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United States Pilots Association |
August 27, a Sunday, in Lexington Kentucky, a Comair CRJ-200 was cleared for takeoff on a 6:07 am flight to Atlanta with 50 people on board. The controller cleared the aircraft for takeoff on runway 22. For some inexplicable reason the plane attempted to take off on runway 26, a 3,500’ unlit general aviation runway. The weather was rainy and it was still dark. The aircraft never made it into the air. Instead it crashed through a fence and contacted the ground where it exploded and burned. Forty-nine of the 50 people died in the conflagration.
What were the known facts that led up to this horrible occurrence? First the main runway (22) had just been repaved. The intersection with the smaller runway had poor to no markings and there was no lighting. No sign was present stating the available runway length from the intersection of the two runways or from the taxiway. Both pilots had been in to Lexington no less than six previous times and should have been familiar with the runway layout.
The ATC controller was alone on duty (a violation of the FAA's own policy). He cleared the aircraft for takeoff on runway 22 and then turned away from the window to perform "other" duties. Had there been another controller present, perhaps he might have caught the mistake in time and avoided the accident.
A nationally syndicated article in the August 31 newspapers shows a steady decline in the number of active controllers employed by the FAA. Add to this the forced settlement of the NATCA labor contract, and the threat of many more retirements as a result, and you are left with one conclusion. The FAA and its administrator are putting pilots and passengers into grave danger by foisting these economy moves upon all forms of aviation. This must stop.
The FAA has a government mandate to regulate the air traffic control system in this country. Computers and fancy avionics do not substitute for good judgment and a functioning set of Mark II eyeballs. Neither does outsourcing of essential services to large government contractors create any feeling of confidence or security. I would much prefer to have the government run the entire system than to see parts of the system outsourced to profit making organizations only concerned with their bottom line.
It is time to take Ms. Blakey to the proverbial woodshed. How many more of these mistakes are we to endure in the name of economy?
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
I tearfully forward to you this email just received from USPA member Charles Shipman, loving husband of Harriet. I will forward more information as it is received.
“Harriet passed away peacefully in her home that she created the past 30 years, at 7:30 AM, this cool clear crisp Missouri Morning. Her mother of 96 years and I were present. All of her immediate family visited within the past two weekends.
The last message to you, discussed the change of a "cure" goal to a comfort "goal". That goal was achieved. She left peacefully with comfort, and without pain.
The offers of prayers, sympathy and condolences to her and her family, from throughout the world, have been overwhelming. This reflects the many lives that she has touched and makes us proud and happy for the abundance of her life. Because of this response to the spirit of her life, I find it impossible to respond to you individually. Please know that your gestures have been appreciated and heart felt, and accept this message as acknowledgment of these wonderful offerings.
You will continue to receive information concerning the family's plan to celebrate her life.
God Bless all of you.
Charles Shipman”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
USPA VP Arnold Zimmerman had some thoughtful comments regarding the Lexington accident, which may give you something to ponder in your own flying.
“You may want to publish this in your e-mail news. It will probably not affect many GA pilots because even I could have departed safely on Runway 26 at LEX. But it is a good idea to know where you are going.
Unless there was a wind blowing big time from the west, I would not have used runway 26 at Lexington, KY, in the early morning of the crash. There will be many people who will be blamed for this. But, I am thinking that the crew was not paying attention to where they were just before takeoff. So let's chalk this one up to pilot error.
My personal guidelines are, that if I am operating at an unfamiliar airport ready for takeoff, I must have seen the runway numbers painted on the runway that I am planning to depart on, or if not, check my compass and HSI to see that the heading agrees with the runway that I have lined up on.
A simple check like this at LEX should have disclosed the 40 degree difference and maybe 50 lives would have been saved.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Saturday, August 19, was a beautiful day (although very hot) in Independence, KS. There were over 100 planes on the ramp, and many more people who had flown in and driven in to enjoy pancakes, sausage, and drinks provided by Cessna, as well as tours of the airplane production facility, raffles, and a silent auction. Among the pancake eaters were USPA Executive Director Jan Hoynacki, Past President Paul Hough, VP Communications JC Zalog, VP Membership Duane Smith, and Awards Chairman Kay Smith, as well as MPA members from Springfield and Bolivar.
