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Calendar of Events
To list your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com.
Note: Calendar includes only information available by our press date, Friday, Aug. 30.Confirm the status before attending.
SEPTEMBER
3 Chino, CA: Kilroy Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m. to noon, Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-7576.
5 Santa Rosa, CA: Hot Dog Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900, pacificcoastairmuseum.org.
6 8 Gatineau, Quebec: Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow, gates Fri. 5 p.m./ Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., Gatineau Airport, aerogatineauottawa.com.
7 Camdenton, MO: Lake of the Ozarks Air Show, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Camdenton Memorial Airport, lakeoftheozarksairshow.com.
Carson City, NV: Carson City Airport Open House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Carson City Airport, (775) 841-2255, flycarsoncity.com.
Osceola, WI: Osceola Wheels & Wings, gates 8 a.m., L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport, (715) 450-0399, wheelsandwings.org.
Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, planesoffame.org.
Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
7 8 Lititz, PA: Community Days Airshow, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lancaster Airport, (717) 569-1221, lancasterairport.com.
Hood River, OR: WAAAM Hood River Fly-In, Ken Jernstedt Airfield, waaamuseum.org.
Nampa, ID: Warhawk Air Museum Warbird Roundup, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nampa Municipal Airport, warhawkairmuseum.org.
Midland, TX: CAF High Sky Wing AIRSHO, gates 9 a.m., Midland Int’l. Airport, (432) 254-6182, airsho.org.
8 Oakland, CA: Open Cockpit Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oakland Aviation Museum, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org.
Half Moon Bay, CA: HMB Executive Airport Open House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., hmbairportopenhouse.com.
13 15 London, Ontario: Airshow London-SkyDrive, gates Fri. 3 p.m./Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., London Int’l. Airport, (519) 204-4537, airshowlondon.com.
14 Burlington, WA: Heritage Flight Museum September Fly Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (360) 424-5151, Skagit Regional Airport, heritageflight.org. Washington, DC: Dulles Day Plane Pull, gates 10 a.m., Washington Dulles Int’l. Airport, specialolympicsva.org.
Longmont, CO: Longmont Airport Air Show & Expo, gates 7 a.m., Vance Brand Airport, longmontairshow.com.
14 15 Burlington, VT: Green Mountain Aviation Field Days, Burlington Int’l. Airport, greenmountainaviationfielddays.org.
Beverly, MA: Beverly Regional Airshow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Beverly Regional Airport, (978) 992-7158, flight4cf.com. Jefferson City, MO: Show Me State Air Show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jefferson City Memorial Airport, showmestateairshow.org. Montrose, CO: Tribute to Aviation. CANCELED St. Joseph, MO: Sound of Speed Airshow, gates 10 a.m., Rosecrans ANGB, (816) 332-6618, stjairshow.com. Owensboro, KY: Owensboro Air Show, show @12:30 p.m., over the Ohio River downtown, (270) 687-8800, owensborocenter.com.
15 Hayward, CA: Hayward Executive Airport Open House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hayward Executive Airport, haywardairportopenhouse.com.
20 21 Gainesville, TX: Texas Antique Airplane-Fall Festival of Flight, Gainesville Municipal Airport, texasantiqueairplane.com/flyin.
Mexico, MO: Zenith Aircraft Homecoming, 1881 Airport Rd., Mexico Memorial Airport, (573) 581-9000 (Mon-Fri, 8-5 Central).
20 22 Great Bend, KS: Great Bend Airport Airfest, gates Fri. 9 a.m./Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., Great Bend Municipal Airport, greatbendairfest.com.
21 Oconto, WI: Oconto Elks Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., J. Douglas Bake Memorial Airport, (920) 373-6948, ocontocounty.org.
Freeport, IL: Northwest Illinois Airshow, gates 10:30 a.m., Albertus Airport, nwilairshow.com.
Somerset, KY: Lake Cumberland Air Show, gate @10 a.m., Lake Cumberland Regional Airport, (606) 679-7908, lakecumberlandairshow.com.
Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org.
Hayward, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hayward Executive Airport, (510) 280-4111.
Santa Rosa, CA: Open Cockpit Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900, pacificcoasterairmuseum.org.
Petaluma, CA: Petaluma Display Days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Petaluma Municipal Airport, (707) 778-4404.
ZENITH AIRCRAFT: A HOMEBUILDER’S LEGACY
IN THE AMERIC AN HEARTL AND A 32-Year Legacy and Homecoming
By Annamarie Buonocore
One of the greatest joys of publishing a monthly aviation magazine is to watch our advertisers grow and deliver great products and services
Zenith Aircraft Company is a legacy company that has grown from a small operation to one of the largest kit manufacturers in the world over the past 32 years As we approach their Homecoming event, we conducted this interview with second-generation owner, Sebastien Heintz, who was recently inducted into the EAA Aviation Hall of Fame, for his dedication to homebuilt aircraft Heintz has some exciting updates to share with our readers and homebuilder enthusiasts If you have always dreamed of building your own airplane, now couldn’t be a better time to get started under the wise expertise of the folks at Zenith Aircraft Company
In Flight USA: Tell me what is new at Zenith It has been a little while since we talked
Sebastien Heintz: We just complet-
doing monthly educational hands-on workshops now for many, many years, and we continue to do that These workshops are available to our kit-building clients. We are happy to guide them through the process.
ed a major expansion, and we have added over 10,000 feet of production space throughout the factory in Mexico, Missouri It has been a long time coming, and business continues to grow We continue to be the number-one for lightsport aircraft in the United States, so we are
always happy to report that and to accommodate this growth
IFUSA: That is excellent, and I am really happy to hear that Are you holding any workshops for people who build their own airplanes?
SH: Absolutely! We have been
IFUSA: Yes, that is always very exciting, and I know a lot of people have benefitted from those classes Do you have any new models out? What is new in the kit-building world?
SH: Well, we continue to make our airplanes easier to build rather than focusing on new designs We have been fortunate that our current designs add a lot of appeal for certain customers, so we
Continued on Page 9
Zenith Aircraft Company recently added more than 10,000 feet of production space to their factory in Mexico, Missouri, where they are focused on making the kit-plane-building experience easier and more efficient (Courtesy Zenith Aircraft)
ByAnnamarieBuonocore Page4
PlanesofFameToBeNewHomeofNationalAviationHeritage Invitational................................................................................38 ZenithHomecomingOpenHangarDaysSlatedforSept.20-21..40 AeroverseTeamsUpwithAOPA................................................42
ED WISCHMEYER GOES TO OSHKOSH
StoryandPhotosbyEdWischmeyer StoryBeginson Page32
AOPAEditorial:SafetyInTheNumbers:One RemarkableWeek ByMarkBaker,AOPAPresidentandCEO ........................8 Editorial:BasicMedisFeelingtheBreeze ByEdDowns ................................................................10
SPOTon:AviationisInherentlyDangerous ByPaulT.Glessner,M.S. ................................................13
RiseoftheFemaleHelicopterPilot:KodeyBogart Interview ByAnnamarieBuonocore ..............................14
OneVeteran’sGratitude..............................................18 Chapter1:LearningtoFly BySherryKnightRossiter. ..............................................21 ZENITH AIRCRAFT: AHOMEBUILDER’S LEGACYINTHE AMERICAN HEARTLAND
The year was 1959. This writer and my twin brother had managed to reach 17 years of age the previous year and were getting ready to upgrade our Private certificates to more advanced ratings We had no driver ’s license or car (ergo, no girlfriends), but did own a 1942 Aeronca L-3, being used as a time builder for a hoped-for aviation career We worked in our dad’s business, a retail camera store with a hobby department, which we ran after high school classes let out This helped with the cost of flying and maintaining our “new” L-3, which had been acquired after trading off our original 1941 Talyorcraft L-2 (somewhat raggedy, but worth the $900 purchase price… really!) and a 30 percent complete Whitman Tailwind. Sadly, our little L-3 was not up to those advanced ratings. A more sophisticated, well-equipped airplane was needed to initiate a professional career that continues to this day
As part time “line boys” (pumping gas and hand propping planes), we met a local mechanic who wanted to sell his recently updated 1955 Piper Tri-Pacer, a well-equipped gem It had the obligatory low frequency radio for using the fourcourse radio ranges, but also sported one of those newfangled Narco Superhomers, with that VOR gadget With seven transmitting crystals and a separately installed secondary transmitter with 27 crystals, we were right up to “airline standards!” Gyros had been installed, with vacuum “horns” mounted on the airframe to power them by airflow. Between hobby shop work, line-boy adventures, a parttime newspaper job, sale of the Aeronca and a loan, we cobbled together the $4,500 to buy this Piper treasure, and our careers were on the way!
This is where the “dog” comes into the picture Having been associated with Hollywood dogs (Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and such another story for another time) a friend and dog owner asked if I would be willing to fly his show dog (a huge, handsome, German Shepard male) from our home base at Van Nuys Airport to his trainer ’s location at Half Moon Bay, just a few miles from the show site in San Francisco. With no major highway at that time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it was an arduous full-day drive, but just three hours by Tri-Pacer
My friend’s offer to pay for the gas was very encouraging, as with 80 octane fuel cost soaring to over 37 cents per gallon, every penny helped With a blanket tossed over the rear seat, I launched the flight, looking forward to building up my
hours The dog was calm and simply went to sleep All was good until about 30 miles from my final destination I heard “sounds of sickness” in the back seat and felt something slimy trickling down the back of my neck and shirt. My pal, this handsome dog, was desperately airsick and vomiting on me and my bright, shinny, new Tri-Pacer Now, here comes the training part of this column!
An immediate descent and landing were called for, with my Sectional chart (predating ForeFlight by nearly half a century) suggesting the closest airport was a short strip on a hilltop called “Bonny Doon ” Somewhat desperate, and continuing to be “slimed,” I headed for the end of the 2,400 foot runway that was closest to me and literally dived on to final approach a dumb move but luckily, no other airplanes were around High and fast on a short final, I cranked in full flaps and forward slipped like the dickens to get down and kill speed. Still fast over the end of the runway, I started to flare and learned all there was to know about “ground effect,” the actual topic of this story I simply “floated” down the short runway
Good judgment (seldom available to a 17-year-old) dictated a go-around, but nope I dumped the flaps and planted it on the ground, following by pulling the “johnson bar” brake with all my might to get stopped as I departed the runway Fortunately, there was another hundred feet of dirt runover available before coming to what I thought was a taxiway Turning left to head for what looked like a small office, I came to realize that I was not heading for the ramp, but a parking area next to the office. I was on a road, not a taxiway, duly noted by the airport’s owner Fortunately, this kind gentleman understood the stupidity of my youth and helped calm the dog, even assisting in cleaning out the plane a truly terrific person The flight was complete to the destination shortly thereafter with an
Calendar of Events
Continued from Page 3
21 22 Virginia Beach, VA: NAS Oceana Air Show, gates 8 a.m., oceanaairshow.com.
Santa Maria, CA: Central Coast AirFest, Santa Maria Public Airport, centralcoastairfest.com.
Mirabel, Quebec: Volaria Festival Aéronautique. CANCELED
Columbus, MS: Thunder over Columbus Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Columbus AFB, thunderovercolumbus.com.
Vacaville, CA: Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Rowland Freedom Center, Nut Tree Airport, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org.
22 San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.
27 29 Leamington, Ont.: Wings over Windsor. CANCELED
Salinas, CA: California Int’l. Airshow, gates Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m., Salinas Municipal Airport, (831) 754-1983, salinasairshow.com.
San Diego, CA: MCAS Miramar Air Show, 8 a.m., miramarairshow.com.
28 Madison, IN: Aviation Day/Fly-In, gates 10 a.m., Madison Municipal Airport, (812) 273-1914, madisonmunicipalairport.com.
Somerville, TN: Thunder over Fayette County Airshow, 3 p.m. to 8 pm., Fayette County Airport, (901) 466-7007, fayettecountyairport.com.
Leesburg, VA: Leesburg Air Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leesburg Executive Airport, (703) 777-1368, leesburgva.gov.
Spanish Fork, UT: Wings & Wheels, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Spanish Fork Airport, (801) 804-4500, spanishfork.org.
Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832.
Novato, CA: Planes & Coffee, SkyShare Terminal, Gnoss Field, (415) 897-2403, skyshare.com.
28 29 Robinson IL: Wings by the Wabash Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Crawford County Airport, wings-by-the-wabash.com.
OCTOBER
1 Chino, CA: Kilroy Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m. to noon, Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-7576.
3 Santa Rosa, CA: Hot Dog Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 575-7900, pacificcoastairmuseum.org.
4 6 Huntington Beach, CA: Pacific Airshow, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., over Huntington Beach, pacificairshowusa.com.
Reno, NV: Reno Airshow, Reno SteadAirport, (775) 972-6663, airrace.org.
Dallas, TX: CAF Aviation Discovery Fest, Fri. 9 a.m./Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m., Dallas Executve Arport, aviationdiscoveryfest.org.
Ranger, TX: Ranger Old School Fly-In & Airshow, gate 9 a.m., Ranger Municipal Airport, rangerairfield.org.
5 Tyler, TX: Rose City AirFest, gates 10 a.m., Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, (903) 566-1010, campvtyler.org. Georgetown, DE: Wings & Wheels-A Georgetown Fall Festival, Delaware Coastal Airport, (302) 856-1544, wings-wheels.com. Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, planesoffame.org. Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
5 6 Virginia Beach, VA: Warbirds over the Beach, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Virginia Beach Airport, (757) 721-7767, militaryaviatiomuseum.org.
9 San Carlos, CA: Aeroclub of No. California Crystal Eagle Award & Scholarship Banquet, 6 p.m., Hiller Air Museum, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200.
11 12 North Little Rock, AR: North Little Rock Air Show, time TBA, North Little Rock Airport, nlrairshow.com.
11 13 San Francisco, CA: Fleet Week Air Show, Waterfront, fleetweeksf.org. Topeka, KS: Thunder over the Heartland Airshow, gates Fri. & Sat. noon/ Sun. 9 a.m., Forbes Field, (785) 783-0117, thunderovertheheartland.com.
12 Easton, MD: Easton Airport Day, gate 9:15 a.m., Easton Airport, eastonairport.com.
Sedona, AZ: Wings & Wheels, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sedona Airport, (928) 440-2508, sedonaairport.org.
Brandy Station VA: Culpeper Air Fest, gates 9 a.m., Culpeper Regional Airport, culpeperairfest.com. Corsicana, TX: Corsicana Airshow, C. David Campbell Field, coyotesquadron.org.
Apple Valley, CA: Apple Valley Airshow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Apple Valley Airport, applevalleyairshow.com.
12 13 Hampton Beach, NH: The Great American Experience. CANCELED
14 Edinburgh, UK: In’tl. Summit on Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, 9:30 a.m., isame2024spectrum@gmailcom.
18 19 DeLand, FL: DeLand Aero Showcase, DeLand Municipal Airport, (386) 345-AERO, aeroshowcase.com.
19 Atwater, CA: Castle AirFest & Family Fun Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Castle Airport, (209) 385-7686, flycastleairport.com.
SAFET Y IN THE NUMBERS: ONE REMARKABLE WEEK BODES WELL FOR OUR FUTURE
By Mark Baker AOPA President and CEO
General aviation experienced a quiet victory this spring – we had one solid week during which no fatal aviation accidents occurred To some, that might sound unremarkable, but for me and the hard-working staff of AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Institute, I think that’s cause for celebration It means our efforts are paying off, that the work we do resonates with you, our members, and the whole pilot community And I want to add that this banner week took place during a great weather moment across the country when many of us were out flying. We are flying more, and our accident rate is decreasing. That’s a win-win
The expression “safety in numbers” usually applies to the number of individuals involved in a situation But I think it applies to accident statistics, too There is safety in the number of accidents decreasing over time Did you know that 2024 is shaping up to be the second safest year on record behind 2021? The statis-
tics compiled by ASI for more than 30 years in the Richard G McSpadden Report (formerly the Joseph T Nall Report) show that in the 50 years since ASI was formed, the accident rate has steadily fallen In fact, the McSpadden Report shows that between 2012 and 2021 while flight activity increased, the rate of fatal accidents fell from 6 5 percent to 4 87 percent According to the report, the year 2021 (the latest gathered statistics) trended downward, ending the year with a total accident rate of 4 28 per 100,000 hours and a fatal accident rate of 0 77 per 100,000 hours Flight activity rose from 22 4 million hours in 2020 to 26.4 million hours in 2021.
