Technical Counselor, Flight Advisor Forms Go Electronic, AirVenture, and Privatization

August 2017 - A new digital option exists for turning in your technical counselor visit reports and flight advisor session reports. This is an optional way for you to complete the paperwork. We have heard from a number of technical counselors and flight advisors that they would prefer to have a digital option.

The new form will function exactly like the print form but can be completed on an iPad or computer. The builder still will need to complete and sign the first page of the form. You, as the technical counselor or flight advisor, will complete the second page and submit the form to EAA. We are using a software called JotForm, so don’t be surprised when you receive a copy of the submitted form via e-mail.

Of course, you still have the option of using the paper form. If you need additional forms, simply send an e-mail to safetyprograms@eaa.org and we will be happy to send you a supply. There is also a downloadable PDF version if you prefer paper and need one in a pinch.

Please make sure you turn in your reports! It is critical for EAA to be able to demonstrate to the FAA that our members are participating in our safety programs. The FAA looks to EAA to “manage” the safety records of all. The technical counselor and flight advisor programs show that self-policing works and that additional regulation is unnecessary.

Technical Counselor Visit Report

Find a Flight Advisor Session Report

A special thanks to Randy Hooper of our Homebuilt Aircraft Council for bringing this simple and affordable solution to my attention and to the rest of the council members for helping to test the implementation.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Awards

I was pleased and gratified to see EAA’s top two awards presented at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to leading members of the homebuilt community: Dick Koehler and Sebastien Heintz.

EAA’s Chairman’s Award was presented to Dick Koehler, a technical counselor, SportAir Workshop instructor, and Hints for Homebuilders video star. The Chairman’s Award provides an opportunity to personally acknowledge members whose participation and contributions represent the essence of EAA.

EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award was presented to Sebastien Heintz of Zenith Aircraft Company. The award is the organization’s highest honor, bestowed annually to an individual whose contributions to aviation closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship, and innovativeness of EAA members.

Privatization

If you have not yet expressed to your local congressional representative your feelings on the move to privatize air traffic control into a monopoly that will be dominated by airline interests, now is the time!

The most powerful way to be heard is to pick up the phone and call your representative in the House, where we are currently trying to stop the bill. This is the first time in my life that I actually called my congressman’s office about an issue. I felt a little weird and nervous doing this for the first time, but it was no big deal. I got a staffer and explained that I was against the bill and gave my reasons. It only took maybe five minutes.

You can find your congressional representative’s contact info at ATCNotForSale.com. The best way to express yourself is to simply call your representative and state your opposition to H.R. 2997, the 21st Century AIRR Act. As a fellow EAA staffer explained, a phone call is best because it ties up a staffer’s time, and it demonstrates significant effort on your part. Daily communication with constituents on bills and other proposals is tallied and shared by congressional staff. When a large number of constituents demonstrate their passion and concern for a particular bill, it makes an impact.

Please encourage your fellow EAA members to call their representative in the House now, before it is too late!

For more information on what impact ATC privatization could have on general aviation, visit EAA’s ATC Privatization page.