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United States Pilots Association |
Some of you have received incorrect information regarding the San Antonio flyout/meeting dates. Therefore, I’m sending you the list of the three upcoming events as planned by VP Meeting Arnold Zimmerman. I do hope you will put these dates on your calendar and plan to join your fellow USPA members for a good meeting and fun time. More details will follow as the event itineraries are finalized.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
June 15-18, 2006
BRANSON, MO
August 24-27, 2006
SAN ANTONIO, TEX
November 2-5, 2006
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA’s newest Individual Member, Jim Carney of Germantown, TN, was preparing to leave the M. Graham Clark Airport at the time the Seneca II from Lubbock took off. Following is the story as reported by the Branson Daily News in today’s paper:
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Thursday, March 23, 2006
Pilot recalls final contact
Pilot Jim Carney does a pre-flight inspection of his Cessna 182 Skyline before taking off from the Taney County Airport Wednesday. Carney had radio contact with the pilot of a plane that crashed in Branson on Monday. He said the pilot, Paul Johnson, 71, of Lubbock, Texas, said he was in “big trouble.”
BDN photo by Cliff Sain
By Cliff Sain
BDN Staff Writer
POINT LOOKOUT — A man who had radio contact with the pilot of a plane that crashed in Branson on Monday said the pilot was in “big trouble.”
Jim Carney, a retired airline pilot from Germantown, Tenn., said he and his wife were sitting on the runway at the Taney County Airport in their Cessna 182 Skyline waiting for clearance and talking with the pilot of the doomed aircraft Monday.
That pilot, Paul Johnson, 71, of Lubbock, Texas, was experiencing a weak radio signal, so Carney said he was taking his information and relaying it to Springfield approach control. He said Johnson’s takeoff was uneventful.
“I was calling Springfield to tell them he was airborne,” Carney said. “Then Springfield tried to call him. Then very faintly, I heard him declare an emergency.”
A short time later, Johnson apparently turned around and headed back to the Taney County Airport.
“He said, ‘things are bad, real bad. I’m trying to get back to the airport,’” Carney said.
After Carney relayed that information to Springfield, he said Johnson reported that he could see the city of Branson.
“He said, ‘I’m over the city and I’m trying to get back to the airport.’” he said.
Carney said he asked Johnson the nature of his problem, but that was followed by what would become Johnson’s final transmission.
“I’m in trouble; I’m in big trouble.”
Carney then said he asked if there was anything he could do for him from the ground, but there was no response. He said Springfield was also trying to make contact with him the entire time.
The plane went down in Branson, just southwest of the intersection of 76 Country Boulevard and Missouri 165, striking a 32-unit storage building and bursting into flames. The crash killed Johnson, his wife Marcia Johnson, 71, and another couple, Billy and Betty Roach, both 78, also from Lubbock. There were no injuries on the ground.
According to the Carneys, it was seven minutes from the time of take-off until the crash.
Carney, who said he spent 39 years with a major airline, flying everything from prop planes to 747s, said it sounded like the pilot did everything he could to prevent the tragedy.
“My opinion is, something went wrong, really wrong,” he said. “He was doing the best he could in that very difficult situation.”
Carney said that Johnson probably realized he was not going to make the airport and was looking for a good spot to land.
“There was no good spot,” Carney said. “He did the best he could with what he had going for him.”
He said Johnson’s voice was elevated, like he was working very hard. He said Johnson was likely very busy trying to work out whatever the problem was in his plane.
Carney said he had a chance to talk very briefly with Johnson before their flights. According to Carney, Johnson’s flight briefing was very professional. He also said that when Johnson walked out the door to go to his airplane, he seemed relaxed.
“When he left, he smiled and gave me thumbs up and told me ‘good luck.’”
Carney disputes any assertion that the weather was too bad to fly that day. Although airport manager Mark Parent said the clouds were between 200 to 400 feet that day, Carney said it was more like 900 feet in his opinion. He said the weather was good enough that he and his wife, Janine, could see the smoke from the wreckage, between two-and-a-half and three miles away.