Of course, any accident is one more than what we want. But since pilot error is the number one cause of fatal GA accidents, I believe that the work of ASI, its free resources and its nationwide outreach, are the reason for this positive trend That we are flying more but flying safer is a testament to the work AOPA and ASI do to educate and inform pilots ASI offers online courses and in-person education Topics such as aeronautical decision mak-
ing, technology and aircraft systems, flight planning, situational awareness, health and medical issues, and weather, offer the resources to ensure your flying is the best – the safest – it can be
I believe pilots have one overriding personality trait that usually serves us well: responsibility The duty to care with the utmost respect for our aircraft, our passengers, the regulations, and our personal health and well-being That ASI is here to remind us how important our responsibility is, is the reason we are flying better, flying safer I am very proud, and also humbled, by the role we are playing in this safety success
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the work of my friend and colleague Richard McSpadden, the former senior vice president of ASI whose work focused on reaching audiences with relevant, timely, and engaging content I believe Richard’s tireless efforts to improve aviation safety are a driver for this positive trend Sadly, he died in an aircraft accident last fall Losing such a leader was a brutal blow, but one I know he would expect us to overcome
So, I am pleased to have the honor to announce the promotion of Mike Ginter to senior vice president of ASI Mike is a pilot’s pilot, a former naval aviator who recently helped me and our staff execute one of the most thrilling flying events of my career, the National Celebration of General Aviation D C Flyover this past May To coordinate and flawlessly execute the dramatic vision of more than 50 different GA aircraft flying in the most restricted airspace in the world, over our nation’s capital, was a feat few could imagine (see “A Very Special Day,” August 2024 AOPA Pilot) Mike did so without breaking a sweat (that I know of!). Taking the helm of the most important aviation safety organization in the country should be right up Mike’s alley.
As we enjoy the clear and often cloudless beautiful blue skies of late summer, take pride in knowing this association is working tirelessly on behalf of all pilots – and the nation – to keep our skies safe Blue skies! Mark (mark@aopa org)
NEW LIABILIT Y-ONLY INSURANCE FOR SENIOR PILOT S
By Kollin Stagnito AOPA
AOPA has been actively advocating for solutions to keep senior pilots flying longer, particularly pilots age 70 and older who are finding traditional aircraft insurance policies –those that include both hull and liability coverage – either unaffordable or unavailable
Among the options AOPA has been discussing with aviation insurance underwriters and brokers is liability-only insurance for senior pilots who are willing to self-insure their aircraft should it be damaged A liability-only policy would enable senior pilots to comply with hangar lease and state regulations that require property damage and bodily liability insurance coverage for their aircraft, and provide estate protection should there be a need. This solution would provide senior pilots the opportunity to obtain liability insurance without many of the restrictions being imposed by some underwriters–e g requiring a
third class medical as opposed to BasicMed, co-pilot requirements, requiring an annual checkride, or other constraints.
After numerous discussions with insurers and brokers over the past several years, AOPA is pleased to announce that Global Aerospace, a leading provider of aviation insurance, is now offering liability-only aircraft insurance policies to many senior pilots SkyWatch and AssuredPartners Aerospace are among the aviation insurance brokers who will be quoting liability-only policy premiums for Global Aerospace
“Thanks to a collaborative industry effort, many senior pilots will now be able to secure a liability-only aircraft policy that affords them the freedom to fly the aircraft of their choice,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “This is an important win for an active and experienced group of general aviation pilots.”
“Global Aerospace works diligently to meet the needs of our customers and provide resources and alternatives to help address the obstacles they may face This
first step toward improving the path forward for the aging pilot population is an example of our innovative approach to facing this challenge,” said Timothy Boland, Global Aerospace senior vice president, senior underwriting Manager SkyWatch, a licensed insurance agency, has been offering aircraft and drone insurance for thousands of operators in the United States for seven years Building upon that experience, the company is now offering liability-only aircraft policies through its online solution at SkyWatch ai The online buying experience is simple: Provide applicant and aircraft details and select liability coverage limits You can adjust coverage limits and get pricing in real time to determine the coverage and cost that best fit your budget Flying without passengers will greatly reduce the cost of the policy. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and all necessary documentation is emailed to you and available on the SkyWatch policy management portal You can also call a SkyWatch aviation specialist at 888-849-4902 to receive a
AOPA has been actively advocating for a liability-only insurance policy that would enable senior pilots to comply with hangar lease and state regulations (Chris Rose/Courtesy AOPA)
quote and bind a policy
AOPA aviation insurance partner AssuredPartners Aerospace is quoting liability-only premiums, and quotes can be requested online or by phone at 800-6222672, where AOPA members can talk through issues and options with AssuredPartners’ insurance professionals.
AOPA continues to have discussions with aviation insurance underwriters and brokers about additional ways to bring aircraft insurance premium relief to all pilots Learn more at AOPA’s website, aopa org
Cover Story: Zenith Aircraft
Continued from Page 4
haven’t really been pushing new designs, but what we have been doing is making our existing kits easier to build and use for our existing customers. We are always trying to improve upon the quality of our kits Mainly what we are doing is continuing to finalize whole-size components typically using our CNC computer-control equipment and high-speed equipment to precut the parts and make them quicker and easier to build We see that being accepted very well by our newcomers, and that makes our kits significantly easier to build
IFUSA: That sounds great Do you have any interesting stories or any interesting people who have recently gone through your program?
SH: Every one of them is an interesting person. We get a lot of really interesting people; there is no doubt about it. From old to young, we get more and more women building planes You name it, and it is always interesting for us Another thing that we have new, well it is not new this year, but we have been around for a long time We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our CH600 series design, which is an airplane that my dad, Chris Heintz, first flew in back in 1984 It is good to be celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of our most popular light aircraft designs,
IFUSA: That is exciting! Congratulations on that! How was AirVenture for you this year, were you there?
SH: Yes, of course, it was really good and went really well. Interest was high in our airplanes. Of course, the big news at AirVenture is the continuation of MOSAIC and the organization rules for air support aircraft, and we are happy to see that We are talking about new designs and so forth, and we are kind of holding off right now in terms of introducing specifically new designs and in terms of the expansion of lightsport aircraft That is something that we are keenly aware of, and we hope that some of our existing designs will be able to benefit from the expanded benefits for lightsport aircraft
IFUSA: What are your future plans?
SH: We are going to be continuing what we are doing, which is basically producing easy-to-build kits for our customers. We have been doing this for over 30 years as an aircraft company, and we plan on continuing to do that Like I said, we recently completed the expansion, which will allows us to continue to produce kits in more quantity and at another level of completion even, and we are excited about that
IFUSA: That is great! Do you offer
Zenith Aircraft is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their popular CH600 Series design, first flown by Chris Heintz in 1984 (Courtesy Zenith Aircraft)
flight training?
SH: No, we are only an aircraft kit manufacturer, and that is not something we offer. Flight training is available for customers, so it is not something we feel a need for us to offer specifically. You are probably thinking of demo flights, which we offer our customers, but it is by no means flight instruction
IFUSA: What advice would you give to somebody who wants to build their own plane?
SH: I would say try it out, and by that, I mean come to one of the workshops Experiencing and doing is the best way to learn more about what building an airplane is all about, and like I said, we offer the workshops about once a month at the factory, and it only takes a day and a half to come out to the factory, learn about building the airplane by actually experiencing it yourself, and learn by building part of the airplane. Within a day, you learn the skills, the tools, and receive the learning instruction manual Of course, if you come to the workshop here at Zenith, we can also take you flying in the airplane Again, it is not flight instruction, but we offer a demo flight in the plane, and it really allows you to experience what the plane is all about You can see the capabilities and performance of the airplane, and of course, as a factory too, you can see what the rest of the airplane looks like, because a lot of people don’t really know what building an airplane is all about, or they have heard stories about people who are working on an airplane for years in their basement or garage The new kits that are on the market today are just so much easier and so much more accessible than some of the kits from the past years.
IFUSA: Very good! What should be the budget of someone who is looking to build an airplane or who wants to buy one of these kits? What kind of budgeting advice would you give?
SH: That is a good question How
Continued on Page 12
Editorial By Ed Downs
BASIC MED IS FEELIN G THE BREEZE
In last month’s editorial, “Winds of Change,” this writer spoke to an important Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision that would initiate subtle, but important changes affecting the bureaucracies within the “administrative state ” As predicted in that editorial, the overturning of the “Chevron Deference” is beginning to ripple through many agencies that control our everyday lives It seems as though a light breeze is beginning to waft through the halls of lawmakers, as we learn more about changes that affect our right to utilize and enjoy the National Airspace System, a right guaranteed in the preamble of Title 49 of the Federal Code of Regulations, that section of Federal law which establishes the Department of Transportation Interestingly enough, the section of federal law that is feeling the breeze does not belong to the FAA but is an update and modification of the FAA Extension, Safety, Security Act of 2016 (FESSA) Originally sponsored by Rep Patrick Tiberi, (R OH), this bill was submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee in 2015 to reauthorize funding for the FAA At this point, most readers may be wondering, “Why do I give a hoot about some Federal funding act made nine years ago?” A fair question but do keep reading FESSA contained instructions to the FAA to initiate the Basic Med program, a program that can keep you in the air and protect your significant investment in private flying, including the many dollars you may have spent on ownership of a plane and all costs commensurate to such an adventure Here’s the bottom line The highest risk all non- professional pilots (Private Pilots) face to everything you have invested in the passion of flying is the Third Class Medical process Basic Med not only permits you to bypass the Class medical process, but actually addresses good health practices, utilizing education and medical professionals that can help you deal with issues that could impede flying safety In other words, your health is in the hands of your personal medical team, not FAA bureaucrats
tion and then shepherd the legislation through Congress On May 15, 2024, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 was sent to the president’s desk and signed into law I’m proud of this landmark law for many reasons This law, for example, expands Basic Med, which continues to be a success and allows more pilots the freedom to fly As long as I remain in Congress, I will continue to protect and work to expand Basic Med ” Does the preceding cause you to ask, “I thought flying rules were written by the FAA does Congress write aviation law as well?” The short answer is, “yep, they sure do.” The FAA certainly writes aviation law, which must go through a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) process But the FAA is often “ordered” to implement aviation laws written by Congress, which do not go through the NPRM process and are often contained within federal funding bills Tricky stuff, but that is why all pilots should belong to national advocate organizations like AOPA, EAA, NBAA and others that serve your specific needs Such advocate organizations know how the system works
But let’s take this a bit further with another Congressional Act that greatly expands the usability of Basic Med. Enter the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 Quoting Rep Sam Graves (R-Missouri), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (holds an ATP certificate), “Over the past 18 months my colleagues and I have worked to develop comprehensive legislation to secure U S avia-
But let’s get back to Basic Med This writer works with hundreds of students every year in passing written exams and check rides Questions regarding Basic Med now appear in virtually all the FAA Knowledge Tests and in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The subject is becoming increasingly important, as more than 80,000 pilots are now flying with Basic Med and that number is growing The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 will increase that number; more on that in a moment While teaching classes (especially IFR, CFI and CFII ratings), this writer often asks how many are using Basic Med Surprisingly, many are not, and most of these students own sophisticated airplanes that are used for both personal pleasure and non-commercial business applications in other words involving a big investment in time and money Many of these advanced students are over 40 years of age (mid-50s and 60s are common), having experienced the uncertainties that life brings in terms of medical events and conditions. Like most of us “old folks,” we have availed ourselves of modern medicine, procedures, and help, recovered and soldiered on with vigor But it is this class of individual that is most at risk when filling out the MedXpress form and thereby submitting
Continued on Page 19
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $427 MILLION IN GRANTS FROM BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE L AW TO MODERNIZE AIRPORTS
The U S Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on July 30 that it is awarding $427 million in funding for 245 airport-related infrastructure grants across 39 states to modernize and improve America’s airports The projects are funded under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, part of the $25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements such as terminal expansions and baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements
“Americans are flying in record numbers this summer, and the BidenHarris Administration is continuing to invest in our nation’s airports to make travel more convenient for passengers,” said U S Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg “The funding we’re announcing, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help airports across the country make needed improvements to ensure safety and efficiency now and for years to come.”
“Today’s investment is the second largest in AIG history,” said FAA
Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R Griffin, P E “We’re supporting safety with lighting and runway signage upgrades and improving the traveler experience with new terminals ”
Airports receiving funding today include:
• $29.4 million to John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio: This grant funds the construction of a new terminal tarmac and taxiway and extends an existing taxiway to improve safety
• $10 6 million to El Paso International Airport in Texas: This grant funds the construction of a new general aviation (GA) apron as well as rehabilitates the existing GA apron pavement to improve efficiency
• $18 1 million to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport in California: This grant funds the construction of a new taxiway This grant also funds construction for a new terminal to accommodate additional passengers
• $24 9 million to Southwest Florida International Airport in Florida: This grant funds the construction of a new taxiway and the expansion of a concourse apron to accommodate more passengers
Additionally, this grant funds expansion of the existing terminal access road by adding an off ramp and three traffic lanes to accommodate more vehicular traffic exclusively serving the airport
• $8 5 million to Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport in Minnesota: This grant funds the expansion of the terminal access road, and the rehabilitation of a tar-
mac and taxiway to enhance safety
• $11 2 million to Hector International Airport in North Dakota: This grant funds the expansion of an existing terminal by adding four gates to accommodate more passengers and baggage
• $4 2 million to Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas: This grant funds the
P.O. Box
Founder Ciro Buonocore
Publisher/Editor ................................................................................................Victoria Buonocore
Managing Editor Annamarie Buonocore
Production
Associate
Staff Contributors ............................................S. Mark Rhodes, Larry Nazimek, Lea Buonocore
Columnists Stuar t Faber, Eric McCar thy, Ed Wischmeyer, Denise DeGregoire, Ed Downs
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Adver tising Sales Manager ........................................Ed Downs (650) 358-9908, (918) 873-0280
$427 Million in Grants
Continued from Page 11
improvements to the existing airfield drainage system and Runway 13/31 safety area to mitigate runway excursions and increase safety
• $13 6 million to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Kentucky: This grant funds the replacement of passenger boarding bridges to improve efficiency of passenger movement throughout the airport.
• $6 million to Glacier Park International in Montana: This grant funds the expansion of the existing terminal to include gates, ticketing and kiosk areas, security check points and passenger holdrooms to accommodate more passengers
• $13 million to Norfolk International Airport in Virginia: This grant funds the final phase of construction to rehabilitate Runway 5/23 to enhance safety This grant also funds a portion of the terminal building expansion to increase capacity
The July 30 funding is from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, one of three aviation grant programs created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $9 billion of the $15 billion total of AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country Learn more about the full $25 billion in the infrastructure law for airport improvements by visiting faa gov/bil
Airports have already completed projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, including:
• $4 4 million to Mesa Phoenix-Mesa Gateway in Arizona: This grant reconstructed the pavement on Runway 12/30 to enhance safety
• $3 8 million to Mobile International in Alabama: This grant improved 870 feet of drainage system controls on the future terminal area to meet FAA standards
• $3 1 million to Valley International in Harlingen, Texas: This grant extended Runway 35L an additional 1,100 feet to allow a higher service volume of aircraft and reduce the delay of existing traffic
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding public transit and rail, and modernizing the nation’s ports and airports To date, the Administration has announced over $461 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for over 60,000 infrastructure projects across the nation and has mobilized over $898 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States
The full list of AIG grants being announced is available on the FAA website, faa.gov.
Cover Story: Zenith Aircraft
Continued from Page 9
much will it cost, and the answer is that it really depends on how much the customer wants to spend. A customer with a Zenith kit is really aware of the cost to a larger degree because we allow the customers to choose their own engines We allow the customers to choose their own avionics, so the customer really makes a lot of the decisions that will impact the price of their airplane, and with the Zenith kit, the airplane is actually something you can scratch from blue print You can sort of buy as you build or you can buy the whole kit all at once, so realistically, the frame kit is going to cost between $25-$30,000, and that is assuming they buy a full kit The engine is also going to cost anywhere from $10-$30,000, and then avionics, same thing You can do very simple instrumentation from as low as probably $5,000 all the way up to $25$30,000, so with that said, the range is really quite broad With $50,000, you can be in the air with a plane you built yourself For $100,000 or more, you can have really fancy avionics The price will vary a lot, and the nice thing is, the customer is the builder He or she is in control of those costs
IFUSA: Yes, that is good to know that there are various options, and this does not have to be insurmountable. Those are all the questions I have. Do you have any other plans to go to any other shows this year where people can find you?
SH: We will be at the Mount Vernon LSA during the first weekend of September, and then of course, we have our annual homecoming event which is on Sept 20-21, so we invite customers to come out for that
IFUSA: Great, that will be at your facility?
SH: Yes, that is correct Our annual Homecoming Open Hangar Days and Fly-In event continues to grow and we look forward to another fun event this year Over two full days we have many educational workshops and seminars, flying and building demonstrations, and lots of food and camaraderie!
IFUSA: Thank you!
To learn more about Zenith Aircraft, visit the company website at https:// zenithair net
The company is located at 1881 Airport Road, Mexico Memorial Airport, Mexico, Missouri, 65265
SPOT ON: AVIATION IS INHERENTLY DAN GEROUS
By Paul T. Glessner, M.S.
