Calendar of Events
Tolist your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email 3rdavenue@embarqmail.com.
Note: Calendar includes only information available by our press date, Friday, Sept. 30.Confirm the status before attending.
OCTOBER
1 Altus, OK:Open House & Airshow “Red River Thunder,” gates 9 a.m., Altus AFB, (580) 481-7700, altus.af.mil.
Somerville, TN: Thunder over Fayette County Airshow, noon to 5 p.m., Fayette County Airport, eventbrite.com.
Georgetown, DE:Wings & Wheels, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Delaware Coastal Airport, wings-wheels.com.
Sedona, AZ:Family Fun Day (Fly-in/Drive-in), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sedona Airport, (928) 282-4487, sedonaairport.org.
Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
1—2
Minden, NV:Aviation Roundup, gates 9 a.m., Minden-Tahoe Airport, (775)782-9871, aviationroundup.com.
Sacramento, CA:California Capital Airshow, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mather Airport, californiacapitalairshow.com.
Virginia Beach, VA:Warbirds over the Beach. CANCELED
7—8 Gainesville, TX: Texas Antique Airplane Assn.-Fall Festival of Flight, gates Fri. 1 p.m./Sat. 8 a.m., Gainesville Municipal Airport, texasantiqueairplane.com.
7—9 San Francisco, CA: Fleet Week Air Show, Fri. 10 a.m./Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m., Marina Green, fleetweeksf.org.
8 Atlanta, GA:CAF Dixie Wing WWII Heritage Days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falcon Field, Peachtree City, airbasegeorgia.org.
Corsicana, TX:CAF Corsicana Airsho, gates 8:30 a.m., Corsicana Municipal Airport, coyotesquadron.org.
Brandy Station, VA:Culpeper Air Fest, gates 9 a.m., Culpeper Regional Airport, culpeperairfest.com.
Apple Valley, CA:Apple Valley Airshow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Apple Valley Airport, (760) 995-8761, applevalleyairshow.com.
Easton, MD:Easton Airport Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Easton-Newnam Field, eastonairport.com.
Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.
8—9 Wichita Falls, TX:Sheppard AFB Open House. CANCELED Salinas, CA:California Int’l. Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Salinas Municipal Airport, (831) 754-1983, salinasairshow.com.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com.
13—16 Reno, NV:High Sierra Fly-In, 9 a.m. Thurs. to 5 p.m. Sun., Dead Cow Lakebed Airstrip, highsierraflyin.com. STOL competitors must sign up.
14—15 Walnut Ridge, AR:80th Anniversary of a Gathering of Warbirds, Fri. 6p.m./Sat. 7 a.m., WWII Walnut Ridge Army Airfield. Contact Wings of Honor Museum, (800) 584-5575, harold@bscn.com, or wingsofhonor.org.
14—16 Sparta, TN:Upper Cumberland Air Fair, gates Fri. noon/Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m., Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, (931) 739-7000, ucregionalairport.com.
15 Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org. Petaluma, CA:Petaluma Display Days, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petaluma Municipal Airport, (707) 778-4404.
15 — 16 Santa Rosa, CA: Open Cockpit Weekend, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 566-8380. Edwards AFB, CA: Aerospace Valley Air Show, 9 a.m., avairshow.com. Santa Maria, CA:Central Coast AirFest, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Santa Maria Public Airport, centralcoastairfest.com.
Rome, GA: Wings over North Georgia, parking 9 a.m. (advance tickets only), Russell Regional Airport, (706) 291-0030, wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.
16 San Diego, CA:Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.
18—20 Orlando, FL:NBAA/BACE, Orange County Convention Center, nbaa. org. Update: Due to Hurricane Ian, check status.
21—22 North Little Rock, AR:North Little Rock Air Show, gates Fri. 5 p.m./ Sat. 9 a.m., North Little Rock Airport, (501) 835-5654, nlrairshow.com.
22 Fort Worth, TX:AllianceTexas Aviation Expo, open 11 a.m., Alliance Airport, atxaviationexpo.com. Tickets online only
San Martin, CA: Aviation Memorial Swap Meet, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wings of History Air Museum, (408) 683-2290, wingsofhistory.org. Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832.
— 23 Bethel, PA: Golden Age Air Museum Flying Circus Airshow, gates 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Grimes Airfield, (717) 933-9566, goldenageair.org.
MAKING P-51DREAMSA REALITY
ByAnnamarieBuonocore andEdDownsPerhapsoneofthemostlovedplanes inallofhistoryistheP-51 Mustang.Thisaircrafthasahome inmanyaviatorandgeneralaviation enthusiast’sheartsformanyreasons.We oftenhearmemoriesofWorldWarIIdays whenthisfighterplanefirstcameout,givingtheUnitedStatesacompetitiveedge. TheP-51isafastplaneenjoyedinrace settings.Itisthedarlingofthewarbird communitiesnationwideandisjustas belovedastheFordMustangcar.
Whilemanyenthusiastsandaverage pilotsdreamofbeingabletoflyaP-51 Mustangoneday,thatdreamisnotalways viable.TherearenotthatmanyP-51 Mustangs,andevenfewerofthemareairworthy.Sometimestheyarejustamuseum piece.Italsotakesagreatdealofexperienceandskilltoflyalargefighterplane liketheP-51.Pilotswithfewerhourswho havenothadmilitarytrainingnowhavean affordableoptiontotryaversionofthis belovedaircraft.ChristianvonKesseland theteamatScaleWingshavebeenworkingona70-percent-scalereplicaoftheP51Mustangformanyyears.
SensenichWood
Phone:(813)752-3711•Fax:
Email:propsales@sensenich.com
Downs,hadtheopportunitytositdown withChristiantolearnmoreaboutthis aircraftandtheunbelievableopportunity itprovidestotheaviationcommunity. Andthebestpartaboutit…it’sahomebuilt!That’sright.Aviationenthusiasts cannowbuildtheirveryownP-51 Mustang.
InFlightUSA: IhavetosayIam impressedwithyourairplaneandthe timeyouhaveputintothis.Thereisnothingquitelikethisoutthere.Withrespect totheP-51,whateffortshaveyoumade tocomplywiththeFAA51-percentrule? Howmuchdoyoudoandhowmuch doesthebuilderhandle?
ChristianvonKesselandtheteamatScaleWingshavebuilta70-percent-scalereplica oftheP-51Mustang.
Atthe2022RenoAirRaces,they showedthenewplaneinaction.Itlooks justlikeaP-51Mustang,withremarkableattentionpaidtomaintainingthe classicproportionsandprofileofthe originalP-51.Whileonly70percentthe sizeoftheoriginalfighter,withnoother aircraftaroundtodiscloseitsscale,you willbelieveitistherealMustang.Witha MTOWofapproximately1,650pounds andthehightorque141hpTurbocharged
(CourtesyIanGlover)
Rotax915iA,thepowerloadingissimilartoasupercub.Withalargewingarea, thislittleMustangisarealperformer. Mustangloversnolongerhavetodeal withthemegabuckpricesnowbeing askedforthe“realthing,”butcanown andflytheirownmustangfortheprice lessthanmanyusedGAplanespopularat yourlocalairport.Aftertheraces, AssociatePublisher,Annamarie Buonocore,andAdvisoryEditor,Ed
ChristianvonKessel: Yes,Ican sharethatwithyou.Welookedatthe FAAassemblychecklist,andwehave assignedpointsaccordingly.Wehave consultedwithexpertswhohaveexperienceinthe51-percentrule.Thewehave completedrepresentsthemostimportant structuralcomponents,insuringstrength andquality.Thereisstillalottodofor thebuilder,butitisprimarilyassembly work.Allofthecomplianceworkisdone inhouse.Whenitcomestoanythingin aviation,theultimategoalshouldalways
AviationFixed Pitch
Sensenich
Co.,
Email:sales@sensenich.com
BookReview
THE AVIATION PIONEERSOF MCCOOK FIELD
ByEdDownsThiswriter,whoconsidershimself
abitofanaviationhistorygeek, wasexcitedwhengiventhe opportunitytoreadawonderfulbook compiledandwrittenbyAuthorJerry Koszyk.Aquickglanceatthebookjacketsummarybroughtupfamousnames andeventsofearlyaviationthatare familiartomanywhoshareaninterestin thehistoryofaviation.Butthefactthat thesenamesandeventswerealllinked togetherinoneplace,atonetime,isnot wellknown.
Mostpeopleknowofthefamous names,events,andaccomplishmentsof EdwardsAFB,whichcontinuetothis day.EdwardsAFB,operatedbythemilitary,became,andremains,thecornerstoneofaviationtechnologydeveloped followingWWIIasweenteredthe“jet age.”Buthowmanyaviationfansknow thattherewasaprototypeversionof Edwards,establishedasWWIwasending.Americanaviationvisionariesrealizedthatwhiletheincredibledevelopmentsinaviationtechnologyspurredby WWIwereimpressive,theywerelimited toshortrangewartimeusewithoften unstableandstructurallydangerous designsusingunreliableengines. AmericahadbeencaughttotallyunpreparedforaviationcombatinWWI,with nomodernaircraftdesignsorindustryto producepracticalflyingmachines,either formilitaryofcivilianuse.Giventhis reality,theU.S.SignalCorps/ArmyAir Corpsdecidedtoopenamilitarybase dedicatedtothedevelopmentof advancedaircraftandflighttechnology. Thus,wascreatedMcCookField,asmall airbaselocatedbetweentworiversclose toDayton,Ohio.Whileonlyactiveuntil 1927,McCookFieldsetthestandardfor engineering,experimentalexcellenceand pilotingcouragethatwaslatertransferred toWrightField(knowntodayasWrightPatterson,locationofthepremierAir ForceAviationMuseum)andthen EdwardsAFB.
Developmentandexperimentaltest flyingincludedairframedevelopment, engineresearch,toincludereliability issues,superchargingandturbocharging,highaltitudeflight(40,000feet!), pressurizedcockpits,instruments (“blind”flying),parachutes,rotorcraft experiments,“super-large”heavybombers,long-rangeflight,navigationsys-
Bookcoverof TheAviationPioneersof McCookField byJerryKoszyk.
(CourtesyJerryKoszyk)
tems,dramaticallyimprovedspeedcapabilitiesandthestructuresneededto achievethosespeeds.Evenman-powered flightwastried!Thefirstflightaround theworldbytheDouglasWorldCruisers emergedfromMcCook.Butitisnotjust thetechnicaladvancementsthatcameout ofMcCook.Aviationpioneerssuchas JimmyDoolittle,RubinFleet,Alexander deSeversky,BillyBishop,EdwinAldrin (fatherofastronaut“Buzz”Aldrin), AlbertHelgenberger(flightinstruments), GroverLoeningandmanyotherfuture leadersinaviationwerenurturedat McCook.WhileAmericanshaveatraditionofraisingone-timeheroicpersonalitiestothepinnacleoffame(personality worship?),readersmaybesurprisedto notethatnearlyallofthepioneersat McCookbecamemajorcontributorsto aviationintheyearsfollowingMcCook, servingasseniorofficersinWWII(and beyond)andfoundingthemajoraerospacegiantsthatthrivetoday.Mostlived wellintothe1970s(even1990s),experiencingsupersonicflightandtheMoon landings.Thesepioneerswerenot“one trickponies!”Thiswriterisprivilegedto havepersonallymetandknownsomeof thesepioneers.
AuthorKoszykhaspresentedthis incrediblehistoryasitshouldbepresented.Intoday’sworld,historyisoften “altered”tomeetcurrentfadstandardsor agendas.Thehistoryofthe TheAviation
NATAOFFERS UNLEADED AVGAS BEST PRACTICESFOR AVIATION FUEL PROVIDERS
OnSept.12,theNationalAir TransportationAssociation(NATA) released“UnleadedAvgasConversion ConsiderationsforAviationFuel Providers,”awhitepaper(availableat https://www.nata.aero/assets/Site_18/file s/EAGLE/NATAUnleadedAvgasConsid erations.pdf)developedbythe Association’sGAFuelSubcommittee, withindustryinputandsupport,toeducatefuelserviceprovidersonbestpracticesfordeployingunleadedavgas.
