In Flight USA January 2021

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Liteye’s Counter-UAS Systems for Airports

Advancing drone technology and the frequency of malicious drones at airports has created an urgent need for drone detection and defense systems at airports all over the world. Liteye’s combat proven Counter-UAS System is designed to protect airports and critical infrastructures from hostile small unmanned air systems (sUAS) incursions. Using similar detect, track and classify technology currently used by the US military, the Liteye system gives the airport authority an early warning capability, allowing air traffic control to temporarily warn off specific at-risk incoming flights. The system also identifies the point of origin of the drone user, allowing emergency personnel to respond appropriately.

Liteye’s Counter-UAS Detection System DETECT - smart-sensor package capable of remotely detecting small Drones (UAS) TRACK - tracking and classifying them, providing end-user situational awareness and a IDENTIFY - forensic tool that assists in apprehending and prosecuting malicious drone or UAS operators. Liteye’s Counter-UAS technology is the ideal solution for protecting airports against the danger posed by malicious drone intrusion.

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Liteye Systems Inc. 7060 S Tucson Way A, Centennial, CO 80112, USA

January 2021

www.inflightusa.com

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Calendar of Events

To list your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com. STATUS OF UPCOMING AVIATION EVENTS This Calendar includes only the information available by our press date, Friday, Jan. 8. Please confirm the status of an event before attending.

JANUARY

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9 9 — 10 16

17 21 23 30

Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org. Q Palm Springs, CA: F-117 Stealth Fighter Experience, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com. Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org. Q Palm Springs, CA: Saga of Viking Battalion, 1 to 2 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Redding, CA: 13-Week Private Pilot Ground School starts, 6 to 9 p.m. Tues. & Thurs., Benton Air Center, (530) 241-4204, flyhillside.com. Q Palm Springs, CA: Hitler’s Downfall, 1 to 2 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262. Q Palm Springs, CA: T-34 Fly-In, 1 to 3 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.

FEBRUARY

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13 — 14 16 20 21

MARCH

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13 — 14 13 20

21

APRIL

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9 — 10 10 — 11

13 — 18 17

17 — 18 18 24 — 25

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Q Palm Springs, CA: Battle of the Philippine Sea, 1 to 2 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com. Q Buckeye, AZ: Buckeye Air Fair. CANCELED Q Palm Springs, CA: Red Tails & Liberators, 1 to 2 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262. Q Palm Springs, CA: Okinawa-Crucible of the Pacific, 1 to 2 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com. Q Yuma, AZ: MCAS Yuma Air Show. CANCELED Q Burnet, TX: Bluebonnet Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Burnet Municipal Airport, (512) 756-2226, bluebonnetairshow.com. Q Gainesville, FL: Gator Fly-In & Armed Services Appreciation Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gainesville Regional Airport, gra-gnv.com. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Pinehurst, NC: Festival d’Avion, gates Fri. 5 p.m./Sat. 10 a.m., Moore County Airport, (910) 215-0861, festivaldavion.com. Q Panama City FL: Tyndall AFB Gulf Coast Salute. CANCELED Q Jacksonville, FL: NAS JAX Air Show, gates 9 a.m., NAS Jacksonville, nasjaxairshow.com. Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com. Q Lakeland, FL: Sun ’n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, flysnf.org. Q Louisville KY: Thunder over Louisville, 11 a.m., Waterfront Park, thunderoverlouisville.org. Q Angleton, TX: LBX Annual Fly-In, Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport, (979) 849-5755. Q Titusville, FL: Space Coast Warbird AirShow, Space Coast Regional Airport, (321) 268-1941, valiantaircommand.com. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Tucson, AZ: Thunder & Lightning over Arizona, gates 9 a.m., DavisMonthan AFB, (520) 228-3406, dm.af.mil. Q Beaufort, SC: MCAS Beaufort Airshow, gates 9:30 a.m., beaufortairshow.com. Q Half Moon Bay, CA: Pacific Coast Dream Machines. CANCELED

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HEADSETS INSPIRING FUN

4

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

COVER STORY

P

By Annamarie Buonocore

AND

HELPING

THE DALCOMM TECH STORY

roducts like headsets and sunglasses can make all the difference when flying an aircraft. Some are just status quo while others are truly high quality and improve the experience. Over the years, In Flight USA has covered products that improve the flying experience for pilots of all backgrounds and experience levels. As Jeff Herold of Scheyden Eyewear once said, “When flying, even the smallest discomforts can wear on you.” This is why high-quality, comfortable headsets have never been more important. This month, we had the opportunity to talk to Bryce Clark of Dalcomm Tech, a Massachusetts headset company that has done some great work with a basic accessory. We are thrilled to present you with Bryce’s story and hope that you will consider this headset as your next goodie. In Flight USA: Tell me a little bit about your company. What is Dalcomm Tech? Bryce Clark: Dalcomm Tech is the effort of the last 10 years. I worked as a manager at a headset company for seven years, and I had tons and tons of ideas that

the company did not really want to move toward. That is understandable because they were a large company, but I thought it was the perfect opportunity to pursue these ideas. I had lots of customers who liked these ideas, so I finally just broke out on my own and pursued all the ideas that my previous employer had not wanted to pursue. Basically, Dalcomm is about you as the end user. We work with people in each individual industry. For example, we have five camera guys or professional video engineers who use our products everyday. They are constantly telling us how we can improve the product for their job. That is how we pursue our industry. We work with everybody from audiovisual to aviation.

Dalcomm is about you as the end user... the goal is to put on (your headset), and five minutes later, you forget that you're wearing it," states Bryce Clark of Dalcomm Tech. (Courtesy Dalcomm Tech)

We are focusing on women pilots to help us develop our products and make them ideal for the woman pilot. IF USA: Where are you based? BC: We are based in West Boylston, Ma., which is just outside Boston. IF USA: What sets you apart from other headset companies and manufacturers? BC: We have several ideas that set us apart, specifically that we are looking to make exactly what the customer wants. We have a number of base models that are available, but when people want something

A

CAUSE

January 2021

specific, we are here to do that. If someone wants the headset to be red, we do that. If they want the cord to be longer, we do that. We even do customized USB cords. I have developed over the past year whatever the customers are looking for. There are hundreds of manufacturers out there, making headsets, but ours are actually third-party certified. We make sure they block noise. Many companies claim to block noise, but ours have been third-party tested, and they block noise very well. IF USA: You mentioned that you offer headsets for other uses beyond aviation. Can you briefly elaborate on that? BC: Yes, we make them for pretty Continued on Page 17

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TABLE Volume 37, Number 5

OF

CONTENTS

650-358-9908 • Fax: 650-358-9254 • E-mail: vickie@inflightusa.com • www.inflightusa.com

January 2021

ON THE COVER COVER STORY

SPECIAL FEATURE

HEADSETS INSPIRING FUN AND HELPING A CAUSE

INTERVIEW WITH THE TIGER SQUADRON FORMATION TEAM

THE DALCOMM TECH STORY By Annamarie Buonocore Story on Page 4

By Annamarie Buonocore Story on Page 12 Courtesy Dalcomm Tech

COLUMNS

NEWS Forces to Flyers Initiative to Assist Vets in Becoming Pilots................9 FAA Offers COVID Relief for Part 135 Check Airmen ..........................10 FAA Approves COVID-19 Vaccines With 48 Hour No Fly Rule ............22 COVID-19 Relief Bill Supports Aviation By Eric Blinderman, AOPA ....................................................................24 Emotional Support Animal Airline Laws Changing..............................28 Piper Opens Application for 2021 Apprenticeship Program ..............30 FAA Announces New Airport Grant Program........................................32 Kansas Air Corridor to Advance Supersonic Aircraft Development..32 Life Flight Gets Bi-Fold Door for Emergency Response Hangar ......43 FAA Approves AeroLEDs for Part 27 Rotorcraft ..................................44 AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Applications Now Open ................44 Goodies & Gadgets and a Message from Aircraft Spruce ..................46 CAF’s Rise Above Program Wins NAHF Combs-Gates Award ..........47 Female CO Will Command Aircraft Carrier for First Time ....................49

Editorial: A Crystal Ball By Ed Downs ..................................................................8

Editorial: The Fear Factor By Mark Baker, AOPA ....................................................8

Air Force Gives Family Fresh Start After COVID Crushes Business By Master Sgt. Chance Babin, USAF ..............................11

Interview: Nicholas Charalambous Of Hellenic Seaplanes S.A. By Annamarie Buonocore ..............................................14

Flying With Faber: A Future Visit to The Drover Hotel in Fort Worth By Stuart J. Faber ........................................................29 Homebuilders’s Workshop: Windy & Buzzards By Ed Wischmeyer ..........................................................34 SafeLandings: Flying VFR into Deteriorating Weather ................................................................................................38

DEPARTMENTS Calendar of Events ..........................................................3 Classifieds ......................................................................48 Index of Advertisers ......................................................50

6

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

A CRYSTAL BALL

January 2021

Editorial By Ed Downs

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appy New Year! Or perhaps the more popular salutation should be “good riddance to 2020.â€? To be sure, we have been through a year that no one would have predicted. Just to selfadminister a dose of humility, this writer re-read the editorial view I wrote for January 2020. In this editorial, an attempt was made to forecast what issues of concern might manifest themselves as the new decade began. Surprisingly, the title of the January 2020 editorial was, “I am Fearful.â€? Spooky, eh? The “fearfulâ€? part had to do with the anticipation of a rough political year and a Congress that would remain self-serving and unproductive. Certainly not good for a vibrant aviation industry! The second part of “fearfulâ€? had to do with a prediction that technology would continue to race through private flying, replacing skill, training and common sense with gadgets. The point being made was that technology should enhance abilities, not replace them. But optimism was also expressed, predicting that private and business flying would flourish, as America’s economy continued to surge. Oddly enough, some of these predictions were not far off. The politics of 2020 were a disaster, with not only the Federal Congress continuing personal fights and power plays that in no way served the country, but local governments kicking in with support of violence and anarchy. As feared, technology also let us down, but not with respect to aviation. Biochemistry was the bad guy. The “fearfulâ€? aspect of the January 2020 editorial was based upon a quote, “I am fearful that having spent so much time and money on a technology, we will feel compelled to use it.â€? Technology in biochemistry has advanced to the point that we, mere mortals, can create life‌ in the form of a virus. While our human intellect was up to the task of culturing a disease that could destroy us (who thought that was a good idea?), the government in charge of that development was not, and COVID19 was unleashed upon the world. No matter how one uses weasel words to describe the spread of this biblical pandemic, the Chinese government was the PIC, and they screwed the pooch. To venture out on a limb that is not supported by the vast number of consumer products sold in this country, this writer does not think the Chinese Government has earned the privilege of being trusted with any technology greater than that needed to produce a pet rock.

So, what about the January 2020 prediction of growth in private and business flying? Strangely enough, our industry has weathered the COVID storm reasonably well. With the airlines all but shut down, private flying is pretty much the only show in town for fast, safe travel. Cruising alone at 5,000 feet above the terrain can certainly be considered social distancing. Flight schools have adapted, with webinars and “ZOOM� classes flourishing. While certainly not a stellar year for general aviation, 2020 proved that we are tough and adaptable. Okay, let’s take a look at 2021. I put fresh batteries in my crystal ball, but it simply resists offering insights (made in China?). No choice, move to the dark side and break out the Ouija board. Yep, my Grandmother, numerologist, astrologer, Ouija board expert, pro writer, aviation enthusiast and chief of staff for a well-known WWI Senator, would approve. As a Washington insider, she valued the dark side. Strangely (or not), this writer followed that great lady’s example in many ways by embracing astronomy, aviation, writing and participating in politics by spending four years “inside the DC beltway,� representing the airline industry through a major alphabet lobby group. I guess it is in the genes. My time spent working within the Reagan administration proved to be life changing. To paraphrase an old saying, “sausage and eggs taste great, but you do not want to see sausage being made.� Working closely with congressional committees, the executive branch, several bureaucracies, and the West Wing is about as close to “making sausage� as one can get. While those days were not nearly as non-productive and contentious as we see today, one must remember the ATC strike of the early 1980s that virtually shut down airline and IFR operations, a “fun time� in political history. Given this background, and my Grandma’s old Ouija board, let’s take a look at 2021 for a heads up on what we aviators need to keep an eye on. There can be no question, the central government of the United States (and many local governments and agencies) is moving quickly towards a form of representative socialism, similar to what we see in the European Union (EU). It now appears that a narrow majority of Americans wish to have their lives, to include economic, social, family, religious, travel, political beliefs, wellness, and personal relations managed by electContinued to Page 7

January 2021

www.inflightusa.com

7

Editorial: A Crystal Ball

Continued from Page 6 ed politicians and bureaucracies. To many (as proven in a number of the EU countries), this is a preferred lifestyle, the so called “nanny state.” To a great many, this is a place of comfort, freedom from personal responsibility and the need to “climb the competitive ladder” of the free enterprise system upon which America was built. But how does this philosophy work for us as aviators, owners of private aircraft and those employed in the many facets of aviation, from the airlines to drones. FAR 91.3, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) says a lot about those of us who choose to be pilots. To paraphrase, “The pilot is directly responsible for and the final authority as to the operation of an aircraft, with the authority to deviate from any rule in the FARs should immediate action be needed to deal with an emergency. This authority is so commanding, that even a written report to regulators is required, only if requested, typically needed if other aircraft are involved.” This rule is unique, not existing in any other nation’s set of aviation rules and regulations. It is also unique to American law, the concept that the individual has the power and the responsibility to make final decisions regarding the welfare of his/her own person, and the welfare of innocent participants. Only the U.S. Constitution contains similar provisions and guaranties. It seems as though we aviators are, by the very rules we operate under, an independent and selfreliant lot. We accept personal responsibility for our levels of training, skill, knowledge and ability to operate in a demanding environment. This legal demand for the acceptance of personal responsibility, plus the free enterprise system in which American aviation exists, has allowed this country to develop the most successful private aviation system on the planet, many times more vibrant and dynamic than any other country. We are exceptional, a word stricken from the socialists’ dictionary. The question then, is will our federal and local shift to socialist principles cause immediate changes to private aviation. The short answer is no, simply because, as remarkable as private flying is in this country, it is small potatoes when compared to other hot political issues. Politicians go for power, recognition and money. Attacking GA does not offer much political capital. But we do need to be alert to other proposals that might come up. Let me warn you, this may look pretty grim, but hope and suggested solutions will be provided at the end of this opinion piece. I promise a sur-

prise ending! Let’s take a look at what might be in store for us, by the numbers. 1. We may see significant fees being attached to ATC services, a common practice in most countries. The battle cry may be something like, “look how efficient the ATC system is in New Zealand, we should be just like them.” 2. Remembering the primary purpose of a bureaucracy is to create the rules and laws needed to support its existence, the FAA will be encouraged to increase regulatory control. A recent FAA statement that “the cornerstone of flight instructing is the ability to use the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system (computer-based forms), certainly underscores that flying skills are secondary to filling out forms. 3. Requirements similar to almost all other countries may be implemented that require every flight (VMC and IMC) to file a flight plan, not for the purpose of flight following or safety, but to secure permission to fly from government agencies. The most likely reason for such requirements will be listed at national security and disease control. 4. Re-engagement in United Nations sponsored, worldwide environmental policies may result in America losing the energy independence we now have, resulting in marked increase in fuel cost. 5. The EPA may be encouraged to pursue punitive actions for the continued use of leaded fuels in GA aircraft. Further rules may be applied to high-flying business aircraft regarding alleged contamination of the high atmosphere. 6. Additional taxes may be affixed to aviation consumables, and aircraft will be annually taxed for use and support of the national airspace system. 7. Additional restricted medical standards may be implemented, especially for the elderly. 8. Existing tax benefits extended to the use of GA aircraft in business applications may be withdrawn. Those are just a few of the issues that might come into play. Sound pretty grim? Yep, and they were grim when I encountered them while working “inside the beltway.” Yes, not a single one of these potentials is new; they have all been raised before, and will become issues again. The surprise ending is that they have all been beaten in the past! The good news is that we have allies. In some real cases, it will be local politicians who still pose the spark of independence and self-reliance that they were elected to represent. But mostly, it is the powerful and successful “alphabet” groups that Continued on Page 9

