In Flight USA April 2023

Calendar of Events

Tolist your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com. Note: Calendar includes only information available by our press date, Friday, March 31.Confirm the status before attending.

APRIL

1 Bullhead City, AZ:Laughlin-Bullhead Air Show, Laughlin/Bullhead Int’l. Airport, laughlinbullheadairshow.com.

Chico, CA:Chico Air Museum “Run the Runway” Run, 9 a.m., Chico Regional Airport, (530) 345-6468, chicoairmuseum.org.

Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.

Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.

Conroe, TX:ConroeRides Day/CAF Open House, Conroe-N. Houston Regional Airport, b17texasraiders.org.

1—2 Homestead, FL:Wings over Homestead ARB, gates 9 a.m., wingsoverhomestead.com.

8 Murchison, TX:Wngs over Pegasus-Help a Horse Day, gates 11 a.m. Pegasus Ranch, (903) 707-5866, wingsoverpegasus.com.

8—9 Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com.

15 Torrance, CA:Celebrity Lecture Series, 11 a.m., Western Museum of Flight, (310) 326-9544, wmof. com.

San Andreas, CA:Calaveras County Airport Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., calaverascountyairportday.com.

Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org.

Hayward, CA:Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hayward Executive Airport, (510) 280-4111.

Petaluma, CA:Petaluma Display Days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Petaluma Municipal Airport, (707) 778-4404.

Burlington, WA:Safety Seminar, 10 a.m. to noon, Skagit Regional Airport, (360) 370-8067, dybergaviation.com.

Burlington, WA:April Fly Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Flight Museum, (360) 424-5151, heritageflight.org.

Santa Rosa, CA:Open Cockpit Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900.

15—16 Cocoa Beach, FL:Cocoa Beach Air Show, gates 9 a.m., tickets (321) 328-8686, cocoabeachairshow.com.

Key West, FL: NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectactular, gates 10 a.m., Boca Chica Field. Contact TBA.

Houston, TX: CAF Houston Wing Warbird Weekend, West Houston Airport, b17texasraiders.org.

16 San Diego, CA:Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.

22 Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832.

Abilene, TX: Big Country Airfest, doors 8 a.m., Dyess AFB, dyess.af.mil.

Louisville, KY: Thunder over Louisville, 3 p.m. over Ohio River, (502) 584-3378, thunderoverlouisville.org.

Lakeport, CA:Clear Lake Aviation Gathering, 8 a.m., Lampson Field Airport, (415) 771-2555.

Brazoria County, TX:LBX Annual Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport. Visit Facebook.com.

Clovis, NM: Wings over Cannon, gates 9 a.m., Cannon AFB, cannon.af.mil.

22 — 23

Beaufort, SC: MCAS Beaufort Air Show, gates TBA, beaufortairshow.com.

Riverside, CA:Southern California Air Show, 8:30 a.., March ARB, socalairshow.com.

28—29 Sweetwater, TX:WASP Fly-In, gates 9 a.m., Avenger Field, (325) 235-0099, waspmuseum.org.

29 — 30 Biloxi, MS: Thunder over the Sound Air & Space Show, gates 9 a.m., Keesler AFB, thunderoverthesound.com.

Fort Lauderdale, FL:Fort Lauderdale Air Show, (954) 241-7937, fortlauderdaleairshow.com.

30 Half Moon Bay, CA:Pacific Coast Dream Machines, 10 a.m., Half Moon Bay Airport, dreammachines.miramarevents.com.

MAY

5—7 Monroe, LA:Red White & Blue Airshow, gates Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m./Sun. 11a.m., Monroe Regional Airport, redwhiteandblueairshow.com.

6 Chico, CA:Chico Air Museum Spring Fly-In, 8 a.m., Chico Regional Airport, (530) 345-6468, chicoairmuseum.org.

Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.

Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.

6—7 Hampton, VA:AirPower over Hampton Roads, JB Langley-Eustis, (757)7645701 jble.af.mil.

NEW TECHNOLOGY COMESTO PISTON ENGINE OVERHAULS

ByBillCox

Oneofthemostcommondebates ingeneralaviationiswhetherthe glassishalffullorhalfempty. Thesedays,itseemsmanypilotsargue onthesideofhalf-empty.

Thecynicssuggestthataeronautical innovationhasbeenstalledforthelast30 years,andthataviationtechnologyhasn’t keptpacewithautomotiveboat,snowmobileorevendogsledprogress.

Itmightseemaircraftpistonengine technologyhassufferedasimilarfate. EnginessuchastheLycomingO-320, IO-360andIO-540,alongwiththe ContinentalO-470,IO-520andIO-550 havesometimesbeenassailedasantiquateddesigns.Eventhenewestofthem isatleast30yearsold.

Enginemanufacturersandoverhaul shopshavesimilarlybeencriticizedfor rebuildingthesame,old,heavy,relativelyinefficientpowerplants,andthe processofoverhaulingandrepairing themhasoftenbeenassailedasold-fashionedandinefficient.

Fortunately,thereareafewshopsthat continuetostriveforsomethingbetter.

Theyspecializeinproducingdurable,high qualityenginesthatcanrunwellpastmanufacturer’sTBOandprovidepilotswho prefertoflybehindtheverybestwiththat extralevelofprecisionandreliability.

KennethCopelandofFortWorth, Texasisoneofthosepilots.Copelandoperatesanumberofaircraftinconjunction withhisworldwidereligiousorganization,

KennethCopelandMinistries.Oneofhis fleetofairplanesisCopeland’spersonal machine,anE55BeechBaron,that’sbeen inservicewiththeministryfor20years.

Recently,whentheBaronwastwo hundredhourspastTBOandstillrunning strongwithVictorengines,Copeland decidedtotakeitbacktoVictorAviation inPaloAlto,Californiaforapairofcryo-

BobHooverdemonstratestheShrike Commander–inverted–withone enginearedlineandtheotherfeathered. UsingVictorengines,Hooverneverhad tocancelashowforengineproblemsin 13years.(CourtesyVictorEngines)

genicXRBlackEditionVIIengine upgrades.VictorSloan,presidentof VictorAviation,haslongbeenaproponentofexpandingthetechnological envelopeonprecisionengineoverhauls. HisshopatPaloAltoAirporthasbeen dealinginextremeoverhaulsfor40 years,allwithinFAAguidelines,but oftenutilizingnewtechniquesfor improvingreliabilityandadvancingthe stateoftheart.

Victor’soverhaulsincludeworkon

Acryogenicengineoverhaulisthelatestinnovationintop-lineengineoverhauland replacement. (JamesLawrence/CourtesyVictorAviation)

FAAReportValidatesSafetyofBasicMedforPrivatePilots................8

AOPAPresidentTestifiesBeforeCongressionalPanel........................10

NATA’sPresidentTestifiestoAviationSubcommitteeonFutureofGA 11

LastSeasonatStead,NationalChampionshipRacestoLeaveReno14

CalltoAction:GAIssuesDiscussedatFAASafetySummit..............20

AOPAAsksFAAforImprovedTestingOversight..................................25

CubCrafters-BuiltAircraftLandsonIconicDubaiHotel......................26

DoroniAerospaceAchievesMilestoneeVTOLFlightTests................33

SpecialSection,HAIHeli-Expo:$2BillioninBusinessOccurred......36

FAAAwardsAOPAGrantforYouCanFlyHighSchoolInitiative......42

AviationHeroesHonoredatAOPAHooverTrophyReception............43

TecnamCommemorates75YearsofLegacyAircraftManufacturing44 CoolestAirshowOnEarthComingtoHalfMoonBayApril30..........45

SPECIAL COVERAGE:HAIHELI-EXPO 2023

Editorial ByEdDowns

1974CessnaT337G Pressurized Skymaster

2017 Socata TBM 930

AirplanesUSA is proud to present this beautiful, pressurized Skymastertothe market. This solid traveling machine has a great maintenance history and is well equipped for just about any mission. The airplane has spent the last several years in Germany (under N registry) but was recently brought to the US for selling. The low time factory reman engines and recently overhauled props mean you have plenty of life by– come see it today!.…......................................................

1994 Commander 114B

1976BeechcraftV-35B Bonanza

1975 Cessna U206F

WE DESERVE BETTER…AN OPEN LETTERTOTHE WHITE HOUSE

To:WhiteHouseStaff

1600PennsylvaniaAvenueNW

AirplanesUSA is proud to present this beautiful 1976 Beechcraft V-35B to the market! Six seats and an outstanding avionics package, this airplane is a cross country machine. She has spent most of her life in the dry South Dakota environment and is currently hangered in Iowa. Excellent maintenance history, complete and original records, and a low time engine. All this airplaneneedsisanew home. Call today!.……...........$209,900

1979BeechcraftA36Bonanza 1943

warbird with Navy

this

award winner!

AirplanesUSA is proud to present this beautiful, damage free Bonanza to the market. An exquisite example of Beechcraft’s heavy hauler, this A36 is sure to attract attention on any ramp with great paint and like new interior. This awesome Bonanza is powered by a Victor Aviation Black Edition 550, with a beautiful three blade Hartzell prop up front. The ADS-B compliant avionics are in good working order, and ready for an upgrade of your choosing! The 550 upgrade also gives a nice performance bump tothealreadygood characteristics of the A36. This is an airplane you will $269,900

Washington,D.C.20500

HeyWhiteHousepeople,rememberme?Iusedtohangoutacross thestreetinLafayetteParkand watchdemonstratorsparadebackand forthinfrontofyourplace.Iwouldtaunt themwithmybigbaglunch…yep,lots offun.Ofcourse,Ihadtofightoffthe rats.No,theywere not squirrels.Didyou evertakecareofthat?Ohwait,youguys wereprobablynowherearound,asthis wasbackinthe1970/80’s,youknow, whentheATCcontrollerswentonstrike? Yep,workedalotwiththeFAAback then,fromtheAdministratorondown. Learnedalotabouthowthingswork “insidetheBeltway,”nottobeconfused withanythingthatgoesoninthereal UnitedStates.Ilaterdidalotofaircraft certificationandtrainingstuffinD.C. Indeed,65yearsasapropilotandaviationguytaughtthisoldboyalotabout howthegovernmentworks.

Giventhatwanderingintro,the writerofthisop/edsympathizeswith yourpresentproblemregardingthe selectionofanFAAAdministrator.Phil Washingtonwasagoodpoliticalchoice, havingledthecommitteethatselected hisfutureboss(oratleastitlookedthat way),PeteButtigieg.Tobesure,that committeewasseekingoutthemost qualifiedpersontobeapartofthe President’sCabinet…orsuccessfully chasingdowncurrentsocialengineering policies.Mr.Washingtoncertainlyrepresentedacontinuationofalongheld WhiteHousetradition.ThePresident picksCabinetSecretariesthatwillserve asgood“yes-people”(can’tsay“yesman”anymore).TheCabinetSecretaries will,inturn,appointAgencyAdministratorstowhomtheyowefavorsorthat willmakeanunder-talentedSecretary lookgood.Itisatime-honoredsystem, andsometimeswegetsomeprettygood peopleonthejob.

Butmoreoften,theactualrunning ofanagencyfallstothelong-termcivil servicefolkswhoactuallymakethe wheelsturn.Yes,myyearsinD.C.did teachmethatthe“deepstate”doesexist. ButInowseethatthesystemhas encounteredahitch-in-the-git-along.The wordisoutthatMr.Washingtonhas withdrawnhisnominationforthe appointmentofFAAAdministrator,

claiming“unfoundedpartisanattacks.” Thatstatementmustbeatoughonefor theWhiteHouseteamtohandle.Ithink “unfoundedpartisanattacks”really means“blametheotherguy,”aterm withoutwhichWashingtonD.C.would simplycollapsebackintomainstream America...youcan’tletthathappen! Again,youhavemysympathies.

Buttakeastepback,maybethisisa goodthingforyourteam.Maybeitwill giveyouachancetore-thinkwhatthe rightqualificationsforanFAA Administratorshouldbe.Sure,Mr. Washingtonwasalandmanager,workingwithleases,rentalagreements,subcontractorsandcompanieswishingto usepublicresources(likeairports)for profitmakingpurposesthatwillkeep theirmanagement(WallStreetbankers) happy.Thatiscertainlyapartofthe NationalAirspaceSystem,butisitthe partthatkillspeopleifbadpoliciesare implementedormistakesaremadeoutof ignorance?Groundbasedmanagementis important,buthowoftendoestheground falloutoftheskyandkillpeople,perhapshundredsatatime?

Aircraftdesignandcertificationis anengineeringchallenge,notmowing grassbetweentherunways.AirTraffic Controlisnotavideogame,itshuffles planesaroundtravelingatspeedsofupto Mach.82andrunsparallelapproachesin giantaircraftwithnomorethan1.5-mile separation.Multipleairplanesmaybe operatingonrunwayssimultaneously, withanother30to40aircraftmaneuveringontheground.Doesapoliticalor landmanagementbackgroundprepare oneforsuchresponsibilities?Andhow aboutflightcrewtraining,bothcockpit andcabinprofessionals.Doesa“favor” toapoliticalcontributorqualifythatcontributortomanagethewidevarietyof pilotcertificatesandratingsneededto operateunderavarietyofprofessional pilotapplications?Let’snotforgetcomplexmaintenanceneeds.Doyouwanta politicianadjustingthebrakesonyour car?DidyouguysandgalsintheWhite HouseconsiderthesefactorswhenMr. Washington’snamewasplacedonthe table?

So…hereismythought.Takean airlineflightsomewhere…anywhere. Experiencetheterminalandcustomer service.Thinkabouttheotherairplanes operatingjustafewfeetawayfromyour

ContinuedonPage7

AirplanesUSA proudly present

Oshkosh

Timeless

colors and military records. Zero-timeengine with 2022 overhaul by Radial Engines. This excellent example needs absolutely nothing. This is your opportunity to own a piece of history. Ready for aerobatic ridesand grass strip adventures!.….............. CALL!

CoverStory

ContinuedfromPage4

aircraftbelongingtosomeofaviation andautoracing’smostknowledgeable pilotsandengineers.Retiredairshow pilotBobHooverhadatleasttwosetsof enginesonhisShrikeCommanderoverhauledatVictor’sshop,simplybecause Hooverwasconvincedtheywerethe bestpistonenginesavailable.AsHoover putit,“Inmybusiness,Icouldn’tafford anythinglessthanthebest.”

Hooverwasfamousforhisdramatic Commanderroutinethatinvolvedrunning theenginestomaxpower;then,shutting downoneorbothandperformingloops, rollsandevendeadsticklandingswith oneorbothpropsfeathered.Hoover’sairshowroutinedemandedultimatereliability,astheenginesoftenneededtostartand stopeverytimeonshortnotice.

Theairshowpilothadnever endorsedanyproductuntilflyingbehind VictorEngines,andafter15yearsand 570airshowsofoperatingmorethan 5,000hourswithSloan’soverhauls,he washappytosay,“I’veneverhadtocancelanairshowbecauseofengineproblemssincestartingtouseVictor engines.”

FormerX-15rocketplanetestpilot ScottCrossfield,firstmantobustboth Mach2.0andMach3.0alsochosetooverhaultheengineinhispersonalCessna210 usingVictor’sadvancedengineprocesses. LikeHoover,Crossfieldhadnever endorsedanaviationproduct,buthehadno problemvouchingforthereliabilityofa VictorBlackEditionIIengineinhisown aircraft.“Whetherit’sMach2.0orMach.2, it’sallafunctionofpower,”saidCrossfield.

GaryBettenhausen,amemberofthe famousBettenhausenautoracingfamily andconsistentIndy-carcompetitoratthe

Editorial

ContinuedfromPage6

airlinerwhiletaxiing.No,youcan’tsee them,becausemostofthepassengers havethewindowshadesdownsothey canplaycomputergames.Justaskyourself,“amIabouttocrossanactiverunwayinfrontofanotherairplane?”Once intheair,lookdown(ifthejerkwiththe windowseatwillopenthewindow shade)andgivesomethoughttothefact thatyouareflyingatover500mph, 35,000feetabovetheground,surrounded bythousandsofpoundsofhighlyflammablefluidthathasbeenintentionallyset onfiretomaketheenginesrunattemperaturesthatwillmeltnormalsteel.While enjoyingthisadventure,considerthat youplacedapolitician,campaign fundraiserorlandmanageratthehelm.

X-15researchrocketplanepilotScott CrossfieldinspiredVictorSloantopursue cryogenicengineoverhauls.Crossfield installedaVictorBlackEditionIIinhis personalaircraft,aCessna210.

(JamesLawrence/ CourtesyVictorAviation)

Indianapolis500pickedaBlackEdition IIengineforhispersonalaircraftandwas proudofhischoice.“AtIndy,ifyouhave engineproblems,youdropoutofthe race,andinanaircraft,ifyouhave engineproblems,youdropoutofthesky. IrecommendVictorhighly,andmaybe we’llseehimatIndysomeday.”

Morerecently,however,Kenneth CopelandMinistrieshadusedVictor Sloan’sservicesbefore.Infact,Victor Aviationhadperformedatleasttwo dozenoverhaulsonCopeland’svariety ofaircraft,rangingfromseveralCessna 421stoBonanzasandBarons.

Sloanwasespeciallyeagertoseethe

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Gosh,whatcouldgowrong?

Uponlanding(hopeyouenjoyedthe in-flightmeal),takealookinsidethe FAAandseeif,justmaybe,thetalent neededisalreadythere.Ihearthereisa guynamed“Billy”Nolenwhohasbeen doingaprettygoodjobandhasalotof practicalskillandknowledge.InthatMr. Nolenwasnotchosenforthejob,he probablydoeslacksomepoliticalskills, butjusthowimportantisthatwhenyou lookdownfrom35,000feet?Bottom line,weinaviationdeservebetterthan whatyouhavecomeupwith.Weaviators knowyouhaveatoughjob,butthatdoes notmeanyoushouldnotdoagoodjob. Hereisyourchancetoprovethatpoliticiansandbureaucratscanthinkbeyond theirownself-interest.Doit!

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW C AN HELP YOU!

ByMarkBaker AOPAPresidentandCEO

Irecentlyhadthepleasureofhosting anall-handsmeetingofAOPAstaffat ourHQ,andwhatagathering!Itwas greattoseeeveryonetogetherandcelebratewhatwedoforourmembersand thegeneralaviationcommunityevery day:protectyourfreedomtofly.

TalkingwiththescoresofpeopleonhandforthisspecialdayreinforcedwhatI haveknownduringmy10yearswith AOPA:howextraordinary,talentedand dedicatedourAOPAteamis,andthewealth ofbenefitswebringtoyoueveryday.

Whilemanyofourmemberstake advantageofthevaluablerangeofservicesweprovide,someareconnectedwithus inveryspecificways–helpwithalegal issue,aloveforourpublicationsand videos,orlearningthroughoursafetycontent.IjustwanttoremindallofourmembershowyourAOPAmembershiptrulyis oneofthemostvaluableassetsinaviation.

Justconsiderhowwesurroundand protectyou–athome,attheairport,in theair,andeverywhereinbetween.

Forstarters,ourgovernmentaffairs teaminD.C.andinregionsacrossthe

countryspendseverydayprotectingyour freedomtofly–freedomsagainstalack oftransparencybyairportsandFBOs, keepingyourairportsopeninthefaceof threats,makingitlesspainfultoregister youraircraft,makingsureflighttraining isdefinedasjustthat,andworkingto increasehangaravailabilitytoourlocal airports,justtonameafewways.

HavingthesupportofourPilot ProtectionServices,andlegalandmedicalteams,canmakeallthedifferencein theworldwhenyou’refacedwithaserious,andoftenveryunnerving,issue.The teamhasincredibleexperience,expertise andresourcestohelpyounavigateyour wayforward.

OurPilotInformationCenterand MemberServicesteamsgethundredsof callsfrommemberseachday,andprovidevaluablesupportonvirtuallyevery aviationsituationorissue.Letthese teamsbeyourfirst(andprobablylast) callforwhateverisonyourmind.

WiththeskiesasbusyasIhaveever seenthem,safetyisparamount–it’sin ourDNA.Nodoubtmanyofyoukeep tunedtothevaluableandtimelycontent thatourAirSafetyInstituteprovidesona weeklybasis.We’reproud(ofallofyou!)

thatweareinthesafesttimeeverforGA, butweneverrest.

Iknowthatvirtuallyallofourmembersstayuptodateandengagedthrough ourdifferentmediachannels:Pilotand FlightTrainingmagazines,digitaland socialmedia,videoandpodcasts.Our mediaproductsarealwaysadaptingto waysthatyouconsumecontent.AOPAhas arobustanddedicatedteamsolelyfocused onbringingyounewsandfeaturesabout everythinggoingoninGAtoday.

Ourteamsarealwayslookingatnew waystoenhanceyourconnectionto AOPA,whichItrustisamongyourmost valuedaviationrelationships.Wealways haveanopenmindandearaboutproduct orserviceideas.

Speakingofenhancingyourexperience,howaboutthenearly12,000rusty pilotsthatourYouCanFlyteamhas helpedtogetbackintheskies?There’s nothinglikegettingyourcertificate–it’s awholeotherthrilltogetbackintothe cockpitaftersometimeoff,however longit’sbeen!

OurYouCanFlyteamscanalso helpyougetbetterandmoreeconomical accesstoairplanesthroughflyingclubs; wehavehelpedformmorethan220

clubssincewestartedoutjustafewyears ago.Andforthosecurrentlyinflight trainingorjustgettingstarted,ourAOPA FlightTrainingAdvantageplatform makestrainingmoreefficientandabetter experienceforstudentandinstructor.

Ialsoneedtogiveashoutouttoour YouCanFlyHighSchoolSTEMteam–morethan16,000studentsareenrolledin thecurriculumjustthisyearacross43 states.Sincewestarted,we’veengaged morethan50,000students,andmore than70percentofthefirstgraduatessay theyareactivelypursuinganaviation career.Weofferthisvaluablecurriculum freeofchargetoeducators;ifyou’dlike knowmore,contactourteam!

Andifyouhavethatcertificateand areitchingtobuyanairplane,our AircraftFinancingteamcanhelpyou navigatetheworldofputtingabeautiful birdinyourhangar.

Imentionthesebenefitsnotsimply tocreatealist,buttogiveallofourmembersacompleteviewofhowweprotect yourfreedomtoflyinsomanyways. Pleaseletusknowhowwecanmake yourmembershipandflyingexperiences morerewardingandexciting.

BlueSkies!

FAAREPORT VALIDATES SAFETYOF BASIC MED FOR PRIVATE PILOTS

AFederalAviationAdministration (FAA)reportmandatedbyCongress determinedthattheBasicMedprogramis safe.TheFAArevieweddataovera three-yearperiodforthereport(“Effects ofRegulatoryChangestoMedical CertificationforCertainSmallAircraft Pilots”),datedMarch10,2023.

BasicMedwastheresultofadedicatedeffortbyAOPAandkeyalliesin Congresstobringaboutmuch-needed third-classmedicalreform.Nearly 80,000pilotshavequalifiedtoflyunder BasicMedsinceitwasenactedin2017.

“TheFAA’sreporttoCongressconfirmswhatwehaveknownforyears: BasicMedworksandBasicMedpilots remainsafepilots,”saidAOPAPresident andCEOMarkBaker.“Wehavejust gonethroughthesafestthreetofour yearsingeneralaviationhistory.The FAArecentlyexpandedtheBasicMed programtoincludesafetypilots;nations suchasMexico,TheBahamas,andother CaribbeancountriesacceptU.S.pilots flyingwithBasicMed;andIstrongly believetheprogramwillcontinueto growandexpand.”

ThestudyteamincludedrepresentativesfromtheFAA’sFlightStandards

ProgramContinuestoGrow

Service,theOfficeofAerospaceMedicine, andtheOfficeofAccidentInvestigation andPrevention,andfoundnodifferences insafetywhencomparingBasicMedtothe longstandingthird-classmedicalthatgeneralaviationpilotsarerequiredtoobtain foraprivatepilot’slicense.

Accordingtothereport,“NodifferencewasfoundintheriskofBasicMed andthird-classairmenhavinganaviation accidentfromthestartofBasicMedin 2017throughtheendof2019.Nodifferencewasfoundbetweenaccident involvedBasicMedandthird-classairmeninthephaseofflightinwhichtheir accidentoccurred.Nodifferencewas foundbetweenaccidentinvolved BasicMedandthird-classairmeninfatal versusnon-fataloutcomes.Nodifference wasfoundbetweenfatallyinjured BasicMedandthird-classairmenin autopsyfindings.”

Thenumberofindividualsholdinga privateorstudentpilotcertificateinthe UnitedStateshasclimbedfrom584,000 in2016tonearly757,000today,a30percentincrease.AccordingtotheFAA,privatepilotsaccountformorethan26millionsafeflyinghoursannually,which representsmorethan30milliontakeoffs

andlandingseachyear.

AccordingtotheFAAreport,the totalnumberofaircrafthoursflownby pilotsunderBasicMedincreasedfrom over15millionin2017,theyearFAA implementedBasicMed,toover16millionin2019.

AOPA’sAirSafetyInstitutehas reportedthattheoverallGAaccident rate,basedonNationalTransportation SafetyBoarddata,includingBasicMed pilots,isatitslowestlevelindecades, andcontinuingtodropeveryyearsince the1990s.Thegeneralaviationcommunityhasneverhadastrongerfocuson safety,andtheU.S.airspacecontinuesto bethesafestintheworld.

PilotsusingBasicMedmustsuccessfullycompleteanFAAapproved onlinemedicaleducationcourseevery otheryearwhiletheyareflying.