Carney said there was no report of ice that day and that Johnson’s only concern was that of a rather strong headwind he would be facing.
The Carneys, who said they visit Branson often and had arrived Friday to attend a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, were scheduled to fly out immediately after Johnson. They decided to wait until today, but the weather was no concern to them.
“Jim never sticks his neck out,” Janine said. “I have confidence that it was safe. It was completely clear at 4,800 feet.”
Carney said he could not see any way that the airport was responsible for the accident.
He also complimented the Branson police and fire departments for their professional and sympathetic handling of the situation.
Carney said he talked with Tim Sorensen, the National Transportation Safety Board investigator who arrived on site Tuesday to begin investigating the wreck. He said he was very impressed with Sorensen.
“He’s a very capable investigator and a qualified pilot as well,” he said. “(The NTSB) will do it’s absolute best to investigate this.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
We have all been given these instructions at one time or another by the tower controller at various airports around the country. This past weekend at the USPA quarterly meeting in Tunica, MS, we learned that the FAA has instituted a new procedure which essentially eliminates this practice. Don Smith of the Texas Pilots Association told us that the contract tower at Denton, TX, (DTO) has advised all pilots that the feds were eliminating this procedure entirely at tower controlled airports. I received an E-Mail clarifying the news by permitting airports with towers to apply for an exemption if they agreed to keep three controllers in the tower on duty at all times the tower was open. I now am given to understand that AOPA has intervened and that permanent waivers for some airports may be forthcoming.
Let’s examine the reason for the idea. There have been several accidents and numerous incidents at LAX (Los Angeles International) where the local (ground) controllers cleared aircraft to cross or enter upon an active runway when another aircraft was either landing or taking off. We can all presume that there were more than three controllers on duty at LAX when these occurrences took place. The FAA, in an attempt to instantly stop these incursions, puts out a rule that is guaranteed to inconvenience everybody. Look at Palm Springs, California. When AOPA comes into town, hundreds of small planes descend into the airport. When it comes time to leave, those same airplanes are shunted around the airport for two hours burning lots of fuel waiting for a takeoff clearance. One can only imagine how long it will take now if position and hold is eliminated. Denton is a single runway airport which operates with one controller usually on duty in the tower. Eliminate position and hold, and the number of movements per hour will be reduced. Here again I believe we of general aviation are being punished for the actions of controllers at a big city airport almost exclusively serving airline traffic.
The second point here is the value that USPA brings to general aviation. By holding meetings around the country, we hear of new FAA procedures and are able to respond quickly. USPA is holding their annual meeting in June of 2006 in Oklahoma City--the backyard of the FAA. You do not have to be a member to participate in our meetings. Come and join us, and vent your frustrations on user fees, position and hold, and/or any other regulatory issue that troubles you. We will have FAA people there to respond to your questions. We hope to have an FAA medical person there to fully explain all of the intricacies of getting medicals back, etc.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
The USPA flyout/meeting held at Sam’s Town in Tunica, MS, this past weekend was a great success and fun time for all who attended. The weather cooperated nicely. But when it came time to return home, those traveling to the southwest opted to drive in order to be home by Monday. So some will be going back to pick up their planes! Better safe than sorry.
The Saturday evening safety seminar was very well attended by both USPA members and local pilots. Several picked up USPA information, and one local pilot joined us in the hospitality room. The FAA presenters did an excellent job, and many commented it was one of the best safety seminars they had ever attended.
The Friday morning members’ meeting was primarily led by Strategic Planning Committee Chairman Bob Worthington who very professionally led us through the procedure to identify what the organization does well, what it does not do well, what business it should be about, and how to best accomplish that business. Bob will present a full report at the Oklahoma City flyout/meeting. However, the two primary interests of members were determined to be supporting/promoting general aviation, and having flyout/meetings/tours in interesting locations around the country. The ability to fly and meet up with fellow members/friends around the country is of particular interest to those regularly attending the USPA flyout/meetings, and this part of our mission will receive more attention and focus, as we continue to be proactive in matters concerning general aviation.
