Notícias da IAOPA
IAOPA News Maio
In this issue:
Plan to attend the 26th IAOPA World Assembly,
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 10-15 April 2012
iaopa2012.co.za
Register for the World Assembly
Time is getting short for World Assembly registration. Indications are that this will be one the best-attended World Assemblies in our history. The Stellenbosch wine district of the very attractive Cape Town region of South Africa is an attractive tourist attraction. More importantly, the business of the Assembly will address issues critical to the success and growth of worldwide general aviation. Those issues on our agenda are:
- Airspace - Allocation and Use
- Regulations - Making them Work for Us
- Fees and Charges - Controlling and Justifying
- Airports - Promoting and Protecting Them
- AOPAs Working Together for Common Purposes
Join fellow AOPA members from around the world to help determine the future of general aviation while enjoying the best that South Africa has to offer. Visit the official IAOPA World Assembly website at www.iaopa2012.co.za
IAOPA was founded in February 1962 by five national AOPAs to provide a voice for general aviation and aerial work (non-commercial aviation) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), then predominately oriented toward airline interests. The association now represents more than 450,000 pilots and aircraft owners in 70 States, actively participating in not only ICAO but other supranational organizations such as Eurocontrol and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
“The needs of general aviation and aerial work are few but compelling: the need for fair and equitable access to airports and airspace at an affordable price,” said IAOPA President Craig Fuller. “Without the legacy and continuing work of IAOPA world general aviation would not enjoy the freedoms it does today or for the future. General aviation interests’ working together toward common goals has created a potent and credible force within the world of aviation.”
IAOPA has influenced every aspect of aviation for its affiliate organizations and their members: pilot licencing, aircraft equipment requirements, air traffic management, airport standards, customs and immigration, security, aircraft operations and air navigation and airport fees all bear the organizations mark to facilitate and promote general aviation operations.
IAOPA affiliates may use the above logo in lieu of or in addition to the traditional IAOPA logo during calendar year 2012.
IAOPA Publishes Unmanned Aerial Systems Paper
Responding to the recent acceleration of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) worldwide activity and regulations affecting their operation, IAOPA Representative to ICAO Frank Hofmann released a strong statement regarding mixed general aviation and RPA operations, “The 450,000 owners and pilots of private and business aircraft who are members of their State organizations comprising the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) are quite concerned about the rapid rise of both civil and military remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations. RPAs and their supporting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are viewed as a potential threat to the safety and operational flexibility of civil aircraft operations. Importantly, the impetus supporting the proliferation of RPA and their missions is strong, often outstripping the ability of State airspace allocation and regulatory authorities to accommodate these new operations fairly and safely.”
The full paper may be viewed at www.iaopa.org.
IAOPA Participates in ICAO Block Upgrade Technical Meeting
IAOPA participated in the recent ICAO Building Block Technical Team meeting held in Toulouse, France during late January. The Building Block program is an effort to harmonize ATC modernization efforts around the world. These meetings are held in preparation for the 12th Air Navigation Conference to be held in November 2012.
AOPA-US Vice President of Operations and International Affairs Craig Spence, who represented IAOPA, noted, “While many of the benefits associated with NextGen, SESAR, and other ATC modernization efforts are focused on air carrier aircraft, general aviation can benefit from improved access to airports not currently served with an instrument landing system through programs such as WAAS and EGNOS as well as efficiencies in routing and other precision based navigation procedures. Access and equity have become important areas of discussion as ATC providers begin to implement modules contained in the blocks as well as ensuring that these efforts are benefit driven and not simply the result of mandates. These ideas were conveyed to the working group and strongly supported by IAOPA.”
AOPA-Australia’s Research Efforts Make a Difference in Rulemaking Proposal
Last year, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued a proposal to set standards for Mode S transponders and ADS-B equipment. In a detailed review of the proposal AOPA-Australia representatives found that CASA had misinterpreted an ICAO Annex 10 standard that would have required Mode S transponder antenna diversity, at a substantial expense for many GA aircraft.