Because aviation (and many other outdoor sports and activities) is inherently dangerous, one company has created and marketed a way to stay in touch with loved ones or colleagues as one ventures into the wilds –SPOT. Their company has been around since 2007 and has had 10,000 rescues to date Phenomenal
As I visited the SPOT booth at EAA’s 2024 AirVenture, David Woodard, SPOT’s Regional Sales Manager, explained three units of varying levels of technology and subscriptions to ensure connectivity; tracker, one-way and twoway:
Trace® offers advanced tracking for anything Instantly receive a text or email when your most valuable assets move or follow them on SPOT Mapping in near realtime from your smartphone, computer or tablet. Because SPOT Trace uses 100 percent satellite technology, it can communicate anytime from some of the most remote locations around the world Cost
$130 currently SPOT Gen4 gives you a critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond the boundaries of reliable cellular service SPOT Gen4 lets family, friends, and colleagues know you are okay, or if the unexpected should happen, sends your GPS location to emergency responders all with the push of a button. Add this rugged, pocket-sized device to your essential gear and stay connected wherever you play or work. Cost $150 currently
SPOT X provides two-way satellite
messaging when you’re off the grid or beyond reliable cellular coverage Connect SPOT X to your smart phone via Bluetooth wireless technology through the SPOT X app to access your contacts and communicate easily with family, friends, or directly with Search & Rescue services in a lifethreatening situation If preferred or when necessary, SPOT X can be used as a standalone communication device SPOT X has its own dedicated U S mobile number, so others can message you directly at any time Includes SPOT Mapping so you can save your favorite locations and share your adventures. Cost $250 currently.
The various devices are water-resistant to one meter for up to 30 minutes. Very helpful for those with water in the activities
Know that SPOT’s subscription plans are very reasonable and ‘FLEX’ible, per them For a minor added fee, one can subscribe to the specific months they wish versus auto-debit for the entire year You’ve got to love that FLEXibility Their emergency services insurance is called Overwatch & Rescue costing $39 per year for $100,000 in rescue related expenses
David shared a few keen rescues that caught his attention, especially this first one of a young non-verbal, autistic child lost on a hiking trip with his father; a father’s worst fear David related immediately to this story as being a father of an autistic child as well. Within a short time, first responders found the child safe and sound – in the end.
Secondly, a seaplane and it went down in the ocean The pilot activated his SPOT device and within a short time, a passing ship picked up the wayward pilot and transferred him to a U S Navy destroyer that happened to be involved with the very filming of Top Gun II, Maverick Lucky guy More can be found on the findmespot com website under ‘Sitemap’ at the bottom of the site then ‘Rescues’ or www findmespot com/enus/spot-life/rescues
Lastly, I worked as an aerodynamicist and a flight test engineer at Mooney on the M10T at Chino Airport (CNO) nine years ago and our test pilot, Elliot Seguin, used a SPOT to track his many flights. It worked like a charm.
For more information, visit https://www findmespot com/en-us
THE RISE OF THE FEMALE HELICOPTER PILOT: AN INTERVIEW WITH KODEY BOGART
By Annamarie Buonocore
Here at In Flight USA, we know that becoming a pilot is no easy task We celebrate those who embrace the challenge and enjoy interviewing these individuals every chance we get This month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kodey Bogart, a veteran helicopter pilot and new author who recently wrote a children’s book, introducing children to the exciting world of helicopter flying and firefighting She has a unique and inspiring story that we know will get youth excited about aviation.
In Flight USA: My first question for you, is how did you get into aviation, were you in an aviation family or did you start from a young age? How did your interest in aviation come about?
P
eacemak
C Air Museum, Castle (MER) is in its 41st ye oast est C W become the air of
P astle and has operation, ar of gest s lar ’ om the t fr craf
Bogart joined the military at age 17 without a clear career path After taking a morale flight, her future in aviation was set, eventually leading her to pilot the UH60 Black Hawk
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 eacemak onvair
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
view aircraft from the Lockheed F-80 to the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon.
Museum is located at
Atwater,
The Museum is located at 5050 Santa Fe Dr., Atwater, CA 95301, and open daily 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission to the Aircraft Exhibit Grounds at 3:15 daily.
For more information, please call 209-723-2178 or visit www.castleairmuseum.org.
Kodey Bogart: I was never around aviation as a child and no one was in aviation in my family I joined the military when I was 17 years old, and I really didn’t know what to do I did not start out in aviation in the military At some point during my second year, I went on a morale flight I thought it was amazing, and I knew it was what I wanted to do I actually found out I could not be a military pilot because of my eyesight; I wore glasses at night My eyesight was not that bad, but it wasn’t good enough for me to be qualified to be an aviator in the military. I ended up doing human resources for five years, and then the Army and the Navy got together for a research study program for eye surgery for pilots I applied to the study and was accepted I did my flight aptitude test and had to go in front of the flight board to get accepted I did all that, and I went to flight school at about year seven or so in the military I got exposed to it through a morale flight, and it was a lot of fun That is how it started for me
IFUSA: That is cool! Why helicopters? Most people start with a fixed-wing and then maybe they go into helicopters if they feel inspired to do so What caused the passion for helicopters?
KB: Again, I just go back to that morale flight. I liked to be busy, and flying helicopters you are constantly busy I had no idea that I was going to like the morale flight; it just happened to be a helicopter, and it was great I thought it was fun, so I thought I could do this, and like I said, I like to stay busy, and with helicopters you are constantly doing some-
thing For me, that is really cool
IFUSA: Yes, they are cool So, what kind of helicopters do you fly?
KB: In the military, I flew the UH60 Black Hawk, and I was a medicalevacuation pilot Once I got out of the military I went to a flight school and earned my CFI, CFII, and ATP I then started as a Flight Instructor at that same school for a couple of years instructing in the Schweizer S300 and Bell 206 I then went on to work for a local Sheriff ’s Office flying the Bell 407
IFUSA: Great! My next question is, are you also a firefighter in your day job or was that something you did in the military?
KB: No I am not a firefighting pilot I did, however, do bucket work while in the military, but no actual firefighting At the sheriff ’s office, in addition to our law enforcement and air ambulance mission we would often go out and help fire
Continued on Page 16
Convair RB-36H Peacemaker
onvair RB-36H
C
AH-1W er obraCobr C
Kodey
(Courtesy Kodey Bogart)
Kodey Bogart wrote a children’s book, now a series, inspired by her aviation career and her children (Courtesy Kodey Bogart)
An Interview with Kodey Bogart
Continued from Page 14
departments by providing real-time aerial views of the fire to help them know the speed and direction of the fire. We would also help ground crews determine where to establish fire lines to contain the blaze
IFUSA: That is great! I am sure it feels good to help save a lot of lives and improve the environmental conditions We all know that there is a big problem with wildfires in a lot of different locations, so thank you for your service on that So, why a children’s book? Do you have children or were you teaching children? What made you want to gear your book toward kids?
KB: Absolutely I do have children, a daughter who is now 13 and a son who is six When my daughter was little, I searched for a helicopter children’s book for her, and I couldn’t really find any, I did find a few books about Amelia Earhart and stuff like that, but really no major luck regarding helicopter books For my little dude who is now six, there are a lot more books out there that are available My full-time job is running an aviation safety consulting business I work with companies on developing and implementing safety management systems; So, I wanted a book for my children that was safety forward In searching for books for him, I would find books that did not accurately represent what we do as helicopter pilots, they were not safety forward, and did often not feature a female pilot To add to this, I often attend industry events and continually hear that we are in need of more pilots. A lot of organizations reach out to college students, but if we are really going to help fill the pilot shortage, we need to plant the aviation seed earlier If we talk to kids who are seniors in high school or in college, they already have a career path in mind by that point, and it might not be aviation So, if we are going to get more pilots, we can’t start at the college level; we have to really educate kids earlier, and I thought one way to do that was through children’s books In addition, for me personally, I have a hard time falling asleep, so I would lie in bed for like an hour or so and I started telling myself these helicopter mission stories to help me fall asleep
One day I was sharing these with my husband and son and realized I should write a children’s book series to help plant that seed really early and share the joy and diversity of helicopters with a safety-first message
IFUSA: Yes, the pilot shortage is definitely an issue, and I agree that we need to plant that seed at a young age
Your book is very clear and very concise
The artwork is beautiful Did you have an
illustrator working with you?
KB: Yes, there are a few different ways to publish books. You can go full publisher, however, the challenge for me with this route is that you need an agent to help get those relationships going for you, and they also have rights to your book, so if they want to change something, they can change something, so it is not really yours anymore You may be the author, and your name is still on it, but they can change whatever they want Another route is one can self-publish, and that is where you do everything yourself You have your own illustrator, you do the printing, binding, and distribution, etc I actually went with a hybrid publisher called Blue Balloon, and they publish children’s books They have artists on hand, and so what they did is sent me a catalog with a bunch of different artists and their work, and I was like, “Oh I like this person, and this person, and these persons’ work. Have them draw me a female pilot and a helicopter,” and then I picked from there which artist fit best for what my vision was Then once I had my illustrator, I would sit with a publisher, and we go through each page and I would layout what should be on each page and how it should look I would say, “this is how I want the pilot to look, and I want the fire over here, or we will have this here,” and you just lay out the whole page of what you want them to draw Then you try not to be too specific because you want to give the artist some free reign too Honestly, it works out really well because it is their job and they are the artist They can really bring your vision to life.
IFUSA: Right, they did a beautiful job. Have you always liked to write? Is this your first book?
KB: This is my first children’s book I authored a chapter in a book called “Drone Professional ” I was one of the authors in book three of that series, and I wrote about safety management systems for drones I am a full-time student in an aviation doctoral program, so I write all the time In addition, I am always writing safety materials and articles I enjoy writing and it seems to come naturally to me As I mentioned, I had been telling myself these helicopter mission stories at night to put myself to sleep I had them all in my head, so when it came time to actually put words on paper, it took me a day, and I had it done.
IFUSA: Wow, so it was already in your head That is exciting Are you getting a doctorate in an aviation-related or scientific field?
KB: Yes, I am working towards an aviation doctorate at the Florida Institute of Technology An aviation doctorate is a little different than a PhD The aviation
doctorate focuses on the application of advanced knowledge and research to solve real-world problems in the aviation industry in a practical setting. Whereas, a PhD in aviation focuses on new knowledge through original research and is typically more theoretical and research-oriented, aimed at those who wish to go into academia or contribute to the academic body of knowledge in aviation through research, teaching or scholarly publications I often explain the difference to people by asking them, if you are sick, do you want to see a medical doctor (MD) or a PhD? If you are sick, you would see a medical doctor If you had a legal challenge, you would see a JD rather than someone who had a PhD in law I think the same way about aviation, so now if aviation companies are having challenges, and they want a practical aviation solution for those challenges, they should seek someone who is an aviation doctorate as opposed to someone who has a PhD
IFUSA: That is great! This sounds like a great application, and you are already doing consulting, so that will be a great step for you Have you lived/worked in Florida your entire life?
KB: No, I am originally from Michigan Growing up, my family moved around a lot We were usually somewhere in Michigan or Florida, so I have lived all over both states I have been in central Florida since 2012 and prior to that lived in St Augustine for 12 years; I graduated high school in Lakeland, Florida
IFUSA: Florida is a big aviation state. There are a lot of flight schools and aviation businesses there. I take it you enjoy that scene
KB: Yes, so I used to do sales for a company years ago, and I did some research on flight training schools and found at the time there were 198 flight schools in Florida alone That is pretty astounding
IFUSA: Yes, it is a great state for that This book is really good It sets itself apart from other children’s books in aviation, and I thought it was very interactive Maybe you can elaborate on that and why people should pick up this book
KB: Yes, like you just said, it is very interactive What I like is that it makes the child part of the crew and part of the team, and in aviation, we don’t do anything by ourselves, even if we are single pilots; It takes a whole crew to get you to that point You have line-service personnel, maintainers, dispatch, etc If you are out firefighting, you are potentially communicating with air traffic control and other pilots in the area, and the ground firefighters So, it takes a lot, and I really
Bogart’s book is “interactive,” allowing the reader to feel like part of the flight crew and aviation team
(Courtesy Kodey Bogart)
wanted kids to know that it takes a team to do these operations and that they can be a part of that team Of course, I am talking from the pilot’s perspective in my children’s book, and I want them to know they can do it, so I like the interactive nature of it Again, I wanted to be very safety forward That is why in the book we talk about the pre-flight, making sure the aircraft meets the mission needs and is safe for flight I also wanted to highlight in the book having a crew pre- and post-mission brief I tried to think of a very simple acronym that is used in the real world and was simple enough for a child to follow and understand, so I went with the FAA PAVE acronym: Pilot, Aircraft, Environment and External Pressures.
IFUSA: Yes, that is important, and there is a lot of preparation for flight It is not like a car where you can just get in it and go I think it is great when you teach the importance of every step and how it is a team effort You’ve got air traffic control, the dispatcher, all the different people that contribute to aviation, so that is great
KB: As a female helicopter pilot, there has not been a lot of representation in that arena when it comes to children’s books, so I aimed to highlight not only safety, but helicopter missions and female pilots The “Firefighting Pilot” is book one of the Helo Girls series Each book in the series features a different helicopter mission with a different female pilot. Book two of the series is the “Law Enforcement Pilot” with our pilot, Selma, and is expected be available for preorder in December and published in January
IFUSA: Great I think it is wonderful that you are focusing on women and people of color while developing this
Continued on Page 18
By Michael Nichols
Airports do not have a reputation of being the most pleasant experience: delayed flights, crowds of people, and necessary, yet sometimes inconvenient security
Some airport experiences are not only pleasant; the memories stay with you for the rest of your life
I should start by introducing myself
My name is Michael Nichols I served in the United States Army from November
ONE VETERAN’S GRATITUDE
2000 until April 2012 I was stationed at Fort Drum, New York in the 10th Mountain Division.
Even though almost 17 years have passed since my last deployment to Iraq, memories of flying home standout in my mind: The countless “thank you for your service,” “welcome home,” and endless hugs from the wonderful Red Cross volunteers as I went to my connecting flight in Atlanta
The Red Cross Volunteers at the Atlanta Airport are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met They gath-
ered near the International Arrival gate at the Atlanta Airport. As soon we exited, a roaring welcome awaited. Avoiding hugs was an impossible task; like the scene from Jurassic Park Lost World when the velociraptors found everyone I have told my son the stories many times To this day, I swear I said “clever girl ”
Experiencing that level of gratitude from strangers was overwhelming It is safe to assume not everyone that hugged me, or shook my hand welcoming me home agreed with U S involvement in
Iraq In that moment, it did not matter Their appreciation and patriotism was unquestioning. Maybe some of them served in the military themselves, or had a loved one that served
One of the benefits of redeploying in uniform is getting the privilege of meeting countless veterans from Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korea, and World War II They shared stories and memories of their time in service In that moment, I wondered if they received the same welcome home, I did
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PiperTomahawkPA-38-1121978-1982
PiperWarrior151PA-28-1511973-1977
PiperWarriorIIPA-28-1611976-1986
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Airline employees often went to great lengths, such as getting us an earlier flight One specific occasion, I was on mid-tour leave in May 2007 The airline employee checked our tickets A moment later, she handed us new tickets I did not
Continued on Page 19
Kodey
Bogart
Continued from Page 16
series My next question was going to be, what are your future plans?
KB: I do have a strategic plan towards my goals with the books, and beyond At the moment I have 19 titles planned that I can use in the series I also have some ideas for spin-off series of the books to reach a larger audience I am just going to keep on going as long as it doesn’t drive my husband too nuts So far, Helo Girls has been widely accepted. I am really excited and hope to make a global impact showing young girls, and boys that they too can fly helicopters and be a part of the team
IFUSA: Yes, that is great People all over the world will be excited about this Where can they find your book? Is it on Amazon or do they go to the Blue Balloon website?
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KB: I have my website, www helo girls com where the books can be purchased It is also sold through the publisher, Blue Balloon, website (blueballoonbooks com) One can also find it on Amazon, or online with Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, and anywhere books are sold
IFUSA: Is there anything else you would like to add?
KB: I do not see myself stopping with books I have a long-term plan to get Helo Girls into the mind and homes of children across the world, so there will be more on that front in the future
IFUSA: Thank you so much for this wonderful book and everything that you are doing
MORE MODELS COMING SOON!
Editorial: Basic Med
Continued from Page 10
to a bureaucratic review of a lifetime of medical events. The FAA medical bureaucrats, whose primary objective is to “increase aviation safety,” do so with the only tool they have Class medical denial Denials have, in fact, tripled over the last three years Now comes the sales pitch for Basic Med!