The next USPA flyout/meeting will be held in Oklahoma City, June 15-18. This will be our annual membership meeting, and this notice constitutes notice of that meeting as required by the bylaws. Plan to attend, as VP Meeting Arnold Zimmerman is lining up a roster of interesting, informative, and fun activities. Watch for the registration/information coming out soon.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Just a quick note to tell you that a Seneca II has crashed after taking off from the M. Graham Clark Airport, and the report is that all four on board have been killed. There are no reported injuries on the ground.
What I just saw on TV indicated the pilot and passengers were from Texas—perhaps Lubbock—attempting to return home. The plane developed a problem after takeoff, and was trying to return to the airport. Paul and I and our USPA member John Jeschke and Joy were in that very area at the time, and my car thermometer indicated 39 degrees. We had commented on the way into town that this was the same kind of weather in which Joe Brinell and his passengers went down in 1999—very low, thick fog and drizzle.
Thanks for your concern. Several people have called, therefore the email to you.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The new USPA Arizona chapter is getting underway at Casa Grande this coming Saturday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. All USPA members and non-member pilots and friends are invited to attend this momentous occasion.
Details from Jeff Griffith follow:
The first meeting of the new chapter is scheduled for:
Saturday March 11th at 4:00 pm
at the Casa Grande Airport Terminal Building
Agenda
Select a name for the Chapter
Elect officers
Entertainment can proceed or follow the meeting:
Lew Welch will be singing in a barber shop chorus at 2:00 pm and at 7:00 pm at
The Central Arizona College Pence Auditorium located east of the city.
Transportation will be provided to those that fly in to the meeting. The transportation will be to the college and/or to a restaurant.
Phone 520-836-9143 Jeff & Judy Griffiths
Phone 520-421-0703 Lew & Sunny Welch
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
This letter was sent from the NMPA to the FAA regarding the closure of the ABQ NDB 35 approach. I urge all ABQ area pilots to send your own email to Ron Sanders, protesting the closure of an NDB approach in the Albuquerque area. Send it to Ron A.Sanders@faa.gov, or call him at 817 222 4133.
Thank you,
Bob Worthington, President, NMPA
Mr. Ron A Sanders 7 March 2006
Manager, Flight Procedures Office
FAA Southwest Region
Ft Worth, TX 76193
Dear Mr. Sanders,
As President of the New Mexico Pilots Association I have been asked to convince the FAA to keep an NDB Approach to the Albuquerque International Airport. Doing away with the Isleta NDB approach to the ABQ runway 35 without any alternative NDB approach is doing the Albuquerque General Aviation community a grave disservice.
The following facts have been relayed to me. It is known that the FAA is doing away with NDB approaches at airports which have alternative instrument approaches. The Isleta NDB approach was not on this initial list of NDB sites to be decommissioned. The NDB is located on land being developed into an area named Mesa del Sol, a project favored by the city. Originally the developer had an agreement to finance the relocation of this NDB site. Now all the developer has to do is pay for the dismantling. The original plan was to relocate the NDB to a parcel of land on the ABQ airport. This changed when American Airlines stated that it did not need the NDB approach to satisfy any additional ground-based navaids to land at ABQ. It was then the FAA decided to just eliminate the NDB.
Herein is the problem. Albuquerque has a total population of some 765,000 people, while the state has a population of 1,875,000 people. This means that 41% of the state’s citizens live in the Albuquerque area. In the Albuquerque area there are also 1322 registered “N”numbered aircraft. These metropolitan area pilots fly an average of 3-5 NDB approaches each day at ABQ. This adds up to 1100-1800 NDB approaches a year. Thus, if the NDB approaches are seen as obsolete why does ABQ have so many approaches being flown each day?