AOPA President Phillip Reiss responded, pointing out the errors, went further, recommending the complete elimination of transponder antenna diversity requirements for all existing Australian aircraft that weigh less than 5,700kg. CASA responded admitting the erroneous interpretation and agreed to the lesser requirement for GA aircraft.
Reiss said, “Had we said nothing, the cost of moving to a Mode S transponder for many GA owners would have been roughly double. We are pleased that we have been instrumental in modifying this regulation.”
AOPA-UAE Receives Provisional IAOPA Affiliation
Following a review of their application and submission of required documentation IAOPA president Craig Fuller has granted AOPA-United Arab Emirates (UAE) provisional IAOPA affiliation.
The president of the new organization is Yousif Al Hammadi, who also serves as the Deputy General Manager, Al Bateen Airport. Additional officers will be elected at the first meeting of the association to be held in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, 6-8 March 2012. There are currently 33 members in the organization, which is headquartered at the Al Bateen Airport. They plan to have 80 members by year-end.
There are approximately 90 general aviation aircraft in the Emirates, some of which are foreign registered. The official roster lists 566 UAE private pilots, 60 percent of whom are foreigners. There are 16 airports within the UAE, most of which are open to general aviation.
AOPA-UAE sees a demand for general aviation in their region and plans to promote and facilitate its growth. The organization has plans to work with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), airport operators, aviation businesses, young people’s groups and training organizations. They have expressed a strong desire to work with IAOPA and its affiliates to help build a strong general aviation community within their country.
IAOPA board members will now comment on the application of AOPA-UAE with the objective of granting the organization full affiliate status.
EASA Flight Crew Licencing Rule Threatens Some Pilots
AOPA-US is working with the FAA Flight Standards Office regarding the unforeseen consequence created as a result of new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) flight crew licensing regulations.
Beginning in April 2012, EU member States will begin to convert their national licenses to a single EASA license. US FAA pilot licences issued on the basis of a foreign pilot certificate are only valid as long as the foreign certificate is in effect. As a result of the switch to EASA licences the FAA certificate may be invalidated. AOPA-US is working with the FAA to discuss options and request assistance with EASA in delaying implementation of the new rule or creation of policy to address identified shortcomings. Since the FAA pilot licence with an instrument rating is often used in Europe in lieu of the more stringent EU national instrument ratings, this is a critical issue for potentially thousands of pilots flying in Europe.
Take People Flying In a General Aviation Aircraft!
Looking for potential pilots (and eventual members) – take them flying in a general aviation aircraft. If done properly you will generate an avid aviator who will remain that way for a lifetime.
One of the best examples of practicing this philosophy is Frank Hofmann, IAOPA’s ICAO Representative. As often as he can he takes ICAO staff and State delegates flying in his aircraft or takes them to local aviation events where others provide the air transportation. For example, Frank recently took three members of the influential ICAO Air Navigation Commission to a mid-winter fly-in on the picturesque Ottawa River in front of the historic Chateau Montebello in Quebec, Canada. Interestingly, all of the operations were conducted on an iced-over river landing area, featuring many ski-equipped aircraft and ultralights.
After successful flights for all the ICAO members, they attended safety and operational presentations. All three individuals had air traffic control backgrounds and were suitably impressed with the orderly flow of traffic, professionalism of their pilots and quality of the presentations. Hofmann noted, “A result of people better understanding GA’s viewpoint is usually increased appreciation for your needs. Many more of those who influence our GA sector, the politicians and regulators, need to experience what this ICAO group enjoyed.”
Editor: Take a non-pilot flying soon – you will be doing us all a favor.
