Compliance/Enforcement Bulletin 98-1

The buzz in aviation recently has been over the Federal Aviation Administration's attempt to reduce paperwork for its inspectors. Compliance/Enforcement Bulletin Number 98-1 was issued by the agency in February. Since that time almost every aviation organization has come out opposed to it.

The bulletin provides guidance for an expeditious means of taking administrative action against alleged violators of the Federal Aviation Regulations. An inspector is given the ability to issue on the spot "tickets" to airmen. While this reduces the amount of paperwork that is now necessary to issue an administrative action there are a number of flaws that the aviation community is protesting.

In part the inspector does not have to gather and document evidence nor do airmen have the opportunity to appeal and action against them. The "ticket" remains in the airman's file for two years after which time it is expunged from the file. If an inspector observes what they believe to be a violation a form is filled out and given to the airman on the spot, much like a traffic ticket, to sign and acknowledge.

Given past practices and abuses by some FAA personnel, the aviation community has strongly objected to this program. To learn more, see Balloon Life's Special Report.

Spirit of Peace

Jacques Soukup, Crispin Williams, and Mark Sullivan have thrown their hat into the ring to attempt to be the first manned balloon team to circumnavigate the world. In June the three aeronauts, surrounded by history at the Soukup & Thomas International Balloon & Airship Museum, made their announcement.

They are planning to launch this coming winter season from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team is composed of three very experienced aeronauts. They will be flying a Cameron designed and built Roziere balloon. The primary sponsor is Reverend Marta S. Weeks of the United States Episcopal Church. Based in the Diocese of Southeast Florida, her ministry and outreach includes an area from the Philippines to Panama to Russia to Paris. Spirit of Peace.

Experimental Balloon and Airship Meet

Jon Radowski traveled to Post Mills, Vermont in May to attend the annual meeting of balloon and airship experimental home-builders. Post Mills is the Mecca for those who like to design and construct their own LTA craft. An added bonus for those attending is Brian Boland's new museum and balloon loft. This meet is balloon barnstorming in the purest sense. There is no formality, just old time flying and hangar talk that gets everyone excited and thinking about new projects.