Ce l e b r a t i n g3 7Y e a r si nPu b l i c a t i o n
www. i n f l i g h t u s a . c o m
Ma r c h2 0 2 1
GB1GAMEBIRD ANAMERICANMADEACROCHAMPIONBYGAMECOMPOSITESOFBENTONVILLE,ARKANSAS, WI THS TUNNI NGX COUNTRYSPEEDSANDCOMFORT
March 2021
www.inflightusa.com
3
Calendar of Events
To list your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com. STATUS OF UPCOMING AVIATION EVENTS This Calendar includes only the information available by our press date, Friday, Feb. 26. Please confirm the status of an event before attending.
MARCH
6
11 — 12 13 13 — 14 20 21 22 — 25
APRIL
3
9 — 10 10 10 — 11
13 — 18 17
17 — 18
18 24 — 25 25
MAY
1
1—2
8 8—9
14 — 15 15 — 16
16 21 — 23 22
Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Online Registration: Int’l. WAI2021 Virtual Conference, (937) 8394647, wai.org. Q Yuma, AZ: MCAS Yuma Air Show. CANCELED Q El Centro, CA: NAF El Centro Air Show. CANCELED 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 Burnet, TX: Bluebonnet Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Burnet Municipal Airport, (512) 756-2226, bluebonnetairshow.com. Q Gainesville, FL: Gator Fly-In & Armed Services Day. CANCELED Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q New Orleans, LA: HAI Heli-Expo. CANCELED Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. Q Pinehurst, NC: Festival d’Avion, gates Fri. 5 p.m./Sat. 10 a.m., Moore County Airport, (910) 215-0861, festivaldavion.com. Q San Martin, CA: Spring Surplus Book & Model Sale (member discounts), 8 to 10:30 a.m., Wings of History Air Museum, (408) 3563407, wingsofhistory.org. Q Panama City FL: Tyndall AFB Gulf Coast Salute. CANCELED Q Jacksonville, FL: NAS JAX Air Show. CANCELED Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com. Q Lakeland, FL: Sun ’n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, flysnf.org. Q Louisville KY: Thunder over Louisville, 11 a.m., Waterfront Park, thunderoverlouisville.org. Q Angleton, TX: LBX Annual Fly-In, Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport, (979) 849-5755. Q Titusville, FL: Space Coast Warbird AirShow, Space Coast Regional Airport, (321) 268-1941, valiantaircommand.com. Q Cocoa Beach, FL: Cocoa Beach Air Show, Drop Zone open 9 a.m., tickets (888) 612-4195, cocoabeachairshow.com. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Tucson, AZ: Thunder & Lightning over Arizona. NEW DATE NOV. 6-7 Q Beaufort, SC: MCAS Beaufort Airshow. CANCELED Q Half Moon Bay, CA: Pacific Coast Dream Machines. CANCELED 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: Planes of Fame Air Show, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chino Airport, (928) 634-1000, planesoffame.org. CHECK BEFORE ATTENDING Q Saint Joseph, MO: Sound of Speed Airshow, Rosecrans ANGB, (816) 919-2016, stjairshow.com. Q Corpus Christi, TX: Wings over South Texas, noon to 4 p.m., NAS Corpus Christi, (361) 882-3242, bucdays.com. Q Paso Robles, CA: Estrella Warbirds Wings & Wheels, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Paso Robles Municipal Airport, (805) 238-9317, ewarbirds.org. Q Shreveport-Bossier City, LA: Defenders of Liberty Air Show & Open House, Barksdale AFB, barksdaleafbairshow.com. Q Fort Lauderdale, FL: Fort Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale Beach, displays open 9 a.m., (321) 395-3110, fortlauderdaleairshow.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 Peru, IL: TBM Avenger Salute to Veterans, all day, IL Valley Regional Airport, (309) 657-1679, tbmavenger.com. Q Marietta, GA: Wings over Atlanta, Dobbins ARB, dobbins.afrc.af.mil. Q Melbourne, FL: The Great Florida Air Show, Orlando Melbourne Int’l. Airport, attendstar.com. Q Redlands, CA: Hangar 24 Craft Brewery AirFest, Redlands Municipal Airport, hangar24airfest.com. Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530. Q Hillsboro, OR: Oregon Int’l. Air Show at Hillsboro. CANCELED Q Dalhart, TX: Thunder over Dalhart Airshow, gates 10 a.m., Dalhart Municipal Airport, devildogsquadron.com. Q Atlanta, GA: Good Neighbor Day PDK Airshow, DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, pdkairshow.com.
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
MEET
COVER STORY
A
By Ed Downs
fantasy flight deserves a fantasy beginning to the GameBird story. We start our fantasy with a phone call from a senior General Motors official saying you have been chosen to conduct a test drive of one of their two most famous autos. You get to choose which car to drive and experience the adventure associated with it. Upon arriving in scenic Monterey, Calif., you find two curtains. Behind curtain number 1 is a fully decked our Cadillac Escalade. Chose to drive this car, and you will enjoy a leisurely sightseeing drive down famed Highway 1 to Carmel, Calif., followed by lunch and wine at a famed tofu bar. Behind curtain number 2 is a full bore Corvette. Chose this car and you head out on Highway 68 (again, lots of sightseeing and comfort) to the Laguna Seca Raceway, where you are allowed to explore the twist, turns and 200 mph straight-a-ways of this famous racetrack, accompanied by a skilled race driver. Once recovered, you return to Monterey to enjoy a cattleman’s cut of steak with a dark ale of your choice. What will it be,
THE
March 2021
GB1 GAMEBIRD
Above: Founded in 2013, the GameBird was designed to be a “crossover” plane that breeched the gap between a full bore, unlimited aerobatic machine and a comfortable, easy to fly, cross-country hummer that could handle 200 knots. (Courtesy Game Composites) Right: The GameBird features a full modern panel, front and back, with glass technology, namely the Garmin G3X Touch. (Courtesy Game Composites) curtain number 1 or curtain number 2? Sometimes fantasies come true. For this writer, curtain number 2 simply blows away the first option. A call from In Flight USA HQ alerted this writer to a new customer, Game Composites, and
asked if my ranch in Oklahoma was anywhere near Bentonville, Ark. Game composites was to become our special March front cover feature (the annual Sun ‘n Fun issue) and, if distance were not an issue, would this writer be interested in visiting
their plant and possibly flying Game Composite’s new GB1 GameBird. While a three-plus-hour drive would get me to Bentonville, weather and time considerations were a factor. Then I visited the Game Composite’s website at www.gamecomposites.com, and realized Continued on Page 9
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TABLE Volume 37, Number 7
OF
CONTENTS
650-358-9908 • Fax: 650-358-9254 • E-mail: vickie@inflightusa.com • www.inflightusa.com
March 2021
ON THE COVER COVER STORY
SPECIAL INTEREST
AIRVENTURE IN THE PLANNING STAGES
MEET THE GB1 GAMEBIRD
•
TO FEATURE SPLITPERFORMANCE AREAS
By Ed Downs Story on Page 4
Stories on Page 49 Courtesy Game Composites
COLUMNS
NEWS AOPA Announces Two Aviator Showcase Events ..................................8 GAMA Accepting Scholarship Applications ..........................................12 Aviation Hall of Fame Gets 100/100 from Charity Navigator ..............14 NATA Endorses Tecnam Aircraft for Covid Vaccine Deliveries ..........17 Covid At-Home Test Kits Delivered by Flirtey Drones..........................18 NBAA Advocates for Business Aviation with DOT Secretary ............19 NATA, NBAA Urge IRS for Guidance on FET Collection......................24 AOPA Honors Remarkable Aviators at Hoover Awards ......................28 In Memory of AOPA’s Mike Collins..........................................................33 Goodies & Gadgets: From Aircraft Spruce ............................................38 Sporty’s Launches New Aerobatics Course With Wagstaff ................40 In Flight USA, BizAvJets Launches New Publication ..........................42 AOPA’s ASI Introduces New Safety Spotlights......................................44 NBAA Cancels Events Through June 2021 ............................................46 British Columbia Hangar Matches Beauty of Kootenays ....................47
I Never Wanted to Fly Gliders By Chaz Adams ..............................................................8
Editorial: Spring Flying Without Unwanted Excitement By Mark Baker, AOPA ....................................................8
Book Review: Latinas In Aviation By Mark Rhodes ............................................................13
Keep Cataracts Out of the Cockpit: Vision Care By Jamie Mitchell ..........................................................20
F-15EX Completes First Flight By Sr. Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, USAF ..........................22
Tenth! Historical Look at Mid-Air Refueling By Fly By Wire Air Staff ..................................................43
Flying With Faber: Slowly Emerging From Our Homes By Stuart J. Faber ........................................................29 SafeLandings: Loss of Aircraft Control ....................................................................................33 Homebuilder’s Workshop: Breakfast Fly-In, Sort Of By Ed Wischmeyer ..................................................................34
DEPARTMENTS Calendar of Events ..........................................................3 Classifieds ......................................................................48 Index of Advertisers ......................................................50
I NEVER WANTED
6
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
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Above: From Williams Soaring Center in Northern California, author Chaz Adams took his first flight as a glider pilot. His response: “I remember thinking to myself: what took me so long to do this?” (Courtesy Chaz Adams) Below right: Author Chaz Adams took his first flight lesson in a 1946 Taylorcraft at the age of 14 from the old Evergreen Airfield (59S). (Courtesy Chaz Adams)
I
By Chaz Adams
was inspired at a young age to become a pilot. Like many kids that are influenced by the movies, Top Gun had a particularly profound impact on my future. I vividly remember writing a book in my second-grade class about me and my RIO his name was Goose. Yes, we flew the F-14 Tomcat, and no, I am not making this up. The year was circa 1986. My family lived near Seattle and our next-door neighbor was an ex-Navy A-4 pilot who was a Northwest Airlines Captain at the time the movie came out. He also remained current in singleengine airplanes. My dad was good friends with the neighbor pilot. At first, I thought it might be because dad wanted to borrow the VHS, but it turned out to be a genuine connection between the two. Not long after Top Gun was released, my dad had finally done it. He persuaded our neighbor to take our family up in a Cessna 172 from the Renton Airport, not far from we were lived. I was so excited to go flying, I figured it must be exactly like the movies; kick the tires and light the fires! Only thing was, we were in a 150 horsepower, single-engine Cessna at gross weight. This wasn’t a Tomcat and we weren’t getting launched off the Enterprise. Not to mention, I was sitting in the back. Oh, the humanity. Where I sat didn’t end up changing the outcome for me. I was hooked. If I didn’t already know that I wanted to be a pilot every time I heard, “Maverick’s reengaging!” I certainly knew by the time we came back down to Earth. Now that my fate was sealed, I learned as much as I could about flying; my favorite stories were out of the WWII era. I must have
read dozens of biographies and tales of the greatest pilots of that generation: Pappy Boyington, Saburo Sakai, Erich Hartmann, Richard Bong, John Thatch, Butch O’Hare, George Gay, David McCampbell. It also turns out that one of my neighbors had flown the P-61 Black Widow during the war – something I learned only after we moved away. I took my first flight lesson in a 1946 Taylorcraft at the age of 14 – my dad handpropped us. A couple of my flight instructors would easily fit the description of “old-timer.” One in particular, Wally Olson, the owner of the old Evergreen Airfield (59S), was rumored to have been buddies with Charles Lindbergh. Being taught in that environment instilled in me the value of landing on grass, flying a tight pattern, always checking for landing traffic before turning base to final, and midfield downwind meant the start of the power-off approach. Little did I know, the lessons learned at Evergreen would set me up nicely for glider flying. Several years later (after spending my own money), I received my private pilot license for single-engine airplanes. The airfield I learned at has since been turned into condos. Along the way, I never truly considered learning to fly gliders. Really, it seems my only memory of the idea is seeing the little codes in the corner of ASA test prep study books referring to airContinued on Page 9
March 2021
www.inflightusa.com
7
I Never Wanted to Fly Gliders
Continued from Page 6 plane, glider, balloon, or helicopter. I mean, I knew gliders had a younger age requirement for solo and licensure, but I wasn’t drawn to the idea. If I’m being honest, it might be because my only exposure to flight had been fighter planes, Cessnas, and old taildraggers; they all had engines. The first thing I wanted to do with my license was add my tailwheel endorsement. All my WWII heroes flew taildraggers at some point of their training – be it a Stearman or a T-6 Texan. I was fortunate enough to complete my tailwheel training in a 1941 J-5 Piper Cub. Flying that machine remains the closest thing to time traveling that I’ve experienced as a pilot. Sure, I’ve been fortunate to ride in some pretty cool stuff – Super Stearman, Travel Air, T-6, and even the jumpseat of a 787. Still, I never had the bug to fly gliders; something about it wasn’t “cool enough” to get my attention. Perhaps, somewhere deep inside, glider pilots weren’t “real” pilots to me. A few years after I got my pilot license, a coworker and I got talking about aviation. His dad was a pilot for a major airline and my coworker had his private pilot license in gliders. Once he started describing the thrill of a winch launch, he wouldn’t shut up long enough to answer the work phone. We didn’t get to sit next to each other very much after our manager found out we were always talking about flying. In any case, he was the guy that officially planted the seed in my mind that gliders were something worth trying. The next inspiration for gliders came the day my uncle and I had flown from El Monte to Catalina Island to Santa Monica. During our stop for fuel and a quick bite before departing on our last leg back home, we noticed all the televisions were talking about a breaking news story out of New York. The date was Jan. 15, 2009. The event was the Miracle on the Hudson. I would soon find out that the pilot, Captain Sullenberger, was among other things, a glider pilot. Several years passed, life happened, my flying slowed. I started reading books about pilots again, including The G Stands for Guts (by Mark Bagly, Heligate Press) about Allied glider pilots in WWII. I also decided to pursue a degree at Purdue University, the alma mater of a guy named Neil Armstrong. It never dawned on me until I started my coursework that Armstrong was also a glider pilot. There’s a 60 Minutes interview from 2005 where his glider flying is showcased and he talks of the freedom soaring brings. My interest in gliders now piqued, I read one last book before
pulling the trigger: Transition to Gliders by Thomas A Knauff (K.B. Offset). All that was left to do was find a gliderport and go flying. I decided on Williams Soaring Center in Northern California. The place is a true family operation with mom running the office and flying tow; dad, the onsite DPE; the two sons flying tow, instructing, and working the shop. Ben, one of the sons, would be my instructor. I had never sat in a bubble canopy before. That, and the lack of an engine got my attention, despite all the reading prep I had done. The preflight was surprisingly foreign to me. What’s a total energy probe and how do you visually inspect the inside of the spoiler bay? Sure, many things are similar between the average single-engine airplane and a glider, but so much is different. As we sat on the runway with the towline attached, briefing the emergency procedures, I felt comfortable and excited to get into the air. It was awkward to not be wearing a headset, just talking in a normal voice to Ben in the back. Finally, with our predeparture checklist complete, it was time to wag the rudder (signal the tow pilot to start the takeoff run). I called on my tailwheel training for this – I was really dancing on the rudder while lifting the low wing and trying to track centerline. Oh, and this was the first time I was taking off with a plane so close in front of me on the runway! In what seemed like seconds, the glider floated up into ground effect. A few moments later, the Pawnee lifted off and we began our gentle climbing turn to the left. Despite my experience with elevator trim, I found myself clutching the stick and over controlling the glider. A wise word from Ben and I let go of the controls for a brief moment to reset my overpowering grip. Then began the task of getting into tow position. I sucked at that my first time, too. We boxed the wake on our climb up to 6,500 feet. Then, I did the unthinkable – I untethered us from our source of thrust. I can think of few flying experiences that have given me a perma-grin: the first being the moment my instructor signed my logbook and hopped out of the Cessna 150, leaving me to take my first solo flight; another was taking my young daughter flying in the Cub after school and landing without waking her from her nap; the most recent example was that first glider flight in the ASK21. We rolled out, popped the canopy and I was smiling so much, I feared the instructor might find me unwell. I remember thinking to myself: what took me so long to do this? Reflecting back, I now realize I was dead wrong about gliders. In my humble opinion, two things set a great foundation Continued on Page 12
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8
THE THRILL
OF IT
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
H
By Mark Baker
AOPA President and CEO ave you ever passed a highway accident and felt compelled to look? Call it a primal instinct, but many of us are intrigued by danger. Crashes, sirens, and flashing lights attract us like moths to a flame. We see this in many of our favorite sports and activities – hockey fights rile up the crowd, NASCAR wrecks add an element of excitement to the race, and every year, around 1 million spectators flock to Spain for Running of the Bulls, one of the most dangerous events in modern (or any) time. Researchers say that much of the stimulation we feel toward these activities has to do with our own fight-or-flight characteristics. Situations we see, whether in person, in a movie, book, or on the news, trigger our survival instincts and make us think about how we would react and han-
Don’t Let Spring Bring Unwanted Excitement
dle a potential disaster. We often think, “If that were me, what would I do? Take AOPA’s Air Safety Institute’s long-running and invaluable series Accident Case Studies – an in-depth analysis that dissects fatal aircraft crashes and the events leading up to them. The Accident Case Studies videos are some of the most popular, albeit sobering, content from ASI that teach us the lessons learned from others’ mistakes. While flying, like virtually any other pursuit, has its risks, the accidents featured in ASI’s safety videos represent the relatively few flights that went wrong. And while the videos are tragic, they remind us that we are not invincible. Things can quickly escalate in the cockpit and we must be proactive in our decision making as anything can go awry – from system failures to miscommunications, and especially weather changes. With the onset of spring, many of us are looking to dust off our wings, get back
into the sky, and meet our buddies for $100 hamburgers. If you – or your aircraft – have been grounded during the winter months, there are many obvious yet often forgotten things to take into account. As temperatures begin to fluctuate, pilots should always anticipate the possibility of fog. Inadvertent flight into instrument conditions is one of the most common aviation accident occurrences, accounting for more than 25 percent of all fatalities in GA flying, according to AOPA’s most recent Nall Report. While winter isn’t conducive to flying for every GA pilot, we should still strive to stay current, even if that means brushing up on our skills on a simulator or through ground school. As it turns out, even professional pilots have reported feeling rusty following long leaves of absences during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, many have reported making minor mistakes such as forgetting to turn on anti-ice systems, failing to obtain
March 2021
landing clearances, and even incorrectly programing flight management systems. The best thing we can do to stay sharp is to fly often. However, that doesn’t mean getting complacent. Just because we’ve made a flight a million times doesn’t mean it will always go smoothly. We have to ensure we abide by our own personal limitations. As we’ve seen many times over, an aviation disaster is often the result of a chain of bad decisions that begins with a simple mistake. With spring approaching, there’s no doubt many of us are beginning to get back in the air, so let’s not forget to do our homework. Flight plan, anticipate weather changes, and never be afraid to ask for help. We all fly to feed a passion, but none of us wants to be another statistic or featured in the next case study. Let’s keep proving to the world we can and have made aviation safer.