AOPAhousesmanyoftheresources pilotsneedtobetterunderstandthe requirementsofBasicMed(aopa.org/ basicmed),includingthosetodetermine eligibility,themedicalexamchecklist thatneedstobereviewedbyapilotand physician,aBasicMedphysicianfinder, anonlinemedicaleducationcourse,and instructionsonhowtofiletheapplica-

Pilotswhocompletethestepsfor BasicMedqualificationcanflyinaircraft weighingupto6,000lbs.grosstakeoff weight,withuptosixseatsandcarrying uptofivepassengers.Theycanflydayor night,VFRorIFR,atspeedsupto250 ktsandataltitudesupto18,000feetmsl. (CourtesyAOPA)

tion.

AOPA’swebsitealsoprovidesaviatorswithengagingandinformative videosaboutBasicMed,aswellashelpfulFAQsforpilotsandphysicians.The onlinecourseandeducationalmaterials coversuchtopicsashealthself-assessment,whentoseeadoctor,conditions thatmayrequireacloserlook,andhow tousedietandexercisetostaysharpfor theflightdeckandinlife.

Tolearnmore,visitwww.aopa.org.

CalendarofEvents

ContinuedfromPage3

6—7 Corpus Christi, TX:Wings over South Texas, noon, NAS Corpus Christi, wingsoversouthtexas.com.

Chino, CA:Wheels, Tracks & Wings, Chino Airport, (909) 597-3722, planesoffame.org.

12—14 Valdez, AK:Valdez May Day Fly-In & Air Show, Pioneer Field, (907) 835-8244, valdezflyin.com.

13 Paso Robles, CA:EstrellaWarbirds Wings & Wheels, Paso Robles Municipal Airport, (805) 238-9317, ewarbirds.org.

Burlington, WA:May Fly Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Flight Museum, heritageflight.org.

Temple, TX: Draughon-Miller 75th Anniversary Airshow, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Draughon-Miller Airport, (254) 298-5900, discovertemple.com.

13—14 Belleville, IL: Scott AFB Air Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., scott.af.mil.

Westfield, MA:Westfield Int’l. Air Show, Barnes ANGB, westfieldairshow.org. Passes required for general and VIP parking.

Augusta, GA: Augusta Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Augusta Regional Airport, augustaairshow.com.

Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com.

19—20 Hayward, CA:Hayward Air Rally, Fri. noon/Sat. 7 a.m., Hayward Executive Airport, (530) 621-1049, hwdairrally.org. Register by May 15

Peru, IL:TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans, Illinois Valley Regional Airport, tbmreunion.org.

19—21 Lake Charles, LA:Chennault Int’l. Airshow, gates Fri. 5 p.m./Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., Chennault Int’l. Airport, chennaultairshow.com.

Hillsboro, OR: Oregon Int’l. Air Show, gates Fri. 6 p.m./Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m., Hillsboro Airport, oregonairshow.com.

20 Torrance, CA:Armed Forces Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Western Museum ofFlight, (310) 326-9544, wmof. com.

Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org.

Hayward, CA:Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hayward Executive Airport, (510) 280-4111.

Petaluma, CA:Petaluma Display Days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Petaluma Municipal Airport, (707) 778-4404.

Burlington, WA:Safety Seminar, 10 a.m. to noon, Skagit Regional Airport, (360) 370-8067, dybergaviation.com.

Santa Rosa, CA:Open Cockpit Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900.

20 — 21

Dalhart, TX: Thunder over Dalhart Airshow, gates 10 a.m., Dalhart Municipal Airport, dalhart.org.

Yuba City, CA: Beale AFB Air & Space Expo. CANCELED

Goldsboro, NC: Wings over Wayne, gates 8 a.m., Seymour Johnson AFB, wingsoverwayneairshow.com.

Wrightstown, NJ: Power in the Pines Open House & Air Show, McGuire AFB, jbmdl.jb.mil.

Elkhart, IN: Salute to Vets Air Show & WWII Reenactment, gates Sat. 8 a.m./Sun. 9 a.m., Elkhart Municipal Airport, salutetovets.org.

21 San Diego, CA:Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.

26 — 29 Los Angeles, CA: LA Fleet Week, LA Waterfront, (310) 971-4461, lafleetweek.com.

27 — 28 Wantagh, NY: Bethpage Air Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jones Beach State Park, bethpageairshow.com.

Long Pond, PA: The Great Pocono Raceway Air Show, 1 p.m., Pocono Raceway, poconoraceway.com.

Miami Beach, FL: Air & Sea Show, various events/times, South Beach, usasalute.com.

28 Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832.

JUNE

1 Colorado Springs, CO:USAFA Graduation/Thunderbirds Fly-Over, U.S. Air Force Academy.

2—3 Bryant, AR:Wings over Bryant Airshow, Saline County Regional Airport, wingsoverbryant.com.

Woods Cross, UT:Skypark Aviation Festival, Fri. 1 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m., Skypark Airport, (385) 232-1126, skyparkutah.com.

2—4 Reading, PA:Mid-Atlantic WWII Weekend “Gathering of Warbirds,” gates 8:30 a.m., Reading Regional Airport, (610) 372-7333, maam.org.

3 Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.

Grand Island, NE: Nebraska State Fly-In & Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Central Nebraska Regional Airport, (308) 385-5170, nebraskaaviationcouncil.org.

3—4 Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.

Genesseo NY: National Warplane Museum-Genesseo Airshow, gates 10 a.m., Genesseo Airport, (585) 243-2100, nationalwarplanemuseum.com.

www.PCA.aero | 800.353.0370 WESTCOAST’S

BAKER TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESSIONAL PANEL: FOCUSESON TRANSIENT RAMP FAIRNESS, HANGAR SHORTAGE,UNLEADED FUEL, AND MORE

ByLillianGeil AOPA

OnMarch9,theAviation SubcommitteeoftheHouse TransportationandInfrastructure Committeemettoaddress“Securingthe FutureofGeneralAviation,”asthecommitteeworksonthenextFAAreauthorizationbill.

ThetopicofthehearinganditscontentsareinlinewithaninitiativebyT&I ChairmanSamGraves(R-Mo.),aGA pilotandadvocate,tobringmoreattentiontothegeneralaviationsectorby introducingthefirstGAtitlewithinan FAAreauthorizationbill.

“OneoftheworstthingsthathappenedwhenitcomestotheFAAiswhen advocacywasremovedfromthemission statement,”saidGravesinhisopening statement.“Weneedmoreadvocates withintheFAAandthroughoutaviation.”

Inhisopeningstatementandthroughoutthehearing,AOPAPresidentMark Bakeraddressedseveralprimarypointsof interesttoAOPAincludingtheFAA’sdesignatedpilotexaminershortage,theurgent nationwideneedforGAhangarconstruction,neededinvestmentsinmodernizing agencysystemsandtechnology,andasafe andsmarttransitiontoafleet-wideunleadedfuelnolaterthan2030.

“Wehaveanopportunitywiththis year’sFAAReauthorizationtosetthe courseforsecuringthefutureforgeneral aviation,”Bakersaidinwrittentestimony.“AOPAlooksforwardtoworking withtheCommitteeontheupcoming FAAReauthorizationbillontheissues outlinedtodayandothersthatimpact pilotsandaircraftowners.”

Themostpressingpointraisedby Bakerforinclusionintothereauthorizationbillwastheneedforarequirement thatpublic-useairportsprovidetransient rampspacetopilotswhentheydonot needorrequesttheservicesofanFBO.

“Iwanttobeclear,thisisanational problem,”Bakersaid.“Alloftheseairportsshouldberequiredtotreatallusers thesamewhenitcomestopublicaccess.”

Thousandsofpilotshavebeen impactedbythelackoframpspaceat public-useairportsandfindthemselves inmanycasespayingfeesforservices theydidnotuseorrequest,including tiedownfees,facilityfees,infrastructure fees,accessfees,securityfees,handling

AOPAPresidentMarkBakeronMarch9 addressedtheAviationSubcommitteeof theHouseTransportationandInfrastructureCommitteeregardingseveral primarypointsofinteresttoGA,includingtheFAA’sdesignatedpilotexaminer shortage,theurgentnationwideneedfor GAhangarconstruction,neededinvestmentsinmodernizingagencysystemsand technology,andasafeandsmarttransitiontoafleet-wideunleadedfuel.

fees,andrampfees.

(CourtesyAOPA)

“NotadaygoesbythatIdon’thear frompilotsaboutthis,”Bakersaid.“I’ve beeninbusinessallmylifeandI’ve neverknownanyonethatchargesacustomerforservicesapersonneverwanted oraskedfor.”

Bakersubmittedalettertothecommittee,signedbymorethan300aviation organizationsfromacrossthecountry,in supportofrequiringairportstoprovide transientrampspaceatpublic-useairports.

“Onbehalfofalltheseorganizations andpilotsacrossthecountry,westrongly supportandrequestthecommitteeto includeaprovisionintheFAAreauthorizationbillthataddressesaccesstopublic-useairportsinthefollowingthree areas:1)arequirementthatallfederally obligatedairportsprovidetransientramp spaceforprivatelyoperatedaircraft, regardlessofmakeormodel,whenthe pilotdoesnotrequestorneedtheservicesofanFBO;2)ensurefederallyobligatedairportsretaintheabilitytoeither waiveatransientfeeorimposeatransientfee–butthefeemustbefairand reasonable(whateveritcosttheairportto operateandmaintaintheramp);and3)in ordertoaddressTSAsecurityrelated issuesatsomeairports,thePart139airportsinparticular,thereneedstobethe

NationalAirTransportationAssociation(NATA)PresidentandCEOCurt CastagnatestifiedonMarch9beforethe HouseAviationSubcommitteetodiscuss solution-focusedproposalsthatsecurea vibrantfutureforgeneralaviation.Inthe testimony,NATAhighlightsthecritical importanceofFAAReauthorizationlegislationthatwillmaintainthesecurityand increasetheresiliencyoftheNational AirspaceSystemwhilerefiningthefocus andimprovingtheefficiencyofitsregulatoryagency.

“Thetitleoftoday’shearing, ‘SecuringtheFutureofGeneral Aviation,’isparticularlyaptforthecurrentstateofourvitalindustry,ashigh activitylevelscoupledwithrapidinnovationinaircraftdesign,safetysystems, andalternativefuelsourcessignalanever evolving,growing,andrelevantgeneral aviationsector,”saidCastagna.

CastagnatestifiedthatFAA Reauthorizationiscomingatacritical junctureforboththeagencyandindustry, withevidenceofFAAinefficiencyand inconsistencyincreasingevenastheaviationindustryexperiencesaperiodof unprecedentedgrowthandinnovation.

“Iwanttobeginbyexpressing NATA’sappreciationoftheexistingFAA workforce.Taskedwithmaintainingthe goldstandardofaviationsafetyforthe world’smostcomplexairspacesystem, theAgencypresidesoveralmostevery facetofthegeneralaviationindustry. NATAfindsFAAleadersatalllevels withintheorganizationtobecompetent, committed,andcollaborative,yetthe Agency’sunderstaffedworkforceis shackledbyantiquatedmethodsandlack ofpermanentleadershipinkeypositions,”saidCastagna.

NATAattributesthegrowingback-

logsofcriticalFAAcertification,rulemaking,andoversightfunctionsasevidencethattheagencyisstrugglingto

prepareforgrowthspurredbyemerging

Continued on Page 12

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NATA's Castagna Testifies

Continued from Page 11

technologies. Currently, FAA’s certification queue contains over 680 applications – a number that has tripled over the past twelve months.

During his testimony, Castagna asked Congress to mandate FAA stakeholder and industry engagement through collaborative FAA/industry working groups to study methods for modernizing the part 135 certification process and to recommend long-term solutions for effective management of FAA resources. Further, NATA requested a Congressional directive requiring FAA to engage with stakeholders to evaluate why check pilot approval continues to lag and determine further actions to increase the number of carrier check pilots.

Along with other industry partners, NATA is an active supporter of efforts to accelerate production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as well as development of a commercially viable, fleet authorization, unleaded alternative to 100LL. NATA supports funding to accelerate required testing and regulatory approval for the implementation of an unleaded avgas, as well as investments in infrastructure to make alternative unleaded fuel more widely available.

As an industry, we must collectively take creative steps to increase production of alternative unleaded fuels and expand existing fuel infrastructure, according to Castagna. “NATA strongly believes that short-term tax credits for refiners, blenders, and distributors of approved unleaded fuels –modeled after SAF-specific tax incentives – would promote increased production and accelerated deployment to airports. In addition to AIP funding, NATA believes the development of a short-term grant program available to both public and private entities could be

Baker Testifies

Continued from Page 10

ability for private pilots to apply for a SIDA badge in order to escort themselves and passengers to the terminal,” said Baker. “On behalf of AOPA and our fellow aviators across the country, we believe addressing this issue and others will go a long way in securing and growing the future of general aviation.”

One issue of importance to the committee was the need for additional workforce development programs to address looming shortages in aviation. Baker spotlighted AOPA’s initiative to increase the aviation workforce through its High School Aviation STEM Curriculum. Several members praised AOPA for its commitment to this endeavor.

used to support unleaded fuel infrastructure for airports and FBOs, incentivize flight school adoption of alternative fuels, and subsidize supplemental type certificates (STCs) or other end-user costs that could affect fuel adoption.”

Castagna emphasized the need for modernizing the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) in consideration of today’s operating environment as airports require both federal investment and increased public/private partnership opportunities to meet demand, create well-paying jobs, and support aviation technology and sustainability.

“Much in our industry has changed since Congress set the $150,000 general aviation AIP entitlement more than 20 years ago. It is time for this Congress to take action to not only account for inflation but also for the changing needs of general aviation airports by adjusting the entitlement for all GA airports and by introducing a formula to further increase grants for larger GA airports based on flight activity,” said Castagna.

Continued on Page 13

Baker also expressed strong support for legislation to establish a National Center for the Advancement of Aviation (NCAA) to address the workforce challenges. During the hearing, Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) announced he will join Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) to introduce the NCAA bill and work toward its inclusion in the FAA reauthorization legislation.

Learn more about AOPA and AOPA advocacy at www.aopa.org. Baker was joined by Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association; Rick Crider, second vice chair of the American Association of Airport Executives; and Curt Castagna, CEO of the National Air Transportation Association.

Curt Castagna, NATA President & CEO recently addressed the House Aviation Subcommittee on the state of general aviation. (Courtesy NATA)

NATA PROVIDES GA RISK MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE AT FAA SAFETY SUMMIT

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) COO

Keith DeBerry and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

Alan Stephens provided a voice for aviation businesses and 135 operators at the FAA Aviation Safety Summit in McLean, VA on March 15. Agency and industry leaders convened to discuss recent issues impacting the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) and examine actions the aviation community should review and consider to maintain its excellent safety record.

“NATA was pleased to provide the business aviation perspective in discussions on safety risk management with stakeholders from across the general aviation ecosystem,” said DeBerry.

Following the opening session,

DeBerry and Stephens shared four key areas of future focus for general aviation safety in an afternoon breakout:

• Human factors: shortage of skilled pilots, retention, and pilot professionalism.

•Ground operations: runway excursions, ramp safety, and towing.

•FAA interoperability: SMS implementation, safety data collection, and new inspector workforce.

•Risk factors: aircraft automation, Loss of Control (LOC) – circling approaches, and supply chain issues.

“Our members identified these focus areas during a NATA-led 2022 Business Aviation Safety Roundtable and have also shared potential solutions,” added DeBerry.

Continued on Page 18

NATA's Castagna Testifies

Continued from Page 12

As the industry continues to be challenged by workforce shortages across all levels and lines of business, NATA thanked T&I Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) for his introduction of the Aviation WORKS Act to reauthorize section 625 workforce grants, extend them to other aviation sectors, and increase funding levels to $20 million annually.

“The 625 grants have enormous potential to affect change by bolstering the aviation workforce, but they are inadequately funded to meet even a fraction of the demand,” said Castagna. “We ask the Subcommittee to include similar provisions in this year’s Reauthorization and encourage Congress to allocate sufficient funding and resources for FAA to administer the grants more efficiently and effectively.”

Further, Castagna called for the expansion of federal student loans to aspiring pilots and aircraft mechanics, the establishment of a National Center for the Advancement of Aviation, and the consideration of recommendations made by the Women in Aviation Advisory Board and Youth in Aviation Taskforce as means to help our industry develop and recruit a diverse, resilient workforce.

Also critical to the future of general aviation is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which holds enormous promise to reduce aircraft emissions and noise impacts, to speed up cargo and medical transport in rural areas, and to facilitate multi-modal urban mobility. NATA and its membership see a natural nexus between existing part 135 on-demand

carrier operations, existing general aviation airports, existing FBO infrastructure, and emerging AAM innovation.

“We must swiftly prepare for AAM adoption if we hope to fully harness its potential to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact and maintain U.S. global aviation leadership,” said Castagna. “We ask Congress to take action to ensure FAA development of a sound regulatory framework for AAM operations, as well as guidance for and investment in the physical infrastructure necessary to support them. NATA looks forward to further facilitating discussions between industry, Congress, and the agencies to advance this technology and help stakeholders prepare for its implementation.”

Following oral testimony, the panelists engaged in a substantive discussion with Aviation Subcommittee members. Castagna fielded questions from lawmakers on a wide range of topics, including FAA regulatory reform, preparation for advanced air mobility deployment, common sense solution to accelerate the safe transition to unleaded fuels, recruiting a diverse workforce, and broadening the onramp to a wide array of industry jobs.

“Together, we will secure a sustainable, safe, and successful future for our nation’s general aviation industry and the countless communities it serves,” concluded Castagna.

Learn more about NATA, representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, and read NATA’s full statement to the House Aviation Subcommittee on NATA’s website, www.nata.aero.

L AST SEASON AT S TEAD: NATIONAL C HAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES MUST LEAVE RENO

Fly By Wire Air is a one-stop shop for aviation. You will find RC models, general aviation planes, services and accessories, as well as sites rich in historic aviation. We hopy you enjoy visiting our site. When you think of flying - Fly By Wire.

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On March 9, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) board of directors announced that the National Championship Air Races that have taken place at Reno’s Stead Field for the past 60 years will see their last racing event this September.

While not entirely unexpected, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority claims encroachment has made it dangerous for the races to continue in the area. The region has grown significantly in the past several years bringing concern to local communities.

Reno has become synonymous with air racing and it is hard to imagine the National Championship Air Races gracing any other skies than those in the Sierra Nevada. However, we are committed to finding a new location so that the event can continue. In fact, we are currently exploring several other possible locations to host the event in the future but it starts with making this year’s event the biggest and most successful it can be. In essence, the future of the National Championship Air Races starts now. And, we need your help.

Convair RB-36H Peacemaker C Air Museum, Castle (MER) is in its 41st ye oast est C W become the air of

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This year’s race is scheduled for Sept. 13-17. Meanwhile, RARA officials are looking for a new location to continue the racing platform long into the future.

The letter below from the Reno Air Racing Association board of directors further explains the “sunsetting” of the “Reno” air races.

air s.1930’ such as the L e and mor A-18 Blue Nighthawk and F Museum is situated on 31 acr ently air curr ehensive collection of compr omfr

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Castle Air Museum, adjacent to Castle Airport (MER) is in its 41st year of operation, and has become the West Coast’s largest static display of vintage military aircraft dating back from the late 1930’s. With over 80 aircraft in the collection and more due soon, such as the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk and FA-18 Blue Angel Aircraft, the Museum is situated on 31 acres, 25 of which are currently occupied by aircraft. The most comprehensive collection of WWII Bombers, from the Douglas B-18 Bolo to the mammoth Convair RB-36 Peacemaker, B-52D Stratofortress

tratofortress B-52D S er, -80

Open Letter to Our Loyal Fans

“ To our loyal fans and our passionate community,

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view aircraft from the Lockheed F-80 to the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon.

SH-60B Se A-18 Blue F FA-18

“As we take off for one last time in Reno, we are inviting the community and race fans from all over the world to join us in sending the Reno Air Races off in style. Consider it a celebration of six decades of thrills, history, pageantry, camaraderie and family. Reno has been the event’s home for the last 59 years, and we could not leave without recognizing the community that has embraced our event and helped make it a signature event for our region. We look forward to seeing the many faces the Air Races have brought joy to over the years, as well as new ones who will get the chance to see the only racing event of its kind for the first time this year.

he Museum is located at 5050 Santa F T 95301, CA Atwater, sion to the with last admis pm, ounds daily Gr e information, or mor F .castleairmuseum.or or visit www

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t Exhibit Aircraf

The Museum is located at 5050 Santa Fe Dr., Atwater, CA 95301, and open daily 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission to the Aircraft Exhibit Grounds at 3:15 daily.

For more information, please call 209-723-2178 or visit www.castleairmuseum.org.

ase call 209-723-2178 ple g.

“It is with heavy hearts that we write this to let you know that, after nearly 60 years of air racing in northern Nevada, 2023 will be the last National Championship Air Races at the RenoStead Airport. While we knew this day might eventually come, we had hoped it wouldn’t come so soon. Citing the region’s significant growth amongst other concerns, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority has made the decision to sunset the event. For so many around the world,

“While we discuss the future of the Air Races, we are grateful for our time at the Reno-Stead Airport and our partnership with the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority. Our event has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy, while instilling a love for flying in the community and becoming a valued partner to many charities and non-

Continued on Page 19

AH-1W Cobra Boeing B-52D SH-60B Seahawk

FA-18 Blue Angel 2 F-15A and F-16A

AH-1W

obraCobr C

Flight Training Pilot Services

Sept. 13-17, 2023 will be the last National Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport. (Courtesy RARA)

SPIRIT OF FLIGHT

DESTINATION: MOFFETT FIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

By Denise DeGregoire

In this article we will rediscover a local historical gem and uncover a few hidden treasures within the heart of the Silicon Valley along the way. A perfect spot for you to start a fabulous day trip or a weekend getaway is the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum (MFHS), which sits alongside the iconic Hangar One on Moffett Federal Airfield also known as Moffett Field. Here you can stroll through a vast array of military history and be immersed in all thing’s aviation.

Don’t forget to bring your golf clubs! That’s right, visit The Golf Club at Moffett Field –a beautiful 18-hole public golf course that is tucked away on the back side of this still active military base. This challenging, par 72 course, measuring 6,517 yards is bound to keep any golfer on their toes.

Other points of interest in the area that I would highly recommend is Shoreline Park. Head north on the 101 to Amphitheatre Parkway, through Google’s main campus, and you will find yourself surrounded with choices. There is the historic Rengstorff House, another championship golf course, and restaurants. You can bike along trails or walk and bird watch through the wildlife preserve. There is also a sizable lake where you can enjoy an array of water activities.

FIRST STOP: Moffett Field Historical Society Museum

When visiting the museum, be sure to pick up a Visitor’s Guide that was recently designed by one of the museum’s student volunteers, which will take you step-by-step through the many exhibits that the museum has to offer.

OUR MISSION: “To acquire and display artifacts that illustrate the roles performed by and tell the stories of the various military and NASA commands assigned to, or operating out of, Moffett Field, and thereby to educate the public about, and preserve for future generations, the airfield’s rich and important heritage.”

~MFHS Site

If you are interested in San Francisco Bay Area history and its important role in aviation and national defense –the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, will fascinate, educate, and capture your imagination. Exhibits are organized by significant eras of history, starting with the early 1930s.

NEXT STOP: Shoreline at Mountain View (Shoreline Park)

Less than 15 minutes from Moffett Field you will find Shoreline Park that was opened in 1983. In addition to an array of environmentally savvy recreation opportunities, Shoreline at Mountain View is a critical habitat where a large variety of birds can be seen –a wild refuge at the end of the bay. This is the perfect spot for bird watchers, allowing you the opportunity to sit and watch these majestic creatures walk along the banks, float down the shore, and take flight! The meadowlands near the mouth of the Permanente Creek at Shoreline Park are a critical habitat for birds such as Western Burrowing Owls, American White Pelicans, Great Egrets, Gulls, Ducks, Great Blue Herons, small water birds, Canadian Geese, and Hawks.

Features of the Park:

•Shoreline Golf Links is an 18-hole link-style golf course with a driving range, putting green, and a pro shop with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. A championship course tucked into the park, which allows golfers to play alongside the bird sanctuary.

•Near the bay front trails you will find a 50-acre artificial lake with a large selection of equipment to rent for an affordable price. Enjoy a pedal boat, kayak, rowboat, sailboat, windsurfers, stand up paddleboard, or a canoe, as well as wet suits and life jackets. Lessons are available as well. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can rent bikes, scooters, helmets, and trailers. Picnic near the beach or enjoy a bite at the Lakeside Café.

• The Rengstorff House is Mountain View’s oldest home. A 16-room Victorian

beauty built by German born, Henry Rengstorff, a pioneer who was lured to California by stories of the Gold Rush in 1850. Too late for the gold rush, Rengstorff went on to become a successful businessman and landowner. The home was built in 1864 and in 1979 it was purchased by the City of Mountain View. During the 1980’s, it was moved to its present location and restored. This historic gem is open for tours and available for weddings and events.

• The park provides miles of paved bay trails and a large open field for kite flying.

•Shoreline Amphitheatre is known for its outdoor venue and world-class concerts. It was built in the mid 80’s in cooperation with local promoter Bill Graham as part of the Shoreline Park project.

Did I mention you are in the heart of tech country on Google’s main campus? You can also visit the Computer History Museum on your way to the park. So, whether it’s history you are after or learning something new, perhaps you just want into take in a round of gold or two. A great place to start your adventure is at Moffett Field Historical Society Museum. From there the sky’s the limit!

Fly well, D.

