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United States Pilots Association |
According to IFR magazine, the FAA Flight Standards office in Anchorage has reported that Alaska pilots recorded their safest 12 months in 20 years. There were only 100 accidents state-wide in the fiscal year ending 9/30/04, contrasting sharply with their worst year—1995—when 173 accidents were reported. The FAA credits a coordinated effort for the improvement.
Let’s not forget that USPA conducted the FIRST EVER WINGS WEEKEND in Alaska in 1999, when a large number of USPA members flew to Anchorage in their own planes to carry out their mission. For bringing together Alaska pilots and the FAA, Pat Poe, FAA’s Alaska Aviation Director presented USPA with the coveted Totem Award for our efforts. Just maybe our “ice breaking” started a real “landslide”.
Way to go, Alaska pilots! And way to go, USPA!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
By assisting in a letter writing campaign, USPA has helped to swing the vote in favor of the Agua Dulce Airport in California. The threatened closure will not take place, and one more airport is saved from the bulldozers.
Thanks to all who wrote. Once again, USPA took up the battle for GA and won.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Do you remember what a brand new instrument pilot looks like? Well, here’s a new one as of Saturday, February 26, just after 5 ½ hr. of oral, practical, and paper work: USPA Webmaster JC Zalog of Branson, MO. (See picture in Continued Reading).
Flying a Cessna 172 for his checkride, JC is a part owner in the 172 and a 150 through the Airport Bums Flying Club at M. Graham Clark Airport, Pt. Lookout, MO (PLK). He’s also been known to fly right seat with the USPA Executive Director in her Ovation2.
No, of course I’m not proud—NOT MUCH!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
P.S. For those who may not know, JC is my son-in-law.
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The next time you’re looking for a good book to read, let me recommend one I just finished: “The Spirit of St. Louis,” by Charles Lindbergh.
Written over 14 years by the famous aviator himself, it takes you step by step through the idea, planning, and “carry it out” stages of the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris (in 1927), while it simultaneously gives you insight into the times and lives of the era’s barnstorming and mail run pilots. The unbelievable, but true, missions they carried out in all types of weather with little or no equipment and engines that failed on a regular basis, is enough for one book by itself. But combined with the dangerous idea to fly non-stop across the Atlantic to win a $25,000 prize, makes for a you-can’t-put-it-down read.
I thank USPA member Joe Phelan for giving the book to USPA member JC Zalog, who read it, and then shared it with me. If you don’t have a pilot friend who already has one, I recommend you consider buying it.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Four members of the Ozarks Chapter, Missouri Pilots Association, will soon be awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for continual flying over 50 years or more.
Those being so honored are Seth Caperton, Mark Trimble, Hank Haddock, and Bill Lee. Seth Caperton is a long-time USPA member and Co-Chairman of the Board of MPA, and is still flying and instructing. Mark Trimble is also a USPA member, has a large fleet of personal planes at PLK, and flies every day the weather allows. Hank Haddock and Bill Lee are also actively flying and instructing, and all have a long list of equipment in which they are qualified.
USPA is proud of these men, and would like to congratulate them on achieving the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award!
If there are other USPA members receiving this prestigious award, we would be happy to have information on them.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Opposing the proposed expansion of Racer and JPG MOAs in southern Indiana, USPA President Steve Uslan has written the FAA, recommending they say NO.
Among the reasons given, Uslan states:
“Raising the floor of the MOA to 3,500’ offers no security to GA pilots who would try to comply with the 3,500’ suggested transit altitude or below. The problem comes up from the Air Force who routinely violate the hard deck and penetrate civilian airspace.”
“The blocking of VFR airways to accommodate the AF is unnecessary and inherently dangerous. It is also showing lack of consideration to the pilots who routinely fly these routes. The infringement on instrument approaches to Freeman Municipal (SER) could also be hazardous to GA aircraft safety.”
“We in general aviation can ill afford any further interference in planned flight routes or instrument approaches.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA sponsored the second annual Odessa, TX, safety meeting at West Texas Aero, Schlemeyer Field (ODO), February 18.
