The Saturday morning breakfast fights usually start out pretty good, but getting back later in the morning can get a bit tense because things are starting to heat up and can get a bit bumpy. It’s all supposed to be fun, and usually it is. So, with that in mind, let’s get out there and go flying.
The big announcement that has been made is that the MOSIAC airplane is on the way. The pilot limitations on the MOSIAC proposal will be effective very shortly, but the regulations on the aircraft will be coming along in about a year because of having to get everything regarding the airplane approved by the ASTM. This new light sport definition will now be performance based rather than weight, and it will open the light sport fleet to many of the present legacy airplanes.
The use of ADS-B information for commercial purposes is an issue that has been vexing many pilots for some time. As a result, APA is supporting efforts to enact legislation on a national level to prohibit this misuse of ADS-B information, and we are also attempting to get this same type of legislation introduced in the Arizona State legislature also. ADS-B data should only be used for its intended purpose of air traffic safety.
APA has many tasks laid out for the coming year, and 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
The FAA has been relatively quiet regarding the regulations that would impact our flying, except for the MOSIAC proposal. This item, as discussed previously, will have a major impact on the sport pilot community as it will drastically change the type of airplane that can be flown.
We are pleased to report that the FAA has approved funding for an FAA Control Tower for Marana Regional Airport. This FAA tower is expected to be completed by 2029, but because the tower is proposed to be a prefabricated structure, it is hoped the scheduled completion date will be moved up a bit.
Once more the FAA is considering a proposal from the Air Force to modify the Special Use Airspace around Arizona to improve their air crew training. This is a result of the evolving aircraft capability and changing mission requirements. This would result in the changing of operating times, enlarging one of the MOAs, lowering the floors of the MOAs to near ground level, permitting supersonic flight to much lower altitudes, and the increased use of chaff and flares. The proposal appears to be unchanged from what was proposed last year. As a result, APA will be submitting the same objections we submitted last year. Because the number of letters received on the issue is important, we are requesting that members respond to the proposal once again. A response to the proposal needs to be sent by September 19, 2025. Your letter in opposition is important.
An NPRM has been published in the Federal Register titled, Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations. This rule making was introduced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, and it proposes to accelerate the rule making surrounding the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System that we all fly in. This over 600-page NPRM includes changes to manned flight operations, particularly Part 91 right-of-way rules that we must all follow. This NPRM has a 90-day comment period and would end on October 6, 2026. In addition to the alphabet groups, APA will also be reviewing the proposal and will provide you with a commentary.
Be assured, we will always be on the alert for rule changes that may occur that would have an impact on your flying activity and immediately inform you.
AIRSPACE
We have been advised that the TFR that is depicted on the charts and is located on the very southern part of the state and overlays the airport at Nogales is only intended for UAS, and that it specifically excludes being applicable to fixed wing aircraft. Apparently the TFR may exist for drug interdiction via UAS.
As a result of input from a member, there is an aerostat that is present just off the north edge of the Ruby 1 MOA, and about 1/4 of the way from the west edge. This aerostat is not marked on the charts with a restricted area because it’s location is defined by a NOTAM, and it’s lighted. I believe its altitude is approximately 6,000 Ft. MSL. Apparently, there are a large number of these aerostats that are located along the southern border of the U.S.. By all means, before flight, contact Flight Services, and ask for NOTAMs along your path of flight!
Apparently, studies are under way to approve the use of a small ADS-B transmitter that can be attached to a parachutist to indicate the presence and location of a group. This small transmitter is presently available and is being extensively used in Europe.
There is a significant amount of parachute activity continuing throughout the state, and apparently it will be increasing as the weather cools down a bit. Be extra vigilant when flying near airports with known parachute activity, and look for the parachute icon on the chart, which would indicate parachute activity. Be advised that some of this training could be high altitude jumping initiated at Flight Levels from FL200, and above, 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. Always check NOTAMS for parachute activity. If possible, use Flight Following for your proposed route of flight, and monitor en-route facility frequencies for parachute activity.
SAFETY
The widespread use of drones is becoming a very serious problem. Based on NMAC reports that have been received several aircraft have encountered drones during their approach to landing. This has happened at airports that have been in both bravo and delta airspace, and the tower controller was not aware of the drone’s presence. They have been encountered flying in TFRs ranging from VIP to firefighting, and there have been reports of a collision within a TFR. Places where they should not be but are. Unfortunately, we often see cases of drones flying in areas where unapproved flight is prohibited. If you do happen to come in contact with a small drone operator it would behoove you to inquire if they are aware of the limitations concerning its use. Drones are becoming more prevalent, and they are impossible to see while in flight, and they are a growing threat while flying. How to contact these operators is a real problem we all face.
Unfortunately, the number of Accident/Incidents continues to be greater than it should be, and it was unfortunate that we did have five fatalities reported this last time. During this past period there were nine Accident/Incidents reported, and the information was taken from many sources. 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 was injured, and with as much detail as possible. Thank you.
During this past reporting period we had two Midair Collisions (NMAC) reported. This report will be appended to the Accident/Incident report.
There were thirty-one pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO for the period from July 11 through August 12, 2025. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Student through ATP/CFI Pilot, and there were twelve Brashers issued.
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.
Pilots continue to be unaware of what type of airspace they are flying in or may be about to enter. A pilot should always listen carefully to ATC instructions, and follow them, and if they can’t be complied with, immediately tell the controller why you can’t comply. While flying in controlled airspace, a pilot 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:
- 5 IFR Deviations 2 Brashers
- 2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations 1 Brasher
- 3 Class Delta Airspace Deviations 2 Brashers
- 6 Runway Incursions 1 Brasher
- 8 ATC Instructions 4 Brashers
- 2 Surface incidents 1 Brasher
- 2 TFR Deviations 1 Brasher
- 1 Wrong Surface Landing No Brasher
- 2 Vehicle/Person Incident No Brashers
CONSTRUCTION
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) has a major hangar construction project underway on the south side of the airport which requires a change in the normal taxi routing. Be sure to get to the airport NOTAMS, and study them before your arrival. Other airports around the state have construction projects underway or will have projects starting soon. 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 has worked 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) is on the first Saturday of the month and should re-start in October.
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, and the weekend camping and cookouts will restart October 17-19. Grapevine, which lies within a National Forest, is heavily used by the Forest Service for fighting wildfires and by the Military for Special Training.
NOTE: PRESENTLY GRAPEVINE IS BEING USED BY THE FOREST SERVICE FOR FIGHTING A FIRE NORTH AND EAST OF ROOSEVELT LAKE.
There is a fly-in breakfast on the last Saturday of the month at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ). The Cafe has closed, but the Casa Grande Masonic Lodge is serving breakfast in the air-conditioned terminal from 7 to 11 am.
When you fly to any of these venues, be sure to look for the Fly Arizona Passport Placard at the restaurant, and also at the airport terminal. If you haven’t, 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.
Check with the APA Getaway Flights program and online calendar for fun weekend places to fly.