AOPA meets with Alaska pilots about ADS-B implementation
By AOPA ePublishing staff
The plan to implement aviation improvements in Alaska offers more to the state than the FAA’s ADS-B proposal, AOPA told pilots and industry leaders during a recent visit to the state.
“We need the FAA’s ADS-B implementation to be more than aircraft surveillance,” said AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula, who spoke May 3 at the Alaska Airmen’s trade show in Anchorage. “Unfortunately, the FAA’s plan to implement ADS-B helps ATC track aircraft without doing much of anything for general aviation pilots—all at a high cost to us. That’s why AOPA has been pushing back on the FAA notice of proposed rulemaking.”
Experience from the work done in Alaska over the past decade has shown that a good implementation plan would bring weather and traffic information into the cockpit, eliminate the need for a Mode C transponder, use affordable equipment, and give pilots an incentive to equip long before any mandate takes effect, Cebula explained. That’s not what the FAA has proposed thus far.
However, the plan being developed by the Alaska aviation community is different and designed make real safety improvements for pilots flying in the harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain of the vast state.
“The Alaska initiative represents a much-needed modernization of the whole infrastructure,” said Tom George, AOPA’s regional representative for Alaska. “It will bring instrument approaches and weather reporting to airports that have never had them, increase the number of remote communications outlets, improve search and rescue operations, and give pilots the weather and traffic information they need to make good decisions.”
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Podcast interview points to ADS-B Problems
http://www.aero-news.net/fb/index.cfm?do=podcasts.viewEpisode&episodesid=2149
Listen to the above podcast on Aero-News.net about the complexities and problems with ADS-B as positioned by the FAA in the recent NPRM.
Listen to the above podcast on Aero-News.net about the complexities and problems with ADS-B as positioned by the FAA in the recent NPRM.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Questions for the FAA and the Alaska Aviation Industry
What is the viability of the equipage program for the VFR general aviation fleet in Alaska? Will the AIC agreement w/FAA really result in equipping 4000 aircraft in Alaska?
First of all the FAA intends to have the Capstone datalink available for most of the state’s IFR system without any equipage requirement.
What is at risk if we do not equip in the VFR coverage areas where radar isn’t available?
Most of Alaska's 4000 aircraft are VFR single engine general aviation aircraft flown by private individuals. Alaska’s VFR structure is the most hazardous aviation environment in the nation. At least the current data from NIOSH the FAA report this to be the case. The industries lobbing effort produced a loan program that suggests that the GA VFR aircraft owner will fork over $12,000 to equip with the Capstone two-way data-link. The FAA’s own pilot survey indicates that these airmen will not equip at that price.
How serious about the Capstone two-way data-link can the FAA be?
The AIC agreement with the FAA seems to require that 90% of all flight hours within a specified flyway must be by aircraft already equipped with the Capstone data-link capability. This is like a cell phone company requiring 90% of cell phone users by phones before they put up a tower. Just how serious is the FAA about deploying this service.
The FAA’s NPRM recommended that the Capstone two-way data-link not be considered for deployment until after 2020! Why?
The FAA’s NPRM did not address developing a comprehensive standard for NAS deployment of the Capstone developed two way data-link. Meaning that when such a standard is developed all previous equipment may not be able to play with the ground/satellite equipment.
Additionally, industry insiders indicate that “some standards” required by the NPRM would definitely not work with the current 400 aircraft already equipped by Capstone.
Why didn’t the Palin Administration recommend a General Aviation Grant Program?
Industry insiders have indicated that the grant program is seen as a give away program to an elite group of rich folks with airplanes. No legislator will risk the possible public scrutiny of such a program. There is no reason to believe that this situation will change.
Is FAA going to request financial incentive for operators to purchase the Capstone two-way data-link? If so will it be grants, loans, tax credits? Can we get to Nextgen without them?
Further complicating the equipage issue is the AOPA and the ATA’s response to the ADS-B NPRM. Both indicate that the real benefits of ADS-B cannot be realized without the two-way data-link developed/deployed by the Capstone program.
Also they indicate that deployment of ground/satellite equipment and the installation of the airborne equipment can not be realized any time soon (meaning within two decades) without some corresponding financial incentive for carriers and aircraft owner to equip.
The FAA has a long history of maintaining legacy infrastructures’ long after many people have stopped using them. The financial burden of maintaining the legacy infrastructure was studied by the Alaska Capstone office. The result was a big savings by FAA if the transition was financially facilitated by the government.
So why should the State of Alaska change their stance on the GA grant program until FAA answers the comment from ATA and AOPA?
AOPA says that the FAA will not address a standard for ADS-B, how can the cost of the equipment be reduced without a standard?