FAA Safety Inspectors John Boatright and Stan Hinds, along with FAA Aviation Safety Counselor and USPA President Steve Uslan, presented the 47 pilots in attendance a safety program dedicated to the take off and landing phases of flight, as well as owner-permitted maintenance. Several students from Midland College were present.
Co-sponsors of the safety seminar were West Texas Aero, Farmor Aviation, Inc., and Pruett Aviation, Inc. A PACE program scheduled for the next day was scratched due to low ceilings and forecast high winds.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
ON SATURDAY19 FEBRUARY
The New Mexico Pilots Association and Desert Aviation hosted a February fly-in and WINGS safety seminar on Saturday, February 19, at the Deming, NM, Airport (DMN). Following the morning safety seminar, Desert Aviation provided a burger burn (hamburger cook-out) lunch at noon.
The safety seminar was presented by NMPA VP and FAA Safety Counselor Bob Worthington, and Ron Keller, an FAA Airways Specialist. Bob presented tips on winter flying over the deserts and survival techniques, as well as the new Sports Pilot Aviation regulations. And Ron presented an interesting discussion on which navigation aids are on the way out, what is new for the future regarding FAA thinking and planning for navigation and instrument approaches, and how it will impact pilots, especially regarding costs involved in equipping a plane to use the new aids.
This safety seminar counted as the classroom portion of the total FAA Pilot Proficiency Program, referred to as the WINGS Program. To complete the total phase a pilot to must also complete three one hour flights with a CFI. Finishing a complete phase of the WINGS program also qualifies as a BFR and counts toward any training your insurance company may require and may even qualify you for a reduced premium.
Pilots flew in from Albuquerque, El Paso, Silver City, and Columbus, and there were over 28 people in attendance. Many pilots from the Grant County Pilots Association (Silver City) stayed after lunch for a group meeting before flying home. The lunch (hamburgers grilled outdoors, all the trimmings, baked beans, chips, and coffee) was excellent and free, being paid for by both Desert Aviation and NMPA. The weather cooperated and the rain held off until later that afternoon, allowing all to return home safely. It was a very nice weekend meeting for everyone.
March 26 NMPA will hold its monthly fly-in at the Dona Ana County Airport at Santa Teresa (5T6), meeting at 5T6 Resources FBO owned by NMPA members Dick and Suzi Azar. The Safety Seminar begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by a catered sandwich lunch. After lunch all attendees are encouraged to tour the War Eagles Air Museum, on the airport. It has numerous WW II and Korean era military aircraft (most airworthy) and military vehicles. The cost is $5. The Azars will also discount fuel 25 cents per gallon to all NMPA members who fly-in.
Please note that the airport is undergoing construction on a cross-taxiway. It should be finished by then, but be sure to ask for NOTAMS when getting your weather briefing. Also note that the airport traffic pattern has been changed. Because of possible parachute jumping south of the runway the pattern to 10 is standard left hand, but the pattern to 28 is now right hand. The Azars' FBO is on the southwest end of the airport--a tall three-story building. UNICOM/CTAF is 122.8.
For more info contact Bob Worthington at 505 522 6785 or rworthin@zianet.com .
Bob Worthington
USPA Executive Director Jan Hoynacki spoke to the Boone County Pilots Association in Harrison, AR, Thursday evening, on the topic of USPA—what it does for GA, and what it can do for you.
With 24 in attendance, the USPA message was warmly received, and several picked up information on the upcoming USPA gathering in Mobile, membership applications, and America’s Flyways magazine (containing the USPA newsletter). Chapter President Patty Slicer was pleased with the response.
The Arkansas Pilots Association is in the process of re-organizing and attempting to establish regular meetings again. APA President Andy Anderson was present at the Boone County meeting.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been researching the use of alternating red and green lasers to communicate with pilots violating the Washington area restricted airspace. Testing the ground-based signals on a test plane flying into Washington’s Reagan National Airport last week, the Command said the low-intensity lights are safe for the eyes.
Starting in December, the FBI investigated a number of incidents around the country where lasers were shined through airplane windows. No links to terrorism were found, but the government said in January it would require pilots to immediately report all laser encounters.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The February 14 email issue of AVFlash carried the story of USPA President Steve Uslan representing GA as the U.S. Air Force attempts to add 700 square miles to the 2,600 square miles now used by Cannon AFB in New Mexico.
