EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
MARCH, 2013
The flying weather has generally been excellent and there are a lots of aviation events happening around the state and it’s difficult deciding which ones to go to. So, in the mean time, fly safely and enjoy as many of the events as you can.
We keep seeing more and more in the media about the use of UAVs in an ever expanding range of applications. It has been reported that there are at least 81 agencies that want to fly drones. Most are universities or other research-oriented institutions with law-enforcement agencies making up the next largest group. The FAA forecasts an estimated 10,000 civilian drones will be in use in the U.S. within five years. Unfortunately, very little seems to be said about resolving the potential conflict with manned aircraft. The FAA has also been silent on their progress in establishing the mandated six test areas for developing technology to assure the safe integration of these UAVs into the National Airspace System. They are long past the December 2012 deadline in announcing the location of these test sites. When they are announced, it’s very likely that Arizona will have at least one or more of these test sites. With the wide range of interests wanting to use UAVs, it’s a bit worrisome as to operator qualifications and how the UAVs are going to be controlled to prevent conflict with both commercial and general aviation.
In a recent airspace users meeting, we were advised of the potential impact on FAA and ATC services under sequestration. What the heck is sequestration I wondered? Well, it’s it’s some hot shot Washington bureaucrats way of saying, “it’s the action of making a general cut in government spending”. Last summer, a funding deal was reached that would keep government funding at the current levels through March 2013. Then, unless Congress takes further action, sequestration will take effect which will mean automatic and indiscriminate budget cuts across just about every sector of government in an attempt to slash $1.2 trillion from the federal deficit. It’s being reported that the FAA’s air traffic organization will have to lay off an estimated 2,000 employees, including air traffic controllers and technicians and the FAA may also possibly close more than 200 contract towers. We were advised that the air traffic control system would remain intact and safe, however we should expect to see a reduction in services. Examples given as; touch and go landings limited at controlled airports, reduction in practice instrument approaches etc. This anticipated reduction in funding is also the reason the Luke AFB air show has been canceled as have others around the country. I guess we could try to light a fire under our legislators for appropriate action, but unfortunately, I fear, about all we may be able to do is sit tight and hope for the best.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Take note that April 7 thru April 20 there will be a temporary MOA with very significant military operations taking place over the Roosevelt Lake area in support of the annual Air Combat Command Exercise, ANGEL THUNDER. The exercise is designed to provide Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) training for combat aircrews, para-rescue personnel, intelligence personnel, battle managers and joint search and rescue center personnel. Detailed information on the MOA and the operation will be provided in my April report.
Have you ever thought about flying over the Grand Canyon? Mike Liversidge, a long time APA member and former APA Director and Retired FAA-FSS Specialist, sent me the following excellent video that is very informative on how to fly the Grand Canyon. Even if you're not planning a trip to the canyon, you will enjoy the flight over the canyon with “Shade Tree Airlines”. http://youtu.be/0G4iOTYdwnE
I heard a comment from a very credible source recently that there is a “package hauler” that is considering a cargo operation starting with a couple of flights a week out of Deer Valley Airport (DVT) operating Boeing B727s. My immediate thought was, WOW, if they haven’t had enough noise complaints yet, this should certainly ensure that they will get some.
The word is that by June 22 we will be able to have tower to tower IFR operations between northern Arizona and Phoenix.
In a discussion with a Luke RAPCON representative I was advised that the Luke Aux. Field 1 practice ILS equipment does not have adequate protection from significant weather such as rain, and as a result, if there is significant rain in the area the ILS will be shut down. If on a Friday, and there is rain predicted for the weekend, the ILS will be shut down for the weekend. When it is being shut down for weather, a NOTAM will be issued. They have been encountering a significant problem with damage to the ILS equipment from vandalism. Because of it’s remote location and limited manpower resources, it has not been possible to provide sufficient protection with Luke or local law enforcement personnel. I wish there was something we could do to stop the vandalism of this asset that is much needed by both the Air Force and the local aviation community. Any suggestions?
Believe it or not, they are still doing GPA interference testing. This time it was in the middle of February at Alamogordo, NM. Once again, please let us know if you ever encounter a problem with GPS navigation due to interference.
Did you send in your 2013 State of Arizona aircraft registration? Remember it was due February 28. If you haven’t, do it now to avoid the penalties. The fees are to used to help pay for runway, taxiway and ramp maintenance and improvements.
There are a number of airports in the Phoenix area and around the state that have runway repair/upgrade projects scheduled for this spring and summer, so be sure to check for NOTAMS before you depart.
Aviation safety should be a concern for all of us. From the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports, there were five aviation accidents in Arizona this last reporting period. Unfortunately, two of them involved fatalities. See my March Aviation Accident Report for details.
We continue to work with airports around the state providing the general aviation user perspective in the process of updating the Airport Master Plans. The Wickenburg Airport Master Plan up date has been completed and we are presently working on both the Gila Bend Municipal Airport and the Nogales International Airport Master plan up date and the update of the Phoenix Sky Harbor FAA Part 150 Noise Study.
THINGS TO DO - PLACES TO GO FOR BREAKFAST:
Cactus Fly In - March 1 &2 (An annual major Arizona aviation event)
The first Saturday of the month there is a fly in breakfast at Coolidge Airport (P08).
Time: 8:00 to 11:00 am.
The last Saturday of the month there is a Fly in breakfast at Casa Grande Airport (CGZ)
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 am.
(Both of these fly in breakfasts are put on by a service group in their respective communities to raise funds for community service projects.)
The third Saturday of the month there is a fly in breakfast at Benson (E95) @ Southwest Aviation
(Rumor has it that there may be special fuel prices for breakfast attendees.)