First, to get the official word about Basic Med, download all the forms and an important Advisory Circular (AC68-1A) at Basic Med/Federal Aviation Administration (faa gov) Let’s take a quick look at what the official documents have to say at this point in time First, did you hold a Class medical on or after July 15, 2006? Basic Med does require that the participant has held a class medical at least once in order to qualify, but this requirement is retroactive to July 15, 2006. This requirement is contained within the FAA Extension, Safety, Security Act of
Flight Training
Continued from Page 6
embarrassed pilot, but very happy dog to be free of this flying idiot
Yep, ground effect is very real, but not a “cushion of air” under the wing as so described by those that do not understand what is really going on Related to “ground effect” is wing tip vortices We have all been advised not to follow a large airplane too closely on approach or to take off immediately after a large aircraft has taken off The vortices produced by a large airplane can absolutely cause a loss of control with disastrous results. But often not discussed is the fact that “wing tip vortices” is not just a characteristic of large aircraft. All wings, no matter what the size of the plane, produce wingtip vortices In fact, the “vortices” of air actually extends along the entire trailing edge of the wing Such vortices cause drag, referred to as “induced drag,” a normal, even required, byproduct of creating lift Many modern planes utilized both advanced airfoils and wingtip configura-
2016, a concession to the Executive Branch of government to keep the FAA Medical Division empowered. Having met that original Class Medical requirement, you may now download the needed forms, see your personal physician for a simple exam, undergo an online training course (AOPA or Mayo Institute) and you are good to go for 48 months
In 24 months, you once again take an online medical course as a “refresher,” much like a Flight Review The physical exam and good health practices remain between you and your physician, no paperwork is submitted to the FAA, and you do not fill out the MedXpress form FAA AeroMed no longer has a grip on your flying future, unless a major medical event takes place as defined in FAR 68 a topic for a future editorial comment
There are limitations to Basic Med, such as not being recognized internationally,
tions to reduce induced drag, but it is still there Now, let’s bring the surface of the earth into the picture It is generally accepted that when a plane is about a wingspan away from the ground, vortices being produced by the wing actually strike the ground and are suddenly diminished, with a sudden, sometime dramatic reduction of induced drag Abruptly, the wing becomes more efficient, and you stop going down float This effect is exaggerated when a plane is landing without flaps or going a bit fast Having seen and flown from many dirt and dusty fields and runways, this writer has observed the vortices kick up dust before the plane touches down.
Ground effect can also have a significant impact on take-off Most have practiced short field take-offs, with the advice that once airborne at a very slow speed, slowly lower the nose and accelerate close to the ground (within a wingspan) so as to use the reduced induced drag to help you accelerate and gain energy This same tech-
One Veteran’s Gratitude
Continued from Page 18
have to wait four hours before I flew home after nine months into the deployment
The flight attendants and pilots welcomed us home, usually by making an announcement. Impossible to describe the emotions of receiving a welcome home from everyone on the flight clapping To this day, I cannot remember how many hands I shook Most flights, my ticket upgraded to First Class
Buying a drink at an airport bar while redeploying also proved to an
therefore limited to use in the United States and other countries that specifically agree to Basic Med standards, such as Mexico and the Bahamas. As now in play, you may not fly above 18,000 feet (into Class A airspace), your airplane is restricted to an indicated airspeed of no greater that 250 knots (at max continuous power), must have a certified gross take-off weight no greater than 6,000 pounds and have no more that six seats You can fly VFR/IFR/single and multi-engine, fixed wing, or rotorcraft Having listed those limitations that currently appear in the FAR’s, know that the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, has expanded on these limitations, increasing the certified gross weight limit to 12,500 pounds and capacity to seven seats As can be seen, the vast percentage of typical light aircraft (both single and multi-engine) fall into the limitations now defined.
The concerns most expressed to this
nique can be used for high-density altitude take-offs, aiding in gaining airspeed after a take-off, given the loss of horsepower and thrust But beware, it is possible to become airborne with the benefit of ground effect, but not able to climb, a factor seen many times in high altitude take-off accidents
old CFI involve an increasing number of students flying high-performance turbocharged aircraft (but having an IAS of less than 250 knots), typically having a service ceiling listed at 24,000 feet. The most asked question by owners of such aircraft, “Won’t I need the Third Class medical to get full performance out of my plane?” The short answer is “yes,” but at what risk with respect to dealing with FAA AeroMed? Flying at 16,500 or 17,500 in class “E” airspace will get you over 90 percent of your aircraft full high altitude speed and fuel efficiencies and significantly increase oxygen resources And trust me on this one, 24,000 feet will not let you fly “over the weather!” This writer has dodged thunderstorm tops towering above me while at altitudes approaching 50,000 feet! The true advantage of turbocharging in light aircraft is
Continued on Page 22
So, there is the short version of our chat about ground effect, taught to this pro pilot early on by a dog I might add, as a multiple dog partner, there is a lot we can learn from our canine friends if you just open your heart and listen
impossible task Often times, if people had a flight to catch, they would clear the bar tab Other times, they approached, and introduced themselves the joy and pleasure of sharing a drink with a stranger.
Those acts of kindness and memories remain with me today Even though, they probably do not remember, I would like to take this moment to thank everyone I encountered It meant the world to me then, it means the world to me today
Thank you
Images and visions of Sagar Pathak
By Sherry Knight Rossiter
Editor ’s Note: Sherry Knight Rossiter soloed her first airplane 35 years ago and it literally changed the direction her life was to take After overcoming a personal fear of flying, she went on to become an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor for airplanes and helicopters, flew UH-1H helicopters for the California Army National Guard, conducted Flight Instructor Recertification Courses nationwide for 12 years, taught for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for four years, owned and operated an aviation training business for 18 years, coordinated several aviation youth camps, and is the author of numerous aviation training manuals She currently resides in Missoula, Montana, with her husband and cat
Ms. Rossiter, who was an avid writer for In Flight USA 30 years ago, has returned to share parts of her book, Flying Lessons: One Woman’s Story
“Once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been and there you will always be ” Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
C HAPTER 1: LEARNIN G TO FLY
As a child growing up in Fargo, North Dakota, in the 1950’s, it never crossed my mind that I could become a pilot or have a career in aviation. Like most young girls of that era, I assumed I would become a nurse or a secretary or a teacher But fate intervened As my life unfolded, I made many choices, conscious and unconscious, that eventually led me to my first solo flight, an event that literally changed my life
In the early 1970’s, my first husband purchased a 1959 Cessna 150 (N6400T) in order to complete his own flight training Shortly before he was to take his Private Pilot checkride, he decided it would be a good idea for me to complete what is called “a Pinchhitter Course ” This is a course designed to teach spouses and other frequent passengers in small aircraft the basics of airplane flight control, aerial navigation, and radio communication The purpose of taking such a course is obvious If the pilot is suddenly incapacitated in flight, a front-seat passenger who's completed a Pinchhitter Course, could – at least in theory – fly the airplane to a safe landing area
For me personally, the notion of flying in a small airplane was not an appealing one Only after much internal conver-
sation did I manage to convince myself that completing the Pinchhitter Course was a wise and prudent thing to do. I came by my reluctance quite naturally as both of my parents were fearful flyers and avoided commercial flights whenever possible
My first flying lesson is still vivid in my mind even though I had my eyes shut for most of the flight Fortunately, I had an experienced flight instructor, who recognized me for the reluctant student that I was Wisely, my instructor took time on the ground prior to takeoff to familiarize me with basic aircraft terminology, flight control functions, and certain safety considerations I asked a lot of questions during our preflight discussion in keeping with my personal belief that you can never have too much knowledge
After takeoff, the instructor continued to explain everything he was doing and why in a calm, matter-of-fact tone of voice He told me he was continuing to apply pressure to the right rudder to compensate for the torque created by the propeller Without “holding” right rudder during climbout, the airplane nose would not maintain a straight track over the ground He told me he kept his hand on the throttle while climbing out as a safety precaution He also told me about the
importance of always looking for other traffic. During this introductory flight, he was careful to make only well-coordinated, shallow turns because even a standard rate turn (i e , approximately a 30-degree angle of bank), would cause me to clutch my seat cushion in abject fear
Once we had sufficient altitude, my instructor provided a very simple demonstration of aircraft stability all the while explaining that the airplane really wanted fly – it was human input that caused the airplane not to continue flying Later, after I became an airplane flight instructor, I remembered this discussion and demonstration of aircraft stability, and I used the technique with my own primary students
At the end of my first flying lesson, I was still not completely convinced that the airplane wanted to fly or that learning to fly was really a safe or sane thing to do, but I was intrigued enough by the process to finish the 10-hour pinch-hitter training course
On subsequent lessons, my exceedingly patient flight instructor taught me basic aerodynamics, aerial navigation, radio communication procedures, and a basic landing technique that would serve me well into the future Being a fairly shy person at this point in my life, I hated
Continued on Page 22
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Editorial: Basic Med
Continued from Page 19
high density altitude take-off performance, climb and meeting IFR departure clearances requiring minimum climb rates per nautical mile.
There is another “shoe” about to drop, as strongly encouraged by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 And that shoe has the impressive title of “Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificate” (MOSAIC) The NPRM on this rule is directed towards redefining the definition of a “Light Sport Aircraft ” Basically, this definition would allow many typical GA airplanes, including those classified as complex, to be flown by those exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot no FAA medical required and no requirement to have ever held a Class medical In Rep Sam Graves’ comments concerning the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, it was emphasized that the final ruling on MOSAIC is overdue (NPRM closed on
Jan 22, 2024) and Rep Graves strongly encouraged the FAA to finalize this important rule. Once again, an opportunity to avoid the capricious and unreasonable standards set forth by FAA AeroMed. Words a bit harsh? Let’s allow the words in the instructions for filling out the MedXpress form to speak for themselves:
“NOTICE – Intentional falsification may result in federal criminal prosecution Intentional falsification may also result in suspension or revocation of all airman, ground instructor, and medical certificates and ratings held by you, as well as denial of this application for medical certification Total hours flying time (logged or estimated) flying time last 6 months, occupation, employer, non-prescribed medications,” You must answer “ yes ” for every condition you have ever been diagnosed with, had, or presently have and describe the condition and
Chapter 1: Learning to Fly
Continued from Page 21
talking on the radio, but I knew it was a skill I needed to master
On my tenth and final lesson, I was both excited and frightened I was excited that I had completed the entire Pinchhitter Course but frightened about the prospect of flying in an airplane with someone other than my flight instructor, whose skill and judgment I had learned to trust over the last few months After sharing this concern with my instructor, he encouraged me to take a few more lessons and then “solo” the airplane. At first, I was shocked by his suggestion, but a voice deep inside me whispered, “That’s a good idea Do it!” After further discussion, I agreed to take a couple more lessons However, I was pretty sure that soloing an airplane had not been what my husband had in mind given his competitive nature when he signed me up for the Pinch-hitter Course In spite of this awareness, I decided then and there that I needed to solo to bolster my self-confidence I also decided not to tell my husband about my decision
Early in the morning on January 21,1973, I headed to the Marin County Airport which is located 30 miles north of San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge. Anticipation and anxiety were running pretty high as I realized today might be the day I would solo. After all, my instructor said I had been making very good landings for quite some time and that mornings usually provided the best wind conditions for first solo flights
After a couple good landings and some brief discussion, my instructor said, “I have the airplane ” I responded as I had
approximate date in the EXPLANATIONS block The FAA may check state motor vehicle driving licensing records to verify your responses. ”
Did you know that the blocks you must check off regarding your health history cover a lifetime? I wonder how the threat of “Federal Criminal Prosecution” fits into good health practices? Do you wonder what your employer has to do with a health assessment? Are you prepared to disclose even basic “over-the-counter” meds that you have taken over a lifetime? How do flying hours fit into health? Note that even a Ground Instructor Certificate is at risk, without ever having had any medical requirements associated with it Take a look for yourself; you can download these instructions at MedXpress Instruction (faa gov) Keep in mind, proof of fault on your part is not required for any of the preceding demands to affect your Class medical, a
“narrative” will do the job Unlike revocation or denial of a pilot certificate, FAA AeroMed is not required to respond to inquiries seeking clarification. Your can check this out by reading the Pilots Bill of Rights at COMPS-11475 pdf (govinfo gov) Let’s end these thoughts with the wisdom of Aeronautical Decision Making ADM Check it out, Chapter 2 in the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge ” The subject of risk management is captured in three simple concepts Be situationally aware, recognize a problem exists and use good judgement Have the preceding thoughts helped you become more situationally aware of new opportunities and good news that may follow shortly? Do you recognize that the present Third Class medical system could cause you a problem? Given the facts as presented, what would be a good judgement call that meets your needs?
been taught to do with, “You have the airplane ” (When there are two pilots in the cockpit, it should always be clear to both of them which one is handling the flight controls ) We landed and my flight instructor pulled the airplane off the runway and onto a taxiway, where he got out A wave of panic initially swept through me, but I knew this was something I absolutely had to do for reasons I would not have been able to articulate at the time
I carefully checked my gauges, made a clearing 360-degree turn at the end of the runway to look for other traffic, and then announced my departure from the uncontrolled airport. It was hard to tell which sounded the loudest – the thumping of my heart or the airplane engine I advanced the throttle, making a flawless takeoff, and began my climbout
My flight instructor had warned me that the airplane would virtually leap off the ground without his 220 pounds onboard, and he was right The airplane became airborne very quickly
While climbing to a pattern altitude of 800 feet AGL (above ground level), I kept myself busy looking for other traffic Not until I reached pattern altitude and trimmed the airplane for level flight did it really sink in that I was the only occupant of the aircraft. Fear momentarily washed over me, but it vanished just as quickly as it had come, as I realized making a safe landing would be entirely up to me
After reaching pattern altitude, I lowered the nose of the airplane, reduced power, and adjusted the elevator trim tab, which lessened the amount of pressure I had to exert on the control yoke I then made a right turn to crosswind and then
to downwind using a standard rectangular traffic pattern When I was adjacent to the end of the landing runway, I reduced power and added the first 10 degrees of flaps as I’d been taught A few seconds later, I turned onto base leg, added another “notch” of flaps, and adjusted the trim tab Things were looking good As I rolled out on final approach, I added another 10 degrees of flaps Everything still looked good Then I heard my flight instructor ’s voice even though he wasn’t in the airplane “Don’t add the last 10 degrees of flaps until you know you have the landing field made.” Did I have it made? Yep. Down came the last 10 degrees of flaps, and I touched down right “on the numbers” at the threshold of Runway 31 at Gnoss Field in Novato, California, after a little more than 11 hours of flight training
My first landing was a little rough, but it put a grin on my face My second landing was smoother, and my grin grew broader By the third and final landing, I was smiling so broadly that my face actually hurt It was during the third landing that I felt something inside of me shift gears, and I intuitively knew my life would never be the same after this solo flight
It was many years later that I looked back on this solo experience and realized that learning to fly really did change my life by literally expanding my horizons, increasing my self-confidence, and providing the impetus to continue to challenge myself in other ways
I’ve often described this solo experience as transformational because it was during this solo flight that I realized how much I had let my fears control me up to
this point My mother was an incredibly fear-based person, and she inadvertently transferred many of those fears to me Fortunately, I hadn’t allowed her fear of physical injury to completely stifle my childhood activities, and I learned to swim and ride horses in spite of her loud protests and tears Soloing an airplane, however, was an even bigger accomplishment in my mind – one that pushed through more than fear of physical injury Soloing an airplane forced me to rethink my entire future because I knew I wasn’t going to be satisfied to simply be a passenger. I didn’t just want to learn to fly; I needed to learn to fly! Driving home from the airport, I was bursting with pride at my solo accomplishment, but I was pretty sure my husband wasn’t going to share my joy By the time I arrived home, I just couldn’t keep my news a secret I bounded into the house and announced I had soloed My spouse was visibly unhappy to hear this, and he left the house immediately Clearly, there were other issues within our marriage, and my solo flight brought those issues to a head
Within six months, we were divorced, and our community property was divided up equally according to California statute He got the Porsche 911T and I got the Cessna 150. Later, when I began to recover from my hurt and grief over the demise of my marriage, a friend suggested I complete my flight training for a Private Pilot certificate Even though I still harbored some trepidation about the safety of flight, I knew this was something I needed to do for me, for my Spirit, or I would never be at peace
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THE NINET Y-NINES RECEIVE
$1,000,000
BEQUES T
The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots announces receipt of $1,000,000 Bequest from Son of Founding Member Josephine Wood Wallingford to Honor the Legacy of Trailblazing Women Pilots
JOSEPHINE (JODIE) WOOD (March 28, 1912 – Sept. 11, 2004)
When Josephine “Jodie” Wood Wallingford and her sister and only sibling, Frances Wood Adair, were teenagers they took flying lessons on an OX5 Swallow at Jim Granger ’s school in Clover Field, Santa Monica, Calif
It is uncertain if Frances completed her training however, her younger sister Jodie held Private Pilot License #9129 and, in October 1929, became one of the of the two youngest members at 17 years of age to be founding members of the newly formed Ninety-Nines
Two years later, she received a Limited Commercial rating that enabled her to fly for hire and reward, but restricted operations to DAY VFR flight
Jodie married another pilot, Frederic (Fred) Messenger Wallingford, but stopped flying in the early 1930s due to financial constraints of the Great Depression (1929 – 1941) Soon after the birth of their only child in July 1937, they divorced Jodie never communicated with her ex-husband following the divorce; in 1942, during a flight when Fred was pilot instructor carrying three passengers, the plane crashed killing all occupants.
Life as a divorced woman and single mother was complicated and challenging Jodie made the heartbreaking decision to stop flying and, after the death of her father in September 1937, she moved with her son to her widowed mother ’s home in Vernon, Texas
At her mother ’s home, Jodie could provide for her son as well as take care of her ailing mother and alcoholic sister Though mother and sister eventually died, Jodie felt that a return to commer-
(Courtesy Ninety-Nines)
cial aviation wasn’t feasible She never flew again, but the Vernon Daily Record newspaper indicates she enjoyed a busy life filled with social events at the Tivoli Club, Christmas parties at Vernon’s New Orient Hotel, and frequent bridge tournaments, which she often won.
