CalendarofEvents
To list your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date,time,placew/cityandstate,contactname,andphonenumber to: Calendar, In Flight USA,P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com. Note:Calendarincludesonlyinformationavailableby our press date, Friday, June2.Confirmthestatusbeforeattending.
JUNE
2—3 Bryant,AR:WingsoverBryant Airshow. CANCELED WoodsCross,UT:SkyparkAviationFestival,Fri.1 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m., SkyparkAirport,(385)232-1126, skyparkutah.com.
2—4 Reading,PA: Mid-Atlantic WWII Weekend “Gathering of Warbirds,” gates8:30a.m.,ReadingRegional Airport, (610) 372-7333, maam.org.
3 Chino,CA: HangarTalk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum,(909)597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.
Grand Island, NE: Nebraska State Fly-In & Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Central Nebraska Regional Airport, (308) 385-5170, nebraskaaviationcouncil.org.
Chickasha, OK: Wings & Wheels, airshow noon to 2 p.m., Chickasha Municipal Airport, (405) 222-6020, chickasha.org.
3—4 Hollister,CA:AntiqueAircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., FrazierLakeAirpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
Genesseo NY: National Warplane Museum-Genesseo Airshow, gates 10 a.m., Genesseo Airport, (585) 243-2100, nationalwarplanemuseum.com.
Bolingbrook, IL: Cavalcade of Planes, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Clow Int’l. Airport, cavalcadeofplanes.com. Advance tickets required.
7 North Bay, Ont.: Armed Forces Day, North Bay Waterfront, armedforesday.ca.
9—11 WestMilford,NJ:GreenwoodLake Air Show, gates Fri. 5 p.m./ Sat.2p.m./Sun.11a.m., Greenwood Lake Airport, (973) 728-7721, greenwoodlakeairshow.com.
10 Ypsilanti,MI:YankeeAirMuseumWings&Wheels, 2 to 7 p.m., WillowRunAirport,(734)483-4030, yankeeairmuseum.org.
Spokane,WA:NeighborDay,9a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Felts Field, (509) 535-6000, historicflight.org.
Slaton,TX:SouthPlains Air Show, Slaton Municipal Airport, (806) 828-4664,thetexasairmuseum.org.
Sunset, LA: Rockin’ on the Runway, gates 4 p.m., Red Oak Landing Airport, rotr-la.com.
10 — 11
Ocean City, MD: OC Air Show, over the beach. Part of AirDotShow Tour.
Smyrna, TN: Great Tennessee Air Show, gates 8 a.m., Smyrna Airport, (615) 549-6640, greattennesseeairshow.com.
Decatur, AL: North Alabama AirFest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pryor Field Regional Airport, (256) 355-5770, flydcu.com.
Barrie, Ont.: Barrie Air Show, gates 9 a.m., shores of Kempenfelt Bay, (705) 726-4242, barrie.ca.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com.
11 Sonoma,CA:NASCARSonoma Air Display, 12:30 p.m., Sonoma Raceway,tickets (707) 933-3953, sonomaraceway.com.
13—18
TwinFalls,ID:FlyingLegendsofVictory Tour, Magic Valley RegionalAirport. Seeazcaf.orgforall2023 tour stops.
16 — 17 Wausau, WI: Wings over Wausau Airshow, gates Fri. 4 p.m./Sat. 11 a.m., Wausau Downtown Airport, wausauevents.org.
16—18 Columbus,OH:ColumbusAirShow,9a.m.to5p.m.,Rickenbacker Int’l.Airport, columbusairshow.com.
17 Chino,CA:Pops&PropsFather’sDay Event, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Yanks AirMuseum(909)597-1735, yanksair.org.
TwinFalls,ID:MagicValley Airshow, tentative opening noon, Joslin Field,MagicValleyRegionalAirport, magicvalleyairshow.com.
SanCarlos,CA: Hiller Aviation Museum Biggest Little Air Show, 10:30a.m.tonoon, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200, hiller.org.
CarsonCity,NV:CommunityOpenHouse,9a.m.to4p.m.,Carson CityAirport,(775)841-2255,flycarsoncity.com.
Burlington,WA:JuneFlyDay,10a.m.to4p.m.,HeritageFlight Museum,heritageflight.org.
Riverside,CA:AircraftDisplayDayFly-In,9a.m.to1p.m.,Flabob Airport,(951)683-2309,flabob.org.
Hayward,CA:AircraftDisplayDay,9a.m.to1p.m.,Hayward ExecutiveAirport,(510)280-4111.
Petaluma,CA:PetalumaDisplayDays,10a.m.to3p.m.,Petaluma MunicipalAirport,(707)778-4404.
Burlington,WA:SafetySeminar,10a.m.tonoon,SkagitRegional Airport,(360)370-8067,dybergaviation.com.
SantaRosa,CA:OpenCockpitSaturdays,10a.m.to4p.m.,Pacific CoastAirMuseum,SonomaCountyAirport,(707)575-7900.
17—18
Latrobe,PA:Westmoreland County Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Arnold PalmerRegionalAirport, (724) 539 8100, palmerairport.com.
MosesLake,WA:MosesLakeAirShow,10a.m.to5p.m.,Grant CountyInt’l.Airport,moseslakeairshow.com.
Tumwater,WA:OlympicAirShow,gates9a.m.,OlympiaRegional Airport,(360)705-3925,olympicairshow.com.
THE TECNAM P-MENTOR…NOTHING LIKE IT!
ByEdDownsAreyouplanningtovisit AirVenturethisyear?Maybeyou pickedupthisissueof InFlight USA attheAirVenturemediacenterand arealreadystalkingthebevyofgoodies, gadgets,andnewairplanes.Nomatterthe timing,amuststopistheTecnamPavilion, locatedatDisplay247.Anairplaneawaits youthatislikenoother,thenewtwoplace TecnamP-Mentor.“Hey,waitaminute,” youmightbethinking,“youwantmeto usetimeandwalkingendurancetolook overanotherlittletwo-placeplane,which isforeignmadeand,byitsname,dedicatedtotraining?”Yourargumentcontinues, “Shucks,theSuperWonderPlaneMark5 isjustdowntheroadandIheartheyare passingoutlollypops.”Andthenthekiller question,“Sowhatisnewaboutanother two-placetrainermadeinaforeigncountry?”
Isthiswriteramindreader?Nope, justaguywhohasmanufacturedanddisplayedplanesatAirVentureformany years.Ihaveheardthesewordsmany times.Butthistime,thosewordsare wrong…reallywrong!Let’stalkabit aboutTecnam.TecnamisanItalianaircraft
manufacturerwithaglobalnetworkof dealersandservicecentersthatwillbecelebratingits75thanniversaryatthisyear’s EAAAirVenture.Don’tmisstheparty! Thecompanyproduceslight(andsome notsolight)generalaviation,next-generation,pistonaircraftwithtwoto11seatsfor commercialoperators,specialmissions, flightschoolsandprivateowners.
Tecnam’srootsgobacktotheItalian brothers,Luigi,andGiovanniPascale, whobegantodevelopandproduceinnovativeaircraftsoonaftertheendof WWII.Sincethoseearlybeginnings,the Pascalefamilyhascontinuedtocreate originaldesigns,firstgainingworldwide recognitionunderthenamePartenavia, whichtranslatesas,“NaplesAviation.” CostruzioniAeronauticheTecnamwas establishedinMarch1986andnowoperatesintwoproductionfacilities.The Casoriafacilityislocatedadjacentto Naples’CapodichinoInternational Airport,whilethemainfactoryisnextto the“OresteSalomone”AirportinCapua. DavidCopeland,NorthAmericaSales DirectorforTecnamU.S.,isshepherding anexpansionofTecnamrepresentatives fromshoretoshorewithupdatesregardingdealerexpansionavailableat
https://www.tecnam.com/category/tecna m-in-the-news/.Davidcanbereachedat d.copeland@tecnam.com.
Thisisaseriousexpansionof Tecnam’spresenceintheU.S.ThePMentorisnota“foreign”airplane,itisan international airplane,complyingwith globallyacceptedFAA(newandtough FARPart23requirements)andEASA (EuropeanUnionAviationSafety Agency)standards.Takeitfromthis writer,whohasworkedaircraftcertificationinmorethan30countries,thePMentor,andallTecnamaircraftmeetand exceedanystandardsthataworldof bureaucratscanthinkup.
Okay,soyouarewalkingtowards theTecnamdisplay,readytogivethePMentorafewmomentsofyourtime. HavingshownaircraftatAirVenture,this writerhasseenthetypical“looky-loo” headstraightforthecockpittogawkatall thefancyclocksanddials,whiletheir kidspracticechin-upsonthepitottube. TheP-Mentordeservesbetter.Justsoak upthesheerbeautyoftheP-Mentor.Note thelinesofthefuselageflowingsmoothlyintoabeautifullyproportionedtailsection.ThepopularEuropean“olivewitha toothpick”lookisnowheretobeseen.
Seetheslidingcanopyandthetapered, laminarflowwing(thinkP-51Mustang). Noticethefullflyingtailplane,insuring precisepitchcontrolandasolidtrimsystem.Thewidestancelandinggear insureseasygroundhandling,withacasteringnosewheelmakingtightturnson thegroundasnap.Noweirdpumpsinthe cowling,justasmoothflowintothe MTV-21Acomposite,constantspeed propeller.Allstructuraljointsareseamless.Whencombinedwithapaint schemedesignedinthefinestItaliantradition,youendupwithaplanethatrivals thelegendarylookofaballerina,not unlikethefamedSupermarineSpitfire.
Fromtenfeetback,itishardtodiscernwhattheP-Mentorismadeof.Isit aluminum,composite,weldedtruss?The shortansweris“yes,”alloftheabove. Tecnamutilizesthesameengineering andconstructionprotocolswetypically seeonlyinthe“bigguys,”likeBoeing andAirbus.Acombinationofmaterials areused.Themainloadbearingwing boxstructureisaluminum,whichalso containsintegratedfueltanks,holdinga whopping37gallons(35usable)ofavgasorautofuel.Theleadingedge(more
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TABLEOF CONTENTS
TECNAM’S
Long-SoughtChangestoInstructorCertificationProposed................8
DOTProposesAirlinesCoverExpensesandCompensateStranded Passengers............................................................................................11
WomenPilotsSettoCompetein46thAnnualARC............................12
ActingAdministratorBillyNolenLeavingFAA......................................19
FAAEasingMentalHealthBarriersforPilots........................................21
GAMAReleasesFirstQuarterAircraftShipment,BillingsReport....33
FAAInvest$100MtoReduceRunwayIncursions................................34
AirVenture:CrackingtheCodeToGettingTheMostOutofYour Adventure..............................................................................................36
AirVentureNoticeIncludesImportantNewProcedureUpdates........38
AOPA’sASIReleasesEarlyAnalysis:BlackHoleDeparture..............39
AircraftSpruceOpensNewPennsylvaniaDistributionCenter..........44
JobyAviationtoDelivereVTOLAircrafttoEdwardsAFB..................45
GravityWillNotLimitEmbry-RiddleGrads............................................49
2017 Socata TBM 930
1975 Cessna U206F 1976Cessna337G
1976BeechcraftV-35B Bonanza
AirplanesUSA Aircraft Sales proudly presents this gorgeous Cessna 337GSkymastertomarket.Beautifulcosmetics are complimented byadamagefree, low time airframe and a highly capable IFR panel includingAspenEvolutionPFDand Dual Garmin WAAS GPS capability. Dual instruction, export and worldwide delivery are available. Alltrades considered..…........................................................$110,000
1943Stearman
AirplanesUSA proudly presents this Oshkosh award winner! Timeless warbird with Navy colors and military records. Zero-timeengine with 2022 overhaul by Radial Engines. This excellent example needs absolutely nothing. This is your opportunity to own a piece of history. Ready for aerobatic ridesand grass strip adventures!.…..............
AirplanesUSA is proud to present this beautiful 1976 Beechcraft V-35B to the market! Six seats and an outstanding avionics package, this airplane is a cross country machine. She has spent most of her life in the dry South Dakota environment and is currently hangered in Iowa. Excellent maintenance history, complete and original records, and a low time engine. All this airplaneneedsisanew home. Call today!.……...........$209,900
2012PiperMalibuMirage
AirplanesUSA proudly presents this beautiful G-1000 equipped Mirage Stormscope, and TAWS-B. Extended range STC (140 gallons) gives you maximumrange capability. This is a gorgeous aircraft with only 126 hours ona Lycoming Factory Remanufactured engine. Export and Worldwide delivery are available........................................................................$889,000
Editorial ByEdDowns
ELEPHANTINTHE ROOM
First,thisisaneditorial,representing thiswriter’sanecdotalandfactual experience.Thiswriterbelieves thereisan“elephant”intheroomknown tovirtuallyallpilots,butonlywhispered aboutinprivateconversations.Beforewarned,thiseditorialcontainsalotof complainingbutwillconcludewithsome positiveviewsandsuggestions.
Now,aboutthatelephant.Youknow, theonesittingattheheadofthetable,butno onewilladmitisthere.Thiselephantisan issueIhavedealtwithforallofmy65years ofprofessionalflying,butittookashort newsfeatureontheSundayFoxReportwith JonScotttofinallybringitintofocus.
TheAwakening
Shamefully,thiswriterhasbeen pushingaseriousaviationsafetyproblem intothebackgroundforfartoomany years.BroadcastonSunday,April30at 5:24p.m.,atrulystand-upairlinecaptain, ReyneO’Shaughnessy,finallysaidthe wordswehaveallbeenthinking.ToparaphraseMs.O’Shaughnessy,thegreatest concernexpressedbyamajorityofprofessionalpilotsisthattheFAAAerospace MedicalDivisionisthegreatestthreat theyfaceinthequesttosecureandmaintainanaviationcareer.
Morethan25percentofpropilots admittooutrightlyingontheirmedical applicationswithanother56percent admittingtohavinggreatconcernregardingthemedicalprocess.Thesenumbers arebaseduponstudiesdonebythe Journal ofOccupationandEnvironmental Medicine withsupportingconfidential inputs.AnAMEinterviewedduringthis shortnewssegmentwentontosaythatan unknownnumberofpilots,bothproand amateureitherlie,omitinformation,or simplyavoidmedicaltreatmentforknown healthissuesandself-medicate.
Baseduponthiswriter’syearsof experience,havingworkedintwomajor airlines,amajoraerospacecompany, FAR135charteroperations,aircraftcertification,flightinstruction,andaircraft manufacturing,thesenumbersarefartoo low.Thiswriterwillevenadmittohaving participatedinaprogramtohelpairline pilotsavoidtheFAAAerospaceMedical Division’sunwarrantedandcapricious enforcementofrulesthatshouldhave beenabandonedforcivilianflyingatthe endofWWII.DoesitsoundliketheFAA AerospaceMedicalDivisioniscreatinga healthyenvironmentthatencourages pilotstoseekmodernmedicalcare?Oris itforcingpilotstoavoidregulatorycom-
plianceandgoodmedicalcaretokeep theirjobsand/orretaintheirinvestmentin trainingandaircraftownership?
IsSafetyReallytheIssue?
Thiswriterhasattendedandconductedhundredsofaviationsafetyprogramsonavarietyofsubjects,always tryingtosupportwell-meaningregulations,evenwhentheirlogicmightbeabit vague.IntheFlightInstructorRefresher ClinicsIconduct,abigpartofthe refreshertraininggiventoqualifyforreissuanceofaFlightInstructorCertificate (requiredeverytwoyears)dealswithcreatinga“cultureofsafety”throughan understandingof,andcompliancewith, theFAR’s.Butattheendofnearlyevery programthiswriterhastaught,onceout oftheclassenvironmentandintoasocial setting,theconversationalmostalways turnstothatof“theupcomingmedical.” ShouldItelltheFAAaboutthepainprescriptiongiventomebymydoctorlast yearwhenIbrokemyleg?Whatabout myroutineherniasurgery?Mydoctook meoffsomeover-the-counterstomach medsbecausetheywereaffectingmy kidneynumbers,isthatreportable?I sometimesgetup-tightwithwork-related stressandtakeanoccasionalprescription sleepingaid,dotheFedsneedtoknow that?WhoknowsagoodAME,onethat isonourside?Thelistgoesonandon.
Theelephantisintheroom! Itis understoodbyoneandallthatunlikeFAA FlightStandardswhichismostrecently movingawayfrompunitiveactions towards“bringingintocompliance” throughextensivetrainingresourcesand updatedtestingstandards,theFAA AerospaceMedicalDivisionissolelydedicatedtopreventingpilotstheydeemtobe outofregulatorycompliancewithpunitive,notcorrectiveaction.Insteadofa “cultureofsafety”andregulatorycompliance,theFAAAerospaceMedical Divisionhascreatedacultureofoutright lying,falsifyingMedExpress,self-medication,orworse,nomedicalcareatall.
TheBirthofaBureaucracy
WhenonelooksattheFAAwebsite pagesdedicatedtotheFAAAerospace MedicalDivision,itisimpossibletonotbe impressedbythenumberofpersonnel involvedthathavealotoflettersbehind theirname,evidenceofimpressivecredentials,fullycapableofproducingpositive results.So,whyisthisnothappening?
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Onemustlooktothehistoryofthe FAAmedicalexamtogainabetterunderstandingastohowthepresentbureaucracycameintobeing.Theearliestaviation pioneershadneithermedicalnorpilot certificates.ButastheU.S.nearedentry intoWWI,themilitarytookupaninterestinflying,andthemilitarytraditionof wantingsoldierstobehealthywhensent offtodieinbattlecarriedovertoflying. Nobodywasreallyconcernedaboutsafety,theaverageWWIpilotseldomlasted morethanamonth…butdiedhealthy.
Aviationduringthe‘20sandupuntil 1938wascontrolledattheStatelevel,with theFederalDepartmentofCommerceand NACA(predecessortoNASA)offering certificationandmedicalguidance.The NationalAirspacesystemwasnationalized undertheFederalGovernmentin1938 withthecreationoftheCivilAeronautics Authority(CAA).Forthefirsttime,all aviationwasunderoneroof(hangar?). WithWWIIloomingandAmericahaving noeffectivemilitaryairservice,HenryH. Arnold(yep,General“Hap”Arnold) approachedthen-PresidentRooseveltwith aplantoundercutthepowerfulisolationist politiciansandcreateamassivepilottrainingprograminpreparationforwar.But thisprogramwas“disguised”asagovernmentplantorevitalizecivilaviation, engaginguniversitiesacrossthecountry withafederallyfundedCivilianPilot TrainingProgram,theCPTP.
Knowingthatthiswasactuallyamilitaryplan,strictphysicalstandards(military)weresetinplace.Inkeepingwiththe “civilian”aspectoftheCPTP,thisprogram wasmanagedbythenewCAA,establishingflyingandmedicalstandardsthathave survivedtothisday.Andthereyouhaveit, acivilianmedicalbureaucracythathas beenwithuseversince.
Thebottomline,hasthespecterof pilotscollapsingatthecontrolsand fallingfromthesky,killinginnocentpassengersandwreakingdestructionupon theeartheverbeenaproblemneedingan entiregovernmentagencytobringsuch havocundercontrol? NO!
Butonceabureaucracyisformed,it nevergoesaway,andthosewhoservesuch abureaucracysoonlosetheirskillsasletteredprofessionals,insteadbecoming clerkswhoruncomputerwordmatching programswithcrudeversionsofAIsendingoutcorrespondence.Onemustkeepin mindthatrulesaretheproductofabureaucracy,notservice.Themorerulesyou havepowerover,thegreateryourbudget andimportanceingovernment.Thebattle cryofsuccessbecomes,“Iwasjustfollowingtherules.”Sortoflike“Iwasjustfollowingorders,”eh?
IsGoodMedicineanFAA Priority?
Keyaviationsafetyprioritiesoftoday donotincludemedicalissues.Tobesure, theproliferationofrecreationaldrugs, over-the-countermedications,and“wondercures”advertisedonTVandtheweb haveaddedcomplexitytowellness,butthe FAAAerospaceMedicalDivisionhasfew reasonableprovisionstoaccommodate thesenewthreatstosafety.But,evengiven such21st-centuryconcerns,dowehave pilotsdroppingdeadatthecontrols?It doeshappen,buttothebestofthiswriter’s knowledge,inallsuchrarecases,the unfortunatepilotsheldavalidmedicalcertificate.Let’sleavethestandardsofWWII behindusandenterthe21stcentury.
BasicMedisnowbecomingthe mostpopularformofhealthassurance. Theexamisgivenbyone’spersonal physician,thepersonwhoknowsyouthe best.Youundergoanonlinemedical awarenesscourseeverytwoyears,finally employingthecrazyideathattraining andeducationareagoodthing.Most medicalissuesarebetweenyouandyour doctor,withnofederalintervention.
ThenthereisSportPilot,again,no Federalmedicalexamination.Justnormalcommonsensepersonalcare.How aboutgliderflying,needingonlyastatementofhealth.Thenwelooktoultralightflying,nomedical,nopilotcertificate,andnon-certifiedaircraft.Howare thesepilotsdoing…droppingoutofthe sky? EmphaticallyNO!
Recentstudies(publishedbynoless thanAOPA)shownodifferenceinmedicaleventswhencomparingtheprecedingtothoseholdingathird-classmedical certificate.SoundsliketheFAA AerospaceMedicalDivisionisoutofthe picture…nope.Themostpowerful enforcementtoolheldbyFAAAerospace Medical isthedenialorrevocationofa medicalcertificate.Suchanactionpreventsanyoperationofacertifiedaircraft asPIC.Allnewpilotsmusthavehelda “class”medicalbeforegoingtoBasic Med.Thedenialpowerisretained.You maynotflyPICasaSportPilotifyou haveeverreceivedarevocationordenial ofamedicalcertificate.Didyouknow thatifflyingunderBasicMedandyou experienceamedicaleventthatrequiresa one-timespecialissuance,thatspecial issuancemustbemadeinconjunctionwith aclassmedical,again,givingthepowerof denialtoFAAAerospacemedicalevenif allmedicalteststandardsaremet.Itis clearthattheFAAAerospaceMedical Divisionisanenforcementagency,and
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AIRVENTURE:IT’S LIKE BEING AKID IN AN AVIATION C ANDY S TORE
ByMarkBaker AOPAPresidentandCEOExcitementisintheair.We’reonly weeksawayfromtheworld’s largestairshow,whenthousands ofplanes,pilotsandspectatorsdescend uponOshkoshandmakeWittmanField, asit’softenproclaimed,theworld’s busiestairportthatweek.I’vebeento OSHmanytimes,buteachtimeit’slike beingtherefortheveryfirsttime.
Whetheryou’realong-timepilot, newlycertificated,anaircraftowneror justsomeonewhosharesouramazing passion,beingatAirVentureislikebeing akidinanaviationcandystore.Wewalk aroundthegroundsinamazementofso manydifferenttypesofaircraft,kicktires (nottoohard,Ihope),peekinside,and chataboutadventures.
Manyofuswhohavebeenflyingfor awhilemayactuallyhaveaneyeonanew aircraft(orourfirstone),atrade-up,anew glasspanelorsomeotherexciting upgrade.Butasyouwalkaroundthe groundsatAirVenture–oranyotherairshoworatanyotherairportaroundthis greatcountry–it’sobviousthatmanypeoplethatarelookingataircraftandexploringaviationaredoingsofromtheoutside. They’relookingthroughtheGAwindow wonderingifthatcouldeverbethem.
It’sonallofusinGAtohelpthem
gettoyes.Whetherit’sthedreamofflyingorthedesiretohaveone’sownaircraft,youcanseethepassionandseethe wishingintheireyes.Asacommunity, weneedtodoeverythingreasonableand practicaltobringthemclosertoreality.
Don’tgetmewrong–flyingisnotan inexpensivepursuitandweneedtobe mindfulofthat.Gettingapilot’scertificate takestimeandmoney,anddemandfor usedaircraftisdrivingpricesup.Fuel, hangarsandinsuranceaddstothecost.But aviationdoesn’thavetobecompletelyout ofsomeone’sreach,andweallneedtodo whatwecantobringnewpilots–andaircraftowners–intoourfold.
Buildingthepilotpopulationisatop goalatAOPA,andturningthosedreams intoarealityisexactlywhyprogramslike AOPA’sYouCanFlyexists.Wewantto showthosewiththepassionthattheycan fly,andprovidethemwitharoadmapand toolstogetthemaloftandstaytheresafely.
We’vecertainlyseennoshortageof aspiringaviators.Inthepastthreeyears, theAOPAFoundationhasreceivedthousandsofapplicationsforourflighttraining scholarships–fromfolksofallagesand allwalksoflife.Wehaveawardedmore than$4.5millioninscholarshipstomore than525recipients,helpingtobridgethat gapbetweenwishingandflying.
Ialsoknowthatformostpilots,the bughitsearlyon.AcorefocusofYou
CanFly–ourHighSchoolSTEMinitiative–nowengagesmorethan16,000studentsinschoolsacrossthecountry.Since webegantheHighSchoolinitiative, whichissupportedbygenerousdonorsto theAOPAFoundation(thankyou!),more than50,000studentshavebeenintroducedtocareeropportunitiesintheaviationworldthroughworld-classSTEM education.Andwhatwe’rehearing–morethan70percentoftheprogram’s firstgraduatessaythattheyareactively pursuinganaviationcareer–showsthat weareontherighttrackforGA.
Forthosethattakethenextstep,one ofthewaystokeepcostsinlineisto makeflighttrainingasefficientaspossible.Whetherit’sarotatingrosterofflight instructorsoranot-so-wellthoughtout instructionalplan,hourscanrackup whichmeansmoneyracksup,too. Unfortunately,forthosereasonsandothers,thenumberofstudentsnotcompletingtheirtraininghasalsorackedup.We needtofixthat.
OurAOPAFlightTraining Advantageinitiativeisaninnovativetool forstudentsandCFIs,designedtomake thetrainingprocessfullyorganized, transparent,forward-lookingandefficient.Rightnow,morethan1,700flight schoolsandindependentCFIsaresigned ontoAFTA,withmorethan8,000traininghoursloggedsinceitsinception.
AOPAPresidentMarkBakerspoketo membersduringthePilotTownHallat EAAAirVentureOshkoshinWisconsin, lastJuly.(DavidTulis/CourtesyAOPA)
Oncepilotsgettheircertificate,abig issueisaccessandcost–wherecanIrent anairplanenearmeatareasonablecost? Wehaveaninitiativeforthat–ourAOPA FlyingClubsteamhashelpedmorethan 225clubsform,whichprovidesgreater accessandmoreaffordability.