“Withthespotlightglowingever brighteronunleadedaviationfuels,industrystakeholdershavebeenproactively seekinginformationonconsiderationsfor offeringmoreenvironmentallyfriendly fueloptions,”statedNATAManaging DirectorofIndustryandRegulatoryAffairs MeganEisenstein.“NATAispleasedto offerguidancetoassistthemintakinga leadershiproleinadvancingthenational efforttoreduceleademissionsfrompistonengineaircraftthroughsafeandeffective unleadedavgasimplementation.”
NATA,alongwithotherindustry andgovernmentstakeholders,supports theEliminateAviationGasolineLead Emissions(EAGLE)Initiative’sgoalofa lead-freefutureforU.S.piston-engine aircraftbytheendof2030.FAA’srecent issuanceofSupplementalType Certificates(STCs)approvingtheuseof GAMI’s100octaneunleadedavgas (G100UL)inallspark-ignitionpistonair-
BookReview
PioneersofMcCookField istoldthrough actualinterviewswiththosewhowere there,intheactualwordsofthosewho experiencedthehistory.Thereaderwill shareinthematter-of-factwayflight-testingwasdone,lifeinruralDaytonandwhat itfeltliketoattendacarefullyplanned officersparty.
Thereaderwillbelisteningtothe voicesofremarkablepeoplewhoarenow gone,saveforthegreatworkdoneby JerryKoszyk.Thiswriterisremindedof acommentheardinaforgottenplaceand time,“InEurope,100milesisalongdistance.InAmerica,100yearsisalong time.”Distancesbetweencountriesand citiesinEuropeareshort;aviation(especiallycommercial)wasslowtodevelop afterWWI.Americansdealtwith(and continuetodealwith)greatdistances; airplaneswereneeded,aswellasasys-
NATAhasreleasedawhitepaperinan efforttoeducatefuelserviceproviderson bestpracticesfordeployingunleaded avgasandmisfuelingprevention.
(CourtesyNATA)
craftandenginesinthegeneralaviation (GA)fleetrepresentsamajorstepforwardforthefutureofunleadedavgas, withotherfuelproducerssuchasSwift Fuels,Phillips66/AftonChemical,and LyondellChemical/VP-Racingalso activelypursuingapprovals.
AmongEAGLE’saimsiseliminatingtheuseofleadedfuelswithout adverselyimpactingthesafeandefficient operationoftheexistingGAfleet–whichincludesmaintaining100Low Lead(100LL)availabilityacrossthe countryduringthetransition.
NATA’swhitepaperassistsinthe effortbysuggestingfourkeyphasesfor fuelprovidersofferingULAvgasinadditionto100LL:Discovery,Preliminary Communications,InfrastructureConsiderations,andFinalCommunications.
Oncemultiplegradesofavgasare deployedatairports,thekeyconcern becomestheincreasedriskformisfueling.
ContinuedonPage10
temtosupportthem.InEurope,events thathappenedmorethan1,000yearsago arediscussed(andargued)asifthey occurredyesterday,withlittleembellishment.InAmerica,anythingthathappenedmorethan100yearsago(withthe modernmedia,thepassageofafewof daysisenough!)isfairgameforrewrite oralteringtosupportanagenda.Thanks, Jerry,forbreakingthatAmericantrend. Theholidaysareapproachingand The AviationPioneersofMcCookField will makeafinegift!
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TheAviationPioneersof McCookField byJerryKoszykispublishedbySchifferMilitaryHistory, releasedonJune28,2022.Itcomesin hardcoverandconsistsof192pages (ISBN-10#0764363522).Itisavailable onAmazonandatBarnesandNoble,as wellasotherbookstores,for$24.99.
Editor’sNote:
Join Now aopa.org/mybenefits
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*Only available to AOPA members with PPS Basic or PPS Plus membership levels
We’re here for you every step of the way.
IT’S THE PEOPLE ThankYoutoEveryoneWhoMakesOurCommunitySoSpecial
ByMarkBaker AOPAPresidentandCEOWhatafantasticyearithasbeen forourcommunity.We’re enjoyingthispassionforflyinginnumberswehaven’tseenforsome time.We’restayingsaferthanever, we’vebeenseeingthousandsofour membersatfantasticeventsacrossthe country,andwearemakingrealprogress onourpledgetomakegeneralaviation totallylead-free.
I’llsaythishasbeenabanneryear forourcommunity,andonethatcontinuallyremindsmetobethankfulforthis wonderfulpursuitofours.I’mtruly thankful,notonlyforthefreedomtofly andalltheamazingplaceswegettosee, butespeciallytothemenandwomen whoallowustotakeflightlikenowhere elseintheworld.
Whilethesepagesarefilledevery monthwithtalesofpilotsdoingamazing things,newairplanesandinnovations comingtomarketeveryday,anddestinationsthatlureustoplacesnearandfar, weknowthatit’sthepeoplewhomake generalaviationgreat.Thesearethepeoplewhokeepusmoving.Youmaynot seethemeveryday,buttheyplaysuchan
importantroleinkeepingGAvibrantand healthy.
Whetherit’sthelinepersonnelat yourlocalFBOfillingyourtanks,orthe mechanicwho’srepairingapartand makingsureyou’regoodtogoforyour nextdestination;themenandwomen buildingthenextgreatairframes, engines,andavionics;thestaffatthe FAA,NationalWeatherService,flight service,andotherimportantentitiesmakingsureyourairspaceandawarenessare asprotectedascanbe;ortheU.S.military,whichwhetherthroughtheair,on theground,oronthesea,protectsallof ourfreedomseveryday.
IfIwantedtothankeveryonewho enablesmetoflytoallcornersofthis country,itwouldfillthesepages,and probablyacoupleofissues.Ihopeyou knowwhoyouare.
Withthatsaid,andinthisseasonof givingthanks,letmecalloutafewfolks andbusinessesthatcontinuetohelpme pursuethispassion–peoplewhoare trulyemblematicoftheentireGAcommunity.
ThemanagerofNewRichmond RegionalAirportinNewRichmond, Wisconsin(RNH),MikeDemullingis alsothechiefpilotoftheEastMetroJet
Center.NotonlyisMikeafantasticpilot, youcanalsoseehimpumpinggas,teachingpeoplehowtofly,andservingasa volunteerpilotfortheSaintCroixCounty Sheriff’sDepartment.Mikesetsagreat exampleforallofus.
WhenIthinkaboutwonderful placestofly,Montanaisuptherewiththe bestofthem.WheninBillings,Ican alwayscountonAerotronicsInc.at BillingsLoganInternational(BIL)to keepmyaircraftintop-notchshape. Aerotronicsisafull-serviceavionics company,andyoumayrememberthe folkstherefromoutfittingourrecent AOPASweepstakesSuperCubwitha cabinfullofthelatesttechnology.Westill talkaboutthat.
SpeakingofMontana,Icanalways countonmyfriendsRogerandDarin MeggersatBakerAirService(norelation!) inBaker,Montana.YouknowIlovemy PiperSuperCub,andIrelyonRogerand Darintokeepitinthebestshapepossible.I detailedinthesepageslastyearhowRoger andDarintookapartmyreacquired185and sawsomethingsthatneededimmediate attentionandsavedmefromsomereal potentialheadaches.That’swhatBakeris allabout.
InmyadoptedhomeofDriggs,
Idaho,managerPeterKlineandhisteam atTetonAviationCenterareawelcome sightwhenIlandandpullintoDriggsReidAirport(DIJ).Peter’steamprovides amazingservice,andisavaluableasset totheregion.
And,inmyhomestateofMinnesota,BruceHansonandhisteamat SurfsideSeaplaneBase(MN24)inLino LakesensurethatIamreadytopursue mypassionforflyingonfloats.Thesecond-largestseaplanebaseintheUnited States,Surfsiderecentlycelebratedits 50thbirthdayandIwishthemanother fantastichalf-centuryahead.
Ofcourse,thislistofthankswould notbecompletewithoutasalutetomy amazingteamatAOPA.Throughtireless devotionandcommitmenttomembers andgeneralaviation,theteammakesmy jobprotectingyourfreedomtoflymuch easier.Icouldn’tdoanyofthiswithout everysingleoneofthem.
Inthisspiritofgivingthanks,make suretothinkaboutthemenandwomen behindthescenesworkinghardsothat wecancontinuallyenjoythefreedomto fly.Mayyourholidayseasonbebright, cheerful,andfullofblueskies!
MesaAirlinesannouncedonSept. 22thatithaspurchased29state-of-theartPipistrelAlphaTrainer2aircraft,with theoptiontobuyanadditional75over thenextyear.Thenewfleetwillbethe backboneoftheMesaPilotDevelopment Program(MPD),amajorinitiativeto closethepilotshortagegapthathasbeen affectingtheindustryoverthelastseveralyears.Aspartoftheprogram,pilots willbeprovidedwiththeopportunityto accumulateupto1,500flighthours requiredtoflyacommercialaircraftat MesaAirlines.
Thecompanyisinvestinginthenew programtoalleviatethepilotshortage whilegivingnewpilotsadirectroutetoa long-termcareer.JonathanOrnstein, ChairmanandCEOofMesasaid,“The pilotshortagecouldbecomeapermanent featureoftheairlineindustryifwedon’t getmoreaviatorsintothesystem,said Ornstein.Itisbasicmath.Iftherearen’t enoughtrainedpilots,customerssuffer fromlossofserviceandhigh-ticket prices.”
Theaircraftwillgointooperationin Inverness,Floridastartingthismonth (October2022),withexpansionto Arizonaoverthenextyear.Atfull strength,thefleetwillhavecapacityfor upto2,000dailyhoursofflyingtimeand isexpectedtoaccommodatemorethan 1,000pilotsperyear.
Ornsteincontinued,“Webelieve thereisnofasterwayforanewaviatorto entercommercialaviationandultimately beemployedatamajorairline.”
InAprilof2022,TextroneAviation acquiredPipistrelAircraft,anaward-winningpioneerandgloballeaderintraining, utility,andrecreationalaircraft.Pipistrel wasalsothefirstmanufacturertocertify afullyelectricaircraft.Therearemore than2,700Pipistrelaircraftoperatingin theU.S.andothercountriesthroughout theworld.
Qualifiedpilotswhojointheprogramwillbeofferedupto40hoursof flighttimeeachweek.InadditionMPD pilotswillbeginbuildingcompany longevity,receiveflightbenefits,andpri-
oritystatusforemploymentasaFirst OfficeratMesaAirlines.Flightcostsof $25perhour,perpilot,willbefully financedbyMesawithzerointerest,providingnoupfrontout-of-pocketexpense forflighttimewhilethecandidateis accruingtherequiredhourstoearntheir AirlineTransportPilot(ATP)certificate. Aspartoftheircommitment,flightcosts willberepaidoverthreeyearsduringthe termofemploymentatMesaAirlines. Mesafirst-yearpayrateof$100/houris currentlythehighestintheregional industry.Inaddition,allMesapilotscan joinUnited’sAviateprogram,which offersadirectflowtoUnitedAirlines.
“Ourprogramwillbethemostcost effectiveandoneofthefastestroutestoa long-termcareerasaprofessionalpilot,” saidJohnHornibrook,SVPFlight“We wanttomakeitaseasyaspossiblefora wholenewfieldofcandidatestojoin Mesa,includingandespeciallypeople whomightnothavetraditionallyconsideredaviation.”
The1,500-hourfederalmandatehas
MesaAirlinesannouncedonSept.22that ithaspurchased29state-of-the-art PipistrelAlphaTrainer2aircraft,with theoptiontobuyanadditional75over thenextyearfromtheonlyU.S.distributerofPipistrelAircraft,RightRudder Aviation.
madeitparticularlydifficultforminority andotherdisadvantagedcommunitiesto becomecommercialpilotsduetothe highcostsandtrainingtimeneeded.This programhelpsmitigatethissignificant barriertoentry.
Accordingtofederalstatistics,the airlineandcommercialindustryneeds
KEEPING YOUR AIRCRAFT SECURE DURING HURRICANES (AND OTHER BAD WEATHER DAYS)
ByAOPAStaff
Eachhurricaneseason,AOPAmemberscalloremailAOPAforadviceon howbesttopreparetheiraircraftforthe comingstorm.Thissubjectreportprovidestipsforanchoringyouraircraftto rideoutthestormassafelyaspossible.
