Advocacy with Adam
Monthly Advocacy Updates
Every third Tuesday of the month.
"Our Voice for General Aviation in Alaska"
ADAM WHITE
Government & Legislative Affairs
"Our Voice For General Aviation"
Adam grew up in Georgia, where his first real job as a kid was washing and refueling airplanes at the local airport; within a short time, he was a mechanic's apprentice and flying whenever he could. He graduated from LeTourneau University with an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate, Single and Multi-Engine Commercial/Instruments ratings, and a CFII. Adam also holds a commercial seaplane certificate.
Adam has been involved with the Airmen's Association since 2006 in various capacities. He is a former board member and Past President of the Association. Adam spends a lot of time researching current aviation issues and interfacing with regulatory agencies on behalf of the membership. Adam is well adapted to educating and informing lawmakers, media, and the public on matters important to Alaska aviation.
Check out all previous advocacy updates HERE
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Advocacy at Work
With Adam White, Alaska airmen's association government affairs
We continue to work on behalf of our members with Federal, State, and local officials making sure Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are limited examples of how we work towards those goals.
FAA Airport Compliance Inspections
The FAA Airports Division ensures that Airport Improvement grant assurances are adhered to. One key method is through on-site inspections at airports. These inspections, while necessary, can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, such as when the FAA prohibits certain items in hangars or when the State DOT questions the aeronautical use of specific structures.
If you are subject to an FAA or Airport management inspection, be courteous but ask questions to better understand what the inspection looks for. Also, be aware that if the majority of the hangar's use is not really aeronautical, be prepared to be challenged about it. Many folks feel their hangar is their castle, but the FAA wants to ensure that airports are kept for aeronautical use. If you have questions about aeronautical use, please get in touch with the Airmen’s Association; we can help.
Increase in medical questions
There has been a marked increase in calls and emails from members concerning medical-related questions and difficulty dealing with the FAA. Some of the issues have been easy to fix by advising the member on how best to advocate for their case. Other problems have been more complicated to help with. Several folks are complying with the FAA request for more information and medical tests only to be told that by the time the FAA gets back to their case, the tests are out of date and will need to be done again. This is very frustrating and expensive for the pilots. There was language in the FAA Reauthorization Bill that should help with some of these issues, but it remains to be seen if and when the FAA will follow the congressional mandate.
Two-way texting with Alaska Flight Service became more available to pilots flying in Alaska. For more than a year, we have been able to text with Alaska Flight Service with limited platforms. Now, the Garmin InReach family of devices is eligible. The program allows pilots to open, close, or amend a flight plan. More capabilities are planned for the future. If you want to know more or add your device to the program, call the Fairbanks, Kenai, or Juneau Flight Service Station and ask for more details.
Mike Whitaker was appointed last month. He is a known entity as he was deputy administrator from 2013 to 2016. Mike understands Aviation and GA and was good to work with in his previous role. While he has a big political task ahead, he will be an ally for our concerns here in Alaska. For more information on his background visit. https://www.faa.gov/about/key_officials/whitaker
There is a proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) for most fabric-covered Piper rudders. The original comment period was set to close on Nov. 20, 2023. After receiving requests from numerous industry groups, including the Alaska Airmen's Association, to extend the comment period, agency officials agreed to extend it to Feb. 20, 2024.
There have been two documented cases of inflight failures (both in Alaska) of rudders. The AD would cover up to 31,000 aircraft, and there is concern that the reported failures were only on aircraft with beacons, on floats with seaplane props, and no dorsal fins. We are concerned with the FAA's lack of sufficient inspection protocols and alternate means of compliance rather than just replacing the rudder if found defective.
There are new, uncharted, and unlit towers in the Susitna Valley and Fairbanks area. These meteorological research towers are painted with balls on the guy wires but could still be a navigation hazard. A start-up company is gathering data for potential wind farms on Little Mt. Susitna and in the Murphy Dome area.
For more information on this issue, read Tom George's article in this edition of the Transponder.
