Wed, Apr 27, 2005
AOPA Works To Keep DOD International Aeronautical Charts
Available To GA Pilots
The National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency (NGA), under the Department of Defense, wants to end public
dissemination of certain DOD publications like international and
Caribbean en route and instrument approach charts, along with the
supplement of Caribbean airport information. AOPA is working to
keep these publications available to general aviation pilots and
recently met with NGA officials as a part of this effort.
"Even though domestic FAA aeronautical publications are not
affected, the removal of public access to international charts
would impact pilots flying internationally, to the Caribbean, and
across U.S. borders to Canada and Mexico," said Melissa Rudinger,
AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "AOPA is concerned about
the higher cost that this would impose on pilots who would have to
buy charts from private vendors."
The agency also wants to stop public access to the digital
aeronautical flight information file (DAFIF).
When AOPA met with the NGA, the association discussed the impact
the proposed action would have on the general aviation community.
Through those discussions, AOPA learned the primary concern of the
NGA is that continued public dissemination of the data might
jeopardize bilateral agreements with other countries.
However, AOPA says NGA is receptive to receiving more detailed
input on how its proposal would affect general aviation pilots.
According to the most recent Special Notice issued by NGA, all
comments will be considered before the NGA makes a final decision
on moving forward with the proposed action. AOPA plans to file
formal comments before the June 30 deadline. The proposal would
take effect in October.
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