Theholygrailformanyaviatorsisto owntheirownairplane.Thefreedomtofly isonethingbuttogoupandtravelacross Americawheneverandwhereveryouwant isawholedifferentballgame.OurAircraft Financeteamhastheknowledgeandpassiontohelpaviatorsexploreoptionstopurchasevirtuallyanytypeofaircraft.
Asacommunity,itliftsusallwhen webandtogethertobringgeneralaviation closertothosewiththespark.Let’scontinuetolightthoseflamesandgrowthiswonderful,sharedpassion.Blueskies!
LONG-SOUGHT C HANGESTO INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION PROPOSED: FAAWOULD ELIMINATE EXPIRATION DATE
ByJimMoore AOPAMuchtothereliefofaviation advocates(includingAOPA),a long-soughtpackageof changestoflightinstructorcertification regulations–includingremovalofcertificateexpirationdates–wasproposed bytheFAAonMay23,substantiallya favorableresponsetopetitionsthat AOPAfiledstartingin1999.
TheFAArulemakingproposalpublishedMay23intheFederalRegister notesthatAOPApetitionedtheagencyin 1999,andagainin2000,seekingto removeexpirationdatesfromflight instructorcertificates,reasoningthey imposeanunnecessaryandcostlyburden onCFIs.AOPAalsoaskedtheFAAto bringflightinstructorcertificatesinline with(all)otherpilotcertificatesthatdo notexpire,withcertificateholders requiredtomaintainproficiencyand
recentexperiencebyvariousmeans.
“AOPAaskedtheFAAtoeliminate theexpirationdateonaflightinstructor certificateandaddathree-monthgrace periodtoallowaflightinstructorto reestablishrecentexperiencebycompletinga(flightinstructorrefreshercourse) FIRCwithinthosethreemonths,”the FAAwroteinitsrulemakingproposal, whichgoesontoproposeexactlythat.
“AOPAassertedthatthesechanges woulddirectlybenefitthepublic,encouragemanyflightinstructorswithexpired certificatestorejointheinstructional community,andeliminatetheneedfor over9,700salaryhoursofunnecessary administrativeprocessingattheAirman CertificationBranchoftheCivilAviation RegistryDivision.AOPAalsomaintained thatthesechangeswouldnotadversely affectthequalityofflighttrainingor flightsafety.”
Asubsequentrulemakingproposal in2007wouldhaveallowedtheFAAto
issueflightinstructorcertificatesthatdo notexpire,buttheagencychanged coursein2009,optingto“continueissuingflightinstructorcertificateswithexpirationdatesafterdeterminingthatrevisingitsapplicationprocedurescould achieveequivalentresults.”
Experiencedidnotbearthatout,the agencywrote.Pilotswithothertypesof certificatescontinuedtomaintaintheir medicalandrecentexperiencerequirements,andflightinstructorscontinuedto faceadeadlineevery24monthsthat nobodywantstomiss:
“Furthermore,thereinstatement requirementscontinuetoprovideadisincentiveforflightinstructorstoreinstate theirflightinstructorcertificatesshortly afterexpirationbecausetheonlyoption availabletoreinstateaflightinstructor certificateistopassaflightinstructor practicaltest,”theagencywrote.
AOPAPresidentMarkBakersaid theFAAdeservescreditforactingonthe
Along-soughtpackageofchanges,initiatedbyAOPA,toflightinstructorcertificationregulations–includingremovalof certificateexpirationdates–wasproposedbytheFAAonMay23.
(ChrisRose,courtesyAOPA)
request,whichwasdiscussedinmeetings withFAAstaffinrecentmonths,particularlyastheshortageofprofessionalpilots (includinginstructors)growsmoreacute.
“AOPAappreciatestheFAA’s recognitionandproposedadoptionof AOPA’srecommendationstomakeiteasierforCFIstoremaincurrent,proficient,
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CalendarofEvents
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18 Oakland,CA:OpenCockpitDay, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oakland Aviation Museum,(510)638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org.
SanDiego,CA:Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbsField,(619) 301-2530.
20—24
LockHaven,PA:SentimentalJourney Fly-In, William T. Piper MemorialAirport,(570)893-4200, sentimentaljourneyflyin.com.
20–25 Helena,MT:FlyingLegendsofVictoryTour,ExecAir, Helena RegionalAirport. Seeazcaf.orgforall2023tour stops.
23—25
DetroitMI:DetroitRiverDaysAirShow. CANCELED
24 Truckee, CA: Truckee Tahoe AirShow & Family Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Truckee Tahoe Airport, (530) 587-4119, truckeetahoeairshow.com.
Riverside,CA:AircraftDisplay Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside MunicipalAirport,(951)312-4832.
24—25
Davenport,IA:QuadCityAirshow,8a.m.to5p.m.,Davenport MunicipalAirport,quadcityairshow.com.
N. Kingstown, RI: Rhode Island Open House & Air Show. CANCELED
Flint,MI:Wingsover Flint, gates 9 a.m., Bishop Int’l. Airport, (810) 235-6560, bishopairport.org.
Montgomery,NY:NewYorkAirShow,OrangeCountyAirport, airshowny.com.
29—July4 BattleCreek,MI:BattleCreekFieldofFlightAirShow&Balloon Festival,gatesThurs.4p.m./Fri.3p.m./Sat.-Tues.10a.m.,W.K.Kellogg Airport,(269) 962-0592, fieldofflight.com.
30 Tyler, TX: Rose City AirFest, gates 3 p.m., Tyler Pounds Regional Airport,(903)566-1010, campvtyler.org.
JULY
1 Chino,CA: HangarTalk/FlyingDemo,10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum,(909)597-3722,www.planesoffame.org.
Maybank,TX:ThunderoverCedarCreek Lake Air Show, Cedar Creek Lake,(903) 347-8426.
Tyler,TX:TheMagnificentWarbirdExpo,10a.m.to4p.m.,Tyler PoundsRegionalAirport,ccveteransfoundation.org.
1—2 TraverseCity,MI:NationalCherryFestivalAirShow,1to4p.m., WestGrandTraverseBay,(231) 947-4230, cherryfestival.org.
OklahomaCity,OK:TinkerAirShow,8a.m.to5p.m.,TinkerAFB, tinker.af.mil.
Hollister,CA:AntiqueAircraftDisplay& Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., FrazierLakeAirpark,(408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
3 Dubuque, IA:DubuqueAirshow& Fireworks, Lock & Dam #11, MississippiRiver, airshowstuff.com.
5—8 Pensacola,FL:BlueAngelsWeek&PensacolaBeachAirShow, visitpensacolabeach.com.
6—9 Muskegon,MI:WingsoverMuskegon Air Show, gates 9 a.m., MuskegonCountyAirport, wingsovermuskegon.com.
7—9 Wichita,KS:WichitaWarbirdWeekend,Eisenhower National Airport, (316)260-4312, b29doc.com.
8 Burlington,WA:JulyFly Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Flight Museum,heritageflight.org.
Goshen,IN:America’sFreedomFest. CANCELED
8—9 Indiana,PA:JimmyStewartAirShow. CANCELED
Tarkio,MO:Wingnuts Flying Circus Air Show, Gould Peterson MunicipalAirport,wingnutsflyingcircus.com.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com.
15 Riverside,CA:AircraftDisplayDay Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport,(951)683-2309, flabob.org.
Hayward,CA:AircraftDisplayDay,9a.m.to1p.m.,Hayward ExecutiveAirport,(510)280-4111.
Petaluma,CA:PetalumaDisplayDays,10a.m.to3p.m.,Petaluma MunicipalAirport,(707)778-4404.
Burlington,WA:SafetySeminar,10a.m.tonoon,SkagitRegional Airport,(360)370-8067,dybergaviation.com.
SantaRosa,CA:OpenCockpitSaturdays,10a.m.to4p.m.,Pacific CoastAirMuseum,SonomaCountyAirport,(707)575-7900.
15—16 Tacoma,WA:JBLMAirshow&WarriorExpo,JBLewis-McChord, mcchord.af.mil.
Duluth,MN:DuluthAir&AviationExpo,gates9a.m.,DuluthInt’l. Airport,(218)628-9996,duluthairshow.com.
16 SanDiego,CA:HistoricAircraftDisplay,noonto2p.m.,MontgomeryGibbsField,(619)301-2530.
22 Beaufort,SC:BeaufortWaterFestival/AirShow,1to4p.m., WaterfrontPark,bftwaterfestival.com.
Atchison,KS:AmerliaEarhartFestivalFly-In,AmeliaEarhartAirport, (913)426-3911,visitatchison.com.
22—23 Dayton,OH:DaytonAirShow,9a.m.to6p.m.,DaytonInt’l.Airport, daytonairshow.com.
Milwaukee,WI:MilwaukeeAir&WaterShow,BradfordBeach, Lakefront,mkeairwatershow.com.
Fairbanks, AK: Arctic Lightning, times TBA, Eielson AFB, eielson.af.mil. Riverside,CA:AircraftDisplayDay,9a.m.to1p.m,Riverside MunicipalAirport,(951)312-4832.
24 — 30
Oshkosh, WI: EAA AirVenture, Wittman Regional Airport, eaa.org.
RED 6:BETTER TRAINING FOR LESS MONEY
www.PCA.aero | 800.353.0370
TheEVEHeadset(EnhancedVisualEnvironment)isatransformationalleapinwearable augmentedrealitytechnology.Previouslytherehasbeennomeansbywhichvirtualassets couldbevisuallyrepresentedintherealworld,outdoors,andathighspeeds.Red6’sEVE hardwareisthebrightestheadsetavailable,allowingforoutdooruseinfulldaylightand, critically,inhigh-speedenvironments. (CourtesyRed6andLarryNazimek)
ByLarryE.NazimekWehaveallheardthesaying: “Yougetwhatyoupayfor,” whichmeansthatifyouwant improvementsinquality,thepricewill increase.Whenitcomestotrainingfuture fighterpilots,however,Red6isanexception,becausethetrainingwillbebetter, butitwillcostalotless.
Thetraininginvolves“augmented reality,”whereenemyaircraftareprojected ontothevisorsofthepilot’shelmet,sohe canengageindogfightingwiththevirtual enemy.Theenemyaircraftarenotsimply “generic”enemyfighters,butrathersimulatetheactualthreatstheymaybefacing. Friendlyaircraftcanalsobedisplayed,so thepilotcanflyformationwiththem.
Thisaugmentedrealityinvolves morethanthevisualaspects.Pilotsalso gettheauraltonethattheywouldget whentheirIRmissiledetectstheheatsignatureofanenemyaircraft.Thereare alsoplanstointegratearadardisplayand aradarwarningreceiver.
WESTCOAST’S LEADING AVIONICS DEALER
CEOandco-founderDaniel Robinsonsummeditup:“Theideaisnot toskimpontraining;it’stocreatebetter pilotswithabetterqualityoftrainingand augmentedrealitycandothat.”Robinson isagraduateoftheBritishFighter WeaponsSchoolandisthefirstforeign pilottoflytheF-22.
Augmentedrealitytraininghadpreviouslybeendoneforracecars.Robinson wonderedifitcouldbedonewithplanes, andthat’showtheideawasborn.Red6 wasfoundedin2018.
Thistrainingisalsosafer.In20132017,therewere133deathsintraining, nottomentionthelossofexpensivecomplexaircraft.Obviously,collidingwitha virtualaircraftwillnotproduceatragic
ATARS,orAirborneTacticalAugmented Reality,isa“reality”programthatuses thehigh-performanceexperimental Berkut540aircraft,designedtotrain fighterpilots.
mid-aircollision.
ThesystemiscalledATARS: AirborneTacticalAugmentedReality System.Aftertakeoff,presentlyfrom SantaMonica,CA,theplanefliestoits trainingairspace,CARBON:Combined AugmentedRealityBattlespace OperationNetwork.
WhytheBerkut540’s?Accordingto Brandon“Rebel”Harris,“Theyarehigh performance,experimentalaircraftthat operateveryefficientlycomparedto manyotheraircraft.Theyare300ktand 9Gcapableaircraft,sotheycloselyreplicatefighteraircraftcapabilitieswhile allowingustomanipulatethemtosuitthe needsofRed6.Andtheylookcool!” Theypresentlyhavetwoaircraftandare buildingathird.Becausetheseaircraftare classifiedas“experimental,”theycannot beusedtosellridestothepublic.
TheRed6pilotsitsinthefrontseat, whilethepilotreceivingthetrainingsitsin therear.Thesimulatedaircraftarecontrolledbyoneofthreethings:AI,aground
(CourtesyRed6andLarryNazimek) ContinuedonPage14
DOT TO PROPOSE REQUIREMENTSFOR AIRLINESTO COVER EXPENSES AND COMPENSATE S TRANDED PASSENGERS
ForthefirsttimeinU.S.history, DOTinitiatesarulemakingthatwould requireairlinestocompensatepassengers andcovercertainexpensesforcontrollabledelaysandcancellations
FlightRights.Gov,thenewlyexpandedDOTdashboardfirstlaunched lastsummertoholdairlinesaccountable topassengers,showsthatfewairlines currentlyprovideanycompensationfor airline-causeddelaysorcancellations
TheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation(DOT)onMay8announced planstolaunchanewrulemakingthatis aimedatrequiringairlinestoprovidecompensationandcoverexpensesforamenitiessuchasmeals,hotels,andrebooking whenairlinesareresponsibleforstranding passengers.Afteratwo-yearDOTpushto improvethepassengerexperience,theten largestairlinesguaranteemealsandfree rebookingonthesameairlineandnine guaranteehotelaccommodationsaspartof
theDepartment’sAirlineCustomer ServiceDashboard.DOTexpandedthe dashboardatFlightRights.Govtohighlight whichairlinescurrentlyoffercashcompensation,providetravelcreditsorvouchers,orawardfrequentflyermileswhen theycauseflightdelaysorcancellations. DOT’splannedrulemakingwouldmake passengercompensationandamenities mandatorysothattravelersaretakencare ofwhenairlinescauseflightdisruptions.
“Whenanairlinecausesaflightcancellationordelay,passengersshouldnot footthebill,”saidU.S.Transportation SecretaryPeteButtigieg.“Thisrule would,forthefirsttimeinU.S.history, proposetorequireairlinestocompensate passengersandcoverexpensessuchas meals,hotels,andrebookingincases wheretheairlinehascausedacancellationorsignificantdelay.”
Theplannedrulemakingisaimedat addressing:
•Compensationforpassengerswhen thereisacontrollableairlinecancellation orsignificantdelay
•Amealormealvoucher,overnight accommodations,groundtransportation
Continued on Page 16
P.O.Box5402•SanMateo,CA94402 (650)358-9908•Fax(650)358-9254
Founder..................................................................................................................CiroBuonocore Publisher/Editor................................................................................................VictoriaBuonocore ManagingEditor..........................................................................................AnnamarieBuonocore ProductionEditors............................................................................AnneDobbins,StevePastis AssociateEditors....................................NicholasA.Veronico,SagarPathak,PaulT.Glessner StaffContributors........................................................................S.MarkRhodes,LarryNazimek Columnists..................StuartFaber,EricMcCarthy,EdWischmeyer,MarilynDash,EdDowns CopyEditing............................................................................................................SallyGersbach AdvertisingSalesManager........................................EdDowns(650)358-9908,(918)873-0280
InFlightUSA ispublishedeachmonthbyInFlightPublishing.Itiscirculatedthroughoutthecontinental UnitedStates.Businessmatters,advertisingandeditorialconcernsshouldbeaddressedto InFlightUSA,P.O.Box 5402,SanMateo,Calif.94402orbycalling(650)358-9908–fax(650)358-9254.Copyright©2008InFlight Publishing.
InFlightUSA isnotresponsibleforanyactiontakenbyanypersonasaresultofreadinganypartofany issue.Thepiecesarewrittenforinformation,entertainmentandsuggestion–notrecommendation.Thepursuitof flightoranyactionreflectedbythispaperistheresponsibilityoftheindividualandnotofthispaper,itsstaffor contributors.Opinionsexpressedarethoseoftheindividualauthor,andnotnecessarilythoseof InFlightUSA Alleditorialandadvertisingmatterinthiseditioniscopyrighted.Reproductioninanywayisstrictlyprohibitedwithoutwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.
InFlightUSA isnotliableorinanywayresponsiblefortheconditionorairworthinessofanyaircraftadvertisedforsaleinanyedition.Bylawtheairworthinessofanyaircraftsoldistheresponsiblityofthesellerandbuyer.
For the First Time in U.S. History, DOT Initiates a Rulemaking that Would Require Airlines to Compensate Passengers and Cover Certain Expenses for Controllable Delays and Cancellations
ONE HUNDRED WOMEN PILOTS SET TO COMPETE IN 46TH ANNUAL AIR RACE CLASSIC
Forty-Two Teams will Mark 94th Anniversary of Women’s Air Racing
The field is set for the 46th Air Race Classic (ARC), the annual all-women cross-country airplane race. Forty-two teams, consisting of 100 women pilots from across the United States and around the world, will take off at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 20 from Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, North Dakota, for a 2,684-statute mile competition across 12 states that ends Friday, June 23 at Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport in Homestead, Florida.
The oldest race of its kind in the nation, the Air Race Classic traces its roots to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, also known as the Powder Puff Derby, in which Amelia Earhart and 19 other daring female pilots raced from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio. This year’s ARC celebrates the 94th anniversary of that historic competition, which marked the beginning of women’s air racing in the United States. Today, the ARC is the epicenter of women’s air racing, the ultimate test of piloting skill and aviation decisionmaking for female pilots of all ages and from all walks of life.
“The ARC Board of Directors and volunteers have been hard at work preparing for our 46th race,” said Air Race Classic President Lara Gaerte. “We look forward to celebrating the 94th anniversary of the Women’s Air Derby as we welcome back veteran racers and meet new competitors at our Start in Grand forks, North Dakota.”
This year’s ARC starts at Grand Forks, North Dakota and ends at Homestead, Florida. Intermediate stops are in Mankato, MN, Ottumwa, IA, Hastings, NE, Ponca City, OK, Sulphur Springs, TX, Jonesboro, AR, Pell City, AL, and Cross City, FL. Teams will depart beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 20 from Grand Forks, North Dakota, taking off one after another, 30 seconds apart. From there, the field will spread out as faster planes move to the head of the pack.
At each of the nine intermediate checkpoints, teams will execute highspeed flybys over a timing line as they race against the clock. Faster planes may cover the course in only two days; slower teams may not arrive at the Terminus in Homestead, Florida until moments before the arrival deadline at 5 p.m. on
Because each plane receives a unique handicap for the ARC race, teams are racing against their own best time, not against one another.
Friday, June 23.
The 42 teams of two or three pilots will have four days to complete the course, flying normally aspirated, piston-powered airplanes in visual flight conditions during daylight hours. Pilots and copilots must have at least a Private pilot certificate and a minimum of 100 hours as pilot-in-command to qualify for the race; one of them must have at least 500 hours as pilot-incommand or a current instrument rating. If they wish, the pilot and copilot may bring along a teammate, who must hold at least a student pilot certificate.
Eighteen college and university teams represent: Auburn University, Indiana State University, Kent State, Kansas State University – Polytechnic, LeTourneau University, Lewis University, Liberty University, Middle Tennessee State University, Minnesota State University –Mankato, Ohio State University, Purdue University, Southern Illinois University –Carbondale, University of North Dakota, and Western Michigan University.
Because each plane receives a unique handicap, teams are racing against their own best time, not against one another. This creates a level playing field, so slower planes can compete against faster aircraft on an equal basis. Teams strategize to play the elements, holding out for better weather or seeking more favorable winds, to beat their handicap
Continued on Page 13
Editorial: Elephant
Continued from Page 7
any data they receive can, and will, be used to increase their denial rate, claiming such numbers promote safety.
Examples Of FAA Bad Medicine
Before presenting some significant examples of how the FAA Aerospace Medical Division “misuses" your personal medical records to keep you grounded, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided a spreadsheet exemplifying the very small percentage of medical events that pose any danger to pilots, passengers and people on the ground. Jess Thomas, a statistician with the NTSB, provided a spreadsheet indicating there were only 13 total accidents where the defining event was a medical event. “As a total that would make up less than a .001 percent of all GA accidents for the last 10 years,” Thomas said.
One Basic Med pilot (60-plus years a pro pilot) underwent serious cardiac surgery. The results were medically successful and an FAA stress test was passed, along with a third-class medical exam. All good … no! FAA Aerospace Medical acquired past medical history and did a deep dive, requiring extensive additional medical testing for an event that occurred more than 70 years ago as a child. One wonders what Ph.D. thought that was needed. This pilot’s requests for clarification were not answered, and a denial was issued, ending a productive career. And yes, all your medical records are open to FAA Aerospace Medical. Even “narratives” (private conversations with your physician) can trigger demands for involved and expensive medical tests for issues not a regulatory part of class medical standards.
Recently a well-known and respected DPE underwent the third class medical exam that is required to serve as a DPE, even though a DPE does not serve as pilot in command of such a flight or log the flying time. Our applicant, a DPE with 22 years of administering checkrides at all levels and more than 60 years
as a CFI knew he would need to be prepared for the medical exam. He read in the FAA Safety Magazine that his medical issue could be approved by the AME if he presented certain medical information. This process is known as “Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI).
Having had problematic eye surgery over 42 years ago, he complied with the CACI requirements. The AME evaluated his condition as “complicated” and submitted it to FAA Aerospace Medical. Aerospace Medical used that voluntarily submitted information to deny the medical certificate because of his medical history. Isn’t this what criminal law calls “entrapment?” This DPE, holder of the prestigious FAA-issued Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, has been taken out of the system. This applicant was refused a medical flight test. He continues to fly as a “non-PIC” flight instructor.
In another example, an experienced and active flight and ground instructor (over 300 students per year) experienced a medical condition that Aerospace Medical thought would impede this person’s ability to operate an airplane. The applicant requested a medical flight test (a provision provided for by the FARs) to simply prove capability. This request was denied with the terse statement “your medical condition precludes the safe performance of airman duties under any conditions that could reasonable be prescribed.” Harsh, given that this CFI continues to conduct loss of control training, the FAA “Impossible Turn” training, flight proficiency training in antique and experimental aircraft as well as insurance check-out training, all while carefully avoiding situations that require PIC authority.
Solutions?
These, and many other denials reviewed by this writer have characteristics in common. They are printed on third generation stationary, using a printer that needs a new ink cartridge, and obviously compile form pre-written phrases contained in a computer. While issued under
Continued on Page 18
Annual Air Race Classic
Continued from Page 12
by the greatest margin.
Official standings aren’t determined until after the last team has crossed the finish line – the last arrival at the Terminus may, in fact, be the winner!
About The Air Race Classic
Air Race Classic Inc. is an all-volun-
teer, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission of encouraging and educating current and future female pilots, increasing public awareness of general aviation, demonstrating women’s roles in aviation, and preserving and promoting the tradition of pioneering women in aviation. For more information, go to airraceclassic.org. Follow Air Race Classic on Facebook or on Twitter: @AuthenticARC.
Fly By Wire Air is a one-stop shop for aviation. You will find RC models, general aviation planes, services and accessories, as well as sites rich in historic aviation. We hopy you enjoy visiting our site. When you think of flying - Fly By Wire.
www.flybywireair.com
Long-Sought Changes
Continued from Page 8
and knowledgeable,” Baker said. “These steps will create significant savings in both time and money for thousands of CFIs, while maintaining the highest levels of pilot training and safety for the general aviation community.”
The proposed amendments to CFI renewal requirements include the threemonth grace period that AOPA sought, allowing CFIs whose currency has lapsed that extra time to restore it without having to take a new CFI practical test, though doing so remains one option among several paths to currency maintenance or restoration in the FAA proposal, including a new one: the FAA Wings program.
The FAA proposes to revise FAR Part 61.197(a) to add a sixth method by which a CFI can renew their certificate (as required under present rules) now; the FAA also proposes to recast existing renewal requirements as recent experience requirements.
“Instead of a flight instructor renewing their flight instructor certificate every 24 calendar months, a flight instructor would need to establish recent experience at least once every 24 calendar months. This proposed change would ensure the quality of flight training is not adversely affected by the removal of the expiration date from the flight instructor certificate and would also align the flight instructor certificate with the majority of airman certificates in part 61, which are recent experience-based.”
experience requirements, will become a sixth option for CFIs to stay current – by teaching:
“Flight instructors are an integral part of the aviation community and play an important role in reducing the number of general aviation accidents by providing training and modeling best practices. Lessons and activities provided to flight instructors by the WINGS curriculum help to ensure flight instructors are familiar with current flight training standards and procedures. For these reasons, the FAA has determined that §61.197 should include a standalone method that would allow persons to renew their flight instructor certificates or establish recent experience, as proposed, by serving as a flight instructor and participating in the WINGS program.”
The FAA also proposed to revise the requirements for flight instructors to qualify to teach other flight instructors, adding two new qualification methods. While CFIs will continue to have the option to qualify with 200 hours of dual given (for powered aircraft) and 24 calendar months of instructor certification, the agency proposes to offer two additional routes: having trained and endorsed at least five practical test applicants, of whom 80 percent pass on the first attempt, or graduate from an FAAapproved flight instructor enhanced qualification training program.
AOPA is reviewing the proposed changes and will submit comments by the FAA’s June 22 deadline. Follow the story updates at www.aopa.org.
Convair RB-36H Peacemaker C Air Museum, Castle (MER) is in its 41st ye oast est C W become the air of
er
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The FAA Wings program, which allows pilots to satisfy certain recent
Red 6: Better Training
Continued from Page 10
simulator, or programmed maneuvers.
onboard their T-7 and F-15EX. They are presently testing the system with a T-A4.
air s.1930’ such as the L e and mor A-18 Blue Nighthawk and F Museum is situated on 31 acr ently air curr ehensive collection of compr omfr
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WWII Bombers,
Castle Air Museum, adjacent to Castle Airport (MER) is in its 41st year of operation, and has become the West Coast’s largest static display of vintage military aircraft dating back from the late 1930’s. With over 80 aircraft in the collection and more due soon, such as the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk and FA-18 Blue Angel Aircraft, the Museum is situated on 31 acres, 25 of which are currently occupied by aircraft. The most comprehensive collection of WWII Bombers, from the Douglas B-18 Bolo to the mammoth Convair RB-36 Peacemaker, B-52D Stratofortress
tratofortress B-52D S er, -80
SH-60B Se
ahawk
-16A al F Gener
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view aircraft from the Lockheed F-80 to the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon.
