October 2005 - American Bonanza Society

ief intrusions or other nonthreateningevents. But in nearly 700 instances, aircraftwere scrambled or vectored toinvestigate the offending aircraft.Pilots' perspectiveMany avialOrs reacted 10 theNPRM with dismay. They were hopingthat the ADIZ and FRZ would eventuallybe removed and the airspace wouldreturn to its pre-9111 configuration-amix of Class B, C, D. E and G airspace.As general-aviation advocates arequick to point out, the aircraft involvedin 9111 were scheduled airliners. A3,OOO-lb. aircraft flying at 150 kts simplydoes not have Significant destructivepower compared to an airliner or manyground-based vehicles. In other words,they doubt the FAA's contention thatsmall aircraft are the weapons of choicefor terrorists.Some critics contend the NPRM isactually a victory for terrorism. If theregulations are implemented, the freedomto routinely travel by air over alarge and important area of the U.S. willbe significantly constrained. law-abidingpilots will fly in it, knowing theymay get shot down if they get lost orhave an in-flight emergency.Some pilots worry that the creationof National Defense Airspace aroundWashington, D.C. , will lead to theimposition of similar restrictions overother large cities or national assets.Others say the NPRM is a tacit admissionby the administration that its currentsecurity measures-tightenedimmigration policies, greater internalintelligence and heightened publicawareness-are not workjng very well.The FAA's argument for permanentrestrictions doesn't convince some peoplebecause they are skeptical of theunderlying intelligence assessments.The 2003 invasion of Iraq was justifiedon reports that the country was developingweapons of mass destruction thatwere a threat to the U.S. and its interests.But a thorough post-invasionsearch of the country did not uncoverany evidence that such weapons existed.Looking for a silver lining, otherssay the NPRM 2003-17005 representsan opportunity, and here's their logic:Un like other restrictions and specialrules imposed on aviation as a result of9/11, this one was issued as a proposal;the public has until November 2 to submitcomments. This means the complexNPRM could be modified or ",'ell withdrawnbeJore the proposed regulationsgo into effect.Opportunity for actionAs I see it, this is an opportunity foraviators of all types to tell those whogovern us that we're convinced thisNPRM is an unacceptable exchange offreedom for security.This NPRM can be defeated,delayed or modified if enough citizenslet their government know how theyfeel about it. While we know advocacyorganizations like ABS and AOPA willobject to these regulations, so do theFAA and Congress. In other words, ourgovernment expects to receive sharpcriticism from the "alphabet group" ofassociations.That's why pilots must submit writtencomments on the NPRM. It's imperativethat our government realizes thatopposition to this permanent airspace iswidespread, and that hundreds of thousandsof citizens feel so strongly aboutit that they're willing to formally objectto it.While you certainly may write yourletter immediately, I encourage you 10first read the NPRM . Look it up on and then submit your commentsas shown at this website. As thePRM itself explains, you may do soelectronically, by postal mail, by fax orin person. Comments must be receivedby November 2.I'm convinced that the most effectivecomments are ones that are sincereand not sarcastic, and are forceful butnot threatening.I limited mine to just a few paragraphssaying that any additional securitythe National Defense Airspace mayprovide isn't worth the cost of therestrictions it would impose every dayon the American people. So I asked theFAA to withdraw the NPRM.You probably Object 10 the NPRMfor other reasons. And. frankly, there area lot of reasons to dislike it. Again, youshould read the NRPM itself and someof the comments that have already beensubmitted. Yes, all comments are beingposted as they're submitted, for publicscrutiny.But it is really important that youparticipate in the rulemaking process bysubmitting your comments-long,short, whatever.I think we owe it to future generationsof aviators-and to our country as awhole-to vigorously contest theNPRM. General aviation is an importantpart of American heritage, its economy,its future and its citizens' way of life. It'sworth preserving and protecting.Widespread opposition to thisNPRM--even if unsuccessful-willsend a message to the bureaucrats(FAA, DHS, TSA, etc.) and to our electedleaders in both Congress and theWhite House that the public is convincedour government is going too far.At some point, Americans and theirleaders must stand up and say we arenot afraid, and we are not willing to beincreasingly encumbered by more governmentrestrictions and interference inreaction 10 unspecific terrorist threats.Ours is a democracy, and there aremany ways to participate besides voting.We have an opportunity to directlyinfluence the creation and adoption of asignificant new regulation, one thatcould hamper flight operations in a veryimportant part of our country.Let's all make our voices heard,one at a time. by letter. fax or email.Send your comments to the FAA-andplease do so by November 2.Mike Truffer owns an H35 Bonanza and lives inFlorida where he publishes Skydiving Magazine.ABS October 2005www.bonanza.orgPage 9252