The longtime T.V. program, Alaska Weather, recently changed its distribution methods.
Previously it was broadcast over Public T.V. stations around Alaska, but due to budget constraints for production costs, it is now only available on YouTube. (@nwsalaska) One benefit of the new format is that the three segments (general, marine, and aviation) are separated into individual files. This has allowed a more relaxed presentation, not limited to a fixed length. One disadvantage to the new format is that you must watch the general segment to get the overall weather synopsis. There is an open comment period if you would like to let the National Weather Service know your thoughts on the change.
nws.service-changecomments@noaa.gov
Alaska DOT&PF has a lease request for a 150-room Lodge to be developed at the Girdwood airport. The Alaska Airmen's Association has gone on record opposing the use of a public airport for a Lodge/Resort, especially at an airport that desperately needs more tie-downs and hangar space. We have not gone on record opposing the idea of a new Lodge/Resort in Girdwood, just that the currently proposed location is not compatible with the best use of the airport. This is an ongoing and developing issue that we will continue to track.
You probably have seen our national sibling organizations talking about FBO fees and the need for transparency in pricing. The Alaska Airmen's Association has supported these efforts whenever our Industry partners request our support. Most of us do not use the limited number of full-service FBOs in Alaska, but many visitors do. We have encouraged the FAA and Alaska DOT&PF to note where transient parking and public ramp access are on airport diagrams so that folks can know their options up front. If you decide to use the services of an FBO, we recommend that you ask for the pricing structure up front to avoid surprises when paying your bill.
If you want more information on these topics or have questions or comments, contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Watch Adam's monthly live updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please copy the Alaska Airmen's Association when you file your public comments.
The University of North Dakota (UND) made headlines recently by announcing that they ceased the test of running Swift Fuels 94UL product in their flight training fleet. They cited exhaust valve seat recession as the reason. The Alaska Airmen’s Association has some concerns about UND’s test program and the optics of the announcement.
There doesn't appear to have been a baseline established before the switch to 94UL, and UND did not have a control group that still ran 100LL. UND switched its entire fleet to the new fuel and simultaneously started an enhanced inspection program. We agree with their findings that valve seats showed significant recession, and admit that 94UL could be the cause. However, it is surprising that a major university would have such poor research standards. It will be interesting to read Lycoming's findings.
100LL Transition 2.28.24
With nearly 400 views in two months, the podcast on 100LL is getting a lot of attention in high places. I have reports from FAA Headquarters saying they appreciated the content and the real-world implications for Alaska. Senator Sullivan’s staff have told me that they included it in their briefing to the Senator as he prepared for hearings on FAA Reauthorization. I have also heard from two folks on the Executive committee for the EAGLE initiative (the joint FAA/Industry group spearheading the transition away from 100LL) that the content in the interview with Crowley was helpful for them to understand our concerns better. If you haven’t seen the podcast yet, here is the link. https://youtu.be/X7_ym0wakkw?si=3t2vlSHDoTBVqrKR
EPA 100LL Endangerment Finding - UPDATE
As expected, the EPA has officially said that lead in aviation fuel is bad for humans and the environment. According to the EPA's press release- "This final endangerment finding does not ban or impose restrictions on the use, sale, distribution, dispensing, and general availability of leaded fuel, nor does it establish any new control measures regarding aircraft lead emissions."
What this finding does is that it officially starts processes within the FAA and allows funding sources to be released for more research and implementation. The goal set by the FAA is to switch to alternative fuels by 2030, but it is not a deadline.
Adam recently did a deep dive into this issue and how it might affect us here in Alaska. You can watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Opinion Piece in ADN Newspaper 6.24.24
An opinion piece in the Anchorage paper recently attacked the use of 100LL fuel in Alaska and claimed that the aviation industry is dragging its feet to make the transition. The Alaska Airmen’s Association worked with Alaska Air Carriers to present a response to rebut some of the article's claims. We wanted to present some facts and context that were missing from the opinion piece. See our response in this edition of the Transponder.
