In Flight USA August 2024

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Calendar of Events

To list 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, Aug. 2.Confirm the status before attending.

AUGUST

1 Santa Rosa, CA: Hot Dog Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900, pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

2 4 Seattle, WA: Boeing Seafair Air Show, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Genesee Park & Lake Washington, (206) 728-0123, seafair.org.

3 Vanderhoof, BC: Vanderhoof Int’l. Airshow, Vanderhoof Airport, vanderhoofairshow.ca.

Williston, ND: Williston Basin Airshow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Williston Basin Int’l. Airport, flywilliston.net.

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

Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org.

3 4 Brunswick, ME: Great State of Maine Air Show, gates 8 a.m., Brunswick Executive Airport, greatstateofmaineairshow.us.

Manitoba, Canada: Maitoba Air Show, time TBA, Southport Airport, (800) 558-4680, mbairshow.ca.

Rochester, NY: Rochester Int’l. Air Show, gates 9:30 a.m., Greater Rochester Int’l. Airport, (585) 447-9001, rocairshow.com.

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

6 Chino, CA: Kilroy Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m. to noon, Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-7576.

9 11 Abbotsford, BC: Abbotsford Int’l. Airshow, gates Fri. 2:30 p.m./Sat. & Sun. 9:30 a.m., Abbotsford Airport, abbotsfordairshow.com.

Muskegon, MI: Wings over Muskegon Air Show, Muskegon County Airport, (734) 274-9703, wingsovermuskegon.com.

10 11 Chicago, IL: Chicago Air & Water Show, Lake Michigan Lakefront, chicago.gov. Montgomery, NY: New York Air Show, Orange County Airport, airshowny.com.

11 Waterford, MI: OCIA Air Show & Open House, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oakland County Int’l. Airport, oakgov.com.

13 14 Atlantic City, NJ: Atlantic City Airshow. CANCELED

15 17 Conneaut, OH: D-Day Conneaut-WWII Reenactment, Conneaut Township Park, ddayohio.us.

16 18 Arlington, WA: Arlington SkyFest, Arlington Municipal Airport, arlingtonskyfest.com.

17 Mattoon, IL: Coles County Airport Air Show- Wings over Mattoon, gates 11 a.m., Coles County Memorial Airport, (217) 234-7120, flymto.com. Burlington, WA: Heritage Flight Museum August Fly Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (360) 424-515, Skagit Regional Airport, heritageflight.org. 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.

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

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

17 18 Colorado Sprngs, CO: Pikes Peak Regional Airshow, gates 8:30 a.m., Colorado Springs Airport, ppairshow.org.

Edmonton, Alberta: Alberta Int’l. Airshow. CANCELED Camarillo, CA: Wings over Camarillo Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Camarillo Airport, (217) 234-7120, wingsovercamarillo.com. Latrobe, PA: Westmoreland County Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, (724) 539-8100, westmorelandcountyairshow.com. Gary, IN: Gary Air Show, Marquette Park, southshorecva.com. Akron, OH: Props & Pistons Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Akron-Fulton Airport, info only (234) 206-0545, flyohio.org. Bremerton, WA: Bremerton Air Show, gates 10 a.m., Bremerton National Airport, bremertonairshow.com.

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

23 24 Madras, OR: Airshow of the Cascades, gates Fri. 1 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m., Madras Municipal Airport, message (541) 475-0155, cascadeairshow.com.

24 Wheeling, WV: Wings over Wheeling Air Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, ohiocountywv.gov. Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832.

24 25 Ocean City, MD: OC Air Show, Drop Zone Beach, 9 a.m., tickets (410) 450-4197, ocairshw.com.

FEATURED STORY

AVIONICS SERVICES INTERNATIONAL MODERNIZES JET COC KPIT S

Avionics Services International (ASI) announced today the expansion of its cockpit upgrade services including turbine aircraft ASI assists operators with implementing Garmin forward-fit and retrofit glass flight deck and flight display solutions With a variety of offerings now available to jet operators, ASI is a preferred regional source and authorized service center

The pace of advanced cockpit technology far exceeds that of new airframe development With this emergence, a proliferation of flight performance data is now at the fingertips of the well-equipped pilot Integration of the modern cockpit into older airframes is essential To this end, Ronny Salamon, president of Platinum Aviation, and ASI, has been working with jet owner/operators since the early years of the digital cockpit revolution ASI moved into San Antonio’s SkyPlace FBO more recently and is the factory authorized Garmin dealer in San Antonio and the South Texas region

ASI performs flight deck upgrades incorporating Garmin avionics designed to bring older jets and turboprops the “best and brightest.”

Central to a variety of upgrade services performed at ASI are Garmin’s integrated flight deck offerings, including the G5000 Now standard on Learjet, Cessna and Beechjet models, the G5000 adds high-

resolution displays and Synthetic Vision Technology – both representing hallmarks of flight deck sophistication – and are much favored by today’s jet operators.

Advantages of the G5000 system are numerous, as the Garmin displays incorporate all aspects of cockpit instrumentation from PFD to FMS to autopilot Pilots agree that they are a vast improvement over many factory original flight decks The G5000 has an intuitive touchscreen

interface, with shallow menus, and audible feedback making them easy to master. This and more, such as automated flight guidance and control systems, streamline cockpit operations A significant upgrade with a marked return on investment, the G5000 can turn any jet airframe into a truly modern airplane

In addition to the G5000-series, ASI is well-versed in installing other Garmin display systems including G600/700 TXi touchscreen flight displays for Part 25 aircraft, turboprops, and early model Citation jets The company has been performing avionics updates on turbine aircraft since TCAS, WAAS, RVSM and ADS-B technologies began compelling operators to modernize. ASI understands the need for replacing unserviceable Bendix and Sperry autopilots, or Honeywell Primus and Collins Pro Line avionics, to ensure long-term operational support of an airframe

Garmin’s round-dial GI 275 digital

Continued on Page 22

ASI assists operators with implementing Garmin forward-fit and retrofit glass flight deck and flight display solutions (Courtesy Avionics Services International)

FEATUREDSTORY

DAYTON AIRSHOW HEADLINED BY BLUE ANGELS

AOPACallsfor“IncreasedCommunicationandTransparency”in Aspen ByLillianGeil,AOPA ......................................................8 AviationIndustryCallsforInvestmentinFacilities,Equipment..11 JamesInhofe,PilotandAviationAdvocateRemembered......16 CongressmenTurner,LarsentoReceiveNAHFLeadership Award........................................................................................18 FAA,NATCAReachAgreementtoAddressATCFatigue........21 EAAReviewsFAAChangestoMentalHealth,Cardiac,Vision Policies....................................................................................25 KawaihapaiAirfieldGetsNew50-YearLease............................26 NATAAirCharterSummitHighlightsAviationSafety..............28 AheadofSchedule,Livermore’sFiveRiversOffersUnleaded Fuel..........................................................................................32 GulfstreamG700Marks100DaysCertified..............................34 AirVentureFollow-Up:HighestTotalAttendanceOnRecord..35 AOPASweepstakesCessna182PanelRevealed......................40

Editorial:There’sALotToCelebrate ByMarkBaker,AOPAPresidentandCEO ........................8

Editorial:WindsofChange

ByEdDowns ................................................................10

TheGreatTechBlackout:HowAFaultyUpdate GroundedAviation

ByFahadibneMasood,MRAeS .....................................14

ANewGeometricPerspectiveonFlyingWithMichael Duke,DBTAero

ByAnnamarieBuonocore .............................................19 Tracy,Calif.,TeenMarksAnotherPilotLicense Milestone ..................................................................................37

SPECIAL SECTION Stories from AirVenture Begin on Page 35

Cover Photo Courtesy XL Aviation

Story Begins on Page 4

Story and Photos by Mike Heilman Story Begins on Page 40

Flight Training By

Ed Downs

TAKIN G A WRITTEN EXAM? UP FOR A C HEC KRIDE?

Given a quick look at the title of this column, many may heave a sigh of relief in that testing is not in your immediate future If this is the case, give it a scan and pass it on to someone you know who is facing an upcoming written exam or flight test It is this writers hope that some of the following words may be just the “secret sauce” they need to ace a written or flight test

drive, we rode our bicycles to the airport and hand propped the Aeronca we were to fly Control your envy, but yes, it was great fun and is sorely missed

The testing process has changed a lot since this pilot began flight training in 1956 My twin brother and I borrowed $150 dollars each (from my “aviation nut” grandmother) and purchased a “solo flight training package” from Valley Pilots Flying School at Van Nuys Airport in California Payback would be made by working in our father ’s camera/hobby store after school Located in the middle of the agricultural San Fernando valley, it was a great training airport And yes, it was rural back them, with our practice area within gliding distance of the airport The course included seven hours in a 1946 Aeronca 7AC, with a thundering 65 horsepower engine and 12 gallons of fuel Being a towered airport, all of the school’s Aeroncas were equipped with a wind-driven electric generator, which recharged a battery powering a Lear lowfrequency radio with two transmitting crystals. Pretty impressive technology!

Ground school was included in the program, which was based upon military standards, as all of the instructors were WW II Vets, several having flown with the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in China, better know as the “Flying Tigers ” One, in particular, would emphasize an important point by raising his foot off the rudder pedals serving the rear seat and kicking me in the butt I do not believe that technique is taught today in the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) But it taught this writer to kick myself in the butt just before doing something stupid I guess it worked, as I continue as a pro pilot to this day The written exam was a 50-question, multiple-choice masterpiece (replacing the old true/false test by just months) based upon flying in the Washington D.C. area (long before today’s airspace system), covering mainly CAA rules and chart reading – yup, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), predating today’s FAA VOR and electronic nav was still off in the future One could move on to a Private Pilot certificate with only two logbook endorsements Too young to

Obtaining a pilot certificate today is just a tad more complicated The planes we fly are often more sophisticated than airliners, with incredible avionics and auto-flight systems The testing has also become increasingly complicated, with the possibility of every student sampling many of more than 85 possible logbook endorsements Both written and flight exams, now called the Airman Knowledge Test and Airman Practical test, have been expanded and updated through the years, requiring a demonstration of knowledge (both ground and flight) that would have overwhelmed this kid The current testing (ground and flight) now covers some 14 different FARs, up to 30 Advisory Circulars and another 30 or so FAA documents dealing in a wide variety of subjects Paper forms and #2 pencils are long gone (do you know what a “pencil sharpener” is?) in favor of the Integrated Airman’s Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) and the FAA testing vender called “PSI ” All of this requires that you have a Federal Tracking Number (FTN) These intertwining computer systems require specific protocols of use, personal identification, and procedures, with an understanding of not just what it takes to be a good pilot, but of the entire certification process and how you fit into it Pretty intimidating eh?

Fortunately, our friends in the FAA understand (or try to) the complexity of the system that has evolved over the years and have just released two new documents to help you navigate the labyrinth of processes involved in taking a written flight exam As of May 31, 2014, the FAA has released two new publications that every pilot undergoing any form of certificate training, and every Flight Instructor, should download and review These are the Airman’s Certification Standards Companion Guide and the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The series of ACS documents are not new but have undergone major revisions They all became effective May 31, 2024 These important publications can be downloaded at Airman Certification Standards/ Federal Aviation Administration on the FAA website,

Continued on Page 9

Calendar of Events

Continued from Page 3

24 25 Bellevue, NE: Defenders of Freedom Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Offutt AFB, offutt.af.mil.

Wichita, KS: Frontiers in Flight Sir Show, McConnell AFB, (316) 7594397, frontiersinflight.com.

Nova Scotia, Can.: Atlantic Canada Int’l. Air Show, gates 10 a.m., CFB Greenwood, (855) 465-2725, airshowatlantic.ca.

29 Sept. 1 Wildwood, NJ: Airfest-NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, 10 a.m.., Cape May Airport, (609) 886-8787, usnasw.org.

31 Novato, CA: Planes & Coffee, SkyShare Terminal, Gnoss Field, (415) 897-2403, skyshare.com.

Clarinda, IA: Fly Iowa, gates 10 a.m., Schenck Airfield, (712) 5422136 flyiowa.org.

Lancaster, TX: CAF-DFW Wing Warbirds & Wheels, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lancaster Regional Airport, dfwwing.com.

31 Sept.1 Batavia, NY: Wings over Batavia Air Show, gates 2 p.m., Genessee County Airport, wingsoverbatavia.com.

31 Sept. 2 McMinnnvile, OR: Oregon Int’l. Air Show, gates 9 a.m., McMinnnville Airport, (503) 629-0706, oregoairshow.com.

Cleveland, OH: Cleveland National Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Burke Lakefront Airport, (216) 781-0747, clevelandairshow.com.

Toronto, Ont.: Canadian Int’l. Air Show, Canadian National Exhibition, (416) 263-3650.

SEPTEMBER

3 Chino, CA: Kilroy Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m. to noon, Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-7576.

5 Santa Rosa, CA: Hot Dog Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900, pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

6 8 Gatineau, Quebec: Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow, gates Fri. 5 p.m./ Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., Gatineau Airport, aerogatineauottawa.com.

7 Camdenton, MO: Lake of the Ozarks Air Show, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Camdenton Memorial Airport, lakeoftheozarksairshow.com.

Carson City, NV: Carson City Airport Open House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Carson City Airport, (775) 841-2255, flycarsoncity.com.

Osceola, WI: Osceola Wheels & Wings, gates 8 a.m., L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport, (715) 450-0399, wheelsandwings.org.

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

Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org.

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

7 8 Lititz, PA: Community Days Airshow, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lancaster Airport, (717) 569-1221, lancasterairport.com.

Hood River, OR: WAAAM Hood River Fly-In, Ken Jernstedt Airfield, waaamuseum.org.

Nampa, ID: Warhawk Air Museum Warbird Roundup, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nampa Municipal Airport, warhawkairmuseum.org.

Midland, TX: CAF High Sky Wing AIRSHO, gates 9 a.m., Midland Int’l. Airport, (432) 254-6182, airsho.org.

8 Oakland, CA: Open Cockpit Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oakland Aviation Museum, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org.

Half Moon Bay, CA: HMB Executive Airport Open House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., hmbairportopenhouse.com.

13 15 London, Ontario: Airshow London-SkyDrive, gates Fri. 3 p.m./Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., London Int’l. Airport, (519) 204-4537, airshowlondon.com.

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

Washington, DC: Dulles Day Plane Pull, gates 10 a.m., Washington Dulles Int’l. Airport, specialolympicsva.org.

Longmont, CO: Longmont Airport Air Show & Expo, gates 7 a.m., Vance Brand Airport, longmontairshow.com.

14 15 Burlington, VT: Green Mountain Aviation Field Days, Burlington Int’l. Airport, greenmountainaviationfielddays.org.

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

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

21 22 Vacaville, CA: Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Rowland Freedom Center, Nut Tree Airport, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org.

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

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

Being a member of AOPA is more than a huge list of pilot benefits. Joining AOPA empowers general aviation with a louder voice, keeping skies safer and open to pilots everywhere.

By Mark Baker AOPA President and CEO

It’s that most wonderful time of the year again The time when we celebrate the great gift of our freedom to fly by joining thousands of our fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts for a week of all things flying Descending on the world’s largest airshow is truly a holiday season for us

I have been flying into Oshkosh for decades now, and every time I land, I know I am in for something new That’s what drives us to make the pilgrimage every year – that and seeing our wonderful members and general aviation friends

This year, there’s something really new in the air as we fly into OSH, something that benefits virtually all GA pilots –and it simply can’t be emphasized enough The recently enacted FAA reauthorization legislation is something we have covered in these pages and through all AOPA’s media channels This groundbreaking law not only funds important FAA programs through 2028 but has a specific focus and benefit to general aviation

THERE’S A LOT TO CELEBRATE

Great Things are Happening in the GA Community

Every pilot and aircraft owner at AirVenture will reap benefits from the FAA reauthorization law, thanks in large part to the first-ever GA Title, introduced by our friend on the Hill, Rep Sam Graves (R-Mo ) AOPA is proud to have worked with Graves and others on both sides of the aisle for many months to help craft and bring about that title

Those GA benefits include funding for small airports, ensuring we have the 100LL we need while we transition to an unleaded future, and aviation workforce development to get young people interested in this passion we share

I want to take a minute to expand on one of the most important elements of the FAA reauthorization law: BasicMed. We fought hard to bring about long-needed third-class medical reform in 2017, and we have been pushing to go even further I hear about this topic countless times as I travel around this great country, and it’s often addressed by members calling into our Pilot Information Center

The adoption of BasicMed is astounding Since it was enacted, more than 85,000 pilots have qualified to fly

under it. But we have not stopped there. AOPA has strongly advocated for the continued expansion of BasicMed operating limitations, and I am happy to say that these efforts have paid off

Provisions under the FAA reauthorization further loosen the BasicMed pilot and aircraft restrictions You will be able to take off in a covered aircraft weighing up to 12,500 pounds (which more than doubles the previous limit of 6,000 pounds) The bill also expands the number of allowed passengers (six, up from five) and seats (seven, up from six)

In addition, the FAA now allows DPEs to perform their duties while flying under BasicMed Hopefully, this will ease the crunch on pilots looking to schedule their checkrides. There simply aren’t enough DPEs, and the waits for these tests are way too long These changes go into effect 180 days after the bill was signed, which will be around mid-November

I believe one of the reasons the FAA and Congress have been so willing to expand BasicMed is because it works! Just last year, the FAA was required to

report to Congress on the five-year results of BasicMed, and it found what we already knew: no difference in safety when comparing pilots flying under BasicMed to those with a third class medical I thank all of you for that – for continuing to fly safely and making this the safest era ever for GA

The medical-related benefits of FAA reauthorization were not limited to BasicMed, and in fact, it will create a working group to examine all of the agency’s medical policies and procedures This includes the review of the special issuance process and could provide more leeway for an AME to issue a medical certificate for a pilot with specific medical conditions. We hope that this will make the whole medical certification process smoother and quicker, a reform that we’ve been actively pursuing So, while we’re all checking out the new and vintage aircraft on the field, seeing old friends and making new ones, and simply soaking up everything that makes AirVenture an aviation pilgrimage, keep in mind what got you there For many, it was literally BasicMed Blue skies!

