In Flight USA January 2024 by Anne Dobbins

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Calendar of Events

To list your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com. Note: Calendar includes only information available by our press date, Friday, Jan. 5. Confirm the status before attending.

JANUARY

Sat. & Sun. 6

13 — 14 20

21 27

Q Atwater, CA: Tours of the VC9C Presidential Aircraft available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Castle Air Museum, (209) 723-2178, castleairmuseum.org. Q Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org. Q Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org 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 Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org. Q Hayward, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hayward Executive Airport, (510) 280-4111. Q Madrid, Spain: Spanish Aviation Forum, H10 Tribeca, aeropodium.com. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Sanford, FL: Aerospace & Aviation Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Million Air Hangar, Orlando Sanford Int’l. Airport, (407) 585-4024, aviationdayorlandosanford.com. Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832. Q Novato, CA: Planes & Coffee, SkyShare Terminal, Gnoss Field, (415) 897-2403, skyshare.com.

6 10 — 11 11 16 16 — 18 17

25 29

MARCH

1—2 2

6 7—8 9

Q Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, planesoffame.org. Q Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Chino, CA: Kilroy Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m. to noon, Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-7576. 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 Las Vegas, NV: Super Bowl Thunderbirds Fly-Over, Allegiant Stadium. Q Miami, FL: U.S. Corporate Aviation Summit, venue TBA, aeropodium.com. Q Buckeye, AZ: Buckeye Air Fair, gates Fri. 9 a.m/Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m., Buckeye Municipal Airport, (623) 349-6000, buckeyeaz.gov. Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org. Q Hayward, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hayward Executive Airport, (510) 280-4111. Q Daytona, FL: Daytona 500 Thunderbirds Fly-Over, Daytona Int’l. Speedway, (800) 748-7467, daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832. Q Novato, CA: Planes & Coffee, SkyShare Terminal, Gnoss Field, (415) 897-2403, skyshare.com. Q Laredo, TX: Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Laredo Int’l. Airport, (956) 722-0589, wbclaredo.org. Q London, UK: Aviation Developments in Finance, Leasing and Insurance, aeropodium.com. Q Tavares, FL: Planes, Tunes & BBQ, Fri. 4 p.m./Sat. 11 a.m., Wooton Park, Lake Dora, (352) 742-6176, tavares.org. Q Casa Grande, AZ: Cactus Antique Fly-In, gates 8 a.m., Casa Grande Municipal Airport, cactusflyin.org. Q Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, planesoffame.org. Q Vacaville, CA: Cup of Joe, 9 to 11 a.m., Rowland Freedom Center, (707) 449-3402, rowlandfreedomcenter.org Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Chino, CA: Kilroy Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m. to noon, Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-7576. Q Miami Beach, FL: PBEXPO, Miami Beach Convention Center, pbexpo.org. Registration now open. Q El Centro, CA: NAF El Centro Air Show, elcentroairshow.com. Q Yuma, AZ: MCAS Yuma Air Show, yumaairshow.com.

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COVER STORY

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

WARRIORS IN NEED – AVIATION INDEED

January 2024

AN INTERVIEW WITH WARRIORS IN NEED PRESIDENT BEN INGRAM

By Annamarie Buonocore

ere at In Flight USA, we are proud of the work we have done with veterans. The talented men and women who have served our armed forces often enter the field of aviation and contribute a great deal to our industry. We are proud to have featured stories about such veterans in the past, and we feel that there is no better way to kick off 2024 than to focus on an organization of veterans helping other veterans transition into civilian life. We are all aware that aviation faces some challenges, including a pilot and mechanic shortage, and working with organizations such as Warriors in Need is a great way to find talent for the industry. Ben Ingram, a veteran himself, is running this organization and also runs a Southern California-based aircraft cleaning company in support of this new nonprofit. He understands both aviation and veterans very well, and he has shed great light on how veterans can give aviation a wonderful future and how aviation can provide them with lucrative

Ben Ingram of Warriors in Need

opportunities and job security for years to come. In Flight USA: Why is your organization called Warriors in Need and how long have you been around? Ben Ingram: Yes, we are called Warriors in Need because we help veterans who are transitioning into civilian life after their time in the service. We have been working on putting this organization together for over a year, but we officially

Serving Serving g the Gener General al A Aviation viation n Community Community Since Sin nce 1981 $LUFUDIIWW 6DOHV 0DLQWHQDQFH

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launched Oct. 1, 2023. So, we’re very new. IFUSA: Why did you want to start an organization to help veterans in need? BI: To give you a little background, I am a Marine veteran. A little over two years ago, my friends and I lost a really good friend who was a Marine to suicide. In short order, raised nearly $10,000 for the family. We began to think that if we could do that in just a few weeks, what could we do with the rest of our lives. We

Warriors in Need helps veterans transition, often through aviation, into civilian life. (Courtesy Warriors in Need)

began to wonder what we could do for these wonderful men and women who are the best this country has to offer as they transition from military service to meaningful work here in the civilian sector. We were especially concerned about Continued on Page 10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 40, Number 5

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

COVER STORY

ON THE COVER FEATURED STORY

GROWING IN AIRCRAFT APPRAISALS

WARRIORS IN NEED AVIATION INDEED

INTERVIEW WITH MARK PARRY AND GLOBAL AIRCRAFT

By Annamarie Buonocore Page 4

By Annamarie Buonocore Page 49

NEWS Transforming A “Culture of Silence” By Lilian Geil, AOPA....................................................................7 AOPA Backs Trent Palmer’s Bid to Overturn Suspension By Jim Moore, AOPA ..................................................................8 American Humane Reunites Military Dog with Handler ..........11 New Entry Procedure in Effect in Mexico ..................................16 Electric Aviation Highlighted in European Parliament ............19 Air Race Classic Registration Now Open ..................................20 NAA Recognizes Best in Humanitarian Flying..........................21 EAA AirVenture Dates Confirmed Through 2027 ......................22 Sporty’s Awards Pilot Triaining+ $2,500 Scholarships ............24 FAA Moves to Address ATC Fatigue ..........................................25 AOPA Mourns Bill Dunn, “Bulldog” in Airport Advocacy ........26 ERAU Professor Flies High at Aerobatics Contest ..................30 Young Eagles Program Sees Steady Increase in 2023 ............34 CAP Fleet Adds New Cessnas ....................................................36 Alabama Cadets Create Spaceflight Simulator ........................38 Aviation Community Installs Hydraulic Doors from Schweiss45 Biden Administration Invests $66M in Airport Improvements 47

January 2024

Cover Photo Courtesy Warriors in Need

FEATURES & SPECIAL SECTIONS Editorial: Hurry Up… The Clock is Running… By Ed Downs ................................................................6 AOPA Editorial: Where Will 2024 Take You? By Mark Baker, President and CEO ..................................8 Reno Air Racing Assoc. Year in Review By Fred Telling (CEO) and Tony Logoteta (COO) ................14 Hovercraft Rescue and Transport, Crisis Intervention By Larry E. Nazimek ....................................................16 New Rotorcraft Simplifies Piloting By J.S. Decker ..............................................................22 New Aviation Opportunities Develop in Lake County By Herb Lingl and Mary McEnroe ....................................40 The Phoenix is Rising and It’s PJP! By Bert Botta ................................................................42 X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle On Its Seventh Mission By Larry E. Nazimek ......................................................43

COLUMNS Flying With Faber: Omni Homestead Resort By Stuart J. Faber ..........................................................17 Homebuilder’s Workshop: More Oshkosh By Ed Wischmeyer ........................................................32 SafeLandings: 2023 Year-End Roundup ..................................................................................39 Goodies & Gadgets: Happy New Year from Aircraft Spruce ....................................................46

DEPARTMENTS

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

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

January 2024

HURRY UP… THE CLOCK IS RUNNING

Editorial By Ed Downs 20171976 Socata CessnaTBM 337G 930

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orry for the alarmist title to this opinion editorial, but you need to read what follows and act. More and more, the powerful bureaucracies or our Federal (and local) governments make their own rules to meet agendas that have little to do with serving the public or constitutional values. You, our aviation readers, are becoming increasingly subject to having everything you have invested in your passion for aviation ended, based upon only innuendo and “narratives.” Your pilot certificate is protected by the clear-cut standards defined in the new (since 2016) Airman Certification Standards for initial pilot certificate issuance and continuing performance (flight review, instrument proficiency checks and additional class ratings). Aircraft certification standards are equally copious and well documented. Clearly stated FARs codify numerous safety issues which are then entrusted to you, as PIC, to adhere to. Your third class medical certificate has no such standards. The medical related FARs (Pat 67 and 68) are general in nature and emphasize that the Civil Air Surgeon has significant discretionary powers, seldom used in favor of a medical certificate applicant. A third class medical certificate, or several forms of “special issuances” can be denied or revoked for simply practicing good health disciplines recommended by your personal physician or specialist. Everything you have invested in being a pilot and aircraft owner is on the line when you apply for a class medical, with virtually no ability to question a bureaucrat’s (not doctor’s) decision or challenge the FAA Aerospace Medical Division without committing to thousands of dollars’ medical cost and/or legal fees. Have I got your attention? Pretty strong stuff, eh? Here is the “punch line” to this opinion. By going to this link, Federal Register: Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (https://www.fed eralregister.gov/documents/2023/07/24/202314425/modernization-of-special-airworthiness-certification) no later than Jan. 22, 2024, you can participate in a “back door” effort to dramatically alter the damaging effects of the third class medical system. So, what is going on? The comment period for the NPRM “Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificate” (MOSAIC) has been extended to Jan. 22, 2024. This proposed ruling redefines what a “Light Sport Aircraft” (LSA) is,

permitting a person exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot (that is you with an expired third class medical certificate) to fly a much wider variety of private aircraft, including four place and complex … without a medical certificate. It means a new pilot can train to Sport Pilot standards in a contemporary trainer, such as a Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee variant, plus many others… again… without a medical certificate. This new rule, while seemingly just dealing with an aircraft certification standard, could redefine the need for the antiquated and unsafe (keep reading to see why “unsafe”) third class medical system for non-professional pilots. Sounds good, right? But … and there is a big … BUT… the FAA Aerospace Medical Division (let’s just call this “FAAAeroMed”) has inserted its territorial claim to this 300-page rule. According to FAA AeroMed’s input, a person exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot in one of these significantly upgraded airplanes, can only carry one passenger, and cannot fly at night, unless they have a third class medical certificate, or are operating under basic Med, which requires at least a third class medical to have been issued within the last 18 years. This is where comments on the proposed rule are needed. Sure, if you read the entire rule (OMG … 300 pages!) there are other technical issues, like stall speed limits, but this absurd demand that a person must participate in a multimillion (billion?) dollar bureaucracy to fly in the dark or carry an additional passenger is ridiculous and in no way related to heath or aviation safety. It is clearly a last gasp effort to retain the power and funding to support an antiquated certification system that offers no benefit and encourages participants to lie, omit or self-medicate if health issues do exist. The reason offered in the NPRM for this medical certificate need is that “it maintains the safety continuum…” in other words… “we have always done it this way.” FAA AeroMed’s claim to improve flight safety is to simply increase the medical issuance denial rate, and they have been successful, with denials tripling in just the last three years. It is time to openly comment regarding the failed AeroMed system, and welcome AeroMed’s efforts to defend itself. Here is your chance to comment and point out the absurdity of FAA Aeromed’s particiContinued on Page 7

TRANSFORMING A 'CULTURE OF SILENCE'

January 2024

By Lillian Geil AOPA

Safety experts, mental health specialists, pilots, government agencies, and aviation industry professionals met at a forum hosted by the NTSB last month to discuss breaking down barriers to mental health care in the aviation industry. Pilot mental health has been at the forefront of the FAA agenda since Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup was appointed in 2021. Northrup has advocated consistently for early intervention and dispelling the myths around certification qualification so that the culture around mental health can improve. In June, the FAA removed additional aeromedical barriers as part of this ongoing mission. Pilots who are taking antidepressants are no longer required to undergo follow-up neuropsychological evaluations to continue flying, and an additional medication, Wellbutrin XL, was approved for use. With that addition, four selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and a bupropion extended release are now on the approved list. However, many within the industry, including individuals who have struggled through the costly and time-consuming Continued on Page 9

Editorial

Continued from Page 6 pation in an aircraft certification issue. What to say, what kind of comments can you offer? Let’s list a few ideas, maybe something will stick. 1. Instead of a Sport Pilot (Private Pilot without a medical certificate) needing MedXpress and an AME for a meaningless exam, perhaps require this person to undergo a Medical Education Course (MEC) every two years, like a person flying with Basic Med. This writer would vote for that to be part of the now required Flight Review. What a thought, education versus punishment! 2. Consider expanding FAR 67 and 68 to be more specific, placing health responsibility upon the PIC, not nameless bureaucrats (or an AI review of MedXpress forms) of unknown qualifications. This would include Advisory Circular support with published Orders. Such documents do not exist in the present medical system or are simply withheld from individuals seeking reasons for denials. 3. Per requirements clearly outlined in the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, form an indus-

www.inflightusa.com

FAA Statement on Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker announced on Dec. 5 that the agency has officially established the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee (ARC). The ARC will provide recommendations to the FAA on ways to identify and break down any remaining barriers that discourage pilots from reporting and seeking care for mental health issues. The ARC will also consider the same issues for FAA air traffic controllers. The rulemaking committee will submit its recommendations to the FAA by the end of March 2024. The FAA will soon name experts from the aviation and medical communities who will serve on the committee. Their work will build on the FAA’s previous work to prioritize pilot mental health. Learn more at faa.gov.

try standards committee under the guideline of ASTM International and seek true industry consensus regarding medical needs of pilots. It has simply been assumed that flying a Cessna 172 in a medically safe manner somehow requires a huge Federal medical agency, while no one thinks twice about an 80-year-old grandpa hurtling down a two-lane road at 80 mph in a 20,000-pound RV. Time is short. Comments do not have to be long or argumentative. The primary point to be made is, let’s replace bureaucracy with education and the level of trust earned by a person who has obtained a pilot certificate. Do not penalize a person for seeking the aid of medical experts for issues that can now be resolved with modern care and/or medications and, especially, do not discourage pilots form seeking help with emotional or mental issues. If anything has been learned from the COVID experience, it is that big government, politicians and unelected bureaucrats are not only unqualified to deal with medical issues but end up getting people killed.

KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE CLOUDS.

We’ll be your feet on the ground. Being a member of AOPA is more than a huge list of pilot benefits. Joining AOPA empowers general aviation with a louder voice, keeping skies safer and open to pilots everywhere.

Amplify your power to fly. Join AOPA today.

AOPA.org/Join

WHERE WILL 2024 TAKE YOU?

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

By Mark Baker

AOPA President and CEO ight about this time, as I am sure many of you do, I take a step back and wonder where my travels will take me over the coming year. And true to form, I spent some time over the holidays pondering the airports, events and people I will see in 2024. Now if you are someone who flies as much as I do for professional and personal reasons, you may think that I am close to running out of destinations. Sometimes it seems like that, but there is always so much new to see and experience in this great country and the thousands of general aviation airports we get to visit as part of this amazing passion we share. But one thing that is great about flying is that we can visit the same airports and still have a totally new experience – meeting new members, those new to the GA community and even some new and amazing restaurants. You don’t have to ask me twice to share a great meal.

So back to the question: what’s on my radar for the coming year? I’m excited to see so many of you at first-class aviation events and shows in 2024. The season will kick off with a return visit to Arizona and the Buckeye Air Fair. I’ve been to Buckeye a few times and the city and people (led by my friend, AOPA member and mayor Eric Orsborn) just never disappoint. You probably have read in these pages that our approach to AOPA events has evolved over the past few years, as work toward AOPA’s goal of bringing AOPA’s resources, aviation expertise, and benefits to members across the county by partnering with established aviation events. Like Buckeye. We hope to see you in The Grand Canyon State on Feb. 16-18 – why not make your President’s Day a long aviation weekend? The event season won’t have a chance to cool off (literally) when we head to Florida for Sun ‘n Fun in April. Can’t tell you how many trips to

Lakeland this will be for me (yes, I can, but I’ll leave you guessing!) for a week of warmth – warm temperatures, warm friendships and warm, well hot, aerial displays and airshows. Sun ‘n Fun is always a highlight of the year and we can’t wait to see you there. Late July always brings the grandaddy of aviation events, EAAAirVenture. If you think I’ve been to Sun ‘n Fun many times, I certainly have lost count of my trips to Oshkosh. Every trip to Wisconsin brings something new, something unexpected, something exciting, but also something I can count on – a great time at a great show with great friends. Let’s not forget landing on arguably the best grass strip in America come September. AOPA will be at the Triple Tree Fly-in with full force and celebrate everything that wonderful event has come to mean to me, our staff and our members. Then there’s this little thing we are doing in May that you may have heard of. And we could not be more excited! What

January 2024

A wide array of aircraft representing virtually every chapter of general aviation’s storied history will be on full display over the National Mall during a spectacular commemoration of the numerous contributions the GA industry continues to provide to our nation since 1939. The celebration will also coincide with AOPA’s eighty-fifth anniversary in May 2024. AOPA President Mark Baker will lead the way in his Beechcraft 17 Staggerwing. (Chris Rose/Courtesy AOPA) a spectacle it will be for those in-person, those watching online across the country and those actually taking part (like me!) with the General Aviation Flyover.

AOPA BACKS TRENT PALMER'S BID TO OVERTURN SUSPENSION

By Jim Moore

Leads Challenge of Noncompliance with Pilot’s Bill of Rights

AOPA

OPA, joined by the Experimental Aircraft Association and Alaska Airmen’s Association, argue in a case before a federal appeals court that the NTSB has consistently ignored key provisions of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights when reviewing FAA sanctions against pilots. AOPA Legal Services Plan attorney Daniel Hassing, who helped draft the brief filed by the general aviation groups, said the importance of the case to the GA community goes beyond the particulars of one pilot’s case, and straight to the heart of protections that Congress enacted and which the FAA and NTSB have not consistently followed. “We want to ensure that the process is fair to airmen and that the FAA and NTSB play by the rules Congress established,” Hassing said. “Furthermore, we want the court to overrule its prior decision before other courts cite it and rely upon it.” The prior ruling Hassing referred to – and now asks the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reconsider – involved the NTSB being overruled by the D.C. Circuit after an NTSB judge reduced an FAA-imposed sanction on another pilot.

YouTube personality Trent Palmer’s case involves different underlying facts and circumstances, but offers an opportunity to challenge a previous D.C. Circuit ruling that held, incorrectly, the GA groups believe, that the NTSB should defer to the FAA’s choice of sanction, rendering the NTSB little more than a rubber stamp in the process rather than an important check and balance in the legal enforcement system. The NTSB on March 30 upheld a 120-day suspension imposed by the FAA against Palmer over a flight Palmer made in November 2019 that included what Palmer contends was a permissible lowaltitude inspection pass over a neighborhood backyard where Palmer considered landing, but opted not to. The flight triggered the multiyear, ongoing legal battle that originally centered on differing interpretations of FAR 91.119, which governs minimum safe altitudes. The first seven words, “Except when necessary for takeoff and landing” were the basis of Palmer’s case to the NTSB to overturn the suspension: that a low inspection pass of an off-airport location is “necessary for takeoff and landing,” regardless of whether the landing is completed. The D.C. Circuit will hear Palmer’s petition and consider arguments from the

GA groups who contend in a “friend of the court” brief filed Dec. 18 that the NTSB has failed to follow the Pilot’s Bill of Rights – and not only in Palmer’s case. “Despite the fact that Congress used the command mandate ‘shall’ in the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, the NTSB’s adherence to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence has been unfaithful,” the GA groups wrote, noting the NTSB has treated the federal rules regarding evidentiary proceedings as “nonbinding” in three other cases since the law was passed in 2012. “Notably, ‘nonbinding guidance’ was how the NTSB described the Federal Rules of Evidence before the Pilot’s Bill of Rights” became law, the brief continued. “So the NTSB has seemingly seen fit to ignore a Congressional directive to change its ways of informality and apply a time-tested set of rules that are designed to ensure fairness and a just result in legal proceedings.” The brief also notes that the NTSB allowed testimony on questions of law during Palmer’s hearing before an NTSB administrative law judge (despite Palmer’s repeated objections), particularly the testimony from an FAA specialist who offered a legal opinion that the federal rules of evidence do not allow. The GA groups also asked the D.C.

