said. "He has certainly left his mark on our skies." Other groups chimed in on the safety angle and the National Business Aviation Association credited Mineta with reshaping general aviation to make it able to adapt to changing market and operating conditions. "Norm Mineta's understanding of the general aviation sector helped guide to passage the General Aviation Revitalization Act, which was fundamental to the future of general aviation," said NBAA President Ed Bolen. "The nation owes Secretary Mineta a debt of gratitude for his tremendous service." Those outside the industry are lauding Mineta for his overhaul of civil aviation security in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Bloomberg News' story on Mineta focused almost entirely on his security accomplishments, quoting Washington officials on his decisiveness and effectiveness in dealing with the shutting down and then return of aviation activity. But Mineta refused to take the credit in his resignation letter to President George W. Bush. "From the earliest moments of that horrible day and for weeks and months after, the personnel of the department performed quickly, courageously and effectively,'' Mineta said in his resignation letter to Bush dated June 20. Get PIC's "Best Class" Rates With Only 250 Total Hours! Now, through the Pilot Insurance Center (PIC), a private instrument-current pilot with as low as 250 total hours may qualify for PIC's "Best Class" rates. Pilot Insurance Center works closely with leading insurers to develop life insurance policies specifically designed for pilots. All insurance products offer full coverage with no aviation exclusions and are provided by A+ rated (A.M. Best) insurance companies. Compare and save. For a quote, call PIC at (800) 380-8376, or visit online. FAA And Airspace Modernization back to top  GAO Worries About The Future Of VFR Now, we all know that satellite-based systems will largely replace curve-of-the-earth-hampered ground stations and we all know that it will require some extra equipment on board. But is VFR going to be somehow limited or discouraged in the process? The GAO seems to think so. The Government Accountability Office recently released its latest in the series of updates on just how the FAA is doing with its modernization plans (better, it turns out). That document contains vaguely disturbing references to just how VFR fits into the Next Generation Air Traffic System (NGATS). The report contains three references (p. 2, 5 and 29) calling it a "critical policy issue" to determine "the extent to which NGATS will accommodate visual flights versus instrument-only flights." It's not clear from the document's wording what that all means but clearly there's some discussion at the FAA on how to fit the majority of GA flights into a system that, it appears, will rely heavily on instrumentation to keep us from banging into one another. The "the level of monitoring needed by pilots when automation is ensuring safe separation from surrounding aircraft" is another concern as is the inevitably of the screens going blank. Other Than That, FAA Scores Decent Marks With GAO The GAO report says the FAA, which was reorganized in 2004 to include the Air Traffic Organization, is doing better at buying and implementing the technology that will be required to accommodate the three-fold increase in air traffic that is anticipated by 2025 (that FAA-estimated growth is questioned by some in the industry). While a couple of years ago it was a given that FAA procurement projects would go sideways, the GAO says that for the second year in a row the agency has managed to bring new projects on line in time and within 10 percent of budget 80 percent of the time. But, then, the process is far from over. The report says there some bumps ahead. "However, ATO faces several challenges, including sustaining and institutionalizing its progress toward operating effectively as a performance-based organization, hiring and training thousands of air traffic controllers, ensuring stakeholder involvement in major system acquisitions, and keeping acquisitions on schedule and within budget," the report says. Thousands of Classifieds Updated Daily With thousands of daily updated Classifieds, a Product & Advertiser Index, Forums, NAAA Evaluator, Performance Database, Spec Sheets, and Aviation Weather, Trade-A-Plane gives you everything that keeps you flying. Order your subscription by calling (800) 337-5263, or go online. GA Pilot Reps Get Together In Canada back to top  IAOPA Delegates Tackle Domestic UAVs Representatives of pilot groups in dozens of countries have resolved at a meeting last week in Canada to press their respective governments to adopt uniform standards for "sense and avoid" capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles. AOPA has been lobbying aggressively for those standards since the FAA threw up temporary flight restrictions on the U.S.