AOPA C ALL S FOR ‘INCREASED COMMUNIC ATION AND TRANSPARENCY’ IN ASPEN

By Lillian Geil, AOPA

Contract negotiations surrounding the future of Aspen-Pitkin County Airport/Sardy Field in Colorado have been largely concealed from local aeronautical users at the field frustrating those who will be significantly impacted if unable to convey the implications of decisions made in the final contract

A 30-year lease agreement is currently in contract negotiations between Pitkin County and the FBO giant Atlantic Aviation Last year, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a one-year lease extension so details of the long-term lease could be ironed out

In a July 19 letter to the BOCC, AOPA President Mark Baker expressed concerns that updates on the status of the contract were not being regularly or transparently communicated to aeronautical users of the airport and requested that the board establish weekly update meetings where these users could have the chance to provide input on the ongoing negotiations

“While AOPA recognizes the legal

sensitivities involved with an active contract negotiation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy expects sponsors to materially involve aeronautical users in the airport policy making process,” Baker wrote, citing FAA Rates and Charges policy and FAA Order 5190 6B, Airport Compliance Manual, which “speak to the requirement to involve aeronautical users with airport policy and reinforce the fact that airport compliance with rates and charges policy is mandatory and a matter of Federal law ”

Baker acknowledged that meetings have occurred, but asserted that they have been irregular, vague on areas of negotiation, and lacking opportunity for material input from airport users especially given that negotiations are expected to conclude in September 2024 and that the impacts of decisions made in the next few months will last for decades to come

General aviation users are not seeking special favors in their request to be brought into negotiations, only equal consideration given their considerable use of facilities a privilege the airlines are similarly granted through their routine negotiation of rates

and charges.

Local airport users who are calling for increased transparency are imploring negotiators the contract include “guardrails” to prevent unreasonable price escalations over the anticipated 30-year lease Additionally, they are seeking increased access to apron space, to include at least 10 additional tiedowns to restore the number of tiedowns that were available before Atlantic took over as the FBO at the airport

This isn’t the first letter AOPA sent to the Pitkin County BOCC expressing concerns with how contract negotiations are being handled In an Oct 9 letter, shortly after the lease extension, Baker wrote to express concerns about the egregious increase in base rent and fuel flowage fees reported by The Aspen Times. Anticipating the likelihood of the unreasonable fee increases falling on the shoulders of local and transient pilots, Baker was asking for assurances that the concerns of GA pilots would not be ignored This letter went unanswered by the BOCC

Aspen-Pitkin airport is a public-use airport that has recently received $3 4

Continued on Page 13

A 30-year lease agreement is currently in contract negotiations between Pitkin County and the FBO giant Atlantic Aviation (Courtesy Pitkin County)

Atlantic Aviation, the FBO at Aspen Pitkin Airport in Colorado, is in contract negotiations with the Pitkin County (Courtesy Atlantic Aviation)

HOW TO S TAY SAFE WHEN SPENDIN G TIME AROUND PL ANES

By Taylor McKnight

Author for BD&J Injury Lawyers

Airplanes are one of the most easy and convenient ways to travel in our modern day world

Whether you have a quick trip to see your family, or you’re flying across the world, odds are you will find yourself on an airplane at some point in the near future Because they have become so common, it is crucial that we take plane safety seriously

Why is it so important to be safe around planes?

While for many of us being around an airplane is second nature, the fact of the matter is that they are large and powerful machines. There are many ways to

be hurt or even die around a plane. When doing safety checks, it is possible to fall off of the plane’s wing There have also been records of many people walking too closely and getting sucked into a planes engine Taking simple steps to enhance our safety around planes can mitigate all of these risks

How can I stay safe while spending time around plane?

For starters, listen to the directions provided to you by the aviation staff Before every commercial flight, airlines are required to give a safety briefing If you are working on a plane, make sure to listen to the maintenance rules of engagement surrounding the aircraft that you are working on. Keep your eyes and ears

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Flight Training: Written Exam

Continued from Page 6

faa gov Oh yes, when you download these documents the title page will say “November 2023” even though this is the new doc that became effective on May 31, 2024 Not a mistake When questioned, the FAA explained, “The cover shows the print date, not the effective date we have always done it that way ” Go figure!

Here is the short version of a long story Everything you need to know about taking an FAA written exam or flight test is in the Companion Guide –truly good information. It guides you through the IACRA process, tells you what you can take into a test site (including a holding pattern aid!), teaches you how to write your name (not making that up) and explains a complicated coding system that tells you areas of weakness, with a heads up that such codes can drive the Designated Pilot Examiner ’s (DPE) oral exam part of a check ride Yes, there are a lot of legal statements by lawyers (who would not know the difference between an Aeronca and a B-747) and by bureaucrats that get paid by the word But the overall information is well presented and must absolutely be read and reviewed with your CFI before taking any test.

This guide then describes the use of the ACS You will learn that the ACS has 12 “Areas” of testing (roman numerals good news for all you Romans) An “Area” covers a basic phase of flight, like Pre-Flight Planning, Slow Flight and Stalls, Emergency Operations and Navigation Procedures basically, the

fundamental activities that occur when conducting a flight from arrival at your hangar to tie-down at your destinations Within each “Area,” there are “Tasks ” A task, like Slow Flight and Stalls, gets much more detailed, listing “Knowledge” you should be able to address and “Risks” that you should be able to define Finally, each task requires the demonstration of a measurable “Skill,” which has you at the controls demonstrating your superior pilot skills

This writer has seen as many as 400 specific items in an ACS that a DPE can toss at you. All of this may sound a bit formidable, but the very detail contained in the ACS is the “secrete sauce” to passing the flight test Conduct a good and thorough review with your CFI on every item in the ACS and the only thing that will fail you is a badly messed up flight maneuver and remember even if you do flub a maneuver, show recognition and correct it A DPE has the authority to give you a second chance

Having talked about the Guide and ACS, this writer (who works with up to 300 students each year doing test preps) is astounded to discover that less than 10 percent of my students have ever heard of the ACS. Shame on CFI’s who do not have the student into the ACS on day one. And the Guide tells you exactly what you should have done on day one The Guide and ACS are your friends Bottom line know the ACS and you pass the check ride Ignore the ACS and you fail A clear binary choice Have fun!

By Ed Downs

TWINDS OF C HAN GE

he very definition of an editorial is “an opinion on a topical issue ” Given the rather remarkable events that are earning the TV title of “BREAKING NEWS!” there are a lot of opinions afloat on almost every subject possible mostly of a political nature This writer keeps track of major events that affect our country, as every so often one of those events can have a significant impact on the subject we all love, aviation and the system in which we fly

concerned with a rule or policy an opportunity to comment and make suggestions

Almost all of the rules and procedures governed by FAA Flight Ops are handed over to the Pilot In Command (PIC) for voluntary compliance There is seldom a doubt as to what is expected of a PIC in the world of FAA Flight Ops

Please do stick with the following ramblings, as recently published and much discussed decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will cause a shift in the winds of the power now held by federal and local bureaucracies. This important news item has not been widely talked about in the general media, even though it significantly affects the media’s general support of the “administrate state,” a governing method wherein unelected civil employes are given almost unlimited power to control our lives The issue in question is being avoided by most politicians, especially in the Executive branch of our government, such as the President of the United States (POTUS) and the Presidential Cabinet members Please allow this old pilot to cause every constitutional lawyer to cringe and grimace (which is kind of fun!) as I introduce you to the “Chevron Deference.”

The FAA AeroMed side of the house is quite different FAR 67 and FAR 68 do cover medical regs, but primarily deal with very basic medical standards Some specific limitations associated with a Class medical are included in these regulations FAR 67 and 68 frequently refer to the “discretion” of the Civil Air Surgeon There is no “ACS” to give you exact details and no limitation as to what FAA AeroMed can pull out of your personal medical records to be used as a reason for a Class medical certificate denial FAA AeroMed can, and does, often request testing and medical procedures that are not related to the standards set forth in the applicable regulations FAA Aeromed is proudly “improving safety” by tripling class medical denials over the last three years, going from an average of about 2,000 denials per year (for the last ten years) to more than 6,000 denials per year at present Keep in mind, a denial not only prevents the issuance of a Class medical certificate, but also eliminates the option of flying under Sport Pilot or Basic Med.

Before getting into a discussion of what the Chevron Deference means to aviators, let’s take a quick look at just one example of its application that can affect every pilot How many times do all of us utter the words, “how the heck can they get away with that,” when dealing with a government bureaucracy Let’s pick on the FAA for just a moment For brevity, let’s group FAA operational functions, such as Flight Standards, Testing (written and flight) and ATC as FAA Flight Ops The medical side of our example, the FAA Aerospace Medical Division, will be referred to as “FAA AeroMed ” FAA Flight Ops establishes rules, regulations and procedures that are clearly spelled out in FAR’s Aeronautical Information Manual, Advisory Circulars FAA Orders, and other procedural documents. The new Airman Certification Standard (ACS) is an excellent example of setting very specific standards and expectations of performance Regulations on this side of the FAA house must go through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) process that invites all parties

Even as this is being written, many pilots are participating in cognitive testing being done at this year ’s EAA AirVenture For what purpose, under what authority is FAA AeroMed looking for another subjective standard for denying even more class medicals? Who asked for this to be done? A Class medical denial will most often be signed by an unidentified bureaucrat on behalf of Dr David M O’Brien, Manager, Aerospace Medical Division If questioned about the reason for a denial one will simply be told to appeal to the NTSB, yet another government bureaucracy that will, in all probability, “defer” to the wisdom and knowledge of FAA AeroMed. Sort of a “closed loop” appeal system, and very expensive, as you have to hire legal assistance, but FAA legal costs are covered by taxpayers

This can be a very time consuming process, sometimes taking many months or even years Does this whole scenario cause you to ask the rhetorical question, “how can these guys get away with this?”

Continued on Page 12

AVIATION INDUS TRY C ALL S FOR S TREN G THENED INVES TMENT IN AVIATION FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

On July 16, a diverse coalition of aviation industry stakeholders, led by Airlines for America (A4A) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), joined together in calling on U S congressional aviation leaders and the Administration to support the strengthening and modernization of the U S air traffic control (ATC) system

The group’s collective view is that the U S must continue to have a safe, efficient and resilient ATC system To accomplish this objective, Congress should consider making changes to its administration of the Aviation and Airways Trust Fund in such a way that maintains the appropriators and authoriz-

ers important oversight role while giving the FAA the ability to more effectively utilize the Trust Fund balance for needed facility upgrades and system modernization The coalition respectfully requests congressional authorizers and appropriators work together with the FAA and all stakeholders to ensure FAA has a plan and the necessary resources to grow the national airspace system safely and efficiently

Stakeholders signing the letter include Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA); Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA); Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA); Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Airlines for America (A4A); Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA); Cargo Airline Association (CAA); Experimental Aircraft Association Inc (EAA); General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); Global Business Travel Association (GBTA); International Air Transport Association (IATA); International Council of Air Shows

(ICAS); National Air Carrier Association (NACA); National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA); National Air Transportation Association (NATA); National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASEO); National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots; Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS); Regional

Airline Association (RAA); Travelers United; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and Vertical Flight Society (VFS)

To view the coalition’s letter, visit the GAMA website at gama aero or see the letter directly at https://gama aero/wp-content/uploads/CoalitionFESupport07 16 24 pdf

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Editorial: Winds of Change

Continued from Page 10

The answer, good reader, is the “Chevron Deference.” The Chevron Deference, a 1984 Federal Court ruling, has, up until now, given bureaucratic agencies (both Federal and local) the ability to wield great power over our everyday lives But this has now changed The almost unlimited authority granted to all bureaucracies answering to the executive branch of Federal and local governments (such as DOT, FAA, EPA, HUD, ATF, and many variances within State governments) to pass rules and regulations independent of elected legislatures has been revoked This revocation of power will certainly include those rules that incur vast amounts of cost and dedication of resources to maintain compliance with complex bureaucratic demands. Yep, SCOTUS has overruled the “Chevron Deference” decision made by a lower Federal Court in 1984, proving it to be unconstitutional Ready to hear a little (and I do mean little!) bit about the “Chevron Deference?

Most are aware of the ongoing battle between the legislative branch of government and various levels of State Courts, Federal Courts, and Appellate Courts If one listens to the daily news even casually, one will hear of new laws being passed by the legislature (State or Federal) which are almost immediately challenged in court by an opposing faction The writing of Federal law and funding to enact those laws basically falls under the authority of the Legislative branch of government. The Legislative branch is, by Constitutional law, subject to legal review through the Federal Court system, should individuals or organizations feel that a certain law passed by the legislature is unconstitutional Such challenges are frequent But the Legislative branch has a “trick up its sleeve,” should a law not pass a Constitutional “litmus test ” Legislators are not required to personally oversee the laws they pass They can create an “agency” that is tasked with interpreting and implement plans, policies and laws passed by Congress and signed off by the President of the United States (POTUS)

Most often, the administrative management of new laws (many involving billions of dollars and often invasive regulations) are turned over to huge bureaucracies that answer to the Executive branch of government Here is the important catch While the Congress must answer to the U S Constitution, with specific limitations, the U S Constitution has no direct authority over the various agencies and bureaucracies that interpret and administer the laws As one can

guess, this gives the Executive branch of government the power to twist what Congress might have intended into something completely different by ordering non-elected bureaucrats to impose rules and regs that achieve the wishes of POTUS What a weird system, seemingly designed to make sure as little gets done as possible at the greatest expense to the taxpayer

Can’t one take a bureaucracy to Federal court if they go way off the rail?

Sure, and that is what created the “Chevron Difference ” Chevron Oil has always had challenges working with EPA regulations, but in the early 1980’s Chevron managed to get a pretty good deal out of the EPA Of course, a major environment organization challenged the deal and headed off to the D.C. Federal Court to have the EPA policy overturned. The Federal Court sided with The EPA and Chevron, based upon the premise that a major government regulatory agency knows more about a wide variety of technical and legal issues than does the Federal Court system; therefore if an ambiguity exists regarding the regulatory actions of a Federal bureaucracy, the court will “defer” to the bureaucracy This means that while a Federal agency/bureaucracy can be taken to Federal Court, the outcome is almost always going to be in favor of the bureaucracy While Congress must always be concerned about a challenge to their laws through a SCOTUS challenge, Federal agencies have almost complete power to do as they choose. The power granted to government bureaucracies due to this lower Federal court’s decision of “deferring” to the bureaucracy became known as the “Chevron Deference ” It is the knowledge that a challenge to a bureaucracy, such as FAA AeroMed, will fail gives such an organization de facto permission to operate in almost any manner that suits their purpose This freedom from being challenged has manifested itself into decisions such as not allowing dual instruction in restricted category aircraft (now rescinded) and has impeded most lawsuits against the FAA for the highly questionable certification process of the Boeing 737 Max This writer lives in a part of the country that is critically dependent upon the fossil fuel industry, severely hampered by EPA regulations. As a First and Second Amendment advocate, the ATF is noted as an abuser of Constitutional rights by using the “Chevron Deference” as a defense mechanism It is quite possible that many readers will have similar experiences with the

Continued on Page 13

Increased Communication

Continued from Page 8

million to rehabilitate the existing taxiway in addition to $77.3 million in FAA Airport Improvement Program funds since 2005. Acceptance of these funds makes the airport subject to federal grant assurances In his July 19 letter, Baker reminded the BOCC of its responsibility to uphold these assurances

“For the benefit of all of its citizens and stakeholders, the county must pursue fair and reasonable airport policies with respect to rates, charges, and parking availability for residents,” Baker said “The national aviation system works because it is a network of airports which

all play a role in balancing traffic, and it is vital to ensure that light general aviation aircraft are a significant and growing part of the aviation ecosystem nationally and at [Aspen-Pitkin County Airport].”