AOPA-Cyprus Elects New Executive Committee
Ioannis Papaiacovou, AOPA-Cyprus President, notes that on 9 February 2012 a new Executive Committee was elected for their organization. They are:
- Ioannis Papaiacovou (President)
- Demetrakis Hadjidemetriou (Secretary)
- Pambos Trouliotis (Assistant Secretary)
- Soteris Tsigelis (Financial)
- Angelos Apostolides (Member)
- Andreas Kyriakides (Member)
AOPA-Portugal Elects New Board of Directors
Robin Andrade, AOPA-Portugal President reports that on 13 February 2012 a new Board of Directors was elected for their organization. They are:
- Robin Andrade (President)
- Manuel Silva Salta (Vice President)
- Gualdino Louro (Treasurer)
- José Madeira (Secretary)
- Carlos Tomás (Member)
IAOPA News Abril
In this issue:
The 26th IAOPA World Assembly will open in a bit more than a week in South Africa (see above). Sign up at http://www.iaopa2012.co.za . We already have 22 States represented among our delegates, ready to consider the current status of general aviation and what will it take for our movement to grow and thrive. That is the actual work of the assembly, but our South African hosts have some interesting activities and tours in store, too.
The product of the WA will be a series of resolutions designed to tell the world where we want to go with general aviation and how to get there. Even if you can’t make it to idyllic Stellenbosch in the Western Cape region of South Africa you can submit resolutions you feel strongly about and will be designed to benefit general aviation worldwide. If you are so moved, see our website at http://www.iaopa.org/policies-and-positions/resolutions.html to view what we resolved at our last World Assembly in Tel Aviv in 2010 as samples. We will consider all submissions -- Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
IAOPA President Presents Provisional Affiliation to AOPA-UAE
In early March IAOPA President Craig Fuller and members of his staff attended the first Abu Dhabi Air Expo to present provisional IAOPA affiliation papers to Yousif Al Hammadi, AOPA-United Arab Emirates president. Once the IAOPA board has commented on their application the newest and 70th AOPA will become a permanent affiliate of IAOPA.
Craig Fuller said,” It has been great to experience the enthusiasm of aviators here in Abu Dhabi. The show provides attendees with a look at a full range of aircraft from light sport to a Boeing 737 and everything in between. The reported use of GA aircraft is growing in the region and firms are looking to establish themselves here. Local officials are saying that private aviation in the Middle East is expected to experience a 20 percent growth rate. Interesting conversations have been held with several individuals who talk about the need for pilots and flight instruction seems to be a growing part of the aviation industry in the region.”
IAOPA and EAS Concerns Heard by EASA Management Board
Members of the European Aviation Safety Agency Management Board, comprising representatives of European Union member States, discussed two papers on the regulation of general aviation (GA) on 13 March 2012. One paper was from EASA and the other one jointly from Europe Air Sports and IAOPA.
The joint EAS / IAOPA paper addressed rulemaking issues for GA aircraft, pilots, operators and other parties with aircraft up to 5,700 kg MTOM and primarily those used non-commercially. At issue is the tendency of EASA to generate GA regulations on the same basis as they do for commercial air transport, overlooking the differences in possible levels of safety, cost-benefit considerations and type of mission separating the two forms of transport.
After some discussion the EASA Management Board members agreed that a different rulemaking approach is required for GA. The members recognised the importance of a vibrant GA activity in the context of economic sustainability, as reflected in the existing European Parliament Resolution in which IAOPA Europe was a principal drafter. There was a recognition that this sustainability applies not only to pilots and aircraft owners, but also to the many small enterprises across Europe that rely upon GA for their economic existence.
The Board agreed to establish a small group comprising about 10 people, led by the French CAA (DGAC), and drawn from National Aviation Authorities, EASA, EAS and IAOPA to consider how GA should be regulated in a proportionate way in the future. It is expected that this group will be formed in the near future and commence work in May 2012.
These events represent a major shift in EASA general aviation regulatory philosophy and have been favourably accepted within the European General Aviation community. IAOPA European Region Senior Vice President Martin Robinson noted, “I think we are finally getting through to them.”
IMC Simulator Training for AOPA-Poland Members
In view of a large number of GA accidents and incidents that involved Polish pilots flying into IMC conditions last year, AOPA-Poland has taken the initiative to expand its flight safety training seminars to its members to focus on coping with IMC.
The new flight training program, offered free of charge thanks to funding provided by the Polish insurance company PZU S.A., consists of a theoretical session complemented by training on a fully-licensed flight simulator, and is designed to demonstrate to pilots―
- the importance of the decision-making process in the face of deteriorating flight conditions
- how the malfunction of basic flight guidance and navigation equipment affects flight safety
- the consequences of not complying with certain operating procedures in different weather conditions and flight regimes.