Rengstorff House (Denise DeGregoire)

Computer History Museum (Denise DeGregoire)

Hangar One at Moffett Field (Denise DeGregoire)

Kites flying high at Shoreline Park (Denise DeGregoire)

Windsurfing on Shoreline Lake (Denise DeGregoire)

Shoreline Golf Links (Denise DeGregoire)

HOW AI C AN IMPROVE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

By Michaela Jarvis ERAU

Astudent researcher at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University is using a kind of artificial intelligence (AI) called Physics-Informed Machine Learning to improve the forecasting of adverse weather at airports that could result in flight delays and rerouting.

“The project focuses on forecasting at airports to improve the situational

awareness of possible weather impacts that might disrupt airport operations and reduce the number of aircraft arriving or departing per hour,” said Dr. Christopher Herbster, associate professor of Meteorology, who has provided assistance on the project.

Gurvir Bawa, a Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, explained that current forecasting models are mostly based on numerical weather-prediction methods, which

require extensive resources and powerful supercomputers. The approach she is investigating is more data-driven, involving the discovery of underlying patterns in huge amounts of data, and it has demonstrated considerable improvements over current methods, Bawa said.

“I have always been passionate about leveraging computer engineering tools to solve complex aviation problems,” said Bawa. “I was just fascinated

Continued on Page 19

Researchers at Embry-Riddle are leveraging big data-driven artificial intelligence to better predict the weather surrounding airports. The technique could lead to fewer flight delays and rerouting.

(Courtesy ERAU)

GA Risk

Continued from Page 13

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“With the existing SMS programs for the FAA and part 121 operators, the impending implementation of airport SMS, and the proposed SMS rule for parts 135, 91.147, and 21, the NAS will soon reap the benefits of a more comprehensive safety management approach,” said Stephens.

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Continued from Page 18

by the topic and its potential application to the aviation industry.”

Bawa’s advisor, Dr. Richard S. Stansbury, associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, said the project combines data collected by EmbryRiddle’s NEAR Lab, including detailed flight information and airport conditions published by the FAA, with weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources. Information from weather-monitoring devices at about 30 airports will go into the models Bawa is currently developing. Once those models are completed, other airports could be included, she said.

“Gurvir has used big data software tools to ingest the data from these sources to create a new data set that correlates flight information, weather data and airport conditions,” said Stansbury.

While the data set Bawa creates is intended to facilitate the logistics of managing the scheduling of flights in inclement weather, ultimately, it would provide a benefit in terms of safety, she said.

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“My current focus is on planning,” Bawa said. “However, better prediction of weather conditions at the airport indirectly relates to safety.”

Air Races Must Leave Reno

Continued from Page 14

profits. We have always been so thrilled to show off the beautiful Reno Tahoe area to the tens of thousands that flew in just for our event and we’re looking forward to doing that again this year. The support from both our community and visitors has been overwhelming, and the impact they helped us make in Reno is immeasurable.

“The last National Championship Air Races in Reno will take place from Sept. 13-17. The 2023 event is set to return with more than 150 planes and pilots as well as several ‘hands-on’ displays and experiences including the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone, heritage displays, military demonstrations and static displays and more. The event will also mark the third year of competition for the STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) Drag, which has become a phenomenon in the skies. While this is our last year at this location, the Reno Air Racing Association is committed to preserving and growing this great event and developing the next generation of Air Race fans. We look forward to seeing you in September. You can save your spot now by purchasing tickets at www.Air Race.org

With much appreciation and love, The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors”

On March 22, ticket sales opened for the last National Championship Air Races at Stead and demand was so high that the Reno Air Racing Association computer servers went down.

“While we had anticipated the final National Championship Air Races in Reno would be one of our best, we never imagined it would be so popular that the demand would overload our servers within a half hour of tickets going on sale!” said RARA organizers in an email to patrons.

“We are so humbled and appreciative of the enthusiasm from our air race family and are pleased to report that the ticketing came back online within a relatively short time,” stated the message.

Tickets can be purchased online at airrace.org or directly at https://airrace .org/reno-air-races-tickets/?utm_source= Reno+Air+Racing+Association+Main+ List&utm_campaign=c821d38f11EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_12_07_11 _06_COPY_01&utm_medium=email& utm_term=0_-514cb0231a%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D.

Student researcher Gurvir Bawa stands in front of a statue that is displayed prominently in front of the Flight Line on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. (Courtesy ERAU)

IMPORTANT GENERAL AVIATION ISSUES DISCUSSED DURING FAA SAFETY SUMMIT – C ALLTO ACTION

During the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Safety Summit, held on March 15, general aviation (GA) industry leaders participated both in the opening public session and later in a closed-door breakout session to discuss current challenges and improvements needed to enhance the safety of GA operations.

The public session was opened by Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy. National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO, Ed Bolen, and other industry leaders then participated in a panel discussion, led by former NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt and Acting Administrator Nolen. During this discussion, Bolen emphasized that GA, which is a vital link in our nation's transportation system and economy, is the primary training ground for pilots and technicians. Also, GA is where most safety technologies are first introduced and therefore timeliness and efficiency in the certification process has a direct impact

Cover Story

Continued from Page 7

E55 come in for a double XR Black Edition VII overhaul. “The engines installed on that airplane were ones we’d previously overhauled 13 years ago as Black Edition II’s. We were eager to examine them to see how they’d fared after 1,900 hours of hard service, 200 more than the recommended TBO,” said Sloan.

In many respects, Copeland’s Baron engines were ideal test cases as the E55 had been flown often, was never abused and was well maintained by Copeland’s mechanics. Sloan felt it was “a great opportunity to flight and ground test a pair of engines that had been given the benefit of very meticulous maintenance.”

“We were surprised at how little wear was evident when we opened up those engines.” said Sloan. “The Baron’s Continental engines hadn’t needed any major maintenance since the last overhaul so none of the engine’s cylinders had been removed. When we disassembled the engines, everything looked pristine and well-preserved, a tribute to how painstaking the Copeland aviation division is about maintenance,” Victor comments. “We could have easily just closed those Continentals back up, and they probably would have run another 1,000

on safety.

In the afternoon closed-door GA breakout session, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce, and FAA Deputy Executive Director of Accident Investigation and Prevention for Aviation Safety, Warren Randolph, led the discussion which included active participation from numerous government and industry leaders from the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), FAA, Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), NBAA, NTSB and more.

Over the past decade, the GA industry has put a strong emphasis on advancing and improving safety, which given the significant reduction in accident rates

has shown to be effective. GA stakeholders outlined ways to continue to build upon this record and provided insights into how the GA community can work with regulators to strengthen the safety of the entire aviation industry. The GA breakout session participants appreciated the opportunity to collaboratively work to identify the opportunities and challenges that must be addressed to bolster the safety of the industry.

During the session, Tim LeBaron, NTSB’s Director of the Office of Aviation Safety discussed the need for better collaboration between FAA, engine manufacturers and NTSB to improve data gathering on loss of engine power investigations with the goal of decreasing the number of undetermined events. He also expressed, that once better data is available, the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC) should revisit loss of engine power data to explore ways to decrease the accident rate.

Richard McSpadden, AOPA Senior Vice President of the Air Safety Institute, emphasized that the GA community has made impressive progress in safety

At a rare Safety Summit convened by the FAA in Washington, D.C. on March 15, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen emphasized the importance of collaboration, communication and engagement among all stakeholders in ensuring that America continues to set the standard for aviation safety around the world.

(Courtesy NBAA)

through NTSB and FAA collaboration to speed up accident investigations and importing reports immediately into the GAJSC and USHST for analysis. He discussed the co-dependence of the five key elements of GA safety – Culture, Knowledge, Training, Proficiency and Equipment. He further emphasized the need to evaluate the cost effectiveness

Continued on Page 21

hours without problems.”

For the new XR Black Edition VII overhauls, however, Victor incorporated technology that had never before been applied to general aviation aircraft engines. Victor Aviation has become one of the pioneers at incorporating cryogenic technology into aircraft engine rebuilding.

Though the concept of cryogenics isn’t that tough to understand, the execution is a little more complex. Cryogenics isn’t a new process. It’s been around since before WWII, when scientists discovered that cold-soaking metals to extreme low temperatures improved their durability, hardened them and made them more resistant to wear.

Cryogenic processing of aircraft engine parts dates back to the 1930’s and was reportedly used by the Junkers Aircraft Company on their Jumo 1,400 HP V-12 aircraft engines. These engines were installed in many German military aircraft such as the Messerschmitt ME209 and JU87 Stuka dive bombers used in World War II.

Trouble was, the prevailing pre-war technology wasn’t sophisticated enough to take advantage of the new process. Cryogens such as liquid helium or liquid nitrogen were required to lower the tem-

perature to -300 degrees F (not far from absolute zero), and those materials were scarce or unavailable in the 1930s.

A scientist named Ed Busch is credited with starting the modern cryogenic revolution when he established CryoTech in 1966. Busch originally experimented with cryogenic tempering rather than heat treating metal tools and succeeded in creating high tolerance tools with life expectancies 200-400 percent greater than their previous endurance.

Other researchers discovered cryogenics had several applications in the manufacturing business. Solid metal components are not all created equal. Parts for a variety of products could be made more durable and constructed with greater precision by removing the residual stress in machined parts.

Victor began his research on cryogenic material property improvements in conjunction with his engine overhaul

Continued on Page 22

Victor Sloan, President of Victor Aviation, runs the Cryogenics Laboratory. Innovating new methods to enhance the quality and performance of materials is a real art. (James Lawrence/ Courtesy Victor Aviation)

FAA Safety Summit

Continued from Page 20

structure of the WINGS program and the adverse effects of the post COVID experience and knowledge drain across every aspect of our industry.

Sean Elliott, Vice President of EAA Government Affairs, noted that the significant fatal accident reductions in the Experimental-Amateur Built aviation community over the past 12 years have been accomplished with little to no new regulation and have succeeded due to outreach and policy enhancements done collaboratively with industry through programs such as 2014 Additional Pilot, and 2018 Flight Test Manual initiatives. He additionally emphasized that the industry needs more simplified pathways to incorporate safety-enhancing tech in the cockpit.

James Viola, HAI President and CEO, called for the restoration of full funding for the FAA’s successful weather camera program. The program’s preliminary budget has been targeted for cuts. Several other industry representatives echoed the need to continue and expand this critical preflight planning, situational awareness and aeronautical decisionmaking technology, particularly in areas unable to access traditional weather reporting sources. Viola also called for improved unity and collaboration with advanced air mobility and drone stakeholders and proposed merging the USHST and Drone Safety Team.

ICAS President and CEO, John Cudahy, discussed safety initiatives within the U.S. air show community, including the adaptation of safety management systems (SMS) by the entire air show business, a longstanding collaboration between the FAA and ICAS on a successful pilot evaluation program, and a new data collection/analysis program. Cudahy emphasized that the air show community has demonstrated that SMS can be used successfully in atypical circumstances.

Hank Coates, President and CEO of CAF, spoke about the aftermath of the tragic B-17 and P-63 midair accident and the recent launch of the Association of Professional Warbird Operators. The vision of this organization is to promote professionalism that results in education, standardization and safety methodologies that will foster sustainability, mitigate risk

and help the Warbird community avoid unnecessary and irresponsibly formed regulations.

NASAO CEO. Greg Pecoraro, noted the value of technology to supplement operational safety through expansion of the FAA’s weather camera program and implementing the use of remote tower systems. Pecoraro noted that widespread introduction of these technologies would significantly increase awareness of operational conditions at GA airports.

Keith DeBerry, NATA COO, applauded FAA efforts to support development and implementation of SMS for the part 135 community, as well as the agency’s continued focus on runway incursions and efforts to address workforce issues across the entire system.

NATA believes with existing SMS programs for the FAA and part 121 operators, the impending implementation of airport SMS, and the proposed SMS rule for parts 135, 91.147, and 21, the NAS will soon reap the benefits of a more comprehensive safety management approach.

GAMA Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, Jens Hennig, who organized the GA breakout session, highlighted the important role that technology plays in providing improved situational awareness for pilots – including both airborne avionics and ground equipment.

Additionally, attendees emphasized the important role of existing voluntary reporting schemes such as the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) to help identify system vulnerabilities as well as the industry's adoption of SMS. At the conclusion of the session, leaders re-emphasized to the FAA the tremendous safety benefit of continued deployment of weather cameras and the need to actively strengthen the industry and FAA workforce. The acute shortage of designed pilot examiners (DPE) in many parts of the country and the need for standardization with the DPE ranks was emphasized as of vital importance to the GA community.

The opening session of the FAA Safety Summit can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ap 93YLFRU.

Cover Story

Continued from Page 20

business, often working with agencies such as Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Longer life and improved reliability of metals were of great interest to organizations as diverse as NASCAR, NASA and Boeing Aircraft, all of whom demanded extreme reliability from parts manufactured to unusually tight tolerances. NASCAR was well aware of the problems of parts breakage during auto racing and was interested in improving engine parts performance, not only on engines that were being pushed well beyond normal limits but on suspension systems that could break at high speed and send a car out of control.

NASA was interested in Victor’s cryogenic work in conjunction with space programs where the failure of a single part out of several million could cause the loss of a multi-billion dollar shuttle or rocket component. NASA satellites and the recent James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are specifically designed to operate in a cryogenic temperature range, from +185 to388 degrees F. Understanding the effects of vibration and shock on components and their ability to withstand the environment of space is a vital concern. Sloan has also been contracted to harden wind-tunnel blades at NASA’s Ames Research transonic and supersonic wind tunnel facility a few miles south of Palo Alto. Victor’s cryogenic testing and processing programs have assumed an important role in advancing space system developments.

Boeing needed high-strength materials to support construction of ever larger and more efficient airliners, a discipline in which a major failure of a critical part could cost hundreds of lives. Airliners operate in very cold temperatures, sometimes as low as -70 degrees F at 41,000 feet. Materials subjected to these extreme conditions must be of very high purity. Victor’s cryogenic testing and treating enhances performance for Boeing aircraft by conditioning the parts to cryogenic temperature ranges.

The process begins by placing engine parts in a large vacuum insulated cryotank, designed specifically for the task of creating a liquid nitrogen, non-contact atmosphere. The process is computer controlled and usually consists of slowly adding the cryogen and lowering the temperature inside the tank to about -300 degrees F. Parts may be maintained or cycled in a super-cold state for 24, 48 or even 72 hours, depending on the material being tested. During Victor’s patent pending cryogenic testing and treating processes,

materials are monitored real-time using ultrasonic’s to test for any material property or stress component changes.

Then, the parts are slowly returned to room temperature or sometimes subjected to a heat-treatment phase that raises them to +300 degrees F for a calculated period of time. Following the testing and treating process, materials are tested for property conformance using techniques such as Xray diffraction ultrasonic’s and Rockwell hardness. This alternating cold and heatsoaking technique can improve engine parts performance, making them less susceptible to wear or fracturing.

The result is an engine constructed to such fine tolerances that it’s bound to run smoother and more efficiently than most other piston aircraft powerplants.

I flew Copeland’s Baron with the 1900-hour Black Edition II engines and again two months later immediately after the cryogenic XR Black Edition VII overhauls had been completed. Outside air temperatures were comparable on the flights, the airplane was flying with half fuel both times and there were two pilots up front to record the numbers.

Here’s A Quick Synopsis Of The Two Flights:

Initial climb was about 2200 fpm at the cryogenic–powered Baron’s 101 knot Vy, slightly better than the over-TBO airplane’s 2000 fpm. Using a cruise climb of 120 knots, this carried through to 1300 fpm at 6500 feet on the overhauled version, 1000 fpm on the engines over TBO. Similarly, there was a pronounced difference in single-engine climb.

With the left engine at zero thrust, the new cryogenic overhaul provided 500 fpm whereas the original, over-TBO Black Edition II engines managed more like 300 fpm. It was also notable that the 1900-hour Victor engines outperformed the Beechcraft POH for single engine and double engine climb performance.

Results were even more impressive at cruise. Up at 10,000 feet with full throttle and the props dialed back to 2100 rpm, the “before” Baron turned in 143 knots IAS for 165 knots true. The “after” airplane realized 155 knots IAS for 176 knots true.

Descending to 8,000 feet for some max cruise checks at 2,300 rpm and full throttle, we saw 155 knots indicated for 177 knots true before the XR Black Edition VII overhaul, 174 knots IAS for 196 knots true after the cryogenic treatment. That’s a 19-knot improvement.

Another interesting aspect of the Baron’s improved performance was obvious when we compared it to Beech’s pilot

handbook. At 10,000 feet with 2,300 and 20 inches dialed in, the POH suggested I should have seen 158 knots indicated for 189 knots true. Instead, the cryogenic XR Black Edition VII engines increased performance to 165 knots indicated for 197 knots true. The speed improvement was all the more notable considering that Copeland’s Baron was fitted with vortex generators that normally subtract a few knots from cruise performance.

Throttled back to 2,100 rpm and 21.5 inches at 8,000 feet, book speed was advertised at 149 knots for 171 knots true. We saw 153 knots for 177 knots true. In short, the Baron scored well ahead of book in every parameter.

We also recorded fuel burn at 4,000 feet using full rich mixtures and full throttles. The initial flight test with the 1,900-hour engines installed had produced 195 knots true airspeed. After the cryogenic series VII engines were installed the Baron delivered 200 knots true airspeed. We then reduced power by four inches manifold pressure to realize the same 195 knots true airspeed. The reduction in fuel burn was four gph per engine or eight gph total.

E55 Baron Fuel Consumption

Full Rich Mixture 4,000 Feet

2,500 RPM 195 KTAS

Pretty obviously, an engine that runs smoother and more efficiently burns less fuel to deliver the same power. Extrapolated over 1,700 hrs to TBO, this could equate to fuel savings of $88,400 based upon using an average fuel cost of $6.50 per gallon. We’re well aware that Baron owners don’t normally fly at full throttles and 4,000 feet, but the message is clear. Victor engines will pay for themselves over time.

A month following my “after” flight, Kenneth Copeland had his chance to fly his E55, and he was suitably enthusiastic but hardly surprised. “I hadn’t flown this airplane for a while before the latest Victor overhauls, and when I saw the specs on the “old” parts he’d removed from the engines at 1900 hours, they were so close to optimum, I wouldn’t have been reluctant to fly the airplane anywhere. For me, starting the engines was like shaking hands with an old friend that had suddenly become younger,” Copeland commented.

“I’ve been trying to tell people for years about the reliability and power of Victor’s engines, and even though I’m a preacher, people still don’t believe me,” Copeland laughs. “This is the third set of engines Victor has overhauled for me on this airplane, and the performance he promised has been very accurate.”

In WWII, the Germans used cryogenics to strenghten the Jumo 211D engines on the JU-87 Stuka dive bomber and the ME-209 fighter . (Courtesy Victor Aviation)

Victor turns back the clock and slows down the rate that atoms vibrate in a cryogenic atmosphere with Liquid Nitrogen. The results are tougher and more durable parts. (James Lawrence/ Courtesy Victor Aviation)

Victor can measure the quality of engine parts using innovative electromagnetic acoustic techniques; then evaluate how they’re improved employing cryogenics. (James Lawrence/ Courtesy Victor Aviation)

Before engines are released at Victor’s shop they go through extensive state-ofthe-art vibration analysis testing and thrust load performance testing.

(James Lawrence/ Courtesy Victor Aviation)

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AIRLINE EXEC OFFERS EMBRY-RIDDLE S TUDENTS 10‘GOLDEN RULES’ TO THRIVEIN AVIATION

ByMikeCavaliere ERAU

Gianfranco“Panda”Betingknows howtosurviveintheairlinebusiness.

After40yearsofexperienceinvariousroles,suchasleadingaviationmarketingefforts,cofoundingtwocompanies–AzulAirlinesandBreezeAirways –consulting,writing18booksonaircraft andservingaspublisherof Flap International magazine,Betingstillgets excitedwhentalkingaboutairplanesand theindustrybuiltaroundthem.His enthusiasmisasstrongasever,he explained,becauseofonebasictenetby whichhelives.

“Getoutofthemediocrity,”hetold acrowdgatheredrecentlyonEmbryRiddleAeronauticalUniversity’s DaytonaBeachCampus.“Thatistherule ofthumb.”

Pushinghimselfintonewchallenges haskepthimengaged.Beting’ssuccess, however,hasmoretodowithoriginality.

“Recipefordisaster:Enteranymarketandtrytoofferwhatestablishedcompetitionsalreadyoffers,”hesaid.“Ifyou dothat,100percentguarantee,you’re goingtofailmiserably…Youhavetodo somethingabsolutelydifferent.”

Thelatestfeaturedguestoftheuniversity’sPresidentialSpeakerSeries, Betingofferedadvicetoaspiringaviation professionalsduringaconversationmoderatedbyAlexandrePrado,anAerospace andOccupationalSafetyseniorwhoalso holdsaprivatepilotlicenseandispresi-

dentofthelocalInternationalSocietyof AirSafetyInvestigatorschapter.

Thereare10“goldenrules”that mustbefollowed,Betingsaid,inorderto surviveintheairlinebusiness.

SafetyFirst

“Thatissacred,”hesaid.“There’s nobusinesswithoutsafety.There’s absolutelynowayyoucancompromise there.”

AirlinesareaServiceIndustry

“Whenweunderstandthatwe’reall servants,everythingstartstomake sense,”hesaid.“WhatreallymakesadifferencebetweenflyingAirlineAversus AirlineBisthemenandwomen[interfacingwiththecustomers].”

PutPeopleFirst

“Learntobeaservantleader,”he advised,stressingtheimportantoflearningfromone’steammates.“Openyour ears.Behumble…Ifyoutreatyourpeopleright…youmakethemproudtowear youruniform.”

CreateaSexyBrand

“Caringforabrandislikecaringfor anewborn…it’s24/7,”hesaid.“Every flightisachanceeithertoruinitorto buildastrongerbrand.Nosmalldetail canbeoverlooked.”

CommunicationisKey

Makeyourcompany’scommunicationelitebycombining“credibility,visibilityandrelevancy.”

BlesstheCompetition

“Goodcompetitionmakesyou stronger,makesyousharper,makesyou wakeupearlierinthemorning,”hesaid. “Soblessthecompetition–thenworkto killit.”

CutCostsatallCosts

“Costsarelikegrass–you’vegotto cutthemastheygrow,”hesaid.

TheOnlyConstantisChange

“You’vegottoadaptyourselftoan ever-changingenvironment,”hesaid. “Whatyoulearnedyesterdaydoesn’t applytoday.”

AimHigh

“Excellenceisnotadestination,it’s astateofmind,”hesaid,notingthatone shouldpursueexcellenceineverything fromtheirworktofryingtheireggsinthe morning.Howyoudoonethingishow youdoeverything.

NeverStopFlying–orLearning

“Knowledgeislikebricks:Ifyoureallywanttobuildafortress,youneedalotof

Gianfranco“Panda”Beting,whocofoundedbothAzulAirlinesandBreeze Airways,outlinedthesecretingredients foradisruptiveaviationcompanyata recentPresidentialSpeakerSeriesevent heldonEmbry-Riddle’sDaytonaBeach Campus.(Embry-Riddle/DarylLabello)

bricks,”Betingsaid,notingtheimportance ofreading,traveling,expandingone’shorizons.Thenheshowedaphotofromoneof themostmemorabletripsofhislife–to NorthKorea.“Neverstopinvestigating. Neverstopgoingplaces.”

Toclose,Pradoasked,“Whatisaviationforyou?”AndBetingdidn’thesitate. “Mylife,”hesaid.“Everything. Everything.”

At9yearsold,Betingstartedwhat hedidn’trealizeatthetimewasthe beginningsofamentorshipwithanairlinefounderwhobecameafatherfigure. Hegotmarriedinanairport.Hedraws andpaintsandphotographsaircraftany chancehegets.

“Wearebirdsofafeather,”hetoldthe crowd.“Welovethisbusinesssomuch. Everythingthatweinvestinaviation… willcomedouble,triple,fourtimes–becausethisisonemagicindustry.”

SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE RECEIVE $10MILLIONIN FAAGRANTSTO DEVELOPTHE NEXT GENERATIONOF AVIATION PROFESSIONALS

Twenty-threeschoolswillreceive$10 millioningrantsfromtheFederalAviation Administration(FAA)tohelpattractand trainstudentsforcareersaspilotsandaviationmaintenancetechnicians.

Twelveoftheschoolswillreceive$5 millionfromtheFAA’sAircraftPilots AviationWorkforceDevelopmentGrants program.Theschoolscanusethefunding tocreateanddelivercurriculumsdesigned topreparestudentstobecomepilots,aerospaceengineersordroneoperators.

Grantrecipientsinclude:

•AOPAFoundationInstitute, Frederick,Md.:$498,100

•BlackPilotsofAmerica,Seattle, Wash.:$500,000

•BrowardCollege,PembrokePines,

F&EAviationMaintenance,MiamiSprings,Fla.,receiveda$500,000grantaspart oftheFAA’sAviationMaintenanceTechnicalWorkersWorkforceDevelopmentprogram.OnNov.1,2022,FEAMAERO,inpartnershipwithCincinnati/Northern KentuckyInternationalAirport(CVG),celebratedtheofficialgroundbreakingoftheir new150,000squarefoothangar,theirsecondmajorinvestmentonpropertyatCVG, slatedtobecompletedbytheendofthisyear.(CourtesyF&EAviationMaintenance)

Fla.:$500,000

•ColoradoStateUniversity,Fort Collins,Colo.:$345,711

•Embry-RiddleAeronautical University,Daytona,Fla.:$484,803

•KentuckyOfficeofEmployment& Training,Frankfort,Ky.:$500,000

•OrganizationofBlackAerospace Professionals,Inc,MountRoyal,N.J.: $171,231.80

•SchoolDistrictofPhiladelphia, Philadelphia,Penn.:$197,180

•SlingFlyingClub,LLC,Torrance, Calif.:$499,865

•TuskegeeMuseum,Detroit,Mich.: $500,000

•UniversityofVirginIslands,

ContinuedonPage25

AOPAASKS FAAFOR IMPROVED TESTING OVERSIGHT

ByLillianGeil

AOPA

PSI,thetestingcontractorthatis responsibleforadministeringFAA knowledgeexams,introducedanew reimbursementstructureinJanuarythat reducedreimbursementrates–amove thathasdisproportionallyaffectedthirdpartyproviders.

