FAA approves multi-focus contacts, intraocular lensesThe FAA has just approved the use of multi-focus contact lenses and multi-focus intraocular lenses for pilots.
"You can fly with these lenses now, as long as your vision is normal," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "You just need an FAA eye evaluation form completed by your eye-care specialist. Give that to your AME at the time of your next medical certification exam." (The form and more information are available on AOPA Online.) Intraocular lenses are implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens, usually because of cataracts. Monofocal lenses are set at one distance (far, intermediate, or reading), meaning the patient still has to wear glasses. Multi-focus lenses allow the patient to see things clearly at different distances without having to use glasses. Multifocal contact lenses offer the same advantages to pilots who need vision correction over multiple distances. Progressive contact lenses, for example, can allow a pilot to clearly see charts, the instrument panel, and far distances without using glasses. . .
Word on the street nationally is that FAA is stepping up ramp checks. The regulations require that your pilot and medical certificates be readily available and you should be willing to show them. The inspector can examine your certificates, but he can't keep them. If he asks you to "surrender" your certificates, politely decline and contact an aviation attorney. For more information, see AOPA Online's subject report Ramp Checks. Pilots should also consider AOPA's Legal Services Plan should they need an attorney to represent them against an FAA enforcement action.
And I would add that you not volunteer log books of any kind, even if they ask for them. You are not required to have them with you on a flight so it's not a problem to say they are "secure at home". A tough inspector will find something wrong no matter how terrific a boy scout you might think you are. Let them hang a tag on a cowling screw to "fill their squares", rather than a deficiency on you. And as AOPA suggests, be friendly and polite just as you would with a traffic cop. The inspector is looking for an expired medical or a guy who doesn't carry his license. And they are looking for an aircraft with missing screws in the cowling or [certainly not here] a huge deficiency like oil dripping off the engine, cracked light lens, bald tires, etc.
Two preceding articles submitted by Cheryl Casillas, Safety Advisor
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Ninety-Nine friends,Thank you for the beautiful spray of flowers for Bob's funeral. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Your friendship was there when I needed it. I love ALL of you.
Winnie Clements and family
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * There is some tentative information available on the South Central Section website (scs99s.org) regarding the Section Meeting May 19-21, 2006 in Wichita, Kansas Between the Holiday Inn Select Hotel and the 99s, we will have transportation to/from the hotel. The room price is $79 a night for single/double if made by April 18th (1-888-890-0242). More meeting information will be forthcoming in later newsletters as available.Reni Moczygemba has passed her written test, and is now preparing for the solo cross country flights.
Kay Renfrow recently soloed in their Cessna 140 and is working on crosswind takeoffs and landings. She had soloed in a Cessna 150 a couple of years ago. The 140 is a little different, eh?
Our newest member, Laura Antonelli, has been accepted at Berkeley and will be leaving us in May. In the meantime, she will be undergoing surgery the end of January. "My airplane is for sale for 30k and parked at San Geronimo Airpark 8T8 in the open; N291YA 1956 172 completely reconditioned to meet the safety demands of 2006, rewired, new interior, new custom panel, instrument, avionics, push to talk . . . she is loaded and work the drive with only about 300 hours on the power plant that also has an air/oil separator. Brad Doppelt is the A&P who did the work and the sales person pnone number is 210.380.2025 (cell)." ~ Laura
The Texas Aviation Association's Gulf Coast Wings Weekend is being held April 29th and 30th this year in Galveston. Free safety training. Safety seminars, exhibitors, kids programs, discovery flights, CFI refresher course and more. A new addition - AOPA ASF Pinch Hitter Seminar. Visit the aviation museum. I have indicated to them I would be willing to volunteer in the education area in the hopes that some more of you will join me. Again, the Austin Chapter will have a booth during the event.
Heritage Fly-in (TE86) March 18. New Berlin. It is approximately 8 miles south of I-10, 7 miles north of LaVernia, and 15 miles west of Seguin. Details as they become available.
NEXT MEETING - FEBRUARY 11TH AT STINSON AIRPORT. Meet at the terminal building at 10 AM. We'll have a tour of the tower, then lunch in the coffee shop in the building. PLEASE call Patty Taylor by February 8th to let her know you are coming - the coffee shop would like to know how many to expect. Her numbers are: (h) 210-695-3032 (cell) 210-317-8348
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANUARY GIRLS! Barbara Moore (1st), Reni Moczygemba (13th), Michelle Achorn (13th), Sharon Homuth (15th), Laura Richter (16th), Winnie Clements (19th), Jo Agee-Housler 21st) and Gloria Blank (29th).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Marsha Copeland (February 22nd). Marsha just had knee surgery hope shešs fully recuperated by her birthday!
99s ANNIVERSARIES in January: Pam Crane (37 years), Elizabeth Jordan (33 years), Jana Drane (11 years) and Judy Smith (10 years).
99s ANNIVERSARIES in February: Laura Richter (36 years), Evelyn Sizemore (43 years), Winnie Clements (11 years), Margaret Cosby (25 years) and Vaughn Marie Robla (3 years).
Aren't these years of service impressive!!
SEE YOU AT SSF FEBRUARY 11th!
- Gloria