Friday, May 2, 2008
Comment on Alaska Aviation Revolving Loan Program: One Day's Notice
The State of Alaska and the Alaska Airmen's Association only gave one-day's notice to review the Capstone Revolving Loan Program!
Here is the loan regulation:
3 AAC 75 is amended by adding a new chapter to Part 10 to read:
Chapter 75. Alaska Capstone Avionics Revolving Loan Fund
Section
10. Application process
15. Examination
20. Loan committee
25. Eligibility of aircraft and equipment
30. Financial and credit record
35. Ability to repay
40. Collateral
45. Lending practices
50. Disbursement of loan money
55. Costs
60. Assumptions
65. Modifications
70. Reconsideration of loan request
75. Confidentiality of loan information
900. Definitions
3 AAC 75.010. Application process. (a) To apply for a loan the applicant shall file with the department
(1) a completed application for a Capstone avionics loan, on a form provided by the department;
(2) documentation to verify that the aircraft receiving the Capstone avionics improvements meets the eligibility requirements contained in AS 44.33.665(a) and 3 AAC 75.025;
(3) a letter of intent stating the amount requested and the intended use of the proposed loan money on a form provided by the department;
(4) a schedule of acceptable collateral, including a copy of the aircraft title and Capstone avionics equipment to be acquired with the loan proceeds, on a form provided by the department;
(5) an individual financial statement consisting of a current balance sheet and a profit and loss statement, on a form provided by the department;
(6) a signed credit authorization, on a form provided by the department;
(7) copies of the applicant's federal income tax return for the preceding year, and for additional years if requested by the department;
(8) consent to release information, on a form provided by the department;
(9) copies of the purchase agreement, cost estimates, invoice or other documentation to verify the cost of equipment being purchased and installed with loan proceeds;
(10) a $50 nonrefundable application fee; and
(11) any other information that might be helpful to the applicant in demonstrating eligibility for a loan, as requested by the department.
(b) An applicant who submits a false sworn or unsworn statement on or in support of a loan application is subject to AS 11.56.200 - 11.56.210 and will, in the department's discretion, be denied any future loans.
(c) The department will, in its discretion, process loan requests without the information described in (a) of this section in cases where it determines that the information is not necessary in order for the department to make the lending decision. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.015. Examination. (a) The materials described in 3 AAC 75.010 will be processed and evaluated by a loan officer. The loan officer will evaluate the applicant's eligibility, financial and credit history, financial statement, ability to repay, and proposed collateral.
(b) On the basis of the evaluation, the loan officer will either
(1) inactivate the application
i) due to lack of information required under 3 AAC 75.010;
ii) ineligibility of the applicant; or
iii) failure by the aircraft to meet the eligibility requirements under 3 AAC 75.025; or
(2) recommend proposed action on the loan request to the appropriate loan committee. However, the recommendation of a loan officer is not binding on a loan committee. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.020. Loan committee. (a) A loan committee consists of one or more persons appointed by the director to act on a loan request.
(b) A loan committee may approve, deny, or modify and approve a loan request, or may table a loan request subject to obtaining additional information.
(c) A loan committee may impose reasonable conditions on the approval of a loan, including
(1) additional collateral to secure the loan;
(2) additional guarantors; and
(3) adding the department as loss payee on an existing aircraft insurance policy.
(d) A loan committee shall consider the applicant's eligibility for a loan, financial and credit record, ability to repay, operating plan, and the adequacy of collateral offered to secure the loan. A loan committee may also consider the recommendations of the loan officer assigned to process the application and any other relevant information.
(e) A loan committee may fix, within the limitations set by AS 44.33.670, the term of a loan and repayment schedule.
(f) If a loan request is denied or significantly modified by a loan committee, the loan committee shall provide the applicant with a statement of the reasons for the action and the information relied upon.
(g) A material misstatement or omission of fact made by an applicant constitutes grounds for denial of a loan request. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665 AS 44.33.670
3 AAC 75.025. Eligibility of aircraft and equipment. (a) For an aircraft to be eligible for a loan under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690, the applicant must document that the aircraft has logged a substantial percentage of flight hours in the state. For purposes of this section, “substantial flight hours” means at least 90% of the aircraft’s flight hours were logged in Alaska over the preceding twelve months.
(b) Capstone avionic equipment eligible for a loan includes
(1) Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Data Link;
(2) GPS/WAAS navigation equipment;
(3) a moving map multifunction display (MFD); or
(4) other equipment as determined by the department in consultation with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.030. Financial and credit record. (a) The department will, in its discretion, consider the following factors in evaluating an applicant's financial and credit record
(1) existing and prior debts;
(2) credit reports obtained from creditors and private credit reporting services;
(3) prior loan history with the department;
(4) timeliness in making payments on loans and other debts;
(5) bankruptcies;
(6) existence of tax liens;
(7) judgments and foreclosures; and
(8) financial and credit reputation.