HangaringYourAircraft
Forstartersoneshouldconsider buyingaspotinthelocalhangar(ifthere isone).Findingaspottheremaybecostly,orimpossibleifastormisapproaching.However,ifyou’reconsidering securingaspotinahangar,youshould payverycloseattentiontothebuilding’s construction.Apoorlybuilthangarmay causemoredamagetoyouraircraftifit collapsesthanyouraircraftwouldhave sustainedifitwasproperlytieddown.
TyingDownYourAircraft
Iftyingyouraircraftdownprovesto bethebestmethodofprotection,you maywanttofollowthischecklisttohelp reduce(andperhapseliminate)damage toyouraircraft.
•Clearthearea: Whenpickingatie downspot,lookforanareawiththe fewestnumberofobjectsthatcouldblow intoyouraircraft.Ifyourspothasastorageboxmakesureitissecure.
• ParkUpwind: Trytoparkupwind fromotheraircraftsothewindwillblow themawayfromyou,andtrytoparknose intothewind–althoughiftheeyeofthehurricanepassesoveryou,thewindwillblow fromonedirection,thenreversecourse.
• Cover: Makesureyourwindowsand doorsarelatched.Coverengineinlets,the pitottube,andthestaticports,butdon't leaveanythingdanglingthatcouldbeaton yourairplaneinahowlingwind.
•Chock: Chockthewheelsandset theparkingbrake,butcheckyourPOHto makesureyoucanleavethebrakeset. Somesystemscan'tcompensateforheat expansion,andthatcanblowoutseals ando-ringsinthehydraulicbrakelines. YourFBOmayalsowantyoutoleave thebrakesoffsoitcanmovetheairplane.
•DigorDeflate: Alsoconsiderdeflatingthetiresordiggingholesforthe wheelstokeeptheairplaneinplace.
•ControlLock: Youwanttomake surethecontrolsurfacesdon'tflapinthe breeze.Installaninternalgustlock.A
Whenstorms,andespeciallyhurricanes, areintheweatherpattern,AOPAoffers tipstokeepyouraircraftsecureaspossible. (CourtesyAOPA)
Tiedownropesorchainsshouldform roughlya45-degreeangletotheground. Abowlineknotisprobablythebestfor securingaropetothetiedownring.
(CourtesyAOPA)
lockthatholdsthecontrolsinaneutral positionismuchbetterthanloopinga seatbeltaroundthecontrols.Thatusuallysetsthecontrolsforaclimbingturn, whichisexactlywhattheaircraftwilldo ifthetiedownsletloose.Evenbetter,use externalgustlocks.Mostaircraftdon't havearudderlock.Anexternalrudder lockwillcostmuchlessthanreplacinga rudder.Externalgustlocksontheelevatorandaileronscanhelppreventdamage tocontrollinkagesandcables.
•Tiedowns: Replaceyouroldrotted manilaropewithnylonorDacronropeor chains.Alwaysusethetiedownrings; don'ttiearopetothewingstrut.Therope couldslipandbendthestrut.Tiedown ropesorchainsshouldformroughlya 45-degreeangletotheground.Abowline knotisprobablythebestforsecuringa
22— 23
Jacksonville, FL: NAS JAX Air Show, gates 9 a.m., NAS Jacksonville, nasjaxairshow.com. Update: Due to Hurricane Ian, check status.
Bethel, PA: Great Pumpkin Fly-In & Cruise-In, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Golden Age Air Museum, Grimes Airfield, (717) 933-9566, goldenageair.org.
Chino, CA: Planes of Fame Air Show. CANCELED
22—31 San Carlos, CA:Halloween Haunted Hangar, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200.
29 West Chester, PA:Haunted Helicoptors, 6 to 8 p.m., American Helicopter Museum, (610) 436-9600, americanhelicopter.museum.
Palm Springs, CA: Halloween Chili Cook-off & Car Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.
29—30 Houston, TX:Wings over Houston Air Show, gates 8 a.m., Ellington Field, (713) 266-4492, wingsoverhouston.com.
Sanford, FL:Central Florida Air & Space Show, gates 9 a.m., Orlando Sanford Int’l. Airport, (321) 395-3110, airandspaceshow.com. Update: Due toHurricane Ian, check status.
San Carlos, CA:Helicopter Pumpkin Drop, 10 a.m. to noon, Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200.
NOVEMBER
4—5
Tampa, FL:AOPA “Hangout” Event, Tampa Executive Airport, (301) 695-2214, aopa.org. Update: Due to Hurricane Ian, check status.
5 Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
Palm Springs, CA: Commemorative Series - Return to Normandy, 1 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.
5—6 Atlanta, GA:Atlanta Airshow, opening ceremonies 11:30 a.m., Falcon Field, airshowatlanta.com.
Las Vegas, NV:Aviation Nation, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nellis AFB, nellis.af.mil.
11—12 Pensacola, FL:Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, gates 8 a.m., Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, naspensacolaairshow.com. Update: Due to Hurricane Ian, check status.
11—13 Stuart, FL:Stuart Air Show, Witham Field, stuartairshow.com. Tickets (772) 837-9954. Update: Due to Hurricane Ian, check status.
12—13
Dallas, TX:CAF Wings over Dallas WWII Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Dallas Executive Airport, (888) 945-3008, wingsoverdallas.org.
Monroe, NC:Warbirds over Monroe Air Show, gates 9 a.m., Charlotte Monroe Airport, (704) 282-4542, monroenc.org.
Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, markstar@garlic.com.
19 Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org.
Palm Springs, CA:Props & Hops Craft Beer Fest, 1 to 6 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.
19 — 20 Santa Rosa, CA: Open Cockpit Weekend, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Airport, (707) 566-8380.
20
23
26
San Diego, CA:Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., MontgomeryGibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.
San Carlos, CA:Helicopter Turkey Drop, 11 a.m. to noon, Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos Airport, (650) 654-0200.
New Bern, NC:Aeroshell Team Night Show, @4:30 p.m., Union Point Park, (252) 639-2901, newbernnc.gov.
Riverside, CA:Aircraft Display Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, Riverside Municipal Airport, (951) 312-4832.
Palm Springs, CA:Commemorative Series - U.S. Attack Aviation 1916 to Present, 1 p.m., Palm Springs Air Museum, (760) 778-6262.
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The2023AOPAFoundationscholarshipprogramopenedSept.5,with scholarshipsavailableforflighttraining, aircraftmaintenance,andotheraviationrelatedpursuits.
Thefinancialconstraintsofanavia-
tioneducationshouldn’tpreventprospectivestudentpilotsoraviationenthusiasts frompursuingtheirdreams.Throughthe generosityofmemberdonations,the foundationaimstorelievethefinancial burdenofeducationandtraining–offeringdozensofscholarshippackagesannuallyrangingfrom$2,500to$14,000.
Onenotableexampleisthehighvolumeofscholarshipsofferedforflight trainingcourtesyoftheRayFoundation, foundedbyandnamedforaviator,philanthropist,andentrepreneurJamesC.Ray. Thesescholarshipseachincludea$10,000 awardforthepurposeofobtainingaprivatepilotcertificate.Eightyscholarships areallocatedforhighschoolstudentsand upto20forhighschooleducatorswhouse theAOPAFoundationYouCanFlyHigh SchoolAviationSTEMCurriculum (https://youcanfly.aopa.org)
Otherfantasticscholarshipstokeep onyourradarincludetheLandsberg EndowmentScholarship–Aviation
MaintenanceandAvionicsforthoseinter-
sionalpilot,aircraftmaintenance,airport
Mesa Airlines
approximately 14,500 new pilots annually; however, average annual production of new pilots only meets approximately 44 percent of the need. The U.S. produces an average of 6,335 newly certified pilots each year that are eligible for hire by the airlines. This leaves a gap of 8,165 jobs unfilled across the aviation industry. This is despite many airlines dramatically raising pilot pay. The shortage has forced airlines to reduce routes to many destinations and increase ticket prices, adding to overall inflation.
“In some cases, routes that get cut as a result of the pilot shortage are the only commercial air services to those communities,” said Ornstein. “Without action now, the U.S. air travel system may be snarled for the next decade. The stakes are high for both passengers and the U.S. economy.”
The Alpha Trainer is a two-seat, highwing, modern carbon-fiber aircraft designed to be the ultimate training and time building aircraft.
(Courtesy Pipistrel RRA)R & M Steel Co.
& M Steel Co.
Fewer pilots coming out of the training pipeline is largely influenced by the 2013 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation that increased the number of flight hours prospective pilots need for an ATP certificate from 250 to 1,500. After graduating from flight school, newly licensed pilots may have to pay up to $250,000 to accumulate enough flight hours to qualify to fly for a commercial carrier –and the process often takes two to three years.
“Mesa’s Pilot Development program is an example of the private sector working to solve the challenges created by new regulations. No other country in the world has adopted the 1,500-hour rule. This creates a situation where many foreign licensed pilots can fly over this country and into some of the world’s busiest airports even though they would not be considered experienced enough to fly a commercial aircraft by the FAA," said Ornstein.
The Alpha Trainer 2 is a two-seat, high-wing, modern carbon-fiber aircraft designed to be the ultimate training and time-building aircraft. The design is configured by Right Rudder Aviation and built by Pipistrel Aircraft, a new addition to the Textron eAviation portfolio. Since 1989, Pipistrel has produced innovative aircraft that are in use by the U.S. and foreign militaries, and leading flight training providers worldwide, with more than 2,700 in operation. The FAA approved aircraft provide a modern, comfortable cockpit with computerized touch screen instrumentation, and digital autopilot – improving safety through technology. The Kevlar reinforced cabin
The Alpha Trainer features a modern, comfortable cockpit with computerized touch screen instrumentation, and digital autopilot.
(Courtesy Pipistrel RRA)and full airframe ballistic parachute contribute to the focus on safety. The purchase of the aircraft is from the exclusive U.S. distributer of Pipistrel Aircraft, Right Rudder Aviation based in Inverness, FL.
Pilots interested in the program can learn more online at https://www.mesaair.com/mesa-pilot-development.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Mesa Air Group, Inc. is the holding company of Mesa Airlines, a regional air carrier providing scheduled passenger service to 121 cities in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and Mexico as well as cargo services out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. As of June 30, 2022, Mesa operated a fleet of 168 aircraft with approximately 360 daily departures and 2,600 employees. Mesa operates all its flights as either American Eagle, United Express, or DHL Express flights pursuant to the terms of capacity purchase agreements entered into with American Airlines, Inc., United Airlines, Inc., and flight service agreement with DHL. For more information, visit Mesa Airlines at www.mesa-air.com. To learn more about Right Rudder Aviation, visit https://rightrudderaviation.com/ and to learn more about Pipistrel Aviation, go to
For the latest aviation news and stories, visit www.infli ghtusa.com
FAA AWARDS $231,000 IN GRANTSTO EXPAND OUTREACH TO UNDER -REPRESENTED S TUDENTS
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Aug. 29 awarded $231,000 in grants to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) outreach.
“If kids can dream it, they can do it. It’s up to us to light the path for them,” said FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims.
Three grants are for universities to facilitate STEM outreach to students, especially those who are under-represented in STEM and aviation fields. The schools will design and conduct drone-centered immersion programs, summer camps, after-school programs and community outreach efforts that will educate and inspire youth from elementary, middle, and high schools.
The STEM outreach grants are awarded to the following universities:
• North Carolina State University $125,000
•Kansas State University $100,000
• Sinclair Community College in Ohio $6,000
These grants build on the FAA’s efforts to inspire the next generation of aviators. Specific initiatives include the FAA Adopt-A-School Program, Airport Design Challenge where students in K-12 design airports using the video game Minecraft, the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academies and the Youth in Aviation Task Force. Earlier this year, the FAA awarded $5 million in grants to fund aviation classes at higher-education institutions, high schools, state and local governments and flight schools to develop the next generation of pilots. Learn more on the FAA website, faa.gov.
Apply for AOPA Scholarships
Continued from Page 11
were announced in June, and they could not have been more thankful. “The scholarship has allowed me to accelerate my studies and training,” said Logan Harden, a 17-year-old aspiring private pilot. “I have been able to purchase tools, software, and educational materials to help me understand all of the rules and regulations. I have also been able to fly every day, sometimes twice a day.”