YouTube personality and aviator Trent Palmer’s case offers an opportunity to challenge a previous D.C. Circuit ruling that held, incorrectly, the GA groups believe, that the NTSB should defer to the FAA’s choice of sanction, rendering the NTSB little more than a rubber stamp in the process rather than an important check and balance in the legal enforcement system. (Courtesy Trent Palmer, trentpalmer.com)

Circuit court to reconsider the previous case in which it overruled an NTSB decision to reduce FAA-imposed sanctions, with the court ruling in that case that the NTSB “did not accord appropriate deference” to the FAA. The GA groups argue that the law passed by Congress does not require such deference. The GA groups told the court that their “principal concern in this case is Continued on Page 12

January 2024

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Transforming a 'Culture

Continued from Page 7 aeromedical certification process, state that federal progress is too slow and hope to see conditions revised. The most contentious issues were discussed at a Dec. 6 safety summit on Navigating Mental Health in Aviation hosted by the NTSB. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy’s mission for the summit was to examine the consequences of the current system, identify how best to support affected individuals in the aviation industry, and make aviation safer for all. “It’s somewhat of an open secret that current rules incentivize people to either lie about their medical history when it comes to mental health or avoid seeking help in the first place,” Homendy said, criticizing what’s called by many a culture of silence that persists and threatens the safety of the industry. “I think it’s safe to say, no one wants a system that disincentivizes transparency or one that discourages aviation professionals to disclose what’s really going on in their life,” she said. Summit participants and public attendees heard opinions and research from a spectrum of experts, ranging from those who had firsthand experiences navigating the FAA’s mental health certification process to doctors who have conducted research on the topic. Dr. William R. Hoffman, a neurologist and aircrew brain health researcher, has spent years studying the aviation medical certification process. Hoffman’s 2023 research on aircraft pilot health care avoidance behavior found that 56 percent of U.S. pilots reported a history of health care avoidance behavior due to the fear of loss of flying status. Policy confusion; uncertainty navigating certification; the FAA’s processes and timing; the culture and literacy around mental health; and concerns about financial loss all can factor into a pilot’s decision to avoid or decline health care. The research mirrors the firsthand experiences detailed by panelists who spoke out about navigating the FAA aeromedical system. Pilots who voluntarily grounded themselves or disclosed medication information faced challenges when trying to reenter the cockpit. Years of waiting because of backlogs at the FAA and tens of thousands of dollars spent on top of lost income were common denominators among those who spoke. Tim Sisk has been a pilot for nearly three decades and in March 2022, he went in for a routine medical examination and left with a deferral that was later followed by a denial. This disqualification was due to his use of a psychoactive prescription – an FDA-approved medication that has been on the market for 40 years and has limited side effects. Sisk

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NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy hosted the Navigating Mental Health in Aviation safety summit on Dec. 6 in Washington, D.C. (NTSB photo/Courtesy AOPA) has spent 21 months and more than $10,000 seeing specialists, undergoing repeat tests, and seeking legal assistance. “I support and I fully back the FAA’s mission to have the safest and most efficient airspace in the world,” he said. “But the current policies are a barrier to that when it comes to mental health for our pilots, for our controllers.” Dr. Penny Giovanetti, director of the medical specialties division at FAA headquarters, spoke about reframing the topic as a performance and safety issue and attempted to dispel some of the myths associated with certification-loss probability. Additionally, Giovanetti addressed the frustrating delays in certification. Although the agency has added three staff psychiatrists since 2019, demand for specialty review in psychiatry continues to increase. The FAA has recently bid out a contract for four additional aviation psychiatrists to join FAA staff in the field and “get this wait down to something that is reasonable,” said Giovanetti. “We are watching this, we are optimistic that the backlog is coming down, but the backlog is so overwhelming that it is not going to happen fast.” Several panelists expressed optimism for the new FAA aviation rulemaking committee that was announced on Dec. 5. It will focus on identifying the barriers individuals across the aviation industry face during the aeromedical certification process and aim to address how to break down those barriers. The committee will be composed of 20 non-FAA voting members as well as accommodate observers and will be selected by FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety David Boulter. “There are many barriers personnel face in seeking mental healthcare. To make it more complicated, different barriers are owned by different stakeholders,” said Hoffman. “Meaningful change will likely have multiple targeted interventions ranging from financial, information distribution, and investigation in research but we first need to make sure all of the right people are at the table.” Continued on Page 12

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Continued from Page 4 this high rate of suicide among veterans. I am not an expert on the numbers, but through other organizations, I have learned that 20 percent of suicides each year, and there are close to 40,000 suicides in this country, are veteran suicides. Veterans only make up six percent of the population, so it is very lopsided. Our mission is to help transitioning veterans with the many challenges that come with transitioning into civilian life. Aviation is really important to us because it is an industry that can give these veterans hope, a place where they can use their experience and be appreciated. We want to bring down these high suicide rates and offer resources for veterans who might be suffering from injuries or emotional darkness. We want to give them a place to go when they’re struggling. IFUSA: Are you the founder? BI: I am the founder, but there are others involved as well. My family has been very supportive of all of this from the beginning. I have a lot of friends involved, but I am spearheading this operation. I am trying to recruit as many people as possible, veterans and non-veterans, to get on board. I am not comfortable just randomly asking people for money, so I am working to form a nonprofit charity where we can seek donations for our cause of helping veterans. I also own an aircraft cleaning company, so I am taking profits from that company to invest into the Warriors in Need charity. Our goal is to be a template for other companies and show them how to do this. I hire veterans in my own company, and I am partnering with my fellow Marine, Nick Matthews, who is a top name in aircraft cleaning and well-known in the Van Nuys area. Nick is my business partner and the Operations Officer for our cleaning company, G.H. Graham Custom Aircraft Detailing. He knows how to bring veterans into aviation jobs and help them to thrive in the industry. He has been in the industry himself for 30 years and brings a great deal of knowledge and leadership to the table. He has been able to find us many customers who really support our efforts and believe in what we’re doing here. We plan to hire more veterans and help them use their experience in our company and branch out into other aviation careers. We plan to help them get into MROs, flight schools, and other organizations because we need some good leaders. Regardless of whether or not they have aviation experience before they come to us, they have invaluable skills that can only be learned in the military. We want to get our hands on these leaders, train them, and bring them into the aviation industry that is hurting for help right now. We’re

January 2024

gonna fill that gap with these veterans. IFUSA: What services do you offer veterans once they come to you? BI: Yes, we are working on a menu of services. We are looking to offer career and job counseling. We are partnering with the Wounded Warriors Project, and they offer resume services, job counseling, and various information. We are also working with several MROs, including Duncan Aviation, which is looking to put together a job fair for us in the spring of 2024. As far as jobs go, we look forward to becoming a conduit between the veterans and the Warriors for Work program and the MROs that need to recruit. We’re basically a liaison between Warriors for Work and the MROs right now. We look forward to bringing veterans out to Lincoln, Neb. for this job fair that is going to happen in the spring at Duncan Aviation. For crisis and emotional counseling, we are partnering up with an organization called DAV (Disabled American Veterans). They have local chapters, and one of their officers is a good friend of mine out of Ventura County. We’re working with them to create more crisis services. As maintenance professionals, we’re very good at partnering with other organizations and managing resources both internally and externally. IFUSA: Where does your personal interest in aviation stem from? BI: I am a pilot and an aircraft mechanic. My aviation career started with the Marine Corp back in 1992. I signed up with an open contract and did not have any expectations but to graduate from Marine Corp bootcamp. I planned to come out on the other end a new man, and that happened. By the grace of God, I was routed into the air wing of the Marine Corp. I first became a mechanic and then a helicopter crew chief. I logged nearly 1,000 hours flying in a CH-46 helicopter for the Marine Corp. I was deployed all over the world. I have been to Africa, Southeast Asia, the Gulf. I really developed some great skills and qualities that I was able to leave the Marine Corp with. To my fortune, the MOS (job) I held gave me authorization to take my A&P exams, so I did. I have been a mechanic since 1997. After the Marine Corp, I worked for Martins Aviation in Santa Ana, Calif. From there, I started climbing the ladder. Shortly after I started working there, I was taking care of several business jets. After six or seven years at Martins Aviation, I decided to go into business for myself and really get in the frying pan. I started a small aircraft management company. I started to expand my own services through my Continued on Page 13

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: AMERICAN HUMANE REUNITES RETIRED MILITARY WORKING DOG WITH FORMER AIR FORCE HANDLER AFTER TWO YEARS APART

January 2024

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USAF SSgt. Mike Alcala Adopts K-9 Veteran John in San Antonio

On Dec. 20, American Humane reunited retired military working dog John with his former K-9 handler, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Mike Alcala, in San Antonio, Texas. The once-inseparable pair have been apart for more than two years and are now be together for the holidays as John finds his forever home to live out his retirement. Ssgt. Alcala adopted John on last month. The 10-year-old German shepherd served as an explosive-detection dog at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for eight years. He retired last month due to old age, ending a distinguished military career spent protecting civilians, his fellow service members, and high-profile VIPs, including American presidents, first ladies, foreign dignitaries, and more. A special retirement ceremony was conducted in his honor in Hawaii last week to celebrate his years of dedicated service. SSgt. Alcala was John’s handler for three years, during which time the two

formed an unbreakable bond. They were separated in September 2021 when SSgt. Alcala was reassigned to another base. The moment he learned that John would retire, SSgt. Alcala reached out to American Humane for help transporting his best friend home for adoption. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring military working dog John home for the holidays and reunite him with his best friend,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO ofAmerican Humane. “American Humane is honored to help give this fourlegged veteran the comfortable retirement he deserves after eight years of distinguished service to our country.” “When I found out that John was up for retirement, of course, I wanted him so bad,” said SSgt. Alcala. “I heard about American Humane through a buddy of mine, so I thought I would reach out and see what American Humane could do for me and John. They were gracious to help go pick him up in Hawaii, transport him back to me, and without me having to pay

anything. It’s just been a blessing for us.” In addition to transporting John from Hawaii to San Antonio, American Humane is also covering all of John’s veterinary care for the rest of his life.

During the emotional reunion on Wednesday, Dec. 20, SSgt. Alcala and his wife, Brittany Alcala, introduced their 10-month-old daughter to John — the Continued on Page 12 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 .................................... Nicholas A. Veronico, Sagar Pathak, Paul T. Glessner Staff Contributors ............................................S. Mark Rhodes, Larry Nazimek, Lea Buonocore 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 © 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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Continued from Page 11

newest member of the Alcala family.

Military Working Dog Reunification Background:

• K-9 handlers and their military working dogs form unbreakable bonds while serving our country. Unfortunately, however, they are often separated when one of them retires or is reassigned. • When a military dog is retired from service, it can be difficult for the military to track down their latest handler for adoption, let alone figure out how to transport the dog home. The extensive process involves a lot of paperwork, headaches, and red tape, and the costs and responsibilities usually fall on the handler. • American Humane handles the complex process of international and national transport of retired K-9 veterans on behalf of their former military handlers, who are thrilled to adopt them. • Handlers reach out to American Humane for help reuniting with their K-9 counterparts. The organization covers the travel costs to transport the dog, as well as the dog’s ongoing veterinary care. • Like humans, K-9 veterans often retire with health complications that require expensive medical care. The government does not cover these costs. That’s why American Humane covers all veterinary

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bills for the working dogs it brings home – ensuring these K-9 veterans get the comfortable, dignified retirements they deserve. American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to ensure the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support their lifesaving work, visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to their channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

Transforming a 'Culture Continued from Page 9 For Sisk, he hopes to see continued collaboration between industry and individual, ongoing advocacy from the community, and a multilevel push to ensure this issue doesn’t get swept up in yesterday’s news. “Sometimes a regulator

Avionics Circa 1980

On Dec. 20, during an emotional reunion, SSgt. Mike Alcala and his wife, Brittany Alcala, officially adopted John. USAF SSgt. Alcala was John’s handler for three years, during which time the two formed an unbreakable bond. (Courtesy American Humane)

needs to lead through hearing and responding in a meaningful way to the community it is leading,” he said. “I believe this is one of those times.” Learn more at AOPA’s website, aopa.org.

AOPA Backs Trent Palmer Continued from Page 8 ensuring that what Congress legislated about how the NTSB is supposed to work is honored. Citizens and their elected representatives go through a burdensome process of passing legislation that directs agencies as to how to conduct their proceedings. The NTSB has chosen to ignore the directives and responsibility Congress gave it. This Court should not allow this result. It should require the NTSB to respect Congress’ enactments about how it does its job.” Palmer’s attorney filed the petitioner’s brief on Dec. 11, focusing on alleged errors by the NTSB judge, including failure to dismiss the order of suspension. “This Petition for review principally

centers on whether the FAA has complied with the most basic precepts of the due process of law in conducting air safety proceedings,” the petitioner’s brief begins, “and specifically, whether or not it allowed the Administrator to proceed forward on a Complaint which failed to identify any meaningful facts against which the Petitioner was to defend himself. Otherwise, this Petition too addresses whether the FAA’s final order of April 6, 2022, otherwise affirmed by the Board by its Order of March 30, 2023, was arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and otherwise not in accordance with the law.” The government has a Jan. 17 deadline to file a response, and Palmer will be allowed to file a reply to that by Feb. 7.

January 2024

Cover Story

Continued from Page 10 experience and education. I had Falcons, Gulfstreams and Citations under my care. I just built up the ladder from there. A couple of notable resume items would be: after 9/11, I was eager to get back into the Marine Corp. Unfortunately, I am disabled, so it was a little more complicated. That was when I got into the Navy DOD for civil service. I started to fly the P-3 Alliance and became part of an aviation photography team. We worked closely with the Missile Defense Agency and the Air Force. We photographed their rocket launches out of Vandenberg Air Force Base. Some of the most memorable work was what we did with NASA with their Hypersonic Measurement Team. We actually got to work with the space shuttle before the orbiter was retired. We used special telescopes to image the space shuttle at speeds as high as mach 22. NASA provided a special sensor which was mounted on our telescopes. The sensor was spatially, spectrally and thermally calibrated to collect quantitative data to better understand heat shield damage and the posible effects on the shuttle. There were a lot of lessons learned there, and I can apply those lessons to the work we are doing with Warriors in Need. IFUSA: What kinds of planes do you service in your aircraft cleaning company? BI: We have mostly business jets in our lineup. We work in the Van Nuys and Burbank area. We clean interiors, exteriors, and we have specialty services that include special coating and paint sealants. We specialize in interior carpet and upholstery. We have silks and other special materials and also state-of-the-art equipment, the best in the industry. We have the best and most capable people working for us, as well. To put that in perspective, even some of our competitors call us for some of our specialty services. We strive to be the best, and we look to hire veterans. We look to help support them and become a stepping-stone to other areas of aviation such as maintenance and piloting. IFUSA: Do you like being in the Van Nuys and Burbank area? BI: Yes, I do. Van Nuys probably has the most business jet traffic on the West coast if not the entire country. Between the two airports, there is a lion’s share of business aircraft that need cleaning services. There are a lot of customers, and there are good maintenance organizations here too. Western Jet is here. It is a very large facility, and they send us in the 20s of aircraft to work on at a time. There’s a lot of business here. It’s a great vocation to be in. There is so much history here at the Van Nuys Airport; Clay Lacy

www.inflightusa.com Aviation and Gulfstream, as well as, the Condor Squadron with their T-6 aircraft. It’s wonder here. IFUSA: Which airplanes do you and your staff enjoy working on or flying? BI: We actually have a 757 that we enjoy working on. I cannot divulge all of our clients here, but we get some pretty cool airplanes to clean and work on. The 757 is my personal favorite. It’s just a really cool airplane and a really fun one to clean. It’s a great client, and we’re honored to be the preferred vendor for some of these clients. IFUSA: Do you plan to offer any aviation-related courses to your veterans? BI: I am so glad you asked that because yes, we plan to offer several courses to help the veterans in their careers. We really want to start a mentorship program where we can introduce veterans who are within the aviation wing within the military to those who are not. This could start giving them knowledge about aviation and the opportunities it provides. We can definitely do this on the maintenance side. Obviously the piloting side is a little trickier, we don’t have the resources to become a flight school, but we can refer them to flight school partners. Maintenance is easy. I am a maintenance manager right now, and we have access to numerous aircraft. Our clients are on board with what we’re doing. If we can help get them on the path through our partners West Jet and Standard Aero, that would make us very happy. There’s a lot we can do. As you know, schooling through an accredited college is one path to becoming an aircraft mechanic, but there’s also OJT (on the job training). Eighteen months of OJT can qualify you for your A&P license, as well some military service and experience can be applied. Some military aviation jobs meet requirements for exam authorization. We look forward to forming partnerships with the local colleges to provide access to that pathway. But we also plan to focus on OJT and getting these men and women directly into the MROs. IFUSA: What are your goals for 2024? BI: I am looking to put together a board so that we can sit down and have those discussions about what is next. There are a couple of events we are looking to put together. We are looking to do a 5K or 10K walk. There are a couple other shooting events we’d like to get involved with. Right now, we’re really going to focus on getting the cleaning company well established, for which we’re well underway. We would like to hire two veterans this year within our company and use all of the resources to make sure we are successful going forContinued on Page 14

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Castle Air Museum, adjacent to CCastle Castle astle Airport (MER) is in its 41st ye year ar of oper operation, ation, and has become the W West est CCoast’s oast’s lar largest gest static display of vintage military air craft dating back fr om the aircraft from late 1930’ s. With over 80 air craft in the collection 1930’s. aircraft and mor moree due soon, such as the LLockheed ockheed FF-117 -117 Nighthawk and FFA-18 A-18 Blue Angel Air craft, the Aircraft, Museum is situated on 31 acr es, 25 of which ar acres, aree curr ently occupied by air craft. TThe he most currently aircraft. comprehensive compr ehensive collection of WWII Bombers, from fr om the Douglas B-18 Bolo to the mammoth CConvair onvair RB-36 PPeacemaker, eacemaker, B-52D SStratofortress tratofortress DQG )% $DUGYDUN )RU WKH ƓJKWHU IDQ \RX ZLOO DQG )% $DUGYDUN )RU WKH ƓJKWHU IDQ \RX ZLOO view air craft fr om the LLockheed ockheed FF-80 -80 to the aircraft from General Gener al Dynamics FF-16A -16A FFighting ighting FFalcon. alcon. TThe he Museum is located at 5050 Santa FFee Dr Dr.,., Atwater,, CCAA 95301, and open daily 9 am to 4 Atwater pm, with last admission admission to the Air craft Exhibit Aircraft Gr ounds at 3:15 daily Grounds daily.. For more more information, ple ase call 209-723-2178 For please or visit www .castleairmuseum.org. www.castleairmuseum.org.

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January 2024

Editor’s Note: Fred Telling, Chairman/ CEO and Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association, host of the National Championship Air Races and Air Show, offer a view of 2023 navigating through sundowning of the popular and highly-successful September event in Reno, however sadly punctuated this past year by the tragic loss of Nick Macy and Chris Rushing, preparing for a farewell airshow (not races) to mark the 60th anniversary in Reno and closing in on their search for a new home for the races. Their letter to Reno Air Racing fans follows: To our amazing September Family,

As 2023 draws to a close, it would not be overstating to say that it has been one of the most challenging and yet highly successful years in our six decades as the Reno Air Racing Association. Following notice from our airport authority, we announced in March that this would be our last year of air racing at Reno-Stead. While it was indeed a sad and undesirable announcement, you, our fans, volunteers, sponsors, racers, staff, exhibitors, and vendors, all made it clear early on that 2023’s National Championship Air Races would be a grand finale like no other. Initial ticket sales on opening day received such an overwhelming response that our servers crashed! They were quickly back in action, and the following months demonstrated that our September Family was going to be there in numbers the likes of

Cover Story

Continued from Page 13

ward. Right now, we need to fortify and get a few new players in place to put together charity events. They need to understand the nonprofit space and lead the effort as we fortify the cleaning company and make room for new employees. IFUSA: How do you go about getting new members? BI: Right now, it’s mostly word of mouth. We’re working on a membership fee structure for the new year. We are working to obtain our nonprofit status. Then we will add memberships. We would like to sponsor a race team in the motorcycle racing industry. We have some roots there. Before Warriors in Need became a thing, we were using racing and motorcycles as a therapy for our veterans in need. I truly believe that the therapy of riding and racing kept my friend alive longer than he would have been. We can learn form that. We know

RARA officials recap the highs and lows of 2023. (Courtesy RARA)

which we have not seen in many years. Behind the scenes, once the announcement was made, we immediately embarked on a three-phase mission, which we are proud to say is not only proceeding well, but in all likelihood will exceed even our most ambitious expectations! Our mission was threefold. First, we wanted to have a successful, profitable final race week at Reno that would give proper justice to our long tenure, as well Continued on Page 18 this industry is very therapeutic, enticing, and exciting for veterans. We hope to advertise through sponsoring a race team and recruiting new members in that way. We’re partnering with Legacy Aviation. They enjoy sponsoring our events, and events are a great way to bring in new people. IFUSA: How can our readers help your cause? BI: We have a link for donations to help us as well as the Wounded Warrior Project. It’s a great organization. I have donated to them for years. Donations can be made online, and we’ll have a website link set up soon. We are putting together tee shirts, hats, and merchandise that we can sell to generate revenue for our nonprofit. We take donations at events through our credit card terminal. All of this is in the works, and we look forward to telling you more about it soon. IFUSA: Thank you.

January 2024

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HOVERCRAFT RESCUE AND TRANSPORT

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

By Larry E. Nazimek

e’ve seen various flood disasters in recent times that have virtually paralyzed communities. In all of these disasters, rescue and transport have been problems. When water is deep, wheeled vehicles are limited by the depth of the water. Even if it seems as though trucks can get through, there can be drop offs in the pavement, where all of a sudden, the water in a spot may be too deep. Flooded streets typically have stranded vehicles whose drivers thought they could make it through. Boats, however, face the problem of running aground on stranded vehicles, trees, or other obstacles, so even in a flood, boats can’t go everywhere. Hovercraft Rescue and Transport wants to transform the rescue and transport procedures for flood events with specially designed hovercraft. They are relatively cheap to operate, at one-tenth the cost of a helicopter, and they are much safer. They can go into flooded, or partially flooded, areas where other types of vehicles can’t. These hovercrafts are not like the recreational craft with a bath of spray and noise, but are safe, quiet, dry, and stable. This design allows the hovercrafts to stop

By Niki Britton

January 2024

Hovercrafts can go into flooded ares where other vehicles cannot. (Courtesy HRT)

Hovercraft Rescue and Transport wants to transform the rescue and transport procedures for flood events with specially designed hovercraft. (Courtesy HRT) on a dime, spin in place, and maneuver effectively like no other hovercraft that has been made before. HRT is a successor to West Coast Hovercraft, Inc. (WCHi), an independent manufacturer and operations contractor that has sold numerous hovercrafts to various government agencies. They have built more than 40 hovercraft, mostly for government use. Owner Charles Beyer has been designing hovercraft since he was 15 and has more than 5,000 hours operating them. Beyer would like to work with a financier to create a fleet of hovercrafts

(some electric), along with a rescue strike team. A company that would finance such an operation would have its logo prominently displayed on the hovercrafts, so they would be rewarded with their brand on the national news, saving people and doing good. Beyer explained that, “...a sponsor will get many minutes of national advertising on the news, as we save people and animals and move in emergency supplies for the hurricane or flood aftermath. This national news coverage is worth around $250K per minute. A sponsor will break

Operators are urged to request the new single-entry authorization two days before the aircraft arrives in Mexico. Each AFAC office at an international arrival must request a permit number from the central AFAC headquarters in Mexico City; the authorization is not valid without that official permit number. Receipt of new authorizations may not be instantaneous, and it is unclear how aircraft continuing to other airports within Mexico or making a drop-off are likely to be handled; if aircraft will be allowed to leave before the permit number is received or if they must remain at that airport remains to be seen. The documents required to request an authorization are the same as with the previous procedure: • Airworthiness certificate • Registration certificate

• Insurance policy • Pilot certificate • Medical certificate In addition, AFAC also requires a Layout of Passenger Accommodations, which is similar to the aircraft diagrams normally found in the “Weight and Balance” section of the aircraft’s pilot’s operating handbook or aircraft flight manual. It is unknown at the time of this article’s publishing how the authorization is to be requested. Emails are being sent to local AFAC offices at airports, but they do not include details as to how the request should be submitted. It is recommended that operators contact the Civil Aviation Authority at the airport they plan to use. The cost of the authorization is about 2,182 pesos or about $128 in U.S. curren-

HRT hovercrafts can maneuver effectively in flooded crisis areas. (Courtesy HRT)

even in advertising costs in six minutes, which will likely happen in the first year of rescues. The hovercraft and uniforms will have the name and logo of the sponsor on everything.” For further information, their website is: https://hover66.wixsite.com/hover craft-rescue

NEW ENTRY PROCEDURES IN EFFECT IN MEXICO

AOPA

According to an internal memo, the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) implemented new entry procedures for all foreign aircraft entering the country starting Jan. 1. The new “Single Entry Authorization” (Autorización de Internación Única) is required for all foreign registered aircraft and is valid for 180 days; during that time aircraft may enter and depart Mexico freely. Foreign registered aircraft currently in Mexico under the old single-entry permit may continue to operate but must not exceed the 180-day period allowed. The permit will expire if the aircraft leaves the country.

