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United States Pilots Association |
Another airline-industry executive has joined Northwest Airlines CEO Richard Anderson in the call for higher fees for general aviation. In an opinion piece, Jim May, president and CEO of the Air Transport Association, claims GA accounts for 40 percent of the flights handled by FAA centers and 69 percent of tower work, but contributes only two percent of the revenue (through gasoline tax) needed to keep the systems operating. "The fees general aviation operators pay today don't even come close to covering the costs of the federal aviation services they receive," May wrote.
Anderson’s statement came from a dispute with the Metropolitan Airports Commission over the subsidization of GA airports from money earned (much of it by Northwest) at Minneapolis-St. Paul International, but May’s comments are broadly based and aimed at GA in general. “Each user should pay its fair share,” he wrote.
It sounds like time for GA to be heard again.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
As we gather together with family and friends, let us not forget those who gave their lives that we may enjoy ours.
All of us with USPA wish for you and yours an enjoyable and safe holiday.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Since many of our USPA members were friends of Ed Duckworth, I pass on to you the sad news that Ed died suddenly at home after working the day on Friday, May 28. We came to know and respect Ed when he served as FAA Central Region Safety Program Manager, and he was also a member of USPA and MPA.
For Ed’s obituary, see http://www.legacy.com/kansascity/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2276435.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Although USPA Regional VP Bob Worthington wrote the following report of the Odessa USPA flyin/meeting for the benefit of the New Mexico Pilots Association, it is so thorough that I felt all USPA members would like to see it.
UNITED STATES PILOTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
20-23 MAY 2004 AT ODESSA, TEXAS
As you know the NMPA is a state affiliate of the US Pilots Assoc and NMPA has five directors on the USPA Board of Directors. Two of these directors, Bob and Anita Worthington, attended the USPA annual meeting to represent NMPA. Bob is also a USPA Regional VP for the Southwest Region.
About 12 planes and 35 USPA members and directors came to the meeting. While it was windy, the weather was sunny and clear during the entire meeting.
The meeting began Thursday evening with an FAA WINGS Safety Seminar presented by John Boatright, FAA Safety Program Manager for the FAA Southwest Region. Friday the FAA gave the three hours of flight time required to complete the entire WINGS program which counts the same as completing a BFR. The FAA also inspected planes on request during the PACE program. There were about 30-35 attendees at the Thursday evening seminar.
Friday morning the general session began with reports from the affiliated states and individual chapters. Of interest to NMPA members was the info presented on the next (summer) USPA Meeting. It will be in Geneva, IL and we will be using DuPage Airport (DPA). The dates are 26-29 August with the Comfort Inn of Geneva being the meeting hotel. Thursday evening the safety seminar will be held at the FERMILAB, the world's largest (one trillion volts) atom smasher. Speakers will be an FAA Safety Program Manager; a recently retired FAA Regional Medical Examiner; and a former member of the WASP, also a 99, a Round-the World Race pilot, and an author. Sounds like an interesting line-up.
In addition to the normal USPA business meetings (Friday and Saturday mornings), Friday afternoon will include a scenic riverboat cruise. The evening will see USPA at a local dinner theatre. Saturday the business meeting will be at the FERMILAB where we will have lunch and then a tour of the lab. Saturday evening will be the banquet with a guest speaker. Sunday we will depart for home. The registration deadline is 13 August. Complete information will be in the next issue of America's Flyways magazine, which all NMPA members receive.
The fall meeting will be at the AOPA annual EXPO in Long Beach, CA 21-24 Oct. USPA will hold only one meeting on Saturday 23 Oct from 10 am to noon. Registration information will become available on the AOPA web site on 9 June. There is no separate registration for the USPA meeting, only for AOPA.
Most of the rest of the morning was devoted to various committees working individually.
That afternoon we had two choices; the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Midland (formerly the Confederate Air Force) or a unique shopping tour. I went to the museum and Anita went shopping. That evening we had our annual banquet and several awards were presented to hard working and deserving USPA members. Full details will be available in the next issue of America's Flyways.