(b) Information establishing unacceptable credit will be more heavily weighed by the department if it has occurred in recent years. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.035. Ability to repay. (a) The department will, in its discretion, consider the following factors in evaluating an applicant's ability to repay
(1) income history, including present income;
(2) prospects for future income;
(3) assets and their liquidity;
(4) liabilities;
(5) reasonableness of projected profit and loss statement; and
(6) other relevant experience. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.040. Collateral. (a) A loan must be secured by collateral acceptable to the department, which may include a lien on the equipment being financed and the aircraft receiving the improvements.
(b) The aircraft being upgraded must have airworthiness certification. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.045. Lending practices. (a) A loan will not be approved for refinancing of debt of an existing loan, the proceeds of which were used to purchase or install avionic equipment similar to that described in 3 AAC 75.025.
(b) Loan proceeds may not be used to reimburse an applicant for Capstone avionics equipment similar to that described in 3 AAC 75.025 which was purchased more than six months before receipt of the application by the department.
(c) The interest rate for the loan program will be 4%.
(d) A loan for the purchase of Capstone avionics equipment will be made only if the aircraft is in the name of the applicant and the equipment to be purchased is offered as security for the loan. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.050. Disbursement of loan money. (a) Loan funds will be disbursed when
(1) requirements of the loan committee have been met; and
(2) the borrower is in compliance with all other provisions of the loan documents and this chapter. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665 AS 44.33.670
3 AAC 75.055. Costs. (a) All expenses incurred by the department in processing an application must be paid by the applicant.
(b) A late fee not to exceed five percent of the payment amount will, in the department's discretion, be charged to a borrower for each loan payment that is more than 15 days past due.
(c) An extension fee, not to exceed $50.00, will, in the department's discretion, be charged to a borrower to process a loan extension. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.060. Assumptions. (a) A request for permission to assume the obligations and benefits of a loan made under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690 and this chapter will be processed in the same manner as a loan request.
(b) A loan committee may permit an assumption if
(1) the applicant meets requirements as outlined in this chapter;
(2) is a good financial risk; and
(3) the security of the state's investment is preserved.
(c) Wraparound financing that includes a loan made under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690 and this chapter is prohibited and constitutes a default on the loan. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660
3 AAC 75.065. Modifications. (a) A request for a modification to a loan made under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690 and this chapter will be processed in the same manner as a loan application. The department will, in its discretion, require the applicant to file one or more of the items specified in 3 AAC 75.010.
(b) A loan committee may permit a loan modification only if the security of the state and its investment is preserved. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660
3 AAC 75.070. Reconsideration of loan request. (a) If a loan request is denied, inactivated or significantly modified by the department, an applicant may file a written request for reconsideration within 30 days after receipt of notice of the department's decision.
(b) The department will, in its discretion, reconsider a request upon a showing by the applicant that
(1) there has been a substantial change in the circumstances leading to the departments’ decision;
(2) additional relevant information can be provided to the department that was not initially available; or
(3) administrative errors were made by the department. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.075. Confidentiality of loan information. (a) The following information is not confidential and is available for public inspection upon request:
(1) a document that is already a public record, including a financing statement, aircraft title, or aircraft documentation;
(2) general information regarding loans, including the original loan amount, loan terms, personal guarantees, and disbursement and repayment schedules;
(3) insurance matters, including insurance policies and correspondence with insurance companies or borrowers regarding losses, accident reports, and nonpayment of premiums; and
(4) foreclosure and default proceedings.
(b) The following information is confidential and is not subject to public disclosure:
(1) personal and financial information, including income tax returns, financial statements, business income statements, profit and loss statements, credit information obtained from banks and other creditors, reports from consumer reporting agencies;
(2) loan committee memoranda and minutes containing information relating to creditworthiness of an applicant; and
(3) the payment history on a loan, unless the loan is in default.