AOPA ANNOUNCES TWO AVIATOR SHOWCASE EVENTS FOR 2021
As part of its new 2021 events programming, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has released plans for two 2021 Aviator Showcase events. Each showcase will be a single-day event designed to provide new product and aircraft information to pilots, aircraft owners, and prospective buyers. The Aviator Showcases will be held in Manassas, Virginia on Aug. 27 and Fort Worth, Texas on Oct. 1. The events will be an opportunity for pilots to explore exhibits and new aircraft displays, and a chance for aviation companies to showcase their latest gear. “As has been the case with our past events, the AOPAAviator Showcases will provide an excellent value and opportunity for aviation companies to interact with uniquely qualified audiences of the most engaged pilots,” said Chris Eads, AOPA Senior Director of Events and Outreach. “These events offer the chance to be in front of aircraft owners and pilots looking to buy.”
What: AOPA’s Aviator Showcase Events
Aviator Showcase at Manassas, VA Aug. 27, 2021, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Manassas, Virginia, at Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), hosted by Chantilly Air Jet Center
AOPA Aviator Showcases will be held in Manassas, Virginia on Aug. 27 and Fort Worth, Texas on Oct. 1 giving pilots a chance to explore exhibits and new aircraft displays, and aviation companies an opportunity to showcase their latest gear. (AOPA) Aviator Showcase at Fort Worth, TX Oct. 1, 2021, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas, at Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW), hosted by Alliance Aviation Services
Why: AOPA’s Aviator Showcase events are designed to connect pilots and aircraft owners with the aviation industry’s vast array of products, services, aircraft, and equipment. These events will be oneday gatherings in an exhibit hall, with an aircraft sales display and technology-related seminars. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with industry leaders
in avionics and cockpit technology, flight planning, weather resources, aircraft manufacturing, and more. Who should attend: Aircraft owners and prospective owners will be able to find anything they need for an airplane from gadgets and gear, to oil and anti-corrosives, lights, batteries, props, engines, flight bags, and other aircraft components. Local services such as paint shops, avionics shops, aircraft detailing will available to help pilots put a finishing touch on their aircraft. Looking to purchase an airplane? Owners can meet with aircraft financiers, insurers, and aircraft manufacturers and
dealers on-site as well. Several leading aviation companies are already on-board as event sponsors, including Aircraft Spruce, Assured Partners Aerospace, Breitling, Genesys Aerosystems, Hartzell Engine Technologies, Hartzell Propeller, Jeppesen, and Superior Air Parts. Indoor exhibit space and outdoor aircraft display spots are limited. To be sure the event is in alignment with current CDC guidelines at the time, AOPA will open registration for each event approximately 12 weeks prior. Attendance will be limited according to CDC restrictions, and advance registration is required. Registration information will be available through AOPA’s website. Tickets to the event are $20. Food service will be available on site. Indoor exhibit space and outdoor aircraft display spots are limited. For those aviation companies looking for the opportunity to showcase their products and services to aircraft owners and pilots, contact exhibits@aopa.org. Special note: AOPA continues to monitor the nation’s response and recovery from the pandemic, and believes that once conditions improve enough, they will look to conduct two AOPA Pilot Gathering Air Tours in the fall. Exact dates and locations will be announced at a later date. Learn more about these events and get tickets at the AOPA website, www.aopa.org.
March 2021
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Meet the GB1 GameBird For all of your oil cooler needs, call us at:
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In 2019, Game Composites earned a production certificate after completing initial team training and three confirming airplanes in the new manufacturing facility at Bentonville Municipal Airport. (Courtesy Game Composites) remarkable achievement. When asked about the speed at which the GB1 GameBird was designed, certified and placed into production, Philipp replied, “We had great cooperation and help from the FAA. Most important, we stressed quality throughout the process, do it right the first time. We listened carefully to what the FAA and other certification agencies needed to see and gave it to them. It is this attention to detail and pulling together the best team possible that makes great achievements happen in a short time.” What Philipp did not specifically mention, was his extraordinary experience in the development of composite designs, awareness of past industry challenges and ability to think into the future of customer support and general maintenance. Adding to the substantially skilled team at Game Composites are Production Manager Scott Kagebein and former fighter pilot Craig Gourley. The final, certified product hits all the goals, with 81 gallons of fuel, including a dedicated 25-gallon acro tank. Range can reach 1,000 nautical miles with cruise speeds of 200 knots. And all of this with up to a10 G acro limit. Key to the personal experience this writer was afforded was Cristian Bolton, Sales Manager for Game Composites. Cristian’s career in professional aerobatics is an evolution of his experience as a military fighter pilot. During the 2013 and 2014 air show seasons, Commander Bolton served as the team leader of the famous Chilean Air Force Halcones aerobatics team. In 2014, he made his debut as an air race pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, graduating to the Master Class of pilots in 2016. In the years since the raceContinued series concluded, he on Page 10
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Game Composites is building the GameBird in a new, Modern facility at a quintessential GA airport in Bentonville, Ark. (Courtesy Game Composites)
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Continued from Page 4 that this aviation enthusiast has apparently been asleep at the stick. I had no clue that there is a new aircraft manufacturer, just a few hours drive from my ranch, located in one of America’s fastest growing metropolitan areas, Bentonville, Ark. This fully certified airplane is being built in a new, modern facility at a quintessential GA airport. Not realized by many, two major highways meet in Springfield, Ark., and turn North (Highway 49) towards Bentonville and Rogers. This stretch of highway has become the tech belt of the Midwest, with tremendous growth in all forms of clean industry to support the beautiful surroundings. No doubt, the corporate headquarters of the giant, Walmart, located in Bentonville, have spurred this growth. Another little known fact is that Sam Walton, founder of the Walmart empire, was an enthusiastic pilot (Ercoupe!) and the Walton family has followed that lead. Walmart operates a huge jet center at Rogers Municipal Airport and one of the country’s largest corporate fleets, which brings us right back to Game Composites. Founded in a 2013 by well-known aircraft designer, Philipp Steinbach, and Steuart Walton (yep, the Walton’s take flying seriously), a plan was put forth to design a “crossover” plane that breeched the gap between a full bore, unlimited aerobatic machine, and a comfortable, easy to fly, cross-country hummer that would eat up the miles at speeds up to 200 knots. From the beginning, this plane was defined as possessing unlimited acro abilities, the type that makes pro airshow pilots drool, but is equally appealing to the MBA type pilot who wants to go places… and occasionally share the enjoyment of recreational aerobatics with a friend or family member. This plane must be fully certified (FAA and internationally), not based upon previous designs, utilize advance composite construction, and be manufactured in the United States. Stability and ease of flight were deemed essential, as well as painstakingly careful testing within a certification process to ensured strength and quality. Finally, it must have a full modern panel, front and back, with glass technology. By 2014, molds were being made and ground testing began. By 2015, a prototype was flying and first displayed at AirVenture 2016, after completion of the flight test program. FAA Type Certification was received in August 2016, the Production Certificate was received in 2019, after completing initial team training and three confirming airplanes in the new manufacturing facility at Bentonville Municipal Airport (KVBT). The entire certification process took just about three and a half years, a
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March 2021
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Continued from Page 10 has provided upset recovery training for Flight Safety International. After a few contacts with Cristian, it was concluded that the best plan, considering weather and time, would be for him to pick this writer up in the GameBird at my local airport (Cushing KCUH, about a 15-mile drive for me) and a 30-minute flight for him, the same as my drive time on rural roads! Yep, I would be compelled to fly the GameBird, try a little acro, assess its flying style and performance and then tour the factory… with great burgers for lunch (skip the beer till later). Sounding a lot like that Corvette fantasy… right? Be sure to take a look at the Game Composites’ website, www.gamecompos ites.com. It is exceptionally well done and provides much more detail than this one article can cover. But allow this writer to share the personal thrill of flying the GameBird. The Cushing terminal was its usual quiet self as Cristian taxied in, the Lycoming engine claiming its 303 HP even at idle. Those present were drawn to the GameBird for a looksee and Cristian exited the cockpit greeting me with a smile that ensured a good time would be had. In our short conversation before the flight, I explained that my acro skills had nearly 50 years of rust on them. A guy like Cristian could be intimidating, but never has this old CFI met another instructor so professional, calm, and reassuring. There is no doubt in this writer’s mind that any individual stepping out of a straight and level cruising machine will feel any anxiety when being introduced to the GameBird. Demo flights are carefully planned to meet the specific expectations of the customer. Cristian also conducts the 10-hour training program that comes with the GameBird. High performance and tailwheel endorsements are required as a prerequisite to the GameBird training, but the folks at Game Composites can help you meet those requirements, if needed. This training program will ensure safe and competent operation of the GameBird, including simple recreational acro and the ability to increase skills as flying time builds. A bit more about these thoughts in a moment. A walk-around discloses a super slick, beautifully finished airplane. Cristian carefully explained the GameBird’s features and conducted a thorough parachute briefing. One does not “enter the cabin” of the GameBird. You are “inserted into the cockpit.” With a bow to Walter Mitty type thinking, this is fighter pilot stuff! Cool! Oh yes, this is a tandem design, like a real airplane, with the firstflight student starting in the front seat and then transitioning to the rear “captain’s quarters.” The full acro harness also needs
Demo flights in the GameBird are carefully planned to meet the specific expectations of the customer. The company also provides a 10-hour training program. (Courtesy Game Composites)
a briefing, but for many, the front cockpit panel will be familiar, utilizing the latest technology, 7-inch Garmin G3X Touch Fight/Engine display system. A mechanical airspeed and altimeter are provided as back-up. The rear station is equipped with a full-sized Garmin G3X Touch, avionics that permits operation in all complex airspace, and mechanical backups that include a “G” meter. Flight controls are just as they should be, right-hand stick and left-hand on engine controls. The leather seats are great and rudder pedals adjustable. Once comfy, Cristian climbed into the command seat and commenced with the starting check list, reading each item aloud so I could follow along. Engine start was seamless, and the four-bladed prop soon turned into a blur, reminding this writer of a P-51 flown many years ago. The exhaust had a starting “bark” that was reminiscent of the Mustang’s short stack Merlin. While the nose of this taildragger does block some forward view, like my remembrance of the Mustang, the narrow profile makes it easy to look around the sides. The intercom made communication a breeze and Cristian explained every move he was making. I was soon taxiing with no difficulty. The steerable tailwheel and powerful rudder provide immediate response. You push, it goes! Cristian made the take-off, with this writer following on the controls, expecting a hand off upon leaving the pattern. Power was applied smoothy at first, starting an acceleration that immediately brought all of the flight controls to life, followed by rapid application to full power… resulting in the kind of acceleration that presses you back in the seat. Almost immediately, tail up, then lift off to a gradual climb (600/700 fpm) as the GameBird is allowed to gain energy. By the time we reached the end of Cushing’s 5,000-plus-foot runway, the Gamebird is indicating over 160 knots, in perhaps 5-6 seconds from first power application. Eat your heart out, Corvette! With a MTO of 2,200 pounds (this plane is very light) Continued on Page 11
March 2021
www.inflightusa.com
Meet the GB1 GameBird
Continued from Page 10 and with more than 300 horsepower at hand, the ability to build energy rapidly is extraordinary, vital for competition acro. Cristian conducts a formal control hand-off, yours truly grabs hold of a GameBird that is rock solid, stable at about a 165 knot cruise climb with about 2,000 fpm showing on the digital VSI. While encountering some moderate low-altitude turbulence (related to recent frontal passage), the GameBird does not waver in pitch, roll or yaw, but simply pounds its way through the rough air. A few simple coordination maneuvers disclose exceptional control balance in all axes. But it is the stability and solid feel of flight that will be welcomed by those utilizing the high speed cruise speed (200 knots-plus) of the GameBird. Want to maneuver, the GameBird will respond instantly to a control input, light and quick, but with comfortable control loading that lets the plane talk back to you. The GameBird goes exactly where you want it to go. Very little (virtually none) rudder coordination is required, with pitch inputs resulting in instantaneous reaction, but never giving the feel of being overly sensitive. This writer found it easy to hand-fly a precise altitude and heading, knowing that if you let go of the stick, the GameBird will stay where you put it. As we approached Bentonville, the offer to head for the acro box was too great to resist. This writer is in no way qualified to express an opinion of the acro capabilities of the GameBird but will let their current customer set (includes pro acro pilots, the Red Bull Team, and Air Force Academy) do that for them. Let me approach it from the perspective of a ham handed, old guy who has a hard time parallel parking a car. Several loops and rolls were accomplished, falling out of one loop (stalling inverted), but never leaving me with any doubt that the GameBird was fully controllable. A mistake can tell one a lot about the margin of safety in a design, and the GameBird has a margin so wide that even mistakes become just part of the learning process… no big deal. The stall speed is just 60 knots, with slow flight down at about 70-75 knots. Again, steady, and stable. The electric pitch trim sure helps. Easing the nose up to a stall brought on a clearly felt, high frequency buffet and sharp, but clean break. Simply decreasing the angle of attack by just a few degrees allowed the GameBird to virtually “leap” out of the stall, even at a low, almost idle power setting. While 50 years of rust can take time to remove, this old pilot absolutely believes that given the full 10 hours of training included with a GameBird purchase, I would be suffi-
ciently proficient to be safe and introduce others to the fun of recreational acro. Met by Philipp and his management team, upon landing at Bentonville, we headed out for the great burger, to be followed by a quick trip to the new OZ1 Flying Club, a remarkable new FBO at Bentonville. Back at the plant, Philipp led a detailed tour of the manufacturing process by Game Composites. The GameBird uses a “low-temp curing” composite methodology, having in-house equipment that blends the resins specific to the component being manufactured. Game Composites does not depend upon the storage of perishable, vendor supplied, pre-preg materials. The advantage of this process is repairability in the field, something many composite designs lack and one of the important questions purchasers of composite designs often forget to ask. Quality control documentation is incorporated into training documentation, ensuring that trainees “do it right” the first time. New manufacturing employees at Game Composites start out with small part inventory control, then move up to subcomponents, sub-assemblies, and finally major assemblies. In other words, they learn the GameBird from the inside-out. This writer cannot over stress how important this type of training is. The entire plant is new, with plenty of space for expansion. Success will not challenge manufacturing quality due to lack of facility. While some components are outsourced (weldments and machined parts) to an Austrian firm that is fully certified to both U.S. and European standards, a process is underway to bring all manufacturing in-house. A small company now, with some 58 employees, Game Composites is a wellfunded, superbly managed company that is proud to be producing an American made plane that challenges (and beats) both internationally famous acro competitors and the best of the cross-country cruisers. Truly, a fantasy vison come to life. Late in the day, it was time to “endure” the second flight of the day, this time proving the speed and travel capabilities of the GameBird. Thirty-knot head winds still left us with 185-knot ground speeds, for a quick flight back to Cushing. Once again, we did not just fly through turbulence, but “penetrated” it, with no pitch or roll oscillations. The day ended all too soon, with ranch chores calling and a sense of once again becoming a mere earthling. Just one last thought, when asked how the name “GameBird” came to mind, Philipp recalled a meeting with Steuart Walton in a London pub. While talking names, they concluded that all the predator bird names were taken, when Philipp (residing in Lincolnshire at the time) recalled that
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English “English” and American “English” are quite different. You see, a “bird” in England is not necessarily a feathered critter. To “game” in England can mean to kick a soccer ball, or to party. And a “GameBird” is… well… what a couple of guys might come up with while hoisting a few Guinness brews in an English pub. And to take the low road along with these guys… they ain’t wrong! Now for the hard part… how much for the well-equipped, basic GameBird? Write down the number 445, and then ad three
A
zeros. Spendy, sure, but look up the prices of other piston planes with a competitive range and speed (there are not many) and you hit the “million” mark pretty fast. Even a Cessna 172 hits the starting grid at $412K and the Skylane starts at $530K. The folks at Game Composites seem to have hit all the marks for fun and performance, at a surprisingly competitive price. For more information about the GameBird, go to www.gamecomposites.com or call 479319-6641 or 479-715-4342. P.O. Box 5402 • San Mateo, CA 94402 (650) 358-9908 • Fax (650) 358-9254
Founder ..................................................................................................................Ciro Buonocore Publisher/Editor................................................................................................Victoria Buonocore Managing Editor..........................................................................................Annamarie Buonocore Production Editors ............................................................................Anne Dobbins, Steve Pastis Associate Editors .................................... Paul T. Glessner, Nicholas A. Veronico, Sagar Pathak Staff Contributors ..............................................S. Mark Rhodes, Larry Nazimek, Joe Gonzales Columnists ..................Stuart Faber, Eric McCarthy, Ed Wischmeyer, Marilyn Dash, Ed Downs Copy Editing ............................................................................................................Sally Gersbach Advertising Sales Manager ........................................Ed Downs (650) 358-9908, (918) 873-0280 In Flight USA is published each month by In Flight Publishing. It is circulated throughout the continental United States. Business matters, advertising and editorial concerns should be addressed to In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402 or by calling (650) 358-9908–fax (650) 358-9254. Copyright © 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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GAMA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 EDWARD W. STIMPSON AVIATION EXCELLENCE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP UNTIL APRIL 16
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
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March 2021
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is now accepting applications for its 2021 Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award Scholarship. Each year, GAMA awards a graduating U.S. high school senior, pursuing studies in aviation, with a $2,000 scholarship. GAMA is proud to continue to offer this unique scholarship as part of its commitment to workforce development and advancing careers in general aviation. It is named in honor of a GAMA founder and past president – Edward W. Stimpson. Scholarship applicants are evaluated
on academic achievements, involvement in extra-curricular activities and their interest in pursuing a career in general aviation. Completed applications are due by April 16, 2021; email submissions are preferred. For more information about GAMA’s Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award Scholarship, including eligibility requirements and access to the application, visit gama.aero. GAMA’s website also features information about internships and careers opportunities in general aviation and includes an aviation job board.