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8

THE FEAR FACTOR In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

By Mark Baker

AOPA President and CEO Pre-Coronavirus, global air travel was at an all-time high. Between 8,000 and 20,000 aircraft could be flying at any given moment. In the United States alone, some 2.7 million passengers passed in and out of our nation’s airports every day before the pandemic. Most of us routinely boarded commercial flights, traveled for business, or piloted our own aircraft without blinking an eye. But, for some Americans aviophobia – the fear of flying – is a reality (nobody reading this, of course). And that’s before the global pandemic added to our general fears. Despite commercial aviation being the safest mode of transportation, anxious fliers make up nearly one in three people. But the chances of being in a fatal airplane crash are extremely low – roughly one in five million, according to reports from such outlets as The Economist. Automobiles, lightning strikes, bee stings, and – as we’ve learned lately – even viruses can be much deadlier than air travel. Even so, many people are plagued by anxiety when it comes to flight, likely propelled by over-sensation-

Public Perceptions About Safety are our Business alized pop culture. Because aviation accidents are so rare, they tend to be spotlighted in the media, although not always accurately. In the world of the 24-hour news cycle, ratings-hungry reporters are eager to get the story quickly. Unfortunately, aviation is complex, making it a target for mischaracterization by those who just don’t understand everything that’s in play. I’ve seen countless correspondents and aviation “experts” on national news networks delivering exaggerated or misleading information – from comical to downright bizarre. And, sometimes troubling. For example, a crash involving a student pilot was accompanied by a photo of a downed commercial airliner. Either training aircraft have evolved since I learned to fly, or the media is baiting its audience with a disregard for the facts. All too often, reporters are shocked at the age of an aircraft involved in a mishap, though the majority of our GA fleet is roughly 40 to 50 years old, and still equipped with required top-notch safety equipment. Another common misconception is that a “stalled” aircraft will just fall out of the sky like a rock. Even nonevents, such as crosswind landings or diversions because of mechanical or onboard

medical issues, make headlines with words like “emergency” or “miraculous.” Crashes involving high-profile celebrities usually amplify public perceptions about safety. The helicopter tragedy in Jan. 2020 that killed nine, including basketball great Kobe Bryant, was the lead story for weeks. With that coverage came speculation fueled by emotion, which left many with questions about GA. Such incidents can provoke knee-jerk reactions from legislators and public figures, calling for more regulation on an otherwise safety-conscious industry. In extreme cases, crashes at local airports may incite city leaders to even call for their closure. Aviation is one of the most regulated industries in the United States. Safety is embedded in our culture. Since 1994 the fatal accident rate for GA has fallen more than 50 percent. Technological advances, pilots consuming more safety materials, and increased flying hours all have contributed to these record safety levels. Still, skeptics remain unconvinced, and probably always will. Much of that has to do with the alarmism cascading from our news networks and social media in the aftermath of incidents. But there are things we can do as an aviation

January 2021

community and within the industry to address the stigma. We can do better individually. As we’ve all seen, sometimes the go/no-go decision is the difference between life and death. We should strive to consume as much safety material as possible and learn from tragedy. AOPA’s Air Safety Institute has numerous award-winning safety resources, including podcasts, online courses, quizzes, videos, and in-person seminars. We can also study the numbers. The release of ASI’s latest Joseph T. Nall Report brings positive news to the GA industry with data showing that 2017 saw a decrease in total accidents from 2016. While 2018 saw a slight increase in total accidents, it’s important to note that the overall and fatal accident rates continued downward trends. ASI has completed a major overhaul of the report to provide near-real-time accident data analysis as the data are updated on a rolling 30-day cycle. Let’s focus on what we can do to better improve safety records for general aviation and tune out the rest. When the next big air tragedy strikes, I won’t hold my breath waiting for the media to accurately gather the facts – because, as we know, sensationalism sells.

AOPA STRATEGIC INSURANCE PARTNER TEAMS UP WITH NEW PROVIDER TO OFFER INSURANCE RELIEF AOPA Strategic Partner AssuredPartners Aerospace Announces New Underwriter Partner to Provide Potential Relief for Older Pilots

After months of close coordination with AOPA, AssuredPartners Aerospace, AOPA’s strategic insurance partner, has teamed with an A-rated aviation insurer that has pledged to explore options for pilots up to age 79. This development, announced by AOPA on Dec. 21, could provide more options to those who fly single-engine, piston-powered aircraft with fixed, retractable, or tailwheel gear configurations, and having six seats or fewer and with hull values as high as $500,000. BasicMed is also scheduled to be an approved underwriting element, giving some pilots potential relief from burdensome insurance-related medical requirements. This insurer will also offer potential coverage options for younger and newer pilots.

Even before COVID reared its ugly head, the flying community was voicing its frustration with another impediment to the skies: insurance. “Not a day goes by that I don’t get a call about insurance rates,” AOPA President Mark Baker said earlier this year in an industry forum. Many AOPA members, especially the more seasoned ones, were complaining that their premiums were spiking, coverages were being limited, and restrictions to just get covered were sometimes harsh -- often with little to no explanation. “While general aviation has experienced a boon in this challenging year, reducing insurance pressures has always been on the front burner for AOPA,” said Baker. “We are excited about an opportu-

nity to provide much-needed insurance relief to some pilots. This is an example of how we listen closely to our members and advocate on their behalf. We will continue to explore more options.” The present aviation insurance market has been hard on many in the industry. Aging GA pilots have been faced with fewer options, as insurers have been scrutinizing their underwriting criteria for pilots over the age of 65. While some pilots may be getting some insurance relief, it’s important to note that this will not apply to all aviators. In addition, annual flight training or safety pilots may be required depending upon the complexity of the insured aircraft. Hull deductibles also will increase with aircraft value. “This is a welcome change in the tight insurance mar-

ket,” Baker said. “But there is more to be done. We continue to work with other underwriters to bring relief to more pilots.” “We’ve been working hard with AOPA to develop options for those pilots who are experiencing difficulty in finding necessary coverage and reasonable premiums,” said Bill Behan, chief executive officer at AssuredPartners Aerospace. “By bringing another choice to the table, we are aiming to allow more capable pilots to stay in the skies.” “They say age is just a number, and nowhere is that more applicable than in general aviation,” added Baker. “This is one step forward in having pilots judged by their abilities and experience, and not just their age.” Learn more at AOPA.org.

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January 2021

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FORCES TO FLYERS INITIATIVE TO ASSIST MILITARY VETERANS IN BECOMING PILOTS

9

U.S. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION RELEASES FINAL REPORT ON

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Dec. 30 announced the release of a final report on Forces to Flyers, a three-year research initiative offering interested military veterans an opportunity to earn commercial pilot’s licenses and flight instructor certifications. The report evaluates the initiative’s success in meeting project goals and provides lessons learned for future efforts to assist veterans in obtaining flight training to become airline pilots. The report also discusses pathways and opportunities for Americans seeking to become airline pilots, including flight training options. “The Forces to Flyers demonstration project has helped veterans transition from military service to good paying jobs as pilots,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The U.S. Department of Transportation and its Volpe National Transportation Systems Center developed Forces to Flyers in response to the airline pilot shortage that existed in 2017, which negatively impacted air services to small and rural communities across the country. Under the initiative, researchers sought to study pathways for

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entering the pilot workforce and identifying barriers to training and employment. One portion of the research was the development of a flight training demonstration focused on providing flight training to veterans on an accelerated schedule at vocational flight schools. The final report assesses the demonstration’s success in meeting its goals, including training efficiency, cost-effectiveness, veteran employment, and producing more pilots. The Forces to Flyers demonstration resulted in 32 veterans earning a commercial pilot’s license with a multiengine rating, which allows them to begin a career as a professional pilot. The report highlighted the high cost of flight training as a key barrier to people interested in becoming airline pilots, for veterans and non-veterans alike. The report also indicates that airlines and private sector operators themselves may be in a strong position to recruit, screen, and train future pilots as the needs of the labor market change and as airlines recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Editorial: A Crystal Ball

Continued from Page 7 represent aviation interests. Defiled by politicians as “special interest groups,” the likes of AOPA, NBAA, EAA and many other professional organizations are, perhaps, the last vestige of democratic representation. Now is the time to seek out and join that organization that best serves your needs, support them with contributions and encourage others in our aviation community to do the same. If the local media is disinterested in aviation, take the lead, and offer PR about local activities, airshows, employ-

ment fairs and other such events. Each of us can make a difference. In 1958, this writer was denied the medical certificate needed to pursue a professional aviation career by the newly formed FAA. But Grandma was there, wise to the ways of politics and unwilling to let that bureaucratic decision stand. Twelve months later, a bloodied and beaten government gave in. With 65 years of flying under my belt, I still fly professionally. The “little guy” can win, especially when you hook up with others that fight for the continued sanctity of FAR 91.3.

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The FAA recently expanded relief available for Part 135 pilot training and qualification, and for certain check airman qualifications due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Dec. 23 statement from NBAA. The most significant of these exemptions relates to Part 135 check airman observations, which extends the timeframe for a check airman to conduct a proficiency check under the observation of an FAA inspector from 24 to 36 months, subject to certain risk mitigations. “It has become increasingly difficult for operators to accomplish check airman observations over the last several months,� said Brian Koester, CAM, NBAA’s director of flight operations and regulations. “Inspectors have been unable to conduct observations due to COVID-related FAA policies or their own personal restrictions. Many check airmen authorizations have lapsed during the COVID crisis or are about to lapse with no options for remaining current.

The result is check airmen and pilots around the country risk being grounded. “This exemption allows Part 135 operators to continue to provide critical transportation to assist in COVID relief, humanitarian efforts and economic recovery,� Koester added. The FAA also allowed for an exemption, which extends the limited relief from Part 135 regulations for crewmember recurrent training and qualification requirements. This relief is available for pilots with training and qualification requirements due in January, February and March 2021. “NBAA appreciates the FAA’s consideration for the hardships Part 135 operators have endured during the COVID-19 crisis,� said Koester. “These exemptions and others like it allow Part 135 operators, many of which are smallor medium-size businesses, to safely continue their operations despite the pandemic.� To review the extensions, visit the NBAA website at nbaa.org.

On Wednesday. Dec. 16, Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) hosted their monthly Pilot Job Fair via virtual conference. The online event caught the attention of 536 job-hunting aviators, all of them interested in the existing job opportunities in an otherwise widelyaccepted stalled-out aviation industry. Companies such as Delta Private Jets, Aquiline Drones, Atlas and Southern Air, iAero Airways, Piedmont Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and industry newcomer XTRA Airways were present to speak with attendees and encourage them to apply immediately for open pilot posi-

tions within their ranks. Although pilot hiring is currently slowed due to the pandemic, airline hiring executives are predicting that the need for pilots will be extreme in the coming years as 20,000 pilots will reach the mandatory age of retirement between now and 2026. In response to the pending need, both college-based and independContinued on Page 11

FAPA VIRTUAL PILOT JOB FAIR DRAWS OVER 500 JOB-HUNTING PILOTS

AIR FORCE GIVES FAMILY FRESH START AFTER COVID-19 CRUSHES PRIVATE BUSINESS

January 2021

By Master Sgt. Chance Babin

W

Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States last March, many small businesses were forced to shutter and countless families fell on hard times. For one family affected, the Air Force offered a way for them to start a new life together. After years of working various jobs in the transportation industry, Richard Jimenez finally got the nerve to start his own trucking business in 2019. He thought 2020 was going to be an amazing year for his family. After the crushing loss of his business during the pandemic, Jimenez, his wife and their son all found their hopes and dreams shifting to something bigger – service in the Air Force. “I finally got up enough courage and capital to start my own company and it was a great feeling. Finally, my independence,â€? Richard said. “I could now create my own schedule and spend more quality time with the family and live the life I dreamt was ours all along. I basically lived in my truck trying to make my company work like many drivers across America. But I thought if I worked hard enough, I knew 2020 was going to be the year I could get back to my family and create the American dream I’d been chasing all along.â€? Then, one morning, Richard woke up and started making his usual phone calls, but no one was answering. “Everything seemed like it just stopped overnight,â€? he said. “I checked the news and wow, they were talking about a plague. My heart dropped into my stomach.â€? Richard came off the road and waited for some good news‌ but it never came. After hearing it would be a while before things would go back to normal, his wife, Jenna, asked him, “What are we

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going to do?� “I knew in that moment, I had to be strong and figure this out,� Richard said. “Everything I worked so hard to obtain had been snatched from us seemingly overnight by an invisible enemy. All the schooling and tech certifications and years of driving different equipment to get to this point and now I had nothing. I knew I could never allow this to happen again. I needed something permanent, something sure – a foundation that could assure that my family would not have to suffer again financially. It was time to find a support system.� Jenna struggled as well with how to pay the bills and how to be supportive for her husband. “When the business closed, it was a huge blow, not only to our financial situation but to Richard personally,� she said. “I had to watch as all of Richard’s hard work was snatched from him instantaneously. It was hard. I was at a loss. I’ve never seen my husband not know what to do. Richard worked day in and day out to make sure we had everything we could ask for. He would work in the rain, the snow and all sorts of hazardous conditions to make sure his family was comfortable.� As Jenna watched Richard grow more anxious and worried, she knew she needed to step up and do something. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,� she said. “The military would be the way I could take responsibility and get this man off the road. If I could make it so he never has to worry about anything like this ever again, I would do everything in my power to do so.� Before Jenna could tell Richard she was thinking of joining the military, he was settling on the same solution. While researching ways of surviving the pandemic on the internet, he found that most successful families have foundational members, like great grandparents, who had

Virtual Pilot Job Fair

Continued from Page 10 ent aviation programs are already starting to generate waiting lists for aspiring professional pilots to start their aviation career education. FAPA strives to assist professional pilots – whether future or active – in landing a successful cockpit career by providing the information and counseling needed at their monthly virtual Job Fairs, which are scheduled for the first half of the year on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Central

Time. The 2021 schedule of Pilot Job Fair events is as follows: 1/27, 2/24, 3/31, 4/28, 5/26 and 6/30. For more information about FAPA or to register for one of their Pilot Job Fairs or Future Pilot Forums, visit their website at www.FAPA.aero. For information about membership services for pilots, contact Craig Washka at 1-800 JET JOBS (538-5627) or via email to Washka@ fapa.aero.

served in the military and created a path to success. A light bulb went off in his mind. “Right before I could say the words, my wife says she thinks she could go to the military,� Richard said. “With an excited look on her face, she pitches the best plan ever. God is good. It would not only take me off the road, but I could

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potentially join and make a difference as well. I immediately felt a bit of hope rise up. This had to be it!� With the idea of both joining the military, they began researching the different branches and talking to recruiters, includContinued on Page 20 P.O. Box 5402 • San Mateo, CA 94402 (650) 358-9908 • Fax (650) 358-9254

Founder ..................................................................................................................Ciro Buonocore Publisher/Editor................................................................................................Victoria Buonocore Managing Editor..........................................................................................Annamarie Buonocore Production Editors ............................................................................Anne Dobbins, Steve Pastis Associate Editors .................................... Paul T. Glessner, Nicholas A. Veronico, Sagar Pathak Staff Contributors ..............................................S. Mark Rhodes, Larry Nazimek, Joe Gonzales Columnists ..................Stuart Faber, Eric McCarthy, Ed Wischmeyer, Marilyn Dash, Ed Downs Copy Editing ............................................................................................................Sally Gersbach Advertising Sales Manager ........................................Ed Downs (650) 358-9908, (918) 873-0280 In Flight USA is published each month by In Flight Publishing. It is circulated throughout the continental United States. Business matters, advertising and editorial concerns should be addressed to In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402 or by calling (650) 358-9908–fax (650) 358-9254. Copyright Š 2008 In Flight Publishing. In Flight USA is not responsible for any action taken by any person as a result of reading any part of any issue. The pieces are written for information, entertainment and suggestion – not recommendation. The pursuit of flight or any action reflected by this paper is the responsibility of the individual and not of this paper, its staff or contributors. Opinions expressed are those of the individual author, and not necessarily those of In Flight USA. All editorial and advertising matter in this edition is copyrighted. Reproduction in any way is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. In Flight USA is not liable or in any way responsible for the condition or airworthiness of any aircraft advertised for sale in any edition. By law the airworthiness of any aircraft sold is the responsiblity of the seller and buyer.