(c) Information not described in (a) or (b) of this section may be subject to public disclosure. Requests for disclosure must be made and will be determined in accordance with 2 AAC 96.100 – 2 AAC 96.900. Upon receipt of a request for disclosure, the department will notify the loan applicant and other persons with a privacy interest in the request, to permit them to present reasons why the requested information should not be disclosed. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: Art. I, sec. 22, Ak Const. AS 40.25.120 AS 44.33.660
AS 40.25.110
3 AAC 75.900. Definitions. (a) In this chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires,
(1) “commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development;
(2) "default" includes a violation of any provision of this chapter, AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690, the loan documents, or failure to make the necessary payment within 15 days after it is due;
(3) "department" means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development;
(4) "guarantor" means a person who legally assures that the loan requirements will be met if the borrower fails to pay or perform as contracted;
(5) "wraparound financing" means a contract that includes the balance due on an existing debt and any additional amount to cover the difference between the selling price and the existing debt;
(6) "director" means the director of the division of investments or its successor agency in the department. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.690
Is this good for all aircraft owners? Comment today! (May 2)
Here is the loan regulation:
3 AAC 75 is amended by adding a new chapter to Part 10 to read:
Chapter 75. Alaska Capstone Avionics Revolving Loan Fund
Section
10. Application process
15. Examination
20. Loan committee
25. Eligibility of aircraft and equipment
30. Financial and credit record
35. Ability to repay
40. Collateral
45. Lending practices
50. Disbursement of loan money
55. Costs
60. Assumptions
65. Modifications
70. Reconsideration of loan request
75. Confidentiality of loan information
900. Definitions
3 AAC 75.010. Application process. (a) To apply for a loan the applicant shall file with the department
(1) a completed application for a Capstone avionics loan, on a form provided by the department;
(2) documentation to verify that the aircraft receiving the Capstone avionics improvements meets the eligibility requirements contained in AS 44.33.665(a) and 3 AAC 75.025;
(3) a letter of intent stating the amount requested and the intended use of the proposed loan money on a form provided by the department;
(4) a schedule of acceptable collateral, including a copy of the aircraft title and Capstone avionics equipment to be acquired with the loan proceeds, on a form provided by the department;
(5) an individual financial statement consisting of a current balance sheet and a profit and loss statement, on a form provided by the department;
(6) a signed credit authorization, on a form provided by the department;
(7) copies of the applicant's federal income tax return for the preceding year, and for additional years if requested by the department;
(8) consent to release information, on a form provided by the department;
(9) copies of the purchase agreement, cost estimates, invoice or other documentation to verify the cost of equipment being purchased and installed with loan proceeds;
(10) a $50 nonrefundable application fee; and
(11) any other information that might be helpful to the applicant in demonstrating eligibility for a loan, as requested by the department.
(b) An applicant who submits a false sworn or unsworn statement on or in support of a loan application is subject to AS 11.56.200 - 11.56.210 and will, in the department's discretion, be denied any future loans.
(c) The department will, in its discretion, process loan requests without the information described in (a) of this section in cases where it determines that the information is not necessary in order for the department to make the lending decision. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.015. Examination. (a) The materials described in 3 AAC 75.010 will be processed and evaluated by a loan officer. The loan officer will evaluate the applicant's eligibility, financial and credit history, financial statement, ability to repay, and proposed collateral.
(b) On the basis of the evaluation, the loan officer will either
(1) inactivate the application
i) due to lack of information required under 3 AAC 75.010;
ii) ineligibility of the applicant; or
iii) failure by the aircraft to meet the eligibility requirements under 3 AAC 75.025; or
(2) recommend proposed action on the loan request to the appropriate loan committee. However, the recommendation of a loan officer is not binding on a loan committee. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.020. Loan committee. (a) A loan committee consists of one or more persons appointed by the director to act on a loan request.
(b) A loan committee may approve, deny, or modify and approve a loan request, or may table a loan request subject to obtaining additional information.
(c) A loan committee may impose reasonable conditions on the approval of a loan, including
(1) additional collateral to secure the loan;
(2) additional guarantors; and
(3) adding the department as loss payee on an existing aircraft insurance policy.
(d) A loan committee shall consider the applicant's eligibility for a loan, financial and credit record, ability to repay, operating plan, and the adequacy of collateral offered to secure the loan. A loan committee may also consider the recommendations of the loan officer assigned to process the application and any other relevant information.
(e) A loan committee may fix, within the limitations set by AS 44.33.670, the term of a loan and repayment schedule.
(f) If a loan request is denied or significantly modified by a loan committee, the loan committee shall provide the applicant with a statement of the reasons for the action and the information relied upon.
(g) A material misstatement or omission of fact made by an applicant constitutes grounds for denial of a loan request. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665 AS 44.33.670
3 AAC 75.025. Eligibility of aircraft and equipment. (a) For an aircraft to be eligible for a loan under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690, the applicant must document that the aircraft has logged a substantial percentage of flight hours in the state. For purposes of this section, “substantial flight hours” means at least 90% of the aircraft’s flight hours were logged in Alaska over the preceding twelve months.
(b) Capstone avionic equipment eligible for a loan includes
(1) Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Data Link;
(2) GPS/WAAS navigation equipment;
(3) a moving map multifunction display (MFD); or
(4) other equipment as determined by the department in consultation with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.030. Financial and credit record. (a) The department will, in its discretion, consider the following factors in evaluating an applicant's financial and credit record
(1) existing and prior debts;
(2) credit reports obtained from creditors and private credit reporting services;
(3) prior loan history with the department;
(4) timeliness in making payments on loans and other debts;
(5) bankruptcies;
(6) existence of tax liens;
(7) judgments and foreclosures; and
(8) financial and credit reputation.