The huge Independence facility produces Cessna 172s, 182, and 206s, plus the new six-pax Citation Mustang. The Mustang now undergoing flight testing leading to type certification from the FAA was on display, with a continuing queue to look inside the beautiful plane. The Citation Mustang will be certified to operate using WAAS, and it’s Garmin G1000 avionics suite includes a new feature called SafeTaxiTM which gives a graphical representation of the aircraft on the ground in the airport environment. At 340K, range of 1,150 NM, and a service ceiling of 41,000’, it is poised to position well in what Cessna hopes to be an upsurge in demand for non-commercial air service.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
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FYI, an interesting website with aerial views of airports by state: http://creports.capnhq.gov/airfield/default.asp.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
For your information, Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS) will be closed the following dates and times:
Friday 9/1/06
12:15 local – 17:00 local (airshow practice, may finish by 15:30)
Saturday 9/2/06
12:15 – 15:45 (airshow)
21:00 – 22:00 (fireworks)
Sunday 9/3/06
12:15 – 15:45 (airshow)
21:00 – 22:00 (fireworks
Monday 9/4/06
12:15 – 15:45 (airshow)
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Avweb this week issued a story confirming both my concerns and Dr. Bob Worthington's, President of The New Mexico Pilots Association. Here are the facts.
On April 25th of this year an unmanned Predator Drone being flown from Libby AAF in Sierra Vista, AZ, crashed after a computer failure less than 400 feet from a populated area in Arizona. The aircraft was flying on a surveillance mission for the Border Patrol and was unarmed. The aircraft came down under no control and was being operated ostensibly to monitor illegal border crossings.
On April 5th a tilt rotor drone came down and crashed in Texas. In June of this year a three-pound drone operated by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, being demonstrated for the press, crashed and was destroyed.
The damage one of these objects can do to a small plane is immense. The Predator is the size of a Cessna 182. I have no information on the size of the tilt rotor, but the drone being flown by the LA sheriffs Department was the size of a model airplane and carries a small TV camera used to surveil rooftops from altitude. Any of us that have had an encounter of the worst kind with a small bird striking our windshield can well imagine the damage that could be done should one of these drones come into our cockpits.
Apparently the FAA has waked up to these hazards and is making some noise about gaining authority (which they already have) over flight paths, etc. The LA incident was in contradiction to the FAA who did not authorize the flight. Several pilots have reported an inability to be told by either Center or Flight Service of any ongoing UAV flights.
My suggestion is to write to Marion Blakey, Administrator of the FAA in Washington, and inquire why these flights are operating at all. I know we need all of the available technological assistance to protect our borders and help the police in difficult situations. What we don't need is a Rambo type mentality endangering the lives of civilian pilots and people on the ground.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
The cutoff date for the special USPA rate of $79 (plus tax) is right around the corner—August 10. Be sure to make your reservation now!
This is the 25th anniversary of USPA. You won’t want to miss the special celebration banquet Saturday night at the Radisson, MCd by our very own Mike Radford (www.mikeradford.com). Mike is a recipient of The Bob Hope Patriot Award and was appointed The United States Ambassador of Patriotism in 2001. He had his own show in Branson for a decade and now will be entertaining YOU.
There will also be great attendance prizes at both the Thursday night safety seminar and the Saturday night banquet, including a brand new David Clark headset, courtesy of Kings Avionics at New Century Airport, New Century, KS.
In addition, the weekend will be full of fun and entertainment. See the registration form below and register now! A special invitation goes out to our affiliated state pilot organizations and local chapters. Come to Branson and bring your friends and family!
