In Flight December 2022

Calendar of Events

Tolist your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com.

Note: Calendar includes only information available by our press date, Friday, Oct. 28.Confirm the status before attending.

NOVEMBER

4—5 Tampa, FL:AOPA “Hangout” Event, Fri. noon to 9 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m. to 5p.m., Tampa Executive Airport, (301) 695-2214, aopa.org.

5 Cullman, AL:Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration, 9 a.m., to 3 p.m., Cullman Regional Airport, cullmanveteransday.com.

Greenville, TX: Majors Field Fly-In, Greenville Municipal Airport, majorsflyin.com.

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

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

Palm Springs, CA: Commemorative Series - Return to Normandy, 1 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.

5—6 Atlanta, GA:Atlanta Airshow, opening ceremonies 11:30 a.m., Falcon Field, airshowatlanta.com.

Las Vegas, NV:Aviation Nation, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nellis AFB, nellis.af.mil.

9— 10 Dallas, TX: Falcon Aircraft Operators Association Event, opens Wed. 5 p.m., Dallas Love Field, (214) 358-8663, independentfalconaircraft.com.

10 Lake Havasu, AZ:Havasu 600 Air Race, 2-Day event, (928) 706-8372.

11 — 12 Pensacola, FL: Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, gates 8 a.m., Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, (850) 462-7790, naspensacolaairshow.com.

11—13 Stuart, FL:Stuart Air Show, Witham Field, stuartairshow.com. Tickets (772)837-9954.

Dallas, TX:CAF Wings over Dallas WWII Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Dallas Executive Airport, (888) 945-3008, wingsoverdallas.org.

12 LosAngeles, CA:American Heroes Air Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hansen Dam Recration Center, (818) 652-1145, heroes-airshow.com.

Fairview, OK: World’s Oldest Free Fly-In, 7 a.m., Fairview Municipal Airport, (580) 227-3788.

San Carlos, CA:ACNC Crystal Eagle Award Banquet, 6 to 10 p.m., Hiller Aviation Museum, aeroclubnocal.org/crystaleagle.

Palm Springs, CA:Taste of Flight, 5 to 10 p.m., Planes of Fame, (760) 778-6262, poftasteofflight.org.

12—13 Monroe, NC:Warbirds over Monroe Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Charlotte Monroe Airport, (704) 282-4542, monroenc.org.

17—18

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

Fort Worth, TX:AOPA Aviator Showcase, Thu. 4 to 7 p.m./Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Alliance Airport, aopa.org. Registration required.

19 McKinney, TX:AOPA Rusty Pilots Seminar, 9 a.m. to noon, McKinney National Airport, aopa.org.

Burlington, WA: Human Factors Seminar-Go/No Go Decisions, 10 a.m. to noon, Skagit Regional Airport, (253) 906-7930, dybergaviation.com.

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

Palm Springs, CA:Props & Hops Craft Beer Fest, 1 to 6 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.

19 — 20 Santa Rosa, CA: Open Cockpit Weekend, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 566-8380.

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

23

San Carlos, CA:Helicopter Turkey Drop, 11 a.m. to noon, Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200.

26 New Bern, NC:Aeroshell Team Night Show, @4:30 p.m., Union Point Park, (252) 639-2901, newbernnc.gov.

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

Palm Springs, CA:Commemorative Series - U.S. Attack Aviation 1916 to Present, 1 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.

DECEMBER

3 San Carlos, CA:Santa Arrives by Helicopter, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200.

Palm Springs, CA:Commemorative Series - “Pearl Harbor-A Moment in Time,” 1 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.

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

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

5—8

9—11

Knoxville, TN:2022 Ag Aviation Expo, opens 7 a.m., Knoxville Convention Center, (202) 546-5722, agaviation.org.

Rockport, TX:Coastal Bend Holiday Fly-In & Aerospace Education Exposition, gates 8 a.m., Aransas County Airport, (361) 790-0141.

COVER STORY

ByAnnamarieBuonocore

Aswewrapup2022,itisimportanttocapturethestoriesthat havebeenalong-timecomingor inthemaking.Itisimportanttopaytributetothedreamers,thedoers,andall thosewhomakeaviationhappen. ExplorerAircraftisaTexas-basedaircraft manufacturingcompanythathasbeen workingonanewlightutilityaircraftfor severalyears.Theyrecentlywent throughthetest-flightprocessandare gettingreadytomanufactureoneofthe mostinnovativeutilityaircraftever made.ThisistheExplorerstory,aninterviewwithCEO,BryanLynchand DirectorofBusinessDevelopment,Taras Lyssenko.

InFlightUSA: WhatkindofaircraftisExplorer?

ExplorerAircraft: Weplantomanufactureanall-composite,single-engine turboprop,lightutilityaircraft.Thatisthe 750T.Ithas480cubicfeetofroominthe cabinandausefulloadof4,300pounds.

The750TwillcompetewiththeCaravan andtheKodiak,buttherearethousands ofoldCessnaandPipertwinsinthemarketthatwecancompetewithandreplace. Mostoftheseaircraftareover40years old,sowethinkthereisanenormous marketopportunityforExplorer.

IFUSA: Whatsparkedthisideafor you?

EA(Bryan): I’vebeeninvolvedin

generalaviationforalongtimeasanaircraftownerandpilot.Ihaveapartnerin thisbusinessnamedGrahamSwannell, andGrahambuiltaverysuccessfulMRO businessinAustraliawherehewas exposedtoallfacetsofgeneralandcommercialaviation.Grahamhasbeen engagedwithgovernmentsandaircraft operatorsacrosstheworldanddevelopeda solidunderstandingforwhatthemarket

needs,soheandhiscompanydesignedthe Explorer500Tproof-of-conceptaircraft. Mybackgroundisinthemedicaldevice industrywhereIdesignedandbuilt implantablebloodpumpstoassistthefailingheart,soI’vespentmanyyearsbuildingactiveimplantablelifesupportsystems inahighlyregulatedindustry…notunlike theaviationindustry.GrahamandIhave beenworkingonthisprojectforsome time.Ithasbeenalongtimecoming,but theseprojectsdon’thappenovernight.It takesawhiletoconvinceinvestors,raise thefundsandgetapprovals.

IFUSA: Whatisthelatestwith Explorer?Whereareyouintheprocess?

EA(Bryan): Whenwehadourfirst discussion(with InFlightUSA),wehad justrebuilttheprototype.Wewantedto gainexperiencewiththeenginethatwe willgotomarketwith,soweinstalleda newPT6A-140APratt&Whitney engine,upgradedtheavionicsand improvedseveralothersystems.This enginehasalotmorepowerandisideal

Aviation&AirboatWood or Composite Propellers

SensenichWood Propeller Co.

2008Wood Court, Plant City, FL 33563

Phone:(813)752-3711•Fax: (813) 752-2818 Email:propsales@sensenich.com

AviationFixed Pitch Metal Propellers

Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Co., Inc. 14CitationLane,Lititz, PA 17543

Phone:(717) 569-0435 • Fax: (717) 560-3725 Email:sales@sensenich.com

SENSENICHAwarded STC for Carbon Fiber Adjustable Prop for Super Cub

Editorial ByEdDowns

HO-HUM…ANOTHER MOON SHOT!

Onflightday13,Nov.28,2022,OrionreacheditsmaximumdistancefromEarthduringtheArtemisImissionwhenitwas268,563milesawayfromourhomeplanet.Orion hasnowtraveledfartherthananyotherspacecraftbuiltforhumans.(CourtesyNASA)

Asthesecommentsarebeingwritten(11/27/22),NASA’sArtemis 1projectisin-flight,aboutto enteraretrogradeorbitaroundtheMoon andbreakalldistanceandspeedrecords forflightofacrewcertifiedspacecraft. Bigwhoop,youmightthink,whatisthe bigdealaboutanotherMoonmission?

Sadly,withtwonewgenerations nowcallingEarththeirplaceofresidence whohavenopersonalexperiencewith thespaceprogramofthe1960sand70s, itisnotuncommonforthemostrecent socialmediatrashtotakeprecedence overthisspaceflightachievement.Buta senseorboredomcanbeexplained,as missionstotheMoon(crewedandrobotic)havearingofbeingroutine.Thefirst Moonmissiongoesallthewaybackto 1959,withtheU.S.attemptingtohitthe Moonwitharobotcalled Pioneer0.This firsteffortmadeittojustunder10miles highbeforeittriedtoimitatetheBig Bang;impressive!Dependinguponwhat statsonedigsup,therehavebeensome 138missionstotheMoon,conductedby someninecountries(orspaceconsortiums)since Pioneer0 decidedtolightup thesky.ThisdoesnotincludespacemissionsthatpassedclosetotheMoonwhile catchingafreeridetoanotherdestination,complimentsoftheMoon’sgravity. Itisinterestingtonotethatofthe138 missions,71endedinlaunch,spacecraft, ormissionfailures.Ariskybusiness,this Moontravelstuff.Fordependability, stickwithaCessna150.

So,whatissoimportantabout NASA’slaunchof Artemis1?Simplyput,

itisthereturnofourcapabilitytolaunch humansintointerplanetaryspace…and thatisabigdeal!Understand,wearenot referringtojusthavingthetechnologyor planstobecomeinterplanetarytravelers butarenowflyingthehardwarethatcan achievethe StarTrek line,“togowhereno manhasgonebefore.”

America’sinterplanetaryspaceprogrameffectivelycametoanendwiththe last Apollo missiontotheMoonin December1972.Nospacecraftcapableof carryingastronautsintointerplanetary spacehasbeenlaunchedsincetheflightof Apollo17.TheSLS/Orion havechanged that.Standingsome322-feethigh,the SpaceLaunchSystemlaunchpackage (SLS),theOrionspacecraft,andservice moduleweighinat5.75millionpounds. Producing8.8millionpoundsofthrustat lift-off,thisisthemostpowerfulbooster/crewcapablespaceshipeverlaunched… byanybody.Itgoesfasterthananyformer spacelaunchsystem,(re-entryspeedof 25,000mph)carriesagreaterpayload (59,000pounds)andbymissioncompletion,willhaveflownafully-operational andcrew-capablemodulefurtherfrom Earth(by40,000miles)thananyother launchsystem.Lift-offtookplaceonNov. 11,2022,fora25.5-daymissionthatwill concludeonDec.11,withasplashdown justoffthecoastofSanDiego,havingtraveledmorethan1.3millionmiles.Nodoubt, thisisnotyourgrandfather’s SaturnFive and Apollo Moonmissionsystem.

Areyouconfusedbythestatement, “Nospacecraftcapableofcarryingastro-

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

AirplanesUSA proudly present this Oshkosh award winner! Timeless warbird with Navy colors and military records. Zero-timeengine with 2022 overhaul by Radial Engines. This excellent example needs absolutely nothing. This is your opportunity to own a piece of history. Ready for aerobatic ridesand grass strip adventures!.….............. CALL!

CoverStory:ExplorerAircraft

forthe750Tandthismarketworldwide. WearegrowingourfacilityinHouston. Whenwefirsttalked,wewerein Cheyenne,Wyoming.Nowwearein Houston,butTarasisinconversations withrepresentativesfromotherareasof thecountry.Wehavere-engineeredour prototypeandareplanningtomanufacturethemassoonaspracticable.

IFUSA: Whatareyourgoalsfor 2023?

EA(Bryan): Theplanistocompletefunding,completeourpre-productionengineeringworkandmoveintoproduction.Ourinvestorshavebeengreat, buttheseareexpensiveprojectsrequiring alotofcapital.Themarkethasproven itselfasevidencedbyaircraftalreadyout therewiththesamemissionprofile.We candoitbetter.Everybodyisconvinced thatthemarketforthisaircraftissolid. Themaingoalrightnowiscompleting ourfunding.

IFUSA: Areyoutakingorders?

EA(Taras): Wearetakingcommitmentsorlettersofintent.Weareavoiding pre-ordersbecausetheyusuallydon’t workoutverywell.Wewouldrathersee asoftcommitmentfromuserstovalidate themarket.Toomanycompaniesfailby collectingdepositmoneyandsuffering fromfactorssuchasunforeseenproductionexpensesandinflation.

IFUSA: Wherewilltheplanebe manufacturedandhowwillyoumanage thesupplychain?

EA(Taras): Weplantomanufacture theaircrafthereintheUnitedStates. However,wehavebeenapproachedby internationalentitiesthatareveryinterestedinsomeformofcooperationfor everythingfrombuildingcomponentsto constructingtheentireaircraft.

Supplychainisallaboutcontrol,and wewanttomakesurewehandlethesupplychainandsourceasmuchaspossible fromNorthAmerica.

IFUSA: Whoisyourtargetmarket oridealcustomer?

EA(Bryan): Explorerisautilityaircraft,ourtargetmarketarecompanies thatmakemoneyworkingwithaircraft.

Webelievethereisaworldwideneedfor thistypeofworkingaircraft.Thinkofit asapickuptruckofthesky.Wewantto beanaircraftthatispurchasedtobeused inabusiness,operatedbyprofessionals, andmaintainedasasafeandworthytool togeneraterevenue.Ouraircraftwillbea greatall-aroundutilityassetthatgetsthe jobdoneefficiently.

IFUSA: Forthosewhomakeacommitment,whenwilltheybelookingtoget theiraircraft?

EA(Bryan): Theyarelookingat aboutthreetofouryearsatthispoint.The standardcertificationprocessandramp uptomanufactureshouldtakeabout threeyears.

IFUSA: Whatelseisuniqueabout thisaircraft?

EA(Bryan): It’sanexcellentflying, high-wingcompositeutilityaircraft.It hasretractablegear,whichwehavegone togreatlengthstodesign,itdoesn’ttake upalotofvolumeinthebodyoftheaircraft,anditsmodularforareason.Ifthe users’missiondoesn’trequireretractable gear,oryoudon’tcareabouttheadditionalspeedthatretractablegearprovides,we willsellafixed-gearversionoftheaircraft.Thefixed-gearaircraftwillbeideal forshortertripsandaustererunways,but maybenotbeassuitableinicingconditions.Wedesigneditforlandinggear adaptabilitybecausethisfeatureadds valuetotheairframe.Theabilitytogo fromretractablegear,tofixed,tofloatsor evenskis,isveryunique.

Weexpecttheseairframestolast50 yearsormore.ThefactthatitisacompositeaircraftusingthelatestinaerodynamicstokeeptheL/Dlowandefficiencyashighaspossiblemeanstheoperator willspendsubstantiallylessonfuelduringitslifetime.Webelievethatifa CaravanandanExplorer750Tareused onthesamemission,weexpectExplorer tosave20percentonfuel.Untilbatteries aremuchbetter,saving20percentonfuel beatsthecostandcomplexityofanelectricorhybridanyday.

IFUSA: Thankyou!

TheExplorerwillbeanall-aroundutilityaircraftthatgetsthejobdone. (CourtesyExplorerAircraft)

ByMarkBaker AOPAPresidentandCEO

Leaveittoachildren’sbookto showustheway.Afterall,Dr. Seuss’spopularworkaboutthe importanceofseizingnewopportunities, keepinganopenmind,andtryingout newthingsspeakstoallofusaviators. Weareadventurers,seekers,explorers.I hopeeachoneofuscanliveuptothese descriptorsintheyearahead.

Whatdoes2023holdinstoreforme andtheteamatAOPA?Imaynothavea crystalball,butifIdid,itwouldshowa lotofflying.Thatshouldcomeasno greatsurprise.It’sbeenthatwayforme sinceIgotmycertificateinmyearly days,andithasn’tbeenmuchdifferent since.Myyearwillbespentcontinuingto pursuethisgreatpassionweshareforaviation,andmakingsurethateachoneof youhasthefreedomtofly.

IwasrecentlyaskedifIstillhavea bucketlistofdestinations.Myanswer was“sortof.”I’mfortunatethatIhave crossedoffalotofmylist,butthere’s

OH,THE PLACES WE WILL FLY

WhereWillAviationtakeYouin2023?

alwaysalittleroomformore.

Inacareerthathastakenmetoso manydifferentplaces–figurativelyand literally–Ihavebeenfortunatetoseeso muchofthisgreatcountry.Infact,I’m prettysurethatIhavevisitedevery Americancityandtownwithapopulationnorthof50,000.It’sbeenanecessary –andwelcomed–partofmycareer,and Ihavebeenincrediblythankfulthat almostalltheseplacesareservedbyone ofour5,000public-useGAairports.I’ve takengoodadvantageofthatfact.

Thecomingyearmaynotbeas muchaboutflyingtobrand-newdestinations(althoughtherewillalwaysbenew placestosee)asitwillbeaboutrevisiting favoritedestinationsandspendingmore timethere–goingfarther,seeingnew things,discoveringmorewonders.It’s alwaysagoalofminewhenIvisitadestinationtoseesomethingIhaven’tbefore (especiallyfromtheair–notwoaerial viewsareeveralike).It’sthenatureofan explorer.

Iamlookingforwardtovisitingthe Bahamasagain.It’soneofthemostspec-

taculardestinations,andthetriptherewill bemademoreefficientbytheworkour GovernmentAffairsteamhasdoneto battlecumbersomeentryrequirements. ToseetheislandsoftheBahamasbyair istrulyasighttobehold.

Waterwillbeacommonthemein 2023,soI’dbetterputmyseaplaneskills tothetest.Iamlookingforwardtoatrip thissummeraroundtheGreatLakes.So manywonderfuldestinationsintheupper Midwest.I’mreallylookingforwardto flyinguptothetopoftheMissouriRiver inFortPeck,Montana,andvisitingthe amazinglakesinthatbeautifulregion.

TheNorthwestwillbecallingme againin2023.Seeingmyfriendsin Driggs,Idaho,andvisitingairportsin WashingtonandOregonwillbeahighlight.I’malsolookingforwardtoan annualpilgrimagetoAlaska,wherethe flyingandsceneryjustcan’tbebeat.I’m sureI’llbeusingbothwheelsandfloats.

Ofcourse,muchofmymostcherishedandanticipatedtripswillbethoseto seeourmembersandthegeneralaviation community.ThereisnothingIenjoy

morethanmeetingwiththosewhoenable ustodoourimportantwork.I’mlooking forwardtoseeingourfriendsinFloridaat Sun‘nFun,andofcoursenoyeariscompletewithoutafantasticweekatEAA AirVentureinOshkosh.

Oureventsteamhasanotherterrific yearlinedupfor2023witharefreshed strategytopartnerwithestablishedairshows.Thatwillallowustodowhatwe dobest–aviation–andallowourpartnerstodowhattheydobest–putonan airshow.

I’mexcitedtoflybacktoArizonain FebruaryfortheAOPAFly-Inatthe BuckeyeAirFair.Thefolksputona tremendousevent,andourmemberswill betreatedtoafirst-classexperience. Whatawhirlwindyearahead.

Letmeclosewithsomemorewords fromthegooddoctor,whoputitinaway thatshouldbethebeaconforallaviators in2023:You’llbeonyourwayup!You’ll beseeinggreatsights!You’lljointhe highflierswhosoartohighheights.

ByJimMoore,AOPA

TheFAAconcurredwithAOPAand individualswhosupportedarulemaking proposalthatenablespilotswhomedically qualifyunderBasicMedtoactasrequired crewmembersotherthanpilotincommand–morespecificallyassafetypilots.

TheFAAannouncedNov.16that ActingAdministratorBillyNolenhas signedthefinalrulethatwilltakeeffect30 daysafteritsforthcomingpublicationin theFederalRegister.Therulebringssignificantchangetotherelativelysmall commercialballoonindustry,establishing amedicalcertificationrequirementforthe firsttimeestimatedtoapplytojustunder 5,000pilots.ItalsoincludesBasicMed provisionsthatnowenableabout50,000 pilots(andcounting)totakeadvantageof opportunitiestoflyasasafetypilot,as wellasenablingpilotstoactaspilotin commandduringaspecialmedicalflight testauthorizedunderFARPart67without holdingamedicalcertificate.

Theagencypublishedadraftcopy ofthefinalruleonline,adocumentin whichmostofthe71pagesarespent

detailingtherequirementforballoon pilotstoholdasecondclassmedicalcertificatewhenconductingcommercial operations(flyingforcompensationor hire)otherthanflighttraining.TheFAA estimatesthatjustunder9percentofthe 4,869certificatedcommercialballoon pilotshavealreadybeenrequiredto obtainasecondclassmedicalbytheir insurancecarriers,requirementsimplementedfollowingthefatalaccidentthat promptedthecreationofthefinalrule.

ThataccidenthappenedonJuly30, 2016,whenthepilotand15passengers aboardaballoonoperatedbyHeartof TexasHotAirBalloonRideswerekilled whentheballoondescendedthrough cloudsintopowerlines.TheNTSBdeterminedthatthepilotwasimpairedbyprescriptionmedications,andtheFAAdeterminedthatasecond-classmedical requirementcouldhavepreventedthe pilotfrommakingthatflight.TheFAA notedinthefinalrulethatanotheraccidentinJune2021inAlbuquerque,New Mexico,inwhichthepilotandfourpassengerswerekilled,remainsunderinvestigation.Takentogether,theaccidents

“demonstratethatballooningisnot insignificant,andthepotentialriskfor catastrophicaccidentsisnotinsignificant.”Whilethenumberofcommercial balloonoperationsissmallasapercentageoftotalaeronauticaloperations,“the FAAnotesthatballoonsarefrequently usedforcarryingpassengersforcompensationandpresentariskthatjustifiesa levelofmedicaloversightequivalentto thatofpilotsofpoweredaircraftforcertainoperationssuchascommercialsightseeingoperations.”

AOPAfocuseditscomments respondingtothe2021noticeofproposedrulemakingonthe“miscellaneous amendments”thataffectabout50,000 pilotstodatewhohavecompletedthe requirements(anonlinecourseanda medicalexamconductedbytheirpersonalphysician)toflypoweredaircraft underBasicMed,thealternativemedical processenabledbyalawin2016.More than75,000pilotshavecompletedthe requirementsoftheBasicMedprogram sinceitsinception,andanestimated 50,000pilotsarecurrentlyexercising theseprivileges.

Morethan75,000pilotshavecompleted therequirementsoftheBasicMedprogramsinceitsinception,andanestimated50,000pilotsarecurrentlyexercising theseprivileges.(CourtesyAOPA)

TheFAAnotedthatcommentsfrom AOPAandindividualswere“generally supportive”ofthemiscellaneousamendments.“Accordingly,theFAAisimplementingtheamendmentsasproposed,” theagencystatedinthefinalrule. Specifically,thefinalruleamendsvariousprovisionswithinPart61andPart68 tomakeBasicMedpilotseligibletoactas safetypilots(requiredcrewmembers otherthanthePIC).

PLUGS NEEDFOR DIVERSITYIN AVIATION WORKFORCE

ByMikeCavaliere Embry-RiddleAeronauticalUniversity

Professionalsfromsomeofthe world’stopaviationfirmsgatheredatEmbry-RiddleAeronauticalUniversityrecentlytodiscussthe industry’srecentpushtoexpand Diversity,EquityandInclusion(DEI) effortsthroughouttheindustry.

“We’remorethanpilotsandflight attendants,”saidEfryAyala-Johnson, directorofinclusivetalentstrategyand programsatUnitedAirlines.“Wewant peopletoknowthattheycancometothe airlineindustry,thattheycanhaveafamily-sustainingjob.”

Ayala-Johnsonwasoneoffourfeaturedonthepanel,eachparticipantrepresentingadifferentsectoroftheaviation industry,fromairlinesandaircraftmanufacturerstononprofitadvocacygroups.

TheWorkplaceDiversity,Equity andInclusionRevolutionpanelkicked offtheNationalTrainingAircraft Symposium2022atEmbry-Riddle,a three-dayeventthatfeaturedkeynote speakersfromTheBoeingCompany,GE Digital-AviationandNBAA,aswell additionalpaneldiscussionsonwomen’s leadershipandsustainability.

StephanieKenyon,Womenin Aviation’schiefgrowthofficer,reinforced theneedtobettercommunicateopportunitiestopotentialworkers–andespecially tomembersofminoritygroups.

“Ourgoalistoencouragemore womentogetinvolvedinrolesinaviation,” shesaid,citingawidevarietyofcareer pathsinthefield:aircraftmaintenancetechnicians,forone,businessmanagers,airtrafficcontrollers,evenastronauts.“Itdoesn’t matterwhatyouwanttodo.”

AndreaLeehan,directorofDEIat Airbus,isaprimeexample.Ashercompany’sfirst-everfull-timediversityworker, sheisfillingarolethatneverexisted beforeintheindustry,andsheisusingthe opportunitytopursueloftycompanygoals –namely,filling25percentofAirbus executivepositionswithwomenby2025.

“We’renotthereyet,”shesaid.“But we’repushingitforward.We’rerelativelyearlyinourDEIjourney.”