Though little information remains about the Wood sisters, the Ninety-Nines are fortunate that Jodie’s only child, Frederic Messenger (Bill) Wallingford, Jr (1937-2023), contacted the Ninety-Nines after his mother ’s death, spoke at length with Jacque Boyd (Chair, Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Foundation), and visited the Ninety-Nines Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2005
Inspired by the museum’s vast collection of resource materials about women in
Continued on Page 26
Josephine (Jodie) Wood’s Ninety Nines membership card and logbook (Courtesy Ninety Nines)
47TH ANNUAL AIR RACE CLASSIC RESULTS AND 48TH ANNUAL ROUTE
From June 18-21, 2024, 47 teams comprising 104 women pilots took off from Carbondale, IL, on a historic race to Loveland, CO, a 2,610-mile route consisting of stops at 10 airports across nine states In keeping with the 95-year rich history of women’s air racing and the 47th race of its kind, the pilots of this year ’s Air Race Classic were met with challenges surrounding weather, decision-making, aircraft performance, and strategy After the judges reviewed each team’s GPS tracking data, the teams were scored
accordingly The winning teams from the Competition Class and Intercollegiate Class were Team 20 – “DC3-1” piloted by Deb Dreyfuss and Joy Halcott in a 2005 Cessna 182T (Competition) and Team 52 – “Flying Flashes – Navy” piloted by Alyssa Sheehan and Peyton Turner in a 2020 Cessna 172 (Intercollegiate)
To view the Top Scoring Teams from each Class, visit the Air Race Classic website: https://www airrace classic org/top-ten-winners htm
All Team scores and placements can
be viewed at: https://www airraceclassic .org/results/
The 2025 route will be from Fairhope, AL to Spokane, WA flown from June 1720, 2025 Stops along the way are Fairhope, AL (KCQF), Starkville, MS (KSTF), Harrison, AR (KHRO), McPherson, KS (KMPR), Sterling, CO (KSTK), Gillette, WY (KGCC), Rock Springs, WY (KRKS), Jerome, ID (KJER), La Grande, OR (KLGD), Spokane, WA (KSFF)
See the 2025 Air Race Classic route mapped at https://www airraceclassic org/route-map htm
Seven of the nine stops in the 2024 Air Race Classic were in the North Central Section of the Ninety-Nines The Air Race Classic extends its gratitude to the NCS for their commitment to the continuation of the legacy of women pilots and women’s air racing by supporting and volunteering with the race and the organization.
The Air Race Classic would like to extend appreciation to all our Stops and Sponsors for the 2024 Air Race Classic
The financial and logistical support pro-
Kent State's Flying Flashes team 52, seniors Alyssa Sheehan and Peyton Turner, won the first-place Intercollegiate Class and the first-place overall Fastest WAI (Women in Aviation International) Team in the 47th annual Air Race Classic, which took place June 18-21 The competition spanned four days and included 10 legs of flying, covering more than 2,000 miles from Carbondale, Illinois, to Loveland, Colorado Turner was a member of the 2023 first-place team (Courtesy Kent State)
vided by the Stops and Sponsors was instrumental in making the 2024 Air Race Classic an unforgettable experience for which the organization and racers are deeply grateful
FAA MAKES DRONE HIS TORY IN DALL AS AREA
In a first for U S aviation,
The authorizations for Zipline International and Wing Aviation allow them to deliver packages while keeping their drones safely separated using Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology In this system, the industry manages the airspace with rigorous FAA safety oversight
Typically, when operating drones, the drone pilot must be able to always see the aircraft However, new advancements in air traffic technology and procedures are providing a key step toward making these Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights routine
Using UTM services, companies can share data and planned flight routes with other authorized airspace users This
Continued on Page 25
aviation and aerospace – archival records, personal memorabilia, oral histories, books, art, films, photographs and biographical files – Mr Wallingford made a generous donation to the museum to establish an endowment fund
Not only was Mr Wallingford justi-
The FAA has authorized multiple operators to fly commercial drones without visual observers in the same airspace (Courtesy FAA)
allows the operators to safely organize and manage drone flights around each other in shared airspace All flights occur below 400 feet altitude and away from any crewed aircraft The FAA expects initial flights using UTM services will begin in August and issuing more authoriza-
Continued on Page 34
fiably very proud of his mother ’s remarkable accomplishments at a time when very few men learned to fly, the museum and the Ninety-Nines left a lasting impression on him His most recent gift reflects his belief that the Ninety-Nines help to give women independence by providing scholarships and camaraderie
By Cynthia Wheatley Glenn
One of my favorite things about going to a baseball park is the smell of mustard in the air One of my favorite things about going to AirVenture is the smell of AVGAS in the air Seeing the hundreds of planes lined up is visceral in its majesty Rubbing elbows with literally more than a halfmillion like-minded individuals eager to share their experience, their stories, their advice, their inclusiveness, is an amazing experience In truth, when I went last year for the first time I kind of thought once would be enough as it was pretty overwhelming This year, knowing what to expect, coming as a writer for a national magazine rather than a participant literally following the flow of the crowd from here to there, and being a proud and happy new owner of a C182P that needs a few things – all of which were available by someone at the show – I came with verve to taste and see all there was to see!
I started my week at the media booth at the foot of the show to pick up my credentials Extremely organized, the crew
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2024!
that signed me in was extremely efficient and helpful; I was out of there in minutes. I moved on to the first of many press conferences at the Media Headquarters on campus, then was set loose to wander around the grounds Wow! So much to see! Something I noticed right out of the gate was the layout being pretty much the same as it was the year before I found out vendors and participants alike appreciate being able to go to the same place in the same hangar to find the same businesses, colleagues and friends who are, in many cases, only seen once a year at the annual show
This year ’s show was even more special than usual: it was the 85th anniversary of AirVenture The weather was perfect, with one day of a bit of rain and the rest moderate with little humidity I recalled last year ’s adventure being a wee bit on the hot side, with nary a breeze. This year, the temperature clocked in at about 75 degrees pretty much every afternoon Like last year, the event didn’t feel crowded even though there were so many attendants I can only suppose that is because the campus is so huge you don’t even feel the crowd except for entering the hangar
doors That said, I didn’t even feel the crush of the crowd until about Thursday, well into the week’s adventure.
Also, because I was here last year I, too, got to look up friends I had met the year before to see how they fared during the past 12 months And the privilege of being a member of the press corp is beyond cool! So many people were willing to share their stories with me I’m in the process of gathering data for a series of interviews examining how individuals in very disparate areas within the field of general aviation work to forward our progress as general aviation pilots To date, I’ve received responses from a Center controller, a retired pilot-turned-high-ranking volunteer for EAA, and an up-and-coming nationally acclaimed ground instructor I was also invited to be interviewed on an aviation podcast sharing my story of being a (former) student pilot.
Wait, there’s more! As a member of the 99s, I had the honor of attending a celebratory dinner honoring the women who fly, and as a member of the media was invited to lunches, dinners, and parties As a proud member of AOPA, I had the
AirVenture is an experience like no other and this year, writer Cynthia Glenn – second-year AirVenturer – found it less overwhelming and far more productive than her first-time experience (Courtesy EAA AirVenture)
opportunity to meet with a lawyer who peeked at a contract I needed wise eyes to review as I start a new business venture of my own I had the weird experience of looking up and seeing someone I knew in a sea of people and 2,000 miles from home. I stopped at a booth to enquire about getting my plane painted and was told they had been given a head’s up that I would be showing up sometime during the week Oh, and did I mention the fireworks? Every aspect of the week was awesome and awe-inspiring I am so profoundly grateful to have been there and can hardly wait for next year!
EAA AEROEDUC ATE PROGRAM ADDS THREE NEW CONTENT PROVIDERS
Free Online Aviation Education Program Continues to Grow
AeroEducate, EAA’s free online education program, has added three collaborators to its list of educational content providers. This partnership aims to tackle an ever-growing need for aviation education and interactive programming for young people
AeroEducate launched in 2022 as a free aviation education program created by EAA in cooperation with North Carolina State University and in partnership with other companies and organizations around the world The program offers unique content for grades K-12 and utilizes a badging system to track individual progress as each elemental area and grade level is completed
Parents and teachers can also create accounts to gain access to a catalog of STEM-aligned, hands-on, group enrichment activities that further encourage youth of all ages to explore the many wonderful opportunities available within aviation.
“As we add content providers to AeroEducate, it not only provides for a more robust offering for youth, parents, teachers and youth group leaders who have a passion for aviation, but also encourages other organizations and companies to join us in inspiring the future of aviation,” said Paul Maloy, EAA Director of Education “Each provider specializes in a different, unique aspect of aviation education, allowing for more ‘well-rounded’ and innovative programming ”
The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) has partnered with EAA to help develop avionics activities for all grade levels The AEA represents 1,300 member companies that specialize in all parts of the aircraft electronics space for general aviation aircraft including manufacturing, maintenance, and installation
PlaneEnglish Interactive Training Solutions has worked to provide automated and AI-assisted pilot communica-
tions activities for all levels of the student self-exploratory area of AeroEducate PlaneEnglish develops innovative tools to help pilots maximize their training. Their interactive training solutions are designed to help communications, cockpit familiarization, procedures and flow training
SafeLaunch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that uses aviation to educate youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse SafeLaunch provided content for the teacher resource dashboard as well as all grade levels that focuses on the importance of avoiding addictive substances to maintain peak brain health
EAA’s AeroEducate program was created to engage, inspire, and empower youth to achieve their dreams through exciting opportunities in aviation and aerospace, and encourage the industry leaders of tomorrow. More information can be found at AeroEducate.org.
The Experimental Aircraft
Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
OODIES
One of the truly great things about being an aviation buff is the number of “Goodies and Gadgets” available to play with. Here In Flight USA has collected a few new ones worthy of your consideration.
A N D A N D
ADGETS
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co has been the supplier that aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses have depended on since 1965 They carry a wide selection of aircraft parts, building materials, avionics, and pilot supplies, all of which are offered on their website (www aircraftspruce com) and in the famous Aircraft Spruce catalog, now over 1,000-pages available for download or for free in print You can depend on Aircraft Spruce for prompt shipping and competitive pricing on all orders
GET READY FOR FALL WITH FRESH GEAR FROM AIRCRAFT SPRUCE
With summer ending and autumn coming, this might be a good time to freshen up some avionics or pilot gear a new headset maybe? If you didn’t get a summer break these past few months think Las Vegas in October – 22nd through 24th
The weather is great and Aircraft Spruce will be at the NBAA convention there
Aircraft Spruce has everything a pilot needs to stay fresh and safe And just in case no one has said it yet… It is never too early to start that holiday shopping!
Radiant Technology Updated Multi-Function Instrument Aircraft
Spruce is featuring Radiant
Te c h n o l o g y ’s updated multifunction instrument (UMFI), specifically the GEN-2 Multi-Function, which boasts eight functions on one screen It is ideal as an ultra-lightweight, ultra-thin primary or backup instrument in experimental or ultralight aircraft
The unit provides indicated airspeed, true airspeed, digital altitude, analog (dial) representation of airspeed, analog (dial) representation of altitude, digital VSI, settable kollsman (current pressure), outside air temperature, system voltage, and density altitude
Almost all these functions are included in one bright, high-contrast screen presentation A secondary ‘Altitude Focus’ screen is available by pushing a button This screen shows altitude in a conventional dial format, along with the current density altitude, a bonus for safety consciousness
This instrument brilliantly presents Indicated and True Airspeed, along with Altitude, VSI, Voltage, and Outside Air Temperature in an easy-to-read and concise format It also includes an air computer that calculates True Airspeed based on pressure, altitude, and temperature.
A harness for the external temperature is included Furthermore, a one-time setup procedure allows customization of 100 or 200 knot or MPH speed ranges and Fahrenheit vs Celsius
The instrument is now available in a 3 1/8-inch cutout as well as the 2 ¼-inch cutout and can be purchased at Aircraft
Spruce: The 2 ¼-inch version sells for $395 and the 3 1/8-inch version sells for $396
Flight Outfitters Lift 2.0 Flight Bag
Form meets function with this versatile, easy-tocarry flight bag – the one that put Flight Outfitters on the map!
The Lift Flight Bag’s compact size remains perfect for the modern-day pilot It provides easy access to multiple compartments, a padded headset section, a dedicated iPad pocket, and ample storage for cords, backup batteries, and ADS-B receivers
While maintaining a similar silhouette to the original Lift Flight Bag, the new Lift features updated material choices and styling to give it a sleek look Like a modern muscle car, this new bag includes the latest technology but with a few design cues from the original
The new Lift Flight Bag has room for all your gear but won’t get in the way – it’s the ultimate companion for today’s GA and professional pilots alike. It is selling for $99.95.
Pilot USA Pro Max Passive Headset With Bluetooth - Dual GA Plugs
This is an Aircraft Spruce Exclusive!
The Pro Max headset is an affordable entry-level headset, and the only headset that provides Bluetooth capability of connecting two devices at the same time This allows more individuals to access the necessary features without a significant financial burden. Additionally, affordable headsets can be beneficial for flight schools and training programs, enabling them to provide necessary gear to students without excessive costs
Bluetooth Controller
• Only headset to connect to two devices at the same time
• Can connect to iPhone & iPad to receive app notifications (ie Fore Flight)
• Listen to music or make phone calls
• Voice-enabled virtual assistant with a press of a button
• Auto shut-off feature when phone is disconnected
• 2 AA alkaline battery for 25 hour Bluetooth usage
• USB C power supply for external power
• Aux input and record output for GoPro camera or digital recorder. Comfort
• Pillow top head pad cushion.
• Soft protein leather memory foam ear seal for the the best fit and comfort Microphone Boom / Noise Cancelling Microphone
• Full flex microphone boom for easy adjustability
• Clear communications with out PA7A electret noise cancelling microphone
Each headset sells for $250
Garmin Smart Glide Switch Kit - Non Illuminated For Experimental Aircraft
Note: This product only available for sale to experimental aircraft
• Lending a Hand
In the event of the loss of engine power in a single-engine airplane, a pilot faces the urgent, workload-intensive job of safely flying the aircraft Our Smart Glide function available on GTN Xi series navigators with compatible flight displays provides assistance, helps the pilot efficiently navigate to an airport in range and, with a compatible autopilot, can even fly the aircraft en route, allowing the pilot to focus on key tasks essential to this emergency operation1
• Easy Initiation
After an engine failure, the pilot activates Smart Glide mode with the press of a dedicated panel-mounted button, through the GTN Xi navigator or via a compatible flight display
• Flight Routing
Considering the aircraft’s estimated glide range (including terrain and obstacles), the system recommends a suitable
airport for landing and offers a list of alternatives, or it alerts if no airport is estimated to be within glide range If an airport is available, it creates a Direct-to route to the selected airport
• In-flight Information
The system displays a glide range ring and provides destination airport information, including bearing and distance, runway orientation, elevation and winds (if available). Aural alerts advise the distance and bearing to the airport –as well as when the pilot should begin maneuvering for landing
• Landing Once the aircraft is near the airport, the pilot resumes control and prepares the aircraft for arrival – for example, bleeding off altitude and making the final approach to the selected runway – then lands the aircraft
Each unit sells for $153
2024 / 2025 Aircraft Spruce Full Color Print Catalog
If you fly, repair, restore or build aircraft this catalog is a must for you. Fully illustrated with more than
100,000 products for certificated, experimental and ultralight aircraft and the pilots who fly them Aircraft Spruce carries the most extensive selection of products in the industry
• Over 1,000+ Pages of Full Color Aviation Products
• Instruments & Avionics
• Metal Sheet & Tubing
• Composite Materials
• Pilot Supplies
• Airframe Parts
• Electrical Supplies
• Aircraft Kits
• Engine Parts
• Landing Gear
• Hardware
• Books and Videos
• And Much More
Free Shipping on catalogs shipped within the USA (including Alaska + Hawaii) Canadian and international catalog orders will incur a $20 freight charge via Bulk Mail Additional items may incur
Continued on Page 34
Ed Wischmeyer
OSHKOSH 2024
The upper midwest in summer can be gorgeous Driving into the airport on the back roads, all the grass had been to the barber shop – crew cuts for the grass, longer cuts for the roadside grass and the ditches The coiffed cornstalks swooped in height, changing with the corn variety, soil quality, and maturity of the plants
The scolded skies knew better than to show a cloud Clear blue, with cool evenings and mild daytime temperatures, even low humidity, just about perfect
On Tuesday, the one and only storm of the week came through, but not all that bad.