The article, complete with link to the USPA website, quotes Uslan and some of the reasons given for mitigating the negative impact of the increased MOA before final action is taken.
For the full story as covered by AVFlash, go to http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/353-full.html#189168.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Although accurate reporting seems to be of great question these days, it was refreshing to see that Maguel Navrot, Journal Staff Write for the ABQ Journal, “got it right” in his 2/9/05 story regarding the Air Force proposal to expand it’s training airspace near Cannon AFB in New Mexico. (See www.abqjournal.com/news/military/302750military02-09-05.htm for the full story.)
Quoting both Steve Uslan, USPA President, and Carter DuBois, NMPA President, the potential fatal effects on GA were clearly stated. There IS a GA side to the story, and we thank both Carter and Steve for speaking up for the rest of us, as well as Maguel for telling “the whole story.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA member Leslie Weinstein of True Lock, LLC, has been attempting to get a response from Nick Sabatini, FAA Associate Administrator for Regulation and Certification, in an effort to provide the FAA with an opportunity to address its relationship with GA at the upcoming Washington Aviation Conference and Trade Show on February 26 in Puyallup, WA. But Mr. Sabatini has made to response to date.
Weinstein’s open letter explaining the situation follows. Mr. Sabatini, Ms. Blakey, Where are you????
To all concerned:
This is to inform you that I have been unsuccessful in numerous attempts to contact Mr. Nick Sabatini of FAA Headquarters in Washington DC over the last 3 months. In my frustration with Mr. Sabatini avoiding my calls and correspondence, I have discussed my failed efforts with Managers of the FAA’s Seattle ACO (attached below). They have advised me they also have not been able to contact him on my behalf.
The reason for my contacting Mr. Sabatini was to seek his direct cooperation in ending some of the serious problems that the FAA is having in their relationship with General Aviation (GA). I feel that there is a real opportunity at hand for Mr. Sabatini to address these GA concerns to a large group that will gather at the Washington Aviation Conference and Trade Show on February 26, 2005. The speaking position would be 2:00 PST, right behind AOPA’s President Phil Boyer.
There has always been contention over how the FAA prioritizes the services they give to GA and Transport categories applicants, and over the years this contention has just escalated. My purpose has been to invite Mr. Sabatini to meet with a group of interested GA owners and operators to initiate the resolution of these issues, including the subject of retaliation from the FAA against any GA company brave enough to express their concerns regarding the processing of their projects with higher FAA management.
Mr. Sabatini was in Seattle only a few weeks ago to address Boeing concerns and to improve the FAA’s service of their needs. I see no reason for him to avoid meeting and speaking with us to better serve the needs of GA. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Leslie J. Weinstein
Manager
TRUE LOCK, LLC
Advanced Fastener Technology
The Next Generation
4911 Parkwood Street
Boise, Idaho 83704
USA
phone: 208-375-4846
fax: 208-376-3734
leslie@true-lock.com
www.true-lock.com
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
As proposed, the JPG and Racer MOAs for the U.S. Air Force, associated with the Atterbury and Jefferson bombing ranges in southern Indiana, would cause unnecessary and undue hardship to General Aviation, according to USPA President Steve Uslan and USPA VP--Government and Technical Affairs Larry Harmon.
Although the actual use by the military was amended to 55 minutes per day, the proposal indicates operational time to be between 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. most days of the year. The vertical limits and area covered would exclude GA aircraft from a considerable amount of airspace in the Indianapolis and Louisville area. And instrument approaches to Freeman Municipal Airport (SER) and Madison Municipal Airport (IMS) will be negatively affected.
Since the comment period has been extended a second time—to February 28—all USPA members are encouraged to write their comments on the proposal (FAA Airspace Case Number 04-AGL-63-NR) to:
J. Mark Reeves
Federal Aviation Administration
Central Terminal Operations
Attn: Manager, Airspace Branch (AGL-520)
2300 E. Devon Ave., Room 274
Des Plains, IL 60018
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The Kansas Pilots Association is sponsoring FAA safety seminars and posting their schedules on the KPA website at www.KansasPilots.org. Since the FAA is no longer mailing seminar notices, KPA officers encourage Kansas pilots to consult their website, attend the meetings, and join KPA.