(b) Information establishing unacceptable credit will be more heavily weighed by the department if it has occurred in recent years. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.035. Ability to repay. (a) The department will, in its discretion, consider the following factors in evaluating an applicant's ability to repay
(1) income history, including present income;
(2) prospects for future income;
(3) assets and their liquidity;
(4) liabilities;
(5) reasonableness of projected profit and loss statement; and
(6) other relevant experience. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.040. Collateral. (a) A loan must be secured by collateral acceptable to the department, which may include a lien on the equipment being financed and the aircraft receiving the improvements.
(b) The aircraft being upgraded must have airworthiness certification. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.045. Lending practices. (a) A loan will not be approved for refinancing of debt of an existing loan, the proceeds of which were used to purchase or install avionic equipment similar to that described in 3 AAC 75.025.
(b) Loan proceeds may not be used to reimburse an applicant for Capstone avionics equipment similar to that described in 3 AAC 75.025 which was purchased more than six months before receipt of the application by the department.
(c) The interest rate for the loan program will be 4%.
(d) A loan for the purchase of Capstone avionics equipment will be made only if the aircraft is in the name of the applicant and the equipment to be purchased is offered as security for the loan. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.050. Disbursement of loan money. (a) Loan funds will be disbursed when
(1) requirements of the loan committee have been met; and
(2) the borrower is in compliance with all other provisions of the loan documents and this chapter. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665 AS 44.33.670
3 AAC 75.055. Costs. (a) All expenses incurred by the department in processing an application must be paid by the applicant.
(b) A late fee not to exceed five percent of the payment amount will, in the department's discretion, be charged to a borrower for each loan payment that is more than 15 days past due.
(c) An extension fee, not to exceed $50.00, will, in the department's discretion, be charged to a borrower to process a loan extension. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.060. Assumptions. (a) A request for permission to assume the obligations and benefits of a loan made under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690 and this chapter will be processed in the same manner as a loan request.
(b) A loan committee may permit an assumption if
(1) the applicant meets requirements as outlined in this chapter;
(2) is a good financial risk; and
(3) the security of the state's investment is preserved.
(c) Wraparound financing that includes a loan made under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690 and this chapter is prohibited and constitutes a default on the loan. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660
3 AAC 75.065. Modifications. (a) A request for a modification to a loan made under AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690 and this chapter will be processed in the same manner as a loan application. The department will, in its discretion, require the applicant to file one or more of the items specified in 3 AAC 75.010.
(b) A loan committee may permit a loan modification only if the security of the state and its investment is preserved. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660
3 AAC 75.070. Reconsideration of loan request. (a) If a loan request is denied, inactivated or significantly modified by the department, an applicant may file a written request for reconsideration within 30 days after receipt of notice of the department's decision.
(b) The department will, in its discretion, reconsider a request upon a showing by the applicant that
(1) there has been a substantial change in the circumstances leading to the departments’ decision;
(2) additional relevant information can be provided to the department that was not initially available; or
(3) administrative errors were made by the department. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.665
3 AAC 75.075. Confidentiality of loan information. (a) The following information is not confidential and is available for public inspection upon request:
(1) a document that is already a public record, including a financing statement, aircraft title, or aircraft documentation;
(2) general information regarding loans, including the original loan amount, loan terms, personal guarantees, and disbursement and repayment schedules;
(3) insurance matters, including insurance policies and correspondence with insurance companies or borrowers regarding losses, accident reports, and nonpayment of premiums; and
(4) foreclosure and default proceedings.
(b) The following information is confidential and is not subject to public disclosure:
(1) personal and financial information, including income tax returns, financial statements, business income statements, profit and loss statements, credit information obtained from banks and other creditors, reports from consumer reporting agencies;
(2) loan committee memoranda and minutes containing information relating to creditworthiness of an applicant; and
(3) the payment history on a loan, unless the loan is in default.
(c) Information not described in (a) or (b) of this section may be subject to public disclosure. Requests for disclosure must be made and will be determined in accordance with 2 AAC 96.100 – 2 AAC 96.900. Upon receipt of a request for disclosure, the department will notify the loan applicant and other persons with a privacy interest in the request, to permit them to present reasons why the requested information should not be disclosed. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: Art. I, sec. 22, Ak Const. AS 40.25.120 AS 44.33.660
AS 40.25.110
3 AAC 75.900. Definitions. (a) In this chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires,
(1) “commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development;
(2) "default" includes a violation of any provision of this chapter, AS 44.33.650 – 44.33.690, the loan documents, or failure to make the necessary payment within 15 days after it is due;
(3) "department" means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development;
(4) "guarantor" means a person who legally assures that the loan requirements will be met if the borrower fails to pay or perform as contracted;
(5) "wraparound financing" means a contract that includes the balance due on an existing debt and any additional amount to cover the difference between the selling price and the existing debt;
(6) "director" means the director of the division of investments or its successor agency in the department. (Eff. _____/___/______, Register ______)
Authority: AS 44.33.660 AS 44.33.690
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The price of a lie: The cost of ADS-B in Alaska
When will the price for Capstone ADS-B equipment see a reduction now that the FAA has announced that ADS-B out is to be used in the national air space for NexGen?
