AOPA News Mai 2004

May  2004
		22nd World Assembly Held in Toulouse, France IAOPA bylaws require the organization and its affiliates to meet every two years to discuss the state of general aviation and aerial work and to determine the future course it should take.  The 22nd World Assembly was held in Toulouse, France, from 20-25 April 2004, attracting delegates from 24 IAOPA affiliate organizations.  The assembly opened with speakers from the International Civil Aviation Organization and European Aviation Safety Agency who stressed the importance of general aviation in world air transport activities.  Then delegates and speakers from a number of international organizations discussed the following list of subjects: Improving the image of general aviation. Attracting and keeping members. Airspace structure and procedures. New technology for communications, navigation, and surveillance. Saving and preserving airports. Controlling the costs of flying. Security measures for general aviation. A number of useful resolutions were discussed and published, designed to help world general aviation and aerial work, including: Development of separate security zones for general aviation and the airlines at large airports. Urging States to require aircraft engine and component overhauls based on type certificate airworthiness limitations rather than manufacturers’ recommended intervals. Affiliates encouraging their respective State aviation authorities to widen the acceptance, on a bilateral basis, for non-type certificated aircraft to operate in each other’s States. Convincing States that adopt security measures that could lead to the suspension or revocation of flying privileges or the denial of access to flight-training, to also adopt as an integral part of these proposals, suitable appeal and review procedures for the protection of individual’s rights affected by such measures. Urge States not to take unwarranted prohibitory or restrictive actions such as the closure of the airports serving entire regions in absence of evaluated and confirmed threats. Urge regulatory authorities to implement more efficient frequency management techniques that make best use of the given frequency resources in the 25 kHz VHF aeronautical channel spacing to prevent adopting 8.33 kHz spacing. A full list of these resolutions may be found on the IAOPA web site at www.iaopa.org. in the near future. For the first time in its history, IAOPA deliberately concluded its business early so that AOPA-France could host a fly-in at Toulouse Blagnac Airport.  IAOPA participants had the opportunity to visit the Airbus production line, see a mock-up of the Airbus 380, and fly an Airbus full-motion simulator.  During the fly-in, Boyer hosted a seminar on "General Aviation in the United States," while AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg led a safety seminar on the hazards involved in "Maneuvering Flight."  John and Martha King, leaders in aviation education in the United States, held a seminar on "Practical Risk Management for Pilots," and other speakers representing manufacturers and the French government's aviation weather service, METEO FRANCE, addressed visitors. At the conclusion of all events IAOPA President Phil Boyer said, “This has been one of our most productive world assemblies, combining significant discussions of major issues confronting general aviation and aerial work with an opportunity to participate in one of our important affiliate’s aviation expositions.” AOPA-Netherlands Encourages Advisory Committees In an effort to assist its members AOPA-Netherlands has established a medical advisory committee designed to help the organization effectively interact with regulatory authorities and its members about medical certification issues.  Four volunteer practitioners work with members who have problems obtaining or keeping a medical certificate.  Because of the success of this group the organization has called for volunteer lawyers and tax consultants to establish a committee to assist the organization and its members on legal and tax issues. COPA Offers “Rust Remover” Courses Canadian air regulations require that all pilots must have successfully completed a recurrent training program within the 24 months preceding any flight.  The Canadian Owner and Pilots Association found that one of the easiest ways to meet that requirement and stay legal is to attend one of their regional “Rust Remover” courses.  Attending the one-day event, held across Canada several time per year, satisfies the regulatory requirement.  Local Flights (COPA chapters) sponsor the events and provide interesting speakers and exercises for attendees. AOPA-Israel Publishes New Web Site A new and improved Web site for AOPA-Israel has been established at www.aopa-israel.org.il.  It contains much useful information about the organization and its activities in both Hebrew and English.  Especially useful is the section on flying into and around Israel. In Memorium Longtime supporter of IAOPA and the person who revitalized AOPA-Spain, Manuel Ortigosa, died on 29 April 2004.  Ortigosa was a staunch supporter of IAOPA and it's European aims for many years, providing his enthusiasm on important issues at regional meetings.  Significantly, in the late-90s he injected new life into AOPA-Spain, linking it with first the Barcelona Aero Club and then others within Spain.  He died after a protracted illness but still had the energy to send a message of encouragement to delegates of the 22nd World Assembly in Toulouse. Manuel, tailwinds and happy landings, we shall miss you.
	421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701, USA
	Telephone: 301.695.2220       ::           Fax: 301.695.2375

back to Homepage