If you want more information on these topics or have questions or comments, contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Watch Adam's monthly live updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please copy the Alaska Airmen's Association when you file your public comments.
NTSB Float Safety Alert
Following a couple of fatal float accidents in Alaska due to poor float maintenance, the NTSB is developing a Safety Alert in collaboration with the Airmen’s Association and other stakeholders. As part of the working group, the Airmen's Association is actively contributing to the formulation of the Alert, ensuring its accuracy and relevance to the float-flying community nationwide. We are currently reviewing the final draft and aim to release the document before the end of the summer flying season.
Newest update 01.03.2024
Elmendorf needs an ILS approach to the lengthened runway 16, which has spurred a redesign of the Anchorage Airspace. This project is starting to pick up speed but still has a long time before completion. The FAA expects the process to be complete in November of 2027. Part 93 airspace revisions could be part of the redesign, but Class C changes are almost inevitable. The good news is that changing the Anchorage Bowl to a Class B airspace is no longer being considered.
There will be ample opportunities for public comment at various stages in the next few years.
11.29.2023
This project is starting to pick up speed but still has a long time before completion. The ripple effects a new ILS makes to an already complicated airspace are very extensive. The FAA expects the process to be complete in November of 2027. That timeline could slip. Part 93 airspace revisions will certainly happen.
There will be ample opportunities for public comment at various stages in the next few years.
04.02.24
We can expect to see a proposal from the FAA before the end of this year for what the Anchorage Airspace changes will look like. Class C airspace will expand to accommodate the new ILS to JBER. The Alaska Airmen’s Association has asked that SVFR and ADS-B out requirements be considered in the redesign. The FAA is working hard to accommodate the needs of all airspace users, from Cubs to 747s to C-17s and 5th-generation fighters. When the opportunity for public comments gets closer, look for information on how you can participate.
The annual FAA GA Survey is out. Every aircraft registered in Alaska has been sent a postcard with details on how to participate. This annual survey is vital for the FAA and the Alaska Airmen’s Association to know the equipage of the GA fleet and the number of hours flown. This data has helped us decide how to advocate for many issues. For a primary example, should we advocate keeping NDBs when less than 15% of the fleet has a working ADF receiver and very few NDB approaches are flown in actual conditions? This data also helps when talking with the FAA about a GPS resiliency plan.
We have already had one military exercise this year where the GPS signal was jammed; we can expect several more. Please check NOTAMs, and if you do encounter a loss of GPS signal, we would like to know. The Alaska Airmen’s Association is compiling data on locations and times our members were impacted by the testing. For a long time, we have known that the FAA has exaggerated the size of the potential areas affected by the jamming. While it is prudent for the FAA to have an “abundance of caution,” we fear that it desensitizes pilots to the hazard, which could result in an accident or incident. Help us collect the information and data we need to convince the FAA to represent the hazard of GPS jamming accurately.
The Alaska Airmen’s Association supported this addition to the Senate version of FAA Reauthorization and signed a joint letter with many other western state aviation associations. Senator Sullivan helped get it through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The Act responds to the FAA’s precedent-setting cases where inspection passes before landing have been considered unnecessary and violated 91.119. The Act was included in the Senate’s version of FAA Reauthorization. It remains to be seen if it will survive the conference committee process. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2675/text?s=1&r=52
U.S. Customs-UPDATE February, 2024
The Alaska Airmen’s Association has been working with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expand the hours aircraft can clear Customs at Northway. In the past, CBP would only clear aircraft at 9 am or 3 pm. This caused a lot of concerns as pilots would have to leave Whitehorse before a lot of services were available to meet the 9 am time slot or would have to fly in the most convective time of the afternoon to make the 3 pm slot.
After many hours of conversations with the Alcan border station and CBP headquarters, we were able to get them to change to a four-hour window with the understanding that CBP may ask folks to shift their planned arrival times to coincide with other aircraft arriving the same day. The primary concern for CBP is controlling the amount of overtime and how to best manage their staffing challenges. We are encouraging our members to reach out early and often to the Alcan border station if they plan to make a crossing and clear at Northway.