-Mexico border earlier this year to "protect" the UAVs used to catch illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. The resolution was among several passed at the International Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association general assembly in Toronto last week. UAV use has become a global threat to general aviation in recent years and delegates agreed that measures were needed to protect GA from drones -- not the other way around. The meeting, which included representation from more than 30 countries, also agreed to ask the International Civil Aviation Organization (at which IAOPA has observer status) for greater cross-compatibility of pilot certificate standards between countries. Delegates were also concerned about overzealous security measures trampling on GA pilot privileges and were urged to remind their leaders of the value of GA and the need to protect airports. Expert Opinion On The User Fee Experience While pilot groups in other countries can do little to directly influence the debate on user fees in the U.S., AOPA can learn from those delegates who have plenty of experience with the fee-based systems used in their own countries. The U.S. remains the only major aviation-invested country with a mainly government-run aviation services sector (although the recent takeover of flight service stations by Lockheed Martin chips away at that distinction). AOPA President Phil Boyer (who's also IAOPA president) didn't have to look far for validation of his anti-user-fee stance. Canadian Owner and Pilots Association President Kevin Psutka told delegates the numbers are clear -- pilots pay more under user fees. Although Canadian pilots pay a relatively modest $71 flat fee to Nav Canada, the non-profit company that runs air traffic control and pilot information services in that country, Canadian pilots also pay aviation fuel taxes. He estimates the annual bill for Canadian pilots is about $225, whether or not they use any Nav Canada services. In the U.S., GA pilots also pay at the pumps through a fuel tax, but the (estimated) annual bill averages closer to $90 per pilot. JA Air Center, Your Garmin GPSMap 396 Source, Is Proud to Announce a New Low Price of $2,195 JA also offers top dollar for used GPS, avionics, and aircraft. Call (800) 323-5966 for your current value, with no purchase required. Same-day shipping (before 3pm CT). 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, JA provides FBO services and fuel at Dekalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) in Dekalb, IL. Please call (800) 323-5966, or order online. News Briefs back to top  Flight Schools Fight Background Checks A bill that's been lurking under the legislative radar in New York for almost four years has been revived by the state Senate and will hurt the flight training industry there, according to local schools and pilot organizations. In 2002, New York, like many other states, thought it prudent to step into federal jurisdiction by trying to institute background checks on student pilots. As protests grew and federal regulations came into play, most states simply dropped their initiatives. However, New York's background-check law has remained on the legislative agenda and was revived last week by a vote in the Senate. If passed by the Assembly and finally adopted as law, it would prevent anyone from taking flying lessons without approval from the state's division of criminal justice services. Industry spokesmen say that will scare away prospective pilots. Richard Kaylor, of Richmor Aviation, which operates three flight schools in upstate New York, told Business First of Buffalo that schools are already required to submit names of students to the federal government so they can be checked against terrorist watch lists so the state initiative is redundant. AOPA spokesman Craig Dotlo said the law would deter students because of the time lag that would be required to process the background check, giving them time to find other activities. Dotlo, a former FBI agent, also noted that any terrorist who does his homework would be careful to avoid circumstances that would trigger something in the check. "What possible good is this doing except preventing flight schools from being profitable?" Dotlo said. Record Setting (?) Charity Flight For Pediatric Neurosurgery The endurance and fortitude of two Wisconsin pilots (not to mention the wearability of certain parts of their anatomy) was put to the test last week as they raised money for sick children and (possibly) set an aviation record. Matt McDaniel and Dr. Bruce Kaufmann took a total of 17 hours to land at all 102 public-use, paved airports in the state, as well as a private field and a military base. But the real mission was to raise $10,000 for the pediatric neurosurgery unit at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (click "more" for details). Kaufmann runs the neurosurgery unit and owns the Cirrus SR-22 used in the effort. McDaniel (who has held the Master CFI designation) is a Boeing 717 pilot for Midwest Airlines and owns Progressive Aviation Services, which specializes in Cirrus. The duo got an early start on their flight. McDaniel and Kaufmann were wheels up from Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in Milwaukee at 4:15 a.m. June 20 and three fuel stops later, were back on the ground at their departure point at 9:15 p.m. Stats for the flight are still being verified, but the numbers gathered by the pilots indicate they covered a lot of ground. McDaniel said they flew a total of 2,119 nm at an average ground speed of 156 knots. The pilots donated all expenses associated with the flight and are accepting donations for the hospital. Fly with the Bose(R) Aviation Headset X Enjoy an unmatched combination of benefits: