|
United States Pilots Association |
USPA/MPA member Jeff Bourk spoke with the Branson Daily News this week concerning progress on the Branson Airport. Since MPA and USPA are planning a joint meeting in Branson to coincide with an air show planned in conjunction with the grand opening, May 9, 2009, I thought you would be interested in this article which is available at http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=8126
Jeff is setting aside special reserved seating at the air show for our MPA/USPA attendees.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
Twice this week I have been made aware of a new regulation enacted in March of 2006. If you own an aircraft that a. is eight seats or more (Cessna 207), b. or 550 HP or more (most medium twins, Cessna 208), or c. carrying capacity of 6050 lbs., or d. helicopters that carry five or more people or a load in excess of 990 lbs., you have a problem.
Our country signed onto the Cape Town Treaty requiring these applicable aircraft be submitted for registration on "The International Registry" domiciled in Dublin, Ireland.
If you sell an aircraft described above and the buyer finances the purchase, you, the seller, must pay the fee ($600-$800), and then the new buyer must pay the identical amount. Who is protected, you say? Ultimately it is the lender who finances the aircraft. It is the banks requiring this; and again, we are the ones going to pay.
Remember that almost 90% of the worldwide light plane fleet is registered with the FAA. Now we must also register with Ireland.
THIS IS A USER FEE WHERE NO SERVICE IS BEING PROVIDED NOR NONE REQUESTED. Wake up and smell the roses. BTW, the horsepower was reduced from 750 to 550 in 2006. The original treaty required 750hp. How soon before it becomes 180hp and four seats? Remember the camel's nose under the tent? Don't look now, but somebody is dropping a safe on our heads.
Go to Cape Town Treaty and follow the prompts to the FAA website applicable. I did, and I still don't believe they snuck this one by us. Where was AOPA and NBAA while this was going on? I also get the distinct odor of Homeland Security having access to this information and using it in the future to their advantage.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
This past Friday I participated in a discussion with the editorial department of the Dallas Morning News. Attending were Selena Shilad of the Alliance for Aviation In America and a Vice President of The National Business Aircraft Association. The stated purpose of the meeting was to give a clear and concise picture to the newspaper of the machinations of the airlines regarding user fees and the FAA reauthorization bill. Neither has been passed by the Congress. However, the House did pass a no user fee bill. The Senate was unable to come to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving the FAA to be funded by short term extension bills. This does not bode well for Airport Improvement monies in the future.
What was pointed out to the editorial board was this. The airlines want a huge tax decrease, and in the process want to see GA assessed for user fees to pay for it. When the airlines thought they had this battle won, they pushed for a vote in the Senate. Then, when they realized that it was not going to happen, they switched tactics hoping that the new administration (whoever that will be) will be more interested in helping them. Simply stated, we are trying not to let that happen.
I will not repeat the effects of user fees on GA. We all know what is at stake. If we combine the current exorbitant fuel prices with user fees, GA as we know it will disappear in our country. I am seeing pleas on a daily basis from Angel Flight-Grace Flight for pilots to take flights. The price of fuel is forcing many volunteer pilots to drop out. The initial proposed user fee for turbine-turboprop aircraft was stated to be $25 per flight. We all know this is just the beginning. When we look at aerial applicators flying $1,000,000 Air Tractors, landing and taking off many times each day, the fees become so expensive that the pass through to the farmer cannot be paid. The result is a huge loss of business for all concerned, and an enormous increase in the cost of food to the consumer.
USPA sees The Alliance for Aviation in America as the best hope for GA to defeat these onerous proposals and to keep the airlines out of our business. We do not want them to obtain control and implementation of the air traffic control system. This is a battle that will be won or lost in the arena of public opinion and perception. If you use an airplane in a business, I strongly urge you to contact the Alliance in Washington, DC, and offer your support. Money is helpful, but so is your voice being heard. Please contact Matt at 202 261-6563 or Selena at selena@aviationacrossamerica.org. Adding your name and support to the endeavors of the Alliance and further participating in educating the media and elected officials is the most important thing we can do.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
NMPA President Bob Worthington joins in the criticism of an AOPA article, as follows:
NMPA Members:
On page 11 of the June 2008 issue of AMERICA'S FLYWAYS is a Press Release from AOPA. It is an article about how hard AOPA is fighting to save valuable airports in NM because the state is on a mission of closing its airports. What the PR does not say is that the airport is in need of $3 million in repairs and no one wants the airport. It serves no one at the present time. This is the second time that AOPA has taken upon itself to go public and try to look good at the expense of New Mexico. Here is my letter to the Editor of AMERICA'S FLYWAYS.
Dear Editor: As president of the New Mexico Pilots Association I am offended by the AOPA Pilot Briefing Press Release regarding the airport near Tatum, NM, on page 11 of the June 2008 issue of America's Flyways. It appears that in an effort to promote that AOPA is working hard to save airports, honesty and integrity take a backseat to self-promotions that makes AOPA look good. AOPA states that it is working hard to keep airports open, even if they no longer serve any aviation needs.
Here is the truth about the airport near Tatum. It will take over $3 million to make it safe. There are no planes based there. It is not a desired airport. No one wants it. Many years ago its original owner, Lea County, wanted to get rid of it (a full service, all weather airport is 19 miles away) and persuaded the State Aviation Division to take it over. The state this year asked both Lea County and the town of Tatum if they would take over the airport, and both said no. It was advertised for private management by any business people. There were no takers. No one wants the airport. So the state Aviation Division asked the FAA if the airport could be closed.