I Never Wanted to Fly Gliders
Continued from Page 7 to be a truly skilled aviator: tailwheel time and glider experience. Don’t get me wrong, I have no delusions about my need to always be learning; always training to be better, always improving on some skill set that needs attention. I’m simply saying that I’m thankful to have been influenced and mentored by oldtimers and pilots with more experience than I’ll ever have, to really hone in on the fundamentals of flight; not just time building for the sake of adding numbers to a logbook. Now, we can agree to disagree on
what makes a good pilot. We can also argue whether power or glider experience makes for better stick and rudder skills. But, if you’ve never flown a glider – if you think, like I used to think, that glider pilots aren’t “real pilots,” I challenge you to go to the nearest gliderport and take a discovery flight. If you aren’t impressed by flying formation with the tow plane, the relative silence after pulling the release handle, how hard it is to stay coordinated in your first few turns, the impressive sink rate with full spoilers deployed, or the sensation of speed in the final moments in ground effect, then you
Correction: FreeFlight Composites
Attention Readers,
• Highly Experienced Instructors and DPE • Private and Commercial ASES Add-On Ratings • Flight Reviews in an Amphibious Airplane • Re-Current Training Flights www.lakehavasuseaplanes.com Lake Havasu City, Arizona • 928.733.7122
We thank you for reading our cover story on FreeFlight Composites last month (February 2021). We wanted to correct an error. FreeFlight Composites does not have a client in North Korea. Said client is based in South Korea. .
We encourage you to read the revised version online at www.inflightusa.com Sincerely, In Flight USA Staff
For the latest aviation news and stories, visit
www.inflightusa.com
Jacqueline Ruiz chronicles the state of contemporary Latina aviation professionals in her recent work...
March 2021
L
www.inflightusa.com
LATINAS
By Mark Rhodes
IN
atinas in Aviation: Stories of Passion, Power and Breaking into the Aviation Media (FigFactor Media) is an inspiring narrative of up to the moment stories of Latinas who, besides being the rarest women in the aviation industry, are quickly making an impression in all phases of contemporary aviation. Ms. Jacqueline Ruiz is many things: one of the few Latina sports airplane pilots in the U.S; a social entrepreneur and a prolific publisher as well as a cancer survivor. Mark Rhodes was fortunate enough to interview Ms. Ruiz about her life and work via email.
In Flight USA: What was the origin of compiling these stories? Did you know any of the pilots and aviation professionals profiled in your work prior to your work on the book? Jacqueline Ruiz: “I have been involved in the world of books most of life. I read many of the self-development books since I was 4 years old, shaping the way that I thought about life and envisioned success. “In 2015, I started getting involved in aviation by doing the marketing for a small flight school in Illinois. Little did I know that my interest for this industry was going to change my life when I decided shortly after, to become a pilot. My journey was not easy as I navigated through two business, two nonprofits, an international speaking career and 24 of my own books. I started noticing that there were not many women involved in aviation and decided to spread my joy for aviation to young Latinas and women up for short flight. A few years later, in early 2020, this inspiration of the book came to mind. What if I collected the amazing stories of other Latinas in the world of aviation? What if I used my publishing and marketing knowledge combined with the passion for aviation and made it happen? “I went on an international crusade to find more Latinas as passionate as I was… and I found them! 22 of them! Latinas in Aviation was launched in August 2020 at a virtual event that gathered over 500 registrations and close to 15,000 views. I knew I was on to something special here.” IF USA: There are a variety of pilots
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(Cover Art courtesy FigFactor Media) and professionals that are profiled in this work. Do you see particular parallels and/or differences in their experiences? JR: “Yes, absolutely. I see a lot of struggles, financial issues, but inspired by the family support that we have all received. The way to aviation has not been easy for most, but we have continued to thrive in this industry. We are all committed to bringing more women, especially Latinas, to this fascinating world.” IF USA: Do you think the challenges for female Latina Pilots are different/similar compared to female pilots with a different ethnic or cultural backgrounds? JR: “I think they are a bit different. I feel that we are sometimes at a disadvantage financially and limited in resources and, sometimes even the language, than the rest of the population. I want to change that. I want to provide access, opportunity, connections and scholarships to decrease the barrier of entry for Latinas.” IF USA: Were any experiences that you chronicle in the book personally relatable to your own experiences? Were any very different than your own trajectory in aviation? JR: “They were very similar. I started in this industry with an ‘inspiration’ that started to become a very important part of my life. I could not stop thinking about flying planes, about the challenges that I was overcoming every day in my journey to become a pilot. I struggled to find the perfect days to fly in my crazy busy schedule with my business, coordiContinued on Page 14
Steve Weaver Aircraft Sales www.steveweaver.com airplanes@steveweaver.com Purveyor of Quality Aircraft Since 1968 Buckhannon Regional Airport (W22) Phone (843) 475-6868 Fax (803) 753-9761
“I have sold most of my inventory and I need to replace it. If you are thinking about selling your airplane, al k Y _j]Yl lae] lg d]l me do it for you.”
DIVORCE – PATERNITY MEN’S RIGHTS If you are Involved in a Divorce or Paternity Case... ...you Should Know That: 1. You may have an excellent chance of obtaining child custody; 2. It’s your child...she doesn’t own it; 3. There are numerous legal methods of avoiding alimony; 4. There are numerous legal methods of avoiding loss of your property; 5. If properly represented, you won’t be “taken to the cleaners”, 6. Courts can be legally required not to favor the woman; 7. You can fight against false charges of child abuse or spousal abuse. 8. You can emerge from a divorce emotionally and financially sound; 9. Men do have rights! 10. California cases only.
Contact: Lawyers For Men’s Rights 213-384-8886 or visit us at www.mensrightslawyers.com LAW OFFICES OF STUART J. FABER
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THE NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME RECEIVES 100/100 FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s board of trustees have announced that strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency have earned a 100/100 rating from Charity Navigator’s Encompass Rating System. This score designates the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating the organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 8.5 million users annually. The Encompass Rating System is a comprehensive evaluation tool that ana-
March 2021
lyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators. In July 2020, Charity Navigator released the first indicator, Finance & Accountability, to highlight nonprofit organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility. This is determined by five metrics: Program Expense Ratio, Independent Audit or Financial Review, Board Composition, Liabilities to Assets, and Website Listing. In October of 2020, this was quickly followed by the second indicator, Impact & Results, assessing how well a nonprofit delivers on its mission. The additional indicators, to be rolled out in the next 18-24 months, are Leadership & Adaptability and Culture & Community. The Encompass Rating System enables Charity Navigator to increase the Continued on Page 17
Latinas in Aviation
Continued from Page 13 nating plane and instructor availability and of course, weather – but my passion to fly never ever stopped, it intensifies every day. I find a common ground with my fellow contributing authors in this book.” IF USA: Have you always wanted to be a pilot? JR: “Never thought about it as a little girl at all. I thought it was impossible for someone like me to consider it. As a two-time cancer survivor, I knew that I had to make my days count…so when the “inspiration” of becoming a pilot was planted in my heart at the age of 31, I knew I had to make it happen.” IF USA: Are there any aviation goals or aspirations that you want to pursue in the near or distant future? JR: “Yes, many of them. Starting with securing my private license, which I am in the process of. I want to get more ratings as well. I would love to get a purple plane that says ‘Unleash your Amazing’ on the side and use it to take young people up, much like the “Young Eagles” program by EAA that I am part of. I want to extend my $5,000 Scholarship to Mexico, Central and South America in 2021. I want to continue to elevate others with every experience I have as a pilot. The Latinas in Aviation Magazine will be launched in February 2021!” IF USA: How do you see aviation opportunities evolving for Latina Women particularly in this challenging moment in the Aviation industry?
Jackie Ruiz at the launch of Latinas in Aviation at CLOW Airport in Bolingbrook, IL. (Robbie Culver)
JR: “I see more access, more opportunities. I see the industry catching up to the need to get more young Latinas involved and crafting programs that serve them specifically. I see more strategic alliances of small and large corporations to serve this segment. I see more awareness of the aviation careers and more Latinas getting involved.” For more on Ms. Ruiz’ work and life see www.jackiecamacho.com To purchase Latinas in Aviation on Amazon go to www.amazon.com/ Latinas-Aviation-breaking-aviationindustry/dp/1952779227/ref=sr_1_1?cri d=BXK7VF7LJ7U7&dchild=1&keywor ds=latinas+in+aviation&qid=161348564 7&sprefix=latinas+in+aviation %2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1
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TECNAM’S AIRCRAFT FOR EQUITABLE COVID VACCINE DELIVERY ENDORSED BY THE U.S.’ NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION
March 2021
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has received an endorsement from the U.S. National Air Transportation Association (NATA) for their recently launched aircraft P2012 Travelcare developed to increase the reach and efficiency of COVID vaccine delivery. The endorsement aims to incentivize further innovation within the industry and increase the role of general aviation in the COVID vaccine supply chain. NATA’s Senior Vice President Ryan Waguespack said, “A unique crisis calls for a unique solution like the P2012 Travelcare. NATA applauds Tecnam’s leadership in enabling general aviation businesses to serve as crucial links in the COVID vaccine distribution chain to outlying areas across the globe.” In December, Tecnam launched P2012 Travelcare – a next-generation piston aircraft equipped with DESMON ultra-freezers and configured to carry as many as 115,000 COVID vaccine doses to even the most remote areas. In addition to increasing COVID vaccine distributors’ reach, the aircraft accelerates the speed of delivery while reducing cost; it is 500x faster than trucks and averages under $0.005 per vaccine per flight hour. “We have developed P2012 Travelcare to empower equitable and efficient COVID vaccine delivery. This is Tecnam’s contribution to the fight for a COVID-free world,” said Tecnam’s Managing Director Giovanni
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Tecnam aircraft manufacturer has been endorsed by NATA for their recently launched aircraft P2012 Travelcare developed to improve the efficiency of COVID vaccine delivery. (Courtesy Tecnam)
Pascale Langer. P2012 Travelcare can transport cargo under all weather conditions and land on runways paved or unpaved. Its freezers can sustain the vaccine temperature at up to -65°C for 10-12 hours once unplugged from the power source and delivered for further distribution. As such, the aircraft represents one of the most reliable and efficient transportation methods in this fragile supply chain. Commenting on the role of general aviation in the COVID vaccine distribution, NATA’s Waguespack said, “The general aviation industry stands willing and able to offer real-time solutions for expediting the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine – a supply channel that has been largely unexplored and underutilized. We look forContinued on Page 18
National Aviation Hall of Fame Continued from Page 14
number of nonprofits it evaluates, growing from 9,000 to 160,000 nonprofits evaluated as of July 2020. In order to be more inclusive of smaller and more recently established nonprofits, the system uses a combination of automated methods and technology-supported manual research and analysis to provide donors and nonprofits with four clearlyvisualized indicators of organizational effectiveness. “We are delighted to provide the NAHF with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “We are eager to see the good work that the
17
organization is able to accomplish in the years ahead.” “Our Charity Navigator rating of 100 out of 100 through their Encompass Rating System is further validation that our supporters can trust our commitment to good governance and making the world a better place,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO of the NAHF. “We hope that it will introduce our work to new supporters who can help us advance our mission of Honoring Aerospace Legends to Inspire Future Leaders.” The NAHF’s Encompass rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/23 7117952.