Flighttrainingorganizationsare concernedabouthowthischangemight impacttestingcenteravailability,access toFAAknowledgeexamsinatimelyand cost-effectivemanner,andthequalityof testfacilitation.

InaMarch9lettertoFAA RegulatorySupportDivisionManager KarenLucke,AOPAandflighttraining industryleadersdetailedtheseconcerns withthecurrentknowledgetestsystem.

Asfortestingcenteravailability, AOPAandindustryleadersvoicedtheir concernsaboutthelackofaccessto transparentandverifiabledataonthe impactonairmanapplicants.Thecommunityhasbeenforcedtofacilitatetheir ownsurveys–andearlyreportsaresuggestingareducedcapacityintesting availabilitysincethenewreimbursement ratewentintoeffect.

“Diminishedaccesstotestingcould notcomeataworsetime.Itiswidely

FAAGrants

ContinuedfromPage24

CharlotteAmalieWest,St.Thomas,U.S. VirginIslands:$499,301

•WilliamJessupUniversity,Rocklin, Calif.:$303,808.20

Theother$5millionwillgoto11 schoolsaspartoftheFAA’sAviation MaintenanceTechnicalWorkers WorkforceDevelopmentprogram.These grantswillhelpbuildbackthepipelineof maintenanceprofessionals;approximately20,000fewerpeopleareworkinginthe aircraftmaintenancesectorthanbefore thepandemic.

Grantrecipientsinclude:

•AviationTechnicalServicesInc., Everett,Wash.:$459,206.29

•CapeCodCommunityCollege, Plymouth,Mass.:$463,304

•CincinnatiStateTechnicaland CommunityCollege,Cincinnati,Ohio: $423,594

•F&EAviationMaintenance,Miami Springs,Fla.:$500,000

•LincolnLandCommunityCollege,

PSI,thetestingcontractorthatisresponsibleforadministeringFAAknowledge exams,introducedanewreimbursement structureinJanuarythatreducedreimbursementrates—amovethathasdisproportionallyaffectedthird-party providers.

(MikeFizer/CourtesyAOPA)

heldthattheavailabilityofadiverse, qualifiedworkforceisthebiggestthreat togrowthinourindustry,”AOPAand partnerswroteintheletter.“Furtherbarrierstotestingwillonlyexacerbatean alreadytenuoussituation.”

Thegroupalsohighlighteditsconcernofthequalityofknowledgetest facilitationintheareasofincompleteand inaccuratesampleexams,outdatedform testsandtestmaps,examquestionreview processesforapplicants,andexpedited developmentofexamstoreflectthemost recentandrelevantinformation.

ContinuedonPage26

Springfield,Ill.:$500,000

•NashuaCommunityCollege, Nashua,N.H.:$456,051

•PearlRiverCommunityCollege, Poplarville,Miss.:$500,000

•SanLuisObispoCountyCommunity CollegeDistrict,SanLuisObispo,Calif.: $484,299

•TarrantCountyCollegeDistrict,Fort Worth,Texas:$282,345.71

•TechnicalEducationServicesInc, Norfolk,Va.:$431,200

•TheFultonLeadershipAcademy, EastPoint,Ga.:$500,000

Recipientscanusethefundingto establishneweducationalprograms;providescholarshipsorapprenticeships; conductoutreachaboutcareersintheaviationmaintenanceindustry;andsupport educationalopportunitiesrelatedtoaviationmaintenanceineconomicallydisadvantagedareas.

VisittheFAAwebsite(faa.gov)for additionaldetailsaboutthegrantrecipients.

DIVORCE-PATERNITY DOMESTICVIOLENCE KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

CUBCRAFTERS-BUILT AIRCRAFT SUCCESSFULLY LANDSON HELIPADON

ICONIC BURJ AL ARAB HOTELIN DUBAI

PilotLandsFixed-WingCarbonCubAirplaneona78-foot DiameterHelipadLocatedonTopofthe56-StoryBuilding

CubCrafters,incollaborationwithRed BullandextremesportspromoterXDubai, hasachievedanunprecedentedmilestonein aviationbysuccessfullylandingafixedwingCarbonCubaircraftontheheliportof oneoftheworld’smosticonicbuildings, theBurjAlArabhotel,inDubai,UAE.

TheBullsEyelandingeventfeaturedRedBullAirRacepilotandCarbon CubownerLukeCzepielalandingaspeciallymodifiedversionofCubCrafters bestsellingaircraftona27-meterwide helipadsuspended212metersabovesea levelatopthe56-storyhotel.

“Allbigmomentsstartwithlittleideas poweredbyimaginationandthedesireto createsomethingspecial,”statedPatrick Horgan,CubCrafters’President&CEO. “RedBullhasdonemanyprojectsoverthe yearsthathaveinspiredaviatorsworldwide, sowewerehonoredtojointhemonthis projecttodemonstratetheincrediblecapabilitiesofthekindsofaircraftourcompany designsandmanufactures.”

AsMichał Graczyk,AviationProject Managerfortheeventexplained,“To ensuresuccess,wewantedtheairplanebest suitedtothechallenge,andCubCrafters wastheobviouschoice.Theyhavealong historyofinnovationandindustryleadership,relentlessresearchanddevelopment, andanimpeccablereputationforthequalityoftheiraircraft.Theseattributesmadeus veryconfidentinchoosingthemasour partnerforthisevent.”

“Throughouttheyears,CubCrafters’ brandhasgrowntobesynonymouswith anadventurelifestyle,andgivingpilotsthe abilitytolandourairplanesinthemost challengingenvironmentsiscoretoour mission,”saidBradDamm,CubCrafters’ VicePresident.“Thisproject,twoyearsin

Pilotsuccessfullylandsafixedwing CarbonCubaircraftononeofthe world'smosticonicbuildings,theBurj AlArabhotel,inDubai,UAE.

(GlobeNewswire)

theplanningandexecution,reallypushes thelimitsofwhatabest-of-classSTOL aircraft,andanextremelycapableand dedicatedpilot,canachieve.”

Renownedbushpilot,aviationengineer,andYouTubepersonality,MikePatey, alsojoinedtheCubCrafterstechnicalteam fortheproject.Mike,aCarbonCubowner himself,customizedsomeoftheaircraft’s featurestohelpensureasuccessfuloutcome.“Itwasaprettysimpleformula.We cutweight,changedtheC.G.toincreasethe effectivenessofthebrakes,andaddedextra horsepower,”saidMike.“I’mreallyproud ofhowtheairplaneperformed.TheCarbon Cubwasagreatchoicetostartwith,andwe madeitevenbetterforthisevent.”

“WorkingwithCubCraftersand MikePateytopreparetheairplanefor thiseventhasbeenatruepleasure,” declaredpilotLukeCzepiela.“During thetrainingandpreparation,Ideveloped fullconfidenceintheaircraftandits uniquecapabilitiesthatenabledmeto successfullyaccomplishthismission.”

Fulldetailsabouttheproject,theaircraft,andtheteamthatpulleditoffcanbe foundat:https://cubcrafters.com/redbull.

FAATestingOversight

ContinuedfromPage25

Tofixtheseproblemswithknowledgetestfacilitationandavailability, AOPAandflighttrainingindustryleaders haveofferedfourrecommendationsto theFAAtoaddresstheseissues.Requests includeanindependentFAAassessment ofknowledgetestaccessibilitybefore andaftertheJanuary2023feechange; developmentofadditionalwaysto increasetestingcapacity;anassessment ofPSI’sperformanceusingstakeholder feedback;andanassessmentofthe

FAA’semphasisofknowledgeexamsin thecurrentcertificationprocess.

Thecoalitionofflighttraining organizationshasrequestedameeting withtheFAAto“elaborateontheseconcerns,proposepossibleresolutions,and agreeonthenextstepstoensuretheFAA airmantestingsystemsupportsasafe, efficient,andsustainableaviationtrainingenvironmentandNationalAirspace System.”

LearnmorefromAOPAataopa.org.

The Super Breezy features a fully covered fuselage that drastically reduces drag, increases performance, and enhances the handling characteristics enormously.

NEEDTOBE BOREDON SATURDAYSWITHTHIS SOUTHERN C ALIFORNIA MUSEUM GEM!

Nowwiththepandemicsomewhat behindus,manyfamiliesarebacktothe ever-perplexingquestionofwhattodo withthemselvesontheweekends.This month,theeditorsat InFlightUSA had theopportunitytovisitGilroyGardens hereontheCaliforniaCentralCoast,and itwasablast.

While InFlightUSA hasanationwideaudience,Californiawillalwaysbe ourhomestate,andwefindthatmanyof ourreaderslive,work,orflyinCalifornia, eveniftheyarebasedelsewhere.

SouthernCaliforniaisevenmore popularthanNorthernCaliforniathanks toitssunnyskies,amusementparks,and manysmalllocalairports.Mostofour readersaresomewhatfamiliarwiththe ChinoAirportinSouthernCalifornia.

Chinoisawonderfulplacetoflyand ishometothefamousFlo’sAirportCafe,

adestinationuntoitself.Theskiesare usuallysunny,andthereisagreatairport caféinneighboringCorona,called CoronaAirportCafeandfeaturingwarm homestylecooking.Coronaisalsohome toAircraftSpruce,theDisneylandofaircraftsuppliesthateverypilotshouldvisit atleastonce.Butwhatisreallygreat aboutthisareaisthatitishometoYanks AirMuseum,awonderfulhistoricaviationattractionthatofferssomethingfor everyone,youngandold.

Thereisamagicalfeelingwhenone entersYanksAirMuseum,asitisawalk backintimetoWorldWarII,aperiodin ourhistorythattrulymadethiscountry great.TheMuseumpaystributetoveteransandfeatureswarbirds,manyofwhich arestillflyabletothisday.Favoritesin thisMuseumincludetheP-40Warhawk andtheF-86Sabre.Thisnonprofiteven

offersamusement-park-typeattractions foryouthandaspiringpilots.

Yanksisagreatplacetolearnone’s Americanhistoryandshowappreciation fortheroleaviationtechnologyplayedin makingtheU.S.thestrongnationthatit istoday.So,thenexttimeyouvisitorfly intoSouthernCalifornia,pleasestopby YanksAirMuseumat15121Stearman DriveinChino,Calif.Thedocentswill makesureyouhavethetimeofyourlife. Anddon’tforgetthattheMuseumoffers volunteeropportunitiesandfacility rentals.YanksAirMuseumisopen TuesdaythroughSaturday(closedon SundayandMondayandmajorholidays) from10a.m.to4p.m.Ticketsareavailableonlineandinperson.Formoreinformation,call909/597-1735oremail info@yanksair.com.Thewebsiteis www.yanksair.org.

CessnaAW(YanksAirMuseum)

KingcobraP-63A(YanksAirMuseum)

FlyingWith Faber AVISITTO PISMO BEACH

MyfirstvisittoPismoBeach wasbackintheearly1960s. Myclosestfriend,Reno Bastianelli,invitedmetodrivenorthwith himandengageinaclamhunt.

IfirstmetRenoduringavisittoa LosAngelesneighborhoodItalianrestaurantandbar.Hewasplayingtheaccordionandsingingpopulartunes. Instantaneously,webecameveryclose friends.Ourenduringfriendshipwassubstantiallycenteredonourmutualloveof food.Herecountedmanystoriesabout hismotherwhocookedintheItalianoldcountrytradition.Heoftenjokedthat, whenevertheywereinvitedtoafriend’s housefordinner,shewouldsay,“Let’s eatbeforewego.”Thatwasherwayof assuringagreatmealforherfamily.

Reno,ourtwoladyfriendsandI headeduptoPismoBeach.Werompedon thebeachandgatheredalargenumberof corpulentclams.Wereturnedbackdown thecoasttomykitchenwhereRenopreparedamagnificentbowloflinguineand clamsauce.Althoughanextraordinary cook,neatnessinthekitchenwasnotone ofReno’sstrongpoints.Hewouldsing anddanceashecooked.Alargepercentageofsauceinvariablyendeduponmy wallsandceiling.

Onseveraloccasions,Ibroughtmy setofdrumstotherestaurantwherehe wasentertaining.Weplayedthegig together.Mycompensationconsistedofa giantItaliandinnerservedbytherestaurantowner.Weoftensharedmealselsewhere.HelovedJewishdeliswherethe twoofuswouldorderfoursandwiches, andthensplitanddevourthem.

TheClamCapitaloftheWorld

PismoBeach,locatedon California’sCentralcoast,halfway betweenSanFranciscoandLosAngeles, isaclassicbeachtownalongPacific Coastand101Highways.Theregion offerslongwhitebeaches,undulating dunes,golfing,wineriesandcharming restaurantsandshops.

Pismoclams,someoftheworld’s largest,andoncethemaindietofthe ChumashTribe,previouslythrivedin abundance.PismowascalledtheClam CapitaloftheWorld.Clamchowderwas servedinvirtuallyeveryrestaurantin town.Intheearly1990s,thesebivalvas mysteriouslyvanished.Now,theyappear tobeontherebound.However,thehar-

vestingofPismoclamsisstrictlyregulatedbythestate.Almosteverylocalrestaurantstillservesclamchowder.Today,the clamsareflowninfromtheEastcoast.

Airports

SantaMariaPublicAirport(KSMX) andSanLuisObispoRegionalAirport (KSBP)arevirtuallyequidistantfrom PismoBeach.DuringWorldWarII,the U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersconstructedwhatwasthenknownasSanta MariaArmyBasetoprovidetraining facilitiesforcrewsofB-25aircraft.Afew yearslater,theB-25groupsdepartedand thefacilitybecameatrainingfieldforP38pilots.Today,thefieldisaverypopulargeneralaviationairport.TheFBOis CentralCoastJetCenter,805/937-9300.

In1933,PacificSeaboardAirLines’ singleengineBellancaCH-300sflew twicedailyfromSanLuisObispotoLos Angeles,SantaBarbara,SantaMaria, SanLuisObispo,PasoRobles,Monterey, Salinas,SanJoseandSanFrancisco. DuringWWII,theU.S.Armytookover thefieldandthenreturnedittothecoun-

tyin1946.SouthwestAirwayscommencedcommercialflightswithDC-3s. TheFBOisACIJET,805/548-1330.

ANew,ExcitingBeachfront Resort

Openedin2019andlocatedalong PismoBeach’sfamousstretchofsurfand sandonthecity’siconicboardwalk, VesperaResortcelebratesthebestofprototypicalCaliforniabeachculture.With directboardwalkaccessandaspectacular oceanfrontlocation,thehoteliswithin easywalkingdistanceofdowntown PismoBeach.Embodyinganupscale

beachhouse-inspireddesign,Vespera ResortoffersauniqueblendofEastcoast charmandWestcoastpizazz,withinvitingamenitiesincludingaswanklobby lounge,apool,deckandhottuboverlookingtheocean,anoutdoorbarand lawnwithfirepits,plusahigh-techbusinesscenter.

Theresort’sname“Vespera”signifiestheeveningstarandpaystributeto theChumashFirstNationswhoinhabited California’sCentralcoastregionand usedthestarstocrosstheSantaBarbara Channel.

ADesignthatBlendswiththe Waterfront

Theresortdoesnotimposeonthe oceanfrontenvironment.Itactually servesasanaturalenhancement.The moderncoastalmotifembodiesthefeel ofanupscaleandwelcomingbeachside home.Throughoutaresubtletouchesof theseasidepunctuatedbycleantransitionallines,dollopsofdeepblue,bold modernartwork,upscalefurnishings, crispwhitewainscotingandmillwork andnaturaltextures.

Theresort’sCentralcoastbeach houseambienceisaccentuatedbynauticalandgeometricaccents,organicforms andearthyelements,suchasstone, seashellandbasketry.Fromcofferedceilingstoherringbonecarpeting,thereis depthandcontrast,alongwithwarmnaturalwoodaccents,suchastongue-andgroovewoodpanelingandwhiteoak flooring.Theexpansivelobbysuggestsa

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StuartJ.Faber andAuntBea

PismoShorefront (StuartJ.Faber)

PismoSign(StuartJ.Faber)

PismoRocks(StuartJ.Faber)

ExterioroftheVesperaResort (CourtesyVesperaResort)

Viewofthebeachfromourroom. (CourtesyVesperaResort)

FlyingWithFaber

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Breezybeachfrontdécorinsoft whites,taupes,brownsandbluessetthe stagefor124handsomelyappointedguestrooms,mostwithprivatebalconies overlookingthePacificOcean. Thoughtfultouchesincludetongue-andgroovewoodwallpaneling,expansive windowsandneutralherringbonepatternedcarpeting.Bathroomsarecladin Carraramarbleandwhitesubwaytiles.

Herearethechoices:TheClassics roomsspan368squarefeetwitheithera king,queen,onequeenortwoqueen beds.TheOceanViewroomscover368 squarefeetwithtwoqueensorkingbeds andbalcony,plusoversizedbathroom withshowerandtub.ThePremium roomsspan433squarefeetwithkingor twoqueenbeds,sofabed,oceanview balconyplusSmartHDTVanddesk.The BoardwalkJuniorSuitesconsistof435 squarefeetwithonekingsofabed,ocean view,livingroomwithsofabedplus fridge,dishwasher,sinkandmicrowave. TheDunesSuiteis701squarefeet–a one-bedroommountain-viewsuitewith kingbedandlivingroomwithsofabed. The800-square-footPresidentialhasa kingbed,plusalivingroomwithasofa bedandanexpandedbalcony.

Dining

SwordfishalPastortacosaremade withgooseberrysalsaandpoprocks. Friedchickenandchurroswithwhite moleareservedatbrunch.Ahomemade churrodessertispresentedinaglass clochewithcinnamonvapor.Thereare evenchurropancakesandtresleches Frenchtoastforbreakfast.Manyofthe dishesaremadewiththePequínchili pepper,therestaurant’snamesake.

Pequín’sextensivebarprogramfeaturesatequila-focusedmenuwithsignaturecocktailsdevelopedbyaward-winningmixologists.Selectionsrangefrom theHoneydewPalomatoaMango Collinstoapassionfruitbeermojito. VesperaResortalsohasStarBarforBaja Coastal-inspiredoutdoorpoolsidedining.

VesperaVintner’sClubincludes partnershipswithsomeoftheCentral Coastregion’smostexceptionalwinemakers.Eventsincludemonthlywine dinners,complimentarySaturdaytastings atPequín’sbar,monthly-featuredwines servedbytheglassandspecially designedwinepackagesforovernight guests.

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Offeringexpansiveviewsofthe PacificOceanandbreezyalfrescoseating,Pequín,acoastalBaja-styledining venue,servesbreakfast,lunch,dinner andweekendbrunchaswellasaPuppers menufordoggies.Thecasual,energetic roomfeaturestraditionalMexicanelementssuchasZapotecrugs,soffitwallpapering,paintedcementtileanddecorativescreening.Pequínservesanarrayof innovativedishes,manywithlocally

VesperaResortwelcomespooches withaPismoPupClub-brandeddogtag. Waterbowlsareplacedthroughoutthe resort.Pupshaveunlimitedaccessto PismoPupClubtoys,includingballsand frisbees.Gatheringspotsforbothdogs andownersincludetheoutdoordeckand Pequín’soutsiderestaurantforenjoying beveragesandtreats.Adog-friendly beachisjustoutsidetheresort.Pequín’s newPuppersmenuoffersPeanutButter Biscuitsandmore.

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Tecnam P2006T SMP Cessna310R

TecnamP20

OceanViewGuestroom (CourtesyVesperaResort)

DiningRoom(CourtesyVesperaResort)

INSTALLED!

ByEd Wischmeyer

GOOD FRIENDS

Agorgeousspringday,low60s, clearskies,lightbreezein Savannah,GA.

But,fromJacksonville,FL(atthe verynorthendofthestate)onsouth,all ofATCwasswampedbecauseoftraffic congestionintheCaribbean,said ClearanceDelivery.Noideawhy. SomehowSavannahwasfeelingthe effects.

Therewerethreeflightschool planeswaitingtotakeoffonRunway1, sowewenttoRunway28,toldtowerwe couldacceptanimmediatetakeoff,but stillsatonthegroundwhilegapsinthe trafficwenttowaste–atleast,frommy perspective.(Ilaterfoundoutthatthe towerisunder-staffedandover-worked. I’llcutthemlotsmoreslackfromhere on.)

Anyhow,onthewaytoClaxton,I didsomesteep360s.Asidefromnotseeingmyreferencepointonthefirstone,it wentmuchbetterthanthelastflight.And onthesecondone,formuchoftheturn, theplanejustsatthereinaconstantbank andwentaround.NotsureI’deverexperiencedthatsensationbefore.MaybeI’m finallylearninghowtofly.

ThatGarminGTN650spontaneouslygavemeverticalguidance,asvertical guidanceturnsitselfonforeveryflight, andthere’sapparentlynowaytohaveit defaulttooff.Atleast,notthatGarmin techsupporthasfiguredout,andI’venot foundhelpinthemanual.Adamnable annoyanceonanotherwiseprettysweet system.

ComingbackintoSavannah,Ihad theLPV28approachdialedin,buthadI thoughtalittlemore,Iwouldhaverealizedthatwasabadcall.ATCtoldmeto remainclearoftheClassCairspace, then,alittlewhilelater,gavemea transpondercode–butthatstillwouldn’t allowmeintoClassC.

ThenIgotvectorsforRunway1, whichisunusualwhencomingfromthe westbecauseitskirtsarestrictedarea. Permynewnorm,Iwasathigh-cruise power,indicating148knots,plusor minuswiththeupanddowndrafts.Eight milesfromtheairport,ATCvectoredme foradownwindleg(!),awayfromthe airport,forspacing,thenclearedme straighttotherunwaynumbers,maximumforwardspeed.Handedofftotower fivemilesout,theyimmediatelyasked forminimumspeed.Powerback,aquick

zoomclimb,andIwasat80knots,just likethat.IsupposedIcouldhaveslowed to70,but80wasslowenough.

Theautopilotwashandyherefor holdingheadingsprecisely,forchanging headingby15-degreesand,whencleared straighttothenumbers,forprogramming anicedescent.LandingatSavannah,the tiresjustbarelykissedtherunway,butno stallwarninghorn.Sweetbutnotan absolutelyperfectlanding.Aswewere rollingout,aNavyhelicoptertouched downonthenumbersbehindus.

•••••

Cameouttothehangaronedayand discoveredthattheconstructioncrew outsidethehangar,usingabackhoe, managedtopullallthewiresoutofthe circuitbreakerboxinsidemyhangar.I couldn’topenthehangardoor,sothattrip totheairportwasawaste.Sincemy hangaristobedemolishedinApril,a temporaryfixmademoresensethan repairingthewires.Itisnowrepaired, gettingpowerfromagenerator20feet awayontheothersideofthefence,three fatcablescominginthrougha4-inch PVCpipe.Theinstallershadsortof cleanedupafterthemselves,butitwas easyenoughtofinishtheirjob.

•••••

TheRV-9Aisquiteaversatileairplane,witha70-knotapproachspeed range.However,forenginecoolinginthe summer,mycarburetorisnotthestock

carbbutaslightlyrichermodel,adjusted forthefullrichendofthecalibration range.Mymanifoldpressuregaugehasa lotoflaginit,despitelotsofdebugging, sotheengineworkloadishighwithconstantfussingwithmanifoldpressureand mixture.Hatetosayit,butIwaswishing foraC172enginewhereyoujustsetthe throttle,thegaugesstayput,setitandforgetit.

•••••

Lastnight’sforecastforthismorningwaswinds6knots,andat10a.m.,12 knots,notgettinggustytill2p.m.With thatinmind,the“plan”wastotakeoffat 8a.m.,fly30nmawaytoflytheLPV approachonautopilot,includingthepublishedmissedapproach–I’vehardlyever flownapublishedmiss.

Forecastwasstillgoodthismorning, sotakeoffwaspushedbackto9a.m. Drivingtotheairport,FSSreported windsat3,000were31knots.Oh…And Isawoneplaneflyingsidewiseonwhat wouldhavebeenupwind.Uh,oh.

PlanBwasthatwe’ddopattern workandI’dflyfromtherightseat,asI’d notdonethatinawhile.Calledthetower, trafficwaslight,theycouldaccommodateus,sowesaddledup.However, ClearanceDeliverysaidthattherewasa freshPIREPformoderateturbulence between300and800.I’dneverencounteredthatbefore,butitwasaneasydecisiontotaxibacktothehangarandlog0.1 foroperatinganaircraftforpurposeof flight.

Twentyminutes later,theATISreported winds18G20versusforecastof12.As mycopilotsaid,“welivetogettossed aroundanotherday.”

Saidcopilotisaprofessionalpilotat theverystartofhiscareer,andaboutto moveawaytobuildhoursasaskydiving jumppilot.Itsoundslikehisnewjobhas averyprofessionalatmosphere,afarcry fromthesex,drugs,androck‘nroll atmosphereatsomanyskydivingoutfits. Theattitudestheypracticetherewilldo himwellthroughouthiscareer,andI wishhimtheverybest.

Iwillmisshim.

