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United States Pilots Association |
Several days ago a quote appeared on one of the Internet aviation websites. The reporter quoted the Director of the FAA, Marion Blakey, as saying that user fees were inevitable. Did any of you see this reported on AOPA or EAA's websites or publications? This constant dog and pony show orchestrated by Ms. Blakey and others is starting to really annoy me.
First we were told that General Aviation would have to pay its fair share because the FAA was not receiving adequate funding from the government. Along comes Congress and gives the agency a 12% increase in annual support. Ms. Blakey says, still not enough. They have outsourced the Flight Service Stations to Lockheed-Martin--supposedly at a big savings in cost. The outsourcing was upheld by the federal courts, which threw out lawsuits contesting the award. Still not enough.
Ms. Blakey has very successfully filled the role of the commensurate politician. She has become AOPA President Phil Boyer's very best buddy, and I am sure she will appear at AOPA’s Expo in Tampa this year. One suspects that Mr. Boyer might slowly become aware that Ms. Blakey has her own agenda. I strongly recommend everyone who has the opportunity, go to and attend the AOPA extravaganza, and interrogate Ms. Blakey on her comments regarding user fees. Perhaps if she is lambasted in person, she may tone down the rhetoric. I believe that if she is able to install user fees, then the current mini-boom in general aviation will evaporate instantly. What with $5.00 per gallon avgas, higher insurance and maintenance costs, and now Ms. Blakey and her user fees, why, it just will not be any fun anymore. We will truly become a sport for rich folks, just like thoroughbred racehorses and 200 ft. yachts.
On another more somber note, I have seen a dramatic increase in fatal accidents during the month of July. The NTSB web site showed 43 deaths in July, excluding those outside the United States and aerial applicators (2). Here are two examples. A Rotary Club group of pilots was flying an organized tour from the midwest through New England and beyond. A Cessna 182 shooting an IFR approach into Groton, CT, missed on the first attempt. The second attempt ended up in Long Island Sound, killing all four aboard the aircraft. Last weekend I landed in Junction, TX, for fuel. This airport located in the Texas hill country had a Rockwell 112 depart several days earlier with two folks on board. The aircraft never climbed beyond 300' AGL, and ultimately flew down a ravine, cart wheeling upon impact with the ground, killing both on board. This was a 200hp airplane climbing out of an airport surrounded by high hills.
People, you just cannot be too careful. If your bird is not running at its best on the ground, what would possess you to launch until it was looked at by a mechanic? Please remember the definition of density altitude. During the warm weather months my home airport of Odessa, TX, routinely sees DA readings of 5,800 feet or above. Please check your weight and balance, especially if you are near gross weight. Last year we had a plethora of overloaded aircraft unable to get out of ground effect, smashing into homes, golf courses, etc.
If you get the chance, come to the USPA flyout in Roswell, NM, in September. We are running a mountain flying class with real instructors. You will be flying into high altitude airports on hot days. Why not send a reservation in to USPA and learn about mountain flying. You also will achieve an FAA Wings Program award and receive a BFR as well. We also have a lot of fun and fellowship.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association