Manyintheindustryaresimilarly earlyintheirjourneys–Embry-Riddle, forone,hireditsfirstchiefdiversityand inclusionofficerearlierthisyear.Butas thepanelpointedout:Thisishow progresshappens.Awarenessiskey.

KevinWilliams,headofDEIat AmericanAirlines,addedthatworking withmembersofunderprivilegedcommunitiesthepastfewyearshashighlighteda generallackofknowledgeofthebreadth ofcareertypesavailableinaviation.

“Alotoftimes,they’veneverbeenin anairport,neverbeeninanairplane,’he said.“Wefocusonequitytotrytolevel outtheplayingfieldwherewecan.”

Inclusionisn’tsolelyagender-or race-basedpursuit,either.United Airlines,forexample,isrethinkingroles inordertocreateopportunitiesforskillsbasedand“second-chance”hiring–or jobsthatdon’trequirecollegedegrees. Theyalsolookforcreativewaysofpartneringwithsmallminority-ownedbusinesses–aLGBTQ+-ownedbakery,for example,thatmaynothavethecapacity toprovidegoodsforthecompany’s entirefleetbutmaybeaperfectmatch forairportlounges.

“Wejustneedtofindnewwaysto createequity,”Ayala-Johnsonsaid.

Airbusissearchingforthosenew waysbylookinginwardandexpanding itsfocusonemployeeresearch.

“We’relookingatretention,employee happiness,”Leehansaid,addingthatthe companyhasstartedconducting“stayinterviews”inadditiontoexitinterviews.One majorlessonlearnedsofar:Employees wantgrowthopportunities.Takingadvantageoftheonesthatcomealong,however, oftenrequiresthehelpofamentor.“There’s nothingmoreimportantforadiversegroup ofpeoplethanhavingpeopletherewhoare willingtosupportthemanddrivethem throughanorganization.”

Statistically,thewidestgendergapin aviationresidesintheC-suite,whereone infourexecutivesarecurrentlywomen butonlyonein20arewomenofcolor.

That’swhyWomeninAviationis workingtoexpanditsEmerging LeadersProgram,whichfocuseson teachingwomenthefinanceandleadershipskillsneededtoqualifyfor executive-levelopenings.

“Weknowthatmentorscanhelp growpeopleintheircareers,”Kenyon said,addingthatherorganizationoffers scholarshipsandmentorshippairingthat helpdevelopfemaleleaders.“Themore wecanreachwomenthroughleadership training–mid-careerwomen–themore likelytheyaretoprogressthroughtheir careers.”

Editorial:MoonShot

nautsintointerplanetaryspacehasbeen launchedsincetheflightof Apollo17?” Wasn’ttheSpaceShuttleaninterplanetary“spaceship?”Whataboutthe InternationalSpaceStation(ISS)?Isn’tit orbitingin“space.”Let’sslowdownand takealookatwhatisgoingon,butstick withme,asyouaregoingtojointhis writerinsideaspaceship.

TheU.S.commitmenttointerplanetaryspacetravelwaskickedoffby PresidentJohnF.KennedyonSept.12, 1962,atRiceUniversity,Houston,Texas. TheMoonmissionswerecontinuedby boththeJohnsonandNixonadministrations.TheFord,CarterandReagan administrationsplacedemphasisonlowEarthorbitmissionsdesignedtoteachus moreaboutourownplanet,withthe SkylabSpaceStation,theRussianMIR SpaceStation,andtheInternational SpaceStation(ISS)takingthelead. Astronaut-carryingspacecraftwere essentiallydedicatedtosupportingthese low-Earthorbitflights,withspecialcreditgiventotheSpaceShuttle,without whichtheISSwouldnotexist.Whilean internationaleffort,thefactremainsthat thegreatmajorityofISScostshavebeen bornebytheAmericantaxpayers.

TheArtemisprogramwasformally establishedin2017duringtheTrump administration;however,manyofits components,suchasthe Orion spacecraft,weredevelopedduringtheprevious Constellationprogram(2005–2010)duringtheBushadministration,andafterits cancellation,duringtheObamaadministration. Orion’s firstlaunch,andthefirst useoftheSpaceLaunchSystem,was originallysetin2016,butwasrescheduledandlaunchedonNov.16,2022as the Artemis1 mission,withrobotsand mannequinsaboard.

Accordingtoplan,thecrewed Artemis2 launchwilltakeplacein2024, the Artemis3 crewedlunarlandingin 2025,the Artemis4 dockingwiththe LunarGatewayin2027,andfutureyearlylandingsontheMoonthereafter.

However,someobserversnotethatthe program’scostandtimelinearelikelyto beoverrunanddelayedduetochallenges inmanagingcontractorcommitments andunforeseenpoliticalintervention.

ItisnotsurprisingthatmostAmericansdonotrealizethataMarscapable spacecraftiscurrentlyinflight.Contemporarymediaofferslittlecoverageofscientificandengineeringachievements. UntiltheSLS/Orion system,NASA’s crewedspaceflightcapabilitieshavebeen primarilydirectedtodeliverysystemsthat supporttheISS.While Orion canservice ISSneeds,bothwithcargoandpersonnel, itisdesignedforinterplanetaryspacetravel,notlow-Earthorbit,whichisgenerally definedassomewherebetween100and 1,200milesabovetheEarth.Forthepast severalyears,thecommercialspacesector hasbrilliantlyansweredtheneedsoflowEarthorbitsupportwithremarkableingenuityandnewcapabilitiesnotthoughtpossiblewhentheSLS/Orion projectwas approved.Well,youmightthink,ifthese commercialspacevehiclescanflyinto spaceinaloworbit,whycan’twejust hookittoabiggerboosterandmakeitgo farther?Therhetoricalansweristhatthe ISSdedicatedsupportvehicles,including thenowretiredSpaceShuttle,areall designedtoflylow-Earthorbit,notin interplanetaryspace.

Didthatlaststatementleavethe readerhanging?Certainly,youthink,the InternationalSpaceStationandallthe rocketsthatgotoandfromtheISSarein “outerspace,”right?No,theyflywithin theEarth’supperatmosphere,calledthe thermosphere.Thethermosphereresides betweenapproximately50and300miles abovetheEarth’ssurface.Thereisresidualatmosphericdrag(meaningstraygas atoms)atthesealtitudesthatcandecay theorbitofasatellite.Thatiswhythere areanumberofbitsandpiecesofspace debrisrainingdownonourpooroldplaneteveryyear.

TheISSmaintainsastableorbit between200and240miles,although

FAALiftsBasicMedLimitation

ContinuedfromPage8

“AOPAappreciatestheFAA’s amendmenttoallowpersonswhooperate underBasicMedtoserveasarequired pilotflight-crewmemberwhennotacting asPIC,”saidAOPASeniorDirectorof RegulatoryAffairsChristopherCooper. “Thischangewillallowforincreased accessandopportunitiesfortraining,proficiency,andexperiencefortheentire pilotcommunity.Wealsoappreciatethe

FAA’scontinuedsupportforandexpansionofBasicMed.”

TheFAArejectedsuggestionsto extendBasicMedeligibilitytocommercialballoonpilots,alongwithotheralternativesproposedbythosewhosubmitted commentsrelatedtomedicalcertification ofballoonpilots.LearnmoreatAOPA’s website,aopa.organdattheFAAwebsite, faa.gov.

ByAmeliaWalsh

AOPA

Speakingonbehalfofthousandsof members,pilots,andthegeneralaviation industry,AOPAreasonedthatthetransitiontoanunleadedGAfuturemustbe doneinawaythatpromotesandprotects safety,duringanEnvironmental

ProtectionAgencyNov.1hearingonits proposedendangermentfindingwith respecttoleademissionsfromaviation gasoline.

ThehearingwasheldtogatherpubliccommentbeforetheEPAmakesits finalfindingin2023–whichwilllikely requiretheFAAtodevelopaplanto removeleadfromaviationgasolineno laterthan2030.

Inadditiontoenvironmental activists,cityofficials,andprivatecitizensconcernedaboutleadexposure, AOPASeniorVicePresidentof GovernmentAffairsJimCoonadvocated fortheGAindustry,citingthetremendousvalueandsupportgeneralaviation providestocommunitiesacrossthe UnitedStates.

TheFAArecentlyapprovedthefirst 100-octaneunleadedfuel,createdby GeneralAviationModificationsInc.of Oklahoma,Coonsaid,notingthatan Indianafirm,SwiftFuels,isalsoseeking authorizationforitsown100-octane

unleadedfuel,andhopingforFAA approvalin2023.Swift’s94-octanefuel isalreadybeingsuppliedtoalimited numberofairportsforusebyaircraftable

AOPA said, during an Environmental Protection Agency hearing on Nov. 1, that the transition to an unleaded GA future must be done in a way that promotes and protects safety.

(Mike Fizer/Courtesy AOPA)

Duringhisremarks,Coonemphasizedthreemainpoints:theGAindustry firmlysupportsasafetransitiontoan unleadedfuture;anytransitionmustbe donesafelyandsmartly;andreal progresswithunleadedfuelisunderway.

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Editorial: Moon Shot

Continued from Page 10

satellites in the range of 160 miles need assistance to stay in orbit. The highest flight flown by the Space Shuttle was during a Hubble repair mission, reaching 385 miles above the Earth. The exosphere merges with interplanetary space. The longest interplanetary mission was just more than 12 days for Apollo 17, the last mission to the Moon in December 1972. Even then, Apollo 17 did not remain in the high-radiation areas for an extended period of time. Orion is designed to transit and even live within this region of space that is too hostile for the old space shuttle or Apollo spacecraft. The bottom line is that manned orbital flight, ISS and all ISS supply and crew missions are technically in an Earth environment, not interplanetary space. The SLS/Orion flight in progress, as this is

being written, changes all of that. We are back in interplanetary space, with a crew module that is capable of the long flights needed to establish a permanent occupied presence on the Moon and later, Mars.

Now, allow this writer to re-tell an adventure that came my way, quite unexpectedly. In early September 2013, this writer received a news release from NASA regarding a meeting with astronauts and an evaluation of Orion avionics displays. Like many, I was not familiar with the Orion program, but it caught my eye. At first glance, it seemed as though the Orion was little more than a re-do of the Apollo, being a conically-shaped craft that (according to the PR photos) appeared to seat three and returned to Earth by parachute. Why, I asked myself, was NASA developing this “Orion” when I knew that

Continued on Page 13

EPA Hearing on Fuel

Continued from Page 11

to operate safely on lower-octane fuel. The FAA Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative is testing additional fuels created by Phillips 66 and Afton Chemical, among others.

“As AOPA President Mark Baker has often stated, if this were easy it would have been done already,” Coon said, going on to note the work of EAGLE, or the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions–a coalition of industry, government, and aviation stakeholders with the shared goal of removing lead from aviation fuel by 2030. EAGLE Senior Coordinator Robert Olislagers also addressed the hearing.

Coon highlighted the key role GA plays supporting the economy with $247 billion in economic output and 1.2 million jobs in the U.S. He illustrated how GA is a lifeline for rural areas, contributing to disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection through wildlife survey, mapping wetlands, and detecting pipeline leaks.

“GA is served by more than 5,000 public-use airports, more than 13,000 private airports and air strips, and 5,500 heliports across the country. General aviation also provides essential air travel options to businesses and the public, forging links between thousands of companies, their suppliers, and their customers,” Coon said.

“The general aviation community remains committed to removing lead from aviation gasoline and having it widely available by the end of 2030 – and it may be sooner,” said Coon. “But we cannot compromise the safe and efficient

operation of the fleet or economically destroy the United States general aviation transportation infrastructure by prematurely removing an essential fuel that many aircraft need.”

Despite undeniable progress, many naysayers are calling the issue a public health crisis and urging the EPA to move quicker and remove 100LL from airports immediately. Numerous speakers came forward in support of the EPA’s proposed endangerment finding, while several who lived in proximity to Reid-Hillview Airport cited a Santa Clara County lead study, which many have determined is flawed.

AOPA made the case that rushing the removal of 100LL is a critical safety issue. Many of the 220,000 piston engine airplanes and rotorcraft in the current fleet require higher-octane 100LL fuel to fly safely. Putting the wrong fuel into an aircraft can cause catastrophic engine failure.

In the case of some government bodies, namely Santa Clara County, banning higher-octane fuel is not only irresponsible, but it also violates federal rules for airports that use federal funds for airport improvements. In response to its action, AOPA filed a formal complaint against the County on Oct. 14.

Coon emphasized the GA industry’s commitment to removing lead from aviation gasoline. He said it is vital that the FAA be given the resources needed to expedite testing, validation, and demonstrations for all FAA supplemental type certificate-authorized and potential unleaded fuel solutions. Learn more on the AOPA website, www.aopa.org or on the EPA website, www.epa.gov.

Photo by Bruce Selyem

Editorial: Moon Shot

commercial companies were developing the ISS support vehicles that are now being used? Upon contacting NASA staff, It became immediately apparent that my first impressions were profoundly wrong.

As a matter of chance, I was scheduled to teach a Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC) in Houston, and queried NASA as to the possibility of my visiting the engineering development mock-up for a first-hand look at Orion. With only a few days’ notice, NASA Project Management agreed to provide me with a briefing. It was an out and out “can-do” effort on behalf of NASA. I arrived at the Johnson Space Center visitor building to meet NASA staff who would serve as my escort into the restricted area that I would visit. We drove to a huge building just a short distance away, entering through a nondescript door, at which point this writer was overwhelmed by the amount of space hardware in play, most of which is used for astronaut training. It was like being at Disney World for the first time and not knowing where to begin. Fortunately, my host was waiting for us at a group of tables set in front of the two Orion engineering mock-ups, prepared to answer my questions with an excellent presentation.

Much of what we discussed has been covered in the preceding paragraphs, so let me stick to the machine itself. First, let’s address the term “engineering mock-up.” The two Orion vehicles I was to visit contained actual hardware, and are an integral part of the vehicle development program. They permit engineering staff to perform “fit and feel” of a variety of components, some which are designed and constructed by local engineering colleges and even high schools as a part of NASA’s educational outreach program. These were not pretty wooden display models used for PR. The Orion is larger than Apollo, 16.5 feet in diameter versus the Apollo at 12.8 feet. This may not seem like much but it adds up to an interior volume that is approximately 60 percent larger than Apollo. Designed to carry four when used for long-range missions, it is not crowded. The interior “cabin width” of Orion is slightly larger than that of the ubiquitous Boeing 737. The sidewalls do taper in on Orion, but most of Orion’s flight will be in weightless conditions, making a small space seem much larger. The conical shape of Orion is not simply a copy of Apollo, but dictated by aerodynamics that ensures a stable reentry, with minimum attitude guidance needed once the descent begins. Seat structures are designed to fold out of the way for weightless flight, as they are simply not needed. Both the Apollo and Space Shuttle used batteries and fuel cells

for power, which means they had very finite fuel limits. Not so with Orion, which uses batteries and solar cells to provide power for missions lasting many months. The Apollo Command Module weighed in at almost 13,000 pounds, while the Orion Command Module tips the scales at about 22,000 pounds. To be sure, Orion is a larger, long-range machine.

Using the term “Orion” to describe the spacecraft is not completely accurate. The Orion space craft system actually consists of several major components that are “stacked” together as mission needs dictate. The first of these is an abort system, which permits the crew to break free from a booster that might misbehave and also incorporates a shroud that completely covers the crew module during launch. Second is the crew module, which provides a human habitat for both launch and recovery, contains the primary flight management system from which the spacecraft is controlled by the crew. The crew module incorporates a universal docking collar that permits the crew module to dock with the ISS, a lunar lander, now in development by Space X and destined to fly in the near future. An extended range habitat for asteroid and Mars missions can also be connected. Also included in the crew module is the three-parachute package that will gently lower Orion to a water landing. Next in the stack is the crew module adapter, which is the portion of the service module that the U.S. is producing (with the European Space Agency building the ESA service module below that). This area contains the avionics interfaces and systems that tie to the crew module through the crew module/service module umbilical. Different avionics configurations can be installed to permit mission flexibility. The crew module adapter plugs into the service module (built through a cooperative agreement with the European Space Agency), which provides electrical power, propulsion (utilizing the Space Shuttle orbital maneuvering engine), attitude control and environmental control. Once in flight, four solar panels deploy from the service module, taking on an appearance wonderfully similar to the Star Wars Xfighter. How cool is that! If flying beyond Earth orbit, an Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage is added to this total stack for the final push from the Earth’s gravitational grip. A spacecraft adapter is used to connect the Orion stack to the launch booster of choice. Unlike Apollo, which was a single purpose system, Orion embodies a high degree of mission flexibility.

Having completed a detailed presentation, it was time to enter the spacecraft, but not without a safety briefing. Colored “grab straps” were installed in various

Editorial: Moon Shot

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locations to assist creaky old guys like this writer move about with some degree of dignity. The crew seating is lying on its back in the launch position, and one can get a bit disorientated. The best advice received: Think before placing your hands and feet anywhere… a good tip.

As I entered the spacecraft, the primary flight displays were not immediately visible. One must be seated in the pilot position to clearly see the three flat panel displays and system control switches. This is a great simplification from the Space Shuttle, which had up to 11 displays. The flight displays are suspended from the sidewall and, due to being on one’s back, appear to be somewhat over your head. The switches are easily accessed and, unlike many advanced technology panels in modern business and GA aircraft, switches are large, guarded and easy to grasp. Only three flat panel displays are needed to pilot the Orion, one in front of each of the three abreast “pilot” seats. Any crewmember can operate any or all three, displays from any position. A side control stick (actually a flexible stalk) is operated by the left hand and contains a multi-position thumb switch that can run a curser to any selection on the Primary Flight Management Display. Much like using a mouse, it is not necessary to use the alternate touchscreen technology. The “smart stick” also permits activation of the attitude thrusters. In short, one can work just about everything necessary, in comfort, under high “G” conditions. Attitude control, engine operations, navigation, communications and environmental control (a mix of ISS and shuttle-like technology, with new developments for mission specific environmental applications) are all managed from the three primary flight displays.

the spacecraft. There is no sense of confinement. The base (floor) of the Orion has numerous compartments for storage. The Orion does not have an airlock, so a spacewalk would necessitate depressurization of the entire crew module. All systems in the crew module are designed to operate in a complete vacuum. Finally, but certainly not least, is the largest single-unit heat shield ever used in space flight, manufactured by Textron, consisting of a fiberglass-phenolic honeycomb structure on the skin, with each of the honeycomb’s 320,000 cells filled with the ablative material and an Avcoat-treated shell that will shield Orion from the extreme heat it will experience as it returns to Earth’s atmosphere at more than 25,000 mph.

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

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This old-time pilot found the arrangement intuitive and logical. The three astronauts seated in the command positions have limited (but adequate) forward visibility through two relatively large windows, and lateral visibility through windows to the left and right of the pilot seats. Additional “porthole” type windows permit a view from several other locations in

No doubt, this writer is following every minute of the flight now in progress, as if seated in the spacecraft. Even the cam images being transmitted from Orion look familiar, a true thrill for an old pilot the would love to have been a “test dummy” on this first flight. There is, however, one question I never asked my friends at NASA. Why is the project named “Artemis?” It turns out that Greek mythology comes into play… a common line of thinking at NASA. It seems that Artemis is a mythical goddess, twin sister to the god Apollo. Yep, there is the connection! Reading a bit further, Artemis was also thought to be the goddess of the Moon (very appropriate) plus goddess of several other things that are inappropriate… but one must take the bad with the good. Often portrayed as a huntress with a bow in hand and arrows at the ready, also known for an encounter with Orion (yep, the constellation guy with three stars in his belt) and wearing a short dress. Now… that image would look great as nose art on a WWII bomber, but NASA has discretely left that alone, sticking with a family friendly rocket inspired logo. But now you know… join Artemis in her adventure to the stars!

For an update on Artemis 1 activity, visit www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis-i/. Watch this history making effort as it matures into the manned space program of the future.

Diversity in Aviation

Continued from Page 7

Inclusion Officer Russell Griffin – act.

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

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It’s that sort of action that can make all the difference, according to Williams.

‘Don’t leave it to your best intentions,” he told the crowd. “We all recognize that this is an industry issue. … Be curious. Ask questions.”

And most importantly, as noted by Embry-Riddle’s Chief Diversity and

“DEI is a journey that we ultimately take together,” he said. “Ongoing, frank and open discussion and collaboration is critically important to support and affirm our mutual interests of ensuring that diverse talent is prepared and feels a sense of belonging in the industry.”

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SH-60B Seahawk FA-18 Blue Angel 2 F-15A and F-16A

Convair RB-36H Peacemaker

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SEAPLANES: MORE THAN MEETSTHE EYE

By Glenn Patterson

As a seaplane instructor I am often asked, “what are the differences between water landings and other surface landings, besides wearing flip flops and hula shirts?” My answer inevitably is always the same; judgment. A pilot’s judgment over land surface runways is basically aided by several things like an ATIS or AWOS, or a windsock near the runway, or the tops of trees blowing in the breeze that might indicate wind direction, a VASI to help nail down that three-degree glide path to the touchdown zone, using the runway markings or numbers as an aiming point, or perhaps a control tower. After landing,

brakes can be used for stopping.

For a water landing, the seaplane pilot must use his or her judgement and experience to assess the environment. We’re looking for obstacles in the water such as boats, pilings, kayakers and swimmers, floating debris, or logs which can’t be seen on straight-in approaches, water current, water depth, and of course wind direction. We can’t stop using brakes, so our postflight planning such as docking, beaching, mooring, ramping, and anchoring is critical. When it comes to landing on the water, there are a lot of variables that the land plane pilot doesn’t have to deal with.

This is yet another good reason for proper checklist usage. For instance, if a pilot forgets to put the gear down before

landing on the runway, the consequences can be both expensive and embarrassing, or even cause a fire. If a pilot flying an amphibious floatplane forgets to retract the wheels before landing on the water, this mistake will often cost lives. It is a very violent flip over. Because of static stability, the floatplane wants to sit upside down in the water anyway, and it’s the pilot’s job not to let that happen. Even a downwind step taxi with wind on the wrong side of the airplane can cause a water upset and flip over. Seaplane flying is just more demanding and requires greater attention to detail to avoid water upsets and accidents.

We all can make a mistake in judgement, but as pilots operating on the water, we have a higher probability of a fatal

A Beaver taking off. Seaplane pilots are challenged by many factors, requiring focus and judgment from takeoff, to piloting, to landing.

(Coutesy Glenn Patterson)

mishap. Just like over land, on the water we must remain focused and sharp. And just like our landplane brethren, seaplane pilots also try to stay off the news, flip flops and hula shirt notwithstanding.

HELICOPTER PIONEER FRANK ROBINSON PASSES

On Nov. 12, 2022, Robinson Helicopter Company bid a final farewell to its founder, Frank Robinson. Robinson, 92, passed away peacefully at his Rolling Hills, Calif., home.

One of the most recognizable names in the helicopter industry, Frank Robinson was a pioneer, a man not driven by reward or accolades but by a vision that redefined the industry and forever

changed general aviation.

Robinson will be remembered for the design and manufacture of the R22, R44, and R66 model helicopters. Known for their simplicity and reliability, the popular helicopters have a distinct profile and can be spotted easily and frequently all over the world.

Robinson’s fascination with helicopters began in 1939, at age nine, when he saw

a picture in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of Igor Sikorsky hovering his VS-300 helicopter, an image that captivated Robinson and set the course for his life’s work.

He earned a BSME degree from the University of Washington, later attending Wichita State University’s graduate aeronautical engineering school. His career began in the late 1950s with Cessna and continued through the 1960s, working for many leading aerospace companies, including Bell and Hughes. In 1973, at age 43, unable to interest any of his employers in the idea for a simple, personal helicopter, he resigned from his job at Hughes and founded Robinson Helicopter Company in his Palos Verdes, Calif., home. Six years later, defying critics and overcoming enormous obstacles, Robinson was granted FAA certification for his two-place, piston powered R22 helicopter. The unknown helicopter company delivered its first production R22 in October 1979. By 1989, the R22 had gained a foothold in general aviation, opening a previously untapped market for private helicopter ownership.

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In the early ‘90s, realizing the potential for a light mid-size helicopter, Robinson introduced the four-place piston powered R44. Orders for the R44 quickly piled-up and the company became a recognized player in the aviation industry. In 2010, Robinson once again expanded his line with the fiveplace, turbine powered R66.

Robinson’s relentless determination earned him the respect of both colleagues and competitors. Affectionately called a rock star in certain aviation circles, Robinson retired in 2010 at age 80.

The list of awards and honors bestowed on Robinson is long. Most notable:

Frank Robinson, founder of the Robinson Helicopter Company died on Nov. 12, 2022. He was 92.

(Courtesy Robinson Helicopter Co.)