A-18 Blue F FA-18
Retired Navy Capt. Charlie Plumb is an advisor to Red 6. During the Vietnam War, he was shot down and taken prisoner just 5 days before his tour was to end. During his 6 years in captivity, “...I reflected on the training I had received and how it could have been done better... Perhaps if I had been able to have that type of training, I might not have been shot down.”
he Museum is located at 5050 Santa F T 95301, CA Atwater, sion to the with last admis pm, ounds daily Gr e information, or mor F .castleairmuseum.or or visit www
., e Dr
t Exhibit Aircraf
The Museum is located at 5050 Santa Fe Dr., Atwater, CA 95301, and open daily 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission to the Aircraft Exhibit Grounds at 3:15 daily.
In addition to displaying enemy fighters, the system can also be used for air refueling training. They have already tested two aircraft flying to a KC-46 Pegasus Tanker, where one plane watches as the other takes on virtual fuel. Both see the same tanker. The image of the tanker is so realistic, that it even has the Position Director Lights on the bottom of its fuselage that helps in directing the receiver aircraft (or signal a breakaway) and the stripes on the refueling boom to help the receiver keep the proper distance from the tanker.
ase call 209-723-2178 ple g.
For more information, please call 209-723-2178 or visit www.castleairmuseum.org.
The Air Force is working on getting this system on T-38s. The Navy is also considering using it on its T-45s. In the meantime, Boeing and Red 6 will work together to integrate Red 6’s technology
Red 6 Test Pilot Brandon Harris predicted, “One day, this training will produce the most elite War Fighters in the world.”
For further information, or to view some very interesting video segments: www.red6ar.com .
DOT to Propose Requirements
Continued from Page 11
to and from the hotel, and rebooking for controllable delays or cancellations
•Timely customer service during and after periods of widespread flight irregularities
•Definition of a controllable cancellation or delay
In addition to announcing plans to initiate a rulemaking that would strengthen consumer protections, the Department has launched FlightRights.Gov and expanded its Airline Customer Service Dashboard to give travelers more transparency about the types of compensation, if any, airlines currently guarantee when they are the cause of a cancelation or delay. The following categories were added to Commitments for Controllable Cancellations and Controllable Delays:
•Cash compensation when cancellation or delay results in passenger waiting 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
•Travel credit/voucher when cancellation or delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more for scheduled departure time
•Frequent flyer miles when cancellation or delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more for a flight from the scheduled departure time
During the past two years, DOT has taken other unprecedented action to ensure the traveling public is protected, including:
• Last year, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection –helping to get hundreds of thousands of people hundreds of millions of dollars back. And since 2021, DOT has helped return more than $1 billion in refunds to travelers.
•Earlier this year, Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines to commit to fee-free family seating. Before his urging, no airline committed to guaranteeing a parent or caregiver could sit next to a child aged 13 or under without paying junk fees. Now three airlines have committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating, and DOT is pursuing a rulemaking that would require all airlines to do so. Secretary Buttigieg also submitted to Congress a legislative proposal to require that airlines provide fee-free family seating. To further assist consumers in assessing airline family seating commitments, last month, DOT rolled out a new family-seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those that do not, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.
SkyShar esentsPr and Wheels
SkyShare Presents Wings and Wheels Wings and Wheels
Sunday, June 18, 2023
We are partnering with the Classic Sport Racing Group, who will display several vintage racing cars here at KDVO. There will be complimentary coffee and doughnuts and a 35¢ 100LL discount the whole day!
Dash Phillips General Manager (KDVO)
w: 415.897.2403
m: 408.250.1683
skyshare.com
Currently, one airline guarantees frequent flyer miles, and two airlines guarantee travel credits or vouchers as compensation if passengers experience significant delays or cancellations that are caused by something within the airline’s control, such as a mechanical issue. No airline guarantees cash compensation when an airline issue causes the significant delay or cancellation. The Department’s rulemaking proposes to ensure that passengers experiencing controllable delays and cancellations are better protected from financial losses than is the case today. The Department plans to define “controllable cancellation and delay” in this rulemaking. Also, the Department believes that this rulemaking could result in improved airline on-time performance.
This announcement builds upon work that DOT has been pushing on for the last two years. Last summer, Secretary Buttigieg urged to improve their customer service plans before the release of the Airline Customer Service Dashboard. Airlines responded. Before the Secretary’s letter, none of the 10 largest U.S. airlines guaranteed meals or hotels when the airline was at fault for a delay or cancellation. Now, all 10 guarantee meals and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes the delay or cancellation.
•The Department’s proposed rule on Airline Ticket Refunds, if adopted, would: 1) require airlines to proactively inform passengers that they have a right to receive a refund when a flight is canceled or significantly changed, and 2) define a significant change and cancellation that would entitle a consumer to a refund as more than three hours for a domestic flight, and more than six hours for an international flight. The rule would also 3) require airlines to provide nonexpiring vouchers or travel credits when people cannot travel because they have COVID-19 or other communicable diseases; and 4) require airlines that receive significant government assistance in the future related to a pandemic to issue refunds instead of non-expiring travel credits or vouchers when passengers are unable or advised not to travel because of a serious communicable disease.
•The Department has proposed a rule that would significantly strengthen protections for consumers by ensuring that they have access to certain fee information before they purchase their airline tickets. Under the proposed rule, airlines and travel search websites would have to disclose upfront –the first time an airfare is displayed –any fees charged to sit with your child, for changing or cancelling
Continued on Page 18
Editorial: Elephant in the Room
Continued from Page 13
the authority of and title bar of David M. O’Brien, M.D., MPH, Manager, Aerospace Medical Certification Division, none of the denials this writer has seen are signed by Dr. O’Brien. Instead, they are signed “for” Dr. O’Brien by and unknown persons with no title. It is the opinion of this writer that while the FAA Aerospace Medical Division is located in Oklahoma City, Dr. O’Brien manages this operation from his office at FAA HQ in Washington D.C. A web search failed to disclose just where the nearly 100 employees of the Aerospace Medical
Division are actually located.
The conclusion is obvious: The aviation community is not being proactively served by the Aerospace Medical Division. The word “abused” would be more appropriate. It is time we stop trying to appease this outdated bureaucracy and demand a system that encourages honesty and good health. We need a system that is based upon modern medicine, not the traditions of a military past. The following are a few thoughts to consider:
1. Immediately contact ASTM International (Standards Organization) and initiate the process of creating regu-
lations that meet an industry consensus standard, for both private and commercial aviation. This process includes all concerned parties, works rapidly and has proven to be successful in a number of aviation applications.
2. Replace the third class medical certificate with a Basic Med structure that honors the rights of medical privacy and encourages pilots to seek professional medical care without the fear of Federal retribution. This could be an excellent first step, with the present requirements for special issuance to be determined and treated by personal physicians, not bureaucrats.
3. To: Mr. Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation. Prioritize the needs of the FAA and National Airspace System above those of your social engineering and green agenda. After more than two years in office, you have failed to appoint a qualified FAA Administrator and now face the loss of the current Acting Administrator. Do not simply move another career bureaucrat into this important position but go to the aviation industry for a candidate who actually understands the complexity of civil aviation and the National Airspace System.
Cotinued on Page 21
Continued from Page 16
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ACTING ADMINISTRATOR NOLENTO DEPART FAA BY MID-SUMMER
By EAA StaffActing FAA Administrator Billy Nolen recently announced that he would be leaving the agency by mid-summer, again opening a leadership position at the top of the FAA as a number of crucial issues take center stage for the aviation community.
Nolen has served as acting administrator for the past year after the resignation of former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. Nolen had joined the agency just a few months prior, in January 2022, as head of aviation safety.
As acting administrator, Nolen attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 and the fly-in’s annual “Meet The Administrator” session. Among other items at Oshkosh last summer, he emphasized the importance of completing the MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates) initiative and the priority of meeting the 2030 deadline for an unleaded aviation fuel to be widely available for the general aviation fleet. He also noted the uniqueness of AirVenture as a place where all facets of aviation were present and where it was important that the FAA be present to address numerous issues with aviators.
“This is a mecca. I know for many of you this is a pilgrimage to come here every year to see the best of the best of aviation – past, present, and future,” Nolen said last July. “I’ve been in aviation for more than four decades, and this is my first time at AirVenture. But it will not be my last time at AirVenture, I can promise you that. I’ve never seen anything like this. What a tribute to aviation.”
Nolen’s departure leaves a leadership gap at a critical time, as FAA reauthorization is due this year. EAA and other GA organizations have submitted possible inclusions for the reauthorization, which is important to provide stability and consistency for the nation’s aviation community.
“Billy Nolen is a person who took the time to come to Oshkosh and listened to our perspective and our concerns, and we found him a person dedicated to aviation safety and progress,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “While the nomination and Senate confirmation of a new administrator may follow an unknown timeline, it is absolutely essential that the FAA continues its commitment to bring top leadership to Oshkosh each year to meet face-to-face with their stakeholders, both in the aviation industry and among pilots nationwide.”
Learn more at eaa.org or faa.gov.
As acting administrator, Billy Nolen attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 and the fly-in’s annual “Meet The Administrator” session. (Courtesy EAA)
As of In Flight USA’s press deadline, Nolan has not confirmed his future plans but Reuters New Service stated he will take a position with eVTOL company Archer Aviation.
FAA’s Biography of Billy Nolen
Billy Nolen was appointed acting FAA Administrator in April 2022. Previously, Nolen served as FAA’s Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS). The Aviation Safety Organization’s programs are carried out by 7,400 employees located in Washington Headquarters, regional and directorate offices, and 125 field offices throughout the world. The AVS safety purview covers over one million registered aircraft, over one thousand approved manufacturers, over one million active pilots, and over 50,000 flights every day.
Billy has more than 33 years of experience in operations and corporate safety, regulatory affairs and flight operations. He started his career as a 767, 757 and MD-80 pilot with American Airlines. His passion for operations and safety led to the role of Manager of the Pilot Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). He then became Manager of Flight Safety with responsibility for Accident/ Incident Investigations, Flight Operational Quality Assurance, Line Operations Safety Audits, and oversight of the Pilot and Maintenance ASAPs.
After American Airlines, Billy served as Senior Vice President of Safety, Security and Operations with Airlines for America, where he collaborated with leaders across the airline industry, government and other key stakeholders to enhance safety and operational performance.
Continued on Page 21
Wings of Honor Museum
70 Beacon Road, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 800-584-5575 • www.wingsofhonor.org
On April 15, 1942, an Army Air Forces Site Selection Board recommended an area northeast of Walnut Ridge, AR for a Basic Flying School. The War Department approved the project May 12th. Construction started June 20th, and Flight Training began October 12th. 5,310 students entered training. By May 1, 1944, 110 marriages had been performed in the base chapel; more followed. Eighty-two babies were born in the base hospital – 40 girls and 42 boys. Sadly, 42 young men were killed in training. The last Army Air Forces class graduated June 27, 1944.
hurricane season. The Marines left in March 1945. After the war, thousands chopped-up and melted from late 1946 to early 1948.
Cover Story
like the front third of the wing) is constructed of a CFRP material (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). The same material is used to “skin” the fuselage, with the load bearing cabin area being constructed of welded steel tube. The aft fuselage is a light alloy truss. Flight controls and flaps (which extend over 75 percent of the total wingspan) are aluminum. This combination keeps the empty weight down (for a fully equipped IFR airplane) to just 960 pounds. Given a max gross weight of 1,587 pounds, you get a useful load of 627 pounds. Going a step further, let’s fill the tanks (37 gallons at 222 pounds) and you are left with a payload of 405 pounds, enough for 400 pounds of student and instructor to fly for around seven hours, equivalent to about 825 nautical miles. For personal use, let’s load in a 190-pound guy with a 140pound significant other and you can max out the large 66-pound baggage compartment (with payload left over) for a great weekend trip. How about a weekend round trip flight from the Los Angeles area to California’s wine country, about 2 hours, 45 minutes each way in the PMentor, without having to refuel. Try this math on some of the fully quipped IFR
four-place planes on display at the show. You may be surprised!
How is such capability made possible? Under that slick cowling, is the Rotax 912 iSc3 engine, specifically adapted to the P-Mentor. With a 2,000-hour TBO, this 100 hp, fuel injected engine features the latest electronic ignition technology, a dual alternator and fuel pump system, making it specifically certified for IFR operation. To Lycoming and Continental fans, the max rated 5,800 rpm and max continuous 5,500 rpm is a bit unusual, but the prop is geared down for maximum efficiency and noise reductions. At take-off power, the prop is only turning 2,386 rpm and at max continuous, just 2,263 rpm. This optimizes the long blades of the MTV-12A constant speed prop for maximum fuel efficiency. This writer has thousands of hours behind Rotax 912/914 series engines and loves the high torque, rapid acceleration, high altitude performance and reliability of these technologically advanced power plants. Finally, time to look in the cabin. First impression… luxury, like nothing you have ever seen in a two-place plane. The look and feel are that of a luxury automobile (an Italian super car, of course!). Note the control stick…yes… like an airplane should have. When seated, your arm is
resting in your lap, the stick “falls to hand.” Extremely comfortable! You may not recognize it, but the controls on the stick are ergonomically fashioned after an F16, intuitive and easy to operate.
Of course, you have now picked up on the “panel,” or perhaps we should call it the “flight deck.” To quote Tecnam’s description of the avionics suite (we used to call that the “radio stack”) “the PMentor offers as standard equipment the state-of-the-art Garmin G3X glass cockpit, with Garmin GI275 as back-up instrument and multiple configurations to allow PBN/RNAV, as well as the GFCTM 500 autopilot. Simulated retractable gear control for enhanced students’ proficiency starting with their first flight is available as an option.” Even at a first glance, the entire extra wide cabin, aircraft flight management systems and annunciator panels look nothing like the 30- to 60-year-old designs that have a lot of fancy stuff crammed into them. The PMentor is designed around the most advanced technology available and meets the legal (per the FAR’s) definition of a Technically Advance Aircraft (TAA). Add the simulated landing gear retraction system, and the P-Mentor also becomes a legally defined “complex airplane.”
We are now talking about a two-place airplane that is specifically certified to be used for private, commercial and IFR training. The concept of the TAA airplane is now a part of written exams, and even a private pilot must know what such a plane is. It is a great deal more than just a radio stack and autopilot. The entire aircraft electrical system must have sophisticated back up capabilities, as well as dual fuel pumps and other system backups. While teaching a class, this writer has often helped new students understand what “TAA” means by simply saying “like a Cirrus.” Great, I have just referred a new pilot to a $1.5+M dollar airplane, perhaps a bit hard to relate to. No more, this CFI will now say, “look up the P-Mentor.” While not cheap at about $370K, the PMentor’s performance and capabilities match that of aircraft costing up to five times more… and it runs on auto fuel! Listen up flight schools, at between onethird to one-fifth the purchase price of planes now being used in training, you can cut operating cost by two thirds (and harmful emissions by 60 percent). Now, the PMentor can take the new airline pilot wannabe from a Private certificate all the way to a lifetime career. Reminder, don’ forget that the Tecnam P2006T is a terrific
Contnued on Page 21
FAA EASING MENTAL HEALTH BARRIERSFOR PILOTS
By Lillian Geil AOPAFederal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup aims to get pilots who are grounded because of mental health issues back in the air.
Northrup spoke about the FAA’s intentions to ease aeromedical rules for mental health concerns at the Business Aviation Safety Summit on May 9, AIN reported.
She addressed concerns about pilot mental health and discussed upcoming
Editorial: Elephant
Continued from Page 18
4. To: Dr, David M. O’Brien, Manager, Aerospace Medical Division. You are now the “Elephant in the Room.” You have the opportunity to be the “hero” in the room, a person to be cheered at EAA AirVenture’s “meet the Administrator” forum. Be prepared to announce plans to discontinue the third class medical process in favor of a Basic Med program and the formation of an ASTM Industry Consensus effort to bring aviation medicine into the 21st Century.
5. To: Joe and Jane Pilot: Forward
Cover Story
Continued from Page 20
multiengine trainer, using Rotax power. Quite a team, eh?
So, what is it like to fly the P-Mentor?
First, make sure you are well trained on the operating systems and alert lights. This is a sophisticated airplane and does require that the pilot be properly trained. Students who learn to fly in the P-Mentor will be well versed in the concept of systems and resource management. Solid and stable for those long cross-countries or hand-flown Category 1 instrument approaches, the PMentor’s sophisticated auto flight control system can also “manage” the approach. But cut loose and hand fly for fun. You have unparalleled visibility out of the canopy, a sense of “sitting on air.” With a gross weight service ceiling of 13,000 feet, coast-to-coast cross-country is not only doable, but fun. Depending upon altitude and power setting,
Billy Nolen
Continued from Page 19
He subsequently served as Executive Manager of Group Safety & Health for the Qantas Group. In that capacity, Billy played a key role in the Qantas Group Safety Governance Framework and was responsible for providing assurance and advice to the Qantas Board, principally the Corporate Health, Environmental, Safety & Security Committee, the Group CEO, the Qantas Group Management Committee, and Qantas’ executive management.
Billy came to FAA from his position as Vice President of Safety, Security and Quality at WestJet in Calgary, Alberta. Reporting to the CEO, Billy had responsibil-
this editorial view, or your comments, to the following federal offices.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Republican Office
U.S. House of Representatives
2165 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-9446
(E-mail available through his website: graves.house.gov)
expect cruise speeds of about 115 knots using fuel flows as low as 3.7 gph, avgas or auto fuel. This pilot feels that a 2,000 foot runway will get you in and out, over a 50foot obstacle with room to spare. It does not take long for the high torque Rotax to reach the rotation speed of 53 knots and the obstacle clearance speed of just 56 knots with flaps in the takeoff positions. Just rotate and hold pitch until the obstacle is cleared. With landing flaps, the recommended approach speed is 58 knots. VSO is only 44 knots with gentle stall characteristics in keeping with new certification regulations. While a BRS is available, it is not required, as in some designs, to accommodate worrisome stall behavior. The bottom line: fun, cool and techy, all at the same time.
So, back to your “two-place bias.”
The P-Mentor is not a low-wing Cessna 152 or slicked up Cherokee 140. It is not a
revisions to certification procedures and
Continued on Page 22
FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup participates in a Meet the Administrator session during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, last July. (David Tulis/Courtesy AOPA)
Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), Chairman of The Subcommittee on Aviation Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Republican Office
U.S. House of Representatives
2165 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-9446
(E-mail available through his website: garretgraves.house.gov)
Now is the time to make our voices heard. In addition to the references
two-place Grumman or Citabria. Let go of those icons of aviation. Forget the late 1940’s, when every manufacturer was cranking out two-place trainers. The PMentor is not just a cool airplane with nice avionics, it is an entirely new class of air-
5
above, let your local Congressional Representatives know that you wish to take responsibility for your own flying safety, including health. This writer is now making numerous congressional contacts. If the last three years have taught us anything, it is that political bureaucrats, be they local or federal, do not know how to manage health issues, often making such issues worse.
The solution… Speak out!
plane specifically designed to take advantage of the best technology offered by the 21st century. So, walk by that “Super Wonder Plane Mark 5” and skip on over to Tecnam’s display 247. Just don’t let the kids do chin-ups on the pitot tube.
ity for overseeing safety, security and quality across WestJet, Encore and Swoop, 14,700 WestJet employees, and the millions of passengers flying on WestJet aircraft each year.
Billy is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Aviation Management, and has certificates in aviation safety from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, U.S. Army Safety Center, and the University of Southern California. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS) and has travelled extensively across the globe.
His retirement from the FAA as Acting Administrator is slated for this mid-summer.
GROUP GATHERSAT CLEAR L AKEIN CALIFORNIATO PROMOTE YOUTH AVIATION EDUCATIONAND CELEBRATE SEAPLANE FLYING
By Annamarie BuonocoreFor those who enjoy seaplane flying, Clear Lake, California’s largest fresh water lake, is a must-see destination. Just north of the San Francisco Bay Area, Clear Lake offers a recreational area that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The local airport, Lampson Field (1O2), in Lakeport is unique. It features an excellent on field restaurant (Reds at the Skyroom), a full service aircraft maintenance business and a renowned structural airframe repair business.
Here at In Flight USA, we are fortunate to have visited Clear Lake in April of 2023. The Clear Lake Flying Club hosted a two-day conference which included seminars, panel discussions, seaplane flight training, a wine tasting and catered dinner and an aerial photography exhibition. The educational conference drew pilots and aviation professionals from throughout California and from Alaska and the East Coast.
Presenters at the conference included Steve Bateman from AOPA, Tom Beattie, instructor and test pilot for ICON Aircraft, Kent Carlomagno, Terry Hayes from Foothill Aviation and the Backcountry Flying Experience, Paul Koscheka from the FAA, Missy Lee, the owner of Alaska Floats and Skis, Herb Lingl, Gordon Mills from Alpine Aviation and Amy Hartsfield of the Professional Aerial Photographers Association.
Speakers reflected on their experiences in aviation and encouraged younger participants to pursue aviation as a career and as an avocation. They emphasized the importance of increasing diversity in the
field and gave thought-provoking advice on how to be a better pilot or aviation professional. While most of the participants in the hangar did not have their seaplane rating, many felt encouraged to obtain the rating after listening to the workshops. “I enjoyed every minute of it,” said Kent Carlomagno, a pilot from Petaluma, California who flies a SeaMax seaplane. “Everything they are addressing is so important to seaplane flying.”
Other speakers included Tom and Tina Wasson of Tom’s Aircraft, an aviation maintenance business based at Lampson Field. “It was a really fun day and brought a lot of people together,” said Tina Wasson.
Clear Lake offers an unparalleled experience for seaplane flying. The lake is well suited for seaplane operations
because it is large and located at an elevation of only slightly above 1300-feet. As noted by Clark McAbee, the curator of the Museums of Lake County in his presentation at the conference about seaplanes on Clear Lake from the 1930s through the 1950s, both the military and Pan Am Airlines made extensive use of Clear Lake for their seaplane operations. Lampson Field Airport, only a few miles from the Clear Lake shoreline, is quiet and peaceful yet full of life thanks to a community of pilots with a passion for aviation.
This wonderful April 2023 conference happened thanks to one passionate pilot and aerial photographer named Herb Lingl and numerous volunteers who dedicated their time and energy in order to turn this conference into a reality.
Lingl moved to the Bay Area from
FAA Easing Mental Health Barriers for Pilots
Continued from Page 21
rules from the FAA that will make it easier for pilots to regain their medical certificates and decrease wait times for pilots grounded for mental health issues.
Additionally, Northrup spoke about the success of the four selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications approved for pilot use in 2010 and announced plans to add seven more SSRIs to the approved list.
Northrup, a private pilot and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, has been focused on addressing mental health issues within the FAA since her 2021 appointment as the most senior medical certification official. In 2022, Northrup participated in an AOPA roundtable discussion on pilot mental health at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh, where she said, “Mental health conditions remain high on my list of things we need to address within the FAA,” emphasizing her focus on early intervention and the importance of changing the aviation culture around mental health issues.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that 56.1 percent of pilots reported a history of health care avoidant behavior related to fear of losing their aeromedical certificate, and nearly 27 percent indicated misrepresenting or withholding information on their aeromedical screening for the same reason.
Northrup’s address at the Business Aviation Safety Summit, organized by the
Flight Safety Foundation and National Business Aviation Association and held during Mental Health Awareness Month, also discussed the volume of pilots whose applications have a mental health component, aiming to “dispel the myths” about certification qualification so barriers to treatment can be destroyed, AIN reported.
Currently, 30 to 40 percent of applicants reviewed by the FAA have a mental health component, yet only 0.1 to 0.2 percent are denied certification or recertification.
However, AOPA recognizes the need for the FAA to provide transparent, repeatable, and logical decision paths for applicants to count on when self-identifying mental health issues.
AOPA, NBAA, and several pilot
the New York in his 30s. He founded Aerial Archives in San Francisco, spent over 20 years growing the business at the Petaluma Municipal Airport (O69), and eventually moved to Lakeport a few years after he took his first seaplane lesson at Clear Lake. Lingl said he hopes the conference will help encourage Lake County schools to offer aviation education and help further develop aviation and seaplane flying in Lake County.
As Lingl noted in his presentation about the Clear Lake Flying Club Youth Aviation Program, the flying club is committed to providing support to schools in Lake County that teach aviation including hands on experience for students.
On the second-day of the conference, the group transitioned from educational workshops to a seaplane fly out to Lake Berryessa in Napa County.
“This conference should bring attention and business up here to Lampson Field,” said Tom Wasson. We believe this will be true, as people discover one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets.
The participants who attended the conference clearly had a great time and learned a lot.
Here at In Flight USA, we are confident that the Clear Lake Aviation Gathering conference will help develop aviation and seaplane flying in Lake County and encourage Lake County schools to consider providing STEM aviation classes in conjunction with practical training provided by the Clear Lake Flying Club.
For more information about flying in Lake County, California, please visit clearlakeflyingclub.com.
unions including the Air Line Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association, NetJets Association of Jet Aircraft Pilots, and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association are pursuing legislation to help address needed and long-overdue reforms to the FAA’s medical practices and protocols. In the meantime, AOPA strongly supports the need for pilots to get the help they need, and will continue to report on advancements in FAA policies around mental health and provide resources for pilots. In addition, AOPA encourages their members to call their Pilot Information Center at 800-8722672 for help in addressing these and other issues.
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AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS GATHERAT PETALUMA AIRPORT DAYAND “SPECIAL DAYOF DEVOTION LUNCHEON ” INTHE ‘SEAMAX HANGAR’
ByKentCarlomagnoSometimesaneventissomuchfun andsomemorablethattwo monthslater,wefindourselves stilltalkingaboutit.PetalumaAirport 069inPetaluma,Calif.hadonesuch event–ajoyousairportdayonSaturday, April15.Airporttenantsandstaffcame outtomeetthepublicwhileaircraftownersshowedofftheirplanestoaspiring pilotsandthegeneralpublic,whilewarbirdenthusiastsflockedtotheairportto seethesebelovedaircraftandothers walkedthegroundsandenjoyedthefood truckconcessionsnearairportcenter.
Whileaviationenthusiastsandlocal residentsenjoyedtheairportopenhouse, asmallergroupofpilotsandenthusiasts gatheredattheNorthWestendoftheairportinwhathasbecomeknownas“the Seamaxhangar.”
