General Aviation Issues Position Paper

General Aviation Issues Position Paper -

Introduction:

The General Aviation Council of Hawai'i (G.A.C.H.) has been representing General Aviation (GA) pilots and operators for many years, especially in dealings with the State and the federal government. While our overriding concern has been, and will remain safety, our mission is to preserve and promote General Aviation. Over the years, we have written about aviation issues in the G.A.C.H. monthly newsletter, Airscoop, which gets wide distribution in Hawai'i to pilots, aviation companies and organizations, and state and federal officials, as well as to key national aviation organizations, including the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). In view of recent leadership changes within the State Department of Transportation and the Airports Division, the G.A.C.H. Board of Directors decided that it was time to develop an updated list of key issues affecting GA in this state and determine where progress can or has been made.

Issues:

Cost: Cost continues to be a major issue. Because of the State's unique position as the owner/operator of all public-use airports, the State has major influence on this issue.

a. The cost of keeping and operating an aircraft is very high and rising at all major airports in the state, although they are the highest at HNL. T-Hangar fees, already among the most expensive in the country, were recently raised, as well as tie-down fees, in spite of the publicly-declared surplus in the Airports Division of over $200 million. However, because of the surplus, collection of landing fees has been suspended. T-hangar and tie-downs at other airports are similarly overpriced, as well.

b. Aviation fuel is somewhat more expensive in Hawai'i than the mainland; however, many aircraft can operate on less expensive automobile fuel, with an appropriate STC. Although widespread on the mainland, such use is de facto prohibited in Hawai'i by regulations governing the conveyance of fuel at state airports.

Access: General Aviation continues to have to fight for access to state airports.

a. Specifically, both Kapalua West Maui and Princeville airports prohibit GA flight operations, except for certain FAR Part 135 operators. We understand the State chose to continue to honor the prior agreement between Hawaiian Air Lines and the Maui County Council, but believe this issue should be revisited. Princeville, now operated by the State, had no such prior agreement and should now be accessible to GA.

b. GA access is hampered to most other airports, to some extent: At Lihue, GA parking is remote from all ground facilities. Moreover, there is not even a phone available for calling ground services or filing flight plans. At Kahului, GA parking is on the far side of the airfield, well beyond walking distance to the main terminal, rental cars or food services. Access to the existing FBO is adequate (by car) in daytime, but becomes very difficult after hours. At Hilo, GA parking is in the far corner of the airfield, again, very remote from all ground services. Moreover, Hilo has a history of antagonistic management practices that appear directed at GA. At Kona, transient parking is very limited. At virtually all airports, automobile access to GA parking areas is prohibited unless one has very expensive insurance and an AOA sticker. This is in stark contrast to most carrier-served airfields on the mainland, operating under the same FAR Part 107 security regulations.

Safety:

a. Weather support: Although generally fair, the weather in Hawai'i can be locally hazardous to flight operations. Only Honolulu has a 24-hour control tower; thus, instrument approaches to most other airports are restricted to operators with approved weather reporting (airlines) when they are most needed. Lanai has below-VFR weather quite often, as does Kamuela, and even Kahului and Lihue. AWOS/ASOS would allow virtually all operators to use existing instrument approach procedures, and would permit recertification of the instrument approach to Kamuela. Safety would also be significantly enhanced if such weather reporting were available at VFR locations such as Hana, Port Allen, Upolu Point, Princeville, and even Dillingham.

b. DUATS would also be a significant improvement, especially if there were additional reporting points, such as could be provided by ASOS/AWOS. Reliever:

G.A.C.H. continues to work closely with the State on the Kalaeloa Airport concept. We remain concerned, however, that GA operators will be forced, rather than enticed to move from Honolulu to Barbers Point. While many operators would benefit and be willing to move, others--especially business fliers--may need to remain at HNL for convenience of access. As west Oahu grows, so will the advantages of having an airport there. We view Kalaeloa as a long-term investment, and hope success is not measured by how many aircraft move the first year or so. G.A.C.H. is also concerned that aviation infrastructure not be diluted to the point where its value is lost as a reliever.

We continue to believe that an open, cooperative relationship between the State and GA is in everyone's best interests. G.A.C.H. expects to continue to work toward this end.