U.S. Customs

We are gathering information about the troubles members are having with the
availability of U.S. Customs here in Alaska. It is starting to 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. If you have had difficulties trying to clear customs due to
schedules and availability, please reach out to us and tell us your story. The problem is
centered on a lack of staffing and limited overtime budgets. The Alaska Airmen's
Association will continue to work for a solution that balances the safety concerns of
General Aviation and easing the fiscal constraints of Customs and Border Protection.

Alaska Weather T.V. Program

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

NTSB and Float Inspections

When was the last time your I.A. inspected your floats? It probably has been a long
time. Most floats are not inspected annually by an I.A. and are not thoroughly inspected
during seasonal gear changes. The NTSB is concerned about this and feels the lack of
inspections may have contributed to several recent accidents. Look for a Safety Alert
from the NTSB soon about their recommendations for inspections and care for aircraft
floats.

Girdwood Development Proposal

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.

FAA Reauthorization

As reported in the Transponder's last edition, Congress is working through the FAA
Reauthorization process. The 1200+ pages of the House and Senate versions of the Bills
have a lot of good things for Alaska. A few key points include funding for expanded
weather observation programs and continuing support and funding to implement
recommendations from the FAA Alaska Safety Initiative. The House has passed its
version, and the Senate version has stalled as of press time. Congress has until
September to reauthorize the FAA. The Alaska Airmen's Association will continue to
work closely with our delegation in Washington, D.C., throughout the process.

FBO Fees

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.