AOPA Initiatives

[BrianL99]

We had a little "State of the Union" meeting at my local airport last night, the Northeast USA AOPA Rep was there.

He had 2 interesting things to say.

1. He says they expect something from the FAA in 30-60 days on the Class III Medical initiative. He says if it doesn't meet AOPA expectations, they'll be pushing the legislation to get it through Congress and they claim to have the votes. He sort of intimated that the FAA was likely to impose some restrictions that AOPA won't accept. The one specific I remember, was that he said AOPA is insisting on IFR flight below 15,000.

2. He said there's no chance the FAA is going to implement ADS-B, on the current schedule. He says he's sure there's going to be an extension granted and sure there are going to be less expensive options available.

Just reporting what we were told, not offering an opinion on the validity.

[Jack Tyler]

I'm sure many of us are seeing this AOPA update on the FAA's medical reform draft in this morning's email:
http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All- ... c_sect=adv

Bottom Line: DOT has announced (but not yet actually acted on) the transfer of the review process to the OMB, the last stage in the review sequence before the FAR draft is posted in the Federal Register. The OMB is 'allowed' 90 days for their review, altho' the actual length of time can be whatever the OMB decides it needs. As most of us who follow this know, the DOT's 90-day period extended beyond twice that much. So this AOPA update seems somewhat at odds with AOPA's Eastern Rep's prediction. (Brian, was this a 'working snowbird visit' by the AOPA fellow? Seems odd you folks in Tampa would be getting a presentation from that region's rep).

"He said there's no chance the FAA is going to implement ADS-B, on the current schedule."
Could you fill us in on the rationale he offered. Many of us are finding that the local Approach controllers know virtually nothing about ADS-B yet because their facilities aren't yet equipped, and I've heard that as one rationale for the 2020 deadline slipping. (Personally, I don't find that very convincing). I'd be interested in how he framed his prediction. (Was this Sean Collins? He's now the Eastern Region Rep, after they redesigned the regions).

Thanks for the update. Always interesting to try and fair the curve...

[BrianL99]

I'm sure many of us are seeing this AOPA update on the FAA's medical reform draft in this morning's email:
http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All- ... c_sect=adv

Bottom Line: DOT has announced (but not yet actually acted on) the transfer of the review process to the OMB, the last stage in the review sequence before the FAR draft is posted in the Federal Register. The OMB is 'allowed' 90 days for their review, altho' the actual length of time can be whatever the OMB decides it needs. As most of us who follow this know, the DOT's 90-day period extended beyond twice that much. So this AOPA update seems somewhat at odds with AOPA's Eastern Rep's prediction. (Brian, was this a 'working snowbird visit' by the AOPA fellow? Seems odd you folks in Tampa would be getting a presentation from that region's rep).

The presentation was at my home Airport in MA, which is why I posted the identifier (6B6).

"He said there's no chance the FAA is going to implement ADS-B, on the current schedule."
Could you fill us in on the rationale he offered. Many of us are finding that the local Approach controllers know virtually nothing about ADS-B yet because their facilities aren't yet equipped, and I've heard that as one rationale for the 2020 deadline slipping. (Personally, I don't find that very convincing). I'd be interested in how he framed his prediction. (Was this Sean Collins? He's now the Eastern Region Rep, after they redesigned the regions).

Thanks for the update. Always interesting to try and fair the curve...

Yes, it was Sean Collins. He didn't really give any justification for his prediction on ADS-B, just made it seem that it was a forgone conclusion that the date is going to slip. For what it's worth, I've always thought that and nothing has come up in the last year to make me reconsider that opinion. I guess we'll see.

[MrMorden]

The one specific I remember, was that he said AOPA is insisting on IFR flight below 15,000.

That's a jaw-dropper. I would be shocked if the FAA goes for any IFR flights on a DL medical. This may be the case of AOPA opening with an offer so ridiculous that when they back off to what they really hope to get it will seem supremely reasonable by comparison.

[Wm.Ince]

The one specific I remember, was that he said AOPA is insisting on IFR flight below 15,000.

That's a jaw-dropper. I would be shocked if the FAA goes for any IFR flights on a DL medical. This may be the case of AOPA opening with an offer so ridiculous that when they back off to what they really hope to get it will seem supremely reasonable by comparison.

I have to agree with all that Andy.
Personally, as far as the DL medical, that's kinda' where I draw the line anyway.
I am all for night flying though. . .

[MrMorden]

Personally, as far as the DL medical, that's kinda' where I draw the line anyway.
I am all for night flying though. . .

I have to admit, when out flying with my friends in the evening it would be nice to not have to rush home to beat the sun so that I don't turn into a pumpkin.

[theskunk]

How do I find out who my local AOPA rep is? I've got some questions/issues that need to be brought up to them.

[Flocker]

How do I find out who my local AOPA rep is? I've got some questions/issues that need to be brought up to them.

Airports and State Advocacy Link

http://www.aopa.org/Advocacy/Airports-a ... e-Advocacy