2013 – Daniel Guggenheim Medal, AHS International

2011 – Lifetime Aviation Engineering Award, Living Legends of Aviation

2010 – Cierve Lecturer, Royal Aeronautical Society

2011 – Inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Engineering

2004 – Howard Hughes Memorial Award, So. California Aeronautic Association

2000 –Named Laurels Hall of Fame Legend, Aviation Week & Space Technology

1997 – The Doolittle Award, Society of Experimental Test Pilots

1992 – Laurels Award – Aviation Week & Space Technology

1991 & 1990 – Igor I. Sikorsky International Trophy, American Helicopter Society

Today, the company continues under the leadership of Frank’s son, Kurt Robinson and, to date, has delivered more than 13,000 helicopters worldwide. Learn more about the company at https://robinsonheli.com.

SPIRIT OF FLIGHT: A YEAR -IN-REVIEW EDITION , WITHA CLOSER LOOKATA LOCAL HISTORICAL GEM

By Denise DeGregoire

A Year-In-Review filled with inspiration, history, and education:

This past year proved to be a very exciting and informative year which was filled with fabulous aviation destinations including wonderful museums, lessons in STEM, STEAM, and STREAM, along with my having a chance to watch history-in-themaking as 19-year-old World Record Holder, Zara Rutherford became the youngest female pilot to circumnavigate our globe solo in a microlight. Last year Zara departed out of Belgium on a mission to inspire young women and girls to follow their dreams –even if those dreams may seem far off. Through her solo trip around the world, Zara set out to encourage girls to learn to fly which will help to narrow the gender gap in aviation, while continuing to advocate for the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) which has since evolved to STEAM and STREAM with the addition of arts and reading that helps balance the hard sciences with creativity and the ability to read, give, and understand the importance of precise and varied instructions.

I had the opportunity to meet Zara on the tarmac after witnessing one of her historic landings at the Palo Alto Airport (PAO), which sits in the heart of Silicon Valley. Last year I predicted Zara would be choosing Stanford, which she did, after she flew over this magnificent campus in her decent to PAO, located eight miles north of Moffett Federal Airfield; also known as Moffett Field and is part of NASA research center. Moffett Field is part military and part airfield for private use. Moffett Field also is home to the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum, MFHS, which sits at the south end of the iconic Hangar One –built to house the USS Macon airship.

Some of the other highlights of this past year included:

•Girls In Aviation Day at the San Carlos, Calif., Airport (SQL) organized by amazing female pilots such as Ana Uribe Ruiz who is also a Jefferson Award Winner for Public Service, mentor, and author. Ana expressed that, “The aviation industry needs to have more women professionals.” Female and Latina pilots like Ana are often talking and presenting in schools about aviation, its relationship to

STREAM and being able to inspire the future generation of pilots. Mentorship is key so the next generation will take us further into the aviation and aerospace industry.” I once asked Ana why she loves to fly. Her response was simple, “Why? The view and the space you are in. Nothing better than looking outside and being able to fly, a bird’s eye view. That’s what I see!”

•A fun and informative mentoring event at San Carlos Airport, which hosted an educational program with the help of champions like pilot Ana Uribe Ruiz, Ames Samelu “Sam,” a Women in Aviation, International (WAI) member, and Co-founder of Captain of Lives Foundation, along with Co-Founder Sandra Clifford, which mentors a diverse group of girls. These three women, along with the help of retired Captains Richard “Butch” Pfeifer and Carl Mauck, graciously opened the San Mateo Air Squadron hangar to the group for a tour and lessons in navigation. It was a wonderful day of education, experience, and opportunity for these curious girls to talk about the importance of leading by example as they worked with compasses, maps, and enjoyed a lesson in “How A Compass Works,” by Pilot, Daniel Ruiz.

• On any given day you can hop in your car or plane and make your way south from the mid-peninsula following the mountain ranges and coastline while discovering the many treasures and little towns dotted along the way… As you make your way between the San Francisco and Monterey bays you will find an array of art, agriculture, microclimates, math, science, history, great food and wine, remarkable stories, and museums.

Along with mentorship and fun destinations, aviation and other museums were the highlight of this past year. I love getting lost within the history, knowledge, and stories that museums hold –especially chatting with long-timers who have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share.

•Wings of History Museum at the San Martin Airport is where you may get a glimpse of a Skydiver parachuting in for a landing while looking at the museum’s vintage planes, tanks, and other military vehicles courtesy of Eagle Field Foundation that are parked outside the museum hangars. As you are warmly welcomed by a docent, like Lia Peterson who offered her time and extensive knowledge, you can meander through the different hangers that house artifacts and

historical treasures in aviation. My museum tour began in the Ole Fahlin Memorial Propeller Shop as Lia walked me through the process of wooden propeller manufacturing, which is actively in use at the Prop Shop today.

•Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center was a discovery to say the least. Inspiring! “Hand Down The History” and other influential statements were among the first things I noticed as I read the welcome sign and walked into the building. I was awe struck by the beauty that had been transformed within the walls of this 22,000square-foot grand space that popped-up in Redwood City.

•A few miles from the Watsonville Airport is the Pajaro Valley Art (PVA) gallery. PVA is a non-profit visual arts gallery founded to promote and foster home grown cultural arts. PVA has a beautiful mission, “Bringing the community together through arts.”

•I recently re-discovered what Hiller Aviation Museum at the San Carlos Airport has to offer and look forward to continuing to enjoy all that this spectacular museum houses for kids of all ages, from 40-plus unique aircrafts, to enjoying hands-on activities such as Invention Lab, Drone Plex and Flight Sim Zone. Another highlight is seeing Zara Rutherford’s new display within “Women in Aviation!” As President and CEO, Jeffrey Bass stated, “At Hiller Aviation Museum, one of our highest priorities is to nurture the aviation dreams in our young visitors allowing them to explore STEM subjects and deepen their understanding of how the physical world works and how the dream of flight is made into reality.”

A Closer Look…

My most recent museum discovery is the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum, MFHS, that is situated on Moffett Federal Airfield along the San Francisco Bay. In 1991, I watched the Blue Angels fly over Hangar One during an amazing airshow. Hangar One is one of the world’s largest freestanding structures, covering eight acres. In 2011, I watched as the external skin was removed, and now, after a detoxifying cleaning, the outer skin is being placed back on!

Early in November, I visited the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum on three different occasions – the last

Moffett Museum (Denise DeGregoire)

Dog tag machine. (Denise DeGregoire)

Chris DeGregoire and retired veteran at Moffett Field. (Denise DeGregoire)

Vintage Army and nurse uniform. (Denise DeGregoire)

being on Veterans Day while my husband, who is an Army veteran, and I had the pleasure of touring not only the magnificent indoor facility but the gated and partially camouflaged outdoor area as well, as we stood near the iconic Hangar One.

As I walked into the museum, I was struck by the vintage Army and nursing uniforms, and pictorial displays that provide a broad overview of Moffett Field’s earliest days with history dating back to 1939. Here you can read how America lead the way

with advanced technology such as electronic warfare that pronounced America’s role in defense that extended into the modern era. I enjoyed seeing the large “typewriterlike” Dog Tag machine, which is still used today in the museum to make Dog Tags for guests of the museum and I was thrilled to see the portraits of Brigadier General, James “Jimmy” Stewart, as well as seeing the impressive display room for Hangar One and the USS Macon

The museum sits at the south end of the massive and iconic Hangar One, which

was originally built to house the USS Macon. Eighty years ago, the U.S. Navy’s last great airship crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared off the coast until it was later discovered 1,500 feet below the surface of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary at Big Sur in 1990.

Through its Ames Research Center, NASA is the custodian of Moffett Field. Its history dates to 1939, when the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) acquired 62 acres from the Army. Items from NASA’s experimental flight-

Hangar One at Moffett. (Denise DeGregoire)

Beechcraft Bonanza A36 285HP1968-1983

Beechcraft Bonanza C/D 35 1951-1953

Beechcraft Bonanza J/K/M 35 1958-1960

Beechcraft Bonanza N/P 35 1961-1963

Beechcraft Bonanza V35 A/B 1966-1982

Cessna 150 1959-1977

Cessna 152 1978-1986

Cessna 172 Universal Universal Cessna 172M 1973-1976

Cessna 172N 1977-1980

Cessna 172P 1981-1986

Cessna 172R 1998-2006

Cessna 172RG 1980-1985

Cessna 172S 1998-2006

Cessna 172S G1000 2005+

Cessna 177RG 1971-1978

Cessna 182P 1972-1976

Cessna 182R 1981-1986

Cessna R182 Skylane RG 1978-1986

Cessna 182RG Turbo 1979-1986

Cessna 182T Analog Gauges 2001+

Cessna 182T/G1000 2004+

Cessna 210N Centurion 1979-1984

Cessna Turbo 182T 2001+

Cessna Turbo 182T/G1000 2006+

Cessna Turbo 206H 1998+

Cessna Turbo 210M Centurion1977-1978

Cirrus SR20 Analog Gauges 2000-2003

Cirrus SR20 G1-G2 2003-2007

Cirrus SR20 G3 2007+

Cirrus SR20 Perspective 2008+

Cirrus SR22 G1-G2 2003-2007

Cirrus SR22 G3 2007+

Cirrus SR22 Perspective 2008+

Cirrus SR22 G3 Turbo 2007+

Cirrus SR22 Turbo Perspective 2008+

Diamond DA20 C1 1998+

Diamond Star DA40 2001+

Piper Archer II PA-28-181 1976-1994

Piper Archer III PA-28-181 1995-2002

Piper Arrow 180 PA-28R-180 1967-1971

Piper Arrow II PA-28R-200 1969-1976

Piper Arrow III PA-28R-201 1977+

Piper Arrow III Turbo PA-28R-201T1977-1978

Piper Arrow IV PA-28RT-201 1979-1982

Piper Arrow IV Turbo PA-28RT-201T1979-1990

Piper Cherokee 140 PA-28-1401964-1977

Piper Cherokee 150 PA-28-1501961-1967

Piper Cherokee 160 PA-28-1601961-1967

Piper Cherokee 180 PA-28-1801963-1973

Piper Dakota PA-28-236 1979-1994

Piper Cherokee Lance PA-32R-3001976-1978

Piper Navajo PA-31-310 B/C 1972-1980

Piper Navajo Chieftain PA-31-3501973-1984

Piper Saratoga SP PA-32R-3011980-1992

Piper Saratoga SP Turbo PA-32R-301T1980-1987

Piper Tomahawk PA-38-112 1978-1982

Piper Warrior 151 PA-28-151 1973-1977

Piper Warrior II PA-28-161 1976-1986

USS Macon display. (Denise DeGregoire)

testing, wind tunnel experiments, and space flight simulation are on display. The airfield is now being leased to Google, which has begun making ‘blimps’ as well as their many other endeavors.

The museums mission is three-fold:

1.First let’s DISCOVER. The MFHS is currently rebuilding one of six gondolas in the world that once operated a World War II K-type blimp (K-ship).

2.Now let’s PRESERVE. Artifacts and relics from the 1930s to today are on display to help tell stories of wartime, peace, and innovation.

3.It’s up to us to EDUCATE. The museum has everything from artifacts to books to flight simulators. Learn about the dozens of Army, Navy, and NASA aerial vehicles that took to the skies from Moffett Field, and more!

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

“From Lighter than air, to faster than sound, to outer space… Visiting the Moffett Field Museum is an educational and fun activity for the entire family!”

Take Care & Fly well.

Denise Stay tuned…

Editor’s Note: In last month’s Spirit of Flight column, a photo caption on page 39 identified Mr. Jeffery Bass as Jess Bass. Our apology to Mr. Bass. We regret the error.

MANY MORE MODELS COMING SOON!

FAA EXTENDING AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION PERIOD

By Amelia Walsh AOPA

Aircraft owners will have more time to renew their aircraft registration now that the FAA has issued a new rule to extend the duration of certificates from three to seven years.

Advocates have been urging the FAA to address the extension for the past four years, as many aircraft owners have experienced long and frustrating delays due to agency backlog, which currently stands at more than 180 days. According to the FAA, delays are often due to owners failing to update their addresses with the FAA – something that will need to be continually addressed once the new rule is in effect.

“It’s taken too long, but we applaud the FAA for making changes to these current requirements. This action will help alleviate the enormous backlog and streamline the process for all aircraft owners and pilots,” said AOPA President

Mark Baker. “Rep. Sam Graves spearheaded this effort and we are obviously pleased that it is finally done. Sam is a GA pilot and understands the frustrations as a result of the delays with the FAA’s registry.”

Graves (R-Mo.), the top Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the presumptive chairman of that committee in the upcoming Congress, was influential in requiring the FAA to put forward regulations to accomplish this extension. Graves also serves as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.

“I’m happy that the FAA has finally issued this commonsense update to the length of aircraft registrations, based on the amendment I put forward to the FAA Authorization Act of 2018,” Graves said. “This change will reduce paperwork burdens and the chances for inadvertent registration violations, while allowing the FAA to focus its attention on safety and other issues that matter most. In addition,

this will actually save pilots and aircraft owners as much as $12 million in reduced fees.”

Prior to 2010, aircraft registrations did not expire as long as the aircraft remained in service, but that regulation led to many inaccurate and ghost registrations. The three-year limit for re-registration was enacted in 2010, though AOPA and other groups argued it was too onerous for private operators.

It wasn’t until the 2018 FAA reauthorization that Congress directed the FAA to extend the three-year period to seven for noncommercial GA aircraft. Although the legislation required the registration for GA aircraft, the FAA extended the registration duration for all aircraft, including commercial, to seven years.

The registration extension will take effect Jan. 23 following a 30-day comment period, and will apply to all aircraft currently registered under existing FAA regulations. While all registrations that

FAA has issued a new rule to extend the duration of aircraft registration certificates from three to seven years.

(Mike Fizer/AOPA)

are valid on the effective date will be extended to seven years after they were issued, those registrations that are currently expired will first need to be renewed.

AOPA supports the new rule, and encourages members to provide supporting comments by Dec. 22. See the new rule document at the Federal Register website, www.federalregister.gov, where you can also leave comments.

NEW DE-ICING PADS WILL KEEP PACKAGES MOVINGAT KEY C ARGO AIRPORTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Ice and snow will be no match for packages this winter at a key air cargo airport and sorting center. Federal, state, local and business leaders on Nov. 29 marked the completion of 3.3 millionsquare-foot de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport, home to FedEx’s largest air cargo sorting facility. The pads are large enough to de-ice 12 wide-body cargo aircraft simultaneously, which will help get goods where they need to go quicker and more efficiently this holiday season. The FAA invested $174 million to help make this project a reality.

“This holiday season and every season, it’s critical that American families and businesses get the goods they need when they need them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Memphis International Airport is the biggest cargo airport in the country, and

this innovative aircraft de-icing facility is one of the many ways we’re modernizing America’s supply chains.”

With these innovate de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport, message boards eliminate the need for audio communication with pilots, taxiway lead-in lights eliminate the need for follow-me vehicles or marshallers, and infrared cameras help position airplanes in the deicing bays.

These pads offer more environmentally friendly de-icing procedures with wider safety margins. De-icing planes at a central pad instead of the gate allows an aircraft to depart sooner, reducing the need to de-ice an aircraft again. The new pads have a segregated drainage system and large-volume containers to collect de-icing fluid. The fluid’s release is metered into the sanitary sewer system,

where it breaks down and helps sanitize city wastewater.

“Innovative projects like this are key to improving safety, increasing efficiency and advancing sustainability across the country.” said Deputy FAA Administrator A. Bradley Mims.

“We want to thank the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and Memphis International Airport for their support of this new Consolidated De-icing Facilityan example of how to deploy technology to improve operational efficiency,” said Richard W. Smith, president and CEO, FedEx Express. “The timing could not be better as FedEx enters the busy holiday season. This facility is a shining example of how we can help ensure our team members are safely operating throughout the winter season as we deliver outstand-

The FAA invested $174 million for 3.3 million-square-foot de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport, home to FedEx’s largest air cargo sorting facility. The pads are large enough to de-ice 12 wide-body cargo aircraft simultaneously.

(Courtesy

ing service for our customers.”

FAA)

The FAA is also helping airports with funding to tackle debilitating winter elements.

As winter approaches, 85 airports in 28 states will be better prepared to keep airport operations running safely and smoothly. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $76.2 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for snowplows, de-icing equip-

ment, and new or upgraded buildings to store this equipment.

“We can’t let winter weather stop aircraft from safely landing and taking off. This funding will help keep airports operating this winter and get passengers and cargo to their work, families and

vacations safely,” said Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E.

Approximately $46.2 million will be used to purchase snow removal equipment, such as:

• $3,667,964 to Rickenbacker

International in Columbus, Ohio

• $3,152,552 to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska

• $607,500 to Ford Airport in Iron Mountain, Michigan

BELL P–63 KINGCOBRA AND BOEING B–17 FLYING FORTRESS COLLIDED DURING DALLAS AIRSHOW

Six Airmen Mourned

By Alyssa J. Cobb AOPA

All six people aboard a Bell P–63F Kingcobra and the Texas RaidersBoeing B–17G Flying Fortress died when the two aircraft collided midair Nov. 12 during the 2022 Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas, the NTSB confirmed.

The CAF on Nov. 14 identified those killed in the midair: Craig Hutain, who was flying the P–63, and Terry Barker, Kevin “K5” Michels, Dan Ragan, Leonard “Len” Root, and Curtis Rowe in the B–17 operated by the CAF’s Gulf Coast Wing. There were no injuries on the ground, according to the NTSB.

The Houston-based warbirds collided at 1:22 p.m. Central time, a tragedy that canceled the remainder of the three-day airshow scheduled to go through Nov. 13. Graphic videos released on social media showed the two aircraft colliding at high speed. (Warning: Viewer beware that the midair collision footage is graphic.)

NTSB Member Michael Graham told media that it was too early to determine whether pilot error or mechanical problems were involved and that a pre-

liminary report would be released in four to six weeks, with a final report likely 12 to 18 months away.

The majority of the wreckage land-

ed on airport property and what was outside the airport has been collected and turned over to the NTSB, Graham said. The NTSB is working with the FAA and CAF. Investigators are securing audio recordings from the tower; neither of the warbirds was equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders (they were not required to be). In addition, investigators have started interviewing formation crews and airshow operations staff, surveyed the accident site by drone, taken photographs by ground, and requested pilot training and aircraft maintenance records from the CAF. They are also analyzing radar and ground footage to determine the exact location of the midair.

Graham asked anyone who had photos or videos of the accident to send them to the NTSB via email.

Hutain, a United Airlines Boeing 777 pilot and Tora Tora Tora Airshows executive officer who was flying the Kingcobra, had about 34,500 hours and had flown many different warbirds, including the North American T–6 Texan and P–51

The Commemorative Air Force on Nov. 14 identified the crewmembers who died while performing during the Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow in Texas on November 12 as (top left to bottom right) Terry Barker, Craig Hutain, Kevin ‘K5’ Michels, Dan Ragan, Leonard ‘Len’ Root, and Curtis Rowe. (Images courtesy of CAF and AOPA)

Dallas Airshow Collision

Mustang, Bell P–63 Kingcobra and P–39 Airacobra, and Curtiss P–40 Warhawk, according to the Tora website. In addition to the Boeing 777, he also flew the Boeing 737, McDonnell Douglas MD-80, Dassault Falcon 50 and 900, and de Havilland Twin Otter and Dash 7.

During an interview with Vintage Aviation News at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July, Hutain said he started flying with the CAF 14 years ago. He noted with a smile that he had just less than two years remaining to fly for the airlines before “flying warbirds full time.”

Hutain detailed the P–63F in the July interview, saying it was “one of one P63Fs in the entire world, and one of two that was ever made.” The pilot sits in front of the engine in this tricycle-gear fighter.

“The CAF’s mission is to educate and inspire and certainly entertain,” he said. “This airplane does that. I like to think that I have a small part in that as well.”

Barker was a U.S. Army veteran; retired airline pilot; and former city councilman for Keller, Texas, and served as the maintenance officer for the Gulf Coast Wing. Keller Mayor Armin Mizani said on Facebook, “Terry Barker was beloved by many. He was a friend and someone whose guidance I often sought. Even after retiring from serving on the City Council and flying for American Airlines, his love for community was unmistakable.

“Yesterday he was flying to honor the greatest generation. Today, the Field of Honor in front of Keller Town Hall will remain standing an additional week in his honor.”

Michels, who was also a crewmem-

Let it Snow

• $2,350,167 to Boeing Field/King County International Airport in Seattle, Washington

An additional $13.6 million is to develop de-icing facilities, including:

• $9,776,486 to Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey to construct a deicing containment facility.

• $3,301,240 Great Falls International Airport in Great Falls, Montana to construct a de-icing pad.

• $277,777 to Williston Basin International Airport in Williston, North Dakota to construct a de-icing pad.

The final $16.4 million will construct and renovate buildings that house and maintain snow removal equipment, including:

• $4,569,500 to Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg, West Virginia

ber on Texas Raiders, served as the Gulf Coast Wing’s historian, and provided video tours of the warbird. Michels penned “The History of B-17G Texas Raiders,” writing that “As of 2021, there are just four B-17’s still actively flying in the world.”

In 2015, Michels likened piloting the Flying Fortress to “flying a [Mack] truck with no power steering.” He also said the bomber was designed to “take combat damage and still bring the crew home.”

Ragan served as the radioman on Texas Raiders “when it was … a PB-1W in the US Navy,” the CAF Gulf Coast Wing’s B-17 Texas Raiders Facebook page explained. He rejoined the B–17’s crew in 2019 with the CAF.

Root was a retired airline pilot and training officer for the Gulf Coast Wing of the CAF. The wing’s Texas Raiders page said that Root earned his B–17 type rating in 1995 and was among the wing’s most senior B–17 pilots.

Rowe, a member of the Ohio Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, was also on board the B–17. According to 10WBNS, a Columbus, Ohio, area outlet, he was a mechanic on the Flying Fortress.

During a press conference just hours after the accident, CAF President and CEO Hank Coates said the organization “is an extremely close-knit family” and that “the pilots are very well trained.” This was the seventh year the CAF had hosted the airshow at its headquarters in Dallas. The three-day event was billed as “the Nation’s Premiere World War II Airshow.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the accident and their families,” the CAF said in a statement on

• $2,694,567 to Bellingham International Airport in Bellingham, Washington

• $2,189,414 to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport in Brainerd, Minnesota

• $936,625 to Mammoth Yosemite Airport in Mammoth Lake, California

The funding is from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. The program pays for a variety of projects including construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield elements such as lighting or signage, and the purchase of equipment needed to operate and maintain airports.

View snow removal and de-icing equipment in action and view a data visualization of the airports receiving grants for winter weather preparedness at the FAA website, faa.gov.

AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE

RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS: WINGS OVER DALLAS MIDAIR VIDEO

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) on Nov. 16 released a new video from its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of a recent tragic accident.

On Nov. 12, 2022, a Bell P-63F Kingcobra and a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress collided midair during the 2022 Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas. No one on the ground was injured. Sadly, all six people aboard the two airplanes died in the crash.

“In Early Analysis: Wings over Dallas Midair, the AOPA Air Safety Institute wants to help pilots understand what is known about the accident as we look at factors that are likely to be a subject of the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board,” said AOPA’s ASI senior vice president Richard McSpadden.

McSpadden continued, “Airshows use deconfliction plans to flow traffic through show lines in front of the crowd. From video footage and eyewitness

accounts, it appears that one of the two airplanes did not adhere to its prep-briefed show line. The P-63 flew a continuousbanked turn as it approached the show line and collided with the B-17, which was on a straight and level flight path.”

“Once again, we see the danger of an extended, banked turn to roll out on a projected flight path – especially risky in a low-wing aircraft coming in high to low where you are completely blinded to the flight path below you,” McSpadden concluded.

HOWTO SUPPORTTHE FAMILIES

On behalf of its board, staff, and members, the International Council of Air Shows offers its heartfelt condolences to the families of those individuals involved in the recent accident in Dallas and to our colleagues in the Commemorative Air Force (CAF).

In response, the International Council of Air Shows Foundation, in association with the CAF, is accepting donations for the families of those

involved in the accident. To donate, go to https://airshowfoundation.org/support/ , select “Donation in honor or memory of an individual” and type “CAF” as the “Name of Memorialized”. 100 percent of the money collected through this effort will be provided to the families as emergency funding, with all received funds being split equally amongst those families impacted.

Note for international donors. The

Dallas Airshow Collision

Continued from Page 21

its website Nov. 12.

The B–17 and P–63 were owned by the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum. The P–63F was the only flying aircraft of that model in the world, according to Warbird Digest.

The B–17, first called Model 299 by

Boeing, took its maiden flight on July 28, 1935. A reporter dubbed it the “Flying Fortress,” and the U.S. Army Air Corps named it the B-17, according to Boeing. The four-engine bomber could accommodate two pilots, a bombardier, a navigator, a radio operator, and gunners. The B-17 entered World War II in 1941.