Experts and FAA officials say that manufacturers will not build any Capstone style ADS-B in and out (978Mghz) equipment until there is a standard. Once a standard is in place production will proceed and prices for the equipment will drop. Provided the FAA approves the Capstone style ADS-B nationwide.
According to a response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) out performance requirements to Support air traffic control service 72 Fed. Register 56947 (proposed October, 5, 2007) Docket No. FAA-2007-29305 by the Air Transport Association, the FAA has yet to set a standard for ADS-B out and in. The ATA recommends using both (Capstone like) in the NAS, not solely ADS-B 1090 Extended Squitter out.
The Air Transport Association is made up of major airline members, and represents their interests. In their response to the NPRM the ATA voices their concern about this issue as one of the main stumbling blocks of ADS-B equipage issue, and implementation into the NAS.
“…the ATA is concerned that FAA already has signed a contract to initiate the implementation of an ADS-B ground infrastructure, but has not developed operating applications or technical standards for ADS-B In, nor reasonably assessed the substantially greater potential impact on operators of ADS-B In.
In other words the Capstone ADS-B used here in Alaska has “Out” and “In” and the FAA has yet to set a standard for both being used together.
The ADS-B out signal on 1090Mghz has an International standard adopted by the U.S. that is shared for ADS-B, TIS-B and air traffic control.
The “ Capstone ADS-B signal standards on 978 Mghz” issue is of concern here in Alaska now because Gov. Palin recently signed into law a low-interest revolving loan to equip Alaska aircraft with ADS-B.
The question here that is dying to be asked is…how could the FAA ask the State of Alaska to kick in money to equip aircraft if there is no “standard” for the equipment to be compatible, in the future?
Hank Krawkowski, chief operating officer for the Air Traffic Organization, said the FAA needs the Capstone Statewide Agreement Implementation Committee to obtain the funds under a memorandum of agreement for the state to receive $187 million in services from the FAA. This figure is included in proposed budgeting for Alaska of $493 million for future aviation infrastructure improvements.
I’ll bet Sarah Palin did not know that when she penned the bill to create the loan, another interesting detail is whether the Alaska Implementation Committee who signed an agreement with the FAA is aware of the limitations in front of them?
Experts and FAA officials say that manufacturers will not build any Capstone style ADS-B in and out (978Mghz) equipment until there is a standard. Once a standard is in place production will proceed and prices for the equipment will drop. Provided the FAA approves the Capstone style ADS-B nationwide.
According to a response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) out performance requirements to Support air traffic control service 72 Fed. Register 56947 (proposed October, 5, 2007) Docket No. FAA-2007-29305 by the Air Transport Association, the FAA has yet to set a standard for ADS-B out and in. The ATA recommends using both (Capstone like) in the NAS, not solely ADS-B 1090 Extended Squitter out.
The Air Transport Association is made up of major airline members, and represents their interests. In their response to the NPRM the ATA voices their concern about this issue as one of the main stumbling blocks of ADS-B equipage issue, and implementation into the NAS.
“…the ATA is concerned that FAA already has signed a contract to initiate the implementation of an ADS-B ground infrastructure, but has not developed operating applications or technical standards for ADS-B In, nor reasonably assessed the substantially greater potential impact on operators of ADS-B In.
In other words the Capstone ADS-B used here in Alaska has “Out” and “In” and the FAA has yet to set a standard for both being used together.
The ADS-B out signal on 1090Mghz has an International standard adopted by the U.S. that is shared for ADS-B, TIS-B and air traffic control.
The “ Capstone ADS-B signal standards on 978 Mghz” issue is of concern here in Alaska now because Gov. Palin recently signed into law a low-interest revolving loan to equip Alaska aircraft with ADS-B.
The question here that is dying to be asked is…how could the FAA ask the State of Alaska to kick in money to equip aircraft if there is no “standard” for the equipment to be compatible, in the future?
Hank Krawkowski, chief operating officer for the Air Traffic Organization, said the FAA needs the Capstone Statewide Agreement Implementation Committee to obtain the funds under a memorandum of agreement for the state to receive $187 million in services from the FAA. This figure is included in proposed budgeting for Alaska of $493 million for future aviation infrastructure improvements.