Full-spectrum noise reduction, clear sound, and comfortable fit. Voted the #1 headset for the fifth year in a row by readers of Professional Pilot magazine. (Headset Preference Survey, 12/05.) Learn more and order. News Briefs back to top  $1 Billion Gamble To Accommodate Airplane U.S. airports will spend at least $927 million to prepare for the arrival of the Airbus A380, and the chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee says not a nickel of it should come from federal coffers. Rep. John Mica said last week the Airport Improvement Fund shouldn't be used to beef up runways and bridges and expand terminals for the 555-seat jet because of the squabble the U.S. is having with the European Union over alleged subsidies paid to Airbus's manufacturer, EADS. If the government follows through on Mica's suggestion, it would knock a big hole in the plans of 18 airports to get ready for the double-decker jets. The airports plan to pay for about half the cost using the AIP. The balance of funding would be drawn from airport revenues and passenger-derived airport improvement fees, according to a report released by the Government Accountability Office last week. Although some in Washington believe the GAO's estimates are high, the report says the improvement costs may actually escalate if the FAA doesn't cut some airports slack on runway and taxiway widths. Some airports are apparently hoping to accommodate the jet on existing 150-foot-wide runways. Current FAA guidelines call for 150-foot runways to be widened to 200 feet with a 25-foot strip of reduced strength pavement down each side. Meanwhile, subsidies or not, Airbus is having a tough time meeting its delivery schedule. Development delays have pushed back the schedule by almost a year and some cash-tight customers are considering backing out of their orders. Sheriffs' Drone Doesn't Fly With FAA The FAA says it's willing to work with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department in its quest to use a surveillance drone on official police business. But the feds left no ambiguity about who rules the skies when they ordered the Skyseer unmanned aerial vehicle grounded just before the department was about to launch a demo flight for reporters. "We said, 'Hey, you still haven't submitted the paperwork for this,'" FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown told the Daily Breeze "He said, 'This is just a demo.' We've told him he can't operate these UAVs. We said, 'You have conditions you have to satisfy before you can fly it.' "The Sheriff's Office insists it had the approvals it needed for the demo flight but agreed to cancel until the dispute was sorted out. The Skyseer weighs in at about $30,000, is about the size of a remote control aircraft and has a sophisticated video monitoring system aboard. It has about an hour's endurance and the Sheriff's Office says it will be handy for monitoring hostage situations, looking for lost hikers and following bad guys trying to escape from police. Stop Squirming in Your Seat -- Upgrade to First Class! Oregon Aero, Inc. has the solution to uncomfortable seating for any aircraft — Portable Universal SoftSeatTM Cushion Systems. The cushion design shifts your hips and pelvis into the proper, pain-free position. Visco-elastic foam "reads" body temperature and pressure to prevent painful hot spots. Select the Portable SoftSeatTM Cushion to fit your aircraft online at Oregon Aero or call (800) 888-6910. News Briefs back to top  Sport-Jet Crashes On Takeoff Excel-Jet officials say it might have been wake turbulence or some kind of freak meteorological event that turned their Sport-Jet prototype on its wing and sent it cartwheeling along the runway at Colorado Springs Airport on June 22. According to a news release from Excel-Jet, witnesses reported the plane rolled 90 degrees about 30 feet above the runway while taking off on its 25th test flight. It struck a wing and cartwheeled onto its tail, causing substantial damage. Both pilots were checked at the hospital and released. The aircraft was nearing the end of its initial round of flight testing and the company had just received word that it had been approved to fly at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh next month. Excel-Jet CEO Bob Bornhofen said the plane had performed well in previous flights and the company says either wake turbulence or a microburst from unspecified "unusual weather conditions" may have caused the upset. "Sport-Jet has explored the majority of its flight envelope without problems," Bornhofen said. While the program has obviously suffered a major setback, Bornhofen said the silver lining is that the composite cockpit cage proved it protects pilots in a crash. "The carbon roll-cage style designed fuselage of Sport-Jet provided significant protection for its occupants and, according to an insurance expert, was instrumental in minimizing the injuries," the company release said. TRACON Plan "Reprehensible" Says Congressman The FAA is ignoring the wishes of the House and breaking a promise to four Florida congressmen with a secret plan to speed up consolidation of the Palm Beach terminal radar approach control center into Miami, according to Rep Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.). Hastings says on his Web site it's unbelievable that the agency would pursue its