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s most In Flight USA readers know, airshows are a big part of who we are and what we do. A couple months ago, we featured the story of the Patriots Jet Team based in Northern California. This month, it is our pleasure to share with you a Southern California favorite, the Tiger Squadron. The Tiger Squadron is a formation flying and aircraft display team, featuring vintage warbirds. Their shows include civilian and military tributes and the famous “Missing Man� formation, which makes military memorials all the more touching. This formation has graced the skies of California and many other parts of the United States. We caught up with Guido Rietdyk, one of the lead pilots of Tiger Squadron and President and CEO at Fairway ImportExport, Inc. The following is their story. In Flight USA: Tell me a little bit about the Tiger Squadron and the history of it. Tiger Squadron: We are the premier Southern California formation team, so we fly warbirds in close formation for flyovers, special events, airshows, and so forth. We have a total of about 15 members who have been around for about 10 years. We use primary Chinese Air Force trainers as well as Russian Yaks. IF USA: How many planes are in the formation? TS: The formation changes all the time. We can fly anything from two up to 10 or bigger. We have even had a 48-ship flyover. A more customary flyover formation would include four. IF USA: What is your role in the organization? TS: We don’t really have a hierarchy other than Craig Ekberg who is the founder and king pin if you will. He is also the most senior pilot, which means he most often

(Courtesy of Tiger Squadron)

Tiger Squadron flying in formation. (Courtesy of Tiger Squadron)

flies in front as Lead Pilot. He sets the pace and determines the flight routine. All the other pilots look at the lead for direction. In a formation, only the lead looks where he is going, and the rest look at the lead. I am one of the formation pilots, and I have logged over 700 hours of formation flight time. We have gone all over the world, including the Bahamas and Mexico. IF USA: What is unique about your team or what sets you apart? TS: The unique quality that our team has is that we are one of the biggest in the country. We are also flying a lot. These kinds of skills go away if you don’t use them. We all live really close here in Southern California, so it is easy to get together a lot. Many of our guys are retired Air Force or retired civilians. We get together and practice a lot. With all this practice time, we can include a lot of variety that other teams don’t have. We are able to put together unusual formations that smaller teams cannot do. We can do flyovers with multiple elements, which makes our show pretty fun. IF USA: Where exactly in Southern California are you based? TS: We’re out of Torrance Airport, just south of Los Angeles. Just south of our airport, we have a piece of ocean that is an FAA designated practice area. This is a great place for us to practice and hone Continued on Page 13

January 2021

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Roaring Radical Engines Continued from Page 12 our skillset. We do dogfighting and red flag missions in which we find bombing targets, so it’s very helpful to have that practice area. IF USA: What are the three main aircraft used in the formations? TS: The most common plane in our formation is the Nanchang CJ 6A, which is the primary trainer of the Chinese Army and Air Force. The Chinese use that aircraft for 2,000 hours of their training. These planes have been rebuilt and have engines replaced in the U.S. or up in Canada. The second one we use is the Russian Yak 52, which was used from the late ‘50s to the ‘80s for the Russian Air Force. It has a lot in common with the Nanchang, but the wing shapes are different. The Nanchang is faster, a little more comfortable, and better for travel. The third one is the Russian Yak 50, which is a world championship winning aerobatics plane. The Russians for many, many years were exceptional aerobatic pilots because the Russian Air Force trains their fighter pilots that way. In the U.S., we train pilots and then train them for aerobatics. These are very capable planes. They really are lovely planes. IF USA: How do you recruit your pilots? TS: We fly very often with a GIB (guy in back). If there is room in our flights, then we are able to invite people. This speaks to many people who would love to experience a formation flight. These people often want to gain a skillset. The training is a very structured affair. We are part of an association that has a syllabus for formation flying. In our squadron, we have all the training materials. It normally takes about six months to a year to get it all done. IF USA: What are the requirements? TS: The only requirement is that you be a licensed private pilot and that by the time you do your formation check flight, that you have 350 hours. Members of our formation are required to fly every position during their time with us. You have to be very versatile, so it takes a lot of training. IF USA: How have you pivoted during the Covid-19 pandemic? TS: We do all the flyovers for the football games from college to professionals in the Los Angeles area. A lot of this has been cancelled or postponed, so we are hoping that this comes back soon. It is sad that there is not a lot of travel going on, but we use this time to practice and fly. With fewer planes in the sky, we have more space to practice. Guys are going up every day to go flying. We’re itching to do some

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Vertical formation. (Courtesy of Tiger Squadron)

events, and it looks like some of those are starting to come back. There are still flyovers that we are doing pro bono that we are flying in the same spirit as the Air Force Thunderbirds. IF USA: How do you obtain funding? TS: We are a nonprofit, so we get donations. We operate strictly on donations. We are looking for national sponsors, but we are flying so much that it is hard to find somebody. Please consider making donations and sponsorships. IF USA: Tell me about some of the work you are doing for cancer patients. TS: We support the award-winning Tour de Pier stationary cycling fundraiser and Cancer Support Community in Redondo Beach, who is one of three benefiting charities. I am chairman of the board for it, so I have been working for years to make sure they are an integral part of this. We provide a lot of volunteers for their annual events. The Tour de Pier annual event started in 2013. We have been doing a flyover for six of those years. Over the last seven years, we have raised over seven-and-a-half million dollars for cancer research. IF USA: Does your show have any kind of a Chinese flare? TS: We have been asked to fly over in China, and we had a Chinese sponsor to help us fly over there. They had a pretty lofty budget for that. But we were concerned that the FAA would not let our planes back in, so we decided against it. We had a delegation travel to the Chinese factory where our planes were built decades ago. There are some developments going on in building the next generation of these airplanes. IF USA: Thank You! To learn more about the Flying Tigers, including scheduling once events can safely happen or to make a donation, visit the team’s website at http://www.tigersquadron.com/

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INTERVIEW

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By Annamarie Buonocore

In Flight USA: How long has Hellenic Seaplanes been in business? Nicolas Charalambous: Hellenic Seaplanes started in May of 2013 after the new bill passed for the “Creation of a Development Friendly Environment for Strategic and Private Investments” that removes bureaucratic obstacles and boosts private investments in Greece through a strategic investment procedure

NICOLAS CHARALAMBOUS, PRESIDENT & CEO HELLENIC SEAPLANES S.A. In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

(known as “Fast Track’”). That law includes a specific framework for the operation of seaplane terminals and water aerodromes in Greece, giving operators and investors alike the green light for setting up seaplane operations to serve Greece’s islands, coastal cities, resorts and lakes throughout Greece. The seed had already been planted since 2005, when a Greek-Canadian company, called Air Sea Lines, tried to create a new market – that of the sea-

plane. There was a good infrastructure for the standards of that time and knowledge of the subject, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to the lack of an appropriate legal framework. The result was the company went bankrupt and ceased its operation. Over time, we tried to maintain the development of the network and waited for the right moment to act. The right moment has come, as the current government passed an updated and specific framework about the licensing and exploitation of water airports, which gives the appropriate flexibility to both private and public sector to invest and develop sustainable water airports on which the Greek seaplane aviation will be structured. IF USA: How did you get started? NC: The phrase that everyone is destined in this life for something specific and that the signs emerge very early in one’s life, sometimes without even being able to understand them, is often proven in practice. The sea has always been a familiar element to me, born in a coastal city, Limassol on the island of Cyprus with military service as a naval officer,

OF

January 2021

Seaplane arrival to one of the Greek Islands. (Courtesy Hellenic Seaplanes) and studies in the field of shipping, my engagement with seaplanes was the natural outcome of things. Greece is a country with the longest coastline in the whole of Europe, with more than 3,000 islands, 300 of which are inhabited. Realizing an untapped market for seaplanes in Greece, I saw an opportunity to fill a niche by flying from port to port with seaplanes thus, cutting Continued on Page 18

January 2021

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Cover Story: Dalcomm Tech

Continued from Page 4 much any loud-noise application. We even have some for less noisy situations such as videoconferencing. Training and simulation have been huge for us this year. One of the biggest selling points of our headsets is that you can switch out the cable. Some pilots fly both fixed-wing and rotorcraft. You can switch out the cord for either one or plug it into a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. We have hundreds of different radios that we work with. We can adapt to pretty much anything. We can make that happen. IF USA: Tell me about your testing process. BC: I am very proud of our testing process. I am an electrical engineer by trade. I built all the test fixtures and equipment we use to test product with. We do a functional test on every piece that goes through. We make sure everything is functioning well. In March, we instituted a cleaning process in which we sanitize everything before we package it. We wear gloves and make sure the entire process is clean in light of Covid-19. IF USA: How are you supporting women in aviation? BC: We just launched into aviation this year. As part of that effort, we support ‘Women Rock Wings,’ and ‘Women with Wings’ along with other groups on social media that support female pilots. We are working with several women pilots, including Meaghan Davis in the USAF, Amanda Cave in the U.S. We have another one out of Switzerland, helicopter pilot Carmen Alig-Hangartner. These pilots are actively using our headsets in the field all the time. We are trying to help as many aspiring female pilots as possible to become pilots. We are participating in a headset grant program and are giving away headsets to young female pilots because we know they can be expensive. IF USA: Tell me about your new partnership with Westone. BC: We offer headsets that have dual protection. This is common in the military and works great in helicopters that are extremely noisy. In addition to having the regular ear cup, there is an additional ear bud. We initially started working with a company called CEP USA. They manufacture these earplugs for the military. We are the commercial reseller for them. We have it in and ready to go, off the shelf. Westone makes custom ear molds that fit the CEP earplugs. They are also a U.S.based company. You can get them in any color you want and different size shells. You can find out more on how to order these on our Dalcomm Tech website, dalcomm tech.com. IF USA: How are you improving comfort in the cockpit?

BC: We are constantly looking to improve comfort. That is one thing that I am very proud of. I wear these sets all day long while working. I know that after so many hours certain things become noticeable. That is how we best test these products – we wear them ourselves. We make sure that they don’t have anything that stands out to you. To that end, we have four different types of ear seals, as these are closest to the head. We have various head-pad coverings and carbon fiber because it’s lightweight. The goal is to put it on, and five minutes later, you forget that you’re wearing it. They’re very pleasant. IF USA: How much is one of these? BC: It depends on the model. They range from $250 to a couple thousand. It just depends on how many features you would like to add to it. Right now, our biggest seller in aviation is priced exactly like a David Clark H13. They’re in the $300 range. We have many more features than the classic, like being able to switch out to USB. There are lots of different options. You tell us what you want. IF USA: How many different colors do you offer? BC: We recently had our mechanical engineer 3D print the cup shells with some new technology, so we can do any color you want. This summer we will be working on lavender, light blue, and pink (colors suggested by women pilots). We are planning to do a pink color for breast cancer awareness. Other popular options include orange, safety yellow and red. IF USA: How many work at Dalcomm? BC: We are largely contractor based. We have a distributor network as well. We have people in Maryland, Missouri, Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma. We have repair shops in the UK, Chile and Oklahoma. We are all over the world. Our main shop is here in Massachusetts. IF USA: What are your plans for the future? BC: I love this company. It is growing so fast. We have 12 product lines that we are developing. As we grow, we are building new products that we’ve already developed. We have products for fire trucks, super light headsets for TV trucks, and headsets for camera operators and sound engineers. I have loads of future products that I plan to launch as we keep growing. But the part I love the most is that we are here for you. Please call us and check us out. This is the most tactile part of flying, and we want to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Tell us what you want. We are here for you. For more information, visit: https://dalcommtech.com/

17

Communication On A Higher Plane

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T i ÃÕ«iÀL Þ V v ÀÌ>L i] Õ ÌÀ> } Ì V>ÀL wLiÀ i>`ÃiÌ ÃÌ> `>À` v À > À« > i and helicopter aviation headsets. Based on the familiar frame you know but with better price, better options, better warranty, better service. A large variety v ` vviÀi Ì V w}ÕÀ>Ì Ã] V À` i }Ì Ã > ` iÛi ` vviÀi Ì vÀ> ià >Ài >Û> >L i°

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

Hellenic Seaplanes Continued from Page 14 down travel time up to eight hours from existing modes of transportation and with infinitely more convenience and safety. To those for whom time is money, the economic advantages are significant, and to those for whom distance and access have been obstacles, the seaplane is a welcome solution. I formed a team of experts in the field that quickly managed to clear most

bureaucratic obstacles, and we are now in the process of licensing water aerodromes around the country in order to prepare the infrastructure for successful seaplane operations. With a goal to develop more than 100 water aerodromes around the country, we hope to establish as many water aerodromes as we can. IF USA: What is the primary purpose of your business? NC: The existing travel methods in

January 2021

Greece are so time consuming that “same-day” business trips are uneconomical, weekend travel of any distance is not viable, and the transportation of certain goods and services is impractical. Greece is under immense pressure to improve the way people, goods and services move throughout the country. The mission of Hellenic Seaplanes is to fill the gap existing in the Greek airand sea-travel market.

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We are going to succeed in it by the development and creation of the necessary infrastructure with water airports to provide the required operational support for safe, fast, efficient and affordable seaplane operations for our company and possibly other seaplane operators that may appear as a result of our success. Our motto is intrinsically linked with our name: “Connecting Greece.” Flying from port to port with seaplanes, we will develop new routes in Greece in order to provide unparalleled service and absorb unmet demand with a high sense of responsibility and commitment to both customer satisfaction and passenger safety, starting from key Greek destinations that for now are not sufficiently served. IF USA: What markets do you serve? How do you market your operation? NC: Both seaplane operations and water airports management are business sectors that have not been so popular until now in Greece. Moreover, the Greek population is not familiar enough with this alternative means of transportation. As the seaplane services are in early stages in the life cycle of Greece, Hellenic Seaplanes has created its marketing strategy focusing on two different targets: the Greek population that will be the potential buyers of our product and the media. We produce news about our actions and quality information material in order to educate our future passengers about the opportunities and the advantages that seaplanes offer, and we channelize them to the appropriate means of communication. We take advantage of digital and traditional ways of communication, we make campaigns and we produce material in order to achieve a high awareness of seaplanes in Greece and to highly connect them with our brand name. Furthermore, as we make our preparing processes for the beginning of our operations, our main aim is to make a multilevel service package. For this reason, we focus on creating partnerships with companies and enterprises from other fields such as travel operators, hotels, hospitals, etc. in order to achieve the differentiation from our competitors. IF USA: Who is your ideal customer? NC: Hellenic Seaplanes will approach the Greek market by offering high-quality services that did not exist until now: scheduled and chartered flights, sightseeing seaplane tours, transfers to hotels and resorts, cargo transport services, cruise passenger services and medical evacuation services. We have built our services based on the needs and desires that multiple cusContinued on Page 19

January 2021

www.inflightusa.com

19

Hellenic Seaplanes

Continued from Page 18 tomer categories have: tourists and residents who want to move fast to a place and they do not have a vehicle; families, couples who want to explore different destinations for example in a weekend, sightseers. It is important to say that our client base includes those who travel for personal or business reasons too, and this kind of buyer persona could be characterized as the key customer for our company, knowing that their time is money and that their travel convenience has big value. Hellenic Seaplanes will invest heavily in giving business travelers what they want, when they want and where they want it, including comfortability, value for (their) money (in) air services, responsibility in their flight implementation and loyalty schemes rewarding their repeat patronage. IF USA: What kind of tourism activities do you offer? NC: Our airline company is fully connected with the tourism sector, and we focus on sightseeing tours for both passengers and cruise passengers, as long as they transfer to resorts and hotels. Seaplanes offer a unique experience through sightseeing tours, as they can make flexible flights close to an attraction. This kind of service includes guiding tours over each destination’s sights whereas it also provides appropriate audio-visual equipment to the passengers so as to maximize their travel experience and enjoyment. Greece is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe for cruise passengers, and this can be proven by the hundreds of cruise ships that approach Greek ports all year long, especially during the summer months. Hellenic Seaplanes lives by the fact that Greece is a great tourist destination and works in combination with tourism agencies and companies that are specified in cruise tourism, creating travel packages offering the seaplane sightseeing experience for groups or individuals. On the other side, Hellenic Seaplanes provides transportation from our designated water airports to specific resort destinations or hotels, given the fact that the resorts have the proper infrastructure to accommodate the aircraft. Flying with seaplanes to hotels and resorts is ideal both for the transfer of VIP guests and for those who wish to arrive quickly and easily to their destination, and for this reason, as a company we create specific collaborations with hotels and resorts. IF USA: How much does it cost to fly with you? NC: The competitive advantages of seaplanes include their affordable cost of use, since their selection allows value for

(504)723-5566 Boarding the seaplane. (Courtesy Hellenic Seaplanes)

A Hellenic seaplane in the air. (Courtesy Hellenic Seaplanes)

money and fast flights for one passenger. Indicatively a trip with an overall distance of 171 km, will be covered in 34 minutes at a cost of 85 euros ($104 U.S. dollars). As you understand, the cost will vary depending on the time distances covered by the seaplanes as well as the demand of each route. Nevertheless, Hellenic Seaplanes organizes its plan based on flights that will not exceed 45 minutes, so the cost will actually have a ceiling of approximately 90 euros (about $110 U.S. dollars). Our goal is to get the passenger who will use the seaplane for the first time to become a repeat user, and we believe as a company that it can be developed into a useful means for everyone. IF USA: What type of aircraft do you use? NC: Τhe seaplane operations, not only in Greece but worldwide, need a solid water airports-network to be created in order to be economically and operationally viable. Hellenic Seaplanes is moving methodically in this direction, having a plan to create a network of at least eight waterways before bringing its first seaplanes to Greece. Regarding our seaplanes, the strategy department handles the communicaContinued on Page 21