A Cessna 182 is preflighted by Mexico Medical Missions pilot Mike Berkeley and his wife, Maci, at Presidio Lely International Airport in the Big Bend area of West Texas Dec. 20, 2021. (David Tulis, courtesy AOPA) cy.

At this time, no aeronautical information circulars or notams have been issued to warn operators of the new requirements. Continue to follow this story at aopa.org.

Visit In Flight USA for the latest aviation news... www.inflightusa.com

January 2024

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In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

January 2024

Reno Air Racing Association Offers 2023 Year in Review Continued from Page 14 as provide the funding to weather the search for a new location. Second, we planned to create and deliver an open national RFP process that would facilitate the vetting and selection of this new venue for NCAR with our full 7-race class and airshow complement. Finally, we would announce and host a farewell airshow in 2024 to celebrate our 60th anniversary and give a big introduction to our next chapter in a new home. Fast forward to December, and we are thrilled to report that all three phases

are well in hand. Checking the first box, the 2023 National Championship Air Races was an incredible success. While the tragic losses of Nick Macy and Chris Rushing after the T6 Gold Race on Sunday will forever sadly punctuate this historic week, the event itself and its results far exceeded our projections and provided us with the funding needed to proceed with our relocation efforts. As for our search, as of this writing we have six finalist cities whose proposals have been reviewed and site visits to each have been completed. We are now

in the deliberation phase of narrowing the decision down to our final selection, which we expect to announce in early spring 2024. We’d like to recognize Terry Matter, RARA Board Vice Chairman and Site Selection Committee Chairman along with our entire Site Selection Committee for their tireless work in finding our new home. Finally, at the International Council of Airshows earlier this month we received the wonderful news that we will host not one, but two of the world’s most exciting and dynamic jet demonstration

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teams at our 2024 Airshow – the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Our show is scheduled for Oct. 4-6, 2024, at Reno-Stead. We have a host of military and civilian performers plus static displays, a racing heritage area and our STEM Discovery Zone rounding out an amazing weekend of aviation excellence, along with a few surprises we have planned. Even though we are not racing, we are planning an epic celebration of our history and certainly our future that promises to be yet another amazing event for Northern Nevada. Throughout these challenging yet triumphant times, our core mission has thrived. NCAR 2023 was a first-class air racing and airshow event, and we were able to honor our military with several key ceremonies and recognitions during the week. Our STEM Discovery Zone once again experienced incredible attendance, and we are proud to report that our first and second-year awardees of our Flight Training Scholarships are doing well, and we will be announcing our third year of scholarships this spring. While the year began with what seemed insurmountable challenges, we are blessed with an incredible board, staff and leadership team, and thanks to their amazing efforts combined with the support of our September Family we now have much to celebrate. As we enter the holiday season reflecting on our mission, circumstances, and performance, we are humbled by the pride, resilience, and loyalty that all of you have shown as we embark on this next step in our journey. Please accept our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for persevering, celebrating, and joining us as we continue Racing for the Future. We are truly blessed by you and hope you all have a Happy New Year. With deepest appreciation and thanks, Fred Telling, Chairman / CEO and Tony Logoteta, COO

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January 2024

OPPORTUNITIES FROM ELECTRIC AVIATION HIGHLIGHTED IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), on Dec. 5, assisted with the organization and support of a round-table event on Electric Aviation in the European Parliament in Brussels hosted by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Erik Bergkvist. The event showcased the breadth of ongoing developments and opportunities for Electric Aviation in Europe and facilitated discussions on what is needed to accelerate bringing these sustainable air mobility solutions to market for EU citizens. MEP Erik Bergkvist is the Rapporteur for an important report, currently under debate last month in the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee, titled “Electric aviation – a solution for short- and midrange flights,” which aims to highlight the key policy and legislative measures needed to accelerate the development of Electric Aviation in Europe. “General Aviation has consistently demonstrated its role as the incubator of innovation for the entire aviation industry, most notably in the context of bringing to market real solutions for zero and lowemissions air mobility advancements through battery-electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powered flight. GAMA member companies are at the forefront of this sustainable aviation revolution, but to make it a reality, critical policy, regulatory and financial measures are needed in the near-term,” said Kyle Martin, GAMA Vice President, European Affairs, during the first of three panel discussions in the European Parliament. “As pioneers in the field of electric aviation, Pipistrel, with Textron eAviation, a Textron Inc. company were honored to contribute to this crucial dialogue. General Aviation is the key to delivering bigger change in the wider aviation industry. The sector is enabling scalable technology and by working with smaller projects we are preparing regulators, mechanics, engineers, pilots, and the whole ecosystem for the future. Thank you to GAMA for organizing this roundtable. Forums like these play a vital role in fostering industry-wide collaboration to bring air mobility solutions to the European market,” said Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director at Pipistrel. “Today the European Parliament is being introduced to clean aviation, a growing and dynamic industry which has considerable economic and societal benefits. As the technological spin-off of the Solar Impulse project, the first electric

www.inflightusa.com

Pipistrel is a pioneer in alternative propulsion and their electric journey started in 2007 with the world’s first two-seat electric aircraft, the Taurus Electro. Today the Velis Electro (pictured here) is the first ever type certified electric powered aircraft, fully approved for pilot training in day-VFR operations in more than 30 countries worldwide. (Courtesy Pipistrel)

The Volocopter 2X flying crewed over Downtown Manhatten, completing the first every eVTOL-flight in New York City. Volocopter is committed to providing a safe, sustainable and quiet mode of transport in the megacities of the world. (Courtesy Volocopter)

airplane to fly around the world, with no fossil fuels and only energy from the sun, H55 wholeheartedly welcomes supporting the TRAN committee in providing our insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with bringing to the market clean aviation solutions. The technological and economic paradigms of air transportation are changing, and clean air transportation will undoubtedly become an important driver for economic growth and job creation. Europe has a competitive advantage in aviation, and industry and governments need to continue to work together to leverage these new opportunities to ensure that Europe’s aviation leadership position remains solid. We look forward to working with GAMA and member states in fostering European innovation to reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Gregory Blatt, H55 co-founder and CSMO. “Electrification is the logical evolution for the aviation industry with the advancements in propulsion technology, and Europe, with its rich history of pioneering aviation innovation has an opportunity to lead the change. However, with-

out collective ambition, funding and solid EU-wide policies and regulatory frameworks, Europe risks falling behind and losing out to its global competitors. Europe is an important market for Skyports Infrastructure and home to our world-class vertiport testbed, where we are developing critical infrastructure processes and technology for the burgeoning electric aviation sector. With today’s roundtable, we are setting forth critical requirements that will enable industry to help realise Europe’s electric aviation potential,” said Simon Whalley, Chief Regulatory Officer at Skyports Infrastructure. “At Volocopter, we are committed to providing a safe, sustainable and quiet mode of transport in megacities of the world – starting with Europe next year. To unlock the true potential of this sector, there is an urgent need for Europe to create a robust regulatory framework and devise new funding mechanisms,” said Michael Hillermeier, Director Strategy, Markets and Business Development, Volocopter. Simon McNamara, Director

Government & Industry Affairs, Heart Aerospace said, “We believe electric and hybrid-electric airplanes will not only decarbonize regional air travel, but also rejuvenate it by offering lower operational costs. In the spirit of the EU’s mantra of no state being left behind, we believe this change will ensure more regional communities in all EU member states are able to enjoy convenient, regional connectivity.” “Europe is in a pole position of electric aviation but runs the risk of losing its pioneers. We have several internationally leading companies and a clear route to certification and operations established by EASA,” Lilium Executive Dr. Saskia Horsch said. “However, we are clearly disadvantaged financially. While other countries offer significant public funds to support this burgeoning industry, here in Europe we rely on scarce private capital in a crunch market. Existing public funding at EU or national level are not tailored to the needs of a high-tech, capitalintense, long lead-time industry. That’s why we need a level playing field or will lose promising enterprises and the opportunities they bring. Together, we can make a significant contribution to decarbonizing regional aviation and driving growth, jobs, and autonomy in a strategically crucial area. Europe should act and help a highly innovative segment to get off the ground now.” Michael Cervenka, Chief Technology Officer at Vertical Aerospace said, “We are experiencing the most significant revolution in aerospace technology since the launch of the jet era. New forms of propulsion, like battery electric, will provide a quiet, clean, affordable and safe new forms of air transport, changing the way people travel. But to capture the benefits at home, the European Union needs to make sure it has the right policies and levers to enable this nascent sector to compete and thrive.” Jean-Francois Rideau, Head of Strategy and Partnership for the Power division of Safran Electrical and Power said: “Safran is committed to meet the challenge of reducing aircraft emissions. One of the ways is to achieve this strategic priority is to deliver innovative and competitive technologies to support electrification and hybridization from small planes to long haul commercial aircraft. Safran ambitions to be the first in the world to certify a propulsive electric motor for aviation and pave the way to Continued on Page 20

AIR RACE CLASSIC REGISTRATION OPENED JAN. 2, 2024 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

Registration opened Jan. 2, 2024, for the 47th Air Race Classic (ARC) to be held June 18-21, 2024. Women pilots from across the United States and around the world will take off Tuesday, June 18, from Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, Illinois, for a 2,628-statute mile competition across 11 states that ends Friday, June 21, at Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland, Colorado. The oldest race of its kind in the nation, the Air Race Classic traces its roots to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, also known as the Powder Puff Derby, in which Amelia Earhart and 19 other daring female pilots raced from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio. This year’s ARC celebrates the 95th anniversary of that historic competition, which marked the beginning of women’s air racing in the United States. Today, the ARC is the epicenter of women’s air racing, the ultimate test of piloting skill and aviation decisionmaking for female pilots of all ages and from all walks of life. “The ARC Board of Directors and volunteers have been hard at work preparing for our 47th race,” said Air Race Classic President Donna Harris. “We look forward to celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Women’s Air Derby as

Women pilots from across the United States and around the world will take off Tuesday, June 18, from Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, Illinois, for a 2,628-statute mile competition across 11 states that ends Friday, June 21, at Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland, Colorado. (Courtesy ARC) we welcome back veteran racers and meet new competitors at our Start in Carbondale, Illinois.” Teams will begin departing Southern Illinois Airport at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, taking off one after another approximately 60 seconds apart.

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From there, the field will spread out as faster planes move ahead or as racers use their own strategy for when to fly. Faster planes may complete the route in only two days; slower planes may not arrive at the Terminus in Loveland, CO, until moments before the arrival deadline at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Intermediate airports along the route are in La Porte, IN; Cadillac, MI; Newark, OH; Monee, IL; Owatonna, MN; Moberly, MO; Bartlesville, OK; and Dodge City, KS. Teams will execute high-speed flybys over a timing line at each of these intermediate airports where they may also land for fuel, a break, or an

January 2024

overnight stay. Teams consisting of at least two female pilots will complete the course flying normally aspirated, piston-powered airplanes in visual flight conditions during daylight hours. Pilots and copilots must have at least a private pilot certificate and a minimum of 100 hours as pilot-in-command to qualify for the race; one of them must have at least 500 hours as pilot-in-command or a current instrument rating. Teams may include additional female teammates who must hold at least a student pilot certificate. Because each plane receives a unique handicap, teams are racing against their own best time, not against one another. This creates a level playing field, so slower planes can compete against faster planes on an equal basis. Teams strategize to play the elements, holding out for better weather or seeking more favorable winds, to beat their handicap by the greatest margin. Official standings are not determined until after the last team has crossed the finish line – the last arrival at the Terminus may, in fact, be the winner! Air Race Classic Inc. is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission of encouraging and educating current and future female pilots, increasing public awareness of general aviation, demonstrating women’s roles in aviation, and preserving and promoting the tradition of pioneering women in aviation. For more information, go to airraceclassic.org. Follow Air Race Classic on Facebook. On Instagram: @airraceclassicinc.

Electric Aviation

Continued from Page 19 this future.” GAMA member companies are actively developing electric aviation solutions that are expected to come to market in the coming years, including electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and fixed-wing aeroplane solutions for a broad range of air mobility services. During the discussions, the following were highlighted as key EU policy measures to accelerate these developments: 1. Creating the appropriate EU and member state financial frameworks to promote research, development and bring a range of electric aviation products to market. 2. Building a robust and resilient European supply chain for core components to ensure a swift uptake of new technologies in the marketplace.

3. Exploring synergies between the aeronautics sector and existing industry frameworks to support the development of batteries and fuel cells, including improving recycling technologies. 4. Investing in battery recycling infrastructure and R&D in advanced materials to minimize external dependencies. 5. Ensuring that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has increased public funding to efficiently and effectively carry out rulemaking and certification tasks and the ability to retain expert staff who are critical to bringing electric aviation solutions to market. 6. Promoting harmonization of certification and electric charging standards for electric aviation with bilateral aviation partners around the globe to support the export of products. Learn more at game.aero.

THE NATIONAL AERONAUTIC ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES THE BEST IN HUMANITARIAN FLYING

January 2024

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The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced the 2023 Public Benefit Flying Awards recipients. Created in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, the Public Benefit Flying Awards recognize volunteer pilots, other volunteers, and organizations engaged in flying to help others and those supporting such work. Uniting their love of flying and selfless devotion to humankind, pilots and other volunteers engaged in Public Benefit Flying combine their talent and time with the desire to help others. The 2023 Public Benefit Flying Awards recipients are: Distinguished Volunteer Pilot Dennis Phelan, for altruistically giving his time, talent, and resources to transport hundreds of passengers to their life-saving medical care as an Angel Flight West volunteer pilot and Earth Angel. Phelan has flown over 880 missions to help passengers reach life-saving medical care. Distinguished Volunteer David Brubaker, for his dedication to youth aviation education. Brubaker is helping to build the next generation of Public Benefit Flying pilots through STEM Flights, an organization mentoring youth and encouraging them to pursue STEM careers. Teamwork Award All General Aviation Pilots

The 2023 NAA’s Public Benefit Award recipients share their time and talent for humankind. (Courtesy NAA)

Involved in the Maui Relief, represented by Rainbow Helicopters, in recognition of their outstanding efforts to transport essential supplies to displaced families on the island of Maui after the deadly wildfires of 2023. Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying Jim Hesseman, for outstanding service to public benefit flying and as a volunteer pilot with generosity and compassion that exceeds all expectations. Hesseman works tirelessly to build awareness of volunteer flights. Champion of Public Benefit Flying Lightspeed Aviation, for their outstanding and inspiring support for volunteer pilots and charitable aviation. Lightspeed spreads the word about

Public Benefit Flying through media and published materials, such as their book, Flying for Compassion. “The selfless dedication of these people is remarkable, and their impact is staggering,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “From a child with a terminal illness to an organ that needs to get across the country for transplant to the movement of people escaping natural disasters, these pilots represent the best in aviation. It’s our honor to recognize them and share their impact for the recognition and inspiration of others.” Members of the 2023 Public Benefit Flying Selection Committee: Ed Bolen, National Business Aviation Association Linda Daschle, LHD & Associates, Inc.

Jenna Gerdes, Angel Flight Central John Lunseth, 2022 Public Benefit Flying Award recipient Rol Morrow, Air Care Alliance Greg Pecoraro, National Association of State Aviation Officials Patty Wagstaff, Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety, LLC The presentation of the Public Benefit Flying Awards will occur in Washington, D.C., on a date to be determined. The Air Care Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public service organization representing a nationwide network of volunteer pilot groups that deliver impactful and inspiring service through aviation. ACA encourages volunteerism among pilots, helps patients access the free air transportation they need, and ensures that charitable aviation remains a viable resource to those who need it most. For information, visit https://www.aircare alliance.org. The National Aeronautic Association is a non-profit membership organization devoted to fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight in the United States. NAA is the caretaker of some of the most important aviation awards in the world and certifies all national aviation records set in the United States. For information, visit www.naa.aero.

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NEW ROTORCRAFT SIMPLIFIES PILOTING In Flight USA Celebrating 38 Years

By J.S. Decker

he AIR ONE almost flies itself. Its first flight was empty, in fact, and now Israeli startup AIR hopes for certification and delivery of the two-seat rotorcraft by the end of 2024, and thirdphase testing ended Dec. 20 as the U.S. Air Force picks the best quiet two-person carrier. Simplicity, redundancy and safety are selling points for the $150,000 twoseater, says CEO Rani Plaut, and silence helps, too. Four batteries power the eight rotors, so at 200 feet up its ground noise is just 74 decibels. “We want very low impact on communities,” Plaut says, so no one will complain about gentle backyard landings. “The space you need for landing is about 25 by 25 feet.” Physicist Plaut helped start the company five years ago along with “original founder” and UAV expert Chen Rosen. The team has recruited international talent and is on its way,” Plaut says. “The next major milestone is manned flight testing of the mass production prototype, followed by certification upon proving safety standards.” USAF tracks it all in the AFWERX Agility Prime program. AIR has proven itself since entering in 2022, said Lt. Col. John Tekell, Agility Prime Branch Chief.

AIR ONE’s prototype where simplicity, redundancy and safety are selling points for the $150,000 two-seater. (Courtesy AIR ONE) “Analytics predict lower operations and maintenance costs of eVTOL aircraft through mechanical simplicity,” he said. Lifted by four corner rotors, the craft resembles a mega-sized winged hobby drone, reaching top speeds of 155 mph. Its payload is 550 pounds. Cargo and agriculture service await. Just 20 hours of flight training earns the necessary Sport Pilot license, but software drastically simplifies the work. Plaut explains, “The flight control system, including the software, was developed exclusively by AIR and is based on AIR’s patented technology. We are in ongoing discussions with other OEMs in the eVTOL space regarding supplying them with the proprietary system.” The search is on for a manufacturer. “We anticipate hundreds of customers

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annually and our production rate will accommodate that,” he said. “It is AIR’s goal to deliver mass-produced aircraft at an unprecedented rate. First deliveries will be made in the U.S. where people will be able to fly first throughout Class G airspace, which essentially avoids urban areas, as a starting point.” Half of their roughly 300 customers

January 2024

are already pilots, he says, and others are drawn by the simple, safe design. Using any car charging station or an adapter at home, AIR ONE charges fully in one hour. It reaches the 100-mile range in the same time, flying at 150 mph. With only eight critical moving parts, failure will be rare and overlap will keep it flying anyway. Four separated power lines to four batteries compensate, even with 50 percent power loss. He can’t imagine when it would be needed, but a ballistic recovery chute can bring the whole aircraft safely straight down. From its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, AIR lets beginners easily “drive the sky.” The company is scouting locations to build up its American presence and continue flight testing. Learn more at www.airev.aero.

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH DATES CONFIRMED THROUGH 2027 Dates for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, have been confirmed through 2027. Upcoming event dates are: • 2024: July 22-28 • 2025: July 21-27 • 2026: July 20-26 • 2027: July 26-Aug. 1 “As the aviation community looks at Oshkosh as one of its highlights each year, we wanted to announce the dates for the next several years so people can plan for their trips to Oshkosh,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “We also realize that AirVenture’s dates affect the scheduling of many other aviation events, as well as other activities in Wisconsin, so it’s important to have these dates finalized.” EAA’s annual fly-in convention has been held since 1953 and has occurred in Oshkosh since 1970. More details regarding highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 will be announced as they are confirmed.

2024 Speakers Series

Along with dates for AirVenture, EAA has confirmed their schedule for the first half of 2024 Speaker Series. The schedule is set, as the first six speakers have been confirmed. The presentations take place on select Thursdays throughout the winter, spring, and summer at 7 p.m. at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh.

The 2024 schedule includes:

• Jan. 18 – Archaeology and MIA Recovery Missions: Innovations and

Challenges: Dr. Brett Hoffman will review the history of the University of Wisconsin MIA Recovery and Identification Project, including the breakthroughs and difficulties along the way. • Feb. 15 – The Magic of Air Show Flying: Air show pilot Matt Younkin will detail what it is like to perform in front of crowds all across the country. • March 21 – Flying the A-1 Skyraider: Vietnam War veteran John Larrison will discuss conducting some of the first A-1 Skyraider missions over Vietnam. • April 18 – Tomcats Over the Gulf: Herman C. Cook III will recount his experience flying one of two American F-14 Tomcats that engaged two Libyan MiG-23s over the Gulf of Sidra on January 4, 1989. • May 16 – Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue: Tom Cooper will explain what life is like for a United States Coast Guard helicopter pilot, including personal stories of flying lifesaving missions. • June 20 – Bazooka Charlie: Researching One Hero’s Adventure of Taking a Cub to War: Biographer Jim Busha takes a deep dive into the story of Major Charles Carpenter, who made headlines during World War II when he affixed six bazookas to his Piper L-4 airplane in order to attack German tanks. The monthly Speaker Series is open to the public, with free admission for EAA members and just $5 for nonmembers. Learn more about EAA’s events, including AirVenture, at eaa.org.

