California Pilots Association

Critical thinking

erosiak@comcast.net (Jamie Beckett - General Aviation News) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:58:11 +0000

There is a important difference between critical thinking and being critical. Knowing that difference can be the deciding factor in whether you are successful at affecting change or become an ineffectual aggravating irritant. Now that I have your attention…it will come as no surprise to learn I have a tendency to critique almost every aspect ..

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FAA’s Extortion Against EAA AirVenture

erosiak@comcast.net (General Aviation News Staff) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:39:49 +0000

EAA signs deal with FAA to cover controller expenses at Oshkosh The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has finalized a one-time agreement with the FAA to cover nearly $450,000 in expenses related to air traffic control services at the 2013 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, which begins on July 29.

“Let me be clear: We have consistently regarded the FAA’s move as holding AirVenture and GA hostage this year,” said EAA Chairman Jack Pelton. “There was considerable, detailed thought given over the past month to every option and possible scenario. Ultimately, AirVenture’s importance to the entire general aviation economy and community, as well as to EAA’s year-round programs, was the overriding factor in our response. AirVenture will go on, and our attendees deserve nothing less than the best air safety and services we can provide.

FAA Seeks 100LL Alternative Help

erosiak@comcast.net (FAA ) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:58:51 +0000

WASHINGTON – The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today asked the world’s fuel producers to submit proposals for fuel options that would help the general aviation industry make a transition to an unleaded fuel. The FAA is committed to the development a new unleaded fuel by 2018 that would minimize the impact of replacing 100 octane low-lead fuel for most of the general aviation fleet.

Boeing Back at San Bernardino Airport

erosiak@comcast.net (The San Bernardino (CA) County Sun) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:41:26 +0000

The return of the world's leading aerospace company is a welcome and much-needed boost for San Bernardino's beleaguered international airport. Following up on a commercial shoot and aircraft testing at the airport earlier this spring, Boeing returned in late May to begin testing its 747 model. The company expects the work to wrap up in August.

It's not the commercial passenger service San Bernardino International Airport officials have long sought, but landing the Boeing contract is a positive sign of recovery and should muzzle critics who continue to paint the redevelopment of the former Norton Air Force Base as a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Beyond the bumper sticker

erosiak@comcast.net (Jamie Beckett - General Aviation News) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:39:34 +0000

Periodically my eye is drawn to a bumper sticker while I’m out driving. Many are aviation oriented — or at least many of the stickers I see are. The slogans are familiar to you as well, I’m sure: “I’d rather be flying.” “My other car is an airplane.” “I love jet noise.” They’re all positive ...

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Editorial: FAA fee for AirVenture misguided

erosiak@comcast.net (thenorthwestern.com) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:32:08 +0000

Though for a time it seemed the IRS would hands down win the title of daffiest and most misguided three lettered government agency, the FAA quickly shot up in the rankings last week by demanding the Experimental Aircraft Association pay $500,000 for air traffic controller expenses during its annual AirVenture convention here in Oshkosh.

EAA leaders, members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation and the aviation community have made a strong case for why the Federal Aviation Administration’s demand is out-of-line and potentially unlawful without explicit Congressional authorization. Thousands of aviators who will make their way to Oshkosh this summer will shell out substantial user fees for fuel and the like to help directly cover the expenses of controllers and other parts of the nation’s air traffic safety system.

FAA Tells EAA AirVenture to Pay Up

erosiak@comcast.net (Editor) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:35:59 +0000

The Experimental Aircraft Association, on notice from the FAA to expect a bill for air traffic services at EAA AirVenture this summer, is looking to Congress for relief from the user fees that put “a price tag” on safety.

In a June 3 message, EAA Chairman Jack Pelton told EAA members that it was time to speak out against the FAA’s bid to charge air traffic fees at aviation events. EAA members should urge their U.S. senators to sign a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta “in support of GA and opposed to putting a price tag on GA safety,” he said. The letter is now being circulated among senators.

Landing fees increased at Santa Monica Airport

erosiak@comcast.net (Meg Godlewski - General Aviation News) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:58:44 +0000

It’s about to get more expensive to land at Santa Monica Airport (SMO) in southern California.

On April 30 the Santa Monica City Council approved a landing fee of $5.48 per 1,000 pounds on all aircraft — transient and locally based alike. For the pilot of a Cessna 172, that’s $10.96 for each landing. The fee is slated to go into effect Aug. 1.

Ontario Sues LA for Control Of Airport

erosiak@comcast.net (KCBS-TV Ch 2 (CBS), Los Angeles (CA)) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:31:08 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) - The city of Ontario has sued Los Angeles in order to take over control of the Ontario International Airport. Attorney Roy Goldberg claims the facility has been neglected for years and Los Angeles caused "immeasurable harm" to Inland Empire residents because of the way it has dealt with the airport. Goldberg specifically said officials at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) didn't "promote and expand air service" at the airport.

Oakland Aviation Museum - Open Cockpit Day

erosiak@comcast.net (General Aviation News Staff) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:59:25 +0000

Museum slates Open Cockpit Day - The Oakland Aviation Museum in California will hold an Open Cockpit Day and aviation paraphernalia fundraising sale June 16 — Father’s Day — to support its A-3 Skywarrior restoration project. The planes will be open for inspection from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Imagine sitting in a Korean or Vietnam era jet airplane and feeling ...

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