AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2008 - 20

AOPAACTION screening to AOPA at 800USA-AOPA (872-2672). AOPA opposes military airspace in Alaska ccess to Victor airway 444, which general aviation pilots use to ﬂy from Canada to Fairbanks and northern Alaska, should not be limited. That’s why AOPA submitted comments telling the FAA and the military to split the Delta Temporary Military Operations Area into a high and low MOA to allow GA access to the special-use airspace. The only alternative IFR route would require a detour of nearly 390 nautical miles, with a minimum en route altitude of 10,000 feet and two crossings of the Alaska Range. This is not practical or safe for many GA aircraft. REGIONAL ACTION A Maine airport faces closure vote OPA warned the city of Biddeford, Maine, in a recent letter that it could face serious consequences if a proposed airport closure referendum on the November ballot succeeds. AOPA pointed out the economic value of Biddeford Municipal Airport to the community and the airport’s important place in both the national and state transportation systems. The letter also reminded the city that it has received state and FAA funding totaling more than $1.3 million. That money comes with a range of grant obligations that include keeping the airport open for at least 20 years. AOPA is urging the city to work with the state department of transportation and the FAA to review the ramiﬁcations of closing the airport, and to hold public meetings to identify community concerns and educate the public about the airport and the realities of the closure process. A for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Wold Chamberlain Airport. The commission voted 12-3 to approve the AOPA-supported Crystal Airport Long-Term Comprehensive Plan. Crystal Airport’s future has been uncertain for years, but the plan allows for more GA facilities and services. For several years, AOPA has worked closely with legislators, the MAC, local pilots, and AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Kevin Rebman, to protect the airport. PILOT TOWN MEETINGS Featuring AOPA President Phil Boyer March 18 Charlotte, NC March 19 Dallas, TX March 20 Houston, TX See the Web site (www.aopa.org/prez/ptm.cfm) for full details. MEMBERSHIP ACTION Program expands with more insurance carriers ir Safety Foundation courses can help lower your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. The AOPA Insurance Agency, AIG Aviation, Inc., and AOPA joined the AOPA Air Safety Foundation initiative aimed at improving pilot safety while helping to lower a pilot’s out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. This year, USAIG and Phoenix Aviation Managers have also adapted the program to select policies avail- Long-term plan approved for Crystal Airport A D espite ongoing calls by the mayor of Crystal, Minnesota, to close Crystal Airport, one of six general aviation reliever airports owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a recent vote ensures this critical ﬁeld will continue to play an important role in the Twin-Cities aviation system. Crystal serves as a reliever airport able to their clients. Through this collaboration, these three carriers offer accident forgiveness and deductible waiver programs to support their client pilots’ participation in the AOPA Air Safety Foundation program. Available on select insurance policies underwritten by AIG Aviation, USAIG, and Phoenix Aviation Managers, Inc., this coverage enhancement waives a portion of the policy’s deductible and prevents the policy renewal rate from increasing as a result of the accident. For complete program information, visit the Web site (www.aopaia.com/accident forgiveness.cfm), or call the AOPA Insurance Agency, 800-622-AOPA (2672). Albert Whitted Airport revitalization begins with new terminal AOPA and local pilots have fought a long battle for Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida, and now those efforts have paid off with the opening of a $4 million general aviation terminal. This is the city’s ﬁrst major investment in Albert Whitted since the airport was threatened with closure in 2003. “What a difference four years makes—from talk of closing the airport to a ﬁrm commitment by the city to make this the best waterfront airport in the United States,” said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of airports, who attended the opening ceremony to thank Mayor Rick Baker and the city council for their efforts. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG AOPA PILOT • 20 • MARCH 2008

http://www.aopa.org/prez/ptm.cfm http://www.aopaia.com/accidentforgiveness.cfm http://www.aopaia.com/accidentforgiveness.cfm

AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - March 2008