The answer is rather simple. First, it is because the General Aviation fleet is 50 years old. Most aircraft do not have IFR GPS equipment on board, but they do have an ADF for NDB approaches. There are several flight schools located at ABQ and Double Eagle II (AEG) with many more Certified Flight Instructors teaching at the smaller airports outside of Albuquerque such as Mid Valley, Belen, Sandia Airpark, and Moriarty. Most of these schools and instructors do not have the latest IFR certified GPS equipment in the training aircraft; it is far too expensive to purchase, install, and keep current with data disc subscriptions.
But second, and most important, is that the ABQ NDB is the only NDB approach within almost 100 nautical miles of ABQ. The next closest NDB approach is in Taos which is 93 NM away. When one takes into account the pilot population using the above named airports, it comes down to the reality that the only NDB which serves almost half the state’s total population is being demolished.
Now I do believe that the FAA has considered alternatives to using the ABQ NDB. Unfortunately the suggestions do not come close to being either fair or safe for GA pilots. One suggestion is to train at Taos. Has anyone calculated how long it would take a GA pilot to fly from ABQ to Taos (SKX)? About one hour. To fly to Taos and back would require the pilot to fly an additional two hours. Now add the cost of the plane at $75-$100 an hour and the CFII at $25-$35 an hour. To train on NDB approaches at SKX would cost a pilot an extra $200-$270; just to get to the airport which has an NDB. Is this a reasonable consideration?
Another suggestion is to fly practice approaches using the decommissioned, but operational NDB approach at Santa Fe (SAF). There are two major safety concerns with this thinking. First there are no approach plates for this approach since it no longer exists. Second even if someone were to get an obsolete plate; teaching a student pilot to fly an approach that no longer exists using approach procedures that were not legal is neither a safe nor wise way to train pilots. Does the CFII tell the SFA tower the plane is executing an ILS 2 or a Localizer 2 practice approach yet tells the student pilot flying the plane to actually fly a no longer valid NDB 2 approach? What about doing this under actual IMC conditions? This certainly is not a safe solution to no NDB at ABQ. Does the FAA condone training pilots using illegal approaches? I don’t think so.
The new FAA requirements for instrument check rides are for pilots to demonstrate proficiency in all IFR equipment on board their aircraft. More GA planes have ADF than IFR certified GPS so more instrument pilots will be trained for and using NDB than GPS approaches. And it will take some time before this fact reverses.
Another consideration. Many NM pilots fly south into Mexico which still uses NDBs for both navigation and instrument approaches. NM pilots who fly into foreign countries must still retain NDB proficiency. Since NM borders Mexico our pilots fly south of the border quite often.
Lastly, I believe that the FAA has already approved an exception to the NDB decommissioning policy by retaining an NDB approach at San Angelo (SJT), TX because there were no other NDB approaches within 50 miles.
I hope I have presented a persuasive argument for retaining some type of NDB approach in the Albuquerque area. The next question is what and where? The ABQ Airport still has the land available to house the NDB equipment. So one answer is to locate another NDB placement and retain an NDB approach at ABQ.
A second response is to utilize the existing LOM at AEG for the creation of a new NDB approach. I believe that navaid was used as a FAF for a GPS approach a few years back.
On behalf of NM pilots I hope that the FAA will seriously consider keeping an NDB approach in an Albuquerque airport. We are convinced that the lack of an NDB approach in the Albuquerque area will create an adverse situation for local GA pilots. It is our belief that doing away with an NDB approach hampers safe IFR training along with creating a severe financial handicap for pilots and flight schools.