controversial cost-cutting plan in the face of a House vote ten days ago on a bill that would prevent the FAA from spending money from its 2007 budget on consolidating TRACONs. The Senate hasn't considered a parallel bill yet, although that's supposed to happen in July. Hastings, who sponsored the bill, suggested the FAA's decision to press ahead with consolidation may have been "political retribution" -- the agency working to punish those spearheading opposition. The FAA hasn't yet commented on the allegations. Hastings sponsored the bill out of fear that closing the Palm Beach facility would concentrate all of south Florida's air traffic control resources in one facility. He said any number of disasters, including hurricanes and terrorist attacks, could take out the center and leave the screens in the whole region blank. The FAA says it's already thought of that and builds its facilities accordingly. Hastings also alleges that in a meeting between his staff and FAA personnel in April, his staff was promised that no consolidation would take place until 2009 at the earliest. Controllers recently told him they've been ordered to get ready for a move to Miami in 2008. Ready, Set, Go Purchase An Airplane ... No, Wait! Don't forget the most important people to take with you -- the trusted aviation professionals at Dorr Aviation. They are there from the time you start thinking about a purchase, through the selection process, and (most importantly) when financing. Purchasing an aircraft is a considerable step; don't go it alone. Call Dorr at (800) 214-0066, or download an application online. News in Brief back to top  Symphony Stumbles Through Its Score Symphony Aircraft Industries has filed for creditor protection under Canadian bankruptcy laws. The company produces the Symphony 160 (a $160,000, 130 KTAS, two-seat high-wing) and is now seeking $6-10 million in fresh capital to continue operations at its Trois Rivieres plant in Quebec. CEO Paul Costanza told AVweb yesterday he's been having trouble raising venture capital in Canada and is considering moving the plant to the United States. The company plans to hold a news conference, Tuesday. On The Fly... Pensions: Delta Air Lines has given formal notice that it intends to wind up its pilots' pension program as part of its plan to emerge from bankruptcy. The pilots have swallowed the bitter pill without protest, acknowledging the unsustainable pension plan is threatening the airline as a whole... Alaska air traffic controllers say FAA Administrator Marion Blakey tarnished their reputations when she said they were bending the rules while handling traffic with the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system. The controllers say the problem is with the gear, not them, and they've asked for an apology... Two FAA pilots were uninjured when the nose gear of their King Air collapsed on landing at Bradley International Airport. The mishap closed the main runway for three hours but there was little damage to the plane... Columbia Aircraft engineers, the FAA and insurance companies are scrambling to assess and repair damage to 60 aircraft caught in a freak hailstorm at the Bend, Ore., factory on June 12. In a letter to customers, CEO Bing Landis said the golf-ball-sized hail appears to have caused only cosmetic damage. AVweb's Newstips Address ... Drop us a line. If it caught your attention, it will probably interest someone else, too. Submit news tips via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part. Columbia Simplifies Buying & Selling All Aircraft Brands Selling an aircraft can be a challenging odyssey. Aircraft owners need to: locate a broker with national resources to sell for top dollar; select and utilize the most effective advertising; access no-cost, no-obligation finance pre-qualification; consult aviation tax experts; and obtain insurance quotes with higher liability limits. Columbia Aircraft has created a tool to assist pilots and aircraft owners of all brands. Check out their web site. Features back to top  New Articles and Features on AVweb WHAT'S NEW June 26, 2006 This month AVweb's survey of the latest products and services for pilots, mechanics and aircraft owners brings you speed pants, high-lift wing tips, engine oil and much more. _______ COLUMNS Probable Cause #9: Personal Minimums Pilots flying under the rules of FAR Part 91 are allowed to attempt an instrument approach even when the weather is below minimums. But when skills are rusty, it may be time to be more conservative, as we see in this week's Probable Cause report. Podcasts Online Now: Listent to, or take today's news with you. Find exclusive interviews featuring TCM president Bryan Lewis, NATCA president John Carr, New Piper CEO Jim Bass, Hal Shevers for Sporty's Pilot Shop, Light Sport guru Dan Johnson, Excel Jet's Bob Bornhofen, Adam Aircraft's Joe Walker, FAA administrator Marion Blakey, Cirrus Design's Alan Klapmeier and more. AVweb's Podcast index, is available online -- pick and choose your pleasure, or subscribe free and receive AVweb's podcasts automatically for listening on your computer, iPod, or while traveling with any MP3 player. Attention, Cessna Owners Do you need to modernize your old, tired RT359A or RT459A transponder? Narco Avionics proudly announces the availability of their all-new AT165/C and AT165/C Value Series