The Saturday morning fights have been outstanding with the cooler temperatures that have been encountered. In fact, generally it hasn’t been too bad for the entire day. I don’t think I’ve been flying at a lower AGL lately, but I have noticed a slight up tick in the number of insects I’ve accumulated on the windshield and wings. I guess I shouldn’t complain because in some parts of the country this is a continuing issue. It’s a real relief that finally we are getting into the enjoyable part of the year when we can go outside without being cooked alive. With that good news, let’s go flying!
As we move along, a lot has been happening in the aviation community. We now have the U.S. Air Force proposal behind us for the moment that would change the size of a MOA, severely lower the floors of MOA’s, lower the altitude for supersonic flight, etc. It seems that all which was being proposed would be a detriment to general aviation activity, and safety. Comments were solicited from the aviation community, and now we will have to wait to see what they have decided. Comments were also solicited regarding the FAA/ADOT Part 108 Notice of Rule Making for the operation of drones beyond visual line of sight. I hope everyone took the opportunity to send in comments on both subjects. Even though the APA issued a response to these items, it was important that individuals respond also because the number of responses they receive is important.
An important item that we are waiting on is the bill before our legislators in Washington dealing with the commercial use of ADS-B information that many of us transmit. APA is preparing to have a similar bill introduced in the Arizona legislator next year. Now is the time for you to contact your legislator in Washington to support this bill when it comes up for a vote.
On the positive side, the MOSIAC rule for sport pilots has taken effect. This will open the Sport Pilot to a much wider range of aircraft. Next year at this time we should also be seeing many new light sport airplanes from Europe to select from.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
FAA
Except for the Part 108 Notice of Proposed Rule Making discussed above, the FAA has been relatively quiet regarding regulations that would impact our flying. We now have the MOSIAC proposal which has been partially released, and it will have a major impact on the sport pilot community as it will drastically change the type of airplane they can fly.
We also hope you got your comments in to the FAA regarding the proposal from the Air Force to modify the Special Use Airspace (MOA’s) around Arizona.
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
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 the group. The U.S. Military is presently testing such a device that will show their presence on some of their jumps. We hope this proves to be successful and will become general usage. We hope that this small transmitter will be relatively inexpensive, and available, and can be used not only for parachute jumpers, but also for gliders.
While there is a significant amount of parachute activity continuing throughout the state, we have been advised that it will increase as the weather continues to cool. 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, with parachutists descending through airspace far removed from the 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, and if possible, use Flight Following for your proposed route of flight or monitor en-route facility frequencies for parachute activity.
SAFETY
We continue to get reports from the FAA, and comments from ATC that drones are being reported in airport traffic areas. Realize that they are very difficult to see and avoid. Drones are not supposed to be operated near an airport, but occasionally they are there. Contacting and educating the drone operator is a problem we all face. The tower controller may not always be aware of the drone’s presence. Please be vigilant.
The number of Accident/Incidents was not too bad this time, but it was unfortunate that we did have two fatalities in this past reporting period. There were eight 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 got hurt, and with as much detail as possible. Thank you.
During this past reporting period we had two Near Midair Collision (NMAC) reported, and the report is appended to the Accident/Incident report.
There were twelve pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO for the period from September 12 through October 2, 2025, and these deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private through ATP, and there were five 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:
1 IFR Deviation No Brasher
2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations 1 Brasher
1 Class Delta Airspace Deviation 1 Brasher
4 ATC Instructions 1 Brasher
4 Runway Incursions 2 Brashers
For details of all the Pilot Incidents in this past reporting period, see my Pilot Incident report located elsewhere in this newsletter.
CONSTRUCTION
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) still has a major hangar project underway on the south side, and some taxiways are being moved to comply with FAA standards. All this activity will result in changes to the normal taxi routing. Be sure to get airport NOTAMS and study them before your arrival.
At Tucson International Airport there is major construction happening. There are also numerous other smaller projects underway that could impact your arrival, so always check the latest airport NOTAMS and study them well before arrival.
There are many airports around the state that also have construction projects in progress 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 is working 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.
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 generally the third Saturday weekend camping and cookouts have restarted. Check the APA newsletter for a possible weekend change. The camp host will prepare the main course for dinner, 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.
There is a fly-in breakfast on the last Saturday of the month at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ). A new cafe, the “Sky High” cafe, is open from Thursday thru Friday from 9am-12pm, and Saturday thru Monday from 8am-12pm with a limited menu. However, the Casa Grande Masonic Lodge will continue to be serving a breakfast in the air-conditioned terminal from 7 to 11 am on the last Saturday of the month.
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.