AOPA remains steadfast in its mission to protect airports across the country and is troubled by a trend of airport sponsors and FBOs who are emboldened to do whatever it takes to squeeze more revenue out of aeronautical users and the GA community This de facto privatization of public airports is negatively and severely impacting GA nationwide, and AOPA will continue to fight rates, charges, and policies that threaten our freedom to fly

How to Stay Safe

Continued from Page 9

open for anything that doesn’t seem quite right, such as a plane engine being on when it is supposed to be off. It is also important to keep an eye on your personal belongings Belongings left out, especially at an airport, can cause a lot of issues Additionally, if you are parking on or near a flight line, make sure your vehicle is a safe distance from the aircraft

If you are regularly around planes, it can also be a good idea to familiarize yourself with that specific aircraft

There are also safety steps to take before you even board the plane For instance, keeping the proper identification on you can go a long way Don’t bring anything on the plane that isn’t allowed Make sure that even your checked bag is clear (no gasses, comput-

ers, lithium batteries, etc ) By following the aiport’s rules, you can keep you, the plane, and the staff safe.

What should I do if I’m involved in a plane accident?

Unfortunately, accidents are a part of life Even if you are following all of the directions and safety protocol, situations may still arise If you are involved in a plane accident of any kind, the best thing that you can do is immediately contact a lawyer A lawyer, especially one that specializes in aircraft accidents, will help advise you on the best way forward and what you can do to protect yourself and your assets legally Planes are no longer the future – they are the now and they are here to stay! Because of this, it is important that we all do our part to stay safe around them

Editorial: Winds of Change

Continued from Page 12

State and/or Federal agencies that govern your profession

Now, here is the “BREAKING NEWS!” side of the “Chevron Deference” story SCOTUS just declared the “Chevron Deference” to be unconstitutional The Executive branch can no longer usurp the authority of Congress by using agencies and bureaucracies to sidestep Constitutional law While this editorial is looking forward to the FAA, especially FAA AeroMed, to be called upon to explain how they justify altering a person’s career, create financial demands, causing loss of significant investment and demanding medical procedures by simply claiming, “We are expert doctors, so you just need to defer to our judgment;” that reasoning no longer flies, given the end of the “Chevron Deference ”

Rep Sam Graves, Committee Chairman on Transportation and Rep James Comer, Committee Chairman on

Oversight and Infrastructure and Accountability, consider the end of the “Chevron Difference” so important that they authored a pointed letter which has been sent to Pete Buttigieg, Secretary, United States Department of Transportation, asking for a complete rundown of multiple regulatory actions now being implemented or in process It may be reasonably assumed that all of the President’s Cabinet Secretaries are facing similar questions about agency activities that have not been monitored or questioned in the past

Let there be no doubt, the winds of change are increasing in strength. America’s headlong race to become a socialist nation ruled by multiple bureaucracies will most certainly be slowed Perhaps our elected officials, both Federal and local will get back to doing their jobs and not assigning unelected civil service personnel to run everyday American life

THE GREAT TEC H BL AC KOUT: HOW A FAULT Y UPDATE GROUNDED GLOBAL AVIATION

By Captain Fahad Ibne Masood, MRAeS

(All images provided

Imagine the world’s busiest airports suddenly grinding to a halt, their once-bustling terminals eerily silent as passengers stand in long, anxious lines The chaos doesn’t stem from a thunderstorm or a missile strike but from an unforeseen glitch in a software update – a glitch so profound it ripples through every corner of global aviation This was not a dystopian movie scene but a reallife crisis that unfolded on July 19, 2024,

when an IT outage triggered by a misstep from cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike paralyzed airports from Berlin to Sydney, leaving travelers stranded and businesses in disarray In this article, we unravel the story behind this unprecedented disruption and explore how a single software flaw exposed the fragility of our hyperconnected globalized world

What Happened?

On July 19, 2024, a software update from CrowdStrike, a renowned cybersecurity company, triggered a massive IT outage A bug in the update affected

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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

Microsoft Windows systems (Azure & 365), causing widespread malfunctions This was not a security breach but an internal error “This is not a security incident or cyberattack The issue has been identified, isolated, and a fix has been deployed,” CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz stated on X He added to NBC, “We fixed it on our end,” and expressed deep regret over the disruption caused to customers and travelers

Where Did It Impact?

The outage had a global impact, affecting major airports from Berlin Brandenburg, Zurich, and New Delhi to Sydney In the UK, airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton, and Edinburgh faced severe delays and cancellations The disruption extended to other sectors; for instance, the University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) in Germany had to cancel operations due to the same software issue The rail network and financial services in the UK also experienced significant disruptions

When Did It Occur?

The outage began on the morning of July 19, 2024, and peaked around midday Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the impact was felt throughout the day and into the evening. Businesses and travel hubs struggled to manage the situation, with systems gradually being rebooted and restored as the day progressed

Who Was Affected?

Travelers and businesses dependent on digital systems were the primary victims Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines issued “ground stops” due to communication issues, leading to wide-

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

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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.

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

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by Captain Fahad Ibne Masood, MRAeS )

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JAMES INHOFE, PILOT AND AVIATION ADVOC ATE, REMEMBERED

James Mountain Inhofe – devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather and legislative champion of aviation –passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, surrounded by family with his wife, Kay, holding his hand His 89 years were defined by his strong faith, love of family, and service to our country

After serving in the United States Army from 1957-1958, stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, and graduating from the University of Tulsa, Jim and Kay were married on Dec 19, 1959 Their family quickly grew to four children: Jimmy, Perry, Molly, and Katy It was a life full of family dinners, weekends at Grand Lake, and a busy schedule of school and sports activities Family was his priority

Jim was sworn in as a United States Senator on Nov. 17, 1994, the date of his 60th birthday. He would serve in this position, filling important roles such as the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, until 2023 He is the longestserving United States Senator in Oklahoma’s history Jim’s life of public service began in 1966 and included other elected positions such as a member of the

Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Oklahoma Senate, the Mayor of Tulsa, and a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Jim became a licensed pilot in 1958, an achievement that not only was linked to a lifelong love of flying but also to consistent leadership in aviation legislation He was a pilot’s pilot, with ratings for single, multiengine, instrument, seaplane, and commercial He logged 11,000 hours of flight time, including a flight around the world that followed the path of Oklahoman Wiley Post His personal aviation experience drove him to pass meaningful legislation like the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, which armed pilots to defend themselves against investigations from the FAA, or the Hoover Bill, granting pilots the right to immediately appeal license revocations. He announced his candidacy for Senate in 2020 while flying his RV-8 upside down He loved his airplane community, time at the hangar, and 43 annual trips to Oshkosh with his kids, grandchildren, and friends He was known for flying his Grumman Tiger to the state’s most remote areas, holding town halls and meetings with Oklahomans For many of these commu-

The Great Tech Blackout

Continued from Page 14

spread flight delays Airport operators and staff were also heavily impacted Heathrow, for example, tweeted, “Microsoft is currently experiencing a global outage which is impacting select systems at Heathrow. Flights are operational, and we are implementing contingency plans to minimize any impact on journeys Please check with your airline for the latest flight information ”

The rail sector faced similar issues, with major operators like TransPennine Express and Govia Thameslink Railway experiencing disruptions

Why Did It Happen?

The outage was caused by a flaw in a CrowdStrike software update that conflicted with Microsoft Windows systems Intended to enhance security, the update led to a critical failure in various operational systems. CrowdStrike quickly identified and isolated the problem but not before it caused widespread disruption Microsoft confirmed the issue, noting, “We are aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform ” Microsoft later advised businesses to

reboot their Azure cloud services multiple times to resolve the problem

How Was It Handled?

In response to the outage, affected businesses and organizations took several measures to manage the fallout Airports and airlines implemented contingency plans, including manual check-ins and increased staffing to handle passenger queries Tui advised customers to travel to their airport as normal and to check their app for updates, highlighting that most processes could be managed manually

Rail operators and other service providers similarly worked to address the immediate issues caused by the disrup-

nities, he was the first and remains the only Senator who made himself so openly and readily available to talk with anyone about any issue. Jim cherished these visits, which he could make frequently because of his vast piloting experience

A particularly memorable Inhofe effort involved third class medical reform He introduced legislation in 2015 that led to the landmark adoption of BasicMed the following year As a result, more than 80,000 have qualified to fly under the BasicMed rules, which eased the medical certification process for pilots

Inhofe regularly worked with AOPA on legislation and was a reliable supporter and collaborator When he announced that he would retire from the Senate in January 2023, AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Coon said, “A leader, a gentleman, and a pilot best describes Senator Jim Inhofe. General aviation is, in large part, growing and vibrant in the United States today because of the senator ’s passion for flying and his years of dedicated public service to help make it so ”

Following his retirement, AOPA honored Inhofe with its 2022 R A “Bob” Hoover Trophy for his work in support of

tion Despite these efforts, the scale of the outage meant full restoration of normal operations took time

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, emphasized the value of booking with local travel agents during crises “Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself when it comes to facing travel disruption is to book with a local travel agent, someone you know you can easily contact,” she said. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, advised travelers to “keep an eye on communications from your airline” and to avoid checking in bags if possible, due to long queues and potential for lost luggage

Longtime GA Advocate James Inhofe died on July 9

(David Tulis/Courtesy AOPA)

aviation including “important policies and legislation that have benefitted every pilot and aircraft owner flying today ”

AOPA named the conference room in the association’s Washington, D C , office to honor Inhofe, and a bronze plaque created to commemorate his passion for protecting and promoting GA is proudly displayed there.

“Jim Inhofe had a remarkable, positive influence on the growth and preservation of general aviation as a member of Congress,” said Jack J Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman “His passion for aviation, as well as his in-depth knowledge on the workings of Congress, provided

Continued on Page 18

Lesson: “Robust contingency planning and resilient communication strategies are essential for mitigating the impact of unforeseen IT disruptions in aviation ” CrowdStrike IT outage of July 19, 2024, highlights the vulnerability of our interconnected digital systems While immediate technical issues have been addressed, the disruption underscores the need for robust contingency planning and effective communication. The aviation industry, alongside other sectors, is now evaluating the long-term impacts and preparing for future contingencies As our reliance on digital infrastructure grows, the lessons learned from this incident will be crucial in enhancing resilience and response strategies for future global disruptions

CON GRESSMEN MIKE TURNER AND RIC K L ARSEN TO RECEIVE NAHF CON GRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) on July 25 announced the recipients of the Congressional Leadership Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership in the aviation and aerospace industry

This year, the NAHF is privileged to honor the remarkable contributions of Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) Their exemplary leadership and unwa-

vering dedication have advanced aviation and aerospace initiatives, shaped the industry’s future, and fostered innovation, inspiring a new generation of leaders

“Promoting and expanding opportunities in American aviation and aerospace is a top priority of mine, which is why I am proud to receive the prestigious Congressional Leadership Award from the

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National Aviation Hall of Fame,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “As the home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, Dayton holds a special place in U S history as the birthplace of flight and today is at the forefront of aerospace innovation and emerging technologies I will continue to advocate for this industry that is so vital to our local community and country at large ”

“I’m honored to receive this year ’s

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Congressional Leadership Award alongside Rep Mike Turner,” said Congressman Rick Larsen “As Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I worked with my T&I colleagues to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 earlier this year, which maintains America’s leadership in aviation safety and aerospace innovation, strengthens and diversifies our aviation workforce, improves consumer protections and accessibility, and makes groundbreaking investments in sustainability and resiliency I remain committed to creating a safer, cleaner, greener and more accessible aviation system here in the U S ”

Continued on Page 19

James Inhofe

Continued from Page 16

countless results that benefited those of us who fly. EAA awarded Jim our highest honor, the Freedom of Flight Award, in 2022, to recognize those accomplishments He leaves a tremendous legacy, and we offer condolences to his family ”

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NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna stated, “NATA mourns the passing of Senator Jim Inhofe, an avid aviator and steadfast stalwart for general aviation throughout his nearly four decades of public service Sen Inhofe’s legislative skill and deep understanding of the importance of general aviation left an indelible mark on our nation’s aviation infrastructure and skilled workforce We are a stronger, more resilient industry because of the Senator ’s wisdom, leadership, and dedication.”

To see Jim’s complete obituary, visit Stanley’s Funeral Home at www stanleys funeralhome com or directly at https:// www stanleysfuneralhome com/ obitua

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A NEW GEOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE ON FLYIN G: AN INTERVIEW WITH MIC HAEL DUKE OF DBT AERO

By Annamarie Buonocore

Geometry might seem like an abstract subject from school, but it turns out it’s a vital element in aviation, potentially revolutionizing the industry DBT Aero, a company based in Utah and founded by Michael Duke, is at the forefront of this transformation The company is developing manned and unmanned aircraft designed to make aviation safer, quieter, and more sustainable These high-tech, innovative planes promise to be fun to fly and are the first of their kind Here’s what pilots and aviation enthusiasts can expect

In Flight USA: When did you start DBT Aero? Can you share some of the history and how you got started?

Michael Duke: I learned about Synergy Aircraft and its technology in early 2017 After researching for nearly a year, I proposed to the inventor in December 2017 that we commercialize the technology beyond the kit plane market he was focused on I started investing and incorporated DBT Aero in June 2019 Synergy Aircraft was merged into DBT Aero in September 2019

IFUSA: You’ve been at this for a few years now What does DBT stand for?

MD: DBT stands for Double Box Tail, which is our patented wing and tail geometry

IFUSA: Tell me more about this aircraft. Is it a two-seater or a four-seater? Is it experimental? Give me a brief description.

MD: It’s more than a single plane. It’s a unique, scalable geometry and a suite of synergistic technologies with outstanding benefits The design can scale from a small UAS to a double-aisle airliner or freighter One day, these designs could replace aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 and aircraft used for busi-

Unveiling the Double Box Tail (DBT) signifies a paradigm shift in aeronautical innovation, elevating sustainability with unparalleled advantages: an impressive 30 percent increase in lift, superior flight stability, and an unsurpassed smoothness (Courtesy DBT Aero)

ness jets, cargo, air ambulances, and GA

We’ve demonstrated scalability by building and testing four aircraft of different sizes, including a 3D-printed unmanned aircraft with a five-foot wingspan, unmanned aircraft with eight- and eleven-foot wingspans, and a manned aircraft with a 32-foot wingspan Our manned aircraft received a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental R&D category and may evolve into an Experimental Amateur Built category aircraft or a type-certificated aircraft, while the unmanned aircraft may be commercialized as drones. We worked with Eric Haddad of 3DAeroventures on the 3D printed unmanned aircraft Your readers should check out the video of that build and initial flight testing that is online

IFUSA: Can someone buy the geometry and design and then scale it as they wish?

MD: We’re exploring various busi-

ness models, including licensing, manufacturing kits, selling certificated aircraft, partnering with existing airframers, offering air taxi services, and more The design’s scalability provides many options and opportunities for positive returns for our shareholders and partners

We’re working toward our first commercially available product, which will be announced soon Given our experience with sub-scale aircraft, we’re closely looking at the drone market Our manned proof-of-concept could be offered as a factory-assist kit and progress to a certified passenger, cargo, business aircraft or even a large drone. We’d love to hear from your readers about which markets they’d like to work with us to enter

IFUSA: It sounds like you’re on track to become a significant manufacturer The FAA process can be challenging Where are you in that process?

MD: We have a very good relation-

Congressmen Mike Turner and Rick Larsen

Continued from Page 18

The Congressional Leadership Award was established in 2023 by the National Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Trustees

The award honors American leaders whose extraordinary public service has strengthened our nation and significantly advanced American Aviation and Aerospace This award series seeks to celebrate outstanding individuals of character and honor whose government service has significantly impacted our Nation’s continued global leadership in aeronautics

“We are delighted to award the Congressional Leadership Award to

Congressman Rick Larsen and Congressman Mike Turner,” said James

Cooling, Board Chair of The National Aviation Hall of Fame “Their leadership, vision, and steadfast advocacy have been instrumental in shaping the future of aviation We commend their dedication to advancing the industry and are honored to recognize their remarkable achievements.”

Congressman Larsen and Congressman Turner will receive the award as part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 60th Enshrinement events Over 500 people are expected to attend two days of events in Dayton, Ohio, that feature the formal installment of the NAHF Enshrinee Class of 2024;

ship with the FAA They’ve been working with us since the beginning of DBT Aero in 2019 Our DAR and other FAA staff regularly visit us to ensure we understand the requirements. We’re open about our innovations, including the patented geometry, and have explored how our many innovations are safe and fit within the regulations Our goal is to move one or more of our aircraft through type certification If our first product is a manned aircraft, we’ll complete at least one more proof-of-concept before moving into type certification If it’s a drone, the certification path will depend on the drone’s size

IFUSA: Your website mentions that you pride yourselves on sustainability Can you elaborate on how your aircraft is good for the environment?

