IAOPA eNEWS

    March 2007

In this issue:

European Commission Launches Discussion on General Aviation

The EC has recently published a discussion paper on general aviation launching a debate on possibilities and obstacles for GA in Europe. The discussion paper recognizes GA's significant and growing role and provides a good introduction to the industry and its diversities, including hang-gliding, recreation, personal transportation and business operations. The discussion paper invites all stakeholders to comment on areas of concern. Some of these are:

• access to airports and airspace
• access to recreational activities and the introduction of a leisure pilot license
• the growth of business and corporate aviation and the emergence of a new generation of very light jets (VLJs)
• fractional ownership in relation to the overall distinction between commercial and non-commercial aviation

The EC invites comments on the paper prior to 1 April 2007. IAOPA Europe will coordinate the regional response; submit comments by e-mail.

Selected quotes from the EU Commission Discussion paper are available online.

Download the full EU discussion paper on General Aviation.    << Back to top

Australian Minister Action Protects Airports

Jandakot Airport-an important general aviation airport serving Perth, Australia, has been under siege from property developers who have little regard for the needs of general aviation. Developers across Australia have encroached on GA airports, making it difficult for both airport authorities and resident business to continue their operation.

In December, the Australian Minister of Transportation reinforced the Airports Act, spelling out the obligations of secondary airport operators regarding the continued operation of those facilities. AOPA-Australia President Col Rodgers commented, "The Minister is to be congratulated for taking this important step in ensuring the future of general aviation by spelling out the obligations of the operators of these secondary airports and deserves the support of not only the Board of AOPA but of all aviation minded people in the country."    << Back to top

AOPA-Kenya Becomes 65th IAOPA Affiliate

The IAOPA Board has accepted the application of the Aero Club of East Africa for affiliation with IAOPA. The organization comprises 549 members and has been in existence since 1927. Based at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, the club occupies a three-acre site with several buildings and hangars.

The new organization is faced with significant regulatory challenges from local and state governments, including security, user fees, licensing, and environmental issues.

Mr. Harro Trempenau, is the Chairman of the ACEA and their contact information is available online, telephone +254 20 600482, fax +254 20 607654, P.O. Box 40813, Nairobi, Kenya.    << Back to top

AOPA-US Tells Government to Keep Loran Available

Loran (long-range navigation) may be a low-cost, ideal backup to the future GPS-based air traffic control system, AOPA-US told the Department of Transportation (DOT) on 7 February. The DOT is studying the need to continue using or even investing in the system, and AOPA wants that work to continue. Currently, the majority of AOPA members use VORs as a backup to their GPS receivers. But the FAA plans to dramatically reduce the VOR network over the next decade. This makes loran the logical backup for the future, AOPA believes, because pilots would be less affected by VOR or radar decommissioning. See AOPA Online.    << Back to top

Join IAOPA Europe at Aero Friedrichshafen

IAOPA Europe invites all pilots and aviation operators to its expanded presence and programs on 19-22 April 2007 to the general aviation industry exhibit and airshow, Aero Friedrichshafen. Set in the attractive venue of the resort area of southern Germany, the biennial Aero has become the premier general aviation event in Europe. AOPA-Germany and Switzerland will be major exhibitors at the show and will host space for IAOPA European representatives.

On Friday, 20 April, IAOPA Europe has arranged for representatives from Eurocontrol, JAA, and the European Commission to address the topic, "General Aviation Regulatory Focus" in presentations available to the public. Representatives will address issues regarding airspace allocation, required equipment and operating regulations. The semi-annual IAOPA European Regional Meeting will be held for designated delegates at the Aero site on Sunday, 22 April.

For more information about Aero Friedrichshafen, see the Web site.   << Back to top

IAOPA European Region Web site Keeps Affiliates Informed

The IAOPA European Region is the largest of the organization's five regions, comprising 34 individual AOPA organizations. The European Community is moving forward rapidly on a number of aviation issues, making the dissemination of information and communications with European IAOPA affiliates important. The IAOPA European Web site, is the strong thread that connects and informs the widespread group of affiliates.

The site has news, policy, fuel prices, discussion forum, representatives, newsletter and the GA Magazine sections that are regularly updated by the IAOPA European Communications Director, Jacob Pederson. Pederson also represents the interests of IAOPA Europe at meetings of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).   << Back to top

FAA Issues Unmanned Aircraft Policy

The U.S. FAA has issued a policy statement that outlines a policy for the use of public, private and recreation (model aircraft) UAVs within the national airspace system. Several principles are listed which are designed to lead to more comprehensive guidance. Comments regarding the policy are invited. See the Web site.

This effort to define UAV operations and develop regulations to safely accommodate them is being accomplished in parallel with a similar ICAO effort, to be released in September. IAOPA Representative, Frank Hofmann is participating in the ICAO work group developing these guidelines.   << Back to top

GAMA Statistical Databook Available

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has released the 2006 edition of The General Aviation Statistical Databook. This annual publication provides a broad spectrum of international general aviation manufacturing statistics and U.S. operational information. New to this edition are general aviation statistics for a number of states. Download the databook.    << Back to top

The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations represents the interests of more than 470,000 pilots and aircraft owners in 65 countries. Formed in 1962, IAOPA is dedicated to promoting the peaceful uses of general aviation and aerial work worldwide.

IAOPA eNews is published monthly by the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations for the use of its affiliate members in representing and advocating general aviation and aerial work interests worldwide.

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