•••••

Ingivingpresentationsonrealworld limitationsofangleofattackforgeneral aviation,ImetRonBlum,anaerodynamicistwithgeniuslevelknowledge.Itturns outthatjustabouteverythingyouread aboutangleofattackisanoversimplificationoramis-statement.

Ronwasalsoeasytogetalongwith andfun.

Icalledhimthisweektoaskhimto co-authorAOApresentationsforthis year’sAirVenture.Twodayslater,Igota textmessagefromhiswifethathedied fromastrokeafewmonthsback,much tooyoung.

RIP,Ron.

•••••

Adearfriendfromchurchhasa threateningmedicalprognosis.Although thediseaseprogressionisnotvisibleto outsiders,hisgrandkidsarecomingfor whatmaybetheirlastvisits.

Theplanwastotakethegrandson flying,tohelpmakehislastvisitmemorable.Momwentfirstforreassuranceand wehadagreatflight.Thentheairline trafficwentnuts,andtheforecastwasfor windstopickup.Grandsononlygotto taxibacktothehangar.Heunderstood thatifwewaited,hecouldhavegonebut itprobablywouldnothavebeenanyfun.

Althoughthestatisticsforhisconditionaregrim,thefive-yearsurvivalrate is10percent.That’swhatwe’reallprayingfor,andheisworthyofsuchprayers. I’mgratefultohavehimasafriend.

Configuredtostandontricycle-gear,theRV-9Aisthemostcommonlybuiltofthetwo RV-9optionsofferedbyVan’sAircraft.AuthorEdWischmeyercallshisRV-9A“quitea versatileairplane.” (CourtesyVan’sAircraft)

FlyingWithFaber

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MeetingsandEvents

Theoceanfrontsettingmakesthe resortanideallocaleforeventsofall descriptionsandsizesfromfamily reunionsandweddingstocorporate meetings.Meetingroomsarefunctional withalightandairymilieu.Eventspaces encompassavarietyofindoorandoutdooroptions.Facilitiesincludethe StargazingLawn,alargegrassyocean viewoutdooreventlawnandpooldeck spanning2,000feet.TheBarrelRoomis idealforupto16guests.TheSurfside Ballroomspans1,764feetandcan accommodateupto110guests.Audio visualandcustomcateringareavailable.

ThingstoDo

Onsiterecreationaloptionsinclude anoceanfrontsalinepoolwithanexpansivedeck.Theresortoffersrentalsofa completelineupofbeachgear.Thefitnesscenterisfullyequippedwithstateof-the-artmachinesandfreeweights. Guestscanunwindwithliveentertainmentonweekendnightsonthe StargazingLawn.Outdoorenthusiasts canalsorentabeachcruiser.Waterbuffs cansurf,swimorrentsurfboards,boogie boards,kayaksandboats.

Dailyseasidewell-beingclassesare designedtohelpparticipantsrelaxand rejuvenate.Includedareamorning stretch,low-impactgentleYogaand restorativeYoga.Duringthebeachwalk, participantslearnaboutPismoBeach’s interestinghistoryandthebenefitsof walkingonsand.

AcomplimentaryStargazing Programisofferedonceamonthonthe StargazingLawn.Inconjunctionwith studentmembersoftheCalifornia PolytechnicStateUniversity’s AstronomicalSociety,collegeastronomy expertsbringatleasttwotelescopesto sharetheirastronomicalenthusiasmand knowledge.VesperaResortguestscan bringthecollapsibletelescopesandstar mapsprovidedineachguestroom.

Formoreinformation,contact

DORONI AEROSPACE RAISES $3.5M+ FROM INVESTORS,ACHIEVES MILESTONEEVTOLFLIGHT TESTS

DoroniAerospace,Inc.(“Doroni”), aMiami-basedcompanydevelopinga two-seatereVTOL(electricverticaltakeoffandlandingaircraft),announcedon March16,thesuccessfulcloseofitssecondcrowdfundingraiseontheequity crowdfundingplatform,StartEngine .com.Afterraising$2.4Mfrom1,042 investorsthisround,todateDoroni Aerospacehasraisedacombined $3.5M+fromatotalof1,956investors.

“Wearejustgettingstartedand thereisstillplentyofworktobedone. Ourmissiontomakesafe,efficient,and sustainableairtravelaccessibletothe masseswiththeDoroniH1eVTOL remainsthesame.We’llkeeppushing theboundariesofwhat’spossible,”said CEO&FounderDoronMerdinger.

Justdaysbeforeclosingthecampaign,theFlorida-basedstartupreleased avideoofthefull-scaleDoronieVTOL prototype(knownastheH1P1)makinga shortuntetheredhovertestflightatits 13,000sq.ft.R&DfacilityinPompano

TheDoroniH1isthecompany’sgo-tomarketvehicle,andthecompanyison tracktobeginflighttestingbyQ4ofthis year,withplanstosecureFAAcertificationandlaunchcommerciallyinthesecondhalfof2024.(CourtesyDoroni)

Beach.Thecompanyshortlythereafter releasedastatementtoinvestors announcingthattheyhadcompleteda totalof23testflightswiththeaircraft.

Duringaninterviewwith FutureFlight,Doroni’sBusiness DevelopmentManagerYaakovWerdiger

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VesperaResortonPismoBeach,147 StimsonAve,PismoBeach,CA93449, 805/773-1011.

NearbyThingstoDo

VesperaResortiswithinwalking distanceofdowntownPismoBeach,and justfiveminutesfromthe900-acre PismoPreserve’stenmilesofhiking, horsebackridingandbikingtrails.This quaintdowntownhaschangedlittleover thelasthalfcentury.Takeinoneofthe manylocalrestaurantsandartisanshops. MomentsawayisZorro’sMexicanCafé whereweenjoyedanexcellentdinner withwarm,attentiveservice.

Alsonearbyisthe5.5-mileOceano DunesStateVehicularRecreationArea. Thesearethelargestcoastaldunesinthe state,andtheonlyCaliforniaStatePark allowingvehicleaccessonthebeach.In additiontooff-roadingATVs,buggies,or motorcyclesupanddownthedunes,visitorscanengageinotheroutdooractivitiesincludingsurfing,swimming,horsebackriding,andkiteboarding.ThenearbyDinosaurCavesParkisablufftop11acreplotpopularwithwalkersandrunners.GolferscanteeupatAvilaBeach GolfResort,PismoBeachGolfCourse andCypressRidgeGolfCourse.

OtherAttractionsintheRegion.

California’sCentralCoastoffers milesofstunningcoastlinewithsandy androckybeachfronts,forestedland,and verdantmeadows.Thecountrysideis gentlyinterruptedwithavarietyof charmingseasidetowns,includingMorro Bay(withitsvolcanicMorroRock),Paso Robles,SanLuisObispoandCambria. Additionalhighlightsincludethescenic EdnaValleyWineCountry,hometomore than250wineries.Visitthehistoric MissionSanLuisObispodeTolosa, MontanadelOroStatePark,BigSuror HearstCastle.

Additionalnearbyattractions includethePismoStateBeachMonarch ButterflyGroveandPriceHistorical Park,withitsmuseumhousingearly adoberuins.

•••••

RenoBastianellipassedawayinthe 1970s.ButeverytimeIvisit,orevenfly overPismoBeach,Ithinkofhim.Hislinguineandclamsremainunequaled.

Poolside(CourtesyVesperaResort)

said,“Thecurrentprototyperesembles ourfinalproduct…Theframeiscurrentlygoingthroughafullredesigntoreflect thelevelofsafetythatourcustomers expectanddeservefromus.Wearealso makingminorchangestoourwingsand

ductstoallowabetterandmoreefficient aerodynamicdesign.”

Doronicurrentlyhasitseyesona forthcomingSeriesAraisetosupportthe company’snextmajorphaseofgrowth.

DoroniAerospacewasfoundedin 2016byserialentrepreneurDoron

Merdinger.With25yearsexperiencein design,manufacturing,andmanaging eight-figurefirms,Doronassembleda world-classengineeringandtechnical teamtodeliveronhisultimatevision–providingtheworldwithanentirelynew modeofsustainabletransportation.

Doroni’smissionistodemocratize thepowerofflightbydeliveringtransformativeelectricverticaltakeoffandlanding(eVTOL)technologydirectlytoconsumers.

Byofferingthepublicasafety-centricmobilityoption–commonlyreferred tothegeneralpublicas“flyingcars”–Doroniwillempowerpeopletointuitivelytransportthemselveswithinurban environmentsandbetweencitiesata fractionofthetimepossiblewithtraditionalautomobiles.

Doroni’sFlagshipeVTOL

TheDoroniH1isthecompany’sgoto-marketvehicle,andthecompanyison tracktobeginflighttestingbyQ4ofthis year,withplanstosecureFAAcertificationandlaunchcommerciallyinthesecondhalfof2024.

TheDoroniH1currentlyunder developmentisatwo-seaterpersonal eVTOLthatwillbemadeavailablefor publicpurchase(withanestimatedstartingretailpriceof$250K)whichanyone canown,fly,andparkinastandardtwocargarage.Inordertogetstarted,customerswillneedacurrentvaliddriver’s licenseandcompletionofa20-hour trainingcourseprovidedbythecompany.

Traction

Todate,Doronihasraised$3.5M+ fromover1,956investorsontheequity crowdfundingplatformStartEngine.com. Thecompanymaxedouttheirfirstraise ontheplatform,andhasreceived230 pre-orderrequestsforgo-to-marketaircraft.DoroniAerospacerecentlyrelocatedoperationstoa13,000-square-foot R&DfacilityinPompanoBeach,FL, wherethecompanyexpectstocomplete prototypetestinganddevelopment.

DoroniissupportedbySpace Florida,astateagencydedicatedtomaintainingFlorida’sleadershippositionin globalaerospace,whoishelpingthe companyscaletheiroperationsbyprovidingland,facilities,andtooling.Tony Gannon(VPResearch&Innovation)and MattChesnut(VPBusinessand EconomicDevelopment)areamong Doroni’sclosestcollaboratorsand biggestchampions.

Thecompanyalsohasthefullsupport oftheCityofPompanoBeach,FLaswell astheGreaterFortLauderdaleAlliance, theprincipaleconomicdevelopment organizationforBrowardCounty,FL.

TolearnmoreaboutDoroni Aerospacevisitwww.doroni.iooremail thecompanyatinfo@doroni.io.

HAIHeli-Expo2023

VERTICAL AVIATION CONFERENCEAND TRADE SHOW CONCLUDESIN ATLANTA

Theinternationalverticalaviation communitygatheredMarch6-9atHAI Heli-Expo2023inAtlantademonstratinga robustappetiteforin-personeducation,networking,andsales.Morethan12,400 industryprofessionalsfrom97countries attendedthefour-dayshowproducedby HelicopterAssociationInternational(HAI).

TheshowoccupiedHallsBandCof theGeorgiaWorldCongressCenterand featured639exhibitorsand49aircrafton display.Attendeesthreadedtheirway throughthebusyaislesoftheextensive showfloor,eagertoconductbusinessin person.“Ilovedhearingexhibitorssay theyweresobusyattheirbooththatthey barelyhadtimetoseeothersonthe floor,”saysHAIPresidentandCEO JamesA.Viola.“EveryoneItalkedwith wasenthusiasticabouttheexcitement andlevelofactivityattheshow.”

HAIestimatesthatroughly$2billioninbusinessoccurredatHAIHeliExpo2023.Theshowfeaturedabreadth ofproductsandservicesfromthelargest aircraftandenginemanufacturerstothe smallbusinessesthatarethebackboneof theverticalaviationindustry.Aircrafton thefloorrangedfromsmallbutcapable personalaircrafttosomeofthelargest helicoptersinoperation.Severalcompaniesdisplayedadvancedairmobility (AAM)mock-ups,uncrewedaircraftsys-

tem(UAS)models,andotheremerging technologies.

Moreinformationabouttheshow’s attendancecanbeseenintheHAIHeliExpo2023“BytheNumbers”graphic below.

ter,fromtheUSCGAviationTraining CenterinMobile,Alabama.Attendees couldalsotestvirtual-realitysimulators andmeetwithrepresentativesfromsafety-focusedorganizationstolearnhowto flyandworkmoresafely.HAIalso offeredanextensiveslateoffreesafety educationsessionsinitsRotorSafety Challenge,providingopportunitiesfor everyoneintheindustrytolearnor improvetheirskillstoachievesaferoperations.

describingthenextstepsnecessaryfor AAMdevelopmentinareassuchasregulations,infrastructureandairspaceuse, andvehicledevelopment.

HAImadesafetytheliteralcenterpieceoftheshow,withtheHAIRotor SafetyZonecentrallylocatedbetween HallsBandC.TheZonefeaturedpresentationsanddemonstrationscoveringa varietyofsafety-relatedtopics.AhighlightofthebooththisyearwastheU.S. CoastGuard’snewestvariant,anAirbus MH-65EDolphinmulti-missionhelicop-

“Networkingandworkforcedevelopmentarealwaysahugepartofthis show,”saysJeffSmith,chairoftheHAI BoardofDirectors.“OurHelicopter IndustryCareerFairhostedmorethan15 companiesthatwereactivelyseeking newemployeesaswellasseveralthousandjobseekers.”TheshowalsofeaturedthepopularMil2Civworkshop, wheremilitaryveteranssharedthelessonstheylearnedwhentransitioning fromthemilitarytosuccessfulcareersin theciviliansector.

Theconferenceportionoftheshow includedseveraleventsfocusedon AAM,includingathree-partAAM ShowcaseandaforumthatfeaturedseniorleadersfromtheorganizationsworkingtomakeAAMareality.HAIalso releasedtheRoadmapofAdvancedAir MobilityOperations,awhitepaper

Theshow’seducationandtraining sessionsalsodrewlargenumbersof attendees,with2,194peopleattending 116coursesandsessions.The ProfessionalEducationCoursesprovided in-depthprofessionaldevelopmentfor pilots,maintenancetechnicians,and otheraviationprofessionals.Andwitha focusonsupportingitssmall-business members,HAIagainheldits CommunicationsUforSmall Businesses,whichofferedfreesessions indigitalmarketing,socialmedia,crisis communications,andbuildingbetter relationshipswithelectedofficials.

HAIturns75thisyear,onDec.13, 2023.Thisyear’sExpokicksoffayearlongobservationofthismilestone anniversarythatwillconcludeatHAI Heli-Expo2024.Withthethemeof “BuildingTomorrow,”nextyear’sshow willbeheldattheAnaheimConvention Center,Feb.26–29,withexhibitsopen Feb.27–29.

LearnmoreatHeliExpoatheliexpo.comorontheHAIwebsite,rotor.org.

HELICOPTER PILOTS PROVIDE LIFELINETO TRAPPED RESIDENTS

ByJulieSummersWalker

AOPA

Inan“unprecedentedeffort”by localhelicopterpilotsinCalifornia, accordingtopilotandLakeArrowhead residentSusanNewmanHarrison,relief cametothesnow-trappedvillagesofthe SanBernardinoMountainsviageneral aviation.

Morethan15feetofsnowhascoveredtheseusuallyscenicmountaintowns thathavebeenhammeredbyaseriesof stormsfedbyatmosphericriversflowing offthePacificOcean,dumpingmore waterthantheMississippiRiver.The snowdelugetrappedpeopleinsidetheir homesformorethantwoweeks.No food;nodrinkingwater;impassable roads;medicalemergencies;and,toadd insulttoinjury,agrocerystorethatsome residentscouldwalktowascrushedby heavysnow.

HarrisonandherhusbandRob,also apilot,liveaboveLakeArrowhead.Her homeservedasaweatherstationforthe volunteerpilotswhojoinedtheCalifornia DisasterAirliftResponseTeam,better knownasCalDART,anonprofitorganization,todeliverneededsuppliestothe mountaintowns.CalDARTansweredthe pleasfromlocalresidentsthroughsocial media.

“About500volunteerlocalscoordinatedthroughsocialmediaduringthe stormwiththewordoutfromlocalresidentLisaGriggs,”saidHarrison.“We werefirstbootsonthegroundandinthe air.Startedwithcheckingonneighbors andneighborshelpingneighbors,aspeoplewerecutofffromnormalfoodsuppliesandroadways.”Thevolunteers formedOperationMountainStrongand createdawebsite(https://operation mountainstrong.com)tohelporganize theireffort.

“WhenIsawthecommunitysocial mediapagesandtheirstories,wealldid whatwecouldtogetthewordout,”said Harrison.Morethan500volunteers organizedandgatheredmorethan21,000 poundsoffood,necessities,andbottled waterthatateamofninehelicoptersflew uptothemountains,landingbyspecial permissiononthesmallhospitalhelipad, andatanearbyparkinglot.

“MyhusbandRob,knownatairshowsastheTumblingBear,andIvisitedthelandingzonesandsupportedwith weathercommunication,donations,and foodsupplyrequests.Wehavealsobeen visitingtheRedCrossshelter,whichwas setupatourlocalhighschool,andweare makingsureshelteredowners’andtheir animals’needshavebeenmet,”shesaid.

Volunteersgatheredneededsupplies atlocallandingzonesatthebaseofthe mountainsandvolunteerpilotslikeWes Klein,MicahMuzio,andSamuel

Volunteersgatheredneededsuppliesat locallandingzonesatthebaseofthe mountainsandvolunteerpilotsflewin oftenmarginalVFRweathertodeliver supplies.

(CourtesyofCalDARTandAOPA)

SamuelianflewinoftenmarginalVFR weathertodeliversupplies.Muziolives inLakeArrowheadandsaidtonews reporters,“Forme,Icanmakeituptothe mountainthereinaboutsevenminutes. It’saveryquickflight,backandforth. Wehavesuppliesoverthere,readytorun

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BELLAND ROTORTRADE LOOKTO PROVIDE PRE-OWNED HELICOPTER SOLUTIONS

BellTextronInc.,aTextronInc. company,andleadingmanufacturerof helicoptersandverticalliftaircraft,has signedaMemorandumofUnderstanding (MOU)withRotortrade,theleading globalhelicopterdistributor,todefine optimalpre-ownedhelicoptersolutions toBellandtheircustomers.

ThroughthisMOU,Belland Rotortradewillexplorehowtheycan offerexpandedtrade-insolutionstoits customers,makingiteasiertoupgradeto neweraircraftmodelandoffermore affordable,pre-ownedsolutions. Additionally,Rotortradeaimstoexpand itspre-ownedinventorybyaddingmore Bellaircrafttotheirfleet.

“BellandRotortradeareexcitedto explorearelationshipthatwillprovidea realadvantagetoourcustomers,”said

PatrickMoulay,seniorvicepresident, InternationalCommercialBusiness,Bell. “BelliseagertoworkwithRotortradeto offercustomerstrade-insolutions,suchas thesaleofthecustomer’shelicopterprearrangedbyRotortradewhentheorderfor anewBellhelicopterisplaced,enabling thecustomertoseamlesslytransitionfrom theusedaircrafttothebrand-newaircraft. ThisMOUwillallowustodevelopastrategytobetterserveourcustomers’needs andexpandourglobal reach.”

“Weareexcitedaboutenteringthe nextphaseofthesediscussionswith Bell,”saidPhilippeLubrano,CEOof Rotortrade.“Ourdesireistosecurea steadyflowofinventorytoprovidethe bestpossibleofferingstoourcustomers. AtRotortrade,ourvisionhasalways beentotransformthepre-ownedmarket

forthebenefitofbothbuyersandsellers. ThisMemorandumofUnderstanding withBellisasignificantmilestonein achievingthatvision,asweworktoward providingourcustomerswithevenmore optionsandaccesstotop-quality,preownedhelicopters.”

FormoreInformation,visittheBell websiteatbellflight.com.

RotortradeisaleadingglobalhelicopterdealerandsoleinternationaldistributorofLeonardo’spre-ownedhelicopters. Itsextensivenetworkthroughoutthespectrumoftheindustryenablesittoacquire andcarryabroadfleetofaircraftfromall majormanufacturersprovidingitsclients fullend-to-endandfullysecuredservices.

Rotortradehas10dealerships aroundtheworldwithofficesinFlorida, KualaLumpur,London,LosAngeles,

BellisworkingwithRotortradetooffer customerstrade-insolutions,suchasthe saleofthecustomer’shelicopterprearrangedbyRotortrade.(CourtesyBell)

Melbourne,MexicoCity,Marseille, Paris,Riyadh,Singapore,Sarajevoand Shanghai.Formoreinformation,visit: http://www.rotortrade.com/.

T WO ORDERS PLACEDBY NORTH AMERICAN CUSTOMERSFOR AIRBUS CORPORATE HELICOPTERS

DemandforAirbusCorporate Helicopters(ACH)inNorthAmericacontinuestogrow,withnotableACH130 ordersbeingplacedbyFranklinMountain ManagementandSylvainOligny.

“NorthAmericancustomershave continuedtoseethevaluehelicopters provideforprivateandbusinessaviation purposes,leadingtoaveryactivemarket thathasnearlydoubledoverthepasttwo years,”saidRomainTrapp,Presidentof AirbusHelicopters,Inc.andHeadofthe NorthAmericaRegion.“Airbusis

pleasedtobetheleadingproviderofhelicoptersforthismarket,withorders placedin2022foreveryhelicopterinour ACHrange.”

AfirsttimeAirbuscustomer, FranklinMountainManagementhas placedanorderforanACH130,optingto upgradeitsoriginalordertotheAston MartinEdition.Theaircraftwillfeature specialeditioninteriorandexterior optionsdesignedbyAstonMartin. FranklinMountainManagementintends tousethehelicopterforVIPtransport,

realestatetours,andvariousranchpurposesacrosslocationsinNewMexico andTexas.

Quebec-basedMr.SylvainOligny, anAirbuscustomerinthetransportation sector,hasconfirmedpurchaseofan ACH130toupgradehiscurrentEC120B. Thehelicopterwillbeequippedwitha customizedinteriorandcoldweatherkit tomeettheyearroundoperationalneeds ofOligny’scompany,AviationStMichel.

ACH130ordersbeingplacedbyFranklin MountainManagementandSylvain OlignyexemplifythedemandforAirbus CorporateHelicopters(ACH)inNorth America. (CourtesyAirbus)

HelicopterPilotsProvideLifelinetoTrappedResidents

ContinuedfromPage36

themup.Wecanmovereally,reallyfast.”

Andasfastastheycouldthisteam ofpilotsloadedgoodsandflewthemto thoseinneed.“Nothinglikethishasbeen donebefore,”saidHarrison.She’slived onthemountainformorethan30years. Themostsnowshehaseverseenhereis fourfeet.InearlyMarch,aphototaken byherhusbandshowedthe12feetof snowatherfrontdoor.“Weboughtthis houseupherebecauseitfeelslikeyouare flyinguphere.Flyinghereistypically challengingbecauseoftheinteresting winds.Iactedastheweatherstation, tellingthepilotstostanddownwhenthe windsgottobetoomuch.”Windstopped 35knotsormoreonsomeofthemost challengingdays.

“We’veneverseenthismuchsnow. Peoplewerewithoutfood,lostpower, hadnoheat.Theroadswerenot[accessible]for12to13days.Somepeoplewere walkingformilestogethelporfood. Evenoncethemainroadswereclear, theyweresonarrowthatonlyonevehicle couldgetthroughandiftheymetanother,onewouldhavetobackupformiles,” shesaid.

“WelostGoodwin’sSupermarketas theentireroofcollapsedleavingthousandsofpeoplewithoutaplacetoget food.Asecondsupermarketwasred taggedduetoagasleakandweightof snowontheroof.Volunteershelpedclear theirroof,butitisstillclosed.Nowjust onesupermarketwaslefttoprovidefor about60,000mountainresidents.The

problemwas,roadswerenotcleared,and somearestillnotcleared,leavingpeople tofetch…foodbyfoot.Mindyou,on overfivefeetofsnowandinsomeareas, therearedrifts12feethigh,”shesaid.

HarrisonhasahangaratSan BernadinoInternationalAirport,andthe airportofferedtohousethehelicopters andthesupplies.It’saseven-minute flightuptoLakeArrowhead.“Yougo from1,000feetto6,500feetpretty quickly,”Harrisonsaid.“Andit’susually averybumpyflight.Mountainflyingcan bechallengingduetoweatherandwinds, andtheweatherisdifferentatSan BernardinoInternationalAirport,which isjustmilesdownthemountain.Having trustineachotheroneithersideofthe mountainwasessentialforsafeopera-

tions,”shesaid.

“Wesetupmultiplefooddistributionlocations(currentlytherearenine), changingdailyandgoingwheretheneed was.Wedistributed56,000poundsof produceand7,000hotmealsprovidedby WorldCentral(Kitchen).Morethan 20,000peoplereceiveddonatedfoodina shortperiodoftimeandmostlikelythis savedmanylives.”Fooddonationsare stillneeded,andtherearedrop-offand distributionlocationsstillinplaceasthe areaisstillinrecoverymode.

“Thiscommunityuptherehas absolutelybeenamazing,”Kleinsaid. “They’vesteppedup,they’vereally,reallyworkedtogether.Thisisprobablythe bestoperationI’vebeenonin52years.”

Ithasbeensaidthattheonlyvoluntaryactinaviationisthedecisiontotake-off.Everyactionaftertake-offinvolvestheskillfulmanagementof risk,theenjoymentofflightandacontinuousstreamofdecisionsthatresultinasafelanding.