ICAS Foundation is not able to process international donations. They are aware of an issue with their website and are working to resolve it. Until then, you can call ICAS directly at (703) 779-8510.

When you indicate that you want to make a donation for the families of the accident in Dallas, you will be transferred to an individual who will assist you in making the donation.

Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.

View the video on the AOPA website, www.aopa.org or directly at https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/RBDAirshowMidair

Fatal amateur-built aircraft accidents remained under the historic average over the 12-month period ending in Sept. 2022, but EAA notes that an uptick over the previous year’s total shows that focused efforts to enhance safety even further remain essential.

For the federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, the FAA reported there were 56 fatal accidents in experimental category aircraft over the preceding 12 months, including 39 in amateur-built aircraft. That compares to 42 total accidents – 33 in amateur-built aircraft – during the 12-month period between Oct. 2020 and Sept. 2021.

“The fatal accident totals, for both amateur-builts and experimental aircraft

overall, remain 30 to 35 percent below where they were just a decade ago, including when looking at the three-year rolling average on which the FAA bases its annual not-to-exceed number,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “While that’s good news, we never want to see an annual increase in the totals. That’s a reminder that we all must continue to work to make safety the top priority even with the small numbers we see each year.”

The higher accident totals in experimental category aircraft mirror an increase for all of general aviation over the same 12-month period. This also coincides with preliminary figures that show an increase in flight hours in 2021

The P-63, a 408-mph fighter that could be fitted with a 37 mm cannon and four .50caliber machine guns, was widely used by the Soviet Union during World War II.

The CAF was “founded to find and preserve World War II-era combat aircraft for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

The ICAS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and follows all IRS guidelines. Although most donations made to the ICAS Foundation are tax deductible, please consult with your individual tax adviser to confirm the deductibility of your contribution. EIN: 38-2885409.

and into 2022.

“EAA has been deeply involved in FAA’s safety analysis teams for several years, and we consistently see that experimental aircraft accident causes are very similar to accident causes for all GA accidents,” Elliott said. “It shows that the accidents overwhelmingly do not occur because a pilot is flying an amateur-built or experimental aircraft, but because of factors relating to pilot decision-making or flight procedures. Those are areas where EAA safety programs and resources can make a difference.”

EAA has worked closely with the FAA and NTSB on recommendations to reduce fatal accidents, through participa-

AOPA will continue to provide updates on their website (www.aopa.org) as more information is made available. The CAF website, commemorativeairforce.org, is also releasing additional information as it becomes available.

tion in the FAA General Aviation Joint Safety Committee. Efforts have also included thousands of copies of the EAA Flight Test Manual now in the hands of amateur-built aircraft owners and the increasing use of an additional safety pilot during initial flight-testing in amateur-built aircraft. Other safety initiatives ranging from regular safety webinars have also put the spotlight on safety for experimental category aircraft.

Experimental aircraft accident totals also compare favorably to many other recreational pursuits that carry risk factors, ranging from boating to operation of all-terrain vehicles. Learn more on the EAA website, eaa.org.

1981 BEECHCRAFT 58P BARON

Would this rocket ship work for you? Cruise at 232 kts. in pressurized air-conditioned comfort at 25,000 feet above the weather, get to altitude quickly with a 1,500 ft. rate of climb, generous useful. The mechanic looking after the plane for the last 10 years says, “It'sascleanas they come.”

1978 CESSNA P210N

Would you like to fly a rocket ship? We have it. A 1978 Cessna P210 with the incredible Vitatoe engine. Long-lifed at 2200 TBO. Improved compression for unrivaled efficiency and power. Cooler and more fuel efficient engine operations at all altitudes. Flies at speeds of up to 215 KTAS at 22,000 feet using only 17.6 GPH. Wonderful upgraded avionics with stunning paint and interior. Comfortable for six with full-sized seats. A people and gear mover with almost 1400 lb. useful.

2020 SONEX ONEX

Possibly the lowest-cost time-builder, and while you're at it, have fun in this fast aerobatic turbo-charged sharp looking ship. Absolutely beautiful with really nice instrumentation. Call us on this one!

2006 FLIGHT DESIGN CTSW

Airplane! All

would like on an S-LSA

comfortable seating, fast, long range, good visibility, great useful load, baggage limit a whopping 110 lbs. Always hangared in dry California.

1941 PORTERFIELD LP-65

Abreathtakingtotal restoration of a classic WWII era primary trainer. Fly solo from the front seat. An absolute hoot to fly. Comes with a spare overhauled pickled engine. Add $2,500 to price with electric start. Call for details.

ATPFLIGHT SCHOOL ADDS 500TH AIRCRAFTTO FLEET WITH

DELIVERYOF NEW CESSNA SKYHAWKS

ATPFlightSchool,onNov.17,took deliveryoffivenewCessnaSkyhawksand surpassedthefleetmilestoneof500aircraft.EachnewplanebringsATPstudents astate-of-arttrainingplatformwith Garmin'sG1000NXiIntegratedFlight Deck.TheSkyhawksjointhe86newaircraftATPhastakendeliveryofsince2020 andwillbeusedexclusivelyforairline pilottrainingandcareerdevelopment.

ATP'sinvestmentinnewaircraftis pairedwithequalinvestmentinflight safetyandmonitoring.ATPrecentlycompleteda40percentexpansionofitsoperationscenterinJacksonvilleBeach, Florida,toaccommodategrowingsafety andqualityassuranceteams.Tosupport thesafeoperationof500aircraft,ATP's safetydepartmentintegratesanairlinebasedSafetyManagementSystem (SMS)andprovidesFlightOperations QualityAssurance(FOQA)throughrealtimeoversightofalltrainingflightsusing ADS-Btechnology.

“Reachingthemilestoneofa500air-

EachnewSkyhawkbringsATPstudentsa state-of-arttrainingplatformwith Garmin'sG1000NXiIntegratedFlight Deck.(CourtesyATPFlightSchool)

craftfleetissignificant,notjustinscale, butfortheoperationalsupportrequiredto provideasafeanddependabletraining environmentforourstudents,”said MichaelArnold,DirectorofMarketing, ATPFlightSchool.“Thecapabilitiesand advancementofATP'sflightoperations centermirrorthatofairlines,withmaintenance,flightoperations,flightsafety,flight standards,andqualityassuranceteams workinginunisontopromoteahighlevel ofsafetyandsupportforourstudents.The milestoneof500planesisonlymadepos-

Tosupportthesafeoperationof500aircraft,ATP'ssafetydepartmentintegrates anairline-basedSafetyManagement System(SMS)andprovidesFlight OperationsQualityAssurance(FOQA). (CourtesyATPFlightSchool)

siblethroughthecommitmenteachATP teammemberhastothetrainingsuccessof ourstudentsandprovidingareliablestateof-artfleetoperatedinasafety-focused environment.”

Astheleadingproviderofnewhire airlinepilots,ATP'sfleetexpansionwill increasecapacitytograduate20,000airlinepilotsby2030.Deliveriesofanadditional85newaircraftarescheduled throughout2023and2024.

ATPFlightSchooltookdeliveryoffive newCessnaSkyhawksandsurpassedthe fleetmilestoneof500aircraft. (CourtesyATPFlightSchool)

LearnmoreaboutATPFlightSchool atwww.atpflightschool.com.

AFSOCCONDUCTS LIVE-FIRE EXERCISE WITH RAPID DRAGON

ByTech.Sgt.BrigetteWaltermire AirForceSpecialOperations CommandPublicAffairs

TwoAirForceSpecialOperations Commandwingspartneredinatotalforce initiativetoconductthefirstlive-fire demonstrationofRapidDragon,alongrangepalletizedmunitionssystem,inthe U.S.EuropeanCommandtheaterover AndøyaSpaceDefenseRange,Nov.9.

DuringU.S.SpecialOperations CommandEuropeexerciseATREUS224,twoMC-130JCommandoIIsassigned tothe352ndSpecialOperationsWing flewtheRapidDragonpackagetoa RoyalNorwegianAirForcetraining rangeanddeployeditovertheAtlantic Ocean.AnMC-12WLibertyassignedto the137thSOW,OklahomaAirNational Guard,useditsmannedintelligence,surveillanceandreconnaissancecapabilities tocollectanddisseminateinformation abouttherelease.

ThisisthefirsttimeRapidDragonhas beenemployedusingcargoaircraftinthe USEUCOMtheater,andprecisionmunitionscapabilitiesformedium-sizedorlargercargoaircraftallowsU.S.andNATO forcesaflexiblerapidresponseoption.

“It’sreallyeasilyexportabletoour partnersandalliesaroundtheglobethat maywanttoincreasetheutilityoftheirair force,”saidLt.Gen.JimSlife,AFSOC commander,duringarecentAirandSpace ForceAssociationevent.“Whenyoulook atpartnercapability,wehavealotofpartnersaroundtheglobethatdon'thave heavybomber-typeplatformsthatwould betraditionalcarriersofthosetypesof munitions,butthey'vegotplentyofC130sproliferatedaroundtheworld.”

Morethan40countriesoperateC130Hercules,butAFSOChasbeenthe onlyU.S.AirForcecombatantcommand todemonstratethissystem.

“AnMC-130Jistheperfectaircraft forthiscapabilitybecausewecanland andoperatefrom3,000-foothighways andausterelandingzoneswhereasa bombercannot,”saidLt.Col.Valerie Knight,352dSOWmissioncommander. “Additionally,acrewqualifiedtoexecute heavyequipmentairdropcouldemploy thisoperationally.Afterthesuccessful executionofthisairdrop,wehavenow provenwecanemploythesameweapons system—creatingadilemmaforour adversaries.AstheonlyU.S.AirForce SpecialOperationsWinginEurope,this

Membersofthe137thMissionSustainmentTeamconductanunexplodedordnance sweepduringU.S.SpecialOperationsCommandEurope-ledATREUS22-4atAndøya SpaceDefenseRange,Norway,Nov.8,2022.Thiswasthefirsttimethemulti-capable Airmenconductedtheirmissioninasettingrealistictotheaustereenvironmentsthey willencounterwhilesupportingglobalSOFoperations.

(U.S.AirNationalGuardphotobyTech.Sgt.BrigetteWaltermire)

AnAirmanwiththe352ndSpecial OperationsWingconductspreflight operationsonanMC-130JCommandoII duringATREUS22-4atAndøyaSpace DefenseRange,Norway,Nov.8,2022.

TwoAirForceSpecialOperations Commandwingspartneredinatotal forceinitiativetoconductthefirstlivefiredemonstrationintheEuropeantheaterofRapidDragon,along-rangepalletizedmunitionssystem,inU.S. EuropeanCommandregion.

(U.S.AirNationalGuardphotoby Tech.Sgt.BrigetteWaltermire)

canprovidetop-tierISRsupportanda widearrayofsustainmentcapabilitiesfor ourjointpartners.”

Membersofthe137thMission SustainmentTeamalsoparticipated,conductingpre-deploymentsitesurveysand airfieldassessments.Whileitisnotthe firsttimetheteamhasworkedwithcoalitionforces,itisthefirsttimetheMSThas conductedtheirmissioninasettingrealistictotheaustereenvironmentstheywill operateinastheysupportglobalSOF operations.

Thetailofa137thSpecialOperationsWingMC-12WappearsstruckbytheAurora BorealiswhileparticipatinginATREUS22-4atAndøyaSpaceDefenseRange,Norway, Nov.7,2022.TwoAirForceSpecialOperationsCommandwingspartneredinatotal forceinitiativetoconductthefirstlive-firedemonstrationofRapidDragon,alongrangepalletizedmunitionssystem.

(U.S.AirNationalGuardphotobyTech.Sgt.BrigetteWaltermire)

capabilityprovidesourallies,partners andthejointforceanadditionalresponse option,strengtheningourdeterrence capabilitiesinUSEUCOM.”

Developingrelationshipsbetween alliesandpartnersextendedtothetotal forcewiththeinclusionofanOklahoma AirNationalGuardMC-12Ws.TwoU.S. AirForcepilotsandacombatsystems officerwerepartoftheMC-12Waircrew toconductthemission,withsupportfrom aircrewflightequipmentandspecial

operationscommunicationsAirmen.

“The137thSOWactivelyseeksout exerciseswherewecandemonstrateour uniquecapabilitiesandcreaterelationshipswithourpartners—notjustwithin AFSOCandthetotalforce,butacrossa multi-nationalcoalition,”saidMaj. MurrayLudwig,a137thSOWcombat systemsofficer.“Thankstotheassistance ofourNorwegianallies,ourintegration intothisexercisehasbeenseamless.We wereabletodemonstratethatourwing

“Themulti-capableAirmanconcept allowsustobecomecompletelyself-sufficientanywhereintheworld,”Ludwig said.“ThetrainingouroperationsAirmen andMissionSustainmentTeamare receivingherewillbecriticallyimportant totheirfuturewar-fightingpotential.

AsAFSOCposturesitsforcesfor thefuturefight,developingunconventional,innovativecapabilitiestoprotect againstnear-peeradversariesiscritical.

“Thisrapidroll-on,roll-offcapabilityextendsAmerica’sabilitytoproject firepoweraroundtheglobe,”Knightsaid. “Itdoesn’trequireanyaircraftmodifications,makingitincrediblyeasyto employanyplace,anytime.”

Learnmoreaboutthefirstlive-fire demonstrationofRapidDragononthe AirForcewebsite,af.mil.

LONGTIME EAAMUSEUM DOCENT HONORED

JohnMellberg,EAA109395,of Menasha,Wisconsin,wasrecognizedon Nov.10forhiscontributionsandvolunteerservicetoEAA,ashereceivedthe HenryKimberlySpiritofLeadership AwardduringtheEAAHallsofFame banquetattheEAAAviationCenterin Oshkosh.

Theawardisnamedforthelate HenryKimberly,alongtimeOshkosh civicleaderwhowasinstrumentalin buildingcommunitysupportforEAA whenthefly-inarrivedinOshkoshin 1970,andlaterinthemoveofEAAheadquarterstoOshkoshintheearly1980s.

Mellbergwasrecognizedforhis effortsinsupportofexhibitswithinthe EAAAviationMuseum.Hebuiltover17 years,thendonateda1:36-scale“giant miniature”modeloftheD-LZ130Graf ZeppelinIIthatisondisplayoverthe museum’smainfloor,alongwitha1:250 scalemodeloftheD-LZ127Graf Zeppelin.Mellbergalsodonated Zeppelinchinathatwasflownonbothof theactualZeppelinsandtworareBaitz dollsthataccompaniedtheGraf Zeppelin’s1929around-theworldflight. Inadditiontohiscontributionstothe Zeppelinexhibit,Mellbergdonateditems totheone-of-a-kind1938BugattiModel 100exhibit,includingararesetofblueprintsacquiredfromthefamilyofa BugatticollectorinGreatBritain.

Mellberghasalsobeenamemberof EAA’svolunteermuseumdocentteam since2015,leadingmuseumtours,givingpresentationsontheGrafZeppelin andBugatti,andassistingmuseumvisitorsfromaroundtheworld.

“Johnisapassionatehistoriananda

JohnMellberg,ofMenasha,Wisconsin, wasawardedtheHenryKimberlySpirit ofLeadershipAwardonNov.10forhis contributionsandvolunteerserviceto EAA. (CourtesyEAA)

wealthofknowledgeaboutaviationhistory,whichheshareswithourvisitors year-roundatthemuseum,”saidJack Pelton,CEOandchairmanoftheboard, whopresentedtheawardatadinnerin theEAAAviationMuseum’sEagle Hangar.“Heisanoutstandingexample ofourvolunteersfromtheOshkosharea whomakeEAAadestinationforaviation enthusiastsfromallpartsoftheglobe.”

AlongwithannouncingtheHenry KimberlyAwardthatrecognizes Oshkosh-areavolunteers,theNovember 10programinductedfiveaviatorsinto theEAAHallsofFame.Theyincluded aviationenthusiastsfromdiverseaircraft areasthatencompasshomebuilt,vintage, warbird,ultralight,andaerobaticaircraft.

TheNationalAirTransportation Associationannouncedanenhanced focusonAdvancedAirMobility(AAM) relativetogeneralaviationinfrastructure andaircharteroperationsdevelopment. Toshoreupthiseffort,MeganEisenstein willshiftherresponsibilitiesfrom ManagingDirectorofIndustryand RegulatoryAffairstoManagingDirector ofIndustryAffairsandInnovationtolead NATA’sinitiativeswhileRyan WaguespackwillserveasSeniorAdvisor (AAM)tofostertheconnectionbetween

thisemergingsectorandthePart135 environment.

OnNov.2,NATAconveneditsfirst AAMCommitteemeetinginconjunction withitsAviationBusinessConferencein Miamiandplansforasecondmeetingin Washington,D.C.,inJanuary,alongwitha half-dayTownHallforinformationsharingandconnectingwithNATAmembers.

“WeareexcitedtoexpandNATA’s effortstolayasolidfoundationfor emergingindustryentrantsandnewtech-

WINNER

BearhawkAircraftannouncedon Nov.7thefirstflightofthefirstkit-built BearhawkModel5aircraft.Thenew Bearhawk5isasix-placedesignthatperformsexceptionallywellonunimproved runwaysandinbackcountrysettings.Built originallyforheavyhaulingandbulky loads,Bearhawkaircraftareknownfor theirperformanceandstrength.

Apowerfulandresponsivenew model,theaircraftperformedasexpected accordingtoRollieVanDornwhoflew therequiredfirst25hoursinthefirstkitbuiltBearhawk5.VanDornisacommercialairlinepilotandhaspreviouslyflown numerousotherBearhawkaircraft includingtheModel5prototype.He commentedontherequiredflightregiment,“Whenmaneuvering,thelarger Model5feelsthesameasthePatrol (two-placetandemmodel).Ailerons actuallyfeellighter.Iexpectedthisbuild toperformexactlythesameastheprototype,anditdidwithoutexception.”

VanDornsaidheflew8.7hoursone day,makingmorethan20landingsinthe newaircraft.Tobusyhimselfduringthe required25hoursoflocalflying,hemonitoredspeedandpower.At8,500feet,the aircraftindicated142knotsat24-square. Healsonotedaltitudewaseasilymaintainedwithreducedpowerandfuelconsumptionwasbetween11.0–15.7gallonsper-hour.Inpitchinguptheaircraftexhibitedgentlemanners,alsowhenmaneuveringinsteepturns.VanDornadded,“The Model5landsnicelyandgoesreallyfast.” Withtheintakeorientedforward,ramairflowhelpsimprovefuelservoperformance.“Iwasabletoskywriteandview “Bearhawk”onmyG3XandADS-Bdisplays.Thismadethetimegobyfasterbut alsoheightenedmyappreciationforthe Model5’sagileflyingqualities.”

TheBearhawkModel5was designedtouseLycomingenginesfrom 250–315horsepower.Whiletheprototypeuseda315-hpIO-580,thisfirstkit completionuseda300-hpangle-valve

IO-540.ItswingsaHartzell3-bladepropeller(82-inchdiameter,carbonfiber). Bothenginesgiveapower-to-weight ratioequivalenttothemostpowerful competitionacrobaticplanes;thismakes forspectaculartakeoffandclimb.Van DornnotedthattheModel5reallypushesyoubackinyourseatandblastsoffthe groundinashortdistance.

TheBearhawkModel5(designating fifthintheseries)retainstheclassicstylingof previousBearhawks.Thefamiliarhigh-wing designwithconventionalgearperformssafelyandpredictably,especiallyonunpaved surfaces.Themostnotablechangefromthe originalfour-placeisthattheModel5isbigger,seatinguptosix.Thetwolargest Bearhawkmodelsmightbecomparedtothe Cessna180,afour-placeaircraft,andthe Cessna185six-seater.However,the Bearhawkislighterandstronger,andcan haulmorewitheasyaccessthroughitslarge cargodoor.AYouTubevideo,“AWalk AroundtheNewBearhawkFive”with builderCollinCampbell,providesmore detail.Seeitathttps://www. youtube.com/watch?v=k29_JrCACpY&t=1 204s.

Differencesbetweenthefour-place andModel5arefew,includingatwo-inch widerandnoticeablylongerfuselagesupplyingextrainteriorvolume.TheModel5’s

fuselageisofwelded4130tubingwitha lowerpartcountandweight.Bothmodels arefabriccoveredwithallaluminumwings andspars.Skinsare.025/.032onaRiblet airfoil–whichBobBarrowshaddesign inputonwithHarryRiblet–commononall Bearhawkdesignsandoptimizedforboth higherspeedsandlowspeedhandling.

NortheastSTOLSeriesWinfor Bearhawk

TheNortheastSTOLSeriesisacompetitionheldatdifferentlocationsinthe northeasternU.S.takingplaceduringthe summerseason.Accordingtoparticipant PeterBrown,“Whileit’ssmallerand drawsalocalcrowd,it’sagreattimeand weenjoythecompetitionamongfriends.”

AnassociationwithMarkGoldberg, kitmanufactureroftheBearhawklineup, ledBrowntotaketemporarypossession oftheprototypeModel5whichBrown flewfromAirVentureOshkosh2021to hishomeintheNortheast.Brown demonstratedtheModel5intheregion, includingatSTOLevents.Afterafew monthswiththeModel5,hefinalizedthe purchaseofaBearhawkPatrol.

“ThePatrolfitsmeandmymissionperfectly.With55gallonsoffuelIcanflylong legsoncross-countryflights.Betteryet,Ican

NATAFocusesonAdvancedAirMobility

nologiesundertheleadershipofMegan andRyan,”statedNATAPresidentand CEOCurtCastagna.“Meganhasakeen understandingoftheaviationbusiness landscape,ourindustry’ssustainability advancements,andthepublic-private partnershipsrequiredtounitekeystakeholdersandprepareourmembersby empoweringtheirsuccess.Ryanis invaluabletothiseffortashebringsa

wealthofaircharteroperationknowledgeandanabilitytothinkcreativelyand buildcommunity.”

NATA’srecentwebinar,“HowNew IndustryEntrantsareChangingthe GeneralAviationLandscape,”provided stakeholderinputonthepathforwardfor FBOsandairportsplanningtoservicethe nextgenerationofaircraftandaddressed sustainableinfrastructure,suchasvertiports,whereinnovativesolutionsintrans-

portingpeopleandgoodswillimpactthe overallaviationecosystem.WebinarspecialguestNateWardofBETA Technologiesoutlinedtherequirements forbuildinganelectriccharginginfrastructureforeVTOLaircraft,suggestingatimelineofatleastayearinadvanceoftheir arrivalforchargingequipmentacquisition andimplementation.

“Theefficiencyandeffectivenessof AAMdevelopmentandintegrationwill

flyoutandbacktosomeremotespotsthat don’thavefuelavailable.I’mabletofly fromcentralVermonttonorthernMaine non-stop,havelunchandreturninoneday burninglessfuelthaninmypreviousPA-1895,whichrequiredafuelstop,andwhich overthesamedistancerequiredanovernight stay.”

AfterbuildingtimeinhisPatrol,Brown begancompetingintheNortheastSTOL Series.“Likeanythingittakespracticetobe consistentwithyourlandings,takeoffsand learningthecapabilitiesofyouraircraft,but afterabititstartedtoworkandIwasableto movefromafewthird-placefinishesupto firstandsecond-placefinishes.”Competing head-to-headwithSuperCubsandCarbon Cubs,thePatrolperformedwellenough throughouttheseriesthisyeartotakethe overallwinontotalpoints.

“ThebestpartisIcanfly200–300 miles,competeinanevent,andflyback thesamedaywiththePatrol’shighcruise speed.I’venotfoundabetteraircraftthat combinesthetruebushplanestrengthofa chromolysteelfuselage,flightcharacteristics,STOLcapability,andcruisespeed,” concludedBrown.Formoreinformation onNortheastSTOLSeriesvisit https://www.facebook.com/people/Northe ast-STOL-Series/.VisitPeterBrown’s 500AGLonYouTubeathttps://www.you tube.com/c/500AGL.

Bearhawkaircraftareavailableinkit orplanform.Modelsrangefromtwo-, four-andsix-placeconfigurations.All Bearhawkaircraftexcelataccessing remoteairstripsandarerenownfortheir ruggedconstructionandcarryingcapacity.Avipro/BearhawkAircraftmanufactureshigh-qualityQuickBuildkitsfor theBearhawkfour-placeModelB, BearhawkPatrol,BearhawkCompanion, BearhawkLSA,andBearhawkModel5.

