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In Flight USA Articles
Editorial: DO Sweat the Small Stuff
By Ed Downs
We have all heard the old standby, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Typically, that advice is given when one needs to keep focused on the final outcome of a big issue. The general belief is that if one takes care of the big issues, the small ones will resolve themselves. A recent conversation, however, has caused this writer to rethink that sage advice. My past editorials have expressed concern that our current national leadership is openly hostile towards private aviation, both personal and business.
For example, this editorial section, and virtually every editorial section of all aviation magazines, have addressed the proposed “per flight” user fees. While engaged in a discussion regarding these fees, the comment was made, “what makes you think private aviation is being treated in a hostile manner other than simply asking rich guys to pay their fair share?” This writer was caused to pause and think. The suggested user fee tends to be a rallying point for those who support aviation, but is that the only issue? Intuitively, I felt safe in the views expressed in these pages, but was I working on facts, or gut feelings brought about by personal political preferences. What is it that has this writer so concerned about the future of our industry?
LightSquared Faces Ever Increasing Opposition, But GPS Not Saved Yet
EAA Calls for Members Comments to the FCC
By EAA.org
After the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) concluded that LightSquared’s wireless broadband signals interfere with millions of GPS devices in use today - including for aviation navigation - the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Feb. 15 that it is asking for more public comments prior to making the final decision to withdraw the Conditional Waiver Order issued to LightSquared last year. Withdrawing the Conditional Waiver Order will kill LightSquared plans to establish a high-speed wireless data network. The final FCC decision is anticipated no later than March 31, 2012, and if the waiver is canceled it gives a complete victory to the Save Our GPS Coalition, of which EAA is a member. The coalition has been vehemently opposing LightSquared’s proposal for the past year.
Pilot's Bill of Rights Introduced in House
Companion bill to EAA-supported Senate measure unveiled last summer
By EAA.org
Longtime EAA member Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), along with Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL), have jointly introduced the House version of the “Pilot’s Bill of Rights” that would provide aviators with more protection and access to information in FAA enforcement proceedings.
The bill (H.R. 3816) is a companion bill to the U.S. Senate version (S. 1335) introduced last July by EAA member Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK). That Senate bill, which was outlined to aviators by Sen. Inhofe last summer at EAA AirVenture 2011, already has 60 co-sponsors.
Back to Business
By Ed Downs
The editorial staff of In Flight USA made a promise to our readers last August when it was decided to print monthly editorials that dealt directly with issues of concern to the aviation community. We promised to go beyond the usual tone of topical editorials, which smartly criticize a situation and or people and then back away from the subject, satisfied that word crafting alone will solve problems. We promised to make sure problem identification was accompanied by recommended solutions. We committed to changing or altering the content of In Flight USA when needed to address issues of importance.
For example, our expressions of concern over national policies that effectively abandoned America’s leadership in space exploration and science has been answered by the inclusion of a new feature focused on enabling our readers to enjoy the transition from The Skies to the Stars. Recent political rhetoric and a continued strategy of creating a class struggle in America has resulted in an innocent bystander, business aviation, taking well publicized hits from political luminaries. While In flight USA has always carried news and features about the business side of aviation, the decision has been made to significantly enhance our coverage of this important partner in America’ s air transportation system. A dedicated section will highlight business applications of fixed wing and rotor aircraft in addition to the technological advancements propagated by this sector of aviation. Additionally, In Flight USA will cover the services provided by America’s network of FBOs that specialize in serving this important sector of aviation.
Chapter Leaders Get Update on EAA Reshaping
EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower and EAA Founder Paul Poberezny on Jan. 16 jointly sent a letter to the leaders of EAA’s nearly 1,000 chapters, outlining the reshaping and strengthening moves originally announced by the organization one week earlier. In the letter, Hightower and Poberezny highlighted how EAA members and aviators will benefit from those changes.
In addition, Hightower recorded a video that also focuses on the topic, (http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1395608936001) which is currently available in the EAA video area (www.eaa.org).
The letter to EAA chapter leaders and members reads:
“As EAA chapters are among the most essential and valued parts of our organization, Paul and I are sending you this letter to update you on the facts regarding some of the changes within EAA announced last week and the background behind those changes.
Announcing the First Release of FAA Mobile
GAMA Responds to Ferfunctory White House Response
Knight Named Sun ‘n Fun Board Chair Succeeding Eickhoff
he chairmanship, vacated by the retirement of Bill Eickhoff, who served for the past 28 years as steward of the Sun ‘n Fun organization and its development as a highly respected not-for-profit enterprise within both the greater Lakeland area and the national and international general aviation communitThe Sun ‘n Fun Board of Directors elected Bob Knight, President of Knight Industrial Equipment, Inc. of Lakeland, Fla., as its chairman at their January board meeting. Bob assumes t
Bob Knight assumes the Sun ‘n Fun chairmanship after serving on the board for the past 10 years and most recently as its vice-chairman. He has been a highly engaged member of the board serving, among many duties, as the chairman of the board’s Master Site Planning Committee. The committee has overseen significant development in Sun ‘n Fun’s educational mission culminating last year in the dedication of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (high school) on its year-round campus and the current construction of the Piedmont Aerospace & Technology Laboratory addition to its Florida Air Museum’s Tom Davis Educational Center.