Thank you,
Dr. Bob Worthington
President, New Mexico Pilots Association
ABQ FSDO Aviation Safety Counselor
1136 Cave Springs Trail
Las Cruces, NM 88011
505 522 6785 rworthin@zianet.com
It has become readily apparent that the FAA will use any tactic to escape from congressional scrutiny regarding annual funding. A recent speech by the President of Cessna Aircraft Company stated that contrary to what the FAA says, the aviation trust fund is not going broke. In fact, it is increasing in size. Secondly, the FAA states it cannot operate under present funding arrangements. Fact: The FAA has been given a hefty increase each year by congress. The Bush administration has suggested "User Fees" be applied to several areas in an attempt to increase revenues. Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation, has advocated user fees to be placed squarely on the backs of general aviation pilots, parroting Marion Blakey's constant bowing to the airlines in agreement. The same airlines will not even consider a $2.50 increase in ticket pricing (to be paid by passengers) to pay for increased security costs. Finally; a congressman sitting on the appropriations committee that funds the FAA has said NO to user fees. If we all continue to write and call our elected officials, we may defeat this onerous idea once and for all.
One of our members who lives in the Albuquerque, NM, area has written to us concerning the future elimination of the ISLETA NDB at Albuquerque International Airport. I personally have no objection to the FAA phasing out NDBs around the country. This one was kept operating because American Airlines used it infrequently for training. Now American has said they no longer have need for the facility. The FAA has said that general aviation should fly 50 miles further north to Santa Fe to practice NDB approaches at a non-existent facility. (There is no NDB at Santa Fe.) In other words, the existing NDB was kept operating because an airline used it for training. When GA requests the continuance of the facility, we are told to go to Santa Fe where there is no facility, or 100 miles north, into the mountains to Taos. This is absurd. What has prompted the FAA to consider eliminating the ISLETA NDB? A real estate developer is putting a new subdivision in, and the NDB has to go. Remember that ABQ has 8-10,000’ mountains directly east of the airport. Every operating navigation aide adds to the safety factor.
Many of you may not be aware of a new problem involving airspace usage in New Mexico. Homeland Security is operating unmanned aircraft patrolling the southern border of New Mexico and Arizona, seeking border incursions by drug smugglers and illegal aliens. I personally have no problem with the concept, but the first time a 172 and a drone meet up, we all know who is going to have a bad day. Those of you who regularly fly in the area from Las Cruces to Deming to Lordsburg need to be in contact with ABQ Center, especially along the I-10 corridor.
Recently, I succumbed to the exorbitant fuel prices being charged by the oil companies for Avgas. I sold my beloved 206 which burned 15.5 gallons per hour and purchased a 172XP II that seems very happy consuming 8 gallons hourly. I gave up about seven knots in cruise airspeed but save about $27 a flight hour in fuel costs, not to mention a two-thirds drop in insurance cost. If I fly 100 hours yearly, that equates to about a $22 savings per flight hour. A $49 per hour reduction in cost is nothing to sneeze at in these times. When I look at the asking price for a new 172 with 180hp (mine has 195) and realize that I bought a 2,300 hour airframe with a 300 hour engine and prop for about one fourth the price of the new plane, the deal made even more sense. The bird came with new paint and an immaculate interior, and I will upgrade the avionics as I go along. One thing that has impressed me is the difference between factory prices for trim parts and those available in the aftermarket. A company called Texas Aeroplastics sold me strut cuffs and brake covers for less than half of the price from Cessna. Something is driving the new plane prices to the moon. I can put my bird next to a new 172, and I defy anyone to tell the age difference except by looking at the radios.
I found this plane on a web site called iPilot.com/classified. There are several equally good web sites, such as E-Bay and ASO online, and I recommend anyone looking for a used airplane to at least consider these sites. Ebay usually has 150 airplanes listed, and ASO and iPilot many more. You can find those impossible to locate parts on Ebay. I found a tray and connectors for $35 for a King KN62 DME I owned. It is going in this airplane. The best buy was a Garmin 150 XL GPS for $500, including tray and connectors, that came from an Ebay seller. Next month I hope to do an article describing the transformation of this ugly duckling to the beautiful swan it has become, complete with color photos. Anyone can do this, and you will create many years of enjoyment from the fruits of your work. The best part comes when you go to sell your plane. Used plane buyers respond favorably to an airplane that looks nice, is well taken care of, and wants for nothing.
