TangoWhiskey
Touchdown! Greaser!
The RAF is actively working to prevent the State of New Mexico from adopting a new law that would effectively shut down all of the usable water sites to seaplanes within the state. We consider seaplane authorized operating areas simply another basic aviation based method of accessing recreational opportunities, just like backcountry airstrips.
New Mexico has proposed a ban on seaplanes due to concern over invasive species and safety. It appears they have put this amendment on a fast track for approval. The public comment period is open until October 31, 17:00 MST. Less than one week from now.
Background:
The text of the proposed amendment to the relevant state law tersely states:
"The taxiing, landing or takeoff of seaplanes or floatplanes is prohibited in the state parks system." [19.5.2.26 NMAC - N, / /]
According to the national Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA), all of the water in the state suitable for seaplane operations is controlled by the NM State Parks Department, therefore this law would effective ban and eliminate seaplane operations within the state. Worse yet, to travel by straight (non-amphibious) float plane from the Mississippi river system to the west coast, one needs to be able to stop somewhere in New Mexico along the way. The only other way to get across the U.S. is using the Missouri River system in the northern U.S., which is not useable in the winter months.
The state is apparently concerned with the introduction of invasive species into New Mexico lakes, as well as public safety. However, according to the SPA, the state sees tens of thousands of boats coming into the state each year from other regions; most are not being inspected or decontaminated for invasive species. Additionally, the SPA maintains that the data on accidents between boats and seaplanes does not support a public safety concern.
If you wish to see actual specifics and the full written text of the amendment, click here: page 6.
EMAIL CAMPAIGN:
The RAF is asking members to compose emails to NM officials to protest the amendment to NM state law. Please make your emails courteous, factual, and non-combative. You may address emails to:
steve.tafoya@state.nm.us
april.alvarado@state.nm.us
susana.martinez2@state.nm.us
Here are a few suggested talking points for your email:
· Seaplane Pilots are certificated, highly trained, naturally concerned and continually proactively working to keep seaplane operations safe.
· Seaplane Pilots are aware of, trained about, and willing to work with State Agencies to prevent the spreading of invasive species. This has been a workable solution in many states all over the US.
· Seaplane Pilots are involved in environmental/cleanup efforts, they help and assist with search and rescue efforts. Seaplanes operators are successfully integrated in natural disaster response plans in New Mexico and other states. Eliminating this capability would be short sighted.
· Seaplane Pilots wish to retain equal opportunity in access to water bodies and recreational opportunities.
· Seaplane Pilots are proactive about noise, pollution, and have safely operated alongside boaters for decades.
· By regulation and law, seaplanes are boats once they are on the water. Banning them because of their method of arrival from outside (or from within) the state makes little sense.
Example of a letter of protest:
(please don’t copy this word for word, as most officials ignore copy letters)
Dear Mr. Tafoya and Ms. Alvarado;
I can paraphrase the letters you’ve already received and just be another advocate for continued Seaplane access to the magnificent waterways of New Mexico. However there are other important issues that your legislation may be overlooking. Seaplanes should be viewed as part of the solution, as opposed to part of a problem.
First, other writers have mentioned how seaplanes pose less of a threat regarding invasive species than boaters. Working directly with the 100th Meridian Initiative, seaplane pilots are a model example of adherence to the best practices available and they can be regarded as mentors to boaters as they demonstrate safe and clean practices just as they’ve done in California. Seaplane pilots have actually been “leading the charge” when it comes to compliance with these clean practices. The procedures that have been set for the Clear Lake Splash-In held in Lake County, CA over the last 8 years have proven the pilot’s willingness, and effectiveness.
Legislators in Washington State’s Whatcom County were considering a ban for their watershed Lake Whatcom that serves as the drinking water for the city of Bellingham and much of the area. The lake has a Washington State Department of Transportation approved Seaplane Base and closure would mean a significant impact on residents of the area. The Washington Seaplane Pilots’ Association worked directly with Whatcom County and the state’s Department of Ecology to implement procedures for seaplane pilots that were derived from the procedures set forth by the 100th Meridian Initiative.
The second part of seaplanes being “part of the solution” is being developed and demonstrated in WA and has drawn great interest in the neighboring states of Idaho and Oregon. The Emergency Seaplane Response Plan (ESRP) draws on the resources of private aircraft owners and commercial operators to help in various emergency situations. The focus of WA and OR’s concerns are major earthquakes or tsunamis where much of the transportation infrastructure would be devastated. The residents of Priest Lake Idaho have acknowledged the importance of seaplanes in the advent of a major wild fire that could close access to their entire valley. Seaplanes would be an important asset for evacuation of persons needing medical assistance and transporting of emergency supplies and personnel.
The momentum of Washington’s ESRP has gained the interest and support of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, National Disaster Medical System, Washington State Guard, Washington Air Search and Rescue, Seattle Fire Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, South Whatcom Regional Fire Authority, Washington State Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division and the Civil Air Patrol just to name a few. This has been covered by our local news reports and can be seen at the following link.
http://www.king5.com/home/Seaplanes...if-big-quake-hits-Seattle-area-172984031.html
The Ross Lake National Recreation Area in a remote part of Washington State recently drew up a new management plan. They had originally considered the ban of seaplanes but found that working with the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association they could mitigate any fears they had and retain an important resource for their remote location.
Considering the vastness of New Mexico and the remoteness of the reservoirs in relation to medical facilities and emergency services, please reconsider the many advantages of seaplanes being part of a solution. Local pilot organizations and national ones are here to help you get the information you need. Please allow us to help.