In1974,NASAcreatedtheAviationSafetyReportingSystem(ASRS)toallowaviationprofessionalstoshareexperiencesinafrank,non-punitivemanner.TheASRSstructureallowspilotsandotheraviationprofessionalstofileananonymousreportofanincident,errororoccurrencethatthecontributorfeelsmightbeofvaluetoothers.These reportsaregathered,analyzedanddatabasedbyNASAexpertsandmadeavailabletoallinterestedpartiesasatoolforcreatingproactiveaviationsafetyprograms.Additionally,NASAdistributes anelectronicpublication, CALLBACK,whichcontainsselected,de-identified,reportsonafreesubscriptionbasis. InFlightUSA isproudtoreprintselectedreports,exerptedfrom CALLBACK,for ourreaderstoread,study,occasionallylaughat,andalwayslearnfrom.Visithttp://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/tolearnhowyoucanparticipateintheASRSprogram.

UNUSUAL ATTITUDESAND AIRCRAFT UPSETS

Anaircraftunusualattitudeorupset canchallengeandtestapilot’sabilityto maintainaircraftcontrol.Theunusual attitudeisgenerallyunintentional,unanticipated,andmayconsistofextremeaircraftattitudes,andyet,itmightnot exceedtheparameterstobetermedan upset.Duringflightortraining,anupset generallyreferstoanunintentionalpitch attitudeexceeding25-degreenoseupor 10-degreenosedown,orabankangle exceeding45-degrees,orbeingwithin thoseparametersandoperatingatanairspeedinappropriatefortheconditions.(1)

Usualsuspectsinunusualattitude andupsetincidentsincludeenvironmentalconditions,wakevortexencounters, mechanicalissues,andHumanFactors suchasconfusion,distraction,fatigue, human-machineinterface,physiological conditions,orsituationalawareness.With aircraftcontrolinthebalance,itiscrucial thateverypilotbeproficientinidentifyingandrecoveringfromunusualattitudes andaircraftupsets.FAAmandatesUpset PreventionandRecoveryTraining (UPRT)forPart121operatorsand encouragesitforallothers.(1)

Thismonth,CallBacksharesunusualattitudeincidentreports,primarily fromPart91operations,thatdisplay HumanFactorsalongwithsomeexternal stimuli.Enjoythenarratives,thelessons, andthecause-and-effectconnections.

DoubleDownontheHeadsUp

Flyinginless-than-idealconditions, aFlightInstructorandstudentsuffered predictableconsequencesimmediately aftertheytookashort,dualrecessfrom theirinstrumentscan.

• IncontinuousmoderateturbulencewhileperformingthecoursereversalontheRNAVRwy19approachinto 9D4witha50-knotwindoutofthesouthwest,mystudentdisconnectedtheautopilotwhenhethoughtitwasnotgoingtobe abletocompletetheparallelentrytothe finalapproachcourse.Heinitiateda steeperturnthantheautopilothadand thenwentheadsdowntolookatthe approachplate.Iwasalsoheadsdown

lookingattheapproachplatewhenI noticedincreasingpositiveG-forcesand lookedattheinstruments.Wewereina 45-degreebanklosing2,000FPMofaltitude.Iimmediatelycalledbankangle twiceandshieldedthecontrolsasthe learnerrecovered.Welost800feetand endedupwellbelowtheminimumaltitudeforthatsegmentoftheapproach. ATCnotifiedusofalowaltitudealert,by whichtimewewerealreadyrecoveringin astableclimb.Thereisanantennainthe areathatreaches1,927feetMSL,less than600feetlowerthanourlowestaltitude.…Thiswasapoignantlessonfor thestudentontheimportanceofmaintaininganinstrumentscan,butoursafetymarginwasfairlylow.Anincorrect recoveryinputcouldhavequicklyturned theupsetintoadisaster.Theaircraftdoes nothaveanauralwarningwhenthe autopilotisdisconnected,whichwould have[alerted]bothofus…thattheaircraftwasbeinghandflown.Inits absence,Irecommendpilots announce…thattheyaredisengagingthe autopilot.

WithinSeconds

ThisMooneyOvationpilotexperiencedanabnormalairspeedindication duringcruiseinIMC.Procedureswere accomplished,butthesituationdeterioratedrapidly.

• Iwasincruiseandonautopilotfor thepastfewhours.Iwashandedoffto anotherControllerwithZZZCenter.He wassobusythatIcouldnotbreakinto establishcontact.Afterafewminutesof trying,IpressedIDENT…Ifinallygot throughandwasswitchedtoanother Controller.…Myairspeedwasveryslow, 70knots,…andRPMwasat2,500.I assumedmypitot-statictubewasblocked. I…madesuremypitotheatwason.Next,I checkedmyengineanalyzer.Allcylinders werecold.Iswitchedtanksandturnedon theboostpumpandalternateair.…There wereneveranysignsoficing.Thisaircraft iscertifiedforknownice.

Allwithinseconds,Iwaswithno power,inanunusualattitude,andin

IMC.…Irequestedassistance.Ihave beenflyingformorethan20yearsand neverhadrequiredimmediateassistance. Iwasfocused110percentonflyingthe plane.Theautopilotwasoff.Ipushed forwardtogainairspeedincaseIwasin aspin,thenleveledthewingsandasked forvectorstothenearestairport.ZZZ was10milesbehindme.The Controller…switchedtoanotherfrequency.Hewasfantastic.Iwasonbestglide speeddirecttoZZZ.InoticedIwasgettingsomepower,andshortly,myengine wasrunningnormally.…IflewaVFR approachtoZZZ1foraprecautionary landing.Iwantedtohaveitlookedatby anA&Pmechanic.Themechanictookoff thecowling.…Hefelteverythinglooked normalandoperational.Henotedthat theenginehadgoodcompression.His recommendationwastogotoatestarea andrun-uptheenginetofullpowerafew times.Allappearednormal.Ifueled up…andcontinuedmyflightthefollowingday.Theflightwasuneventful,butI stayedinVFRconditionsasaprecaution.

UnusualAttitude,Invisible Conflict

ThismilitaryT6Texan/Harvard instructorwasconductingtrainingina MilitaryOperationsArea(MOA).An unperceivedthreatsuddenlymaterialized duringunusualattitudetrainingandnearlyresultedinatragedy.

• [Thiswasa]trainingflight…in communicationwith…Center,butoperatingVFRwithintheboundariesofour assignedMOAblock.Wewereexecuting avarietyofcontactmaneuversbetween 12,000and17,999[feet]MSL,including basicairwork,outofcontrolflight,and unusualattitudes.Weweremonitoring theassigned…Centerfrequencybutwere notabletopaycloseattentiondueto focusingonthetrainingmaneuvers.At onepoint,Iheardacivilianaircraftbeing advisedthattheywerefilingaflightplan throughanactiveMOAbutdidnothear theaircraft’sresponse.Iheardmultiple companyaircraftcheckinginforthe MOA,includingblocksadjacentto

mine.…Isetupmystudentforanoselowunusualattituderecoverymaneuver. InotedaTCAScontact,butitwasona depictedsectionlinefortheMOA,soI dismissedthecontactascompanytraffic withtheexpectationthattheywouldbe deconflictedthroughSOPadherence.As weenteredasignificantnose-lowdescent fortraining,wereceivedanothertraffic advisoryveryclosetous.Weexecuteda 5Gpullandturnforavoidance.Ourindicatedaltitudedroppedbelowthecontact. Iwouldestimatethatwecamewithin100 feetoftheconflict,thoughIdidnotgeta visualontheotheraircraft.Centercalled usandaskedifwehadtoexecuteasignificantevasivemaneuverandadvised thattheconflicthadbeenacivilianmultiengineaircraft.TheControllerwas apologeticfornotprovidingatrafficcall tous,thoughduetohowdynamicour trainingmaneuverwas,Idonotbelieve thattheControllercouldhaveanticipatedtheseverityoftheconflict.

TheRealityCheckride

APA46pilotsharessomesobering wisdomafteranaircraftprobleminIMC ledtoanundesirableaircraftstate.

• Afteranuneventfulinstrument cross-countryflight,IlistenedtothedestinationairportASOS:wind29knots, gustingto38,cloudsovercastat900feet andvisibility4miles.IsetuptheFlight Director(FD)fortheRNAVapproach intothenon-toweredairport.Ihaddone thisapproachbeforeinmarginalVFR conditions.…Clearedforapproachwith theautopilotcoupledtotheFD,Ipassed theIAFinheavyIMCandturned inboundattheintermediatefix.Approach clearedmetoswitchtotheUNICOMfrequency.Inoticedthattheautopilotwas notmaneuveringtheairplaneasIhad intended.Itwasmakingaclimbingleft turnoffcourse.Idecoupledtheautopilot andhand-flewtheairplanewhile attemptingtoresettheFD.…Distracted tryingtoresettheFD,Iinadvertentlygot offaltitudeandheading,andfound myselfinanunusualattitude.Irecovered

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AFRICA SEES GENERAL AVIATION SUCCESSWITH VERSATILE BELL 429

BellTextronInc.,aTextronInc. company,announcedonMarch8,the deliveryofaBell429andasignedpurchaseagreementforanotherBell429, bothtocustomersinAfrica.

TheBell429isapopularchoicefor theAfricanmarketandcontinuesto demonstrateimportantqualitiessuchas safety,reliability,andperformance.The aircraftalsooffersasmooth,peaceful rideaswellasaspaciousandcustomizablecabindependingonmissiontype.

“WeareproudtosupportourcustomersinAfricawiththeBell429.With twonowoperatinginSouthAfricaanda thirdonesoontobeoperatinginWest Africa,theaircraftcontinuestoexcel acrossthemanymarketsegmentsfor whichitwasdesigned.Featuringstate-ofthe-arttechnologytoprovideenhanced safety,comfort,performanceandmost importantlyreliability,weareconfident thattheseaircraftwillhelpsupporton whatevertheirmissionsentail,”said SameerRehman,managingdirector, AfricaandtheMiddleEast,Bell.

CavertonHelicoptersLimitedin Cameroonsignedapurchaseagreement forthefirstoilandgasconfiguredBell 429inWestAfrica.CavertonHelicopters isasubsidiaryoftheCavertonOffshore SupportGroupPlc(COSG),whichisa fullyintegratedoffshoresupportcompanyprovidingaviationandmarinelogisticsservicestobusinessesoperatingin theoilandgasindustryinNigeriaand acrossWestAfrica.

“HavingoperatedavarietyofBell productsacrossouroperationsoverthe

TheBell429isapopularchoiceforthe Africanmarketandcontinuestodemonstrateimportantqualitiessuchassafety, reliability,andperformance.

(CourtesyBell)

years,weareexcitedtocontinuewith thisbrand,whichissynonymouswith safetyandexcellentperformance,”said CaptainBelloIbrahim,managingdirector,CavertonHelicopters.“Introducing theBell429intoourfleetisanexciting milestoneforusandwillenableusto providethebestsupportforouroiland gasclientsacrossthecontinent.”

Thenewlydelivered429willbe usedforcorporatetransportation.Thanks toitslargecabin,impressivespeed,and moderntechnology,provingcriticaltoits operators,thereareavarietyofconfigurationsavailable,enablingtheplatform toperformnumerousmissionsranging fromenergytolawenforcementand publicsafety.

Withmorethan602,000global flighthours,therearenow430Bell429 inoperation,morethan20ofwhichare intheMiddleEastandAfrica.

Formoreinformation,visittheBell 429productpageonouratbellflight.com.

THE HELICOPTER COMPANYAND SKY TRAC ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

TheAgreementProvidesAircraftConnectivity andSupportforRapidlyGrowingFleet

SkyTracSystemsLtd.(SkyTrac),a globalleaderinaerospaceintelligentconnectivityandsatellitecommunications (satcom),andTheHelicopterCompany (THC),establishedbythePublic InvestmentFund(PIF)asthepremier helicopterserviceproviderlicensedto operatecommercialflightsinthe KingdomofSaudiArabia(the Kingdom),haveenteredintoanagreementtoenableLowEarthOrbit(LEO) satellite,4G/LTEcellular,andWi-Ficonnectivityaswellasadvancedmission capabilitiesfortheirentirefleetofAirbus

andLeonardohelicopters.ThepartnershipwillprovideTHCwithatrulyconnectedaircraftinanall-in-oneplatform forconnectivity,communications,datadrivenoperationalinsights,engineering andclientsupport,andpilotsituational awareness.

Inadditiontoreliable,lowlatency connectivity,SkyTracwillprovide THC’sfleetwithmission-criticalcapabilities,includingSkyWebAutomated FlightFollowingandMission Monitoring,SAFRTMFlightData

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TheHelicopterCompanyandSkyTracAnnouncePartnership

ContinuedfromPage39

Monitoring(FDM),Real-TimeHUMS (RTHUMS)Alerting,IridiumSatellite Push-to-Talk(PTT)communications, voiceandtextmessaging,aswellasthe SkyTracInflightiOSapplicationusedby pilotstoenhancecockpitsituational awarenesswithreal-timeweatherdetection,MarineAIS,NOTAMalerts,georeferencingcapabilities,andmore.

Launchingservicesin2019,THC wasestablishedtoactivatenewindustries intheKingdomthatsupporttherealizationofVision2030,aunique,transformativeeconomicandsocialreformblueprintsettoopenSaudiArabiauptothe world.Today,THCoffersaerialworkfor constructionprojects,filmography,surveying,privatecharters,search-and-rescue,andtourism.Additionally,THCwas mandatedtorapidlydevelopacomprehensivenationwideHelicopter EmergencyMedicalService(HEMS) sectorwithinthreeyears.Theprogram, dubbedSaudiAirAmbulance,willoperatewith23bases,ofwhich13arein progressofbeingestablished.

SkyTrac,operatinginvirtuallyevery categoryofaviation,includingaerialfirefighting,commercialairtransport,businessaviation,emergencyservices,generalaviation,lawenforcement,oilandgas, scientificexploration,andunmannedaviation,wastheidealchoiceforTHC’svariedoperationalrequirements.

“WeselectedSkyTracfortheirabilitytoprovidein-countrysupport,their comprehensiveproductandcapability offerings,andongoingcommitmentto innovation,”mentionedPhilipMarkham, ChiefTechnicalOperationsOfficer,The HelicopterCompany.“SkyTrachasa longhistoryservingnumeroussegments ofaviation,andwebelievetheircommitmenttolong-termpartnershipsiswhat setsthemapartfromotherfirms.”

SafeLandings

ContinuedfromPage38

fromtheunusualattitude,gottheairplanestabilized,hand-flewtheairplane, andlandedwithoutfurtherincident.

Iperformedwellduringmyrecent instrumentproficiencycheck,butsinglepilotinstrumentflyinginheavyIMCis notthesameasbeing…underthehood withaFlightInstructorintherightseat. Also,emphasisshouldbemadeonUpset PreventionandRecoveryTraining.Iwill seektrainingbeforedoingsinglepilot lowIMCapproachesinthefuture.

AcriticalpieceofVision2030,THC willberelieduponforamultitudeof transformationalprojectsrequiringthe highestlevelsofsafetyandoperational excellence.THCwillsupportmanyinfrastructureprojectsacrosstheKingdom, includingtheAlUla,NEOMandRed Searegions.Onesuchprojectwillcover 26,500km2andextend460kmalongthe coastoftheRedSea.Theproject,estimatedat$500billionandwhollyowned bythePIF,willrequirethesupportof THCtocharterstaff,constructionmaterials,andotherresources.

THCwillalsosupportprojectsthat setnewstandardsinregenerativetourism andsustainabledevelopment,whichwill requireitsowndedicatedairport,easily accessibleyear-roundtovisitorsfrom aroundtheworld.Similarly,THCwill supportprogramsestablishedtoprotect andsafeguardtheregionofoutstanding

NottheCaptain’sFirstRodeo

AB767Captainexperiencedan abrupt,pitch-upattitudeandout-of-trim condition.Fortunately,theCaptainwas allaboutbusinessatthetime,andthesituationwasquicklyresolved.

• [I]selectedtheLeftAutopiloton at1,200[feet]AGL,230knots,slats retracting,[with]VNAVengagedat about5degreesofpitch.Whenthe autopilotbecameactive,itdirectedan abruptpositivepitchingmoment. Passing18degreesofpitch[up]withno signofstabilizing,Ideselectedthe

naturalandculturalsignificancein North-WestSaudiArabia.

Vision2030’sambitiousplans undoubtedlyrequireTHCtoaggressively scale,whichhasspurredrecentorders, including20AirbusH145,6Airbus H160,and16LeonardoAW139helicopters,asannouncedattheHelicopter AssociationInternational’s2022HeliExpo.Inresponsetothesefleetexpansions,SkyTracwillestablishin-country supportforwhatwillbetheworld’s fastest-growingmulti-industryoperator.

SkyTrac’scommitmenttoproviding dedicatedresourceswithintheKingdom andassociatedregionsispartofitslongtermstrategytofacilitatetherequirementsofclientelesuchasTHCandothersintheregion.

“TheinclusionofSkyTracintothe Kingdom’saerospaceoperationsisatestamenttothecapabilitiesofSkyTrac’s

fullyintegratedsystemsandthecompany’sgrowingreputationasaglobalplatformforconnectivity,”mentionedJan vanderHeul,VicePresidentofSalesand Marketing,SkyTrac.“Wearehonoredto supportTHC,fleetwide,withSkyTrac intelligentconnectivityandmissioncapabilities.”

AbouttheHelicopterCompany

TheSaudiPublicInvestmentFund (PIF)establishedTHCaspartofitsstrategytoactivatenewsectorsinSaudiArabia thatsupporttherealizationofVision2030 andgeneratelong-termcommercial returns.THCistheKingdom’spremier commercialhelicopteroperatorandhas beenoperatingsincemid-2019.Formore information,pleasevisit:https://www.the helicoptercompany.com.sa/

AboutSkyTrac

SkyTracisaviation’sfull-service, data-drivensolutionsproviderservingthe fixed-wing,rotorcraft,andunmanned aviationmarkets.Since1986,SkyTrac haspioneeredthedevelopment,evolutionandcommercializationofflightfollowing,flightdataandcommunications technology.Today,withsystemscertified onover900airframesandanonlinedata managementportalthatisthego-totool forover7,500globalusers,SkyTracis trulythepartnerofchoicefordata-guidedbusinessinsights.Fromperformance trendingandoperationsreportingtorealtimeassettrackingandsituationalawareness–SkyTracoffersaone-stop responsetomeetingmoreofyourcompany’sneeds.Formoreinformation,visit www.SkyTrac.ca.

autopilotandrecoveredtheaircraft.No alertsofanyanomaliesweredisplayed, andthestickshakerdidnotactivate.

WhenItookmanualcontroloftheaircraftaftertheevent,theaircraftwassignificantlyoutoftrim,noseup.Iconsideredraisingtheguardedswitchesand cuttingoutthetrim,butIascertained quicklythatIwasabletotrimoutthe stickforceswithoutbeingoverriddenby thetrimsystem.AfterIstabilizedtheaircraftinnormalflight,IengagedtheLeft Autopilotagainandnotednoother anomaliesfortheremainderoftheflight.

Iwrotetheeventupinthe[softwarepro-

gram]andreadafewhourslaterthatthe LeftAutopilotwasdeferred.Thisevent couldhaveeasilybeenastallandrecoveryeventifIhadputtheautopilotonand becomeoccupiedwithanothercockpit task.Asitwas,thiseventwasanunusual attituderecovery.

EditorialReference: 1.AdvisoryCircular AC120-111Change1,UpsetPrevention andRecoveryTraining,1/4/17, https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/me dia/Advisory_Circular/AC_120111_CHG_1.pdf

SkyTrac,operatinginvirtuallyeverycategoryofaviation,includingaerialfirefighting, commercialairtransport,businessaviation,emergencyservices,generalaviation,law enforcement,oilandgas,scientificexploration,andunmannedaviation,wastheideal choiceforTHC’svariedoperationalrequirements.

(CourtesySkyTrac)

FAAAWARDS AOPAFOUNDATIONWITH SIGNIFICANT GRANTTO FURTHER THE WORKOF ITS YOU CAN FLY HIGH SCHOOL AVIATION STEM INITIATIVE

RecognizingitseffortstobringhighqualitySTEM-basedaviationeducation tothousandsofhighschoolstudents acrossthecountry,theAOPAFoundation hasbeenawardedagrantbytheFederal AviationAdministrationtoenrichand broadenitsfreehighschoolcurriculum aimedatbuildingthepipelineofpilots, aviationtechnicians,andotheraviation professionals.

Twenty-threeeducationorganizationsandschoolsnationwidehave receivedatotalof$10millioninFAA Grantstohelpdevelopthenextgenerationofaviationprofessionals.AOPA Foundation’s$498,000grantcamefrom theFAA’sAircraftPilotsAviation WorkforceDevelopmentGrantsprogram,designedto“preparestudentsto becomeaircraftpilots,aerospaceengineers,orunmannedaircraftsystems operators,andsupporttherelatedprofessionaldevelopmentofteachers.”

TheAOPAFoundation’sYouCanFly HighSchoolinitiativecurrentlyengages morethan16,300studentsin43states. Sincetheprogrambegansixyearsago,it haseducatedmorethan49,000students, with70percentofthemostrecentgraduatessayingtheyareactivelypursuingan aviationcareer.Asimportant,halfofthe studentscomefromminoritybackgrounds andone-quarterarefemale,supportingthe needforaviationtobemoreinclusiveand atruereflectionofsociety.

Thegrantwillbeusedtotrainadditionaleducatorsacrossthecountry throughin-personsessions,ensuring teachershaveaccesstothehigh-quality professionaldevelopmenttheyneedto maximizetheirinvolvementwiththeYou CanFlyHighSchoolinitiative.

“TheFAA’sunderstandingandappreciationofouraward-winningSTEMcurriculumandtheimpactitishavingonhigh schoolstudentsacrossthecountryisfur-

thervalidationofourcommitmentand dedicationtointroducingandeducating youngmenandwomentoaviation,”said AOPAPresidentandCEOMarkBaker.

Inaddition,apartnershipbetween theAOPAFoundationandthe CommonwealthofKentuckywasawardedanAircraftPilotsWorkforce DevelopmentGranttosupportanewinitiativetohelpprepareKentuckyhigh schoolstudentstobecomeaircraftpilots, aerospaceengineers,orunmannedaircraftsystemsoperators.Theprogramwill befueledbytheYouCanFlyHigh Schoolinitiative.

“AOPAisthrilledtopartnerwitheducationleadersinKentuckytointroduceaviationtostudentsacrossthecommonwealth,”saidBaker.“Wearereadytorollup oursleevesandgettoworktohelpensurea brightfutureforKentucky’sstudents.”

Twohighschoolscurrentlyusingthe YouCanFlyHighSchoolinitiativewere

AOPAisimpactingthenextgenerationof pilotsthroughhighschoolprograms.

(CourtesyAOPA)

alsoawardedgrants.TheSchoolDistrict ofPhiladelphiawasbestowedfundsto fuelprivatepilotandunmannedaircraft trainingatFrankfordHighSchool.The FultonLeadershipAcademyinEast Point,Ga.,inpartnershipwiththe AviationInstituteofMaintenance,was awardedanFAAgranttocreateadual enrollmentaviationmaintenancetechnicianprogramforstudents.

LearnmoreabouttheAOPA Foundationatwww.aopa.org.

CORSAIR REUNION AMONGTHE WARBIRDS HIGHLIGHTSAT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2023

AreunionoftheChanceVought F4UCorsair,theuniquegullwingfighter aircraftbestknownforitsexploitsoff U.S.aircraftcarriers,willbeamongthe warbirdhighlightsatEAAAirVenture Oshkosh2023.The70theditionof EAA’sfly-inconventionisJuly24-30at WittmanRegionalAirportinOshkosh, Wisconsin.

“Withonlyabouttwodozenflying examplesoftheCorsairremainingin NorthAmerica,theopportunitytobring togetherthelargest-possiblegroupof theseunforgettableaircraftatOshkosh wasonewehadtoorganize,”saidRick Larsen,EAA’svicepresidentofcommunitiesandmemberprograms,whocoordinatesAirVenturefeaturesandattrac-

tions.“Thisairplanerecentlymarkedthe 80thanniversaryofitsintroductiontothe U.S.militaryandremainsafavoritewarbirdamongmanyenthusiasts.Ourgoalis tocreateamemorableprogramwithseveralactivitiesthatfeaturetheCorsairson grounddisplayandintheair.”

Corsairownersareencouragedto jointhisuniquereunionbycontacting ChrisHenryattheEAAAviation Museum(CHenry@EAA.org)forfurther detailsandregistrationinformation.

TheCorsairreceivedheightened attentionattheendof2022withthe releaseofthemajormotionpicture Devotion,whichrecognizedtheKorean WarexploitsofMedalofHonorrecipient ThomasHudnerandhiswingmanJesse

Brown,thefirstBlackU.S.navalaviator. Thatmoviewillbeplayedduring AirVentureattheevent’sFly-InTheater, withdescendantsoftheBrownand Hudnerfamiliesinvitedtoparticipate.

Inaddition,visitorswillhavethe opportunitymostoftheweektovisitthe newlyopenedCorsairdisplayinsidethe EAAAviationMuseum,whichisopento allattendeesaspartoftheirAirVenture admission.Theexhibithonorsboth BrownandHudner,includingaCorsair flownbyHudneronhissubsequent deploymentsintheearly1950sand paintedwithitsoriginalVF-32squadron markings.

TheChanceVoughtF4UCorsair wasfirstflownin1940andintroducedto

theU.S.militaryonDec.28,1942.Its uniquegullwingdesigncameasawayto allowuseofthepowerfulPratt& WhitneyR-2800DoubleWaspengine andallowshorter,moreruggedlanding gearforuseasacarrier-basedaircraft. Withthoseattributesandatopspeedof morethan450milesperhour,theaircraft becamerenownedasanavalaviation fighterandinsupportofgroundforces.

