AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2011 - IAOPA1

AOPA-South Africa to host 2012 World Assembly
The IAOPA World Assembly is held every two years in a location provided by the AOPA affiliate selected to act as the host organization. AOPA-South Africa will host the assembly in the Cape Town area 10-15 April 2012, which is during the fall season. IAOPA Secretary General John Sheehan recently completed a site visit of several venues within South Africa, noting, “The selection of the Cape Town area is a very good choice. The geography, climate, and attractions make it an ideal location. Negotiations are underway between AOPA-South Africa and hotel operators to find the best location for our needs.” AOPA-South Africa Chairman Koos Marais said, “We are very pleased to be selected for the site of this significant event. We feel that we can provide delegates and observers with a great meeting venue along with memorable tours of one of our most attractive regions. This is an ideal point from which to enjoy the rest of our beautiful country, as well.”

A case for ELT alternatives
IAOPA has challenged the suitability and reliability of the 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter for more than a decade. Unfortunately, world satellite consortia, SAR providers, and State governments have adamantly maintained their choice of the ELT, permitting no alternative distress location devices. IAOPA was recently denied participation in the COSPAS-SARSAT meeting of experts who have been charged with the responsibility for identifying the next generation of locator device to work with the forthcoming MESOSTAT satellite constellation. COPA President Kevin Psutka and IAOPA Representative to ICAO Frank Hofmann met with the Canadian government’s delegation to the COSPAS-SARSAT expert’s meeting in an effort to have them bring forward several emergency locating systems as alternatives. Unfortunately, the SAR community appears to be wedded to the existing ELT concept, regardless of evidence indicating that the existing ELT design and installation concepts are flawed. IAOPA will continue to work with parties involved in SAR to improve the existing system.

IAOPA-Europe challenges EASA continuing airworthiness concepts
The European Aviation Safety Agency has proposed regulations that greatly

increase the type and amount of maintenance actions required for the continuing airworthiness of light aircraft. Significantly, these proposals would make manufacturers’ recommended practices mandatory, in some cases doubling or tripling the amount of required maintenance for general aviation aircraft. And all of this done with little or no justification for these stringent measures. IAOPA-Europe submitted its comments to EASA on these proposals, noting that, “Adhering to State of manufacturerapproved maintenance schedules will minimize the risk of unintentional consequences from any national variations in terminology, since Maintenance Manuals issued by the type certificate holders are written in their own legal context. Service Bulletins, Service Letters, and Service Instructions should not by default have to be included in the Aircraft Maintenance Program as compiled by the Continuing Airworthiness Organisation, this position conforms with the intent of Part M. IAOPA urges EASA to regard those EASA-issued type certificates that mirror the original FAA-issued type certificate but differ from the original by including the Maintenance Manual and Service Bulletins, and “Service Instructions” as Service Instructions, to clarify to the NAA, CAMOs, and Owners that the referenced manuals are not the basis for maintenance programs.”

Coincidently, AOPA-South Africa is working with its CAA to achieve similar goals regarding aircraft maintenance. Specifically, it is requesting that the CAA rescind regulations requiring mandatory overhaul and replacement times based only on manufacturer’s recommendations.

IAOPA information
While most AOPA members have a general idea about what the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations does and how it operates, many interesting documents and policies regarding its operations are available on its website, www.iaopa.org. The site contains a complete listing of IAOPA affiliate organizations, the basic policies the organization uses to direct its worldwide activities, its constitution and bylaws, news items, several colorful brochures about the organization, and the various types of general aviation activities, and useful links to other related websites.

Support your AOPA
AOPAs around the world promote and act as advocates for general aviation and aerial work activities. This is only possible through the support and input of their members. If you are not a member, contact your local AOPA for membership information. IAOPA world affiliates are listed on the back of this page.

www.iaopa.org

APRIL 2011

http://www.iaopa.org http://www.iaopa.org

AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2011