MD: We believe that to meet the “Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050” goal, one must start with a geometry that requires less energy for flight. By using energy more efficiently – whether Jet A, SAF, electricity, or hydrogen – we can reduce emissions, save fuel or energy, fly faster, fly farther, fly higher, or carry more useful load An aircraft that uses far less energy for flight is less polluting and

Continued on Page 20

pioneers Peggy Chabrian, and (the late) Joe Sutter, visionaries (the late) Gary Burrell, Min Kao and (the late) Don Bateman, and aerospace heroes Frederick Gregory and Katherine Johnson

The NAHF’s 60th Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony on Sept. 14 is a celebration open to all. Advance registration is required, and there are still limited sponsorship opportunities and individual seats available To purchase tickets or find more information, visit www nationalaviation org or call 937-256-0944 ext 15

Congressman Rick Larson (Courtesy Congressional website for Rick Larson)

DAR Tom Willis presents Airworthiness Certificate to members of DBT Aero's team (Courtesy DBT Aero)

Michael Duke of DBT Aero

Continued from Page 19

SpaceX: Elon Musk and the Final Frontier, science journalist and editor Bergan tells the story of the company that’s accelerating exploration of outer space, its fascinating past, present, and possible future.

eaking company oundbr elatively towar ontierr inal F Fr F gan at s acceler ’its fascinate. sible futur ounding

Bergan examines every detail surrounding SpaceX’s efforts to accelerate humankind’s exploration and understanding of outer space, including:

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is the ultimate visual look at a groundbreaking company, with an eye toward its relatively short past—and a critical eye toward its possible dominion in deep space.

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Available June 4, 2024 on Amazon and in bookstores nationwide. gr d its r eye towar F Ber that outer space, ation of xplore pos present, ing past, xamines surr gan e Ber

requires less infrastructure This translates into savings for operators, municipalities, and suppliers. An example of how geometry matters is related to wingtip vortices Winglets were invented to reduce wingtip vortices and result in approximately a 3 percent increase in efficiency That doesn’t sound like much yet 3 percent of 95 billion gallons of jet fuel a year is a savings of nearly 3 billion gallons! Our aircraft can increase efficiency by up to 30 percent, saving nearly 29 billion gallons of jet fuel a year and significantly reducing CO2 emissions!

One of the hurdles for electric aircraft today is the weight of today’s batteries This added weight reduces range and useful load An efficient DBT airframe could be electrified, providing a useful range nearly twice that of electric aircraft currently in development. We’re also propulsion system agnostic, allowing us to leverage sustainability gains from current and future propulsion system manufacturers

While exploring concepts investigated by NASA and others that had remained untapped, an “a-ha” moment more than 20 years ago began a decades-long pursuit to pioneer ultra-efficient aviation technology that is poised to surpass all existing benchmarks

(Courtesy DBT Aero)

well above 200 knots

IFUSA: Are you planning to offer instruction or set up dealerships?

• SpaceX roles in missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond

oles in mis r Mars, sions to the Moon,

IFUSA: That’s impressive What about safety measures in your aircraft?

MD: We have patents for spin resistance, which can reduce accidents caused by low-altitude stalls that progress into spins Our Double Box Tail geometry performs like a high aspect ratio wing, offering better glide characteristics and giving pilots more options in emergency landings With the powerplant in the aft portion of the fuselage, pilots and passengers have much better visibility for “see and avoid ”

IFUSA: That high aspect ratio sounds glider-like. What cruise speeds can one expect?

MD: The design is fascinating in that it achieves a high glide ratio from a geometry with an effective high aspect ratio wing, while also achieving impressive speed with its swept, short wings reminiscent of a fighter jet This unique combination offers excellent glide characteristics and high speed in one package Our unmanned aircraft have consistently impressed remote pilots with their speed, stability, and handling One pilot even noted that the aircraft sliced through gusty winds “like a much larger and heavier aircraft” yet was nimble “with no bad handling characteristics ” This smoother, more stable ride is particularly important for passengers and makes the aircraft ideal for drones carrying sensors, for mapping, or as a surveillance platform Our 3D-printed five-foot wingspan aircraft, weighing under 11 pounds including the batteries, reached over 60 mph at half throttle, which is remarkable for such a small plane Our manned proof-of-concept is projected to cruise

MD: We’re exploring various options, including the possibility of establishing a dealer network. We’d love to hear from readers interested in becoming dealers, suppliers, or manufacturing partners, whether for unmanned or manned aircraft

A novel design like ours can be challenging for insurance companies, so we aim to be insurance-friendly and provide transition training Looking forward to that day, we recently announced that Dan Gelston, a Group President at CAE, has joined our team Dan’s deep understanding of pilot training and simulation will be critical to ensuring safe operations and insurability as we begin to deliver aircraft Companies like Cub Crafters and Epic have done an excellent job addressing transition training to help with insurability, and we intend to learn from the best practices in the industry

One of the unique flight characteristics of the Double Box Tail design is minimal adverse yaw, reducing the need for rudder input during turns New pilots will learn to use the rudders primarily for crosswind maneuvers, while experienced pilots must unlearn how much rudder input is required for a coordinated turn What many people refer to as our upper wing is actually our primary control surface That control surface is a combination of an aileron and an elevator that we call an “elevon ” We don’t use control surfaces on the wing, resulting in much smoother, more efficient, and coordinated turns.

We are also beginning discussions with companies exploring simplified flight controls One of our goals is to bring flight to more people globally through affordability and simplified flight operations

IFUSA: Where is DBT Aero based?

Continued on Page 21

FAA AND NATC A REAC H AGREEMENT TO ADDRESS CONTROLLER FATIGUE BY PROVIDIN G MORE RES T BET WEEN SHIFT S

On July 24, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to ensure air traffic controllers receive adequate rest between shifts and can continue to safely do their essential work This agreement will enable the implementation of long-term, systematic changes following the identified opportunities in the report from a panel of experts.

“The science is clear that controller

fatigue is a public safety issue, and it must be addressed Today, after collaborating with NATCA, we are pleased to announce important progress for the flying public on the issue of fatigue,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker “This is the beginning of our work, not the end We will continue to collaborate and take steps to prioritize controllers’ health and wellbeing on behalf of the public ”

“NATCA is pleased that the FAA recognized the importance of working with

Michael Duke of DBT Aero

MD: We have a globally dispersed team and flight testing, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

IFUSA: Will manufacturing be based in the U S ?

MD: We’re exploring global opportunities Manufacturing where the aircraft will be certificated and flown has some advantages This is another opportunity for your readers to explore potential partnerships with us Utah, with its extensive composite manufacturing capabilities developed to support Boeing, the F-35, space missions and other aerospace companies, network of suppliers such as Hexcel, highly trained workforce, network of universities, and 47G industry association, is a strong possibility for one of our future manufacturing sites

IFUSA: Let’s talk about your background. Have you always been involved in aviation?

MD: I’ve always been passionate about aviation I was the kid who built a lot of balsa and tissue paper aircraft in the basement with my friends I had always wanted to be a pilot, though I didn’t have the opportunity until later in life My path to becoming a pilot shows how when I want something, I just don’t let go, no matter how long it takes

I began flight lessons in the summer of 1988 in Columbus, Ohio I was working for a consulting company named Strategic Planning Associates which is now Oliver Wyman Rather than watch TV in my hotel room, I decided to take flight lessons in the evenings. I found Howard Nock and began flying from Buckeye Executive Airport in a Piper Tomahawk Less than seven hours into my flight training I was needed for case work in Cleveland

Six years later I was working for

Corning Incorporated in western New York I re-started my flight training with Michael Moore, flying from Costa Air Service at 7N1. Again, shortly into my flight training I received a new work assignment

Six more years passed before I could resume my flight training Yet again, training was suspended after only a few more flight hours due to a change in my employment

In 2005 I had the opportunity to buy a Southern California FBO I jumped at the opportunity to align my passion with my vocation, assuring myself that this was finally the path to completing my private pilot certificate Sadly, the seller misrepresented the financial health of the FBO, so rather than grow a profitable business I found myself working long hours in a turnaround. With the advent of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), I began distributing and importing aircraft. I was too busy for formal flight lessons, however, I received quite a bit of instruction and logged many hours flying with various CFIs to airshows around the Southwestern U S At the airshows, the CFI would give demo flights while I manned the sales booth

I will be forever grateful for Bill and Carol Joyner who came to buy an LSA

Carol said, “Bill doesn’t want to renew his medical so we’ve been looking at a Light Sport Aircraft ”

We discussed which aircraft would be right for them, and then Carol said, “Bill would like you to take him for a demo flight.”

I answered, “Let me get one of my CFIs.”

Carol said, “No, he wants you to take him ”

I answered again, “Let me get one of my CFIs ”

NATCA to address the issue of fatigue,” said NATCA President Rich Santa “NATCA has been voicing concern regarding controller fatigue for years and we are happy to join with the FAA to implement changes that will begin to provide relief to this understaffed workforce ”

“We commend the FAA and NATCA for taking these actions that reflect the Scientific Expert Panel findings and will significantly address air traffic controller

Continued on Page 22

DBT Aero's Double Box Tail (DBT) signifies a paradigm shift in aeronautical innovation, elevating sustainability with unparalleled advantages: an impressive 30% increase in lift, superior flight stability, and an unsurpassed smoothness

(Courtesy DBT Aero)

Carol firmly replied, “No! Bill wants you to fly him ” I confessed, “I can’t fly Bill I don’t have a pilot certificate.”

Carol looked at me in amazement and inquired, “What? I’ve seen you fly into many airshows ” I confessed, “Yes, you’ve seen me in the left seat, yet I’ve always had a CFI in the right seat as I don’t have a pilot certificate ”

Carol reacted, “You have to be kidding me! I’m a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) I’m coming back in two weeks, and we are giving you your practical test ”

I responded, “Yes, ma’am ”

I’m so grateful for Bill and Carol Joyner I made a sale and finally received my coveted pilot certificate It was a 19and-a-half year journey from my first flight lesson

After owning an FBO with a Repair Station certificate, distributing and importing LSA’s, commercializing a new aircraft like Synergy Aircraft’s Double Box Tail seemed like the next logical step for me

With interest in private air travel up 300 percent since COVID, environmental activism focused on decarbonizing avia-

As schedules are negotiated for next year, the FAA and NATCA agree that Air Traffic Controllers will receive 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift (Courtesy FAA)

DBT Aero’s core aerodynamic innovations redefine the boundaries of efficiency, sustainability, low noise and flight quality allowing the company to push the envelope of what is achievable in aviation, including 6 passenger business jets, 9 passenger regional commuters, air ambulance or air cargo aircraft.

(Courtesy DBT Aero)

tion, technical advances in batteries, hydrogen, SAF, composite manufacturing, and completion of our fourth proof-of-concept aircraft, we feel now is the perfect time to achieve our goal of Shaping the Future™ of transportation. Now is the time to bring a family of aircraft to market that can quietly, safely and affordably fly farther, faster and carry more

IFUSA: Thank you!

To learn more about DBT Aero, visit their website at dbt aero

Continued from Page 20

N OAA ORDERS SECOND HIGH- ALTITUDE JET FOR HURRIC ANE AND CLIMATE RESEARC H

New Aircraft, Funded by President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, to Jjoin NOAA

On July 16, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it is exercising a $106 million contract option with Georgia-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to purchase a fully modified G550 aircraft that will be specially configured to support hurricane and tropical storm forecasts, atmospheric research and other NOAA missions

Funded in part by the Inflation Reduction Act, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the fully instrumented aircraft is expected to join NOAA's fleet in 2028 This will be NOAA’s second G550. The first, which NOAA ordered from Gulfstream in 2019, is expected to be delivered in spring 2025 and will replace NOAA’s aging Gulfstream IV-SP, which has been an essential part of the NOAA Hurricane Hunter fleet since 1996

“These new state-of-the-art aircraft will greatly enhance NOAA’s ability to gather data critical to hurricane research and forecasting, atmospheric river research and forecasting, climate studies and other missions,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph D “Infrastructure investments like this protect both lives and livelihoods ”

Both twin-engine aircraft will be equipped with a variety of sensors for collecting atmospheric data, including a tailmounted Doppler radar system The G550s, which can fly fast, far and high with a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles and a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet, will paint a detailed picture of atmospheric conditions above and around hurricanes and other tropical cyclones – information essential for accurate forecasts

Data collected by the G550s will supplement the critical low-altitude data

collected by NOAA’s pair of four-engine Lockheed WP-3D Orion turboprop aircraft, which fly directly into storms

When aircraft data are available, hurricane track and intensity forecasts are improved significantly Longer lead-time for tropical cyclone forecasts are imperative as coastal populations and infrastructure continue to grow, evacuation decision times increase and climate change raises hurricane intensity, rainfall and storm surges

“The acquisition of these highly capable aircraft is a major step forward in the recapitalization of NOAA’s aircraft fleet, which forecasters, researchers and decision-makers depend on for life-saving information,” said Vice Adm. (select) Nancy Hann, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations

Together, the G550s will help NOAA meet the requirements of the Weather

Fleet in 2028

Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 by creating additional capability for hurricane reconnaissance

The G550s will be based at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, Florida, along with NOAA’s other specialized environmental data-gathering aircraft. The fleet is operated, managed and maintained by a combination of NOAA Corps officers and civilian personnel

To learn more, visit the NOAA website at noaa gov

Avionics Services International Modernizes Jet Cockpits

Continued from Page 4

flight instrument – now widely adopted –introduced many of the features of Garmin’s larger displays as an economical upgrade for operators of nearly all GA aircraft, including the 500-series Cessna Citations ASI understands the importance of this novel device The GI 275 provides a more reliable electronic standby instrument system functioning as an attitude indicator, plus a great deal more. The Garmin dial can add synthetic vision, autopilot integration, and touchscreen features, seamlessly incorporating all the standard readouts of attitude, altitude, airspeed and heading It’s an essential upgrade for any operator

ASI “stands” for Augmentation experts in Systems and Integration.

ASI emerged from roots in commer-

cial and military aircraft electronics to become a leading provider in general aviation The company’s persistent success with turning aging cockpits of early model aircraft into modern flyers has been lauded by customers across Texas and the U S

One such customer operates a Piper Meridian along the Texas Gulf Coast region. Ajit David, owner of the PA-46 turboprop, commented, “Every time we fly we think of Ronny. His shop performed a complete avionics replacement This was our first plane, the cost of the update was very reasonable, and it was completed in a good timeframe Ronny kept us updated on the progress all along the way ”

“For jet operators, the top reason for a flight deck upgrade is going from analog to digital,” stated Salamon “We're able to give operators the best available instruments in a digital platform Going

with Garmin ensures many years of reliable use Day-to-day operational efficiency is also part of the package ”

ASI was established in 1988 by Ronny Salamon, an industry veteran of 40+ years Salamon and his highly experienced team are based at San Antonio International Airport (KSAT) ASI is the only one-stop avionics shop based in San Antonio. The firm is experienced with aircraft of all sizes, from light piston to business jets Capabilities include equipment installation, repair, replacement, diagnostics and certification ASI works with MROs, fleet operators, and individual aircraft owners

Among ASI’s strengths are its knowledge and experience with leading avionics manufacturers As an authorized Garmin dealer, ASI provides sales, service and installation ASI is well versed in modern

FAA and NATCA Reach Agreement

Continued from Page 21

fatigue risks including the four priority opportunities identified, and improve the safety of the National Airspace System,” said Dr Mark Rosekind, Dr Erin FlynnEvans, and Dr Charles Czeisler, the members of the Scientific Expert Panel on Air Traffic Controller Safety, Work Hours, and Health.

As schedules are negotiated for next year, the FAA and NATCA agree that:

• Controllers will receive 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift

• Controllers will have limitations on the number of consecutive overtime assignments

• There will be procedures in place, including providing the necessary education to the workforce, for more effective use of current recuperative breaks.

The FAA and NATCA, in consulta-

tion with scientific experts, will establish a collaborative workgroup and expand the existing FAA’s Fatigue Risk Management System Fatigue Safety Steering Committee to develop recommendations addressing the opportunities identified in the April 2024 expert report

In addition to addressing controller fatigue, the FAA is committed to growing the controller workforce. The agency is on track to meet its goal of hiring 1,800

display technology, RVSM, and IFR Certification, all essential components for aircraft owners and operators worldwide ASI helps its customers achieve optimum integration for both their aircraft and mission Additionally, mobile service is available – a vital component for time savings and cost-conscious operations

ASI, a division of Platinum Aviation LLC, is a FAA Certified Repair Station no. S78R151N and is Part 145 approved for airframe, instrument and radio

For more information on Avionics Services International, visit www avionics services net, or contact ASI at info @avionicsservices net or 956-285-0373 Avionics Services International is located at 1770 Skyplace Blvd , San Antonio, TX 78216

controllers this year The agency has also expanded the training pipeline to increase hiring and training

Editor ’s Note: See the entire 114-page panel of experts’ report, titled “Assessing Fatigue Risk in FAA Air Traffic Operations” on the FAA website (faa gov) or directly at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/media/F atigue Report pdf

Artist's concept of the NOAA Gulfstream G550 (Courtesy Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation)

Great performing 160 HP airplane with 884 lbs. of useful load. Sharp interior and sporty exterior.