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Flirtey, a pioneer of the commercial drone delivery industry, and Vault Health, a pioneer platform of supervised COVID-19 testing, on Feb. 4 announced they have successfully conducted drone deliveries of the first FDA authorized saliva based COVID-19 test. In November 2020, Flirtey and Vault
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
Health announced a partnership to test drone delivery of the at-home saliva based COVID-19 test. Using Flirtey’s drones to deliver the test kits to homes helps eliminate exposure risks and creates further convenience, especially for those who do not live in proximity to onsite testing locations. Flirtey has now suc-
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Flirtey, a commercial drone, and Vault Health, a pioneer platform of supervised COVID-19 testing, successfully conducted drone deliveries of the first FDA authorized saliva based COVID-19 test. (Courtesy Flirtey)
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cessfully conducted drone deliveries of at-home COVID-19 test kits. The test kits were carried by a Flirtey Eagle delivery drone, which autonomously hovered and lowered the test kits using Flirtey’s delivery mechanism. As shown in the video released by Flirtey and Vault Health, the Flirtey Eagle deliv-
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ery drone enabled safe delivery of the packages into the backyard of a residential area in Northern Nevada. Once the packages were delivered, the local residents accessed a secure video call with a health professional to supervise their saliva sample collection for the COVID-19 Continued on Page 19
Tecnam
Continued from Page 17 ward to working with Tecnam and other global partners to highlight the unique capabilities of aviation businesses in delivering this lifesaving cargo.” NATA and Tecnam are currently preparing to expand the conversion to the global community of aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, COVID vaccine distributors and media. The two organizations will collaborate on an upcoming webinar to explore the untapped potential of general aviation in solving the global COVID vaccine transportation challenges. Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer with a global network of dealers and service centers. The company produces light general aviation next-generation piston aircraft with two to 11 seats for commercial operators, special mission, flight schools and private owners. Learn more at www.tecnam.com. NATA is the voice of aviation business. NATA’s nearly 3,700 member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military. NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies. See their website for more information, www.nata.aero.
BOLEN ADVOCATES
March 2021
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen on Feb. 10 emphasized the business aviation community’s critical role in America’s economy, as well as the industry’s continued leadership in the safety, security and sustainability of flight during an “Aviation Listening Session” between newly confirmed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg and industry leaders, hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “For the better part of a century, business aviation has served as a vital link in our air transportation system, and an important driver of our nation’s economy,” Bolen said. “We want to build on our unwavering commitment to operations that are safe, secure, sustainable and efficient, and we’re pleased to have the
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opportunity to begin that partnership with you and your team.” During the session, Buttigieg expressed appreciation for the industry’s vital role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, in transporting vaccines, medical equipment and relief supplies. “Your organizations have stepped up to find solutions,” he noted. In his remarks, Bolen outlined the toll the pandemic has taken on business aviation. “Last year, we saw operations and aircraft deliveries fall precipitously,” he noted. “But even in those challenging times, our industry has demonstrated a great deal of resilience and innovation.” By way of example, he pointed to the industry’s compliance with the 2020 ADS-B mandate, the promotion of sustainable aviation fuel and the develop-
Flirtey and Vault
Continued from Page 18 test. Drone delivery of the test kits was faster than traditional mail, reducing the shipping process by up to 48 hours, which could lead to quicker results and reduce risk of asymptomatic spread. “Our mission is to save lives and improve lifestyles by making delivery instant for everyone. Conducting drone deliveries of at-home COVID-19 test kits with Vault Health is another huge step toward our mission. Flirtey has built the Best-in-Class drone delivery system for last-mile delivery. As we expand our testing programs, we are working closely with the FAA on Type Certification, which will enable wide-scale use of our technology for commercial and life-saving applications.” said Flirtey Founder and CEO Matthew Sweeny. “Our goal at Vault has always been to expand access to COVID-19 testing so everyone can get a test when they need one. Flirtey helps expand on our innovations to make our already fast turnaround time, even faster,” said Jason Feldman, Founder and CEO of Vault Health. Flirtey is an aerospace technology company that provides full-stack drone delivery technology solutions. The company first made history in 2015 when it conducted the first ever FAA-approved drone delivery. In the years that followed, Flirtey has gone on to become the first
company to perform an autonomous drone delivery to a home, the first company to perform a commercial drone delivery, and the first company to pioneer AED drone delivery in the U.S. Flirtey has worked alongside NASA, the City of Reno, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, emergency medical services provider REMSA, and various commercial partners to create the fastest, most efficient and customer-centric logistics technology in the world. Learn more at www.flirtey.com. Vault Health is a healthcare platform which supports the provision of care management, telemedicine, e-prescribing, and in-home diagnostics. The platform features a powerful suite of digital healthcare tools designed to tackle the broad scope of modern medical use cases, including individual care, population health, and clinical trials. The Vault digital healthcare toolkit supports on-demand telehealth consultations and sample supervision, patient and provider communications, in-person and remote appointment management, longitudinal care management, and beyond. To learn more about Vault Health, visit www.vaulthealth.com. Watch a high-res video of the drone delivery at: https://youtu.be/89Winm 9N8Ng
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ment of advanced air mobility solutions. “I’m looking forward to working with you on so many of these priorities – from the future of fuel, to the true arrival of NextGen,” Buttigieg told Bolen. “I know you’re able to help make sure we get there.”
Pete Buttigieg currently serves as the 19th Secretary of Transportation, having been sworn in on Feb. 3, 2021. (Courtesy Department of Transportation)
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KEEP CATARACTS OUT OF THE COCKPIT: GOOD VISION GOES BEYOND WEARING GLASSES
20
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
By Jamie Mitchell
It’s easy to take your vision for granted. The Vision Council of America estimates that up to 75 percent of adults need glasses, but most people never think twice about eye health until there’s a problem. According to the National Eye Institute, though 80 percent of blindness is preventable, as many as 70 percent of adults will eventually develop avoidable conditions like cataracts. It goes without saying that good vision is important to everyone, but it’s especially important for pilots to protect their vision, as their very livelihood depends on it. Most professional pilots have experienced the lingering fear that a single catastrophic event could result in the loss of their FAA medical. Despite knowing the impact eye damage could have on an aviation career, many still do not take the steps necessary to reduce the risk of cataracts and similar ailments that are typically associated with age. While it is true that most people won’t notice vision impairment until their 60s, common signs of age-related vision problems can start appearing in people as young as 40 years old. In 2019 the FAA reported that the average age for airline pilots to be 50.8 years and the average age for private
Protect your eyes when flying and when outdoors by wearing UV and IR blocking sunglasses. (Courtesy Jamie Mitchell) pilots as 48.3 years old. Therefore, most pilots are in an age range where they need to seriously take into consideration preserving their long-term eye health! With this in mind, here’s a summary of ten healthy habits you can incorporate into your life today to keep you flying for years to come. 1. Get routine eye exams with dilation. Even if you have perfect vision, doctors can spot the early stages of eye conditions before you experience symptoms. Comprehensive eye exams with dilation
are recommended at least every five years for those 40 years old and older – this is especially important if you have a family history of hereditary eye conditions. And of course, if you notice a sudden change in your vision, schedule an exam as soon as possible! 2. Eat a balanced, healthy diet with supplements. Eating on the go, lack of healthy choices on flights, and hotel stays without refrigerators make it difficult for pilots to prioritize a balanced diet. Watching your diet isn’t always easy, so
March 2021
consider incorporating multivitamin and supplemental eye vitamins. When possible, choose colorful foods that are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, and omega-3 are full of nutrients that aid vision and protect eyes. Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin build up pigment necessary to absorb harmful UV light. Nutrients found in leafy greens, eggs, fish, carrots, sweet potatoes, and citrus are essential in keeping the macula and retina healthy. 3. Stay hydrated. Maintaining an adequate daily intake of water is especially difficult for pilots on long flights. Proper hydration not only mitigates fatigue and keeps your organs working properly, it’s also key to healthy tear quality. Recirculated air aboard flights can irritate and dry your eyes. Poorly lubricated eyes are more susceptible to infection, scratches, irritation, corneal ulcers, and in extreme cases, vision loss. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and use rewetting eye drops at the first sign of irritation or redness. 4. Prioritize rest. Unusual and long work hours experienced by most professional pilots can interfere with getting a good night’s Continued on Page 21
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Continued from Page 20 sleep. Adequate sleep reduces eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, as well as giving your eyes time to heal from irritation. Giving your eyes sufficient rest goes beyond sleep. Rest your eyes by adjusting your focus every 20 minutes. Alternating your focus between a closeup object and a faraway object for 20 seconds at a time can reduce eye strain when feeling fatigued. 5. Exercise regularly. Exercise plays a major role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing systemic conditions tied to vision loss such as high blood pressure, poor circulation, and diabetes. Pilots, who often find themselves sitting for long periods of time while working, are particularly prone to poor blood flow. This can inhibit oxygen and nutrient delivery to organs, and is damaging to the eyes. Moderate physical activity is critical to improving circulation and reducing the risk of developing glaucoma. 6. Practice good hygiene. Eyes are especially vulnerable to irritations and infections. To lower the risk of introducing bacterial and other contaminants that can damage eyes and affect vision, avoid touching your eyes. Likewise, keep irritants away from your eyes and thoroughly clean your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Always disinfect and replace your glasses and contact lenses as directed by your doctor. 7. Be aware of poor air quality and don’t smoke. Particulates from air pollution can cause corneal irritation and inflammation. Be sure to wear protective eyewear when necessary and wash eyes out with clean water. Smoking can also cause corneal irritation and dry eyes. Cigarettes have been linked to blindness as they dramatically increase the chance of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and macular
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degeneration in both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. 8. Strive for good health. Schedule annual physicals and regular checkups to manage your health and learn the proper precautions necessary to prevent hereditary conditions. The leading cause of blindness in adults is related to diabetes – and 90 percent of diabetesrelated blindness is preventable. Moderate your intake of sugar, saturated fat, and especially alcohol to help prevent diabetes and preserve your vision. 9. Use protective eyewear. Prevent eye injuries by using protective eyewear when appropriate. From wearing safety glasses while working in your hangar to flight goggles when piloting an open cockpit aircraft, make sure to shield your eyes from foreign particulates and blunt injuries. 10. Wear UV & IR blocking sunglasses. One of the biggest threats to vision is harmful radiation, especially UV A, B, and C. Pilots have a much higher incidence of experiencing cataracts, which may be linked to radiation exposure at higher intensities and greater frequencies than the general public. The ocular lens of the eye is especially vulnerable to infrared radiation, and prolonged exposure has been shown to accelerate crystallization of the lens and production of cataracts. Most sunglasses provide little to no infrared protection. High quality pilot sunglasses block 100 percent of harmful UV light and offer protection from infrared. Simply wearing appropriate sunglasses is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to protect your eyes. You can never be too young to protect your vision and your career. Take steps now to prevent cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other forms of avoidable blindness and your eyes will thank you later.
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By Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar 173rd Fighter Wing
The first F-15EX completed its initial flight in St. Louis Feb. 2. The fighter jet took off and landed from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri. It was announced in August 2020 that the 173rd Fighter Wing will begin transitioning as the F-15EX formal training unit in 2024. “Being selected as the F-15EX formal training unit is an outstanding mission for the 173rd Fighter Wing,” said Col. Jeff Edwards, 173rd FW commander. “Kingsley (Field Air National Guard Base) is simply an outstanding place to train pilots. The community support is just incredible, and we have some of the best training airspace anywhere. We have a culture of fighter training – we have been in the training business for over three decades, in the F-4 (Phantom), F-16 (Fighting Falcon), F-15C (Eagle), and now soon to be F-15EX.” The latest iteration of the F-15 Eagle Mission Design Series, the F-15EX features an increased payload capacity, flyby-wire controls, a digital cockpit, modernized sensors, radars and electronic warfare capabilities. Edwards notes the long service life of the F-15EX airframe – 20,000 flight hours.
F-15EX COMPLETES FIRST FLIGHT In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
“That’s a long time, about double the service the life of an F-15C,” Edwards said. “Not only is the airframe designed to last for a long time, the F-15EX also has an ‘open mission system’ which allows the computer and avionics software to be more adaptable and more easily updated in the future. This adaptability is key, as we know that technology is continuing to accelerate.” When asked about what it was like watching the first F-15EX flight, Edwards says he was very impressed. “Of course, I’m a big fan of the Eagle, so it’s not difficult for me to get excited about seeing the first F-15EX flight! Seeing the F-15EX fly for the first time really left me thinking: ‘Wow! We are going to be flying that jet soon at Kingsley (Field ANGB), and it’s going to be awesome!” Edwards adds that there is a lot to do as the unit prepares to accept the F-15EX aircraft in 2024. “We will be in a transition period over the next several years as we train F-15C pilots while also preparing for F-15EX; while this will be a challenging time, we know that we’ve got a fantastic community supporting us and an outstanding team here at the 173rd Fighter Wing.” That team is led by Lt. Col. Nick Huet, 173rd FW F-15EX conversion officer. “Ultimately, it’s very rewarding to have the opportunity to work on behalf of our wing to help secure a long-lasting mission
for Kingsley (Field ANGB) and all the folks that call this base home,” Huet said. “Lt. Col. Huet is an outstanding planner, strategic thinker, and instructor pilot,” Edwards said. “As we transition to the F-15EX, it was important to select an officer who had a vision for where we needed to go to be ready for F-15EX – Lt. Col. Huet has that vision.” Prior to this position, Huet has held many roles including director of operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduate, F-22 Raptor and F-15C instructor pilot. “I work with designated representatives from all groups within the wing and together we navigate the conversion process,” Huet said. “As the first base to receive the F15EX, our conversion will set the standard for all bases to follow – my game plan is for Kingsley to establish a bed down model that no other wing will be able to match!” During the first F-15EX flight, the aircraft was piloted by Matt Giese, Boeing F-15 chief test pilot, who checked the avionics, advanced systems and software. Proving again that the “eagle drives’’ come from a small community, Edwards and Giese go way back. “Matt and I were in the same cadet squadron at the Air Force academy,” Edwards said. “It’s awesome to see him flying the F15EX and being on the leading edge of the future of the eagle.”
March 2021
The first U.S. Air Force F-15EX fighter aircraft took its maiden flight Feb. 2, 2021 in St. Louis. The 173rd Fighter Wing is scheduled to become the F-15EX Fighter Training Unit in 2024. (Courtesy of Boeing/Eric Shindelbower)
Two F-15EX fighters should be delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida by the end of the first quarter of 2021. Eight pre-production aircraft were ordered in July 2020, to allow the military and the manufacturer to test and fully define their applications. The Air Force plans to eventually acquire at least 144 F-15EX fighters. “The F-15EX will secure the future of Kingsley (Field ANGB) for many more years,” Edwards added. Go to YouTube (www.youtube.com /watch?v=kJEQse4Aq4Q&feature=yout u.be) to view a Boeing courtesy video of the first F-15EX flight. For more information, visit the Air Force website at www.af.mil.
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The The Trinidad Trinidad Center Center 1941 BOEING/STEARMAN A75 N1
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Thousands of WWII era pilots trained in this ubiquitous bi-plane. Fly low and slow and make a huge amount of noise. Nobody will miss you as you fly by. An older restoration, still mechanically very strong airplane owned and maintained by an A&P IA for many years. Eager seller – Make offer!
Great super low-time engine and airframe trainer 150J. Earn your ticket then turn the plane over or keep it for inexpensive jaunts.
1941 PORTERFIELD LP-65
1941 DOUGLAS DC-3A A breath-taking total restoration of a classic WWII era primary trainer. Fly solo from the front seat. An absolute hoot to fly. Comes with a spare overhauled pickled engine. Add $2,500 to price with electric start. Call for details.
Operated by Central Iowa Airlines as a passenger aircraft. Later converted to a freighter aircraft. Dual cargo doors, cargo floor, parachute jump door, gill liner interior, an interior power cargo winch and heavy landing gear. Later fitted with 8 passenger seats. Part 125 R.F.S. progressive maintenance program. Logbooks and maintenance binders.
TJ Aircraft Sales can help with your aircraft needs. We are a full service aircraft sales business operating in Marin County, CA, since 1986. We principally represent singleengine piston airplanes and are Socata specialists. We also provide help in setting up partnerships, consulting, appraising, purchasing/renting hangars, repossessions and more. Please call us with your aircaft questions.
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.
