IAOPA was founded in February 1962 by five national AOPAs to provide a voice for general aviation and aerial work (non-commercial aviation) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), then predominately oriented toward airline interests. The association now represents more than 450,000 pilots and aircraft owners in 70 States, actively participating in not only ICAO but other supranational organizations such as Eurocontrol and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

“The needs of general aviation and aerial work are few but compelling: the need for fair and equitable access to airports and airspace at an affordable price,” said IAOPA President Craig Fuller. “Without the legacy and continuing work of IAOPA world general aviation would not enjoy the freedoms it does today or for the future. General aviation interests’ working together toward common goals has created a potent and credible force within the world of aviation.”

IAOPA has influenced every aspect of aviation for its affiliate organizations and their members: pilot licencing, aircraft equipment requirements, air traffic management, airport standards, customs and immigration, security, aircraft operations and air navigation and airport fees all bear the organizations mark to facilitate and promote general aviation operations.

IAOPA affiliates may use the above logo in lieu of or in addition to the traditional IAOPA logo during calendar year 2012.

IAOPA Publishes Unmanned Aerial Systems Paper

Responding to the recent acceleration of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) worldwide activity and regulations affecting their operation, IAOPA Representative to ICAO Frank Hofmann released a strong statement regarding mixed general aviation and RPA operations, “The 450,000 owners and pilots of private and business aircraft who are members of their State organizations comprising the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) are quite concerned about the rapid rise of both civil and military remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations. RPAs and their supporting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are viewed as a potential threat to the safety and operational flexibility of civil aircraft operations. Importantly, the impetus supporting the proliferation of RPA and their missions is strong, often outstripping the ability of State airspace allocation and regulatory authorities to accommodate these new operations fairly and safely.”

The full paper may be viewed at www.iaopa.org.  

IAOPA Participates in ICAO Block Upgrade Technical Meeting

IAOPA participated in the recent ICAO Building Block Technical Team meeting held in Toulouse, France during late January. The Building Block program is an effort to harmonize ATC modernization efforts around the world. These meetings are held in preparation for the 12th Air Navigation Conference to be held in November 2012.

AOPA-US Vice President of Operations and International Affairs Craig Spence, who represented IAOPA, noted, “While many of the benefits associated with NextGen, SESAR, and other ATC modernization efforts are focused on air carrier aircraft, general aviation can benefit from improved access to airports not currently served with an instrument landing system through programs such as WAAS and EGNOS as well as efficiencies in routing and other precision based navigation procedures. Access and equity have become important areas of discussion as ATC providers begin to implement modules contained in the blocks as well as ensuring that these efforts are benefit driven and not simply the result of mandates. These ideas were conveyed to the working group and strongly supported by IAOPA.”

AOPA-Australia’s Research Efforts Make a Difference in Rulemaking Proposal

Last year, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued a proposal to set standards for Mode S transponders and ADS-B equipment. In a detailed review of the proposal AOPA-Australia representatives found that CASA had misinterpreted an ICAO Annex 10 standard that would have required Mode S transponder antenna diversity, at a substantial expense for many GA aircraft.

AOPA President Phillip Reiss responded, pointing out the errors, went further, recommending the complete elimination of transponder antenna diversity requirements for all existing Australian aircraft that weigh less than 5,700kg. CASA responded admitting the erroneous interpretation and agreed to the lesser requirement for GA aircraft.

Reiss said, “Had we said nothing, the cost of moving to a Mode S transponder for many GA owners would have been roughly double. We are pleased that we have been instrumental in modifying this regulation.”

AOPA-UAE Receives Provisional IAOPA Affiliation

Following a review of their application and submission of required documentation IAOPA president Craig Fuller has granted AOPA-United Arab Emirates (UAE) provisional IAOPA affiliation.

The president of the new organization is Yousif Al Hammadi, who also serves as the Deputy General Manager, Al Bateen Airport. Additional officers will be elected at the first meeting of the association to be held in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, 6-8 March 2012. There are currently 33 members in the organization, which is headquartered at the Al Bateen Airport. They plan to have 80 members by year-end.

There are approximately 90 general aviation aircraft in the Emirates, some of which are foreign registered. The official roster lists 566 UAE private pilots, 60 percent of whom are foreigners. There are 16 airports within the UAE, most of which are open to general aviation.

AOPA-UAE sees a demand for general aviation in their region and plans to promote and facilitate its growth. The organization has plans to work with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), airport operators, aviation businesses, young people’s groups and training organizations. They have expressed a strong desire to work with IAOPA and its affiliates to help build a strong general aviation community within their country.

IAOPA board members will now comment on the application of AOPA-UAE with the objective of granting the organization full affiliate status.

EASA Flight Crew Licencing Rule Threatens Some Pilots

AOPA-US is working with the FAA Flight Standards Office regarding the unforeseen consequence created as a result of new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) flight crew licensing regulations.

Beginning in April 2012, EU member States will begin to convert their national licenses to a single EASA license. US FAA pilot licences issued on the basis of a foreign pilot certificate are only valid as long as the foreign certificate is in effect. As a result of the switch to EASA licences the FAA certificate may be invalidated. AOPA-US is working with the FAA to discuss options and request assistance with EASA in delaying implementation of the new rule or creation of policy to address identified shortcomings. Since the FAA pilot licence with an instrument rating is often used in Europe in lieu of the more stringent EU national instrument ratings, this is a critical issue for potentially thousands of pilots flying in Europe.

Take People Flying In a General Aviation Aircraft!

Looking for potential pilots (and eventual members) – take them flying in a general aviation aircraft. If done properly you will generate an avid aviator who will remain that way for a lifetime.

One of the best examples of practicing this philosophy is Frank Hofmann, IAOPA’s ICAO Representative. As often as he can he takes ICAO staff and State delegates flying in his aircraft or takes them to local aviation events where others provide the air transportation. For example, Frank recently took three members of the influential ICAO Air Navigation Commission to a mid-winter fly-in on the picturesque Ottawa River in front of the historic Chateau Montebello in Quebec, Canada. Interestingly, all of the operations were conducted on an iced-over river landing area, featuring many ski-equipped aircraft and ultralights.

After successful flights for all the ICAO members, they attended safety and operational presentations. All three individuals had air traffic control backgrounds and were suitably impressed with the orderly flow of traffic, professionalism of their pilots and quality of the presentations. Hofmann noted, “A result of people better understanding GA’s viewpoint is usually increased appreciation for your needs. Many more of those who influence our GA sector, the politicians and regulators, need to experience what this ICAO group enjoyed.”

Editor: Take a non-pilot flying soon – you will be doing us all a favor.