WIX Archives

The future of aircraft rides needs your help!

Posted by Taigh Ramey on Wed Jan 07, 2004 02:36:39 PM

Hello,

I, as well as many other aviation enthusiasts and professionals, need your help to keep the FAA from ending forever one of aviation's oldest professions -- the airplane ride.

The FAA is considering revising the regulations governing those of us who offer rides to the public in our aircraft. Under the proposed rule all operators who fly any aircraft for scenic flights will be forced to comply with the same regulations under which the airlines currently fly. This will essentially eliminate those of us who offer rides in vintage, antique and ex military aircraft. It will also hurt the people who fly modern aircraft and those who fly charitable rides as well.

I have been flying rides in my Twin Beech (RC-45J and an SNB-1) for the last 14 years at air shows, airport open houses, and here at Stockton Airport. I have had to comply with strict regulations, have had inspections on my Beech and limitations on its operation, and have had to take routine drug tests. I personally, and the ride industry itself, have had a very safe flying record and the statistics do not warrant this burden which is being placed upon us. I have personally flown several thousand passengers, and I can say with confidence that they have all had a great time and more importantly, a safe flight. Under the proposed rule the public will no longer be able to experience the thrill of flying many antique and Warbird aircraft. In addition, there is little indication that the proposed rule will enhance passenger safety.

You can help by leaving your comments about this proposed ruling on the FAA web site. The deadline to leave your comments is Tuesday January 20th, 2004. For those of you who may have flown with me and for any one else who is an aviation enthusiast, I need to ask you a favor; Please take a few minutes and let the FAA know that:

1) The proposed rule would place an unnecessary burden on the people who offer rides to the public.

2) This rule would deprive the public of the opportunity to fly in and experience aviation's great heritage first hand.

3) The statistics do not indicate that the public is in danger by going for a ride with these air tour operators.

4) You do not support FAA Docket Number 1998-4521 and you would like it removed from the federal register.

To leave your comments please visit the FAA web site for the specific Notice of Proposed Rule Making at:

http://dms.dot.gov/search/searchResultsSimple.cfm?numberValue=4521&searchType=docket

At this site you can view the proposed rule and can see the comments that others have left for the FAA. At the bottom of the page you can click on the button to leave your comments.

Here is another great place to learn more about this proposed rule:

http://nationalairtours.org/sight.html

Here is our web page that shows a few pictures of the passengers that have flown in the Twin Beech:

http://www.twinbeech.com/images/warbirdrides/warbirdrides.htm

Our business Vintage Aircraft, and the survival of the Stockton Field Aviation Museum depends greatly on the income from flying rides in the Beech. We need your help. Please take the time to make your thoughts about this known to the FAA. I personally, and countless others, really do need your support.

Please forward this to anyone who might be able to help us out.

Thank you for your time,

Taigh Ramey

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT

7432 C.E. Dixon Street
Stockton, California 95206
209 982 0273 Hangar
209 982 4832 Fax
www.twinbeech.com

KEEP 'EM FLYING...FOR HISTORY

FAA Page to leave a responce to the NPRM

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