T. J. Neff
Phone: 415-898-5151
www.tjair.com
Email: tjair@tjair.com
NATA, NBAA URGE IRS TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE COLLECTION AND LIABILITY
24
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Feb. 1 to continue the reform of Federal Excise Tax (FET) regulations by
addressing unclear and confusing rules covering the collection responsibilities for air charter operators and brokers. After a years-long advocacy effort led by NATA and NBAA, the IRS, at the beginning of 2021, issued final rules on
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rate rulemaking project to address those concerns. “While we understand and appreciate that the final rules did not address these changes due to their broad implications for industry, the issues are still critical for our members,” NATA and NBAA said in a Jan. 28 letter to the IRS. “We believe that existing regulations and guidance regarding FET collection responsibilities under § 4291 and liability for unpaid FET on audit under § 4263(c) are unclear and create confusion for taxpayers and the IRS,” the associations added. NATA and NBAA, in their letter, noted that current IRS rules do not sufficiently explain FET collection responsibilities for transactions involving charter brokers. The groups explained that a rule placing the responsibility to pay FET on the air carrier providing the initial flight segment, if FET was not collected from the passengers by a broker, is unreasonable. “This obligation on the air carrier’s part to pay the tax if the party responsible for collecting it fails creates confusion and unfair liability exposure for the air carrier in instances where a broker is collecting payment from the passenger,” NATA and NBAA explained. “We have developed a strong working relationship with the IRS and are eager to work on regulations or guidance to provide much needed clarity on tax collection and remission roles when brokers are receiving payment for the transportation from passengers,” said Jacque Rosser, NATA Senior Advisor, Regulatory Affairs. As a first step in approaching these complex issues, the groups requested an initial meeting with IRS officials to discuss how guidance or a rulemaking project could progress. “We appreciate how the IRS engaged with industry on the most recent FET rulemaking and look forward to working collaboratively on issues related to lability and collection of the tax,” said Scott O’Brien, NBAA Senior Director of Government Affairs. For updates and progress on the explanation of the IRS codes, visit the NATA website at www.nata.aero.
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
299 W. Jack London Blvd., Livermore, CA 94551
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March 2021
March 2021
www.inflightusa.com
Purchase Your Copy of Relevant Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired By True Events is an action-packed spy novel that’s sure to captivate fans of Tom Clancy, Don Keith, and David Ignatius. Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired By True Events is available for purchase on Amazon.
Peter Zaccagnino is a four-time Air Racing Gold Champion and Aviation Hall of Fame inductee. Follow the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired By True Events intrigues you, please share the book’s website, www.relevantthebook.com, on your social media, email, blog posts, and via word of mouth.
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AOPA HONORS REMARKABLE AVIATORS AT FIFTH ANNUAL HOOVER AWARDS
28
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association honored a group of accomplished aviators during a Feb. 3 virtual presentation of the fifth annual R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy Awards. Designer Burt Rutan, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, and BRS Aerospace founder Boris Popov were all recognized for exemplifying courage,
perseverance, and service. Airshow announcer Rob Reider hosted the one-hour event with AOPA President Mark Baker, who dedicated the evening “to honor four remarkable aviators” who are following in the steps of the legendary Hoover. The ceremony celebrated the 2020 award winners because that event was canceled last year by the coronavirus pandemic.
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“While he was a very humble man, Bob Hoover radiated a remarkable spirit and overcame many obstacles in his life’s journey to become an inspiring and motivating, innovative pilot – not the least of which was surviving (and escaping) a POW camp during World War II,” Baker said. “It’s in this spirit for adventure, and for giving back to the aviation community, why this award and this evening exists.” Rutan was honored with the highest honor of the night, the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy for exhibiting “the airmanship, leadership, and passion for aviation” that Hoover had, as well as for having a “distinguished career as a pilot and aviation advocate while also serving as a source of inspiration and encouragement for current and prospective aviators.” Rutan has designed 49 aircraft, including Voyager, which flew around the world in 1986, and SpaceShipOne, which put the first civilian astronaut in space in 2004. Rutan is well known as an innovator, but he was also one of “Hoover’s Heroes.” Actor, pilot, and aviation advocate Harrison Ford and airshow performer and aviation mentor Sean D. Tucker noted in special tributes recorded for the evening presentation. The late Hoover admired Rutan and the aircraft he designed. “He is someone I have admired for his many contributions to aviation over the years,” Baker said, announcing the award. One of Rutan’s goals that he achieved was designing a stall-resistant airplane – the VariViggen – to reduce the number of stall/loss-of-control accidents. He revolutionized the homebuilt world by designing composite aircraft in part because he discovered that he could build and flight test a composite aircraft within one year. The Long-EZ is one of Rutan’s popular designs, and more than 2,000 of them are flying. “You gotta have some courage” to design and be the first to fly your own aircraft, Rutan said, while accepting the honor. Rutan recalled the first time he met Hoover 47 years ago at a Reno Air Race where Hoover agreed to fly the Bede BD–5J, which had only made a couple of flights before that. Rutan left viewers in suspense regarding Hoover’s first flight in the jet, saying that the full story will be included in the memoir that he is currently writing and will be available free for download to everyone. Because Rutan has been on the leading edge of aviation design and innovation for decades, one viewer sought his opinion on the eVTOL designs circulating in the
March 2021
Burt Rutan. (Courtesy David Tulis/AOPA)
Retired Tuskegee Airman Col. Charles McGee. (Courtesy David Tulis/AOPA)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin. (Courtesy David Tulis/AOPA)
BRS Aerospace founder Boris Popov received the 2020 General Aviation Safety Award. (Courtesy AOPA)
aviation industry. The roughly 150 eVTOL companies worldwide “are all doing it wrong,” Rutan quipped, adding that he has an idea that he believes will be “kind of cool.” If it gets built, Rutan said, it will be his 50th research airplane. Rutan joins Clay Lacy, Harrison Ford, Sean D. Tucker, and Bob Hoover himself as recipients of the annual award.
Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award
McGee, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, was honored with the inaugural Aviation Inspiration Award that bears his name. As a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, McGee fought two wars at once during World War II, one against fascism in Europe and the other against racism in Continued on Page 32
March 2021
T
www.inflightusa.com
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Flying With Faber
SLOWLY EMERGING FROM OUR HOMES
he spring season will emerge this month. Encouraging, but cautious news that the pandemic might subside has turned our thoughts to travel. Emboldened with vaccines, many will take to the roads. Some of us pilots will rush to the airport, dust the snow from our airplanes and take to the air. Scientists tell us to be very careful. This scourge is not over. The opportunistic viruses will strike and multiply at any sign of weakness or inattention. I intend to follow the wisdom of the scientists. If you elect to travel, it is suggested that you select a venue where crowds will be at a minimum and where you can engage in most activities out-of-doors. For recommendations, two of my favorite resorts come to mind. If you want to avoid taking a commercial flight, both of these destinations have friendly general aviation airports, as well as nearby major airports. Each houses a moderate number of guest quarters. Both offer extensive outdoor recreational opportunities and are conducive to social distancing. There are no guarantees, but if your urge to find a change of scenery is overwhelming, these two destinations offer some alternatives that might be safer.
Family Cabin at Alisal Ranch. (Nicki Sebastian)
The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA 93463, 805/693-4208, www.alisal.com. Approximately 125 miles north of Los Angeles and a few miles from the quaint Danish-American village of Solvang lies this 10,000-acre upscale dude ranch. The Alisal’s ranching roots reach back to 1810. At that time, the region was inhabited by the Chumash people, who
called the land “Nojoqui,” or “Honeymoon Place.” Settlers later moved into the valley to raise cattle for the Mission Santa Inés and the Mexican Government. They renamed the land “Alisal,” meaning “grove of sycamores.” More than 200 years later, The Alisal has evolved into a luxury outdoor getaway.
Enjoy the miles of horseback riding trails at The Alisal Guest Ranch. (Courtesy Alisal Guest Ranch)
The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort offers 73 private guest cottages and suites, more than 50 miles of horseback riding trails, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 6,500-square-foot spa and fitness center, six tennis courts and a 100-acre spring-fed lake with water sports, including fly fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Spanning across 10,500 acres of rolling hills in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Alisal has been considered the premier full-service guest ranch for couples, families and conferences. Since 1946, this secluded hideaway on the central coast of California has offered a getaway with wide-open spaces and a multitude of outdoor activities for all ages. Here is just a few of the outdoor options the Ranch is now offering. California Ranch Cookouts: Launched last year, the Ranch will continue with a series of outdoor cookouts. These sumptuous dinners will take place in the Rodeo Arena and the Oval Lawn. The Unbridled Retreat: In April, meet Devon Combs, the world-renowned leader of the life-changing Unbridled Retreat for Women. Her comprehensive and skilled life-coaching techniques guide women to seek clarity and purpose through the healing power of horses. BBQ Bootcamp: During April 30May 2, 2021, BBQ Bootcamp is a jampacked weekend of hands-on workshops, panels, tastings and meals. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the region’s iconic Santa Maria style grilling techniques along with local wine and beer tastings. All-inclusive pricing starts at $1,095 for double occupancy. The package includes luxury studio accommodations
for two nights, all meals, workshop attendance, welcome amenities and weekend accessories, keepsake booklet of notes and recipes and a breakfast ride to the Old Adobe by horse or hay wagon. To ensure the health and safety of guests and staff, all experiences at The Alisal are held in accordance with state and county guidelines. The protocol includes (but not limited to), physical distancing, hand sanitizer and wash stations, personal protective equipment and face covering requirements in public spaces. In addition, as the first hotel partner of biosafety company, R-Zero. The Alisal has added hospital-grade UV-C to daily disinfection practices across each of the property’s 73 guest cottages, suites and rooms. R-Zero’s UV technology disinfects both surfaces and the air, destroying 99.99 percent of known pathogens and diseases, including the coronavirus. The Airport. Santa Ynez Airport (KIZA) is an old favorite of mine. At 624 feet above sea level, the field has one runway. Runway 8/26 is 2,800-feet-long with GPS and VOR instrument approaches. Santa Ynez Airport FBO, 805/688-8390 offers 100LL and Jet A fuel. Back in the 1950s and through the 1960s we often flew to this field for a visit to Solvang. The airport had a fleet of 1958 Chevrolets, which, as I recall, were available to pilots for just a few dollars an hour. If you prefer a larger airport with some commercial flights, I suggest Santa Barbara Airport (KSBA), about an hour’s drive from Solvang.
Inn at Perry Cabin. (Courtesy Inn at Perry Cabin)
Inn At Perry Cabin, 308 Watkins Ln., St. Michaels, MD 21663, 410/7452200, www.innatperrycabin.com. This Chesapeake Bay-region is ideal for summertime adventure and activity on both land and sea. Experts tell us that chances of catching the virus are substantially reduced in outdoor settings. Attention to Health & Safety: The Inn is committed to maintaining the health and safety of their guests and staff.
Stuart J. Faber and Aunt Bea
Sailing along Inn at Perry Cabin. (Courtesy Inn at Perry Cabin)
They have developed and practice the highest standards of cleanliness in guestrooms and public areas. They have significantly increased the intensity of all cleaning procedures, The staff constantly monitors COVID-19 with the relevant health and government authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and local health departments to appropriately follow directives as new information is shared. A Unique Blend of History and Modernity: The original Inn was built in 1816. Historians tell us that the Inn was designed to resemble Commodore Oliver Perry’s cabin on the flagship of the USS Niagara. For years, the property was a private estate. It became a farm, then a riding academy. Today, this colonial Inn features a host of elegant rooms and suites. The accommodations, graced with antique style furnishings, offer private patios or balconies in most units. Residential Style Accommodations: The rooms and suites have retained the charm and character of a hotel that came to life just after the War of 1812. The owners have carefully combined the ambiance of the 19th century with contemporary touches and amenities. Rooms are tastefully finished in pastel and offwhite tones along with dark brown wood touches. Deluxe Water View Rooms offer vistas of the waterfront from your room and your private terrace or balcony. Superior Double rooms feature two double beds. Families and small groups Continued on Page 30
30
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
Flying With Faber
Continued from Page 29 can book a Superior Double and an adjacent room or suite and open the doors to a private alcove area to create one large suite with two private spaces. Junior Suites take in partial water views from the furnished outdoor terrace. Garden View one-bedroom suites, centrally located in the original building, have separate bedrooms and beautiful views of the sculptured grounds. Luxury Suites, the largest of all accommodations, open onto a private terrace or balcony facing the Miles River. Nestled in the heart of the property, these suites are the finest the Inn has to offer. The Spa. Luxuriate in a truly unique
The Waterfront at Perry Cabin (Courtesy Inn at Perry Cabin)
spa experience that combines therapeutic bodywork with plant-based treatments made from herbs and aromatics grown in their own garden and harvested from farms throughout the Eastern Shore. Perfect for Lovers of Gardens: The
Senior Care Authority, Peninsula will provide you the guidance concerning your loved one, including finding the best places to live, receiving the proper care, and navigating through a complex health care system.
For more information contact Senior Living and Care Solutions • Free Consultations • Available 7 days a week • Serving South San Francisco to Palo Alto
Annamarie Buonocore at 650/504-8549 abuonocore @seniorcareauthority.com
Inn is surrounded by 26 acres of gardens, orchards, wildflowers and sprawling lawns. Schedule a tour with the resident horticulturist to learn about gardening and see how she creates beauty for every corner of the Inn, from the flowers in your room to the herbs that flavor your meals. Great for Workouts: Relax and enjoy the beautiful Croquet Lawn and Bocce Courts. Take a Yoga class. Try a spin class on a Peloton bike in their stateof-the-art facility. Take a Bike Ride: The flat Maryland Shore roads with wide shoulders make biking a pleasure. A breezy half-mile ride will take you to the charming center of St. Michaels where you can explore wonderful museums, quaint shops, and galleries. Tennis: Schedule a tennis match on one of the three Har-Tru courts or sign up for a lesson with their Cliff Drysdale Tennis Pro. Courts are lighted and open for seasonal play from April through October, weather permitting. Frolic on the Waterfront: Grab a paddle board or a sea kayak. You can meander near the Inn or make your way
March 2021 over to St. Michaels for a picturesque view from the water. Instructions and classes are also available. Sailing instruction is conducted by certified instructors. Golf: Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Links at Perry Cabin is a course that will challenge golfers at every level. Let’s Eat! Dining options include a waterside restaurant with afternoon tea, and a cozy pub with a fireplace. The Eastern Shore is an immense ecosystem that is returning to healthy, sustainable abundance. The Inn works closely with local fishermen, crabbers, oystermen and farmers to bring fresh, healthy ingredients to the table. The Airport: Easton-Newman Airport (KESN) is a 10-minute drive from the Inn. Runway 4/22, just 36 feet above sea level is 5,500 feet long. Runway 4 has an ILS approach and Runway 22 has RNAV. Runway 15/33 is 4,003 feet long. Both directions have RNAV approaches. The field has three FBOs. I suggest Easton Jet, 410/820-8770. The nearest major airport is Baltimore Washington International Airport (KBWI), about 90 minutes from the resort.
is on Facebook. Come join in for some “plane” talk.
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March 2021
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
AOPA Honors Remarkable Aviators
Continued from Page 28 the United States. McGee, now 101, persevered to make the world a better place, and he encourages others to do the same. In a pre-recorded message, he encouraged young people to follow four Ps: perceive, prepare with a good education, perform to the best of their ability, and persevere despite their circumstances. “His 138 combat missions are just one part of General McGee’s story,” Baker said. “He has been a trailblazer for generations of aviators. He has enabled thousands of enthusiasts to follow dreams – who might not have had a
chance to climb into the cockpit.” Baker also presented the award to another “aviator and hero in the name of General McGee”: Ruffin, an F-16 pilot and commander of the 71st Operations Support Squadron. Ruffin soloed a glider at age 14; became a flight instructor; founded a flight school; helped found a STEM summer camp; and founded the Legacy Flight Academy, which works to preserve and grow the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and gives young people a first flight in a general aviation aircraft. “Thank you so much, Mark, and a … special thank you to Brig. Gen. McGee.
Truly, you sir, have been an inspiration to me for so long, and it’s just unfathomable that I would be here, receiving an award in your namesake,” Ruffin said. Ruffin explained that his mother taught him that “To whom much is given, much is required, and General McGee has given me, has given us, and truly given the world so much that there is no way that I could live my life without honoring his gifts of freedom, service, and opportunity.”
General Aviation Safety Award
“Safety is our DNA here at AOPA,” Baker said, introducing AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden, who presented the 2020 General Aviation Safety Award to Popov. “We’ve been able to drive the general aviation safety accident rate down year after year thanks to people like Boris,” McSpadden said. Popov designed the whole-airframe parachute concept after he survived a hang gliding accident. Popov was hang gliding behind a boat when a miscommunication caused the boater to speed up instead of slow down, making the hang glider pitch up dramatically. Popov fell 500 feet and hit
March 2021
the water, knocking the fillings out of his teeth. He decided then to develop a parachute safety device to help prevent similar accidents. The concept expanded and was approved for ultralights and experimental aircraft. Later, it was approved for installation on certified aircraft, and now more than 30,000 general aviation aircraft are equipped with BRS parachutes. Cirrus was the first manufacturer to install the parachute as standard equipment on aircraft. Popov said the award was “a precious tribute” to all who worked diligently to help develop the BRS parachute. More than 438 lives have been saved to date, Popov said, asking viewers to imagine the families and businesses whose loved ones and employees were saved as well as the benefit to general aviation through fewer fatal accidents. Van’s Aircraft’s Dick VanGrunsven and ForeFlight’s Tyson Weihs and Jason Miller previously received the award. For more inforamtion, visit the AOPA website at www.aopa.org and watch the replay of the awards on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ijwhxOVET2o&feature=youtu .be.