1982 MOONEY M20J 201 MISSILE

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1976 CESSNA T310R

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2004 LANCAIR IV-PT

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slow and make a huge amount of noise. Nobody will miss you as you fly by. An older restoration, still mechanically very strong airplane owned and maintained by an A&P IA for many years.

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A breath-taking total restoration of a classic WWII era primary trainer. Fly solo from the front seat. An absolute hoot to fly. Comes with a spare overhauled pickled engine. Add $2,500 to price with electric start.

EAA REVIEWS MAJOR C HAN GES TO FAA MENTAL HEALTH, C ARDIAC, AND VISION POLICIES

Attention West Coast Pilots!

The FAA released a substantial update to their Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners in June that includes major improvements for the agency’s protocols for mental health, coronary heart disease, and some ophthalmologic conditions The “AME Guide” serves as the main public-facing document for medical policy published by the FAA EAA summarized the highlights of these policy changes by diagnosis category.

Mental Health

Among the most anticipated changes are those to mental health policy

For the first time, individuals with a history of certain “uncomplicated” diagnoses that have been treated by psychotherapy (including active treatment), have not been medicated within two years, and meet other screening criteria for risk factors can be approved for a medical certificate directly by the AME without a special issuance

Diagnoses eligible under this new policy include the following An individual can have a history of up to two of the following diagnoses, quoting from the policy: https://www.faa.gov/ame guide/media/An xiety Depression Disposition Table pdf:

Anxiety:

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Situational anxiety (aka adjustment disorder with anxiety)

• Social anxiety disorder

• Unspecified anxiety Depression:

• Postpartum depression

• Situational depression* (aka adjust ment disorder with depressed mood)

• Situational anxiety and depression (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood)

• Unspecified depression

Other:

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• V code^ (DSM)/Z code (ICD-10) table items

An AME can directly issue a med-

ical certificate to individuals with these diagnoses, even under active treatment with psychotherapy, if they meet the criteria on the FAA’s decision tool

The FAA also rolled out a “Fast Track” for individuals with a history of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) last summer This allows those with an ADHD diagnosis, no medication use in the past four years, and no current symptoms, to obtain a medical certificate from an AME after a report from a licensed mental health professional

These new policies cover the “easiest” cases to certify. Many other individuals who do not meet the simplified criteria (i.e. current medication use, more complicated histories, other diagnoses, etc ) are still eligible for special issuance authorizations with a more thorough evaluation by the FAA

Coronary Heart Disease

For decades, a common complaint from EAA members with coronary heart disease* was the time and expense of the annual recertification process This often involved annual stress tests and other expensive procedures that insurance frequently refused to cover Since 2017, many GA pilots in this situation have understandably gone to BasicMed.

Now, the FAA has rolled out a simple recertification status sheet (https://www faa gov/ame guide/media/ CHD CAD Recert Status Summary p df) for the treating cardiologist to fill out upon renewal for those pilots who qualify for an AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI) Stress testing and some other procedures will still be required on initial certification, but now the FAA will accept a simple affirmation from the cardiologist that the individual’s status has remained stable in the past year and that there are no significant medical concerns for most pilots This is a major win for anyone with coronary heart disease who requires FAA medical certification

Lattice Degeneration (Vision)

Lattice degeneration is a condition of the eye’s retina that affects 1 in 10 individuals, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology In a new protocol, the FAA has announced that individuals who otherwise meet the vision

Continued on Page 26

and Incentives Available for Early Adopters!

HAWAII’S GOVERNOR GREEN, HDOT AND U.S. ARMY SIGN 50-YEAR LEASE FOR KAWAIH

ĀPAI AIRFIELD

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Governor Josh Green, M D , the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and U S Army Garrison Hawai‘i (USAG-HI) have signed a new 50-year lease at Kawaihāpai Airfield (HDH), formerly known as Dillingham Airfield The new lease went into effect July 6, 2024, at which time airfield operations continued normal operations, including uninterrupted water service to the tenants; water service to nearby off-airport users will continue as described below

(415) 320-9811 • botajet@gmail.com Website & Blog: www.bertbotta.com https://www.facebook.com/BertBotta1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertbotta/ NetJets Pilots & F/A Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/447755025256768

ebsite & Blog W https://www.face https://www.link ilots & P https://www.faceboo t : ebook.com/BertBotta1 edin.com/in/bertbotta/ rtbot k acebook page: F F/A A ok.com/groups/4477550252567 m 768

“Kawaihāpai Airfield plays a significant role in aircraft training for civilians and the military and a significant role in a healthy, diversified economy,” said Governor Green. “I’m proud that as a state we are able to come together with the varied stakeholders at Dillingham to continue to operate as a civil aviation resource and reach a mutual solution for water delivery ”

“This new 50-year lease will ensure Kawaihāpai Airfield remains open for commercial activities and will continue to serve as a critical economic resource for O‘ahu’s North Shore community,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen “This was a collaborative effort that brought together the state, the Army Garrison Hawai‘i, Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District, local businesses, elected officials and community members, all focused on a common goal of ensuring the continued operation of Kawaihāpai Airfield We appreciate the tremendous

Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green, M D , announced on July 5 that a new 50-year lease has gone in effect, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and U S Army Garrison Hawai‘i (USAG-HI) at Kawaihāpai Airfield (HDH), formerly known as Dillingham Airfield for continued operation.

(Courtesy Governor ’ s Office of Hawaii)

efforts of the Army Garrison and Corps of Engineers in working with us and our community stakeholders to reach this important milestone ”

“This joint effort between the Army Garrison Hawai‘i, Corps of Engineers Honolulu District and the state of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation represents the commitment we all have to the local community, local vendors and the diverse set of users of Kawaihāpai Airfield,” said Col Steve McGunegle, commander U S Army Garrison Hawai‘i. “We want to also highlight that Aqua Engineers has come on board to run the Dillingham Public Water System (PWS) as a third party and this is critical

Continued on Page 28

EAA Reviews Major Changes

Continued from Page 25

standards for the class sought and have no complicating symptoms can receive a normal issuance from the AME As always, those with more complicated cases may still be eligible under a special issuance See the chart at https://www faa gov/ame guide/ media/Lattice Degeneration Disposition Table pdf

EAA’s Reaction

“This is a very strong, good faith effort by the FAA to address community concerns on their evaluation criteria, particularly on their mental health standards, said Tom Charpentier, EAA government relations director “It makes progress toward the envisioned end state laid out by the Mental Health & Aviation Medical

Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee, and with the FAA’s history of making changes in progressive steps we are confident that plenty of meaningful reforms are yet to come ”

Charpentier also noted that the coronary heart disease changes alone would be a top story without the accompanying mental health changes, and will be a great benefit to countless pilots

*Note: The FAA uses “Coronary Heart Disease” (CHD) and “Coronary Artery Disease” (CAD) interchangeably. See the FAA’s 164-page Mental Health ARC Final Report at https://www faa gov/sites/faa gov/files/M ental Health ARC Final Report RELE ASED pdf

NATA AIR C HARTER SUMMIT HIGHLIGHT S COMMUNIT Y AS A C ATALYS T FOR BUSINESS AVIATION SAFET Y AND SUCCESS

During the last week of June, NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) wrapped up an energetic and engaging Air Charter Summit, gathering industry and agency stakeholders in Oklahoma City The Summit provided a forum for discussion on timely topics and direct connections between federal agencies and the part 135 community

“NATA received much positive feedback from our members emphasizing the quality of the information they will take back to their operations and the opportunity to interact with regulators who directly impact their ability to conduct business,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “We thank FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Dave Boulter, members of the FAASTeam, the FAA SMS Program Office, and TSA and NTSB officials for taking the time to engage with our members and listen to their concerns ”

The Part 5 SMS rule was a key conversation thread throughout the day In his keynote remarks, Boulter urged air charter operators to avoid overcomplicating safety management by keeping SMS appropriate to their specific operation and leveraging its benefits to have a positive, organization-wide impact In a later session led by NATA COO Keith DeBerry,

SMS Program Office Manager Suzette Rash emphasized that operators should not wait to get started in implementing a compliant SMS; even those who have a voluntary program in place still need to perform a gap analysis to ensure they meet the requirements of the new rule The certificate holder has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring regulatory compliance with part 5, Rash also noted

“NATA remains vigilant on key air charter issues such as SMS and proposed changes to security programs Ensuring the use of proper processes for addressing these topics as well as full consideration of our members’ concerns will help avoid unintended consequences that could hinder their operations,” added Castagna. “We ask that our members continue their support of our calls for regulatory and legislative input to effect meaningful change and to protect our industry from onerous regulations ”

Panelists examined industry efforts to revolutionize air travel through emerging technologies, modernize the approach to mental health, and highlight the industry’s impressive safety and security record

Oklahoma state Senator Adam Pugh (R-Edmond) and Paula Kedy of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and

Aeronautics joined NATA’s Jenny Ann Urban, Barry Lambert from Southern Sky Aviation, the FAA’s Hardie DeGuzman, and Bryon Palitto from Avit Flight Academy to provide perspectives on addressing pervasive workforce challenges Teaching employees to lead while creating a culture that entices them to stay was chief among the advice shared by the panelists

As the industry continues to be under the media microscope, Jacquie Dalton of Sparrow Executive Jets, Curt Epstein of AIN, Doug Gollan of Private Jet Card Comparisons, David Rimmer of Bliss Jet, and Andrew Schmertz of Hopscotch Air provided insight on proactive approaches to relay the positive impact of business aviation, best practices for communicating the industry’s sustainability achievements and preparedness for emergency response, as well as the long-term, strategic benefits of relationship building Urban closed out the event with a discussion on NATA’s developing partnership with U S Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Roger Nyhus to explore opportunities to improve transportation links in the Caribbean Ambassador Nyhus recently announced the establishment of the U S

Hawaii’s Governor Green, HDOT and U.S. Army

Continued from Page 26

for the airfield and local community.”

For the past 10 years, HDOT and the Army have been working to address leaserelated issues that have limited HDOT from receiving federal grants for Kawaihāpai Airfield Specifically, in July 2023, HDOT formally informed the Army that the state could not continue to operate HDH unless three critical issues were resolved Working together, HDOT, the Army Garrison Hawai‘i and the Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District reached agreements on each of these conditions

First, HDOT required a long-term lease and Joint Use Agreement so that HDOT could remain eligible for federal grants to support infrastructure improvements and continue deferred maintenance work in support of ongoing civilian operations Second, HDOT required a new lease that would provide sufficient rights and powers to satisfy the department’s obligations under federal law and pursuant to federal grants

The third condition required that HDOT would continue to have access to

necessary water to operate and maintain the airfield, but would no longer be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Dillingham PWS The Dillingham PWS serves HDH tenants and about 30 water users, including select residents, and Camp Erdman Historically, HDOT has retained oversight of the airfield’s water system; however, continuing to do so would not comply with federal funding requirements

In support of the new lease, the Army has established a separate five-year license with community-based Aqua Engineers to be the operator of the Dillingham PWS beginning July 6, 2024

This new arrangement will ensure service continues to current water users, both at the airfield and in the nearby community. Within the five-year term of the license, the Army will work with Aqua Engineers to secure a long-term agreement for the continued operation of the Dillingham PWS

Kawaihāpai Airfield is part of Dillingham Military Reservation, an active U S Army installation, and is

leased from the U.S. Army to the HDOT for the operation of a joint military/civil airfield The priorities for use of Kawaihāpai Airfield are (a) military flight operations, (b) military ground maneuvers and (c) civil aviation and sport parachute operations

“This is tremendous work and partnering with Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and U S Army Garrison This 50-year lease provides significant benefits to the community and enhances readiness in the Pacific,” said Lt Col Christopher “Ryan” Pevey, Commander for the U S Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District “I am excited the larger community will be able to continue to have access to this general aviation airport.”

The Army routinely conducts exercises and training where the use of the airfield is required for ground training and aviation purposes including helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Systems and cargo planes The Army also hosts the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, a large-scale training exercise, at the airfield, serving a vital role in ensur-

During the last week of June, NATA hosted its Air Charter Summit, where industry and agency stakeholders gathered in Oklahoma City to discuss topics directly impacting the part 135 community (Courtesy NATA)

Embassy Aviation Working Group following the UN Conference on Trade and Development global supply chain event in May. NATA will continue to participate in working group talks on U.S. private sector solutions and initiatives to further evolve the Eastern Caribbean’s aviation industry and improve supply chain challenges

In addition to the education and networking opportunities afforded by its Air Charter Summit, NATA recently announced two new partnerships to assist members with SMS development, certification services, and security, as well as highlighted tools for improved operation, business success, and safety

Continued on Page 32

ing regional combat preparedness.

“Preserving Kawaihāpai Airfield for the foreseeable future is not only a victory for aviation and the airport users, but it is also a victory for North Shore communities who will know a critical transportation lifeline is protected for an island state should it be needed,” said AOPA Western Pacific Regional Manager Jared Yoshiki “The patience, persistence, and collaboration by Ben Devine, our ASN volunteer, and the open lines of communication established between airport sponsors and elected officials provides a clear example for how we can approach every airport issue we come across to achieve positive outcomes ”

The civilian-owned-and-operated businesses at the airfield cater to visitors and local patrons for their recreational aviation interests including glider flying, free-fall parachuting, sightseeing and occasionally, trips to neighboring islands

Learn more at Governor Green’s website at https://governor hawaii gov/

OODIES

One of the truly great things about being an aviation buff is the number of “Goodies and Gadgets” available to play with. Here In Flight USA has collected a few new ones worthy of your consideration.

A N D A N D

ADGETS

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co has been the supplier that aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses have depended on since 1965 They carry a wide selection of aircraft parts, building materials, avionics, and pilot supplies, all of which are offered on their website (www aircraftspruce com) and in the famous Aircraft Spruce catalog, now over 1,000-pages available for download or for free in print You can depend on Aircraft Spruce for prompt shipping and competitive pricing on all orders

AIRCRAFT SPRUCE AUS TRALIA OPENS IN MELBOURNE

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co., a leading supplier to the general aviation industry, on July 19, announced the opening of a new branch in Melbourne, Australia

Located near Moorabbin Airport, which serves the general aviation community, Aircraft Spruce Australia is now shipping products to customers throughout Australia and New Zealand from this facility The 1,900 m² (approximately 20,450-square-foot) distribution center also includes a well-appointed retail store for local customers

The branch is managed by Gary Dawson and Bob Armstrong, both of whom have many years of experience in the Australian aviation market.

“Aircraft owners, builders, and aviation businesses in Australia and New Zealand have been a big part of our business for years and we are excited to announce the opening of our Melbourne branch to support them ” said Aircraft Spruce President Jim Irwin “While we can still ship orders directly from the United States, our new location will offer competitive pricing in Australian currency, economical shipping options, and reduced delivery times for the products our customers depend on to keep their airplanes flying ”

For more information see the Australian Aircraft Spruce website at www aircraftspruce com au

RADIANT Turn Coordinator

The RADIANT Turn Coordinator provides a visual indication of turn rate simultaneously with a visual indication of slip / skid, utilizing an ultra bright, day-

light readable color LCD display

Any pilot who has ever wanted to add a turn coordinator to an experimental aircraft panel has been put off by the complexity, weight, reliability, and price of traditional electric or vacuum units Radiant’s new product solves all these problems

In comparison to all other Turn Coordinators, this unit also provides a digital indication of degrees per second in the turn. It is also inexpensive, priced at $299.95.

Learn more at Aircraft Spruce’s website, aircraftspruce com and watch a YouTube video at https://www youtube com/watch?v=0Wk3N8KLXZs

RADIANT

Technologies New Altimeter + VSI Combo

More Features, Longer Warranty, Better Value, Clearer Display

This new value-based, digital Altimeter + VSI Combo expands Radiant’s line of lightweight, affordable instrumentation for experimental and ultralight aircraft

These instruments are the combination you need to navigate accurately and ensure the safety of both your aircraft and those around them The altimeter provides essential data for navigation and terrain clearance, and the VSI aids pilots in maintaining a stable flight profile and adhering to assigned altitude changes Together, these instruments enable pilots to navigate

Features:

• Clearly displays altitude and vertical speed in both digital and replica analog format.

• Improved internal numerical font representation, resulting in clear and visible digital numbers

• Improved the size of the units, with availability for the larger 3 1/8 inch panel cutout

• Overall thickness of the unit is also

reduced to less than ½-inch (not including electrical connectors or bezel)

• Three-year warranty, allowing more time for experimental builders to design their instrument panels with factory warranty support

The unit with a 3 1/8-inch panel cutout sells for $129 95 and the unit with a 2 ¼-inch panel cutout sells for $119 95

ASA FAR / AIM Handbook

ASA has built a reputation for providing the aviation community with the most accurate and reliable FAR/AIM products available

The 2025 FAR/AIM book contains complete and up-to-date information from Titles 14 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 and 49 CFR) pertinent to General Aviation, Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators, combined with the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and a FREE email subscription service for you to receive updated information as it is released by the FAA.