Localpilot,KentCarlomagno,hostedaspecialeventwithseveralspecial planestodrawattentiontowarbirdlovers (headlineroftheshowwas“aWWII GoodyearbuiltF4UCorsairfromSanta
Rosaliketheoneinarecentmovieentitled,“Devotion”),aBeach18/C45,AT6, seaplane,andotherunusualaircraftlikea rarecompositebuiltExtra400andawesomepaintjob“Velocity.”Pilotsflewin fromalloverthestateofCalifornia,and therewasanimpressivedisplayofplanes neartheedgeofthetaxiwayofthe hangar.Carlomagnofeaturedhislight sportSeamaxseaplaneandshowedthe groupwhatanawesomeplaneitis.
Thegroupsocializedinsideandoutsidethehangarwhilesippingoncool drinks.ThenEddieAndreiniJr.camein fromHalfMoonBaywithsomegourmet salmonandpotatoespluslocalPetaluma restaurant“Alfredo’s”boughtindeliciouschickenpastaandhomemade Caesarsalad.Attendeesenjoyedadeliciouslunchandsomedessert,andthen Carlomagnohadquiteaprogramlined upforhisguests.First,hespokeabout theSeamaxandtheimportanceofseaplanesintheindustry.Next,hisfellow colleagueHerbLingl,aseaplanepilot andaerialphotographerfromClearLake, Calif.,talkedaboutanupcomingconferencethathewashostingafewmilesup
Highway101onApril22-23.Acouple otherspeakersspokeaboutpasthistoryat “Hamiltonfieldinbothmilitaryand civilianairshow/airraceuseandthestate oftheindustryandotherupcomingaviationeventsplusinspiringaviationbooks thatarea“mustread”!
Theafternoonwasspentlearning aboutaircraft,reminiscingaboutaviation memories,andlearningaboutthestateof theaviationeventindustry.This Petalumaeventwastheperfectpre-curserforthefollowingweek’seventinClear Lake.
Carlomagnoisanenthusiasticseaplane/warbirdpilotwholovestalking abouthisSeamaxandgettinggroups together.Tolearnmoreabouthisflying operationsandspecialinvolvementwith SeamaxhereinNorthernCalifornia,feel freetoemailhimat:carlomagno@earthlink.net.Formoreaviation relatedinformationalso,stopbythe PetalumaAirportterminalbuildingat 601SkyRanchDr,Petaluma,CA94954.
PetalumaAirportinNorthernCalif.had hostedairportdayonApril15whereairporttenantsandstaffcameouttomeetthe publicwhileaircraftownersshowedoff theirplanestoaspiringpilotsandthegeneralpublic.(CourtesyKentCarlomagno)
Petaluma’sAirportDaywasspentlearningaboutaircraft,reminiscingaboutaviationmemories,andlearningaboutthe stateoftheaviationindustry. (CourtesyKentCarlomagno)
FAAANNOUNCES S TAKEHOLDER MEMBERSOF UASDETECTIONAND MITIGATION AVIATION RULEMAKING COMMITTEE
Fifty-eightaviationstakeholders willsoondeveloprecommendationsfor theexpandeddetectionandmitigationof unmannedaircraftsystems(UAS).
TheFederalAviationAdministration (FAA)onMay4announcedtheformation oftheUASDetectionandMitigation SystemsAviationRulemakingCommittee toensurethatnewtechnologiesdesigned todetectandmitigaterisksfromerrantor hostileUASdonotadverselyimpactthe safeandefficientoperationofthenation’s
airspace.TheARC’s58membersrepresentadiversesetofaviationstakeholders, includingthosefromtheUASindustry.
“TheFAAunderstandsthepotential riskposedbydronesinthehandsof unwelcomeactorsandwewantto involvetheentireindustryinfindingand usingsafesolutions,”saidTonyaCoultas, ActingAssociateAdministratorfor SecurityandHazardousMaterialsSafety.
MichaelRobbins,ExecutiveVice PresidentoftheAssociationfor
UncrewedVehicleSystemsInternational (AUVSI);MattCornelius,Executive VicePresidentofAirportsCouncil International-NorthAmerica;andAbigail Smith,ActingExecutiveDirectorof UASSecurityfortheFAA,serveascochairs.
Thecommitteebeganitsworkin Mayandisslatedtoissueafinalreportin early2024.
Aviationstakeholdershavebegunto developrecommendationsforthe expandeddetectionandmitigationof unmannedaircraftsystems(UAS).
(CourtesyFAA)
FAARELEASES AIRSPACE BLUEPRINTFOR AIR TAXIS
TheFederalAviationAdministration (FAA)onMay3releasedanupdated blueprintforairspaceandprocedure changestoaccommodatefutureairtaxis andotherAdvancedAirMobility(AAM) operations.
Undertheblueprint,AAMoperationswillbeginatalowratewithairtaxis flyingmuchashelicoptersdotoday. They’lluseexistingroutesandinfrastructuresuchashelipadsandearlyvertiports. Pilotswillcommunicatewithairtraffic controllerswhererequired.
Asthenumberofoperationsincreases,airtaxisareexpectedtoflyincorridorsbetweenmajorairportsandvertiportsincitycenters.Thecomplexityof thecorridorscouldincreaseovertime fromsingleone-waypathstoroutesservingmultipleflowsofaircraftflyingin
bothdirections.Overtime,thesecorridorscouldlinkanincreasingnumberof routesbetweenvertiports. TheFAAexpectsaircrafttechnology
willevolveaswell.Aircraftautomation andreal-timedatasharingbetweenaircraftwilllikelyplayincreasingrolesin thesecorridors.
Theoperationalblueprintisakey step–alongwithcertifyingtheaircraft andpilots–intheFAA’sefforttosafely usherinandsupportthisnexteraofaviation.Theblueprintaimstoprovidea commonframeofreferencetotheFAA, NASAandindustrytohelpguidetheir researchanddecision-making.
Viewavideoontheupdatedblueprint ontheFAAwebsite(faa.gov)oron YouTubeathttps://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3T52IOIwls4&t=7sTheFAAor bysearchingYouTubeforthetitle:FAA ReleasesAirspaceBlueprintforAirTaxis. TheFAAdevelopedtheblueprint withNASAandindustrystakeholders.
ICONAIRCRAFT RELEASES T WO BOOKSTO CREATE MORE PILOTSAND DRAW PEOPLEINTO FLYINGFOR FUN
40Hours and ICONICDestinations
ICONAircraft,makeroftherevolutionaryICONA5LightSportAircraft,has announcedthereleaseoftwobooks– 40 Hours and ICONICDestinations –which aredesignedtogetmorepeopleinterested inbecomingapilot,andthenguidingand inspiringthemthroughouttheirjourney. Thereleasesmarktheairplanemanufacturer’sdebutinthebookpublishingspace.
40Hours offersinsightsandguidance onhowstudentpilotscantakecommand oftheirflighttraining.Thecorepremiseis thattheFAArequires40hoursofflight timebeforeearningaprivatepilotlicense, buttheaveragestudentpilotrequirestwice thatmuchtime.Withinsightsfromflight instructors,militarypilots,airlinepilots, andstudentpilots,40Hoursaddresseshow toavoidflighttrainingfromlingeringon andbecomingaburdenwhenitshouldbe anexperienceofalifetime.Itisavailable
ElevateICON’sVisiontoMakePersonalAdventure FlyingMoreAspirationalandAccessible.
asaneBook,audiobook,andviapaperbackonAmazon(amazon.com).
ICONICDestinations isapremium, coffee-tablephotobookthatchronicles someofthemosticonicplacesthatICON A5owners,flightinstructors,anddesignershavetakentheaward-winningaircraft.Itisaninspirationallookatthe worldofpossibilitiesandadventures openedupbytheversatileICONA5and theworldofflyingforfunbroughttolife throughincredibleimagery.Itisavailable on-demandandviaICON’sonlinestore.
“Weareconstantlyinteractingwith peoplewhoareinterestedinbecominga pilot,especiallyaftertheyseetheICON A5inreallife,”saidNoahCollins,VPof SalesandServiceatICONAircraft.
“Thesebooksallowustoconnectwitha broaderaudienceofdreamersandadventure-seekerssotheycanlearnmoreabout
becomingapilotandbeinspiredandconfidentenoughtotakethefirststepandsee itthroughtotheend.”
ICONAircraft’svisionistomake personaladventureflyingmoreaspirationalandaccessible.Thecompany’sfirst airplaneistheICONA5,whichisan amphibious,LightSportAircraft(LSA). Itisdesignedtobeeasytoflyandisone ofthesafestsmallairplaneseverbuilt.
“Thesebooksareadirectextension ofourcompanyvisionandoftheICON A5,”saidPaulNyhart,Directorof MarketingatICON.“Theyarewrittento helpguideandinspirepilots–whether they’relearningtoflytheA5orsomethingelse–fromtheirfirstdiscovery flighttotheirfinalcheckride,whichisthe laststepinbecomingalicensedpilot.”
ICONAircraftisbasedinVacaville, CA,withprimaryflighttrainingandsales
ApageoutofICONICDestinations,acoffeetablephotobookthatchroniclessomeofthe mosticonicplacesthatICONA5owners, flightinstructors,anddesignershavetaken theaward-winningaircraft.(CourtesyICON)
locatedinTampa,FL.Ithasanetworkof sales,service,andtrainingexpertsthroughouttheU.S.,withplanstoexpandinternationallyinthecomingmonths.Thecompany begansellingtheICONA5in2017andis nearingthecompletionofits200thaircraft.
CIRRUS AIRCRAFT BREAKS GROUNDON NEW FACILITYAT MC KINNEY NATIONAL AIRPORT
CirrusAircraftonMay1,announced thegroundbreakingforitsnewfacilityatthe McKinneyNationalAirport(TKI)inthe DallasMetroplex.Thenewconstruction willexpanduponcurrentCirrusMcKinney operationsandprovideadditionalspacefor aircraftsales,flighttraining,factoryservice andaircraftmanagement.
“TheDallasMetroplexisacentral
locationformanyofourSRSeriesand VisionJetowners,”saidToddSimmons, PresidentofCustomerExperienceofCirrus Aircraft.“WiththisnewexpansionatCirrus McKinney,weareexcitedtocontinue enhancingtheaircraftownershipexperienceforourcurrentownersandalsocreate anenvironmenttointroducemorepeopleto thebenefitsofpersonalaviation.Weare
proudtopartnerwiththeCityofMcKinney, McKinneyEconomicDevelopment CorporationandMcKinneyNational AirportandlookforwardtogrowingpersonalaviationintheDallasMetroplex.”
CirrusAircraftplanstoinvest$13 millionintothenew45,000-square-foot CirrusMcKinneyfacility.Theexpansion willincludea15,000-square-footservice
hangar,15,000-square-footstoragehangar, eightshadecanopies,aflightsimulation space,retailstoreandacustomerlounge withapanoramicviewingbalcony.
Today,CirrusMcKinneyemploys morethan50teammembersandplansto continueaddingmorecareeropportunities.
TolearnmoreaboutCirrus McKinneyvisitcirrusaircraft.com/TKI.
Editorial ByVickieBuonocore
IT’S JUST DIRT…
Ireceiveorgoaboutfindingmany pressreleasesorresearchingnews storiesaboutaviationthroughoutthe month.Iwasinterestedinpublishinga storyaboutJobyAviation’srecentcontractwiththeU.S.AirForce,valuedat $131million,thatwillseetwoaircraft deliveredtoEdwardsAirForceBasenext year,makingthemthefirstelectricair taxiestobestationedataU.S.AirForce base,alongwithprovidingAirForce pilotstheopportunitytobecomethefirst toachievetransitionflightofaneVTOL assolepilot-in-command.Goodstory(it appearsinthiseditionof InFlightUSA) andsoIwenttotheAirForcewebsite (af.mil)toseeifIcouldfindoutmore abouteVTOLsandtheiruseinthemilitary.ThenIgotsidetracked!
Theheadlineofthedayread, “Yokota‘DirtBoys’trainJapanforcesin Kanoya.”DirtBoys?Inthisdayandage, thatsoundslikeinflammatorylanguage oratleast,politicallyincorrect,ifnotflat outinsensitive.So,naturally,Ihadtoread tothestory…hence,sidetracked!
Turnsout,it’sagoodstoryabout cooperationandsharingofimportant informationandskills.And,apparently, theAirForcemeans,“dirtboys,”quite literallyandinagoodway.
Membersofthe374thCivil EngineerSquadronfromYokotaAir Base,Japan,traveledtoKanoyaAir Base,Japan,onMay15todemonstratea spallrepairforJapanMaritimeSelfDefenseForce(JMSDF)civilengineers.
Spallrepairsareanefficientwayto keepairfieldsserviceablebycutting downandremovingdamagedpartsof concreteslabsandquicklyreplacing
themwithnewmaterial.
Priortothetraining,JMSDFengineerswouldremoveentireslabsofconcrete,evenifaslabwasonlypartially damaged.
“JMSDFrelayedtousthatittakes themroughlytendaystodominorrepairs ontheirairfield,”saidMasterSgt.Brent Fallon,5thAirForcereadinessbranch superintendent.“Wecamedowntoteach ourversionoftheserepairs,whicharenormallydonewithinacoupleofminutes.”
Becauseofthetrainingprovidedby Yokota’sveryown‘DirtBoys,’JMSDF engineersarenowabletomakeimprovementstotheKanoyaAirBaseairfield withoutclosingitforlongperiodsof time,enablingmissionstocontinueina timelymanner.
“TheU.S.AirForce’swayofrepairingairfielddamageismuchmoreefficient,”saidJMSDFLieutenantCommanderMasatoTsuchiyama.“Thereare closeto30spotsthatneedtoberepaired onourairfield.Implementingthisnew processwillsaveusalotoftime.”
The374thCESengineerscompleted aspallrepairinfrontofJMSDFengineers,whothenconductedtheirown spallrepairwithcoachingandguidance fromtheirtrainers.
“Weoperateoutofeachother’sairfieldsconstantly,”Fallonsaid.“Teaching ourpartnerswhatweknowwillimprove theircapabilitiesandaidusinourmission.”
Tsuchiyamasaidhehopestohave moreopportunitiestoexchangebest practiceswiththeU.S.AirForce.
“I’mhappytheAirmenfromYokota tooktimetocomeandteachus,”
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MasterSgt.BrentFallon,5thAirForce readinessbranchsuperintendent,Senior AirmanJordanMcGinnisandAirman 1stClassJohnOlarte,374thCivil EngineerSquadronpavementandheavy equipmentjourneymen,completeaspall repairatKanoyaAirBase,Japan,May 15,2023.AteamofAirmenfromYokota AirBase,Japan,traveledtoKanoyato teachJapanMaritimeSelf-Defense Forceengineershowtocompleteaspall repair.(U.S.AirForcephoto byStaffSgt.SpencerTobler)
Editorial:It’sJustDirt
Tsuchiyamasaid.“Welookforwardto havingmorejointprojectslikethiswhere welearnfromeachother.”
Becauseofthesuccessofthistraining,the374thCEShasnowbeenspecificallyrequestedtotourotherJMSDF basestospreadtheirknowledgeofairfieldrepairs.
Itsjustdirtbutthere’sanunderlying messageofhopeinthisstory.WorldWar IIsawU.SforcesbattlingJapaneseforces bitterly,violentlyand,atthetime,seeminglyendlessly.Andforwhat?Powerand land,i.e.dirt!Well,ofcourse,itisfar morecomplicatedthanthat(orisit?).A relevantandsignificantoutcomeofWWII istheTreatyofSanFranciscothatformallyendedthewarin1951,alongwiththe U.S.-JapanMutualSecurityTreatythat wouldallowU.S.forcestoremainin Japantoprovidesecuritywhilethecountryrebuiltitsinfrastructureandeconomy. Itstartedoutasa10-yearrenewable agreementandhassinceandcontinuesto berenewedandrevised.
In1960,“theU.S.-Japanagreement wasrevised,grantingtheUnitedStatesthe righttoestablishbasesonthearchipelago inexchangeforacommitmenttodefend Japanintheeventofanattack.Thebases
gavetheU.S.militaryitsfirstpermanent footholdinAsia,”accordingtothe CouncilonForeignRelations(CFR).
By2021,moreU.S.militarypersonnelarestationedinJapanthananyother country.AccordingtotheU.S.Officeof theSecretaryofDefense,morethan 60,000active-dutyservicemembersand DepartmentofDefensecivilianpersonnelarestationedinJapan.Incomparison, wehavejustmorethan45,000in Germanyandlessthan30,000inSouth Korea.
TheU.S.-JapanMutualSecurity Treatycontinuestoevolveandby2020, “theUnitedStatesapprovedthesaleof 105F-35fighterstoJapan.Meanwhile, Japanhascommittedtoworkingwiththe UnitedStatestoimprovespace,cyber, andmaritimeawarenesscapabilitiesand deepenscienceandtechcooperation, focusingondefenseapplicationsof unmannedsystemsandartificialintelligence,”statestheCFR.
ThethreatfromNorthKorea,which Japanhascalled“graveandimminent,” alongwith“China’srapidrise”hasbeen atopconcernfortheU.S.-Japanalliance andwilllikelyresultincontinuedrevisionstotheTreaty.Economists,analysts andpoliticianscontinuallystudywho,
theU.S.orJapan,contributesmoretothe alliance.
“ExpertsnotethattheUnitedStates enjoyssignificantstrategicbenefitsfrom thebases,suchastheabilitytodeteraggressionfromChinaandNorthKorea,aswell ascostsavingsbyhavingitsmilitaryforwarddeployedinJapan,”statestheCFR.
Analystsbelievethealliancehas becomemorebalancedasJapanhas enhanceditsdefensecapabilitiesand integratedmorewithU.S.forces,added theCFR.
“Despitethechallengesfacingthe alliance,thedecadesofclosepartnership hasledtoalargelycommonviewof securityissuesinAsia,”saystheHoover Institution’sMichaelAuslin.“Thethreat ofbothChinaandNorthKoreacontinues todriveTokyoandWashingtoncloser togetherinpursuitofsharedinterests, suchasfreedomofnavigationandaerial overflight,denuclearization,cybersecurity,andregionalcooperation,”asreportedbytheCFR.
Whichbringsusbacktodirt… “freedomofnavigationandaerialoverflight”startonairfields.Ifanairfieldisin disrepairandittakestendaystofixit, thatcouldbecatastrophic.Learningfrom the“dirtboys”mightjustleadtomore
AteamofAirmenfromYokotaAirBase, Japan,traveledtoKanoyatoteach JapanMaritimeSelf-DefenseForce engineershowtocompleteaspallrepair. (U.S.AirForcephotoby StaffSgt.SpencerTobler)
“jointprojectslikethiswherewelearn fromeachother,”asTsuchiyamasaid. Fromdirtcomeshope.
Editor’sNote: sourcesaretheCouncil onForeignRelations:cfr.org(TheU.S.JapanSecurityAlliance byLindsay MaizlandandNathanaelCheng)andthe U.S.AirForce:af.mil(Yokota‘Dirt Boys’trainJapanforcesinKanoya by StaffSgt.SpencerTobler,374thAirlift WingPublicAffairs,KanolyAirBase, Japan).
FlyingWith Faber NEW HOTEL DISCOVERIES
AlthoughIlovehistorichotels,I alwayslookforwardtoexperiencingnewcomerstothehospitalityindustry.Ineverceasetobeamazed attheinnovativeamenitiesIobserveat thenewhotelsandresorts.Hereareafew examples.
rantcelebratesTexasGulfcuisinewith touchesofVietnameseflavors.Menu itemsincludecrawfishfritters,corn chowderandporkbellybanhmi. Conrouxoffersindoorandoutdoorseatingoptionsaswellasprivateandsemiprivatediningroomsforintimateevents orspecialoccasions.Thereisalsoa24hourmarketwithacoffeeshoptempting to-goselectionsofsandwiches,snacks, treatsandbakeryitems.
HoustonRegionalAirport(KCXO). Runway14/32is7,500feetlong.R14has anILS/DMEapproach.Runway1/19is 500feetlong.Thefieldhasavarietyof RNAV/GPSapproaches.General AviationServices,123.30,936/7601717,hasthebestfuelprocess.
HyattRegencyConroe, 1001Grand CentralParkway,Conroe,TX77304, 936/444-4454.www.hyatt-regency-conroe.com
Reservationsarenowopenforthe HyattRegencyConroe.LocatedinhistoriceastTexasabout40milesnorthof Houston,thenew250-roomhotelhas officiallyopeneditsdoors.
Guestrooms
HyattRegencyConroehaswellappointedguestrooms,including13 suitesand11accessiblerooms,with complimentaryWi-Fi,modernbath amenitieslikeSmartMirrorfeaturing ideallightingand65-inchflatscreentelevisionswithstreamingcapabilities.
Dining
Thenewcontemporaryhotelfeaturesavarietyofdiningoptionsreflecting localandfusioncuisine.AvenueA,the hotel’slobbybarandloungeserveslocallyinspiredcocktailsandsmallplates includinggrilledblackgarlicchicken wings,crabcakesandparmesantruffle fries.Servingbreakfast,lunchanddinner, Conroux,thehotel’sfull-servicerestau-
Thisremarkablefoodandbeverage programisledbyExecutiveChef ChristianBradywithsupportfroman experiencedculinaryteam.PriortojoiningHyattRegencyConroe,ChefBrady servedinculinarypositionsatseveral otherHyattproperties,includingGrand HyattWashingtonD.C.,MiravalArizona Resort&SpaandHyattRegency ScottsdaleResort&Spa.
MeetingsandEvents
Withtwoballroomsandsixmeeting rooms,HyattRegencyConroeisanideal venuetohostlarge-scaleeventsandgroup meetings.Withmorethan30,000square feetofflexiblemeetingandeventspace, thevenueisdesignedtoaccommodate eventsofanysizeandscale.Thehotel’s 14,000-square-footRegencyBallroomcan accommodateeventsforupto1,000attendees.HyattRegencyConroeprovidesa stress-freeandseamlessexperiencefor conferences,weddingpartiesandreceptionswithoutdoorreceptionareasandcreativeculinaryofferings.
Recreation
SituatedinConroe’sGrandCentral Park,guestscanrelaxandrefreshunderneaththetallpinesatthehotel’sbeautifullylandscapedoutdoorpool.Thehotel hasa24-hourfitnesscenteranddogfriendlyconveniences.
HyattRegencyConroeislocated justsouthofhistoricdowntownConroe. ThismeanseasyaccesstoHistoric CrightonTheater,LoneStarMonument andHistoricFlagPark,aswellaslocal breweries,shops,restaurantsandmore. Locatedapproximately20minutesfrom bothLakeConroeandSamHouston NationalForest,thehotelisanidealdestinationforoutdoorrecreationenthusiasts.Thehotelisjust30minutesfrom (IAH)GeorgeBushIntercontinental Airport.CloserbyisConroeNorth
OmniPGAFriscoResort, 4341 PGAPkwy,Frisco,TX75033,469/3054500,OmniPGAFriscoResort.com
OmniHotels&Resortshas announcedtheopeningofOmniPGA FriscoResort.Just28milesnorthof Dallas,sprawlingacross660acresinthe flourishingcityofFriscoandsetagainst thebreathtakingbackdropoflushfairwaysofFieldsRanch,thesweepingoasis offersexperiencesforguestsofallages.
Twochampionshipcoursesdesigned byacclaimedarchitectsGilHanseand BeauWellinganchortheresort.Visitors ofallskilllevelswilldelightinunique courses,includingalighted10-holeshort courseandtwo-acreputtingcourse,the LoungebyTopgolfdiningandsimulation experience,state-of-the-artPGA CoachingCenter,IceHouserestaurant withhittingbaysoverlookingthe Toptracerdrivingrange,andmore.
Theresorthas500luxuriousguest roomsandsuites;13diverserestaurant andbarconcepts;aworld-classdestinationMokaraSpa;foursparklingpools; retail,entertainment,andnearly130,000 squarefeetofindoorandoutdoorevents space,alongwith10exclusivefour-bedroomranchhouses.
“Thisfirst-of-its-kindresortmarks anexcitingmilestoneforOmniHotels& Resorts,”saidJeffSmith,VicePresident andManagingDirector,OmniPGA FriscoResort.“It’sanambitiousconcept wherewegettoshowcasethebestof TexaswhilecastingaspotlightonFrisco asauniquedestinationexperiencefor visitorsandlocalsalike.”
Amongtheresort’suniqueaccommodationsaretenexclusiveluxuryresi-
dences,theRanchHouses,nestled amongthegreenswithpanoramicviews ofFieldsRanchandbeyond.Eachfourbedroomretreatoffersfullycustomizable VIPservicesforfamilies,golfbuddy trips,bridalparties,andothergroups seekingmorebespokeofferingstucked awayfromthebuzzofthemainresort.
Guestroomsprovideahomey,tranquilretreatwithtraditionaltartanprints andemerald-greentuftedheadboards. Guestroomsaredesignedwithaunique layoutgivingroomsmorelivablesquare footage.
Theoveralldesignfeaturesmaterials andfabricsthatreflectTexasranchhousesanddrawsinspirationfromgolfculture.Customdesignedoakbeveragestationsincludecoffee,water,andasignatureRanchWaterCocktail.Kingbedded roomsincludeasofaUSBandUSBC chargingatnightstands.Otheramenities includeaKeurigcoffeemaker,plush robesandanin-roomsafe. Accommodationsfeaturea55-inchflat screenTVwithSTAYCASTwithstreamingandondemandmovies,Wi-Fiinternetincludedinresortservicechargeand in-roomenergymanagement.
Let’seat!
Theresortoffers13newdining optionsledbyexecutivechefsJosh HashoandAdamSolowitz.Forthose seekinganindulgentdinnerexperience, theresort’ssignaturerestaurant,Trick Rider,isanupscaleconceptfeaturingin-
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FlyingWithFaber
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house,dry-agedsteaksandseafood.
Alsoinsidetheresortisanall-day restaurant,TheApronKitchen+Bar,and TheLookoutlobbybar;andToast&Tee coffeeshop.Bluestempoolsidebars serveadultguests.Also,thereisaspecialtyspaeatery,GreenCactusCafe.