U.S. Customs-UPDATE
We have gathered information about the troubles members are having with the availability of U.S. Customs here in Alaska. It has become a safety issue and has caused pilots to push weather to make a narrow window of agent availability at most ports of entry in Alaska. Adam has had many conversations with Customs officials from the local to the Headquarters level in DC. The primary response for the limited hours has been staffing and budgetary concerns. After explaining that the current situation is becoming a safety hazard for GA, fortunately, US Customs listened and took action. The Association received word that there will be a change next Summer. Instead of only two time slots a day in Northway, pilots will now have a four-hour window to clear Customs.
After a couple of years of working through technical issues with Iridium and Garmin, we can now use InReach devices to two-text with Alaska Flight Service. Up till now, cell & satellite phones and SpotX were the only options. You can open, amend, and close flight plans via text, and we are working with flight Service to expand to more services. For more information call your local Alaska Flight Service Station.
The Alaska Airmen's Association joined with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in a "Friends of the Court" brief in the Tent Palmer appeal. You may remember that Trent Palmer, a YouTube personality, has been fighting enforcement action by the FAA. The FAA claims that Trent flew too close to persons or property when he did a low-pass inspection of a potential landing site. His inspection pass resulted in him deciding not to land, and the FAA has claimed that the inspection pass was not in the act of landing and, therefore, Trent was reckless and flew too close to persons and property. Trent appealed the case to an NTSB Administrative Law Judge. The Alaska Airmen's Association, AOPA, and EAA believe that the NTSB failed to appropriately consider Congress' mandate to apply the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence to air safety proceedings when practicable as required by the Pilot's Bill of Rights.
Our interest in this case is ensuring that the NTSB follows Congressional mandates regarding how those proceedings will be conducted. These mandates include the obligation to apply the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence and make an independent conclusion regarding the facts and sanctions in FAA enforcement actions.
Our principal concern in this case is ensuring that what Congress legislated about how the NTSB is supposed to work is honored. Citizens and their elected representatives go through a burdensome process of passing legislation that directs agencies on how to conduct their proceedings. Our brief to the Court claims that the NTSB has chosen to ignore the directives and responsibility Congress gave it.
Congress still needs to pass a long-term FAA Reauthorization Bill. While the FAA continues to operate under continuing resolutions, this has had detrimental effects, primarily in grant funding. As we know, the construction season in Alaska is short, and projects can’t withstand many setbacks before they are delayed for another year. The FAA grant funding is about 50% funded for this year, causing some airport projects in Alaska and nationwide to be put on hold. May 10th is the next date to watch; that is when the current continuing resolution for the FAA expires.
Advocating for our members
through the participation of the following organizations
- Canadian ADS-B requirements industry working group
- FAA National PIREP Improvement working group
- Multiple Runway Safety Action Team working groups
- PIREP Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Research Project
- Governor’s Aviation Advisory Board
- National Weather Service Aviation Weather working group
- NASA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Aviation Initiative
- FAA Alaska Safety Initiative, Subject Matter Expert
- Alaska Aviation Coordination Council
- FAA/Industry Council
- Alaska Civilian & Military Advisory Council
- FAA, Pilot/Controller forums
- Multiple Airport Users group
- Kenai Peninsula CTAF working group
- EAGLE AVGAS coalition
- Anchorage Airspace Redesign Working Group
- Non-towered Airport Mid-Air working group
Successes and Impact
5 Big Wins
Airspace
We have been very effective at making sure new airspace expansions did not go unchecked. Special Use Airspace, Temporary Flight Restrictions, Anchorage Class C redesign to name a few
Drones
Insuring that new regulations and capabilities for the drone industry do not limit or hinder anyone’s access to Alaska.
The go-to Organization for Alaska General Aviation information
Lawmakers, policy setters, regulators, media, tourist pilots, and local pilots.