Convenient handbook-sized 6-inches by 9-inches format and sells for $24 95 It is also available as an eBook or eBook PDF Flight Schools or larger companies may wish to consider a case of 12 paperback issues for $299 40

MyGoFlight Flight Bag PLC PRO 2024 Edition

mate solution for storing and protecting the essentials needed for any destination Mesh pockets allow you to see your items inside, while a self-standing shell allows for perfect positioning for easy access The Flight Bag PLC Pro is designed by pilots for pilots to be the ultimate travel companion Each bag sells for $299

Lightspeed Delta Zulu ANR Headset With Bluetooth

Delta Zulu is built for your mission with safety, control, and comfort in mind The newest headset from Lightspeed includes their best ANR to date, with the superior comfort and durability you expect from a Zulu, while also introducing groundbreaking new technologies that could save the lives of both pilots and passengers

The newly redesigned PLC PRO is the latest addition to M y G o F l i g h t ’ s amazing line of flight bags. Made from rugged ballistic nylon, this bag is engineered to fit the lifestyles of aviators and travelers that bring both style and durability Improvements to this Flight Bag include upgraded padding to the selfstanding shell for durability, stowable backpack straps, and a cool matte finish on the metal parts This flight bag is the ulti-

Safety: Lightspeed’s designers and engineers collaborated with a team of highly qualified flight and safety experts to develop a revolutionary digital platform and groundbreaking new technologies to make flying safer. Kanari™ smart alert technology built right into the headset provides protection by measuring cabin carbon monoxide levels, helping to keep you and your passengers alert and safe with audible warnings The free Lightspeed App allows you to also check the CO sensor data visually during flight and review your full history later The Delta Zulu also introduces a built-in audio equalization system called HearingEQity™ that ensures crystal clear flight communication Through an automated 12-frequency hearing test that can be taken through the Lightspeed App, HearingEQity sets the hearing level in each ear of your headset to create your individual hearing profile to compensate for any hearing variations between ears.

Control: The Lightspeed App also allows you to record radio conversations, playback transmissions, draw diagrams, and archive flight recordings for post-flight briefing and training Delta Zulu is also the first headset to adopt the UAC plug, allowing you to connect to other devices directly from the headset for charging, data commu-

Continued on Page 34

Aircraft Spruce's new branch in Melbourne, Australia (Courtesy Aircraft Spruce)

By Ed Wischmeyer

YOUTUBE BLUES

It’s really sad how bad some of the YouTube videos are, and how selfassured the presenters are. And what wonderful names they give themselves.

One video talked about what to do if you’re IFR and lose communication They got it wrong Another video showed an amphibious float plane taking off from a grass runway in Idaho As soon as the front wheels were off the grass, the “expert” said that they were at too high an angle of attack, and as the plane flew down the runway, he said that the plane was stalled –yet it continued to maintain the same flight path, apparently in ground effect

Talk about airplane prices going up! Here’s a 1978 Cessna 172N, now 46 years old (I saved you the math) The airframe has just a smidge under 18,000 hours (!), the engine has just over 3,100 hours and is ready for its second overhaul. Steam gauges, Garmin 430 (not WAAS) for GPS Asking price is $90,000 Really

Hmm Overhaul is maybe $40,000 (I’m guessing), after which the plane might be worth, dunno, maybe what you’ve got in it But I’d wonder at what condition the airframe would be in, especially the landing gear, motor mount attach points, etc

I’m sure glad I bought the RV-9A

UNLEADED FUEL

Five Rivers Aviation is now offering unleaded aviation fuel at Livermore Municipal Airport, 18 months ahead of schedule In partnership with the city, Five Rivers Aviation who is a full-service FBO at LVK worked diligently to repurpose and re-permit a spare tank and confirmed receipt of unleaded aviation fuel at LVK on June 27, 2024.

Last December, the City Council adopted a Resolution that amended the Airport Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities to require the provision of unleaded aviation fuel by the Fixed Base Operator (FBO)

when I did Wish I’d bought lots more stuff back then

I hate renewals Hate, hate, hate But this was the week for renewals

First was the drone pilot renewal

Because I’m a pilot with a current flight review, I was able to do that all online, no charge But if I didn’t have a current flight review, I’d have to take the te$t at a te$ting center, maybe $150? And on the course/test, they tossed around terms that I had no idea what they were, like a Class 3 UAS And, of course, no explanation for why some rules were so and some not

Today was the airport access badge course/test The only question I missed was under whose supervision the badges were given The correct answer is TSA, which is sketchy, because I did the entire process without contacting the TSA. TSA may set the rules, but that doesn’t mean that they’re supervising A tossup question

Also, the course talked about various offices to contact in case of security abnormalities, but I have no idea how to find those offices’ phone numbers They could have put that information in, easily enough I do, however, have the airport police on my cell phone in case I do see something

Lastly, my airport has obscure mark-

ings for the boundaries between movement and non-movement areas Those markings were not in today’s video, nor in the airport markings video shown at the runway safety meeting a year ago. ASRS ignored the report So much for safety

And it’s time for driver ’s license renewal, too I got a post card that said to fill out a form online, then fax in two proofs of residency and a vision test But the web would not let me fill out the form because I didn’t have a vision test submitted already On the cell phone, it mentioned that there was a place to submit same, but I couldn’t find it A normal prescription was not enough, apparently So I downloaded the form and had the eye doctor mail it to me so I could submit it

For my annual physical (non-FAA), I had a fasting lab test that was unfortunately scheduled for mid-afternoon Yes, they say you can snack a little, but I got it changed to 8:30 tomorrow morning. Much nicer. Then breakfast, and off to PT for my knee

I’ll still have to do TSA training for CFIs this fall, even though I’m not an active CFI Another PITA, but I don’t want to find out if the TSA has a sense of humor I doubt it

What was really sweet, though, was renewing the ELT registration They sent me an email, click on the link to bring up

all the data, edit as required and save, and done. Bonus points to NOAA!

•

The days prior to AirVenture this year were wet The grounds were saturated but dried enough for the campers just as the event started Here’s a great idea for Oshkosh campers in the future especially if the grounds are really wet Put an inflatable child’s swimming pool inside your tent Everything inside the pool will be dry!

The longest continued production airplane – since 1947! – is still in production, but only three Bonanzas and zero Barons were delivered in 2022 In fact, Textron Aviation paused production of these models in the first half of 2022, after zero deliveries of each in 2021. Final 2023 numbers aren’t in yet, but in the first three quarters of 2023, the numbers were better, with three Bonanzas and five Barons delivered

“Outcome is a distraction Focus on the process you need to get the outcome ” ~Nick Saban

DELIVERED TO LIVERMORE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 18

MONTHS AHEAD OF SC HEDULE

within 24 months This timeline allowed for six months to develop and approve a plan, 12 months for environmental documentation, entitlement, design and permitting, and then six months to construct and receive unleaded aviation fuel This timeline was shortened greatly due to the efforts of the city and Five Rivers Aviation to work closely with the (San Francisco) Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to re-permit a spare 1,000-gallon tank owned by Five Rivers Aviation Utilizing a spare tank was the quickest option to make unleaded aviation fuel available The alternative was to build

or obtain a new tank

“Five Rivers Aviation is thrilled to offer unleaded fuels at LVK as a critical transition step to a universally unleaded future The City of Livermore has been a valuable partner in navigating through the approvals process With recent announcements from Archer Aviation to include Livermore as a key component of their Northern California network is yet another indication that Livermore not only welcomes innovation, but is focused on advancing its aviation infrastructure in ways that are beneficial and compatible with the community,” said Pete Sandhu of Five Rivers Aviation

NATA Air Charter Summit Highlights Community

Continued from Page 28

NATA also welcomed Geoff Heck of Aero Centers, Donald Howell of Southern Sky Aviation, and Eric Legvold of Davinci Jets to its Board of Directors during its Annual Meeting of the Members just prior to the Summit’s luncheon

“The amount of work NATA accomplishes and the depth of impact the Association achieves is in no small part due to the dedication of its Board of Directors, staff, committees, partners and membership at-large coalescing around

On April 23, 2024, BAAQMD issued a Permit to Construct to Five Rivers Aviation to utilize the spare tank for unleaded aviation fuel Five Rivers Aviation made all required upgrades to the tank and took receipt of unleaded aviation fuel on June 27, and as of Monday, July 1, Five Rivers Aviation is prepared to offer unleaded aviation fuel at LVK.

Pilots must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certificate to use the fuel in their individual aircraft

our shared mission of aviation business safety and success Thank you falls short of the gratitude we feel for this dynamic community,” concluded Castagna NATA has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies Learn more at nata aero

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. on July 8 marked 100 days since the all-new Gulfstream G700 received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification on March 29 and subsequently entered into service Additional certifications, steadily increasing flight hours and deliveries around the world along with continued citypair speed records demonstrate unparalleled program maturity for the G700

To date, the G700 has also earned European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification along with type certificate validations from eight nations, including Mexico, and the growing fleet has exceeded 700 flight hours

“We planned for a seamless entry into service for the G700, and this incredible start is a testament to both the maturity of the program and the dedication of the

Gulfstream team,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Thanks to the investments we made across our business, from research and development to manufacturing and completions, the G700 program is exceeding customer expectations – they are flying their aircraft around the world immediately upon delivery, and the feedback we are hearing is outstanding ”

The G700 also recently achieved new

HMEWatch is offering excellent prices on their long established Professional Flight Watch line.

They are offering an excellent clearance sale to make room on new models coming out later this year. Take advantage of these high-quality models while they last at really great pricing.

There are a number of different models and colors offering both, Metal Bracelet models starting at a low $139.95, as well as high-quality Rubber/Neoprene bands at only $119.95.

The ATP model is an all digital multi-function watch offering multiple alarms, stopwatch, as well as countdown time, multiple city “World-Time” covering every time zone on the planet, and a thermometer, as well as an altimeter/barometer. These popular full-featured models are newly priced, starting at $74.95!

There are four versions of the “ATP,” a larger all black plastic with either a regular LCD display or a reverse LCD display; the other, slightly smaller, offers a metal case and yellow rubber strap.

The HMEWatch A.T.C. (Aviator Timepiece-Chrono) Aviator watch is an all analog, high-quality aviator watch offered in multiple styles. This model features a 60- minute chronograph, date window and a second-hour indicator to show a constant display of a second time zone whether it be your home, destination or as most use it, G.M.T./Zulu Time. This second large hand is a 12hour hand teaming up with a 24-hour Subdial indicator.

There is also a simple, optional instant-reset for the Chrono, where an instant push of the lower right mode button resets the chrono; no more having to stop the chrono before resetting it if that is your wish. In addition, there is also a functional E6B calculator Bezel on each model.

The A.T.C. comes in either all-stainless with a stainless steel bracelet or a stainless steel body with a polyurethane strap. HME Watch offers all models, including the P.U. strap model with a deploy clasp instead of the lower price “Tang-Buckle” found on most watches. In keeping up with styles today, this is a fairly large watch, at 43mm diameter by 13mm thick. Weight is about normal for a stainless steel model.

Take advantage of these special prices while stock lasts. Also, they are offering prices well under retail on Citizen Eco-Drive Pilot watch models.

Contact HME at 323-464-6660 or go to www.hmewatch.com to

city-pair speed records, linking Paris to Montreal in 6 hours and 16 minutes and São Paulo to White Plains, New York, in 8 hours and 46 minutes, both at an average speed of Mach 0 90 or greater The flights are pending approval by the U S National Aeronautic Association and Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in Switzerland for official recognition as world records In total, the aircraft has earned nearly 60 speed records

During the development and testing of the G700, Gulfstream Customer Support service teams were embedded throughout the program to ensure operational readiness upon certification These teams are also facilitating seamless transitions as G700 customer deliveries increase

Learn more about Gulfstream at the company website, gulfstream com

More information about General Dynamics is available at generaldynamics com

EAA AirVenture 2024

RECORD NUMBERS AT WORLD’S GREATES T AVIATION CELEBRATION

Record Numbers at World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration

EAA AirVenture, having taken place July 22-28, was a great success, according to EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton

“This year ’s tag line was ‘Inspiring the Future of Aviation’ and AirVenture 2024 certainly did that in countless ways The mix of innovation, history, excitement, and fun that is a hallmark of Oshkosh was present throughout the grounds and made the event a memorable one, filled with numerous ‘Only at Oshkosh’ moments in the air and on the grounds ”

Here are the stats broken down by EAA AirVenture officials:

Attendance:Approximately 686,000

– Highest total on record! (Previous: 677,000 - 2023). Comment from Pelton: “Over the past decade, and especially since 2020, we have seen AirVenture move to another level, as we maintain the heart of the event while adding programs and activities that appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all interests Kudos to our dedicated volunteers and staff who plan and

adjust to make it work ”

Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin At Wittman alone, there were 16,780 aircraft operations in the 11-day period from July 18-28, which is an average of approximately 113 takeoffs/landings per hour when the airport is open

Total showplanes: 2,846 including: 1,200 vintage aircraft, 975 homebuilt aircraft, 337 warbirds, 154 ultralights and light planes, 82 aerobatic aircraft, 65 seaplanes and amphibians, 23 rotorcraft, and 10 balloons

Camping: More than 15,000 sites in aircraft and drive-in camping accounted for more than 40,000 visitors.

Volunteers: Nearly 6,000 contributing in excess of 250,000 hours

Commercial exhibitors: 861 (record number)

Forums, Workshops, and Presentations: More than 1,600 sessions hosted during the week at 65 venues

Social Media, Internet and Mobile: More than 23 9 million people were reached by EAA’s social media channels during AirVenture, with engagement of 3 7 million; Total social media video views: 17 million (up 149 percent over 2023); Nearly 45,000 social media followers gained; In addition, more than 142,000 hours of AirVenture live streaming and on-demand videos were viewed during the event

International guests: A total of 2,581 attendees registering at the International Visitors Tent from a recordsetting 98 countries outside the U S , a 9 percent increase over 2023 As a significant number of international visitors do not officially register at the tent when they arrive, the actual international visitor total is much higher

The Gathering shines: The EAA Aviation Foundation’s annual event to support its aviation education programs attracted more than 1,000 people and raised a record $2 8 million dollars that

will be focused on EAA’s mission of growing participation in aviation

Media: 836 media representatives on-site, from six continents

Economic impact*: $170 million for the five counties in the Oshkosh region (Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown) * - based on 2017 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh economic impact study

What’s ahead for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 (July 21-27, 2025)?

Comment from Pelton: “We’ve already received plenty of ideas for next year and a little bit later this summer, we’ll begin reviewing what might be possible for 2025. Our annual goal is to create a gathering of people and airplanes that is found nowhere else in the world, and continue to improve the experience for EAA members and visitors ”

For more information, visit the EAA AirVenture website at www eaa org/air venture

EAGLE STATEMENT FOLLOWING EAA AIRVENTURE UNLEADED FUELS UPDATE

Progress was the theme as leaders of the public-private EAGLE initiative (Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions) presented an update on the transition to an unleaded general aviation future to attendees gathered at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh on Monday, July 22.

Furthering the pledge of transparency to the GA community, members of the EAGLE executive committee (comprising principals of GA associations and the Federal Aviation Administration) and leaders of the EAGLE pillar working groups addressed the progress being made in bringing higher-octane unleaded fuels to market for the piston aviation fleet

The vision of EAGLE is to provide the education, resources and collaboration to help eliminate the use of leaded aviation fuels for piston engines by the end of 2030 – in a way that does not impact the safety of the existing fleet

In addition, the group stressed the

need for a supply of 100LL be kept available for aircraft and engines that need it to fly safely, something that was addressed by Congress in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act

“The key to a safe and smart transition to unleaded fuel is the continued access to 100LL,” said Curt Castanga, president and chief executive officer of the National Air Transportation Association and EAGLE co-chair

“We need to work as a community to maintain 100LL and not ban it prematurely,” added AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker “We don’t want to jeopardize safety ”

The group discussed the status of the three fuels currently in play Two fuels –G100UL from General Aviation Modifications, Inc , and Swift Fuels’ 100R – are involved through the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) path GAMI received STC approval for

the piston engine GA fleet in 2022; Swift is expecting approval later this year

Also discussed was the status of UL100E from LyondellBasell/VP Racing, which is making solid progress through the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) pathway toward fleetwide authorization.

“It’s important to note that EAGLE is brand-agnostic,” Wes Mooty, acting executive director of the FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service and EAGLE cochair, told the audience “Its task is ensuring that whatever fuels come to market are safe for your use Everyone will have to make their own decisions about what comes to market, and we are relying on industry and users to help ”

Along with a status update on fuels in the approval pathways, the group addressed supply chain and infrastructure considerations needed to bring fuels to market, and the benefits of obtaining an ASTM specifi-

Aviation organization logos representing EAGLE (Courtesy EAGLE)

cation in the path to approval.

