Jim Timm, Executive Director
Unfortunately summer is here and flying is not as much fun and some of the aviation activity has slowed down in Arizona. It was great to see and visit with many of you at the annual APA membership meeting at Glendale Airport in June. I was pleased that some of you stuck with us in spite of it being the Memorial Day weekend. The reason we selected that weekend for the meeting was to be able to accommodate the outstanding speaker we had engaged and we certainly were not disappointed in either the speaker or general attendance.
The Arizona Centennial Fly In was held at Ryan Field in June and it was a pleasure to visit with those of you that attended the event. The organizers of the event were indicating they are considering making it an annual event possibly moved around the state. It was a well run event and it will be interesting to see if it does continue.
Again this month, the subject of UAVs, or Drones, is continuing to be an attention getting issue. As was mentioned last month, the National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed by the president, requires the establishment of six test sites by the end of the year for the testing of drones in civil airspace near commercial air traffic with the goal to develop drones for commercial and government uses. The State of Arizona is very actively proposing that we be chosen as one of the test sites, stating “From its strong military presence to its topography and climate, Arizona is an ideal location in which to test the next generation of unmanned aircraft,” per a gubernatorial spokesman. Arizona officials expect to formally submit a proposal to the FAA by September. The FAA is supposed to name the test sites by the end of the year. The Arizona site to be proposed is anticipated to be in the southeastern part of the state near Sierra Vista.
An interesting article, concerning airliners just came to my attention that I thought would be of interest to those who fly under or near Class B airspace, that deals with avoiding unnecessary TCAS Resolution Advisories. Eurocontrol released an Airborne Collision Avoidance System (TCAS in North America) training document entitled “Not so fast” in May, offering pilots fresh insight into how their personal flying habits might be causing some apparently bogus Resolution Advisories (RA) in crowded skies. The problem stems from the ability of a modern aircraft to maintain significant rates of climb and descent. That performance trait alone does not cause RAs because ATC plans ahead, clearing other traffic out of conflict’s way during altitude changes. But all too often, according to Eurocontrol, pilots are maintaining a high rate of climb or descent until the last possible level-off opportunity. Because computers measure climb/descent rates against the closing rates of opposing traffic, waiting until the last moment essentially fools the technology, often creating an RA because the computer can’t predict the pilots’ plan to level off abruptly. Eurocontrol is also concerned that pilots believe they know why they’re receiving such RAs and often ignore them as nuisance alerts. “In real time,” the document outlines, “pilots cannot and should not assess whether the RA is in fact operationally required.” Eurocontrol’s message: a second RA could well be missed by pilots trying to think faster than the computers.
General aviation aircraft can also cause the same alert while operating below class B shelves. Its been reported that a GA aircraft with a high rate of climb, but still below the shelf, can cause an airliner to receive a RA and if the airliner is on short final near the airport may need to go around. Flying beneath airliners is never a good idea, flying an “intercept” course is even worse, don’t do it. They can’t see you but their TCAS can.
In the way of miscellaneous notes:
Intrusions continue to be a serious problem with the Goldwater Restricted areas R-2301W, R-2301E, R-2304 and R-2305. We suggest that if you fly south of Interstate Highway 8, be very aware of your position as you will most likely will be very close to a restricted airspace boundary. The military is extremely concerned with the significant potential for a serious incident occurring with the rate of intrusions that are happening. Remember, the fighters using these restricted areas are firing live ammunition and simulating air to air combat and are not looking for G/A airplanes. The Air Force is tracking intruders and will be requesting the filing pilot deviations on restricted area violators.
A note of caution when flying into Prescott Municipal Airport. There will be significant airport construction occurring the end of June - first of July, so be sure to check for airport NOTAMs before departure so as not to have any surprises upon your arrival.
With the forest fire season upon us, before departing on a trip over the mountainous areas of Arizona, be sure to check with FSS for any forest fire TFR’s that could impact your flight. Also use extra caution when flying into airports that may be serving fire fighting aircraft. This may include Gateway Airport (IWA)
Deer Valley (DVT) will have the south runway closed some nights and for 5 days in the near future for runway resurfacing.
We are continuing to work with airports around the state, by providing the general aviation user input in the planning process of updating their Airport Master Plans.
Since my last report to you, the NTSB has reported seven aviation accidents in Arizona. Except for one aircraft accident which had a minor injury all the others did not include injuries. See my July Accident Report for a summary of the details.
For places to fly for breakfast on the weekend:
The Coolidge Airport Fly In Breakfast has been suspended for the summer as usual.
The breakfast at Casa Grande Municipal Airport is still being held on the last Saturday of the month. Worth noting, the breakfast is served inside the air conditioned airport terminal. (The event is put on by a Community Service Group to raise funds.)