Be safe, be courteous, and above all fly with the wind at your six.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Once again the New Mexico Pilots Association is presenting its weekend mountain flying clinic. This includes a free FAA WINGS safety seminar Friday evening which covers flying safely in the mountains. There will be a half day flying in the mountains with a highly experienced and qualified mountain CFI. Upon completion of the seminar and the flying, each pilot will receive a clinic completion certificate, completion of a phase of the FAA WINGS program, and completion of a Biennial Flight Review (BFR.
This FAA approved course consists of a three hour seminar, free to the public, and three hours flying with mountain flying CFIs. The WINGS safety seminar will be held Friday evening, 26 May, at the Best Western Sally Port Inn starting at 6 pm. It will cover all aspects of flying in and over mountain, as well as landing and taking off from high altitude/high density airports. The mountain flying part will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday, where each pilot will fly with his/her plane in the mountains with a CFI. Depending on the number of pilots in this clinic, each CFI will fly with one pilot in the morning and another in the afternoon on each day. In a weekend we can accommodate up to 20 pilots. The seminar is free, but the cost of the instructor will be $200. The Mountain Flying Clinic is sponsored by the NM Pilots Assoc.
To take this course, each pilot must have a private certificate or higher and a current medical. The airplane must have a current annual and liability and medical insurance. Proof of the above must be brought to the clinic Friday evening. Each plane must also have survival gear on board (food, water, shelter, signaling equipment, and warm clothes) and a current Albuquerque Sectional chart. Bring this chart and your Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) to the class. NMPA will provide airport information charts. The cut-off date for reserving a slot for the flying portion is 12 May. Send your name, address, phone number, email address, certificates and ratings, flight hours and type of experience, and the year, make, and model of plane you will be flying. Send this information and a $200 check (made out to NMPA) to Dick Samuels, PO Box 2328, Alto, NM 88312. For more info contact Dick at dsamuels@valornet.com or 505 336 2194. Pilots who want to take this clinic but don’t have a plane contact Dick to make arrangements for renting a plane.
Please note that not everyone will be able to fly Saturday morning and then leave that afternoon. If many pilots sign up to fly, then some will be flying Saturday afternoon and Sunday, so plan your reservations accordingly. Dick will try to email a schedule to all pilots several days before the flying weekend. Our past experience has shown though, that plane problems, personal problems (and last fall the hurricane which prevented several people from leaving the Houston area), etc, quickly require changes be made.
Hotel: Best Western Sally Port Inn: $70 plus tax per night for up to four people. Cutoff date is 5 May 2006. Free full breakfast. Airport pick-up. Call 800 528-1234 or 505 622-6430 to reserve your room.
FBO: The flying will be out of the Great Southwest Aviation FBO at Roswell, NM, Industrial Air Center (ROW). The field elevation is 3671 feet. Rental cars are available, and there is free tiedown and a fuel discount. The phone is 505 347-2054.
Roswell is a town of over 45,000 on the east side of the 12,000 ft Sierra Blanco in the Sacramento Mts and the Lincoln National Forest. Roswell is best known for the alleged crash of an alien space ship on a ranch outside of town in 1947 and the supposed cover-up by the Air Force. The first venture into space rocketry began in Roswell by Dr Robert Goddard from 1930-1941 as he developed rocket science which led to our travel into space. Visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center, LT GEN Douglas McBride Museum on the campus of the NM Military Institute (high school and two years college), the Roswell Museum and Art Center, or the Spring River Park and Zoo.