“While an ASTM International specification is not required for a fuel to be certified, its absence may make it more challenging for the market to accept,” Castagna added “OEMs, airports, FBOs, and other businesses across the entire aviation supply chain have historically relied on ASTM for the testing of a broad range of materials compatibility aspects, and to establish quality control standards for distribution

Stakeholders also consider confidence and demand in making business decisions ”

For more information, visit flyeagle org for continued updates on the safe transition to an unleaded general aviation future

EAA HIT S ONE MILLION FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

By Angela Satterlee EAA

EAA’s social media team is celebrating one million followers! As of Thursday, July 18, across Facebook (421,436), Instagram (274,844), YouTube (144,650), X (86,590), TikTok (51,359), and LinkedIn (23,675), EAA has hit one million followers Under the leadership of Holly Chilsen, EAA 1495056, as social media manager, Holly and her team had the goal of having one million combined social media followers before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and they hit that goal more than a week early

on Saturday, July 13.

The mission of EAA is to grow participation in aviation by promoting The Spirit of Aviation Social media platforms play a big role in sharing what aviation is all about how rewarding, welcoming, and fun it can be EAA followers embrace that mission statement, and it’s

because of them that we can attract more people to discover what the amazing world of aviation is all about EAA’s social media presence began in 2009 with the growth of Facebook Managing Editor Hal Bryan, EAA Lifetime 638979, helped jump-start

Continued on Page 38

EAA AirVenture 2024

HARBOUR AIR’SEBEAVER ELECTRIC AIRPL ANE MAKES

INTERNATIONAL

DEBUT

Electric Aircraft Powered by MagniX Flies at EAA AirVenture 2024

Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, introduced their Harbour Air eBeaver, the company’s first fully electric aircraft powered by a magniX electric engine The eBeaver made its international debut with two flights at AirVenture last month

Harbour Air showcased Canadian innovation on the world stage by speaking at AirVenture 2024 forums and by flying their fully electric eBeaver aircraft on July 23 and July 26 In addition, the company was highlighted during Innovation Day on July 23, where the eBeaver was on full display.

“EAA AirVenture 2024 is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate that a more sustainable future in regional air transportation is possible,” stated Bert van der Stege, CEO of Harbour Air The company was excited to showcase their “current fully electric aircraft through flight demonstrations, as well as highlighting the

advancement of innovative technologies with our engine partner magniX, including via a static eBeaver display at our booth,” added van der Stege

In early 2024, Harbour Air signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with magniX to secure the supply of 50 magni650 electric engines, followed by an LOI with Bel-Air Aviation for them to receive three of the converted aircraft upon certification The eBeaver ’s appearance at EAA AirVenture 2024 is a key step in continuing the company’s journey towards the future commercialization of electric flight.

“The eBeaver, powered by magniX’s industry leading electric engines, is a great example of how the aviation industry can decarbonize, without compromise on performance, safety and passenger satisfaction,” said Riona Armesmith, Chief Technology Officer of magniX “Showcasing the aircraft with Harbour Air at Oshkosh enables us to further demon-

strate the commercial viability and transformative potential of electric flight ”

To learn more or procure an eBeaver electric aircraft and view specifications or inquire directly with Harbour Air, visit the company website at https://harbour air com/ebeaver-specs

With a fleet of 45 aircraft, Harbour Air offers up to 300 daily scheduled flights, scenic tours, adventure packages, and private flights With 12-plus scheduled destinations connecting downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle (WA), Nanaimo, Tofino, Whistler, Vancouver Airport (YVR), Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, Powell River, Patricia Bay and Comox, B C , Harbour Air transports around 500,000 passengers every year For more information, visit www harbourair com

magniX is headquartered in Everett, Washington State, U S , and is leading an

era of sustainable aviation magniX has developed a family of electric propulsion units (EPUs) and energy storage systems (ESS) for commercial aviation. With the industry’s highest energy density batteries and unparalleled electric engine performance, magniX is leading the aviation industry into a sustainable future magniX is a subsidiary of the Clermont Group, an international business group headquartered in Singapore For further information, visit www magnix aero

CESSNA C ARAVAN FLIGHT DEC K TO FEATURE COC KPIT ADVANCEMENT S, ENHANCIN G FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FOR PILOT S

Textron Aviation Inc , a Textron Inc company, on July 22 announced significant enhancements to its legendary Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft A brighter, modernized flight deck with new backlit panels, along with other amenities designed to elevate the pilot experience, are the direct result of continuous conversations with customers The enhancements, which are expected to be available in 2025, will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft Textron made the announcement in conjunction with EAA AirVenture, which began on July 22

“The enhancements to the Cessna Caravan flight deck demonstrate our continued commitment to providing the best possible flight experience for our customers,” said Christopher Crow, vice president, Piston and Utility Sales. “Our ongoing investments in this family of aircraft continues to build on the Caravan’s

nearly 40-year history of success as the utility aircraft of choice for customers around the world.”

One of the most notable changes to both aircraft is the all-new black cockpit panels, creating a more contemporary appearance The Caravan will also have Electroluminescent Lighting panels to match current Grand Caravan EX models, providing additional backlight for greater visibility in dimly lit environments

Other enhancements to the Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX include:

• A wider cockpit boarding ladder for easier access to the captain’s side of the aircraft

• Four circular, adjustable air nozzles to replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents

• Two USB-C charging ports to replace the 12V power adapter on the lower center pedestal of the cockpit

• Two USB-C charging ports on the

right-hand subpanel for the copilot

• Standard power headset jacks (LEMO plugs) alongside the existing General Aviation plugs, offering operators greater flexibility in powering active noise cancelling headsets

• Headset hooks underneath the cockpit glareshield

The Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX are versatile, highly practical aircraft used for a wide range of global missions The Caravan family of aircraft has provided dependable service around the world for nearly four decades

The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries with nearly 24 million flight hours amassed worldwide since the aircraft was introduced. Caravans fulfill roles for a multitude of missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions The Grand

Textron recently announced significant enhancements to its legendary Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft.

(Courtesy Textron)

Caravan EX aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers and special missions operators worldwide The aircraft offers an impressive output of 867 horsepower and a rate of climb of 1,275 feet per minute.

For more information, visit: www textron com

Harbour Air ’ s electric aircraft powered by magniX flies at EAA AirVenture 2024 (Courtesy Harbour Air)

PILOT LICENSE ANOTHER MILES TONE FOR TRACY TEEN

Sahej Sethi, a recent graduate of Millennium High School, added to a long list of personal accomplishments when she recently passed her Airplane – Single Engine Land (ASEL) test at Lodi Airport

Sahej had already earned her Private Glider Pilot Certificate in October 2023 at the age of 16 Now at the age of 17, the Federal Aviation Administration’s minimum age for obtaining a private pilot license, Sahej, the child of immigrant parents, completed her flight training and passed the ASEL exam

Sahej is a focused and goal-oriented individual who embraces and navigates well through challenges During her senior year of high school, Sahej not only earned her glider and airplane ratings, but spent two summers travelling with Sacramento Mandarins, a world-class drum corps champion, as a rising trumpet player.

She trained with Jonah Willett of SkyView Aviation, who was flexible with his schedule to help Sahej train and achieve her aviation goal given the time constraints she was faced due to her involvement in various academic and extracurricular activities She also trained with Larry Suter of Northern California Soaring Association and with CFI Academy in Lodi

To fund her flight training and the Mandarins’ tour fees, Sahej offered private math and piano lessons and held a part time job at a local pizzeria She has already started preparing for instrument and commercial ratings

She also earned two associate degrees from San Joaquin Delta College, and was nominated to the U S Air Force and U S Naval academies by Rep Josh Harder In the fall she will attend the U.C. Berkeley School of Engineering to study nuclear engineering.

Skyview Aviation, LLC was established 20 years ago. They have a partner network reaching more than 40 countries worldwide including Sweden, Denmark, India, Poland, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, England, Australia, and many others

SkyView Aviation is based at the Tracy Municipal Airport With increased demand, they started aviation services at Byron airport, as well The flight academy is uniquely positioned to be able to effectively serve all of Northern California and their international customers With a long-term lease on the Tracy airport, they have a lot of great expansions planned for the coming years!

Skyview’s team is made up of highly trained and qualified certified flight instructors, mechanics, and office personnel who provide comprehensive cus-

Sahej Sethi earned her Private Glider Pilot Certificate in October 2023 at the age of 16 (Courtesy Inderdeep Sethi)

tomer service With backgrounds in the military, flight training programs, and education from various universities and colleges Skyview is ready to help you with all of your general aviation needs Learn more at skyviewaviation com

Editor ’s Note: Part of this story is reprinted with permission from the Tracy Press, written by the Tracy Press staff.

EAA AirVenture 2024

NFL ALL -PRO TIGHT END JIMMY GRAHAM NAMED AS C HAIRMAN OF EAA YOUN G EAGLES PROGRAM

Graham Moves from Co-Chair Role to Succeed Air Show Legend Sean D. Tucker

Jimmy Graham, an NFL All-Pro tight end who has found a passion for flying as great as he did for football, has been named chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program

Young Eagles has introduced more than 2 3 million young people to aviation since 1992 through free introductory flights conducted by EAA-member pilot volunteers

The announcement was made during a program for Young Eagles volunteers at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh flyin convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Graham succeeds air show legend Sean D. Tucker, who served as Young Eagles chairman since 2013 As he moves into the full chairman role, Graham is the seventh person to hold that position, joining Cliff Robertson, Gen Chuck Yeager, Harrison Ford, Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles, and Tucker

“Jimmy Graham has been dedicated

to aviation and especially introducing others to flight over the past several years, including as Young Eagles cochair,” said Jack J Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board “We are very appreciative that Jimmy accepted our invitation to lead Young Eagles and bring his inspiring story to young people as an example of focus and achievement ”

Graham overcame childhood difficulties to become a standout athlete at the University of Miami, then during a 13-year career with four NFL teams. In 197 regular-season games, he caught 719 passes for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns – which is fourth all-time among NFL tight ends A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Graham was also named first-team All-Pro in 2013 while with the New Orleans Saints

“There is so much in aviation that can serve as inspiration and motivation for everyone, and especially young people,”

said Graham, who flies a variety of airplanes and his own Huey helicopter “I’ve seen it in the faces of kids I’ve flown, as they understand perhaps for the first time that these dreams are possible for them Young Eagles is a superb platform to bring that message to even more young people, and I’m eager to continue ”

Tucker was honored during EAA’s The Gathering fundraiser on July 25 in Oshkosh, as he brought inspiration to countless Young Eagles, including at many air show sites where he flew kids during his legendary career. He and Graham have often worked together over the past several years to encourage young people to explore aviation, and the two have worked in recent months on this transition of the chairmanship

“While my passion for bringing people into aviation will continue, Jimmy is the perfect person to advance the legacy

established by 30 years of Young Eagles chairmen,” Tucker said “He has discovered, as I did, the absolute magic in taking a young person up for a flight and seeing that sense of discovery ”

For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800564-6322) or go to www eaa org

ANNOUNCIN G THE ES TABLISHMENT AND GRAND OPENIN G OF THE WARBIRD AC ADEMY

Chris Rounds, president of The Warbird Academy, announced on July 25 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh the establishment of a new aviation flight training organization in Douglas, Georgia, specifically designed to train pilots to fly World War II and post-WWII military training aircraft

This new organization is named The Warbird Academy

The Warbird Academy will offer flight instruction, ground instruction, and orientation flights in these five military training aircraft:

• Stearman PT-17

• North American AT-6D Texan

• Beechcraft T-34A Mentor

• North American T-28B Trojan

• Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star

The Warbird Academy is located at Douglas Municipal Airport (KDQH)

The airport served as the home of the 63rd Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment during WWII There is a museum on the airport, and a portion of the airfield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places The non-towered airport has a 6,000-by-100-foot runway (04/22) and is on the Jacksonville

sectional chart

Rounds has more than 17,000 flight hours in a wide variety of aircraft and holds the following FAA type ratings: Boeing 737, T-33, T-28, and P-51 Mustang He has more than 3,000 hours as a flight instructor in both single- and multi-engine aircraft and currently serves as both a warbird flight instructor and warbird mechanic

The grand opening of The Warbird Academy will be Nov 9-10, 2024, during the Douglas Veterans Day Fly-in at the Douglas Municipal Airport

EAA Hits One Million Followers on Social Media

Continued from Page 35

EAA’s following as the organization’s original online community manager. Under his direction EAA’s Facebook account grew more than100,000 followers by 2015 EAA’s Senior Editor, Sam Oleson, EAA 1244731, played a major role in gaining followers to EAA’s Instagram account from 2017 to 2021 when he was the social media coordinator During that time the Instagram following nearly quadrupled from 39,000 to

more than 149,000 Holly took over as social media manager in 2023 and has continued to grow EAA’s social media presence ever since.

Holly dedicates so much of the success to her team including EAA CEO Jack J Pelton; her boss Jim Busha, EAA’s vice president of publications, marketing, membership, and retail; Michael Sullivan, the social media coordinator; and Connor Madison, the EAA staff photographer, among other colleagues

“The goal of EAA’s social media channels is to not only provide that ‘wow’ factor in what we post, but also help celebrate the accomplishments of our EAA members and spark conversations that get members and nonmembers alike talking about all the amazing facets of aviation,” Holly explained “To build an incredible follower base like we have means we must be doing something right!”

The social media team doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon They are

Warbird Academy logo (Courtesy Warbird Academy)

For more information, visit TheWarbirdAcademy com or call 931224-7513

kicking it into high gear with AirVenture just beginning, but their efforts go beyond the one week, so get ready for more exciting content!

“To reach over one million combined social media followers across our channels is such a huge accomplishment, and it’s a testament to the talented individuals who grew our platforms from the bottom up,” Holly said “I am very proud of the dedicated people I work with, and we just keep getting better and better!”

EAA Young Eagles Program chairman Jimmy Graham talks aviation with a potential Young Eagle at EAA AirVenture on July 23 (EAA photo)

ENJOYIN G ANOTHER YEAR AT THE DAY TON AIRSHOW

By Mike Heilman

In 1974, the inaugural Dayton Air Show was founded. The event known as “Aviation Day” was intended to celebrate the area’s aviation history

Since that first show in 1974 the Dayton show has grown rapidly into one of the nation’s top aviation events The 2024 Dayton show sponsored by CenterPoint Energy, celebrated 50 years of Air Shows in Dayton The city of Dayton is known for its rich aviation heritage as home of Orville and Wilbur Wright

Headlining the 2024 Dayton show were the United States Navy’s Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels in their F/A-18E “Super Hornets ” The Blue Angels first appearance at the Dayton show was in 1976. First Year Flight Leader and Commander of the Blue Angels, Commander (CDR) Alexander Armatas commented on the 2024 Dayton show: “This is my first time at the Dayton Air Show, and I am extremely excited We are extremely excited just to be here and we get to represent 800,000 members of the active duty, reserve and Marine Corp ”

CDR Armatas continued, “It’s always exciting to experience history everywhere we go and certainly Dayton is no exception We are obviously an aviation centric team and our job is to fly in front of the crowd and showcase the team of the U S Navy and Marine Corps Doing that at a place like Dayton where aviation started is extremely exciting and certainly an honor. In being in this position I am extremely fortunate and lucky to have the opportunity to be here ”

CDR Armatas proudly commented on the current Blue Angel team: “This team is packed with extremely talented professional sailors, Marines and civilians that are very good at their jobs. They were chosen to be here because they are good at their job. They operate professionally and with teamwork every single day We will

be on the road about 300 days for most of team members We spend a lot of time away from home, but we get to go to all these cities We get to fly flight demonstrations over some pretty incredible places and get to meet some incredible people.