AOPA-Poland’s President Blazej Krupa said, “This is an unprecedented opportunity for our members to rehearse deteriorating flight situations they may not yet have encountered. The training program and time spent on the simulator is part of our efforts to make pilots more aware of how poor planning and errors of judgment influence flight safety. We are confident that this program will have a positive impact on the safety of our members.”
AOPA-Australia Safety Seminars
AOPA-Australia with the support of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Royal Western Australian Aero Club (RACWA) has hosted a series of Safety Seminars nationwide for general aviation pilots, with the latest being held in Perth on 4 March. The plan is to conduct one in each state every four months on a rotational basis.
Phillip Reiss, President AOPA-Australia, gave the opening address which covered the philosophy underpinning these safety seminars: “Safety cannot be regulated and lectures from the safety authorities are largely ignored, however a safety message initiated from within our industry has a far greater impact. I believe that safety is not about regulation, we need to create a safety culture, develop a safety mindset in each individual pilot if we are to reduce accidents.” His remarks were followed by presentations of a distinguished group of speakers who addressed topics ranging from runway incursions/excursions to medical issues.
Reiss noted, “The event was a great success, we have received numerous emails from participants, the theme from all of these emails was, they enjoyed the seminar, gained considerably from the educational content and the social atmosphere and congratulated us on the initiative, we also picked up quite a few new members.”
IAOPA Provides ICAO with Examples of Undesirable Airspace Allocation
At the request of ICAO officials the Secretariat has provided a number of examples where airspace design, especially near major metropolitan areas, has adversely affected general aviation operations, particularly from a safety standpoint. In presenting these examples Frank Hofmann, IAOPA Representative to ICAO, noted. “These are just a few examples of what is a worldwide phenomenon. Europe is especially affected by increasing and expanding amounts of closely-controlled airspace, especially within 100 nm of major metropolitan areas. The crowding of VFR traffic into smaller amounts of E and G airspace creates hazards for VFR flyers but also promotes the possibility of airspace infringement due to complex and poorly planned airspace segments. Airspace planning must consider the needs of the VFR operator through stakeholder-provider consultations.”
ICAO officials intend to use these examples to provide guidance to States regarding airspace allocation for the ongoing airspace block upgrade program.
Light Sport Aircraft Developments
IAOPA’s Frank Hofmann recently visited the Rotax engine factory to be briefed on their new model 912 engine. While impressed with the new engine he was able to speak with a number of individuals involved in the LSA and relates his observations and opinions below:
There are currently over 250 LSA Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs― too many to sustain over the long haul. As with certified aircraft manufacturers, the number will diminish as the larger producers manage to acquire a larger proportion of the market share. The aircraft fleet has grown since the introduction of LSA style aircraft and will likely continue to grow as the application of these aircraft expands, such as into flight schools. Growth will eventually be capped when prices rise to an unacceptable level. It will likely be government regulations which will add to the cost of these aircraft, regulations which may surface as increasing numbers of these aircraft operate from other than existing airports. The new generation of aircraft will require fuel other than avgas, primarily mogas which may not be available at most airports.
The new generation of aircraft owners, probably of average or significantly younger than the average age of traditional aircraft owners, will likely agree to pay more for new technology aircraft, foregoing 1950’s vintage old-technology and airframes in favour of the advantages offered by LSA style aircraft.
IAOPA, foreseeing a requirement for wider use of LSA style aircraft, has begun to lobby for the recognition of flight time as well as mechanics’ maintenance time acquired on LSAs to be applicable to higher pilot and mechanic licences. The IAOPA proposal names these aircraft New Generation Light Aircraft, NGLA, and is seeking recognition from ICAO for these aircraft to operate internationally and as training aircraft for conventional private pilot licences.
We will watch with interest what the traditional aircraft engine manufacturers will bring to this LSA market.