digital display transponders. The AT165/C and AT165/C Value Series are designed as direct slide-in plug & play replacement transponders for the old ARC units. Both units feature instant VFR recall with quick and easy one-knob code entry. The AT165/C also features pressure altitude display with hold alert, along with three independent timers with audible alert. For more information, visit Narco Avionics online. AVwebBiz back to top  AVweb's 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/ Join NAA and Help Shape the Next Century of Flight It's a great time to join the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the nation's oldest aviation organization. At $39 a year, NAA membership is a terrific value for any aviation enthusiast! Members receive the Smithsonian's Air & Space and NAA's Aero magazines, plus access to aviation records, product discounts, and much more. Call (703) 527-0226 to become an NAA member, or sign up online. Your Favorite FBO's back to top  FBO of the Week: COOK AVIATION, INC. Nominate an FBO | Rules | Tips | Questions | Winning FBOs AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to COOK AVIATION, INC. at KBMG, Bloomington, IN. Two separate submissions offered strong praise for Cook. RAY ANDRAKA told us, "SERVICE ABOVE AND BEYOND, INCLUDING MEETING ME AT THE PLANE WITH MY RENTAL CAR." And Savvy Aviator's Mike Busch wrote, "NOT ONLY DOES COOK AVIATION HAVE AMONG THE LOWEST FUEL PRICES IN THE REGION ($3.37/GAL FOR 100LL AS THIS IS WRITTEN), BUT ITS COURTESY CREW CARS ARE NEW CADILLACS! AND UNLIKE MOST FBOS, COOK WILL LET YOU KEEP THE CAR OVERNIGHT WHEN YOU REST OVER NIGHT." Keep those nominations coming. Click here to nominate your favorite FBO and here for complete contest rules AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBO's in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday! FAA-Approved Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC) from ASA Attention, flight instructors! Wouldn't it be nice to renew your flight instructor certificate from the comfort of home? ASA's FAA-approved Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC) provides everything you need to renew your flight instructor certificate for 2 more years. Features over 11 hours of professional DVD presentations, supported with internet-based evaluation and course tracking. You don't need to be online for the entire duration of the course. For complete details, visit ASA's web site. The Lighter Side Of Flight back to top  Short Final... With age comes wisdom... Overheard while flying the Philly Class B: PHL Tower: US Air 123 cleared to land Runway 27R. US Air 123: Cleared to land runway 26R. PHL Tower: I wish we had a 26R. But you are cleared to land runway 27R. US Air 123: Apologies, sir. Realized the mistake as it left my mouth and wished I could have taken it back. PHL Tower: Understood. Something like that ended my first marriage. Unknown: ... All of our first marriages. 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Your #1 Source for Cessna Aircraft Parts -- CessnaParts.com CessnaParts.com offers exceptional service and support to Cessna Aircraft owners and operators. With competitive discounts on everything for Cessna Single- and Multi-Engine aircraft, which means savings to you! Go online and see for yourself! See What ATC Sees -- And Then See What They Do with It The AVweb Edition of Flight Explorer is the PC-based graphical aircraft situation display that gives a real-time picture of all IFR aircraft in-flight over the U.S. and Canada. Whether you're tracking a friend or want to learn more about the system in action, Flight Explorer has the information you need for just $9.95 a month. Check it out. Subscribe to Aviation Consumer and Save, Plus Get No-Cost Access to AviationConsumer.com. This subscribers-only web site is packed with ratings and evaluations of aircraft, avionics, aviation products, and accessories. Enjoy greater confidence when you buy and when you fly with your Aviation Consumer subscription. Order online. Order a CO Guardian CO Detector in the Hope You'll Never Have to Use It! Models from portable to panel-mount units. Order online. Husband in Trouble; Wakes Wife While Reading & Laughing! Pilots and students can't put down Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook. This is a far cry from those of us who fell asleep studying older books. Students convert their instructors to this handbook after showing their understanding of systems and aerodynamics. Learning, refreshing, and reviewing don't have to be difficult. Let Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook show how much fun learning can be. Order online. Names Behind The News back to top  AVwebFlash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service. Today's issue was written by news writer Russ Niles (bio). Click here to send a letter to the editor. (Please let us know if your letter is not intended for publication.) Comments or questions about the news should be sent here. Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team. If you're having trouble reading this newsletter in its HTML-rich format (or if you'd prefer a lighter, simpler format for your PDA or handheld device), there's also a text-only version of AVwebFlash. For complete instructions on making the switch, click here. Freedom, independence, responsibility.