New ADS-B Ground Stations
Nine new station coming online across Alaska in the next couple of years
New Standards for Communication Gaps
The Alaska Airmen’s Association was very instrumental in getting the FAA to revise their Communication Gap policy for new IFR routes to include Flight Service capabilities and not be limited to Anchorage Center’s coverage.
If you want more information on these topics, have questions, comments, or know of new issues, please contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Watch Adam's monthly live updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please copy the Alaska Airmen's Association when you file your public comments.
Advocacy at Work
With Adam White, Alaska airmen's association government affairs
We continue to work on behalf of our members with Federal, State, and local officials making sure Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are limited examples of how we work towards those goals.
FAA Airport Compliance Inspections
The FAA Airports Division ensures that Airport Improvement grant assurances are adhered to. One key method is through on-site inspections at airports. These inspections, while necessary, can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, such as when the FAA prohibits certain items in hangars or when the State DOT questions the aeronautical use of specific structures.
If you are subject to an FAA or Airport management inspection, be courteous but ask questions to better understand what the inspection looks for. Also, be aware that if the majority of the hangar's use is not really aeronautical, be prepared to be challenged about it. Many folks feel their hangar is their castle, but the FAA wants to ensure that airports are kept for aeronautical use. If you have questions about aeronautical use, please get in touch with the Airmen’s Association; we can help.
Increase in medical questions
There has been a marked increase in calls and emails from members concerning medical-related questions and difficulty dealing with the FAA. Some of the issues have been easy to fix by advising the member on how best to advocate for their case. Other problems have been more complicated to help with. Several folks are complying with the FAA request for more information and medical tests only to be told that by the time the FAA gets back to their case, the tests are out of date and will need to be done again. This is very frustrating and expensive for the pilots. There was language in the FAA Reauthorization Bill that should help with some of these issues, but it remains to be seen if and when the FAA will follow the congressional mandate.
Two-way texting with Alaska Flight Service became more available to pilots flying in Alaska. For more than a year, we have been able to text with Alaska Flight Service with limited platforms. Now, the Garmin InReach family of devices is eligible. The program allows pilots to open, close, or amend a flight plan. More capabilities are planned for the future. If you want to know more or add your device to the program, call the Fairbanks, Kenai, or Juneau Flight Service Station and ask for more details.
Mike Whitaker was appointed last month. He is a known entity as he was deputy administrator from 2013 to 2016. Mike understands Aviation and GA and was good to work with in his previous role. While he has a big political task ahead, he will be an ally for our concerns here in Alaska. For more information on his background visit. https://www.faa.gov/about/key_officials/whitaker
There is a proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) for most fabric-covered Piper rudders. The original comment period was set to close on Nov. 20, 2023. After receiving requests from numerous industry groups, including the Alaska Airmen's Association, to extend the comment period, agency officials agreed to extend it to Feb. 20, 2024.
There have been two documented cases of inflight failures (both in Alaska) of rudders. The AD would cover up to 31,000 aircraft, and there is concern that the reported failures were only on aircraft with beacons, on floats with seaplane props, and no dorsal fins. We are concerned with the FAA's lack of sufficient inspection protocols and alternate means of compliance rather than just replacing the rudder if found defective.
100LL Transition 2.28.24
With nearly 400 views in two months, the podcast on 100LL is getting a lot of attention in high places. I have reports from FAA Headquarters saying they appreciated the content and the real-world implications for Alaska. Senator Sullivan’s staff have told me that they included it in their briefing to the Senator as he prepared for hearings on FAA Reauthorization. I have also heard from two folks on the Executive committee for the EAGLE initiative (the joint FAA/Industry group spearheading the transition away from 100LL) that the content in the interview with Crowley was helpful for them to understand our concerns better. If you haven’t seen the podcast yet, here is the link. https://youtu.be/X7_ym0wakkw?si=3t2vlSHDoTBVqrKR
EPA 100LL Endangerment Finding - UPDATE
As expected, the EPA has officially said that lead in aviation fuel is bad for humans and the environment. According to the EPA's press release- "This final endangerment finding does not ban or impose restrictions on the use, sale, distribution, dispensing, and general availability of leaded fuel, nor does it establish any new control measures regarding aircraft lead emissions."