Unless you were in a seaplane Out on Lake Winnebago, the rollers were three feet high, too much for the floatplanes to land in or even taxi The seaplane base put out mooring buoys in the lee of Warbird Island, and some planes landed there
One Champ, the Aeronca kind, didn’t have the option of Warbird Island It ran
out of gas and had to land in the rough water When time came to fuel it, it took 38 5 gallons in its 39 gallon tank Oops
There was a single plane fatality south of the field involving a Lancair ES, the fixed gear, big wing Lancair From ADS-B and ATC recordings, the pilot was told to follow two jets to Runway 36 The Lancair pilot got slow, and
Pipistrel had a Velis Electro trainer to show. Even though it has very long, glider-like wings, it has no speed brakes. CFI Matt says that he has no problems with that Endurance is about 50 minutes, enough to go out 10 miles from the airport and practice stalls, or to practice takeoff and landings in the pattern Landings are recommended with just a touch of power
Had occasion to walk past the Pivotal booth and sign up to fly the simulator of the Helix, formerly BlackFly, the eight propeller LSA It has front and rear wings, each with two propellers on each side
It was wild!
There are control sticks on each side, identical in function They push left, right, front, back, they twist, and there is a rocker switch for altitude control
There are two things that I think will take a little getting used to One is that in hover mode, the whole aircraft tilts way, way back, and you’re lying on your back, as if you were falling over backwards, out of control You’re not The other quirk is that to increase altitude, you slide the rocker forward, and to descend, you slide it back – backwards from what works for fixed wing aircraft I was told this control works well in hover mode
The demonstration is flown in a full sized cockpit mockup, but with virtual reality goggles Those didn’t make it easier to hold your ears when the F-18s outside roared past in full afterburner, but I digress
To transition from hover to forward
Continued on Page 45
Drone History
Continued from Page 26
tions
the
NPRM this year, following strong Congressional support in the recent FAA reauthorization.
Drones represent a very different type of aircraft than traditional commercial aviation, and the FAA’s approach to this new NPRM has evolved accordingly Industry has created the market and technology, and the Agency has worked with
them on creative solutions to ensure operations can be done safely – UTM services are a clear example of this innovative approach. The NPRM has been designed to allow operations to scale with the size of the industry
Check out the FAA’s blog on the drone symposium at at the FAA website (faa gov) or directly at https://medium
dallas-area-060a4fcc747f and watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=j-rSXIPqRw0) to learn more.
HMEWatch is offering excellent prices on their long established Professional Flight Watch line.
They are offering an excellent clearance sale to make room on new models coming out later this year. Take advantage of these high-quality models while they last at really great pricing.
There are a number of different models and colors offering both, Metal Bracelet models starting at a low $139.95, as well as high-quality Rubber/Neoprene bands at only $119.95.
The ATP model is an all digital multi-function watch offering multiple alarms, stopwatch, as well as countdown time, multiple city “World-Time” covering every time zone on the planet, and a thermometer, as well as an altimeter/barometer. These popular full-featured models are newly priced, starting at $74.95!
There are four versions of the “ATP,” a larger all black plastic with either a regular LCD display or a reverse LCD display; the other, slightly smaller, offers a metal case and yellow rubber strap.
The HMEWatch A.T.C. (Aviator Timepiece-Chrono) Aviator watch is an all analog, high-quality aviator watch offered in multiple styles. This model features a 60- minute chronograph, date window and a second-hour indicator to show a constant display of a second time zone whether it be your home, destination or as most use it, G.M.T./Zulu Time. This second large hand is a 12hour hand teaming up with a 24-hour Subdial indicator.
There is also a simple, optional instant-reset for the Chrono, where an instant push of the lower right mode button resets the chrono; no more having to stop the chrono before resetting it if that is your wish. In addition, there is also a functional E6B calculator Bezel on each model.
The A.T.C. comes in either all-stainless with a stainless steel bracelet or a stainless steel body with a polyurethane strap. HME Watch offers all models, including the P.U. strap model with a deploy clasp instead of the lower price “Tang-Buckle” found on most watches. In keeping up with styles today, this is a fairly large watch, at 43mm diameter by 13mm thick. Weight is about normal for a stainless steel model.
Take advantage of these special prices while stock lasts. Also, they are offering prices well under retail on Citizen Eco-Drive Pilot watch models.
Continued from Page 30
additional freight charges Expedited shipping will incur additional freight charges Order online at www aircraftspruce com or call toll free at 877/477-7823.
Rounding out 2024, Look for the Aircraft Spruce booth at the following events:
• NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) convention in Las Vegas, Nev , on Oct 22-24
• NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in Fort Worth, Texas on Nov 18-21
THE NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME’S 2024 ENSHRINEMENT CEREMONY DRAWS THE BES T OF AMERIC AN AEROSPACE
The Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced that the 60th Annual Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony, presented by Garmin, scheduled for Sept 14, 2024, is poised to be the most spectacular event in the organization’s history Attracting the industry’s most influential figures and aviation’s brightest stars, this event is set to be a true “who’s who” of aviation, often referred to as the “Oscar Night of Aviation ”
“We are grateful to the long list of industry giants who have committed to supporting this year ’s event,” said NAHF Chairman Jim Cooling “Their support is vital to the continued growth of the NAHF. The enthusiasm surrounding Enshrinement 2024 is palpable, and we can’t wait to celebrate ”
Under the leadership of NAHF President & CEO Aimee Maruyama, the NAHF has undergone a remarkable transformation, significantly expanding its educational programming and garnering unprecedented support from the aviation community “We are committed to preserving the legacy of aviation pioneers while inspiring and educating the next generation of aerospace innovators,” says Maruyama “Our expanded educational programs and increased support from industry leaders are a testament to our ongoing mission and vision for the future. We are thrilled to present what promises to be our most prestigious Enshrinement to date.”
The committed sponsors include
The National Aviation Hall of Fame has announced that the 60th Annual Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony is scheduled for Sept 14, 2024 at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio The event is often referred to as the “Oscar Night of Aviation ” (Courtesy NAHF)
Presenting Sponsor Garmin, Bar Sponsor Honeywell; President’s Reception Presenting Sponsor Cirrus; Production Sponsors Avelo Airlines, Boeing, Brixey & Meyer, Cardinal Aviation Advisors, Cooling & Herbers P C MedAire, NBAA, NetJets; Enshrinee Sponsor Jet Aviation; Gold Sponsors Congressman Mike Turner, Dayton Airport, Dayton Development Coalition/Jobs for Ohio, Embraer, GAMA, The Jesch Family, Joby Aviation, Team Nutter, Rolls Royce; Silver Sponsors: Avfuel, Cozen O’Connor, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Destination Dayton, Dayton RTA, GE Aerospace, H4 Advisors, The Maruyama Family, Signature Aviation; Bronze Sponsors ThinkPatented, Vertical
Aviation International, Jill & Steve Wirth, WVU Libraries; Shuttle Sponsors Wings Over the Rockies, Bombardier
The 60th Annual NAHF Enshrinement & Ceremony will take place at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio on Sept 14, 2024 Serving as emcee will be CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean The NAHF Class of 2024 includes pioneers Peggy Chabrian and Joseph “Joe” Sutter, visionaries Don Bateman and Gary Burrell and Min Kao, and aerospace heroes Frederick Gregory and Katherine Johnson The six inductees will bring the total number of NAHF Enshrinees to 262.
At the VIP President’s Reception held the night prior on Sept 13, 2024, at
the Dayton Art Museum, the NAHF will celebrate this year ’s recipients of the Congressional Leadership Award –Congressman Mike Turner and Congressman Rick Larsen; The Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award winner – Larry Connor, Founder and Managing Partner The Connor Group; The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award winner – The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber; and The Scott A Crossfield Teacher of the Year – Mark Westlake, Director of the Saint Thomas Academy Innovation Center in St Paul, Minnesota Eleven NAHF Enshrinees will return to celebrate the class of 2024 “To date, committed to attend are Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins, astronaut Hoot Gibson, telemedicine pioneer Joan Sullivan Garrett, geologist and astronaut Kathy Sullivan, pilots John and Martha King, command pilot Ron Fogelman, entrepreneur Clay Lacy, aerobatic legend Sean Doherty Tucker, and airport management leader Angela Gittens,” reports Aimee Maruyama Sponsorship, seating, and hotel accommodations for the 60th Annual NAHF Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony are limited To make reservations or for more information, visit www nationalaviation org The National Aviation Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the only Congressionally-chartered aviation hall of fame in the U.S.
SIKORSKY COMPLETES DELIVERY OF NEW PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTERS
The U S Marine Corps formally accepted the 23rd and final next-generation VH-92A presidential helicopter built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, in recent ceremonies, marking a significant milestone for the company whose aircraft have flown every U S president since 1957
“This delivery represents a significant milestone and new chapter in the rich, 67-year history of Marines providing helicopter transport of the president of the United States. The VH-92A Patriot brings increased capabilities for this nofail mission supporting the Commanderin-Chief around the world,” said Lieutenant General Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation “Sikorsky’s contribution to Marine Aviation has enabled your United States
Marine Corps to be a ready and lethal fighting force ”
The delivery, announced on Aug 19, demonstrates the success of the VH-92A helicopter program to design, build and deliver the program of record under budget and within the planned delivery schedule
Sikorsky: Continuing the Legacy
The VH-92A helicopter will transport the President and Vice President of the United States and other officials Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track record to this mission having flown every president since 1957 The VH-92A, also called a “White Top” due to its notable white and green livery, will continue this legacy for decades to come
“Once again, Sikorsky’s highlyskilled employees have shown their ability to innovate, manufacture and deliver these next-generation VH-92A presidential helicopters that will be operating worldwide in support of presidential missions well into the future,” said Richard Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager “This milestone is a credit to our valued and long-lasting partnership with the Marine Corps as we provide a highly-tailored solution for the Marine Corps’ unique, critical mission.”
The VH-92A program ensures longterm affordability by utilizing the FAA certified Sikorsky S-92 aircraft, which is best-in-class for safety and reliability
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, celebrated delivery of the 23rd and final VH-92A Patriot presidential helicopter to the U S Marine Corps in a recent ceremony (Courtesy Lockheed Martin)
The S-92 aircraft was modified at Sikorsky facilities in Owego, New York, and Stratford, Connecticut for the VH92A mission based on governmentdefined requirements
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery For more information visit the company webiste at Lockheedmartin com
NBAA 2024
SAFET Y IN FOCUS AT 2024 NBAA-BACE: A PREVIEW
Preview
NBAA-BACE
Safety Events with Industry Experts on LinkedIn Live
This year, safety will be in focus at the NBAA-BACE like never before To make sure you don’t miss any of this important programming, join NBAA leaders on LinkedIn Live at 1 p m (EDT) Sept 12 for a preview of safety events featured at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)
Featured safety events at the 2024 NBAA-BACE include:
• NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown – Monday, Oct 21
• NBAA Small Operator Symposium – Monday, Oct 21
• NBAA National Safety Forum –Tuesday – Thursday, Oct 22-24
These events will highlight pilot mental wellness initiatives, a new FAA mandate for safety management systems and key safety provisions of the FAA reauthorization bill, as well as how to incorporate recorded flight data and narrative safety reports into your organization’s safety analysis initiatives to mitigate risk
Flight safety, including pilot wellness, will be focal points at this year ’s NBAA-BACE convention slated for Oct 22-24 in Las Vegas (Photo courtesy NBAA)
Just as the year has brought a number of significant developments to the safety landscape for business aviation, the issue will be in focus as never before at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAABACE), taking place Oct 22-24 in Las Vegas
“In just the past year, the FAA has been taking a new look at pilot mental wellness,” noted NBAA Director, Safety and Flight Operations Mark Larsen, who served on the FAA Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee, which issued recommendations to the agency earlier this year
“Equally important, this year also included the introduction of a sweeping new Safety Management System (SMS) mandate,” Larsen said “Separately, but significantly, Congress has passed a 1,600-page multi-year FAA reauthorization bill with key safety provisions
“NBAA-BACE is where we’ll have
the top experts to unpack the new SMS, and help you understand whether it will apply to your flight operation,” Larsen continued “We’ll have the authoritative sources on the FAA’s evolving mental-fitness posture, and whether the changes have implications for your flight readiness The convention is where top FAA officials will explain what the mammoth FAA bill means for the safety of your flying ”
The spotlight on safety will culminate with the 2024 National Safety Forum and Single-Pilot Safety Standdown, both held in conjunction with NBAA-BACE
The importance of spotlighting safety at NBAA-BACE was underscored by Paul “BJ” Ransbury, a retired Royal Canadian Air Force Captain, CEO of Air Performance Solutions and NBAA Safety Committee chair, who said: “Safety is a core value of the business aviation community, and it will be a centerpiece of the convention ”
Ransbury added that the planned content will be accessible to business aviators and flight teams alike Peer learning sessions will have information for those operating everything from piston aircraft to large-cabin business jets The content
Flight safety, including pilot wellness, will be focal points at this year ’ s NBAABACE convention slated for Oct 22-24 in Las Vegas (Courtesy NBAA)
under development for the show will be valuable to those flying both domestic and international missions
“In short, NBAA-BACE will ensure you have what you need to stay proficient, but to level-up your game in safety of flight,” Ransbury concluded NBAA-BACE, taking place Oct 2224 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year Learn more about NBAA-BACE, including registration, at nbaa org
FAA ADMINIS TRATOR MIC HAEL WHITAKER TO KEYNOTE 2024 NBAA-BACE IN L AS VEGAS
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently announced that Michael Whitaker, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will be a featured speaker for the Opening Keynote Session on Oct 22 at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas
Whitaker, confirmed as FAA administrator by the U S Senate in October 2023, assumes the role as leaders from across government and industry are working to implement a newly codified FAA reauthorization law focused on ensuring that America retains its global leadership position in aviation
“The pace of change in aviation is rapidly accelerating, with new technologies, new market entrants and new business models driving an evolution in thinking about on-demand air mobility,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen “Through his experience and leadership role at the FAA, Administrator Whitaker is uniquely positioned to speak to the factors driving the aviation indus-
try, today and in the future
We welcome the opportunity to hear his perspectives ” Whitaker
p r e v i o u s l y served as deputy FAA a d m i n i s t r a t o r from 20132016 In that role, he led the agency’s
m o d e r n i z ation to a Next
NBAA-BACE announced that FAA administrator
Michael Whitaker will be a featured speaker for the Opening Keynote Session on Oct 22 at the 2024 NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas
Superstar Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to Inspire at NBAA-BACE Keynote
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an award-winning astrophysicist, renowned futurist, best-selling author and inspiring speaker, will share his thought-provoking perspectives about the dazzling possibilities on distant horizons as a keynote speaker to open the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) on Oct 22 in Las Vegas, NV
“Neil deGrasse Tyson is someone who needs no introduction,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen “He is not only one of the most famous and recognizable scientists in the world today, but a visionary who fires imaginations with his ability to excite people about what is possible in the world of tomorrow. We are thrilled to have him join us as we gather to shape the industry’s future at NBAA-BACE.”
G e n e r a t i o n national air traffic control system He returned to the FAA last year after serving as chief operating officer of advanced air mobility developer Supernal
(Courtesy FAA)
In addition to leading the FAA’s
Continued on Page 38
Tyson’s NBAA-BACE keynote address takes place amidst a 2024 cross-country touring schedule that includes sell-out engagements He routinely serves as an authoritative source on astronomical phenomena for news outlets worldwide, and is a visible social media presence with millions of followers
Tyson rose to national prominence in the mid-1990s
Neil deGrasse Tyson, “ one of the most famous and recognizable scientists in the world today,” will be a keynote speaker at NBAA-BACE on Oct 22
(Courtesy American Museum of Natural History – amnh org)
Continued on Page 38
NBAA-BACE OFFERS SAFETY SESSIONS EXCLUSIVELY FOR SMALL OPERATORS
With four out of five National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) members operating a small flight department with three or fewer aircraft, the 2024 Small Operator Symposium, taking place Oct 21 in conjunction with the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAABACE), is designed specifically to address the challenges these operations face
“The Small Operator Symposium is intended to energize those who run smaller flight departments and provide them with tools they can take home and put into practice immediately,” said NBAA Senior Vice President, Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations Doug Carr “Attendees will leave this half-day session with the knowledge to help them navigate the intricacies of managing a small flight department ”
The half-day event features compelling sessions led by subject-matter experts, focusing on critical topics like implementing steps to building a safer flight department and effective leadership strategies tailored to the unique challenges of running a small flight department
• Session one focuses on “Five Simple Steps to a Safe, Small Flight Department,” and focuses on a roadmap that everyone can take to further the safety culture of their operation This session will equip operators to implement safety tools easily, and effectively
• Session two, “Leading From Any Seat: Striving for Excellence in Every Role,” examines actionable insights and techniques designed to help attendees become a more effective and influential leader, regardless of their role or position. Striving for leadership excellence should
be a fundamental goal for every professional pilot, as it enhances both individual performance and team dynamics
Learn more about the Small Operator Symposium at https://nbaa org/ events/2024nbaa-small-operator-symposium/
NBAA’s dedication to providing the most significant safety information will be in focus throughout NBAA-BACE, with sessions looking at pilot mental wellness, the new safety management system (SMS) mandate, provisions in the newly passed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and more The Single-Pilot Safety Standdown, which takes place just prior to the Small Operator Symposium, will focus on single-pilot accident data and case studies and provide valuable insights attendees can use to enhance their safety practices
Topics include surface risk in the National Airspace System (NAS), pilot mental health, mitigating the risks of circling approaches and navigating transitions in single-pilot operations Learn more about the Single-Pilot Safety Standdown at https://nbaa org/events/2024-nbaa-single-pilot-safety-standdown/
For those looking for a complete overview of all that’s new in the safety arena since last year’s event, the National Safety Forum includes can’t-miss sessions taking place throughout NBAA-BACE Additionally, the forum provides a venue to recognize organizations with stand-out safety records, including those receiving 50-, 60and 70-year Flying Safety Awards, as well as the recipients of this year’s NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Awards.