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1978 PIPER TURBO ARROW III 10K cut from price! Fly high, fast and affordably. Recommended cruise 172 kts. Useable fuel 73 gallons.

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1985 SOCATA TB-20 TRINIDAD Price reduced! Wow! 1500 hour Trinidad with 300 hour engine. Like new Hartzell 3-blade scimitar propeller. Air conditioning that works and a 1100 lb. useful load to carry four people in comfort. Extra wide cabin with two doors and great visibility. Arguably the best piston engine in a light airplane. 86 gallons of "go forever" fuel.

1976 CESSNA T310R Cruise comfortably at over 200 kts. Climb at 1700 ft./min. Over 1600 lbs. useful. Twin engine safety and comfort. Has had only three owners. Check this one out soon!

1991 SOCATA TB-20 TRINIDAD If you are looking for a fast, really easy-to-fly, airplane powered by arguably the best piston engine you can buy you need to seriously consider the Trinidad. Great load carrying capacity, roomy and comfortable. Always hangared and it really shows. One owner airplane.

2005 TECNAM P2002 SIERRA Price reduced! This stylish Special Light Sport Aircraft is a joy to fly with responsive controls and great visibility with the sliding canopy. Made by one of the oldest light plane manufacturers, the popular P2002 Sierra is still in production. Copious and fantastic records.

1956 BEECHCRAFT E50 TWIN BONANZA If a classic, big, brawny, powerful, roomy, impressive, easy to fly plane with convenient entry interests you, we've got one. Shows very well inside and out. 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 single-engine 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. 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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THE NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) and RTCA, Inc. have announced Julie Rosseter, Orchestra Director at Riverwatch Middle School in Suwanee, Georgia, as the distinguished recipient of the Professional Development Scholarship Opportunity for Educators. The scholarship, designed to recognize and support outstanding educators committed to advancing aviation and technology education, attracted a highly competitive pool of applicants from across the nation. Julie Rosseter's exemplary dedication to her students and innovative teaching methods in the field of aviation education set her apart as a deserving educator. "Julie Rosseter's passion for education, combined with her commitment to incorporating aviation and technology into her teaching, truly stood out to our selection committee," said Aimee Maruyama, President/CEO at NAHF. "We are thrilled to collaborate with the National Aviation Hall of Fame to support educators like Julie Rosseter," said Terry McVenes, President and CEO

at RTCA. "As technology continues to shape our world, it is crucial to empower educators with the resources they need to prepare students at an early age for the challenges and opportunities of the future." "We are incredibly honored to be the first recipients of the Professional Development Scholarship from RTCA and the National Aviation Hall of Fame,” said Julie Rosseter and her colleague, Elizabeth Alvarez, musicians and educators extraordinaire. “This scholarship ensures thousands of students each year will learn about aviation, its pioneers, and its innovations through a STEAM program that uses storytelling, aeronautic design, and orchestra to bring the history of flight to life. Importantly, this financial support helps further implement these experiences as part of an ongoing curriculum – enabling an exciting platform for learning that centers on aviation and opens minds to endless possibilities.” The scholarship program supports both organizations’ core values, including demonstrating community support through enhanced STEM/STEAM edu-

An Ohio native, Christopher Barns knew during his high school years that flying was for him. After investigating several collegiate-based aviation programs, Christopher ultimately joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Following his USMC service, Christopher earned a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in meteorology, an interest he developed through his aviation pursuits. Christopher Barns is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship. Christopher is now ready to make his dreams of becoming a pilot a reality by training toward a private pilot certificate at Reigle Field (58N) in Palmyra, PA. Once he earns his fixedwing certification, Christopher plans on pursuing his glider certificate at a local soaring club.

“The $2,500 award would be enough for me to pay for a tailwheel endorsement at my training airport and join the local gliding club,” said Barns. “I would then have the opportunity to earn glider ratings and build time toward my commercial certificate as a tow pilot.” Barns, a resident of Mount Joy, PA, is utilizing Sporty’s online Learn to Fly course to complete his ground training and FAA knowledge test so that he can focus his efforts on his flight training. Christopher also intends to take advantage of Sporty’s So You Want to Fly Gliders course and Tailwheel Checkout course, all available through his Pilot Training+ membership. “I will use the award for both an endorsement and to gain entry into the soaring world, which I will enjoy long after the funds run out,” remarked Barns.

cational opportunities, particularly in underserved areas. The National Aviation Hall of Fame and RTCA extend their congratulations to Julie Rosseter and express their appreciation to all educators who applied for the Professional Development Scholarship Opportunity. Scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now open. For more information, please visit nationalaviation.org/learning/educators/ and rtca.org.

January 2024

Julie Rosseter enjoys a multifaceted career as a professional violist and as a teacher. She is a core member of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, and is co-founder of the string duo Two Left Hands-with whom she has built strings programs in communities from Kansas to Georgia since 2001. Passionate about training the next generation of young musicians, Rosseter maintains a highly sought-after private music studio in Atlanta and has presented master classes for the Ohio State University and for numerous other colleges and universities across the country. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University School of Music, a Master’s degree from Wichita State University where she was a Blumfield Fellow, and an Artist Diploma in Chamber Music from Duquesne University. In 2011, Rosseter started the first strings program in Forsyth County, GA and in 2018 became the first full time orchestra director in the Forsyth County School System. In addition to her work as orchestra director at Lambert High School, Rosseter implemented Forsyth County’s first middle school orchestra program at Riverwatch Middle School in 2021. (Photo and caption United ForsythOrchestra/ untiedforsythorchestra.org)

SPORTY’S AWARDS PILOT TRAINING+ $2,500 SCHOLARSHIP

Christopher Barns (2009) as he embarks on a discovery flight marking his first aviation adventure. (Courtesy Sporty’s)

The local glider club always needs tow pilots, and by joining with a tailwheel endorsement, I will be able to build hours through towing and gliding.” Sporty’s Pilot Training+ is an allinclusive membership that unlocks Sporty’s complete library of award-win-

Christopher Barns (front) prepares for his introduction to gliders. (Courtesy Sporty’s) ning, video-based courses for one annual fee. Membership also includes the opportunity to apply for three $2,500 scholarships, awarded annually. To enroll as a Sporty’s Pilot Training+ member visit sportys.com/pilottraining.

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FAA MOVES TO ADDRESS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER FATIGUE

January 2024

Continuing its work to improve aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Dec. 20 that it has tasked a panel of fatigue experts to identify new ways to address air traffic controller fatigue. The three-member panel will examine how the latest science on sleep needs and fatigue considerations could be applied to controller work requirements and scheduling. The panel will identify potential ways the FAA could better address controller fatigue. As part of its work, it will review previous controller-fatigue research. The panel will begin its work in early January and provide a final report to the FAA about six weeks later. Mark Rosekind, a safety and sleep/fatigue professional and former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member, will chair the panel. Other members are: Charles Czeisler, chief and senior physician, Division of

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STCs Now Available at www.G100UL.com Every day, FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO) provides service to more than 45,000 flights and 2.9 million airline passengers across more than 29 million square miles of airspace out of 520 airport traffic control towers. (Courtesy FAA)

Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, head of the NASA Ames Research Center Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory. Read more about the FAA’s safety initiatives at faa.gov.

FAA ADMINISTRATOR STRENGTHENS SAFETY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker has directed the executive director of Air Traffic Safety Oversight (AOV) to directly report both to him, as well as to the Associate Administrator of Aviation Safety (AVS). The move was recommended by the independent Safety Review Team to strengthen the connection between the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) and AVS to address aviation safety risks. “Direct, candid feedback is crucial to constant improvement in aviation safety,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “And that is why I have provided a direct line from the person who independently assesses the safety of air navigation to me, the head of the agency.” Nick Fuller is the new AOV executive director. He is responsible for directing the independent, risk-based, datadriven safety oversight of air navigation services. Fuller is the former deputy vice president of ATO Safety and Technical Training and has managed air traffic operations at multiple levels. He began his career as an air traffic control specialist for the United States Navy.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker has directed the executive director of Air Traffic Safety Oversight (AOV) to directly report both to him, as well as to the Associate Administrator of Aviation Safety (AVS). (Courtesy FAA) The FAA commissioned the Safety Review Team following the agency’s Safety Summit in March. In addition to providing a direct line from the AOV executive director to Administrator Continued on Page 26

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AOPA MOURNS BILL DUNN: OUR 'BULLDOG' IN AIRPORT ADVOCACY HAS DIED

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

DIVORCE-PATERNITY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

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5 BELL 212 Helicopters

January 2024

By Julie Summers Walker AOPA

For more than 25 years, AOPA Vice President of Airport Advocacy Bill Dunn vigorously and tirelessly advocated on behalf of general aviation pilots to protect our nation’s airports. He retired in 2014 but continued to help as needed, still battling the Santa Monica City Council over Santa Monica Municipal Airport in California, and advocating for airports such as Van Nuys Airport in California (still in operation), and the former Blue Ash-Cincinnati Airport (closed in 2012) with the company he founded, Aviation Strategies LLC. Sadly, on Dec. 13, Dunn died after a battle with cancer. AOPA President Mark Baker said Dunn’s dogged defense of airports and commitment to serving AOPA members “makes me very proud to have known him.” Dunn was a pilot and former California state trooper. He came to AOPA in 1991 at the behest of thenAOPA President Phil Boyer. Boyer knew Dunn from his work with airports in California and immediately wanted Dunn on the AOPA advocacy team. “Bill is tenacious, knowledgeable,

For more than 25 years, AOPA Vice President of Airport Advocacy Bill Dunn advocated on behalf of general aviation pilots to protect our nation’s airports. Dunn passed away on Dec. 13. (Chris Rose/Courtesy AOPA)

dedicated and knows airports; their issues, assets, problems and opportunities,” said Boyer. “I always referred to him as our airport ‘bulldog’ who knew how to stay the course, build consensus and deal with the public. Bill is someone I would surely want on my side.” Dunn was part of the AOPA family for decades, playing a pivotal role in the government affairs team. He spent much of his career fighting to keep airports open and accessible, and was instrumental in launching the Airport Support Network, which now has more than 2,300 volunteers nationwide. He was often called in to handle the most difficult Continued on Page 28

FAA Administrator

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Continued from Page 25 Whitaker, the agency has also taken several actions to increase its air traffic controller workforce. The team made the following recommendations earlier in the year and FAA has or is in the process of taking immediate action on the following items: • Provide additional support to colleges and universities in the Air TrafficCollegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) Program. The FAA will work with ATCTI programs to ensure that graduates from these programs have the necessary skills to begin on-the-job training at a facility. These graduates still must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and meet medical and security requirements. Previously, these graduates were required to attend the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy prior to being assigned to a facility. • Announced a year-round hiring track for experienced controllers from the military and private industry.

• Keep filling every seat at the FAA Academy and increase our classroom capacity beyond current limits. • Expand the use of advanced training across the country. The agency has new facilities in Chicago and San Diego, and will be adding them in Nashua and Phoenix in the spring. • Finish deploying tower simulator systems in 95 facilities by December 2025. The FAA will deploy the first system in Austin by January 2024. “Aviation is safe because we are continuously looking for ways to improve,” said Whitaker. “The independent safety review team made some excellent recommendations and we are adopting some of them immediately.” Since the Safety Summit, the FAA has undertaken a series of safety initiatives to reach its commitment to pursue a goal of zero serious close calls. Learn more at faa.gov.

January 2024

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THE ECOPULSE AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATOR MAKES FIRST HYBRIDELECTRIC FLIGHT In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

EcoPulse, the hybrid-electric distributed propulsion aircraft demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran and Airbus to support aviation’s decarbonization roadmap, has successfully performed its first flight test in hybrid-electric mode. The demonstrator flew with its ePropellers activated, powered by a battery and a turbogenerator. EcoPulse took off from Tarbes Airport[1] on Nov. 29, for a test flight, which lasted approximately 100 minutes. During the flight, the crew engaged the electric propellers and verified the proper functioning of the demonstrator’s flight control computer, high-voltage battery pack, distributed electric propulsion and hybrid electric turbogenerator. EcoPulse’s first hybrid flight is the culmination of several technical milestones, including extensive ground tests and 10 hours of flight tests of the aircraft with the electrical system inactive. “We confirmed today that this disruptive propulsion system works in flight, which paves the way for more sustainable aviation,” said Eric Dalbiès, Safran’s Executive Vice President Strategy and Chief

Technology Officer. “The lessons learned from upcoming flight tests will feed into our technology roadmap and strengthen our position as leader in future all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsive systems.” “This is a major milestone for our industry and we’re proud to have powered the EcoPulse demonstrator first flight with our new battery systems,” said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus. High-energy density batteries will be necessary to reduce carbon emissions from aviation, whether for light aircraft, advanced air mobility or large hybrid-electric aircraft. Projects like EcoPulse are key to accelerating progress in electric and hybrid electric flight, and a cornerstone of our aim to decarbonize the aerospace industry as a whole.” “The flight campaign will give Daher invaluable data on the effectiveness of the onboard technologies, including distributed propulsion, high-voltage batteries and hybrid-electric propulsion,” commented Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer at Daher. “We’re working to converge practical and significant know-how on design, certification

and operation to shape our path toward more sustainable aircraft for the future.” Unveiled at the 2019 Paris Air Show, EcoPulse is one of the major collaborative projects in Europe in the field of aviation decarbonization. It is supported by CORAC (the French Civil Aviation Research Council), and co-funded by DGAC (the French Civil Aviation Authority) through France Relance (the French government’s economy recovery plan) and NextGeneration EU. The demonstrator aims to evaluate the operational advantages of integrating hybrid-electric distributed propulsion, with specific emphasis on CO2 emissions and noise level reduction. This disruptive propulsion architecture enables a single independent electrical source to power several electric motors distributed throughout the aircraft. Based on a Daher TBM aircraft platform, EcoPulse is equipped with six integrated electric thrusters or e-Propellers (supplied by Safran), distributed along the wings. Its propulsion system integrates two power sources: a turbogenerator, i.e. an electric generator driven by a gas turbine (supplied by Safran), and a high-energy density battery pack (supplied by Airbus). At the heart of this architecture is a Power Distribution and Rectifier Unit (PDRU),

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Continued from Page 26 cases, from Santa Monica and ReidHillview of Santa Clara County Airport in California to Meigs Field in Chicago and East Hampton in New York. “Sometimes he won, occasionally he lost, but he always put up a tenacious fight to protect general aviation,” said Baker. After the terrorist attacks in 2001, Dunn built AOPA’s Airport Watch Program to blunt Transportation Security Administration mandates that would have crippled GA. Dunn was best known for his hands-on efforts to keep airports open, including his 2003 orchestration of local GA interests to keep developers from closing historic Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2006 and again in 2008, he worked with local advocates in Oceanside, Calif., to elect pro-airport members of the city council and head off closure of that airport. “Bill’s expertise in airport issues was unmatched, earning him the respect of pilots, industry leaders, and the FAA alike. Even after Bill retired, he continued to work for AOPA as a contractor and a go-to expert right until the end,” said Baker. “I was able to speak with him last week. And

January 2024

EcoPulse during its first flight on Nov. 29, 2023, from Tarbes, France. (Courtesy Daher Aircraft Division)

responsible for protecting the high-voltage network and for distributing the available electrical power, as well as high-voltage power harnesses (both provided by Safran). The battery pack designed by Airbus is rated at 800 Volts DC and can deliver up to 350 kilowatts of power. The demonstrator also benefits from the aerodynamic and acoustic integration expertise of the European aircraft manufacturer. Airbus also developed the Flight Control Computer permitting aircraft maneuvers using the ePropellers, and synchrophasing to support future aircraft acoustic recommendations. Learn more about the EcoPulse at the Daher website, daher.com. 1. Note: the Ecopulse aircraft demonstrator was showcased during the Green Aero Days organized in Pau (France) on Dec. 6-7, 2023. despite the ravages of his cancer, he was unchanged, telling the unvarnished truth while hiding an endearing softness.” Although he was known for his gruff demeanor, Dunn had a kind heart. He devoted his free time to protecting and caring for unwanted dogs – running an animal shelter in West Virginia for many years and later taking in the mistreated survivors of puppy mills. He and his wife Dixie were committed to saving animals, giving them outstanding care – to the point of providing wheelchairs when necessary – and making sure their last years were full of love and peace. “Passion is not a strong enough word to describe Bill on everything,” said John Collins, AOPA manager of aviation safety programs. “When I started out at AOPA I was scared to death of Bill. But he was the best mentor, friend, and one of the best bosses I have ever had.” Dunn is survived by his wife, Dixie, and their three children, Jennifer, Kimberly, and Eric. His professional achievements were featured in the August 2012 issue of AOPA Pilot, available at aopa.org.

January 2024

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Flying With Faber

THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT – ONE OF MY OLD FAVORITES

’m a person who seeks contrast. Not necessarily pickles and ice cream. But I love historic hotels with blended modern touches. I love old hotels and old restaurants. Whenever I visit a destination, I forage for the places that have been around for years – so long as they have maintained their quality. I also love modern technology. I search for the stateof-the-art in computers and avionics. To sum it up, I love to travel into the past with the technology of the future. Omni Homestead Resort, 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA 24443, 800/838-1766 It would be difficult for me to find a resort that predates the Homestead. The Omni Homestead Resort has been receiving guests since 1766. They have been offering unparalleled hospitality and southern charm in a 2,300-acre setting within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia since before the Revolution. The Omni Homestead Resort is distinguished by 483 guest rooms and suites, 72,000 square feet of meeting space, an array of fine and casual dining choices, and more than 30 recreational amenities. The resort is home to a luxurious spa with an exclusive, adults-only Serenity Garden, two championship golf courses, including The Cascades, one of the nation’s finest mountain courses and family-friendly attractions including a ski area, equestrian center, shooting club, falconry, water slides and lazy river. Of course, the Omni folks were not around in 1766. The Homestead joined the consortium of Omni Hotels & Resorts in 2013.

The Homestead. (Courtesy Omni Homestead Resort)

Charles and Andrew Lewis paid 30 shillings for the 300 acres of land, which sits just beyond the Shenandoah Valley. The bargain price was in honor of his service during the French and Indian War. Originally an 18-room wooden hotel, the current iteration of The Omni Homestead Resort harkens back to 1902. After a fire destroyed the original structure in 1901, M.E. Ingalls and his business partners came along and redeveloped the grounds into a leading holiday destination. It possessed many archetypical characteristics of Georgian Revival design aesthetics, as such, including a symmetrical façade characterized by a hipped roof and a central projecting pavilion. Modillion cornices and massive brick pilasters proliferated across its exterior, as did a prominent stone belt course. The most defining feature of the structure involved its portico that housed the three main entrances. A year later, Elzner Anderson quickly expanded upon their work by developing an adjoining fivestory West Wing. In 1914, the firm would return one more time to The Homestead to construct a third series of accommodations at the East Wing. But unlike their first creation, the West and East wings display a composition of Colonial Revival architecture. Around 250 years ago, the first guests journeyed to the inn. The choices of transportation were horseback or stagecoach. Over the years new features were added. The resort was transformed from a mere inn to its first six-hole golf course facility. In 1923, a championship course and theater were added. The Homestead of today, which has just completed a $150 million renovation, has become an inviting home-away-fromhome to thousands of travelers. Many of the travelers of the past have familiar names. Throughout the years, the Homestead has been visited by a host of presidents. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Willaim Howard Taft, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Clinton to name a few. Even Millard Fillmore.

Captain Thomas Bullitt constructed the very first inn – a rudimentary 18room lodge. A commander of a local militia, Bullitt and his two partners,

The Omni Homestead Resort’s 483 guest rooms including 88 suites, are each

History

Guestrooms

Stuart J. Faber and Aunt Bea

Premier King Guestroom. (Courtesy Omni Homestead Resort) tastefully appointed with rich fabrics and furnishings and framed prints which reflect the resort’s historic legacy. Fluffy down pillows and comfortable featherbeds enable guests to relax in traditional Virginia style, while flat screen plasma televisions and Wi-Fi provide the hi-tech comforts and convenience of office or home. Well-appointed suites add extra luxury with separate living and sleeping quarters. In some of the deluxe suites, sun porches and working fireplaces provide extra charm. Choices range from traditional rooms with views of the mountains, resort grounds and Casino Lawn to luxury landmark suites, which include two master bedrooms and a spacious living room area with a sun porch. The Studio Suites, located in the historic portion of the resort, feature a sitting area with a sofa or chaise lounge plus either a king bed or two double beds. The Executive Suites, with separate living rooms and sleeping areas, are steeped in Southern elegance and appointed with vibrant colors. The Luxury Landmark Suites, located in the East Wing, include two master bedrooms with a spacious living room area and a sun porch. The Governor’s Suite has a spacious bedroom, large separate living room with a sofa bed and an expansive open balcony with spectacular views of the Allegheny Mountains. The Presidential Suites are uniquely designed with décor tailored to honor U.S. Presidents. Each 1,500-square-foot suite features a grand foyer, a spacious living room area, two master bedrooms and two bathrooms with pedestal tubs. All accommodations include premium beds, luxury linens, down pillows, coffee makers and on-demand movies. Some suites have working fireplaces, private porches and dining room areas. It is a thrill to luxuriate in such contemporary

surroundings while at the same time, being surrounded by more than two centuries of history.

The Spa

The 60,000-square foot Spa offers signature treatments, massages, skin care and body therapies. There are 28 treatment rooms and an expansive fitness area. The adults-only Serenity Garden features the historic natural hot springs, river reflexology walk, poolside cabanas and a Finnish-style sauna. Guests can treat themselves to pampered services such as Swedish and deep tissue massages, classic European facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and salon services.

