Every now and then, we win one.

That's particularly true when AOPA President, Phil Boyer (the aero-equivalent of the proverbial 600 pound Gorilla...), decides to cry "foul" and make an issue of the problems GA faces from the heavy hands at the Federal government. Thanks to the efforts of AOPA's action team (and at least 100 ANN readers who shared their e-mail protests with us), the Leesburg (Virginia) automated flight service station (AFSS) has reopened its doors for walk-in pilot briefings. The warning went out, and action taken, principally, due to the quick notice of Leesburg Airport Support Network volunteer Ed Levine and AOPA.

The FSS was closed to walk-in briefings this week because of fears the briefers were in danger due to the orange level security alert (or was it due to the fact that pilots were making it clear that they were tired of waiting on hold all the time???). Leesburg was the only FSS that locked its doors to the public. ASN volunteer Levine notified AOPA, and President Phil Boyer immediately pushed for action. 

“This is one of the few AFSS in the country sited on an airport, making face-to-face briefings possible,” said Boyer. “Considering that this AFSS serves the Washington area, which with the ADIZ is an area where pilots need the most help from flight service, and considering that pilots calling the Leesburg AFSS are confronted with an average wait time of 9 minutes when they can get past the busy signals, cutting off walk-in briefings is just unacceptable.”

AOPA bumped its complaint all the way to the highest levels in FAA headquarters, arguing that there was no evidence of any credible threat of terrorist activity directed towards Leesburg or any other AFSS the would preclude the ability to safely provide face-to-face pilot briefings.

AOPA reminded FAA of the pledge made to AOPA from both FAA and TSA that the government would use concrete, threat-based intelligence to issue airspace and other transportation restrictions.

FAA responded by immediately reopening the Leesburg AFSS. 

“AOPA appreciates the hard work of Airport Support Network volunteers, like Ed Levine, and also thanks members who call or email ‘absurd' situations like this during these trying times, said Boyer. “The association checks out the details of each and acts within its ability and strength, as in this case, to remedy the situation.”

Thanks to all the AOPA staffers and ANN readers who reacted so quickly to this ridiculous problem. You won this one for us all.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.aopa.org, http://www2.faa.gov/ats/afss/leesburg/