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20

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

Air Force Gives Family Fresh Start

Continued from Page 11 ing Tech. Sgt. Jeffry Stamm, an enlisted accessions recruiter with the 314th Recruiting Squadron in Hatboro. “Jenna and Richard were looking for a fresh start,” Stamm said. “Jenna had been a homemaker for the past three years and was looking to start a career and continue her education. Richard always had an interest in serving his country and felt the time was right for a career change. After they both were preliminary qualified, I started to ask them some of their future goals and aspirations. It became clear that the Air Force would be better for them when it came down to the quality of life and educational goals they were both seeking.” Stamm shared his family life experiences with Jenna and Richard. He also pulled up his travel records to show how many times he has been on temporary duty assignments and his leave and earnings statements to show how much he pays for healthcare and life insurance, how the Thrift Savings Plan works, and how much basic housing allowance and basic allowance for subsistence he receives monthly. Jenna and Richard were sold on the benefits the Air Force has to offer and the job security it provides. “The Air Force is something that is always going to be there. I think it might be the most reliable job there is,” Jenna said. “When the world stops on the drop of a

The Jimenez family stands with Tech Sgt. Jeffry Stamm, 414th Recruiting Squadron enlisted accessions recruiter in Haboro, Pa., Nov. 14, 2020. After their business was forced to close due to difficult circumstances during the coronavirus pandemic, the three adult members of the family decided to join the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo) dime, you don’t have to worry about being senior, with them. Stamm asked him out of a job, paying your rent or putting about his plans. food in your children’s mouths. Not only “Amarion was supposed to graduate will you have support from your Air Force in May of 2020, but because of his vocafamily and community in hard times but the tional school and the specific hands-on Air Force itself. Not to mention, our family training involved, the graduation requirecould also help people and be supportive for ments had to be delayed until August them. It just seems to be a perfect fit.” because of COVID(-19),” the recruiter One day when Richard and Jenna said. “He was one of about 10,000 stuwere visiting with Stamm, they happened dents affected. He was enrolled in a jobto have their son, Amarion, a high school corps program through his high school in

January 2021 the automotive technology field. After hearing this, I explained some of the mechanical and electrical career fields the Air Force has, and the opportunities for Amarion to continue his education, get valuable job experience, and have medical and dental benefits as well as a retirement plan that would be tough to find in the civilian sector.” Amarion was interested. “While looking deeper into the military, I got to see that they will pay for my college and provide me with health insurance,” he said. “And once you’re in service, you will be part of a brotherhood that only the military can offer.” Like his parents, Amarion decided to join. “What made me join the greatest Air Force was my family, the communication and the quality of life I’ve seen so far,” he said. “Every single Airman I’ve spoken to has been honest and open with me. They didn’t make me any promises they couldn’t keep and they’ve given me respect.” Richard said he is excited his son decided to join at such a young age so he can take advantage of the educational benefits, build a career and see the world. “I am just so proud of him,” Richard said. “He will not only be given a real chance at an amazing life, but be given all kinds of opportunities that only the Air Force can provide. I am not only honored

Continued on Page 21

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Fresh Start

Continued from Page 20 to be his dad, but I’m especially honored to be able to serve with him as an Airman in the United States Air Force.� “As a mom, of course I want Amarion at the same base as us, to be able to see him and check up on him to make sure he is OK,� Jenna said. “But I also want him to have independence and learn and grow on his own. I want him to take advantage of being able to ship overseas, explore the world. He’s so young so he can go wherever for as long as he pleases. I’m excited for his future.� Amarion and Jenna are extremely close since she and Richard were there for him following the loss of his biological mother. “When my son lost his biological mother when he was 13, that was probably one of the hardest things I had to help Amarion overcome,� Richard said. Amarion’s biological mom had an infection in her heart that spread to her brain. “She left him in my custody while she tried to get herself well, but unfortunately she wasn’t able to get better,� Richard said. “That’s when Jenna really stepped up and provided him with the energy he needed at the time. As you can imagine, Amarion had a lot of hurt, confusion and questions at such a time. Jenna definitely stood in front of that with me and we all overcame it together as a team – all of us, the Jimenez family.� While Richard was always there for

www.inflightusa.com his son, having Jenna step in and fill that void has lifted Amarion in his times of need and has created a bond that has made and kept this family close and operating as a team. “Since my mother’s passing, Jenna has been there for me,� Amarion said. “She’s been there to pick me up when I’m down, she’s kept me strong when I felt weak and she cared for me when I felt broken.� While there are three members of the Jimenez family ready to join the Air Force, there’s a fourth member who is not quite ready yet – Amarion’s 3-year-old sister, Layla. Since Jenna is scheduled to leave for basic military training first, Richard is set to take care of Layla and Amarion while she is away. “We are excited about Jenna leaving first, especially since this was kind of her idea,� Richard said. “We are proud of her courage and willingness to go ahead of us. Amarion and I will be just fine with Layla, also known as ‘the boss.’ She’ll have us here while mommy becomes an Airman. Jenna is already a superhero to Layla, so this is just an upgrade for us.� “Leaving Layla is going to be ridiculously difficult,� Jenna said. “She’s three and it’s been me and her forever. To leave her for a few months, let alone during the holidays, is gut wrenching. But the reason behind it is so much bigger than a Christmas. I may have missed this Continued on Page 22

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Hellenic Seaplanes

Continued from Page 19 tions and the negotiations with leading international brands of manufacturers in the seaplane market. What I could say at this early stage is that our plan includes the purchase of 20 amphibious twin-engine aircraft in total during its full implementation and at the specific timing the purchase of four seaplanes with an immediate goal to fly in 2021. As we evolve our plan, we as a team follow closely the spread of COVID-19 in our country, which is something that negatively affected both tourism and transportation sectors all over the world. We do this in order to make the right decisions about the beginning of our seaplane operations using our fleet. IF USA: What are your goals for the future? NC: Hellenic Seaplanes is a pioneer in the field of seaplanes in Greece, and we intend to remain the leader by setting the bar high in everything we do. We intend to build on the success of Hellenic Seaplanes in Greece and leverage our experience and profitability into other EU markets that represent similar opportunities.

By deploying the latest cutting-edge technologies in the field, designing effective and efficient systems and building quality controls from scratch, we aim at ensuring the highest possible quality of service, operation and safety based on the needs of our passengers and customers. IF USA: Do you have anything else you would like to add? NC: Hellenic Seaplanes set the bases in Greece for the beginning of the seaplane operations in our country. We aim to ensure the highest level of services and operational safety while focusing around the needs, wants comforts and convenience of our passengers and clients. Regarding this, we hope to host on our seaplane flights the American passengers that want to come in Greece and live the unbelievable experience of flying from port to port over beautiful regions and amazing Greek seas, reaching their desired final destinations with convenience and safety. IFU: Thank you. For more information, visit the Hellenic Seaplanes website at www.hellenic-seaplanes.com.

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22

FAA APPROVES COVID-19 VACCINES, REQUIRES 48-HOUR NO-FLY RULE

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

T

January 2021

By Alyssa J. Cobb AOPA

Flight Instruction Aircraft Rentals Mountain Flying Tailwheel Instruction Michael Duncan, CFII, MEI 2410 Rickenbacker Way • Auburn, CA 95602 530-820-3442 sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com

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he FAA approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for pilots and air traffic controllers on Dec. 19, requiring the same 48-hour wait period before “conducting safety-sensitive aviation duties,” as it did for the PfizerBioNTech vaccine. The policy was released one day after the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine. The PfizerBioNTech vaccine received FDA authorization on Dec. 11 and was permitted by the FAA on Dec. 12. “Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the PfizerBioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour no fly/no safety related duty interval must be observed after each dose,” the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine said. The agency reminded pilots and air traffic controllers that “they are prohibited from performing flight crewmember duties or air traffic control duties if they do not meet medical certification requirements, including those related to adverse events from medications that render them unable to perform such duties.” As the FDA authorizes additional vaccines, the FAA will evaluate and release policies. The agency reiterated that it would “monitor the patient response to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines

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Continued from Page 21 Christmas, but with that sacrifice, we will never have to live the way we are right now ever again.” Stamm said he was proud to help the Jimenez family join the Air Force and bounce back from the devastating blow COVID-19 delivered. “For people who may have lost their jobs during the pandemic, or maybe just want a fresh start, the Air Force has great opportunities,” he said. “We offer guaranteed contracts for four or six years in more than 140 career fields. I also feel the job experience you get in the Air Force is one of the biggest benefits we have. The Air Force gives you the opportunity to obtain a degree in one of 71 degree programs through the Community College of the Air Force while

The FAA has approved the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for pilots and air traffic controllers, requiring the same 48-hour wait period before “conducting safety-sensitive aviation duties.” The vaccines must receive special handling at each step of the delivery process. (Courtesy of UPS Inc. /AOPA)

and may adjust this policy as necessary to ensure aviation safety.” Air traffic controllers and pilots played a critical role in the shipment of the first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Dec. 13 when UPS Inc. Vice President of Flight Operations and Safety Houston Mills (an AOPA member) and first officer Neal Newell flew the cargo from Lansing, Michigan, to Louisville, Kentucky. “Pilots and air traffic controllers are key players in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as evidenced throughout the year by delivering personal protective equipment and more recently by transporting the vaccines,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “I am pleased the FAA is acting quickly to evaluate and allow pilots and controllers to take either of the FDAapproved vaccines and return to work and flying after a short period.” Learn more at the FAA website, faa.gov or the AOPA website, aopa.com. gaining job experience which makes you marketable in the civilian sector.” Richard may be one of the oldest people in his basic training flight, but he’s looking forward to the challenge. “This is not just a story about a 37year old joining the Air Force,” he said. “This is an example of perseverance even when the odds are stacked against you,” Richard said. “Statistically this shouldn’t be possible, but I refuse to accept defeat even in the face of the worst pandemic the world has seen in 100 years. I stand on all 10 toes and keep pushing forward. Our country is in need of strength. I am ready to serve. People ask, why did I give the Air Force a shot? Because I’ve always aimed high, so why stop now?”

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The The Trinidad Trinidad Center Center 1941 BOEING/STEARMAN A75 N1

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Operated by Central Iowa Airlines as a passenger aircraft. Later converted to a freighter aircraft. Dual cargo doors, cargo floor, parachute jump door, gill liner interior, an interior power cargo winch and heavy landing gear. Later fitted with 8 passenger seats. Part 125 R.F.S. progressive maintenance program. Logbooks and maintenance binders. TJ Aircraft Sales can help with your aircraft needs. We are a full service aircraft sales business operating in Marin County, CA, since 1986. We principally represent singleengine piston airplanes and are Socata specialists. We also provide help in setting up partnerships, consulting, appraising, purchasing/renting hangars, repossessions and more. Please call us with your aircaft questions.

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2011 JABIRU J230SP

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All specifications and representations are believed to be accurate to the best knowledge of the seller. However, it is the buyer’s responsibility to verify all information prior to purchase.

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PRESIDENT SIGNS COVID-19 RELIEF BILL, PROVIDES SUPPORT TO AVIATION 24

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

By Eric Blinderman AOPA

President Donald Trump signed a $2.3 trillion package of bills Dec. 27 that includes $1.4 trillion to fund the government through September and a $900 billion stimulus package to provide relief

from the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the $900 billion COVID19 relief package that was passed by the House and Senate, airports are slated to receive $2 billion, of which $45 million is designated for general aviation airports. Much of the relief for GA airports will address the needs of smaller aviation-

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As part of the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package signed by President Trump on Dec. 27, airports are slated to receive $2 billion, of which $45 million is designated for general aviation airports. (Courtesy AOPA)

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January 2021

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

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28

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL AIRLINE LAWS CHANGING In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

January 2021

On Jan. 11, Laws Pertaining to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) Flying on Airlines Will Change

In 2020, the Department of Transportation made a new determination that only service dogs would continue to be protected under the American’s with Disabilities Act, thus categorizing emotional support animals as pets, according to One Pet. So far, only Southwest Airlines have stated that they will continue to accept ESA’s at no charge. Both Alaska and American Airlines have stated that they will no longer accept emotional support animals on flights. However, several airlines accept pets for a fee. Those who have already booked flights this year with their ESA should look into each airline policy, as some will still be accepting ESA’s from existing reservations. The final rule issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) states that a service animal is defined as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. It allows airlines to recognize emotional support animals as pets, rather than service animals, and permits airlines to limit the number of service animals that one passenger can bring onboard

an aircraft to two service animals. Licensed mental health professional Prairie Conlon explained the new rule this way: “Basically what it comes down to is the animal’s training. They are saying an individual with PTSD who has a trained dog can have the animal with them during air travel, but if the individual has PTSD and doesn’t have the luxury of being gifted a service dog, or can’t afford the costs of obtaining a service dog which can run upwards of $50,000, then their PTSD doesn’t qualify/isn’t valid. That’s textbook discrimination on several levels. I’m honestly astonished that they pushed this through. There are so many other options, such as tightening restrictions and requiring basic training, that could have solved the issue. So many news sources keep referring to the peacock incident of 2018 and of course they are saying good riddance, as am I. But what they fail to realize is that that incident did cause a lot of change and those types of animals haven’t seen ESA status for air travel since then. Stop referring to the peacock. It’s not a valid argument anymore. Nobody is fighting for the peacock to be an ESA.” Conlon is an LPC, NPC and Clinical Director of CertaPet. Centra Pet also made a statement:

“We at Certapet think this is a great disservice to those facing mental health challenges that get emotional support from their animal. We understand that there have been incidents that have discredited emotional support animals and the service they provide, but those situations could be prevented by increased regulation. We think emotional support peacocks are ridiculous too. Providing clear guidelines for certification and vetting companies in the industry would have been simple steps to solve this challenge for all stakeholders.” The rule states the following: The final rule allows airlines to require passengers with a disability traveling with a service animal to complete and submit to the airline a form, developed by DOT, attesting to the animal’s training and good behavior, and certifying the animal’s good health. For flight segments of eight hours or more, the rule allows airlines to require passengers to complete and submit a DOT form attesting that the animal has the ability either not to relieve itself on a long flight or to relieve itself in a sanitary manner. In addition, this final rule allows airlines to require a service animal user to provide these forms up to 48 hours in advance of the date of travel

The Department of Transportation made a new determination that only service dogs would continue to be protected under the American's with Disabilities Act, thus categorizing emotional support animals as pets. (Courtesy Emotional Support Animal Center www.emotionalsupportanimalcenter.com.)

if the passenger’s reservation was made prior to that time. As an alternative, airlines may require a passenger with a disability seeking to travel with a service animal in the cabin to provide the forms at the passenger’s departure gate on the date of travel. However, the final rule prohibits airlines from requiring that a passenger physically check-in at the airport solely on the basis that the individual is traveling with a service animal, thus ensuring that service animal users are not prevented from enjoying the same convenience-related benefits provided to Continued on Page 42

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Flying With Faber

HOTELS FOR FUTURE VISITS

I

had hoped that, by this time, I would be packing my bags, climbing into my airplane, or a commercial flight, and heading off to some new destination. It looks like that will not be happening in the near future. I won’t even hop into a car and drive to the next town. Many renowned epidemiologists have told us that the etiology of the current COVID surge can be traced to the increase in travel over the holidays. I accept them at their word. It’s anyone’s choice to exercise their right to travel. It’s my right to stay put. When flying my own airplane, I’ve always erred on the side of safety. Some have called me cowardly. My answer to them is that, in my 70 years of engaging in general aviation, I’ve gotten this far without a scratch on myself – or on any airplane. I’m a healthy coward and I plan to keep it that way. I have always maintained a safe distance from thunderstorms, icy clouds and fierce crosswinds. Likewise, I plan to maintain a safe distance from pathogens whose only goal is to climb aboard me as their host. So, here is another article on places that I plan to visit once this pandemic is behind us.