FormoreinformationonBearhawk Aircraft,visitwww.bearhawkaircraft.com, orcontactBearhawkatinfo@bearhawk aircraft.comor1-877-528-4776,or512626-7886.

requirestrategicleadershiptoaddress immediateneedsrelatedtogroundservice,operations,maintenance,andpublic acceptance.Withguidanceandinput fromkeystakeholdersonournewAAM committee,NATAhastherightteamin placetodrivesuccessinallfocusareas foraviationbusinesses,”addedCastagna. LearnmoreatNATA’swebsite, www.nata.aero.

PeterBrownintheBearhawkPatrolontouchdownintheNortheastSTOLSeriescompetition. (CourtesyBearhawkAircraft)

AMPAIRE FLIES FIRST HYBRID-ELECTRIC REGIONAL AIRCRAFT

Ampaire’sEcoCaravan,anine-seat regionalaircraft,madeitsfirstflighton Nov.18onafully-integratedhybrid-electricpropulsionsystem.Ampaireexpects ittobethefirstelectrifiedregionalaircrafttoentercommercialservice(certificationin2024)andthefirstinaseriesof largerAmpairehybrid-electricaircraft thatwillleadatransitiontosustainable aviation.

“Aviationisthehardestindustryto decarbonize,”saidAmpaireCEOKevin Noertker.“Fully-electricaircraftare rangelimitedbecauseoftheweightand energycapacityofcurrent-generation batteries.Hybrid-electricaircraft,however,canpreservetherangeandutilityof today’saircraft.Thatiswhyweare focusedonhybrid-electricpropulsionfor aseriesofincreasinglycapableregional aircraft.It’sawayfortheairlineindustry todecarbonizemorequicklyandalsoto benefitfromloweroperatingcosts.”

Today’slandmarkachievementadds momentumtoaprogramthathasattractedkeycustomersandprogramparticipantsinrecentmonths.InOctober,the companyannouncedarelationshipwith AirFranceIndustriesKLMEngineering andMaintenance(AFIKLME&M)fora

rangeofworldwidemaintenanceservice andsupportactivities.Alsolastmonth, Ampairereceivedanorderfrom MONTE,afinancierofsustainable regionalaviationtechnologies,forupto 50EcoCaravans.“ThesetypesofrelationshipsensurethatAmpaire’scustomersworldwidehavecompelling financingandleasingsupportalongside worldclassmaintenance/repair/overhaul support,”saidNoertker.

A“SmoothandQuiet” FirstFlight

TheEcoCaravanupgradesthestandardCessnaGrandCaravanwith Ampaire’sintegratedpropulsionsystem ofacompressionignitionengineandan electricengine.Abatterypackinabody fairingpreservespassengerandcargo capacityfortheaircraft.

Thefirstflightwas33minutesin durationtomakeinitialchecksofthe propulsionsystem.WithtestpilotElliot Seguinatthecontrols,theEcoCaravan tookofffromCamarilloAirportnorthof LosAngelesat7:49a.m.PST.Itclimbed to3,500feetatfullpower,combining powerfromthecombustionengineand

electricengine.Seguinthenthrottled backtoacruisesetting,reducingloadon bothpowersources.Hespentroughly20 minutestestingvariouspowersettings whilestudyingtemperaturesandother readingsbeforemakingadescentand finalapproachtoCamarilloatalowpowersetting.“TheEcoCaravanpropulsionsystemperformedjustasexpected,” saidSeguin.“Itwassmoothandquiet. Alltemperatureandpoweroutputreadingswerenormal.”

NetZeroEmissionswithSAF

TheEcoCaravanreducesfuelconsumptionandemissionsbyupto70percent.Emissionsarenearzerowhenusing sustainableaviationfuel.Costofoperation isreducedby25to40percentdepending onairlineroutestructure.Costperavailableseatmileisnearthatofdriving.

Thehybrid-electricaircraftpreservestherange/payloadcapabilityofthe GrandCaravan,andinfactcanflyfarther thantheGrandCaravanwitheightpassengers.Maximumrangeisbeyond 1,000miles.TheEcoCaravan’srange andloadhaulingcapabilityisinmarked contrasttoproposedall-electric,hydro-

Ampaire'sEcoCaravan,anine-seat regionalaircraft,madeitsfirstflighton Nov.18onafully-integratedhybrid-electricpropulsionsystem.

(CourtesyAmpaire)

gen-electricandevenotherhybrid-electricdesigns.

TheEcoCaravancanrechargeits batteriesinflightoratachargingstation ontheground.Becausecharginginfrastructurewillbelimitedforsomeyears, theabilitytooperateindependentof groundchargingiscriticalforpreserving thefullutilityoftheEcoCaravan.

TheFirstinaNewGeneration ofSustainableElectrified Aircraft

TheEcoCaravan’spropulsiontechnologyisscalabletolargerregionalair-

FlyingWith Faber MORE HOTEL DISCOVERIES

Inevertireoflookingathotels. Whetherthey’verecentlysprung fromtheearthorarecentury-old landmarks,Ilearnsomethingnewabout thehospitalityandtravelindustrywith almosteveryhotelIvisit.Iloveto exploreeverycorneroftheproperty, meetthestaffandchatwiththeguests. ThemomentIconcludethatI’veseen everythingthatahotelcanoffer,agroup offolkswithcreativevisioncomesup withsomethingnew,uniqueandexciting.

Belowareafewhotelsthatcertainly couldnotbedescribedas“cookiecutter” models.Eachisuniqueandoffersalifetimememorableexperience.

HiltonTulumRivieraMayaAllInclusiveResort,CarreteraCancun Tulum307TulkalChemuyil,Tulum, 77774,Mexico,www/tulumallinclusive resort.hilton.com.

Hilton’slargestresortinthe CaribbeanandLatinAmerica,andthe brand’sfirstall-inclusiveofferingin Tulum,HiltonTulumRivieraMayaAllInclusiveResortjoinsthecampusofthe recentlydebutedConradTulumRiviera Maya.OpenedinMay2022,Hilton TulumRivieraMayaAll-Inclusive Resortoffers735stylishrooms,including59suites,locatedthroughoutthe three-storyvilla-stylebuildings;13concept-driven,all-inclusivediningexperiences,eightresortpools,andacomplete fitnesscenterwithayogastudioandspin room.Designedwithlocallysourced materialstomatchthenaturalenvironment,eachguestroomhasaprivatebalconyofferingeitheranatureorocean view.Eachofthehotel’ssuitesfeatures ocean-facingbalconieswithseparatelivinganddiningareas.Theresort’sdining experiencesincludefivesignaturerestaurants,barsandlounges.Additionallythe hoteloffersanupscalebeverageprogram,acoffeeshopanddeli,aswellas numerouscasualpoolsideofferings.

HotelSommerro,Oslo,Norway, stay@sommerrohouse.com,+47212404 900/www.sommerrohouse.com

NordicHotels&Resortshasrecently announcedthegrandopeningofits newestluxuryhotel,Sommerro.Located intheheartofFrognerinOslo’sWestEnd, theurbanretreatissetwithintheformer headquartersofOsloLysverker,thecity’s originalelectricalcompany.Thehotelis energizingtheneighborhoodanditssurroundingswithanewsenseofcreative spiritthatpaystributetoNorway’scultur-

alheritage.Theiconic231-roomArtDeco hotelhas56brandedresidences,seven restaurantsandbars,meetingandevent spaceswithcapacityforupto150people, a100-seatgildedtheater,alandmarkwellnessspacewithafullyequippedgym,and thecity’sfirstyear-roundrooftoppool, sauna,andterrace.

Sommerropayshomagetoafusion ofneoclassicalcontemporaryaesthetics withoriginalhistoricelementsthathave beenmeticulouslyrestoredanddevelopedbylocalfirmLPOArchitectsincollaborationwithNewYorkandLondonbasedstudio,GrecoDeco.Sommerrowas designedasacommunityinitsownright, whichextendsintoallaspectsofits design,withdiverseareasthatfeel approachableandwelcomingtoall.The hotel’sthoughtfullydesignedsocial spacesandsixvariedguestroomcategories,fromsnugLoftroomstolavish JuniorandHeritageSuites,areembellishedwithopulentArtDecodetailsand lushtextiles,includingoakparquetflooring,custom-designedfurnishingsupholsteredwith1930sNorwegianmotifs, hand-knottedrugs,bedsfrominnovative SwedishsleepbrandHildingAnders,and slickbathroomswithcustomtiles.

Sommerrooperatessevenrestaurantsandbars,includingthecity’sonly rooftoprestaurant.BarramonisaSpanish tapasandwinebar.Plah,oneofthecity’s mostpopularrestaurantsshowcasescuisinebyNorway’s“BestThaiChef”Terje Ommundsen.Theyalsoconductan exclusivechef’stableexperience. Ekspedisjonshallen,anall-daydining spotlocatedintheformerhallwherethe publiconcepaidtheirelectricitybills, comestolifewithregularmusicalperformancesandalivelycocktailbaronan originalsunkenfloor.Theyservedrinks inspiredbytheRoaringTwenties.

ShinolaHotel,1400Woodward Ave,Detroit,MI48226,313/356-1400, www.shinolahotel.com

FoundedandbuiltinDetroitbytwo localcompanies,ShinolaandBedrock,the propertyisaluxuryretreatstandingeight storiestallinDetroit’shistoricWoodward ShoppingDistrict.ShinolaHotelboasts 129rooms,numerouseventspaces,and fourfoodandbeverageconcepts.The hyper-localdesignisvisiblethroughout thehotel,fromminibarsstockedwith localproducts,tocustomdesignedDetroit wallpaper,ceramicwalltilesandmillwork craftedbylocalvendors.

Thehotel,withinwalkingdistance ofDetroitRiverwalk,theGuardian Building,FordField,CommercaPark andLittleCaesarsArena,wascrafted fromtworestoredbuildings–theT.B. Rayl&Co.departmentstoreandaformerSingersewing-machinestore.They arejoinedwiththreemodernbuildings designedtoinstillnewlifeintotheblock.

Award-winningChefAndrew Carmellini’surbanItalianneighborhood restaurantservesauthentic,wood-fired dishes,pizzasandhouse-madepastas, primarilyfromlocal,seasonalingredients.Influencedbythecoastaltownsof SouthernItalyandSicily,SanMorellois openforbrunch,lunch,anddinner. DesignedbyGachotStudios,San MorelloisanewtakeontheOldWorld, inhabitingacollectionofhistoricand newbuildingsandlayeredwithfreshand moderndécor.

CampLucy,3509CreekRoad, DrippingSprings,TX78620,512-8944400,www.camplucy.com

CampLucy,nestledwithinagorgeoushillcountryranchonabluffabove OnionCreekinDrippingSprings,Texas (just30minutesfromAustin),isan impressive,289-acrewinterandspring

traveldestinationwithnaturalbeautysurroundingacozyexperientialresort.

CampLucyincludesboutiquehotel rooms,standalonefamilycottages,four uniqueweddingandeventvenuesanda resortpool.An“Americannouveau” restaurant,Tillie’sisadornedwith antiquesthatblendtogetherthetraditionalCentralTexasambiancewithahistoric internationalflair.Thepropertyincludes adiversecollectionofheritagebuildings. Someoftheguestroomsfeatureabathtubcutfromasolidpieceofstonethat promisesalavishbubblebathexperience.

CampLucy’son-siteexperiences andactivitiesrangefromyoga,archery andhatchet-throwingcoursestoalpaca feedingsandabehind-the-sceneslookat theiron-propertyvineyardtolearnabout thegrapesandharvestingprocess.Guests canenjoycatch-and-releasefishingon thebanksofOnionCreekaswellasguidedsunrisehiking.

Tillie’sishelmedbyExecutiveChef AndyKnudson.Manyofthemenuitems comefromlocalfarmsandranches.Chef Knudsonhasanimpressivehistory.He workedatRestaurantDaniel,underChef DanielBoulud.Heworkedatthe2Michelin-Star-awardedRestaurantGuy Savoyandmanyothers.Healsoworked underchefMarcForgioneformanyyears asamemberofhiswinningIronChef team.

ModernMountainHotel, 380W Broadway,Jackson,WY83001,307/7334340,www.mountainmodernmotel.com.

MountainModernhasannounced

StuartJ.Faber andAuntBea

MainStaircase.OsloSommerro. (CourtesyFranciscoNogueira) ShinolaHotel (CourtesyShinolaHotel)

DiningRoom.(CourtesyCampLucy)

thecompletionofitsproperty-widetransformationandexpansion.Locatedatthe corridorofdowntownJacksonjuststeps fromTownSquare,thehotelhasdoubled itsfootprinttocoverafullcityblock. Theyhaveadded59newguestrooms andsuitesincludingtwo-story,residential-styleTetonTownhomes,anoutdoor poolandjacuzzi;and“TheTripleM,”a contemporarysocialhubforthemodern adventurer.Thisexcitingvenuefeatures unconventionalaprès-skiofferingsand 19,000-square-feetofnewindoor-outdoorspace,co-workingandloungeareas, firepitsandmore.

Designedbyaward-winningarchi-

tectureanddesignfirmTruexCullins, MountainModernfeaturescontemporary,destination-inspiredfurnishingsthat deliveratruesenseoftheJacksonaura. Customlarger-than-lifewallcoverings celebratingGrandTetonbackcountryand destinationhighlights,includingthelocal wildlifeandJackson’sworld-classflyfishing,arecomplementedwithtouches ofthebelovedredbuffaloplaid–a Westernpatterndonnedbythelegendary cowboysoftheoldwest.

Thenewguestroomsbringitstotal roomcountto194.Amongthenew accommodations,whichincludeking rooms,studiosthatfeatureafullkitchen, kinganddouble-queensuites,thepropertyhasalsounveiledsixnewtwo-bedroom,two-storyresidential-styleTeton Townhomesthatsleepuptoeightpeople. Theyboastakitchen,livingroomwitha fireplace,separatebedrooms,aprivate outdoorbalconyandmore.Perfectfor families,groupsoffriends,ormulti-generationmemory-makingvacations, guestsstayingintheTetonTownhomes, oranyofthesuites,canarrivewithease toafullystockedfridge,courtesyof

MountainModern’snew‘FuelYour Adventure’grocerydeliveryservice.

Tailoredtothemodernoutdoor enthusiast,allguestroomsweredesigned withfunctioninmind.Theyincludepracticalfeatureslikecustomgearwallsservingasutilitariandecorwithyear-round storageforhikingboots,backpacks,skis andsnowboards.Additionaltouches includeMalin&Goetzbathroomamenitiesineachofthesubway-tiledbathrooms,interactivechalkboardword searchesandmore.

TheTripleM

Theexpansionalsounveilsanew design-forwardcommunitysocialhub dubbed“TheTripleM.”Itwilldebutjust intimeforthewinterskiseasonandserve asayear-roundbase-campforguests whethertheyarefuelingupbeforeaday onthemountainorwindingdownafter anadventure-packedafternoon. Fosteringconversationsandconnections amonglocalsandtravelers,TheTripleM willtransformfromdaytonight,acting asamodernco-workingspaceduringthe

dayandalivelycommunalloungeareaat night.Guestswillalsofindclassicboard games,interactivelawngames,firepits accompaniedbys’moreskitsanda robustlineupofmusicandentertainment.

TheTripleMwillalsoshowcase newculinaryofferings.Unconventional après-skifare,includingcasualbitesand amarketplaceservinglocalgrab-and-go itemsandrefreshmentsarethechoices. Servingasabase-camptofuelalladventures,TheTripleMwillalsoofferacustomcoffeeblendinpartnershipwithlocal SnakeRiverRoastingCompanydubbed “WaketheBear,”acatchythemewhich canalsobefoundontheproperty’snew “Don’tWaketheBear”privacysigns.

MoreHotelsontheWay

Moreandmorenewhotelconcepts areonthehorizon.PerhapsthedeveloperswereinhibernationduringCOVID. Obviously,theirreposestimulatedtheir creativity.Hardlyadaypasseswithouta pressreleaseaboutanewhotel.IguessI havemyworkcutoutforme.

Homebuilder’sWorkshop

HURRICANE

ByEd Wischmeyer

NICOLE,SIMPLICITYAND ANTOINEDE SAINT -EXUPÉRY

Justwhenyouthoughtthelawnfurniturewassafeoutside,Hurricane Nicolemadeabreakfortherecord book,beingaNovemberhurricane.In Savannah,wegotlesswindthanhurricaneIanbutabunchofrain.Andwith raincomespoweroutages,atleastaround here.Ninetyminutesofdarkness.

EventhoughNicoleonlymadeitto Category1atitspeak,itmanagedtochew uptheFloridacoastlineprettygood. Condolencestothoseaffected.Again. •••••

“Everythingshouldbemadeassimpleaspossible,butnosimpler,”isattributedtoAlbertEinstein.Historically,there is/hasbeenatrendinaviationtogravitate tocatchphrases/devicestomakeaviation safer,andsometimesthewaythesecatch phrases(anddevices)areadvocatedare,as Einsteinwouldsay,simplerthanpossible.

Here’swhatI’vefoundinthelast twodecades.Manywillarguewithme, butsinceI’vegotthedataonmyside…

•Unstableapproach:Thebigideais thatanunstableapproachmeansabad landing,soapproachesshouldbestable toassurelandingsafety.Onlyproblemis thatthedatadoesn’tsupportthis–almost allunstableapproacheslandokay.

•Stall/spinonbasetofinalturns:with digitalflightdatarecordingonsomesingle-enginepistonairplanes,including mine,andwiththeprevalenceofsurveillancecameras,itturnsoutthatstall/spin canbeadiagnosisofconvenience.Often, it’sreallyalow-speedspiral,apreviouslyunrecognizedaccidentmechanism.

•Upsetrecovery:thisissometimes toutedasaremedyforinflightlossof control,meaningstall/spin.Greatfunif you’vegotthebucks,andtherearesituationsinwhichthistrainingisappropriate,

butI’vefoundmoreeffective,lessexpensivealternatives.

•Energymanagement:thislatestfad isamalapropismthatoftenmeansjust airspeed,andsometimesmeansthatthe speaker’sthoughtsarenotwell-formed.

•Angleofattack:thisisavalidaerodynamicconcept,butgeneralaviation AOAindicatorshaveallkindsofproblemswithsensitivitytogustsandother noisesources,andoftendon’tsupportthe varietyofapproachspeedsthatareused ingeneralaviation.

•“Onspeed”isanadaptionofanF-4 Phantomauralspeedcues.Whatitreally boilsdowntoisthatapproachesshould alwaysbeflownat1.2Vs0,notthestandard1.3Vs0.Thistechniquedoesnot supportcompensationforgusts,andhas otherproblems.

•Onesourceredefinesgeneralaviation“maneuveringspeed”tobeajetversionofthatsamephrase.Itboilsdownto flyingapproachesat1.4Vs0,another changeinfundamentalflyingtechnique.

•Continuousturnstofinal:thesehave mostallthesameproblemsasrectangularpatternsandafewmore.

Weallwanttosavelives,butitpains metoseemisplacedefforts,especially whentheygaintraction. •••••

Intheolddays,anairplanecheckout wasallabouttheairplane.Thesedays,it’s moreabouttheavionicsandtheairplane willhavetotakecareofitself,orsoit seems.Withelectronicsreplacingsteam gauges,enginegauges,andold-fashioned NAV/COMMs,nowadays,beingfamiliar withoneinstrumentpanelnolongerseems toassurefamiliaritywithanother.

Withhomebuilts,theproblemis evenworse.Ifoundawebpagethathas

picturesof70-plusinstrumentpanelsof RV-serieshomebuilt.Manyofthoseare orhavedesignelementsthatare,shallwe say,unique–andnotinagoodway.

Toolatenow,though,thecatisout ofthebag,theshiphassailed,thediver hasleftthespringboard.Thegoodnews isthatpilotsareadaptabletonewconfigurations.Thatbadnewsiswhathappens whenthepilotsdon’tadaptwellenough.

•••••

AntoinedeSaint-Exupéryisknown topilotsforhiswriting,butthere’sso muchmoretohisstory.Hewrote The LittlePrince,aquickandfunread,that hasbeentranslatedintomorethan505 differentlanguagesanddialectsworldwide.Thatmakesitthesecondmost translatedworkeverpublished,trailing onlytheBible.Aquicksearchofwiki foundmoreinterestingdetails,butnot thisprayer,attributedtohim.

PrayerofAntoinedeSaintExupéry

Lord,I’mnotprayingformiracles andvisions,I’monlyaskingforstrength formydays.Teachmetheartofsmall steps.

Makemecleverandresourceful,so thatIcanfindimportantdiscoveriesand experiencesamongthediversityofdays.

Helpmeusemytimebetter.Present mewiththesensetobeabletojudge whethersomethingisimportantornot.

Iprayforthepowerofdisciplineand moderation,notonlytorunthroughout mylife,butalsotolivemydaysreasonably,andobserveunexpectedpleasures andheights.

Savemefromthenaivebeliefthat everythinginlifehastogosmoothly.

Givemethesoberrecognitionthatdifficulties,failures,fiascos,andsetbacksare giventousbylifeitselftomakeusgrow andmature.

Sendmetherightpersonattheright moment,whowillhaveenoughcourage andlovetoutterthetruth!

Iknowthatmanyproblemssolve themselves,sopleaseteachmepatience.

Youknowhowmuchweneed friendship.Makemeworthyofthis nicest,hardest,riskiestandmostfragile giftoflife.

Givemeenoughimaginationtobe abletosharewithsomeonealittlebitof warmth,intherightplace,attheright time,withwordsorwithsilence.

Sparemethefearofmissingouton life.

DonotgivemethethingsIdesire, butthethingsIneed.

AmpaireFliesFirstHybrid-ElectricRegionalAircraft

craftandultimatelytosingle-aisleairliners.Ampaireplanstorapidlyrolloutmore powerfulpropulsionsystemsforlargeraircraft,followingabuildingblocks approachthatwilldramaticallyimprove thesustainabilityofairlineoperations.

“AsproudasweareoftheEco Caravan,weseeitasafirststeptolarger hybrid-electricpropulsionssystemsand ultimatelyzero-emissionsystemsas energystoragetechnologyadvances,” saidNoertker.

FirsttoMarket

Ampaireisalreadyworkingwiththe FAAtocertifytheEcoCaravanin2024 underasupplementaltypecertificate (STC).TheAmpaireapproachdiffers fromothersinthatitdoesnotrequirea fullaircraftcertificationprogram,which canbetimeconsumingandveryexpensive.TheGrandCaravanisalreadyFAA certified.Ampairewillcertifyittofly withanewpropulsionsystem.

“Launchinghybrid-electricaviationis

nosimpletask,butwehavemadeiteasier byupgradinganalreadycertifiedaircraft,” saidNoertker.“Wewillcometomarket morequicklyandallowairlinesaroundthe worldtobegintogainoperationalexperiencewiththisnewtypeofpropulsion.And wewillworkwiththemonfollow-onmodelstomeettheirnetworkrequirements.”

LosAngeles-basedAmpairewas formedin2016withamissiontobecome theworld’smost-trusteddeveloperof practical,compellingelectricaircraft. Thecompanyisupgradingexistingpas-

sengeraircrafttohybridelectric power–thequickest,mostcapitalefficientapproachtomakingcommercial electricairtravelarealitywithavailable technology.Ampairehasscoredaseries ofindustryfirstssincethe2019maiden flightofitsElectricEELtechnologytestbedaircraft,includingthelongestflight forahybrid-electricaircraft–1,135 statutemilesen-routefromLosAngeles toOshkosh,Wisconsin.FormoreinformationaboutAmpairevisitthecompany website:https://www.ampaire.com/.

AntoinedeSaint-Exupéry,aviatorand writer.(Publicdomainphoto)

POISONLESS PERFORMANCE:

UNLEADED AVGAS APPROVED AMIDST SAN JOSE CONTROVERSY

ByJeffreyDecker

Heavyleadfillstheairwithpower andpoison,andabanon100 LowLeadfuelsalesallyearat twoCaliforniaairportssparkedoutrage thatburnedthroughdecadesofredtape. Highperformancepistonfuelthatdoesn't causebraindamagewasapprovedbythe FAA.ANovember1hearingstartedan EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyproclamationthatleadfromaircraftisharmful,too.Aviation'sunprecedentedexceptionisnowendangered.ButfinalEPA actionisthreeyearsawayandthenew lead-freealternativewon'tbewidely availableanytimesoon.Thefirstbatchis themostexpensive.

SinceJan.1,100octanefuelhas beenbannedatairportsownedbySanta ClaraCounty,themostpopulouspartof theSanFranciscoarea.Theunanimous decisionbythecountyboard,whichison tracktocloseReidHillviewAirportby 2031,wasdecriedasillegallyunsafeby theFAAandtheAircraftOwnersand PilotsAssociation.AOPAbroughtalegal challengeOct.14.Countyleadersremain defiant.Therearetoughquestionsfrom congressandoutrageonallsides.

