IAOPA SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGIONAL VP CHANGES HANDS

In a recent letter, IAOPA President Phil Boyer wrote, "Following many years of dedicated service to the International Council, Hisato Sasaki has resigned as the IAOPA Vice President in Southeast Asia. Mr. Sasaki leaves this position with a sense of pride in knowing that his many fine efforts on behalf of international general aviation are greatly appreciated by the entire IAOPA organization. I know that I speak for everyone when I say that Mr. Sasaki will always be a part of the IAOPA family.

"At this time, it gives me great pleasure to announce that effective immediately, Mr. Kozo Takita will assume the position of IAOPA Vice President in the Southeast Asia region. Mr. Takita provided strong leadership to AOPA-Japan where he served as President for many years. His strong general aviation background and his devotion to the pilots in his community make him the ideal candidate for this position.

"Please join me in thanking Mr. Sasaki for a job very well done and welcoming Mr. Takita as IAOPA's newest Vice President."

AOPA-France fought hard to save the small aerodrome in Colmar, bringing together a coalition of forces to save the Colmar-Houssen Aerodrome. While it appeared that they were successful in saving the aerodrome from oblivion, finding a sponsor for the airfield proved more difficult. Despite negative comments from the town mayor and Green Party, the town council affirmed the life of the airport until December 2005. A key ingredient in this positive turn of events was the strong support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and local businesses that depend upon an average of less than two freight flights per day from the airport.

FCLTP DELIBERATIONS BEGIN

 In October the newly constituted ICAO Flight Crew Licensing and Training Panel began its work. The Panel is designed to review and update current flight crew licensing training provisions contained in the organization's standards and recommended practices. Particular emphasis will be given to competency based flight crew training standards that could complement or replace existing standards. The work is divided into three working groups:

IAOPA Representative to ICAO Frank Hofmann is participating in Groups B and C.

This long-term effort is expected to be completed in 2004.

AOPA-AUSTRALIA OPPOSES CASA MOVE TO REMOVE DISCRIMINATION LAWS

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia has applied for exemption from the provisions of the sex discrimination and disability discrimination legislation. These applications are made on the general basis that CASA requires a five year "temporary" exemption from compliance with this legislation in order to have sufficient time to have the Civil Aviation Act amended so as to give priority to the latter legislation, over the discrimination legislation. The exemption applications are concerned primarily with the issuance of
licenses where certain ICAO standards relating to medical certificates arenot met.

AOPA-Australia believes that CASA's attempt to remove itself from under this important legislation may be hazardous to the rights of pilots and other license holders. Issues such as pregnancy and color-vision matters may be affected by any exemption from the anti-discrimination legislation if they are granted.
NEW WEBSITE FOR AOPA-U.K.

AOPA-U.K.

has recently put up a new website at www.aopa.co.uk containing new graphics, layouts and features. More importantly, the site contains a number of useful items, including news, reference, and international sections. The site clearly spells out the goals and objectives of the association and presents all material in a handsome and highly navigable manner. Take a look....

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY TO BE CELEBRATED

Each year ICAO celebrates the International Civil Aviation Day in December, close to the anniversary date of the first powered flight by the Wright brothers, 17 December. This year the theme is, "One Hundred Years of Powered, Sustained and Controlled Flight," to be celebrated on 7 December 2002. The purpose of the annual celebration is to establish and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States. As a subset it is intended that the role of ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport should be emphasized. It is intended that the theme be carried throughout the year, culminating with the 100th anniversary of powered flight on 17 December 2003.

 DUES REMINDER

IAOPA annual dues are past due for a number of affiliates; your attention to this vital element is appreciated.