Saturday we had the short annual meeting where the only business was the election of officers. Steve Uslan of Odessa was elected president (when Steve lived in Hobbs a few years ago he was president of NMPA). Immediate past-president, Chuck Huber of Denton, TX is VP Membership; Arnold Zimmerman (co-founder of USPA, former president, former executive director, and co-chairman of the board of the MO Pilots Assoc) is VP Meetings. The other officers and regional VPs did not change.
The regular board meeting followed and much work was accomplished. USPA had worked hard during the year to have over-turned several FAA decisions to include shutting down all of an airport's instrument approaches and to close an FAA office in the Northwest that approves the design and manufacture of airplane parts (which could effectively close down several businesses that are in the Northwest). During the year, USPA assisted in the creation of two USPA individual Chapters; one in AR and one in TX. It is expected that a new chapter will soon be formed in Odessa/Midland, having signed six new individual members during the meeting.
The financial report shows that up to May USPA was slightly behind budget but that does not include income that is due in May and June, which should put USPA in the black for the past fiscal year (1 July-30 June).
Two business items of interest to NMPA, USPA has applied to the IRS to receive a special status, which, if approved, could place every USPA affiliated state under a blanket USPA 501-C-3 status. Currently, while NMPA was created to be a 501-C-3 tax-exempt organization, it never did due to the initial paperwork and the annual reporting requirements. Since our dues income is in a non-interest bearing checking account (at no cost to NMPA) we have no income and therefore pay no taxes. If we were a 501-C-3 organization under USPA we could then raise more money as a charitable organization and contributions would qualify for the givers as a charitable donation for income tax purposes. If this goes through then NMPA may have to do some fine-tuning of its By Laws to comply with IRS requirements to be similar as USPA's.
The second item is USPA is planning to put together a flying trip to Alaska for the summer of 2005, next year. While this will not exactly be a USPA sponsored trip, USPA will put everything together, provide guides who have taken the trip before more than once, and provide all the info needed, where to get maps, charts, etc and line up over night stops and places to stay. The costs will be the individual's responsibility and USPA will not be collecting any money except for possible copying and mailing costs to people wanting to go.
The trip will probably be in July and probably have the group meeting in either MT (Cut Bank or Great Falls) or Calgary or Edmonton in Canada. The trip will consist of flying to AK via the Al-Can Highway to Northway, AK and then Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Homer. Since some people will not have as much time as others there will probably not be a return trip with all planes. From Calgary to Fairbanks will take about 3-5 days, depending on weather. The last time USPA went to AK was in June, 1999 for our annual meeting and USPA conducted Alaska's first ever complete FAA WINGS weekend (just like we did in Odessa last week). So if any NMPA members are interested you can contact me at 505 522 6785 or email at rworthin@zianet.com. More details will be in a future issue of America's Flyways. Think about it. While AK has a lot of big, tall mountains, on my first trip there I never flew above 5500' in AK. That’s my traffic pattern altitude at Las Cruces. It is a lot of fun and isn't as expensive as taking a cruise or combination trip to AK.
Saturday afternoon we went to the Odessa airport and then went to Midland to enjoy a Bar B Q picnic and watch a double-header base ball game with the local team, the Rock Hounds. It was especially good the last half of the second game, very close score and very exciting.
Sunday morning it was a nice flight back home, with a slight headwind.
Bob Worthington, SW Regional VP
USPA
According to AOPA, who got the word from FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, if your aircraft registration address is wrong, you could lose your N number. And you have until June 1 to correct the address.
Check yours out at http://registry.faa.gov/arquery.asp.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The FBI requests help in locating or providing any information on the following terror suspects.
Please click on link.
Contact your local FBI office if you have any information.
http://www.emergencyemail.org/terrorinfo.asp
THE EMERGENCY EMAIL & WIRELESS NETWORK
http://www.emergencyemail.org/
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Arnold (Zim) Zimmerman will join aviation notables including Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Jeana Yeager, the Wright brothers, General “Jimmy” Doolittle, and President George Bush when he is inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas, June 19. Among other USPA members previously inducted are Micky Pinkston, Theda Beningfield, Dr. M. Graham Clark, and Jan Hoynacki.
