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The hot, lazy days of summer for some of us seem to slow down our normal hectic pace and routines. This summer is certainly no exception. As I write the country is still in a recession. To judge the economy one has only to a look around various neighborhoods. For example look at the tie-down and hangar areas at VGT and you will see empty spaces and for sale or for rent signs on the hangars. General Aviation is suffering, but when one door closes another opens as the adage goes. We have an opportunity to invest in General Aviation’s future. No I don’t mean in monetary terms (although there are indeed some good aircraft buys out there), but rather in safety and upgrades of our skill sets; perhaps a good time to take some of the AOPA’s Air Safety Foundation on-line courses.
Also remember with the new taxi terms in effect you are going to hear new directions from ground control: "taxi to" will no longer be used when issuing taxi instructions to an assigned takeoff runway. Controllers are now required to issue explicit instructions to cross or hold short of each runway that intersects a taxi route. Instructions to cross multiple runways will not be issued; you will be cleared to cross each runway one at a time. This applies even to inactive or closed runways. In effect, every hold line now is considered a "stop sign". For more information go to the FAA order changing the procedures (PDF), or a condensed runway safety notice (PDF), You can also watch a brief video that explains and illustrates the new rules.
One last note, Cecil Johnson, Assistant Director of the DOA, has indicated that he is going to propose fuel discounts at the GA airports as a means of encouraging activity during these tough times. He is looking to offer these to shade and tie-down lease contract holders and hangar stakeholders in good standing. As you know CCAA has removed its objection to the lease agreement when the final negotiated agreement was agreed upon so his discount proposal now makes good economic sense as well.
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