The Kaw Valley Chapter recently donated $1,500 to promote aviation in Kansas, and KPA is on an upswing! Greg Hunsicker, KPA Treasurer, says good flying weather is just around the corner, and all pilots are invited to join in on some KPA flying activities.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The FAA is expected to issue a NOTAM restricting flight in the area of Little Rock, AR, during President’s Bush’s planned visit on Friday, February 4.
Typically, presidential travel-related TFRs are 60 nautical miles in diameter (30-nm radius)and contain one or more smaller general aviation no-fly zones.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Testifying at recent public hearings in Clovis and Roswell on the proposed New Mexico Training Range Initiative, USPA President Steve Uslan said the expansion of military airspace in eastern New Mexico would further restrict flight paths used by Permian Basin pilots and increase the chances of deadly midair collisions. The U.S. Air Force wants to expand its airspace west of Cannon Air Force Base, west of Clovis, N.M., from 500’ above ground to 32,000’ Uslan said Tuesday. If that occurs, GA aircraft departing the Odessa-Midland area en route to Albuquerque would have to fly much farther north, to Clovis, to get there, he said. “And that’s a long way around, and that means a lot of fuel and a lot of time wasted.”
The military says it needs to add extra airspace to create more realistic conditions for its pilots when they jettison smart bombs at supersonic speeds. “When you’re launching a guided bomb, imagine the amount of precise navigation you have to perform,” Uslan said. “The pilot will never get his head out of the instrument panel. He’s not going to look for me as I move into the airspace.”
The Air Force’s proposal would also force one commercial airway to be moved 20 to 25 miles north of the current path.
Uslan said that more airspace is an attempt to keep Cannon from falling victim to this year’s base realignment and closure (BRAC) list. “That is what this is all about,” he said. “This has nothing to do with training or anything else. This is about a need that is being created to keep Cannon open.”
Recent military and civilian collisions include January 18, 2005, in late morning in VFR conditions, an AF T-37 with two crew on board ran into a new Air Tractor crop duster over southern Oklahoma. The civilian pilot was killed and his aircraft destroyed. The two AF pilots ejected and survived. Their plane did not. And in November, 2000, near Bradenton, FL, two AF F-16s entered Class C airspace without a clearance, and one struck a Cessna 172, killing the pilot. The Air Force was held totally responsible for the civilian death.
Citing a lack of radio communication and radar service in the area, Uslan said, “The gist of the effort is: give us the radio and radar, and permit us unrestricted use under 12,500’ in the proposed “bridge” over V-68.”
A final environmental impact statement is scheduled to be completed by September 5.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
CLOVIS NEWS JOURNAL
Reactions mixed at Cannon airspace expansion hearing
By Ryan Lengerich: CNJ staff writer
ryan_lengerich@link.freedom.com
Area ranchers’ dissent toward the Air Force’s proposed air-space expansion surrounding Cannon Air Force Base was countered by support from Clovis residents’ at a town hall meeting Friday evening.
About 100 people attended the final of four public forums to discuss concerns or voice support about a proposal to expand military airspace around Cannon from 2,600 to 3,300 square miles. The proposal would also allow pilots to fly at supersonic speeds at approximately 6,000 feet above ground, roughly 20,000 feet lower than current airspace allows.
Eight people addressed the military judge present to mediate the forum. Public comments will appear on the New Mexico Training Range Initiative’s final report.
Clovis City Manager Joe Thomas publicly supported the plan.
“I believe the positives far outweigh the negative impacts,” Thomas said.
The positives, according to the Air Force, include the necessary space to perform realistic operational training for a full range of F-16 missions, something officials say is impossible under current conditions.
Col. Tip Wight of Cannon calls current conditions a “hodgepodge of airspace and altitude restrictions.”
Negative impacts include an increase in sonic booms from an average of one every five days to two every three days.
