Welcome to the October 2025 APA Newsletter!
As we have reported over the past several months, there is a lot going on in both commercial and general aviation related to legislation and proposed rulemaking including proposed changes in Military Operating Areas (MOAs) in the West and the expansion of operating privileges for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). All these issues come at the expense of General Aviation in one way or another, and it can be hard to stay ahead of it all with limited resources.
However, we are very fortunate to have volunteers that are willing to devote their time and energy toward helping APA remain the Voice of General Aviation in Arizona. Mike McCann, who you already know as our Day Trip Coordinator, has offered to take on the additional role of Director of Advocacy for APA. In this role Mike will join the Board of Directors and lead our efforts to understand the details and impacts of legislation and rulemaking at the local, state, and federal level on GA in Arizona. I know Mike will do an outstanding job and APA is certainly fortunate to have him as a part of our team. You can reach Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In last month’s President’s Report, I mentioned the pending FAA/DOT Part 108 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (MPRM) for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) the negative impact on the long-standing Part 91 Right of Way (ROW) rules and required equipment for GA aircraft. Mike has hit the ground running as they say and formulated a well-researched set of comments from APA on this issue. Comments to the FAA/DOT were due by 1 October and you can find our letter here (https://azpilots. org/images/documents/2025-09-arizona-sua-moa-changes/faa_2025_part_108+nrpm_response_ 10062025v4.pdf). We will be sure to keep you posted on any feedback to our comments and additional developments on this important issue.
Just a few reminders to close for this month:
- October Grapevine Camping Weekend – October 17 – 19 - This will be our first event for the 2025 - 2026 season. Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page and if you are interested in being a camp host reach out to Leanne Tawoda – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Scholarship Program Application Deadline – October 31 – The deadline for APA scholarship applications is fast approaching. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, go to our website at https://azpilots.org/pilot-info/scholarship-program
Thank you for supporting APA’s mission through your membership and please feel free to reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any comments, concerns or questions.
Fly Safe,
Chris