“It'sverypromisingthatSantaClara Countybannedleadsales.Itprovedthat somebodycoulddoit,”saidGeorge Braly,CEOofGeneralAviationModifications,Inc.HisOklahomaturbo-conversionfirminventedthesafealternative toleadin2009.Heexpectedapprovalin 2013andspenttenyearsre-provingthe fuel'ssafetyandperformance.“They madeiteasyfortheFAAtofocuson whattheyshouldhavedoneyears before,”headds.

Withlightaircraftresponsiblefor70 percentoftodaysleademissions,it’stoxicityindisputableandit'swidespread harmtosocietywellknown,whyisitstill inuse25yearsaftertheU.S.banned leadedcarfuel?Theworlddid,too.Last yearAlgeriawasthelasttogiveuplead afterstockpilesranout.AUnitedNations reportsaysthatstatusquosurvivedby briberyandintimidation.

Thefewrefineriesthatstillmake avgaspumpprofitsaround75centsper gallon.Aviationprofitscoulddipinthis transition.Werespecialinterestswith campaigndonationsholdingupreform?

“Thoseareallpossibleinfluences,” saysPaulMillner,whoretiredafter32 yearswithChevronCorporation.“But whichoneiscausingwhichactionishard topuzzleoutunlessyougetsomebody

drunkandtheytellyou.”

MillnerwashiredbytheFAAin MaytojoinaTechnicalAdvisoryBoard thatdelayedapprovalofGAMI’s G100UL,butwasthenignored.“That waskindofanimpossibletaskbecause theteamdidn’thavetheresourcesorthe timetolookthroughthe12-yearcertificationrecord,”herecalls.“Itwasalittle bitofamismatch,”headds,becausethe TABprocesswasdesignedtobeatthe startofapproval,nottheend.Heagrees thatthefuelproveditselfmanytimes over,whichtheWichitaandAtlantaFAA officesconfirmedinMarchwithfinal approvalsthatjustcouldn'tgetfinalized.

BralycreditsthenewDirectorof AircraftCertificationLirioLiuwithseeingthefactsafterreallylooking.“Shegot inthereandgotitdone90dayslater,” Bralysaid,withextrathankstothe AircraftOwnersandPilotsAssociation president.“MarkBakerwasinstrumental andmotivatedthedifferentlevelsofthe FAAtofocusonengineeringandsubstanceandleavethepoliticsaside.”On Sept.1theWichitaCertificationOffice issuedrevisedApprovedModelListsfor

thetwoSupplementalTypeCertificates issuedinJuly2021.Whatstartedwitha dozenapprovedlowcompressionaircraft hadgrownto600lastOctober,andnow sparkseveryignitionpistonengineand aircraftintheFAA’sdatabase.

BakerandAOPAareadamantthat it’sdangerouslyirresponsibleforReid HillviewandSanMartinAirportstooffer no100LL.“We’regoingtoholdtheirfeet tothefire,”hesaid.Avgas(100LL)isthe onlyfuelthatworksineverypistonaircraft.Someuseautomotivegasor94UL, butthosecanruinhighcompression engines.ExperimentalAircraftAssociationCEOJackPeltonagreesthatthe FAAcanandshouldforcethesalesto avoidcrashes.“Wedohaveahammer,” heasserted.

Bralyagrees,too.“That’sarecipe foranaccident,”said.“Youhavepilots playingchemistonthefield.”

SantaClaraCountyAirports DirectorEricPetersonsaystherehave beennomix-upsandtherewon’tbe.He alsoclarifiedthat,thoughsomecounty leaderswantReidHillviewAirportto close,there'sbeennosuchdecision.

GeorgeBraly,CEOofGeneralAviation Modifications,Inc.withSen.JimInhofe. (CourtesyJeffreyDecker)

“They’vejusttalkedaboutre-purposing theproperty.2031isthedatewhichthe currentdevelopmentgrantassurances expire,”withfederaldollarsdryingup unlesstheyrenew.In2018thecounty boardvotedtorejectnewgrantsthat wouldkeeptheairportopenpast2050.

Trafficandbusinesshasn’tbeenhurt bythe100LLban,Petersonsaid,butone privateemployeesaidithas.“Iamlosing myownjobbecauseofit,”heasserted.“I don’tknowwhen.It’sdaytoday.”He feelscertainthere’saplantoclosetheairportandisskepticalofthemanystudies showingsevereleadpoisoningaround Reid-HillviewAirport.“Theytestedthe kidsbuttheydidn’ttestthepeoplehandlingthefuel.”Heaskednottobe named.

CountySupervisorCindyChavez wantsitclosed,butshetestifiedthatairfieldusageisup4percentthisyear.That wasinJulybeforetheEnvironment SubcommitteeoftheHouseCommittee onOversightandReform.“In2017ReidHillviewwasinthetop1.5percentof annualleademissionsofalllandingfacilitiesinthenationallandingsystem,”she said,“It’ssurroundedbyover52,000 peopleand13,000childrenwithin1.5 miles.”Shecitesacountystudyof 300,000bloodleadleveltestsofchildren. “LessthanhalfamilefromReidHillview,therewasanincreaseinblood leadlevelstwiceashighastheincrease causedbythesystemfailuresduringthe

Reid-HillviewAirportLayoutRadius(SantaClaraCounty,CourtesyJeffreyDecker)

AvgasEAGLEPanel (CourtesyJeffreyDecker)

heightoftheFlint,Michiganwatercrisis...Ourcommunityhasbeencryingout foryearsforustodosomething!”

AcrosstheU.S.threemillionchildrenand13millionadultslivewithinone kilometerofanairportandits100LL. Withinahalfkilometersit600schools. AttheJuly28hearingtitled“How LeadedAviationFuelisPoisoning

America’sChildren,”DemocraticChairpersonRoKhannacalledChavez“A powerhousewhoisanationalleaderin thefighttogetleadoutofaviationfuels.” HealsorepresentsSantaClaracounty, anddenouncedtheinactionbytheFAA. “Thishistoricinjusticeisstillongoing,” hesaid.“TheFAAhaschosenapathof delay,holdingupapprovalofalead-free alternativefuelfornostatedreason...For

yearsoilcompaniesandaircraftinterest groupshaveworkedtogethertoprevent thisfuelfromgettingFAAapproval,and spreaddisinformationaboutitsqualities.”

KhannaandallthreeofSanta Clara’scongressionalrepresentatives togetherwroteandcalledtheSecretaryof Transportation,testifiedCongresswoman ZoeLofgren.“Herefusedtotakeour

call!Theideathatthisadministration wouldtrytoforcethecountytopoison childrenisoutrageous.”Heartdisease andbraindamagetopthelistaslead causes185,000deathseachyear.

Thecommitteedecriedrefusalsby theFAAandEnvironmentalProtection Agencytotestify.SubpoenaswereproposedbyYvetteHarrellofNewMexico, thetopRepublicanonthesubcommitee. Bralytestified,too.

Dr.BruceLanphearofSimonFraser Universitytestifiedthatthesmallest amountsofleadhavethelargestimpact. Everyorgangetshurt,butbraindamage causesemotionproblemsandeven booststhehomiciderate.

“Asthelevelofleadinchildren's bloodincreasesfrom0to100partsper billion,IQdrops6points,”hesays.“In contrast,anincreaseof100to200ppb resultsinanIQdropoftwomorepoints. Anincreaseto300ppmresultsinadrop ofonemorepoint.”Mostlytheparticles arebreathed,hesays,buttoddlersface extrariskastheychewontoys.

TheFAAdeclinedtobeinterviewed forthisarticle,butEPASpokesperson ShaylaPowellpointedtotheJan12decisiontolaunchan“endangermentfinding.”That'swhatFriendsoftheEarth soughtina2006petitionand2012lawsuit,pushingtheEPAtodeclareitwould launchtheFindingin2015.Whyitdid not,Powellwouldnotsay.“IfEPAfinds thatpistonengineleademissionsdo causeorcontributetoleadairpollution thatmayendangerpublichealthorwelfare,EPAwillsubsequentlyproposeregulatorystandardsforleademissionsfrom aircraftengines,”shesays,“TheEPA endangermentfindingalsowouldtrigger theFAA’sstatutorymandatetoprescribe standardsforthecompositionofaircraft fuel.”Commentsandreviewmaystretch theprocesstoeightyears,givingthe FAAitsnewEAGLEtarget.

EliminateAviationGasolineLead EmissionswasannouncedinJanuary, justasG100ULwasnearingfinal approval.It'scomprehensive,covering

PILOTS EXPERIENCE WORST -C ASE SCENARIOSIN EMBRY-RIDDLE’S

NEW SPATIAL DISORIENTATION L AB

InEmbry-RiddleAeronautical University’sSpatialDisorientation Laboratory,flightstudentNellaFilipkova wearsavirtualrealityheadsetasthedevice sheisseatedinrapidlywhirlsaround.

Italmostlookslikesheisstrapped intoanamusementparkride,butthenew simulatorisnotmeantforentertainment. Rather,itisalife-savingtrainingtool allowingpilotstorealisticallyfeeland reacttosimulationsofdangerousflight conditionsthatcancreatedisorienting illusionsforpilots–illusionsthatcan imitate,amongotherthings,thefeeling ofturning,climbingordescendingwhen theiraircraftisactuallyflyingperfectly straightor,worse,doingtheoppositeof whatthepilotfeelsbehindthecontrols.

Spatialdisorientationillusionslike thesearesomeofthemostcommonfactorscitedascontributingtofatalaircraft accidents,includingtheonethatclaimed thelivesofKobeBryantandhisdaughter Giannain2020.Thatcrashoccurredina helicopter,butthedisorientationeffects experiencedbythepilotarethesameas thosesufferedinairplanes.

“Wealllearnabouttheseillusions; however,itishardtoimaginehowitfeels

Dr.BobThomas,anassistantprofessorofAeronauticalSciencewhoheadsupEmbryRiddleAeronauticalUniversity’sSpatialDisorientationLaboratory,standsnearitsnew simulator,whichisbeingusedbystudentNellaFilipkova.

andtheextentithasonyourperception,” saidFilipkova.“Itischillingtoimagine thatyoucanunknowinglyexperiencespatialdisorientationinflight.Forthisreason, everyoneshouldtakeadvantageofthe simulator,sotheyhaveanideaofwhatto expectandcancorrectlyidentifytheillu-

PoisonlessPerformance

researchandlogisticsandeducationfor fullimplementation.AircraftCertificationDirectorLirioLiutoldaJuly Oshkoshaudiencethatmorethaneight yearsmaystillbeneeded.“Iknow2030 isaggressive,”shesaid,“butwe’vebeen talkingaboutitalongtimesoit’stimeto bedonetalkingandseemoreaction done.”

MillnersuggestsEAGLEisn’tjust aboutsolutions.“That’sabigslushfund.” heclaimed,“Youcanbuildyourinternal empirewithemployees,youcanbillall kindsoftraveltomeetings.”

“Asafreemarketeconomist,” Millnercontinued,“itoccurstomethat maybethemarketoughttodecideon fuelsinsteadoftheFAAtryingtobe kingmaker.”

Anewfuelmaynotworksafelyin thousandsofways.Ethanol,researchers found,eatsawayatgasketsandcertain hoses.While80percentofpistonaircraft canuse“mogas’madeforcarsitcan't haveanyethanolatall.

Thoseallmeettrustedstandardsof

ASTMInternational,whichdefine integrityofvirtuallyeverymanufactueredmaterial.ItsCoordinating ResearchCouncilunitiesaviatorsand innovators,oilproducersandenginemakerstodropinnewfuels.Thenew G100ULhasnospecification,anASTM AviationFuelsSubcommitteespokespersonsaid,adding,“Idon’tknowhow you’dbuildasupplychainlikethat."

Themarketwillfindaway,Bralyis convinced,andGAMI’ssecretsaren'tso hidden.“Anybodycanfigureoutwhat's inthefueljustbyspendingafewhours researchingitonlinethroughtheU.S. patentandtrademarkdatabase,”hepoints out.TheFAAlicenseagreementalready authorizesanyqualifiedrefineryor blendertosignthelicenseandstartmakingthefuel.

Sure,they’llmakemoneyoffthat, Bralysaid,but“Comparedtothecostof tetraethyllead,thecostofroyaltiesisnot substantial.”

There’snosecretingredient.“We madefundamentalscientificdiscoveries thathadeludedeverymajoroilcompany,

(Embry-Riddle/ConnorMcShane)

sionweretheyevertoencounterone.”

Dr.BobThomas,anassistantprofessorofAeronauticalSciencewhoheadsup theCollegeofAviation’sSpatial DisorientationLab,beganstudenttraining andresearchusingthenewsimulatorin October.Thedevice,whichcanrotatefull

Embry-RiddleflightstudentNella Filipkovatestsanewsimulatorinthe CollegeofAviation’sSpatial DisorientationLab.Itallowspilotsto realistically,andsafely,experienceabout adozendangerousflightillusionscenarios.(Embry-Riddle/ConnorMcShane)

360-degreerevolutionsaswellas30 degreesofpitchandbank,simulates vestibularsystemillusionsrelatedtothe innerear,whichcancausedizziness,disorientation,motionsicknessandillusions likethe“GraveyardSpiral,”adangerous

“Itwasn'tjustasingleingredient.Itwasa combinationoftheappropriatefuel chemistries.”Thetestingfacilityheand GAMIpresidentTimRoehlstartedin 2006ishighlyadvanced,especiallyin proprietarysoftwareBralysayswouldbe worthmillions.

“Somethinglike70percentofthis fuelisbasicallythesamechemicalmoleculesthatareinexistingavgas.Another 20percentofitcouldbeandshouldbein avgas,butpeoplechoosenottodothat.In fact,itdoessometimescomeupinavgas insmallerfractions,”heexplained.

Aftersigninganondisclosureagreement,BralysaidExxonreferredthemto afuelblenderforthefirstbatches. “Everything’salreadythere,butit’snot plumbedtotherightconfiguration,”he said,“We’vebeenreallyimpressedwith howeasythisisforthem.Theymix chemicalsatone-tenthof1percentcomponents.Thisstuffisnotnearlyassensitiveinitscomposition.”

So,whenisitavailable?“I’vegotten realshyofmakingpredictions,”Braly admitted,afterbeingletdownsooften

forsolong.“There’snotgoingtobea truckleavingforCaliforniauntilJanuary, butitmaybeMarchorApril.” Distributiongetswidespread“asexisting infrastructureallows.”

AvfuelpresidentandCEOCraig SincocksaidtheSeptember1FAAdecisionwasamilestone.“GAMIreceivinga functionalfleet-wideapprovalforits G100ULiscauseforcelebration.”He’s onboardfordistributionwitha Michigan-basedfleetoftrucksreadyfor Bakersfield,fortheCaliforniaAeronauticalUniversity’sofficialaccelerated fieldmonitoring.

What’sneedednowiscash,Braly concluded,addingthatthebestuseof EAGLEfundswouldbeforthefirst batchcosts.500,000gallonswouldbethe smallestpossible.5millionisbetter.Per galloncostwillbehigher,butsmaller batcheshavethehighestaddedcosts. “Wehavesomeinterestedpeopleingeneralaviationandwehavesomeresources ofourown.Wecangetthatbyourselves andwewill.”

X-37BORBITAL TEST VEHICLE CONCLUDES 6TH SUCCESSFUL MISSION

TheX-37BOrbitalTestVehicle-6, orOTV-6,theU.S.SpaceForce’s unmanned,reusablespaceplane,successfullydeorbitedandlandedatNASA’s KennedySpaceCenterShuttleLanding FacilityNov.12.

TheOTV-6wasthefirstmissionto introduceaservicemodule–aring attachedtotherearofthevehicleexpandingthenumberofexperimentsthatcan behostedduringamission.“ThismissionhighlightstheSpaceForce’sfocus oncollaborationinspaceexplorationand expandinglow-costaccesstospacefor ourpartners,withinandoutsideofthe DepartmentoftheAirForce,”saidChief ofSpaceOperationsGen.B.Chance Saltzman.

Theservicemodulesuccessfully separatedfromtheOTVbeforelanding, whichisanecessaryactivityduetothe aerodynamicforcesexperiencedbythe X-37Bvehicleuponre-entry.Inthecomingweeks,theservicemodulewillbe disposedofinaccordancewithbestpractices.SecretaryoftheAirForceFrank Kendallsaid,“Thedeliberatemannerin whichweconductonorbitoperations–to includetheservicemoduledisposal–speakstotheUnitedStates’commitmenttosafeandresponsiblespacepractices,particularlyastheissueofgrowing orbitaldebristhreatenstoimpactglobal spaceoperations.”

activeduty.

MultipleNASAexperimentswere deployedonOTV-6.TheMaterials ExposureandTechnologyInnovationin Space,orMETIS-2,includedthermal controlcoatings,printedelectronicmaterials,andcandidateradiationshielding materials.TheMETIS-1,whichflewon OTV-5,consistedofsimilarsample platesmountedontheflightvehicle. NASAscientistswillleveragedatacollectedafterthematerialshavespent900plusdaysinorbitandcompareobserved effectstogroundsimulations,validating andimprovingtheprecisionofspace environmentmodels.

(U.S.AirForcephotobyStaffSgt.AdamShank)

TheX-37BOrbitalTestVehicle-6sitsontheflightlineatNASA’sKennedySpaceCenter, Fla.,Nov.12.2022.Theaircraftconcludeditssixthsuccessfulmissionthatlasted908 days.

AnotherNASAexperimentaimedto investigatetheeffectoflong-duration spaceexposureonseeds.Scientistsare interestedintheseeds’resistanceandsusceptibilitytospaceenvironment-unique stresses,notablyradiation.Theseeds experimentwillinformspacecropproductionforfutureinterplanetarymissions andtheestablishmentofpermanently inhabitedbasesinspace.

TheOTV-6missionalsohostedthe NavalResearchLaboratory’s PhotovoltaicRadiofrequencyAntenna Module.Thisexperimentsuccessfully harnessedsolarraysoutsideofEarth’s atmosphereandaimedtotransmitpower tothegroundintheformofradiofrequencymicrowaveenergy.Additionally, theU.S.AirForceAcademy’sFalconSat8,developedinpartnershipwithAir ForceResearchLaboratory,wassuccessfullydeployedinOctober2021. FalconSat-8remainsinorbit,providing

TheX-37BOrbitalTestVehicle-6sitsontheflightlineatNASA’sKennedySpaceCenter, Fla.,Nov.12.2022,afteritssixthsuccessfulmissionlasting908days.ThemissionhostedtheNavalResearchLaboratory'sPhotovoltaicRadiofrequencyAntennaModule,a devicethatallowedforharnessingsolarraysoutsideofEarth'satmosphereandaimed totransmitpowertothegroundintheformofradiofrequencymicrowaveenergy.

(U.S.AirForcephotobyStaffSgt.AdamShank)

academycadetsuniquehands-onexperienceasspaceoperatorspriortoentering

Embry-Riddle’sNewSpatialDisorientationLab

spiraldiveenteredintoaccidentallybya pilot.Italsoincludesvisualillusions,like falsehorizonsandrunwaywidthillusions.

“Wegivestudentsexperienceswith alltheseillusions,sotheyknowhowto respondiftheyexperiencethemin flight,”saidThomas.

ThomasmodifiedaForceDynamics 401crMotionSimulator,andtheuniversity’sExtendedReality(XR)LabdevelopedtheVirtualRealityAviationIllusion Trainer(VRAIT),whichincludesa dozenillusionscenariosthatstudents experiencethroughtheVRheadset.The

scenarioinvolvesstudentsflyingina Cessnaandmovingonarecordedpath througheachillusion,whichlastsabout fiveminutes.

“Theyhavenocontrolsinthesimulator–theyarejustalongfortheride,” Thomassaid.“Wearesimulatingputting theminthissituation,andtheyhavethe abilitytolookallaroundtheaircraftin thevirtualenvironment.”

Oneofthefirststudentstovolunteer totestthedevicewasflightstudentDerek Matusch,whoiscurrentlyworkingon bothhiscommercialmulti-enginerating andflightinstructorcertification.He

admittedhewasnervousbutsaiditwasa valuableexperience.

“Iabsolutelyrecommendevery flightstudenttryit,”hesaid.“Thelab allowsstudentstoexperiencepotentially dangerousscenariosinasafeandcontrolledatmosphere.Itcouldhelpallpilots beawareofthedangersthatcanbe encounteredinflight.”

Peoplemaypanicandoverreactto theseillusionswhentheyareflyingin reallife,saidThomas,sointroducing themtowhateachscenariofeelslikeina controlledlaboratoryspaceisinvaluable training.

“TheX-37Bcontinuestopushthe boundariesofexperimentation,enabled byanelitegovernmentandindustryteam behindthescenes,”saidLt.Col.Joseph Fritschen,DAFRapidCapabilities Office’sX-37Bprogramdirector.“The abilitytoconducton-orbitexperiments andbringthemhomesafelyforin-depth analysisonthegroundhasprovenvaluablefortheDepartmentoftheAirForce andscientificcommunity.Theaddition oftheservicemoduleonOTV-6allowed ustohostmoreexperimentsthanever before.”

Thesixthmissionconductedonorbitexperimentsfor908days.Learn moreattheAirForcewebsite, www.af.mil.

LauraWade,apilotandgraduatestudentassistantintheSpatialDisorientation Lab,agreed,addingthatshefoundthe simulatortobeveryrealistic.

“Itisdisorienting–youhavetorely onyourtraining[andthecontrols],not yourperception,”shesaid.“Thissimulatoraimstocreateabaselineknowledge oftheillusionsontheground,soifpilots experienceitintheair,theyknowhowto recognizeandrespondtoit.”

LearnmoreaboutEmbry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversityat www.wrau.edu.

Ithasbeensaidthattheonlyvoluntaryactinaviationisthedecisiontotake-off.Everyactionaftertake-offinvolvestheskillfulmanagementof risk,theenjoymentofflightandacontinuousstreamofdecisionsthatresultinasafelanding.

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

RISK MANAGEMENTAND MITIGATION

ASafetyManagementSystem

(SMS)isrequiredby14CFRPart 5forPart121operators,1 andone isrecommendedbyNTSBinthe20212022MostWantedListofTransportation SafetyImprovementsfor“allrevenuepassenger-carryingaviationoperations.”2 Riskmanagementandmitigationare essentialcomponentsofanySMSand mustexistandflowinclusivelyfromtopto bottominanaviationorganization.

Crewmembersandtechnicalprofessionalsinvolvedinaviationoperations frequentlyencounterhazardsofallkinds. Hazardsaredescribedas“conditionsthat couldforeseeablycauseorcontributeto anaircraftaccidentasdefinedin49CFR Part830.”3 Eachhazardcreatesrisk, whichissimilarlydefinedas“thecompositeofpredictedseverityandlikelihoodofthepotentialeffectofahazard.”3

Crewmembersandsupportingtechnicalprofessionalsmustbewell-versed inidentifyinghazardsandproficientin analyzing,assessing,andcontrollingor mitigatingtheassociatedrisk.Tomaximizeflightsafety,aviatorsmustactively manage,control,andmitigateall observed,anticipated,andperceivable risks.TheseandotherSMSconceptsare furtherdiscussedinAdvisoryCircular 120-92B,SafetyManagementSystems forAviation,8January2015.3

Thismonth,CALLBACKoffers reportsofincidentswherecrewmembers encounteredhazardsandhadopportunity tomitigateassociatedrisks.Notejudgments,actions,andsuggestions,and assesseffectivenessforfutureprevention.

AssessingNewRisk

Thisproactivesmallaircraftpilot tookactiontomitigateriskfollowingan incidentduringalocalevaluationflight.

• Iwasconductingarightbasetoa newprivateairportlevelatapproximately500feetAGLinordertoevaluate appropriatetrafficflowforthelanding site.ZZZisawaitingfinalactivationin theAirportDataandInformationPortal (ADIP)…system.Whileinmyrightturn,

alocalpropertyownerwasconducting legaldroneoperations.Therewasnota collisionhazard,butthepotentialfor suchaneventwasidentifiedbythedrone operator.Afterengagementwiththe operator,Iagreedtoadjustthepattern corridortoavoidoverflightoftheareaof concernatlowaltitude.Priortofurther lowaltitudeflight…intheimmediate vicinityofZZZ,IwillawaitfinalFAA activationofthelandingsite.Iwillalso engagetheimmediatecommunityto informthemofflightoperationsand solicitanyadditionalsafetyconcerns.It wasagoodlearningexperienceoncommunityengagementand…proactive… riskidentification/mitigation.

SeeingtheObvious

Aflightattendantreportedacabin equipmentviolationthatcouldconceivablycontributetolife-threateningsituations.