Outsidethemainbuilding,the MonumentRealtyPGADistrictisadestinationofitsownwhereguestsandthe Friscocommunitycancongregateday andnight.Anoutdoorpatiocommunal beergarden,IceHouse,servesanimpressivemenuoflocalbrewsandtraditional barbequefromitsresidentpitmaster. Margaret’sCones&Cupsofferscoffee andartisanalicecream,andastand-alone clubhouse,RyderCupGrille–namedfor thePGAofAmerica’scelebratedchampionship–servesAmericanfareinatraditionalcountryclubatmosphere.
Bitesarealsoavailableatthe LoungebyTopgolf,asportsbarbrimmingwithsimulationexperiences,and more,aswellasatTheBunkerandFields Overlookwheresalads,sandwiches,and quicksavorybitesareonthemenuto refuelduringaround.
AWorld-ClassDestination forGolf
Thenewhomeofmoderngolf,createdinpartnershipwiththePGAof Americaandadjacenttoitsnewheadquarters,OmniPGAFriscoResortisset tobecomeabeaconforPGAmajor championshipgolf,instruction,andplay forgolfersofallabilities.
TheGilHansedesignedFields RanchEastisan18-hole,72-parcourse thatprovidesstrategicvarietywhile incorporatingthenaturalbeautyofthe property.Thisisachampionship-level
coursethatwillthrillandchallengethe mostseasonedgolfers.
DesignedbyBeauWelling,Fields RanchWestisanalternativeforthose seekingastrategicgolftesttodevelop theirskills.The18-hole,72-parcourse offersexpansivefairwaysthatare75 yardsonaverage.
Thosenewertothegamewillenjoy TheSwing,a10-hole,par-3shortcourse thatislessformalandfeaturesmusicand lightsfornightplay,givingthecoursean “urbangolfpark”vibe.Addingtothefunis alighted2-acreputtingcourse,TheDance Floor,consideredoneofthelargestnaturalgrassputtingcoursesintheworld.Golfers andnon-golfersalikecangatherwith friendsandfamilyformorecasualplay.
ThefirstLoungebyTopgolflocationinNorthTexasbringsitsSwingSuite TechnologytoFrisco,withsimulated gamingexperiencesthatfosterfriendly competition.Thestate-of-the-artPGA CoachingCenterwillcombinecoaching, clubfitting,andfitnesselementstocreate personalizedexperiencesthatserve beginnergolferstoeliteplayersofall agesandbackgrounds.
UniqueMeetings &EventSpaces
OmniPGAFriscoResortfeatures morethan127,000-squarefeetofindoor andoutdoormeetingandeventspace, includinga22,000-square-footRyder CupBallroom,complementedbya 11,500-square-footWanamakerBallroomforgrandcelebrations.Additionally,theresortoffersthe5,000-squarefootPantherCreekPavilion,anelegantly rusticsetting,seamlesslyintegratedwith anadjoiningpatioandeventlawn.
Avarietyofweddingpackages includedeluxeovernightaccommoda-
tionsfornewlywedsandparentsofthe brideandgroom,abridalsuiteforthe weddingday,acomplimentaryfirst anniversaryreturnvisittoanyOmni Hotels&Resort’slocationintheUnited States,andmore.
andCEOofOutriggerHospitality Group.“Outrigger’sinvestmentinafullserviceMauiresortunderscoresourconfidenceinthisiconicdestinationandour commitmenttoitscommunity.”
Theglobalhospitalitybrandwas foundedinHawaii75yearsagoandhas deepexpertiseinthismarket;Outrigger currentlyownsand/oroperates26 resorts,hotelsandvacationcondos throughouttheislandchain–including sevencondominiumresortsonMaui.In thelasttwoyearsalone,Outriggeradded fivepremierbeachresortstoitsportfolio, includingOutriggerKonaResort&Spa onHawaiiIsland,aswellasthreepropertiesinSouthernThailandandafive-star resortintheMaldives.
OutriggerKā’anapaliBeach Resort.2661KekaaDr,Lahaina,HI 96761,808/661-0021
Althoughnotanewresort,thisgreat propertyhasnewowners.Premierbeach resortcompanyOutriggerHospitality Grouprecentlyannounceditsplansto acquireKā’anapaliBeachHotel,a beachfrontresortontheIslandofMaui, renownedas“Hawaii’sMostHawaiian Hotel.”Itislocatedonthegoldensands ofworld-famousKā’anapaliBeach, whichwasrecentlyrankedastheNo.1 BeachintheU.S.andNo.10Beachin theWorld.Thepropertyspans11-acres with432rooms.Thistransactionis expectedtocloseinJuly2023atwhich timethepropertywillberebrandedas OutriggerKā’anapaliBeachResort.
“FromMauitoMaldives,Outrigger isbullishaboutourmissiontobeThe PremierBeachResortCompanyinthe World,simultaneouslyelevatingourcurrentassetsandstrategicallyaddingcomplementaryresortproductstoourglobal portfolio,”saidJeffWagoner,president
Theaward-winningKā’anapali BeachHotelrecentlycompleteda$75 millionproperty-widerenovation,which spanstwooftheguestroomwings.The propertyoffersadozenHawaiianculturalclassesforguestsalongsideabundant oceanactivitiessuchasoutriggercanoe paddlingandsnorkeltours.Additionally, Kā’anapaliBeachHotelisemploying severalhigh-impactsustainabilityinitiatives,includingtheinstallationofsolar panels,chargingstationsforelectric vehiclesandwaterrefillstations.
“Withitspristinelocationalonga three-milestretchofsand,deepcultural connectionsandauthenticHawaiianhospitality,Kā’anapaliBeachHotelhas tremendoussynergywiththeOutrigger brand;wearehonoredfortheopportunitytobecomestewardsofthiscoveted property,”Wagoneradded.“Ourintention,oncethesaleisfinalized,istocraft athoughtfulplantofurtherenhancethe resortgroundswhileretainingunique attributesthatguestshavecherishedfor years.”
FAAAPPROVESTHE QUIET TECHNOLOGY AEROSPACE PERMANENT
SOLUTIONTO THRUST REVERSER CORROSIONONTHE FAMILYOF AIRCRAFT POWERED BY THE HTF7000ENGINE
QuietTechnologyAerospace(QTA) hasbeenawardedFAASupplemental TypeCertificate(STC)ST04560ATfor thepermanentsolutiontotheplaguing problemofthrustreversercorrosionfor thefamilyofaircraftpoweredbythe HTF7000engine.
QTAhadondisplayoneoftheactualHTF7000thrustreverserdoorassembliesusedintheQTApermanentsolution certificationforEBACEattendeesto
inspectlastmonth.TheQTAcorrosion solutionisthemarket’sonlypermanent waytoeliminatecorrosion.Itisnota repair.
TheSTCapprovesinstallationofthe QTAupgradeonSuperMid-Sizejets, including:
•BombardierChallenger 300/350/3500
•GulfstreamG280
•EmbraerLegacy450/500andPraetor
500/600
•TheTextronLongitude700willbe addedlater
Thereisasignificantandrecurring corrosionproblemwiththrustreverser doorsandaftbodyassembliesonthe thrustreversersinstalledonthefamilyof aircraftutilizingtheHoneywell HTF7000engines.Untilnow,anoperator’sonlyremedywastoreplaceaTR
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…sometimesfindsanut.
Ifyou’relikeme,you’reprobably gladyouboughtsomethingswhenyou didandwishyouhadboughtothers beforetheyappreciatedwithinflation. But…
Myhangarstashofoilwasdownto onebox(sixquarts),soIwentbymy localoilstoretogettwoorthreemore boxesofAeroshell100plus.Theman saidthattheywereoutofAeroshell100, butstillhadafewboxesofplus,andthey (thenewowners)weren’tplanningto stockanymoreAeroshell.
Howmanyboxes?Ten.Hmm.
Irealquicklookeduptheretailprice forAeroshell100plus,andofferedhim about2/3ofnormalretailforallten boxes.Hedidabunchoflookingup codesfromtheoldcompany,andsaidthe besthecoulddowas15bucksmorethan myoffer.SOLD!
SonowIhaveatwotothreeyear supplyofAeroshell100plusatbasically wholesaleprice.
Stillneedtogetthealternator repairedsoIcanstartburningthrough mysavings.
•••••
FLARM,forFlightalarm,isalowcostcollisionavoidancesystem.With rootsintheglidercommunity(Ithink) it’salowcostkindof,sortofADS-B exceptthatitdoesn’tuseregular transponders.Itdoesuseabarometric sensor,andIdon’tknowwhyitdoesn’t useGPSaltitudeforseparatingsimilarly equippedaircraft.Andthere’sthedeal–
EVENA BLIND SQUIRREL…
basicFLARMonlytalkstoother FLARMs.There’smoretothestory,of course,butit’sinterestinginpassing.It’s usedinWesternEurope,including Benelux(Belgium,Netherlands, Luxembourg,andIhadtolookitup,too), AustraliaandNewZealand,andSouth Africa.It’ssimpleenoughtoconnect ADS-Binforair-to-airADS-B,even thoughgrounduplinksmightnotbesent. Thenagain,ADS-Binsensorsarerelativelycheap,aslongastheycanusean externaldisplay.
•••••
WhiletheFAAsaysstaffingisstable atmostfacilities,NewYorkremains behind.ThatTRACON’sstaffinglevels wereatjust54percentofwhatisneeded comparedto81percentatotherfacilities. Nowonderairlinesarecuttingflightsto theareathissummertouristseason.
•••••
The-9Aisjustoutoftheshopfrom itsconditioninspection.Theonlysurprisewasthatthebrakepadsneeded replacement.
Therightfueltankburpsatablespoonofgasthroughtheventontothe hangarfloor,andIhadthemcheckthe ventline.Nofaultfound.Noideawhyit burps,butonewebcommentersaidthat hisRVhadthesameproblem,causedby aloosenutinsidethefueltank.Going intothefueltankisdoable,butareal PITAwiththepossibilityofcausingother problems.Nothanks.
Andsometimesinflightwiththe ventsclosed,itfeelslikehotairisleaking throughtheheater,evenwithitturned off.Again,nofaultfound.
Thebellystrobeburnedoutsome timeback,butit'sfarenoughbackinthe tailconetobevirtuallyinaccessible–but notforsmall,femaleA&Ps.Ihadsuggestedthattheshopabandontheold strobeandusetheexistingwiringfora newstrobe,moreaccessible,butshewas abletoreplacetheoldstrobe,even thoughthenewonerequiresaslightly biggercutout.I'mimpressed.
Associatedwiththeshopisadetailingcompany,sowhynot?Idon'thave theenergynortheflexibilitytodetailthe -9A,sowe'llletthemdoit.Hopefullythe planewilllooklikenew,exceptforwhere thepaintischipped.
Thedetailerswillstartwiththeinteriortoday[Ithought–they’reunresponsivetoschedulingtextmessages]soIcan getbackintheairsooner.They'llhave fullaccesstotheplanetodayasthereis aninterestingstormrightoffthecoast, andwe'reonthefringesofit.Theradar signaturelooksmuchlikeasmalltropical storm,butwithwindsforecast18G28 andbarometricpressureonly29.92-inches,it'sapparentthatthisstormdropped outofhurricaneschoolinthe6thgrade.
What'sspectacularaboutthisstorm isthatwindsat3,000feetareoutofthe northat50knots(!).Thiswouldbea chanceforduplicatemembershipinthe 200-knotclub,exceptthat800feetbrokenisn'tallthatgreatforafirstflightout oftheshop,andyou'vegottoknowthat theturbulencewillbehorrendous.(Next
FAAApprovestheQuietTechnology
ContinuedfromPage30
Doorwithfactorynewandiftheside beamsareoutoflimitanewaftbody assemble,bothattremendouscost.Quiet TechnologyAerospaceexpectsthe ThrustReverserpermanentsolutionthat eliminatescorrosiontobeavailable imminentlytoglobaloperators.
QTAhasengineeredapermanent solutionthatisuniqueinre-manufacturingtheoriginaldoors,aone-pieceforgingin7075,replacingthealuminumin thecorrodedareawithanewtitaniumaft section.Theaftbodysidebeamsarepro-
tectedbyanewtitaniumskin.QTA’sterminatingsolutionmaintainsthesame innermoldlineandexitareaasanew originalTR.
TheTRDoorandAftBodypermanentsolutioncomeswithalifetimestructuralwarrantythatautomaticallytransferswiththeaircraftregardlessoffuture salesoftheairframe.QTAhasreceived FAAcertificationforalltheexistingTR hardwareandisabletosupplythemarketplacewithhardwareindependentof TRUpgrades.AllQTAhardwarewill comewith8130-3approvalfromQTA’s
DMIR.
InadditiontotheTRDoordisplayat EBACE,QTAhascarbonfiberengine inletbarrelSTC’sapprovedfor:
•BombardierChallenger 300/350/3500
•BombardierLearjet60and60XR
•DassaultFalcon2000EX/LX
•GulfstreamG200,G280&G450
•EmbraerLegacy450/500(including thePraetor500/600)
•Hawker1000
BarryFine,CEOofQuiet TechnologyAerospace,said,“Itisjust
days,windsaloft from9,000feetto 30,000feetwereall lessthan10knots.Gofigure).
Sothe“plan”istoreloadtheinterior (fueltankdipstick,plasticcontainersfor miscellanyusedinflightandanotherfor ontheground,headphonebatteriesand micmuffinthesidepocket)onSunday, thendothetestflightonMonday (MemorialDay).
I'llalsotryanewcamerasetupand makeavideoofADS-Btrafficwithtwo separatewindowsontherightside screen.Ioftenuseoneofthosewindows fortraffic,sothisshouldnotbeadistractionfromthetestflight. •••••
Atchurch,there’saministrythat workswithhomelessveterans,helping themwithIDs,issueswiththeVA,homelessauthority,ahotmeal,allkindsof things.I’vevolunteeredthereforafew months.
Onemanwholookedtobeabout70 hasacutePTSDandmightbetheone whowaskickedoutoftheVAformisbehaving.Hewasthreateningsuicideand theninvoluntarilyhospitalizedforafew days,arguingandscreaming.
OneofmyfriendssaidofVietNam veteransthatmanyofthemhadproblems notoftheirownmaking,andIknowof morerecentveteransinthesameboat. Sobering.
ThisispartofwhatMemorialDayis allabout.
fantastictonowbeabletoprovideoperatorswiththissolution.QTAhasbeen engineeringashardandassmartasever tobringtomarketourpermanentcorrosionsolutionsthatmakeoperatingsafer andfarlessexpensivethanthetypical corrosion‘repair’thatmerelyreplaces corrodedpartswithfactorynew…that areguaranteedtofailagain.”
Formoreinformationvisit www.qtaerospace.comoremail info@qtaerospace.com.
GAMARELEASES FIRST QUARTER 2023AIRCRAFT SHIPMENTS AND BILLINGS REPORT
OnMay25,theGeneralAviation ManufacturersAssociation(GAMA)publishedtheFirstQuarter2023General AviationAircraftShipmentsandBillings Report.Theaircraftmanufacturingindustry’sresultsforthefirstthreemonthsof 2023whencomparedtothesameperiodin 2022,pointtoincreasingaircraftunit deliveriesacrossmostaircraftsegments whiletheoverallvalueoftheaircraftshipmentswasslightlylowerforairplanesbut increasedforhelicopters.
“Thecontinuedhealthofgeneralaviationmanufacturingindustryisencouraging,particularlyinlightofpersistentsupply chain,workforceandNorthAmericanregulatoryprocesschallenges.Ourmanufacturersarefocusedonmeetingthisthriving productdemandwithnewaircraftwhich incorporateadvancedtechnologiesthatfurtherenhancesafetyandfuelperformance. Duringthistransformativetimeinaerospace,ourmanufacturerscontinually demonstratethatoursectoristhetechnologyincubatorforsafetyandsustainability. Thismessagewasbeingemphasizedlast monthatEBACEinGenevaandwillalso beafocusattheParisAirshowaswe countertheshort-sighted,irrationalattacks directeduponbusinessaviationinEurope.
“Instarkcontrast,emphasisonour
demonstratedrecordofenvironmental sustainabilityleadershipwasverywell receivedonCapitolHillinearlyMay whenGAMAmembercompanyleaders participatedinmorethan125meetings withU.S.legislators.OtherissuesdiscussedwithSenatorsandRepresentatives acrossthepoliticalspectrumincludedthe immediateneedforaconfirmedFAA Administrator,improvedtrainingforthe youngFAAworkforce,strengthened bilateralengagementandtimelypassage ofanFAAreauthorizationbilltoprovide clear,multi-yeardirectionforthe agency,”saidPeteBunce,GAMA PresidentandCEO.
Aircraftshipmentsthroughthefirst quarterof2023,whencomparedtothe sameperiodin2022,sawpistonairplane deliveriesincrease10.1percentwith294 units,turbopropdeliveriesincrease6.4 percentwith117units,andbusinessjet deliverieswereflatwith117units.The valueofairplanedeliveriesthroughthe firstquarterof2023was$3.7billion.
Helicoptershipmentswererobust whencomparedtothefirstquarterof 2022;pistonhelicopterdeliveries increased40percentwith56units,and turbinehelicopterdeliveriesincreased53 percentwith153units.
FirstQuarterAircraftShipmentsandBillings
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TheFederalAviationAdministration hasawardedmorethan$100millionto 12airportsacrossthecountrytoreduce runwayincursions.Projectswillreconfiguretaxiwaysthatmaycauseconfusion,installairfieldlightingorconstruct newtaxiwaystoprovidemoreflexibility ontheairfield.
“Someairfieldshavecomplexlayouts
thatcancreateconfusionforpilotsand otherairportusers.Thisfundingwill reconfigurecomplextaxiwayandrunway intersectionstohelppreventincursions andenhancethesafetyoftheNational AirspaceSystem,”saidFAAAssociate AdministratorShannettaR.Griffin,P.E.
Theagency’sRunwayIncursion MitigationProgramwasdevelopedto
identifyairportsthathaveriskfactorsthat mightcontributetorunwayincursions. Thosefactorsincludecomplexityandairfieldlayout.AspartoftheRIMprogram, theFAA,airportsandindustrywork togethertofindsolutionsandsharebest practices.
Fundingisgoingtokeyprojects, including:
• MiamiInternationalAirport:$6million toshiftonetaxiway(L1)andfixtheintersectionoftwoothertaxiways(M&Q).
• HarryReidInternationalAirport: $13.4milliontoreconfigurefourtaxiways (U,E,FandH)tomeetsafetystandards, shifttworunways(8L/26Rand1L/19R) andinstallrunwaystatusandguardlights. Runwaystatuslightsalertpilotsandothers ifitisnotsafetoentertherunway.
•SanDiegoInternationalAirport:$24 milliontoconstructanewtaxiway(A), eliminatingtheneedforaircrafttobacktaxiontherunway.
•TucsonInternationalAirport:$33.1 milliontoconstructataxiway(C)and shiftandrebuildrunway(11R/29L)tobe furtherawayfromaparallelrunway.
•NormanY.MinetaSanJose InternationalAirport:$10.8millionto buildataxiway(V)toprovidemore directaccesstoaircrafthangars.
•PensacolaInternationalAirport: $1.17milliontoinstallrunwayguard lightsforRunways8/26and17/35to addresssafetyissuesidentifiedbya RunwaySafetyActionTeam.
•PrescottInternationalAirportin Prescott,Ariz.:$7.4milliontoshifta taxiway(C)75feeteast.
•AbrahamLincolnCapitalAirportin Springfield,Ill.:$7.4milliontoremove portionsofRunway18andRunway36 andextendataxiway(G)tomaintain accesstotheexistingnorthapron.
•BellinghamInternationalAirportin Bellingham,Wash.:$1.3millionto reconfigureaconnectingtaxiway(F) fromitscurrentairfieldlocationtoanew midfieldconnector.
•RepublicAirportinEast Farmingdale,N.Y.:$12.4millionto reconstructataxiway(A),addataxiway edgelightingsystemandreplaceexisting airfieldguidancesigns.
• WaverlyMunicipalAirportin Waverly,Iowa:$223,000toconstructa paralleltaxiwayfromtheRunway11turnaroundtotheapron,eliminatingtheneed foraircrafttoback-taxiontherunway.
•CharlesBWheelerDowntown AirportinKansasCity,Kan.:$844,000 fortwoparalleltaxiways(LandD)to Runway3toeliminatetheneedforaircrafttoback-taxiontherunway.
InMarch,theFAAheldaSafety Summittoaddressrecentincidents.The summitbroughttogetherleadersfrom acrosstheaviationsector,includingairlines,flightandgroundcrews,andair trafficcontrol,tofindpotentialcauses andneededactionstoupholdsafety. Readmoreaboutthesummitandactions theagencyhastakensincethenat
AirVenture2023
CRACKINGTHE CODE:AN INSIDER'S GUIDEFOR AIRVENTURE ROOKIES
ByEAAStaffAreyouplanningongoingto EAAAirVentureOshkoshthis year?Wantinonthesecrets? Pullupachairandwe’lldosomehangar flying–AirVenturestyle!EAA AirVentureOshkosh2023takesplace July24-30atWittmanRegionalAirport inOshkosh,Wisconsin.
ALittleHistory
Ithasn’talwaysbeenAirVenture. Andithasn’talwaysbeeninOshkosh. Anditsurehasn’talwaysbeenthisbig.
Thefirstfly-inwas70yearsago, backinSeptember1953,theyearPaul andAudreyPobereznyfoundedEAA.It wasatCurtiss-WrightAirportin Milwaukee.Twenty-oneaircraftand150 peopleshowedup.Itwastriedat Oshkoshafewyearslaterin1956,and thenmoveditbacktoMilwaukee.
In1959itgottoobig,soitwas movedittoRockford,Illinois,for10 yearsandthenmadeOshkoshitspermanenthomein1970.ItwasrenamedEAA AirVentureOshkoshin1998.
Nowithasgrownfrom21aircraftto morethan10,000,from150peopleto morethan600,000.
AirVenture2022bythe Numbers
•Attendance:650,000,from92total countries
•TotalAircraft:10,000-plus
•TotalShowplanes:3,226
•Campers:40,000people
•Forums,Workshops,and Presentations:1,400-plus
•SocialMediaReach:10.6million people
It’sNotLikeOtherThings
SomepeoplecallAirVenture“aviation’sfamilyreunion”–andthat’sagood description.Whenyouwanderaround, you’resurroundedbyfriendlyand respectfulpeoplewholoveaviationjust asmuchasyoudo.They’reallexcitedto behere.TheresultisthatOshkosh becomesthereal“HappiestPlaceon Earth,”nomatterwhatyoumighthear fromacertainmouse.
Everyoneiseitheranoldfriendora potentialnewone,andthatatmosphereis funandcontagious.AsPauloftensaid, youcomefortheairplanesbutcomeback
forthepeople.Andremember,about 6,000ofthosepeoplearethevolunteers whoworklikecrazy,sometimesfor months,tomakesureyouenjoyyourself.
Tickets
Whenitcomestopurchasingtickets fortheWorld’sGreatestAviation Celebration,itpaystobeamember.You’ll getthelowestpriceandyoucanusethe ExpressArrivalprogram,wherewristbandsandotherpassesaremailedaheadof time.And,don’tforget,kids18andunder areadmittedcompletelyfreeofcharge.
Thedeadlineformember-onlyearly birdpricingandExpressArrivalisJune 15.
DAILY
MemberEarlyBird:$41
Non-memberEarlyBird:$59
VeteranEarlyBird:$41
CLOSINGSUNDAY
Member:$20
Non-member:$25
Veteran:$20
WEEKLY (Member-Only)
EarlyBird:$135
Purchaseticketsonlineat https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-airventure-tickets.LearnmoreattheEAA website,eaa.org.
ItStartsBeforeYouLeave
Ifyou’veneverbeentoAirVenture, thisisimportant.AirVentureisn’tanevent youattend;it’ssomethingyoudo.It’snot likegoingtoaballgamewhereyoubuya ticketandjustsitandwatch.AirVentureis whatyoumakeit.It’snotaspectatorsport.
Nobodycanseeanddoitall.You haveaboutazillionthingstochoose from,likedayandnightairshows,shoppingforeverythingfromT-shirtstoairplanes,goingtomoviesorhundredsof forumpresentations,gettinghands-on trainingandlearningthingslikehowto weldafuselageorwireaninstrument panel,andalotmore.
There’salotofinformationonline andinthemobileapp,sodosomehomeworkandmakeaplan.Lookthroughthe scheduletopickoutwhatyoudon’twant tomissandprioritize.
Whileyou’reworkingonyourplan, goaheadandorderyourwristbandsand otherpassesonline.You’llsavemoney! And,ifyoudoorderbyJune15,youcan useExpressArrival(https://www.eaa .org/airventure/eaa-airventure-tickets#express-arrival)togetthewristbands
mailedtoyouinadvance.
It’sAllAbouttheNeighborhoods
AirVentureishuge.Thegrounds cover1,500acres.You’llneedthelayof theland,socheckoutthegroundsmapon theEAAAirVenturewebsite(eaa.org).
It’satypicalmap,exceptforone thing–northisleft.Thisisbecausethat’s thewaytheworldislinedupwhenyou walkthroughthemaingateandwhen you’realongtheflightlinewatchingan airshow.Startbylookingatarethemajor neighborhoods:
TheNorth40andtheSouth40: Thesearefly-incampgroundsonthe northandsouthsidesofthegrounds. They’rehometothousandsofairplanes andcampers.
Warbirds: Thisiswhereex-military aircraftspendtheweek.Thisareaalsohas presentations,youthactivities,andadedicatedshopforT-shirtsandthings.Protip: TaketheWarbirdsAdventureTramTour. It’sthebestwaytogetanoverviewofthe area,andyou’reguaranteedtolearnalot. Whenyoudothetour,askforVicandtell himwesaid“Hello,Mr.Know-it-All!” He’llknowwhatthatmeans.
Homebuilts: Theseareaircraftof EAA’sroots.Thisareaincludescommercialexhibitsandacampingareainadditiontohundredsofshowplanesflownin byproudbuildersandpilots.
IAC: Thisisthehomebaseforthe InternationalAerobaticClub(akaEAA memberswhoaren’thappyunlessthey’re upsidedown).Learnmoreat https://www.eaa.org/airventure/features-and-
attractions/aircraft-areas/aerobatics-area.
BoeingPlaza: Thisisthecenterof theshow.It’stheareawherethebiggest aircraftareparked,alongwiththeones thathighlightthatday’stheme.
