Well, the full swing of spring is here, and it’s almost summer with its really high temps. So far, flying out for the Saturday morning breakfast has been great with cool smooth flights going. However, coming home, if we are a bit slow getting under way, the return flight can get a bit bumpy, even if the temps aren’t too bad. It seems that most aviation activities have started slowing down, and some of the fly-in breakfasts have stopped for the season. I guess we will have to start considering the higher locations like Payson.

Now that the hot weather is beginning, please be aware of the degraded performance that we will be experiencing from both the powerplant (engine & propeller) and from the airplane. I suspect pilot performance may also be a bit reduced when hot. When you fly into the higher elevation airports this summer, please be very aware of the density altitude of the airport you will be departing from. Consult the aircraft POH and heed the information. If necessary, depart in the cooler evening or early morning. Don’t become an entry in the monthly accident report. 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

FAA

For those who have older, or vintage (prior to 1980) aircraft, maintaining and modernizing them is becoming difficult and costly. To ease the problem, owners have recently been able to install revolutionary electronic flight instrument systems and autopilot systems through STC programs in 2016 - 17, thus providing more affordable and improved cockpit technology. To address the maintainability issue, using entirely existing policy, the FAA has initiated a new program called “Vintage Aircraft Replacement and Modification Article,” or VARMA. VARMA uses several ACs and other policies to allow an ordinary A&P mechanic to evaluate the suitability of off-the-shelf parts for substitution into “Vintage” aircraft, by verifying that the substituted parts match the “fit, form, and function” of the original part. The part would have to meet AC 43-18’s definition of a “criticality level three” part. Level three parts are those that would pose no risk to the safe completion of the flight. While many off-the-shelf parts would be eligible under the VARMA program, critical flight control components would not be approved. The VARMA parts would still have to be installed using an FAA Form 337.

The FAA Aircraft Registry is now offering limited online aircraft registration services at cares.faa.gov . Aircraft owners can now complete self-guided aircraft registration applications, upload legal, and supplemental documents, receive auto-generated notifications, request aircraft registration N- numbers, use modernized online payment options, receive instant notification of payment, and digitally sign Aircraft Registration Applications. Online services will be continuously improved to include corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and non-citizen trusts.

NOTE: Remember, the aircraft owner is responsible for the aircraft’s compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives, ADs. When a mechanic signs the aircraft’s logbook for an inspection, they certify that the aircraft complies with all applicable ADs, and the logbook should include a list of these ADs. Therefore, knowing how to capture all applicable ADs is critical. Airworthiness Directives can be obtained from the FAA Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS). The web site is: drs.faa.gov 

AIRSPACE

Once again, I’m not aware of any airspace changes or FAA regulation changes, or proposals for changes that would impact your flying activities. Let’s just hope this status quo will continue.

The FAA has informed us that numerous airports have announced that their ATC tower hours of operation are often being adjusted because of staffing issues. Always check NOTAMS for the latest hours of operation as they may have been adjusted from those published.

Mesa Falcon Field has advised that contract bids are being solicited for the construction of a new ATC Tower. The new tower will be located immediately east of the present tower. 

The USAF Luke RAPCON has been attempting to get the Aux Field 1 ILS equipment restored, however the restoration efforts have been unsuccessful due to repeated vandalism. Efforts are being explored to control the problem, and it’s unknown if/when it will be available for use. Ideas anyone??? Another practice ILS in the valley is much needed. 

SAFETY

The number of pilot deviations that were recorded this past reporting period are still rather high. I just don’t understand why pilots commit the deviations that they do. Based on the number and type of deviations occurring, one would think the accident rate would be even higher than it is. I wish pilots would just listen more carefully to ATC instructions, and then adhere to them. If you can’t comply, immediately tell them why you can’t comply. When flying in controlled airspace, pilots shouldn’t get 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 will be expected of you. Always fly with care and forethought, and 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 this past reporting period general aviation safety has not been very good because of the number of aircraft accidents and incidents that had been reported. While the accident numbers are high there is a positive side to the report because none of the accidents resulted in a fatality.

For the details of these accidents and incidents 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, and type, if anyone got hurt, and with as much detail as possible. Thank You.

In this past reporting period, the FAA did report two Near Mid Air Collisions (NMAC’s). The details of these NMAC’s are contained in the Pilot Deviation Report under ATC INSTRUCTIONS, dated April 13 to May 11, 2023.

CONSTRUCTION

At Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) the PAPIs for RWY 7L/25R have been upgraded and are now operational. The PAPIs for RWY 7R/25L will be upgraded soon, but a date has not yet been set.

At Gateway Airport (IWA) RWY12C/30C is now open, however the ILS 30C IAP will not be available until it can get flight checked. A date for the flight check was not available.

It seems like most of the airports around the state are having construction or repair projects underway or planned. Unfortunately, we don’t have specific details of all these projects, but we certainly suggest that you always check for NOTAMS at your destination airport so you don’t have a surprise when you arrive.

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.

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 has ceased until 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 had a fly-in breakfast on the third weekend of the month but has ceased until October.

Grapevine is open full time, but the third Saturday camping and cookouts have ceased until fall.

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. 

When you fly to any of these venues, be sure to look for the Fly Arizona Passport Placard at the restaurant, or 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.

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