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MAPA NEWS |
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MAPA Annual General Membership Meeting Thursday, November 13, 2008 On November 13, MAPA is holding its annual membership meeting at Florida Tech , College of Aeronautics, Skurla Hall, Room 110. Skurla Hall is the building on the corner of University Drive and Country Club Road. The meeting begins at 7 PM. Our speaker will be the new Dean of the College of Aeronautics, Captain Winston E. Scott, USN (Ret). Captain Scott most recently was Vice President and Deputy GM of the science support at Johnson Space Center. He was a Navy fighter pilot flying the F-14, F/A-18 and the A-7. He also flew the Navy’s SH-2H helicopter and logged more than 5,000 hours in over 24 different aircraft. As an astronaut, he served as a mission specialist on STS-72 and STS-87 and logged more that 24 days in space including three spacewalks. Apogee Books published his book, “Reflections From Earth Orbit,” in 2005. Capt Scott, a strong advocate of General Aviation, is a MAPA member and owns a Piper Saratoga. His presentation will be, “Flying inSpace.” www.mlbpilots.org
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PALM BAY POLICE PUT UAV ON THE BACK BURNER
Word has it that thanks to MAPA, AOPA, and FAA, the Palm Bay Police Department has NOT bought a UAV and has no plans to purchase one. They have gotten an education about airspace and regulations concerning UAV's from the AOPA, MAPA, and the FAA.
NEW SECURITY FOR MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
New Nationwide Airport Security Procedures
Effective at KMLB
The MAPA sponsored meeting on January 18, turned out a capacity crowd of over 225 pilots to hear about the new security measures. As those who attended know, it was a painless way to learn about the new procedures, get answers to any questions, qualify for entry into the Air Operations Area, (AOA) and receive ramp-driving privileges.
If you attended, showed proof of citizenship to badge office personnel, and viewed the ramp driving video, you are now eligible for a new security/gate badge. However, there is no need to rush to get a new badge until the month your current badge expires. Direct any questions to Hana at the airport badge office 723-6227 X218. Please call to ensure she is available before going.
The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) has required all FAA Part 139 or Air Carrier airports to increase their security in the AOA. Within the AOA, be sure to wear your badge at all times. Airport Police may challenge you to verify the picture on the badge matches the wearer, and it has not expired. When entering the AOA do not tailgate or allow tailgating and guest vehicles must remain outside the AOA. Only those who attended the driving class may drive on the ramp. You are also responsible for guests who accompany you. They must be in visual contact and nearby at all times. If you see someone who seems suspicious, cannot confirm them with the badge, call Airport Police at 288-0147 [the number is on your new badge] and if possible, keep them in visual contact until Airport Police arrive. In addition, any “out-of-the-ordinary” activity should be reported to airport police.
TSA gave a thorough briefing on their increased security requirements. These will include random stops and searches by TSA and Airport Police at AOA points of entry at both vehicle and pedestrian gates. You will be denied entry if you choose not to submit to a search. If you do not want your car searched, you can park outside the AOA and use the pedestrian entry. During a search, expect to open your vehicle trunk, and a personal search may be similar to the screening when boarding a commercial flight e.g., Use of a wand. Only female agents/officers will search females. You should remember, once a search begins you cannot stop it. They will be looking for items of interest such as, firearms, explosives and explosive devices. Excluded are flare guns, which are part of survival equipment. A Concealed Weapons Permit does not allow you to carry a weapon into the AOA and is chargeable as a misdemeanor. Moreover, attempting to carry a firearm into the AOA without a Concealed Weapons Permit is a felony. If you are going hunting or target shooting, the firearms must be secure and carried separate from the ammunition. If you plan to carry a firearm to your airplane, it would be prudent to call Chief Brewer 723-6227 X220.