Continued on Page 38
PL ANES OF FAME AIR MUSEUM TO BECOME THE NEW HOME OF THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL (NAHI)
Steve Hinton, President of the Planes of Fame Air Museum, announced that their annual Central Coast AirFest, at the Santa Maria Airport, will become the new home for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) vintage aircraft competition “NAHI will bring some of the finest restored vintage aircraft in the country to our ramp and provide our guests and sponsors a new and exciting element to our airshow ” NAHI was founded in 1998 at the Reno Air Races by four well-known aviation-oriented organizations; Rolls-Royce, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Reno Air Racing Association NAHI was created to honor our rich aviation heritage by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition In addition, they utilize the aircraft, owners, pilots and aviation legends to inspire students to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industries
Ken Perich, Executive Director of NAHI, states, “we accomplish these goals by hosting a friendly annual vintage aircraft competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards in-line with those of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum We bring together rare vintage aircraft, which have been meticulously restored to compete for the coveted Grand Champion Neil A Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. The Armstrong Trophy resides throughout the year in the Smithsonian National Air and
Space Museum’s Hazy Center.”
Ron Kaplan, Deputy Director of NAHI, added, “Planes of Fame Air Museum is the ideal organization to host the National Aviation Heritage Invitational’s annual competition The goals and mission statements of both organizations align perfectly ”
Taigh Ramey, NAHI Chief Judge noted; “The NAHI competition is open to aircraft 45 years or older, which have been preserved or restored to airworthy condition We have five judging categories; Antique, Classic, Military, Large and Contemporary which compete for the Orville and Wilbur Wright Trophy, the Paul E Garber Trophy, the Henry “Hap” Arnold Trophy, the Herb Kelleher Trophy and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy. In addition, there is the ever-popular People’s Choice Award Trophy ”
For 2024, the Central Coast AirFest hosted by Planes of Fame (Sept 21 and 22) will have some former NAHI winners and participants on the ramp along with representatives from NAHI to set the stage for the full vintage aircraft competitions beginning in the fall of 2025
“These vintage aircraft compete for the coveted Neil A Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, which represents one of the highest honors an aircraft restorer can receive,” said Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Astronaut, Air Racer, Hall of Fame Enshrinee and NAHI Ambassador
For more information on the Planes of Fame Air Museum, its mission and background, please visit www.planesoffame.org.
For more information on the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, its mission, aircraft entry requirements and judging criteria, please visit www heritagetrophy com
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Central Coast AirFest at the Santa Maria, Calif airport, please visit https://www centralcoastairfest com
About the Planes of Fame Air Museum
The Planes of Fame Air Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in Chino, Calif and Valle, Ariz Originally founded in 1957 with just 10 aircraft, Planes of Fame has grown to a collection of over 160 aircraft, more than 35 of which are in flyable condition Its mission is to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor our veterans and pioneers of aviation The museums efforts at preservation and restoration have assembled one of the most extensive collections of rare and historic aircraft in the world Its community outreach, education programs and public flight demonstrations have touched the lives of millions of spectators Planes of Fame is currently expanding its operations to the Santa Maria Airport and phase one of the development project is expected to be open to the public by 2025 The vision is to build a distinguished interactive center for aviation heritage, history and education. The 23-acre campus will fea-
FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker
Continued from Page 36
NextGen program as deputy administrator, Whitaker also established the agency’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office, the first FAA
organization dedicated to UAS operations in the National Airspace System
As a private pilot, Whitaker has served in several key industry roles, including senior vice president of alliances, international
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Continued from Page 36
through his submissions to dozens of scientific publications, including columns for Natural History and StarDate magazines. During this period, he also became director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, a position he still holds today.
Tyson achieved further notoriety as host of the four-part, PBS NOVA miniseries “Origins,” based on his book “Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution,” co-authored by Donald Goldsmith. His latest book, “Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives
NBAA-BACE Offers Safety Sessions
Continued from Page 36
Learn more about the National Safety Forum at https://nbaa org/events/2024-nbaa-national-safety-forum/ ”
“At NBAA, safety is at the center of everything we do, and these NBAA-BACE sessions and programs are designed to make operations safer and more secure,”
and regulatory affairs for United Airlines He was later named group CEO at InterGlobe Enterprises, the holding company for IndiGo, India’s largest airline NBAA-BACE, taking place Oct 22-
on Civilization,” links the history of human progress to the importance of scientific exploration and discovery in understanding humanity’s place in the universe Tyson graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and went on to earn his bachelor ’s degree in physics from
said Carr “These are must-attend sessions for small flight department managers ” NBAA-BACE, taking place Oct 2224 at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Planes of Fame Air Museum’s P-51 Mustang is slated to be display at the Central Coast AirFest Sept 21-22 at the Santa Maria Airport The AirFest is the new home for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) vintage aircraft competition (Courtesy Planes of Fame Air Museum)
ture one-of-a-kind exhibits, learning initiatives, flight demonstrations, and attractions, which captivate and serve residents and visitors alike. In addition to this, the museum is hosting the annual Central Coast AirFest on Sept 21-22, which will present spectacular aerobatic, formation, and military displays for the community to enjoy
About the National Aviation Heritage Invitational
The vision and mission of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) LLC is to support our aviation industry by doing two important functions: honoring our rich aviation history and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers within the aviation industry NAHI was created by four aviation-oriented organizations to ensure our rich aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the preservation and restoration of vintage aircraft to flying condition.
24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year Learn more about NBAA-BACE at nbaa org
Harvard University and his Ph D in astrophysics from Columbia University He is the recipient of 23 honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the agency’s highest award for a non-government citizen. Learn more about NBAA-BACE at nbaa.org.
and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year Learn more about NBAA-BACE at nbaa org
THE ESSENTIAL TRAININ G APP FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED PILOT S
The Finer Points, a leading provider of aviation training solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new Instrument Pilot Course, now integrated into the groundbreaking Ground School app Developed by expert flight instructor Jason Miller and his team, this revolutionary course is set to transform the way pilots learn and master instrument flying
The Finer Points’ Ground School app has garnered widespread acclaim from pilots who have hailed it as the best of the best in aviation education. With its integrated knowledge and maneuvers lessons, the app has been lauded by pilots as a game-changer, with many referring to it as “fantastic” and praising its effectiveness as a “CFI on the fly ”
The new Instrument Pilot Course represents a significant addition to the app, offering pilots a comprehensive and immersive learning experience Customers will now have access to this cutting-edge course as part of their existing subscription, providing unparalleled
value and convenience
Jason Miller, renowned for his expertise and dedication to aviation education, expressed his excitement about the launch of the new course, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce this revolutionary Instrument Pilot Course to our Ground School app Our team has worked tirelessly to create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that will empower pilots to excel in instrument flying.”
The Instrument Pilot Course is designed to provide pilots with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain the rating and safely and confidently operate aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions With the addition of real-world scenarios and practical applications, the course aims to equip pilots with the tools they need to navigate challenging environments and enhance their overall proficiency Pilots who have already experienced The Finer Points Ground School app have testified to its effectiveness By incorporating the new Instrument Pilot Course into the app’s exist-
ZENITH AIRCRAFT’S
ing suite of resources, The Finer Points continues to set the standard for aviation training excellence For more information about The Finer Points’ Instrument Pilot Course and Ground School app, visit learnthefinerpoints com/ground-school
About The Finer Points
The Finer Points has been a leading producer of online aviation training content since 2005. Online at learnthefinerpoints.com, The Finer Points continues to provide the longest-running aviation training podcast and YouTube channel on the web Founded by expert flight instructor Jason Miller, The Finer Points is dedicated to helping pilots of all levels achieve their aviation goals through high-quality, engaging, and effective training programs
About the Ground School app
Ground School is a flight training and proficiency system available for iOS
devices Ground School combines expert flight instruction with innovative technology to help pilots of all levels stay safer and more proficient
About Jason Miller
Jason Miller is a CFII with more than 25 years of aviation experience and thousands of hours logged in the sky Miller has been teaching flying full-time for the past 22 years. Miller is a former instructor for the Air Safety Institute, FAA nominee for the 2009 Flight Instructor of the Year, and FAA FAAST Team safety rep, Jason is passionate about developing systems that help pilots become safer and more efficient
Learn more on the Finer Points website: Learnthefinerpoints com and see a video about the company on YouTube under the title “The Finer Points” or directly at https://www youtube com/ c h a n n e l / U C P C y M E H O W m 2 D r x UKEA zOQQ
ANNUAL “HOMECOMIN G” OPEN HAN GAR DAYS & FLY-IN SET FOR SEPT. 20-21 IN MEXICO, MISSOURI
Zenith Aircraft Company will be hosting its 33rd annual Zenith Homecoming / Open Hangar Days & Fly-In this Sept 20 and 21 at its factory at the Mexico Memorial Airport in Mexico, Missouri
The annual fly-in event is a homecoming for Zenith Aircraft customers from across the U.S., with many Zenith customers flying in to central Missouri, with their completed Zenith kit aircraft (whose airframe parts were all made at the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri) The Open Hangar Day & FlyIn events include two full days of activities, including educational aviation seminars and workshops, an aircraft show, contests, social activities, as well as a Zenith BBQ banquet dinner on Friday evening, and a fried-chicken dinner with awards presentations on Saturday Factory tours (of the modern kit aircraft factory), aircraft building and flying demonstrations, and other activities are planned for all visitors
On the first day (Friday, Sept. 20th) educational seminars begin in the morning and take place throughout the day featuring various airframe (the aircraft fuselage, wings and tail), engine, avionics seminars, with suppliers like Dynon and Garmin avionics, Corvair and Viking auto engine conversions, and more participating The knowledge gained from these educational seminars gives the indi-
vidual aircraft kit builders an opportunity to learn more about the choices they have in building and finishing their own aircraft Charlie Becker, EAA’s Director of Chapters & Homebuilt Community Manager, will speak about how government issues affect sport aircraft owners and builders, including MOSAIC, taskbased phase-one flight testing, LODA, Basic Med and fuel issues There will be additional seminars on flight safety (transition training and first flight preparedness) and representatives from the insurance industry, and more Friday’s activities conclude with the popular Zenith Aircraft banquet, held outdoors in front of the Zenith Aircraft factory with the planes (weather permitting) and special guest speakers and entertainment Saturday’s schedule is packed full of activities including:
• Tours of the newly-expanded Zenith Aircraft kit production facilities,
• Zenith aircraft “show” with many categories and prizes,
• Seminars on Zenith aircraft kit construction and maintenance,
• STOL and other flying demonstrations at the airport
• Dinner and awards ceremony starting at 4:30 p m
• And great camaraderie with lots of hangar talk and food!
There will also be hands-on building
projects in the factory, including a “women’s-only introduction to aircraft building” workshop, Zenith Aircraft presentations, as well as representation from more than a dozen vendors (avionics, engines, insurance, etc )
The Zenith Aircraft Homecoming is a popular annual event for Zenith customers and aviation enthusiasts to fly-in and visit the factory at the Mexico Memorial Airport in central Missouri
For more than 30 years Zenith Aircraft Company has been manufacturing easy-to-build and fun-to-fly aircraft kits designed by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz Zenith Aircraft continues to be the number one brand of light sport aircraft in the United States (based on actual FAA registrations numbers)
Zenith Aircraft produces kit aircraft for the DIY (do it yourself) sport aviation market, with superb short take-off and landing capabilities demonstrated by the STOL CH 701 and STOL CH 750 models, as well as economical two-seat crosscountry cruisers: The high-wing Zenith CH 750 Cruzer and the sleek low-wing Zenith CH 650 With builder choices in mind, all Zenith aircraft kits are designed to offer builders a wide variety of suitable engines, avionics, and custom kit options Zenith Aircraft builders typically build their own airplanes in 400-500 hours from a complete kit, or can choose
to build from component kits, quick build kits, or scratch-build from plans (blueprints) only The STOL CH 750 Super Duty, a short take-off and landing (STOL) airplane with a rear jump seat, is the latest model from Zenith Aircraft
The annual Zenith Open Hangar Days have proven to be a great way for Zenith Aircraft’s customers to meet with each other to share their love of building and flying, and to get to know the factory staff, while also learning about building, maintaining and flying their airplanes While area hotels sell out well in advance of the event, there will also be free camping available at the Mexico airport Further details are available on the Zenith Aircraft website, with a detailed seminar and events schedule:
• https://bit.ly/zen24-homecoming
• Zenith Aircraft Company: https:// zenithair net
• Facebook event page: https://www f a c e b o o k
K5zzx/
• New 30-second promo video clip: https://youtu be/o1kjLh5qE2U
Getting Back to the Joy of Reading A BOOK REVIEW OF FLYING LESSONS: ONE WOMAN’S STORY BY SHERRY KNIGHT ROSSITER
By Annamarie Buonocore
Good aviation reading material has been a game-changer for the aviation industry For anyone looking for an easyto-read, informative, and pleasurable book to read, look no further than Flying Lessons, One Woman’s Story by Sherry Knight Rossiter This small but storypacked book will not disappoint
In this book, there are 13 chapters and roughly 100 pages The author colors the pages with narratives of her aviation career and personal experiences, beginning with a simple aviation safety course for spouses of pilots, to flying lessons, to military training, to air racing, to running aviation businesses She shares humorous and touching stories about people she met along the way and emphasizes the importance of women in aviation and bringing youth into the industry With short, easyto-read chapters that highlight many heroes in the history of aviation, the reading experience will fly by and leave you wanting so much more
book teaches so much about aviation, its history, and the basics of flight You do not have to have an aviation background to understand it, but by the time you finish these pages, you’ll be desiring just that an aviation background
While short and to-the-point, the book is complete and leaves the reader satisfied Most readers feel like they want more, so maybe Rossiter should write a series The book can be purchased on Amazon or at this link: https://www amazon com/ F l y i n g - L e s
Many books end up on the back burner because working professionals do not have enough time to read them, but this book can be read in less than one week As you read the book, you feel like you are right there with Rossiter, experiencing her aviation triumphs and tribulations. The
Story/dp/0741452111.
AEROVERSE TEAMS UP WITH AOPA
Aeroverse, a premier commercialfree streaming app for aviation and aerospace video content, has announced its alliance with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) This collaboration will bring AOPA content to Aeroverse along with an AOPA exclusive discount on programming
Every Tuesday, Aeroverse releases new AOPA content, showcasing the latest in aviation news, safety tips, and pilot experiences Establishing this cadence and dedicated AOPA channel underscores Aeroverse’s commitment to providing top-tier content and fostering a deeper connection within the aviation community as a whole
“I have always seen AOPA as a respected leader in the aviation industry,” said Charles Cook, owner of Aeroverse “From the time I first became fascinated with planes as a kid, AOPA has been a beacon of quality and reliability in aviation
Teaming up with them allows us to offer our viewers unparalleled access to highquality aviation content, further enhancing their experience on our platform ” Nathan Fletcher, Executive Vice President of Programming at Aeroverse, added, “Every Tuesday, Aeroverse will release AOPA content, giving our audience fresh and insightful perspectives from the aviation world. Working with AOPA in this way is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best in aviation and aerospace content to our viewers ” Kollin Stagnito, Senior Vice President of Media at AOPA, commented, “The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association applauds Aeroverse for launching a compelling streaming video
HAN GAR ON SCENIC WASHIN G TON ISL AND FITTED FOR A 60-FOOT SC HWEISS BIFOLD DOOR
Roche Harbor is a historic seaside resort located on San Juan Island, Wash
Steeped in rich history and surrounded by lush gardens, the village is a short drive from nearby Friday Harbor Both locations have tourist lodging options, luxurious modern homes, fishing and whale watching chargers, historic hotels and quaint residential cottages
A new 64-foot by 64-foot private-use residential hangar, recently built by Peter C Schmidt Construction and owned by Merri Ann Simonson, is located near Roche Harbor Airport The hangar has a 60-foot wide, 18-foot tall bifold liftstrap door from Schweiss Doors. It has an automatic arm latch system.