• Duringpreflightchecks,[I]discoveredatleastfouroutoffiveO2walkaroundbottlesofincorrecttypeprovisionedonthisaircraft.Theaircraftwas mistakenlyfittedwithfour66NO24.25 cuftbottlesinsteadoftherequired4.2cu ftbottles,whichsupplyeitheronly4L (highflow)ofO2perminute,or4.2cuft bottleswhichsupplyboth4L(highflow) and2L(lowflow)[perminute].The66N bottlesfoundonboardonlysupply2L (lowflow)[perminute],insufficientto appropriatelymitigateamedicalor decompressionemergency.Theaircraft [hadbeen]operated…multiplecycles withincorrect…FARrequiredemergency equipmentwhilenotunderMEL.[I] advisedtheCaptain,andtechnicians refittedtheaircraftwithcorrecttypesof bottles.Theaircraftdepartedwithout furtherincident.

Thisidenticalissuehas been…documentedinpriorreports. However,neverhaveIdiscoveredsucha largeerror.…Howcouldsuchanegregiousbreachof…provisioning…cabin safetyequipmentoccur?Further,this eventexposesFA’slackofknowledgeand understandingofspecificationsandcor-

rectoperationofthevarioustypesofO2 equipmentfoundonboardCompanyaircraft.[Iam]astonishedtofindsuchegregiousinsufficientattentiontodetail.…I havenosuggestionstomitigatethisrisk exceptacompleteauditofprovisioning…aircraftcabinemergencyequipment.Whereisthenecessaryoversightto preventsuchasignificanterror?

ASplit-SecondDecision

ThisCaptainreceivedaclearance thatwasissuedduringacriticalphaseof flight.Analternativesuggestionand rationalearegivenasalesserthreatand asmitigationfortheriskthattheoriginal clearancecouldhavecreated.

• ItwasabusydayatZZZ,aswas expected,withonerunwayandlowceilingsandvisibility.Wewerenumberone attheholdshort[line]for[Runway] XXLonourside,withoneGAaircrafton theothersideandthreeaircraftonfinal. TheTowerControllerseemedveryhesitanttoletaircrafttakeoffinbetween arrivals.TheGAaircraftwascleared intopositionandtookoffafterthefirst arrival.…Afterthe[third]aircraftlanded,wewereclearedintopositionand hold.Itaxiedintopositionandnotedthat thenextarrivalwasat1,500feetonthe TCAS,signalingtomethatwehadplentyoftime.Asthepreviousarrivalcleared therunway,wewereclearedfortakeoff.…Weadvancedpowerandbeganthe takeoffrollexpeditiously.Ataround100 knots,Iheardtheaircraftonapproach saythattheyweregoingaroundbecause theyweretoofastontheapproach.We continuedourroll,andTowersaid, “AircraftX,canceltakeoffclearance.” Bythistime,wewereat115knots,witha V1of124.Dispatchhadplannedthe flightwithabrakingactionof3because ofthewetrunway.BythetimetheFO andIconfirmedwhatwassaid,wewere afewknotsshyofV1.…Ielectedtocontinuethetakeoff.We…climbedout,duringwhichtimeTowergavetheaircraft behindusaclimbandturn.Whenwe werepassingabout300feetonthe climbout,Towertoldanaircraft(I’mnot

sureifitwasusortheaircraftonthegoaround)tolevelat1,500feet.…Iasked theFOtoconfirmthecallsign,butdueto frequencycongestion,wecouldnotverifywhothecallwasfor,andwecontinued onthedeparture.Wedidnotreceiveany TCASadvisoriesorwarnings…andcontinued…uneventfully.…Towerdidnot sayanythingelsetousandswitchedusto Departureasifnothingunusualhadhappened.TowerControllersneedtounderstandthehighthreatriskofrejectinga takeoffathighspeeds,particularlyona wetrunway.Therewasnoneedforusto rejectthetakeoffwithplentyofspacing andasimpleturnfromtheaircraftgoing around.

ANewLeaseonLife

Anexperiencedpilot’sguardand disciplinewererelaxedduringaflight. Resultscouldhavebeenmuchworse.

• Iwasflyinghomefromwork,low leveloverpasture,andfailedtosee powerlines.IdidnotseethelinesuntilI hitthem.Therewasminordamagetothe aircraft,damagetothepowerlines,and afirewasstartedfromthedownedlines. Ihavenoinjuriesofanykind.Iflythis routealmostdaily,andIthinkthat becauseitwassofamiliar,Ibecamecomplacentinmyawarenessofpowerlines whenflyinglow.Itwasabeautiful,clear day,andIwasdistractedbythescenery. Inthefuture,maintainingahigheraltitudeandbeingmorealertofobstacles couldeliminatetheriskofthishappening again.

BrakingBad

Routinehazardsculminatedina groundconflictthatendedworsethan thisB737Captainexpected.Self-assessment,contributingfactors,andmitigating actionsareprovided.

• Wewereclearedtotaxifrom [gate]1to[Runway]XXLvia[taxiways] 2,3and4.Aswewerejoining4,Inoticed anaircraftfacingtheterminalat[gate] 2,whichappearedtobejustinside ofthe

Besidesbeingthenewestairtraffic controlbuildingintheUnitedStates,the toweratPiedmontTriadInternational Airport(GSO)hasanotherdistinction: womenengineersleditsdesign,procurement,andconstruction.FAAleaderscelebratedtheaccomplishmentandthe FAA-firstduringdedicationofthe SenatorKayHaganAirTrafficControl ToweronNov.15.

“InNorthCarolinawherethereare manyaviationfirsts,thisisanotable moment,”saidFAADeputy AdministratorA.BradleyMims.“The newtowerwillallowtheairporttokeep upwiththeincreaseddemandinandout ofthisbusyregion.”

Thenewtoweris180-feettall,with a550-square-footcabtoaccommodate uptoeightpositionsforairtrafficcontrollers.The15,650-square-footbase housestheTerminalRadarApproach Control(TRACON)withupto10radar

positions.TheTRACONcontrolsairspacewithina60-mileradiusoftheairportthatincludes20generalaviationairports.Itisequippedwiththelatestcommunicationsandnavigationtechnology.

“Thenewtoweriscriticaltotheairport’scontinuingmissiontobeaplaceof aerospaceeconomicdevelopment.It enablesthegrowthoftheairport’sfootprintandatthesametimeprovides

increasedsafetyandefficiencyofoperations,”saidGSOExecutiveDirector KevinJ.Baker.

Fifty-twoFAAemployeesworkat thetowerandTRACON:35inairtraffic servicesand17intechnicaloperations. ConstructiononthetowerbeganinApril 2019andbecameoperationalinlate September2022.Thecostoftheproject wasapproximately$58million.It replacesa90-foot-talltowerthathas beeninoperationsince1974.

In2020,Congresspassedlegislation tonamethenewtowerafterthelate-U.S. SenatorKayHaganofNorthCarolina. SenatorHagan’seffortshelpedprovide thefundingforthetower’sconstruction.

ThenewfacilityatNorthCarolina’s fourth-busiestairportisthesecondtower commissionedinthestatethisyear.The toweratCharlotteDouglasInternational AirportbecameoperationalinFebruary 2022.

movementarealine.Imistakenly assumeditwasanaircraftthathadjust pushedandthathewaswaitingtotaxi. Myexpectationbiaswasthathewould nothavebeenpusheddeepenoughto interferewithTaxiway4.AswewereNE boundon[Taxiway]4,Isteeredtheaircraftleftofthetaxiwaycenterlinetogive moreclearancearoundtheotheraircraft. IaskedtheFOhowwelookedonwingtip clearance.TheFOstated,“Weareclear by5to10feet.”Aswewerepassing behindtheaircraft,Ifeltthatamaintire hitapothole.AsIaskedwhatthatwas,I feltanotherbump.TheFOstated,“Stop. Stop.”Ibroughttheaircrafttoastop, andtheFOtoldmewestrucktheother aircraft.Iwouldestimatewewereata speedof7to8knotswhenthecontact occurred.Wehadbegunourtaxion Number2Engine.Ibelievethesecond enginestartwascompletepriortocontact.Therewasatypicallevelofchatter onGroundfrequency,whichwasbusy. Afterthecontact,Istoppedtheaircrafton Taxiway4andsettheparkingbrake.We reportedtheincidenttoGroundControl. WhileImadeaPAtothecabintoremain seated,theFOnotifiedOperationsto coordinateagatereturnandcontact

Maintenance.WereturnedtoGate3 withoutfurtherincident.

TaskLoading-Ididapoorjobof managingtaskloading.ZZZisverybusy andcongestedontheground.Withmultipleaircraftmovinginadenselypacked area,Ishouldnothaveoptedforasingle enginetaxi.Thiswouldhavereducedthe workloadonbothcrewmembersand perhapsallowedforbettersituational awarenessasweweremovingtowardthe departurerunway.

RiskManagement-Ididnotproperlybalancetheriskofaircraftcontactwith continuingonthetaxiway.HadIstopped andwaitedontheotheraircrafttomove wellclearofthetaxiway,Iwouldnot haveassumedthatunnecessaryrisk.This alsorelatestorushingandtryingnotto clogupataxiway.Ishouldhavesetthe brakesandnotmovedforwarduntilthe aircraftinquestionwaswellclear.

Notes:

1. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title14/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-5

2.https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/ mwl/Pages/default.aspx

3.https://www.faa.gov/documentLib rary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_12092B.pdf

MembersoftheengineeringteamincludeFAAemployees(lefttoright):KelseyTorchia, MaylisseMatos,StefanieJohnsonandCourtneyNolan.(CourtesyFAA)

AFFORDABLE WARBIRDS

ByJeremyCox

Editor’sNote: ThismonthJeremydiscusseswarbirdsvaluedbelow$250,000. Inpartoneofhisstorylastmonth,hediscussedwarbirdsvaluedunder$100,000. (Findthestoryatwww.inflightusa.com) Jeremyhasbeenintheaviationindustry nearlyallofhislifeandhasheldmany prestigiouspositions,includingvicepresidentatJetBrokers,Inc.Astheownerof JetValuesJeremy,anLLCcompany,he holdsvalidA&P,IAandFCClicenses andaCommercialPilots’Certificatewith InstrumentRating.

Merriam-Websterdefinesthe word‘warbird’simply“asa militaryairplane.”Thatbeing said,therearethosewhobelievestrongly thatthetermappliestoanyformermilitaryaircraft,whichisnowundertheownershipofprivateindividuals.Suchaircraftcommonlyappearatairshowsoras exhibitswithinaflyingmuseum. Personally,IbelieveMerriam-Webster’s definitionisbothsuccinctandcorrect.

Asanaccreditedaircraftappraiser, myengagementsoccasionallyrequireme toplaceavaluationonawarbird,whether itisownedbyamuseumoranindividual. ThewarbirdsthatIappraiseareoftenvaluedinthemillionsofdollars.Thatbeing said,therearestillmanyaircraftthatfit theclassificationof‘warbird’andthat canbeacquiredforfarlowerfees,hence thisarticletitled“AffordableWarbirds.”

While“affordable”isstillarelative term,asownershipofalmostanyairworthyaircraftrequiresasignificantinvestment,imagineascenariowhereyou,the reader,hasa‘windfall’of$250,000with whichyoucouldadvanceyourdreamof owningawarbird.Iwouldliketoshare someoptionswithyoushouldyouwish todevoteaportion,oreverydollar,of thesenewfunds,intoan‘affordable’warbird.Ifyourequirehelpinappraising yourcurrentaircraftoronewhichyou wouldliketoacquire,pleasefeelfreeto contactmeatJetValuesJeremybytelephoneat(1-636)751-3987orbyemailat Jeremy@jetvaluesjeremy.comorvisithis websiteatjetvaluesjeremy.com.

WarbirdsBelow$200,000

Stearman(Boeing)Model75/ Kaydet: Single-EngineRadial,Biplane PrimaryTraineraircraftusedbytheU.S. ArmyAirCorps(anditssubsequent incarnations),theU.S.Navy,Royal CanadianAirForce,amongstmanyothers–before,during,andafterWorldWar II.TheKaydet,atwo-seaterbiplane

introducedby Boeing’sStearman AircraftDivision inWichita,Kansas during1934,becameanunexpectedsuccessduring WorldWarII. Despiteitsalmost obsoletedesign,its simple,ruggedconstructionmadeitideal asatrainerfornovicepilotsfortheU.S. ArmyAirCorps(PT-13/-17)andNavy (NS/N2S).Kaydetshadfabric-covered, woodenwings,fixedsingle-leglanding gear,andanover-built,welded-steeltube fuselage.Onlyradialengineswereused. Between1936and1944,Boeingbuilt 8,584Kaydets,inallvariants,plusthe equivalentof2,000moreasspareparts.

Navy(USN).Itsdesignderivesfromthe civilianBeechcraftBonanza.About 2,300T-34swerebuiltbetween1953and 1959.

(Wikipedia)

(Wikimedia)

theseaircraftfortheArmyAirForces between1939and1945infourversions, theAT-7Navigatornavigationtrainer,the AT-11Kansanbombing-gunnerytrainer, theC-45Expeditorutilitytransportand theF-2foraerialphotographyandmapping.TheAT-7andAT-11versionswere well-knowntoWWIInavigatorsand bombardiers,formostofthesemen receivedtheirtraininginthetype. ThousandsofArmyAirForcespilot cadetsalsoreceivedtheiradvancedtrainingintwin-enginedBeechairplanes.

(Wikimedia)

BückerBü131Jungmann: SingleEngineReciprocating,Biplane PrimaryTrainer aircraftusedby Germany’s Luftwaffe,amongstothers–beforeandduringWorldWar II.Thetype’sfirstflighttookplaceon27 April1934andtheLuftwaffebegan fieldingitasaprimarybasictrainerthe followingyear.Variantswerebuiltunder licenseinSpainandhandfulofother countries.TheJungmannisprizedforits outstandinghandlingcharacteristics whencomparedtootherantiquebiplanes ofitseraandevensomemodernaerobatictypes.Morethan5,000werebuilt.

NorthAmericanAT-6Texan/SNJ/ Harvard: North AmericanAviation’sAT-6Texan two-place advancedtrainer servedasaflyingclassroomtoamajorityoftheAlliedpilotswhoflewinWorld WarII.DesignatedastheSNJintheU.S. NavyandtheHarvardinBritain’sRoyal AirForce,theAT-6advancedtrainerwas designedtohelptransitionstudentpilots fromtheirbasictrainerstothehighperformanceaircraftwhichtheywouldflyin combat.TheU.S.AirForceredesignated thetypeastheT-6in1948.Inall,theT-6 variantstrainedseveralhundredthousand pilotsin34differentcountriesovera periodof25years.Inall,NorthAmerican Aviation,andahandfulofothermanufacturersoverseas,builtatotalof15,495 examplesofthisseminaldesign. Althoughfamousforitstrainingrole, variantsofthetypealsoservedincombat duringWorldWarII,theKoreanWar, andinanumberofother,small-scale, post-WWIIconflicts.

JetProvostT.5A landsatClassicAir ForceMuseum. (ClassicAir ForceMuseum)

(Wikimedia)

CessnaL-19BirdDog: TheCessna L-19BirdDogwas arelativelysimple, strut-braced,highwing,singleengineaircraft mainlyusedby Americanforcesintheobservationand ForwardAirControlmission.BirdDogs contributedsignificantlytoFACandpersonnelrescuemissionsduringthe VietnamWar.TheL-19wasaversionof Cessna’spopularModel170(C-170) withmostofthecivilianniceties removedandoptimizedformilitaryuse. Closeto3,500werebuilt.

BeechT-34 Mentor: TheT-34 Mentorisasingleengine,basictraineraircraftdesigned andmanufactured bytheBeechcraft AircraftCompany (nowknownas HawkerBeechcraft)fortheUnitedStates AirForce(USAF)andtheUnitedStates

AU.S.NavyBeechT34BMentor(BuNo 140702)inflightduringthe1950s. (U.S.Navyphoto)

CessnaO-2Skymaster: MultiEngine Reciprocating, Monoplane Observationaircraftusedbythe U.S.AirForceand numerousotherairarmsaroundthe world.Inlate1966,theU.S.AirForce selectedamilitaryvariantoftheCessna Model337SuperSkymaster,designating ittheO-2,tosupplementtheO-1Bird Dogintheforwardaircontroller(FAC) roleintheVietnamWar.Distinguished byitstwintailboomsandtandemmountedengines,itfeaturedatractorpusherpropellerarrangement.Morethan 500werebuilt.

(Wikimedia)

BACJetProvost: Single-Engine Turbojet,MonoplanePrimaryJet Trainer,andClose AirSupport/Air Strikeaircraftused byBritain’sRoyal AirForce,amongst others;thetype supersededthe PercivalP.56PistonProvost.Hunting Percival’sJetProvostinitiatedasajet engine-powereddevelopmentofthepiston-enginedPercivalP.56Provost.It retainedtheearlierdesign’soriginalwing structurematedtoabrandnewfuselage. Itwasbuiltasaprivateventureby HuntingPercivalAircraftLimitedat LutonAirportnearLondon.Theaircraft wasdevelopedinliaisonwiththeRAF FlyingTrainingCommandtoensurethat itincorporatedmanyofthedesiredcharacteristicsrequired,suchaseasyinstructionalprocessesandlowcostofmaintenance.HuntingJetProvostsremainin serviceintothe1990’sand,duetotheir easy,inexpensivemaintenance,anumber stillremaininflyingandtaxiableconditioninprivatehandstoday.Morethan 700werebuilt.

(Wikimedia)

BeechC-45Expeditor,AT-7and UC-45Navigator,AT-11andSNB-1 Kansan,BeechModel18: Multi-Engine Radial, Monoplane Trainer,Transport, andUtilityaircraft usedbytheU.S. ArmyAirForce, theU.S.Navy,theBritishRoyalAir Force,andtheRoyalCanadianAirForce, amongstothers–before,during,andafter WorldWarII.TheC-45wastheWorld WarIImilitaryversionofthepopular BeechcraftModel18commerciallight transport.Beechbuiltatotalof4,526of

FougaCM.170Magister: MultiEngineTurbojet, Monoplane PrimaryJet Trainer,andClose AirSupport/Air Strikeaircraftused bytheFrenchAir Force,IsraeliAirForce,GermanAir Force,FinnishAirForce,andthe SalvadoranAirForce,amongstothers–invariousconflictsduringthe1960sand 1970s,includingtheCongoCrisis,the Six-DayWar,andtheSalvadoranCivil War.Almost1,000werebuilt.

(Wikimedia)

Warbirdsup-to$250,000

MesserschmittBf108Taifun/ NordPingouinandNoralpha: SingleEngineReciprocating,Monoplane

FROM B-747ATP TO COMMERCIAL BALLOON PILOT, PILOT MEDICAL SOLUTIONSHASTHE ANSWER

Pilotsflyingcontemporary-powered aircraftarequitefamiliarwiththeneedto haveaClassMedicalcertificateorBasic Medauthorization.ButanewFAAruling hasnowincludedaniche,butverypopular,formofcommercialflyingthatis enjoyedbythousandsoftravelersand touristeveryyear.Commercialballoon ridesfrequentlyofferathrillingadventure withawesomeviewsofthemostmagnificentsceneryintheU.S.Butchangeis comingtothismajesticwayofseeingthe country.Inthepast,CommercialBalloon PilotsdidnotneedtohavetheCass2 MedicalCertificate,whichisrequiredfor

poweredaircraftoperatedcommercially (carrypassengersforpay).

AsaCommercialBalloonpilot,this requirementplaceshighlyskilledaviators intoacompletelyunknownFAAcertificationsystem,fraughtwithstandardsand caveatsthatballoonpilotsarecompletely unfamiliarwith.Poweredaircraftpilots havelongbeenawarethatcertainmedicalconditions,physicalwellness,useof overthecounterandprescriptionmedicationsandevensocialbehavior(alcohol andrecreationaldrugs)cancomplicate, orevenblockacquisitionofanyFAA classmedicalcertificate.Sohoware

AffordableWarbirds

Liaisonaircraft usedbyGermany’s

Luftwaffeand France’sArmeede l’Airamongstothersbefore,during andafterWorldWarII.DuringWorld WarII,Bf108productionmovedfrom GermanyintooccupiedFrance,with manufacturingcontinuingintoearly 1944.Thetotalnumberofaircraftbuiltin Germany(andoccupiedFrance)isestimatedat885units,withsome285manufacturedinFranceafterthewarasthe Nord1000Pingouin(Penguin).

PercivalP.56PistonProvost:

Single-Engine Radial,Monoplane PrimaryTrainer aircraftusedby Britain’sRoyalAir Forceamongst othersbetween 1950and1970.PercivalAircraft’sP.56 Provost(oftenreferredtoasthe‘Piston Provost’)wasdesignedtoAirMinistry SpecificationT.16/48,issuedin1948 callingforasingleenginebasictraineras areplacementforthePercivalPrentice. Almost500werebuilt.

NorthAmericanT-28Trojan: Single-EngineRadial,Monoplane Primary/AdvancedTrainerandLight

thoseintheballoontouringindustry goingtonavigatewhatcanbeacomplicatedprocess?

ThisiswherePilotMedical Solutionscomeintothepicture.Thepros atPilotMedicalSolutionsareexpertsat helpingpilotsdealwithmedicalcertificationissues,rangingfromanATPhaving hadmajorsurgerytoaCommercial BalloonPilotwhomayhave“partied” justonetomanytimesinapastlife.All pilotswithmedicalcertificatequestions, shouldvisitthewebsiteatpilotMedical Solutions,www.leftseat.com,forarich sourceofinformationorcall(800)699-

TheFAAhasadoptedafinalrulerequiringcommercialhot-airballoonpilotsto holdmedicalcertificates.

(CourtesyFAA)

4457fordetailsonhowtogethelpwhen youneedit.

Attackaircraftused bytheU.S.Air Force,theU.S. Navy,amongst othersintheVietnamWarandother conflictsduringthe 1960sand1970s. ThetypesupersededtheNorthAmericanT-6Texan/ SNJ/Harvardinthe advancedpilot trainingrole.Close to2,000werebuilt.

Thefamousaerobaticspilot,JulieClark inherT-28CTrojan Bu.140549.Thisaircraftisoneofeight examplesofthebreed currentlyforsaleat CourtesyAircraft SalesofRockford, Illinois. (Imagevia CourtesyAircraft)

Whilethisis justasmallsamplingofthe‘affordable’

warbirdtypesavailabletoday,itisalso importanttorememberthatthereare someexamplesofeachtypelistedabove whichhaveunique,historical Provenanceoranexceptionalquality (sometimesboth).Suchaircraftcanoften commandsignificantlyhigherselling valuesthatthepricebracketslisted above.Ifyourequirehelpinappraising yourcurrentaircraftoronethatyouare interestedinpurchasing,pleasefeelfree tocontactmeat(1-636)751-3987orby emailatJeremy@jetvaluesjeremy.comor visithiswebsiteatjetvaluesjeremy.com.

(Wikimedia)

(Wikimedia)

ContinuedfromPage40

AOPASHOWCASE CONNECTS PILOTS,INDUSTRY EXPERTS

ByAlyssaJ.Cobb,AOPA

Nearlytwodozenaircraftand almost60exhibitorsawaited600AOPA memberswhohadregisteredforthe AOPAAviatorShowcaseinFortWorth, Texas,Nov.17and18–readytoprovide informationtoeveryonefromprospectivebuyersandveteranaircraftownersto activepilots.

“Designedtoconnectpilotsandaircraftownerstothegeneralaviation industry,”AOPAsaidtheconsumerfocusedshowcaseofferedattendeesthe opportunitytomeetwith“expertsin avionicsandcockpittechnology,flight planningandweatherresources,andaircraftmanufacturingandsales.”

Thosewhowereinterestedinbuyingcouldtalktoindustryrepresentatives aboutaircraftfinancingandinsurance,as wellastodealersaboutfindingtheright aircraft.Thosewhowantedtobreathe newlifeintotheircurrentaircrafttalked toaircraftdetailers,paintshops,and avionicsmanufacturers.Seminarsprovidedadditionalinformation,ranging frombuyinganaircrafttoover-the-top restorationsbasedonallthemodificationsAOPAhasbeenknowntodotoits sweepstakesaircraft.Safetyseminars includedweathertopicsandcarbon monoxidedetectors.Withtemperatures inthe40-degree-Fahrenheitrangeand highwinds,theexhibithallandseminars wereextremelypopularwithattendees!

TheshowcaseinFortWorthwasthe lastAOPAeventfor2022,butmore

HundredsofAOPAAviatorShowcase attendeeshadone-on-onetimewithnearly60exhibitors.(KollinStagnito/AOPA)

eventsareintheworksfor2023.AOPA willkickthingsoffwithafly-inco-locatedwiththeBuckeyeAirFairatthe BuckeyeMunicipalAirportjustwestof Phoenix,Arizona,fromFeb.17through 19.AttendeeswillbeabletoenjoyanairshowhostedbytheBuckeyeAirFair whilealsolearningfromsafetyseminars, browsinghands-onaircraftdisplays,and talkingtoindustryexpertsthatAOPA willassemble.AnotherAOPAeventon thebooksfornextyearisanAviator ShowcaseatAOPAheadquartersin Frederick,Maryland,inthefall.More eventswillbeannouncedasthetimegets closer,butbesuretomarkthesetwoon yourcalendar.LearnmoreatAOPA’s website,www.aopa.org.