Let’s Dream about Fort Worth, Texas

Although I love Dallas, I’ve always held a special place in my heart for its neighborhood twin, Fort Worth. It’s a big city with a congenial, small-town feel. I always make time to stop in for a feast at Joe T. Garcia’s, a legendary indoor-outdoor Tex-Mex dining icon. I love to saunter around the old Stockyards and its collection of inviting shops and restaurants. Soon, a new hotel will be opening adjacent to the Stockyards. I’ve longingly gazed and daydreamed over these renderings of the guestrooms, restaurants and public spaces and just can’t wait to visit. Drover Hotel, 200 Mule Alley Drive, Fort Worth, TX 75062, 817-420-6014. For decades after the Civil War, drovers herded longhorn cattle from Texas along the Chisholm Trail, driving them north through Indian Territory to railheads in Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Missouri. Fort Worth served as one of the final stops, where drovers could rest on their return trip back down the trail. With their pioneering spirit, these brave and hearty men fueled the economy and helped

The Lobby Lounge (Courtesy Drover Hotel, Fort Worth)

to create the legend of the West. We often refer to these folks as cowboys. When The Drover Hotel opens in early 2021, it will offer a distinctive aura that will capture the spirit of the journeys of the drovers and the history of the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Lobby will showcase a twostory library with books recounting the tales of the Texas influence. A chic, western-style bar with cushy seating for latenight libations will be the setting for gathering and casual reading.

The untamed spirit of the West will be artfully captured in the Frontier guest rooms. Marked by rugged, ranch-inspired details and balanced by refined finishes and vibrant artwork, they will assuredly be as comfortable as they are colorful. The Republic rooms will pay tribute to the history of Texas. Showcasing industrial western design, these rooms blend fine materials and dark tones with handmade Texas furnishings. This thoughtfully designed atmosphere will blend classic and modern. The Bunkhouse Rooms will be truly unique. These old-fashioned rooms will feature a king bed with a single overhead bunk for flexible sleeping arrangements. And there is more. Six well-appointed rustic-swanky suites will provide spacious and inventively appointed living areas and intimate, personal spaces that are both inviting and inspiring. Suite features will include reclaimed wood beams, custom fireplaces and patios, handcrafted furnishings, curated regional art and luxurious amenities. Sizes range from 890 to 1265 square feet.

Meeting Space

The Drover Hotel guestroom. (Courtesy Drover Hotel, Fort Worth)

Hotel Drover will open 200 cozy guest rooms and suites, representing three different room types, as well as a fourth-floor VP Suite, and an oversized fifth-floor Presidential Suite. Authentic Texas-style touches and charming features will dominate the accommodations. Each guest room will be equipped with Los Poblanos artisan lavender products, boot jacks, and King Ranch items. From hospitable guest rooms and rustic-luxe suites to modern bunkhouse rooms and vintage-inspired retreats, The Drover will offer authentic Texas-style ambience and charming features that you won’t find in any other hotel. Guests will be able to select from four guestroom configurations. In keeping with the spirit of the drovers, the guest quarters will pay homage to the history and culture of Texas. A perfect place to set up camp, these rooms are guaranteed to immerse you in comfort and authentic western charm. Combining rustic design details with modern convenience, they will be a welcome retreat after long days of exploring Fort Worth.

With more than 40,000-square-feet of combined historic meeting space, including the grand hall and elegant event barn, along with meeting rooms and spaces for gatherings of all kinds, the meeting staff will deliver experiences that merge elements of western charm and modern Fort Worth ambience. I can’t wait to join a get-together at The Barn. With its high, vaulted ceilings and exposed 150year-old reclaimed timbers, The Barn will resemble no meeting room you have ever seen. The earthy, yet refined grandeur of the interior merges with the lushly landscaped outdoor space to create a truly unforgettable venue for your special event. From micro-weddings and intimate receptions to huge anniversary parties and galas, Legacy Hall will be an elegant and tastefully detailed space with an accompanying outdoor veranda overlooking Marine Creek.

Dining and Beverages

Of course, The Drover will be serving Texas size steaks. 97 West Kitchen & Bar, led by Executive Chef Grant Morgan, will feature a menu of contemporary Texas fare, sumptuous ranch clas-

Stuart J. Faber and Aunt Bea

Restaurant (Courtesy Drover Hotel, Fort Worth) sics, and reimagined Southern comfort foods like NY strip chicken fried steak or brick iron chicken, plus family-style shared plates. The dining area will have more than 200 seats including secluded semi-private tables, three private dining rooms, and two chef’s tables with one outdoors. The Lobby Bar will be an interior designer’s dream. Casual and cozy, it’s bound to be a popular place to gather and enjoy snacks and liquid refreshment. Next to the Marine Creek and near The Stockyards, The Backyard will be an outdoor oasis surrounded by towering oak trees. Within the grounds will be an in-ground pool, a hot tub, three poolside cabanas, fire pits, a live entertainment stage, casual seating, and yard games.

Great Places To Explore Within Steps Of The Hotel Mule Alley

Mule Alley is a new, brick-lined pedestrian venue along the Fort Worth Stockyard’s main thoroughfare. There will be outdoor street dining, period streetlamps, local street art, lively music and horse-drawn carriages.

Cultural District

A world-renowned Fort Worth attraction, the city’s designated Cultural District is home to one of the finest collections of museums, galleries and performance spaces in America. Be sure to visit the Kimbell Art Museum, Texas Cowgirl Hall of Fame and the Amon Carter Museum. Continued on Page 30

30

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

Flying with Faber Continued from Page 29

Sundance Square

Fort Worth’s downtown is a lively center of discovery and activity. Enjoy dining and shopping at Sundance Square, live entertainment at Bass Performance Hall and education and exploration at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Sporting Events

Home of the new Dickies Arena Will Rogers Memorial Center, TCU and Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth is a great place to be a sports fan. For a professional game, venture to nearby to AT&T Stadium.

Shopping

Explore the mix of locally and nationally known casual to fine dining restaurants and bars which showcase a variety of Texas-style dining options. Restaurants include acclaimed restaurateurs and chefs Tim Love, Jason Boso,

Two general aviation airports serve the destination. Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW) is 14 miles from the city. At an elevation of 723 feet above sea level, the field has a set of parallel runways. Runway

16R/34L is 11,000 feet long. Runway 16L/34R is 9,800 feet long. ILS, LOC and RNAV procedures are available for both. I suggest Alliance Air Service 800/318-9268 with every service including car rentals. Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW) is five miles north of Fort Worth. Runway 16/34 at 710 feet above sea level is 7,500 feet long. Runway 17.35 is 4,000 feet long. ILS and RNAV procedures are available for R16/34. Texas Jet is my recommended FBO. Their toll-free number is 800/776-4547. I can’t wait to return to Fort Worth and visit The Drover. I anticipate it will bring me back to 19th Century Texas with the comfort and convenience of 2021 amenities.

Aircraft Assembly. Each apprentice is a paid employee of Piper Aircraft and receives a full benefits package. The accredited apprenticeship program, which is conducted in cooperation with Indian River State College, began in August 2019 and was created in response to the increasing demand for high quality manufacturing candidates at Piper Aircraft. The first group of apprentices, which began in 2019, will graduate in the summer of

2021. The second class is currently completing their first semester of the program and are continuing to shadow skilled aircraft assembly workers and learn all aspects of fabrication and assembly of aircraft during the two-year initiative. Piper Aircraft will be hosting several informational sessions for prospective apprentices (parents / guardians and significant others welcome) at the Piper Aircraft factory in Vero Beach during the coming

months. The sessions will include a brief presentation, the opportunity to meet with current apprentices as well as program coordinators. Additionally, guidance will be provided on the application process and timing. E-mail: apprentice@piper.com or visit Piper.com for available dates and details. The 2021 application can be found on the Piper website under the Careers tab: www.piper.com. For questions regarding the program, e-mail: apprentice@piper.com.

With more than 35 shops within the Stockyards district, the re-imagined Mule Alley and historic Exchange Avenue, there is something for every taste. Discover western legacy brands, apparel boutiques, artisan shops, Texas souvenirs, home accessories and lifestyle shops.

Restaurants and Bars

Marcus Paslay, Grady Spears and more.

January 2021

Entertainment

From the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive and historic tours to live music at Billy Bob’s and rodeos and events at Cowtown Coliseum, you can immerse yourself in the culture of the American West.

Airports

PIPER AIRCRAFT OPENS APPLICATION FOR 2021 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Piper Aircraft recently announced that it has opened the application period for the 2021 Apprenticeship Program. The 2021 group, which will begin in August, will be the third apprenticeship class to begin at Piper Aircraft’s world headquarters in Vero Beach, FL. The two-year program includes a combination of on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction designed to qualify the participants as a Journeyman in

January 2021

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FAA ANNOUNCES NEW AIRPORT GRANT PROGRAM In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act (CRRSAA) (H.R. 133) (PDF), signed into law by the President on Dec. 27, 2020, includes $2 billion in funds to be awarded as economic relief to eligible U.S. airports and eligible concessions at those airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. “This new grant program will provide much-needed economic relief to airports around the country as they address the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. To distribute these funds, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established the Airport Coronavirus

NBAA applauded the official establishment of a new Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor (SSTC) for use in testing non-military aircraft that fly faster than the speed of sound, announced Dec. 17 by Gov. Laura Kelly and the

Response Grant Program. The FAA will make grants to all eligible airports that are part of the national airport system, including all commercial service airports, all reliever airports, and some publicowned general aviation airports.

January 2021

• Primary commercial service airports, those with more than 10,000 annual passenger boardings, will share $1.75 billion based on the number of annual boardings, in a similar way to how they currently receive Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement funds. • Primary commercial service air-

ports will share an additional $200 million based on the number of annual boardings, and these funds will then be available for these airports to provide relief from rent and minimum annual guarantees to on-airport car rental, on-airport parking, and in-terminal airport concessions. Airports will provide this relief to each airport concession based on its proportional share of the total annual rent and minimum annual guarantees for the airport. • Non-primary commercial service and general aviation airports will share $45 million based on their airport categories (see www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/ca tegories/), such as National, Regional, Local, and Basic. Of that $45 million, airports that participate in the FAA Contract

Tower Program will divide $5 million equally. These funds will provide economic relief to airports around the country affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The FAA intends to implement this program quickly to support the economic recovery of the national airport system. The FAA will provide further updates over the coming days and will release allocation amounts under each formula when they are finalized. Visit the Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program website at www.faa.gov/airports/crrsaa/ for additional information. For additional questions related to this new program, email CARESAirports@faa.gov.

state’s Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Julie Lorenz. “This high-altitude flight corridor gives Kansas a strategic advantage in attracting companies involved in the development of supersonic aircraft, and

will play a significant role in our state’s ability to encourage economic development as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said in a statement. The Kansas SSTC is a 770-nauticalmile racetrack-shaped corridor at or

above an altitude of 39,000 feet. The FAA’s Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center assessed this route to protect the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Continued on Page 42

Under this new Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program:

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

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o, I’m not talking about irrelevant lectures from overaged college profs, I’m talking about flying in high winds at Savannah, sometimes accompanied by buzzards. And no, I’m not talking about high surface winds, but winds aloft. One of my rules of thumb is that if the winds at 3,000 feet are forecast to be 30 knots or more, it’s likely to be bumpy, and with that much wind, forecasts may be unreliable – if there are clouds around, that is. I have flown several times with surface winds five knots or so and winds in the traffic pattern of 25 knots or so, with no problems. So one day, I’m out at the airport, waiting to take off, and this regional jet tells the tower that the winds on final were 30 knots, all the way down to 300 feet. Surface winds were less than 10 knots, but still… So what did I do? I called ground control and taxied back. 0.2 hours loggable (the airplane moved under its own power for purposes of flight), and no landings. I called FSS to report this and was maybe not surprised that the regional jet

By Ed Wischmeyer

WINDY & BUZZARDS

Homebuilder’s Workshop

January 2021

had not filed a PIREP. I filed one and, when I checked, the PIREP showed that an RV-9A had encountered the winds. Well, not really. I checked 1-800-WXBRIEF and ForeFlight on the web, and only one of them displayed the PIREP. I don’t remember which one but not good that it only showed up once. Also, when I just want to check the Savannah weather, both of them required me to put in all the information for a flight plan, and one of them required the origin and destination to be different. That kind of inconvenience is surely a disincentive to get up-to-date weather. On the other hand, ForeFlight on the iPhone lets you select an airport and get all the information about the airport, including METAR, TAF, and winds aloft. Extremely handy! Another feature of ForeFlight, and maybe others, is the weather display. ForeFlight lets you choose lowest radar scan (is there moisture coming out of the bottom of the clouds) and composite (how much total moisture is there at all altitudes combined at that one location.) My free weather app

misses lots of radar detail that ForeFlight shows. Also, ForeFlight often/ sometimes shows which way the storms are moving and how fast. A few days later, winds at 3,000 were forecast at 28 knots or so and, again, benign on the surface. My RV-9A has a Garmin G3X Touch system, which like others, takes true airspeed, heading, GPS track, and GPS speed to compute winds aloft. It was a little bumpy, not too bad, but I really wasn’t expecting winds in the traffic pattern, 1,000 AGL, to show up as 35 knots. Turbulence was light, no pronounced wind shear, so very doable. Get back on the ground, call FSS, file a PIREP. But then on some of these nice, clear Georgia winter days, the buzzards are out, sometimes flying solo, sometimes in formation. Somehow I’ve mis-trained myself to only look for them on final, but… On one trip around the pattern, there was one on final, on the next trip, a gaggle on final, and on the trip after that, a gaggle when I was ready to turn downwind to base. That was my last landing of the day… the buzzard-to-fun ratio was in

1980 CESSNA 340A RAM IV

the red. Another problem of flying at an airport with Class C airspace, especially with any atmospheric disturbances, is that every traffic pattern is different, and you never get a chance to really get things dialed in for a power-off approach. The upside is that given a mixture of short approaches, extend downwind, I’ll call your turn to crosswind, etc., you get to be unflappable and can land from almost any kind of approach. Another kind of currency that I work at is flying from both the left and right seats. These days, almost all of my flying is from the left seat, so I made a point of having several traffic pattern sessions from the right seat. The first session was, shall we say graciously, safe, but on the second session, I got things dialed in, just as they should be. Nice.

•••••

The loss of control research and the Continued on Page 39

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In Flight USA Celebrating 35 Years

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

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January 2021

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

January 2021

It has been said that the only voluntary act in aviation is the decision to take-off. Every action after take-off involves the skillful management of risk, the enjoyment of flight and a continuous stream of decisions that result in a safe landing. In 1974, NASA created the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to allow aviation professionals to share experiences in a frank, non-punitive manner. The ASRS structure allows pilots and other aviation professionals to file an anonymous report of an incident, error or occurrence that the contributor feels might be of value to others. These reports are gathered, analyzed and data based by NASA experts and made available to all interested parties as a tool for creating proactive aviation safety programs. Additionally, NASA distributes an electronic publication, CALLBACK, which contains selected, de-identified, reports on a free subscription basis. In Flight USA is proud to reprint selected reports, exerpted from CALLBACK, for our readers to read, study, occasionally laugh at, and always learn from. Visit http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/ to learn how you can participate in the ASRS program.

NASA CALLBACK: FLYING VFR INTO DETERIORATING WEATHER

Every pilot, undoubtedly, has a story to tell about flying VFR into deteriorating weather. Whether or not a flying pilot is instrument-rated, FAA regulations specify minimum visibility and cloud clearance criteria for VFR flight that safeguard both IFR and VFR operations. An unauthorized or inadvertent transition from VFR to IMC jeopardizes both and can be stressful, particularly if the pilot is non-instrumentrated or non-current, or if the aircraft is not IFR equipped. When a VFR flight enters IMC, the pilot is often disadvantaged and the transition challenging. Some pilots may be more suited to handle VFR flight into IMC, but each weather encounter is, in some respect, unique, and no one is exempt from human factors that largely influence outcomes.

This month, CALLBACK showcases incidents of VFR flight into IMC. Reporter qualifications vary significantly, as does flight experience. Observe the weather. Take special care to identify the human factors and the decisions and judgments that shaped each situation. Finally, note the lessons and wisdom imparted by these reporters.

Early Lessons

This student pilot learned a good lesson from a situation that has surprised and prepared many who have gone before. • I was on a solo cross country. All forecasts showed overcast clouds at 6,000 feet. My route was 4,500 feet [outbound].

[Enroute], I realized the clouds were not at 6,000 feet as forecast. I continued, as I was still under the cloud level. Just inland, I contacted Departure that I was descending down to 4,000 feet to continue VFR. As I descended, the clouds descended with me. Just a few miles [over] the land, I flew into a cloud accidentally, as the [cloud] layer was much lower. I then put the pitot heat and carb heat on and descended out of the cloud. At 2,500 feet, I came out of the cloud [and] noticed the visibility wasn’t much better and that the field might go IFR soon. [I] also noticed visible moisture on the windshield and texted my instructor that I had possible icing and that I was returning to [home base]. I then contacted Approach saying that I was [experiencing] possible

icing. They then gave me straight… to the runway with no delay. Thankfully, I was first in line and didn’t need to declare an emergency. I flew straight toward [the airport],… landed safely, and taxied to [the ramp]. Once back, I showed my instructor the icing and discovered moderate mixed icing along all leading edges. I was able to stay calm and make a quick decision with my instructor’s help. This experience was very humbling, and the decision to go was probably wrong, but I trusted the forecast.