The 2023 scholarship window opened Sept. 5, and applications will be accepted through Feb. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
This year, AOPA has made it easier than ever to apply, moving to one streamlined application. All applicants must be a member of AOPA, and student pilots, youth, and military personnel are eligible for a free AOPA membership. Check out AOPA’s website (www.aopa.org) for more details and to see which membership package is the best fit.
And visit the 2023 AOPA Foundation scholarship page at https://aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/aopa-flight-training-scholarships for the full scholarship list, FAQs, and the application.
Keeping Your Aircraft Secure
Continued from Page 9
rope to the tiedown ring. Secure the loose ends of the tiedown rope or chain. If you're using a chain, pass a link on the free end through the tension side and use a clip to hold it in place. Check the security of the anchor points. A tie-down anchor set in a tub of cement is fine in a zephyr; in a hurricane, it will become another heavy object beating your airplane to death. Some airports have heavy wire cables stretched across the ramp to tie to. If this is the case at your airport, tie down perpendicular to the cable rather than at 45 degrees to it. That will help minimize any slack from the tie-down rope sliding along the cable. For more information see the FAA’s advisory circular on how to tie down an airplane (https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/
advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/documen t.information/documentID/22573).
• Lift Fence: Remember that hurricane wind speeds are likely to be higher than the stall speed of your aircraft. That means when the storm comes, your airplane is going to try to fly. A lift fence, attached to the top of the wing about a quarter of the way back, acts as a spoiler, making it harder for the wing to generate lift. There are commercially-made lift fences, but you could make your own with some two-inch square lengths of wood, padding, and attachment cords. Just make sure the lift fence can't break loose.
Both AOPA and the FAA have additional resources regarding keeping an aircraft safe during a strom. Visit AOPA’s website at www.aopa.org or the FAA website at FAA.gov.
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Cover Story: P-51
be safety. For that reason, we did the most critical work in our factory while still allowing the builder to do 51 percent by assembling pre-fit and drilled components. We do the more critical parts like the wings in our factory.
IFUSA: Do you have any aircraft in the U.S. right now that have an FAA experimental certificate?
CVK: Not yet. We only have one aircraft flying in the U.S. right now, and it is under a Lithuanian experimental certificate. We were thinking about re-registering it as an experimental exhibition. We had a DAR (designated airworthiness representative) examine it, and he was very impressed with the aircraft. Getting the first airplane out to the public in the Experimental/Exhibition Category was the most convenient method, but delivered kits will be set up for certification under the Amateur Build Category. This allows builders for more freedom of use after the initial fly-off period and dual instruction can be obtained from flight instructors who hold the necessary Letter of Deviation Authorization (LODA, a new requirement). We are being very careful to follow all FAA regulations and mandates. We have two kits in the United States available through Titan Aircraft. Owner, John Williams, is a dear friend and a big supporter of the project. They are in his Austinburg, Ohio facility. He has been a big help to us.
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Castle Air Museum, adjacent to Castle Airport (MER) is in its 41st year of operation, and has become the West Coast’s largest static display of vintage military aircraft dating back from the late 1930’s. With over 80 aircraft in the collection and more due soon, such as the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk and FA-18 Blue Angel Aircraft, the Museum is situated on 31 acres, 25 of which are currently occupied by aircraft. The most comprehensive collection of WWII Bombers, from the Douglas B-18 Bolo to the mammoth Convair RB-36 Peacemaker, B-52D Stratofortress
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IFUSA: That’s great. He is a very respected individual here in the U.S. I think of tailwheel airplanes as real airplanes. What kind of training to you recommend for this airplane and can this version be used as a trainer for the P-51?
CVK: The aircraft is a two seater, and I’ve flown it from the rear seat already. It can easily be used as a trainer. All of our aircraft are two seaters, unless the customer just wants one seat. This gives the option for training because they have dual controls.
view aircraft from the Lockheed F-80 to the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon.
om Lt frcrafview air -16Aal FGener
The Museum is located at 5050 Santa Fe Dr., Atwater, CA 95301, and open daily 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission to the Aircraft Exhibit Grounds at 3:15 daily.
For more information, please call 209-723-2178 or visit www.castleairmuseum.org.
IFUSA: There have been some issues in the U.S. with training in experimental aircraft. One can only train in an experimental aircraft if their instructor obtains a LODA (Letter of Deviation Authorization). If you are in a limited or restricted category, you cannot offer training in it. Have you covered your bases on training?
CVK: Yes, training will very much be an option. Safety during training is really high on our list. We want to make sure people are safe during the training. We are going to create a training course with authorized instructors, earning the new builder/owner a certificate of achievement, much like currently being
done by Cirrus. We realize that many of today’s pilots have no tailwheel experience, but the ScaleWings P-51 retains the same exceptionally wide landing gear of the original P-51, making it comparably easy to both take off and land. The gear spread is wider than almost all commercially produced “taildraggers.” One reason the original P-51 was so successful and cherished by those who flew it was that your (maybe 20/21 year old) lowtime (perhaps 300 hours) fighter pilot could manage the airplane without the take off and landing accidents piled up by other fighters. Our P-51 retains this tradition. All those who fly it favorably comment on the ease of ground handling. Take off and landing speeds are under 50 knots, less than many popular GA airplanes. With take-off ground roll as little as 400 feet and landing rolls of under 700 feet, one is almost at the point of having a “STOL fighter!” “Wheel” landings give great over-the-nose visibility and are easy to accomplish. The low stalling speed
TREASURE VALLEY’S GROWING TREASURE: QMULUS AVIATION SETFOR GROWTH
By Annamarie BuonocorePacific Northwest is a growing region that many new individuals, families, and businesses are calling home. Many in the aviation community are familiar with Idaho, as it is home to manufacturers, Kitfox and Kodiak. This aviation writer recently had the opportunity to visit Boise for several days and explore the aviation landscape in this community. I explored general aviation at Boise International, Nampa Municipal Airport, and Treasure Valley Executive Airport (KEUL). KEUL is home to several flight schools, FBOs, and aviation maintenance facilities. One of the new businesses at this airport is Qmulus Aviation, a maintenance facility that is developing into a unique aviation educational center. During my trip, I had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with the Director of Maintenance, Cornelius “Cris” Owens, and Owner/ CEO Renee Wilke to learn how they are taking aviation maintenance to the next level of opportunity.
In Flight USA: Tell me a little bit
Qmulus Academy is preparing to launch a unique academy that prepares maintenance mechanics to take their written, oral, and practical test to gain their airframe and powerplant certifications. (Courtesy Qmulus Aviation)
about what you do here and how long you have been in business.
Qmulus Aviation (Renee Wilke): Great! Yes, we have been in business since 2019. We are a Part 145 aviation maintenance repair station. We specialize in avionics installations, and King Air maintenance. We also transition into pro-
A Pilot’s Paradise in The Valley
viding training for aspiring aircraft mechanics, and we do workforce development training for various positions within the aviation industry. We provide them with a platform for knowledge exchange so that they can do better in their field.
IFUSA: We don’t see many young
people starting aviation businesses these days. What made you want to go in that direction?
QA (RW): My husband (Sean Wilke) started the business in 2019. Then I came in a little bit later. We find it so interesting and love learning new things. We really want to make a difference in the aviation industry as a whole. We are going in many directions in which the industry can benefit. One of the great things about us is that we are a grassroots operation. We did everything ourselves. We wrote our manuals and did the legwork to get the vendors who supply the avionics. We have all the major vendors like Garmin that support the installation of avionics and maintenance products. We have a solid foundation to scale. We know that there is so much to learn. My husband who started it is a pilot. From there, we knew this was a business we could grow in.
IFUSA: Are you from Idaho originally?
QA (RW): I would say yes. I have been here since I was very little. I have
Qmulus Aviation Set for Growth
seen it changed a lot.
IFUSA: What kind of aircraft do you enjoy working on the most?
QA (Cris Owens): That’s a tough question. We always want to go bigger. I enjoy the King Air series and Cessna Citation. I love Cirrus aircraft and Piper’s M600 and M500 series aircraft.. We also like to work on Pilatus Aircraft or anything with a PT6 on it. I am very interested in the Cessna Sky Courier and the Beechcraft Denali and the impact it will
have on the market.
IFUSA: Are you also a pilot? How did you get your start in mechanics?
QA (CO): I’m not a pilot. I’m a maintenance guy who has been around a lot of planes. I joined the Marine Corps after high school and then went to Spartan School of Aeronautics. From there, I had a plethora of aviation experience. I started working as a government contractor and did that for years. After that, I started helping different aviation businesses and startups. I helped a couple
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out in California and am now up here in Idaho.
IFUSA: How many do you have on staff here?
QA (RW): We have about 10 at the moment, and we’re growing. You’re always hiring in this industry. There is such a big need for maintenance.
IFUSA: What kinds of aircraft are you currently working on?
QA (CO): We are mostly piston aircraft for avionics, turboprop aircraft, and light jets for avionics and maintenance. I
Piper Arrow IV PA-28RT-201 1979-1982
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Qmulus Aviation is very interested in working closely with local high schools, colleges, and universities to bring more students into the field of aviation.
(Courtesy Qmulus Aviation)
like to say we will take any aircraft that can fit in our hangar.
IFUSA: What are your plans for the future?
QA (RW): We have lots of plans for the future. In the immediate future, we are looking to launch our academy, and this is a unique academy that prepares maintenance mechanics to take their written, oral, and practical test to gain their airframe and powerplant certifications. In addition to the prep course, we will be providing training for aviation maintenance support. The course will provide training for Director of Maintenance, Chief Inspectors, Aviation Logistics personal and Record Clerks.
QA (CO): For the long-term future, we want to do more consulting. We want to help startup companies with manuals and business practices. We want to capitalize on that expertise and those capabilities. Everything we have been writing so far has had no trouble getting approved. We can train people on anything we have written about, so we really want to grow our academy and consulting side. There are flight schools and maintenance schools, but there is not a school out there for maintenance support. People have to learn that on the job, and companies have to front that cost. This unique school will make it much easier. Once education is written in curriculum and put in place, there has to be a rollout plan so that companies can transition as smoothly as possible.
IFUSA: What are some of your ideas for improving training?
QA (RW): Most of our students here
SAFARI S TORIESFROMA ZIMBABWEAN TRIP PLANNER’S C HILD
By Alexandra TettI’m
more than certain that getting two young children through a 15-and-ahalf-hour flight to Africa is nothing short of a hellacious experience. Even as a six-year-old child, with no patience or bladder stamina, the tedious flight was made more than worth it when I saw an elephant in the wild for the first time.
I felt pure bliss during the entirety of my first safari experience. I would get up at 6 o’clock in the morning, despite the jet lag exhaustion, and scurry to the safari campfire for a cup of tea and some biscuits with my little brother before our morning game drive. Why would a six-year-old drink tea? When your Zimbabwean father sets the example of daily early morning and afternoon tea, you tend to want to be like your dad.
One incredible wildlife experience after the other, I was hooked. Lions, leopards, and giraffes were even more magnificent than in the children’s books we were read every night before bed. Africa was a place I never wanted to leave for the animals, the incredibly warm and welcoming people, and breath-taking landscapes. The cheeky baboons danced in my head for the long flight home. I remember sleeping almost the entire flight, content and warm with all my epic memories I would dream about for months.
Fast forward ten years later and I am on a horseback safari in Botswana. All the magical feelings come swirling back just as they did the first time. We come cantering up on a large herd of wildebeests. There is one that seems to be falling behind as the herd takes off in response to the group of horses coming out of the bush. After one second, a baby hits the ground. After two seconds, the baby is up. After three seconds the mother and newborn are catching up to the herd. I was stunned to say the least. If the saying “hit the ground running” was a moment, that would be it.
A few days after our return stateside, I walk into the Bushtracks Expeditions office, which at the time was
a garage building just 30 feet from our house. My father was on the phone with a client telling him about their recent trip, both giggling every few seconds. As a 16-year-old without a single clue of what to do with my life, I felt clarity in that moment. I wanted to help people feel the joy that I did when experiencing Africa. I wanted to help parents give that experience to their children and to themselves.