FourCorners:Thisisthecentral hubforEAAstuffduringtheweek.It’s theplacetojoinEAA,renewyourmembership,askquestions,dosomeshop-
ContinuedonPage37
StayInformed
Whetherit’slearningaboutsomeofthebiggestattractionsatAirVenture,findingthelocationofthatforumpresentationyoudon’twanttomiss,orstaying apprisedofsevereweatherintheforecast,thereareplentyofwaysEAAhasyoucovered.
•LiveWebcams(https://www.eaa.org/airventure/live)
•App:EAAAirVentureOshkosh2023(https://www.eaa.org/airventure/planyour-eaa-airventure-trip/eaa-airventure-app)
•SocialMedia:Facebook,Twitter,Instagram,TikTok,andLinkedIn
•TextAlerts:TextOSHARRIVALto64600forupdatesonthestatusof AirVenturearrivals;OSHALERTforweatheralerts;andOSHFUNfornotable featuresandattractions.(https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-airventure-newsand-multimedia/airventure-text-alerts)
•EAARadio:96.5FM/1210AM,onlineatEAARadio.org
(https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-airventure-news-and-multimedia/eaa-radio)
•Newspaper:AirVentureToday,publisheddailyandavailableforfreeinboxes aroundthegrounds(https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-airventure-news-andmultimedia/airventure-today-newspaper)
•OnlineDiscussions:EAAForums.org(https://eaaforums.org/forum.php)
CrackingtheCode:AnInsider'sGuide
ContinuedfromPage36
ping,learnhowtobeapilot(orabetter one),andmore.
CentralExhibits: BetweenBoeing Plazaandthemaingate,thisiswhere you’llfindthefourmainexhibithangars andhundredsofoutsideaircraftdisplays.
EAAAviationMuseumand KidVenture: Youcan’tmisstheworldclassaviationmuseum.And,during AirVenture,theadjacentPioneerAirport turnsintoKidVenture,whichisoverflowingwithfunactivitiesfortheyoungones. Protip:Getthereearlyifyouwantyour kidstobeabletotryeverything.Learn moreathttps://www.eaa.org/airventure/ features-and-attractions/kidventure.
Vintage: Thissectionfeaturesthe lovinglyrestoredclassicsfromyesteryear,alongwithagiftshop,forumsarea, youthactivities,andausedbookstore.
TheFunFlyZone: Thisareais AirVenture’shometoultralightsand ultralight-typeaircraft,includingtrikes, poweredparachutes/paragliders,and rotorcraft.It’salsowhereyou’llsee STOLandRCdemosaspartofthe TwilightFlightFestoneveningswithout anightairshow.
CampScholler: Thisisthedrive-in campingareathat,foroneweekevery year,becomesacityof40,000.Evenif you’renotcamping,gocheckitout–somepeoplegoalloutontheircampsites.
Towers:Youshouldalsofindthe towersonthemap–theregularcontrol tower(thebusiestintheworldthatweek) andthefourtemporaryway-findingtowers.There’soneway-findingtowerin Warbirds,Homebuilts,Vintage,and Ultralights.They’retall,colorful,and hardtomiss,whichmakesthemgreat landmarksandmeetingplaces.
EAASeaplaneBase:There’sone neighborhoodthatisn’tonthemap becauseit’stoofarsouth(whichisthe rightsideofthemap,remember),and that’stheEAASeaplaneBase.The SeaplaneBaseisaquietlagoonfullof airplanesandhasthemostlaid-backvibe anywhereatAirVenture.Youcandrive there,butit’saloteasiertojusthopona bus.It’swellworththe10-minuteride andthethreebucksfortheroundtripticket.Learnmoreathttps://www.eaa.org /airventure/features-and-attractions/aircraft-areas/seaplane-base.
GettingHere
Ifyou’regoingtolivethedreamand flyyourselfintoAirVenture,there’sone
WhatToBring
•Comfortableshoes
•Hat(orbuyonehere)
•Sunglasses
•Refillablewaterbottle
•Sunscreen
•Lipbalm
•Umbrellaand/orraincoat
•Sweatshirtand/orlightjacket
•Phonecharger/powerbank
•Patienceandasmile
Forwhatnottobring,including pets,visithttps://www.eaa.org/airven ture/about-eaa-airventure-oshkosh /policies/prohibited-items.
thingyouneedtodo:ReadtheFAA’s Notice(usuallycalledtheOshkosh NOTAM).Andthenreaditagainand again.It’safree32-pagebookthatoutlinesalloftheproceduresyou’llneedto followtogetheresafely.
Ifyou’retakingacommercialflight, youhavealotofchoices.Flyinginto Appleton(ATW)getsyouclosest,followedbyGreenBay(GRB).Oshkoshis alsoaneasydrivefromMilwaukee (MKE),Madison(MSN),theCentral WisconsinAirport(CWA),andeven Chicago(ORDorMDW).
Ifyoudon’trentacar,thereareall kindsofshuttleservicesavailablefrom mostofthoseplacesandtheusualridesharingserviceslikeUberandLyft.
Sleeping–UnderTheStars, AWing,OrARoof?
So,wheretolayyourheadatnight? Nomatterhowyougethere,youcan camp,andthat’stheultimateAirVenture experienceforsome.CampScholleris opentoeverythingfromtentsonupto siteswithfullwaterandelectricity hookups.Whetheryoupitchatentnextto yourhomebuiltVan’sRVordriveyour bigRVvanintoCampScholler,it’san affordablewaytostay,andagreatwayto makenewfriends.Campersarewellsupportedwithlaundryservices,multiple grocerystores,andmore.
Ifyouflyawarbirdoravintageor homebuiltairplane,youcancampin eitherofthoseareas.TheNorth40and South40areopentoallaircraft.
Ifcampingisn’tyourthingandyou preferaroofoveryourhead,youhave morechoicesthanyouprobablythink. First,therearehotels.Atthispoint,you probablywon’tfindoneinOshkosh,or
anywherewithinaboutahalf-hourdrive. Maybenotevenanhour.Buttakealookat amap,andcheckoutsomeothercitiesand townsthatarefairlycloseby.Evensome prettysmalltownshavedecentmotels.
Next,multiplecollegesinthearea makedormitoriesavailable,from Oshkoshtosurroundingareaslike Menasha,FondduLac,andRipon. You’llalsofindsomegreatchoiceson siteslikeAirbnbandVrbo.Alotoflocals (the“crazyones”whodon’tloveairplanes)headoutoftownfortheweek andrentouttheirhouses.
GettingAround
Thereareaseriesoftramsandbuses thatrunonspecificroutesthroughoutthe daytogetyouwhereyouneedtogo. They’refree,andthedriversarefriendly –everybody’sfriendlyatOshkosh.
LearnSomethingNew
Whenyouwalkaroundthesouthend ofHomebuilts,you’llseeabunchofsemiopenbuildingswithgreenroofs.Someof theseareusedforforums,someforworkshops,butthey’reallgoingtoteachyou something.Therearepresentationson everythingfromaviationhistoryandthelatestinnovationstohands-onskillslikeweldingorworkingwithfabric,wood,sheet metal,orcomposites.And,ofthisisfree. Checktheschedulefortheonesyou’re interestedin,addthemtoyouritineraryin theapp,andconsideritpartoftheplan. Learnmoreaboutworkshopsandforumsat https://www.eaa.org/airventure/featuresand-attractions/workshops-and-presentations.
TheGreatestShow (AboveThe)Earth
Oneofthebestpartsofeachdayis theafternoonairshow,followedon WednesdayandSaturdaybythenightair show.Theseshowsarespectacular,highlightingclassicwarbirds,today’sfrontlinemilitaryhardware,andsomeofthe bestaerobaticperformersoutthere.Not tomentiontheoccasionalsurprisevisitor.
Thenightshowsfeaturestunning performancesbyairplanesbristlingwith lightsandriggedwithpyrotechnics.They arefollowedbythebestfireworksshow you’veeverseen.Bringachairanda blanket,butdon’tworryabouttryingto fightforspace.Theshowlinerunsabout amileandahalfnorthandsouth,and
thereisn’tabadseatinthehouse.Plus, unattendedchairsandthingscanbe removedifvolunteersthinkthey’rea safetyhazard.
GettingofftheGround
Ifyou’relookingforaunique flightexperiencesthatyouwon’tfind anywhereelse,AirVentureOshkosh hasyoucovered.
Bell47: Oneoftheearliesthelicoptersputintoproduction,theBell 47,issynonymouswiththeKorean WarandtheTVshowM*A*S*H.For $65,youcanpurchaseaflightina Bell47thatwillgiveyouanaerial touroftheAirVenturegrounds –a vantagepointyou’llneverforget.
FordTri-Motor: TheRoaring ’20scometolifewhenyoustepinside aFordTri-Motor.Asthefirstluxury airliner,theTri-Motorplayedavital roleintheprogressionofcommercial aviationintheearlystagesofthe industry.For$85($95fornon-members),youcantakearideinthis importantpieceofaviationhistory.
B-25Mitchell: Mostfamousfor itsroleintheDoolittleRaid,theB-25 wasoneofthestalwartmedium bombersoftheU.S.ArmyAirForces duringWorldWarII.For$425($475 fornonmembers),takeaflightin EAA’sB-25 BerlinExpress andexperiencethesights,sounds,andsmells thataB-25crewmanmighthavefelt inthe1940s.
Inadditiontotheseaircraft opportunities,theYankeeAir Museumwillbeofferingridesinthe B-17 YankeeLady
Onnightswithoutafullairshow, youcanheaddowntotheUltralightsarea forTwilightFlightFestandseeSTOL demos,poweredparachutes,paragliders, andsomeabsolutelyinsane3DRCflying Shopping Therearelotsofplacesaroundthe
AirVenture2023
EAAAIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2023NOTICE INCLUDES
IMPORTANT PROCEDURE UPDATES
ThereareseveralimportantFAAapprovedchangesintheEAAAirVenture Oshkosh2023Notice(commonly referredtoastheOshkoshNOTAM),featuringarrivalanddepartureprocedures forEAA’s70thfly-inconventiononJuly 24-30atWittmanRegionalAirportin Oshkosh.Thesechangesarebasedon pilotfeedbackandFAAreviewofarrival procedurerecommendations.
Thedocumentisineffectfromnoon CDTonThursday,July20,untilnoon CDTonMonday,July31,andoutlines proceduresforthemanytypesofaircraft thatflytoOshkoshfortheevent,aswellas aircraftthatlandatnearbyairports.The NoticewasdesignedbytheFAAtoassist pilotsintheirEAAAirVentureflightplanning.ItisnowknownastheOshkosh NoticeinsteadofaNOTAMbecauseofa changedFAAinternalprocedure.
Someofthe2023changesinclude:
•AchangeintheAirVentureultralight patternatWittmanRegionalAirport.
•GuidanceregardingOshkoshaircraft parkingareas,includingNorth40/South 40designation.
•EliminationoftheFondduLac diversionprocedure.
•Thestarttimeofthedailyairshows hasbeenchangedfrom2:30to2:15p.m. CDT.
•TheNoticeanditsproceduresare effectivethroughnoonCDTonMonday, July31.
TheATC-assignabletransitionpoints approachingOshkoshfromthewestthat willeaseholdingandcongestionwill againbeineffectin2023.Thesepointsare atEndeavorBridge,PuckawayLake,and GreenLake.Theywillbeannouncedon thearrivalATISwhenATCactivatesthem attimesofhighesttrafficflows.
“Themostessentialinformationfor anypilotflyingtoOshkoshinvolves readingandthoroughlyunderstanding the2023AirVentureNoticetoensuresafe operationsonarrivalanddeparture,”said
SeanElliott,EAA’svicepresidentof advocacyandsafety.“ThisFAANotice documentstatestheofficialrequirements andexpectationsforpilots.Wealsourge allpilotstologappropriatecross-country timepriortotheirtriptoOshkoshsothey havetheproficiencyandconfidenceto flysafely.”EAAisalsohostingawebinar onJune14at7p.m.regardingflyingto AirVenture2023andchangesinthis year’sNotice.Pilotsareencouragedto participatetobuildtheirknowledgeprior totheirflightstoOshkosh.
Pilotscandownloadadigitalversion oftheNoticeatEAA.org/NOTAM,or orderafreeprintedcopyviathatwebsite orbycallingEAAMembershipServices at800-564-6322.
FlyingintoAirVenture…readtheOshkoshNotice,whichisnolongercalleda NOTAMduetoanFAAinternalprocedure.PilotscandownloadtheOshkoshNotice atEAA.org/NOTAM(thewebsitetitlecontinuestouse“NOTAM”).(CourtesyEAA)
CrackingtheCode:AnInsider'sGuide
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groundswhereyoucanbuycoolstuff.You cangetEAAmerchandiseandmany exhibitorshaveretaildisplayswhereyou cangeteverythingfromavionicstoartwork.Youcanfindallkindsofaircraft parts,tools,andhardwareattheAeromart, andeverythingfromdie-castmodelsand memorabiliatosheetsandlawnornaments attheFlyMarket.Bothofthesearejust southeastofthemaingate.
Ifyou’relookingforanairplane,watch for“forsale”signsinthecockpits,andcheck outthehugebulletinboardsontheeastside oftheEAAWearhouse.Protip:Ifyoucan tearyourselfawayfromtheafternoonair showoneday,thatcanbeagreattimetogo shoppingorjustcheckouttheexhibits.
FeedingTime
PutyourNewYear’sresolutionson pause(ifyouhaven’talready)because theoneplaceyouwon’tgoduring AirVentureishungry.Thatdoesn’tmean youcan’teathealthy–thereareeven vegetarianandveganoptionsoutthere–buttherearealotoftemptingchoices.
WhatToDoAfterDinner
Ifyou’renotwatchinganightair showortheTwilightFlightFest,youcan headtotheTheaterintheWoodswhere you’llfindfascinatingguestseachnightto talkaboutaviation,spacehistory,andinnovation.You’llhearfromcombatpilots,aircraftdesigners,astronauts,andmore.
Moviebuffscangrabablanketora chairandenjoyanaviationmovieunder thestarsatourFly-InTheater.Eachmovie isintroducedwithashortpresentationfeaturingapilot,historian,orfilmmaker. Then,asthesunsets,youwatchthenight’s film,digitallyprojectedontoan80-foot screenwithastate-of-the-artsoundsystem.
There’snochargetogetintoeither venue–andeventhepopcorn’sfreeat theFly-InTheater!
MakingMemories
EveryAirVentureismemorable, especiallyyourfirstone.Taketimeto enjoywithaplaninhand.Talktoeveryone,smileandtakelotsofphotographs,try tolearnsomethingnewortakearide,ona tramorinthesky,andenjoyeveryminute!
AOPA’SAIR SAFETY INSTITUTE
RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS:BLACK HOLE DEPARTURE VIDEO –VENICE,FLORIDA
TheAircraftOwnersandPilots AssociationAirSafetyInstitute(ASI) releasedanewvideofromitsEarly Analysisseriesprovidinganinitialexaminationofarecentaccident.
OnApril5,2023,aPiperPA-32R300CherokeeLancedescendedintothe GulfofMexicoduringtheinitialclimb aftertakeofffromRunway23atVenice MunicipalAirportinVenice,Florida. Sadly,allfourpeopleonboardtheairplaneperishedintheaccident.
Earlierthatday,thePiperLancehad flownfromAlbertWhittedAirportinSt. Petersburg,Florida,toVeniceMunicipal Airport.Theaccidentoccurredduringthe returnflightatnighttoSt.Petersburg. TheweatherwasVFRwith10milesvisibility,calmwinds,andaclearsky.
“InEarlyAnalysis:BlackHole Departure–Venice,Florida,theAOPA AirSafetyInstitutewantstohelppilots understandwhatisknownabouttheaccidentaswelookatfactorsthatarelikely tobeasubjectoftheinvestigationbythe NationalTransportationSafetyBoard,” saidAOPA’sASISeniorVicePresident RichardMcSpadden.
McSpaddencontinued,“TheNTSB issuedapreliminaryreportthatoffersus achancetotakealookatwhatarecalled ‘blackhole’departures.Accordingtothe report,theairplanetookoffoverdark
FAAInvests
ContinuedfromPage34
https://www.faa.gov/aviation-safety-callto-action.
FollowingtheSafetySummit,in April,U.S.TransportationSecretaryPete Buttigiegwentonanairportsafetytourto highlightairportprojectsinNorth Carolina,Arkansas,TexasandOklahoma thatreceivedfederalfundingtoimprove airfieldsafety.
TheFAAhasintroducedseveralrunwaysafetytechnologiestoprovidepilotsand controllersincreasedsituationalawareness.
•RunwayStatusLights:Thein-pavementlightsalertpilotsthatenteringarunwayisunsafeduetoothertrafficonor approachingtherunway.
•AirportSurfaceDetection Equipment,ModelX(ASDE-X):Asur-
AOPA’sAirSafetyInstitute(ASI) releasedanewvideofromitsEarly Analysisseriesprovidinganinitial examinationofarecentaccident.
(CourtesyAOPA)
waterwithnodiscernablehorizon,then beganashallowclimbandarightturn.”
“Itseemspossiblethatthisisaclassicspatialdisorientationaccidentdueto somatogravicillusion,triggeredbyacceleratinginsituationswithoutgoodvisual references,”McSpaddenconcluded.
EarlyAnalysisvideosprovidean initialassessmentofprominentmishaps thatgeneratelargepublicinterestand mayindicateimportantsafetylessonsfor thegeneralaviationcommunity.
Viewthevideoathttps://www. aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/N635BD
ViewotherEarlyAnalysisvideosat https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis
LearnmoreatAOPA’swebsite, www.aopa.org.
veillancesystemusingradar,multi-laterationandsatellitetechnologythatallows airtrafficcontrollerstotracksurface movementofaircraftandvehicles.Itor itssistersystem,AirportSurface SurveillanceCapability,islocatedatthe country’s43largestairports.
•ASDE-XTaxiwayArrivalPrediction: Predictswhenapilotlinesuptolandon ataxiwayandprovidesavisualandaudiblealerttocontrollers.
ReadmoreaboutFAArunwaysafetytechnologyathttps://www.faa.gov /newsroom/runway-safety-fact-sheet.
ThefundingannouncedonMay22 comesfromseveralsourcesincludingthe FAA’sAirportImprovementProgramor theBipartisanInfrastructureLaw.Learn moreatfaa.gov.
It has been said that the only voluntary act in aviation is the decision to take-off. Every action after take-off involves the skillful management of risk, the enjoyment of flight and a continuous stream of decisions that result in a safe landing.
In 1974, NASA created the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to allow aviation professionals to share experiences in a frank, non-punitive manner. The ASRS structure allows pilots and other aviation professionals to file an anonymous report of an incident, error or occurrence that the contributor feels might be of value to others. These reports are gathered, analyzed and data based by NASA experts and made available to all interested parties as a tool for creating proactive aviation safety programs. Additionally, NASA distributes an electronic publication, CALLBACK, which contains selected, de-identified, reports on a free subscription basis. In Flight USA is proud to reprint selected reports, exerpted from CALLBACK, for our readers to read, study, occasionally laugh at, and always learn from. Visit http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/ to learn how you can participate in the ASRS program.
THE MERITSOF MAINTENANCE TRAINING
Thorough and comprehensive training is a crucial prerequisite, much like aptitude, ingenuity, skills, dedication, discipline, and drive, that Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) must have in order to master their craft. Its import and impact on dayto-day flight operations are unequivocal and can range from routine and unnoticed to profound.
Many aircraft today are labyrinths of connectivity. Aircraft systems are complex, and a failure in any one system may elicit complicated results across multiple dependent systems. Maintenance manuals and procedures are detailed by necessity, and yet, may occasionally lack clarity. From nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip, AMTs are charged with the solemn responsibility of ensuring that aircraft are airworthy. For the AMT, every day presents on-the-job training opportunities, adds experience to the toolkit, and hones the maintainer toward razor-sharp acumen.
This issue of CallBack showcases reported incidents that may have been prevented had specific maintenance training been implemented or improved. Notice the far-reaching effects and potential impact of errors and missteps, and discover the reporter-suggested, or implied, maintenance training solutions intended to mitigate specific risks.
Barely Out of Sight
A Lead Technician and Inspector shares some preventive training measures designed to mitigate a concealed installation problem that was not immediately discovered.
• [This incident] occurred during [a] regular overnight maintenance shift. [Work included] the replacement of a left angle of attack (AOA) sensor. During replacement of a panel associated with
this sensor in the pressurized part of the aircraft, improper fasteners with an excessive grip length were used by someone under my supervision, which I failed to notice due to performing other maintenance tasks in the hangar. Excessive grip length caused the screws to bottom out against their nut plates and record sufficient torque for installation before the panel was completely in place. My postinstallation inspection of the work did not catch the improper installation, which was not visible once the panel was installed and sealed. This problem was discovered when mechanics pressurized the aircraft for other maintenance and felt a leak from the AOA panel as they passed by. They installed a new AOA sensor and noticed that the screws had an incorrect grip length, so they replaced the attaching hardware to correct the problem. The causes of the event include a lack of knowledge about fasteners by an employee with about 7 months of experience, my failure to train this employee on types of fasteners, and a lack of good, standard procedures for verifying the correct fastener. This incident will result in everyone with limited experience getting a lecture and demonstration of different fasteners used on our aircraft.… Procedures will be updated to require everyone to compare old fasteners with new ones for each installation. In the event of any doubt about whether the correct fasteners are available, Technicians are to consult a Crew Lead.
Foiling Fatigue and Inexperience
This General Aviation Eurocopter AS350 Technician was able to diagnose a complex problem, but required training on specific Company policies and logbook procedures.
• I received a call from the night pilot around XA:00 AM reporting that a Main
Gear Box (MGB) chip light came on during flight and the pilot performed a precautionary landing in a grass field. I arrived on the scene around XA:45 AM. To my knowledge, the manager and my Maintenance Lead were informed at the time of the incident. I reviewed the logbook for a discrepant entry, but there was not one written for the current fault. I opened my laptop and setup my phone as a hotspot for internet. The service in the location was not the best, but eventually I was able to see the workbook. This is the first MGB chip light incident I have had. The fault found was that the lower electrical chip detector of MGB had a singular magnetic scale that was less than the prescribed limits. I had the pilot perform a ground run to make sure the chip detector would remain off. I told the pilot that I felt the issue was resolved and that he may return to base. Due to my lack of sleep and awareness, I did not inform [Maintenance Control] (MC) of the event, nor was the aircraft placed out of service, and the logbook did not have the proper entries. I feel that [due to] my lack of experience with chip lights, my awareness was lacking at the time of the event, [as was] following up with MC to ensure the work performed was recorded. I would need additional training on…Company policies and procedures,…ensuring that the proper entries in the logbook are created before starting maintenance…and having the aircraft properly removed from service through our MC.
Two Out of Three
An air carrier Aviation Maintenance Technician made a simple error that resulted in a serious consequence. While noting several distractions, the given analysis identifies some needed training for a newly instituted Company work card.
• The [MD11] aircraft came in with a
requirement to accomplish a known fuel quantity [procedure], due to the fact that the No. 2 Fuel Tank Quantity [Indicator] was [inoperative and deferred per the] MEL. Upon aircraft arrival, I walked into the cockpit to commence the procedure. This is my very first time performing this procedure with the new [Company] work card.… The [outbound] flight required 78,500 pounds. Block-in fuel was 24,900 pounds calculated by the crew and noted in the maintenance release. I…miscalculated the fuel and added a total 6,939 gallons/45,100 pounds using a density of 6.5 [pounds per gallon]. The first error was the No. 2 Tank block-in fuel quantity. I noted 9,100 pounds on the fuel service form, and it was actually 6,700. Total [outbound] fuel after fueling was [completed] was 70,000 pounds, which was short of the 78,500 [pounds] required. The No. 2 Engine flamed out, and the crew diverted to ZZZ1. The aircraft landed without incident.… Fuel quantity in the No. 2 Tank was determined to be at zero upon arrival into ZZZ1, thus the No. 2 Engine flamed out.
The following factors contributed. I was overwhelmed by the new fueling job. It was my very first time using it, as it became effective [recently]. Besides a maintenance alert notice, no type of training was provided in understanding and/or using the work card. I would suggest training in using this new job card. Two fuel trucks were dispatched, which added to the work load. The weather at the time was very poor, [bringing] heavy rains and winds. The outbound flight crew was also onboard the aircraft, which was a distraction. In dealing with the distractions and trying to meet the departure time, I made the unintentional mistake of under fueling the aircraft. I suggest that the flight crew [not be] allowed in the flight deck until this procedure is completed.
EBACE 2023
NEW AIRCRAFT, SUSTAINABILITYAND INNOVATION C APTURE IMAGINATIONSAT EBACE2023
Game-changing technologies, the debut of all-new aircraft, groundbreaking solutions for sustainable flight and exciting market opportunities were all center stage for one of the most consequential editions of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) to date. Set in Geneva, Switzerland, May 23-25, the event is co-hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) of Washington, D.C. and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) based in Belgium.
“At EBACE, we saw how business aviation is reinventing the very technology of flight to take on new missions, serve new customers and connect the world sustainably,” said EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese. “For decades, our industry has pioneered breakthroughs to fly not only further but more efficiently, and at EBACE, we accelerated our incredible pace of innovation.”
With a drumbeat of announcements from aircraft manufacturers, the show featured the unveiling of Textron Aviation’s new Cessna Citation Ascend, and the EBACE debut of Airbus Corporate Jets’ ACJ TwoTwenty, Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream’s G800 aircraft.
“We saw amazing new aircraft announced and debuted, designed to meet the needs of an evolving global business marketplace,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We had a first-hand look at the fuels, propulsion systems and technologies that will lead to net-zero flight. We were inspired by the trailblazers in our industry who are championing teamwork and inclusion. EBACE showed us all that is possible today, and how our shared vision will shape tomorrow.”
The show opened with a blockbuster keynote with Formula One powerhouse duo Toto and Susie Wolff. The global superstars in racing, business and philanthropy wowed a standing-room only crowd with stories of leadership and continuous learning. The two extolled the shared aims of racing and business aviation, pointing to parallels for safety, sustainability, technical excellence, diversity and high performance.
EBACE2023 featured a full and bustling exhibit floor, a sold-out aircraft display, and packed sessions on the show floor, including in the new sustainability theater. Held at the Palexpo convention
center and adjacent Geneva Airport (GVA), the annual event – the largest of its kind in Europe – was co-hosted by NBAA and EBAA, bringing both U.S. and European perspectives regarding general aviation, including business aviation, to the floor.