Respectively,
Bruce R. Hinds
Ex-President & current board member,
Washington Seaplane Pilots’ Association
Director, Seaplane Pilots Association (national)
Recreational Aviation Foundation
1711 West College Street
Bozeman, MT 59715-4913
United States
406-582-1RAF (406-582-1723)
theraf.org
Source: Thread on SeaPlanes.org
New Mexico has proposed a ban on seaplanes due to concern over invasive species and safety. It appears they have put this amendment on a fast track for approval. The public comment period is open until October 31, 17:00 MST. Less than one week from now.
Background:
The text of the proposed amendment to the relevant state law tersely states:
"The taxiing, landing or takeoff of seaplanes or floatplanes is prohibited in the state parks system." [19.5.2.26 NMAC - N, / /]
According to the national Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA), all of the water in the state suitable for seaplane operations is controlled by the NM State Parks Department, therefore this law would effective ban and eliminate seaplane operations within the state. Worse yet, to travel by straight (non-amphibious) float plane from the Mississippi river system to the west coast, one needs to be able to stop somewhere in New Mexico along the way. The only other way to get across the U.S. is using the Missouri River system in the northern U.S., which is not useable in the winter months.
The state is apparently concerned with the introduction of invasive species into New Mexico lakes, as well as public safety. However, according to the SPA, the state sees tens of thousands of boats coming into the state each year from other regions; most are not being inspected or decontaminated for invasive species. Additionally, the SPA maintains that the data on accidents between boats and seaplanes does not support a public safety concern.
If you wish to see actual specifics and the full written text of the amendment, click here: page 6.
EMAIL CAMPAIGN:
The RAF is asking members to compose emails to NM officials to protest the amendment to NM state law. Please make your emails courteous, factual, and non-combative. You may address emails to:
steve.tafoya@state.nm.us
april.alvarado@state.nm.us
susana.martinez2@state.nm.us
Here are a few suggested talking points for your email:
· Seaplane Pilots are certificated, highly trained, naturally concerned and continually proactively working to keep seaplane operations safe.
· Seaplane Pilots are aware of, trained about, and willing to work with State Agencies to prevent the spreading of invasive species. This has been a workable solution in many states all over the US.
· Seaplane Pilots are involved in environmental/cleanup efforts, they help and assist with search and rescue efforts. Seaplanes operators are successfully integrated in natural disaster response plans in New Mexico and other states. Eliminating this capability would be short sighted.
· Seaplane Pilots wish to retain equal opportunity in access to water bodies and recreational opportunities.
· Seaplane Pilots are proactive about noise, pollution, and have safely operated alongside boaters for decades.
· By regulation and law, seaplanes are boats once they are on the water. Banning them because of their method of arrival from outside (or from within) the state makes little sense.
Example of a letter of protest:
(please don’t copy this word for word, as most officials ignore copy letters)
Dear Mr. Tafoya and Ms. Alvarado;
I can paraphrase the letters you’ve already received and just be another advocate for continued Seaplane access to the magnificent waterways of New Mexico. However there are other important issues that your legislation may be overlooking. Seaplanes should be viewed as part of the solution, as opposed to part of a problem.
First, other writers have mentioned how seaplanes pose less of a threat regarding invasive species than boaters. Working directly with the 100th Meridian Initiative, seaplane pilots are a model example of adherence to the best practices available and they can be regarded as mentors to boaters as they demonstrate safe and clean practices just as they’ve done in California. Seaplane pilots have actually been “leading the charge” when it comes to compliance with these clean practices. The procedures that have been set for the Clear Lake Splash-In held in Lake County, CA over the last 8 years have proven the pilot’s willingness, and effectiveness.
Legislators in Washington State’s Whatcom County were considering a ban for their watershed Lake Whatcom that serves as the drinking water for the city of Bellingham and much of the area. The lake has a Washington State Department of Transportation approved Seaplane Base and closure would mean a significant impact on residents of the area. The Washington Seaplane Pilots’ Association worked directly with Whatcom County and the state’s Department of Ecology to implement procedures for seaplane pilots that were derived from the procedures set forth by the 100th Meridian Initiative.
The second part of seaplanes being “part of the solution” is being developed and demonstrated in WA and has drawn great interest in the neighboring states of Idaho and Oregon. The Emergency Seaplane Response Plan (ESRP) draws on the resources of private aircraft owners and commercial operators to help in various emergency situations. The focus of WA and OR’s concerns are major earthquakes or tsunamis where much of the transportation infrastructure would be devastated. The residents of Priest Lake Idaho have acknowledged the importance of seaplanes in the advent of a major wild fire that could close access to their entire valley. Seaplanes would be an important asset for evacuation of persons needing medical assistance and transporting of emergency supplies and personnel.
The momentum of Washington’s ESRP has gained the interest and support of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, National Disaster Medical System, Washington State Guard, Washington Air Search and Rescue, Seattle Fire Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, South Whatcom Regional Fire Authority, Washington State Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division and the Civil Air Patrol just to name a few. This has been covered by our local news reports and can be seen at the following link.
http://www.king5.com/home/Seaplanes...if-big-quake-hits-Seattle-area-172984031.html
The Ross Lake National Recreation Area in a remote part of Washington State recently drew up a new management plan. They had originally considered the ban of seaplanes but found that working with the Washington Seaplane Pilots Association they could mitigate any fears they had and retain an important resource for their remote location.
Considering the vastness of New Mexico and the remoteness of the reservoirs in relation to medical facilities and emergency services, please reconsider the many advantages of seaplanes being part of a solution. Local pilot organizations and national ones are here to help you get the information you need. Please allow us to help.
Respectively,
Bruce R. Hinds
Ex-President & current board member,
Washington Seaplane Pilots’ Association
Director, Seaplane Pilots Association (national)
Recreational Aviation Foundation
1711 West College Street
Bozeman, MT 59715-4913
United States
406-582-1RAF (406-582-1723)
theraf.org
Source: Thread on SeaPlanes.org