IAOPA Participates in ICAO Far East Military/Civilian Airspace Usage Conference
Geronimo Amurao, IAOPA Asian Region Vice President, recently participated in the ICAO Civil Military Cooperation Coordination Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand. He reports the following:
“Working groups were united in targeting the need for a shared aerospace, with the objective of answering the civil aviation desire to reduce distance and time of flight, cost, and the environmental impact caused by emissions.
“The speakers were unanimous in fostering the need to optimize the relationship between the civilian and military sectors. Thus, workshops were undertaken to enlighten participants regarding overlapping military and civil aerospace. ICAO Circular 330 deals with the subject fairly, but in practice civil airspace needs are often subordinated to military mission requirements.
“Representatives from Japan, Australia, India and several other countries presented the current state of their respective civil/military cooperation initiatives and experiences towards the flexible use of their aerospace (FUA). Impressively, Australia has adopted a system which has economized on its military airspace needs through base closures and mission consolidation. As a result civil air traffic has benefited by permitting them to use shorter, less circuitous routes. Interoperability or sharing of airspace is becoming increasingly popular, allowing both military and civil use of airspace at different times.
“Resolutions stemming from the conference include:
- The inoperability of civil and military systems including data sharing is emphasized.
- ICAO is requested to update existing civil/military cooperation/coordination provisions and develop guidance material related to airspace management’
- States should regularly review controlled and special use airspace allocation to achieve optimal civil/military cooperation.”
Why We Engage Political Leaders
At the recent IAOPA Europe Regional Meeting AOPA-US Senior Vice President Melissa Rudinger provided the group with advice regarding the need to be an effective advocate for general aviation with elected representatives. She and AOPA-US have successfully used these techniques for many years. Her points were:
- If we don’t engage we don’t stand a chance!
- Elected officials at every level make decisions critical to GA
- Pass laws that set policy and regulate activity
- Approve budgets for public monies for projects and programs we want
- Set taxes and fees that impact our wallets.
Groups successful in influencing policymaking do the following:
- Educate their policy makers
- Gather support amongst their friends and allies
- Contribute to the campaigns of candidates that support their issues
- Engage their members to reach out to elected officials
- Directly lobby undecided officials to educate and persuade
- We engage Political Leaders because…
The ones who get attention are the ones to whom attention is drawn.
Silence ensures that others will take all of the valuable time, energy and resources we need.
ICAO Publishes Revised Volcanic Ash Guidelines
In the aftermath of widespread air travel delays throughout the North Atlantic region and Western Europe following the eruptions of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökul Volcano in 2010, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has issued revised guidelines for aircraft operations through areas known to contain volcanic ash.
“Flight Safety and Volcanic Ash” (ICAO Document 9974) suggests that States or nations, operators, civil aviation authorities and other entities share responsibilities in defining and mitigating the risks to flight operations in areas known or forecast to be affected by a volcanic eruption. ICAO notes these risks should be determined in accordance with procedures specified by the ICAO Safety Management Manual (Doc 9859, Section 9, Issue 2, 2009), as well as the operator’s Safety Management System, or SMS.
Download the document at http://www.icao.int/publications/Documents/9974_unedited_en.pdf
AOPA-Hellas Elects Board
At a recent meeting of AOPA-Hellas (Greece) members the following were elected to the Board of Directors:
President: Youli Kalafati
Vice President: Kyprianos Biris
Vice President: Marina Zompanaki
Treasurer: Billy Costa
Member: Antonis Koutsoudakis
IAOPA e-news
A secção europeia da IAOPA - IAOPA (Europe), publica regularmente uma e-newsletter abordando temas relacionados com a aviação geral, de interesse especifico para os seus associados europeus.
O arquivo destas newsletterspode ser consultado no site da IAOPA (europe) www.iaopa.eu, através deste link.
IAOPA Bulletin
A IAOPA, International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, da qual a AOPA Portugal é membro, publica trimestralmente um boletim que detalha as principais noticias relativas as suas associadas. A AOPA Portugal publica aqui as edições do "IAOPA Bulletin", desde o inicio de 2008. Especial interesse tem a primeira edição de 2010, onde é publicado um artigo da AOPA Portugal, detalhando as principais actividades da nossa associação durante o ano de 2009.
2010
2009
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