“We are being impacted more than is being let on,” said A.S. Elliott, a rancher who added he has filed nine damage claims with the Air Force in as many years. Elliott, one of the initiative’s most outspoken critics, also spoke at Wednesday’s meeting in Fort Sumner and at meetings last year.
Terry Moberly, a Clovis businessman, said the city has had a good relationship with Cannon.
“It is a small sacrifice we make so that our pilots will be better trained,” Moberly said.
Clovis resident Carl Melinat said he has a son-in-law in the Air Force.
“If we are going to have a good defense we need to have a good offense and this is the way to get it,” Melinat said.
But sonic booms and low flying jets are not the only concerns.
Steve Uslan, a former president of the New Mexico Pilots Association, said adding a new strip of airspace in Lincoln County northwest of Roswell will hinder commercial and personal flights from the Odessa, Texas, area to Albuquerque.
According to the Air Force, the expanded Pecos complex will be used about twice each month for large-force exercises.
Uslan said commercial flights may be forced to be re-routed through Clovis while personal aircrafts will encounter added danger due to a lack of communication capabilities in the area.
“(The Air Force) speak(s) in terms of a perfect world, this is not a perfect world,” said Uslan, who added that more airspace is an attempt to keep Cannon from falling victim to this year’s base realignment and closure (BRAC) list.
“That is what this is all about,” he said. “This has nothing to do with training or anything else, this is about a need that is being created to keep Cannon open.”
A final environmental impact statement is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 5.
Cannon officials hope the initiative is approved by the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration by the fall of this year.
ODESSA AMERICAN
Military's plans would affect civil aviation, pilots group says
Military says it needs extra space for supersonic bomb-run testing
By Julie Breaux
Odessa American
The expansion of military airspace in eastern New Mexico would further restrict flight paths used by Permian Basin pilots and increase the chances of deadly midair collisions, a representative of the U.S. Pilots Association says.
The U.S. Air Force wants to expand its airspace west of Cannon Air Force Base, west of Clovis, N.M., from 500 feet aboveground to 32,000 feet, Steve Uslan, president of the USPA said Tuesday.
If that occurs, private aircraft departing the Odessa-Midland area en route to Albuquerque would have to fly much farther north, to Clovis, to get there, he said.
“And that’s a long way around, and that means a lot of fuel and a lot of time wasted,” he said.
Uslan has testified at two public hearings on the proposed New Mexico Training Range Initiative, including a meeting in Roswell on Monday.
During that meeting, the Air Force discussed the findings of a preliminary environmental impact study.
The military says it needs to add extra airspace to create more realistic conditions for its pilots when they jettison smart bombs at supersonic speeds.
The expansion would eliminate one flight path between Roswell and Albuquerque and restrict another one nearby, Uslan, of Odessa, said.
Pilots in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico regularly use those two routes and fly in existing military operating areas, Uslan said.
Uslan said he has no problem with the Air Force’s plans, but he said it will increase the potential for midair collisions of F-16s and smaller, slower aircraft.
“When you’re launching a guided bomb, imagine the amount of precise navigation you have to perform,” Uslan said. “The pilot will never get his head out of the instrument panel. He’s not going to look for me as I move into the airspace.”
NMTRI project manager Brenda Cook said civilian safety is a “top concern” of the Air Force and will be addressed in the final environmental impact study.
“We appreciate his input into the process, and we are confident we can balance NMTRI with both the safety and environmental concerns of the local population,” Cook said.
The Air Force’s proposal would also force one commercial airway to be moved 20 to 25 miles north of the current path, which cuts through a military operating area west of Cannon AFB, Uslan said.
The Air Force estimates the change would add a minute or two to flight times.
Of the three airlines offering passenger service at Midland International, only Southwest offers direct flights daily from Midland to Albuquerque.
Southwest Airlines spokeswoman Brandy King said she was unaware of the Air Force’s plans and that the person who might know something about it was unavailable for comment late Tuesday.
The impact of increased military airspace in New Mexico on operations at Midland International Airport would be minimal, Don Baker, manager of air traffic control at the airport, said.
Baker said the Air Force has not informed him of its plans.