Tolearnmore,visittheEAAwebsite,eaa.organdviewavideoaboutthe reunionathttps://www.eaa.org/airven ture/eaa-airventure-news-and-multimedia/eaa-airventure-news/eaa-airventureoshkosh/corsair-reunion-at-airventure

AVIATION HEROES HONOREDAT AOPAHOOVER TROPHY RECEPTION

AOPAhonoredgeneralaviation advocates,safetyexperts,andindustry leadersduringtheR.A.“Bob”Hoover TrophyreceptionMarch22atSignature FlightSupport’sHangar7atRonald ReaganWashingtonNationalAirport.

Aerobaticandairshowperformer SeanD.Tuckeremceedtheeventand dubbedtheevening’swinners“heroesof generalaviation.”

R.A.‘Bob’HooverTrophy

AOPAbestowed theR.A.“Bob”Hoover TrophyonretiredSen. JamesInhofe(ROkla.).Thetrophy, whichwasfirstpresentedtoHooverhimselfin2016andcarriesonhislegacy,is “atributetoaviatorswhoseairmanship, leadership,mentorship,andpassionfor aviationinspirealoveofflightinothers.”

Inhofe,alongtimepilotwithmore than11,000hours,hasbeenatireless generalaviationadvocatefordecades.

“Ifyoulookatthepastwinnersofthe HooverTrophy,youwillnoticeafewcommontraitswithBob—leadership,inspiration,giving,adventure,andbreakingbarriers.Thisyear’swinnerhasnoshortageof thoseimportanttraitsandhastrulyembodiedthespiritofaiminghigh,”AOPA PresidentMarkBakersaidofInhofe.

In1991,heretracedWileyPost’s 1931circumnavigation,makinghimthe firstmemberofCongressandonlysenatortohaveflownaroundtheworld.

Thelegislationthatheintroduced andchampionedhashadanimpacton everypilotflyingtoday.Hesupportedthe GeneralAviationRevitalizationActof 1993tobringaboutarenaissanceofGA manufacturing.Inhofeintroducedthe “HooverBill”in1999toallowFAAcertificateholderstoappealimmediaterevocationsoftheircertificatestothe NationalTransportationSafetyBoard— thismeasurecameinresponsetothe FAA’simmediaterevocationofHoover’s medicalcertificatewithoutcause.Healso foughtGAuserfeesandairtrafficcontrol privatization;ledthePilot’sBillof Rights;supportedthirdclassmedical reform,creatingBasicMed;extendedthe VolunteerProtectionActtovolunteer pilots;workedtoreducecheckridewait timeswithdesignatedpilotexaminers; supportedaviationSTEMcurriculumin schools;andrequireddevelopmentofa systemtobringreal-timestatusofspecial-useairspaceintocockpits.Inhofe alsoledthemovetoestablishthe NationalCenterfortheAdvancementof

AviationAct(NCAA)toaddresstheaviationworkforceshortage.Hehasalso supportedprivate-sectoreffortstodevelopanunleadedfuel.

JosephB.‘Doc’Hartranft Award

Duringhis36-year careeronCapitolHill, retiredRep.Peter DeFazio(D-Ore.), alwaysadvocatedfor GA,eventhoughhe isn’tapilot.AOPAhonoredhimwiththeJosephB.“Doc” HartranftAward,namedforAOPA’sfirst president.Theawardisgiveneachyear “toelectedorappointedgovernmentofficialsfortheirsignificantcontributionsto theadvancementofGA.”

WhileannouncingDeFazioasthe winner,Bakersaidthatleadersliketherepresentative“allowustopursuethiswonderfulpassionthatweallcherishandshare.”

DeFaziowasafoundingmemberof theGeneralAviationCaucusbecause “therewasandhasbeennotenough focusongeneralaviation,”hesaid.He supportedtheefforttoestablishthe NCAAintheHouse,supportedthird classmedicalreform,andopposedGA userfeesandATCprivatization.

SharplesAward

MikeDale,former presidentofJaguarCars andchairmanofthe CulpeperAirport AdvisoryCommittee, washonoredwiththe SharplesAward,named forLaurenceP.Sharples,AOPA’sfirst chairmanoftheboard.Theaward“is giventothosewhomaynotworkdirectly inaviationbutwhohavemadeextraordinarycontributionstoGA.”

Dalebreathednewlifeintothe CulpeperRegionalAirportinnorthern Virginia.HeconvincedCulpeperCounty officialstobuildnewhangarsandrepeal thepropertytaxonaircraft,whichattractedmoreaircrafttobaseattheairport.

Hegrewtheairportairshow’sattendancetomorethan5,000andorganized businessestoleadhands-onSTEMactivitiesattheairport.

BrigadierGeneralCharlesE. McGeeAviationInspiration Award

The99thSquadronInc.founder RamoneHemphillreceivedtheBrigadier

GeneralCharlesE. McGeeAviationInspirationAward.Theawardis given“toanindividual who,likeGeneralMcGee, perseveredtoovercome challengesenrouteto learningtoflywhileinspiringothersalong theway”anddemonstrates“leadershipin aviationandshowcase[s]theopportunities inaviationtoyouthandyoungadults.”

Thenonprofitorganization,named for“thefamedBlackunitthatincluded pilotsfromtheTuskegeeInstitutetraining program,”isbasedatValkariaAirportin BrevardCounty,Florida,andHemphill workstomakeyouth,particularlythoseof color,inthecountyawareoftheairport andaviationasacareeropportunity.

“WhatI’dlikeisforittogrowin termsofactualpipelinesintomoreofa workforcedevelopmentthing,whetherit’s generatingmorepilots,whetherit’sgeneratingmorefolkswhenitcomestoaircraft mechanicsgettingA&Ps,airtrafficcontrol.We’retryingtoreally,reallyfully establishthoseavenues.That’sthebiggest thingwecouldaskforisforourcohortof studentsastheygraduatefromhighschool forthemtohaveapathforwardifthat’s whattheywantintheaerospaceindustry,” Hemphillsaidoftheprogram.

AirSafetyInstituteGeneral AviationSafetyAward

AOPAAirSafetyInstituteSenior VicePresidentRichardMcSpaddenpresentedtheGASafety AwardtotheNational AirTrafficControllers Associationfordelivering“exceptionalsafety contributionsforthose ofusintheairandontheground.”

NATCAhelpsbreakdown pilot/controllerbarriersbydeveloping safetymaterials;fosteringasafe,collaborativeaviationculture;andsupporting trainingprograms“thatadvancepilot knowledgeandskillsandenhancecontrollerknowledgeofgeneralaviationaircraftperformancecharacteristics,”accordingtoavideooverviewoftheassociation thatwasplayedduringthereception.

Eachday,NATCAcontrollersand specialistsareresponsibleforcoordinatingmorethan70,000flightsinU.S.airspace,thebusiest,mostcomplexairspace intheworld.Controllersalsoassistpilots indistresstohelpthemworkthrough weatherproblems,mechanicalissues, andothersituationstohelpthemgetsafelytotheirdestinationorfindanothersuitablelandingarea.

AOPAFoundationFuture ofFlightAward

AOPASeniorVice PresidentoftheAOPA FoundationElizabeth Tennysonpresentedthe inauguralFutureof FlightAwardtoTextron anditsCEO,ScottDonnelly.Theaward “recognizesoutstandingdedicationto strengtheningaviationinallitsforms.”

TheTextronfamilyofbusinesses comprisesBell,TextronAviation,Textron eAviation,Industrial,TextronSystems,and Finance,andincludesrecognizablebrands suchasBell,Cessna,andBeechcraft.The companyinvestsinitsworkforceand offersinternshipsandco-opsaswellas leadershipdevelopmentprograms.

Textronmadea$1millioncommitmenttotheAOPAFoundationin2022to supporttheYouCanFlyHighSchool AviationSTEMCurriculum.

“TheirtremendoussupportofprogramslikeYouCanFlyshowcasestheir commitmenttohelpingthenextgenerationdiscovertheincredibleopportunities availableinaviationandaerospaceand ensuresmorepeoplehavethechanceto experiencetheexcitementofourindustry,”Tennysonsaid.

TheAOPAFoundationYouCanFly programsandinitiativesaredesignedto getmorepeopleflyingandkeepthem flyingthroughintroducinghighschool studentstoaviationcareers,improving flighttraining,makingflyingmoreaccessiblethroughflyingclubs,andhelping lapsedpilotsgetbackintheleftseatas pilotincommand.

AboutAOPA

Since1939,AOPAhasprotectedthe freedomtoflybycreatinganenvironment thatgivespeopleofallagestheopportunitytoenjoyaviationandallithastooffer. AOPAistheworld’slargestcommunityof pilots,aircraftownersandaviationenthusiastswithrepresentativesbasedin Frederick,Md.,Washington,D.C.,and sevenregionsacrosstheUnitedStates.The associationprovidesmemberservices includingadvocacyatthefederal,state, andlocallevels,legalservices,flighttraining,andsafetyprograms,andaward-winningmedia.AOPAspecializesinmaking aviationmoreaccessibletoeveryone.To learnmore,visitwww.aopa.org.Also,view avideooftheawardsnighteventat https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/allnews/2023/march/23/aviation-heroes-honored-at-hoover-trophy-reception.

2006Waco YMF-F5C • $ 285,000

Don’t miss out on owning this beautiful modernized OneofAKindclassicbiplanebyWaco Classic Aircraft thatholdsthe“Transcontinental World Speed Record” from Boston to San Diego in Sept 2006.

Contact: RChrisWalls, Area Aircraft Broker (850)208-3299x107

(850)637-6125

chris.w@usaaircraft.com

AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE

RELEASES NEW ACCIDENT C ASE

S TUDY:RISK S TACKING

TheAircraftOwnersandPilots AssociationAirSafetyInstitute(ASI)has releasedanewepisodeofitspopular AccidentCaseStudyvideoseries.

Thelatestvideointheseries,Accident CaseStudy:RiskStacking,recreatesthe eventsthatledaCessna208Caravanto crashonfinalapproachintoBurley MunicipalAirportinIdaho.Theaccident happenedonthepilot’ssecondattemptto flytheRNAVGPSapproachtoRunway20.

“Welookatseveralriskfactors, includingweatherconditionsandafactory’ssteamstackslocatedbelowtheflight path,closetotherunwaythreshold,”said ASISeniorVicePresidentRichards McSpadden.

McSpaddencontinued,“Onerisk elementbyitselfmaynotbedangerous, butwhenwestackriskstheymaybe impossibletoovercomeduringa

demandingapproachlikethisone.”

“Onetakeawayfromthistragedy mustbethatwelearnstrategiestoidentifyouraccumulatingrisksinthemoment anddevelopmethodstorecognizewhen thestackgetstooprecariousandit’stime toexit,”McSpaddenconcluded.

AccidentCaseStudiesuseFAAair trafficcontrolradiocommunicationtranscripts,NationalTransportationSafety Boarddocumentation,andvideoanimationtorecreatethedynamics,andtrack eachaccident’schainofevents.The videossharecriticallessonstohelppilots recognizeandavoidsimilarmistakes.

Viewtheaccidentcasestudy. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/accident-case-studies/risk-stacking.LearnmoreattheAir SafetyInstitutewebsite:airsafetyinstitute.org.

TECNAM COMMEMORATES 75YEARS

PascaleBrother’sInnovationandPassions ProduceaLegacyofAircraft

TecnamAircraftcelebratesseventyfiveyearswiththefirstAstoreP-48in 1948.ItalianbrothersLuigiandGiovanni Pascalestartedtheirlegacybygathering fournon-workingaircraftenginesina fleamarketfullofpost-warmachines. Theyassembledaworkingenginefor theirfirstlegendaryaircraft,theP-48 Astore,whichfirstflewin1951.

In1957Partenaviawasfoundedto producesingle-enginehigh-andlow-wing aircraftfortheItalianmarket,flight schools,andflyingclubs.International recognitioncamewiththeP68,asix-seater twin-engineaircraftwithincreasedsalesin theUSandAustralia.In1986thecompany pivoted,establishingTecnamAircraftto producepartsforothermanufacturerssuch asBoeing,ATR,andAgusta-Westland.

In1990,PaoloPascale,thecurrent CEO,championedthedesignoftheP92. Thisultralightaircraftelevatedthe Tecnambrand,withover2,600aircraft produced.Overthenexttwodecades Tecnamwoulddesign,manufacture,and delivertheSeasky,aTwin-Engine P2006T,thefirstcompositeP2008,the P2010,andmostrecentlytheP2012Twin Enginetomeettheneedsofcargo, regionalairlinecarriers,andairmedical.

TecnamhasthreeproductionfacilitiesinItalyandsubsidiariesinSebring, FL,andBrisbane,Australia.Tecnampro-

ducesmorethan85percentoftheaircraft initsownfacilities,increasingquality andon-timedeliveries.“Tecnamoperates inmorethan65countriesandhasover 175dealersandservicecenterstomeet ourcustomerneeds,”statedMr.Paolo Pascale,CEOatTecnam.“Ourgoalisto expandourglobalpresenceandenter newmarketsintheveryshortterm.”

“Myfamily’saccomplishmentsinaircraftdesignandmanufacturinghave inspiredme.MycareeratTecnamstarted almost13yearsago;havingbeena mechanicandametalsheetworker,I appreciateouraircraft’sengineeringand simplicity.FlyingtheTecnamaircraft,I hadtheopportunitytoappreciatetheamazingflyingcharacteristicsofourfleet,”said GiovanniPascale,ManagingDirector.

“Implementingmyexperienceinour manufacturingprocess,sales,andservice, isafamilytraditionfoundedonpassion andheritage.Alifetimecommitment focusedoninnovationandconsistency,75 yearsinaviationisatremendousachievement.Welookforwardtowhatliesahead forTecnamandourcustomers.”

The75thanniversarymanifesto videoisavailableat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NP F4B_vktY.LearnmoreaboutTecnamat www.tecnam.com.

“THE COOLEST SHOW ON EARTH”MARKS BIG 30TH YEAR COMEBACKON SUNDAY,APRIL 30,2023

Registrationisopenfortheoneand onlyPacificCoastDreamMachines Show,oneoftheWestcoast’sbiggest, baddest,mostfascinatinggatheringsof theworld’scoolestcars,trucks,motorcycles,aircraftandassortedcontraptions representingeveryeraandstyleof wheeledwondersinhistoryafterthree longyearsonthepandemicsidelines.

Thespectacular30thannualshow willbeheldonSunday,April30,2023,a one-daymega-show,from10a.m.to4 p.m.atHalfMoonBayAirport,located inthepicturesqueseasidetownofHalf MoonBay,Calif.,about20milessouth ofSanFrancisco.

There’snothingquitelikethiswhimsical,fascinating,amusing,curiousand absolutelyuniqueshowandtellspectacle featuring2,000magnificentdriving,flying andworkingmachinesfromthe20thand 21stcenturies.Theworld’scoolestcarsof everyeraandstyle,model-Tfireengines, vintagebusses,custommotorcycles, trickedouttrucks,sleekstreamliners,oneof-a-kindantiqueenginesandtractorsand historicmilitaryaircraftwillbeamongthe mesmerizingdisplays.

Proudownersshowupincarsthat comeinallshapes,colorsandsizesfrom everyerainmotoringhistory.Spectators willgetarareup-closelookatantique horselesscarriagesandFordModelT’s, fancifultouringandluxurycars,powerful sportscars,customcarsandstreetrods, musclecars,vintageandmodernerahighperformanceracecars,quirkyartand pedalcars,modifiedstreetmachineswith

cuttingedgestyles,exotichigh-performancecars,stylishEuropeancars,ultracool low-riders,sportycompacts,modified importswithflashygraphics,fashionable hip-hopurbanshowcars,homebuiltkit cars,super-chargedturbocarsandtrucks, “green”technology/alternativefuelvehicles,streamliners,dragsters,funnycars, gassers,andjetcars.

TheBigShowfeaturesamesmerizing arrayofultracoolantique,vintage,classic, customandexoticmachinesofallkindson display.Automobilesrangingfromhot rods,dragsters,customs,lowriders, imports,streetmachinesandmusclecarsto fancifultouring,luxury,andsportscars; alsoexceptionalvintagewarbirds,stylish classicsfromthe40’sand50’s,sport,ultralightandhomebuiltaircraft,trickedout trucks,custommotorcycles,militaryand SWATvehicles,aspecialdisplayofvintagepolicecars,sleekstreamliners,modelTfireengines,antiqueenginesandtractors fromRootsofMotivePowerandEarly DaysGasEngine&TractorSociety, antiqueandclassicboats,restoredantique railwayartifactsandmachinery,thrilling helicopterandwarbirdrides,custombicycles,kineticart,rollingsculptures,extreme toys,mega-modifiedmachines,next-generationandadvanced“green”technology vehicles,aspecialdisplayofnostalgia dragsterstohonortheformerHalfMoon BayDragStrip,militaryvehiclerides,wild andcrazyuni-motorcycledragraces,and BobSenz’BigCacklefest–amasssynchronizedfiring-upoftheengines(10a.m., 12p.m.,2p.m.).

Inadditiontothemagnificent machines,thelineupincludessuperthrillingbungeejumping,waterballerz,a 24-footclimbingwallandtonsofkid’s amusementsintheSuperDuperFunzone, fabulousfoodanddrinkwithcraftbeer, premiumwineandcustomcocktails,and stellarlivemusicalldayheadlinedby TonyLindsay&SoulSoldiers,Andrew DuncansonwithKidAndersenandthe GreaselandAll-Stars,andM’sippiSlide–alltobenefittheCoastsideAdultDay HealthCenter.

Thisyear’sshowwillfeatureanew, improvedeventlayoutbringingallthe attractionsclosertogetherandmakingita morewalkable,unifiedshowwithseparate entrancesforspectatorparking(access fromCapistranoRoadatthesouthendof theairport)vs.displayvehicles,vendors, sponsorsandvolunteers(accessfromthe airportmainentranceonHighway1).

RegisterYourMachine

Toshowacar,truck,motorcycle, aircraftorothermachine,thepre-registrationfeeis$40($50forentriespostmarkedafterApril15)andincludesa customdashplaqueandadmissionfor theregistrantplusonepassenger(mustbe togetherintheregisteredvehicle). Registeronlineathttps://dreammachine s.miramarevents.com/.

ThePacificCoastDreamMachines ShowisSunday,April30,2023atHalf MoonBay(CA)Airport.

(CourtesyMiramarEvents)

SpectatorAdmission

Spectatoradmissionis$25in advance($30atthegate)foradults(age 18-64),$15inadvance($20atthegate) forages11-17and65+,Freeforkidsage 10andunder(withpayingadult). Purchasespectatorticketsathttps:// dreammachines.miramarevents.com/.

ItalltakesplaceatHalfMoonBay Airport,at9850N.CabrilloHighway, locatedonHighway1,about20miles southofSanFranciscoand5milesnorth ofHighway92.

TheshowbenefitstheCoastsideAdult DayHealthCenter.ThanksinparttofundraisingsupportfromDreamMachines,the beautifulandnewlymodernizedCoastside AdultCommunityCenteropenedin2014. Dropbytheirfacilityat925MainStreetin HalfMoonBay.

Forinformation,visithttps://dream machines.miramarevents.com/.Register yourvehicleandpurchaseticketson-line athttps://dreammachines.miramarevents .com/.

CLEAR L AKE AVIATION GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS AVIATION C AREER OPPORTUNITIESAND SEAPLANE FLYING

Thisyear’sClearLakeAviation Gathering,slatedforApril22-23,2023at LampsonFieldandClearLake,Lakeport, Calif.,featuresseminarshighlightingthe brightopportunitiesforyoungpeoplein aviation.Theconferenceishostedbythe ClearLakeFlyingClub,whichislaunchingitsyouthaviationprogramandsupportsseaplaneoperationsatClearLake.

Dr.StephenBateman,thedirectorof theAOPA’sFlyingClub’sInitiative, openstheconferencewithpresentations abouttheeffectivenessofflyingclubsfor pilotstoenrichtheirflyingexperiences, andanoverviewoftheAOPAhigh schoolaviationinitiativewhichprovides highschoolswithanocost,highquality, four-yearaviationcurriculum.

HerbLingl,ClearLakeFlyingClub’s

educationdirector,discussestheflying club’syouthprogram,itsaviationtraining scholarship,itsprogramenablingyoung peopletoworkonaircraftandobtainflyingexperienceandtheclub’seffortsto supportadoptionoftheAOPAhighschool curriculumbyLakeCountyhighschools.

Theconferenceincludesextensive seaplanecontentincludingseminarson obtainingsingleandmulti-engineseaplaneratings,seaplanespecificemergencyprocedures,thehistoryofseaplane operationsonClearLake,detailsabouta recentinstallationofWipaireamphibious floatsonaSuperCub,theflightplanfor atripfromCaliforniatoAlaskaon straightfloatsandapresentationby MissyLee,theownerofAlaskaFloats andSkisinTalkeetna,Alaskaaboutfly-

ingskisandfloatsinAlaska.

Instructionwillbeavailableduring theconferenceinseveralseaplanes.

Threeoftheseminarsqualifyfor FAA“Wings”credit.PaulKosheka,the FAASTeamProgrammanagerforthe SacramentoFSDOwillbeprovidingan overviewoftheWingsPilotProficiency Program.Withparticipationintheseminarsandenoughseaplanetrainingatthe conference,pilotscanavoidtheneedto obtaintheirnextbiannualflightreview.

Araffle,silentauctionandsaleof aerialphotographyprintsondisplayare helpingraisefundsfortheClearLake FlyingClubYouthAviationScholarship.

ThefirstdayoftheconferencefinisheswithatastingofsomeofLakeCounty’s finestwines,acateredhangardinnerand

announcementofthewinnersoftheraffle, silentauctionandphotocompetition.

Sunday,April23featuresaseaplane flyoutfromClearLaketoLake

OODIES AND AND

ADGETS

Oneofthetrulygreatthingsaboutbeinganaviationbuffisthenumberof“GoodiesandGadgets”availabletoplay with.Here InFlightUSA hascollectedafewnewonesworthyofyourconsideration.

AircraftSpruce&SpecialtyCo.hasbeenthesupplierthataircraftbuilders,owners,pilots,andaviationbusinesseshavedependedonsince1965.Theycarryawide selectionofaircraftparts,buildingmaterials,avionics,andpilotsupplies,allofwhichareofferedontheirwebsite(www.aircraftspruce.com)andinthefamousAircraftSprucecatalog,nowover1,000-pagesavailablefordownloadorforfreeinprint.YoucandependonAircraftSpruceforpromptshippingandcompetitivepricingonallorders.

BETTERTO HEAR YOU,BETTERTO SEE YOU:HEADSETS,LIGHTINGAND LOTS MORE

AircraftSpruce,withtheirextensivepilot-supplyinventory,hassomethingforeverypilotthinkingabout flyingsafelyandwhentonotflyduringsomeofSpring’swildweather. Springistheperfecttimetobeefup onsafetymeasuresandaviation equipmentfromhomeorhangar.The AircraftSpruceteamhasanswersfor everyaviationneedandwant.Visit theirwebsite,stockedfullofmore than100,000itemsat www.aircraftspruce.com.Also,check outtheironlineuser-friendlycatalog oraskforaprintversion.Thismonth Boseheadsetsarefeaturedand Whelenisofferingarebateto upgradetotheParmetheusG3series.

BoseA30ANRAviationHeadset With Bluetooth

TheBose A30Aviation

Headsetisbest utilizedwhere noiseispervasive,comfortis requiredandcommunicationiscritical. It’sthemostcomfortable,full-featured around-earaviationheadsetBosehas evercreated,andit’sthefirst-ever around-earaviationheadsetwiththree modesofuserselectableactivenoisecancellation.EachfeatureoftheA30was inspiredbydecadesofBoseresearchand developmentandengineeredtoperform inhigh-intensityflightenvironments. Plus,itslightweight,comfortabledesign isFAATSOandEASAE/TSO-C139a certified,provingitsdurabilityintough conditions.

AtAircraftSpruce,selectfromthe DualGA,6PinLemo,U-174Heliorthe 5PinXLR.Eachunitsellsfor$1,249.

WhelenParmetheusG3Par36 Landing&TaxiLightFAAPMAandRebateOffer

TheParmetheus G3isthelatestadditiontotheParmetheus productfamily. Keepingthetradition ofindustryleading performanceand value,thenewG3Seriesis2.5times brighterthantheParmetheusPlusallwhile maintainingthesameform,fitandfunctionalityofadrop-inLEDreplacementfor legacylandinglights.Noneedtospecify voltageastheG3operatesfrom14-28volts.

Thismonth,throughApril30,2023, thereisarebateprograminplaceallowingParmetheususerstoupgradetheir LEDPAR-36orPAR-46Landing/Taxi lighttotheParmetheusG3series.Trade inyourcurrentPAR-36orPAR-46landingortaxilighttotheWATParmetheus G3seriesandgetacashrebate.Call AircraftSprucetollfreeat1-877-4777823fordetails.

TheWhelenG3landinglightand thetaxilighteachsellsfor$305.50.

LevilBOMWithoutAds-BLow SpeedTurbine60-100Kts.

TheBOM Broadcasting OuterModuleis awirelessaerodynamicpod thatmounts underneaththewingofanaircraft.The BOMmeasuresangleofattack,indicated airspeed,WAASGPS,AHRS,anddata recording.Itprovidesanaffordablesolutionwiththepeaceofmindtosafelyovercomeanyinstrumentmalfunctionorrelatedemergency.It’salsoanaffordableway tomodernizeavintageaircraftwithout usingasinglewire.CompatiblewithiOS

ClearLakeAviationGathering

ContinuedfromPage45

BerryessaguidedbyTerryHayes,aseaplaneCFIwithFoothillAviationanda charterpilotwithBackcountryFlying Experience.

