The breakfast fights on Saturday morning have been excellent with relatively good weather for flying. In general, the temperatures has been a bit warmer than normal, and let’s hope it doesn’t get much warmer too soon. We all know what’s to come as the months move closer to summer. Anyway, while the weather is still good, let’s get out and go flying.
I suspect that many of you have been following what’s happening at Mesa Falcon Field related to landing fees. There was a large turnout for the recent Mesa City Council meeting, and in spite of the major opposition to the city proposal, there was a 100% Council approval for what the airport had proposed. After the council meeting, APA was asked if we were going to file a lawsuit against the City of Mesa and the Airport. Because of our status as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and related IRS rules I’m not sure we could, but most certainly because of the cost of such a venture, we would not. I suspect there isn’t any question there will be lawsuits filed against the City and Airport by others that are impacted by the decision.
In the meantime, we in APA are very concerned that many of the negative things that were approved here will also happen at other airports in the Phoenix area, and may even possibly spill over to other airports in the state. Most of the airports in the state belong to the Arizona Airports Association (AZAA), and what is happening at Falcon Field will no doubt be a major item of discussion.
We are still waiting for action on a bill before our legislators in Washington to suppress the commercial use of the ADS-B information that many of us transmit. A member of the Arizona Safety Advisory Group, who is well connected with members of our State Legislature, has also taken action to have a bill presented (HB2210) and heard in the Arizona Legislature that would also prevent the commercial use of this ADS-B information that’s being transmitted. In spite of the fact that this is really a safety issue, the AZAA is opposing this bill because they think that they may still want to use this ADS-B information for generating income for the airports. Also, there is concern that the bill may not be signed by our Governor unless there is full bipartisan support.
Remember, ADS-B information is not the only means for implementing landing fees. Camera systems have been used for verification of an airplanes landing for some time.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
FAA
We haven’t heard of anything from the FAA that would impact your flying activity, but please be assured that APA will always be on the alert for any rule changes that could impact your flying activity and immediately inform you.
AIRSPACE
We realize that the good weather we all enjoy is a major reason there is a lot of parachute activity happening around the central part of the state. Avoid flying near airports with known parachute activity and always be vigilant for parachutists. The parachute icon on the chart is a warning that there might be parachutists in the area. Often this parachute activity may consist of experienced military parachutists that are here to learn and practice new tactical procedures. Some of this jumping could also be high altitude jumping being initiated at Flight Levels, with parachutists descending through airspace far removed from their final landing site. If you can determine the surface wind direction, the safest place will be downwind of their Drop Zone. Always check NOTAMS for parachute activity on your route of flight, and if possible, use Flight Following for your proposed flight, and monitor en-route facility frequencies for parachute activity.
SAFETY
In the past the FAA SDL FSDO had always provided us with substantial FAA input for the Accident/Incident report and also provided all the information for the Pilot Deviation and NMAC Reports. Because of the very late receipt of information and with the press of time, the Accident Report will have some information missing, and there won’t be a Pilot Deviation Report until a suitable replacement is found. Hopefully the replacement will be in place for the next report period.
The Accident numbers are back up again, and it was fortunate that we didn’t have any fatalities reported. We have had eleven accidents reported, and for the details of these accidents see my Accident Report located elsewhere in the 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.
With regard to Pilot Deviations, there were twelve deviations reported and these deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Student Pilot through ATP. There was one out- of-state pilot of the twelve deviations reported, and there was 1 Brasher issued for a Runway Deviation. Pilots need to be more careful in their flying and carefully listen to ATC instructions. Pilots must always be aware of what type of airspace they are flying in or may be about to enter and know what will be expected of them.
In summary, the general aviation deviations this reporting period are:
1 IFR Deviation No Brasher
1 Class Delta Airspace Deviation No Brasher
4 ATC Instructions No Brashers
4 Runway Incursions 1 Brasher
1 Surface Incident No Brasher
1 VFR Deviation Through Military class Delta No Brasher
Because of time limitations, details of the deviations this month will not be provided.
There were no Near Mid Air Collision (NMAC) incidents reported during this past reporting period.
Before takeoff we seem to always get reports from ATC that drones are operating near the airport. We realize that these drones are extremely difficult to see and avoid, and educating many of these drone operators of the proper rules of operation is a problem that we all face. So please be very vigilant all the time.
CONSTRUCTION
A major hangar project is still underway on the south side of Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), and some taxiways have been moved to comply with FAA standards. While some of this activity has been completed, there is some activity that still remains. This results in changes to the normal taxi routing, so be sure to get airport NOTAMS and study them before your arrival.
Tucson International Airport still has a major construction project underway, and there are also numerous other smaller projects underway that could also impact your arrival. Always check the latest airport NOTAMS at your arrival airport, and study them well before your arrival.
APA works 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 during the cooler part of the year. April will be the last one until next 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 generally the third Saturday weekend camping and cookouts are planned. April 17-19 will be the final weekend fly-in for the season. Check the APA newsletter for a possible weekend change. The camp host will prepare the main course for dinner on Saturday, 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 used by the Military for Special Training, so be sure to check the APA Facebook page for NOTAMS.
There is a fly-in breakfast on the last Saturday of the month at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ). The new “Sky High” Cafe is open from Thursday thru Friday from 9 am-12 pm, and Saturday thru Monday from 8 am-12 pm 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 the FlyAZ passport app 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.