150th regional meeting of IAOPA Europe in Albena, Bulgaria. Next year in the Netherlands
Representatives of IAOPA Europe met for the 150th time, this time in Albena, Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast, on Oct. 4 and 5. A total of 30 delegates accepted the invitation. The longest trip was made by Frank Hofmann from Canada, the IAOPA representative to ICAO.
The event was moderated by IAOPA Europe President Dr Michael Erb. Vladimir Foltin from EASA in Cologne was connected via video and reported on the current status of the General Aviation Flightpath 2030+ project. The focus here is of course on increasing safety, but also on digitalization, environmentally friendly propulsion and inclusiveness: We want more target groups in GA, which until now have been rather poorly represented: So more women, and of course we also want to keep the older generations in the cockpit as long as possible.
A focus of activities to increase safety will be the digital visualization of all traffic, and EASA wants to rely not only on the known technologies of transponders and ADS-B, but also on the possibilities of mobile communications for drones and light aircraft. The current buzzword here is iConspicuity; details can be found on EASA's website.
IAOPA colleagues JP Kinos from Finland and Emmanuel Davidson from France reported on their activities supporting the development of an ADS-B network in Scandinavia based on the cost-effective and powerful UAT technology from the US. In Central Europe, air traffic control authorities are still against these systems, but in Norway and Finland they seem to be gaining acceptance. In the US, UAT is the ADS-B standard for general aviation and has been very popular there for many years because of its low cost and delivery of traffic and weather data.
Another topic of discussion was progress in the search for 100-octane lead-free Avgas. There is currently strong competition in the US between two suppliers for the best starting position to capture as much of the new market as possible.
Philippe Hauser reported on meetings with ICAO on language qualifications for GA pilots. IAOPA's proposal, which he presented, to require VFR pilots to demonstrate a better command of standard language than in current complex language tests is supported by an IAOPA resolution.
Philippe Hauser, who has represented AOPA-Switzerland since 1996, was waved off by his colleagues and wished him a happy retirement. However, he promised to continue working on the issue until a solution is found.
The next regional meeting of IAOPA will be held in the Netherlands in May 2025.
CO detection mandatory for all aircraft flying to the UK
After there have been several accidents in the UK where CO played a significant role, from 01-01-2025, having active CO detection on board has been made mandatory when flying to the UK. For details see Safety directive SD-2024/001V2.
UK authorities have recorded three accidents in recent years in which Carbon Monoxide poisoning played a significant role. Two of these accidents were fatal. There is a particular concern to protect passengers from being unintentionally exposed to CO. Pilots are expected to be familiar with the risks associated with carbon monoxide and internal combustion engines.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely dangerous. The gas results from incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels including aviation fuels. Often this gas is carried into the cockpit through the (a faulty) heating pipe.
Health hazard
Acute poisoning: when inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin, interfering with oxygen transport to the brain and organs such as the heart.
Headache, dizziness, nausea blurred vision may be the symptoms. At higher concentrations, unconsciousness, coma, permanent brain damage can occur. If left unattended, exposure to CO can lead to death.
The Safety Directive is less clear on what to do if the CO alarm goes off in the aircraft but the key points are: Completely shut off heater supply (the supply of CO poisoning) immediately, maximize all ventilation options in the aircraft, open windows, land as soon as possible. If you have oxygen on board immediately put on oxygen masks. Let ATC know there may be a problem. After landing, have the aircraft checked and repaired.
Active CO measurement is not required in all cases. E.g. single seat aircraft, if you have an open cockpit, aerobatic aircraft, Helis and gyrocopters, aircraft where the heating air does not come from the engine. Then the most special exception namely if all occupants have a valid license.
Jeppesen offer for AOPA members – also available in 2025
AOPA members will continue to receive a 15% discount on their invoices when due or on new purchases of almost all products in 2025 when the purchase is completed through Jeppesen (not applicable to ForeFlight Mobile or Pilot Supplies).
The discount cannot be automatically applied to the renewal offers, please contact Jeppesen by email and provide your AOPA membership number: Fra-Services@boeing.com
GAMA: GA aircraft sales remains strong
Sales of new General Aviation (GA) aircraft remain strong despite concerns about the European Union's impact on the industry, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). GAMA's recent report for the third quarter of 2024 shows an increase in the value of aircraft deliveries and an increase in deliveries of various aircraft, including piston aircraft, business jets and turbine helicopters. Turboprops and piston helicopters saw stabilization, similar to the figures for the first nine months of 2023.
According to Pete Bunce, president and CEO of GAMA, the health of the industry remains robust, allowing companies to invest in technology and innovation that contribute to aviation safety and sustainability. GAMA continues to urge governments in both the U.S. and Europe on the importance of the sector.
At the same time, in a critical opinion piece, GAMA warned of possible higher taxes and flight restrictions that European regulators are considering for business aviation. Specifically, it cited a proposal by French Prime Minister Barnier to increase the “solidarity tax” on commercial business aviation flights to €3,000 per passenger on long-haul flights. GAMA emphasized in the article that business aviation not only creates jobs but is also essential for direct access to hundreds of airports, which commercial air services often cannot provide.
In terms of deliveries, piston aircraft in the third quarter increased 7.5% to 1,221 units, turboprops rose to 435 units, and business jets saw a 10.1% increase to 501 units. The value of aircraft deliveries in the quarter reached $17.3 billion, up 20.5% from the previous year. Helicopter deliveries showed a similar trend, with a slight increase in turbine helicopters (1.9%) to 478 units, and the value of helicopter deliveries was $2.7 billion.