United States Pilots Association
SUMMER FLY-OUT, BRANSON, MO – AUGUST 24 – 27, 2006
Live music is still the major attraction in Branson, the entertainment capital of America’s Heartland, but if you haven’t been to Branson for a while, you will be
surprised to see the many new developments, some of which opened in 2006. Come experience for yourself the warm, genuine Ozark Mountain hospitality
that has made Branson and the surrounding area a great tourist destination.Branson Landing offers 95 acres of exciting shopping, dining, condominiums, an active marina and a new town square. There are 100 restaurants and shops in this $450 million dollar Landing and a town square large enough to accommodate 5,000 guests for festivals and music events. The square features a $7.5 million spectacular attraction that synchronizes water, light, sound and fire, created by Wet Design, the producers of world class shows for Downtown Disney Marketplace in Orlando, Universal City Walk in California and the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The Landing also features a scenic boardwalk along the 1.5 mile Taneycomo lakefront. Saturday afternoon has been set aside for attendees to visit this newest development in Branson. Other new developments along Highway 76 (Country Music Boulevard) are Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater and the Titanic Museum, which is housed inside a giant replica of the ship’s bow, complete with iceberg. Expect to see Titanic in a whole new light. Unlike traveling exhibits, Titanic Branson is a permanent, two-story museum shaped like the Titanic herself. This astounding building was built half-scale to the original and holds 400 priceless artifacts in twenty galleries. We will have an opportunity to take a 90 minute self guided tour of the Museum on Friday afternoon. The all new 900 seat Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater takes
visitors back to a time when rock really rocked, delivering great entertainers from the 50s, 60s and beyond. Housed in the same facility is the Patch collection, now on display for the first time to the public. This is the word’s finest collection of flawlessly exquisite 1957 automobiles and memorabilia. Re-visit the glory days of the 50s as you walk though the amazingly accurate lifestyle exhibit that includes a complete kitchen, barbershop, fire station, and service station featuring authentic memorabilia from the 50s, and beautiful cars and trucks created in 1957. Each automobile is displayed in a “Small Town America” setting where it would have been seen. You will be amazed at the beauty of these magnificent automobiles, and the painstaking detail that goes into each display. The USPA weekend in Branson includes a tour of the
Patch collection, dinner in the American Bandstand Grill and a live music show on Friday evening. And, not to be outdone, there are 10 new rides at Silver Dollar City, the area’s ultimate theme park, which now includes the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis theme, celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase in 1804. It would take a book to describe all the shows (over 100) and other activities in Branson. Plan now to be with us in a great location
Hotel: Radisson Hotel Branson, 120 S. Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO 65616. It has 472 spacious guest rooms and
suites and all the other amenities expected in a first class facility. The rate is $79 plus tax (more for suites). Call 417-335-
5767 or fax 417-339-3602. To obtain our special rate, you must tell them that you are with the US Pilots Association. The
cut-off date is August 10, 2006, so reserve your room now. The hotel can’t guarantee the availability or the special rate if
reservations are not made by then. There will be a hospitality suite in the hotel. Check for the location on arrival.
Airport and FBO: M. Graham Clark - Taney County (PLK) is the airport of arrival. Runway is 11-29 (3739x100). VOR/
DME RNAV and GPS RNAV approaches are available. CTAF is 122.7. Host FBO is Taney County Airport which is
open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They have offered us a locally competitive price on fuel and free tie-down. Phone
417-332-1848 or fax 417-332-1850. Transportation is not provided by the hotel. If you are arriving commercial,
Springfield - Branson Regional Airport (SGF) is your destination.
Transportation: If you fly in, you will need a rental car to visit all the many attractions in the area. Why not plan to share
it with other USPA attendees? Avis rental cars are available at the airport. Call 417-334-4945 to have a car ready for you
at the airport. It is suggested that you make your auto rental reservation early.
Schedule of Activities:
Thursday, August 24 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Wings Safety Seminar at the Plaster Auditorium on the campus of the
College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO. Fred Harms, Missouri Coordinator for the Central Region FAAST team will
present a program on “Aeronautical Decision Making”. 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 the many activities in Branson.
Friday, August 25 – 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served in the meeting room at the hotel. 8:30 a.m. to noon. -
General Member’s meeting in the hotel. Lunch is on your own. 2:00 p.m. - Tour of the Titanic Museum. 5:00 p.m. – Tour
of the Patch Auto Collection and dinner followed by a show featuring the Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley and Paul
Revere and the Raiders in the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Hospitality suite will be open in the evening
after the show.
Saturday, August 26 – 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served in the meeting room at the hotel. 8:30 a.m. to
noon. - USPA Board meeting in the hotel. All members and guests are welcome. Lunch is on your own. The afternoon
will be free to visit the newly opened Branson Landing and the many other attractions in the area. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. -
Banquet in the hotel. Mike Radford, who performed for us at our last visit to Branson will be the MC for an audio-visual
program celebrating the 25th Anniversary of USPA. Hospitality suite will be open prior to and after dinner.
Sunday, August 27 – 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. There are still almost a hundred shows you haven’t seen on this visit.
USPA Registration Form
Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________________________ State ______Zip___________________
Phone_____________________ Fax______________________ E-mail________________________________________
Number Amount
Basic Registration: $ 105.00 (Wings seminar, hospitality suite, meetings,
breakfast on Friday and Saturday, and Saturday evening banquet.) ______ @ $105.00 _______
Options:
Titanic Museum ______ @ $ 20.00 _______
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater (Patch auto collection, dinner and show) ______ @ $ 64.00 _______
Saturday evening banquet and hospitality suite on Saturday only ______ @ $ 35.00 _______
Total $_______
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.
To obtain a printed plastic reusable name tag with lanyard, send order with $6.00 for each indicating,first name, last name and home state to Candy
Stewart, 10239 Hartshill Lane, St. Louis, MO 63128.
Allow 10 days for the order to be processed.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association