What this finding does is that it officially starts processes within the FAA and allows funding sources to be released for more research and implementation. The goal set by the FAA is to switch to alternative fuels by 2030, but it is not a deadline.
Adam recently did a deep dive into this issue and how it might affect us here in Alaska. You can watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Opinion Piece in ADN Newspaper 6.24.24
An opinion piece in the Anchorage paper recently attacked the use of 100LL fuel in Alaska and claimed that the aviation industry is dragging its feet to make the transition. The Alaska Airmen’s Association worked with Alaska Air Carriers to present a response to rebut some of the article's claims. We wanted to present some facts and context that were missing from the opinion piece. See our response in this edition of the Transponder.
If you want more information on these topics or have questions or comments, contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Watch Adam's monthly live updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please copy the Alaska Airmen's Association when you file your public comments.
NTSB Float Safety Alert
Following a couple of fatal float accidents in Alaska due to poor float maintenance, the NTSB is developing a Safety Alert in collaboration with the Airmen’s Association and other stakeholders. As part of the working group, the Airmen's Association is actively contributing to the formulation of the Alert, ensuring its accuracy and relevance to the float-flying community nationwide. We are currently reviewing the final draft and aim to release the document before the end of the summer flying season.
Newest update 01.03.2024
Elmendorf needs an ILS approach to the lengthened runway 16, which has spurred a redesign of the Anchorage Airspace. This project is starting to pick up speed but still has a long time before completion. The FAA expects the process to be complete in November of 2027. Part 93 airspace revisions could be part of the redesign, but Class C changes are almost inevitable. The good news is that changing the Anchorage Bowl to a Class B airspace is no longer being considered.
There will be ample opportunities for public comment at various stages in the next few years.
11.29.2023
This project is starting to pick up speed but still has a long time before completion. The ripple effects a new ILS makes to an already complicated airspace are very extensive. The FAA expects the process to be complete in November of 2027. That timeline could slip. Part 93 airspace revisions will certainly happen.
There will be ample opportunities for public comment at various stages in the next few years.
04.02.24
We can expect to see a proposal from the FAA before the end of this year for what the Anchorage Airspace changes will look like. Class C airspace will expand to accommodate the new ILS to JBER. The Alaska Airmen’s Association has asked that SVFR and ADS-B out requirements be considered in the redesign. The FAA is working hard to accommodate the needs of all airspace users, from Cubs to 747s to C-17s and 5th-generation fighters. When the opportunity for public comments gets closer, look for information on how you can participate.
The annual FAA GA Survey is out. Every aircraft registered in Alaska has been sent a postcard with details on how to participate. This annual survey is vital for the FAA and the Alaska Airmen’s Association to know the equipage of the GA fleet and the number of hours flown. This data has helped us decide how to advocate for many issues. For a primary example, should we advocate keeping NDBs when less than 15% of the fleet has a working ADF receiver and very few NDB approaches are flown in actual conditions? This data also helps when talking with the FAA about a GPS resiliency plan.
We have already had one military exercise this year where the GPS signal was jammed; we can expect several more. Please check NOTAMs, and if you do encounter a loss of GPS signal, we would like to know. The Alaska Airmen’s Association is compiling data on locations and times our members were impacted by the testing. For a long time, we have known that the FAA has exaggerated the size of the potential areas affected by the jamming. While it is prudent for the FAA to have an “abundance of caution,” we fear that it desensitizes pilots to the hazard, which could result in an accident or incident. Help us collect the information and data we need to convince the FAA to represent the hazard of GPS jamming accurately.
There are new, uncharted, and unlit towers in the Susitna Valley and Fairbanks area. These meteorological research towers are painted with balls on the guy wires but could still be a navigation hazard. A start-up company is gathering data for potential wind farms on Little Mt. Susitna and in the Murphy Dome area.