Dining

Breakfast in the Dining Room. (Courtesy Omni Homestead Resort)

Washington Library. (Courtesy Omni Homestead Resort)

The resort has more dining options than most mid-size villages. I love the old-fashioned formal dining rooms with the historic cuisine served by somber waiters. Sadly, these landmarks are Continued on Page 30

EMBRY RIDDLE RESEARCH PROFESSOR FLIES HIGH AT INTERNATIONAL AEROBATICS CONTEST

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

By Michaela Jarvis ERAU

Dr. Kyle Collins, assistant professor of Aerospace Engineering and interim director of the Eagle Flight Research Center at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earned second place in the United States, and eighth in the world, at the 2023 World Advanced Aerobatic Championships (WAAC), hosted last month in Jean, Nevada. “I have a passion for being in the air and a need to take on new challenges,” he said, referring to his involvement in highadrenaline competitive aerobatics. At Embry Riddle, Collins specializes in rotorcraft design optimization. Overseeing a team of faculty and students researching the new field of Urban Air Mobility, he has led significant advances in research and development as the principal investigator on a number of funded projects, most recently focusing on the certification, propulsion and flight control aspects of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Collins said his aerobatic flying informs and enriches his research work.

“The lab that I direct at Embry‑Riddle, the Eagle Flight Research Center, has research projects related to aircraft handling qualities, simplified vehicle operations, the control power envelope of an air vehicle, and ways to create flying ‘tests’ to determine how well an aircraft can meet the elements of a mission it must perform,” he said. “In a similar way to how car companies use race teams to inform design features of cars for you and me, I think that much can be learned from how aerobatic aircraft have evolved and are designed to yield precision flight in essentially any attitude.” Collins’ first involvement in aviation began during his undergraduate years at Georgia Institute of Technology, when he started participating in four-way formation skydiving. Over the past 15 years, he has made more than 5,000 jumps. While earning graduate degrees at Georgia Tech, he also earned his private pilot’s license, instrument rating and commercial pilot’s license. After earning his Ph.D., and while working as a lead research engineer at Georgia Tech’s Aerospace Systems

Flying With Faber

Continued from Page 29 becoming extinct. The Dining Room has preserved its historic ambiance and service with refined continental cuisine. Jefferson’s Restaurant has an elegant, yet casual ambiance. The restaurant features farm-to-table selections with a variety of prime and regional meats from Virginia and beyond. Woody’s features Italian inspired cuisine, craft pizzas, signature sandwiches and marvelous desserts.

Golf

Guests can practice their swing on a driving range before heading to The Cascades and the Old Course. Set against the backdrop of Virginia’s breathtaking Allegheny Mountains, The Cascades has a varied terrain that provides challenges for players of all levels. Home of the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use, the Old Course has abundant fairway contouring for interesting approach shots. The championship courses have challenged Presidents William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George H. W. Bush, as well as two generations of Rockefellers. Both courses have a clubhouse, short-game practice facilities and

driving ranges. The resort offers Callaway rental clubs as well as golf instruction and a Golf Pro Shop on-site. Other Activities:

Warm Spring Pools

The newly renovated Warm Springs Pools are fed by four natural warm springs rich in minerals.

Shooting Club

The resort’s sporting clays courses extend for nearly a mile through the woods.

Pools

Allegheny Springs, the resort’s water park, provides an abundance of opportunities to frolic. When the weather is warm, cool off on waterslides, along a lazy river, a water play zone, a family pool and a whirlpool. This two-acre attraction also boasts private cabanas available for an additional fee. Constructed in 1904, the magnificent indoor pool is fed by the spring waters upon which the resort was founded. Located adjacent to the Spa, the indoor

Design Laboratory, he was hooked by aerobatics, purchasing a Pitts S-1T and working his way through the International Aerobatics Club’s Sportsman, Intermediate and Advanced competition categories. In January 2022, Collins bought a Panzl S-330 and, later that year, made the U.S. Team with seven other pilots. Throughout 2023, Kyle trained with those team members in Florida, Tennessee and Nevada, in preparation for the WAAC. Collins’ refers to last month’s event as “our time in Nevada, where the horizon was obscured by mountains, winds caused delays and some of the bestadvanced pilots in the world kept searching for the perfect flight.” Learn more about ERAU at erau.edu.

January 2024

Embry Riddle professor Kyle Collins prepares to fly his Panzl S-330 at the 2023 World Advanced Aerobatic Championships in Nevada. (Don Hartman/Courtesy ERAU)

Right: Collins poses with members of his U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team. (Alice Johnson/Courtesy ERAU) pool is open year-round.

Winter Activities

When fall draws to a close, the resort provides tons of winter fun including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing or mini snowmobiles.

Fun for Kids

For kids between ages 5 and 10, Homestead Adventure Kids has numerous supervised activities.

Fly Fishing

Orvis-trained guides will take you to the best fishing holes near the resort.

Horseback Riding

The resort has more than 30 horses, which can be taken on trails through the wooded forest.

Meetings and Get-togethers

With more than 72,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, event planners will have no difficulty

selecting a suitable venue. If you are organizing a pilot’s club get-together, a wedding or a high-powered corporate meeting, The Homestead Resort has a variety of event space. Dimensions range from 7,220- to 600-square-feet. State-ofthe-art electronic and audio visual equipment are available. The meeting staff is highly experienced and attentive.

Airports

The Omni Homestead Resort is nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Hot Springs, Virginia off of U.S. 220. The resort is 50 miles from Greenbrier Valley Airport (KLWB). Runway 4/22 is 7,003 feet long with ILS, RNAV and GPS approaches. LWB, 304/645-3961, the FBO, has Alamo and National car rentals. Plus, 73 miles from the resort is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (KROA). Runway 6/24 is 6,800 feet long. Runway 16/34 is 5,810 feet long. Available are LDA, VOR-DME, ILS and GPS approaches. The FBO is Signature Aviation, 540-563-4401. I always look forward to a visit to the Omni Homestead Resort. Perhaps during a future excursion, I’ll encounter the ghost of Millard Fillmore.

January 2024

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In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

January 2024

Homebuilder’s Workshop By Ed Wischmeyer

here’s a ton of things I saw and learned at this last Oshkosh, and here’s a few more. And, yes, this column is all over the place, lots of random-isms.

•••••

As it turns out, I got to Oshkosh Thursday afternoon before the show happened. Friday morning, as I was walking around the tower, there were all these pink shirts wandering around. Anybody who knows anything about Oshkosh knows that the pink shirts are the air traffic folks. They were on break from their training, they said, and I asked if I could sit in for a while. They aimed me at presenter Steve Ritchey, who allowed me to sit in the back and take notes. (Sometimes a journalist badge is actually good for something.) And I noticed that Steve had pink clogs to match his pink shirt. So Friday was training day for the worker bee FAA types. The supervisors got a half day of training the day before so they could run the tower on Friday. Tower in the large sense, meaning all of the remote locations as well. Same curriculum both days. There were 64 controllers there, 16 teams of four. In each team, they rotate positions, so there are no specialists. Each team has a Lead, a Veteran, a Limited experience, and a Rookie. So on to the briefing, which was spectacular in its breadth and down to earth-ness. Lots of tidbits: • The controllers know airplanes, but “We’re not airplane geeks.” Still, you need to know the tiny details, maybe not as sharp as, “He’s got four more psi in his tires.” • At Fisk, the well-known checkpoint on the way in, they have ADS-B, but not with the aircraft IDs.

MORE OSHKOSH

• They use the power wires at Fisk to help them estimate distance. • “Manage your expectations if this is your first year.” • GPS is only for the first waypoint, after that, fly VFR. • They covered worst case scenarios, contingencies, low ceilings, and saturated holding patterns. Impressive. • Thursday departures (from Oshkosh), going home, are the worst. • Fred Stadler, a dedicated EAA volunteer who is a major player in the arrival procedures, suggested that the controllers say, “Land near the green dot,” not “on” the green dot. Take the pressure off the pilots who are already likely to be stressed and maybe task saturated. • The worst time for controllers is when there’s little traffic as there’s no plan, and ground traffic volunteers won’t be clued in. I took a whole bunch more notes but the meaning has leaked out of them after six months. The big takeaway, though, is that things are being done about as well as can be done. Nobody thinks that things are perfect, and this year, there were again examples of some, but it was impressive to watch the briefing. Now if only the pilots could match that level… Granted, in any population, there are 1-2 percent of the folks that don’t belong there, and there are folks that make honest mistakes, and also folks who just can’t be bothered. Last time I flew into Oshkosh, I was behind a cluefree Swift, and this year a Bonanza landed the wrong way, landing on 36 when the active runway was 18. If it was me, I’d charge a $500 landing fee, waived if you have a copy of the NOTAM in your possession, either paper or electronic.

DeltaHawk finally had their Diesel engine certified. A pair of them were on a Velocity twin, and no, that’s not a certified airplane. If the owner does oil changes on schedule and provides data to the company, the warranty will be extended. DeltaHawk is working on FWF (firewall forward) packages, for both tractor and pusher configurations. And no, FWF doesn’t make sense for a pusher installation. They’re looking for STC partners. Part of the engine certification is a 150hour test, but they did better, a 200 hour test. The engine is happy at (almost) full power all the time. The engine is about 40 pound heavier than an O-360. But if you live in a part of the world where avgas isn’t available, but jet fuel is…

•••••

We interrupt this Oshkosh report to talk on the phone to a 15-year Mooney driver who wanted to know about RV9As. The two planes are different, of course, and he likes the way that the Mooney handles turbulence. That characteristic is perhaps the weakest point of RV-9A ownership. But this man has a good set of values and attitudes for flying – meaning, we’re much in agreement – and I’d love to show him my RV-9A to help him make up his own mind. I’m not sure if the transition to an RV would be easy for him.

•••••

Forget whose aerodynamics presentation it was on Friday, but it was outstanding. Since I’m interested in accidents involving stall/spin, I had speculated that when the airplane is rolling, and the downgoing wing is at a higher angle of attack, it would have more drag. As it turns out, when the wing is downgoing, the lift vector tilts forward. At that point, I very much missed my friend, the late Ron Blum who knew more about angle of attack than any five people I know and any thirty-seven hundred online yay-hoos. To summarize our conversations, and I sure wish I’d taken notes, pretty much anything you’ve ever read about angle of attack is either an over-simplification, a generalization, or just plain wrong.

•••••

Garmin had outstanding free classes on their avionics, as well as a few pay-toplay classes, reservations required. Well worthwhile, but don’t get there late and expect to find a seat.

There was a great talk on phenomena relevant to aging pilots, a subject that I wish did not apply to me. One way to tell a pilot’s age is to count the number of pills they take every day and multiply by ten. Works for me… Older pilots can have less peripheral vision, slower focus, and degraded near and night vision. There’s also loss of flexibility, strength, and fine motor skills. I’ve notice that when I invite older friends to fly with me in the RV-9A, they have trouble getting in due to lack of flexibility. If, as I fear, I need knee surgery, that will not help. And I notice in my own flying that sometimes I’ll make jerky small corrections when I know better – boy, do I know better. The saying goes that you don’t stop flying when you get old, you get old when you stop flying.

announced participation of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, which will make 2024 an unforgettable year on the Oshkosh flightline. And there’s still more to come.” The F-16 Viper team and the F-35B are scheduled to fly at Oshkosh at various times throughout the week, while the F22 team will be present July 22-25 and the Polaris Ghost Squadron on July 2224. Along with the aerial demonstrations, several of the aircraft will be on display at

AirVenture’s showcase Boeing Plaza. EAA AirVenture features nine air shows over seven days, including night air shows on July 24 and 27. The shows feature performances by aerobatic champions, military units, innovative technology, and unique aircraft from the entire history of flight. More details on air show lineups will be announced as they are finalized. Visit eaa.org for updates and new information.

•••••

MILITARY AND JET DEMONSTRATION TEAMS ADDED TO AIRVENTURE 2024 LINEUP

Several military aircraft demo teams and a unique private jet group have been added to the air show lineup for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024. The 71st edition of EAA’s fly-in convention will be held July 22-28. EAA AirVenture 2024 has received commitments from the F-22 demo team, the F-16 Viper demo team, and the F-35B demo from the U.S. Marine Corps. In addition, the Polaris Ghost Squadron has

•••••

confirmed its appearance at Oshkosh following popular aerial demonstrations in 2022 and 2023. “The entire spectrum of aviation comes to Oshkosh and jet demonstrations are always among the popular displays throughout the week,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “These commitments are in addition to the already-

January 2024

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EAA YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM SEES A STEADY INCREASE IN 2023

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

EAA’s Young Eagles program continued its post-pandemic recovery in 2023, as more than 57,000 young people received flight experiences from volunteer EAA-member pilots as of Dec. 17, 2023. The total number of youths receiving a free Young Eagles introductory flight this year is the highest yearly total

since 60,142 were flown in 2019. These flights were all made possible by 4,493 pilots from 616 different EAA chapters who volunteered their time to help. “Getting the annual total of Young Eagles flights closer to pre-pandemic levels was a primary goal for the program this year and we are especially gratified for the more than 1,000 volunteer pilots

January 2024

flying Young Eagles for the first time,” said David Leiting, EAA Eagles Program manager. “Our network of pilots and chapters have made this possible through singular flights, or by organizing Young Eagles rallies for their local communities to participate.” EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 also marked the conclusion of the 30-for-30

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In 2023, the Young Eagles program surpassed a total of 2.3 million free introductory flights since its launch in 1992 thanks to volunteer EAA-member pilots. (Courtesy EAA Young Eagles) challenge, marking the yearlong celebration of Young Eagles’ 30th anniversary. There were 477 pilots who completed the challenge to fly 30 Young Eagles during the 30th anniversary year. Pilots who reached this milestone were awarded a commemorative polo shirt. In 2023, the Young Eagles program surpassed a total of 2.3 million free introductory flights since its launch in 1992 and continues to be the largest aviation education program ever created. It also serves as the foundational program for EAA’s many other youth aviation education programs, ranging from the AeroEducate online resource to the EAA Air Academy summer residence camps. The EAA Young Eagles program is presented by Phillips 66 with additional support from Sporty’s, United Airlines, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Garmin, Lightspeed, Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Global Aerospace. Pilots interested in flying Young Eagles can visit EAA.org/YEPilots for more information.

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NEARLY 900 EAGLES EARN DIPLOMAS AT EMBRY RIDDLE'S FALL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

January 2024

A total of 852 students from the fall 2023 graduating class walked the stage in mid-December to earn their diplomas at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University commencement ceremonies, held in Daytona Beach, Florida – on Thursday, Dec. 14 – and Prescott, Arizona – on Saturday, Dec. 16. “As you face whatever comes next, be confident in your ability to solve complex problems, and to find success in dynamic and challenging environments,” Embry Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., told the graduating class at the Daytona Beach Campus event. “As you move into this exciting new phase of your lives, you become part of an elite com-

In Flight USA Celebrating 35 Years

munity of Embry Riddle alumni, who continue to support and guide one another as professionals.” A total of 31 graduates who participated in the week’s festivities were students from Embry Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. Earlier this month, another 55 students, all of whom are members of the United States military, graduated in a commencement ceremony held in Tokyo.

Daytona Beach Campus

A total of 667 students earned degrees in the Daytona Beach Campus commencement ceremonies held Thursday, Dec. 14: 524 as undergraduates, 112 who received

master’s degrees, 13 who earned doctoral degrees, and 18 graduates from the Worldwide Campus who walked in the Daytona Beach ceremony. Student Class Council President Burtegeljin Gombosuren served as the event’s featured student speaker. An Aerospace Engineering graduate with a concentration in Aeronautics, she is a firstgeneration international student originally from Mongolia. When she took the stage, she explained that her mother had traveled nearly 7,000 miles from home to attend the ceremony in person – and that she had no idea that her daughter would be the day’s Continued on Page 36

Anna Fudenberg served as the Prescott Campus graduating class speaker and won the Chancellor’s Award. (Embry Riddle/Connor McShane)

Civil Air Patrol announced on Dec. 15, it is adding five Cessna Skyhawks, one Cessna Skylane, and one Cessna Turbo Stationair HD from Textron Aviation Inc. to its fleet. The seven aircraft will join a fleet of 540 Cessnas owned and operated by CAP – the world’s largest Cessna piston aircraft operator. In addition, CAP awarded Textron Aviation a contract in September for the further acquisition of 14 Skyhawk 172s and one Skylane 182T. “Civil Air Patrol is thrilled to welcome these new Cessna aircraft to the world’s largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft,” said Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, CAP’s national commander/CEO.

CAP FLEET ADDS NEW CESSNAS In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

Civil Air Patrol is adding five Cessna Skyhawks, one Cessna Skylane, and one Cessna Turbo Stationair HD from Textron Aviation Inc. to its fleet. (Coutesy CAP)

“CAP is proud to continue to partner with Textron Aviation as we utilize their

outstanding products in executing complex and varied missions for America,”

January 2024

Phelka said. “From search and rescue to disaster relief and homeland security, the missions CAP undertakes daily are as broad as their footprint across the U.S.,” said Bob Gibbs, Textron Aviation vice president, special missions sales. “We are honored that Cessna aircraft continue to be the organization’s platform of choice for these crucial operations. “The Cessna piston aircraft fleet is renowned in general aviation for its operating costs, performance and durability, all important factors for an organization supporting a variety of communities throughout the country,” Gibbs said. Learn more about CAP at www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

Nearly 900 Eagles Earn Diplomas Continued from Page 35 featured student speaker. “Mom, I made it!” Gombosuren said. “Your unwavering love was my guiding light.” When Gombosuren started at Embry Riddle as a freshman, she says felt “lost and disconnected” in an unfamiliar land. “I was all I had,” she said – until a stranger noticed her struggling to open a stubborn door and stopped to help. Then, everything changed. The stranger was a university advisor who introduced Gombosuren to various campus organizations. That kindness “opened the door to communities” that transformed her college experience, she said. “Home isn’t defined by location,” Gombosuren told her fellow graduates. “It’s defined by the connections we share – especially here at Embry Riddle. This is more than just an educational institution. It’s a home. … We are all part of the class of 2023.” During her time at Embry Riddle, Gombosuren founded the Sigma Kappa sorority and served as vice president of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers campus chapter, in addition to her involvement in many other organizations and activities. Another first-generation student, Emily Burrus, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, served as vice president of the Student Class Council, along with Gombosuren. She is from Long Island, New York, was recognized earlier this year as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow, and has interned at both NASA and Blue Origin. Bobbi Wells, vice president of safety systems, efficiency and compliance for American Airlines, as well as director of

Safety on Embry Riddle’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operating Certificate, delivered the undergraduate keynote address. She also serves as chair-elect for the Flight Safety Council, is the past president of the International Aviation Women’s Association and previously filled highranking roles at FedEx and in the U.S. Army, among other distinctions. Her community-outreach efforts are also impressive, as she serves on the Board of Governors for the Flight Safety Foundation, and on the Department of Transportation’s Women in Aviation Advisory Board. Dr. Joseph Keebler, Embry Riddle professor of Human Factors, delivered the keynote at the graduate hooding ceremony. Thirty ROTC cadets from Embry Riddle also commissioned into the U.S. Army at the event, seven commissioned into the Air Force, 14 into the Navy and nine into the Army.

Prescott Campus

A total of 185 graduates walked the commencement stage at Embry Riddle’s Prescott Campus ceremony Dec. 16, including 175 bachelor’s degree earners, eight master’s and two doctoral candidates: Kellie Ault and Brett Michael Watts. Of that total, 13 students – four of whom are master’s students, eight are bachelor’s and one is an associate’s degree earner – are from Embry Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. That total also included eight cadets commissioning into the military: seven Air Force ROTC cadets and one Army ROTC cadet. The class speaker was Aeronautical

Science graduate Anna Fudenberg, a Las Vegas, Nevada, native who also was awarded the Prescott Campus Chancellor Award, which is the highest award bestowed upon a graduate, recognizing exceptional academic and leadership achievements. “We have been able to overcome a global pandemic, succeed through extremely hard academic classes and balance responsibilities such as traveling for sports, flight training, capstone, volunteering and tutoring,” Fudenberg told her classmates. “As new Embry Riddle alumni, we have a unique responsibility in our industries. We are the next generation of aviators, engineers, meteorologists, biologists and more. … You will be affecting and changing the very framework that defines our country and world.” A multi-engine commercial pilot, Fudenberg graduated with a minor in Aviation Business Administration, played on the Embry Riddle Women’s Golf Team and co-founded Athletes in Aviation, meant to help students efficiently juggle their academic and athletic lives. She also served as president of the campus’s Women in Aviation chapter, in addition to graduating in three years instead of the traditional four, and with a 3.9 grade point average. Mike Madsen, recently retired president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace’s Aerospace Business Group, delivered the event’s keynote address. A nearly 40-year industry veteran, Madsen began his career at Honeywell as an engine performance engineer. As president, he led the company through the Covid-19 pandemic and, in the process, increased the company’s operating margins and launched its Urban Air Mobility and

A first-generational student originally from Mongolia, Student Class Council President Burtegeljin Gombosuren was the featured class speaker at the Daytona Beach Campus commencement ceremony. (Embry Riddle/Bernard Wilchusky)

Unmanned Aerial Systems departments, which has since secured over $7.5 billion in new business revenue. He also oversaw the launch of the firm’s next-generation flight deck, among many other projects and community-outreach initiatives. “Commencement represents two important milestones for our graduates,” said Dr. Anette M. Karlsson, Prescott Campus chancellor. “The first is a culmination of all the dedication and hard work our students have put into their education over the years. The second is the beginning of what is sure to be a promising career bringing critical skills to the areas of aviation, aerospace, cybersecurity and the other fields for which our graduates are eminently qualified.” Learn more about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at erau.edu.