Anyone who might have an interest in western history should arrive a day early or stay over, rent a ca,r and travel back in time by visiting the historic town of Lincoln, about 65 miles west of Roswell in the foothills of the Sacramento Mts. Lincoln County is where the bloodiest of western wars took place from the mid 1870s to the early 1880s. Two of the best known participants were Sheriff Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. It all began in Lincoln and ended in Ft Sumner in 1881 with Garrett killing Billy the Kid after he shot two deputies when escaping from the Lincoln Jail. The entire town is mostly just like it was in 1881. Nearby is Ft Stanton, a US Army Post created in 1855 to support the war against the NM Indians named for a CPT Stanton killed near the town of Mayhill. A little further away is the resort town of Ruidoso (elevation of 6720 ft) with the largest purse quarter horse racing anywhere (its free), casinos, the Museum of the Horse, and a town full of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Just north of Ruidoso is the town of Capitan with its Smokey Bear Museum because that is where Smokey was rescued from a forest fire in the Lincoln National Forest as a small cub in 1950. He was treated for his burns and flown in a GA airplane to Washington, DC, to live until he died in 1976 in the National Zoo. He is buried in a small park at the Museum. South of Ruidoso is the resort town of Cloudcroft (elevation of 8650 ft) with several art galleries, shops, and restaurants and an excellent pioneer museum. It has a very scenic lodge, built in 1899, which has the highest golf course in the US and views stretching a hundred miles away. About 95 miles south of Roswell is the world famous Carlsbad Caverns.
So there are plenty of adventures for the entire family during this Mountain Flying Clinic weekend. For more information about NMPA go to www.nmpilots.org .
Bob Worthington
New Mexico Pilots Association
Public meetings were held at Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces, regarding New Mexico’s spaceports. USPA VP Bob Worthington, representing both USPA and the New Mexico Pilots Association, addressed the problem of more airspace being taken from GA, and was told by the presenters no more airspace was needed, to include not needing a TFR while rockets are being fired. Hopefully, the concern of more airspace grabs is unwarranted.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Although the deadline for USPA’s special hotel price is passed, you may still find rooms available, and you don’t want to miss this great USPA flyout to Tunica, MS, March 16-19.
Starting with an FAA Safety Seminar at the very interesting Tunica Museum (see how the Mississippi River has changed courses many times through the years, and learn about the Native Americans and how the delta was settled), and with plenty of opportunity to check out the many Tunica and Memphis points of interest, all USPA members and their guests are most welcome and encouraged to attend.
You can mail, fax, phone, or register on line at www.uspilots.org. Get rid of the winter blues and enjoy a fun flying trip with fellow pilots.
United States Pilots Association
WINTER FLY-OUT, TUNICA, MS – MARCH 16 – 19, 2006
Our Winter Fly-out and meeting will be held in the South’s Hottest New Destination, Tunica, Mississippi. Home to world class casino resorts, Tunica boasts nine of them with 6,300 new hotel suites and rooms, sparkling pools and luxurious spas. It has the largest concentration of casinos between Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Located in the northwest corner of the state, on the Mississippi River just south of Memphis, Tunica has 14,000 slots and electronic games, and more than 400 table games. Entertainers are a daily feature at each of the casinos. Many of the world’s top-name performers are familiar faces in Tunica showrooms. Good food is easy to find in this entertainment city. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining by candlelight, a tasty buffet, or just a quick snack, Tunica gives you plenty of choices that will meet your best expectations. Casual is the key word in Tunica. Whether you spend all of your time at the casinos and shows, or shopping, dressing comfortably and casually is most important. And, when you are having fun, shopping is almost always on the agenda. At the Casino Factory Shoppes, you’ll find thirty brand-name outlet stores. Historic downtown Tunica offers a variety of boutiques and antique shops with small town charm. Tunica is the epicenter of the Mississippi Delta Blues Heritage, offering three museums filled with artifacts from the Delta’s rich history. Begin a historical tour at the Tunica Museum, and then discover the stories behind the blues at the Blues & Legends Hall of Fame. Plus, real Hollywood memorabilia at the Hollywood Casino is another treat for history and movie buffs. The stunning new RiverPark is America’s newest place to learn about “The River That Made America.” A museum and interactive center and a nature trail on the river levee are sure to fascinate you. Learn about the geography and history of the river, the Delta and why the river was so important to the union victory in the civil war.