“TheAOPAAviatorShowcasein FortWorthwasagoodendingtoagreat eventyear,”saidAOPADirectorof OutreachandEventsElizabeth O’Connell.“Wearelookingforwardto excitingeventsnextyearwithournew modelofbringingfly-instoexisting eventsaroundthecountry.”

thought,eh?Notknowingsomething meansthereisplentyofroomtolearn, alwaysapleasure.Suchwasthecase whenaskedtoreviewanewbookby authorBradBergantitled SpaceRace 2.0.Uponreceivingacopyofthebook, myignorancekickedinasthiswriter assumeditwasofthe“coffeetable” genreofpublication.Youknow,thebig picturebooksyouleaveoutonthecoffee tabletoimpressguestswithyourinterest

HARTZELL EXTENDS PROP DISCOUNTSTO RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION SUPPORTERSFOR THIRD

CONSECUTIVE YEAR

HartzellPropellerwillextendits $1,000discounttosupportersofthe RecreationalAviationFoundation(RAF) onallnewHartzellbackcountryairplane propellers,nowthrough2023,markingthe thirdconsecutiveyearofthisdiscount.In additiontothesesavings,Hartzellismakinga$250contributiontotheRAFmissionforeachofthesespecialsales.

“Weareexcitedtoextendthisspecial offertoRAFsupporters,nowforthethird straightyear,”saidHartzellPresidentJJ Frigge.“Inadditiontoprovidingthis $1,000discount,wewillbedonating$250 directlytotheRAFforeachplanepropeller soldasaresultofthisspecialoffer.Thisis anexampleofoursupportforthethrillof backcountryflying,andtheRAF’sefforts topreserveaviationaccess,”headded.

RAFChairmanJohnMcKenna said,“Weareonceagainthankfulfor Hartzell’scontinuedsupportoftheRAF. Weabsolutelylovethispartnership.It’sa realbenefittocurrentRAFsupporters, andawelcomeincentivetobecominga newRAFsupporter.”

Explorer,Voyager,Pathfinder, andTrailblazerProps

Thebackcountrypropellersoffered inthispartnershipinclude:

•TheExplorer–three-blade“Raptor” seriescarbonfibercomposite–Available foranumberofexperimentalaircraft.

•TheVoyager–three-bladeAluminum Scimitar–OptimizedfortheCessna180, 182,185,and206fleetspoweredbycertainContinental470engines,and Continental520and550enginesundera recentSTC.

•ThePathfinder–three-blade “Raptor”carbonfibercomposite–AvailablefortheCubcraftersXCuband CarbonCubFX,aswellastheGlasair Sportsmanandseveralotherexperimentalaircraft.

•TheTrailblazer–two-bladeorthreebladecarbonfibercomposite–Available forvariousaircraftmodelsfromAmerican Champion,AmericanLegend,Aviat, Avipro,Cubcrafters,Glasair,Maule,and severalotherexperimentalaircraft.

Eachofthesepropellersisdesigned tomaximizeperformanceforbackcountryoperations,includingshortertake-off rollsandbetterclimbrates.

AbouttheRecreationalAviation Foundation

TheRAFwasfoundedbyagroupof Montanapilotswhorealizedthethreatof recreationalairstripclosurewasof

nationalconcern.Theyalsorecognized therewasaneedforaunifiedeffortby pilotseverywheretoprotectpublicaviationaccesstoplaceswithrecreational opportunities.TheRAF,a501(c)(3) organization,isdedicatedtopreserving andimprovingexistingairstrips,andcreatingnewpublic-userecreational airstripsthroughouttheUnitedStates. Formoreinfosee:https://theraf.org/.

AboutHartzellPropeller

HartzellAviation’sflagshipcompanyisHartzellPropeller,thegloballeader inadvancedtechnologyaircraftpropeller designandmanufacturingforbusiness, commercialandgovernmentcustomers. Thecompanydesignsnext-generation propellerswithinnovativeblendedairfoil technologyandmanufacturesthemwith revolutionarymachiningcenters,robotics,andcustomresintransfermolding curingstations.PresidentJJFriggeheads thecompany,whichisheadquarteredin Piqua,Ohio.Formoreinformationgoto https://hartzellprop.com.

AboutHartzellAviation

TheHartzellAviationnamebrings togetheranoutstandingarrayoffirewall

forwardcompaniesandproductsunder oneumbrella,reinforcingtheorganizations’corecompetenciesandpursuitof improvingGeneralAviation.Thestoried brandsofHartzellAviationinclude HartzellPropeller,HartzellAerospace WeldingandHartzellEngineTech. HartzellAviationiscommittedtoinnovationandthecontinuousimprovementof GeneralAviationproductsandservices. ThecompaniesareguidedbytheoverridingprincipleofBuiltonHonor,which reflectsacommitmenttoquality,performanceandsupport.Hartzell Aviation’swebsitecanbefoundat https://hartzellaviation.com.

infineart,thehistoryofhumanityorlove ofcats.Thatfirstimpressionproved beyondadoubtthatmyignorancewasin fullbloom.

Withdimensionsthatarelargerthan theaveragehard-copypublication,one cannotbeblamedforthe“coffeetable” analogy.Givenaquickflipthrough strengthensthatview,asitisfilledwith brilliantimagesofthespacecraftby SpaceX,BlueOrigin,VirginGalactic, andNASA.Butthenyoubegintoread thetextandquicklyrealizethatBrad Berganisatrulytalentedandknowledgeabletechnicalwriter.Butcomingasa surpriseisauthorBergan’sgraspofhisto-

ry,purpose,andphilosophy.Youwill learnthingsaboutElonMusk(SpaceX), RichardBranson(VirginGalactic),Jeff Bezos(BlueOrigin)andothersthatare baseduponfactsaboutrealpeople,not justtheblurofsocialmedia.Increasing participationbyworldpowers,like China,arebroughtintothepicture.Even famedsciencefictionwriterIsaac Asimovreceivesawell-deservedmention.Thiswriterthoughtheknewwhat thesecompanieswereupto,andhow theyrelatetooneanother.Myknowledge provedtobeseverelylacking.

AuthorBergandrawsaparallel betweenthefinancialbaronsofthelate 19thcenturyandearly20thcentury,like

Ford,Edison,Carnegie,Rockefeller,and Vanderbilt.Thesegiantsofindustry definedthefutureofAmerica,andthe worldweliveintoday.Willthegiantsof today’sSpaceRace2.0dothesame?Is advancedtechnologyandbecominga multi-planetspeciescausingchangesthat areyettobeforeseen?Mr.Berganaddressesthesequestionsinafrank,non-political manner,devoidofhiddenagendas.

Thiswriterremembersaseriesof articlesthatappearedin Colliers Magazine titled“TheConquestofSpace” andabookfromwhichmanyofthese articlesweredrawn, AcrosstheSpace Frontier.Writtenbytheleadingspace androcketexpertsofthetimeandedited

byfamedauthorCorneliusRyan,these writingsprovedtoforetellafuturethat includedaccuratepredationsofMoon andMarslandings. AcrosstheSpace Frontier istodayconsideredoneofthe mostimportantscience-basedbookspublishedinmoderntimes.Millionsof Americas,includingthiswriter(afifth graderatthetime),werepowerfully motivatedbythisbook.Itismybelief thatauthorBradBergan’sbook, Space Race2.0 willbeconsideredthesame. PublishedbytheQuartoGroup Space Race2.0 isavailableatallon-linebook sellersandatwww.quarto.com.

HartzellPathfinderBackcountryPropeller. (CourtesyHartzell)

OODIES

AND AND

Oneofthetrulygreatthingsaboutbeinganaviationbuffisthenumberof“GoodiesandGadgets”availabletoplay with.Here InFlightUSA hascollectedafewnewonesworthyofyourconsideration.

ADGETS

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

AIRCRAFT SPRUCE C APTURESTHE HOLIDAY SPIRITFOR ALL PILOTS

AircraftSpruce,withtheirextensive pilot-supplyinventory,hassomethingfor everypilotorfansofaviationonyour holidaylist.AircraftSprucehasanswers foreveryaviationneedandwant,with manyitemsonsalethroughoutthe month.Visittheirwebsite,stockedfullof morethan100,000items,at www.aircraftspruce.com.Also,checkout theirholidaygiftguideonlinewithitems ineverypricerange.

HappyHolidaystoallfromAircraft Spruce!

FlightOutfittersBushPilot FolioBag

Whether you’resoaring abovethe cloudsinyour Cirrusorclosingabigdeal inyourdesk chair,thisFolio Baglookslikeitjustlefttheflightdeckof aDC-3.ButwhiletheBushPilotFolio hasplentyofstyle,it’salsoaverypracticalbag,storingasurprisingamountof gearwithoutlookingbulkyorweighing youdown.Ithasseparatepocketsfor yourtabletandlaptop,plusalargecenter compartmentandplentyofexteriorpockets.Youcankeepeverythingseparated buteasytofind.Forfurtherutility,the FolioBaghasarearstraptosecurely attachittoyourroll-aboard.

AircraftSpruceiscurrentlyfeaturing theBushPilotFolioBagonsaleat $129.95(from$149.95).

AirLiteProDigitalAircraft RadioReceiver

Here’saradiothat offersmorethanany otherinthesameclass. AirLiteProisafullfeaturedaircraftradioscannerandHamTransceiver, withgroundbreakingnew features.TheAirLitePro receivesallaircraftchannelsbetween118and137 mhz.StandardU.S.spacingof25khzissupported.Significantly, thisnewproductalsoprovidessimultane-

ousreceptionontwodifferentfrequencies,allowingalistenertomonitorfrequenciessuchastowerandgroundatthe sametime.Wecallthisfeature“Dual ReceptionTM.”TheAirLItePro Receiversellsfor$119each.

BoseProFlightSeries2Aviation Headset

Thenew ProFlightSeries2 buildsuponthe advancedtechnologyoftheoriginal andisthemostlightweight,compactand comfortableaviation headsetBosehas everproduced.ProFlightSeries2isengineeredandrefined forthewayprofessionalpilotsflyand nowoffersnumerousupdatesand enhancementsbasedonpilotinput. ProFlightSeries2featuresanewlighter, thinnermoreflexiblecableproviding increasedfreedomofmovementand improvedtapcontrolfortalk-through communication.Liketheoriginal,the ProFlightSeries2isFAATSOand E/TSO-C139acertified.Additionally,a newnon-Bluetoothvariantofthe ProFlightSeries2isnowavailable.Each BoseProFlightSeries2AviationHeadset withBluetoothsellsfor$1,045.00.Ask aboutthe60-dayriskfreetrialandfree groundshippingforthelower48states. EasilyConfiguredToMeetYourNeeds

Choosefromthreelevelsofactive noisecancellation,controlwireless Bluetoothconnectionstomobiledevices (onselectmodels),audiosystems,and electronicflightbags,andmanageother primaryfunctionsoftheProFlightSeries 2fromtheergonomiccontrolmodule. Theincludedlanyardprovideseasyand stablestorageduringflight.

FreeBoseSoundlinkMicroSpeaker

BoseProflight2WinterPromotion

PurchaseProFlightSeries2Aviation HeadsetsreceiveafreeBoseSoundlink Micro(Black)speaker,a$119USDretail value.

OffervalidinUSAandCanadaonly. ValidforpurchasesthroughDec.31, 2022.

MethodSevenAscentAviator Sky18Sunglasses

SKY mineralglass lensesdefine thepinnacle ofcontrast andclarity.TheSKY18hasamediumVLT of18percent,makingitaperfectchoicefor mixedconditions.

VisionAboveAll

Precisionopticsdesignedspecificallyforaviators.Top-of-the-linelensesfeaturenotchfilteringtechnologyforcontrast,clarity,andperformancethatissecondtonone.Eachlensoptionutilizes specialthin-filmcoatingtechnologiesto dialinspecificamountsofvisiblelight (VLT)suitedtopilotpreferencesand lightlevelsfortypicalroutes.

LensTechnology

Precisionopticsdesignedspecificallyforaviators.Ourtop-of-the-linelenses featurenotch-filteringtechnologyfor contrast,clarity,andperformancethatis secondtonone.Eachlensoptionutilizes specialthin-filmcoatingtechnologiesto dialinspecificamountsofvisiblelight (VLT)suitedtopilotpreferencesand lightlevelsfortypicalroutes.

LensSpectrum

TheSKY18(Medium)lenshasa similarVLTtomostotheravionicsunglasses.However,theclarityofcrystallineglass,combinedwiththecomfort ofalensthatabsorbsextremeUVAlight andinfraredheatenergymakeitthebest intheworld.Withmediumtintanda VLTof18percent,it’sanexcellent choiceformixedconditions.

FrameTechnology

Ascent’stitaniumalloyframeisa blendofupdatedaviatorstylingandsome ofthemostadvancedframeconstruction available.Light,strongandflexibletitaniumalloytemplepiecestaperofftoless than1.0mmthick,seamlesslyconformingtoyourheadandheadsetforany durationflight.Designedspecificallyfor headsets,andtestedforfitwithflighthelmets.Rubberizednosepadsaddcomfort onlongdaysintheseat.

Eachpairsellsfor$235.Othermodelsandvariationsavailable.

GarminAera7607-Inch TouchscreenPortableGPS Navigator

Theaera 760isapremiumall-inoneaviation portablecompletewitha built-in GPS/GLONASSreceiverthatispurposebuiltforthepilotandcockpit.Theaera760 boastsa7-inchbright,sunlightreadable touchscreendisplaythatcanrunonbattery powerforuptofourhoursonasingle charge.Alongthebezel,anindustry-standardUSB-Cconnectionisusedtocharge andpowertheaera760,whileamicroSD cardslotallowspilotstoloadtopography andstreetmapsoruseittoeasilytransfer userwaypoints.Theaera760featuresan intuitiveuser-interfaceresemblingthatof manyotherpopularGarminproductssuch astheGTN™Xiseries,G3X™Touchand GarminPilot™allowingpilotstoeasily transitionbetweenmultipleGarminproductsinthecockpit.Capableofoperatingin harshconditions,theaera760hasalso beentestedandhardenedtomeetstringent temperatureandvibrationstandards. Featuresincludesflightplanfeatures, ConnextWirelessconnectivity,hardwire options,additionalfunctionalityandlowcostdatabaseoptions.TheGarminaera 760iscurrentlyonsalefor$1,399.00 (originally$1,499.00)throughDec.25. Garminisoffering$100offmanyofits products,featuredatAircraftSpruce, throughDec.25.

GiftGuideandGiftCards

Aircraft

Spruceisfeaturing aholidaypilotgift guideonthecompanywebsite,aircraftspruce.com. Categoriesofgifts areofferedalongwithsuggestionsinvariouspriceranges.

Ifyouwanttogiveanaircraft builderorpilotagiftfromAircraft Sprucecalloneoftheirsalesrepresentativesat(877)4-SPRUCEandorderan

Forprivatepilots,agravelbikeisan excellentwaytoextendyouradventureat remoteairfields.There’sprobablynot enoughstorageroomforbotharoadbike andamountainbikeanyway,andhaving ahybridofthetwomeansyoudon’thave tochoose;getthebestofbothworlds withonebike.

There’sjustoneproblem.Yourbike isbike-sized,andyouhaveroomforonly onebike.You’llbebikingsolo.Until now.

TheCHANGERoadWarriorfoldinggravelbikechangeseverything!

FeaturingShimanoGRXgravel componentsina1x11or2x11configurationonaruggedness-certified(ISO4210)aluminumframe,thestartingpoint isagreatgravelbike.Andthen...itfolds inhalf!

Withacompactsizeofjust37-inch-

esx30-inchesx15-inches,afolded CHANGERoadWarriorcanfitinthe spaceofhalfabike.Haulmorethings withyouonyourtriportaketwobikes andsharetheadventure...

Flatbike,Inc.,inthePacific Northwest,hasbeenbuildingandshippingfull-sizefoldingbikesforpilotson thefoldingCHANGEframesince2016, oftentwoatatime.Formoreinformation ontheCHANGERoadWarrior,visit www.flatbike.comorcall425-985-6219.

GoodiesandGadgets

ContinuedfromPage46

amount.Thecardsarevalidindefinitely andcanbeusedtowardthepurchaseof

anyproductssoldbyAircraftSpruce. Thesecardsareverypopularandarea giftthatissuretopleaseanyaviator.

AIRCRAFTFORSALE

American Aircraft Sales Livermore Airport, CA, americanaircraft.net, cell (510) 783-2711, (925) 449-5151.3/13

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

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

JETS

SmallMannedAerialRadarTarget,

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

Allpartsavailabletorebuild 1936RearwinSportster. In Northern California. ContactSue Harmuth at suewilldooo@ outlook.com. 22801:TFN

FBOs

RV12i5

SPORT/ULTRALIGHTS

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

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

AVIONICS

Aircraft Insurance Center, (650) 5933030, (888) 723-3358. 10/06

Insurance solutions for all aviationrelated services. Business Aviation Insurance, bizavins.com, (925) 825-1900.7/20 Protect your whole family, including your pets. Comprehensive health and Medicare solutions. Jen Mathey, owner, Pixie Health Insurance, (941) 200-3738, pixiehealth insurance.com.10/22

AVIATION CONSULTANTS

Informed, accurate aircraft appraisals. jetvaluesjeremy.com, (636) 751-3987.7/20

PILOT SUPPLIES

NocheapimitationwatchesatHME!

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

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

Aviation Building Systems, custom designed hangars. R&M Steel Co., Caldwell, ID, (208) 454-1800, aviationbuildingsystem. com, (866) 454-1800.51217:TFN

HOMES/AIRPARKS

Airpark Lots for Sale Hawks Landing (7.62 acres); Duchy Airpark (four lots in gated community); Myrtle Beach Hardee Airpark (lots from 1 acre to 1.74 arcres. Carolina Airparks, Geneva Allen, (704) 798-5214, carolinaairparks@ gmail.com. 8/22

A Pilot's Paradise—Valley Airport Private airstrip in the Ozark Mountains on banks of White River. Custom 3BR, 3BA home, office and hangar/ workshop, $749,999. Leo and Dianne Doughty, Cotter, AR. Contact Ray (870) 421-7193 to show. 9/22

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

guidelines to: In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, CA 94402.TFN Oakland Aviation Museum, CA, is recruiting volunteers. Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org. 6/21

PILOTPOSITIONWANTED

SoCal pilot, experienced in aircraft design/flight test/aerospace industry. Willi travel as needed (and for repositioning). Contact Paul at (562) 714-6686 or ptglessner@aol.com. 17400:TFN

MUSEUMS

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

Castle Air Museum

HELICOPTORS&eVTOL

orbichelicopters.com.6/22

EXPERIMENTAL

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

AIRCRAFTSALESAIDS

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

FLIGHTINSTRUCTION

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

Arizona Type Ratings

CE-500/CE-525 type ratings or recurrent. Insurance approved, staff examiner. arizonatyperatings.com, (602) 614-7994.9309:TFN

SeaplaneInstruction, ASESratings, amphibious flight reviews, re-current training.LakeHavasuSeaplanes,Lake Havasu City, AZ, lakehavasuseaplanes. com,(928) 733-7122. 12/20

Recurrent pilot training and services. L/D Aerospace, Grace Passmore, (916) 790-0501, idaerospace.com.1/22

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

MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS

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

RESTORATIONS

Iconic Aircraft Restoration Repairs, refurbishments, parts fabricated,

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

Seewhatyou are missing with new models from Rosen Sunvisor Systems. rosenvisor.com, (800) 284-7677.7/20

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

InPhones with pilot keypad. Convenience& versatility at one low price! Only $199/year. (650) 504-8549, (408) 2340045. 10/21

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

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

AVIATION RESOURCES

Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets. com, (702) 465-2027.10/20

Make the most ofyourbusiness aircraftownershipwithourManagement Services. Thoroughbred Aviation, thoroughbredaviation.com.10/20

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

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

SERVICES

Divorce-Paternity Cases Contact LawyersforMen'sRights,(213)3848886, www.mensrightslawyers.com. Offices of Stuart J. Faber.4/10

Aero & Marine Tax Pros

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

Left Seat Pilot Medical Solutions.A confidential solution for pilot medical certification. Free FAA medical consultations. Left Seat, (800) 699-4457.1/21

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

HANGARS/TIEDOWNS

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

Become an Aircraft Broker — #1Largest USA Network of Aircraft Start with USA’s proved system for listing and selling everything from highperformance single-engine airplanes, cabinclass through jets, and helicopters & jet fractional shares. Includes multi-million-dollar inventory to start.

Complete turn-key proved system. Noexperience necessary. Will train. Licensed USA Aircraft brokerage. Call (504) 723-5566 orvisit Business Opportunity Section at usaaircraft.com 4208:TFN

FLYING CLUBS/GROUPS

Join thousands of aviation enthusasts worldwide. American Aviation Historical Society, aahs-online.org.3/21

West Valley Flying Club, San Francisco Bay Area. Palo Alto (650) 856-2030, San Carlos (650) 595-5912, www.wvfc.org.

ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS

Specializing in aviation photography horizontalrain.com.1/15

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

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

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

"FlyingBoat"poster, limited edition. Signed& framed. FlyingBoatFilm.com. 10/21

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

PUBLICATIONS

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

"Space Race 2.0." History of commercial space exploration. Quarto.com. 11/22

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Coast Air Museum Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 575-7900 pacificcoastairmuseum.org

Palm Springs Air Museum Palm Springs, CA (760)778-6262, psam.org

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

LoneStar Flight Museum Ellington Airport, Houston, TX (346) 708-2517, lonestarflight.org

Pacific Coast Air Museum Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 575-7900 pacificcoastairmuseum.org

American Helicopter Museum West Chester, PA, (610) 436-9600 americanhelicopter.museum

ORGANIZATIONS

List your non-profit club or organization FREE on a space available basis. Send information to: 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com

Wings of Rescue Flying Animals to Safety wingsofrescue.org

NASOCEANA AIRSHOW,THEMED “BACKTOTHE BEACH,” DRAWS RECORD CROWDS

StoryandPhotos

byMikeHeilman

Ithasbeenthreeyearssincethelast NavalAirStation(NAS)Oceanainpersonairshowwasheldatthe Navy’sMasterJetBase.The2022open housedrewarecordcrowdofanestimated340,000spectatorsforthetwo-day eventinSeptember.NASOceanais hometoalltheNavy’sEastCoastfighter squadrons.Thethemefor2022showwas “BacktotheBeach.”

HeadliningtheshowwastheUnited StatesNavy’sBlueAngels.Oceana’s F/A-18SuperHornetsquadronsperformedanimpressivepowerdemonstrationthatincludedattackprofilesandan aerialrefuelingwithtwoSuperHornets. Thehomesquadronsalsoperformeda formationfleetflyby.TheNavy’sF-35C DemonstrationTeamshowedtheOceana crowdthecapabilitiesofthenewestfifthgenerationfighter.

TheU.S.NavyF/A-18FSuper HornetDemoTeamflewapower demonstrationonbothdaysoftheshow. TheUnitedStatesAirForceF-16Viper DemoTeamshowcasedthe“Fighting Falcon”capabilities.AU.S.CoastGuard HC-130JandMH-60Tperformedaformationflybyattheairshow.TheU.S NavyLeapFrogsParachuteTeammade severaljumpsfromaNASNorfolkbase CH-53E“SeaStallion”helicopterto opentheairshoweachday.

Headliningthecivilianportionof theshowwaslistofaward-winningand veteranairshowperformers.Appearing attheshowwereMikeGoulian,Skip Stewart,BobCarlton,JessyPanzerand MattYounkin.Theweatherwasperfect forbothdaysoftheairshow.Theweatherandshowlineupcontributedtothe recordturnoutofspectators.TheNAS Oceanaairshowwillreturnin2023with theBlueAngelsheadliningonSept.1617.Visittheairshowwebsitefordetails,

MattYounkinperformedanaerobaticroutineinhisBeech18atthe2022NASOceana AirShow. (CourtesyMikeHeilman)

BlueAngelOpposingSoloLT.CommanderJuliusBrattonbankshisF/A-18Super Hornetatthe2022NASOceanaAirShow. (CourtesyMikeHeilman)

TheU.S.AirForcewasrepresentedatNASOceanashowbytheF-16ViperDemo Team.Capt.Aimee“Rebel”FiedlershowcasingtheF-16scapabilitiesatthe2022 show. (CourtesyMikeHeilman)

–BobHoover

"I

–Alexander Fung

“They