Throughout the week, EBACE2023 reflected a spirit of optimism and opportunity:
•In a first-of-its-kind panel on the show’s media day, CEOs from the top aircraft manufacturers shared their investments in low-emissions technologies and united goal of decarbonizing business aviation.
•In a top-billed session, Patrick Ky,
the executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Michael Huerta, the former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator who serves on the boards of Joby and Delta Air Lines, talked with advanced air mobility (AAM) developers. With leaders promising certification and the first commercial flights by 2024 – and several AAM aircraft displayed on the show floor – EBACE affirmed the new mode of air transport will soon become a reality.
•EBACE2023 promoted the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with a sold-out supply of SAF at GVA for the show week, availability of
the fuel at select U.S. airports with EBACE-bound flights, and an EBACE book-and-claim option at a U.S. airport where the fuel is not present.
• Carbon emissions from all attendee travel to and from the show, and from the 22 hotels and the shuttle buses used for EBACE were offset by carbon credits provided through a partnership with 4AIR. A record number of exhibitors signed the EBACE Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge, making this year’s convention perhaps the most sustainable ever.
•The Tuesday keynote session also included SolarStratos CEO Raphaël Domjan, the visionary pilot whose solarpowered aircraft, capable of flights into the stratosphere, could reshape the very definition of aviation.
• A newsmakers series brought together leaders from government, industry and philanthropy on transforming aviation’s most pressing challenges into its most promising opportunities. In one newsmakers session on sustainable propulsion, engineers reported on testing hybrid-electric and 100 percent SAF-powered aircraft – nearly ready for commercialization.
•EBACE’s three-day Sustainability Summit convened experts to detail the many ways entrepreneurs and companies are making the sector ever-more sustainable on the ground and in the air.
• This year’s EBACE2023 Career Day, with dozens of students in attendance, kicked off with Mack Rutherford, the youngest person to fly solo around the world. After Rutherford discussed his advice for reaching ever-higher altitudes in life, the students were provided with peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and a tour of the EBACE exhibit floor and aircraft display.
This year’s EBACE was dedicated to the memory and legacy of Athar Husain Khan, the Secretary-General of EBAA, lost this year, whose passion for business aviation and belief in human connection undergirded the entire show.
See all the multimedia EBACE coverage, including news stories, photo galleries, EBACE TV video coverage and more at ebace.aero. Join the conversation on social media with the event hashtag #EBACE2023, where aviation influencer Uptin Saiidi shared highlights from the show.
EBACE will return to Palexpo and Geneva Airport next year from May 2830, 2024.
INITIAL AAM CERTIFICATIONS REMAINON TRACKFOR 2025
A 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2023) Sustainability Summit session on May 24 took a candid look at a key question surrounding the advanced air mobility (AAM) segment: are we just two years from certification of such vehicles for public use? The answer may surprise you.
“We are fully on track for a type certification before the end of 2025 in Europe,” said Daniel Wiegand, cofounder and chief engineer for innovation and future programs at Lilium, which has been test flying its four-five passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft since 2019.
VoltAero, developers of the Cassio 330 hybrid-electric, fixed-wing aircraft, launched its certification program in October 2021 and recently broke ground on its final assembly line. “We’ve worked with local French authorities since 2015,” added Jean Botti, company CEO and chief technical officer. “This background helps us to work with our dedicated team at EASA (the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency) to develop this [aircraft.]”
Moreover, these certified AAM will be usable vehicles. Mark Henning, managing director for AutoFlight, noted the company recently set a world record flying its full-scale prototype a distance of 250 km (155 miles.) “It was important to show to the world out there that eVTOL isn’t science fiction anymore,” he said.
While the technical challenges appear solvable, the regulatory environment remains uncertain. EASA has already published comprehensive guidance for AAM certification, but the FAA has yet to match with its own requirements.
Nevertheless, Jia Xu, chief technology officer for Honeywell AAM, noted encouraging results from the company’s inaugural air mobility regulations and policy summit last year in Washington, DC. “Sure, there are gaps that we have to work on,” he said. “When you look at across the board at what has been done, there’s been a lot of progress.”
Batteries remain one notable regula-
tory sticking point, however. “There are fundamental differences (between EASA and FAA) regarding how to manage (thermal) runaway,” Botti noted. “That obliged us to create a team to advocate for similarities, but we’re not there yet. We are very far from it.”
Infrastructure development is another factor. While AAM may ultimately operate from dedicated vertiports, initial operations will likely focus on existing airports and heliports. “Six hundred helicopters operate every day in Sao Paulo (Brazil),” Henning said. “They already know how to do urban air mobility.”
There’s also the matter of pilot training. Wiegand noted Lilium partnered with Lufthansa three years ago on pilot training and recently signed an agreement with FlightSafety International for AAM simulators.
“I think it’s the job of the OEM to provide the infrastructure for pilot training, but we should not expect that there will be thousands of pilots on the first day,” he noted. “EASA has mandated a
commercial pilot license for eVTOL but they’re also working on simplified vehicle operations. Over time that will make it easier to train a large number of pilots.”
“We already have kernels of infrastructure, existing airspace procedures (and) visual flight rules onto which to start bootstrapping AAM operations,” Xu added. “That’s really the critical first step. We can scale from there.”
Learn more about AAM and EBACE at ebace.aero.
EBACE2023 PANEL: MORE TRANSPARENCY COULD HELP BUSINESS AVIATION DECARBONIZE
Business aviation has made progress toward its commitment to achieve netzero carbon emissions by 2050, according to a panel of five industry experts that convened on May 24 at the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2023). But much more still needs to be done, they said, to fight skepticism and doubt surrounding the road map to decarbonization.
The various strategies and solutions operators can choose from to reduce emissions can be confusing. They include book-and-claim, carbon offsets, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and others, which can all be utilized effectively under various circumstances in infinite combinations.
“The thing is, when I think, ‘Which basket of solutions should we use here?’ That’s not the right question. The question really should be: ‘What’s good for the particular operator?’” said Bruce Parry, senior adviser, industry affairs for Bombardier, who has an extensive background in environmental engineering.
Education and Verification
Curt Epstein, a senior editor at AIN Media Group, said the public needs better information about the differences and definitions of the various tools in the sustainability toolbox. “What’s also needed is transparency (about the various options and what they mean), explained in a way that the public understands, and is simple.
“People have got to understand that there’s a type of accounting for these things,” he added. “It’s not just some made up numbers. The money put into carbon offset programs is actually verified.”
4AIR, an aviation sustainability program, recently announced the launch of a global SAF registry aimed at tracing and documenting every gallon of fuel.
“There has to be an understanding of the feedstock for the blend and the location that the feedstock came from and where it’s being put,” said 4AIR COO Nancy Bsales, whose career includes more than 15 years as a strategist in voluntary markets for sustainability, includ-
ing carbon offsets and carbon accounting.
But high prices are forcing many operators to delay purchasing SAF for now to buy less expensive carbon offsets instead.
Another way operators effectively increase sustainability is by finding internal efficiencies in their own operations that can add up to significant reductions in carbon emissions.
“We’ve found that a good investment today is simply training with flight planning software,” said Patrick Müry, a sustainability officer and Falcon 2000LXS first officer at Zurich-based CAT Aviation. “Sometimes you can find a more efficient route that saves 1,000 pounds of fuel for one route as well.”
The moderator of the discussion, Marylin Bastin, head of aviation sustainability at Eurocontrol, agreed that fuelsaving routes could also help the industry get to net zero. “We need airlines to share some data in such a way that we are able to know what are the most optimized trajectories,” she said.
Although operators may have differ-
More needs to be done to fight skepticism and doubt surrounding the road map to decarbonization, according to a panel at EBACE2023. Moderator: Marylin Bastin, Panelists: Nancy Bsales, Curt Epstein, Patrick Müry, Bruce Parry. (Courtesy EBACE)
ent ways of improving their sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, they’re all aiming for the same overall goal.
“I’m a big believer that business aviation will be the first industry to be truly net zero,” said Bsales. “We have the innovation, and we are the people who want to move this forward.”
More information is available at ebace.aero.
AIRCRAFT SPRUCE OPENS NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTERIN PENNSYLVANIA
AircraftSpruce&SpecialtyCo,a leadingpartsdistributortothegeneral aviationindustry,hasopeneda35,000square-footdistributioncenterin Middletown,PA.
Thisnewfacilityreplacestheonein HarrisburgthatAircraftSpruceandAero Performancehaveoperatedsince2014.
“Theadditionalspacethisnewdistributioncenterprovideswillenableusto continuetoincreaseourinventorytoprovideoptimumservicetoourcustomers throughouttheNortheaststates.Our teaminHarrisburgisexcitedaboutthe movetothestate-of-the-artfacilityin Middletown,whichwillfacilitateefficientprocessingofhundredsoforders eachdayforsamedayshipment.The storeisalsoavailablefororderpickupby
AircraftSpruce&SpecialtyCompany hasopeneda35,000-square-footdistributioncenterinMiddletown,PA.
(CourtesyAircraftSpruce)
localcustomers,”saidJimIrwin, President.
Formoreinformationcontact AircraftSpruceat1-877-4SPRUCEor visittheirwebsiteatwww.aircraft spruce.com.
AOPA’SAIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS: BANNER TOW ACCIDENT VIDEO
TheAircraftOwnersandPilots AssociationAirSafetyInstitute(ASI) releasedanewvideofromitsEarly Analysisseriesprovidinganinitialexaminationofarecentaccident.
OnMay17,aPiperPA-25Pawnee towingabillboardbannercrashedover Hollywood,Florida.Sadly,thepilot–the soleoccupantonboardtheairplane–perishedintheaccident.Nooneonthe groundwashurt.
Thepilotpickedupthebannerfrom NorthPerryAirportandwasheadedtofly italongthebeachneartheMiamicoast. Butsomethingwentwrongasthe Pawneewasenroute.
“InEarlyAnalysis:BannerTow Accident–Hollywood,Florida,the AOPAAirSafetyInstitutewantstohelp pilotsunderstandwhatisknownabout theaccidentaswelookatfactorsthatare likelytobeasubjectoftheinvestigation bytheNationalTransportationSafety Board,”saidAOPA’sASISeniorVice PresidentRichardMcSpadden.
McSpaddencontinued,“Thepilot hadrecentlybeencheckedouttotow
bannersand,accordingtomediareports, thiswasoneofhisfirsttows.Itappears thattheairplanenevergotabove700to 800feetwhenthepilotreportedaproblemtothetowersayingthathehadto dropthebanner.
“Itlookslikethepilotattemptedto findaclearopeningonthegroundsohe wouldn’thurtpeopleafterhedroppedthe banner.Unfortunately,justafterthebanner’srelease,theaircraftenteredaspin. TheNTSBhopefullycanshedsomelight onwhytheaircraftwasnotperforming likethepilotwasexpecting,”McSpadden concluded.
EarlyAnalysisvideosprovideaninitialassessmentofprominentmishapsthat generatelargepublicinterestandmay indicateimportantsafetylessonsforthe generalaviationcommunity.
Viewthevideoathttps://www.aopa .org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/N430AB
ViewotherEarlyAnalysisvideosat https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis
Tolearnmore,visitwww.aopa.org.
JOBY AVIATIONTO DELIVER AIRCRAFTTO EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASEAS PARTOF DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE CONTRACT VALUEDUPTO $131MILLION
JobyAviation,Inc.,acompanydevelopingelectricverticaltake-offandlanding (eVTOL)aircraft,recentlyannouncedthe thirdextensionofitsAgilityPrimecontract withtheUnitedStatesAirForce.The$55 millioncontractextensionbringsthetotal potentialvalueofJoby’scurrentcontract withtheAirForceupto$131millionand underlinestheU.S.government’scontinued commitmenttoleadershipinthisnewsector.
Aspartoftheagreement,Jobywill deliverandoperateuptonineofitsfiveseat,low-noise,zerooperatingemissions aircraft,providingtheAirForceandother federalagencieswithfirsthandexperienceoftheperformanceofJoby’saircraft anditspotentialapplications.
Thefirsttwoaircraftareexpectedto bedeliveredtoEdwardsAirForceBase, California,byearly2024,andwillbeused todemonstratearangeofpotentiallogisticsusecases,includingcargoandpassengertransportation.Indoingso,theyare expectedtobecomethefirstelectricair taxistobestationedataU.S.militarybase.
Therecentlyannouncementcomes daysafterfourAirForcepilots,hostedby Jobyatitsmanufacturingfacilityin Marina,Calif.,becamethefirstAirForce personneltoflyaneVTOLassolepilotin-commandthroughthefullflightenvelope,includingtransitionfromverticalto wingborneflight.Theflights,whichwere pilotedremotelyfromtheground,came followingcompletionofclassroombasedandsimulatortrainingandarepart
oftheAirForce’scomprehensive approachtostudyingeVTOLaircraftand theirpotentialfuturerole.
“TheAgilityPrimeprogramisa remarkablysuccessfulexampleofhow public-privatepartnershipscandeliver trailblazingtechnologyatspeed,”said JoeBenBevirt,FounderandCEOof Joby.“We’regratefulforthesupportof theprogramandfortheU.S.government’swidercommitmenttogloballeadershipinthisimportantnewsector.
“Aswellasallowingustoexplore thewiderangeofpotentialusecases acrosstheU.S.government,ourdefense partnershavealsoprovideduswithhighimpactsupportasweprepareforcommercialoperationsin2025,”headded.
“ThisnextstepofgettingAirForce pilotstrainedandoperatingJobyaircraft atanAirForceinstallationisanincrediblyimportantmilestonefortheprogram, providingkeyinsightstoactualoperationsandusecasevalidationfor AdvancedAirMobilityaircraft,”saidLt. Col.TomMeagher,AFWERXPrime Lead.“Additionally,theJobyoperations provideanoutstandingopportunityfor acceleratedlearningwiththeother DepartmentofDefenseservicesandgovernmentagencies,includingNASAand theFAA.”
EdwardsAirForceBaseisthesecond largestbaseintheAirForceandhasbeen thesiteofhundredsofsignificantaviation “firsts.”It’swhereCapt.ChuckYeagerand
theBellX-1firstbrokethesoundbarrier onOct.14,1947,theX-15becamethefirst wingedaircrafttoflyMach4,5and6and thespaceshuttlefirstlandedonitsinitial returnfromearth’sorbit.
“We’rehonoredtocontinuethetraditionofacceleratingemergingaviation technologyaswebecomethefirstbaseto exerciseelectricairtaxisastheyare intendedtobeusedincommercialoperations,”saidLt.Col.AdamBrooks, EdwardsAirForceBase,Calif., EmergingTechnologiesCombinedTest Forcecommander.“Thisopportunitywill allowusfirst-handexperiencewith Joby’srevolutionaryaircraftaswepreparetotestthisnextgenerationof advancedairmobility,”headded.
Theannouncementisafurther demonstrationoftheU.S.government’s commitmenttoleadingthewayonthe adoptionofAdvancedAirMobility.In February,dozensofbipartisanMembers ofCongressjoinedtogethertoissuealettertotheDepartmentofTransportation, callingforstrongerU.S.leadershipin AAM,whileinMarch,theWhiteHouse signaleditssupportforAAMandclean aviation,identifyingthemastopprioritiesinitsNationalAeronauticsScience& TechnologyPrioritiesbrief.
Joby’spartnershipwiththe DepartmentofDefensebeganmorethan fiveyearsagoandprovidesthecompany withaccesstotestingfacilities,early operationalexperienceforgovernment
eVTOLaircraftinadvanceofremotely pilotedflights.(CourtesyJobyAviation)
customers,aswellasapartialoffsettoits researchanddevelopmentcosts.Since theAgilityPrimeprogramwasestablishedin2020,theArmy,Navy,AirForce andMarineCorpshaveallexpressed activeinterestinthecapabilitiesof eVTOLaircraft,withJobyannouncingin August2022thattheMarineCorps wouldparticipateingovernment-directed flighttestsandusecaseexploration, includingresupply,personneltransport, andemergencymedicalresponseapplications.
JobyAviation,Inc.isaCaliforniabasedtransportationcompanydevelopinganall-electric,verticaltake-offand landingaircraft,whichitintendstooperateaspartofafast,quiet,andconvenient serviceincitiesaroundtheworld.To learnmore,visitwww.jobyaviation.com.
MARK YOUR C ALENDAR:2023FAADRONE SYMPOSIUMAND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY SUMMIT
TheFederalAviationAdministration (FAA)andtheAssociationforUncrewed VehicleSystemsInternational(AUVSI) willco-hostthe8thAnnualFAADrone Symposiumandthefirst-everAdvanced AirMobilitySummitthissummer.
Thetwoevents,fromAug.1-3atthe BaltimoreConventionCenterin Maryland,willbringtogetherrepresentativesfromtheFAA,othergovernment agencies,internationalaviationexperts, industryleadersandacademia.Thepresentersandpanelistswilldiscussthelatestinformationandadvancementsrelated tothediverseusesofdronesandthesafe integrationofAdvancedAirMobility (AAM)aircraft,likeairtaxis,intothe NationalAirspaceSystem.
Thisyear’sDroneSymposium themeis“TimetoAccelerate.”Sessions
andworkshopswillfocusonhowthe FAAcontinuestosafelyintegratedrones whilecreatingaregulatoryframeworkto accelerateadvancedoperationssuchas beyondvisuallineofsightandUAS TrafficManagement(UTM).
Thefirst-everFAAAAMSummit themeis“LeveragingtheSkies.”Sessions andworkshopswillfocusonhowairtaxis andelectricverticaltake-off,andlanding (eVTOL)aircraftwillchangethefutureof aviation.FAApanelistsandspeakerswill highlighttheFAA’songoingworkto enablesafe,efficientandsecureoperations thatmeetthehighsafetystandardsthepublicexpectsanddeserves.
Toregisterandgetupdatesonevent programming,visit:
•AAMSummit: aamsummit.org/home
•DroneSymposium: faadronesymposium.org/home
FAAandtheAssociationforUncrewed VehicleSystemsInternational(AUVSI) willco-hostthe8thAnnualFAADrone SymposiumAug.1-3inMaryland.
(CourtesyFAA)
FAASeeksPublicInputonDroneOperations
TheFAAisseekingpublicinputonfourrequeststoconductbeyondvisuallineof-sight(BVLOS)droneoperationsatorbelow400feet.Ifgranted,PhoenixAir Unmanned,uAvionix,Zipline,andUPSFlightForwardwillcontinuetoexpandthe envelopeofFAA-approvedBVLOSdroneoperations.Datacollectedfromthese operationswillinformtheFAA’songoingpolicyandrulemakingactivities.
The20-daypubliccommentperiodopenedonMay25,2023.Findthecomment pageathttps://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-11024/uas-beyondvisual-line-of-sight-operations.
TheFAAanticipatesmakingadecisionlaterthissummer.
OODIES AND AND
ADGETS
Oneofthetrulygreatthingsaboutbeinganaviationbuffisthenumberof“GoodiesandGadgets”availabletoplay with.Here InFlightUSA hascollectedafewnewonesworthyofyourconsideration.
AircraftSpruce&SpecialtyCo.hasbeenthesupplierthataircraftbuilders,owners,pilots,andaviationbusinesseshavedependedonsince1965.Theycarryawide selectionofaircraftparts,buildingmaterials,avionics,andpilotsupplies,allofwhichareofferedontheirwebsite(www.aircraftspruce.com)andinthefamousAircraftSprucecatalog,nowover1,000-pagesavailablefordownloadorforfreeinprint.YoucandependonAircraftSpruceforpromptshippingandcompetitivepricingonallorders.
Bignewsandgoodnews:Aircraft Sprucerecentlyopenedanew
35,000-square-footdistribution centerinMiddletown,Pa.Theadditional spacewillenableAircraftSprucetocontinuetoincreasetheirinventorytoprovide optimumservicetocustomersthroughout theNortheaststates.Theirteamin Harrisburgisexcitedaboutrelocatingto thestate-of-the-artfacilityinMiddletown, whichwillfacilitateefficientprocessingof hundredsoforderseachdayforsameday shipment.And,there’sfreeshippingon ordersover$350.Thenewfacilityreaches themajormetroareasofNewYork, Philadelphia,Newark,Pittsburgh,Cleveland,Baltimore,andWashingtonD.C.withinonebusinessdayviaUPSGround.
CustomersintheHarrisburgmetro areaarealsoinvitedtovisitandpickup ordersatthenewMiddletownretailstore. AircraftSprucesays,“stopbyandmeet ourfriendlysalesstaff.”FindAircraft Spruce–Northeastat1431Stoneridge Drive,Middletown,PA17057.
ForotherlocationsacrosstheU.S. andCanada,visittheAircraftSpruce website,aircraftspruce.com,orcalltoll free877-477-7823.Ofcourse,allorders canbehandledonlineorbytelephone.
Evenmoregoodnews:Aircraft SpruceisnowanauthorizedAvidynedistributor.AvidynedesignsandmanufacturesintegratedGPSandVHFnavigation andcommunicationssystems,ADS-BIn andOuttransponders,activetrafficsystemsanddigitalflightcontrol.Seetheir productsonlineataircraftspruce.com.
Meanwhile,timeto“spruce”upfor summer.Herearesomeideas…
RoyalRapidCureSealantWS
WS-8020B2
8020B2Black
fromRoyalSealants &Adhesivesisa high-temperature fuelresistantsealant intendedforuseon integralfueltanks withexcellentresistancetootherfluidssuchaswater, alcohols,syntheticoilsandpetroleumbasedhydraulicfluids.
Itcomesin2ounces($21.50),3.5 ounces($26.65),pint($50.95)orquart
($89)pasteconsistencyunits.
EZLockPerformance AnchorKit
Aversatilesolutionforyouraircraft retentionneeds,theset includesthree10-foot adjustableEZ-Locktie-down straps,steelcarabiners, heavy-dutysteelspiralstakes, andahigh-visibilitybag.
Eachkitsellsfor $79.80.
AvidyneIFD440Navigator–Slide-InReplacementForGNS Aircraft
Avidyne’s IFD440provides aplug-n-play touchscreen FMS/GPS/NAV /COMupgradeforGNS-equippedaircraft. Easytouse,easytoinstall,theIFD440 featuresallthepowerandcapabilitiesofa next-generationpanelmountednavigator, whileutilizingthesametrayandconnectorsasyourGNS430.
Compactandpowerful,theIFD440is anexcellentchoiceforgeneralaviation andhelicopterswithAvidyne’seasy-to-use touchscreeninterfaceandknobsandbuttonswhenflyingthroughturbulence.This next-generationpanel-mountednavigator alsomakesflightplanningandin-flight changeseveneasierbecausetheincluded WiFi/BluetoothcapabilitiesworkseamlesslywithyouriPad.You’llhavebigglass capabilitiesforafractionofthecost.
Selectformtheslide-inunit ($13,995)orthenewinstallunitwithtray ($14,439).
AvidyneIFD540Navigator–Slide-InReplacementForGNS Aircraft
Avidyne’sIFD Seriesofnavigators featurethemost intuitiveFlight ManagementSysteminaneasy-to-use,yetpowerfuldesign. TheIFD540iseverythingapilotcouldwant inanFMS/GPS/COMNavigator.It’sawardwinningPage&Tabuserinterfaceeliminatesnestedmenus,allowingyoutogoto anypageintwoclicksorless.Itsinnovative
HybridTouchallowspilotstoperformvirtuallyallfunctionsusingitsknobsandbuttons, orviatheversatiletouchscreeninterface–givingyouthechoicebasedonuserpreference.TheIFD540hasFMSPreviewthatlets youeasilycreate,uploadandreviewyour flightplansvisuallywithchangesshownon thescreenbeforeselectionplusin-flight changesareasnapbecauseofAvidyne’s patentedGeoFillpredictsyournextentry basedonyourlocation,notthesequencein thedatabase.
TheIFD540ampsupyoursituational awarenesswithexocentricSynthetic Visionwhichprovidesyouwithan enhanced“VFR-Like”viewofwhat’sin frontofyouraircraftdisplaying3Dterrain withhazardalerting,obstacles,andnearby traffic.Everythingyouneedtoseeona bright,easy-to-view5.7”touchscreen.
Theslide-inunitsellsfor$17,595 andthenewinstallunitwithtrayis $18,049.
AviationBatterySystems StartStickPortableGPU
StartStickhasdesignedanultra lightweight28VPortable/Stowable GroundPowerUnit(GPU)withabuiltinStandardGlobal3-Pinconnector.The StartStickportablepower unitispoweredwithhighpowerLi-Ion(“Nanophosphate”)cells.
Somefeaturesinclude fullyserviceablebattery pack,3to4enginestartsper charge,SmartLithiumtechnologyandittransmitsupto 28kilowattsofpower.
Selectform10Amphours($3,495), 15Amphours($4,449)or20Amphours ($5,495).
FlyboysPIVOTCase–iPad Mini6-BlackBody/BlackClip
Representing anewgeneration ofPIVOTcases,it incorporatescompellingnewfeatureswhilesupportingallkeyfeaturesoftheiPadMini(6thgen.).Withthe superiorqualityanddesignyou’vecome toexpectfromPIVOT,thePIVOTT21A providesindustry-leadingprotection
whilehelpingyouleverageyournew iPadtoitsmaximumpotentialathome, ontheroadorinyouraircraft.
LikeallPIVOTcasesbeforeit,the PIVOTT21Awillsecurelyconnectto anyexistingorfuturePIVOTmount usingthepatentedandexclusivePIVOT Click-Connectmountingsystem. Thiscasesellsfor$144.95.
FlyboysPIVOTClawMount Withincredible clampingpowerfrom theTough-ClawClamp, thePIVOTClawMount willnotloseitsgrip, ensuringthatyour deviceremainsexactly whereyoumountedit regardlessofflightconditions.
Thesmallclampworksonround, square,andodd-shapedrailsandbars rangingfrom0.625-inchesto1.5-inchesin diameter,andflatsurfacesrangingfrom0inchesto1.14-inchesinthickness.Itisalso availablewithanextendedarmforapplicationsthatrequirealittlemorereach.
Themediumclampworksonround, square,andodd-shapedrailsandbars rangingfrom1-inchto1.875-inchesin diameter,andflatsurfacesrangingfrom 0-inchesto1.6-inchesinthickness.
Highstrengthcompositeandstainless-steelhardwareensuresdurability andreliabilityinthemostdemanding environments.Theunitisidealforapplicationswherespaceisatapremium.