I’ll bet Sarah Palin did not know that when she penned the bill to create the loan, another interesting detail is whether the Alaska Implementation Committee who signed an agreement with the FAA is aware of the limitations in front of them?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Equipage Bill Signed...but where is the money for General Aviation aircraft?
Governor Palin offered this bill on Jan. 25, 2008 with $4.8 million, she did her job. Now, it is up to industry to come up with $34 million more to equip 95 percent of Alaska's aircraft by an FAA deadline, can they do it?
A bill to offer a low-interest loan program to aircraft owners who install a new digital link technology in their aircraft was signed by Gov. Sarah Palin on April 9 in Juneau.
Senate Bill 249, which Palin sponsored and introduced Jan. 25, provides Alaskan airplane owners the opportunity to use a new low-interest revolving loan program to purchase Capstone-like avionics equipment for their aircraft.
The technology, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, was tested in Alaska and was formally called the Capstone Safety Project.
ADS-B is a data link that uses ultra-high frequency radio to send and receive information about other aircraft that uses the technology. Along with multi-function screens and air traffic displays, the equipment also gives pilots graphical weather information, terrain maps and flight information, including temporary flight restrictions and notices to airmen. ADS-B is nearly 10 times more accurate than radar and operates in real time.
The $4.8 million loan program for installation is offered through the state Department of Community, Commerce and Economic Development.
The program is also a key component to the Federal Aviation Administration's plans to adopt ADS-B throughout the state, according to the governor.
Statewide aviation officials, working in the Capstone Statewide Agreement Implementation Committee, last year signed a memorandum of agreement with the FAA to obtain $34 million and equip 95 percent of the most frequently flown aircraft. If this is accomplished, the FAA has said that it will invest $493 million in services and infrastructure improvements across Alaska.
Industry officials tried lobbying legislators for additional funding, but came up empty handed. That forced the idea of offering a 4 percent loan to commercial aviation operators, according to industry officials.
“This legislation is a crucial step to improving aviation safety,” Palin said in a written release. “Studies have shown very significant improvements in aviation safety in the areas around Bethel and Southeast where the FAA has built ground stations and planes have been outfitted with the new equipment. We are hoping for similar results over a much larger area of Alaska.”
Alaska has the highest number of pilots per capita of any state - about one in 78 Alaskans is a pilot. Alaska also has the highest aviation accident rates in the nation, three to four times higher than the national average for commercial aviation.
The FAA plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on ground stations that transmit the ADS-B signal, but it will be up to aircraft owners to outfit their planes.
FAA officials said nearly 4,000 aircraft statewide would need to install and use the equipment to justify spending nearly $500 million now in the future.
The FAA recently announced it intends to have NexGen ADS-B installed at most high aviation traffic areas in U.S. and in Alaska by 2013, and will have the technology deployed nationwide by 2020.
NexGen is the FAA's official term for the next generation of aircraft control systems, also known as ADS-B.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1350207/governor_signs_bill_approving_loans_for_aircraft_safety_equipment/
http://www.alaskajournal.com/
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/arc/programs/capstone/?CFID=32230658&CFTOKEN=da7e758f27c879cc-71C2099C-1372-4138-C96EF28CB07377E6&jsessionid=1230bc5481fa252c3131
http://www.cheltonflightsystems.com/default.htm
A bill to offer a low-interest loan program to aircraft owners who install a new digital link technology in their aircraft was signed by Gov. Sarah Palin on April 9 in Juneau.
Senate Bill 249, which Palin sponsored and introduced Jan. 25, provides Alaskan airplane owners the opportunity to use a new low-interest revolving loan program to purchase Capstone-like avionics equipment for their aircraft.
The technology, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, was tested in Alaska and was formally called the Capstone Safety Project.
ADS-B is a data link that uses ultra-high frequency radio to send and receive information about other aircraft that uses the technology. Along with multi-function screens and air traffic displays, the equipment also gives pilots graphical weather information, terrain maps and flight information, including temporary flight restrictions and notices to airmen. ADS-B is nearly 10 times more accurate than radar and operates in real time.
The $4.8 million loan program for installation is offered through the state Department of Community, Commerce and Economic Development.
The program is also a key component to the Federal Aviation Administration's plans to adopt ADS-B throughout the state, according to the governor.
Statewide aviation officials, working in the Capstone Statewide Agreement Implementation Committee, last year signed a memorandum of agreement with the FAA to obtain $34 million and equip 95 percent of the most frequently flown aircraft. If this is accomplished, the FAA has said that it will invest $493 million in services and infrastructure improvements across Alaska.
Industry officials tried lobbying legislators for additional funding, but came up empty handed. That forced the idea of offering a 4 percent loan to commercial aviation operators, according to industry officials.
