It looks like the winter weather is in our rear-view mirror, and spring is on its way. The nights are cool and the early morning flights for the Saturday morning breakfasts are truly delightful. If it stayed this way for too long, I fear we would be overrun with more people than we would want.

I hope some of you made it out to Buckeye Airport for the Buckeye Air Fair and AOPA Fly In last month. It was said that there were over 500 aircraft that flew in, and 30,000 aviation enthusiasts that attended. The Arizona Pilots Association had a space in the AOPA exhibit hall, and it was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to visit with many of you that stopped by. Fortunately, the weather was very good, with a little wind at the start, and the entire program appeared to go well.

In the coming weeks, there are several airports in the Phoenix area that are planning on having pilot/controller forums. Keep a close watch, and when one is available near you, be sure to attend. It will be a good opportunity to learn why controllers do what they do in handling the aircraft under their control, and the forums will also permit you to ask the controllers questions that you may have regarding air traffic control.

For those of you that fly at night, I’m sure you are keenly aware that a high-powered laser pointer can be incapacitating for a pilot. Nationwide, in 2022, there were nearly 9,500 laser strikes reported with some cases of injuries being reported by the pilots. FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,000 for multiple incidents have been assessed. Police helicopter pilots in Phoenix and Tucson are aggressively pursuing violators. The FAA Acting Administrator has issued a request to manufacturers and distributors of lasers to add a label to their product stating that pointing a laser at an aircraft threatens pilots, is a federal crime, and the FAA may seek criminal and civil prosecution. If you encounter a laser strike, immediately contact air traffic control and advise them of the position of the occurrence.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

FAA

We just received a note for immediate release from the FAA that referred to an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that had just been issued on Continental Engines. It stated the AD and final rule is effective February 23, 2023, and affects any crankshaft assembly on a Continental Engine. Due to improper installation of the counterweight retaining rings during manufacture loosening of a counterweight retaining ring may result in the loss of retention of the counterweight. If not addressed, the condition could result in catastrophic engine damage and possible engine seizure. An inspection of the crankshaft is required prior to any further flight or a ferry permit must be obtained to fly the aircraft to a place where the inspection can be performed. For further information see https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/23/2023-03796/airworthiness-directives-continental-aerospace-technologies-inc-reciprocating-engines

Based on the failure rates of inspections of the wing carry-through spar lower cap of Cessna 177 and Cessna 210 aircraft, the FAA has published an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that will become effective March 20, 2023, that will require a visual, and eddy current inspection of the carry-through spar lower cap for corrosion, cracking, and damage. To determine aircraft models impacted, and view the AD requirements go to final AD. To also gain further insight into the issue, an online search for type clubs for the Cessna 210 and 177 airplanes could be made, and see what information they may also offer on the subject AD.

AIRSPACE

In a recent Phoenix Airspace Users meeting there was mention made of a significant number of encounters with drones flying around a major roadway construction area. While this was reported in the Phoenix area, the problem will no doubt be present anywhere in the state where there may be significant roadway construction project being undertaken. Drones are here, and they are being widely used, so be aware, and be extra vigilant!

Plans are still underway to establish an FAA control tower at Avra Valley airport, and the Environmental Impact Assessment is presently in process. I’ve heard the program conclusion is still being planned for 2024.

APA is still pushing the Army at the Picacho ARNG Heliport to get the proper meteorological equipment for the site so the FAA can establish a Class Delta Airspace for the heliport. The heliport, located a few miles west of Picacho Peak, is presently only depicted on charts with a heliport symbol, and it’s easily overlooked by pilots. The control tower at the site expects pilots to remain clear of their heliport as if it did have a Class Delta Airspace designation. If they are serious about the problem, one would think they would get the required equipment installed so the FAA could make the airspace designation happen, and pilots would finally see where they are, and avoid them.

SAFETY

Unfortunately, the number of pilot deviations were really up this past reporting period. I wish pilots would listen more carefully to ATC instructions and adhere to them. If you can’t comply, tell them immediately why you can’t comply. When flying in controlled airspace, pilots shouldn’t be creative, but tell ATC first before they do something that differs from the instructions given. Always be aware of what type of airspace you are flying in, or what you may be about to enter, and always know what is going to be expected of you. Fly with care and forethought, and please don’t commit a deviation.

In summary, the general aviation deviations this reporting period are:

For the details of these deviations see my Pilot Deviations Report located elsewhere in this newsletter.

In the past reporting period, aviation safety was not very good because the number of aircraft accidents and incidents were still a bit high. While the accident numbers were high there was a positive side to the report because none of the accidents resulted in a fatality and there was only one minor injury.

For details of these accidents and incidents see my Accident/Incident Summary Report also located elsewhere in this newsletter.

The FAA reported to us there were two Near Mid Air Collision (NMAC) incidents that had occurred in the January/February reporting period. A description of these incidents are in a NMAC Report located near the Accident/Incident and Pilot Deviation reports 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, and type, if anyone got hurt, and with as much detail as possible. Thank You.

CONSTRUCTION

It seems like most of the airports around the state have construction or repair projects underway. Unfortunately, we don’t have any specific details of any one of the projects, but we would certainly suggest that you always check for NOTAMS at your destination airport so you won’t have any unpleasant surprises when you arrive.

For those who may have plans to fly into Pinal Airpark (MZJ), they have a NOTAM that is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2023, that states their single runway is closed to all general aviation (GA) activity. Although the scheduled end of the NOTAM is June 30, weather delays in construction could push this date a bit further out. Per information we have, the runway is being upgraded in sections of about one third at a time. While the runway is closed, there may be other limited operations that will be continuing such as the contract parachute operations. Until the runway upgrade is completed, NO GA activity will be permitted.

Chandler Airport (CHD) is going to be replacing and upgrading their AWOS equipment.

Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) will be undertaking an extension of the north runway. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a date given when this may occur, but when it does occur, you can certainly expect there will be delays to takeoff. It will be a challenging time for everyone.

At Gateway Airport (IWA), because of construction activity, RWY 30C will have limited use until April 2023, and the ILS 30C will not be available for use. The ASR 8 RADAR antenna at the airport has been decommissioned, and its removal and relocation of collocated equipment is pending.

APA is always working with airports around the state assisting with the updating of their Airport Master Plans by providing the pilot and aircraft owner’s perspective in the process. At the present time Payson Airport has their Airport Master Plan Update in process.

THINGS TO DO - PLACES TO FLY FOR BREAKFAST:

The fly-in breakfast at Coolidge Municipal Airport (P08) is on the first Saturday of the month.

On the second Saturday, 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 fly-in breakfast is on the third weekend of the month.

Grapevine is open full time, but the third Saturday of each month is a special time for a group camp dinner on Saturday evening. Come and camp for the weekend! The camp host will prepare the main course, and campers, please bring a side dish or dessert to share. 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 continuing to be put on by the Casa Grande Masonic Lodge in the air-conditioned Terminal of the Casa Grande Airport. Apparently, the upgrading of the lunch area has yet to meet inspection requirements. Hopefully it won’t be too long before it can come online.

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, and 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.

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