Read more: Arizona November-December Pilot Deviations
   by Jim Timm   These pilot deviations need to be examined to determine if a common threat exists that we should address to help reduce the number of deviations that occur, and thus enhance aviation safety. In the time period from November 10 through December 8 there were nineteen pilot deviations recorded by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were
Read more: January 2023 President’s Report
  Greetings and Happy New Year! And just like that, 2022 is at our six. It was a year that seemed to be defined as "after COVID," but was still filled with significant challenges. I don't believe I've ever heard the term "supply chain" used as much or as broadly as I did in 2022. Just a walk through the grocery store will show you how fragile that supply chain is when
Read more: January 2023 APA Scholarship Program
By Chris Nugent   We had another great turnout for the 2022 scholarship cycle with forty-three applications received. The overall quality of the scholarship applications has always been impressive, and the 2022 submissions were no exception. In past years, the career objectives for the majority of the applicant’s focused on becoming professional aviators. However
Read more: Near Mid Air Collisions
   by Jim Timm   There were two Near Mid Air collisions reported to the FAA in the last reporting period that ran from November 10, 2022, to December 8, 2022.   November 9, 2022: At the Scottsdale Airport (SDL), a Cessna Citation circled to the incorrect runway while on approach from the northwest, resulting in a loss of separation with a Beechcraft
Read more: Grand Gulch Fly/Camping Adventure
  By Rick Bosshardt    Looking for a fun and interesting place to fly to and explore in Arizona?  One of the hidden gems that we are fortunate enough to have is the fabled Grand Gulch Copper and Silver mine on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Situated in the northwest corner of the Grand Canyon National Park, the location actually sits on BLM land
Read more: January 2023 Executive Director's Report
  I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. I think the best way I celebrated the beginning of the new year was flying down to Casa Grande on Saturday morning for breakfast with friends. To be safe, I welcomed the entrance of the new year safe at home with a good drink and snacks. At my age I’m not certain I could make it to midnight to welcome
Read more: The Best Weather Briefing I Ever Had
  By Howard Deevers   Many of us that have been flying for a long enough time can remember when there were Flight Service Stations located all over the country. Most were at airports, and you could just walk in, fill out a flight plan, get a briefing in person, and be on your way. Oh, the “good old days.” I had flown from Pittsburgh to Dallas in a Mooney M20J
Read more: Checkride Failure Rate Soaring (GAARMS)
  By Fred Gibbs   Just to be clear, the opinions and statements made within my articles are strictly mine and may not necessarily reflect any policy or position of the Arizona Pilots Association.   Fred’s Perspective: Checkride Failure Rate Soaring As a member of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and a Master Flight Instructor, I
Read more: Arizona Airport Passport Program January 2023
~  Arizona Airport Passport Program  ~ AZAPP   By Trent Heidtke Welcome to the January edition of AZAPP Corner where we update you on the latest and greatest happenings regarding the Arizona Passport Program. As we head into January, the program continues to see more and more users with each passing day.  We are sneaking up on 80 total users
Read more: November 2022 Aviation Accident & Incident Summary
  by Jim Timm   The following is a report of the aviation accidents and incidents that occurred in Arizona from late October through late November. We hope the following detailed accident information can be used to develop safety programs and briefings that would help pilots learn from the mistakes being made by others, and take the necessary action to prevent