So far, we have been having pretty good flying weather, although sometimes it’s been a bit windy, but nothing like what pilots have to contend with much of the time in other parts of the country. So why don’t we just go flying and enjoy what we have!
While we have been complaining about landing fees being accessed from information that is being taken from our ADS-B data being transmitted, this appears to be an issue around the country that pilots are becoming concerned about. We have noted that there are other pilot groups elsewhere that are preparing petitions for submittal to the FAA stating that ADS-B date should just be used for the original safety intent and not used for commercial intent or enforcement action. While we have been advised that this information is not being used for enforcement action, there is a bit of question in many minds regarding the accuracy of these claims. There are cases where some states have introduced bills into their legislature defining what the ADS-B data can be used for, and APA is in the process of trying to get such a bill introduced in our own legislature. We are also considering engaging in a petition to the FAA also. APA is considering getting the Arizona Airport Association to support our position on this ADS-B issue, but this may be a problem because many of the airports in our state could be the recipients of the benefit of charging landing fees. In the process, they may possibly overlook the negative effect of pilots avoiding their airport because of the fees.
Both the EAA and AOPA are fighting the issue with the FAA and the legislature on a national level, and the APA is discussing this issue with our Arizona state legislators.
We will continue with our efforts to inform our state legislators of what is happening in our aviation community and of the positive impact we make on the overall economic picture of the state. We will continue to fight as hard as we can to make sure the state legislature doesn’t continue to “sweep” our aviation fund to finance other projects.
APA has many tasks laid out for the coming year, and unfortunately our manpower is limited. If you think you can assist us, please contact our president, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
FAA
Because of a very significant reduction in pilot usage of the FSS network of remote communications outlets (RCO), the FAA is seeking input from pilots about its plans to shutdown its RCO system, which allows pilots to communicate with Flight Service while flying. Apparently, most pilots are using their smart phones and computers rather than the FSS RCO system.
The FAA has dropped their plans to deny incomplete medical applications and will work with aviation groups to streamline the certification process. This is a welcomed move from the aviation community, and the agency said it would instead review feedback from stakeholders aimed at improving the pilot medical certification process.
It appears that all is still quiet with the FAA regarding regulations or proposals for changes that could impact our flying activity. Be assured, we will always be on the alert for any significant changes that may occur and inform you.
AIRSPACE
It appears that Casa Grande is still searching for an airport manager since David Reffner resigned. We were informed he will be relocating to another Arizona airport as manager and will be retaining his position in the Arizona Airport Association (AzAA).
The significant amount of parachute activity throughout the state will be continuing as it has in the past. We hope you are being extra vigilant when flying near airports with known parachute activity and look for the parachute icon on the chart, which would indicate parachute activity. There may be teams from foreign countries that could be training here, and be advised that some of this training could be high altitude jumping initiated at Flight Levels between FL130 and FL200, perhaps above FL200, with parachutists descending through airspace far removed from their final landing site. Remember, if you can determine the surface wind direction, the safest place is downwind of the Drop Zone, and Parachutists land like an airplane, downwind, base, and final. Always check NOTAMS for parachute activity and use Flight Following for your proposed route of flight, and possibly monitor en-route facility frequencies for parachute activity.
Marana Regional Airport is still planning to start construction on an air traffic control tower, but because of economic issues, the start date had been extended. Because the history the airport has for very high air traffic density, numerous NMAC’s, and a recent mid-air collision, it’s hoped that the original schedule for the control tower can be restored.
SAFETY
This time the number of Accident/Incidents were a bit high, and the number of FAA reported incidents was a bit long, however, it was fortunate that there weren’t any fatalities to be reported. During this past period there were 13 Accident/Incidents reported. While the information is taken from many sources, much of the information is from FAA notes.
For the details of all the accidents/incidents in this past reporting period, see my accident 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.
Fortunately, in this past reporting period we didn’t have any NMAC’s reported. Apparently, all the controllers and pilots were being vigilant and keeping track of other traffic.
There were nineteen pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO for the period from March 14 through April 10, 2025. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot through ATP/CFI, and there were three Brashers issued for IFR deviations.
Note: A controller will issue a Brasher notification to a pilot when further FAA action will be taken, and the controller is thus giving the airman the opportunity to make note of the occurrence, collect information, and their thoughts for their future interaction with FAA Flight Standards.
It’s still obvious that pilots are often unaware of what type of airspace they are flying into or may be about to enter. Pilots must always listen 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 must always comply with ATC instructions and always advise ATC before doing anything that may differ from instructions given. When on the ground, pay attention to airport signs, and runway markings, and know what they mean, and always comply with them.
In summary, the general aviation deviations issued this reporting period are as follows:
7 IFR Deviations 3 Brashers
2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations No Brashers
6 Class Delta Airspace Deviations No Brashers
2 Runway Incursions No Brashers
1 ATC Instructions No Brashers
1 Surface Incident No Brashers
To see the details of these deviations, see my Pilot Deviation Report located elsewhere in this newsletter.
CONSTRUCTION
Gateway Airport (IWA) still has ongoing construction projects which may require the closing, or partial closing, of one of their three runways from time to time. Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) has a major hangar construction project underway on the south side which will require a change in the normal taxi routing. Be sure to get NOTAMS for both airports, and study them before your arrival. Other airports around the state may have construction projects underway or have projects starting soon. Unfortunately, we don’t have specific details on all these projects, but we would urge you to always check for NOTAMS at your destination airport so you don’t have a surprise upon your arrival.
APA works with airports around the state assisting with the updating of their Airport Master Plan by providing the pilot and aircraft owner’s perspective in the process. The 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) which was on the first Saturday of the month has stopped until fall.
On the second Saturday of the month, consider flying down to Ryan Field (RYN) west of Tucson for breakfast or lunch at Ritchie’s Restaurant. They are open daily from 6 am to 2 pm to serve you.
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 a fly-in breakfast is available from the Runway 5 Cafe, a new cafe located in the Air Conditioned Casa Grande Airport terminal building. Runway 5 Cafe is open for business on Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
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. If you haven’t already, use the FlyAZ app to scan the placard 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.