I guess summer is really in full swing because in order to go flying in some sort of comfort you need to get up before dawn and get prepared to takeoff at the first light of dawn. Even then, by the time you get back home it’s beginning to get a bit warm. It may not be very bumpy yet, but it is getting hot. At altitude it may not be too bad, but when you get on the ground, it is hot… and it really discourages you from spending much time cleaning bugs off or doing any needed chores around the hangar! Unfortunately, there always seem to be things that require attention.
This time the reports for the newsletter are going to be a bit short because many of us went to Oshkosh for the annual EAA AirVenture. For those of you that didn’t go, we will attempt to hit some of the highlights of the event. It’s so massive and covers so many aviation events and things to see, that each attendee will have their own personal “highlights,” and no two may be the same. If you have never attended the event, you do need to put it on your “Bucket List” of things to do. If you have any interest in aviation, you won’t be sorry you went.
As a note, for those of you who didn’t go, aside from all the things to see and do, there are so many vendors there it’s THE place to see the introduction of new products and get the latest information directly from the supplier/manufacturer of almost any product. If you are considering buying something, it’s the place to see, examine, and make a comparison to other products, and perhaps buy it. The amount of information there on any subject/object is amazing. There are often event sale prices on some products. It’s the place to buy things you need (or don’t need).
We made comments in last month’s newsletter regarding our concern about the City of Cottonwood implementing landing fees at their Municipal Airport. APA, in conjunction with AOPA, prepared and sent a letter to the City of Cottonwood expressing our concerns about the negative impact this action would have on the city and the aviation community, without impacting the underlaying problem. Because of the extensive impact this action could have on the entire aviation community, everyone needs to become involved by getting to know people on their city council or aviation board and helping them become knowledgeable about general aviation and increase their willingness to work with us. For more details on this issue, see Chris Nugent’s President’s Report.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
FAA
Fortunately, the FAA hasn’t made any major changes to the regulations or airspace we use or made proposals for changes. The FAA Administrator didn’t make an appearance, at AirVenture, but the Deputy Administrator was there, and she didn’t indicate there would be any regulation changes in the near future. She did say they were very pleased with the new reauthorization bill, and she discussed the many safety initiatives, including how ADS-B has enhanced safety. She stated the FAA will be releasing their final rule on the MOSAIC program at next year’s EAA AirVenture. However, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) may not be as far along as the FAA is in the MOSIAC program. Your APA President, Chris Nugent, is a member of the ASTM team preparing the standards for the new MOSIAC program. See his column for comments on the progress ASTM is making on the program.
AIRSPACE
We have not become aware of any changes or proposals to change any of the airspace that we normally use. As usual, APA will continue to be on alert for any changes that may occur and will inform you.
Once again, we do need to advise you that there has been a significant increase in parachute activity throughout the state. This activity is largely advanced tactical training of foreign personnel, and it will be occurring at any of the parachute sites throughout the state. Please be aware that some of this activity will be high altitude jumping with a high altitude parachute opening, which may result in the parachutists descending through airspace removed from the final landing site. Always be sure to check for NOTAMS for this activity along your proposed route of flight, and monitor enroute facility frequencies for parachute activity.
SAFETY
Summer is really here, and the monsoon season is in full swing, so be very wary of all the hazards it presents as these high temperatures can take a toll on both the pilot and airplane.
In the past reporting period, aviation safety has not been the best because of the number of accidents/incidents that occurred, and fortunately we didn’t have a fatality this past period. In all the accidents reported nobody was seriously injured, and I can only hope that the numbers will come down.
For the details of these accidents/incidents in this past June-July reporting period see my Accident/Incident Summary Report located elsewhere in this newsletter.
Members, please continue to send accident information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the date, location, aircraft make, if anyone got hurt, and with as much detail as possible. Thank you.
It was unfortunate that in this past reporting period the FAA reported two Near Mid-Air Collisions (NMAC’s). You can see the details of these two NMAC reports at the end of the Pilot Deviation Report in this newsletter.
The number of pilot deviations improved greatly in the last reporting period. These deviations were committed by pilots with pilot certificates ranging from Student Pilot through Commercial/CFI, and some out-of-state pilots as well. Some of the deviations were serious enough to warrant the issuance of a Brasher notice to the pilot. In many of the cases, it was apparent the pilot was unaware of what type of airspace they were flying in or were about to enter. Pilots must listen very carefully to ATC instructions, and follow them, and if they can’t comply, immediately tell the controller why they can’t comply. When flying in controlled airspace, pilots need to always comply with ATC instructions, and all ways advise ATC first before you do anything that may differ from the instructions given. When on the ground, pay attention to airport signs and runway markings, know what they mean, and comply with them.
In summary, the general aviation deviations this reporting period are as follows:
2 IFR Deviations 1 Brasher
1 Class Alpha Airspace Deviation No Brasher
1 Class Bravo Airspace Deviation 1 Brasher
3 Class Delta Airspace Deviations No Brashers
3 Runway Incursions 1 Brasher
1 Overshot Runway No Brasher
1 Surface Incident No Brashers
For all the details of these deviations, see my Pilot Deviations Report located elsewhere in this newsletter.
CONSTRUCTION
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) still has numerous taxiways being replaced, and one of the two runways may be closed from time to time. Be sure to get NOTAMS before your arrival. Other airports around the state have numerous construction projects in progress or have projects that will be starting soon. Unfortunately, we don’t have specific details on all these projects, and we would urge you to always check for NOTAMS at your destination airport, so you won’t have an challenging surprise when you arrive.
APA is working with airports around the state in updating of their Airport Master Plans by providing the pilot and aircraft owner’s perspective in the process. An Airport Master Plan Update process usually requires about a year for completion.
THINGS TO DO - PLACES TO FLY FOR BREAKFAST
The fly-in breakfast at Coolidge Municipal Airport (P08) was on the first Saturday of the month but knocked off for summer. They will restart in the fall.
On the second Saturday of the month, consider flying down to Ryan Field (RYN) near Tucson for breakfast or lunch at Ritchie’s Restaurant. They are open daily from 6 am to 2 pm to serve you.
The Falcon Field Warbirds Squadron normally had a fly-in breakfast on the third weekend of the month. Because of several complications the breakfasts had been halted, and presently it’s undetermined when or if they will restart in the fall. We will advise when we have new information.
Grapevine is open full-time, but the weekend camping, and cookouts have been discontinued for the summer. Grapevine, which lies within a National Forest, is heavily used by the Forest Service for fighting wildfires, and the Military for Special Training.
On the last Saturday of the month, the ongoing fly-in breakfast is put on by the Casa Grande Masonic Lodge in the air-conditioned Terminal of the Casa Grande Airport.
When you fly to any of these venues, be sure to look for the Fly Arizona Passport Placard at the restaurant, and at the airport terminal. Scan the placard with your smart phone to get credit on the passport program for being there.
Check with the APA Getaway Flights program and online calendar for fun weekend places to fly.