“This legislation is a crucial step to improving aviation safety,” Palin said in a written release. “Studies have shown very significant improvements in aviation safety in the areas around Bethel and Southeast where the FAA has built ground stations and planes have been outfitted with the new equipment. We are hoping for similar results over a much larger area of Alaska.”
Alaska has the highest number of pilots per capita of any state - about one in 78 Alaskans is a pilot. Alaska also has the highest aviation accident rates in the nation, three to four times higher than the national average for commercial aviation.
The FAA plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on ground stations that transmit the ADS-B signal, but it will be up to aircraft owners to outfit their planes.
FAA officials said nearly 4,000 aircraft statewide would need to install and use the equipment to justify spending nearly $500 million now in the future.
The FAA recently announced it intends to have NexGen ADS-B installed at most high aviation traffic areas in U.S. and in Alaska by 2013, and will have the technology deployed nationwide by 2020.
NexGen is the FAA's official term for the next generation of aircraft control systems, also known as ADS-B.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1350207/governor_signs_bill_approving_loans_for_aircraft_safety_equipment/
http://www.alaskajournal.com/
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/arc/programs/capstone/?CFID=32230658&CFTOKEN=da7e758f27c879cc-71C2099C-1372-4138-C96EF28CB07377E6&jsessionid=1230bc5481fa252c3131
http://www.cheltonflightsystems.com/default.htm
Monday, April 14, 2008
Is Chelton really working with UAA?
This just out from a Chelton press release:
Chelton Product Support is working in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the University of Alaska Anchorage to update software on and provide operator training for nearly 90 Part 23 aircraft during the months of March and April. Software version 6.0B was TSO’d in December, 2007 and is DO-178B Level-A certified. Among its 40 new end-user benefits is the ability to integrate with and display Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) on Chelton’s Synthetic Vision EFIS displays, greatly enhancing pilot awareness and flight safety.
ADS-B works differently than conventional radar, which bounces radio waves from terrestrial antennas off of airborne targets and then interprets the reflected signals. Typically, ADS-B-capable aircraft will use an ordinary GPS navigation receiver to determine its position, and then combine that position with several aircraft parameters, such as flight number, heading, speed, and altitude. This data is simultaneously broadcast to other ADS-B-equipped aircraft and to ASD-B ground stations, or to satellite communications transceivers which relay the aircraft information to Air Traffic Control centers.
Installation of 6.0B and pilot training is part of Chelton Flight Systems’ contract under the Capstone Program, a joint industry and FAA Alaskan Region initiative to improve aviation safety in that state.
As part of that program, Chelton fielded Synthetic Vision systems with Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS), eliminating the incidence of CFIT accidents among equipped Part 23 aircraft. The addition of an ADS-B datalink capability to Synthetic Vision-equipped aircraft will result in even greater situational awareness, improved safety in poor visual conditions, and a reduced the risk of runway incursions in addition to providing weather products (including METAR and TAF information).
Chelton Flight Systems, part of the Cobham Avionics & Surveillance Division, is the manufacturer of the world’s first FAA-certified synthetic vision EFIS, which is now STC’d on over 740 airplane and helicopter models.
Chelton Product Support is working in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the University of Alaska Anchorage to update software on and provide operator training for nearly 90 Part 23 aircraft during the months of March and April. Software version 6.0B was TSO’d in December, 2007 and is DO-178B Level-A certified. Among its 40 new end-user benefits is the ability to integrate with and display Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) on Chelton’s Synthetic Vision EFIS displays, greatly enhancing pilot awareness and flight safety.
ADS-B works differently than conventional radar, which bounces radio waves from terrestrial antennas off of airborne targets and then interprets the reflected signals. Typically, ADS-B-capable aircraft will use an ordinary GPS navigation receiver to determine its position, and then combine that position with several aircraft parameters, such as flight number, heading, speed, and altitude. This data is simultaneously broadcast to other ADS-B-equipped aircraft and to ASD-B ground stations, or to satellite communications transceivers which relay the aircraft information to Air Traffic Control centers.
Installation of 6.0B and pilot training is part of Chelton Flight Systems’ contract under the Capstone Program, a joint industry and FAA Alaskan Region initiative to improve aviation safety in that state.
As part of that program, Chelton fielded Synthetic Vision systems with Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS), eliminating the incidence of CFIT accidents among equipped Part 23 aircraft. The addition of an ADS-B datalink capability to Synthetic Vision-equipped aircraft will result in even greater situational awareness, improved safety in poor visual conditions, and a reduced the risk of runway incursions in addition to providing weather products (including METAR and TAF information).
Chelton Flight Systems, part of the Cobham Avionics & Surveillance Division, is the manufacturer of the world’s first FAA-certified synthetic vision EFIS, which is now STC’d on over 740 airplane and helicopter models.
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