The International Forest of Friendship was a gift to America on her 200th birthday (1976) from the City of Atchison—the birthplace of Amelia Earhart—and The Ninety-Nines, and is open to the public as a museum.
The Forest overlooks Lake Warnock, on the outskirts of Atchison, and is made up of trees from all 50 states and 35 countries, homes of the Honorees.
Zim’s involvement in aviation began in January, 1950, with his first flight instruction and within three years he had an instrument rating, commercial license, and multi-engine rating. He has over 5,700 hours, including a north Atlantic crossing.
Zim was an early leader in the Missouri Pilots Association and a primary organizer of the United States Pilots Association (1981), and served on organization committees of many other state associations. His fervency and leadership have made him a catalyst for enhancing the growth and effectiveness of general aviation and USPA. He has served as President, Executive Director, headed many committees, and is currently Executive Director Emeritus (1997), heads two committees, and was just elected Vice President Meetings for the 2004-2005 year.
USPA is very proud of Zim’s accomplishments and dedicated support of USPA. All are invited to attend the induction ceremony and related activities at Atchison. For more information, contact Kay Baker at 785 847-6800 or http://www.ninety-nines.org/fof.html.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
There was a fine turnout for the Odessa/Midland, TX, flyin/meeting of USPA May 20-24. Although windy, the weather was excellent, and about 12 planes flew into Schlemeyer Field for west Texas hospitality, good food, and a good time.
Business was not cut short, however, as the annual membership meeting, general members’ meeting, and quarterly board meeting were all held on Friday and Saturday mornings, with new officers being elected for the 2004-2005 year which begins July 1. USPA’s new President will be Steve Uslan of Odessa, and Vice President for Meetings will be Arnold (Zim) Zimmerman of St. Louis. The other officers remain the same.
Receiving special honors and certificates for dedication and devoted service to USPA were President Chuck Huber (Denton, TX), Vice President for Communications Arv Schultz (Phoenix, AZ), and Vice President for Meetings Jeff Griffiths (Overland Park, KS).
Six new USPA members signed up, and an organizational meeting for TX02 will be held soon.
Pam and Steve Uslan put together a busy weekend for USPA members and area pilots, and among the fun activities was a visit to the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Midland and a double header with the Midland Rockhounds baseball team. To see USPA at play, check out the attached pictures.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Saturday, May 15, USPA Executive Director Jan Hoynacki, Past President Paul Hough, and member JC Zalog attended the Holley Mountain Chapter meeting at beautiful Holley Mountain Airpark near Clinton, AR, coming down through an 800’ ceiling that refused to break that morning.
After a brief presentation of USPA goals, objectives, current projects, and upcoming meetings, Jan presented AR01 President Jim Collom with his chapter’s charter certificate, nicely framed, and ready to hang in Jim’s office (which is his hangar).
It seems you can’t attend a meeting of AR01 without indulging in a mouth-watering meal, which we did, before setting out to head back north.
Among the many items of interest on the AR01 agenda, was an invitation to USPA to meet at Holley Mountain the second weekend in October, 2005, during their Holleyfest extravaganza. This invitation will be considered by the USPA board when they meet in Odessa, TX, May 22.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
According to Nancy Batye of the COU FSS, using Flight Following won’t save you from a TFR violation if you wander into one. But filing and flying IFR will.
The answer? Check for TFR’s right before your flight. You can request a TFR update only, and skip the full briefing.
They’re probably here to stay, folks. And this is an election year. So don’t lose your license over a TFR! Check before you fly!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Be sure to put August 26-29 on your calendar for the USPA board meeting to be held in DuPage, IL. Great Lakes Regional VP Bob Frantz has put together a program that you won’t want to miss, including a tour of Fermilab, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, where experiments are carried out by scientists from all over the world, and a wonderful dinner/theater featuring “Don’t Drink the Water” by Woody Allen.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The USPA Spring Flyout and Annual Membership Meeting is right upon us. If you haven’t already done so, please send in your registration form NOW! Only by knowing how many to expect can the meeting planners do a good job of setting up a fun time and an effective meeting.