For more information on this issue, read Tom George's article in this edition of the Transponder.
The longtime T.V. program, Alaska Weather, recently changed its distribution methods.
Previously it was broadcast over Public T.V. stations around Alaska, but due to budget constraints for production costs, it is now only available on YouTube. (@nwsalaska) One benefit of the new format is that the three segments (general, marine, and aviation) are separated into individual files. This has allowed a more relaxed presentation, not limited to a fixed length. One disadvantage to the new format is that you must watch the general segment to get the overall weather synopsis. There is an open comment period if you would like to let the National Weather Service know your thoughts on the change.
nws.service-changecomments@noaa.gov
Alaska DOT&PF has a lease request for a 150-room Lodge to be developed at the Girdwood airport. The Alaska Airmen's Association has gone on record opposing the use of a public airport for a Lodge/Resort, especially at an airport that desperately needs more tie-downs and hangar space. We have not gone on record opposing the idea of a new Lodge/Resort in Girdwood, just that the currently proposed location is not compatible with the best use of the airport. This is an ongoing and developing issue that we will continue to track.
You probably have seen our national sibling organizations talking about FBO fees and the need for transparency in pricing. The Alaska Airmen's Association has supported these efforts whenever our Industry partners request our support. Most of us do not use the limited number of full-service FBOs in Alaska, but many visitors do. We have encouraged the FAA and Alaska DOT&PF to note where transient parking and public ramp access are on airport diagrams so that folks can know their options up front. If you decide to use the services of an FBO, we recommend that you ask for the pricing structure up front to avoid surprises when paying your bill.
If you want more information on these topics or have questions or comments, contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Watch Adam's monthly live updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please copy the Alaska Airmen's Association when you file your public comments.
The University of North Dakota (UND) made headlines recently by announcing that they ceased the test of running Swift Fuels 94UL product in their flight training fleet. They cited exhaust valve seat recession as the reason. The Alaska Airmen’s Association has some concerns about UND’s test program and the optics of the announcement.
There doesn't appear to have been a baseline established before the switch to 94UL, and UND did not have a control group that still ran 100LL. UND switched its entire fleet to the new fuel and simultaneously started an enhanced inspection program. We agree with their findings that valve seats showed significant recession, and admit that 94UL could be the cause. However, it is surprising that a major university would have such poor research standards. It will be interesting to read Lycoming's findings.
The Alaska Airmen’s Association supported this addition to the Senate version of FAA Reauthorization and signed a joint letter with many other western state aviation associations. Senator Sullivan helped get it through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The Act responds to the FAA’s precedent-setting cases where inspection passes before landing have been considered unnecessary and violated 91.119. The Act was included in the Senate’s version of FAA Reauthorization. It remains to be seen if it will survive the conference committee process. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2675/text?s=1&r=52
U.S. Customs-UPDATE February, 2024
The Alaska Airmen’s Association has been working with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expand the hours aircraft can clear Customs at Northway. In the past, CBP would only clear aircraft at 9 am or 3 pm. This caused a lot of concerns as pilots would have to leave Whitehorse before a lot of services were available to meet the 9 am time slot or would have to fly in the most convective time of the afternoon to make the 3 pm slot.
After many hours of conversations with the Alcan border station and CBP headquarters, we were able to get them to change to a four-hour window with the understanding that CBP may ask folks to shift their planned arrival times to coincide with other aircraft arriving the same day. The primary concern for CBP is controlling the amount of overtime and how to best manage their staffing challenges. We are encouraging our members to reach out early and often to the Alcan border station if they plan to make a crossing and clear at Northway.
U.S. Customs-UPDATE
We have gathered information about the troubles members are having with the availability of U.S. Customs here in Alaska. It has become a safety issue and has caused pilots to push weather to make a narrow window of agent availability at most ports of entry in Alaska. Adam has had many conversations with Customs officials from the local to the Headquarters level in DC. The primary response for the limited hours has been staffing and budgetary concerns. After explaining that the current situation is becoming a safety hazard for GA, fortunately, US Customs listened and took action. The Association received word that there will be a change next Summer. Instead of only two time slots a day in Northway, pilots will now have a four-hour window to clear Customs.