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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.
P
erhaps the most basic and crucial skill in all of aviation is the ability to maintain aircraft control. Under normal circumstances, a pilot establishes and maintains aircraft control through the constant correction of aircraft attitude and available power to achieve desired performance. When an event occurs that causes an aircraft, even temporarily, to deviate beyond acceptable tolerances, or hinder, prevent, or exceed the pilot’s or aircraft’s ability to perform as the pilot desires, control has been lost. Consequences can vary, depending on event severity and the pilot’s ability to recover. Loss of aircraft control can be triggered by many factors, which may be broadly classified as weather or environmental conditions, system malfunctions, or Human Factors. Pilots at all levels of qualification, skill, and experience have lost aircraft control. Our offering this month is a study on the loss of aircraft control. Flight conditions, operations, and individual circumstances all vary, but valuable lessons are present.
Blackhawk Down
A system malfunction, while negotiating incompatible weather, put this Blackhawk helicopter and pilot in jeopardy.
LOSS
OF
AIRCRAFT CONTROL
• The [helicopter] departed originally [under] VFR.… TRACON was able to give IFR clearance. The [helicopter] was level at 5,000 feet. Upon entrance into the sector, they encountered icing conditions. The [helicopter] was [issued a] climb to 8,000 feet and got out of the icing. Enroute to the original destination, the pilot asked for a diversion…due to fuel. I cleared and gave the [helicopter] pilot’s discretion clearance to 5,000 feet. That put it back into icing conditions, at which [time] the icing equipment malfunctioned. The pilot asked for a descent out of the icing conditions. I issued a descent to 4,900 feet, which was the lowest Minimum IFR Altitude (MIA). The pilot took the descent but continued to descend. The pilot was not able to maintain altitude and continued descending. We were looking for a safe place for the helicopter to land. Also, I wanted to keep it out of the clouds due to icing. The [pilot] requested priority handling. I tried to assist the best way I could, [given] the conditions. The pilot reported being in moderate to heavy icing conditions and was unable to maintain altitude.
control of the aircraft. The instructor took swift action to recover the aircraft and mitigate the threat. • During the takeoff and initial climb of an IFR training flight, the aircraft began uncommanded pitch-up and pitch-down movements, then began pitching up. The instrument student attempted to control this by using the electric trim controls on the left side of the control yoke but was unsuccessful. Several seconds later, the red PITCH TRIM FAIL indicator light illuminated, and the aural beep commenced. The aircraft began another uncommanded pitch-up, at which point the instructor took control of the aircraft, reduced thrust substantially, regained level flight, and cycled the Master Switch on and off to attempt to either reset or disable the electric pitch trim. After that, the electric pitch trim
became inoperative. Manual trim inputs were effected to stabilize the aircraft. The instructor requested prioriy handling with Approach and requested clearance to return and land at [the departure airport], which was then slightly behind the aircraft. Aircraft control was regained, and the electric pitch trim was inoperative, but because of the aforementioned runaway trim, the manual pitch was positioned for a nose-high attitude and was difficult to manipulate. Thrust inputs and flaps were primarily used to stabilize the aircraft’s descent with minimal trim inputs for fear of setting off further uncommanded pitch trim changes. The instructor was able to land the aircraft on the runway…without incident or requiring any assistance. The aircraft was taxied to the ramp and parked.
A Student Nightmare
This instrument student experienced a system failure that quickly threatened
IN MEMORY OF AOPA’S MIKE COLLINS
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association mourns the passing of longtime colleague and friend Mike Collins. Mike died Feb. 25, 2021, after a weeks’ long battle with COVID-19. He was 59 years old. Mike joined AOPA as managing editor of AOPA Pilot magazine in 1994 and quickly became an integral player on the media team. Over the years, he has led the magazine production process for AOPA Pilot and Flight Training magazines, shepherded the growth of AOPA ePilot and other email newsletters, developed our digital magazine strategy, and, of course, wrote many hundreds of magazine features and news articles. He most recently held the role of Technical Editor
(Courtesy AOPA)
and Director of Business Operations. Mike’s work was often featured on the pages of In Flight USA. Read Mike’s complete story on the AOPA website, www.aopa.org.
Fly By Wire Air is a one-stop shop for aviation. You will find RC models, general aviation planes, services and accessories, as well as sites rich in historic aviation. We hopy you enjoy visiting our site. When you think of flying - Fly By Wire.
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
Last weekend, I made it to a meeting of the South Carolina Breakfast Club. Twice a month, this group meets at a SC airport for socialization and, of course, breakfast. Normally, church choir squelches any such Sunday morning activity, but COVID silenced the choir for a while. With that meeting barely an hour’s drive away in Ridgeland, and not knowing how (dis)organized the air traffic might be, I drove over. “Plenty of food,” said the announcement. Murphy’s law was at work, though, again. When I got there an hour after published start time because I went to early church, the food was all gone, as was the food truck. The ramp was full of older airplanes of the sort that I used to see all the time before I moved to airports where all the planes were hangared – Cessnas, Pipers, Beech, a very few homebuilts, a good assortment of GA. Inside these 50 year old airplanes, some older, some newer, the instrument panels were a hodgepodge of old and new instruments and avionics, retrofit seat covers in all manner of styles and levels of taste, missing headliners and side panels, you get the idea.
By Ed Wischmeyer
BREAKFAST FLY-IN, SORT OF
Homebuilder’s Workshop
March 2021
Still, there was a certain amount of oldhome week, walking the line. Ridgeland also has a glider club and they had a Grob Acro two seater on display. I used to fly gliders way back when in California but a few years ago at Oshkosh, I did a pilot report on the Pipistrel Virus (long story on the name, there) and then bought another two hours of flight time to get a self-launch endorsement on my glider license in the Virus. The Virus SW (short wing) is an interesting flying machine, arguably the fastest aircraft you can fly without any medical certificate, cruising at 147 knots max. Two seats, high wing, side by side, with both flaps and speed brakes. My RV9A does everything I need, not necessarily everything I want, but I like having the shade of a high wing in the summer. And the Virus is a slick looking bird as well. They’re way cool, if a bit pricey compared to homebuilts. I’m unlikely to fly gliders again because my surgically augmented spine would probably not like the jouncey takeoffs and landings, and I don’t know about thermal. But the Virus comes with either tailwheel or tricycle gear, just like a “real”
airplane. I think it would be a cool way to go flying, with better sight seeing than the low wing RV-9A.
•••••
One of the programs that EAA has started is VMC and IMC clubs where there can be discussions on various topics. My Chapter, EAA 1514, has an excellent series, thanks to Tom Huff, our moderator. Last night’s topic was electrical system failure and what to do about it. Hmm. I started thinking about electrical problems I’ve seen in 3,600 hours of flight time: 1. C182 alternator belt failure, VMC, 45 minutes from destination, 1974 or so. 2. C175, voltage regulator failure, VMC, landed short rather than cross Lake Michigan NORDO. Had paper charts. 3. C175, maybe the same trip, voltage regulator failure. Had paper charts. Long stay in a small town with nothing but nothing to do. Nothing! 4. C175, smoke in the cockpit from a dying electrical switch. Copilot, also a CFII, instantly turned off the master.
Night, VFR, landed no electrical. I think that the runway lights had already been clicked on. Flew home next day, flight of 2, NORDO. Used battery only for starting. 5. C175, alternator belt failure during run-up with smoke. Shut down, inspected the plane, used battery for starting engine, shut down electricals, taxied back in. Possible loose alternator, don’t recall. 6. RV-9A, alternator tripped with landing lights on in daytime. Turned off lights, reset CB. 7. RV-9A, don’t recall why but dying battery in flight after radio shop ran the battery down. Alternator not charging… VFR flight following, no paper charts, didn’t handle it all that well. So the question is, what should I do if I get a low-voltage or high-voltage warning in flight, since the RV-9A has no manuals? One checklist shown last night said that in case of high voltage, turn the alternator off, check that the circuit breaker is in, then turn the alternator back on. See the problem? You check that it’s in but if it’s out, then what? The checklist Continued on Page 39
March 2021
In Flight USA Celebrating 35 Years
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
March 2021
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March 2021
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Liteye’s Counter-UAS Systems for Airports
Advancing drone technology and the frequency of malicious drones at airports has created an urgent need for drone detection and defense systems at airports all over the world. Liteye’s combat proven Counter-UAS System is designed to protect airports and critical infrastructures from hostile small unmanned air systems (sUAS) incursions. Using similar detect, track and classify technology currently used by the US military, the Liteye system gives the airport authority an early warning capability, allowing air traffic control to temporarily warn off specific at-risk incoming flights. The system also identifies the point of origin of the drone user, allowing emergency personnel to respond appropriately.
Liteye’s Counter-UAS Detection System DETECT - smart-sensor package capable of remotely detecting small Drones (UAS) TRACK - tracking and classifying them, providing end-user situational awareness and a IDENTIFY - forensic tool that assists in apprehending and prosecuting malicious drone or UAS operators. Liteye’s Counter-UAS technology is the ideal solution for protecting airports against the danger posed by malicious drone intrusion.
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OODIES AND ADGETS AND
Comant E Series Antennas For Experimental Aircraft
Available now at Aircraft Spruce, the new Comant E Series line of antennas for experimental aircraft. The Comant E Series blends dependability and affordability to fit most homebuilt aircraft antenna needs. The series includes solutions for, ADS-B, ADS-B/DME, and VHF, all specifically designed for home built and LSA aircraft. These new antennas are now in stock!
Curtis H4 Series Push Type Fuel Valves
Curtis Superior Valves are designed for installation in a standard NPT port for NPT threaded valves or an AND-10050 style port for UNF threaded valves. Use a
In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
sealant on NPT threaded valves or a fuel resistant o-ring of the proper size for UNF threaded valves. Refer to aircraft manufacturers torque specifications for the aircraft in which it is being used. Curtis Superior Valves require no special maintenance. Keep them reasonably clean and replace according to the prescribed synthetic rubber maintenance schedule for the aircraft in which they are used or 10 year usable life per Curtis Superior Valve whichever occurs first. Curtis Superior Valves cannot be overhauled. Replace the entire valve per the maintenance schedule of the aircraft in which it is used or usable life per Curtis Superior Valve should it begin to leak. The valves are priced between $20 and $24.70.
Start Pac Micro Handheld 12v Aircraft Engine Starter
Not only can the START PAC MICRO be used for all 12V aviation appli-
cations (helicopters and fixed wings), but it will also jump start any type of engine running on 12V. This unit is specifically designed for engine starting only. This unit is the sturdiest 12V lead acid jump starter on the market, capable of starting either piston aircraft or experimental aircraft. Small, powerful and light weight, it will allow you to start your engines swiftly, preventing any downtime. The environmentally responsible, low VOC powder coating protects the case from wear and poor weather conditions. The unit sells for $1,059.78.
Belite Radiant Technology Angle of Attack Sensor and Display System
The Radiant Angle of Attack Sensor & Display System includes vane, sensor, LCD RADIANT color display, and aural alert output, which sounds when angle is in the red. The vane is mounted on the leading edge of your wing (for tractor airplanes) or on the forward side of your fuselage (for pusher airplanes). The Radiant AOA comes complete with fittings for either
March 2021
mount. The actual angle of attack is shown in continuous digital format as well. This is a differential angle from the base (cruise) setting. The bar graph and the numerical value fall rapidly as the elevator is shoved forward. All instruments are designed for a standard 2.25-inch cutout, and use approximately 100 milliamps of power from a supply of 11 to 14 volts. All instruments are dimmable. For use in aircraft and vehicles only. Non-TSO/PMA Experimental status and use only. The unit sells for $599.95.
Phillips 66 X/C Aviation Oil 20w50
Phillips 66 X/C Aviation Oil is an ashless dispersant, multigrade engine oil Continued on Page 39
March 2021
Goodies and Gadgets
Continued from Page 38 specially formulated for year-round use in aircraft piston engines. It provides distinct performance benefits compared with single-grade engine oils, including easier starting and faster oil circulation at low temperatures, reduced warm-up
time, and reduced oil consumption in most engines. It maintains its film strength under high loads and at high temperatures to protect against wear and piston scuffing. The ashless dispersant formulation helps minimize the formation of engine sludge, varnish, piston deposits and combustion chamber deposits, resulting in a much cleaner engine compared with the use of straight (nondispersant) mineral oils. X/C Aviation Oil was the first FAA-
Homebuilder’s Workshop Continued from Page 34 only says to check it. The rest of the information is in the notes but there’s no reference in the checklist. There are reasons that some of us don’t take checklists at face value. And of course, the pilot needs to be aware that this is the high voltage checklist, not the low voltage checklist. So what does this mean for the RV9A? Get some POH for other airplanes and figure out what will make sense.
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www.inflightusa.com
Also, make a habit of keeping the handheld GPS charged up and in the airplane on every flight. Yes, I can use ForeFlight on the iPhone, but the Garmin aera 660 is much more usable. In fact, I have successfully used it as emergency guidance for getting to an airport in simulated IFR. The geo-referenced approach plates made all the difference. Would certainly not want to do it that way unless I absolutely had to, but it’s good to have that emergency capability in case of total
approved mineral oil-based, ashless dispersant, multiviscosity aviation engine oil. It has more than 30 years of outstanding, proven performance in a wide variety of aviation uses, including flight schools, charter and cargo airlines, acrobatic aircraft, spray planes, race planes and virtually any other general aviation application. The oil comes in 1 quart, case of 12 quarts, 1 gallon, case of 4 gallons, and 55 gallon drums. The cost of 1 quart is
$6.50. See the Aircraft Spruce website for additional prices. For these, and thousands of other products, visit www.aircraftspruce.com for complete information and ordering options. To speak to a representative, call 1-877-477-7823 or 1-951-372-9555. Aircraft Spruce’s complete product line is available at www.aircraftspruce.com as well as through the company’s free 1,000+ page catalog.
electrical failure. There have been online discussions about electrical failures as well. My recommendation is to also have the elevator trim on the emergency bus…
hour no fly, easy to do when the weather is miserable IFR. Some folks have had more reaction to the Pfizer vaccine than I did, but it also appears that reaction to the Moderna vaccine can be significantly worse. In any case, COVID has so many inconsistencies that it’s not worth playing games with symptoms. Plan on a few days off after the vaccine, especially after the second shot.
•••••
Had the second Pfizer COVID19 shot a few days ago. My symptoms were mild, about the same as a flu shot. I did comply with the FAA’s recommended 48
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SPORTY'S LAUNCHES UPDATED AND REDESIGNED AEROBATICS COURSE WITH PATTY WAGSTAFF
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
March 2021
Improve your Stick and Rudder Skills with Tips from a Legend
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly a loop or a roll? Maybe you’ve considered taking an upset recovery course to improve your stick and rudder skills? If so, then this course is for you. Basic Aerobatics with Patty Wagstaff puts you in the cockpit with an airshow legend to experience flight beyond straight and level. “Building off of our two previous courses with Patty Wagstaff, we’ve worked hard to create a complete aerobatics course,” said Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke. “This course combines all the elements of the previous courses with a new layout and over an hour of new video to create the ultimate all-in-one aerobatics resource.” More than just a list of maneuvers, this course explores the art and sport of high performance flying–it’s the perfect complement to in-airplane training. You’ll learn about the history of aerobatics, what the industry looks like today, and how to get started. You’ll also learn about legal considerations for flying aerobatics, how to prepare physically, and the systems on different types of aerobat-
Basic Aerobatics Video
ic airplanes. Then you’ll dive into all the maneuvers, from basics like loops and rolls to combination maneuvers like cloverleafs and hammerheads. Stunning HD video shows Patty demonstrating every maneuver and is supplemented by sophisticated animations. In-depth segments describe every maneuver step-by-step, complete with split screen views and real world tips for smoother flying. You’ll also get answers to frequently asked questions and solutions to common errors. “We are so excited to be able to
share tips and techniques that will help mentor aerobatic pilots and also show how aerobatic training is so valuable to every pilot to improve their confidence and make them safer pilots,” said Patty Wagstaff. Aerobatics can be flown in a wide variety of airplanes, so this course presents alternative techniques for how to fly each aerobatic maneuver when in an airplane without an inverted fuel and oil system. You’ll go flying in an RV, a Super Decathlon, and an Extra to see how each airplane requires a unique approach.
