![]() We are all in this together, and all sectors of aviation need to come together to ensure fairness and success so more and more can participate in this amazing experience of general aviation.”ĪOPA estimated that about 25 percent of the FBO industry had instituted voluntary fee transparency by the end of 2021. I am hopeful transparency will lead to more pricing competition resulting in lower prices for pilots. I appreciate Signature’s management team for moving this forward. “This announcement addresses the growing demand among our members for more airport and FBO transparency. “We’re pleased that Signature has agreed to post its prices in AOPA’s online directory, which allows pilots to make informed decisions in their preflight planning,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. Centric Aviation, Meridian Air, Wilson Air Center, and Cutter Aviation have made all fees completely transparent, although several large chains still do not make all their ramp fees available online, including Million Air, Sheltair Aviation, and Jet Aviation. This was the culmination of a focused effort directed at persuading all FBOs to follow the lead of the many independent and municipal FBO operators and a few chains, such as Atlantic Aviation, that began publishing fee information in September. Signature’s complete fee information was pushed live on July 21, after company executives gave the final signoff. Signature Flight Support owns FBO locations serving more than 200 airports-a network that recently grew with Signature’s acquisition of TAC Air facilities, the latest expansion of the worldwide chain since investors purchased Signature for $4.6 billion in 2021. Signature Flight Support, the largest FBO chain in the world, has agreed to publish fees in the AOPA Airport Directory. Conversely, pilots in Alaska turn to FAA weather cameras and flight service specialists for their preflight weather information.ĪOPA has advocated for more than five years to convince FBOs to publish fees online so that pilots can review the prices and make decisions before flight. Pilots primarily use aviation apps and flight service more than any other resources-although the latter’s popularity has decreased 20 percent in the past five years. The 2022 report found that there has been little change in the resources pilots turn to for weather data in initial briefings, immediately prior to flight, and during the cruise phase. The popularity of weather cameras is increasing as they spread to other parts of the country. ![]() The results indicate more work is needed to encourage filing pilot reports, and to be familiar with the FAA advisory circular on self-conducted weather briefings. Nearly 2,500 survey responses were collected. ![]() ![]() The survey was sent by email to more than 30,000 AOPA members across the country. Supporters are asking for help from the aviation community to complete the reopening effort by visiting its fundraising page.Īopa.org/pilot/newcuyama AOPA releases weather survey resultsĪOPA’s sixth annual Weather Survey investigated how pilots access and use weather information. Taxiway and ramp funds are still needed to meet California Department of Transportation requirements, and leaders need to draft a maintenance plan. Its location in the high desert also provides a much-needed safety net for transient pilots flying from California’s Central Valley to the coast, as it’s the only option when crossing the surrounding mountains. ![]() Although challenges with costs and runway maintenance led to the slow decline and ultimate closure of New Cuyama, the airport has long been backed by local pilots and its rural community.ĪOPA, local businesses, pilots, and volunteers agree the New Cuyama Airport is an asset to the region for emergency support, wildfire suppression, and pilot training, and as a landmark for visitors to experience all that the Cuyama Valley has to offer. The airfield has a legion of supporters from its local community, which hopes to reopen the field in October. After several years of neglect, New Cuyama Airport (L88) in California’s high desert will get a second chance at life after residents, pilots, and volunteers decided it was worth saving. ![]()
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