January 2024

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ALABAMA CADETS CREATE SPACEFLIGHT SIMULATOR In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

By 2nd Lt. Chris Butera

Public Affairs Officer, Alabama Wing

Many young people dream of blasting off to the International Space Station in a rocket, especially those who live in or near the Rocket City – Huntsville, Alabama. Fittingly, two Alabama Wing cadets in the area have created a way for their fellow cadets to experience the excitement of a space mission without leaving the ground. North Alabama is home to historic names in space exploration, like Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Decatur’s United Launch Alliance. Titans of the space industry have designed spacecraft like SpaceX and Blue Origin in Huntsville. And how could Civil Air Patrol cadets focused on aerospace not be inspired by the Saturn V rocket standing outside the U.S. Space and Rocket Center? Cadet Col. Nehemiah Groder and Cadet Maj. Ben Lambertson wanted to share their excitement for spaceflight with their fellow cadets in the Redstone Composite Squadron. They wondered how they could involve all 83 cadets in a mission. The answer was a multi-station software simulation that replicated a launch, an orbital flight culminating in a docking with the space station, all the way to a splashdown. Cadets divided into groups: Some were the crew in the capsule, some were

3…2…1… The simulated rocket ready for liftoff from the launch pad. (Courtesy CAP, Public Affairs Officer, Alabama Wing)

3…2…1… The simulated rocket ready for liftoff from the launch pad. (Courtesy CAP, Public Affairs Officer, Alabama Wing) mission control, some were even television journalists reporting the launch live.

Each team had a screen providing unique controls and data relevant to their roles.

The screens showed a realistic 3D modeling of the rocket, Kennedy Space Center’s Space Launch Complex 40, and the space station. The teams worked together to achieve a proper launch sequence, requiring them to demonstrate attention to detail. Located in separate rooms during the event, cadets were required to practice their radio communication skills. As the simulation progressed, challenges were randomly inserted into the scenario. Overcoming them required practicing teamwork to solve the problems. Best of all – everyone had a ton of fun. The cadets responsible for designing, coding, and executing the simulation have each forged a record of success in Civil Air Patrol. Groder is former squadron cadet commander, has participated in numerous National Cadet Special Activities, and in February became one of the less than onehalf of 1 percent of cadets who have achieved the organization’s top cadet honor, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award. Lambertson has held numerous staff positions and led many Redstone Composite Squadron teams to national STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) competitions. He also has his own development company – Ace Simulations (acesimulations.com). Learn more about the Civil Air Patrol at https://www.gocivilair patrol.com/.

MARGARET BRILL PROMOTED TO VICE PRESIDENT OF EAA AVIATION FOUNDATION

Margaret Brill, previously director of the EAA Aviation Foundation, has been promoted to vice president of the Foundation. The EAA Aviation Foundation is the fundraising and philanthropy partner for EAA. “Margaret’s leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and strategy have created remarkable results for the EAA Aviation Foundation and for the valuable EAA programs the Foundation supports, as she has met the challenge of rebuilding our donor organization from the ground up,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Her enthusiastic passion to encourage support for EAA’s mission will fuel the organization’s efforts well into the future.” Among Brill’s duties are designing and executing the Foundation’s yearround strategy that benefits EAA’s

Margaret Brill has been promoted to Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. (Courtesy EAA)

January 2024

numerous education, safety, and aircraft preservation initiatives. The Foundation also coordinates the administration of more than $1 million in scholarships annually and hosts The Gathering annual fundraiser during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that supports EAA’s aviation education programs. A native of Winneconne, Wis., Brill graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in journalism prior to gaining extensive experience in the nonprofit and higher education communities. She joined the EAA Aviation Foundation in 2020 as a major gift officer and was named director of the Foundation in December 2021. In her new role, Brill will also be a member of EAA’s senior leadership team. Learn more at eaa.org.

January 2024

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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.

his has been a banner year for NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). ASRS’s business of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating all kinds of aviation safety data has approached pre-pandemic levels and continues to grow. Their intake last year exceeded 100,000 reports and boasted a 52 percent increase over 2020 levels. One benchmark of ASRS success is the number of alert notices that ASRS generates to provide critical safety information to responsible parties. At present pace, this number will approach 243 in 2023 and will beat 2020’s yield by 52 percent as well. ASRA administrators say, “We hope you find these trends encouraging, and that you may enjoy finding out more about ASRS. A complete description of the ASRS program, including a wealth of publicly available information, can be found on the official ASRS website, https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov.” This month, ASRS presents poignant narratives that both contemplate a multitude of threats and resonate with CALLBACK’s 2023 subject matter.

Part 121 – Triangular Culpability

A B737 First Officer watched a preceding aircraft experience a serious threat during its departure. They were then cleared for takeoff, but the threat had not been resolved. • We taxied out to the runway.… The airport was very busy. We were number six in the pad waiting for departure. There were two law enforcement helicopters following a vehicle just west of the airport. A Company B737 in front of us was given a confusing clearance to avoid the helicopters on departure. We watched on TCAS as they just missed the helicopters. Before we departed, the two helicopters crossed the departure end of [the runway] and moved to the north of the airport. During this time, ATC lost communications with one of the helicopters. The…Tower Controller seemed very busy. We were cleared for departure with a right turn to heading 110. While in the climbing right turn, we real-

2023 YEAR-END ROUNDUP

ized we were very close to the helicopters. We did not know what direction they were going or if they were changing altitude. We followed our clearance and waited for an RA from our TCAS. We never saw the helicopter because I was inside concentrating on flying the aircraft trying to climb over the helicopters. The Captain could not see them because we were in a nose-up attitude.… One helicopter saw us and radioed they were descending to avoid us. According to TCAS, we went right over…them by 100 feet. Helicopters should not operate right off the end of a busy runway! ATC should not vector aircraft on a collision course.

Recreational UAS – Building Experience

A recreational UAS operator lost the connection to a drone during flight and then lost the drone after it was recovered. • I flew behind my house and above the woods with line of sight. [During the] flight, I was trying different settings on the new drone. I lost control and was disoriented with the direction of flight. I lost the connection to the drone multiple times, and the return to home function was not set properly. It tried to return to a location that was south of me. A helicopter was in the area. They indicated that I flew within 20 feet of their aircraft, but I did not see them. I tried to navigate back to my location, and after multiple attempts, I was successful. The helicopter followed the drone back to my location, and public officials confiscated the drone. I do not have access to the video, only the flight logs. The app shows when aircraft are present or close. This never occurred until returning home and the helicopter was circling the house. I’m not sure if the helicopter was broadcasting or if any other traffic was present.

Part 121 – Pitch and Power Prevail

This B737 MAX First Officer encountered predictable icing conditions that resulted in major unexpected consequences.

• Takeoff and climb to cruise were uneventful. At cruise, FL260, we received an ATC reroute to avoid weather.… We were [now] cruising at 280 knots in IMC conditions at +2 degrees TAT with engine anti-ice on. The Captain was flying. We then noticed the airspeed start to go way down then go way back up. It indicated maybe 40 knots to 300 knots.… “AIRSPEED LOW” kept announcing as well. The Captain turned off the autopilot and autothrottle, set 4 degrees nose high, and told me to set power. I pulled the power to 70% N1, and we compared PFDs. My airspeed indications would indicate properly for a few seconds then jump up or down. The Captain’s were constantly moving up and down, so we transferred control to the First Officer. I called for the QRC, and the Captain read and accomplished the steps. We had missed flight directors to ‘OFF.’ We had climbed a couple hundred feet during this.… I asked the Captain to notify ATC, and I turned the airplane eastbound in an attempt to exit IMC. It worked, and a couple minutes later, we exited IMC and started a descent to warmer air. While the Captain ran the QRH for unreliable airspeed and informed ATC and Dispatch, I continued to fly. As the air warmed and we exited IMC, airspeed indications returned to normal. We reviewed pitch and power settings in the QRH to make sure the airspeeds were accurate. The rest of the descent and arrival…was uneventful. My guess is that we accumulated enough ice on the probes to make the airspeed indications…unreliable. I didn’t see abnormal icing on the windshield wipers, nor was icing reported. Being in IMC at +2 degrees was about perfect conditions for it. After landing, the Captain and I talked about how we were thankful for 737 MAX simulator training that we had both recently completed. The training prepared us…well.

Part 91 – An Unseen Enemy

This DA20 Eclipse was deiced during pre-flight. The aircraft appeared clean on the outside, but not all the ice was seen.

• During the pre-flight, there was icing observed on the control surfaces that was carefully and thoroughly removed. The icing was a result of rain from the previous day that had frozen overnight. I would like to emphasize that all of the ice was removed during the preflight phase. During takeoff, after rotating and becoming airborne, and while increasing airspeed, there was a violent fluttering of the flight controls observed that negatively affected the controllability of the aircraft. The effects were severe enough that I do not believe…we would have been able to successfully complete an entire lap in the traffic pattern to land back at the airport. Fortunately, the runway was long enough that we were able to make a successful landing on the remaining runway and terminate the flight without further incident. It was concluded after the flight that the most likely cause was that some of the rain from the day before had made its way into some of the flight control surfaces and caused the fluttering once we reached a high enough airspeed for the imbalance to cause the fluttering. After temperatures warmed up above freezing, the airplane was flown again without issue. My biggest issue with this occurrence is that there is really no way to check for icing inside of the control surfaces on any airplane that I have ever flown. As far as I’m aware, the only way to detect this issue is to fly the airplane and observe the fluttering. Proper corrective action if this is observed in the future would be to abort the takeoff, if able, and if unable to abort, reduce to an airspeed that prevents the fluttering and return to land at or below that particular airspeed.

Part 121 – Formidable Foes

This B737 Captain was confronted with multiple, snowballing, nighttime threats. The situation was precarious, but the crew’s discipline, judgment, training, procedures, resilience, and adaptability ultimately prevailed. • The flight departed…30 minutes Continued on Page 40

NEW AVIATION OPPORTUNITIES DEVELOP IN LAKE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

By Herb Lingl and Mary McEnroe

new aviation landscape is emerging in Lake County, California. The County is an attractive destination featuring highly acclaimed winemakers, world-class bass fishing, plentiful recreational opportunities and an abundance of sunny days. While Lake County is relatively close to San Francisco Bay, the drive can be long, but for pilots it’s just a short flight away. Lampson Field Airport (1O2), located approximately two miles from Clear Lake and less than five miles from central Lakeport, features a newly resurfaced 3,596-foot asphalt runway and 24 hour self-serve 100LL fuel. Amenities include a pilots’ lounge; Red’s at the Skyroom, a highly rated restaurant; and Tom’s Aircraft, a full-service aircraft maintenance shop. Lake County was once a pioneer in providing youth aviation education. Both Lower Lake High School and Kelseyville High School offered aviation classes in the 1970s. John Wiegand, a certified flight instructor, recalls, “Lower Lake High School purchased a Cessna 150 and made it available for flight instruction, providing young people a unique opportunity to pursue a well-compensated career.” Kevin Soto was one of those students and went on to fly 747s for UPS. In 2019, the Clear Lake Flying Club launched a new initiative to involve Lake County youth in aviation with an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles rally. The rally was organized by the Flying Club together with EAA Chapter 124 based in Santa Rosa. On Nov. 23, 2019 at Lampson Field, 11 pilots provided free flights to 53 youth between the ages of eight and 18. Fifty additional youth at the event were on the waiting list. The interest in aviation among youth in the

Safe Landings

Continued from Page 39 late due to passenger and loading complications.… The FO and I had already discussed the possibility of an overweight landing…and were actively monitoring fuel burn and weight of the aircraft to ensure a landing under the structural limit.… Reaching the cruising altitude of FL310, I applied speedbrakes to increase the fuel burn.… Our cruise segment of the flight was short. As we approached the top of descent…the FO…requested the cruise clearance…since we still had not received [a descent.] … Receiving the

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

County was apparent. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation has developed a four-year High School Aviation STEM Curriculum available to schools at no cost through financing provided by Boeing and United Airlines. In September, Lakeport Unified School District superintendent Matthew Bullard met with AOPA to discuss adopting the AOPA STEM Curriculum at Clear Lake High School. Two additional high schools in Lake County are currently evaluating the possibility of teaching the AOPA curriculum. The Clear Lake Flying Club has engaged several aviation professionals to provide practical training at Lampson Field, to complement the academic curriculum at the high schools. The Flying Club plans to expand the aviation training opportunities it offers to the high schools by building a hangar dedicated to aviation education and acquiring aircraft for maintenance and flight training. Lake County has retained Armstrong Consultants to perform a feasibility study to determine what, if any, development can occur on County-owned land southwest of the runway at Lampson Field. Privately financed hangars may be an option. Clear Lake Flying Club is preparing a proposal to construct a 60- by 100foot hangar for its youth program. Clear Lake has an extensive history of seaplane operations. In the late 1930s, Pan Am used Clear Lake as the backup for its Trans-Pacific China Clippers when fog prevented landing at its Treasure Island seaplane base. In the 1940s, the Navy trained pilots to fly PBY Catalinas and Coronados, the Martin PBM Mariners and VP-63 MadCats at Clear Lake. Beginning in 1974, Clear Lake became the venue of the annual Clear Lake Splash-In seaplane fly-in. At the Clear Lake Splash-In held in Sept. 2023, seminar panelists discussed

the future of seaplanes at the lake. Lakeport Mayor Pro Tem, Michael Froio participated in the discussion and expressed his support for expanding seaplane facilities in Lakeport. Froio recognizes the benefits aviation can bring to Lake County. He noted, “The City of Lakeport is delighted that a committee of seaplane pilots has been formed to explore the possible construction and financing of seaplanes docks, and perhaps a seaplane ramp, in Lakeport.” Several seminar participants committed to forming a California seaplane pilots association to educate the public about seaplanes, provide support to seaplane pilots flying in California and eventually assume responsibility for producing the annual Clear Lake Splash-In. The 2023 Clear Lake Splash-In included a seaplane pilots’ dinner hosted at the home of the Lake County Airmen’s Association President, Tom Lincoln and his wife, Ruth; a flyover by the CalFire Attack Base in Ukiah; and the exhibit Wings Over Water: An Aviation History of Lake County, with a reception at the Lake County Historic Courthouse Museum. Seaplane pilots flew to Clear Lake and parked on Park Street along the waterfront and in front of Lakeport City Hall, the venue for the educational seminars. Among the aircraft that participated in the Clear Lake Splash-In were a Grumman Widgeon, two Lake amphibians, a Cessna 185, a Cessna 206 on Amphibian floats and a Seamax. The static display included a Super Petrel, a Carbon Cub, a Searey, a Murphy Elite, a Quicksilver, a Zenith CH-701 and an Aircam flown to the event by Alan Eustace. Alan holds the world record for the longest free fall, jumping from a balloon at 135,890 feet in Oct. 2014. On Sunday, Captain Brian Schiff, a senior pilot with American Airlines, led the AOPA Rusty Pilot seminar: Getting

cruise clearance…we immediately initiated a descent. We were well above the descent path, and I discussed that I would…configure early to correct to the descent path in addition to [using] full speedbrakes, which had been deployed at cruise altitude. Approaching the final approach fix…on the RNAV…approach, fully configured with the Landing Checklist completed, we were visual with the runway, but were still too high.…I disconnected the autopilot and autothrottles…and told the FO I would initiate a 360-degree turn and re-intercept the final

approach course. During the descending turn, we were in and out of clouds in the pitch-black night, and I became disoriented. The aircraft exceeded 45 degrees of bank momentarily, and the airspeed decayed below Vref speed. I initiated an upset recovery to return the aircraft to the desired state. I followed the upset recovery with a go-around…to clean up the aircraft. Once the go-around was completed, I reengaged the autopilot and autothrottles and called for the After Takeoff Checklist. We set up the FMC…to commence the RNAV approach again.

January 2024

Piper, Super Cub on floats docked at the Skylark Shores Resort dock, Clear Lake Seaplane Splash-In, Lakeport, Lake County, California. (Courtesy Herb Lingl, aerialarchives.com)

Back to Flying is Easier Than You Think. This three-hour workshop provided pilots who have had a lapse in flying an action plan to get started again. The seminar sold out two weeks before the event, and 27 pilots participated. The next Clear Lake Splash-In takes place Apr. 12-14, 2024. The event will feature educational seminars, seaplane instruction, two dinners, an evening of entertainment and a seaplane fly out. A reception for Celebrating Seaplanes, a curated art exhibit, takes place on Saturday, Apr. 13. Curators are accepting submissions of art through Feb. 19, 2024. To learn more about the exhibit or submit your work, visit celebratingseaplanes.com. The Skylark Shores Resort in Lakeport serves as the venue for several activities during the upcoming Splash-In. The event kicks off on Friday, April 12 with a catered pilots’ dinner at the Lakeport home of Tom and Ruth Lincoln. A substantial discount is available for those who register for the dinner by Jan. 31, 2024. Early bird registration for dinner includes Splash-In registration for pilots flying a seaplane to the event. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/47ZYGn9 Follow Clear Lake Splash-In on Facebook for updates or visit seaplanefestival.com.

After configuring the aircraft and completing the Landing Checklist, we realized there was no VNAV glidepath from the FAF to the Runway. The PAPIs were also out of service for the runway, so we had no glidepath guidance. We were visual with the runway, and the FO and I agreed…the best course of action was to continue the approach. The FO backed me up with 300:1 guidance to ensure we remained on a safe glidepath. The landing and taxi-in were uneventful.

January 2024

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By Bert Botta

THE PHOENIX IS RISING AND IT’S PJP!

JP is the Private Jet Pilots associated band of brother and sister aviators that Jeff Phoenix Coursey, a private jet pilot himself, has created. This is a tip of the iceberg interview I did with him recently. It’s an update on PJP, what it is doing to improve the lives of corporate jet and charter industry pilots and what the future of PJP holds for the entire aviation industry. Bert Botta: Jeff, tell us your story in 1,000 words or less! Jeff Coursey: I’ve been Flying since I was a kid. My dad wanted to get his pilot’s license while in the Navy, so aviation was in the family business. Sometime after I moved to Florida, my dad started a charter company. One day I went to his house and asked him, “How do you do this charter thing?” He tossed me a phone book and said, “Make some calls.” So I opened the book and the first phone number I called, a lady answered and I sold my first charter! And I sold another one later that day. Fast forward to the next 10 years. They were a blur, of literally miraculous connections with people who saw and felt my passion for private aviation and for making it as safe, fun and profitable as possible. In the beginning, I was flying for a guy, 28 days a month, doing the maximum amount of charter time. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was being trained in a way that would shape my future. It was an indoctrination that stuck with me, the importance of coming up with a structure, the pre-flight, the cockpit pre-checks, making sure your co-pilot learns all these duties, recognizing each other’s duties and strengths and more. We’ve got a lot of fresh talent in the pilot pool and that kind of basic training is hugely missing these days amidst this present-day pilot-hiring surge. Many of the new hire pilots have serious deficiencies. That’s why we’re seeing those airport overruns, mishaps, collisions, miscommunications. We’re lacking standardization, or if it is taught, it’s not being practiced, for whatever reason. BB: Why PJP and how did you go from the early years to PJP? JC: I found my niche in contract flying. Back in the day we had to climb the ladder. We had to serve. We had to sell ourselves to get an opportunity. And the opportunities would change instantly. Fast forward to today where aviation is in the Santa Claus era. All these kids

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

are getting Global 7500, G600 type ratings for free, with little experience, and minimum time. They’re total newbies. It’s like, “Here, we need you so we’re sending you to school to get your Global or G600 type rating.” One day somebody would show up who would do my job cheaper and there went my gig. After a few of these, I had enough – enough of relying on the whims of companies and people. BB: Did that lead to PJP? JC: Kind of. My contract gig was taking off. The wife of one of the guys I met along the way started a charter company and they brought me on board. I figured we’d sell charters and we’ll match a pilot and flight attendant up with the airplane that’s for sale or being chartered. That was about the time that Facebook got started. I created a nice profile and an email for a pilot friend of mine. Then I added a couple of other Facebook buddies I was friends with. I saw that the name Private Jet Pilots was available so I grabbed it. I added 10 of my buddies in there. I called them and said, “Hey man, I created this Facebook group. I’m going to use this thing to let you know when I need a pilot instead of calling you one by one. I’ll tag you guys. Let me know if that works.” It went like this. “Hey, Timmy, are you available for a flight tomorrow, 9 a.m.?” “Hey, Mike, are you available for this trip?” Or I would send them a text. This thing was on fire. We had more work than we could handle! If I couldn’t get it done, Tim would get it. If Tim couldn’t do it, we’d give it to Mike. Soon it wasn’t phone calls, just tag notifications. The tag would read, “I need a Challenger 604 guy.” And a G5 guy.” And then they just started coming. “Hey, man, I heard about this PJP thing! What you got?” Now we’ve got over 500-badged members. We’ve got a lot of programs we’re releasing. One that’s especially important is the empty leg program. In order to help out the industry any pilot, flight attendant, mechanic or operator could take advantage of these empty legs. The badge is necessary for accountability because flight crews are leery to just let anyone onboard. We’ve got to make sure we know who’s riding with us. BB: Talk about the overall quality of the new hire pilot group? JC: I’ve worked with people who were asking my advice who to hire. They didn’t pay attention, they hired a flake and they ended up in a catastrophe. I’d like to see a third-party service that can come in and diplomatically say,

“Here’s your little evaluation sheet; we’d like to work on this kind of stuff with you, like in-flight training.” This would be especially helpful now that we have so many new, inexperienced people. The FAA doesn’t offer anything like this. They just want to test you on this, test you on that. Their tests offer zero usable value. When I’m flying a G550, the check airman typically asks me, “Hey, what’s the Class B airspace VFR requirements in a Cessna 172?” That’s totally irrelevant to my aircraft! BB: What’s Next? JC: PJP is on the rise. It took time to find our identity, but we focused on service and that service was relationship based. We nurtured the relationships and now it’s a business and an association. We want to be a resource center where a pilot can connect to the right person or place. BB: Talk about the pilot shortage. JC: I think we have an experience shortage not a pilot shortage. BB: Isn’t it almost the same thing? JC: Maybe. We also have a training shortage. There are a lot of pilots out there, but too often they’re not hireable. Even after getting some training some people just don’t have the natural ability. I’ve flown with pilots who never get comfortable. They’re continually wiping the sweat off their hands, bouncing their feet on the pedals; they’re often stressed out, anticipating the landing. There are a lot of people that don’t have a good internal compass, that situational, spatial awareness. They’re missing something and nobody taught them to do their scan, or whatever it takes to know where you are on the map at all times. BB: What are you currently working on? JC: I’m focusing on flight crews, pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, operators, those people. That’s what I’m building an app for because there’s a real deficiency in serving these people. The crews aren’t insured, they don’t have a billing setup, they don’t have a contract so they’re not really a contract crew. They’re freelancers and with the market down, they’re getting hosed. If they had a contract, they’d know what they’ll be paid. We’re not running a business, we’re not being professional. Our new app will start by assembling the trip. It will create the contracts, so the crew and passenger will be able to commit to each other; they’ll check a box and digitally sign an agreement. The agreement has the day rate, the aircraft