“If something was going to affect the way we were doing operations, I would have been told about it,” Baker said.
Midland International directs commercial and general aviation traffic within roughly a 60-mile radius of the control tower, Baker said.
The Air Force is also proposing to increase the number of supersonic training flights in and around Cannon AFB.
Even though the training area is more than 100 miles northwest of Odessa-Midland, Uslan said residents here would hear the booms.
“They’re not going to be terribly obnoxious, but you’ll hear them from time to time.”
Uslan said he expects the Air Force to make a decision in October.
The St. Louis Chapter of the Missouri Pilots Association has circulated the following information for arrivals and departures in the STL area April 1-6, 2005.
NCAA MEN'S FINAL FOUR
SPECIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
APRIL 1 – 6, 2005
In anticipation of a large number of aircraft operating to and from the St. Louis area in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Tournament, the following procedures will be used to enhance safety and minimize air traffic delays. The Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) will utilize a Special Traffic Management Program (STMP), and slot reservations will be required for all domestic non-scheduled IFR arrivals and departures to/from the following airports:
LAMBERT-ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (STL), ST. LOUIS, MO
ST. LOUIS-DOWNTOWN AIRPORT (CPS), CAHOKIA, IL
SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS AIRPORT (SUS), CHESTERFIELD, MO
ST. LOUIS REGIONAL AIRPORT (ALN), ALTON, IL
SCOTT AFB/MID-AMERICA AIRPORT (BLV), BELLEVILLE, IL
ST. CHARLES AIRPORT (3SQ), ST. CHARLES, MO
ST. CHARLES COUNTY SMARTT AIRPORT (SET), ST. CHARLES, MO
CREVE COEUR AIRPORT (1H0), CREVE COEUR, MO
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
SECURITY PROVISIONS
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR'S) FOR SPECIAL EVENTS ARE NORMALLY DISSEMINATED 3 TO 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT BY FLIGHT DATA COMMUNICATION (FDC) NOTAM. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, INFORMATION REGARDING SECURITY, TFR'S AND/OR OTHER RESTRICTIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 17, 2005, PUBLICATION OF NOTICES TO AIRMEN. ONCE THE FDC NOTAM IS DISSEMINATED, BOTH THE TEXT AND GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF THE TFR CAN BE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES:
www.faa.gov www.nbaa.com www.aopa.org
SPECIFIC PROCEDURES CONTAINED WITHIN THIS NOTAM MAY BE REVISED AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT. PILOTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO FREQUENTLY CHECK FDC NOTAM’S TO VERIFY THEY HAVE THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT SUPERSEDE RESTRICTIONS PERTAINING TO THE USE OF AIRSPACE CONTAINED IN FDC NOTAM’S.
PROGRAM DATES AND TIMES
IFR ARRIVALS
Slot reservations will be required for all domestic non-scheduled IFR ARRIVALS to the specified airports during the following dates and times:
DATE
DAY TIME (CST/CDT)
TIME (UTC)
April 1
Friday
0700-2359 CST
1300-0559
April 2
Saturday
0000-2359 CST
0600-0559
April 3
Sunday
0000-2359 CDT
0600-0459
April 4
Monday
0000-2359 CDT
0500-0459
April 5
Tuesday
0000-2359 CDT
0500-0459
Arrival slot reservations will be available beginning Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at 0700 CST (1300 UTC) and will not be assigned more than 72 hours in advance of the estimated time of arrival.
IFR DEPARTURES
Slot reservations will be required for all domestic non-scheduled IFR DEPARTURES off of the specified airports during the following dates and times:
DATE
DAY TIME (CDT)
TIME (UTC)
April 2
Saturday
0700-2359
1300-0559
April 3
Sunday
0000-2359
0600-0459
April 4
Monday
0000-2359
0500-0459
April 5
Tuesday
0000-2359
0500-0459
April 6
Wednesday
0000-1200
0500-1700
Departure slot reservations will be available beginning Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at 0700 CST (1300 UTC) and will not be assigned more than 72 hours in advance of the estimated time of departure.
NOTE: Scheduled IFR arrivals and departures are air carrier/air taxi operations listed in the Official Airline Guide (OAG) and are exempt from this program. All other IFR arrivals and departures at the above listed airports must obtain a slot reservation.