Fast forward again to my early 20s, I am working for my father’s company, Bushtracks Expeditions. I get to help others experience the joy that Africa brings. I am living the dream. What is so special
Qmulus Aviation Set for Growth
19
started from scratch without any training at all. We have an apprenticeship program here to help them learn from experience. Growing up here, I didn’t hear much about aviation, but there is so much here, and we want to bring students into the field.
QA (CO): We plan to acquire a new training facility to teach our students. Qmulus Aviation is very interested in working closely with local high schools,
colleges, and universities to bring more students into the field of aviation. We also work with organization who have seen what we’re doing and who can bring youth into aviation. It’s good to get them when they’re 16-and-a-half because by the time they graduate high school, they can be eligible to get a maintenance certificate. They can be making really good money right out of high school. They can go to college at their pace and be able to
about Bushtracks is that the staff is extraordinarily family-like. Granted, some members have known me since I was in diapers. But I think that it says something that some staff members have even been around that long.
If you’re wanting to explore Africa, but have no idea how to get started, Bushtracks has a wonderful, caring staff that will iron out every single detail. Know that our team is comprised of people like me who only want to share the joy we have experienced for ourselves. I hope to help you and your family share in the joy that is Africa.
afford it. We also teach the business element of aviation, which is tangible and hands-on in life. This equips them to go on to become entrepreneurs if they want to. We give them a platform to invest in their future and see the different options.
IFUSA: Do you have anything else you would like to add?
QA (CO): We just want to emphasize how important maintenance support is. You have pilots who fly airworthy
Learn more about Bushtracks Expeditions at www.bushtracks.com or telephone their Northern California office at 1/800-995-8689.
planes and bring them in when they need maintenance. Then you have mechanics that return the planes to airworthy condition, but the support staff in between those two jobs is really where the rubber meets the road. They are essential communicators who make the system work. We want to train and develop people for these support positions that will be very necessary in the future.
IFUSA: Thank you!
KENDALL DRAWS DIRECT CONNECTIONTO MISSION SUCCESS, DIVERSE, FULFILLED, ACCOMPLISHED TOTAL FORCE
By Charles Pope Secretary of the Air Force Public AffairsIna departure from past speeches
focusing on operations and modernization, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, placed a heavier emphasis Sept. 19 in a high-profile address on personnel issues ranging from recruiting to housing and pay, combating sexual harassment and coping with the Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion.
“Our competitors are deterred from aggression not just by weapons systems, but more importantly by a motivated, professional, empowered, and well-trained Joint Force,” Kendall said during his keynote address to the Air Force Association’s annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
To an extent not often present in his previous public remarks, Kendall drew a direct line from the well-being of a diverse and professionally fulfilled Total Force, its quality of life and the ability of the Air and Space Forces to accomplish their missions and defend the United States.
“The (Department of the Air Force) leadership knows we can’t expect Airmen and Guardians to give their all to
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall speaks at the 2022 Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 19, 2022. The conference is a professional development seminar that offers the opportunity for Department of Defense personnel to participate in forums, speeches and workshops.
the mission when they are worried about paying for gas to get to work, finding childcare, or providing their family a safe place to live,” Kendall said to an audience of more than 2,500 Airmen, Guardians, industry officials and others attending the three-day conference in the shadow of the nation’s capital.
To be sure, Kendall also addressed topics that have been staples of his public
(U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne Clark)
remarks since becoming the Department’s highest-ranking civilian leader a year ago. Foremost among them is the rising challenge posed by China.
“I’ve said from my first days on the job that my priorities were China, China, and China. I’ve been beating the drum about China’s military modernization for a long time – a dozen years, and I’d like to think that the message is starting to resonate,” he said.
Kendall also mentioned his seven Operational Imperatives that have forged the essential roadmap for modernizing and changing the service to meet China’s challenge and, to a lesser extent, those from Russia.
A major part of the Operational Imperatives is refining – and improving –the way information is collected, processed, analyzed and shared across the Joint Force as part of an “all domain” approach.
Kendall said progress has been made but, in one important area known as command, control and communication in battle management a change is needed to force the needed progress.
“Our efforts to date have not been adequately focused nor have they been adequately integrated,” Kendall said of the various components of the complex effort. “As a result, I have appointed Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsey as the new integrating program executive officer for DAF C3BM.”
Kendall, a West Point graduate and an avid sailor, used that background to capture the difficulty of the task.
“The (Department) is a large ship that turns slowly, but to use a sailing
Continued on Page 21
Cover Story: P-51
Continued from Page 14
and inertia make it very easy to land.
IFUSA: Is it a locking tailwheel or a full steerable tailwheel? Tell me more about the replica and what sets it apart.
CVK: It is both. We have a mechanism in the cockpit that allows you to lock it. It is connected to the rudder. Most pilots prefer to unlock it for takeoff and just use the brakes. It depends on how you prefer to take off and land. You can lock it or keep it unlocked.
IFUSA: Can you comment on the authenticity of appearance?
We have used the most advanced materials and have replicated every rivet panel to make it look like the original. This effort for replication of the original look of the P-51 is common in scale model building but has never been tried in a passenger plane. That really sets us apart in the market. We welcome any interested customer to take an X-ray view via Zoom.
IFUSA: Did you follow any specific design and constructions standards?
CVK: We carefully reviewed both German and U.S. certification standards for producing and selling fully certified aircraft. While we have not sought certi-
Kendall
Continued from Page 20
expression, the helm is hard over,” he said. “We’ve identified the change we need to accelerate to avoid losing. Now we have to resource that change and execute the plan to make it happen.”
But technical prowess and state-ofthe-art hardware are insufficient for success, he said.
To drive home the emphasis on people and reinforce his point that that reality is more than theoretical, Kendall offered a blunt, real-world example.
“We’re seeing the price Russia is paying for failing to invest in its people,” he said. “We’re seeing failure at scale in action, and it’s very visible on the battlefield. Beyond that, we’re seeing the difference between those who are fighting for a cause and an organization and team that they can believe in, and those whose only motivations are survival and avoiding harsh discipline.”
While acknowledging that more work needs to be done, Kendall highlighted several examples across his 30-minute remarks where the Department is changing – dramatically, in some cases – practices and policies that touch Airmen, Guardians, civilians and families in multiple ways.
He said that the Air Force is finalizing new rules that liberalize and streamline rules for women aircrew who want to continue flying while pregnant; he said the
The ScaleWing P-51 replica on the tarmac at the Reno Championship Air Races. (Courtesy Zak Heald)
fication under German regulations, every design and structural component meets German standards. As any U.S. kit plane manufacturer will tell you, German standards are a tough nut to crack. We are very proud of the efforts taken by the ScaleWings team.
IFUSA: Congratulations on your success! What got you interested in this plane in the beginning?
CVK: The inventor of this scaled aircraft was Hans Schwoeller. He was an inventor for 20-plus years. He started off making RC models, which is where the attention to scale detail comes from. He was developing the art of carbon fiber
Continued on Page 22
Department is committed to improving housing and more vigorously enforcing a “Tenants Bill of Rights.” He pointed out that the Department is reworking its approach to job classifications and how it promotes Airmen and Guardians and is using new thinking and approaches to recruit personnel.
“We must all work to increase propensity of young Americans to serve. We must help a broader population see themselves as someone who can succeed, grow, and thrive by serving their country in uniform as part of a great team,” he said.
Kendall also announced that the service’s approach to pay is changing, and the Department is looking for ways to ease the financial strain caused by inflation.
“With the (fiscal year 2023) budget, we expect the largest pay increase we’ve seen in nearly two decades. We are working with the Office of the Secretary of Defense to ensure Basic Allowance for Housing keeps pace with costs,” he said.
He also acknowledged that, “Our system to adjust Special Duty Pay was out of sync with the rapid changes in our economy brought on by COVID and the invasion of Ukraine. That’s why I’m announcing today that the (Department) will restore all of the reductions to Special Duty Assignment Pay that were scheduled to take effect on 1 October –including those for our recruiters.”
Cover Story: Making P-51 Dreams a Reality
aircraft and using fake rivets and chrome paint to make them very accurate. Over time, the aircraft got bigger and bigger. He took advantage of new materials and technologies that were available. Twenty years ago, carbon fiber was very expensive. All of this converged together around 2010. Hans did an online survey. He asked his fans what the most desired warbird was, and the P-51 was selected. It really is the most desired warbird. It is a beautiful design. It was a logical step to start with the most loved.
IFUSA: So how did you get involved?
CVK: I came on board in 2016 as an investor. In the wake of my joining, we raised significant capital and resources to take the project from a proof-of-concept to an industrialized product. We were really able to grow the company. In 2020, Hans took a step back and focused more on engines. That was when I became involved in the leadership.
IFUSA: What’s your personal background in aviation?
CVK: Since childhood, I have been amazed by aviation. I have always looked up at the skies and would run to the window whenever I heard a helicopter. I started flying flight simulators at 10.
ScaleWings’ P-51 Mustang was designed and built with remarkable attention paid to maintaining the classic proportions and profile of the original P-51. Mustang lovers no longer have to deal with the prices now being asked for the “real thing,” but can own and fly their own mustang for the price less than many used GA planes. (Courtesy Zak Heald)
I flew a glider at 14, which is allowed in Germany. Then I continued building on engine-powered planes. I fly helicopters as well. I am always looking for new opportunities in this space. When I saw the mockup of this in 2014, I said, “That is a plane I want to by flying.” That is why I got involved.
IFUSA: What really sets your company apart?
CVK: Many people have had dreams of flying warbirds. You see pic-
tures in kids’ bedrooms or in offices of grownups. Our motto is “realizing dreams.” I have seen grown men come to us with tears in their eyes when they see this plane. It is amazing to be able to provide an affordable, more attainable version of a warbird. This is a sophisticated kit, with sophisticated performance. The ScaleWings P-51 is a special plane for a special person.
IFUSA: Do you plan to create replicas for other warbirds and fighter planes?
CVK: Absolutely. That would be the logical next step. We will listen to what the market wants. Right now, we are laser focused on the Mustang because we want to grow a healthy business that is going to be around for decades to come. We want to increase production because we are overwhelmed by the demand. That is twice what we expected. We need more machinery, more people, and growth. We would love to create a family of warbirds in which we copy and paste what we have done here with those. This will keep the legacy alive into the future. We want to keep the spirit of these planes alive at an affordable cost.
IFUSA: Do you offer workshops for building?
CVK: We have builder-assist workshops, and we will have more and more of them throughout the U.S. and globally as we roll this out. Many people like to have an expert looking over their shoulder. People are reaching out to us for this, and we can provide this. We have them, and more are coming.
IFUSA: Thank you! Please visit ScaleWings’ website for more information, www.scalewings.com.
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1941 BOEING/STEARMAN A75 N1
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MARTEN HARTWELL S TORY FROMTHE BOOK, FLYINGTO EXTREMES
Editor’sNote: DominiquePrinet obtainedhisCanadiancommercial licensesin1965,andhisATRin1970.
HeflewforayearalongtheB.C. coast,andthenforGatewayAviation,in Yellowknife(NWT),from1966to1971, withBeavers,OttersandBeech18s,on floats,wheelsandskis.Betweenflights, heobtainedanengineeringdegreefrom UBCandanMBAfromMcGill.
DominiquebecameVPofNordair (Montreal)intheseventies,andjoined CanadianAirlines(Vancouver)asVP Marketingin1987.Hethenspentfive yearsinAfrica,turning-aroundanmanagingthenationalairlineAirTanzania. Heobtainedhishelicopterlicenseat70. In2021,hepublishedFlyingtoExtremes (HancockHouse),describinghisadventuresasabushpilotintheArcticduring thelatesixties.
InFlightUSA ispleasedtopublish thefollowingisanexcerptfromhisbook.
OnNov.8,1972at3:30p.m.,in
otherwordsatnightfall,atwinengineBeechcraft18capableof carryingabouttenpassengerstookoff fromCambridgeBay,asmallInuitcommunityonVictoriaIsland,oneofthe mainislandsintheArctic,foramedical evacuationtoYellowknife.Itwasatypicalwinteremergencyflight,withnovisibilityorlandmarksunderthedullgrey snowoftheeveningandduringthenight, andnotreallylegal,giventheconditions. Therewere900kilometresoffrozentundraandforesttocross.
