What's Up? - December 2011
Favorite month and season continued …
By Larry Shapiro
Larry ShapiroI think that last month I forgot to mention that I was sentenced to a week in Texas and got off with some silly behavior. (Formerly known as “Good Time”)
The trip reminded me of why being able to fly myself is so important. I can’t begin to tell you how much I hate to wait in lines and go through some of the most embarrassing security checks in the world. I mean, come on folks, are my shoes, bluetooth and belt presenting any apparent danger? This isn’t real security, it’s a job stimulus program. I guess I’m spoiled after living in Israel and seeing what real security is about.
How can we expect some of the lowest paid people at your airports to do one of the highest priority jobs when they don’t even have the support of most of the people whose time they are wasting. At best, all I see are people missing their flights, and I have the hardest time believing that they are saving any lives. Please feel free to disagree with me but if you do, don’t tell the person sitting next to you, tell me.
I have traveled through some of this world’s biggest and best airports where security lives up to its name and is worth the time it costs you.
Your First Driver’s Ticket – Update
I love sharing this with you. Why? Because I truly believe this is going to happen and happen soon. I have talked with, and read dozens of articles written by, those folks that are involved up to their very impressive credentials and known to many of you. They want it, they are letting us know how much money will be saved, and most importantly they are finally giving us all the respect of acknowledging that we know when we are fit to fly and when we’re not.
So far, and only with the exception of the self medicating drug and alcohol user folks in denial, none of us are so irresponsible as to even drive our cars let alone try to fly when we are not up to it.
So, keep your knee pads crossed, let AOPA know how you feel about this since it looks like they are on board, and let’s get this thing done. Remember, there are some minor restrictions but worth it considering the alternatives. I’d be happy to discuss these restrictions with you. You know where to find me.
Here are some AOPA words of encouragement that I’ve borrowed:
Take a friend for a $100 hamburger. Practice take offs and landings for proficiency. Fly for the fun of it — and do it using a driver’s license medical.
After the first of the year, AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association will request an exemption to allow pilots to use their driver’s license and self-certification to fly one passenger in an aircraft with fixed landing gear, four or fewer seats, and a single engine of 180 horsepower or less. (“Keep flying: 180 hp, one passenger, driver’s license medical” By AOPA ePublishing staff, www.aopa.org)
Not that it really matters, but they want you to stay below $10 grand, no flying for hire and maintain VFR. I can live with this.
This just in …
More than 56,000 aircraft could be eligible for pilots to fly using their driver’s license and medical self-certification if the FAA grants an exemption that AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association are proposing. (“Keep flying: Familiar aircraft, more air time,” By Dan Namowitz for aopa.org)
Don’t you just love this?
Before I forget
We lost a rare and really nice FAA dude. I knew him, did aviation business with him and I found him to be a very fair and reasonable guy that had the rare gift of listening to what you had to say. You may have already seen this, but just in case you didn’t, here it is again.
Dr. Audie W. Davis, former manager of the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division, died Oct. 25 at the age of 80. Davis was the manager of the Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City for 36 years and was instrumental in advancing the FAA’s airman medical certification policies and procedures. (“Former medical certification manager advanced FAA policies,” By Gary Crump for AOPA.org)
Okay SoCal … heads up, here it goes again …
If you haven’t seen this before, you have now. Don’t wait and then say you didn’t know. Get involved and do your part. This is a great airport and sorely needed. Remember, it takes a village to make things happen…
According to the Los Angeles Times (Nov. 26, 2011), The Federal Aviation Administration and Santa Monica, Calif., are to decide the future of the Santa Monica Airport. All building and land leases at the airport will expire in 2015, and the city claims it will not have to keep the airport operating. The FAA contends the airport is required to stay open under a 1948 “instrument of transfer.”
Too Young to Die
(Borrowed Title & Words to make a point)
By David Jack Kenny
Every fatal accident is tragic, but the loss is particularly keen when an instant of bad luck or a moment of bad judgment ends a promising flying career before it’s fairly begun. Worse yet is seeing other young lives cut short as well, particularly when that’s the result of the trust they placed in the skills and decision making of an inexperienced pilot.