The course also includes bonus 360degree videos showing each maneuver, with controls to pan around the cockpit and view the maneuver from any angle. You’ll feel like you’re riding in the airplane for every loop, roll, and spin. Basic Aerobatics with Patty Wagstaff [#E906A] is available for $149.99 and can be accessed, along with all of Sporty’s course offerings, on Sporty’s Pilot Training platform. This provides the ultimate flexibility by allowing pilots to train using the device that works best on any given day: access online in a web browser, in Sporty’s Pilot Training app for iOS and Android, on AppleTV or RokuTV. Access to all platforms is included and course progress always stays in sync. For more information or to purchase a course visit sportys.com/aerobatics. To watch a video preview visit Sporty’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com)
SENSENICH Awarded STC for Carbon Fiber Adjustable Prop for Super Cub -i Ãi V >à Lii >Ü>À`i` > -Õ«« i i Ì> /Þ«i iÀÌ wV>Ìi -/ ® v À Ìà V>ÀL }À Õ ` >` ÕÃÌ>L i « ÌV -/" «À «i iÀ * «iÀ -Õ«iÀ ÕL Ƃ ÀVÀ>vÌ° / à -/ > Üà ÃÌ> >Ì *Ƃ £n º£xä» > ÀVÀ>vÌ Ü Ì ÞV } " ÎÈä ÃiÀ ià i } iÃ] Ü Ì vÕÌÕÀi -/ à « > i` v À ÞV } " ÎÓä « ÜiÀi` -Õ«iÀ ÕLà > ` ViÀÌ> « «Õ >À ÌÀ> } > ÀVÀ>vÌ° º"ÕÀ iÝ«iÀ i Ì> VÕÃÌ iÀà >Ûi Lii À>Û } >L ÕÌ Ì Ã «À «i iÀ v À ÃiÛiÀ> Þi>ÀÃ] > ` Ü Üi V> vviÀ Ì i Ã> i ÃÌi« Õ« «iÀv À > Vi Ì ÕÀ ViÀÌ wi` VÕÃÌ iÀÃ]» Ã>Þà -i Ãi V *Àià `i Ì > ` , Üi ° º/ à «À «i iÀ½Ã µÕ V > ` ÃÕÀi « ÌV >` ÕÃÌ i Ì } ÛiÃ Ì i VÕÃÌ iÀ Ì i «Ì v >Ý Õ «iÀv À > Vi >ÌÌiÀ Ü >Ì Ì i y } Ì «À w i >Þ Li°» ÝÌi à Ûi ÌiÃÌ } ÀiµÕ Ài` `ÕÀ } Ì i ViÀÌ wV>Ì «À iVÌ Ƃ >à > à Üi` «À Ûi` Ì> i vv] V L > ` VÀÕ Ãi «iÀv À > Vi V «>Ài` Ì Ü >̽à V à `iÀi` Ì i `ÕÃÌÀÞ ÃÌ> `>À` wÝi` « ÌV -/" «À «i iÀ° 7 i « ÌV i` v À Ì i Ã> i V L À« >Ã Ì i ÃÌ> `>À` «À «i iÀ] V L À>Ìi Ü>à VÀi>Ãi` LÞ £{ävÌÉ ] VÀÕ Ãi ëii` Ü>à `i Ì V> ] > ` vÕ Ì À ÌÌ i iÛi y } Ì / ® ëii` VÀi>Ãi` LÞ Ç « ° 7 i Ài « ÌV i` Ì >ÌV Ì i `ÕÃÌÀÞ ÃÌ> `>À` «À «i iÀ½Ã V L À>Ìi] VÀÕ Ãi ëii` Ü>à VÀi>Ãi` LÞ n « > ` / ëii` VÀi>Ãi` LÞ £n « ° / i iÜ -i Ãi V V « à Ìi «À «i iÀ à iÃÃ Ì > > v Ì i Üi } Ì v Ì i i}>VÞ -/" «À «i iÀ q Ó£ « Õ `à Ûð {{ v À Ì i iÌ> Õ Ì° / i «À «i iÀ à >Û> >L i ` > iÌiÀà vÀ Çn» Ì nÓ»° / i -/ > à V ÛiÀà > £Ó» ` > iÌiÀ] L> > Vi` V « à Ìi ë iÀ°
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March 2021
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
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BIZAVJETS USA MAGAZINE
In Flight USA Magazine is proud to announce its new partnership with BizAvJets, Inc., a Las Vegas-based business aviation social media marketing firm. The two organizations have joined forces to create BizAvJets USA Magazine, a quarterly version of the 36-year-old general aviation magazine that focuses on business jets and business-aviation related activities. This magazine will be published in addition to the already-existing monthly In Flight USA. Business aviation is a growing area within aviation that is deeply rooted in general aviation and traditional flight education. More and more corporations and major organizations are using business jets and charters to travel, conduct business, and transport items and people. “Here at In Flight USA, we have seen an increased desire for more business aviation news. It is a growing area and one that could use more attention,” said Annamarie Buonocore, Associate Publisher of In Flight USA. The secondgeneration magazine publisher feels that general aviation is pointing more students toward business aviation careers and that smaller jets can be an ideal alternative to commercial airlines during tough times like Covid-19. BizAvJets Inc. President Eli Stepp commented, “Contrary to popular belief, ‘print’ is not dead. BizAvJets is thrilled to partner with In Flight USA, in the perfect marriage of print and online publishing. We are grateful for In Flight USA’s level of publication experience, producing BizAvJets USA magazine. Highlighting humanitarian efforts and the positive impact of the Business Aviation Community will also be a part of the new publication.”
Eli Stepp and his wife are featured on the cover of the September 2020 edition of In Flight USA. Stepp has joined forces with In Flight Publisher Annamarie Buonocore to create BizAvJets USA. (Courtesy In Flight) The new venture will also help the 36-year-old publishing company soar to new heights with digital marketing options. BizAvJets and its owner, Eli Stepp, focus on social media, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and digital press releases. The company is thrilled to have such a partner. In Flight USA will oversee production of the print version of the magazine and looks forward to engaging new writers, hosting new advertisers, and bringing on new distribution channels for the quarterly business aviation publication. BizAvJets will engage in online promotion of the print and online versions of the new magazine. The first issue is slated for the first quarter of 2021. For more information, visit www.inflightusa.com or contact annamarie@inflightusa.com.
Launching San Mateo County Edition January 2021 For More Information Contact: Annamarie Buonocore at 650-358-9908
March 2021
J
By Fly By Wire Air Staff
anuary 24 is a landmark day at Fly By Wire Air. On this date ten years ago, we began our mission of making aviation accessible to all. Though we’ve encountered some turbulence at times, our goal has always been to lead our (blog) viewers to a smooth flight and a greater understanding of aviation as a whole. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are reprinting our first blog from ten years ago – the story of in-flight refueling. We hope you will enjoy the flight. In-flight refueling got off to a rather crude start in the early 1920’s when men standing on fast cars would hand cans of gas to aviators as their slow moving aircraft passed overhead. However, the first actual mid-air refueling occurred on June 27, 1923 in which two Airco DH-4B biplanes of the United States Army Air Corps flew in formation with a hose running from a hand-held fuel tank of the top aircraft to the port of the receiving aircraft. Based upon a design by Alexander Seversky, the refueling was successful and was followed by two other refueling tests in August and October of that year. During the test of Aug. 27-28, 1923 some 687 gallons of fuel were transferred to the
TENTH!
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receiver plane over nine refuelings, setting an endurance record of 37-hours aloft for the receiving plane. The October flight was conducted by the same DH-4B and crew, in which the flight originated in Sumas, Washington with the Airco landing in Tijuana, Mexico, using the same refueling technique with mid-air refuelings at Eugene, Oregon and Sacramento, California. News of the successful tests of the Seversky system spread to Europe, where similar experiments were conducted by the Royal Air Force and the Armee de l Air in France. While these tests were largely successful, both services considered the concept impractical. By the late 1920’s long distance flights became national events, in which pilots engaged in intense competition to win prizes for new records. A key player in the long distance flights was Sir Alan Cobham. Cobham was an RAF pilot during World War I and made a number of flights to both Australia and Africa. As a result of these efforts, Cobham began experimenting with the possibilities of inflight refueling and later became one of the directors of Airspeed Limited, an aircraft company which produced a specially designed plane, the Airspeed Courier. The Courier, an experimental aircraft for
in-flight refueling tests, was flown by Cobham from London to India, using inflight refueling along the way. In the United States, a group of Army Air Corps pilots led by Major Carl Spaatz, who later commanded the Eighth Air Force in World War II, set an endurance record in excess of 150 hours, flying the Question Mark over Los Angeles in 1930. Later that year, the Hunter brothers set a new record of 553 hours and 40 minutes over Chicago, flying two Stinson SM-1 Detroiters as refueler and receiver. Perhaps the primary rationale for conducting such tests was the desire of the Postal Service to expedite the delivery of mail from Europe to the United States by the use of aerial refueling. Two advances in the 1930’s made midair refueling a more practical activity. The automatic valve was perfected in 1931, which controlled the flow of fuel between aircraft. First used on British flying boats servicing the empire, the automatic valve would also cut off the flow of fuel in the event the refueler aircraft lost contact with the receiving aircraft. The introduction of automatic valves drastically increased the safety of the refueling process. In 1934, another major innovation, the crossover line, made aerial refu-
43
Aircraft refueling has advanced over the years. (Courtesy Fly By Wire Air)
eling more practical. The crossover system was developed by Richard Atcherley, an officer in the Royal Air Force. While stationed in the Middle East, Atcherley patented the system, in which the tanker plane trailed a large hooked line that would reel in a similar dropped line from the receiving plane, allowing the refueling to proceed. After further modifications in the late 1930’s, the crossover sysContinued on Page 44
AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE INTRODUCES NEW SAFETY SPOTLIGHTS
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
March 2021
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) recently introduce its new Safety Spotlights – comprehensive critical safety information on a specific subject, neatly packaged in one place. ASI’s Safety Spotlights, pull, update, and merge relevant safety information from previous ASI Safety Advisors, Safety Briefs, and online courses, then add other pertinent elements to create extensive one-stop safety
topic sources. “Pilots eager to engage in continuing aviation safety education will welcome these Safety Spotlights, which introduce the material in a one-stop source,” said ASI Senior Director Paul Deres. “Pilots can immediately engage with the material as the pages come alive with images, animations, and embedded multimedia. And there’s no need to follow a specific order, as each section comprises a specific topic, similar to chapters
in a course. This also supports adult learning concepts of discovery rather than being force-fed a streamlined process,” said Deres. The spotlights are also great for use in flight schools and during flight instruction. Instructors can use them in planning ground school and assigning homework to their students in preparation for their next flight lesson. Pilots can earn a certificate of completion and credit in their ASI education
transcript for reviewing a spotlight, and those who don’t already have an account with ASI or AOPA can create a free account like for any other ASI program. Note, the completion certificate does not count for WINGS credit. View the Safety Spotlights on the AOPA website (www.aopa.org) or directly at https://www.aopa.org/training-andsafety/air-safety-institute/safety-publications/safety-spotlights.
Continued from Page 43 tem became the first practical means of aerial refueling. Though aerial refueling was not utilized during World War II, the demands of the Pacific Theater forced USAAF planners to consider methods from which to gain the maximum range from existing aircraft. During the early part of the war, the Air Corps engaged the services of civilian contractors to develop new concepts of aerial refueling. Using modified B-24 Liberators as tankers, the USAAF was able to extend the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress’s range to approximately 1,500 miles. Though such experiments demonstrated the potential of in-flight refueling, the demands of wartime production would not allow aircraft manufacturers to produce enough tanker aircraft to make aerial refueling practical, as well as a lack of available pilots trained to fly the planes. After the war, the USAAF became interested in the British developed loopedhose refueling system, perfected in 1938 to refuel flying boats for transoceanic crossings. The looped-hose system operated by having the receiving aircraft trailing a steel cable, which was then grappled by a line shot from the tanker. The line was then drawn back into the tanker, where the receiver’s cable was connected to the receiving hose. The receiver could then haul back its cable bringing the hose to it. Once the hose was connected, the tanker climbed sufficiently above the receiver aircraft to allow the fuel to flow by gravity. In 1948, the USAF bought a number of looped-hose units, fitting them on B-29 tanker planes to refuel specially equipped B-29s and B-50s. The USAF system had only one major change from the loop hose used by the RAF. The USAF version had auto-coupling of the refueling nozzle, where the leader line with the refueling hose is pulled to the receiver aircraft and a refueling receptacle on the belly of the plane, allowing high-altitude aerial refueling and doing away with the aircraft having to fly to a lower altitude to be depressurized so a crew member could manually
do the coupling. The looped-hose system was used on a global flight by the B-50 Superfortress Lucky Lady II in 1949. The flight took 94 hours and one minute with the B-50 refueling four times from four pairs of KB-29M tanker aircraft, setting a new benchmark for aerial refueling. With Cold War tensions beginning to form in the late 1940’s, the newly formed United States Air Force was in need of a more efficient manner of refueling Strategic Air Command (SAC) bombers. Because of the number of aircraft involved, General Curtis LeMay, commander of SAC, asked Boeing to develop a more efficient fueling system, capable of transferring fuel at higher rates than existing flexible hose systems. In less than a year, Boeing designed a system which could transfer fuel at a significantly higher rate than previous flexible hose units. The flying boom system is a solid telescoping tube with flexible flight control surfaces (winglets) operated by the boom controller in the tanker aircraft. The boom operator extends the boom, inserting it into a receptacle on the receiving aircraft. Refueling tests conducted by B-29s in 1950 proved the boom concept a success with Boeing converting 116 B-29s to tankers in 1951. Though the B-29s were adequate, the USAF realized they would soon need a dedicated tanker plane. Boeing met this need, as well, by producing the KC-97 Stratofreighter modified with a flying boom and extra jet fuel tanks replenishing the boom. The Stratofreighter was developed from the piston-engined Boeing Stratocruiser airliner, a civil derivative of the B-29 Superfortress. While the KC-97 was the first mass produced tanker aircraft, it had its share of problems. The two major problems in using the KC-97 as a fueling platform were a mixed fuel system with the Stratofreighter carrying gasoline for its own operation in addition to kerosene for the jets it was refueling, a potential safety hazard, as well as a slow speed relative to the jets it was refueling. Many of the supersonic jets entering service in the
1950’s had to slow down to make contact with the tanker’s refueling boom, approaching the stall speed of the jet. To remedy this, the USAF initiated plans for a jet tanker aircraft capable of both refueling at higher speeds, in addition to carrying a single fuel for its own engines and the receiver aircraft. It wasn’t long before Boeing began receiving contracts from the USAF to build jet tankers. Boeing’s response was a modified Boeing 707 jetliner with a flying boom system. The USAF designation, KC-135, entered service in 1957 and was both a capable and versatile aircraft, built for a number of missions. With 732 examples built, there are still nearly 400 planes in service today by the USAF, as well as the USAF Reserve and State Air Guard units. Two other notable refueling systems came into service in the early 1950’s, the buddy store or buddy pod and the probeand-drogue. The buddy store is an external pod loaded on a hard-point underneath the wing of the tanker plane containing a hoseand-drogue system (HDU). The buddy store concept allows reconfigured bomber or fighter planes the flexibility of refueling other combat aircraft of the unit, extending the range of a strike without the need of dedicated tanker aircraft. Tankers utilizing the buddy store system are also capable of refueling multiple aircraft, if necessary. Aircraft attempting to refuel from the buddy store will ideally approach from behind and slightly below the drogue but need to be careful when approaching as winds may shift the position of the drogue, since the basket is made of a canvas webbing. Once initial contact is made the hose and drogue is pushed forward by the receiver aircraft, the hose is then reeled slowly back into its drum in the HDU. This action opens the tanker’s main refueling valve, allowing fuel to flow to the drogue under the appropriate pressure, assuming the tanker crew has energized the pump. Tension on the hose is aerodynamically adjusted by a motor in the hoseand-drogue system so the hose extends and retracts with movement of the receiv-
er aircraft, which prevents bends or kinks in the hose, causing undue stress on the probe. Fuel flow is typically indicated by activation of a green light near the HDU. If the hose is pushed either too far or not far enough, a cutoff switch will inhibit fuel flow, which is typically indicated by an amber light. Disengagement is commanded by the tanker pilot with a red light. The probe-and-drogue refueling method utilizes a flexible hose trailing from the tanker aircraft. The drogue, also called a basket, is a fitting resembling a shuttlecock, attached at its narrow end with a valve to a flexible hose. The drogue stabilizes the hose in flight and provides a funnel to aid insertion of the receiver aircraft probe into the hose. The probe, a rigid pivoting or protruding arm, placed on the receiving aircraft’s nose or fuselage to make connection with the hose from the tanker aircraft. A valve placed at the tip of the probe allows fuel to pass from the tanker to the receiver aircraft. More recent jet aircraft are equipped with a retractable probe when not in use due to their high-speed performance. Standardized drogue and probe valves allow drogue-equipped tanker aircraft the ability to refuel probe-equipped aircraft from other nations. For example, the NATO standard probe system incorporates shear rivets that attach the refueling valve to the end of the probe in case a large side load develops while in contact with the drogue, the rivets shear and the fuel valve breaks off, rather than the receiver aircraft sustaining structural damage. Unlike the boom system, both the buddy store and probe-and-drogue refueling methods can refuel multiple aircraft. Aerial refueling has come a long way since those first experiments in the early 1920’s. There are conversion kits available today to convert tanker planes from one fueling system to another. Both the KC-10 and the recently developed KC-46 incorporate both the boom and probe-and-drogue refueling systems. For aviation, this is better than having a gas station on every corner.