And remember that this flyout includes the USPA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING. In order to have a quorum to conduct association business—including electing officers—we must have a quorum for this meeting. Who are the eligible voters? All Individual Members, plus the voting delegates from each state organization and local chapter. So if you are one of these and will not be attending the meeting, PLEASE SEND YOUR PROXY TO ME NOW, OR SEND IT WITH SOMEONE WHO WILL BE ATTENDING. This is very important. We need your help. Please do it today.
Of course, we would rather have you with us to enjoy a great Texas experience, and to help establish the Odessa/Midland Chapter of USPA.
For your convenience a proxy form and flyout registration follow.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
PROXY
The undersigned, being a designated voting member of the Board of Directors and/or Individual Member of the United States Pilots Association, and entitled to vote at the ________________ Meeting of the Board of Directors and/or annual membership meeting, do hereby constitute and appoint _________________________, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact and proxy to attend and represent me at the Board Meeting and/or annual meeting to be held on ____________________ , or any continuation or adjournment thereof, with full power to vote and act for me and in my name, place, and stead, in the same manner, to the same extent, and with the same effect that I might were I personally present thereat. Any proxy or proxies heretofore given by me to any person or persons whatsoever are hereby revoked.
In WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Proxy on this ___________ day of ______________, 2004.
Signature
Name Printed
United States Pilots Association
SPRING FLYOUT, ODESSA, TEXAS – May 20 – 23, 2004
Odessa was established in 1881 as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroads. It has been said that Odessa’s name originated from an area that resembled the region around the Russian city in Ukraine named Odessa. The unsurpassed beauty of the West Texas sunsets, and a climate that is warm and inviting, make this uncommon city a true paradise. Odessa is also well known for its hospitality and people with a deep appreciation of a colorful past. Odessa is a city where cowboys, culture, oil and everything in between bring visitors a flavor so delicious it can only be described as “A City of Contrasts.”
Odessa is located in Ector County, approximately midway between Ft. Worth and El Paso, covering an area of 35.04 square miles. This area is called the Permian Basin. The Permian Basin is approximately 250 miles wide and 300 miles long. The basin was formed during the Permian Period, the final portion of the Paleozoic Era approximately 280 million years ago. A shallow sea, known as the Permian Sea, which was densely populated with life, once covered the Permian Basin. As the ocean dried up, the decaying plants and animals eventually helped form the gigantic pools of oil and gas that are still being taken from the basin. Three of the state’s major land resources meet here - the High Plains, Trans Pecos and Edward’s Plateau.
Located in a region where the Comanche Indians once roamed, Odessa’s history as a settlement can be traced to the 1881 extension of the Texas and Pacific Railway across the south plains and the need to provide water for the steam engines. The availability of cheap land encouraged settlers to the area from 1879 to 1885. The first ranchers arrived in 1885, but it was the railroad that made Odessa vital to the cattle industry. By the mid 1890’s, Odessa was an established cattle-shipping center.
When oil was discovered in 1926, the destiny of the community took a different course. This discovery brought people of varied interests and occupations to the area, and the local economy began to change from a ranching base into an industrial one.
Today, Odessa is alive and thriving. Although oil and gas remain the largest industry, the city has begun to diversify. Odessa is quickly being recognized as a major health industry hub with three hospitals, a cancer center and several medical specialists in the area.
Plans for the meetings, seminars and social activities offer something for all USPA members and guests. See the Schedule of Activities following for our plans for the weekend.
Airports: Schlemeyer Field (KODO) is located in northern Ector County and is Odessa’s oldest municipal airport. Acting as a reliever airport, it is not served by commercial airlines. Host FBO is Pruett Aviation (Wanda and Heather Pruett.) A $.20 per gallon fuel discount will be given to all who attend. Covered hangar space is available but is limited to space available. Minor maintenance is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning at West Texas Aero, to the rear of the FBO. No avionics service is available on the field. All conveniences, such as pilot’s lounge, courtesy cars and rental cars are available. Phone: (432) 367-5881.