Revelation and Recovery

A non-instrument-rated private pilot began this VFR flight with a plan to skirt Continued on Page 39

January 2021

Safe Landings

Continued from Page 38 multiple cloud layers. A dangerous situation developed, but a tragedy was ultimately avoided. • I had checked the weather, and… it was clear below 6,500 feet… with the exception of the area right around JFK, which reported multiple layers of clouds. No worries, I thought. For some reason, I felt a huge pressure to make this flight. I wanted to see the mechanic scheduled to do our annual [inspection] in a few weeks. Whatever the urgency, I soon would reverse my position on how important it really was. Shortly after departing ZZZ, I called for flight following and requested 4,500 feet. The Controller, however, instructed me to turn direct to Kennedy (JFK) and climb to 6,500 feet. I should have simply replied “unable,” as I knew the weather was sketchy toward Kennedy, but for some unexplainable reason, I complied. Soon, I was struggling to maintain VMC. The Controller was quite busy, and I was also quite busy trying to stay in legal conditions and control the aircraft. Then it all fell apart, and I was truly in unacceptable visual conditions. Trying not to panic, I used the autopilot to keep the plane under control and requested lower. ATC advised me I could not go lower and suggested I climb. I attempted to climb out of the poor visual conditions, but things only became worse. It seemed like quite a long time, probably 10 minutes, with truly inadequate visibility. Then the unthinkable happened; I became disoriented. I began to descend rapidly, airspeed increasing, and although I recognized what was happening, I could not correct the situation without adequate visual cues. It was a life changing event. It could happen to me after all! I had never come close to losing control of my aircraft before. I am usually very conservative with my flight planning and in controlling “get-there-itis,” and yet, here I was endangering myself

and probably others. I was furious and ashamed of myself (and scared too). I came out of the clouds around 2,400 feet and brought the wings level and slowly pulled back. ATC admonished me, and I told him, “I became disoriented.” He said, “Let’s try again,” and directed me back to JFK, this time a little lower. I was lucky enough to remain clear of clouds, and soon after, was granted lower still and proceeded direct to ZZZ1 without incident. I did some serious thinking after this flight on how I got myself into the situation in the first place and how I should have avoided it. I knew that below 3,000 feet there was no problem with visibility. I learned that ATC does not have a clear picture of visibility conditions. Visibility is purely the pilot’s responsibility. I decided to shake off complacency and went to my first FAA Safety Team (FAAST) meeting in years. It was totally worthwhile. I clearly did not understand how compromised visibility was that afternoon until it was too late. I will never fail to call out “unable” again.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This instrument rated, commercial pilot made a preflight decision that trumped good judgment and allowed friendly pressure to develop into a bad idea and a worse situation. • Conditions were VFR at ZZZ. We were returning after completing an uneventful VFR flight earlier in the afternoon. Our destination was VFR. We were flying [my] friend’s PA-28 and had originally planned a VFR flight, departing around sunset and returning at night. However, there was [forecast] scattered light to moderate rain enroute, and since it appeared to be a relatively easy IFR flight at our planned 4,000-foot altitude, it seemed like an opportunity to give my VFR pilot friend some experience in IMC, as he is planning on starting his instrument

Homebuilder’s Workshop

Continued from Page 34 Expanded Envelope Exercises® are doing well. This month, I’ll be giving a zoom presentation on five years of my work, and I think I can both make it interesting and keep it under the hour-to-45-

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minute time limit. In addition to the Dallas EAA chapter that is sponsoring the meeting, I invited 60 friends and colleagues, from the U.S. West Coast to England and Hungary. One prof suggested that all the flight students at his college

training soon. He mentioned that he’s done quite a bit of hood time and felt comfortable flying his aircraft from the left seat. Reluctant at first, I agreed that he could be left seat, but I would be PIC. As the IFR rated pilot, I would do radio and navigation work. His job was to keep a good course and altitude while I advised him. I could fly from the right [seat] if needed. We talked about how the flight would go and then started the aircraft. Departure [from ZZZ] was VFR and uneventful. We were switched to Departure and given 6,000 feet direct JFK. We entered IMC during the climb. My friend at the controls was having some trouble reaching our target altitude and staying on heading. At 6,000 feet, my passenger pilot was having trouble keeping heading despite my instructions. We were off intended heading by as much as 40 degrees at times. Our altitude control was better, but we [were] off at least 200 feet at times, maybe more. It was clear that ATC was getting concerned with our situation. We corrected multiple times before ATC asked if we were having trouble and needed assistance. I only advised that we were correcting course, but after more deviations, the Controller asked if we [wanted priority handling]. It was clear from the Controller that we were not performing well at all, so after an initial pause, I accepted [the priority handling]. When asked what I wanted to do, I suggested that we return to ZZZ. We were given vectors back and advised to expect a visual approach. The return was uneventful. We returned to the FBO to catch our breath and reassess the weather with the intent to return VFR when the rain cleared. An hour later or so, we departed on a northerly route around New York airspace and returned VFR uneventfully. Lessons – It was a huge mistake letting a VFR pilot fly left seat in IFR conditions and in an airplane I was unfamiliar with flying in [IMC] from the right seat. I

was very unprepared to take over so soon after departure and fly his aircraft, let alone from the right seat. How the problem arose – Unexpected weather deterioration, perceptions, judgments, and decisions…

be invited (200?) and another friend, who regularly puts out safety webinars and newsletters, mentioned this in his newsletter with a mailing list of 6,000. Hopefully the word will get out to the right people and some seeds will get

planted. I think that I’ve done really good work, but I know all too well that other people will see opportunities to improve on the work… and it’s more important that good work be done than who gets credit.

Little Room for Error

A certified flight instructor took off with weather thought to have been safe for VFR flight. Deteriorating conditions forced a decision that had less than ideal consequences. • Weather at the time of departure from ZZZ1: Visibility 6SM, Sky Condition OVC 011. TAF for destination at the time of arrival: Visibility 6SM, [Sky Condition] SCT 035. Before the flight, I reviewed the weather and determined the ceilings would be lifting enough to make a safe flight. I departed ZZZ1 and remained in Class G airspace. I flew safely for one hour, remaining below cloud ceilings and remaining 500 feet from persons, vehicles, vessels, and structures. Approximately 30 minutes after passing ZZZ, the cloud ceiling lowered and fog moved in, reducing visibility to less than 1SM. I decided to make a precautionary landing in a plowed soybean field and landed safely with no damage to persons, aircraft, structures, or vehicles. I tied down the aircraft and retrieved it three days later. The safer decision would have been to wait a few days for the weather to pass. Another choice would have been to make a precautionary landing sooner on a runway at an established airport when the weather first began to collapse, instead of continuing flight in hopes it would improve. I believe the flight ended safely due to my comfortability, willingness, and experience with landing in a field as opposed to continuing flight into IMC.

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

January 2021

January 2021

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

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New Kansas Air Corridor Continued from Page 32 This corridor is entirely in federal airspace above Kansas, running the length of the state, just north of the Kansas-Oklahoma border. The route will support sustained flight up to Mach 3 and is within reach of numerous airports equipped to provide fuel, ground and technical support. To provide safety margins for these operations, the KDOT Division of Aviation, FAA Central Region, Air Route Traffic Control Center and Lemasters Group Consulting wrote new procedures for operators. Aircraft will only enter the SSTC at specific points and will be required to clear flight routes prior to takeoff. The SSTC is located in generally low-volume airspace, which will minimize any effect on existing flight routes and airports. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), said industry forecasts show a market for as many as 300 supersonic aircraft over a 10-year period, representing as much as $40 billion in revenue and requiring a “deep bench of skilled manufacturing talent.” “This year marks 73 years since Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier,

and with this supersonic flight corridor Kansas will have a unique role in the next generation of supersonic transportation,” said Moran. KDOT has partnered with Wichita State University’s National Institute of Aviation Research to collect noise data and live telemetry from the aircraft that will be used by both the FAA and aircraft manufacturers to evaluate performance. “Once again, Kansas is providing leadership in the advancement of aviation, through the development of this key asset for testing the viability of modern supersonic flight,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The development of passenger-carrying supersonic aircraft will play a significant role in the creation of jobs, the development of new technologies and the reimagining of what is possible in powered flight.”

Emotional Support Animals

Continued from Page 28 other passengers, such as online and curbside check-in. Service animal users may use the online check-in process available to the general public. In summary, the final rule document states: “This final rule also better ensures the safety of passengers and crewmembers by allowing carriers to require that service animals are harnessed, leashed, or

otherwise tethered onboard an aircraft and includes requirements that would address the safe transport of large service animals in the aircraft cabin.” To learn more, visit the DOT website at www.dot.gov. Alternately, access the final rule document at https:// www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/fil es/2020-12/Service%20Animal% 20Final%20Rule.pdf.

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LIFE FLIGHT NETWORK GETS 70-FOOT BI-FOLD DOOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE HANGAR

January 2021

Using state-of-the-art aircraft operated by highly skilled medical and aviation professionals, Life Flight Network (LFN) provides life-saving transport to seriously ill or injured patients from the scene of an emergency or from one hospital to another. LFN is the nation’s largest not-forprofit air medical service and has provided residents across the Northwest and Intermountain West with the finest air medical transport for nearly four decades. LFN operates a fleet of 19 Agusta Westland AW 119Kx “Koala” helicopters, with one based at the ever-expanding Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport in Lewiston, Idaho. The Koala reaches speeds of 175 mph and comes equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin G1000H cockpit, night vision goggle capability, satellite weather, synthetic vision and the capacity to transport two patients with unencumbered full-body access. Mark Hewett General Contractor Company of Clarkston, Wash., was given the bid to construct a new 108-foot by 85foot hangar to house two aircraft, a helicopter and a fixed wing turbine aircraft. Within the hangar is a 26-foot by 85-foot dedicated crew quarters. Life Flight Network personnel man the hangar 24 hours a day with pilots and emergency medical staff. Clarkston is a border city, just across the Snake River west of Lewiston. “We had a base there for about five years, but we leased space and never really had our own dedicated hangar,” says Justin Dillingham, Chief Customer Officer for Light Flight. “This project is something we’ve been working on for a couple years now and finally completed it. Now we have a beautiful new hangar with crew quarters for all our flight crew and local administrative staff. “We average 300-400 emergency flights a year, or about one a day,” Dillingham says. “We have a goal of a helicopter getting off the ground in 8 minutes from the time we receive a call. Fixed wing flights take a little longer because they have to file flight plans, but we try to be off the ground in less than 20 minutes. During inclement weather, the helicopter and plane are stored inside the hangar.” The inside of the hangar is similar to a fire station where firefighters reside during their shift. It has sleep rooms, TV lounge area, restrooms, showers, a kitchen, maintenance tool area and an office. Portions of these crews alternate staying in the living quarters 24/7. Attached to the hangar is a Schweiss Doors 70-foot by 17-foot bifold liftstrap

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Above: Life Flight operates a fleet of 19 Agusta Westland AW119Kx “Koala” helicopters. Life Flight pilots and emergency staff man the emergency response hangar 24 hours a day. The Schweiss bifold 70-foot by 17-foot liftstrap door is equipped with autolatches and is wind-rated at 120 mph. (Photos courtesy Schweiss Doors)

door. The custom-made door is equipped with autolatches and was framed for four 4-foot square windows which allow a considerable amount of natural light into the hangar. It is also wind-rated at 120 mph. The well-insulated door was clad with 26-gauge metal sheeting. Dillingham said he did have input on what type of door would be installed on the hangar, relying on a recommendation from the general contractor who highly recommended the Schweiss bifold door from past experience. “The bifold door works great,” Dillingham says. “It’s heavy-duty and easy to operate. A small amount of education is required so staff know not to leave it open during windy days, but the door is exactly what we needed. We had windows installed to let light into the building and make sure the area outside is free from obstructions. It works great for us.” Chance Chacon, Senior Project Manager for Mark Hewett General Contractor Company, was in charge of ordering and coordinating the installation of the Schweiss bifold door for the hangar. He said his company is familiar with Schweiss Doors, as they have previously ordered and installed five other doors. “In a nutshell, what I like best about Schweiss Doors, is that they have it figured out. Schweiss knows how to build a bifold door and not trying to figure it out on the fly,” Chacon says. “One of the things that we appreciated was when I talked to Brent (at Schweiss Doors), one

of the guards for the motors got a scratch on the paint. He didn’t question it, he just said add up if there is anything missing or if anything is not right and we’ll stand by it. Just knowing in the end that we had good partners to work with makes a big

FOR

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difference to us. We’d recommend Schweiss Doors to others.” Chacon says there was no particular reason why they chose a bifold door over a hydraulic door, but cost, he said, was an issue. He said word-of-mouth was one criterion of how his company heard about Schweiss Doors. That and the fact he said he sees a lot of Schweiss doors in airport environments where he does a lot of work. “The install went well without any issues and we were pleased with how everything came together,” Chacon says. “We had clear instructions and the pieces were where they were supposed to be. Brent at Schweiss Doors was very helpful. We never had any questions during erection of the door. One of the things I really appreciated while working with Brent was that I could put him directly in the email with myself and the metal building company because it was important that we all could work and look at things together, eliminating any possibility of something getting lost in translation. The shop drawings matched exactly.” For more information, visit www.bifold.com.

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FAA APPROVES AEROLEDS

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PART 27 ROTORCRAFT

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

AeroLEDs, LLC has announced FAA approval for more than 200 Part 27 makes and models, adding to their expansive list of FAA certifications. This STC covers the installation of the SunSpot 36 and 46 Series LEDs on nearly all “Normal” category rotorcraft. AeroLEDs Landing, Taxi and Recognition lighting products offer numerous advantages over Halogen, Xenon, and other LED lighting technologies. AeroLEDs are 10x more efficient, draw far less current than incandescent lighting, and require no external hi-voltage power supply. The SunSpot Series Landing and

Taxi lights feature the same state-of-the art design and construction that has been the AeroLEDs hallmark for more than 15 years– less drag, less draw, more lumens output (total light output) and are vibration and shock resistant making them unaffected by adverse environmental conditions. These attributes make the SunSpot ideal for use in Experimental, Certified, Commercial, ARFF, and Military rotorcraft. Voted Best LED Landing Light by Aviation Consumer, the AeroLEDs Sunspot Series LED Landing and Taxi lights can be seen from up to 30 miles away and can be left on in all phases of

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association application window to apply for 2021 AOPA Flight Training Scholarships opened on Dec. 1, 2020, and will remain open until Sunday, Feb. 14 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). AOPA members are invited to apply for primary and advanced flight training scholarships. Last year, 124 scholarships totaling more than $1 million were awarded, and with the help of generous donations to the AOPA Foundation, AOPA has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarship funding to 345 aspiring and enduring pilots over the years. “AOPA’s mission is to protect your freedom to fly, and these scholarships bring this vision alive by opening the sky to more people with that passion,” said Elizabeth Tennyson, executive director of AOPA’s You Can Fly program. “These scholarships help current and future aviators at all points of the flying spectrum, especially for those from segments who may not have seen a path to the cockpit.” With different goals for different aviators – and those aspiring to become pilots – AOPA is offering flight training scholarships in several categories:

School Symposium reaffirmed how exciting flying can be for a student,” added Tennyson. “Some past scholarship recipients mentioned how thrilling it was to have a pilot’s license, while everyone else was ‘only’ driving.” Scholarship recipients will be able to use the money for direct flight training expenses to pursue a primary pilot certificate, such as a private, sport, or recreational pilot certificate. They must also complete a flight training milestone: achieving either a solo flight or earning a primary pilot certificate within one year of receiving a scholarship. The overall milestone success rate for scholarship winners stands at an impressive 87 percent. 1. Go to the AOPA website (www.aopa.org) for eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions. The direct link is https://www.aopa.org//media/Files/AOPA/Home/Training-andSafety/students/2021_HighSchoolEligibi lityFAQs_09-14-2020.pdf. 2. Be sure your AOPA membership is current. Not a member? Take advantage of a free AOPA AV8RS or free 6month student pilot membership options at www.aopa.org. 3. A few things you’ll need to have handy when completing your application: 1. High school transcript 2. Contact information for each of your two references (tell them soon, so they have time to write a reference!) 3. A list of school and non-school related clubs and organizations in which you have participated since your freshman year, as well as any corresponding

January 2021

flight as they draw 40 percent less power, significantly reducing the electrical load on the airplane’s battery and alternator system. They also maintain their full light output even at low engine RPM, which is critical for landing configuration. These LEDs do not interfere with NVG equipment and are available with integrated pulse for optimum visibility during extreme operating conditions, negating the need and extra weight of external pulse light boxes. All SunSpot Series LEDs are rated for 30,000-plus hr MTBF and come with a 5-year warranty.