At7:30p.m.,theambulancewas waitingatthefootoftheYellowknifecontroltower.Theplanewaslate.Noresponse toradiocalls.At8p.m.,thealertwas given.Thesearchwouldlastoverthree weeks,intemperaturesrangingfrom-20 to-30°C.Thepilot,MartenHartwell,47, wasfromWestGermany.Hehadflowna littleintheLuftwaffetowardstheendof thewar,buthisCanadianlicenseswere recent.Hehadjustover2,000hoursof flighttime,includingabout30hoursinthe twin-engineBeech18aircraft,andonly knewtheCanadianArcticregionswhere hehadflownoverthelasttwosummers. Hehadnoinstrumentratingandlittlenight flightexperience.
Theaircrafthadjustmorethansix hoursofautonomyat250kilometresper
hour,butwasnotcertifiedforinstrument flightandwasnotequippedwithawing de-icer.Ithadonlybasicnavigation instruments:aprecessinggyrocompass, tworadiocompasses,andamagnetic compassthatwasofnousesoclosetothe pole.AC4compasswithoutprecession thatcouldactuallysteerasteadycourse forseveralhoursshouldreallyhavebeen onboardallaircraftflyingintheArctic,at leastduringthewinter,buthadonlybeen installedinoneortwoGatewayAviation planes,andnotontheBeech18.
InCambridgeBay,wherethemedicalevacuationbegan,nurseJudyHill wasa27-year-oldEnglishwomanwho hadjustspentayearintheInuitvillageof SpenceBay.Shewastravellingwithher twoInuitpatientswhourgentlyneededto behospitalised:a25-year-oldwoman, NéeméeNulliayok,whowasaboutto givebirth,wassufferingfromserious complications.The14-year-oldboy, DavidKootook,wasbelievedtobehavinganacuteappendicitisattack.
Thatevening,twoGatewayAviation pilotsjusthappenedtobeinCambridge Bay.MartenHartwell,withhisoldBeech 18,CF-RLD,hadbeentryingtogetto SwanLakeneartheArcticcoast–notfar fromthePerryRiver–fortwodaysina row,butcouldnotreachthecampdueto badweather.EdLogozar,aninstrumentratedpilotwithaverymodernTwinOtter fittedwithwingde-icersandaC4compass tocorrectprecession,hadalsoarrived fromYellowknife,buthadtoleavethe nextdayforCopperminewithtwoWater Resourcesmenandalloftheirgear.Itwas Edwho’dgonetoSpenceBaytopickup thetwoInuitpatientsandtheirnurseJudy Hill.MartenandEdspentawhilediscussingwhichoneofthemwouldmake thetriptoYellowknife,andMarteneventuallydecidedtodoithimselfdespitehis lackofqualificationsandthepoorequipmentoftheBeech18foranightflightin wintertime.Oneofthedecidingfactors wasthatMartenwasstuckinCambridge Bayanywaybecauseofthebadweather aroundSwanLake,andcouldtherefore usehisplanetogoelsewherethatnight, whereasEdwasscheduledtoflyto Copperminethenextdaywithnoweather restrictions.Anotherreasonwasthatthe TwinOtteronlyhada1,000kmrange, enoughtoreachYellowknifebydayandin visualflightconditions,butnotsufficient forinstrumentflyingwitharequirementto provideforanalternatefieldandanadditionalfuelreservesufficientfor45minutes offlying.
BetweenCambridgeBayand Yellowknife,theonlylandmarkalongthe waywasthesmallradiobeaconby
ContwoytoLake.Itwaslowinpower andcouldonlybepickedupbyamodern andsensitiveradiocompass.Ihadon occasionsactuallyseenthissmallradio beaconbyContwoytoLakebeforemy radiocompassevenpickeditup. Moreover,atnightandespeciallyinthe evening,radiocompassesgohaywire becauseofelectromagneticdisturbances intheupperatmosphere,whichfurther complicatestheissue.
TheBeech18thatMartenHartwell wasflyingshouldhavecarriedtwosurvivalkits,butonlytheremainsofoneof themwerefound.Eachkitcontainedsix 200gcansofcornedbeef,fourpacketsoups,12stock-cubes,350gofrice,the equivalentoffiveorsixpowderedpotatoes,glucosepills,andadozensmall packetsofraisins–enoughforfourpeopletosurviveinthecoldfortendaysor so.Asmallbattery-poweredemergency transmitterautomaticallyactivatedinthe eventofanimpactandtransmittedsignalsonthedistressfrequencies,assuming thepilothadactivateditbeforetake-off. Thetransmittercouldalsobeswitchedon andoffmanually.
Onemightwonderwhysuchalong flight,atnightandinknownicyweather conditions,wasundertakeninthefirst place.Theanswerissimple:thepassengers’conditionswerecritical,andsomebodyhadtoflythepatientstoahospital. MartenHartwell’smistakewastoaccept theflightwhenhehadlittlenightflying experience,noinstrumentrating,andwas flyinganaircraftthatwasnotequipped fornightflight,letaloneforinstrument flight.Thepassengersshouldhavebeen takentoYellowknifebyEdLogozarin theTwinOtter,despitetheplane’sslightlyshortrange.Butaboveall,the CambridgeBayclinicshouldhave checkedthattherewasnoalternative solution.Onthatday,aDC3from Yellowknifeonaregularweeklyflight wasscheduledtoarriveinCambridge Baythreehourslater:itcouldhavetaken thenurseandhertwopatientssouthwithoutanyproblem.
TheBeech18GoesMissing, SearchEnsues
TheBeech18fromCambridgeBay expectedbytheambulanceinYellowknife thusdidn’tarriveandcouldn’tbereached byradio,soasearchwasinitiatedthatvery evening,onNov.8.AmilitaryHercules begananovernightelectronicreconnaissanceflightalongtheplannedroute:flying at7,000metresovereighthours,itdidseveraltripsbetweenCambridgeBayand Yellowknife,followingaparallelroute
FlyingtoExtremes ByDoniniquePrinet (PhotoprovidedbyColdwater Communications)
FlyingtoExtremes ByDoniniquePrinet, tellsthestoryofMarenHartwellpiloting aBeechcraft18,asitbecomeslostinthe Articin1972.(Photoprovidedby ColdwaterCommunications)
everytime,at30-kilometreintervals.No signalfromtheemergencytransmitterwas pickedup.Thenextday,otherHercules continuedtheelectronicreconnaissance mission.Theweatherwasatrocious:freezingrain,snow,fogandblizzard.
Later,theweatherimprovedanda visualsearchbegan,alongparallel10kilometre-widestripsatnightatanaltitudeof1,500metres,insearchofrocket flaresorfires;andalong1.5-kilometrewidestripsduringtheday,atanaltitude of150metres.
Thesearchwasinitiallyconcentrated alongthedirectroutethattheaircraftwas tofollow,withinanarrowwideningstrip withYellowknifeatthebottomand CambridgeBayatthetop.Thiswasthe “primary”areawheretheprobabilityof findingtheaircraftwashighest.Afirewas spottedatnightinthisareabut,thenext day,itwasfoundthatithadbeenlitbya smallgroupofInuitwhowerecaribou hunting.Oncetheprimaryareahadbeen screened,attheendofthefirstweek,the searchshiftedawiderstrip,intothesecondaryandthentertiaryareas.Thistook anotherweek.Thesearchteamtheninitiatedamoredetailedexaminationofspecificareasandthenbeganlookingforthe wreckageinthehillsalongtheArctic coast,aswellasexploringtheforestnear Yellowknife.FiveHercules,fiveTwin Ottersandmanycivilaircrafttookpartin thesearch.Helicopterswereonstandbyin
NASA’S DARTMISSION HITS ASTEROIDIN FIRST-EVER PLANETARY DEFENSE TEST
After10monthsflyinginspace, NASA’sDoubleAsteroidRedirection Test(DART)–theworld’sfirstplanetary defensetechnologydemonstration–successfullyimpacteditsasteroidtargeton Monday,Sept.26,theagency’sfirst attempttomoveanasteroidinspace.
MissioncontrolattheJohns HopkinsAppliedPhysicsLaboratory (APL)inLaurel,Maryland,announced thesuccessfulimpactat7:14p.m.EDT.
AsapartofNASA’soverallplanetarydefensestrategy,DART’simpact withtheasteroidDimorphosdemonstratesaviablemitigationtechniquefor protectingtheplanetfromanEarthboundasteroidorcomet,ifonewerediscovered.
“Atitscore,DARTrepresentsan unprecedentedsuccessforplanetary defense,butitisalsoamissionofunity witharealbenefitforallhumanity,”said NASAAdministratorBillNelson.“As NASAstudiesthecosmosandourhome planet,we’realsoworkingtoprotectthat
AsteroidmoonletDimorphosasseenbytheDARTspacecraft11secondsbeforeimpact. DART’sonboardDRACOimagercapturedthisimagefromadistanceof42miles(68 kilometers).ThisimagewasthelasttocontainallofDimorphosinthefieldofview. Dimorphosisroughly525feet(160meters)inlength.Dimorphos’northistowardthe topoftheimage.
home,andthisinternationalcollaboration turnedsciencefictionintosciencefact,
(NASA/JohnsHopkinsAPL)
demonstratingonewaytoprotectEarth.”
DARTtargetedtheasteroidmoonlet
Dimorphos,asmallbodyjust530feet (160meters)indiameter.Itorbitsalarger,2,560-foot(780-meter)asteroidcalled Didymos.Neitherasteroidposesathreat toEarth.
Themission’sone-waytripconfirmedNASAcansuccessfullynavigate aspacecrafttointentionallycollidewith anasteroidtodeflectit,atechnique knownaskineticimpact.
Theinvestigationteamwillnow observeDimorphosusingground-based telescopestoconfirmthatDART’s impactalteredtheasteroid’sorbitaround Didymos.Researchersexpecttheimpact toshortenDimorphos’orbitbyabout 1percent,orroughly10minutes;preciselymeasuringhowmuchtheasteroidwas deflectedisoneoftheprimarypurposes ofthefull-scaletest.
“PlanetaryDefenseisagloballyunifyingeffortthataffectseveryoneliving onEarth,”saidThomasZurbuchen,associateadministratorfortheScience
MartenHartwellStoryFromtheBook, FLYINGTO EXTREMES
Yellowknife.
Everyday,some50civilianvolunteerswereemployedasobservers.Inthe Herculescockpit,nexttothetwopilots, oneobserverwouldlooktotheleftand theothertotheright,uptoaboutone kilometreawayfromtheaircraft.Inthe back,lyingonmattresseswiththeirheads hangingoutoftheplane,threeother observerswouldlookbelow.Theywere securedwithaharness,asthecargodoor waswideopen.IknowthisbecauseI spentawholedayonmybellylooking formycolleagueMartenandhispassengerswithmywife,ourheadsoutinthe air.Thepilots,mechanics,navigatorsand observerswereallconnectedthroughan intercomsystem.Observerstookturns every20minutesthenrestedfor40minutes,duringtheeighthoursofeachflight. ParatroopersaboardtheHerculeswere readytojumpwithrescueequipment.
Publicinterest,asalwaysinthese cases,wasperiodicallyrevivedbyunconfirmeddiscoveries.Onthethirddayof thesearch,forexample,threeHerculesin theContwoytoareapickedupdistress signals.Thesignals,heardat9:48am, lastedonesecond.At1pm,furthersignals wereheardforfiveseconds.Onceagain
therewashope.Buttheemissionswere tooshorttoestablishaposition. Laboratoriesinthesouthidentifiedfive possiblesourcesbasedonthepositionof theaircraftthatpickedupthesignals,but theBeech18wasnowheretobefound. Afterthat,nofurthersignalwaspicked up.Often,anaircraftwouldthinkithad seensomething,butitwasjustareflectiononbrightice,ortheshadowofa rock.TwopsychicscalledfromEngland, buttheirkindadvicedidnothelpfindthe plane.
On27November,thesearchwas calledoffafter19daysand950flight hours.Twohundredthousandsquare kilometresoftundraandforesthadbeen covered.Thegovernmenthadspent about$2millionontherescuemission. Meanwhile,GatewayAviationhadpurchasedanewlighttwin-engineplane, withthecomplimentsoftheinsurance company.