TRAFFIC DEPARTING ST. LOUIS AREA AIRPORTS CAN EXPECT NORMAL DEPARTURE PROCEDURES AND ROUTINGS TO THEIR DESTINATION AIRPORT. DIRECT DESTINATION FLIGHT PLANS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. COOPERATION ON THIS ISSUE WILL ENSURE THE TOWER AND CENTER RADAR CONTROLLERS' FULL ATTENTION CAN BE GIVEN TO EXPEDITING TRAFFIC.
Pilots departing from STL should be aware of the following restrictions:
DO NOT request IFR departure clearance prior to 20 minutes before estimated time of departure (ETD). IFR clearances shall be requested from clearance delivery.
DO NOT taxi until you have received taxi information and appropriate IFR clearance.
DO NOT call ground control to taxi until you are number one aircraft that can enter a taxiway from the ramp or parking area.
DO NOT call the tower for takeoff until you are ready for takeoff and in the number one position to take the runway.
HOW TO OBTAIN A SLOT RESERVATION
Pilots may obtain a slot reservation by using computer interface (e-STMP) or touch-tone telephone interface.
* e-STMP: computer access is available to users with an Internet connection and Web Browser. The Internet address is: www.fly.faa.gov A guide is available on the web site.
* Touch-tone telephone: dial 1 (800) 875-9755 and follow the prompts.
Pilots should be prepared to provide their departure airport and destination, estimated UTC time of departure from a controlled airport or UTC time of arrival at a controlled airport, UTC date, call sign, and type aircraft. Remember!! If you’re arriving after 6:00 pm CST on Friday, April 1 or Saturday, April 2, or after 7:00 pm CDT on Sunday, April 3; the reservation is for the next day UTC time.
Upon completion of a slot reservation, you will receive a reservation confirmation number. The slot reservation confirmation number must be included in the remarks section of the flight plan or the flight plan will not be accepted.
Aircraft are expected to depart no earlier than 15 minutes prior to assigned departure slot time and no later than 15 minutes after assigned departure slot time. If a reservation requires a change or cancellation, please do so as early as possible in order to release the slot for another flight. In addition, arrival slot times are airport specific. If a destination change to one of the above listed controlled airports is necessary, you will be required to obtain a slot for the new airport of intended landing. New slot reservations may only be obtained by contacting the web interface e-STMP or the touch-tone interface.
The reservation system will be available 24 hours a day. If you experience difficulty completing a slot reservation, you may contact the ATCSCC, Airport Reservation Office (ARO) at (703) 904-4452. The ARO telephone number is for reservations only, not for information concerning the STMP.
Flight plans should be filed with the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) after receiving a slot reservation. The flight plan should be filed at least 4 hours but not more than 22 hours prior to the proposed time of departure. The flight plan must include the 10-digit reservation number in the remarks section, or the flight plan will not be accepted. Multiple reservations filed for the same aircraft/same company call sign within the same hour will not be accepted and will be removed from the program after notification to the pilot/company.
STMP INFORMATION AND LIMITATIONS
Reservations will be handled by the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) automated reservation system.
Flight plans should be filed with the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) after receiving a reservation confirmation number. The flight plan should be filed at least 4 hours but not more than 22 hours prior to the proposed time of departure. The flight plan must include the reservation confirmation number in the remarks section. Failure to include the confirmation code could result in a diversion to an alternate airport, or denial by ATC of a departure clearance.
Flight plans containing departure or arrival times that are in conflict with the reservation will not be accepted. Multiple reservations filed for the same aircraft, same company call sign within the same hour will not be accepted or will be removed from the program after notification to the pilot or company.
All pilots planning to operate into/out of the airports specified in this program may encounter difficulty in acquiring your preferred itinerary. If a request is made for a reservation time that is not available, you will be offered the next available slot that is closest to your requested reservation time. Careful consideration of airport and gate availability information provided in this NOTAM should be part of the planning process. Planning for both preferred and alternate route(s) of flight, as well as alternate departure times is suggested.
