Throttle Forward

April 2004

WAR ON ALL FRONTS       

General Aviation is taking hits on all fronts.  The government is throwing punches at us with the TFRs and restricted areas.  Years ago, all a pilot had to worry about was the weather.  Today, we have Uncle Sam’ TFR (PFR), presidential movements, restrictive threats from states, new rules to protect the world from a Cessna 150, and now we have a small group of discontents that don’t want a plane flying over their house.  These guys are complaining about those who are using airspace over or close to their house to learn to fly or aerobatic practice.   

Pictured with me is Sarah, my granddaughter after a recent flight >>

Their claim is that they have no problem with normal flights…  I am not sure about that, from some of the literature posted on the web.  If you think they are joking about getting those "little rich boy airplanes" out of the air... you should go to their websites.  Folks, these guys are most serious.  It is worth any pilot's time to keep informed.  Check out these websites...  AOPA is involved in this encroachment of air space.  Several pilots are being sued by the “Stop the noise” group.  Whether they win or lose, the cost of defending ones self is expensive.  A wise pilot will keep aware and assist when the time comes to do so.  I have listed several website to which you can view for the “non-pilot side” of the story. 

http://www.planesenseofgroton.org/ 

http://www.maplewoodlodge.com/stunts/home.htm 

http://www.peacefulvalley.homestead.com/index.html 

http://www.stopthenoise.org/ 

SPORT PILOT, NOT DEAD, JUST SENT BACK FOR REWORK… 

The Aero-News Network (www.aero-news.net) reported that a high-level source, in regular contact with the FAA and Sport Pilot-associated officials, has confirmed the worst... that there are more delays in the works for the oft-delayed, over-promised Sport Pilot rule.  It now appears that the FAA has taken back the Sport Pilot rule (albeit temporarily) from the officials who are working it over at OMB. The reason for this is simple... to work on the questions Office of Management & Budget (OMB) was raising with certain aspects of the program. 

This may be a smart move since it allows the FAA to answer the questions that were building up over at OMB without having to run it back through the validation process ALL OVER AGAIN. Better yet; this move may prevent the possibility of the rule getting killed off by those same remaining questions and concerns. If questions and concerns persisted to the end of the process, there was the danger that OMB could have rejected the entire package out of hand and doomed over a decade's worth of work to failure and an expectant industry to further damage and malaise. 

It appears not to be dead, but just slowed down.  Whether it will be ready by Oshkosh, we will see.  Keep check our website or that of the Aero-News Network.  

EXCLUSIVE! 

As our lead story and cover implies, Fly-Low was present when the world’s only twin jet glider flew for the first time.  This is a story that I have been watching and waiting for some time.  We were informed of the progress as the plane developed.  Thanks to Bob & Laurie Carlton for allowing up the opportunity to break the story nationwide.  The jets are about the size of two quart jars.  It is an amazing piece of technology applied to the basic glider.  If you ever get a chance to attend an airshow with Carlton performing in the jet glider…  by all means, GO! 

Throttle Forward and Fly-Low….

Ralph McCormick