100 degrees at 7am? Wow, summer is definitely here! While often uncomfortable, flying in the heat offers unique challenges and opportunities. Density altitude calculations for many popular destinations become critical and may actually exceed the data in your Pilots Operating Handbook. Stick and rudder pilotage skills are honed when the autopilot can’t keep up with the turbulence. The point is that we need to stay active and not let our skills get rusty. Get out early, enjoy the early morning lighting, stay current, and stay safe. The calendar on our website has many of activities listed throughout the summer – check it out.
I understand there are many outstanding aviation organizations that are competing for your membership annually. Each have their purpose, and none are less important than the others. EAA, AOPA, the RAF, and others each represent aviation niches at the national level. Membership in these groups is important since much of the infrastructure we use and regulations we fly under are federally mandated and membership is easy to justify. We’ve seen these groups united on nearly all recent challenges to General Aviation. Flying in Arizona also comes with unique challenges and opportunities. The APA represents the interests of General Aviation in Arizona. The Aviation Trust Fund, lack of a dedicated Aviation Bureau within ADOT, and airstrips on public lands are just a few examples of the governmental challenges we face. Desert aviation safety is another challenge unique to Arizona. Aviation-themed getaways, social events, backcountry adventures? Your membership in APA allows us to ensure your aviation concerns specifically as an Arizona pilot are addressed legislatively and recreationally. This is where APA excels, with your help, as it is indeed a numbers game; the more members, the more attention we get from legislators and other government agencies. As a bonus, membership also allows some extraordinary piloting adventures, truly unique destinations, service opportunities, an incredible monthly newsletter, and a sense of kinship. Think of APA like a type club. While type clubs are unique support mechanisms for a specific aircraft, APA is a unique support mechanism for your General Aviation interests in Arizona. We have an amazing team working behind the scenes on your behalf.
There couldn’t be a better time to be a part of APA than right now. We have some exciting updates in the works and we’re looking forward to sharing them with you soon. We’ll be communicating more, providing more destinations, offering more safety seminars, and ensuring General Aviation’s voice 3 Brian Hangars for Sale SkyRanch at Carefree — www.skyranchcarefree.com 480 488-3571 — Hangars for Sale or Lease VMC Club Meetings VMC club meetings resume on September 4th New start time of 6:30 pm Still in CHD Terminal Meeting Room in Arizona is loud and clear. Whether you’ve recently joined, or have been a member for years, we sincerely thank you. Remember, numbers count. I ask that you share this newsletter with friends or colleagues who may not be members and recommend them joining. At just over $2 per month, it’s truly a great value that is getting even better. Stay tuned to the newsletters and azpilots.org for updates as we roll out our initiatives!
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