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United States Pilots Association |
Effective January 23, 2007, it will be necessary that you have a valid passport to reenter the U.S. A birth certificate and photo ID will no longer be sufficient. This includes the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico.
To find the nearest passport office, you can go to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Many of you are aware that USPA has signed on to support the FAA's new FAASTeam approach toward promoting safety in general aviation. I am pleased to have been appointed as a FAASTeam representative for the Midland/Odessa area of West Texas. I will be working directly with John Boatright of the Lubbock FSDO.
In an attempt to reach as many pilots as possible, I will be working in conjunction with several Flight Instructors, a Designated Examiner, and several FBOs in the West Texas area. The goal is to try and upgrade the awareness of good decision making in an attempt to reduce or ultimately stop the myriad of "loss of control" accidents that seem to occur with great frequency.
I will be available to conduct safety meetings or to advise airport owners/managers in ways to increase safety on and around the airport environs. Meetings are already being set up to provide these services to Odessa-Schlemeyer Field in Odessa, TX (KODO). This rapidly expanding airport is getting a new crosswind runway that will be able to handle larger bizjets, as well as resurfacing of one other runway. New taxiways are to be installed and runway lighting and markings improved. A new FBO building is in the planning stage, as well as ramp resurfacing, self service fuel tanks (installed), and hangar upgrades. USPA is working closely with the Ector County Commissioners and Farmor Aviation, the FBO on the airport. Numerous security upgrades are also contemplated.
USPA will assist any entity in those states we serve in upgrading airport and aircraft safety, in conjunction with FAA and HSA recommendations.
Steve Uslan President
United States Pilots Association
The City Council of Branson, MO, met last night to once again vote on whether or not to allow a 25-story hotel to be built within 2.2 miles of the M. Graham Clark/Taney County Airport (PLK). Among the presenters, who appeared to be equally divided between pro and con, USPA VP for Communications (also MPA VP) JC Zalog spoke in behalf of the two organizations, focusing on the possible negative effect the structure would have on the airport.
Among JC's comments are the following:
"The proposed site of this building puts it 2.2 miles from the M Graham Clark/Taney County Airport. This proposed building could interfere with the airport’s airspace. If the airspace is affected, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could take one or more of the following actions:
M Graham Clark/Taney County Airport could be closed.
Instrument Approaches could be shut down or removed. Instrument approaches allow aircraft to arrive at the airport during times of low visibility and/or low cloud cover.
Construction of the proposed building could be halted.
The proximity of this building to the Skaggs Hospital heliport may also prevent trauma patients from arriving by air from life flight helicopters.
Federal Aviation Regulation 77.13 requires submittal of FAA Form 7460 prior to “any construction or alteration of more than 200 feet in height above the ground…”.
It may be that this FAA 7460 study has already begun. If it has not, it must be completed prior to construction.
We request that the building permit for this 300’ building be contingent upon the FAA 7460 study finding no impact to the existing airspace or instrument approaches for the M Graham Clark/Taney County Airport.
The M Graham Clark/Taney County Airport is essential to the tourism and economy of Branson. This airport is the only General Aviation facility servicing the Branson area. Any restriction of its use would have serious and detrimental effects on the economy of Branson and the surrounding area."
The vote cast by Council members was tied, and was then broken by the Mayor who voted in favor of the construction.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The City of Branson West, MO, is ahead of schedule on the construction of their 5,000' runway and airport construction. With opening anticipated for early 2008, they are currently soliciting proposals from individuals and organizations interested in contracting with the city to operate as the FBO on the field, perhaps to include construction of hangars, a restaurant, etc.
If you or any one you know is interested in learning more about this business opportunity, please call Branson West City Administrator Kenny Smith at 417 272-3313.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
At USPA's flyout/meeting in San Antonio last month, America's Flyways Editor/Publisher Jim Hartley made a request for articles and editorials for the magazine. Jim is especially interested in a story about experiences during SAC operations.
If you're inclined to expound upon an aviation-related experience or issue, Jim would love to hear from you at editor@americasflyways.com.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
This week I had occassion to purchase a decal from the Customs-Border Patrol section of the Homeland Security Department. The cost was a nominal $25 which I was able to pay on line by credit card. Upon accepting my credit card, the government sent me a thank you via E-Mail for the payment of $25 "OPTIONAL BORDER CROSSING USER FEE CHARGE."
Separately, this week I read that effective January 23 of 2007, we citizens of the United States will only be permitted to cross the border back into our country by producing a valid passport issued by the United States Government. The cost for this item $127, plus pictures, plus FEDEX for expedited service, if you absolutely need to traverse the border frequently. What do you want to bet that the government cannot possibly process all of the requests they get before January 23 and still get the documents to the necessary people? What happens to those legitimate citizens who try to drive back into the country after January 23 who do not have have passports? Do we deport our own people? And to where do we deport them?
Regarding the decal, the same information they require to issue the decal is available in ten seconds on the FAA's website for all to see at no cost. The Customs/Border Patrol inspector can get that information in ten seconds by pulling up your N number.
I have no way to verify the cost of issuing a passport. One can only (hope) presume the HSA is verifying who is applying, etc. However, since I held a previous passport, does it not make sense they have that information on file somewhere?
In the game of football we call it piling on. Do you know that in Honolulu, Hawaii, at HNL, the local police have a mandatory checkpoint if you are attempting to access the General Aviation side of the airport? Accepted means of identity? Why, it's an American passport. What do you want to bet HSA will come out with a requirement that everyone using any facility on an airport must have a passport in the future?
My opinion is this. The imposition of so called user fees to incur revenue for services that the government should already provide, (read this as air traffic control, etc.) is insidious and probably against public policy. Unless we band together, I am sure we will see more and more of this type of additional taxation levied against us as time goes by.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association