Jason Schmidt, Construction Project Manager, says the recommendation to use a Schweiss bifold door came from an online search, talking to the owner and studying other Schweiss doors he and the door installer had seen on the island A big red barn just across the street has a 65-foot Schweiss bifold door
Simonson, a managing broker at Coldwell Banker, San Juan Islands, says her hangar will be used for storage purposes
“My hangar is located less than a quarter mile from Roach Harbor Resort where floatplanes fly in,” she says “Most of the bigger hangars here, 65 feet by 60 feet, typically have Schweiss doors. The bifold doors have a most favorable brand name that everyone recognizes. For pilots, it’s good for resale
“There are a number of hangars out here that have homes nearby or hangar homes attached to them The individual who built it wanted the hangar big enough and tall enough to be able to hold the biggest plane on floats that can land in Roche Harbor I had our engineer contact Schweiss Doors to make sure the header that was being put in could handle the door ”
Roche Harbor Airport, with its 3,593foot by 35-foot paved runway, is a private airport located one nautical mile northeast of the central business district of Roche Harbor in San Juan County Visitors can
This beautiful 64-foot by 64-foot hangar at Roche Harbor, Wash , has a 60-foot by 18-foot bifold liftstrap door from Schweiss Doors The door is equipped with the auto latch arm system
(Courtesy Schweiss Doors)
also land at nearby Friday Harbor Airport
The public-use airport had a 3,400-foot by 75-foot runway, 56 hangars and 46 privately owned hangars serving 143 aircraft.
Chance McClennan, a supervisor and door specialist with Vander Griend Lumber Company in Lynden, Wash , placed the order for the Schweiss bifold door and completed the installation
“I’ve bid Schweiss doors in the past, but this was the first liftstrap door I’ve installed,” says McClellan “The door install went awesome; it was simple with all the manuals that walk you through it It was a big door, but easy to put in The door is very good quality – you can tell a lot of thought went into this style of door The guys have been great Love the door! Now that I’ve installed a strap door, that is the only way to go ”
McClellan says the people at Schweiss Doors were very good to work with. He only had to call Dave Schweiss once to answer a question on the auto latch system
“The impression the door gives off is really cool,” Schmidt says “To have a huge door like that, whether it’s open or closed, creates a neat experience and environment within the hangar ”
Schweiss Doors is the premier manufacturer of hydraulic and bifold liftstrap doors Doors are custom made to any size for any type of new or existing building for architects and builders determined to do amazing things with their buildings, including the doors Schweiss also offers a cable to liftstrap conversion package For more information, visit www bifold com
Aeroverse Teams Up
Continued from Page 42
service for aviation enthusiasts We’re proud to offer a selection of videos produced by AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Institute, intended to inspire and educate pilots – and everyone interested in general aviation As a new AOPA Member Benefit Sponsor, we thank
Aeroverse for generously providing AOPA members a $20 discount on an annual subscription to Aeroverse ”
For more information, visit aeroverse com To learn more about AOPA, visit www aopa org
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE
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, a TECNAM dealership, (940) 800-8020, volareair.aero. 1/23
Historically significant 1950s-era aircraft for sale or trade All in restorable condition with minimum corrosion. Inventory includes a Piasecki XHJP-1 and a Sikorsky S-55. American Helicopter Museum, West Chester, PA. Contact info@americanhelicopter.museum for more information. 231000.TFN
1968 Nanchang CJ-6 Chinese warbird. Reliable Day/VFR, light weight. Apollo GX-65 nav/com, Digital Xpndr., intercom, Delco alternator. New seat cushions and canopy glass. Includes all support equipment, wing jacks, manuals, spare parts. Much more! $70,000. Located N. Calif., text/cell (530) 9579760, dennis@nickson.biz. 24900:10
JETS
Small Manned Aerial Radar Target, Model 1. Tiny jet aircraft, long-range tank. SMART-1, Tucson, AZ, (202) 2132400, smart-1.us. 5/21
SPORT/ULTRALIGHTS
RV12i5 Total performance perfected. Easy to build, fly and own. Van's Aircraft www.vansaircraft.com. 11/18
Bristell LSA 915 Turbo, 180 mph @18,000. Bristell Aircraft, (516) 6581847. bristellaircraft.com. 2/24
STOL
The STOL Super Breezy with fully covered fuselage. Yakima Aerosport, (509) 453-3412, superbreezy.com. 5/23
AIRCRAFT SALES AIDS
Aviation Sales & Marketing by ABCI
Ideal for a startup or side hustle in the aviation industry. (702) 987-1679 or aviationsalestraining.com/startup. 1/21
FLIGHT INSTRUCTION
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
Recurrent pilot training and services. L/D Aerospace, Grace Passmore, (916) 790-0501, ldaerospace.com. 1/22
Fly for fun or career Discovery flights, pilot training, AOPA Distinguished Flight School & Cessna Pilot Center. Smith Aviation, 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
All parts available to rebuild 1936 Rearwin Sportster. In Northern California. Contact Sue Harmuth at suewilldooo@ outlook.com. 22801:TFN
Serving the GA Community since 1981 Wisconsin Aviation, Watertown Municipal Airport, WI, (920) 261-4567, WisconsinAviation.com. 3/13
World's largest network of FBOs with over 200 locations offering consistent, exceptional service. Signature Flight Support, signatureflight.com. 4/23
Full-service center. Vista Aviation, Whiteman Airport, Pacoima, CA, (818) 896-5224, vistaair.com 9/23
AVIONICS
Avionics for Every Mission. All major brands. Airtronics, Calaveras County Airport, CA, airtronicsavionics.com, (209) 736-9400. 11/14
Basic installs to complete panel and glass retrofits. Pacific Coast Avionics, (800) 353-0370, PCA.aero. 7/15
Update your avionics 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
Wingtips with total lighting solutions, aveoengineering.com. 9/23
PROPELLERS
Aviation wood, composite or metal propellers Sensenich, (813) 752-3711, (717) 569-0435 or sensenich.com. 4/21
OXYGEN
SUPPLIES
Cannula or Mask? For aicraft service ceilings to FL180 & FL250. Ask "The Oxygen Lady," info@aviationoxygen.com 2/23
Fuel Cells Repair, overhaul or new with 10-year warranty. Hartwig Aircraft Fuel Cell Repair, hartwigfuelcell.com. 2/09
Home of GAMIjectors® fuel injectors! STCs and PMAs on over 300 different engine models! General Aviation Modifications, Ada, OK, (888) 3594264, (580) 436-4833, gami.inc. 3/23
AVIATION SAFETY
Innovative aviation safety solutions and Parachute Recovery Systems for a variety of aircraft, including for sport, UAVs, more. AviationSafetyResources.com. 2/22
Get ahead of your daily in-flight risks with SAFETYLINQ flight risk assessment. argus.aero/safetylinq. 1/22
AIRCRAFT FINANCING
Get Top Retail Value for Your Aircraft! Sell now! Find your dream aircraft! Shop now! Become an area broker with one of the largest networks in the U.S.! Visit our USA Aircraft Brokers page on Facebook or visit usaaircraft.com. 9/23
INSURANCE
Specializing in personal, business and charter aircraft Best price, coverage & customer service. 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
AVIATION CONSULTANTS
Informed, accurate aircraft appraisals. jetvaluesjeremy.com, (636) 751-3987. 7/20
Complete Aviation Sales & Marketing Services Use Promo Code "INFLIGHT" to save 10%. AviationBusinessComsultants. com/Lab, (702) 987-1679. 4/23
PILOT SUPPLIES
No cheap imitation watches at HME! Special pricing on ATP series multifunctional watches with Altimeter. To order or for information, (323) 464-6660 or hmewatch.com. 11/16
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Free 700page catalog, Corona, CA, & Peachtree City, GA, aircraftspruce.com. 10/06
Protective covers for every make and model. Bruce's Custom Covers, Morgan Hill, CA, (800) 777-6405, (408) 7383959, aircraftcovers.com. 10/19
Apparel as unique as your journey Discounts to members. AOPA Pilot Gear, aopapilotgear.com. 9/21
Mountain Bike, Full-size, pilot-friendly, rugged. FLATBIKE, flatbike.com. 10/18
AVIATION RESOURCES
Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets.com, (702) 465-2027. 10/20
Wherever business takes you Navigate It. (575) 615-2091, vatit.com. 10/21
Scheduling Software that connects to your flight department. Simple, affordable. airplanemanager.com. 9/22
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Aero & Marine Tax Pros
Legally avoid 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 manage-
ment, insurance claims & certified aircraft appraisals. Mark Parry, (855) 6GBLAIR, (413) 335-7507. 4/22
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HANGARS/TIEDOWNS
One-piece doors Hydraulic or bifold. Schweissdoors.com, (800) 746-8273.1/15
Aviation Building Systems, custom designed hangars. R&M Steel Co., Caldwell, ID, (208) 454-1800, aviationbuildingsystem. com, (866) 454-1800. 51217:TFN
HOMES/AIRPARKS
New Runway & Taxiway Homesites
Available in amentity-rich community, Granbury, TX. From $179,900. Pecan Plantation, AviationHomesites. com, (833) 273-2159. 2/24
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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:TFN
ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS
Specializing in aviation photography horizontalrain.com. 1/15
Need a gift? Give a ride in an open cockpit biplane. WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio, wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226. 20601:TFN
Fly By Wire Air, a one-stop site for aviators. flybywireair.com. 4/21
Aces High Aviation & Military Art (800) 528-0887, aceshighgallery.com. 10/21
Shirts Made to Fly Unique, original fabrics embedded with your sectional chart. Save 20% with "INFLIGHT20" code. PilotQuarters.com. 2/24
PUBLICATIONS
Avionics Checklists & Quick Reference gudes Available in book, card & new iPad editions. qref.com. 8/14
SEAK, Expert Witness Directory, by Bert Botta for aviation accidents and incidents. (415) 320-9811, bert@bertbotta. com, bertbotta.com. 4/22
"Ghosts," Phil Makanna's legendary warbird calendars are back! Visit ghosts. com, (800) 331-8231. 2/23
New Pocket guide to avoid pain & stiffness during travel by a leading pain
expert. "Pain-Free Vacation/Travel," (980) 785-8128, goptfirst@gmail.com. 2/4
PILOT POSITION WANTED
SoCal pilot desires Turbine/Jet SIC time Comm/Instru/Multi-Eng with SIC for Gulfstream G-IV and scores of hours in the Citation V560. Many years of aircraft design/flight test/aerospace industry experience. Willing to travel as needed (and for repositioning). Contact Paul at (562) 714-6686 or ptglessner@ aol.com. 23700:TFN
Rowland Freedom Center Vacaville, CA, (707) 449-3402 rowlandfreedomcenter.org Castle Air Museum Atwater, CA, (209) 723-2178 castleairmuseum.org World's
Oakland Aviation
Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100 oaklandaviationmuseum.org
Heritage Flight Museum Skagit Regional Airport, Burlington, WA (360) 424-5151, heritageflight.org
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum Hood River, OR, (541) 308-1600 waaamuseum.org
Warhawk Air Museum Nampa, ID, (208) 465-6446 warhawkairmuseum.org
Pacific Coast Air Museum Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 575-7900 pacificcoastairmuseum.org
Hiller Aviation Museum San Carlos Airport, CA (650) 654-0200, hiller.org
Planes of Fame Air Museum Chino, CA, (909) 597-3722 planesoffame.org Military Aviation Museum Virginia Beach, VA, (757) 721-7767 militaryaviationmuseum.org
DONATIONS Needed!
Non-profit youth aviation program teaching High School kids to build a Zenith 750 Cruzer — then learn to fly in it! It’s 70% completed. Need a usable O-200 engine to make kids’ dreams come true! Full value tax benefit. Bill (818) 634-9762. 4/23
Hombuilder’s Workshop
Continued from Page 32
or back to hover, push the stick full forward or back and hold the trigger. What’s different is that once you hover at low altitude, the Helix can auto-land
On that flight back to the landing spot, my inner gears, feeling no motion, got out of sync with the virtual reality and I had a pilot induced oscillation in heading No problem, just turn loose of the controls and the Helix will stay put in the air
One evening, they flew it at the ultralight field I was otherwise engaged, but the videos of it in flight are wild
It is cool, but it is different Endurance is limited, and some of the sensations and controls will be strange to us fixed-wing pilots But I think it will find a market, even at $190,000 a pop
This was not a good year for the EAA Internet – very slow And when I tried to use the hotspot on my T-mobile iPhone, that didn’t work well, either Then again, T-mobile service at home is terrible
Many of Burt Rutan’s airplanes were outside, and there was a tribute to Burt this year The asymmetric, twin engine Boomerang flew by
A Piper Malibu, German registration, ditched in the North Atlantic on the way home, just short of Greenland. The two on board had all the right survival gear and were rescued
This year, I applied to present four forums, but only one was approved My ego was pleased that the forum was standing room only I didn’t tell my ego that in a larger forum, there would have been empty seats
In my annual display of research masochism, I mucked through two years of NTSB data, mostly to see how often angle of attack (AOA) was a factor in the accident, and whether a visual AOA indicator might have helped. I also looked for impossible turn scenarios, whether the turn was attempted or not
A shortcoming of the NTSB accident data was that there were no successful impossible turns in the data, as those successes were not accidents and not reportable On the other hand, given the rarity of AOA installations, it’s a safe bet
that none or very few of the successful impossible turns had AOA indicators.
There were a number of accidents in which the pilot got slow, but that raises the question, if the pilot didn’t watch the airspeed indicator, is it reasonable to expect that she would have watched an AOA indicator? Although some will argue that a glareshield indicator will be more visible, there are human factors elements, such as “cognitive capture,” that suggest that a glareshield AOA is easily ignored when a stressed pilot is concentrating hard on something else
And then there’s the question, does AOA always tell the pilot what she needs to know?
• AOA does not provide guidance required for takeoff in my own RV-9A That engine ran hot when I bought the plane. We did all the baffling and cooling air tricks, finally switching carburetors to one that ran richer, giving additional cooling in the Georgia summer But because of the need for cooling air, and because a Vy climb has an impossibly steep deck angle, and because there are buzzards in the Savannah airport traffic pattern, I routinely climb at Vy + 30 I have to settle for “only” 1,000 feet per minute climb AOA would not provide guidance for my three requirements, but airspeed does
• In my old flying club, two checkouts in the Cessna 210 were required because of different handling qualities with gross weight One checkout was at normal weight and c.g., one at full gross and aft c.g. But despite the wide weight range, the POH showed only one short field approach speed This one approach speed at varying weights would require varying AOA, so there were aircraft considerations other than just AOA
• One year, the Cessna 150 pilot’s handbook (before POHs were required), showed an increase in the short field landing speed by 6 mph or so But as there were no airframe changes, the increased speed was to provide more safety margin for practicing student pilots A fixed AOA reference would not have flexibility to provide this safety margin
But AOA indicators are fun, shiny things that pilots can actually touch and look at, and there are many videos and articles touting visual AOA indicators. They’re more interesting than training that so often is negative, condescending, and boring But the NTSB data strongly indicates that it’s time to look for safety improvements other than AOA indicators
•
The Shark was one of several small, fast European two seaters The others were mostly side by side, but don’t count on carrying much baggage in any of them
The Sparker, below, is one such It has three 10” Garmin display screens (!) (Ed Wischmeyer)
A reproduction of a Wright B Flyer, but with modern engine and avionics
They’re negotiating with the FAA in order to give rides (Ed Wischmeyer)
A reproduction of a Wright B Flyer, but with modern engine and avionics
They’re negotiating with the FAA in order to give rides (Ed Wischmeyer)
Numbers were up in every category this year at Oshkosh On Tuesday, I think it was, Highway 41 was backed up four miles in each direction with cars headed to AirVenture Lotsa folks, lotsa good stuff going on
Because of knee and spinal limitations, I only got to do half of what I wanted to do. Last year, without those limitations, I only got to do half of what I wanted to There seems to be a pattern here
The trainer for the Pivotal Helix Control sticks on both sides with identical functionality, virtual reality goggles, and a seat that tilts way, way back (Ed Wischmeyer)
An electric beaver with many, many wires going from inverter to the electric motor (Ed Wischmeyer)
The Pivotal Helix A totally wild aircraft, redundant fly by wire controls, amazing (Ed Wischmeyer)
Static displays highlight some great aircraft innovations (Ed Wischmeyer)
What a great WWI outfit this man wore (Ed Wischmeyer)
PILOT MEDICAL
ILOT EDICAL L TIONS
– Erwin L. Samuelson,
"I
“They
Avionics Testing and Certifications:
• Altimeter & Pressure Altitude
• Pitot-Static
- IFR: FAR 91.411*
• Transponder
- VFR: FAR 91.413**
• ELT (FAR 91.207)
• TCAS, RVSM, DME, ADS-B
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Avionics Services International (ASI) was established in 1988 by Ronny Salamon, an aviation industry veteran of 40+ years. Salamon and his highly experienced team are based at San Antonio International Airport (KSAT) and ASI is the only one-stop avionics shop based in San Antonio. The firm is experienced with aircraft of all sizes, from light pistons to business jets, including commercial and military. Capabilities include equipment installation, repair, replacement, diagnostics and certification. ASI works with MROs, fleet operators, and individual aircraft owners.
Among ASI’s strengths are its knowledge and experience with the leading avionics manufacturers. As an authorized Garmin dealer, ASI provides sales, service and installation. ASI is well versed in modern display technology, RVSM, and IFR Certification—all essential components for aircraft owners and operators worldwide. ASI helps its customers achieve optimum integration with both their aircraft and mission. Mobile service is available, and service scheduling is recommended for your convenience. ASI is a division of Platinum Aviation LLC and a FAA Certified Repair Station no. S78R151N, Part 145 approved for airframe, instrument and radio. Call today to schedule your next maintenance service!