Air Tractor, a manufacturer of agricultural aircraft such as crop sprayers and firefighting aircraft, stood out with 159 aircraft shipped worth $243 million, which was more than some other manufacturers such as Diamond Aircraft ($157 million), Tecnam ($94 million) and Piper Aircraft ($243 million).
Cargolux, Luxembourg's cargo airline ordered 12 FireBoss firefighting aircraft to meet the huge demand in this sector.
Mandatory appointment Agent in the USA for US license, permit and aircraft registration holders by 2025
Starting in 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is introducing a new rule requiring FAA certificate holders who do not have a permanent address in the US to appoint an agent in the US.
The goal is to enable timely and reliable communication between the FAA and certificate holders, especially on important or time-sensitive issues. These could include updates, safety alerts, renewal or maintenance requirements, suspensions and fines. In practice, the FAA regularly has problems tracking foreign certificate holders.
What does this mean specifically?
If you hold a valid FAA certificate (including equivalencies), such as a pilot's license, aircraft registration, maintenance certificate, medical, or even a drone license, and you live outside the U.S., you must appoint a U.S.-based “Agent” who can receive official correspondence from the FAA on your behalf and forward it to you immediately/timely (scan document and email or express mail).
Deadlines
Existing certificate holders: Until July 7, 2025 to designate a U.S. Agent.
New Applicants: As of January 6, 2025, new applications for FAA certificates must include the details of a designated Agent in the US. If you do not have a designated Agent as of that date, you may NOT exercise the FAA privileges you have and your aircraft's N registration will be considered invalid. And for new applications, without the designation of an Agent, the application will not be granted. So it is important to take the necessary steps in time to comply with these new regulations.
Practical implications
Foreign certificate holders will need to find a person or agency in the U.S. with a physical address (i.e., a P.O. Box or email address will not suffice) to act as an official representative, which may involve additional costs and administrative steps. Such a requirement already exists for certain other audiences. So there are already companies in the US offering this service. It is also likely that services will emerge specifically to provide this representation for foreign FAA certificate holders.
The FAA estimate is that the annual cost for this will be 50$ to 200$.
By the way, you may also designate a family member or friend (over 18) , who has a physical address in the USA. Individuals who are designated must officially certify that they assume responsibility for receiving and forwarding FAA documents in a timely manner
On-line
A new on-line system has been designed for designating your Agent (USAS). Explanations can be read in Advisory Circular No: 3-1 of 11: see this link.
For new applications, designating an Agent is part of the application process. For already pending applications, the FAA will contact the applicant.
IAOPA has asked AOPA USA if they could serve as Agent or know of another (low cost) alternative.
The regulations can be reviewed here
Traveling to UK is going to change
As of April 2025, you will need an ETA (electronic travel authorization) to travel to the UK; similar to an ESTA to the USA.
Travel to the United Kingdom will become a little more difficult in the future. In addition to the mandatory GAR (General Aviation Report), an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will have to be applied for. Meanwhile, for citizens from a number of Central countries, the requirement to apply for an ETA already exists.
The British government is making great strides toward its ambitious goal of digitizing the UK's border and immigration system and has set new implementation dates for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. Anyone wishing to travel to the UK - other than British and Irish citizens - will need permission to travel before travel begins. This can be done through either an ETA or an eVisa.
ETAs are digitally linked to a traveler's passport and ensure more stringent security checks are carried out before people begin their trip to the UK, preventing abuse of the immigration system.
EU
From March 5, 2025, citizens from many European countries can apply for their ETA. From April 2, 2025, it will then be possible to travel to the UK using this ETA. If you travel to the United Kingdom before then, an ETA is not required.
What it costs and how to apply for an ETA
It costs £10 to apply for an ETA. Everyone traveling must have an ETA, including babies and children. You can also apply for others such as your passengers. It takes about 3 days for an ETA to be issued and you cannot get a refund after you apply.
To apply, you will need the following:
- The passport you are traveling with - not a photocopy
- Access to your email
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
Photos or scans of
- passport
- face of applicant
No need to fill in your travel details.
The fastest way to apply for an ETA is through the app which can be downloaded from: UK ETA in Apple Store or the Google Play Store; UK ETA in Google Play Store.
Travel to the UK using an EU ID card is not possible! It is not a substitute for the GAR. Filing a GAR is also mandatory!
Draco Aircraft wants to revive PZL Wilga
Polish aircraft manufacturer Draco Aircraft has acquired the building rights to the PZL-104 Wilga. Draco Aircraft plans to serialize its new Draco, which is based on this PZL Wilga, as a HyperSTOL aircraft.
Between 1962 and 2006, more than 1,000 Wilgas were built at the PZL plant in Poland, for both civil and military applications.
The new Draco, powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine, is airborne after 30 meters and can land on a runway of less than 25 meters. Draco's new Wilga is scheduled to become CS-23-certified in 2028. The rights were previously owned by Airbus' Polish division.
First Turkish Gokbey helicopter delivered
On Oct. 29, Turkish aircraft manufacturer TAI took delivery of its first T625 Gokbey helicopter. The Gokbey is a medium-heavy twin-engine helicopter, weighing 6 tons, that rivals Leonardo's AW139 and Airbus H160 helicopters. The Gokbey was developed to replace the numerous Bell UH-1 Iroquois/Huey types that are still in the Turkish government's inventory, but TAI also wants to certify the Gokbey civilly to bring the aircraft to the international market.
IAOPA Europe wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Please keep us informed about the aviation news in your country
If you have any news or things that you would like to share with pilots in other countries - for instance if you organize a Fly-in that might be of interest or if there is news about airports or new rules and regulations in your country that other pilots should know.
Please don't hesitate to send all your news to me: Gerrit Brand | Netherlands | email: newsletteriaopaeu@hotmail.com, telephone or whatsapp + 31 6 50831893
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