TheMinistryofTransportneeded answers:whowastoblameforthisaccident?Therewasprobablysharedresponsibility:didthenursesanddoctorin CambridgeBayleadthepilotsinto believingthatitwouldbecriminalto abandontwocriticalpatients?They claimednot.Andonecouldhardlyblame
themforhavingonlyafaintideaofthe issuessurroundingairnavigationinthe Arcticinwinterandatnight.TheBeech 18hadhadlandedinCambridgeBay fromYellowknifethatmorningandwas therebychance.Onthefaceofit,there wasthereforenoreasonwhythatsame planecouldn’tmakethetripbackafew hourslater.
So,who’sresponsibleinthese cases?Certainlynottheairlines,which areessentiallyonlyinchargeofmaintainingtheaircraft:ifapilotviolatesrules oftheairattherequestofhiscompanyor passengers,orifhemakesapiloterror duetofatigueortothestressofaparticularlydangerousflight,heisresponsible: heriskshislicence,hisjob,andlegalproceedingsiftherearevictims.Whenhe takesoffwiththeintentionofcarrying outtheplannedflight,thepilotaccepts theaircraftasitis,andconfirmsthat everythingisuptostandard:theairframe, engines,instruments,radios,andcargo.It isalsohisresponsibility,priortodeparture,toensurethatallaircraftdocuments areuptodate,andthatthemandatory mechanicalinspectionsevery50or100 flighthourshavebeenrecordedinthe logbook,whichincidentallyisnoguaranteethattheyhaveactuallybeencarried
out.Heacceptstake-offrunwaysthatare tooshortorbadlypaved,enginesthatare knowntooccasionallyrunroughorbreak down,instrumentsthatfailorfreeze,and radiosthatdon’twork.Healsoaccepts theweatherconditionsexpectedduring theflight,andthelandingstriponarrival: asandbankonariver,amoreorless frozenlake,thecrestofamoraineof largerocks,ordullgreytundracoveredin snow,withnoshadowsandthereforeno visiblerelief.
Editor’sNote: InFlightUSA willpublish thesecondhalfofthisstorynextmonth. Readerscanfindthebook, Flyingto Extremes,onAmazon.
NASA’sDARTMission
MissionDirectorateatNASA HeadquartersinWashington.“Nowwe knowwecanaimaspacecraftwiththe precisionneededtoimpactevenasmall bodyinspace.Justasmallchangeinits speedisallweneedtomakeasignificant differenceinthepathanasteroidtravels.”
Thespacecraft’ssoleinstrument,the DidymosReconnaissanceandAsteroid CameraforOpticalnavigation (DRACO),togetherwithasophisticated guidance,navigationandcontrolsystem thatworksintandemwithSmall-body ManeuveringAutonomousRealTime Navigation(SMARTNav)algorithms, enabledDARTtoidentifyanddistinguishbetweenthetwoasteroids,targetingthesmallerbody.
Thesesystemsguidedthe1,260pound(570-kilogram)box-shapedspacecraftthroughthefinal56,000miles (90,000kilometers)ofspaceinto Dimorphos,intentionallycrashingintoit atroughly14,000miles(22,530kilometers)perhourtoslightlyslowtheasteroid’sorbitalspeed.DRACO’sfinal images,obtainedbythespacecraftsecondsbeforeimpact,revealedthesurface ofDimorphosinclose-updetail.
Fifteendaysbeforeimpact,DART’s CubeSatcompanionLightItalian CubeSatforImagingofAsteroids (LICIACube),providedbytheItalian SpaceAgency,deployedfromthespacecrafttocaptureimagesofDART’s impactandoftheasteroid’sresulting cloudofejectedmatter.Intandemwith theimagesreturnedbyDRACO, LICIACube’simagesareintendedtoprovideaviewofthecollision’seffectsto helpresearchersbettercharacterizethe effectivenessofkineticimpactindeflectinganasteroid.BecauseLICIACube doesn’tcarryalargeantenna,imageswill bedownlinkedtoEarthonebyoneinthe comingweeks.
“DART’ssuccessprovidesasignificantadditiontotheessentialtoolboxwe musthavetoprotectEarthfromadevastatingimpactbyanasteroid,”said
LindleyJohnson,NASA’sPlanetary DefenseOfficer.“Thisdemonstrateswe arenolongerpowerlesstopreventthis typeofnaturaldisaster.Coupledwith enhancedcapabilitiestoacceleratefindingtheremaininghazardousasteroid populationbyournextPlanetaryDefense mission,theNear-EarthObject(NEO) Surveyor,aDARTsuccessorcouldprovidewhatweneedtosavetheday.”
Withtheasteroidpairwithin7millionmiles(11millionkilometers)of Earth,aglobalteamisusingdozensof telescopesstationedaroundtheworld andinspacetoobservetheasteroidsystem.Overthecomingweeks,theywill characterizetheejectaproducedandpreciselymeasureDimorphos’orbital changetodeterminehoweffectively DARTdeflectedtheasteroid.Theresults willhelpvalidateandimprovescientific computermodelscriticaltopredictingthe effectivenessofthistechniqueasareliablemethodforasteroiddeflection.
“Thisfirst-of-its-kindmission requiredincrediblepreparationandprecision,andtheteamexceededexpectations onallcounts,”saidAPLDirectorRalph Semmel.“Beyondthetrulyexcitingsuccessofthetechnologydemonstration, capabilitiesbasedonDARTcouldone daybeusedtochangethecourseofan asteroidtoprotectourplanetandpreservelifeonEarthasweknowit.”
Roughlyfouryearsfromnow,the EuropeanSpaceAgency’sHeraproject willconductdetailedsurveysofboth DimorphosandDidymos,withaparticularfocusonthecraterleftbyDART’s collisionandaprecisemeasurementof Dimorphos’mass.
JohnsHopkinsAPLmanagesthe DARTmissionforNASA’sPlanetary DefenseCoordinationOfficeasaproject oftheagency’sPlanetaryMissions ProgramOffice.
Toseethefinalimagesbefore DART’simpact,visit:https://go.nasa.gov /3Rer1NW
FormoreinformationaboutDART, visit:https://www.nasa.gov/dart
BusinessAviationGroup(“BA Group”)bringsamulti-disciplinaryteam toanewprojectatYampaValley RegionalAirport(KHDN)inHayden, CO,servingNorthwestColorado,includingCraig,Hayden,andSteamboat Springs,afterbeingawardedageneral aviationhangardevelopmentcontract.
“Thisprojectwilladdressthecurrent lackofhangarspace.Wecan’tmeetthe demandforhangarspacerightnow,and thatdemandisexpectedtoincreaseinthe comingyears,”saidKevinBooth,C.M., YampaValleyRegional’sAirport Director.
Boothexplainedtheairport’sselectionteamfeltBAGroupunderstoodthe intentoftheRFP,whichwastomaximize theamountofhangarspaceavailable.
“Peopletendtothinkofhangarspace asjustaplacetoparkanaircraft,butwe haveaneyetowardsattractingaviationrelatedbusinesses,”saidBooth,addingBA Group’sproposedprojectandteamcanhelp attractthattypeofbusinesstotheairport.
BAGroupwillmanagethedevelopmentofninenewhangarsatYampaValleyRegional AirportinHayden,Colorado. (CourtesyBAGroup)
YampaValleyRegionalAirport exemplifiesthesizeandtypeofairport BAGroupspecializesin–smallregional airportswithastrongfocusongeneral andbusinessaviationandsomescheduledcommercialairservice.
“TheprojectatYampaValleycomplimentsongoingandpastBAGroup projectsinLovelandandRifle,Colorado, creatingsynergyontheFrontRange
fromanairportdevelopmentstandpoint,” saidBarrySherman,BAGroup Partner/Principalandarchitect.
BAGroupwillmanagethedevelopmentofninenewhangars,includingtwo 120x120largehangars,three80x60 mediumhangars,andfour60x60small hangars.Thesehangarswillaccommodatemedium-sizedbusinessaircraftupto largebusinessjets.Mediumandlarge
hangarswillfeatureofficespacesand restrooms.Allhangarswillconsidersustainabilityinitiatives,withLEDlighting, energy-efficientinsulation,andcapabilitiestoaddsolarpower.
Thedevelopmentparcelisonthe eastsideoftheairport,neartheAtlantic AviationFBO.
AwardedtheprojectinJune,BA Groupplanstobreakgroundin November.
“Thisprojectisonanaggressivebut realistictimeline.Wearescheduledto begininNovemberofthisyearandcompletetheprojectinthefallof2023,”said Sherman.“BAGroup’smultidisciplinary teamofexpertswilloverseearchitecture, design,andconstructionwhilealsomanagingmarketingandrealestateinitiatives.”
BAGrouphasalreadyengagedTally HoConstruction,InterportCapital,and HauserArchitectsasprojectpartners. LearnmoreaboutBAGroupat www.bagroup.aero.
B-21BOMBERTOBE UNVEILED FIRST WEEKIN DECEMBER
TheAirForceconfirmedonSept.20 itplanstorevealtheB-21Raiderinthe firstweekofDecemberduringanunveilingceremonyhostedandsponsoredbythe NorthropGrummanCorporationatitsproductionfacilitiesinPalmdale,California.
TheB-21isalong-range,highlysurvivable,penetratingstrikestealthbomber thatwillincrementallyreplacetheB-1 andB-2bombers,becomingthebackboneoftheU.S.AirForcebomberfleet.
“TheunveilingoftheB-21Raider willbeahistoricmomentforourAir Forceandthenation,”saidAirForce ChiefofStaffGen.CQBrown,Jr.“We lastintroducedanewbomberover30 yearsago.Aswelooktothethreatsposed byourpacingchallenge;wemustcontinuetorapidlymodernize.TheB-21Raider willprovideformidablecombatcapabilityacrossarangeofoperationsinhighly contestedenvironmentsofthefuture.”
TheDepartmentoftheAirForceis investingintheaircraft’slong-range strikecapabilityaspartofitsseven OperationalImperativesasitdevelops theadvancedcommunications,sensors, andabroadmixofweaponsandsupportingsystemsneededtodeterouradversariesandprevailincombat.
Wemustinvestinlong-rangestrikein ahighlycontestedenvironmentbyinte-
ShownisaB-21Raiderartistrenderinggraphic.Therenderinghighlightsthefuture
gratingtheB-21bomberwithadvanced communications,sensors,andabroadmix ofweaponsandsupportingsystems.
Afterunveiling,theB-21program willcontinueitsrigoroustestingcampaign withacombinedteamofprofessionals fromtheAirForceTestCenter,AirForce OperationalTestandEvaluationCenter, andNorthropGrumman.Theirworkwill verifyperformanceandidentifyareasfor improvementfortheweaponsystem.
“TheB-21programisapowerfulexampleofAmerica’slongexperiencewithfieldingadvancedmilitarytechnologythroughan innovative,adaptableandefficientdefense industrialbase,”saidAndrewHunter,assistantsecretaryoftheAirForcefor Acquisition,TechnologyandLogistics.“The AirForcemadethedecisionearlyinthelife oftheprogramtomaketheflighttestaircraft productionrepresentative,whichispaying dividendsaswelooktowardsfirstflight.”
(U.S.AirForcegraphic)
TheB-21weaponsystemismanufacturedundertheAirForce’scontract withNorthropGrumman.Itisdesigned withanopen-systemsarchitecture, enablingrapidinsertionofmaturetechnologies,andallowingtheaircraftto remaineffectiveasthreatsevolveover time.LearnmoreabouttheB-21programontheAirForcewebsite, www.af.mil.
FlyingWith Faber
SIMPLE DINNERS FOR AUTUMN
Summerisofficiallyover.However, someoneneglectedtotellthe weatherman.Nevertheless,I’m dustingoffmycasserolesandotherpots andpansandlightinguptheoven.
