I finished the Commercial rating not long ago, and CFI immediately came into view as the next target to be acquired. A brief read through the materials to prep the brain seemed in order, and I was about half way through when I met a guy we’ll call Bill.

CARMEL VALLEY’S FINAL STAND
(submitted by CPA Rep Jeff Hand)

You may recall that last year Monterey County passed an amortization ordinance to close Carmel Valley Airport. The County admitted that an environmental review would be required based on the airport’s designation as a California historic resource, but the County was banking on the fact that the historic designation would be overturned by the State Historic Resources Commission last November. It wasn’t.

Castle Air Force Base, near Merced, became Castle Airport after the military relinquished it to civilian control. The transition to civilian use was not as smooth as it should have been. A joint powers authority was formed to administer and operate the airport. The airport did not fare well under the authority.

The progress of the Weaverville airport relocation (due to the non standard uphill one-way runway) was discussed at the Trinity County Advisory Committee meeting held April 19 2002. The annual Trinity County Pilots Association (a CPA chapter) dinner meeting was scheduled immediately thereafter to update members attending. The $21M project will be funded 95.5% by State and Federal grants.

SCAPA SCORES WITH REAL ESTATE NOTICE LEGISLATION

For 3 years the San Carlos Airport Pilots Association (SCAPA), a chapter of the California Pilots Association, has been working on Legislation to improve notices to persons buying homes near airports in California.

There has been a recent increase in aircraft personal property taxes for many California aircraft owners. A 40% increase over that of last year is not uncommon. This increase appears to have been precipitated by the continuing economic crunch that most counties are experiencing.

When and under what conditions is a pilot required to submit to a flight test reexamination?

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INTRODUCTION

The Federal Aviation Administration is an administrative agency rather than part of the judiciary. It’s rules and regulations, however , have the force of law in their application to pilots and other certificate holders. The term “traffic cop of the skies” has been used to described the FAA’s regulatory function. This police enforcement function is of great concern to pilots, aircraft owners and business operators.

Calling All Celebs

In previous messages I have talked about the steps I believe need to be taken to protect existing airports (owning the land around them, under the traffic pattern at least, so development can be directed in an aviation-friendly manner). Now I’m going to talk about GA’s more general problem.

Stearman Restorers Association

Stearman Site

Like a vintage Harley, Stearmans hold a dear place in many a pilot’s heart. We are blessed in California to have an association dedicated to keeping the symbols of Golden Age flying alive, and it’s a pleasure to tell you about the Stearman Restorers Association.