From the AOPA Office

July 01, 2008

Well, I hope everyone is happy with the direction of the magazine. For those of you who are buying this from the newsagent’s shelf, we also publish an intermediate members-only magazine called Australian Pilot Extra. In the June issue we featured tips on saving fuel, and advice from the RAAF on how to transit Williamtown airspace. If you would like to get all these, and other, AOPA benefits, then use the form in this issue and JOIN AOPA. This will give you the extra advantage in being an AOPA member, belonging to and supporting Australia’s only organisation representing ALL non-commercial aviation.

Starting with this issue we are increasing the colour content, and the number of pages, to bring you a magazine that will truly be the best in Australia for an aviation read. Unfortunately, that does come at a cost, and we will be increasing the cover price for Australian Pilot from $6.90 as of the next issue. This will be the first price increase since July 2000. AOPA members will of course receive their magazine at no extra cost, as part of their membership benefits.

As I write this I am about to set off for Canberra, for the annual Waypoint conference hosted by Airservices Australia, which will be an opportunity to touch base with most of AOPA’s friends (and some enemies) in the industry.

Other activities that AOPA has been up to recently:

Airfield Directory

By the time you read this the 2008/09 Airfield Directory will be available.

National Aviation Plan

We have lodged our comprehensive submission go to the Minister for consideration in the Green Paper. It is available for members to view on the website – go to the Advocacy section and follow the links.

Senate Enquiry into CASA

AOPA has lodged a submission to the Senate Committee and we are prepared to appear if necessary. We have been advised to not publish our submission until cleared by the Committee, so keep an eye on the website as it will appear there as soon as clearance is given

Alice Springs CTA

AOPA has been approached by the CASA Office of Airspace Regulation who wish to vary the control steps around Alice Springs. We have some concerns and have asked for the safety case and cost benefit analysis before we will consider agreeing to the request. Again, keep an eye on the website for breaking news.

Tim Blatch – AOPA CEO