Aircraft listed on this STC (STC# SR02704SE) include, (but are not limited to) the following: Airbus, Bell Textron, Robinson, Sikorsky, MD Helicopters, Leonardo, Orlando Helicopter, Enstrom, etc. For more information, visit the AeroLED website at aeroleds.com. Located in Boise, ID, the company can be reached at 208/850-3294.

leadership positions (particularly those that may be aviation-related) 4. A list of volunteer organizations in which you participate, 5. A list of honors and awards that you have received in school, clubs/organizations volunteering 6. And your pilot logbook (if you have one)

by generous donations to the AOPA Foundation. • Go to the AOPA website (www.aopa.org) for eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions. • If you’re not an AOPA member, take advantage of a free 6-month student pilot membership or click here to review membership options.

To complement our support of student-learners, and thanks to the generosity of the Ray Foundation, a number of teachers will be awarded scholarships to pursue a primary pilot certificate (private, sport, or recreational pilot). In 2020, 20 teachers each received a $10,000 scholarship. To be eligible, a teacher must be: • An AOPA member • A full-time employee of a school or school system • Teaching the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Curriculum

For those accomplished pilots who may have dreams of making aviation a career, the AOPA Foundation will award various scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, to AOPA members seeking one of the following ratings or certificates: • Instrument • Commercial • CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) • CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor – Instrument) • MEI (Multi-Engine – Instructor)

AOPA FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

AOPA High School Flight Training Scholarship

Thanks to the generosity of the Ray Foundation, a number of exceptional high school students, ages 15 to 18, will receive flight training scholarships in 2021. In 2020, 80 students were awarded $10,000 each. “Our recent You Can Fly High

AOPA Teacher Flight Training Scholarship

AOPA Primary Flight Training Scholarship

These scholarships, ranging in awards from $2,500 to $7,500, are open to current AOPA members who are at least 16 years of age by the application deadline. The scholarship award can be applied to training for a private pilot, sport pilot, or recreational pilot certificate. As with the other AOPA Flight Training scholarships, these are funded

AOPAAdvanced Rating Scholarship

“Seeing a new pilot, or someone who advances on their journey, is what makes our You Can Fly team burst with pride,” added Tennyson. “We do recommend that those interesting in applying to start their process as soon as possible. February will be here before we know it!” For questions about the application process, please email FTscholarship @aopa.org.

Sell Your Airplane fast with an In Flight USA Classified Ad. Turn to Page 48 for details.

January 2021

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OODIES AND ADGETS

In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

January 2021

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

A Message and Products from Aircraft Spruce

Jim Irwin, president of Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, stated recently: “2020 has been a year like no other with difficulties and challenges that have tested everyone in the world. Through all of the ups and downs, Aircraft Spruce has worked hard to continue to deliver the superior service that has been our trademark since 1965. We could not have overcome the obstacles this year has presented without the support of our customers. Your patronage and loyalty means the world to us.” With the new year at hand, this might be a good time to freshen up your aircraft or hangar, or even your piloting skills. Here are some specials from Aircraft Spruce to get the job done.

Marvel Mystery Oil

Standard for break-in on new or overhauled engines and for carbon removal from cylinder heads, piston rings, valves, etc. Mix with regular oil for perfect engine operation to -20°F. Lubricates tight nuts, control hinges and landing gear. Dust repellent. Comes in pint, quart or gallon size starting at $4.95 for the pint.

Whelen Model 70509-02 Red / White 14v Beacon - Noh Unit

Note: Unit is NOH by Whelen with repair paperwork and 8130-3 release certificate included. 70509-02 / 010770509-02. Self-contained halogen flashing anti-collision light with the same mounting pattern as the factory installed beacon on single engine Cessna’s 1967 & later. Split Aviation Red/White. When used in conjunction with the model 50519 mounting adapter, it can replace rotating beacons with the 3-3/4 dia. mounting hole. Note: Not recommended for installation on helicopters or twin-engine aircraft. Currently on special… was $362.00 but now $285.00.

SPARROW Model W500 CO Carbon Monoxide & Air Monitor

SPARROW is a health and safety device that measures and alarms to high and low levels of carbon monoxide (CO), along with temperature, pressure. Displays and tracks exposure over time, giving you information on health effects and even notifying others in the event of

an emergency. SPARROW App will also store and map the location of unhealthy air events so you can plan healthier routes in the future. While you can customize your alerts and notifications to your needs, the SPARROW and its app will always alert you to hazardous life threatening situations with audible and visual alarms. Note: W500 sold as unit only, mobile device in image is for reference only. Download the SPARROW app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to register and use your Sparrow w500 device. Aircraft Spruce is selling the device for $208.87 each.

Redbird Jay Flight Simulator With RD1 Rudder Pedals Bundle

Start Up-procedure: 1. Put it on a table. 2. Turn it on. 3. Fly.

Practicing at home is a great idea for pilots. You can keep your skills sharp and your mind in the cockpit even when you can’t make it to the airport. In reality, however, two obstacles deny a majority of pilots effective home

flight simulation: purchasing and assembling the right hardware requires a PhD in computer know-how, and after flying around the virtual world for a bit, most pilots get bored. Redbird Flight Simulations, the world leader in FAAapproved flight simulators for general aviation, has addressed both these issues with the Jay. The Jay contains the monitor, speakers, computer and flight controls–all-inone unit that is ready to fly right out of the box. It boots up directly to a launch screen where you can select your airplane, airport and weather conditions. Push the green button and you’re on a runway and ready to go. Scenario-based training? It’s built in. The Jay is more than a simulator–it’s a flight experience device supporting training, proficiency, and just plain fun! In addition to the free flight mode where you select the aircraft and conditions, the Jay has a scenario mode where you can load a preset scenario and fly it. Aircraft Spruce is currently selling the unit for $2,894. It was $3,144. Learn more about this and all aviation-related products at Aircraft Spruce, www.aircraftspruce.com, or call 877/4SPRUCE.

'THE HILL' NAMES AOPA AMONG TOP TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

By Amelia Walsh, AOPA

Plagued by the coronavirus pandemic and a contentious election, 2020 proved to be challenging for many lobbyists in Washington, D.C., especially with the influx of remote work. According to The Hill, “The list highlights the broad range of talents needed to achieve success in the influence industry,” and recognized those that stood out for delivering results for their clients in Congress and the administration. “As the only general aviationfocused association honored, this recognition is a significant achievement and testament to AOPA’s effectiveness in our nation’s capital. Our experienced advocacy staff, led by Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Coon, works tirelessly to protect our flying freedoms

and ensures the concerns and needs of our members are strongly represented,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. AOPA’s advocacy team works to advance the interests of pilots, aircraft owners, and general aviation with Congress, departments, and agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the FAA, the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Defense, the Federal Communications Commission, and the NTSB. AOPA’s government affairs team continues to achieve major wins on behalf of its membership. “I am proud of our team and Mark Baker’s strong leadership. Having our work recognized by The Hill is very much appreciated,” said Coon. “We work every day for our 300,000-plus members

and this recognition belongs to them.” Among AOPA’s top advocacy initiatives are advancing the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC); developing solutions to address the processes and need for more designated pilot examiners; working with the FAA to decrease medical certification delays by modernizing and improving communications with pilots and aviation medical examiners; working to decrease insurance rates and spiking premiums; improving FBO pricing and airport ramp transparency for pilots; supporting pilots to extend certain FAA requirements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; supporting our nation’s airports; supporting science, technology, engineering, and math aviation curriculum in high schools; and supporting legislation such as the National Center for the Advancement of

OF

2020

The Capitol is home to the U.S. Congress and its House and Senate governing bodies, two of the many government agencies that have influence over general aviation. (David Tulis/Courtesy AOPA)

Aviation to address aviation workforce shortages. AOPA previously made The Hill’s list of top Washington, D.C., groups in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

January 2021

www.inflightusa.com

THE NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME’S 2020 COMBS-GATES AWARD TO BE PRESENTED TO

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE (CAF) RISE ABOVE

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American Aircraft Sales Co. WE HAVE MOVED! 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS–NEW LOCATION

1955 Beechcraft T-34B Mentor

1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17

Completely restored to like new condition with 60 HRS Since Restoration............$295,000 many new updates. 225 HP Lycoming engine with 630 SMOH, Electrical system with Garmin Avionics, Must see! ...........................$129,950

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SO CAF’s RISE ABOVE project is centered on the lessons and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). It consists of community events, restored World War II-era aircraft, school visits, traveling exhibits, virtual learning tools, and classroom materials. (Courtesy CAF) The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) reports that the CAF’s RISE ABOVE project has earned the 18th Annual Combs Gates Award. The NAHF will award the $20,000 cash prize to the CAF in early 2021. NAHF Chairman Michael Quiello quoted from the nomination packet itself in making the announcement, “The CAF indisputably sets the standard for aviation education around the world. Their project is centered on the lessons and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). It consists of community events, restored World War II-era aircraft, school visits, traveling exhibits, virtual learning tools, and classroom materials.” CAF RISE ABOVE Leader Doug Rozendaal further stated, “CAF RISE ABOVE is committed to telling the inspirational story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP. We are on a mission to educate people of all ages about these important American trailblazers so their strength of character and ability to triumph over adversity may serve as a means to inspire others to rise above obstacles in their own lives and achieve their goals.” CAF RISE ABOVE’s three-fold educational outreach program includes multiple resources for educators, parents, and students. Their educational trifecta includes an informative website with an online virtual museum which offers multiple easy to use resources, a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang, and an iconic traveling exhibit that offers a fully-functional mobile movie theater featuring two compelling original short films that tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP.

The Combs Award, the original title, grew out of a donation to the NAHF by the late Harry Combs, a 1996 Enshrinee of the NAHF. As part of a $1.3 million gift to help fund the creation of a NAHF research center, Combs stipulated that the Combs Award be established to encourage and support relevant aviation history research and preservation efforts. A panel of expert judges reviews each submission based upon criteria such as historical accuracy, creativity, the potential for long-term impact, and value to the NAHF’s mission of honoring America’s outstanding air and space pioneers. John Gates and his sister, Diane G. Wallach, are co-trustees of the Gates Frontiers Fund, a foundation created by their late parents, Charles C. and June S. Gates. Mr. Gates, who passed away in 2005 at age 84, was former Chairman and CEO of the Gates Corporation, an avid multi-engine and helicopter pilot, and partner with Combs in several aviation businesses, including the Combs Gates FBO chain and Gates Learjet. The National Aviation Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization, is the only Congressionally-chartered aviation hall of fame in the U.S. Based in Dayton, OH, the NAHF’s Heritage Hall & Education Center is committed to informing the public of American aviation heroes, their accomplishments and their impact on advances in aviation from Early Flight to Space Travel. The NAHF strives to create a distinctive educational resource that will inspire future generations to appreciate our nation’s extraordinary aviation heritage through the men and women who created it. To learn more, visit the NAHF’s website at www.nationalaviation.org.

2009 Liberty XL-2 Aerospace 560 hours since brand new. Garmin And Aspen Avionics, S-TEC 30 A/P...........$74,950

North American AT6-G 400 SMOH , 8000 TTSN Garmin 430 GPS full IFR.................................................MAKE OFFER

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1979 Piper Dakota PA-28-236

1979 Piper Warrior II 161 3437 TTSN, 950 SMOH, 10 since new 3 Blade Prop, Show quality new paint, 1278 SMOH, 15,193 TTSN, Garmin hangar kept, NDH........................$119,950 Avionics..........................................$25,000

1982 Cessna 172P 180 HP

1978 Cessna 172N Skyhawk

1387 SNEW 180 HP Engine, 5200 TTSN, IFR, Hangar Kept, Looks like new, NDH. ..........CALL!

3958 TTSN, 2060 SFRMAN, Digital IFR. Original paint and interior. Annual inspection expired....................................$69,950

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1977 Piper Archer 181 Only 700 TTSN, one owner based in Livermore CA since New...............$69,950

1977 Cessna 177 Skyhawk 180 HP 2085 SFRMAN, 3000 TTSN, L/R fuel, GarminGPS, King IFR, new paint/leather interior andnew windows, NDH ..........................$86,950

1980 Cessna 182Q Skylane

1940 Phillips Aviation CT-2 Skylark

3359 TTSN, 1275 SFRMAN, Original IFR panel. Not flown since 2006. Needs Annual Inspection. ..........................................$69,950

70 hours since new; one of only two made by the Phillips Screwdriver manufacturer ...................................Considering Offers

Office Space & Tie Downs Available for Rent Robert Coutches

Cell - (510) 783-2711 • (925) 449-5151 550 Airway Blvd. • Livermore, CA 94551• Livermore Airport (KLVK)

www.americanaircraft.net

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

AIRCRAFT FOR SALE American Aircraft Sales, Livermore Airport, CA, americanaircraft.net, cell (510) 783-2711, (925) 449-5151. 3/13 From Trade-ins to Aircra™ft Management, financing and appraisals. T.J. Aircraft Sales, Novato, CA, (415) 8985151, tjair.com. 3/13

J.T. Evans Aircraft Sales. Specializing in landing gear & control surfaces. Also recovery & storage for singles & light twins. (800) 421-1729, Orlando, FL.11/14

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

Full-size historic replicas, designed and precision-crafted to suit your needs. Digital Design, Scottsdale, AZ, (602) 9715646, digitaldesignllc.com. 6/20 Dan Howard Aircraft Sales, Tulsa, OK. howardaircraft.com, (918) 498-7073.7/20

Singles, Twins & Jets for sale. Andrew Wignot, (760) 717-0640, wignot@hotmail. com. 20800:1

1950 Swift, 60 SMOH, 6 new cylinders, 8/2020 annual. Garmin 650, 2 G-5s. ADS8 in/out Cessna and stick mods. (310) 3391419. 201200:1

WARBIRDS World leader in T-34 Mentor & Turbo Mentor Restoration. Weaver Aircraft, Carson City, NV, (775) 887-1234. 9/20

HOMEBUILTS RV12i5. Total performance perfected. Easy to build, fly and own. Van's Aircraft www.vansaircraft.com. 11/18

HELICOPTORS 5 Bell 212s 1996-1991, current maintenance, one owner. Bell 412, 33017 SN, 0 engine OH. Hudson Flight Limited, (806) 662-5823, or (971) 241-8473.6/20

DRONES Counter-UAS Drone Detections and Defense Systems for airports. Protect critical infrastructures from sUAS incursions. Provide early warning and point of origin. Liteye Systems, Centennial, CO, liteye.com, (720) 974-1766. 3/20

SF Bay Area Drone Services, FAA licensed, insured. Wide range of applications. B-8 Drone, (650) 704-6389. 12/20

AIRCRAFT FOR RENT Fly right, fly better & fly with Attitude. Large selection of rental aircraft. Attitude Aviation, Livermore, CA, (925) 456-2276, attitudeaviation.com. 11/16

AIRCRAFT FINANCING Get Top Retail for Your Aircraft Aircraft sales, jet sales, management, financing. USA Aircraft Brokers, (877) 417-3069. 51218:TFN

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION Arizona Type Ratings CE-500/CE-525 type ratings or recurrent. Insurance approved, staff examiner. arizonatyperatings.com, (602) 6147994. 9309:TFN

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

CFI Bootcamp Flight Instructor Training. Accelerated course to earn your initial flight certificate in three weeks. Online, ground school, or flight. Palo Alto, CA, or Miami, FL, (650) 600-1021, cfibootcamp.com. 6/20

FUEL

PILOT ATTIRE

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

Apparel as unique as your journey. 10% discount for members. AOPA Pilot Gear, aopapilotgear.com. 3/20

OXYGEN SUPPLIES

Complete aviation development program for middle/high school and college students. Build and fly Van's RV-12iS. AviationUSA.Aero, aviationusa.org. 7/20 Aviation Seminars 2-Day FAA Test Prep & Flight Instructor Renewal. Live or online. Airline quality ground schools for 45+ years. Visit AviationSeminars.com for dates & locations. (800) 257-9444. 8/20

Fly the Marchetti S-211! FAA-approved program. Victory Flight Training, Denton, TX, S-211training.com, (817) 676-4403. 8/20 Seaplane Instruction, private/commercial ASES ratings, amphibious flight reviews, re-current training. Lake Havasu Seaplanes, Lake havasu City, AZ, lakehavasuseaplanes.com, (928) 733-7122,. 12/20

Aviation Sales Training by ABCI. 12-week intensive course, 3-5-hours/ week. Build confidence and good sales skills and habits. aviationsalestraining. com or (702) 987-1679. 1/21

