Thanks to everyone who submitted a comment on the TSA’s LASP program. More than 1,000 comments were submitted in the last 5 days, bringing the total to about 4,000, which may be a record for an aviation related NPRM. Having read dozens of the comments, I can tell you that they were respectful, well thought … Read more
Since my original blog post, I’ve been in contact with some of the top leaders in the GA industry. They too are concerned about LASP and agree that your help is needed. You may have noticed that other popular blogs, including www.jetwhine.com, www.plasticpilot.net, www.aviationchatter.com, www.myflightblog.com, www.askacfi.com, www.av8rdan.com and mileofrunway have all echoed the need for pilots … Read more
General Aviation is facing a huge threat and it's not User Fees. In fact, I would gladly accept a program of user fees over the TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP). Why are user fees better? Because they would be less expensive ($25 per flight versus $44 per flight), provide the same increase in security … Read more
Like the TSA, we should assign a colored threat level for every airport in the country, based upon the current level of threat posed to the airport. If we did, San Jose's Reid-Hillview Airport would have been operating all year at a Level 4, Orange, High Threat of Airport Closure. As we reported earlier, that's … Read more
Apparently it will be official tomorrow. Phil Boyer is retiring and Craig L. Fuller will be the next President of AOPA. A hearty congratulations to them both. Before I get to my wish list for Craig and AOPA, let me talk a little about this important change and the great industry in which many of … Read more
"Knowing Max for just a short time has opened my eyes to the fact that I truly miss teaching people how to fly myself." So says Rob Mark in the article he posted yesterday on his www.jetwhine.com blog. JetWhine has always been one of my favorite blogs, so when Mark contacted me a few months … Read more
So says an AOPA website story from Friday, April 24. That is welcome news that’s been a long time in coming. It means that the stalemate in the Senate, over what method to use to fund the FAA for the next four years, appears to be over. There are still many steps needed before an … Read more
I was at Sun ‘n Fun last week, and several of the conversations revolved around keeping flying affordable. If you haven’t been to Sun ‘n Fun, put it on your calendar for next year. It’s the second largest air show after Oshkosh, and it’s always held in April at the Lakeland, FL airport. That’s a … Read more
The Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose, CA is the target again of a potential closure action by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. In March, the board voted for studies of the potential net financial benefits of developing the airport and the potential legal issues with closing the airport. At their June 3, 2008 … Read more
I was flattered recently to receive a shirt in the mail, which is pictured here. You’ll notice that it says 2008 National CFI of the Year. Oddly, it also has my name on it. Wow. There’s not much I can say, which most people know is unusual for me. Except perhaps thank you. For more … Read more