Transportation: Because of the many varied activities scheduled, USPA will not provide transportation. We encourage you to share rental cars. Advantage Rent-A-Car will deliver to the airport. Call them for reservations at 432 580-3575. Steve and Pam Uslan are available to pick up and deliver to and from the hotel and airports. Call them when you arrive. Steve’s phone number is 432-638-3418 and Pam’s is 432-557-5469. The hotel also has shuttle service to Schlemeyer Field.
Hotel: MCM Elegante Hotel, 5200 East University, Odessa, Texas. Telephone: (432) 368-5885 or toll free (866) 368-5885. Room rate is $79 per night plus taxes. A breakfast buffet with a beverage on Friday and Saturday is included in the USPA registration fee. Take your food into meeting room where coffee will be provided. Get coupons at registration. Reservations must be made by May 1. (Tell them that you are with USPA).
Schedule of Activities
Thursday, May 20 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Safety seminar at the Barn Door Restaurant in Odessa. Dinner at the Barn Door Restaurant prior to meeting is at attendee’s expense. Hospitality and registration at the hotel before and after the seminar.
Friday, May 21 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. General Members Meeting followed by Annual Membership Meeting in hotel conference room. 11:00 a.m. Choice of lunch on your own and shopping or lunch on your own and Commemorative Air Force Museum. 7:00 p.m. Annual banquet at hotel. Hospitality and registration at the hotel before and after the banquet.
Saturday, May 22 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet. 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Board Meeting in hotel conference room. All members are welcome. 12:30 p.m. Lunch on you own at Barn Door Restaurant. 2:30 p.m. - USPA/TPA informative meeting at the Commemorative Air Force Museum for potential new members. 6:00 p.m. Arrive at Midland Rockhounds game for BBQ, baseball game and fireworks display. Hospitality room will be open after the game.
Sunday, May 23 - Depart at your leisure or stay over a few more days and do some of the things you didn't have time for in our short weekend.
****Friday and Saturday there will be an FAA PACE Program at Schlemeyer Field starting at 9:00 a.m. each day. Flight instructors will be available, as will FAA ops and maintenance inspectors. All flyin participants are invited to take part.
Registration Form
Name(s)______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________________________________
City__________________________________________________________ State________ Zip________________________
Phone_____________________ Fax______________________
E-mail____________________________________________
Number Amount
Basic Registration: $90.00 (Wings seminar, hospitality suite, meetings, Friday and Saturday breakfast buffets and Friday banquet.)
______ @ $90.00 ________
Options
Lunch and shopping (on your own, need head count) ______ @ $ 0.00
Commemorative Air Force Museum ______ @ $9.00 ________
Midland Rockhounds baseball game and BBQ ______ @ $24.00 ________
TOTAL (all events for one person are $ 123.00 or your total) $________
Send Registration Form with check or form below to: United States Pilots Association, 483 S. Kirkwood Rd., Suite 10, St. Louis, MO 63122
Charge it! M/C______ or VISA______
Card No._________________________________ Exp.______
Signature___________________________________________
For additional information, please call USPA at (314) 849-USPA
With the upcoming elections, members should be aware of activities that could jeopardize our USPA 501 © (3) tax exemption and with it, our members’ ability to claim tax deductions for contributions to the association.
Members can support or reject candidates of their choosing, but our organization cannot. The IRS has issued a warning advisory which we feel should be suggested reading.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=122887,00.html
Arnold Zimmerman, ByLaws and Finance Committee Chairman
Executive Director Emeritus
United States Pilots Association
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) (who is also an AOPA member) will host the first Tarkio Fly-In at Gould Peterson Municipal (K57) in his hometown of Tarkio, Missouri, on June 5.
Graves said he wants to bring together general aviation pilots, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss the state of the industry and share the mutual passion for flying. Invited guests include Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta; Randall “Duke” Cunningham, the first Vietnam War fighter ace; and two other aviation heavyweights, Rep. John Mica and Sen. James Inhofe.
The event starts with a 6:30 a.m. breakfast followed by a mid-morning discussion. There will also by static displays and possible military flybys. For more information, call 202/225-7041.
Jeff Griffiths, USPA VP Meetings