PILOT POSITION WANTED SoCal pilot desires Turbine/Jet SIC time. Comm/Instru/Multi-Eng with SIC for Gulfstream G-IV and scores of hours in the Citation V560. 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

MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS XL Aviation - Aircraft Maintenance. Custom-tailored programs for all aircraft. Livermore, CA, (925) 961-6135, xlaviationtailwheel.com. 8/20 3D scanning services for Aircraft repair & restorations. Airmotive Specialties, Salinas, CA, airmotves.com, (831) 757-7154. 8/20

FBOs Serving the General Aviation Community since 1981. Wisconsin Aviation, Watertown Municipal Airport, WI, (920) 261-4567, WisconsinAviat2ion.com. 3/13

Corona Air Ventures. Low fuel prices, amenities, tie-downs & hangars. Corona Municipal Airport, (951) 737-1300, CoronaAirVentures.com. 8/14

AVIONICS Avionics for Every Mission. Installation, bench repair, a/p specialist, all major brands. Airtronics, Calaveras County Airport, CA, airtronicsavionics.com, (209) 736-9400. 11/14 Basic installs to complete panel and glass retrofits. Great service and value pricing. Pacific Coast Avionics, (800) 353-0370, PCA.aero. 7/15

Full-service avionics installations and upgrades. Aero Performance Speciaties, Chino, CA, (909) 927-4600, aeroperformance.com. 10/19

FAA-certified avionics repair. Cannon Avionics, Arlington Municipal Airport, WA, (360) 435-0900, cannonavionics.com. 9/20

January 2021

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INSURANCE Specializing in personal, business and charter aircraft. Best price, coverage & customer service. Zanette Aircraft Insurance Center, (650) 593-3030, (888) 723-3358. 10/06 Aircraft Insurance WARNING! Need insurance? Call us first for access to the entire market. Best rates. Broadest coverage. All markets. Aviation Insurance Resources, (877) 247-7767, airpros.com. 1716:TFN

Provider of insurance solutions for all aviation-related services. Business Aviation Insurance Services, bizavins.com, (925) 825-1900. 7/20 Consider Long-Term Care Insurance. Barbara Sabol Rosasco, financial advisor, Waddell & Reed, San Mateo, CA, (650) 389-1030. 8/20

AVIATION CONSULTANTS Aircraft Sales & Corporate Aircraft Management NAAA-certified appraisals & sales, FDIC & RTC approved. Sterling Air, Carson City, NV, (800) 770-5908, (775) 885-6800, sterling-air.net. 11601:TFN

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

PILOT SUPPLIES No cheap imitation watches at HME! Special pricing on ATP series multifunctional watches with Altimeter. To order or for information, (323) 464-6660 or hmewatch.com. 11/16

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. Free 700page catalog, Corona, CA, & Peachtree City, GA, aircraftspruce.com. 10/06 Lightweight bike, international certification for mountain bike reliability. FLATBIKE, flatbike.com. 10/18

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

Every need to make your dog feel safe in the air. 4 Paws Aviation, (574) 2696300, 4pawsaviation.com. 9/20 New technology in aviation eyewear. methodseven.com. 10/20

Aircraft Protection Covers. Trailing edge, wingtips, full protection kits, more. TRISOFT Aircraft Covers, (800) 844-2371, trisoftcovers.com. 12/20 Think bright! We do. SunSpot Series landing/taxi/recognition lighting. AeroLEDs, (208) 850-3294, aeroleds.com. 1/21

Limited Edition 2020 Airshow T-Shirts, $10 to $14. Annual airshow canceled but help us "Keep ’m Flying." To order, Visit planesoffame.org. 5/20

Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets.com, (702) 465-2027. 10/20 Make the most out of your business aircraft ownership experience with our Management Services. Thoroughbred Aviation, thoroughbredaviation.com. 10/20

SERVICES

ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS

Divorce-Paternity Cases. Contact Lawyers for Men's Rights, (213) 3848886, www.mensrightslawyers.com. Offices of Stuart J. Faber. 4/10

Specializing in aviation photography. horizontalrain.com. 1/15

Aero & Marine Tax Pros Legally avoid sales tax on your aircraft purchase. In El Grove, CA, (916) 691-9192, aeromarinetaxpros.com. 18500:TFN Laura Ferris Biché, mortgage advisor, General Mortgage Capital Corp., laura@ bishe.com, (650) 922-0824. 5/20 Whiplash or back pain from an auto accident? Call Dr. Meg Spicer, doctor of chiropractic, San Mateo, CA, (650) 513-0797. 7/20 Golden State Hauling & Demo, from demolition to cleanup in the entire Bay Area. goldenstatehaulinganddemo.com, (650) 444-6799. 10/20 Left Seat Pilot Medical Solutions. The confidential solution for pilot medical certification. Free FAA medical consultations. Left Seat, (800) 699-4457. 1/21

HANGARS/TIEDOWNS One-piece doors. Hydraulic or bifold. Schweissdoors.com, (800) 746-8273.1/15 Aviation Building Systems, custom designed hangars. R&M Steel Co., Caldwell, ID, (208) 454-1800, aviationbuildingsystem.com, (866) 454-1800. 51217:TFN

HOMES/AIRPARKS The Valley Airport, Cotter, Ark. Homes & lots for sale in scenic airport community on the White River. Unique location for outdoor adventures. Glennis Sharp, thevalleyairport.com, (870) 3210937. 18100:TFN

FLYING CLUBS Cessna Support Delivered. Become a Cessna Flyer Member now. Join or renew at cessnaflyer.org. 9/20

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES #1 Largest Network of Aircraft Brokers in the United States Become an Aircraft Broker — Available in Your Area Start today with USA’s proved system for listing and selling everything from high-performance single-engine airplanes, cabin class through jets, and helicopters & jet fractional shares. Includes multi-million-dollar inventory from which to start selling.

Victory Girl Custom painted flight jackets & aircraft nose art. (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

PUBLICATIONS Avionics Checklists & Quick Reference gudes. Available in book, card & new iPad editions. qref.com or from your favorite supply shop. 8/14 Sea Stories of a U.S. Marine, a 5-book series. Available on Amazon.com. 12/19 Relevant: A Military Thriller by Peter Zaccagnino, inspired by true events. Available for purchase on Amazon or relevantthebook.com. 10/20

GHOSTS 2021. Two new in the ultimate of aviation calendars. Order online ghosts.com or (800) 331-8231. 12/20

HELP WANTED Coming soon! The Banyan Club! Seeking veterans and warbird enthusiasts to share their stories. Call (415) 548-3167, or Annamarie Buonocore, (650) 5048549. 3/20

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

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS List your non-profit club or organization FREE on a space available basis. Send information to: 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assn. (AOPA) aopa.org EAA Young Eagles youngeagles.org Offers free flights for aspiring pilots ages 8 to 17. West Valley Flying Club Palo Alto & San Carlos in San Francisco Bay Area (650) 856-2030, wvfc.org

Complete turn-key proved system. No experience necessary. Will train. Licensed USA Aircraft brokerage.

Women in Aviation International (937) 839-4647, wai.org

AVIATION RESOURCES

Sell Your Airplane FAST!! with an In Flight USA Classified Ad

Call today (504) 723-5566 or visit Business Opportunity Section at usaaircraft.com. 4208:TFN

Fly into the future with Wings Over Kansas. Voted one of the 500 Best McGraw-Hill Aviation Web Sites. Visitwingsoverkansas.com. 17100:TFN

Call (650) 358-9908

Current Ad Expiring? To renew, email: 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com

TEXTRON AVIATION INTRODUCES THE KING AIR 260 ITS TURBOPROP LINEUP January 2021

Textron Aviation is launching a new era for its renowned Beechcraft King Air 200 series aircraft with the introduction of the Beechcraft King Air 260 turboprop. Featuring the latest technological advancements to the cockpit and improvements in the cabin, the King Air 260 reflects the company’s continued commitment to making substantial investments to its current industry-leading products. Assembly production for the King Air 260 is already underway, and certification and deliveries are expected in early 2021. The Beechcraft King Air 260 turboprop is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company. The announcement comes on the heels of the recently introduced Beechcraft King Air 360, which features the latest enhancements to the cockpit and cabin. The King Air 360 achieved FAA type certification in October, and customer deliveries are underway. The King Air 260 combines the platform’s rich history of rugged reliability and versatility with state-of-the-art upgrades and next-generation capability, offering a greater ease of flying. Key enhancements to the aircraft are the addition of the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle, along with a new digital pressurization controller. The cockpit also offers the Collins Aerospace MultiScan weather radar system as a standard feature on every King Air 260. “These investments reflect our commitment to providing superior upgrades and engineering innovation that create the best flying experience for Beechcraft King Air 260 owners and operators

www.inflightusa.com

around the world,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “We place an immense value on our conversations with our customers, and the investments we make in our aircraft are a direct result of listening to their input. I’m proud of the impressive effort by our team for taking a legendary aircraft and adding technological advancements that will allow customers to achieve their varied missions.”

About the King Air 260

With an occupancy of up to nine, a maximum range of 1,720 nautical miles and a top cruise speed of 310 ktas, the Beechcraft King Air 200 series aircraft has long been the aircraft of choice for customers around the world. The latest upgrades offer even more reasons for choosing the aircraft. The ThrustSense Autothrottle supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing phases of flight. This enhancement reduces pilot workload and is designed to prevent over-speed or under-speed, over-temp and over-torque conditions. Another key update in the cockpit is the new digital pressurization controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort. The pressurization gauges have been integrated with the powerful Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck. The Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar provides pilots with a fully

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woman to serve as the executive officer aboard an aircraft carrier, a position she held from September 2016 to January 2019, also on the Lincoln. Bauernschmidt is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the United Stated Naval Academy in May 1994, the first graduating class in which women were allowed to serve aboard combatant ships and aircraft. She was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1996 and served with several helicopter squadrons throughout her career. She has previously commanded the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 and amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD-22).

20%

Discount Code: IN2020

King Air 260 in flight. (Courtesy Textron)

automatic system that it optimized to detect short, mid and long-range weather. The system is designed to present an accurate picture of the weather around the aircraft, further reducing pilot workload. “The Beechcraft King Air lineup is the most popular business turboprop in the world,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president, Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “It’s essential for us to continue exploring ways to bring innovation to such a renowned aircraft, and these enhancements will allow owners and operators to accomplish their various missions with greater comfort, technology and ease.” The IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle is also available as an aftermarket upgrade through Textron Aviation Service facilities on all Pro Line Fusionequipped Beechcraft King Air 200 series aircraft. The cabin, meanwhile, features newly designed seats created through an innovative pressure-mapping process that identifies ways to provide a more comfortable, relaxing journey for passengers, especially on longer flights. To learn more, visit the Textron website, www.txtav.com

FEMALE CO WILL COMMAND AIRCRAFT CARRIER FOR FIRST TIME

The Navy announced Friday, Dec. 18 that Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt will assume command of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) marking the first time a female commanding officer will lead the crew of one of the Navy’s 11 nuclearpowered aircraft carriers. Bauernschmidt will take command of Lincoln this summer, upon completion of the nuclear power, aviation, and leadership training required of aircraft carrier COs. "I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected,” said Bauernschmidt. “I love leading Sailors and I take that responsibility extremely seriously." Bauernschmidt was also the first

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CESSNA SUPPORT, DELIVERED Cessna Flyer Association benefits. Delivered to your doorstep and your devices. • Parts Locating • Technical Support • Monthly Full-color Magazine • Monthly e-Newsletter • Cessnaflyer.org/ Member online forums • Annual Gathering for Members

JOIN NOW

AND BECOME A CESSNA FLYER MEMBER

Join or Renew online at www.cessnaflyer.org The Navy announced last month that Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt will assume command of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), marking the first time a female commanding officer will lead the crew of one of the Navy’s 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. (U.S. Navy Photo)

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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years

January 2021

AD INDEX Aero & Marine ....................9 AERO LEDs ......................14 Aero Performance..............32 Aircraft Spruce ..................15 Airplanes USA A/C Sales....6 Airport Shoppe ..................21 Airtronics............................31 American Aircraft Sales ....47 AOPA....................................7 Arizona Type Ratings ........45 Art Nalls ............................16 Aviation Bus. Consultants 36 B-8 Drones ........................13 Born to Age ........................42 Bruce’s Custom Covers ....41 Business Av. Ins. ................28

JANUARY 2021 Cannon Avionics................37 Cessna Flyers Assoc. ........49 Corona AirVenture ............42 Dalcomm Tech ..................17 Digital Designs ..................25 Dr. Meg Spicer ..................17 Faith Lewis ........................51 Hartwig ................................3 HME Watches ....................24 Horizontal Rain..................22 Hudson Flight Limited ......19 Jeremy’s Jet Values............14 JT Evans ..............................4

Lake Havasu ......................12 Laura Biche Rev.Mortgage11 Lawyers for Men’s Rights 43 Left Seat Pilot Medical Sol.50 Liteye ....................................2 Mountain High Oxygen ......3 Pacific Coast Avionics ......10 Pacific Oil Cooler ................9 Pete Zaccagnino ................27 Planes of Fame ..................21 QREF Media......................18 R&M Steel ........................12 Rosen Sun Visors ..............35

Schweiss Doors..................14 Senior Care Authority........17 Sue Keddington..................13 Sunshine Flyers..................22 Thoroughbred Aviation......20 TJ Aircraft Sales ................23 Trisoft Covers ....................33 U.S. Aviation Expo ............30 USA Aircraft Brokers ........19 Vans Aircraft ........................6 Victory Aviation ................40 Victory Girl Art..................14 Wadel and Reed ................38 Wisconsin Aviation ............34 XL Aviation..................26, 52 Zanette Insurance ................5

PILOT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

"The professionals at Pilot Medical Solutions provide superior, pilotfocused services and help during your time of need. I would, without hesitation, recommend their services to an airman in need." – Anthony Ison, Aviation Attorney

"Because they assist you in getting your records properly prepared and walking the information through the FAA, they can often accomplish in days what may take months for other sources, including your AME, to do." – Erwin L. Samuelson, M.D

7KH &RQĂ€GHQWLDO 6ROXWLRQ IRU 3LORW 0HGLFDO &HUWLĂ€FDWLRQ Unlike FAA Medical Examiners or pilot advocate groups, Pilot Medical Solutions is exclusively dedicated to SURYLGLQJ FRQÂżGHQWLDO VXSSRUW WR VHFXUH PDLQWDLQ )$$ PHGLFDO FHUWLÂżFDWLRQ Pilot Medical Solutions is the only service which collaborates with private physicians to produce documentation UHTXLUHG E\ WKH )$$ Other services simply list FAA requirements, Pilot Medical Solutions KHOSV \RX FRPSO\ ZLWK WKHP

"I can strongly recommend Pilot Medical Solutions for consideration EHFDXVH WKH\ DUH V\PSDWKHWLF WR SLORWV ZLWK PHGLFDO FHUWLÀFDWLRQ SUREOHPV Pilot Medical Solutions also organizes the records which supports the FAA’s requirements." – Bob Hoover

Contact Pilot Medical Solutions for a free FAA Medical consultation.

"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your service. I have no doubt I would not have been able to obtain my medical in such a short time without your help." – Alexander Fung “They do all the work while we get the credit and the thanks from the pilot. They are knowledgeable, quick, well known to the FAA Aeromedical structure and make the special issuance process a breeze.â€? ² 'U -DPHV %XWOHU 6HQLRU $0( %RDUG &HUWLĂ€HG $HURVSDFH 0HGLFLQH

Pilot Medical Solutions helps pilots JHW WLPHO\ )$$ PHGLFDO FHUWLĂ€FDWLRQ

Contact us at 1-800-699-4457 or info@leftseat.com to confidentially discuss your FAA medical issues.

Destination Black Hills!

Lost Meadow Lost Meadow Hwy 85, Lead, SD MLS#66380 $1,100,000

Mondell Field Airport Newcastle,WY 307-746-4666

Lead, SD 20867 Picardi Ranch Place MLS#63801 $3,800,000 Sturgis Municipal Airport Sturgis, SD 605-347-3356

Moondance Meadow 118003 Argyle Rd, Custer, SD MLS#65367 $2,359,000

Black Fox 22709 Black Fox Camp, Hill City, SD MLS#64300 $1,495,000

Custer, County Airport Custer, SD 605-673-3874

Rapid City Regional Airport Rapid City, SD 605-393-9925

IF YOU’RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE IN THE BLACK HILLS YOU’RE LUCKY ENOUGH! Faith Lewis Broker Associate 605-863-0725 destinationblackhills.com

YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH!

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S TAILWHEEL AIRCRAFT SPECIALIST

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