January 2024

Private Jet Pilots is an organization that Jeff Coursey (left), a private jet pilot himself, has created to improve the lives of corporate jet and charter industry pilots. (Courtesy Bert Botta) type, the location, simple basics. They both agree to the terms. Eventually we might work into it a payment platform for the pilots. BB: What about the pay discrepancy between commercial and private? JC: We should be making half a million dollars a year but the problem is marketing. Airline top dogs are making $330,000 to $500,000 a year but we’re not. I want to help the pilots make money. We’re not doing that because the competition is fierce. Too many pilots looking for a gig will slit their wrists to take your G600 job for $120,000 a year. We don’t have a pilot shortage, we’ve got a talent shortage of top-quality people. To bridge that gap it’s going to take an industry awareness of marketability. If you’re a 10-year veteran with 5,000 hours, the line should be drawn there. The money should be such and such. When you do a contract, the contract rate should be so much for this seat and it should be so much for the other seat. Too often a company will use a PIC as an SIC, hoping to get a lower rate. BB: Are BizAv pilots tempted to jump ship to the airlines because of BizAv shortcomings? JC: Absolutely. The private jet guys are being poached. The airlines have a pre- signing bonus. You get time off, you get a schedule, you get a life, you get a home base. BB: What about the regionals hiring new pilots with 1,500 hours? They get a year or so in the right seat, get maybe 2,000 hours and they upgrade to Captain. That experience shortfall is going to increase the safety risk. Do you think it’s going to get worse? Because they’re hiring a new CFI the minute he scribbles the 1,500th hour in his log. Then he or she flies for a year or two, logs 2,000 hours or so and boom, upgrades to captain! He’s sitting in the left seat with 2,000 hours of questionable experience with another newly recruited 1,500-hour CFI Continued on Page 43

January 2024

X-37B ORBITAL TEST VEHICLE ON ITS 7TH MISSION

By Larry E. Nazimek

Boeing X-37B was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 28, 2023, to embark on its seventh mission. Its previous mission concluded with a landing on Nov. 12, 2022, at the Space Shuttle Landing Facility on the Cape, after having been in space for 908 days. (The first three X-37B missions landed at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.) With the conclusion of this mission, the X-37Bs, of which there are two, have accumulated a total of 3,774 days in space. That mission saw the space vehicle launched by an Atlas V rocket. This latest mission is the first aboard the more powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, so the vehicle can be expected to be going to a higher orbit. The X-37B is a classified project of the U. S. Space Force, so they will only provide information in general terms. The mission will have “...a wide range of test and experimentation objectives. These tests include operating in new orbital regimes, experimenting with space domain awareness technologies and investigating the radiation effects to NASA materials.” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said about the mission, “This seventh flight of the X-37B continues to demonstrate the innovative spirit of the United

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States Space Force.” In addition to the classified experiments and equipment, some unclassified projects are included. One of the experiments on the last mission was from the U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, called PRAM-FX, which is designed to convert sunlight to radio-frequency microwave energy. They have also tested the effects of long-duration space exposure to organic materials for NASA. Like other long-duration space vehicles, it generates electrical power from gallium arsenide solar cells with lithiumion batteries. They are extended from the cargo bay by a long arm. The X-37B bears a resemblance to the space shuttle, but it is a lot smaller. The X-37B is 29 ft., 3 in. long, with a wingspan of 14 ft., 11 in., and a height of 9 ft., 6 in. The space shuttle was 122 ft. long, with a wingspan of 78 ft., and a height of 184 ft. Like other space vehicles and satellites, those wishing to see the X-37B can go to Heavens-Above.com and input their location to get a listing of when and where to look for it. Due to its smaller size, it will not be as easy to see as was the space shuttle or the bright International Space Station, but those with patience can eventually see it, even if they are in a large city like Chicago. Like other space vehicles, it will appear as a star moving across the sky.

Technicians service X-37B (Courtesy Larry E. Nazimek)

X-37 preparing for launch by its payload fairing. (Courtesy of U.S. Space Force) If you are very lucky, you may even see the sunlight reflected off of its solar cells. This will appear as a bright light for a second or two, that might make one think that the vehicle has blown up, similar to the “Iridium Flares.” (The old iridium communication satellites, which have since been de-orbited and replaced with newer satellites, had three polished panels, the size of doors, that would reflect sunlight for a brief moment, called “Iridium Flares.” See In Flight USA, Dec. 2016, pages 20-22.) We can only guess as to the duration of this mission, but it’s safe to say that it will be a long one.

The Phoenix is Rising and it’s PJP

Continued from Page 42 type in the right seat. When the stuff inevitably hits the fan, they’re looking at each other for answers. Their combined experience is zip! How’s that going to work out, safety-wise? JC: The FAA could be doing a much better job with this stuff. They’re like a sloppy cleanup group. They don’t even hire a pilot/administrator. Administrators should hold an ATP and have a type rating, some kind of relevant experience. There are so many things that the FAA can do that would help. They could verify the crew. For example, your flight plan can’t be filed unless the ATP license number is verified in the database. That would eventually link the database to the PIC. This would tell if this person’s cur-

rent, this person is qualified, this person’s a PIC in the airplane. BB: Talk about security or the lack of it in private aviation. JC: We’re next on the terrorist hit list. We have so many easy access areas for terrorists. We can just walk up to the airplane at the FBO. But we also don’t want to lose our freedoms. I like my passengers to be able to pull up to the airplane, but we should have a dual secure gate. We should have a process there with some kind of check and balance system. Then there’s the no-fly list. Tell me one captain that gets a copy of the no-fly list. Has this guy or passenger been vetted? There’s a lot of stuff missing that we could put into play. BB: Ok Jeff, let’s bring this in for a

landing. How do you see PJP affecting the future of Biz AV? JC: I think PJP is going to grow into a resource center. I see all BizAv flight crews belonging to PJP as the association grows. They’ve been crying out for some kind of unity. But we don’t want to unionize it. What we want to do is associate it. We want to bring value to the pilot sector. We also want to raise safety. I see PJP as an excellent safety tool if used properly. I think PJP is in a mid-life growth cycle. It’s very communal. If you were here from inception, in 2014, it’s been a sweet spot for pilots because it’s connected us and helped us build relationships. You’re no longer on the road alone. You can make a post or check in like,

The X-37B orbital test vehicle concludes its sixth successful mission in 2022. (Staff Sgt. Adam Shanks US Space Force)

X-37 with deployed solar array. (Artist Conception)

“Hey, I’m out here in no man’s land, anyone here?” And somebody’s like, “Yeah, I’m over here, let’s get together for golf or dinner tonight.” It’s also a huge help if a pilot has a maintenance issue – to be able to get parts or a fix. BB: Thanks for this, Jeff. It gives us a lot to think about. It also tells me that you’ve done your homework, thinking about ways to improve the total lifestyle of our corporate aviators. Thanks so much for your time and I apologize for cutting a huge swath through our original interview. But I’ll be back with more of the original in the Winter issue of our sister magazine, BizAvJets. (Learn more about PJP at www.privatejetpilots.com) Be well my friend...

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AVOIDING AND ESCAPING ICING CONDITIONS

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

AOPA’S Air Safety Institute Releases

January 2024

IN THE BEYOND PROFICIENT: IFR VIDEO SERIES

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The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a new video in its Beyond Proficient: IFR video series that offers strategies to mitigate airframe icing risks. “Avoiding and Escaping Icing Conditions reviews preflight considerations to prevent in-flight icing and what to do when encountering icing conditions in flight,” said ASI Senior Director Paul Deres. “A key to icing avoidance is to diligently study current aviation weather observations and aviation weather product forecasts that can alert us to potential icing threats.” “Structural or airframe icing, the focus of this video, is a major coldweather hazard, especially for instrument-rated pilots who fly in instrument

meteorological conditions. This type of icing causes about five accidents a year with nearly half being fatal,” Deres concluded. ASI collaborated with FlightInsight to create the series’ videos that offer tips and tricks to master complex instrument flying aspects. View Avoiding and Escaping Icing Conditions on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO UkAq8oWy0 . View other videos in the Beyond Proficient series on the AOPA website at https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/beyond-proficient . To learn more, visit ASI at airsafetyinstitute.org. To learn more about AOPA, visit www.aopa.org.

ONE-G SIMULATION AND CIGNATEC COLLABORATE ON WWI-ERA SOPWITH CAMEL SIMULATORS FOR SEATTLE’S MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington is set to take aviation enthusiasts on a nostalgic journey back to World War I with the recent unveiling of two Sopwith Camel simulators designed and built by local company one-G Simulation, in collaboration with Cignatec, an education technology company. These simulators are an integral part of the Museum’s WWI exhibit, offering visitors an immersive flying experience in the iconic aircraft. one-G Simulation, renowned for its expertise in professional aviation training simulators, was delighted to be commissioned by the Museum of Flight to recreate the WWI-era Sopwith Camel experience. These simulators allow museumgoers to step back in time and experience the thrill of flying a WWI fighter aircraft through a range of user-activated scenarios. The Sopwith Camel simulators are a testament to the commitment of local companies in preserving aviation history. one-G Simulation and Cignatec, both headquartered in the vibrant Seattle area, have combined their expertise to create an Continued on Page 45

one-G Simulation and Cignatec, both headquartered in the Seattle area, recently delivered simulators to the Seattle Museum of Flight. (Courtesy one-G Simulation)

one-G Simulation, renowned for its expertise in professional aviation training simulators, was commissioned by the Seattle Museum of Flight to recreate the WWI-era Sopwith Camel experience. (Courtesy one-G Simulation)

GATED AVIATION COMMUNITY IN TEXAS INSTALLS HYDRAULIC DOORS FROM SCHWEISS DOOR

January 2024

The concept of airparks isn’t anything new. They are all over the world. Aero Country East in the North Dallas Metroplex has taken the concept to another level, offering high-quality country club-type amenities and a maintenance-free aviation lifestyle community. According to Aero Country East developer and pilot, Mike Shell, Texas may be an exception. It has very few aviation lifestyle communities and probably none offer the first-class appeal of Aero Country East, which was designed for pilots by pilots. Located just 15 nautical miles northeast of the growing north Dallas area within the city limits of McKinney, Texas, Aero Country East not only provides convenience of airport access to a large population of pilots who commute in and out of Dallas, it gives them a comfortable home. A total of 39 customized first-class townhomes are on the site, offering buyers the option to design the interior of their townhomes exactly to their liking. After a hard day at the office, residents and their families can relax in a beautiful pool that stands out from the air with its Aero Country East logo. Other amenities include three in-pool tables with umbrellas providing shade and a large 14-person hot tub, a firepit, two barbeque grills and full ADA access for those with disabilities. Aero Country East currently has nine residents with room for many more. Aero Country East doesn’t take the community for granted. They help boy scouts get their aviation badge and encourage them to become future pilots. Two annual fly-ins bring pilots in from all directions. Shell says their purpose is to get more and more young people into aviation. “Municipal airports are supported by tax revenue,” says Shell. They don’t want Stearmans or Pipers; they are looking for corporate jets. We don’t compete with these airports; we fill a need for people

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Schweiss Doors has installed hydraulic doors on hangars at Aero Country East in North Dallas, an new aviation lifestyle community. (Courtesy Schweiss Doors) coming out to enjoy aviation. We get along nicely with the municipal airports around here.” A new lighted and paved 3,000-foot by 60-foot runway and a 1,104-foot grass runway and LED windsocks can accommodate most piston and turbine aircraft. Seventy-nine first-grade hangars, three deep along the runway, await owners of a single aircraft or multiple aircraft. Hangars all have Schweiss Doors hydraulic doors. Aero Country East hangars currently house 40 aircraft and the nearby westside airport has an additional 120 aircraft. Visitors can expect to see a variety of aircraft at Aero Country East, including T-6 “Texans,” Stearmans and Pipers. “We have the best Rolls Royce engine mechanic in the world here,” Shell says. “You also don’t see very many airports with swimming pools, barbeque grills and two 18-hole golf courses that residents can drive their golf carts to. Every airport has a mission and purpose that fits the needs of the pilot. Aero Country East has a concierge service and if you want your plane fueled or floor cleaned, we will do that for you. We fit the aviation lifestyle.” Shell first became aware of

Schweiss hydraulic and bifold door products through a friend. He is very pleased with the Schweiss product and service. “I’ve gotten calls from Schweiss Doors; they pay attention to detail,” Shell says. “I’ve made mistakes when it comes to certain windows or measurements, etc., which guys at the Schweiss factory have caught because they know what we are building now. They’ll call me and say, ‘Hey Mike, did you mean that, or do you really want to do this?’ They have been a true joy to work with.” Architectural requirements for uniformity only allow hydraulic doors on Aero Country East hangars. You won’t see a hodgepodge of this and that. It’s set of to protect residents’ investments, Shell says. The first floor of each two- or threestory townhome comes with an all-steel 60-foot by 60-foot pre-plumbed hangar, fitted with a hydraulic door. Only steps away is an elevator serving the residence on the second and/or third floor. If the resident isn’t ready to install an elevator, each unit is constructed with an elevator shaft, so it can be done at a later time. Others are putting in beautiful granite floors, bars and other amenities for entertaining. The hangars are set up electrical-

One-G Simulation and Cignatec Collaborate

Continued from Page 44 educational and entertaining experience for museum visitors. “As a longtime resident of Seattle, it has been a pleasure collaborating with the Museum of Flight, successfully bringing the experience of flying a Sopwith Camel into the hands of the general public,” said Xylon Saltzman, one-G simulation CEO. “With a unique merge of one-G’s presentday simulation technology paired with tra-

ditional craftsmanship techniques, this project pays homage to the bravery of the pilots who flew these legendary aircraft.” Josh Swanson, President of Cignatec, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “As a long-time member of the Museum of Flight, and advocate for STEM education, supporting the museum with this project has been a privilege and a lot of fun – and of course, it’s always great to work with one-G.”

one-G Simulation is a leading provider of FAA-approved aviation training devices, specializing in creating realistic and immersive experiences for pilots worldwide. Based in the Seattle area, the company is committed to pushing the boundaries of simulation technology. Cignatec is an education technology company dedicated to transforming learning experiences through innovative technology solutions. Headquartered in

Architectural requirement for uniformity allow only hydraulic doors on Aero County East hangars and Schweiss Doors was hired for the extensive job. (Courtesy Schweiss Doors)

ly to add quarters. One of the residents recently added a first-class kitchen and theater in the hangar. Although this is a privately owned airport, as a hangar or townhome owner, it can be publicly accessed, enabling pilots to land there when they need to. Unlike other aviation communities, residents own their land and hangar, eliminating the fear of the city taking it from them sometime down the road. Corner lots offer 160,000 square feet, while interior lots are a comfortable 135,000 square feet. Quite a bit of thought and planning went into Aero Country East. The developers were aware that many small airports had been closing or shrinking for various reasons. Having Aero Country East just below Class B airspace in a metroplex like this is very beneficial. Since the initial groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony in 2010, Aero Country East has come a long way. However, this is just a start. A six-phase long-range plan will add an additional 40,888 acres to the current 17,305 acres. There will be further landscape and stormwater improvements and plans for retail and restaurant additions in the future. For more information about Schweiss Doors, visit www.bifold.com. For more information on Aero Country East, visit www.aerocountryeast.com or call (972) 854-2000.

Seattle, Cignatec collaborates with industry leaders to create engaging and effective educational tools. The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, located in Seattle, Washington. With a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts, the museum is a hub for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. For more information, visit https://flyone-g.com .

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

January 2024

One of the truly great things about being an aviation buff is the number of “Goodies and Gadgets” available to play OODIES with. Here In Flight USA has collected a few new ones worthy of your consideration. AND ADGETS Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. has been the supplier that aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses have depended on since 1965. They carry a wide

selection of aircraft parts, building materials, avionics, and pilot supplies, all of which are offered on their website (www.aircraftspruce.com) and in the famous Aircraft Spruce catalog, now over 1,000-pages available for download or for free in print. You can depend on Aircraft Spruce for prompt shipping and competitive pricing on all orders.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM AIRCRAFT SPRUCE

Aircraft Spruce and Specialty wishes everyone a happy new year! Their extensive line-up of products are designed to keep you safe in the air and on the ground – meeting all of your aviation needs (and wants)! Find all of their products online at www.aircraft spruce.com or call them at 1-877-4777823.

RPX Technologies DryBot Automated Engine Dehydrator Kit With Accessories

Cheaper than an overhaul! The DryBot engine dehydrator is totally automated and can be left unattended. It’s designed to maintain internal engine humidity below the critical relative humidity at which corrosion occurs on steel surfaces such as cams and lifters. Armed with 12 sensors, the DryBot continually monitors for system and setup faults to ensure system performance. “Green light, you’re good!” Features: • Totally Automated: The DryBot is totally automated and can be left unattended. • Helps Prevent Engine Corrosion: The DryBot is designed to maintain internal engine humidity below the critical relative humidity at which corrosion occurs on steel surfaces such as cams and lifters. • Self Monitoring: Armed with 12 sensors, the DryBot Continually monitors for system and setup faults to ensure system performance. Each unit sells for $1,195.

AvMap EKP V Handheld GPS – North America

AvMap presents EKP V the next step in the evolution of aeronautical GPS, redefining the role of the GPS inside the cockpit. Fully Portable A brilliant 7-inch display, with built-in battery and GPS, only 0.8-inches thick. EKP

V is slim and light, yet very powerful: with built in u-blox 5 GPS receiver, builtin battery and speakers. Offering Full Connectivity Thanks to the special Docking Station, you can connect EKP V to several on-board devices at the same time (autopilot, XM WX, CAS, EIS, EFIS etc.) so that the large 7-inch LCD becomes multifunctional and capable to display different flight info. Fully Customizable Easily change the layout choosing what to see and where to display it: maps, taws, weather, vertical profile on map, nav data, HSI, EFIS. Set different profiles for different aircrafts with different settings for taws, selective display and even different hard keys configurations. User Friendly The new practical keyboard includes a configurable key, a progressive joystick and a smart wheel selector. Ease of use is ensured by the new graphic interface and the full qwerty virtual keyboard. Visit the Aircraft Spruce website (www.aircraftspruce.com) for details and a video on this product. Each unit sells for $1,815. (There is an AvMap avionics mail-in rebate valid through Jan. 31, 2024.)

• 50 Hours of Voice Recording • 50 Hours of Engine Monitoring System (EMS) Data and/or Telemetry Data Recording using an RS232 feed • Data portion is intended for airplanes that are equipped with EMS (Engine Monitoring System); capable of supplying real-time or post flight RS232 data feed for various flight parameters such as Engine, Air Data, and GPS Data. Fully supports CSV file output for Garmin Text-Out (G3X & other models) and Dynon Skyview HDX EMS messages • Saves real-time General RS232 Feed (saving data as is) for other equipment that use its own format or TXT/CSV/Binary live output • Offers a Manual Download option to retrieve data from EMS instruments that offer it manually after pressing a button on the instrument itself • All Recordings loop back once full. This makes the the last 50 hours of Voice & Data always available to download • WiFi Interface allowing phones, tablets and laptops to download any Voice & Data segment • Simple and straightforward installation, hooks up to the back of any headphone jack socket Each unit sells for $674.95 each.

dynamically expand to feature any available Aithre device, wirelessly and with or without use of the popular Aithre Connect iOS app. The Healthview is compatible with allAithre devices, including the Shield series of carbon monoxide detectors, the Illyrian oximeter, the Meso oxygen pressure, the AVI oxygen systems, and the Metis wingtip temperature/dewpoint sensor. Up to six Illyrian oximeters can be linked to the Healthview at any moment. Many of the connections are wireless using BLE, but the Healthview also features serial channels linking directly to the Avi built-in oxygen systems. Additionally, the Healthview controls the built-in AVI oxygen systems with that dedicated serial communication, including pulse dosage based on pressure altitude and blood oxygen saturation levels. For advanced oxygen users, the Healthview provides an auto mode functionality that automatically turns your oxygen on and off on a station-by-station basis, using parameters of pressure altitude, SPO2, heart rate, and carbon monoxide. You’ll be proud to feature the elegant aluminum housing on your panel and it won’t tax your battery, alternator, or useful load. More details are available on the Aircraft Spruce website. The Healthview unit sells for $895.