And with all of this in Tunica, you just can’t find enough to do there, then, a half-hour north is Memphis, Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock-n-roll. Memphis offers a diverse choice of attractions, fine dining and special events. Attractions include Elvis Presley’s Graceland where you can tour the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog Aircraft, Mud Island, the Memphis Belle and legendary Beale Street plus Sun Studios, where Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and dozens of other famous rockers first recorded. And, you would not want to miss visiting the famous Peabody Hotel where you can sip a favorite beverage while watching the “March of the Ducks.”
Hotel: Sam’s Town-Tunica, 1477 Casino Strip Resorts Boulevard, Robinsonville, MS 38664. It has 1,000 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, lounges and all the other amenities expected in a first class facility. The rate is $79 plus tax. Call 1-800-456-0711, 662-363-0711 or fax 662-363-0874. To obtain our special rate, you must tell them that you are with the United States Pilots Association. The cut-off date is February 16, 2006. Tunica is a very popular place, particularly on weekends, so there is no guarantee that you can reserve a room at any price at Sam’s Town after the cut-off date. So, make your room reservation now! There will be a hospitality suite in the hotel. Check for the location on arrival.
Airport and FBO: Tunica Municipal Airport (UTA) is the airport of arrival. Runway 17-35 (7,000x150) has ILS and GPS approaches. CTAF is 123.0. Host FBO is Tunica Air Center, a full service FBO open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. They have offered us a discount of 15 cents per gallon on fuel and free tie-down. Phone 1-877-359-8864, 662-357-7330 or fax 662-357-7331. If you are arriving commercial, Memphis International (MEM) is your destination.
Transportation: None of the casino hotels in Tunica provide shuttle service to or from the airport (to the chagrin of the airport management there.) The hotels assume that you will be arriving by tour bus or automobile, so if you are arriving by GA or airline, you are on your own. You will need a rental car also to visit all the sights in the area (share it with other USPA attendees.) Tunica Air Center will coordinate rental car requests with the rental agencies in the area to provide us with the best prices available. Again note that Tunica is a very busy place on weekends, and the FBO has suggested that you make your auto rental reservation no later than March 1 to be sure that they can have a car available for you.
Schedule of Activities:
Thursday, March 16 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wings Safety Seminar-Tunica Museum, 3873 US Highway 61N, Tunica, MS 38676. The program will feature David Kaiser, who will speak on Stall/Spin-Loss of Control. For more information go to http://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/event_details.aspx?eid=9402 Hospitality and registration are available at the hotel in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. and into the evening. All day is open for you to relax and enjoy Tunica.
Friday, March 17 – 8:30 a.m. to noon. Buffet breakfast followed by General member’s meeting in the hotel. Lunch is on your own with the afternoon free to enjoy the gaming activities or touring the many sites in the area. Hospitality suite will be open in the evening after dinner.
Saturday, March 18 – 8:30 a.m. to noon. Buffet breakfast followed by USPA Board meeting in the hotel. All members are welcome. Lunch is on your own with the afternoon free to enjoy the gaming activities or touring the many sites in the area. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Banquet in the hotel. 9:15 p.m., hospitality suite will be open. It’s time to report your winnings or arrange for a bus trip home.
Sunday, March 19 – Depart at your leisure or stay over a few more days and do some of the things you didn't have time to do in our short weekend.
USPA Registration Form
Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________________________ State ______Zip___________________
Phone_____________________ Fax______________________ E-mail________________________________________
Number Amount
Basic Registration: $110.00 (Wings seminar, hospitality suite, meetings,
breakfast on Friday and Saturday and Saturday evening banquet.) ______ @ $ 110.00 $______
Send registration form with check or form below to: United States Pilots Association, 483 S. Kirkwood Rd., Suite 10, St. Louis, MO 63122. If paying by credit card, the registration form may be faxed to: (314) 843-5155. Or, if you would like to register at a secure site on the internet, go to www.uspilots.org.
Charge it! M/C______ or VISA______
Card No._________________________________ Exp.______
Signature___________________________________________
For additional information, please call Arnold Zimmerman at (314) 843-2766, email at zimjr@earthlink.net or USPA at (314) 849-USPA.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association