[JYO] Frequently-asked questions from AOPA

Frequently-asked questions

Why is AOPA being so aggressive in pursuing the removal of flight 
restrictions affecting general aviation operations?

"I am appalled at AOPA's arrogant and unpatriotic attitude regarding the 
restrictions placed on general aviation"—AOPA member

Many times a tough approach is needed in dealing with Washington, D.C., 
policymakers to make a position known and achieve success. With all of the 
attention in bringing the air traffic system back into operation focused on 
the major airlines, the AOPA staff and its President have been making it 
clear to policymakers such as DOT Secretary Norman Mineta, FAA Administrator 
Jane Garvey, and a host of FAA management staff the desire for pilots to 
return to the skies. It has been with full knowledge of the national crisis 
that the association has pursued our desire to be recognized as airspace 
users, realizing that we would only be granted access when national security 
wasn't compromised. Those who may have thought our position was one of 
"whining" or too overt, should consider the even stronger arguments made by 
many airlines and their representatives to return to using the NAS. 

Why isn't AOPA being more aggressive in pursuing the removal of flight 
restrictions affecting general aviation operations?

" ... I would like to be one more voice asking that you put the pressure on 
the FAA to allow us to fly once again. It was not GA that created the 
disaster ..." —AOPA member

The AOPA staff has attempted to take a responsible approach to educating top 
policymakers with the goal of getting everyone flying as soon as possible. We 
have recognized the catastrophic events that took place and the need for the 
Federal government to assure the Americans public that the aviation system is 
safe and attempted to balanced these with our desire to reopen the aviation 
system for all. In every communication to members and to government 
officials, we have recognized the grave situation that occurred, and the 
continued threats to the nation.

Should I call or write Congress?

"Is there anything I can do? Write senators, congressmen? Help!" —Ohio AOPA 
member

’s work on Capitol Hill is its members' 
willingness at key moments to write and call their elected representatives 
and senators. In return, members of Congress recognize that AOPA members are 
the backbones of their local communities. At this grave moment, decisions on 
the operation of national airspace system are being made at the highest 
levels of the executive branch, with the Congress deferring to our national 
security leadership. AOPA has been in constant contact with those key 
decision-makers, alerting them to the effects of grounding general aviation 
on both pilots and the national economy. Flooding them with calls, faxes, and 
email will tie up valuable communications resources and not change the 
outcome. In fact, the inconvenience of dealing with this sort of organized 
mailing could cause more damage than good. Rest assured, when the time comes 
’ input with Congress can be effectively utilized, 
AOPA will, as always, be the first organization to inform its members as to 
whom to contact and with what message. This will be particularly important in 
the weeks and months ahead when new security procedures for accessing 
airports and airspace will be debated and voted upon by Congress. 

’t fly this weekend, what else can I do?

"My six year old son and I had blocked off all of Sunday ... to spend the day 
flying together ..." —AOPA member

With the ban on VFR general aviation flying still in effect because of 
continuing national security worries, pilots will have to find other things 
to do this weekend. 

“General aviation pilots are, on the whole, a group of adult, responsible 
U.S. citizens who love to fly but understand overriding national security 
”“Although 
’d rather fly, perhaps we can take advantage of this enforced time-out for 
some other things. 

“And rest assured that AOPA is working through the weekend with Federal 
officials, doing everything humanly possible to restore VFR flying privileges 
”’s make the best we can of a 
”

Boyer suggested:


Attend church, synagogue, or mosque to reflect on the tragedy that has 
befallen our nation, and pray for the souls of both victims and survivors of 
the terrorist attacks.


Volunteer to give blood, join relief efforts, or collect medical or other 
supplies needed in the ongoing rescue efforts in New York and Washington. 
(Click here for links to a few of the many <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010914faq.html#charity";>volunteer
 opportunities</A>).


Spend time with family with the television off. Have a family discussion over 
the dinner table. Go on a date with your spouse, take time to play with your 
children, take them to a movie, museum or play. For a real challenge, check 
’s table manners. Clean your old camera and take pictures of 
’t flash 12:00. 



Write a letter to a parent, children, relative, friend. Visit a neighbor. Mow 
the lawn. Organize a community game of touch football. Sort your record (or 
CD) collection. Arrange your pilot magazines chronologically. Offer to wash 
the family car or even wash dishes. Remember: no woman ever shot a man while 
he was doing dishes. For those who absolutely must have aeronautical-flavored 
activities, Boyer suggested:


Improve your aviation knowledge. Get FAA Wings program credit with the free 
“” course at <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/asf/runway_safety/";>www.aopa.org/asf/runway_safety/</A>.
 Review your 
’ll be surprised how 
much changes. Fly approaches to Meigs Field in Chicago with Microsoft Flight 
Simulator. Check out FAR Part 77 at <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/members/files/fars/far-77.html";>
www.aopa.org/members/files/fars/far-77.html</A> and then use your new-found 
knowledge to see if your home runway needs a displaced threshold. Check out 
’” resources at <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/";>www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/</A>
 and 
follow some of the links. Join a discussion group on the AOPA messaging 
boards (<A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/members/messages/";>www.aopa.org/members/messages/</A>“”
 for 
your specific airplane type at <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/";>www.aopa.org/asf/publications/</A>.
 


Start studying for your next pilot certificate or rating. An instrument 
rating not only allows better utilization of the airplane, but also makes you 
a better VFR pilot. Pull out your GPS manual and learn at least one function 
“” button. Review non-GPS navigation planning. Brush 
up on your E6-B skills. (E6-B?)


Catch up on neglected ground duties. Total up your logbook. Check expiration 
’” 
interactive program (<A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/members/medical/medform/";>www.aopa.org/members/medical/medform/</A>)
 to find any red 
flags that might cause the doctor to defer or deny your next medical. 
Subscribe to the free AOPA ePilot newsletter (<A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/epilot/";>
www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/epilot/</A>). Update your Jepps. Laminate your 
pilot certificate. Clean out your flight bag. (Careful!) Untangle your 
headset cords. Plan a cross-country camping vacation with your spouse, using 
’s Airport Directory searchable online (click on the airport directory 
button in the left margin of this page).


Care for your airplane. Wash, wax, and vacuum the bird; a careful cleaning is 
one of the best preflights you can do. Take a picture of your airplane: 
evening light, with aircraft lights on, can give you a spectacular 
professional-looking portrait. Check the logs for inspection, ELT battery 
’’’ll 
get another in a few days.)

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