M i c r o k i t ’s VBox PLUS is a 50 hours Voice and 50 hours Data Recorder for GeneralAviation, it is FAA NORSEE Certified. A great tool for post flight analysis, training, archiving and is a valuable aid post emergency events. Can be enhanced to take advantage of Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) for certain operators and flight schools. Perfect for recording certain audio notes, or reminders while flying without the need to write down a long message. This is the General Aviation equivalent of the known “Black Box” but allows downloading voice & data anytime. Features include:

The Healthview is the first dedicated avionics display for health information, including gauges for blood oxygen, heart rate, respiration rate, flow rate, cabin pressure, cabin temperature, carbon monoxide, oxygen tank pressure, and wing tip temperature/dewpoint spread - and the first dedicated avionics display that controls your oxygen dosage per station based on altitude, carbon monoxide, blood oxygen, and heart rate. This powerful avionics display is approved under NORSEE for all Part 23 aircraft, including pressurized aircraft, and all experimental aircraft, to help you monitor the health parameters that are most important to your mission.\ The Healthview works as a standalone device for cabin pressure altitude, using an internal barometric pressure sensor. But, the real power lies in the Healthview’s ability to

ASA has built a reputation for providing the aviation community with the most accurate and reliable FAR/AIM products available. The 2024 FAR/AIM book contains complete and upto-date information from Titles 14 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 and 49 CFR) pertinent to General Aviation, Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators, combined with the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and a FREE email subscription service for you to receive updated information as it is released by the FAA. ASA’s FAR/AIM books have been the standard regulatory reference of the industry since 1940. ASA consolidates the FAA regulations and procedures into easy-to-use reference books of informaContinued on Page 47

Microkit Solutions VBox Plus Voice & Data Recorder For Certified Aircraft

Aithre Healthview

2024 ASA FAR / AIM Handbook

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION INVESTS $66 MILLION IN BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

January 2024

www.inflightusa.com

Provides Funding for Airport Improvements Across the Country

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $66.2 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to airports in 23 states and Puerto Rico. The 66 projects are funded exclusively by non-discretionary grant funds under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. In total the infrastructure law invests $25 billion over five years in U.S. airports to modernize terminals, increase safety, expand capacity, replace equipment, and more. “With Americans once again traveling in record numbers, we must ensure that our airports are ready to meet the demand,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Thanks to President Biden, we are delivering historic funding to modernize airports across the country, creating jobs, growing local economies, and supporting passengers for years to come.” “We are replacing and upgrading key infrastructure and equipment as quickly as possible to improve facilities for air passengers. These investments keep us on track for seamless improvements that fliers will notice in the future,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. Many grants contain an element that involves improving drainage, replacing or purchasing equipment and building new terminals, towers, roads, taxi lanes, and runway signage. Among them are: Approximately $3.2 million will be used to rehabilitate airport terminals, including: • $133,770 at Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field in Washington • $1,797,035 at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport in Amarillo, Texas • $1,278,900 at Great Falls International Airport in Montana Approximately $1 million will be used to purchase snow removal equipment, including:

• $924,790 at Lewiston/Nez Perce County in Idaho • $145,497 at Myers Field in Canby, Minnesota Approximately $1.8 million will be used to rehabilitate towers, including: • $1,610,100 at Rafael Hernandez in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico • $190,294 at Joplin Regional in Missouri $890,535 will be used to improve airfield drainage: • $890,535 at Minot International Airport in North Dakota $69,866 will be used to purchase aircraft fire and rescue equipment, including: • $30,000 at Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport in Kansas • $39,866 at McNary Field in Salem, Oregon A full list of all grants being awarded is available on the FAA website, faa.gov, or directly at https://www.faa .gov/general/ bipartisan-infrastructure-law-airport-infrastructure-grant-funding-amounts . The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $15 billion over five years for the AIG program. The money can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airporttransit connections and roadway projects. For a third year, FAA has made $2.89 billion available to U.S. airports. To date, nearly $9 billion in AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country. Learn more at faa.gov/bil. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. It will rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, modernize the nation’s ports and airports, improve safety, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice and invest in communities that are too often left behind. It will drive the creation of goodpaying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.

Goodies and Gadgets Continued from Page 46 tion pertinent to pilots, flight crew, and aviation maintenance technicians. The 2024 ASA FAR/AIM Handbook sells for $24.95. Case bundles and ebook versions are also available.

Aircraft Spruce Upcoming Events

Find Aircraft Spruce at the following

events next month: • AOPA Fly-In at the Buckeye Air Fair (Buckeye, AZ), Feb. 16-18 (booth 36) • FSANA 2024 Conference and Trade Show, Las Vegas, NV, Feb. 21-24 • Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show, Puyallup, WA, Feb. 24-25 • HAI Heli Expo, Anaheim, CA, Feb. 27-29

American Aircraft Sales Co. 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS–NEW LOCATION LD

2016 Cessna Skylane 182T 1180 TTSN, Garmin G1000 NXI, GFC 700 A/P, like new!

2005 Cessna 172S Skyhawk 497 SMOH, 5,800 TTSN, Hangar kept & like new................................................ $249,950

1979 Cessna Skyhawk

1978 Piper Archer II 181

180 HP Garmin 650 GPS S-TEC 50 A/P 3400 TTSN 1500 SNEW engine...............$159,950

Garmin 650 GPS and GTX 435 IFR with A/P 1600 SFRMAN.......................$99,950

1973 Cessna 150L 1277 SNEW Engine, 3200 TTSN, nice paint/interior..............................................$42,500

1980 Cessna TR182 Skylane New updated metal instrument panel ........................................................$210,000

2002 Cessna 182T Skylane 3000 TTSN, Nice original paint & interior ..........................................................$289,950

1980 Cessna Skyhawk 172N Recently restored, California Airplane ...................................................$139,950

1979 Grumman Tiger

1975 Piper Cherokee 140 Cruiser

Hangar kept and super nice, Garmin IFR with STEC30 A/P.............................................$119,950

44 SMOH, King IFR............................$59,950

1972 Cessna 150L

60 hours since new engine, Nice paint, NDH..............................................$74,950

1978 Cessna 152 Only 24 SMOH, Nice paint/interior.....$44,950

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

www.americanaircraft.net

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 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 Aircraft Management, financing and appraisals. T.J. Aircraft Sales, Novato, CA, (415) 8985151, tjair.com. 3/13

AirplanesUSA Aircraft Sales, San Carlos, CA, Airport, (650) 394-7610, airplanesusa.com. 1/16 Quality aircraft since 1948. Volare Air, a TECNAM dealership, (940) 800-8020, volareair.aero. 1/23

Historically significant 1950s-era aircraft for sale or trade. All in restorable condition with minimum corrosion. Inventory includes a Piasecki XHJP-1 and a Sikorsky S-55. American Helicopter Museum, West Chester, PA. Contact info@americanhelicopter.museum for more information. 231000.TFN

School & Cessna Pilot Center. Smith Aviation Napa, Napa County Airport, (707) 345-6526, mikesmithaviation.com. 4/22

tion Modifications, Ada, OK, (888) 3594264, (580) 436-4833, gami.inc. 3/23

MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS

Cannula or Mask? For aicraft service ceilings to FL180 & FL250. Ask "The Oxygen Lady," info@aviationoxygen.com 2/23

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

RESTORATIONS

Custom aircraft & high-quality composite parts. Aviation Composites, Sandersville, GA, (937) 243-7303. 1/22

SPORT/ULTRALIGHTS 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

STOL The STOL Super Breezy with fully covered fuselage. Yakima Aerosport, (509) 453-3412, superbreezy.com. 5/23

Savannah S, premier light-sport STOL platform. Flight4U, LLC, Napa, CA, (707) 485-2644, Jeff@flight4u.biz. 9/23

EXPERIMENTAL BD-10, factory-built demonstrator with airplane safety mods. Airframe 465TT. $275K complete pkg. w/spares. Fuel Fresh, Phoenix, AZ, (480) 345-6677, fuelfresh@aol.com. 12/21

AIRCRAFT SALES AIDS Aviation Sales & Marketing by ABCI. Ideal for a startup or side hustle in the aviation industry. (702) 987-1679 or aviationsalestraining.com/startup. 1/21

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION Sunshine Flyers. Flight & tailwheel instruction, rentals, mountain flying, and aerobatics., Auburn, CA, (530) 820-3442, sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com. 3/20 Arizona Type Ratings CE-500/CE-525 type ratings or recurrent. Insurance approved, staff examiner. arizonatyperatings.com, (602) 614-7994. 9309:TFN Seaplane Instruction, ASES ratings, amphibious flight reviews, re-current training. Lake Havasu Seaplanes, Lake Havasu City, AZ, lakehavasuseaplanes. com, (928) 733-7122. 12/20 Recurrent pilot training and services. L/D Aerospace, Grace Passmore, (916) 790-0501, idaerospace.com. 1/22 Fly for fun or career. Discovery flights, pilot training, AOPA Distinguished Flight

All parts available to rebuild 1936 Rearwin Sportster. In Northern California. Contact Sue Harmuth at suewilldooo@ outlook.com. 22801:TFN

FBOs Serving the GA Community since 1981. Wisconsin Aviation, Watertown Municipal Airport, WI, (920) 261-4567, WisconsinAviation.com. 3/13 World's largest network of FBOs with over 200 locations offering consistent, exceptional service. Signature Flight Support, signatureflight.com. 4/23

Full-service center. Vista Aviation, Whiteman Airport, Pacoima, CA, (818) 896-5224, vistaair.com 9/23

AVIONICS Avionics for Every Mission. All major brands. Airtronics, Calaveras County Airport, CA, airtronicsavionics.com, (209) 736-9400. 11/14 Basic installs to complete panel and glass retrofits. Great service and value pricing. Pacific Coast Avionics, (800) 353-0370, PCA.aero. 7/15 Update your avionics. FAA-Certified repair station. Treasure Coast Avionics, Ft. Pierce, FL, (772) 464-3148, treasurecoastavionics.com. 2/23

AIRCRAFT PARTS Keeping "classic" aircraft flying since 1946. Univair Aircraft Corp., Aurora, CO, (888) 433-5433, univair.com. 3/21 Iconic Aircraft Restoration for all the classics. Reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 347-1909. 2/23

SAVAGE Magneto Service since 1946. Hayward, CA, (510) 782-7081, 2/23 Wingtips with total lighting solutions, aveoengineering.com. 9/23

PROPELLERS Aviation wood, composite or metal propellers. Sensenich, (813) 752-3711, (717) 569-0435 or sensenich.com. 4/21

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

Home of GAMIjectors® fuel injectors! STCs and PMAs on over 300 different engine models! General Avia-

Wherever business takes you. Navigate It. (575) 615-2091, vatit.com. 10/21 Scheduling Software that connects to your flight department. Simple, affordable. airplanemanager.com. 9/22

SERVICES Divorce-Paternity Cases. Contact Lawyers for Men's Rights, (213) 3848886, www.mensrightslawyers.com. Offices of Stuart J. Faber. 4/10 Aero & Marine Tax Pros Legally avoid sales tax on your aircraft purchase. In El Grove, CA, (916) 691-9192, aeromarinetaxpros.com. 18500:TFN

Iconic Aircraft Restoration. Repairs, refurbishments, parts fabricated, consulting at reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 379-9092. 8/21

JETS Small Manned Aerial Radar Target, Model 1. Tiny jet aircraft, long-range tank. SMART-1, Tucson, AZ, (202) 2132400, smart-1.us. 5/21

OXYGEN SUPPLIES

January 2024

4720:TFN

AVIATION SAFETY Innovative aviation safety solutions and Parachute Recovery Systems for a variety of aircraft, including for sport, UAVs, more. AviationSafetyResources.com. 2/22 Get ahead of your daily in-flight risks with SAFETYLINQ flight risk assessment. argus.aero/safetylinq. 1/22

AIRCRAFT FINANCING Get Top Retail Value for Your Aircraft! Sell now! Find your dream aircraft! Shop now! Become an area broker with one of the largest networks in the U.S.! Visit our USA Aircraft Brokers page on Facebook or visit usaaircraft.com. 9/23

INSURANCE Specializing in personal, business and charter aircraft. Best price, coverage & customer service. Zanette Aircraft Insurance Center, (650) 593-3030, (888) 723-3358. 10/06 Insurance solutions for all aviation-related services. Business Aviation Insurance, bizavins.com, (925) 825-1900. 7/20

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

Complete Aviation Sales & Marketing Services. Use Promo Code "INFLIGHT" to save 10%. AviationBusinessComsultants. com/Lab, (702) 987-1679. 4/23

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

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. Free 700page catalog, Corona, CA, & Peachtree City, GA, aircraftspruce.com. 10/06 Protective covers for every make and model. Bruce's Custom Covers, Morgan Hill, CA, (800) 777-6405, (408) 7383959, aircraftcovers.com. 10/19

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

Apparel as unique as your journey. Discounts to members. AOPA Pilot Gear, aopapilotgear.com. 9/21 InPhones with pilot keypad. Convenience at one low price! Only $199/year. (650) 504-8549, (408) 234-0045. 10/21

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

AVIATION RESOURCES Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets.com, (702) 465-2027. 10/20

Left Seat Pilot Medical Solutions. A confidential solution for pilot medical certification. Free FAA medical consultations. Left Seat, (800) 699-4457. 1/21

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

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

HOMES/AIRPARKS

SEAK, Expert Witness Directory, by Bert Botta for aviation accidents and incidents. (415) 320-9811, bert@bertbotta. com, bertbotta.com. 4/22 "Ghosts," Phil Makanna's legendary warbird calendars are back! Visit ghosts. com. 2/23

PILOT POSITION WANTED SoCal pilot desires Turbine/Jet SIC time. Comm/Instru/Multi-Eng with SIC for Gulfstream G-IV and scores of hours in the Citation V560. Many years of aircraft design/flight test/aerospace industry experience. Willing to travel as needed (and for repositioning). Contact Paul at (562) 714-6686 or ptglessner@ aol.com. 23700:TFN

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

Oakland Aviation Museum recruiting volunteers. Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org. 12/23

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

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

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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

Airpark Hangar Homes for Sale! Allen & Allen Inc., carolinaairparks.com, (704) 798-5214. 9/23

Become an Aircraft Broker — #1 Largest USA Network of Aircraft Start with USA’s proved system for listing and selling everything from highperformance single-engine airplanes, cabin class through jets, and helicopters & jet fractional shares. Includes multi-million-dollar inventory to start. Complete turn-key proved system. No experience necessary. Will train. Licensed USA Aircraft brokerage.

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

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

ART/VIDEOS/GIFTS Specializing in aviation photography. horizontalrain.com. 1/15

Need a gift? Give a ride in an open cockpit biplane. WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio, wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226. 20601:TFN Fly By Wire Air, a one-stop site for aviators. flybywireair.com. 4/21

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

PUBLICATIONS Avionics Checklists & Quick Reference gudes. Available in book, card & new iPad editions. qref.com. 8/14

Wings of History Air Museum San Martin, CA, (408) 683-2290 wingsofhistory.org

Hiller Aviation Museum San Carlos Airport, CA (650) 654-0200, hiller.org WACO Airfield & Museum Troy, OH, (937) 335-9226 wacoairmuseum.org Oakland Aviation Museum Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100 oaklandaviationmuseum.org

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

DONATIONS Needed! Non-profit youth aviation program teaching High School kids to build a Zenith 750 Cruzer — then learn to fly in it! It’s 70% completed. Need a usable O-200 engine to make kids’ dreams come true! Full value tax benefit. Bill (818) 634-9762. 4/23

January 2024

GROWING IN AIRCRAFT APPRAISALS THE STORY OF MARK PARRY AND GLOBAL AIRCRAFT

By Annamarie Buonocore

elcome to the insurance side of the aviation industry! As some of you might have read on our website and online issue last month, In Flight USA recently attended a conference for the Organization of Flying Adjusters (OFA) in Oklahoma City. This gathering of aviation experts and professionals was for those in the insurance business and those who do inspections, insurance claims adjustments, and appraisals. As discussed in the previous article on this topic, the OFA is not just for insurance adjusters and personnel who do aviation insurance claims adjustments; it is for any insurance adjuster or inspector who utilizes aircraft to perform their job. This covers a lot of ground and can be very empowering for both the insurance and aviation industries. Mark Parry is an aircraft appraiser, insurance adjuster, and inspector from Massachusetts. He has dedicated many years to learning about aircraft, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and successfully completing one year of law school at Massachusetts School of Law, and becoming a licensed insurance adjuster and aircraft appraiser. He currently conducts a multitude of aircraft and marine appraisals and is a licensed amateur radio operator. He also offers expert witness and pre-buy services. With maintenance oversight, his company provides a diverse level of aviation services. His story is another example of a possible career in aviation. We look forward to offering stories like his in the future. In Flight USA: It is good to have an aircraft appraiser and aircraft insurance adjuster with us today. How did you get into this business? Mark Parry: I have been in aviation since the ‘80s, the early ‘80s. I started out as an A&P air-frame power plant mechanic. My first A&P job was at Lockheed. It was Lockheed California Company at the time. I was based out of Burbank, Calif. and I worked on the Stealth Fighter. I was transferred up to Palmdale and worked on U-2 aircraft. I went to NASA. They were called ER1 and ER2. I was hired by Canadair, which was bought out by Bombardier. There, I worked on the Challenger series of business jets. I was a mechanic for some time and then a crew chief. I moved up to management. In 2005, I left to start my own business. I started doing appraisals, but I went back to school to earn my

www.inflightusa.com

bachelor’s degree and go to law school. When that was done, I went into appraising full time. IFUSA: What made you choose the crucial role of an appraiser? MP: When I was in management at Bombardier, I had been involved in a lot of pre-buys. I would oversee the entire pre-buying process and would present the pricing information to both the seller and the buyer. I handled a lot of negotiations and determined who was paying for what. It was a three-way negotiation that I was in charge of. A lot of people in this industry don’t like to do that, but I like a challenge. I found myself a little bored at times, so this would help keep me moving. I enjoy the challenge of the pre-buying process because it can be difficult. I use this pre-buy process, not only in my pre-sale work, but when I oversee prebuys. I have done some work for American Jet Sales. I oversaw the prebuys of a couple of King Airs for them. I would go over the maintenance and then would go over the pricing structure that I learned at Bombar-dier, which can be used on any aircraft if you know how to do it right. Pre-buy oversight is an-other part of my business and another service that I offer. This has helped me salvage a lot of deals. I have helped salvage many deals or sales that have fallen apart. IFUSA: What does one have to do to become an aircraft appraiser? MP: You have to have been in aviation for 10 years. It takes mechanical experience, good photography skills, and report-writing skills. My proprietary database and skills have helped me in this industry and salvage many deals. IFUSA: What is your favorite aircraft to inspect? MP: I like doing them all, to tell you the truth. I prefer not to have to deal with older twin engines. Most of my experience has been with business jets, so I enjoy working on those. I also enjoy warbirds and general aviation aircraft. I would rank them as follows: business jets, warbirds, helicopters, and then all things general aviation. I have experience with all of those. My colleague and good friend, Jeremy Cox, whom you knew, got to appraise a rocket. I was so jealous of that. IFUSA: What do you enjoy most about the northeastern market? MP: I like being here because my family is here. That’s the big thing. I have about 30 cousins in the Boston area alone. But from a business perspective, I

like being centrally located to many major cities. I also enjoy the beauty of New England and all the seasons. This area has good proximity to New York, Boston, Teterboro, western New York, and even into southern Vermont. IFUSA: Tell me a little bit about your local airport. Is it a good place to work? MP: The great thing about this business is that you can work from home, and I enjoy doing that. Sometimes I work out of Signature Flight Support down at Bradley International Airport. It’s about 20 minutes away, so it’s easy for me to meet customers there. It’s kind of a big airport, so it’s not like being at a GA airport, but it’s close for my customers and me. IFUSA: Who or what in the aviation industry inspires you the most? MP: I would segue into the OFA. I enjoy working with Bill “Hap” Arnold and the Higleys. IFUSA: How has the OFA helped you in your business? MP: It has been fantastic. It’s a very vibrant organization. It provides a good network of experi-enced adjusters and appraisers to help you find work and learn more about the business. I would recommend the OFA to anyone considering a career in aviation appraisals or inspection. IFUSA: What are your future plans for your business? MP: Right now, I am doing some training with a new appraiser, and if that goes well, we’re hoping to form a partnership. I have expanded my business to include a search engine on my website to help clients find appraisers, A&Ps, and inspection authorization personnel. We

Mark Parry is president and founder of Global Aircraft Group. (Photo by Chris Glennon, Photographer/Courtesy Global Aircraft Group) are also ex-panding out into more museum work. We are growing our team of associates that can handle anything from maintenance oversight to insurance adjusting to IRS appraisals. They can also be expert witnesses. IFUSA: Have you done any expert witness work in court? MP: Yes, I have done expert witness work. I have been on the stand and have been successful at it. Most of the legal work I have been involved with settles prior to going to court. I did end up doing one trial that went to the appellate level. I have also won at that level. IFUSA: Thank you!

In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years

January 2024

AD INDEX ABCI ..................................17

JANUARY 2024

Aircraft Spruce ..................15

CB Skyshare ......................13

Mostafa Salama..................22

Airtronics............................31

Fly By Wire........................14

Oakland Aviation Museum11

Airplanes USA A/C Sales....6

American Aircraft ..............47

AOPA....................................7 Arizona Type Ratings ........27

Aviation Oxygen................25 Bristell Aircraft ..................21 Bruce’s Custom Covers ....41

BTA Consulting ................28 Castle Air Museum............14

Flabob Airport....................20

GAMI ................................25 Hartwig Fuel Cells ..............3 HME Watches ....................34

Hudson Flight Ltd. ............26 Lawyers for Men’s Rights 26 LD Aerospace ....................14 Legacy ................................51

Mike Smith Aviation..........37

Mountain High Oxygen ......3 Pacific Coast Avionics ......10

Sunshine Flyers..................44 Threshold/CieloBlu............33

TJ Aircraft Sales ................23

Treasure Coast Avionics ....12

Univair..................................9

Pacific Oil Cooler ................9

USA A/C Brokers Franchise44

Pilot Med. Solutions ..........50

Vans Aircraft ........................6

Pecan Plantation ..................2 Pilot Quarters ....................52 QREF Media......................18 R&M Steel ........................12 Schweiss ............................49

USA Aircraft Brokers ........13 Wisconsin Aviation ..............4 XL Aviation ........................35

Zanette Insurance ................5

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12615 Brandy Lane, Burson, CA This lakeside, energy-efficient Oasis is truly an aviator’s & aquatic sportsman’s Dream! Nestled in the serene beauty of Lake Comanche, this custom-made retreat designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann is a paradise for those seeking a tranquil and exclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This stunning property offers a unique blend of natural splendor and modern luxury, with a private airstrip, spacious living areas, and breathtaking views. This unique property is situated on the southwestern perimeter of Lake Comanche, a tranquil and picturesque reservoir in Northern California. The property boasts its own private airstrip, allowing you to fly your two-seater plane and land right next to your estate. This convenient feature makes it the perfect destination for aviation enthusiasts and those who crave quick, hassle-free access to their private retreat. The main residence is a spacious 2112 square feet: a beautifully designed structure with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodations for both family and guests. The interior is thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities and elegant finishes with rustic splashes of craftsman-style charm. Large windows and sliding glass doors flood the common space with natural light and offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This unique property can be utilized as a luxurious vacation retreat, an idyllic weekend getaway, or even a permanent residence for those seeking a peaceful and nature-infused lifestyle.

For more information, including photos and a virtual tour, visit www.12615brandy.com

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