New Mexico is not a rich state. While we are the fifth largest state in the union, only 43% is privately owned; the other 57% is government owned. Our population is 1.9 million people. The state requires a balanced budget on a limited tax base. Aviation often is the best way to traverse the state, so airports are a necessity to our air travel. To spend $3 plus million to retain an airport not used is fiscal irresponsibility. We need to spend our aviation funds on airports that are used, not airports that are useless. In the original letter from AOPA complaining to the FAA, AOPA accused New Mexico of starting a trend of closing needed airports in the state. Yes, one airport that was not used has been closed. What AOPA did not mention is that the state at the same time also built a new airport in Vaughn which was needed and opened last year. As far as the AIP funding goes, the Aviation Division has agreed to reimburse the FAA for the $35,000 debt. The State Aviation Division does not own the land the airport is on, but has to lease this land from another part of the state
Now AOPA knows all of this. But a full page, full color PR claiming how hard AOPA is working to save valuable and necessary airports will be read by tens of thousands of pilots who will believe that AOPA is the only aviation organization to belong to. I believe this is an uncalled for means of gaining national attention at the expense of aviation in the state of New Mexico. AOPA is a large, rich, powerful, private corporation. It should be working with state and local aviation organizations to better aviation, not ridicule what is being done financially to best use limited funds to make aviation safer in New Mexico.
I should mention that I have been an AOPA member for over 30 years and applaud most of what AOPA does. In this case I feel what AOPA has done is a cheap PR ploy at the expense of aviation in my state.
Bob Worthington, PhD
President, New Mexico Pilots Association
Vice President, United States Pilots Association
Member, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
FAASTeam Representative/Aviation Safety Seminar Instructor
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
USPA VP for Government and Technical Affairs Larry Harmon attended the Clark County Board of Aviation Commissioners June 26 in Sellersburg, IN, and presented the following report:
The Clark County Board of Aviation Commissioners met in special session June 26 for the main purpose of voting on a special revenue-enhancing program. The proposal to charge landing/ramp fees was voted on and passed with full agreement, one member being absent.
The proposal was quickly read and discussed before the vote was taken, and included a charge schedule of landing fees as follows:
Single engine planes over 6,000 pounds gross weight----------------- $10.00
Light piston twins----------------------------------------------------------- $25.00
Turboprop twins under 12,000 lbs. gross weight----------------------- $25.00
Turboprop twins over 12,000 lbs.----------------------------------------- $30.00
Jets----------------------------------------------------------------------------- $40.00 to $75.00 depending on weight.
Helicopters------------------------------------------------------------------- $25.00
In addition, the FBOs can charge $5.00 for a ramp fee, that would be added to the above fees, but an FBO can waive this cost. This cost would probably not be charged if fuel was purchased or FBO services were utilized, etc., but how and when the ramp fees could be waived was not discussed.
Four EAA Chapter 1042 members were in attendance, and AOPA and USPA, were represented, and were allowed to speak on these specific topics.
The Board did not state that the 6000 pound requirement for single engine aircraft could be further refined after more study, but clearly they seemed they were not after small General Aviation Aircraft.
The Board did also state that a request for an exemption for landing/ramp fees could be requested for charity work, Young Eagles Program, flying in for club meetings etc.
The Board meets every 2nd Thursday of the month, and is open to the public.
EAA, AOPA, and USPA will continue to monitor the Clark County Board Activities in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry G. Harmon,Vice President Government & Technical Affairs
USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com
USPA President Steve Uslan commented: “ The best thing the local pilots in and near Sellersburg can do is DO NOT LAND at Clark County Airport. If possible find hangar space somewhere else close by. By cutting off the revenue stream the county will get the message loud and clear.”
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA
I noted Andy Cebula's comments on page 11 of America’s Flyways’ June issue. Mr. Cebula and AOPA are totally off the mark here.
Tatum airport, located about 40 miles north of Hobbs, NM, is a very sparsely used, if used at all airport that has long ago outlived its purpose. Tatum is a town that sits atop a potential superfund site, and its population is declining. Simply stated, the town has no need for an airport. The State of New Mexico would probably be glad to return any airport improvement money to cease having to maintain an airport nobody uses.
There are no planes hangared in Tatum. Other than being close to the oilfields, Tatum has no attractions.
Yes, it is true that Eunice, NM, had an airport that was closed in 2006. There were no buildings on the field and very few people used it for anything more than a practice location to do touch and go's.
Mr. Cebula knows all of this. To hold AOPA out as the last bastion of hope to save airports around the country is ludicrous. Mr. Cebula also knows that New Mexico built and opened a new airport in Vaughan, NM, which is being used on a regular basis.
Until Mesa Airlines pulled out of New Mexico, it was not inconvenient for folks to drive to Hobbs (HOB) Lea Regional Airport, where they could board flights to either Dallas or Albuquerque. Also, currently there are three airports in Lea County that remain open. These are Hobbs, Lovington, and Jal, NM. Small plane traffic can utilize all.
I believe AOPA's time could be much better spent on FAA funding, user fees, fuel prices etc. Do not expect us who live and fly in this region to get upset when an airport has outlived its usefulness.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association
Odessa, TX