Theconferenceprogramisavailable at:https://www.clearlakeflyingclub.com/

Clear-Lake-Aviation-Gathering-2023Program.pdf

Registrationisathttps://www.event brite.com/e/clear-lake-aviation-gathering-tickets-552500001377

Theinvitationtosubmitphotographsforinclusioninthecuratedpho-

andAndroidplatforms(iPadandstrut mountnotincluded).

Featuresinclude:

•AngleofAttack(AOA)

•HeatedPitotStaticforindicated airspeed

•WAASGPS

•High-performanceAHRSandsolidstatetechnology

•Self-poweredandself-chargingsystem

•WirelessPlatformoffering iOS/Androidcompatibility

•Automaticallypoweron/offwiththe vibrationoftheengine

•Smallandlightweight

•RecordsflightdatewithSDcard TheLevilBOMsellsfor$1,836.

MobilAviationJetOilII

Ifyoubelievethat onesyntheticjetengine oilisthesameasanother,wehavegoodnews toshare.Theyarenot. MobilJetOilIIisaoneof-a-kindperformer.

NoStandardTypeIIcommercial aviationoilhelpscontroljetengine depositsbetterthanourproducts.Mobil JetOilIIhelpskeepoilsystemsclean. Thatcanmeanlessmaintenancemore flyingandgreaterrevenue.

MobilJetOilIIhasahistoryofhelpingtokeepaircraftwheretheybelong–in theairgeneratingrevenue.Letusshowyou whattheworld’smostreliablelubricantfor gasturbineenginescandoforyourfleet. Today,about160majorairlineuseMobil JetOilIIinmorethan11,000gasturbine engines.Plusitcanbelessmaintenance, moreflyingandgreaterrevenue.

Asinglequartsellsfor$23.50;a caseof24sellsfor$487anda55-gallon drumsellsfor$4,621.

LPSMAXInstantSuper Degreaser2.0–20oz.Aerosol

LPSMAXInstant SuperDegreaser2.0has beenimprovedtolower globalwarmingpotential. Theindustrial-strength degreaserforprecision cleaningapplicationsis formulatedwithworker safetyinmind,containing nobrominatedsolvents,trichloroethylene, orperchloroethylene.Fast-evaporating andresidue-free,norinsingorwipingis neededtokeepprojectsmoving.Some applicationsincludeaircompressors,bearings,cables,chains,forklifts,gears,heavy equipmentandpowertools.

Featuresinclude:

•Industrialformulaforprecision cleaning

•NewFormulawith19percentlower globalwarmingpotential

•Fastevaporatingforquickwork

•Doesnotcontainharshbrominated solvents

•Non-flammable

•Leavesnoresidue

•Lockingflipstrawactuator

•Nozzleprovidestargetedorbroad strokeapplication

•Embossedcanforimprovedhand grip

Asinglecan(20ounces)sellsfor $70.90andacaseof12sellsfor$851.

LeadingEdgeAvionics–Aircraft SpruceAffiliateAvionicsShop

LeadingEdgeAvionicsoffersa widerangeofavionicsservicesandsolutionstomeettheneedsofallaircraft ownersandoperators.Whetheryouneed acompleteglasspanelupgrade,cabin managementsysteminstallation,aircraft connectivitysolution,autopilotupgrade,

ContinuedonPage47

tographyexhibitwhichopensattheconferenceandisentitledAerialVisionsof Seaplanes,FromSeaplanesandOver Waterisathttps://airportmuse.com/ Clear-Lake-Aviation-GatheringExhibition-Invitation.pdf

TheClearLakeFlyingClubwas

establishedin2019toprovideaviation trainingtoyoungpeopleinLakeCounty andtosupportseaplaneoperationsat ClearLake.Additionalinformation abouttheflyingclubisavailableat: https://www.clearlakeflyingclub.com/.

ULTRALIGHT/HOMEBUILT ROTORCRAFT PATTERN ALTERED SLIGHTLYFOR AIRVENTURE 2023

Duetoexpansionofaircraftparkingat thesouthendofWittmanRegionalAirport, theultralight/homebuiltrotorcraftflightpatternforEAAAirVentureOshkoshhasbeen slightlyalteredfor2023.Thechangeswill createamorestandardpatternforthoseusing theFunFlyZoneairstrip,homeforultralights,homebuiltrotorcraft,lightplanes,balloons,andtheTwilightFlightFest.

Thenewpatternwillmaintainits parallelcoursewithCountyHighwayN, butwillthenmakeanortheastturn towardtheairportandWittmanRoad. Thatreplacesthehardnorthturnfollowedbyaneastturnpriortoreaching WittmanRoad.Theremainderofthepatternwillremainthesame.

Thechangewasmadetocreatean additionalsafetymargin,asexpandedSouth 40aircraftparkinghasbeenestablishedina previouslyunoccupiedareainthesouthwestsectoroftheairport.Moreinformation onthisultralightpatternchangewillbepart ofthisyear’sFAANOTICEtoAirMissions (NOTAM)forAirVenturethatwillbe

Theultralight/homebuiltrotorcraftflight patternforEAAAirVentureOshkoshhas beenslightlyalteredfor2023. (CourtesyEAAAirVenture)

releasedlaterthisspring.EAAwillalsobe supplyingotherpilotresourcesforfull understandingofthenewpatterninadvance ofAirVenture2023,includingawebinarto beheldinJune.

LearnmoreaboutEAAAirVenture ateaa.org.

GoodiesandGadgets

•GreatAlaskaAviationGathering, May6-7,inPalmer,Alaska(Booth174)

•EAAAirVenture,July24-30,in Oshkosh,Wisconsin(HangarA,Booths 1022-1029)

•AOPAAviationShowcase,Sept.8-9, inFrederick,Maryland(Booth36)

ContinuedfromPage46

oravionicsrepairs,theteamatLeading EdgeAvionicshastheexpertiseand experiencetodeliverasuperiorcustomer experience.Contactthemdirectlyregardingtheirservicesandtomakeanappointment:telephone855-955-6151orvisit theirwebsiteatleavionics.com.Leading EdgeAvionicshasservicelocations throughSouthernCalifornia.

AircraftSpruceatAirshows

WhileAircraftSprucehaslocations throughoutthecountry,visitthemattheir boothsatairshowsthroughouttheseason. Comingup,AircraftSprucewillbeatthe followingevents:

•AEAInternationalConvention& TradeShow,April24-27,inOrlando, Florida(Booth729)

AIRCRAFTFORSALE

American Aircraft Sales, Livermore Airport, CA, americanaircraft.net, cell (510) 783-2711, (925) 449-5151. 3/13

From Trade-ins to Aircraft Management, financing and appraisals. T.J. Aircraft Sales, Novato, CA, (415) 8985151, tjair.com. 3/13

AirplanesUSA Aircraft Sales San Carlos, CA, Airport, (650) 394-7610, airplanesusa.com. 1/16

P2006T Twin Trainer solution for price ofaSingle.Quality aircraft since 1948. TECNAM, (725) 258-3759, cieloblu. aero. 1/23

FlytheDiamondStarDA40G1000 21stcenturytechnologyintrainingand cross-country aircraft. Mach 5 Aviation, Auburn, CA, (530) 889-2000, mach5aviation.com. 2/23

Seaplane Instruction, ASES ratings, amphibious flight reviews, re-current training.Lake Havasu Seaplanes, Lake Havasu City, AZ, lakehavasuseaplanes. com,(928)733-7122. 12/20

Recurrent pilot training and services.

L/D Aerospace, Grace Passmore, (916) 790-0501, idaerospace.com. 1/22

Fly for fun or career Discovery flights, pilot training, AOPA Distinguished Flight School & Cessna Pilot Center. Smith Aviation Napa, Napa County Airport, (707) 345-6526, mikesmithaviation.com. 4/22

MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS

XL Aviation - Aircraft Maintenance. Custom-tailored programs for all aircraft. Livermore, CA, (925) 961-6135, xlaviationtailwheel.com. 8/20

RESTORATIONS

Iconic Aircraft Restoration Repairs, refurbishments, parts fabricated, consulting at reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 379-9092. 8/21

FUEL

Fuel Cells Repair, overhaul or new. New tanks with 10-year warranty. Hartwig Aircraft Fuel Cell Repair, hartwigfuelcell.com. 2/09

Home of GAMIjectors® fuel injectors! STCsand PMAs on over 300 different engine models! General Aviation Modifications, Ada, OK, (888) 3594264, (580) 436-4833, gami.inc. 3/23

OXYGEN SUPPLIES

Cannula or Mask? For aicraft service ceilingstoFL180&FL250. Ask "The Oxygen Lady," info@aviationoxygen. com 2/23

Apparel as unique as your journey Discounts to members. AOPA Pilot Gear, aopapilotgear.com. 9/21

InPhones with pilot keypad. Convenience at one low price! Only $199/year. (650) 504-8549, (408) 234-0045. 10/21

The World's Best CREEPER, adjustableheights. aerocreeper.com. 4/22

Mountain Bike, Full-size, pilot-friendly, rugged. FLATBIKE, flatbike.com. 10/18

AVIATION RESOURCES

Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets. com, (702) 465-2027. 10/20

Make the most of your business aircraft ownership with our Management Services. Thoroughbred Aviation, thoroughbredaviation.com. 10/20

Wherever business takes you Navigate It. (575) 615-2091, vatit.com. 10/21

Scheduling Software that connects to your flight department. Simple, affordable. airplanemanager.com. 9/22

Custom nose art & handpainted art pieces. on leather, metal or vinyl. Victory Girl, (909) 297-6688, victorygirl.com. 2/19

Need a gift? Givearideinanopen cockpit biplane. WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio, wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226. 20601:TFN

Fly By Wire Air,aone-stop site for aviators. flybywireair.com. 4/21

Aces High Aviation & Military Art (800) 528-0887, aceshighgallery.com. 10/21

PUBLICATIONS

Avionics Checklists & Quick Reference gudes. Available in book, card & new iPad editions. qref.com or from your favorite supply shop. 8/14

SEAK, Expert Witness Directory, by Bert Botta for aviation accidents and incidents. (415) 320-9811, bert@bertbotta. com, bertbotta.com. 4/22

"Ghosts," Phil Makanna's legendary warbird calendars are back! Visit ghosts. com. 2/23

HELP WANTED

4720:TFN

1978 Gulfstream AA5B Tiger,N15NB, s/n0974,3038 TT, 1154 SMOH. Dual nav/com,ADS-Bout,autopilot,DME, electric aileron trim, Stormscope, ADF. Canopy cover, based Palo Alto, CA, $80K. davidmeinhardt@sbcglobal.net, (650)494-7797. 23400:5

JETS

SmallMannedAerialRadar Target, Model1.Tinyjet aircraft, long-range tank. SMART-1, Tucson, AZ, (202) 2132400,smart-1.us. 5/21

SPORT/ULTRALIGHTS

RV12i5 Total performance perfected. Easytobuild,flyandown. Van's Aircraft www.vansaircraft.com. 11/18

Innovative aviation parachute recovery solutions for GA, sport, UAVs, more. aviationsafetyresources.com. 11/21

HELICOPTORS&eVTOL

5Bell212s 1996-1991, current maintenance,one owner. Bell412,33017SN, 0engineOH.HudsonFlightLimited, (806)662-5823,or(971)241-8473.6/20

Experience the joy of gyro flight OrbicHelicopters,Camarillo,CA,(805) 389-1070,orbichelicopters.com.6/22

EXPERIMENTAL

BD-10,factory-builtdemonstratorwith airplanesafetymods.Airframe465TT. $275Kcompletepkg. w/spares. Fuel Fresh, Phoenix, AZ, (480) 345-6677, fuelfresh@aol.com. 12/21

AIRCRAFTSALESAIDS

Aviation Sales & Marketing by ABCI Idealforastartuporsidehustleinthe aviation industry. (702) 987-1679 or aviationsalestraining.com/startup.1/21

FLIGHTINSTRUCTION

Sunshine Flyers Flight & tailwheel instruction, rentals, mountain flying, and aerobatics., Auburn, CA, (530) 820-3442, sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com. 3/20

Arizona Type Ratings

CE-500/CE-525 type ratings or recurrent. Insurance approved, staff examiner. arizonatyperatings.com, (602) 614-7994. 9309:TFN

Custom aircraft & high-quality composite parts. Aviation Composites, Sandersville,GA,(937)243-7303.1/22

SERVICES

Allpartsavailableto rebuild 1936RearwinSportster. In Northern California. ContactSueHarmuthat suewilldooo@ outlook.com.

22801:TFN

FBOs

Serving the GA Community since 1981.Wisconsin Aviation, Watertown MunicipalAirport,WI,(920)261-4567, WisconsinAviat2ion.com. 3/13

Corona AirVentures.Lowfuelprices, amenities,tie-downs&hangars. Corona Municipal Airport, (951) 737-1300, CoronaAirVentures.com. 8/14

World's largest network of FBOs with over200 locations offering consistent, exceptional service. Signature Flight Support, signatureflight.com. 4/23

AVIONICS

Avionics for Every Mission. All major brands. Airtronics, Calaveras County Airport, CA, airtronicsavionics.com, (209) 736-9400. 11/14

Basic installs to complete panel and glass retrofits. Great service and value pricing. Pacific Coast Avionics, (800) 353-0370, PCA.aero. 7/15

Updateyouravionics FAA-Certified repair station. Treasure Coast Avionics, Ft. Pierce, FL, (772) 464-3148, treasurecoastavionics.com. 2/23

AIRCRAFT PARTS

Keeping "classic" aircraft flying since 1946 Univair Aircraft Corp., Aurora, CO, (888) 433-5433, univair.com. 3/21

Iconic Aircraft Restoration for all the classics. Reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 347-1909. 2/23

SAVAGE Magneto Service since 1946. Hayward, CA, (510) 782-7081, 2/23

PROPELLERS

Aviation wood, composite or metal propellers.Sensenich,(813)752-3711, (717)569-0435orsensenich.com.4/21

AVIATION SAFETY

Innovative aviation safety solutions and Parachute Recovery Systems for a variety of aircraft, including for sport, UAVs, more. AviationSafetyResources.com. 2/22

Get ahead of your daily in-flight risks with SAFETYLINQ flight risk assessment. argus.aero/safetylinq. 1/22

AIRCRAFTFINANCING

Top Retail for Your Aircraft Sales, management and financing. USA Aircraft Brokers, (877) 417-3069. 51218:TFN

INSURANCE

Specializing in personal, business and charter aircraft.Bestprice, coverage&customerservice. Zanette AircraftInsurance Center, (650) 593-3030, (888)723-3358. 10/06

Insurance solutions for all aviation-related services. Business Aviation Insurance, bizavins.com, (925) 825-1900. 7/20

Protect your whole family, including your pets. Comprehensive health and Medicare solutions. Jen Mathey, owner, Pixie Health Insurance, (941) 200-3738, pixiehealth insurance.com. 10/22

AVIATION CONSULTANTS

Informed, accurate aircraft appraisals. jetvaluesjeremy.com, (636) 751-3987. 7/20

Complete Aviation Sales & Marketing Services Use Promo Code "INFLIGHT" to save 10%. AviationBusinessComsultants. com/Lab, (702) 987-1679. 4/23

PILOT SUPPLIES

NocheapimitationwatchesatHME!

Specialpricingon ATP series multifunctional watches with Altimeter. To order or for information, (323) 464-6660 or hmewatch.com. 11/16

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Free 700page catalog, Corona, CA, & Peachtree City, GA, aircraftspruce.com. 10/06

Protective covers for every make, and model, plus insulated engine covers. Bruce's Custom Covers, Morgan Hill, CA,(800)777-6405,(408)738-3959, aircraftcovers.com. 10/19

Seewhatyou are missing with new models from Rosen Sunvisor Systems. rosenvisor.com, (800) 284-7677. 7/20

Divorce-Paternity Cases Contact Lawyers for Men's Rights, (213) 3848886, www.mensrightslawyers.com.

Offices of Stuart J. Faber. 4/10

Aero & Marine Tax Pros

Legally avoid sales tax on your aircraft purchase. In El Grove, CA, (916) 691-9192, aeromarinetaxpros.com. 18500:TFN

Left Seat Pilot Medical Solutions.A confidential solution for pilot medical certification. Free FAA medical consultations. Left Seat, (800) 699-4457. 1/21

Global Aircraft Group USPAP bank values for all aircraft, aircraft management, insurance claims & certified aircraft appraisals. Mark Parry, (855) 6GBL- AIR, (413) 335-7507. 4/22

HANGARS/TIEDOWNS

One-piece doors Hydraulic or bifold. Schweissdoors.com, (800) 746-8273.1/15

Aviation Building Systems custom designed hangars. R&M Steel Co., Caldwell, ID, (208) 454-1800, aviationbuildingsystem. com, (866) 454-1800. 51217:TFN

HOMES/AIRPARKS

A Pilot's Paradise—Valley Airport

Private airstrip in the Ozark MountainsonbanksofWhite River. Custom 3BR,3BA home, office and hangar/ workshop, $749,999. Leo and Dianne Doughty, Cotter, AR. Contact Ray (870) 421-7193 to show. 9/22

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Become an Aircraft Broker — #1 Largest USA Network of Aircraft

Start with USA’s proved system for listingand selling everything from highperformance single-engine airplanes, cabin class through jets, and helicopters & jet fractional shares. Includes multi-million-dollar inventory to start. Complete turn-key proved system. No experience necessary. Will train. Licensed USA Aircraft brokerage. Call (504) 723-5566 or visit Business Opportunity Section at usaaircraft.com

4208:TFN

ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS

Specializing in aviation photography horizontalrain.com. 1/15

IN FLIGHT USA, the leading source of general aviation news, seeks writers and photographers to cover all aspects of aviation. Send an SASE for writer’s guidelines to: In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, CA 94402. TFN

MUSEUMS

Rowland Freedom Center Vacaville, CA, (707) 449-3402 rowlandfreedomcenter.org

Castle Air Museum

World's largest static display of vintage military aircraft from late 1930s. Atwater, CA, (209) 723-2178 castleairmuseum.org

Hiller Aviation Museum SanCarlos Airport, CA (650) 654-0200, hiller.org

Chico Air Museum Chico, CA, (530) 345-6468 chicoairmuseum.org

Heritage Flight Museum Skagit Regional Airport, Burlington, WA (360) 424-5151, heritageflight.org

National WWII Museum New Orleans, LA, (504) 528-1944 nationalww2museum.org

National WASP WWII Museum Avenger Field, Sweetwater, TX (325) 235-0099, waspmuseum.org

Western Museum of Flight Zamperini Field, Torrance, CA (310) 326-9544, wmof.com

Planes of Fame Air Museum Chino, CA, (909) 597-3722 planesoffame.org

Oakland Aviation Museum Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100 oaklandaviationmuseum.org

DONATION Needed!

Non-profit youth aviation program teaching High School kids to build a Zenith 750 Cruzer — then learn to fly in it! It’s 70% completed. Need a usable O-200 engine to make kids’ dreams come true! Full value tax benefit. Bill (818) 634-9762. 4/23

AIRCRAFT C ARRIER U.S.S.CARL VINSON WORKING-UPFOR DEPLOYMENTIN 2023

“America’sFavoriteCarrier”ContinuesToGetBetterWithAge

StoryByMikeHeilman andEdWells

UnitedStatesNavyaircraftcarrier U.S.S.CarlVinson (CVN70)also knownas“America’sFavorite AircraftCarrier”beganitsinitialwork-up phasefordeploymentlaterin2023.The U.S.S.Vinson,aNimitz-classaircraftcarrier,wascommissionedinMarchof1982 andisthethirdNimitz-classbuilt.The Vinson isnamedafterlongtimeformer GeorgiaCongressmanCarlVinson,the Congressmanwhoisconsideredthefather ofthetwo-oceanNavy.

The Vinson istheflagshipofCarrier StrikeGroupOne(CS1).Thestrike groupincludesthecruiser U.S.S. Princeton (CG59)andfourArleighBurkeclassguided-missiledestroyersof DestroyersofSquadron(DESRON)One. CarrierAirWing(CVW)Twois embarkedonthe Vinson withnineflying squadronsandaround70aircraft.

TheSanDiego-basedcarrierbegana six-weektrainingcycletogetthecarrier, itsairwingandothershipsinthestrike groupbackintodeployment-readystatus, accordingtoCaptainP.ScottMiller, CommandingOfficerofthe U.S.S. Vinson.“Wearestartingtheworkups,the shipsarecomingoutofmaintenance period,theairwinghasstooddownalittlebit,notquiteliketheshipdoes.We

havebeenupgradedandreadytoget backtogetherasonebigfightingteam.”

CaptainMillerstated,“Thisisour firstunderwaywhereweintegrateour strikegroups.Itisstillsomewhatofabasic trainingfortheshipandtheairwing.Aswe gothroughtheunderwayperiod,weget moreadvancedinourtraining.Theworkupstartswithcarrierqualifications becausetheairwingshavenotbeenflying offtheship.Theairwingforthefirstthree tofourdayswillbedoingcarrierqualifications,andthenwewillmoveintostandardat-seaoperations.”

Therehavebeenalotofchanges sincethelast U.S.S.Vinson deployment andCaptainMillerexplainsthechallengesthattheshipfaces:“So,wegot backfromdeploymentayearanda monthago.Wenowhavealotofturn overwithpersonnel,soweareinthe phraseofcrawl,walk,run.Wearetrying tocrawl,butwewilladvancequicklyinto thewalkphase.Youcanseeallthese folksthatwehavehereareobserving flightoperationsforthefirsttime,so thoseareourblueTtrainees,andifyou lookdownattheflightdeck,itisthe sameway.Wearebuildingsailorproficiencies,earningadditionalqualifications sothatwecanoperateasawholestrike group.Thattakesplacealltheway throughtheentirework-upcycle.”

The U.S.S.CarlVinson ispartof

AnSH-60Shelicopter fromSquadronHSC-4 “BlackKnights”isoff loadingaskidofsuppliersaboardthe U.S.S. Vinson.

CarrierStrikeGroupOnethatisateamof shipsthatsupporttheNavy’smaritime missionaroundtheworld.“Itisabasic model,notasadvancedasitwilleventuallygetinthelaterphasesofourtraining. Itisthecarrierandtheairwingintegratingtogetherandthenalittlebitofthe strikegroupthatisembarked.Thenwe willcontinuetoevolvewiththedestroyersquadronandcruiser,andthenwewill puttheentirestrikegrouptogetherinthe mostelementalcompositionwehavein thisphase,”explainsCaptainMiller.

TheNavy’snewestfifthgeneration fighter,theF-35CLightningII,ismaking itsseconddeploymentaboardthe U.S.S. Vinson whenthecarriersetssaillaterin 2023.CaptainMillerexplainsthatadding thenewestfightertoflightdeckhasbeen seamless.“Wecontinuetoevolveasthe F35cameon.Thepeoplewhobuildin thesystemsoftheshipstartedthinking yearsagohowtheyweregoingtointegratepower,parts,people,andallthose kindsofthingsthatgotogether.Whenwe deployedtwoyearsago,itwasaseamlessintegrationofanewairplaneinmy perspective.Wehadallthethingswe neededtooperateforsevenmonthsat sea,anditwasseamless.”

VFA-97“Warhawks”istheF-35C squadronassignedtheCarrierWarWing Twothatwillembarkonthe Vinson VFA-97beginthetransitionfromthe

ThreeF-35C“LightningII” fromNavySquadronVFA-97 flyinformationtobegintheir six-weektrainingcycle..

F/A-18ESuperHornetstotheF-35Cin February2021.The2023deploymenton Vinsonwillbethefirsttimethesquadron hasdeployeddownrangeintheF-35C. The“Warhawks”werethefirstsquadron toarrivetotheshipduringthesix-week cycleandimmediatelybegangettingthe pilotscarrierqualified.

Thisisthefirstofaseriesofexercises the Vinson andthestrikegroupwillgo throughbeforetheydeploylaterin2023. Thebattlegroupandairwingmustbecombat-readyandcapablebeforethetheycan deploy.CaptainMillerexplains,“Theaircraftcarrieristhemostflexible,capable, andmaneuverablewarfightingunit.With ourpowerplant,andourabilitytomove downrangequickly,itremainsoneofthe mostdefendableairfieldsintheworld.”

CaptainMilleradded,“Oneofthe neatthingsaboutthisaircraftcarrieris thatitjustturned41yearsold.Yet,when wedeploylaterthisyear,wewilldeploy asthemostlethalaircraftcarrierthathas everdeployed.It’scrazytothinkthata shipthatwasdesignedprobably50years agoisgoingdownrangeasthemost lethalandcapableaircraftcarrier.”The U.S.S.CarlVinson,“America’sFavorite Carrier,”continuestogetbetterwithage andcanprojecttheNavy’smaritime strategyanywhereintheworld,justasits namesake,CongressmanCarlVinson, hadenvisioned.

The U.S.S.CarlVinson (CVN70)isconductingasix-week workupwithitsairwingandcarrierstrikegrouptobe battlereadywhenthecarrierdeploysinlate2023.

AnF-35C“LightningII”Catchesthenumberthree arrestingwireaboardtheU.SNavyaircraftcarrierthe U.S.S.CarlVinson,duringthecarrier’ssix-weektrainingcycle.

AnF-35C“LightningII”fromsquadronVFA-97onthe deckofthe U.S.S.Vinson atsunrise.

Left: F-35C“LightningII”fromsquadronVFA-97 “Warhawks”ontheflightdeckofthe U.S.S.Vinson duringthesquadron’ssix-weekdeployment.

Photosby MikeHeilman

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