“Our team is 160 personnel in total, and I think that a lot of folks may not real-

ize that When they see our C-130 Hercules, affectionately known as “Fat Albert,” and they see our six F/A-18 Super Hornets, it is easy (for the audience) to see the crews of those airplanes but they may not see the rest of our team of 160 members in total that make it possible for this team to do what it does,”said CDR Armatas

The team spends a lot of time on the road training and performing but according to CDR Armatas it’s relatively a short amount of time in a team member ’s career as he explains, “Every single person on this team came from the fleet, the Navy and Marine Corps and every member will return to the fleet Everybody is on the team for two or three years It’s a very short time on the team I am no exception I have had a career in the Navy fleet up to this point in multiple squadrons. I get the honor to be here for a little while and then I will go back to the fleet ”

The United States Air Force F-16C “Fighting Falcon,” also known as the “Viper,” made its first flight in 1974 which was the same year as the first Dayton Air Show The Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team performed at the 2024 show The team marked the Viper ’s 50th anniversary with a retro red, white and blue paint scheme of the YF-16 prototype from back in the 1970s The Viper team also performed the Heritage Flight with a P-51D “Mustang” to honor all those who served

A pair of U S Air Force T-38 “Talons” from Whiteman Air Force Base, MO performed several passes at the Dayton Show. The T-38s are used by the 393rd Bomb

Continued on Page 45

AOPA SWEEPS TAKES CESSNA 182 PANEL REVEALED

By Niki Britton

They say it’s what’s inside that counts, and that absolutely rings true for the AOPA Sweepstakes Cessna 182 Over the last several months it has undergone a complete interior restoration, including a brand-new, redesigned allGarmin avionics panel

Following the Buckeye Air Fair in Arizona the sweepstakes aircraft made its way to Arturo’s Aircraft interiors in Kingman, Arizona, where it received its beautiful new interior From there, the aircraft flew south to Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, to begin the panel upgrade with Garmin dealer and avionics shop Flite Instruments and Avionics

There, the team at Flite Instruments

Flite Instruments and Avionics owner

Claim Your Chance To Win A 1958 Skylane

AOPA is giving away a 1958 Skylane restored to midcentury perfection by their fab team of resto-modders

No purchase or contribution necessary to enter or win A purchase or contribution will not improve your chances of winning Open to 50 U S states and the District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U S Virgin Islands, age 18 years or older (or at least the age of majority as legally mandated by the entrant’s jurisdiction of residence if greater than 18) at date of entry Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 30, 2025. To enter and view complete official rules, including entry limits and alternate methods of entry, go to AOPA’s sweepstakes page: https://www.aopa.org/membership/sweeps .

modern pilot could want in a cross-country aircraft

Matthew Layton designed a new panel with a retro look to house a suite of Garmin avionics that includes “what I would have chosen for this aircraft ” (Josh Cochran/Courtesy AOPA) Continued

worked tirelessly to bring the resto-mod panel vision to life The original panel and wiring were completely gutted and replaced with a two-tone, tan-and-black, powder-coated panel that features a reimagined six-pack and everything the

In keeping with AOPA’s resto-mod theme, the team at Flite Instruments went through the painstaking process of handforming rolled edges of the panel pop-out sections to give the finished product more depth – along with “that retro look,” said

shop owner Matthew Layton. Garmin supplied the sweepstakes aircraft with an avionics package that suits the aircraft perfectly, in Layton’s view: “This is what I would have chosen for this aircraft ” The redesigned panel boasts three

The Blue Angel diamond performing the a maneuver the teams calls the “Echelon Parade” at the 2024 Dayton Air Show (Mike Heilman)

TITIAN Aerobatic Team pilot Bryan Regan and Jimmy Fordham flying in formation at the Dayton show (Mike Heilman)

First Year Flight Leader and Commander of the Blue Angels CDR Alexander Armatas (Mike Heilman)

AOPA

WW2 DOUGL AS A-26 OPERATIN G ON G100UL HIGH OCTANE UNLEADED AVGAS!

A World War II era medium bomber, the Douglas A-26 Invader took off on July 17 from its home base of Ada Regional Airport on a flight over Lake Atoka, Oklahoma, while operating on a unleaded fuel – G100UL high octane unleaded avgas by General Aviation Modifications, Inc (GAMI)

“So far, the 2000HP, Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine in this beautiful warbird is the most powerful engine to fly on GAMI’s G100UL high octane unleaded avgas During the historic 60-minute flight this twin-row, 18-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine performed magnificently,” GAMI said in a recently release statement.

George Braly of General Aviation Modifications, Inc waves to spectators from the cockpit of the A-26 after landing at Ada Regional Airport (Courtesy GAMI)

The ability to successfully operate this engine as such on an unleaded fuel supports the continued operation of these and many other warbirds well into the future!

Learn more at gami com

This big-bore radial engine operating at up to 48”MP demonstrates the excellent high octane performance of the G100UL high octane unleaded avgas

SCHWEISS DOORS INTRODUCES NEWLY DESIGNED STRAP LATCH DOOR

The newly designed and patented Strap Latch from Schweiss Doors offers simplicity, cleanliness and reliability with every opening and closing of a bifold door

in

Strap latches from Schweiss, available in yellow, black, grey and white, eliminate the need for cables, chains, sprockets, pulleys, extra motors and additional parts All-strap doors operate efficiently with 90 percent fewer moving parts.

The new design firmly holds the door against the building in all positions, securing the door when open or partially open and will firmly lock the door when closed It offers added protection from wind gusts while the door is in any position of operation

Schweiss Doors manufacturers hydraulic and bifold liftstrap doors Doors

The newly designed and patented Strap Latch from Schweiss Doors is now available (Courtesy Schweiss Doors)

are custom made to any size for any type of new or existing building – especially popular for hangars – for architects and builders determined to do amazing things with their buildings, including the doors Schweiss also offers a cable to liftstrap conversion package For more information, visit www bifold com

AOPA Sweepstakes

Continued from Page 40

Garmin GI 275s to replace the horizontal situation indicator and attitude indicator –which enabled removal of the vacuum system The third GI 275 serves as the engine monitor. In the center stack, a GTN 650XI GPS/nav/com controls the remote-mounted transponder, as does the GNC 215 color nav/com/receiver The GMA 345 audio panel with Bluetooth is “my favorite audio panel,” Layton said, and is a customer favorite also Garmin also supplied a GFC 500 autopilot, the GDL 60 Datalink with Gamin’s PlaneSync aircraft management system, USB-C chargers, and more

Along with the brand-new avionics the aircraft also received all new electrical wiring, as well as throttle, mixture, propeller, and primer cables and engraved knobs from McFarlane Aviation; CiES fuel senders; and a suite of Whelen Aerospace Technologies LED lights. With its new panel, the Sweepstakes Cessna 182 made its way to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin and was on display outside the AOPA tent, located opposite the Brown Arch AirVenture attendees were the first to catch an in-person glimpse of the new panel and interior

AOPA’S Air Safety Institute Releases

ENGINE FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF IN TAMING THE TWIN VIDEO SERIES

In collaboration with Sporty’s Pilot Shop, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released the third of five videos in its Taming the Twin series that provides a unique perspective on how to safely operate a multiengine airplane

“Planning a multiengine takeoff involves being prepared for and responding to an engine failing on takeoff,” said ASI Vice President of Operations Paul Deres Taming the Twin: Engine Failure During Takeoff covers a typical multiengine takeoff briefing and reviews single-engine performance charts that help with critical preflight calculations such as accelerate-stop distance and climb per-

formance with one engine inoperative,” Deres concluded

The series’ remaining two videos are scheduled to be released one at a time in the upcoming months They cover engine failure during cruise and engine failure in IMC

View Taming the Twin: Engine Failure During Takeoff at aopa org or directly at https://www aopa org/trainingand-safety/online-learning/Taming-TheTwin#Episode3 Or view the episode on YouTube at https://www youtube com/ watch?v=r2X1gF1HxGQ

View other videos in the Taming the Twin series at https://www aopa org/

ing/taming-the-twin .

AOPA URGES BAHAMAS TO RESCIND HIGH FEES THRUS T ON GA PILOT S

Private pilots visiting the Bahamas are being met with new and steep entry and departure fees The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is pushing back, suggesting the fees are exceedingly high and more than the new fees being imposed on commercial airline operations.

In a July 17 letter to Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward “Brave” Davis, AOPA President Mark Baker urged the prime minister to intervene and rescind the egregious fees on visitors arriving and departing the country in private airplanes

“While we understand some fees are necessary, we also believe private pilots shouldn’t have fees imposed on them that are twice as much as those imposed on commercial aircraft,” Baker wrote

AOPA works closely with the Bahamian government and Ministry of Tourism, promoting the country as a prime destination for general aviation travel to a membership of hundreds of thousands of private pilots GA accounts for a large sector of the tourism industry, with visitors who arrive by private aviation nearly doubling the number of visitors arriving by

AOPA President Mark Baker last month urged Bahamas prime minister to rescind egregious fees on visitors arriving and departing the country in private airplanes (Chris Rose/AOPA)

private boat or cruise ships

“With these new aviation fees, along with a complicated entry and departure Customs process and the impending privatization of airports, there is no question that the Bahamas will lose its competitive advantage as a key destination for private pilots flying to the Caribbean,” Baker wrote

AOPA hopes to continue to work with the Bahamas to ensure that GA activity in the Bahamas continues to be robust without imposing unreasonable fees on pilots.

Learn more at AOPA’s website, aopa.org.

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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 AIRCRAFT FINANCING

At Thirty1 Hybrid, we help aviation companies, including flight schools, manufacturers, mechanics, brokers, and more, build a cohesive website that positively impacts their bottomline. And it’s not just a website — it’s an Experience.

We’ll take your prospects on a journey they’ll love (and you’ll love, too — because the final destination is a new client and more money in your pocket). It’s a win-win for everyone!

Contact us today at hello@thirty1hybrid.com or by visiting thirty1hybrid. com.24500:6

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

New Runway & Taxiway Homesites

Available in amentity-rich community, Granbury, TX. From $179,900. Pecan Plantation, AviationHomesites. com, (833) 273-2159.2/24

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

MUSEUMS

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

No cheap imitation watches at HME! Special pricing on 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. Bruce's Custom Covers, Morgan Hill, CA, (800) 777-6405, (408) 7383959, aircraftcovers.com.10/19

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

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

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 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Aero & Marine Tax Pros

Legally avoid

(413) 335-7507.4/22

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

Start with USA’s proved system for listing and 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 orvisit

Business Opportunity Section at usaaircraft.com 4208:TFN

Free avgas 100LL and free tie-down parking in exchange for help with projects for an airport in Southern California. Email: wignot@hotmail.com.23600:TFN

ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS

Specializing in aviation photography horizontalrain.com.1/15

Need a gift? Give a ride in an open cockpit biplane. WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio, wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226.20601:TFN

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

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

Shirts Made to Fly Unique, original fabrics embedded with your sectional chart. Save 20% with "INFLIGHT20" code. PilotQuarters.com. 2/24

PUBLICATIONS

Avionics Checklists & Quick Reference gudes Available in book, card & new iPad editions. qref.com.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, (800) 331-8231.2/23

New Pocket guide to avoid pain & stiffness during travel by a leading pain expert. "Pain-Free Vacation/Travel," (980) 785-8128, goptfirst@gmail.com.2/4

(510) 638-7100 oaklandaviationmuseum.org

Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum Hood River, OR, (541) 308-1600 waaamuseum.org

Warhawk Air Museum Nampa, ID, (208) 465-6446 warhawkairmuseum.org

Pacific Coast Air Museum Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 575-7900 pacificcoastairmuseum.org Planes of Fame Air Museum Chino, CA, (909) 597-3722 planesoffame.org

ORGANIZATIONS

List your non-profit club or organization FREE on a space available basis. Send information to: 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com Wings of Rescue Flying Animals to Safety wingsofrescue.org Please donate NOW!

DONATIONS 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

Enjoying Another Year at the Dayton Airshow

Squadron to help maintain airmanship for the B-2 Stealth Bomber pilots assigned to the squadron. The demonstration crew at the show were all Ohio natives.

A U S Air Force C-17 “Globe master III” performed a flying demonstration of the heavy lift cargo plane at the 2024 show The C-17 East Coast Demonstration Team is from the 15th Airlift Squadron based at Joint Base Charleston, SC

The Army Golden Knights Parachute Gold Team made several jumps at the two-day event, including starting each day of the show by jumping in with the American flag

A United States Coast Guard MH-65 “Dolphin” helicopter performed a simulated search and rescue in front of the crowd at the show

In 1985 Steve Gustafson and Alan Henley founded the North American Aerobatic Team, a two-ship AT-6 Texan World War II trainers The team continued to grow into a four-ship team in 1996 Gustafson is the only original member on the team as he explains, “I am the original member on the team I started the team with a guy named Alan Henley, do you know how many perks that gets me, zero We started the team in 1985 as the North American Aerobatic Team We were just young kids ”

The team formerly known as Aeroshell, debuted a new sponsorship for the 2024 season Gustafson explains why the team changed its name to the Titian Aerobatic Team “Aeroshell was good to us, but we had a friend – Buddy Stallings who owns Titian Fuels – and we have known him for 15 years. The pilots on this team in three more years are going to retire and he has been after us to go with him He is our friend and he wanted us and he painted the airplanes He just told us that we are going to have some fun We just decided to do something different before we retire ”

The Titian team is normally a fourship act, but current the team is performing with three aircraft as Gustafson explains, “Our lead guy (Mark Henley) got a brain tumor, we prayed a lot and it’s non-malignant He should get his medical back by April and when he does, we will be a four-ship again for the next two years We were going to try to get somebody in here and try to break them in, but the level of flying that we do, you don’t realize (how challenging it is) until you try to train someone It’s not that there aren’t capable (pilots), they haven’t had time to put the dedication it takes to fly at the level of proficiency that we fly at ”

The North American built AT-6 Texan began flying in 1938 as a basic trainer for the U S Army Air Corps The

AT-6 Texan was known as the “the pilot maker ” The AT-6 that Gustafson currently flies has a deep family connection “My dad bought this very airplane before the year I was born in 1959 He paid $1,200 for it It was military surplus I used to sit in this plane when I was in kindergarten and make airplane noises. I soloed when I was a junior in high school, I can’t believe my dad let me fly this thing I flew my first air show when I was 19 ”

Gustafson commented on why he feels this year ’s Dayton show is special: “Its Dayton’s 50th anniversary and we are really excited to be here and be a part of it

It’s our first time as the Titian Aerobatic Team, but we were here as the Aeroshell team four years ago ” He also added with a smile, “formation flying never gets old and if it does you better quit ”

The highly decorated eight-time U S National Aerobatic Champion and fourtime World Freestyle Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland performed his highly maneuverable aerobatics in his MXS-RH aircraft at the 2024 show. Holland explains his schedule is full this summer: “It’s been a pretty good season so far but it’s been really busy It has been a combination of doing air shows and getting ready for the World Aerobatic Championships in August There has been a lot of practicing completion flying and also trying to attend the air shows It’s very busy ”

A pair of F-15E “Strike Eagles” from the 366th Fighter Wing based at Mountain Home AFB, ID were on static at the 2024 Dayton show (Mike Heilman)

RT Dickerson in his P-51D “Mustang” taxing out to perform at the 2024 Dayton Show (Mike Heilman)

Air show veteran Greg Koontz performed a fun routine in his Super Decathlon at the Dayton show The Super Decathlon has a long wing, which allows for tight up-close maneuvering that Koontz demonstrated in his performance

RT Dickerson flew a power demonstration in his World War II era P-51D Mustang known as Swamp Fox.

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) performed their historical recreation of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941 The recreation is known as TORA! TORA! TORA! and consists of replica aircraft of Zero fighters, Kate torpedo bombers and Val drive bombers

The T-34 Association made their Dayton Air Show debut this year with an eight-ship demonstration The T-34 Association was formed in 1975 for individuals purchasing the T-34 and to have a network of support The T-34 “Mentor” was flown by the U S Air Force, Navy and Marines as a trainer

There was a large contingent of static aircraft at the 2024 show. Included was the U.S. Air Force newest fifth-generation fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-35 “Lightning II ” The F-35A fighters were from the 61st Fighter Squadron known as “Top Dogs” based at Luke Air Force, AZ

A German Air Force Airbus A400M military transport made its first ever appearance at the Dayton show The four-

The U S Army Golden Knights “Gold” Team perform with three jumpers hooked together and then separate before landing. (Mike Heilman)

engine turboprop aircraft known as Atlas was on static display at the 2024 show Air Show Announcer legend Rob Reider, who got his start in the business at the Dayton Air Show, announced his retirement from full-time announcing at the end of the 2024 season In a letter to the Dayton Air Show fans, he thanked Dayton for guiding him in his career and changing the direction of his life Reider has been the voice of more than 300 shows during his career

The 50th annual Dayton Air Show drew a crowd of 75,000 spectators, which was down from last’s record attendance of 85,000. The weather played a part in the drop of attendance from 2023. The Saturday show temperature was in the mid 90s and Sunday, the day began with rain and low clouds The organizers still considered the show a huge success and are looking forward to the 2025 show

The U S Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2025 show June 21-22

RT Dickerson flew a power demonstration in his World War II era P-51D “Mustang” known as “Swamp Fox” at the 2024 Dayton Show (Mike Heilman)

The United States Air Force Viper Demo Team making a pass in their F-16C at the Dayton show (Mike Heilman)

TITAN Aerobatic Team pilot Steve Gustafson (Mike Heilman)

PILOT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

ILOT EDICAL L TIONS

– Erwin L. Samuelson,

"I

“They

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- VFR: FAR 91.413**

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Avionics Services International (ASI) was established in 1988 by Ronny Salamon, an aviation industry veteran of 40+ years. Salamon and his highly experienced team are based at San Antonio International Airport (KSAT) and ASI is the only one-stop avionics shop based in San Antonio. The firm is experienced with aircraft of all sizes, from light pistons to business jets, including commercial and military. Capabilities include equipment installation, repair, replacement, diagnostics and certification. ASI works with MROs, fleet operators, and individual aircraft owners.

Among ASI’s strengths are its knowledge and experience with the leading avionics manufacturers. As an authorized Garmin dealer, ASI provides sales, service and installation. ASI is well versed in modern display technology, RVSM, and IFR Certification—all essential components for aircraft owners and operators worldwide. ASI helps its customers achieve optimum integration with both their aircraft and mission. Mobile service is available, and service scheduling is recommended for your convenience. ASI is a division of Platinum Aviation LLC and a FAA Certified Repair Station no. S78R151N, Part 145 approved for airframe, instrument and radio. Call today to schedule your next maintenance service!