After a couple of years of working through technical issues with Iridium and Garmin, we can now use InReach devices to two-text with Alaska Flight Service. Up till now, cell & satellite phones and SpotX were the only options. You can open, amend, and close flight plans via text, and we are working with flight Service to expand to more services. For more information call your local Alaska Flight Service Station.
The Alaska Airmen's Association joined with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in a "Friends of the Court" brief in the Tent Palmer appeal. You may remember that Trent Palmer, a YouTube personality, has been fighting enforcement action by the FAA. The FAA claims that Trent flew too close to persons or property when he did a low-pass inspection of a potential landing site. His inspection pass resulted in him deciding not to land, and the FAA has claimed that the inspection pass was not in the act of landing and, therefore, Trent was reckless and flew too close to persons and property. Trent appealed the case to an NTSB Administrative Law Judge. The Alaska Airmen's Association, AOPA, and EAA believe that the NTSB failed to appropriately consider Congress' mandate to apply the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence to air safety proceedings when practicable as required by the Pilot's Bill of Rights.
Our interest in this case is ensuring that the NTSB follows Congressional mandates regarding how those proceedings will be conducted. These mandates include the obligation to apply the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence and make an independent conclusion regarding the facts and sanctions in FAA enforcement actions.
Our principal concern in this case is ensuring that what Congress legislated about how the NTSB is supposed to work is honored. Citizens and their elected representatives go through a burdensome process of passing legislation that directs agencies on how to conduct their proceedings. Our brief to the Court claims that the NTSB has chosen to ignore the directives and responsibility Congress gave it.
Congress still needs to pass a long-term FAA Reauthorization Bill. While the FAA continues to operate under continuing resolutions, this has had detrimental effects, primarily in grant funding. As we know, the construction season in Alaska is short, and projects can’t withstand many setbacks before they are delayed for another year. The FAA grant funding is about 50% funded for this year, causing some airport projects in Alaska and nationwide to be put on hold. May 10th is the next date to watch; that is when the current continuing resolution for the FAA expires.
Advocating for our members
through the participation of the following organizations
-Canadian ADS-B requirements industry working group
-FAA National PIREP Improvement working group
-Multiple Runway Safety Action Team working groups
-PIREP Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Research Project
-Governor’s Aviation Advisory Board
-National Weather Service Aviation Weather working group
-NASA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Aviation Initiative
-FAA Alaska Safety Initiative, Subject Matter Expert
-Alaska Aviation Coordination Council
-FAA/Industry Council
-Alaska Civilian & Military Advisory Council
-FAA, Pilot/Controller forums
-Multiple Airport Users group
-Kenai Peninsula CTAF working group
-EAGLE AVGAS coalition
-Anchorage Airspace Redesign Working Group
-Non-towered Airport Mid-Air working group
Successes and Impact
5 Big Wins
Airspace
We have been very effective at making sure new airspace expansions did not go unchecked. Special Use Airspace, Temporary Flight Restrictions, Anchorage Class C redesign to name a few
Drones
Insuring that new regulations and capabilities for the drone industry do not limit or hinder anyone’s access to Alaska.
The go-to Organization for Alaska General Aviation information
Lawmakers, policy setters, regulators, media, tourist pilots, and local pilots.
New ADS-B Ground Stations
Nine new station coming online across Alaska in the next couple of years
New Standards for Communication Gaps
The Alaska Airmen’s Association was very instrumental in getting the FAA to revise their Communication Gap policy for new IFR routes to include Flight Service capabilities and not be limited to Anchorage Center’s coverage.
If you want more information on these topics, have questions, comments, or know of new issues, please contact Adam White (adam.white@alaskaairmen.org 907-245-1251). Watch Adam's monthly live updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please copy the Alaska Airmen's Association when you file your public comments.