AOPA Pilot Magazine - September 2024 - 11

One foot in the future,
one in the past
By Jim McClay
AOPA director,
airspace, air traffic, and security
S OME OF US cannot
wait for the next technological
wonder that
we can insert into our
lives. Others find themselves
wishing the pace
of change would just
slow down.
There is a dizzying amount of new technology
available to pilots these days-everything from
electronic flight bags (EFBs) to touchscreen avionics
and ADS-B. These tools promise to ease our
workload in the cockpit and to increase both our
situational awareness and our level of safety.
For those who prefer to stay old school,
I encourage you to stretch yourself and consider
what these new devices and services can
provide. Remember that all new technology
(including things like VORs and NDBs in their
day) is generally met with some resistance from
traditionalists. While this is a good thing, helping
to ensure things don't move too quickly, it's
also healthy to give a fair shake to what's new.
Conversely, there are cautions for early
adopters. Pilots need to be careful about becoming
overly dependent on automation. Wise flight
instructors will teach their students how to use
technology to perform tasks, while ensuring they
have a firm grasp on the underlying concepts.
We also need to ensure that we understand
how to properly use the technology, something
addressed in FAA's recent Advisory Circular
AC 91-78A. Wondrous as it is to access charts,
weather, and checklists on an iPad, it can be
downright dangerous to rely on the iPad without
being proficient in its use or to allow it to
take our eyes away from our VFR and IFR scans.
If you struggle to perform basic tasks on an EFB
without thinking about it, imagine the confusion
that could ensue when confronted with bad
weather, diminishing fuel, and fatigue.
As with so many things, the key can be
found in a balanced approach. So, be willing
to embrace new things, but use wisdom when
doing so. jim.mcclay@aopa.org
ON THE FRONT LINES /
REGIONAL NEWS /
Suffering
from silos
By Jared Yoshiki
AOPA Western Pacific
regional manager
A IRPORT COMMUNI T I ES ACROSS
the country can sometimes become
isolated ecosystems, with limited
interaction with other airports. This
can create an " airport silo, " making
regional and local advocacy difficult
by restricting the visibility of other
communities' struggles.
When airport communities face
hardships with their state or local
elected officials, they may feel isolated
with no one to turn to except
their AOPA regional manager
and their siloed group of supporters.
While having a small group of
advocates may sometimes work
and achieve success, imagine the
possibilities if this group extended
beyond the airport fence, beyond
the city and county limits.
For example, Fly Friendly
SoCal is a group of airport users
in Southern California who have
banded together to form a coalition
of pilots from Long Beach, Torrance,
El Monte, and San Diego. Their primary
goal is to make pilots aware of
local airport noise abatement procedures,
but they may have also
planted the seed of making a larger
impact by providing support for each
other on other important matters.
If you believe your airport community
is in an airport silo, venture
out to your nearest airport or reach
out to your AOPA regional manager,
who can connect you with an AOPA
Airport Support Network volunteer
near you. While silos may be
great for containing large amounts
of grain, we need pro-airport advocacy
to spread far and wide.
jared.yoshiki@aopa.org
GREAT L AKES REGION
Continuing work with the Ohio Regional
Business Aviation Association and the Ohio
State Legislature to eliminate state sales tax
on brokered aircraft sales in Ohio. Hosted
an AOPA Town Hall at the Great Minnesota
Aviation Gathering.
NORTHWEST MOUNTA IN REGION
Convened first virtual meeting of all
Northwest Mountain region pilot organization
leadership. Collaborated with Jackson Hole,
Wyoming, airport administrators, resulting in
a 33 percent reduction in a proposed tiedown
rate increase. Advocated for Nampa, Idaho,
airport users leading to denial of a building
permit for a proposed concrete plant neayby.
CENTR AL SOUTHWEST REGION
Led the effort to defeat an Iowa bill to raise
aircraft registration fees by 50 percent.
WESTERN PACIFIC REGION
Supported local pilots and tenants at
North Las Vegas (VGT) and Henderson
(HND) airports and advocated for updates
to their rates and use policies in Clark
County, Nevada. Topped a proposed
California aircraft registration fee program
and worked with California legislators to
amend legislation regarding 100LL and its
continued availability until 2030.
aopa.org/advocacy/state-advocacy
EASTERN REGION
Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation
extending the Maryland state tax exemption
on aircraft parts and components until June
30, 2030. Urged the planning board in Eaton,
New York, to oppose permitting a tower less
than 500 feet below the traffic pattern at the
Hamilton Municipal Airport (VGC).
SOUTHERN REGION
Opposed a housing development near
Woodward Field (CDN). Worked with
members on improving Destin Executive
Airport (DTS), Bob Sikes Airport (CEW), and
Michael J Smith Field (MRH) airport rules
and regulations documents.
AOPA PILOT / September 2024
11
http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/state-advocacy
AOPA Pilot Magazine - September 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - September 2024