A little after 2 p.m. on June 27, 2010, a 180-horsepower Piper Arrow took off from the Kalispell, Mont., City Airport. The weather was fine that Sunday afternoon, with light southeasterly winds, clear skies, and unlimited visibility. The 25-year-old, 100-hour private pilot had rented the airplane to take three friends, ages 28, 27, and 23, on a sightseeing flight over Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. Two of the passengers were expected at a barbecue later that afternoon, and the airplane was reported missing after they failed to arrive . (Article appears in full at www.aopa.org)
OK, now my turn and the point I wanted to make
More often than not, new neighbors in our friendly skies plop their bottoms on a new, fresh private ticket and can’t wait to scare their best friends to death. Probably a bad choice of words, but never the less, it happens. I have repeatedly requested and begged that before you can exercise the privileges of being “one of us,” you must log some time with a loaded airplane (having at least four seats of course). Flying with your instructor in a two-seat airplane, or even a big four-seater, is a different ride than one that has four filled seats and fuel. I’m not saying that in the above story by Mr. Kenny that is what happened, but if I had to put money on it I would say it was a contributing factor. I’m just saying …
The Letters & Words We Are Afraid Of or That Scare Us
And I’m sure I’ve forgotten some; feel free to let me know which ones they are.
FAA … Mixed emotions, are they good guys or bad guys? I suppose it depends on the day of the week, what your issues are, and are you feeling lucky? In the end, it’s still their game, but you do pay their salaries.
SOS … I suppose this only applies to those of you piloting a boat – I personally can’t remember ever using that term in the air.
DOA … I hope not!
MAYDAY … now this is another story. Have I ever used it? No! Have I heard it used, yes. Would I use it if necessary? You betcha!
IRS … We forget they work for us and we are innocent until they get through beating us up. They lose more cases than they win. Remember to take control of any meeting you have with them, and take an expert with you, if even just for show.
TFRs …The problem is we are never really sure what, when and where they are and what they mean. I heard one of the Flock of Prez candidates say he wants to abolish them. That alone might get my vote.
COD … are you kidding?
AARP …We hate it when we become members, then we find out it’s really a good thing. Well it has been for me. If you don’t know what it means then you are probably not there yet.
TBO … This is the juicy one, can we talk? I don’t know of any of these subjects I like talking about more than this. I’ll keep it short! TBOs are “recommended”, not “required.” When you have an hour we can talk about it more.
SMOH … It’s just a number and no one really cares about it. Okay, maybe you do, but not even the insurance companies or the FAA care (unless you are thinking about shipping your aircraft out of our great country.) Remember, once again, it’s just a number, not a death sentence.
Rent, Buy, Own or Partner?
Ya know I should devote a whole column to this subject alone. This is a question all of you should ask yourself before writing any aviation related checks. There are formulas that work in answering these questions and I have a few years left to answer them.
Don’t Do It ! ! !
One of my really big concerns is low-time pilots getting behind the stick of a really high-performance airplane.
In the spirit of giving you the best information available I have no problem referring you to words written by folks much smarter and I. Check out “Out of your comfort zone? Don’t yank on the yoke” By Dave Hirschman for AOPA.org which can be found at http://aviationservicesdirectory.com/permalink.php?id=1155.
My thanks to the contributors of the above, very valuable, lesson.
On Final
For you Thanksgiving Day survivors, heads up! You know what’s coming this month; we’re going to light candles, hang lights, eat too much again, and spend a lot of money we may not have. It’s going to be a little colder, but a great time to fly. Crisp cool air, birds and cats under the cowling, and that pesky thing called “Ice.”
I hope it’s an amazing month for you and your families; I wish you a healthy and safe New Year and remind you that I’m always here to hear your stories.
As I always do, a reminder to those folks that are away and still wearing an armed forces uniform, we always have room for you at our table. Come home soon!
That’s Thirty!
“Over”
About the writer: Larry Shapiro is an aircraft broker, aviation humorist, and full time grandfather of three. He’d love to have you share your thoughts and ideas for future articles.
Palo Alto Airport Office: 650-424-1801 or Larry@LarryShapiro.com