The acquisition of an arrival reservation does not guarantee that parking will be available at the airports controlled by the reservation program. Reservations for ramp space/parking are strongly recommended. Users should plan alternates in the event parking becomes unavailable at your airport of intended landing. Current parking information may be obtained by contacting the appropriate local Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
Pilots are urged to review all applicable NOTAM’S and arrival/departure procedures prior to conducting flight into or out of the St. Louis Terminal Area. The St. Louis Downtown ATCT (CPS) and Spirit of St. Louis ATCT (SUS) may be open later than normal hours to accommodate increased departure traffic after the basketball game is over on April 2 and 4, 2005. PILOTS SHOULD FREQUENTLY CHECK FDC NOTAM’S TO VERIFY THEY HAVE THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION ON TOWER HOURS.
AIR FILES-IFR PICKUPS
Except in emergency situations, IFR air file and airborne pick-up of IFR clearances will not be issued within 125 miles of St. Louis. No flight plans will be accepted with these provisions. VFR flight following will be extremely limited due to the high volume of traffic from April 1, 2005, through April 6, 2005.
VFR ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES
All VFR aircraft not being provided advisories should contact St. Louis Approach Control between 35 and 40 miles from the St. Louis VOR for advisories and “Class “B” Services. (See St. Louis Sectional Aeronautical Chart).
During periods of heavy traffic, aircraft may be asked to remain clear of or hold outside of “Class B” airspace. Aircraft should use extreme caution as other aircraft may be doing the same.
Aircraft without an operating two-way radio and Mode 3-A transponder with Mode C will NOT be authorized to operate within St. Louis “Class B” airspace.
The number of arrival slots is based on airport and airspace capacity. Therefore, no advantage will be gained by canceling IFR and proceeding VFR.
VFR arrivals should plan on extensive delays. During this program, there will be no Special VFR arrival or departure clearances except in the case of an emergency.
STL AFSS serves the St. Louis Metropolitan area and can be reached on the following telephone numbers: (636) 536-2980 or (866) 671-6176.
VFR aircraft are encouraged to activate/cancel flight plans with St. Louis Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) on the following frequencies: 122.45 at SUS and 1H0, 122.6 at STL, 3SQ and SET, 122.05 at CPS, ALN and BLV.
PRACTICE APPROACHES
Practice approaches to airports within 40 NM of St. Louis will NOT BE AUTHORIZED due to the volume of traffic associated with the NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Tournament.
In a phone call from AOPA’s President Phil Boyer to USPA Executive Director Jan Hoynacki this afternoon, USPA was given advance information that the successful bidder in the government’s bidding process (A-76 Study) to operate the 58 FSSs in the continental U.S. was awarded to Lockheed Martin. Boyer said the announcement will appear shortly on the AOPA website (www.aopa.org).
Understanding the concern FSS employees have over the change and how it will affect their jobs, Boyer said it is important that USPA/AOPA members know that the current FSS service will not change immediately. “But when it does change, it will get better, with high standards for quality flight briefing services and new performance metrics. Just as important, no user fees are in the FSS future, and the government will keep responsibility for operating the system.” Furthermore, current FSS employees will be given preferential status for the new positions.
Boyer wanted USPA members to know that this change was necessary since the cost of the FSSs is $600 million, while the fuel tax income generated is only $60 million. Drop-in briefings are down to around 2%, and nearly 100% of the users are GA—you and me. The plan is to reduce the cost of FSS services by half, with no user fees, much like non-federal towers, and to increase the use of new technology for more efficient operations.
In addition to Lockheed Martin, other bidders included the FAA employees, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and DUATS-contractor Computer Sciences Corporation. According to AOPA, “…there will be changes. Many automated flight service stations may be consolidated, for example. And walk-in briefings will likely become a thing of the past. This change isn’t privatization, because the government retains responsibility and control. But it is a way of rationalizing and modernizing a hopelessly outdated, costly, and inefficient system.”
Nearly all USPA members are also AOPA members, and we appreciate the heads up provided by Boyer. We hope this effort to preserve FSS services and no user fees is totally successful, as thorough pre-flight briefings are vital to safe flight.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association