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United States Pilots Association |
I read the editor's column in the March issue of America's Flyways with great interest. It always amazes me how naive some people can be when it concerns our government and the way it wants to handle our money. Let me put this another way. We are talking about user fees and the contrived reasoning the FAA has come up with to get GA pilots to "pay their fair share."
First, there is no monetary shortage. The current system is working just fine. Second, if the government wants to provide another $2,000,000,000 bailout to the legacy airlines, giving them control of the ATC system is not the way. The FAA is the designated authority to regulate ATC and it should stay that way. Finally, if the submitters of comments in the March column are so desirous of paying more, I have no objection. Since the proposed increase in fuel tax is some $.50 per gallon, I propose that each one of you that believes this drivel the FAA is putting out, simply write a check at the end of each month for $.50 per gallon burned that month and send it to Marion Blakey. That should assuage your collective consciences. Meanwhile do not force me to share in your misguided opinion that the government is always right.
The new FAASTeam safety program is starting to take shape, and it is a good successor to the former Wings program. The stated intent is to reach all pilots through their flight instructors, mechanics, designated examiners, and others in an attempt to futher reduce the number of serious and fatal accidents. A meeting was held in Odessa, TX, on Monday March 26, and was well attended by county government folks, pilots, and new FAASTeam members. West Texas has had 0% of fatal accidents and no serious injuries since January 1, 2007. Take the time to read the February 2007 NTSB reports and see what your fellow pilots have done. The number of IFR accidents occurring at or near destination airports seems most prominent.
John Boatright, FAASTeam supervisor for New Mexico and West Texas, has graciously offered to put both USPA and NMPA in touch with someone in authority at Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM. The subject is UAS-UAV flights, primarily at night, where the military aircraft are blacked out. John feels the AF can see us even if we cannot see them. Bob Worthington, President of the NMPA, and I will continue to keep you informed on the status of these activities. There is still no interest on the part of the AF, the FAA, or anybody else in putting a remote radar and radio site in the middle of the "dead zone," and I continue to believe this will inevitably lead to a serious accident in the future. The FAA has required that any flights of UAV-UAS aircraft (drones) be escorted by piloted planes, which in the Air Force's case will probably also be blacked out. That means there will be two, not one coming at you with no lights.
Lastly, those who attended the USPA meeting in Vicksburg, MS, were treated to an outstanding presentation at our banquet. The subject was The battle of Vicksburg in 1863 and the tactics used by both sides. If you have not attended one of our quarterly flyouts, you are missing a really great time. Our next meeting is in June at the Hilton Hotel at Mid-Continent Airport in Wichita, KS. I can promise an excellent speaker about a subject near and dear to all of our hearts. You can also tour the Cessna facility in Wichita or go to Shepler's Western Wear store. Plan on attending and be informed.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association