Caution:Alwaysensurefreedomof flightcontrolmovementbeforeattemptingtoflywithanymountattachedtothe aircraftyoke.
EachPIVOTclawmountsellsfor $59.95andcomesinsmall,smallclaw withextendedarmormediumclaw.
SummerandFallevents:
Summerwouldn’tbesummerwithoutEAAAirVentureandAircraftSpruce willbethere.FindthemattheOskhosh, Wisconsin,eventJuly23-30inHangarA, booths1022-1029.
AircraftSprucewillalsobeat AOPA’sAviationShowcaseinFrederick, Maryland,Sept.8-9,booth#36.Rounding outFall,findAircraftSpruceatNBAAin LasVegasOct.17-19andattheAG AviationExpoinPalmSpringsDec.4-7.
VOLTAERO SIGNSA MEMORANDUMOF UNDERSTANDINGWITHTHE SWISSBASED SKY2SHARE BUSINESS MOBILITY PROVIDER
15CassioElectric-HybridAircrafthavebeenOrdered
VoltAero’scustomerbaseforits Cassioaircraftfamilyhasfurtherexpandedwithapre-orderfor15ofitselectrichybridairplanesfromSky2Share,a Swiss-basedaviationcompanythatoffers fractionalownershipandisfocusedon radicallydecreasingtheCO2footprintof itsoperations.
Thiscommitmentbeginswiththe five-seatCassio330,whilealsoincorporatingtheflexibilityforSky2Shareto incorporatethesix-seatCassio480and 12-seatCassio600versions.
Thepre-orderwasannouncedon May23atEBACEinGeneva, Switzerland.Withthislatestagreement, VoltAerohasnowlinedupatotalof218 ordersandcommitmentsforitsCassio airplaneproductline.
“Cassioisperfectlytailoredfor Sky2Share’sambitiousgoalofproviding productiveandenvironmentallyconsciousmobilityservicesthatreducebusinessaviation’senvironmentalfootprint,” saidJeanBotti,VoltAero’sCEO&Chief TechnologyOfficer.
SelimFranko,Sky2ShareCofounderandthecompany’sCEO,added: “WeareimpressedwithVoltAero’s progressindevelopingtheCassioaircraft family’s“cleansheet”design,which offerstherightsolutionforoureconomically-viableandsocially-responsible servicesasatrulysustainablealternative totraditionalbusinessaviation.Weare thrilledthattheCassiofamilywillallow ustoradicallyreducetheenvironmental impactofouroperations.”
VoltAero’sairframeconfiguration forCassioisbasedonasleek,aerodynamically-optimizedfuselage,aforward fixedcanard,andanaft-setwingwith twinboomsthatsupportahigh-sethorizontaltail.
ByintegratingVoltAero’spatented electric-hybridpropulsionsystemintothe company’spurpose-designedairframe, theCassioaircraftfamilywilldeliveran orderofmagnitudehigherperformance ascomparedtothecurrentcompetition, andprovidesignificantlyloweroperationalcosts.
ProductionCassioairplaneswillbe builtinthreeversions,eachsharinga highdegreeofmodularityandcommonality.Thefamilywillprovideahighly capableandreliableproductlineforchar-
Thiscomputer-generatedimagedepicts VoltAero’sCassio330electric-hybrid aircraftforSwitzerland’sSky2Share. (CourtesyVoltAero)
tercompanies,regionalcommercial operatorsandprivateowners,aswellas inutility-categoryserviceforcargo, postaldelivery,andmedicalevacuation (Medevac)applications.
Firsttoenterservicewillbethe Cassio330,withfiveseatsandpowered bythe330-kilowattelectric-hybrid propulsionsystem.VoltAero’sfollow-on six-seatCassio480willhaveanelectrichybridpropulsionpowerof480kilowatts,whiletheCassio600issizedata 12-seatcapacitywithelectric-hybrid propulsionpowerof600kilowatts.
VoltAeroisheadquarteredatthe AérodromedeRoyan-MédisinsouthwestFrance,anditsCassioaircraftareto undergofinalassemblyinapurpose-built facilityattheRochefortCharenteMaritimeAirportinFrance’sNouvelleAquitaineregion.
VoltAeroistakingelectricaircraftto anentirelynewlevel.Benefittingfrom 80-plusyearsofcombinedpioneering expertise,VoltAeroisdevelopingatruly uniquegeneralaviationairplanefamily, Cassio,forsafe,quiet,efficientandecofriendlyflightinelectricandelectrichybridmodes.Learnmoreat www.voltaero.aero.
TheCassio1testbedaircraftisvalidatingtheCassiohybrid-electricpowertrain,de-riskingitforairworthinesscertificationandthesubsequentapplication onVoltAero’snew-productionairplanes. Cassioaircraftwillbeassembledina purpose-builtfacilityatRochefort AirportintheNouvelle-Aquitaineregion ofFrance.
Sky2Shareisabusiness-to-business operatorthatprovideson-demandflights forsmallandmediumenterprises.Thisis deliveredthroughauniquefractional ownershipmanagementprogram,allowingtoradicallyreducingtheenvironmentalimpactofbusinessaviation.
AIRCRAFTFORSALE
American Aircraft Sales, Livermore Airport, CA, americanaircraft.net, cell (510) 783-2711, (925) 449-5151. 3/13
From Trade-ins to Aircraft Management, financing and appraisals. T.J. Aircraft Sales, Novato, CA, (415) 8985151, tjair.com. 3/13
AirplanesUSA Aircraft Sales San Carlos, CA, Airport, (650) 394-7610, airplanesusa.com. 1/16
Quality aircraft since 1948.Volare Air, aTECNAMdealership,(940)800-8020, volareair.aero. 1/23
FlytheDiamond Star DA40 G1000 21stcenturytechnologyintrainingand cross-country aircraft. Mach 5 Aviation, Auburn, CA, (530) 889-2000, mach5aviation.com. 2/23
training.LakeHavasu Seaplanes, Lake Havasu City, AZ, lakehavasuseaplanes. com,(928)733-7122. 12/20
Recurrent pilot training and services.
L/D Aerospace, Grace Passmore, (916) 790-0501, idaerospace.com. 1/22
Fly for fun or career Discovery flights, pilot training, AOPA Distinguished Flight School & Cessna Pilot Center. Smith Aviation Napa, Napa County Airport, (707) 345-6526, mikesmithaviation.com.
4/22
MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS
XL Aviation - Aircraft Maintenance. Custom-tailored programs for all aircraft. Livermore, CA, (925) 961-6135, xlaviationtailwheel.com. 8/20
RESTORATIONS
Iconic Aircraft Restoration Repairs, refurbishments, parts fabricated, consulting at reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 379-9092. 8/21
Custom aircraft & high-quality composite parts. Aviation Composites, Sandersville,GA,(937)243-7303.1/22
FUEL
Fuel Cells Repair, overhaul or new. New tanks with 10-year warranty. Hartwig Aircraft Fuel Cell Repair, hartwigfuelcell.com. 2/09
Home of GAMIjectors® fuel injectors! STCsandPMAson over 300 different engine models! General Aviation Modifications, Ada, OK, (888) 3594264,(580)436-4833, gami.inc. 3/23
OXYGENSUPPLIES
Cannula or Mask? For aicraft service ceilingstoFL180&FL250.Ask"The Oxygen Lady," info@aviationoxygen. com 2/23
ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS
Apparel as unique as your journey
Discounts to members. AOPA Pilot Gear, aopapilotgear.com. 9/21
InPhones with pilot keypad. Convenience at one low price! Only $199/year. (650) 504-8549, (408) 234-0045. 10/21
The World's Best CREEPER, adjustableheights. aerocreeper.com. 4/22
Mountain Bike,Full-size, pilot-friendly, rugged. FLATBIKE, flatbike.com. 10/18
AVIATION RESOURCES
Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets. com, (702) 465-2027. 10/20
Make the most of your business aircraft ownership with our Management Services. Thoroughbred Aviation, thoroughbredaviation.com. 10/20
Wherever business takes you Navigate It. (575) 615-2091, vatit.com. 10/21
Scheduling Software that connects to your flight department. Simple, affordable. airplanemanager.com. 9/22
Specializing in aviation photography horizontalrain.com.
1/15
1978 Gulfstream AA5B Tiger,N15NB, s/n0974,3038 TT, 1154 SMOH. Dual nav/com,ADS-Bout, autopilot, DME, electric aileron trim, Stormscope, ADF. Canopy cover, based Palo Alto, CA, $80K. davidmeinhardt@sbcglobal.net, (650)494-7797. 23400:TFN
JETS
SmallMannedAerialRadar Target, Model1.Tinyjet aircraft, long-range tank. SMART-1, Tucson, AZ, (202) 2132400,smart-1.us. 5/21
SPORT/ULTRALIGHTS
RV12i5 Total performance perfected. Easytobuild,flyandown. Van's Aircraft www.vansaircraft.com. 11/18
HELICOPTORS&eVTOL
5Bell212s 1996-1991, current maintenance,one owner. Bell412,33017SN, 0engineOH.HudsonFlightLimited, (806)662-5823,or(971)241-8473.6/20
STOL
TheSTOLSuperBreezy with fully covered fuselage. Yakima Aerosport, (509) 453-3412, superbreezy.com. 5/23
EXPERIMENTAL
BD-10,factory-builtdemonstratorwith airplanesafetymods.Airframe465TT. $275Kcompletepkg. w/spares. Fuel Fresh, Phoenix, AZ, (480) 345-6677, fuelfresh@aol.com. 12/21
AIRCRAFTSALESAIDS
Aviation Sales & Marketing by ABCI Idealforastartuporsidehustleinthe aviation industry. (702) 987-1679 or aviationsalestraining.com/startup.1/21
FLIGHTINSTRUCTION
Sunshine Flyers Flight & tailwheel instruction, rentals, mountain flying, and aerobatics., Auburn, CA, (530) 820-3442, sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com. 3/20
Arizona Type Ratings
CE-500/CE-525 type ratings or recurrent. Insurance approved, staff examiner. arizonatyperatings.com, (602) 614-7994. 9309:TFN SeaplaneInstruction, ASESratings, amphibious flight reviews, re-current
4720:TFN
AVIATION SAFETY
SERVICES
Divorce-Paternity Cases Contact
Lawyers for Men's Rights, (213) 3848886, www.mensrightslawyers.com.
Offices of Stuart J. Faber. 4/10
Aero & Marine Tax Pros
FBOs
22801:TFN
Allpartsavailableto rebuild 1936RearwinSportster. In Northern California. ContactSueHarmuth at suewilldooo@ outlook.com.
Serving the GA Community since 1981.Wisconsin Aviation, Watertown MunicipalAirport,WI, (920) 261-4567, WisconsinAviat2ion.com.
3/13
Corona AirVentures.Lowfuel prices, amenities,tie-downs&hangars.Corona Municipal Airport, (951) 737-1300, CoronaAirVentures.com. 8/14
World's largest network of FBOswith over200locations offering consistent, exceptional service. Signature Flight Support, signatureflight.com. 4/23
AVIONICS
Innovative aviation safety solutions and Parachute Recovery Systems for a variety of aircraft, including for sport, UAVs, more. AviationSafetyResources.com. 2/22 Get ahead of your daily in-flight risks with SAFETYLINQ flight risk assessment. argus.aero/safetylinq. 1/22
AIRCRAFTFINANCING
Top Retail for Your Aircraft Sales, management and financing. USA Aircraft Brokers, (877) 417-3069. 51218:TFN
INSURANCE
Specializing in personal, business and charter aircraft.Bestprice, coverage&customerservice. Zanette Aircraft Insurance Center, (650) 593-3030, (888)723-3358. 10/06
Insurance solutions for all aviation-related services. Business Aviation Insurance, bizavins.com, (925) 825-1900. 7/20
Legally avoid sales tax on your aircraft purchase. In El Grove, CA, (916) 691-9192, aeromarinetaxpros.com. 18500:TFN
Left Seat Pilot Medical Solutions.A confidential solution for pilot medical certification. Free FAA medical consultations. Left Seat, (800) 699-4457. 1/21
Global Aircraft Group USPAP bank values for all aircraft, aircraft management, insurance claims & certified aircraft appraisals. Mark Parry, (855) 6GBL- AIR, (413) 335-7507. 4/22
HANGARS/TIEDOWNS
One-piece doors Hydraulic or bifold. Schweissdoors.com, (800) 746-8273.1/15
Aviation Building Systems custom designed hangars. R&M Steel Co., Caldwell, ID, (208) 454-1800, aviationbuildingsystem. com, (866) 454-1800. 51217:TFN
HOMES/AIRPARKS
Avionics for Every Mission. All major brands. Airtronics, Calaveras County Airport, CA, airtronicsavionics.com, (209) 736-9400.
Protect your whole family, including your pets. Comprehensive health and Medicare solutions. Jen Mathey, owner, Pixie Health Insurance, (941) 200-3738, pixiehealth insurance.com. 10/22
A Pilot's Paradise—Valley Airport
11/14
AVIATION CONSULTANTS
Informed, accurate aircraft appraisals. jetvaluesjeremy.com, (636) 751-3987. 7/20
Custom nose art & handpainted art pieces. on leather, metal or vinyl. Victory Girl, (909) 297-6688, victorygirl.com.
2/19
Need a gift? Givearide in an open cockpit biplane. WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio, wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226. 20601:TFN Fly By Wire Air,aone-stop site for aviators. flybywireair.com. 4/21
Aces High Aviation & Military Art (800) 528-0887, aceshighgallery.com. 10/21
PUBLICATIONS
Avionics Checklists & Quick Reference gudes Available in book, card & new iPad editions. qref.com or from your favorite supply shop. 8/14
SEAK, Expert Witness Directory, by Bert Botta for aviation accidents and incidents. (415) 320-9811, bert@bertbotta. com, bertbotta.com. 4/22
"Ghosts," Phil Makanna's legendary warbird calendars are back! Visit ghosts. com. 2/23
HELP WANTED
IN FLIGHT USA, the leading source of general aviation news, seeks writers and photographers to cover all aspects of aviation. Send an SASE for writer’s guidelines to: In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, CA 94402. TFN
MUSEUMS
Rowland Freedom Center Vacaville, CA, (707) 449-3402 rowlandfreedomcenter.org
Castle Air Museum
World's largest static display of vintage military aircraft from late 1930s. Atwater, CA, (209) 723-2178 castleairmuseum.org
Hiller Aviation Museum SanCarlos Airport, CA (650) 654-0200, hiller.org
Heritage Flight Museum Skagit Regional Airport, Burlington, WA (360) 424-5151, heritageflight.org
7/15
Basic installs to complete panel and glass retrofits. Great service and value pricing. Pacific Coast Avionics, (800) 353-0370, PCA.aero.
Updateyouravionics FAA-Certified repair station. Treasure Coast Avionics, Ft. Pierce, FL, (772) 464-3148, treasurecoastavionics.com. 2/23
AIRCRAFT PARTS
Keeping "classic" aircraft flying since 1946 Univair Aircraft Corp., Aurora, CO, (888) 433-5433, univair.com. 3/21
Iconic Aircraft Restoration for all the classics. Reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 347-1909. 2/23
SAVAGE Magneto Service since 1946. Hayward, CA, (510) 782-7081, 2/23
PROPELLERS
Aviation wood, composite or metal propellers.Sensenich,(813)752-3711, (717)569-0435orsensenich.com.4/21
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! Specialpricingon ATP series multifunctional watches with Altimeter. To order or for information, (323) 464-6660 or hmewatch.com. 11/16
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Free 700page catalog, Corona, CA, & Peachtree City, GA, aircraftspruce.com. 10/06
Protective covers for every make, and model,plus insulated engine covers. Bruce's Custom Covers, Morgan Hill, CA,(800)777-6405,(408) 738-3959, aircraftcovers.com. 10/19
Seewhatyou are missing with new models from Rosen Sunvisor Systems. rosenvisor.com, (800) 284-7677. 7/20
Private airstrip in the Ozark Mountains on banks of White River. Custom 3BR,3BA home, office and hangar/ workshop, $749,999. Leo and Dianne Doughty, Cotter, AR. Contact Ray (870) 421-7193to show. 9/22
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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 or visit 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. 23600:7
Planes of Fame Air Museum Chino, CA, (909) 597-3722 planesoffame.org
Oakland Aviation Museum Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100 oaklandaviationmuseum.org
Yankee Air Museum Ypsilanti, MI, Willow Run Airport (734) 483-4030, yankeeairmuseum.org
National Warplane Museum Geneseo, NY, (585) 243-2100 nationalwarplanemuseum.com
Yanks Air Museum Chino, CA, (909) 597-1735 yanksair.org
DONATION Needed!
Non-profit youth aviation program teaching High School kids to build a Zenith 750 Cruzer — then learn to fly in it! It’s 70% completed. Need a usable O-200 engine to make kids’ dreams come true! Full value tax benefit. Bill (818) 634-9762. 4/23
Morethan1,600graduatingstudents fromEmbry-RiddleAeronautical University’stworesidentialcampuses rangincommencementdayinstylelast month,withcelebrationsinDaytona Beach,Florida,andPrescott,Arizona.
“Thoughyoucomefromdifferent placesandhavedistinctbackgrounds,you sharecommontraits:aloveoflearning,a commitmenttoservice,adesiretoinnovate,”Embry-RiddlePresidentP.Barry Butler,Ph.D.,toldthegraduatingclassat theDaytonaBeachCampusevent.“As youtakeyournextstep,remember,youare nowpartofanelitecommunityofEmbryRiddlealumni.Eachandeveryoneofyou willbeEagles–forever.”
Inadditiontotheusualgraduation dayfestivities,theceremonieswereespeciallymovingwhenstudentspeakers tookthestage.Thestudentssharedtheir experiencesinovercomingchallenges, rangingfromhavingtoquicklylearn EnglishaftermovingtotheUnitedStates tosurvivingashootingatahighschool.
DaytonaBeachCampus:Not JustSurviving–Thriving
Atotalof1,169studentsfromEmbryRiddle’sDaytonaBeachCampuswalked thecommencementstageonMonday, May8,2023,attheOceanCenterto receivetheirdiplomas.Theclassincluded 1,033undergraduatestudents,124master’sdegreeearnersand12Ph.D.grads.
Thefeaturedstudentspeakerswere LorenaSanabriaHernandez,an Astronomy&Astrophysicsgraduate,and JoshuaYeajunPark,agraduateof UnmannedAircraftSystemsScience. Bothimmigrants,thestudentstooka momentonstagetoacknowledgethewill ofthehumanspirittopersevere—especiallyHernandez,whosurvivedaschool shootingin2018,beforeshearrivedat Embry-Riddle.Thattragedyclaimedthe livesof17ofherhighschoolclassmates.
“Sincethatday,myidentitychanged,” saidtheColombianative.“Sincethatday,I foundouthowharditwastokeepthatwill aliveandtofindaway.”
Butshekeptgoing,determinedtolet herdreams,notherdeterrents,defineher.
“Istandheretodayasanastrophysicist—alongwithengineers,futuredoctors,physicists,futureleaders,” Hernandeztoldherpeers.“Thisinstitutionhasbondedustogether,regardlessof ourdifferentcultures,bordersorpolitics. Wesharedacommondream,andherewe are.There’snootheruniversitylikethis one.Gravityneverlimitedushereat
Embry-Riddle.Rememberthat.”
Hernandez,whoimmigratedtothe UnitedStateswhenshewasnineyearsold, servedasco-presidentoftheseniorclass alongwithPark,anativeofSouthKorea, whocouldn’tspeakawordofEnglish whenhecametoAmericaatsixyearsold.
“Icriedinmysleepandwould screamthatIwantedtogoback,”Park shared.“ComingtoAmericawasachallenging,yetultimatelyrewarding,decisionformysistersandme.[Myparents] knewthetransitionwouldnotbeeasy, buttheyknewthepotentialopportunity forourfutureoutweighedtherisk.”
Becauseofthoserisks,Parksaid,he wasproudtostandtallonthegraduation stageat“themostrenownedandrecognized,almost100-year-oldaeronautical universityintheworld.”
KeynoteSpeaker:Capt. HoustonMills
Deliveringtheday’skeynoteaddress wasCapt.HoustonMills,currentvice presidentofflightoperationsandsafety forUPSAirlines.
“HopeandoptimismaretheJet-A fuelthatcanpropelyoutobig,boldand audaciousdreams,”Millssaid.“While yourdegreeistheendofonejourney,it’s justthebeginningofanother…Butwith hopeandoptimisminyourrightseat, you’llbeamazedathowmuchyou’ll enjoytheride.”
Millsbeganhisaviationcareerin 1985asaMarineCorpsofficerandfighterpilot.Heisacertifiedcombattactics instructorandhasmorethan100aircraft carrierlandingstohiscredit.In December2020,healsoflewtheUPS Boeing757thatcarriedthefirstlifesavingCovid-19vaccines.Activeonseveral industryboards,Millscurrentlyservesas anadvisorontheboardforEmbryRiddle’sBoeingCenterforAviationand AerospaceSafety.Additionally,heisthe onlyAfrican-Americanvicepresidentof flightoperationsinthecountry.
Promotinga“servicebeforeself” philosophy,Millssharedthatgeeseflying togetherprovideadditionalliftand reducedragforthebirdsflyingbehind them,resultingintheflockbeingableto flyanestimated70percentfartherwith thesameamountofenergythanone gooseflyingalone.
“Servicetoothersisaforcemultiplier,”hesaid.“Graduates:Youhaveyour flightplan.It’stimetosettheflaps,push thethrottlesandgowheelsuponwhatI knowwillbeanexciting,successfuland
SPAN CROSS-COUNTRY
impactfullifejourney!”
Forty-oneROTCcadetsfromEmbryRiddlealsocommissionedintotheU.S. Armyattheevent;46commissionedinto theAirForce;and39intotheNavy.
PrescottCampus:Dr.Sally Mason,KeynoteSpeaker
Atotalof484graduateswalkedthe commencementstageSaturday,May6, 2023,atthePrescottCampusceremony, including474bachelor’sdegreeearners and10master’sstudents,aswellasfour bachelor’sand10master’sstudentsfrom theWorldwideCampus.
Thattotalalsoincluded34cadetscommissionedintothemilitary:24AirForce ROTCcadetsand10ArmyROTCcadets.
Thegraduatingclassincluded70 internationalstudentsrepresenting:Saudi Arabia,UnitedArabEmirates,Mongolia, India,Spain,Taiwan,China,Republicof Korea,Philippines,Mexico,Russian Federation,France,Canada,Denmark, Myanmar,Bangladesh,Luxembourg;Viet Nam,Nigeria,HongKong,Thailand, SouthAfrica,CroatiaandPakistan.
Commencementremarkswere givenbyEmbry-RiddleTrusteeDr.Sally Mason,presidentemeritawiththe UniversityofIowa.“Manyofyoumay beluckyenoughtogorightintothe workforce,”saidMason.“You’llbe pilots,engineers,airtrafficcontrollers, aerospaceindustryworkers…andsome ofyoumaybelikeme:afirst-generation collegestudentwhoseparentsdon’t alwaysunderstandwhatyouaredoing.”
Alifelongscholar,Masonearnedher bachelor’sinZoologyfromthe UniversityofKentucky,hermaster’s fromPurdueUniversityandherPh.D.in cellular,molecularanddevelopmental biologyfromtheUniversityofArizona.
Duringherillustriouscareer,Mason heldmanyleadershippositionsandhas influencededucationandsciencepolicy atthehighestlevels.Sheencouraged graduatestofollowtheirdreamsand remembertheguidingprinciplesknown astheParadoxicalCommandments.
WrittenbyDr.KentM.Keithin1968 aspartofabookletforstudentleaders, these“anyways”stillholdtruetoday,said Mason.Inpart:“Peopleareillogical, unreasonableandself-centered.Lovethem anyway.Ifyoudogood,peoplewillaccuse youofselfishulteriormotives.Dogood anyway.Ifyouaresuccessful,youwillwin falsefriendsandtrueenemies.Succeed anyway.Thegoodyoudotodaywillbeforgottentomorrow.Dogoodanyway.”
WeGrewUpTogether
TheclassspeakerwasAerospace EngineeringgraduateMatthew Prescavage,aHainesport,NewJersey, nativewhoalsoearnedthePrescott CampusChancellorAward,whichisthe highestawardbestowedtoagraduate, recognizingexceptionalacademicand leadershipachievements.
Lookingback,Prescavagereminiscedaboutaletterhewroteinmiddle schooltohisfutureself.Thethemeof thatletterwasaboutwantingtolearnand experiencelifeinadifferentway— somethinghefoundatEmbry-Riddle.
“Weexperiencenewevents,andmore importantly,wegrowup,”Prescavagesaid. “Welearnwhatit’sliketobeanadult,how tocommunicatewithothers,fileourtaxes andbecomethepersonouryoungerself wouldbeproudofbecoming.
“Thefuturemaybedifficult,andit willgetbumpyattimes,butyouwill alwayshavesupportfromyourclassmates andprofessors,yourfamilyandthoseyou love,”Prescavagetoldhispeers.
Prescavage’sacademicsuccesshas earnedhimmembershipintheSigma GammaTauAerospaceEngineering HonorSociety,TauBetaPiEngineering HonorSocietyandthePhiKappaPhi HonorSociety.
Hewasalsopartofaprojectfunded bythePhilanthropyCouncil,working closelywiththeUndergraduateResearch Institute,inwhichhisteamwasdesigningandintegratingaquadcopterontoa rocketbodytodemonstratethefeasibility ofamedium-scalerocketretrievaland landingsystem.
Duringthepasttwosummers, Matthewwasaqualityengineeringintern atL3HarrisinCamden,NewJersey,as wellasaflightdecksystemsengineering internatHoneywellinPhoenix.
“Yourtalent,dreamsandhardwork broughtyouheretoday,”saidDr.Anette M.Karlsson,PrescottCampuschancellor. “YouarenowpartoftheEmbry-Riddle familyandarewell-preparedforpromisingcareersinyourchosenareasofaviation,aerospace,cybersecurity,business, science,engineeringandmore.Iknowyou willaccomplishamazingthings.”
Anadditional272studentsfrom Embry-Riddle’sWorldwideCampusalso graduatedlastmonthinathirdcommencementevent.LearnmoreatEmbryRiddleAeronauticalUniversityat www.erau.edu.
‘GRAVITY NEVER LIMITED US HEREAT EMBRY-RIDDLE’: COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATIONS
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