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March 2021
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A Comprehensive Listing of Aircraft and Specs to Help Shoppers The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association recently launched its own Aircraft Guide to provide aviators looking to buy with a valuable resource and one that will make purchasing an aircraft more rewarding and less of a hassle. The comprehensive online resource lists nearly 90 aircraft that are currently in production. A wide variety of new aircraft is spotlighted that meets all aviation needs – aircraft range from single-engine pistons to twins, turbines, and rotorcraft. The guide includes a model overview, specifications, performance, and limiting and recommended airspeeds. You’ll find links to AOPA articles and pilot reports for each aircraft, as well as stunning photography from AOPA’s archives. You can then use AOPA’s exclusive and members’ only Vref online aircraft valuation service to determine the value of your trade-in or the value of older models of listed aircraft. The site will also feature the popular AOPA loan calculator. Additional aircraft will also be added regularly. “This aircraft guide is the fruition of
AOPA recently launched its own Aircraft Guide spotlighting a wide variety of new aircraft that meets all aviation needs – aircraft range from single-engine pistons to twins, turbines, and rotorcraft. (Courtesy AOPA) a lot of work here at AOPA and is more extensive than anything like it in the industry,” said Kollin Stagnito, AOPA vice president of publications. “We will continue to add information, making it the biggest directory of used and new aircraft on the internet. This will be a tremendous resource for anyone at any point in the buying spectrum.” The AOPA Aircraft Guide can be found at aopa.org/aircraftguide.
NBAA CANCELS EVENTS THROUGH JUNE 2021, DUE TO COVID
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) on Feb. 5 announced that it is cancelling its in-person events through June 30, 2021, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, adding that the organization will view options for convening through virtual programming. “We are disappointed that we will be unable to offer a robust slate of in-person events in the first half of 2021,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “That said, the safety and security of our event participants has always been a core value for the association, and that is central to our decision. As we did in 2020, we are exploring opportunities to gather the business aviation community through various online initiatives, and we will provide details as soon as they are available.” The decision affects the 2021 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), which was scheduled for April 13-15 in Shanghai (the
2022 event is scheduled from April 1214); the 2021 NBAA Maintenance Conference, planned for May 11-13 (the 2022 event is scheduled for May 3-5, in San Antonio, TX); and the 2021 NBAA White Plains Regional Forum, scheduled for June 9. Earlier this week, NBAA and the European Business Aviation Association jointly announced the cancellation of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), planned for May 18-20 in Geneva, with plans for online programming during the EBACE week. “We will keep members and partners apprised with regard to how this challenging and evolving situation impacts our industry,” Bolen said. Continually updated information on COVID-19, including the status of future NBAA events, is available at nbaa.org/coronavirus.
BRITISH COLUMBIA HANGAR MATCHES BEAUTY OF NEARBY KOOTENAYS
March 2021
Dr. Robert McLeod of Creston, British Columbia, should be pretty proud of his new 44-foot by 30-foot hangar. It features a beautifully designed exterior, highlighted with Douglas Fir log posts and beams and three large 3-foot by 6foot Douglas Fir accented windows to retain a nice view outside and bring natural light into the hangar. The hangar, with a grass landing strip located adjacent to his home, has a 42-foot, 6-inch by 12-foot, 6-inch Schweiss Doors bifold liftstrap door. It’s equipped with an automatic latching system and remote opener. McLeod built the steel-sided hangar to closely match his home and other buildings on the property. With a shortage of veterinarians and a large, sparsely populated territory to cover, McLeod uses his Maule M-5210C plane to bring veterinary care to remote clients. He and his plane also serve as an ambulance for veterinary related flights to specialists in Calgary or Vancouver. He’s been a practicing veterinarian for about 30 years, starting out after graduation in Saskatchewan and later moving to Creston in 1993. “I started flying at age 16 when I received a flying scholarship as an air cadet,” McLeod says. “I got my pilot’s license just after my 17th birthday. I actually still have a hangar that I share with another person at our local Creston airport. I use my home hangar from spring to fall, about eight months out of the year. The main Creston Regional Airport is open all year.” Creston Veterinary Hospital was established in 1973 by Dr. Dave Perrin, the author of the “Don’t Turn Your Back in the Barn, Adventures of a Country Vet” book series. It’s a full-service veterinary clinic located in the heart of the Kootenay Valley, nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges region of beautiful southeastern British Columbia, approximately six miles north of the Idaho border. Creston Veterinary Hospital has grown from eight employees in 1992 to where they now have two full-time and two part-time veterinarians and a skilled staff of about 20 technicians, assistants and client care representatives to ensure that all pets’ needs are met. McLeod was born in Victoria, British Columbia and grew up in Victoria, Ottawa and Whitehorse, Yukon. After completing high school at Spectrum Community School in Victoria, he attended University of Victoria and University of British
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American Aircraft Sales Co. 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS–NEW LOCATION
1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17 Completely restored to like new condition with many new updates. 225 HP Lycoming engine with 60 HRS Since Restoration............$295,000 630 SMOH, Electrical system with Garmin Avionics, Must see! ...........................$139,950
1955 Beechcraft T-34B Mentor
This beautiful 44-foot by 30-foot hangar located at Creston, British Columbia, is in view of the Kootenay Rocky Mountains. It has a Schweiss 42-foot-6inch by 12-foot, 6-inch bifold liftstrap door. (Courtesy Schweiss Doors)
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2009 Liberty XL-2 Aerospace 560 hours since brand new. Garmin And Aspen Avionics, S-TEC 30 A/P...........$74,950
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SO The Douglas Fir log posts, beams and window trim match those on his home adjacent to the hangar. (Courtesy Schweiss Doors)
Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He became inspired to be a veterinarian while working on a dairy farm in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 1990. McLeod says he thinks he initially found out about Schweiss Doors from an ad in the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) magazine, but noted that he has seen a Schweiss 70-foot hangar door at the Creston airport. “Schweiss seems to be the door to have,” he says. “I love the automatic latching system the best – you just hit the remote button and open the door. It works beautifully. With help from a couple of friends and a little clarification on a couple things, we installed the hangar door ourselves. We started looking at a couple of other door manufacturers, but the Schweiss bifold door was beautiful because of where it hinges; it tucks in nicely. Some of the other doors don’t do that.” Schweiss Doors is the premier manufacturer of hydraulic and bifold liftstrap doors. Doors are custom made to any size for any type of new or existing building for architects and builders determined to do amazing things with their buildings, including the doors. Schweiss also offers a cable to liftstrap conversion package. For more information, visit www.bifold.com.
North American AT6-G 400 SMOH , 8000 TTSN Garmin 430 GPS full IFR.................................................MAKE OFFER
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1979 Piper Dakota PA-28-236 1979 Piper Warrior II 161 3437 TTSN, 950 SMOH, 10 since new 3 Blade Prop, Show quality new paint, 1278 SMOH, 15,193 TTSN, Garmin hangar kept, NDH........................$119,950 Avionics..........................................$25,000
1982 Cessna 172P 180 HP 1387 SNEW 180 HP Engine, 5200 TTSN, IFR, Hangar Kept, Looks like new, NDH. ..........CALL!
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1978 Cessna 172N Skyhawk 3958 TTSN, 2060 SFRMAN, Digital IFR. Original paint and interior. Annual inspection expired....................................$69,950
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1977 Piper Archer 181
1977 Cessna 177 Skyhawk 180 HP
Only 700 TTSN, one owner based in Livermore CA since
2085 SFRMAN, 3000 TTSN, L/R fuel, GarminGPS, King IFR, new paint/leather interior and new windows, NDH ..........................$86,950
1980 Cessna 182Q Skylane
1940 Phillips Aviation CT-2 Skylark
3359 TTSN, 1275 SFRMAN, Original IFR 70 hours since new; one of only two made panel. Not flown since 2006. Needs Annual by the Phillips Screwdriver manufacturer Inspection....................................................Call ...................................Considering Offers
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT! Robert Coutches Cell - (510) 783-2711 • (925) 449-5151 550 Airway Blvd. • Livermore, CA 94551• Livermore Airport (KLVK)
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
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Sunshine Flyers. Flight & tailwheel instruction, rentals, mountain flying, and aerobatics., Auburn, CA, (530) 820-3442, sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com. 3/20 Fly the Marchetti S-211! FAA-approved program. Victory Flight Training, Denton, TX, S-211training.com, (817) 676-4403. 8/20
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FUEL Fuel Cells. Repair, overhaul or new. New tanks with 10-year warranty. Hartwig Aircraft Fuel Cell Repair, hartwigfuelcell.com. 2/09
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Protective covers for every make, and model, plus insulated engine covers. Bruce's Custom Covers, Morgan Hill, CA, (800) 777-6405, (408) 738-3959, aircraftcovers.com. 10/19 See what you are missing with new models from Rosen Sunvisor Systems. rosenvisor.com, (800) 284-7677. 7/20
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A NEW ERA: AIRVENTURE PLANNING THROUGH UNKNOWNS
March 2021
Coordinating the countless moving parts of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a challenge in the best of times, but coming back from 2020’s COVID-caused cancellation raises expectations regarding health and safety measures in planning this year’s event on July 26-August 1. During the coming months, AirVentures officials will keep their audience informed with the latest information as the situation evolves in a dedicated area of their website with a highly visible logo (www.eaa.org). An important phrase to remember is “At this time… .” As the return to events begins throughout the country, plans will change in conjunction with the current state of the pandemic. “We will be hosting AirVenture 2021, but there will be areas that will look different and areas where we’ll incorporate technology to limit touchpoints as we work with local and state health officials to establish and maintain the best possible standards for public events,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO and Chairman. “Some areas may look
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different at Oshkosh this year, but the feeling will be the same as we gather to celebrate the world of flight.” Some of the initial decisions made for this year’s event, some of which will evolve and change as the event nears, include: • Masks will be strongly recommended if you are unable to social distance (roughly 6 feet or 2 meters). • Proof of COVID vaccine will not be required to attend. • International visitation is dependent on current international travel regulations and mandates in the U.S. and individual countries of residence. • Increased physical distancing will be encouraged in all areas. • EAA is adding significant numbers of sanitizing facilities and working with industry-leading companies for continual disinfection throughout the grounds. • Theater in the Woods, forums pavilions, and other outdoor venues will operate with reduced seating capacity, with social distancing opportunities on the
open grounds at that location. • There will be fewer exhibitors in each indoor exhibit building, creating more walkways and separation between exhibitors. Additional venues on the grounds are being re-purposed to accommodate indoor exhibitors that are moved this year. • Wherever possible, ventilation will be increased in tents and indoor facilities. • Several annual events where physical distancing is not possible will not be held this year, including the Monday night concert; the Young Eagles, EAA Lifetime Member, and International Visitors dinners; the Runway 5K run/walk; and large corporate events and receptions. • High-demand forums and presentations will be scheduled more than once to accommodate demand while allowing for distancing. In addition, look for more details on new programs for low-contact procedures for admissions, camping registration, points of entry, and other high-volume areas. “EAA is incorporating innovative ideas for our presentations and even the
air shows to keep you safe in 2021 while keeping the fun factor high,” Pelton said. “We a p p r e c i a t e During the coming your under- months, AirVentures offistanding that cials will keep their audithese plans ence informed with the will evolve latest information as the in the com- situation evolves in a ing months. dedicated area of their We expect website with this logo. (Courtesy EAA) changes as we gear up for Opening Day, so our goal is to bring you any new information regularly as soon as we confirm it. We also understand that the ultimate decision to join us is always yours, based on your personal situation and comfort level.” EAA invites your ideas and input at feedback@eaa.org. For updates and changes, visit the EAA website often, www.eaa.org.
TWO FOR ONE: DUAL AIRVENTURE AIR SHOW PERFORMANCES PROMOTE SOCIAL DISTANCING
An innovative air show format to promote social distancing will be part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, as the afternoon air show will at times feature a split performance area that accommodates two acts flying at the same time. The split performance areas along Oshkosh’s 11,000-foot flightline will be used for aerobatic displays with aircraft that have a smaller performance footprint. It will allow two acts to safely fly their rehearsed routines at the same time – one at the north end of the aerobatic box while another flies simultaneously at the south end. “This is one way that will allow us to spread the crowd more evenly along the entire flightline instead of having the major density at air show center,” said Dennis Dunbar, EAA’s director of flight operations. “Think of it as splitting a football field. Normally, everybody wants to sit at the 50yard line. With this format, the centerpoint becomes the 25-yard line at each end. You can enjoy a great performance right in front of you, regardless of where you sit.” The AirVenture sound system already has the capability to split narration, so each act will have its own announcer and music. “Imagine, for instance, Vicky Benzing flying her Stearman in the north box with her own announcer while Patty Wagstaff flies her Extra in the south box, also with her own music and announcer,” Dunbar said. “We’ll manage the schedule
AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 will at times feature a split performance area during the afternoon airshows that accommodate two acts flying at the same time and provide for social distancing. (Courtesy EAA AirVenture)
so that later in the week those acts will change locations, so if you’re camping down in the vintage area or volunteering up in warbirds, you’ll still see all the performers throughout the week.” For aircraft that require a larger demonstration area, such as the F-16 Viper Demo Team and the World War II warbirds that fly through the entire air show box, the full flightline will be used for their performances, as in the past. As the daily afternoon air show lineup is
announced each morning during AirVenture, the schedule will include what performers will be flying in the split box format and at which location. In addition to the split-box format, consideration is being given to spread other assets along the crowd line as well. “One example might be instead of having an Air Force Special Operations Command CV-22 Osprey insert special operators at air show center only, we would request more than one Osprey and insert operators at locations along the
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crowd line,” Dunbar said. “These are really common sense measures that do not impact safety while spreading the entertainment value along a much larger area. Some of these innovations could become a permanent part of AirVenture past 2021.” The air show innovations are part of the significant planning for AirVenture 2021 to maintain best practices for possible COVID-related challenges. The initial alterations for the AirVenture grounds were announced last month, with additional information coming as it is confirmed. “We understand that we have to be innovative as we plan for AirVenture 2021,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Social distancing could very well still be a part of our lives by late July, so we wanted to find a way to encourage that on the flightline while also providing the best possible air show experience for everyone at Oshkosh.” AirVenture 2021 features nine air shows over seven days, including night airshows on July 28 and 31. The daily afternoon air shows are presented by Daher and Pratt & Whitney Canada, while the Wednesday, July 28, night air show is presented by Covington Aircraft. For updates, tickets and other information, visit the AirVenture website at eaa.org or www.eaa.org/airventure.
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In Flight USA Celebrating 37 Years
March 2021
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