Waybackwhenmymotherwasin her80s,Ioftenpreparedcasseroledishes forher.Asmallpotroastcasserolewould lastheraweek.Now,hereIaminmy 80s.Istillworkoutdailyatthegym.On everybirthdaysincemy80th,I’vehada partyandperformed100pushups.I’llbe 90nextspringandfullyplantocarryon thetradition.Plus,I’mstillflyingairplanesandintendtocontinueuntilthe FAAchainsmetoatie-down.Iattribute myenergyleveltomyexerciseprogram andmydiet.Ofcourse,I’mstillworking almostfulltime.
Ofcourse,eachpersonmust,along withhis/herhealthcareprofessionals, selectalifestyleanddietthatbestsuits theircurrenthealth.Butifyoulove casseroles,herearesomesamples.
OvenRoastedFishAndCherry TomatoesWithSpaghetti
1/2teaspoondriedoregano
4(6-ounce)whitefishfillets, suchascodorhalibut
2teaspoonsfreshlygratedlemonzest
4tablespoonscapers
4tablespoonschoppedolives
2tablespoonsbutter
1/2cupchoppedItalianparsley
1poundspaghetti
Preheattheovento400degrees. Placethetomatoes,shallotsandgarlicin a9-by-13-inchglassbakingdish.Ina smallbowl,whisktogethertheoliveoil, sherryorvinegar,basil,thyme,oregano, saltandpepper.
Pouroverthetomatoesandtossto combine.Roastuntilthetomatoeshave collapsedandtheshallotsoronionsare translucent,about15minutes.
Whilethetomatoesroast,patthefish drywithpapertowels,brushalloverwith oliveoil,andseasongenerouslywith thyme,saltandpepper.
Tossthetomatoes,movethemtothe sidesofthedishandplacethefishfillets, evenlyspaced,inthecenter.Roastuntil thefishiscookedthroughandflakeseasilywithafork,10to12minutes.
Removethebakingdishfromthe oven.Addandstirinthelemonzest,butter olives,capersandparsleytothetomato mixture.Re-seasonifdesired.Allowmixturetorest1minute.Placethefishonplates andspoonthetomatomixtureoverthefish. Sprinklewithmorechoppedparsley.
Preparethespaghettiaccordingto directionsonpackage.Toserve,placea helpingofspaghettiinapastabowl. Placefishontopofpasta.Poursauce overpastaandfish.
1teaspoonpaprika
1/2teaspooncumin
1/4teaspoonchilipowder
splashhotsauce
1poundYukonGoldpotatoes,sliced 1eachred&greenbellpepper,sliced
Preheatovento400°F.Inamedium saucepan,stirtogetherbrownsugar, ketchup,vinegar,liquidsmoke,salt,garlicandonion.Placesaucepanovermedium-lowheat.Bringtoaboil,stirringuntil sauceisthickened,about30minutes. Removefromheatandbringtoroom temperature.
Inasmallbowl,mixtogether2tablespoonskoshersalt,1teaspoongranulated garlic,1teaspoongranulatedonion,1teaspoonpaprika,½teaspoongroundcumin and¼teaspoonchilipowder.
Drizzlechickenpieceswithcanola oiland2tablespoonsofsauce.Place chickenpartson½ofabakingsheet.Pat dry.Sprinklewithspicemixture.Place slicedpotatoesandbellpeppersina smallbowl.Sprinklewithsaltandpepper.Placepotatoesandpeppersinasinglelayeronotherhalfofbakingsheet
recipes.Wow!Notonlyweretheyeasyto prepare,myfirstattempteddisheswere delicious.Thisrecipecanalsobemade withchicken.
Marinade
2tablespoonsoystersauce
1teaspooncornstarch
1poundlargeshrimp Sauce
1/4cupwhitevinegar
1/4cupchickenstock
3tablespoonsdrysherry
2tablespoonshoisinsauce
1tablespoonsoysauce
2teaspoonstoastedsesameoil
1teaspoonchiligarlicsauce
2teaspoonssugar
Thisisadelightfulcombinationof fishandtomatosauce.Forthosewhoare waryaboutcookingfish,thisrecipeisa no-failprocess.Mostdietswillwelcome fishandtomatoes.
2pintscherrytomatoes,halved 1cupthinlyslicedshallotsorchopped onion 4garliccloves,minced 4tablespoonsoliveoil,plusmorefor brushing
2tablespoonsdrysherryorredwine vinegar
2teaspoonskoshersalt
1teaspoonblackpepper
1/2teaspoondriedbasil
1/2teaspoondriedthyme
Youcanalsoservethisdishover steamedrice.
NewOvenBBQChicken
Thisrecipeisanexampleofhow youcanmakebetterBBQdishesathome thanyoucanobtaininarestaurant.And theflavor,freshnessandtexturesare superiortotherestaurantvariety.
1wholechicken,cutup
1cupbrownsugar
1cupketchup
1/4cupapplecidervinegar
1tablespoonliquidsmoke
2teaspoonskoshersalt
1teaspoongranulatedgarlic
1teaspoongranulatedonion
Placeinoven.Turnchickenpieces andveggiesoveroccasionallyandbaste withsauce.Cookuntilinternaltemperatureofthethickestpartsofthebreastand thigheachregister170°F,about45-60 minutes.Removefromovenandadd moresauce.
KungPaoChicken
Aka:Fabe’sKungPow!Shrimp
I’vebeendisappointedwithmost Chinesetake-outrestaurants.Manyofthe dine-inrestaurantsarealsodisappointing. WhenIfirstembarkedoncookingAsian cuisine,IadmitthatIwasintimidated. Myperceptionwasthatitwascomplicatedandmysterious.IpurchasedMartin Yan’sfirstbookandtimidly,triedafew
1/2teaspooneachkoshersalt
&blackpepper
Vegetables
4-6smalldriedredchilies
4teaspoonsmincedgarlic
2teaspoonsmincedginger
1stalkcelery,chopped
1redbellpepper,chopped1”squares
1/2cuproastedpeanuts
1/2bunchchoppedgreenonions
3tablespoonscanolaoil
2teaspoonscornstarchdissolvedin
1tablespoonwater
Shellanddeveinshrimp.Combine oystersauceandcornstarchinbowl.Mix untilcornstarchdissolves.Addshrimp andcoatwithmarinade.Letstandat
PRESTIGIOUS AIR &SPACE HALLOF FAMETO WELCOME DISTINGUISHED CLASSOF 2022 ON NOV.19
ArmyAviation,WillCutterand CutterAviation,theGeneralAviation ManufacturersAssociation(GAMA), MichaelHerman,AviationProfessional andPhilanthropist;BrianKeating,Ph.D., Astrophysicist,DaveScott,Apollo9 CommandModulePilotandApollo15 Moonwalker,andTextronAviationtobe inductedatthisyear’sInternationalAir& SpaceHallofFameCelebration,theSan DiegoAir&SpaceMuseumannounced lastmonth.
JointheSanDiegoAir&Space Museumincelebratingthehonoreeson Saturday,Nov.19,2022,intheEdwinD. McKellarPavilionofFlight.Guestsfrom aroundtheworldareassemblingfora spectaculareveningoffunandextraordinaryrecognition,aseachguestistreated toabehindthesceneslookintothelives ofthesetrueairandspacelegends.Since 1963,theInternationalAir&SpaceHall ofFamehashonoredtheworld’smost significantpilots,crewmembers,visionaries,inventors,aerospaceengineers, businessleaders,preservationists, designersandspaceexplorers.
Since1963,theInternationalAir&SpaceHallofFamehashonoredtheworld’smostsignificantpilots,crewmembers,visionaries,inventors,aerospaceengineers,businessleaders,preservationists,designersandspaceexplorers.Thisyear’seventisslatedforNov.19 intheEdwinD.McKellarPavilionofFlight.(CourtesySanDiegoAir&SpaceMuseum)
Tobuytickets,visittheSanDiegoAir &SpaceMuseumwebsite: https://sandiegoairandspace.org/celebration
FlyingWithFaber
roomtemperaturefor10minutes.
Combinesauceingredientsina bowl.Mixwellandsetaside.
Placeawokoverhighheat.After1 minute,add2tablespoonscanolaoil. Addchiliesandstirfryuntilfragrant, about5-10seconds.Donotallowchilies toblackenAddshrimpandstir-fryfor3 minutesorjustuntiltheyturnpink. Removechiliesandshrimpandsetaside.
Add1moretablespoonofoilto wok.Addgarlicandginger.Stiruntilfragrant.Donotbrown.Addceleryandbell pepper.Stir-fryfor1-2minutes.Return chiliesandshrimptowok.Stir-fryfor1 minute,thenaddsauce.Bringtoaboil, thenaddcornstarch-watersolution.Stir untilsauceboilsandthickens.Add peanutsandgreenonionsandstir.Serve oversteamedrice.
Youcanadjustheatbyaddingmore orlesschiliesand/orgarlicchilisauce. Youcanmakeitevenmorespicyby crackingdriedchiliesbeforecooking them.
Tomakethisrecipewithchicken, useonepoundofchickenbreasts.Cutthe breastsintoone-inchsquares.Oryoucan cutthebreastsintostrips,eachabout½ inchthick.Mixthechickenpiecesinthe marinade,thenaddonetablespoonofoil tothewokandstir-frythechickenpieces
untiltheyarenolongerpink.Remove fromthewokandsetaside.Returnthe chickenpiecestothewokduringthe sameperiodwheretherecipecallsforthe returnoftheshrimptothewok.
ChickenVesuvio
Hereismyfavoritestoryaboutthis recipe.Wewerehavingguestsforan earlydinnersothatwecouldgettoa movieontime.Generally,Iworkvery earlymorningsuntiljustmid-afternoon, soIthoughtIwouldhaveampletimeto preparethisrecipewhichIhadnotmade before.Asluckwouldhaveit,onthisday, Iwasdelayedincourtuntilverylatein theafternoon.Ionlyhadanhourorsoto drivehome,gathertheingredientsand cookthedinner.Iconsideredcallingmy friendswiththesuggestionthatwe shouldgrabsomefoodonthewaytothe movie.Idetestfolkswhocanceladate withme,soIdon’tfeelgoodaboutcancellingplans.Iarrivedhomearound4:45 p.m.By6p.m.thisdinnerwasonthe tableandeveryonelovedit.Themoralof thestoryisthatittakessomepractice,but ifyouorganizeproperly,preparinga beautifuldishlikeChickenVesuvioisnot anall-daytask.
1/4cupoliveoil
amongstthemosttalentedfiguresinthe historyofairandspace,”saidJim Kidrick,President&CEOoftheSan DiegoAir&SpaceMuseum. “Achievementsinaviationandspace,as embodiedbythehonoreesintheprestigiousInternationalAir&SpaceHallof Fame,directlyrepresentsthehumanpioneeringandexploringspirit.Thisisacan’t-misseventandsomethingevery guestwillrememberfortherestoftheir lives!Guestscomefromalloverthe globejusttobeintheroomwiththe Honoreesandjoininthismomentous celebration.”
“We’reexceptionallypleasedto honorthisexemplaryClassof2022 becausethesemenandwomenare
TheInternationalAir&SpaceHall ofFameisthemostprestigiousinduction ofitskindintheworldandiscomposed ofhundredsofairandspacepioneers, engineers,inventorsandinnovators, alongwithadventurers,scientistsand industryleaders.NASAMercury, GeminiandApolloastronautsand Russiancosmonautsarehonoredinthe Hall,aswellasfamouslegendssuchas theWrightBrothers,CharlesLindbergh,
4chickenthighswithskinandbone(or, bone-inbreasts)
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper
11/2lb.Yukongoldpotatoes,quartered 6garlicclovesthinlysliced
1/2cupdrywhitewine
1/2cupchickenstock
2tablespoonsbutter
1/2tablespoondriedoregano
1teaspoondriedthyme
1/4teaspoonredcrushedredpepper flakes
1bayleaf
2/3cuppeas
1/2cupItalianparsleyflakes lemonjuice
Preheatovento375degreesF.Over mediumhighheat,inalargeDutchoven,
heat1/4cupofoliveoil.
Seasonchickenthighsandcookfor 10-12minutesoruntilgoldenbrownon allsides.Removechickenandsetaside.
Placepotatoeschunksinthesame skillet,seasonwithoregano,thyme,red pepperflakesandcookuntilpotatoesare goldenbrownonallsides(about10minutes)stirringoccasionally.
Addslicedgarlicandsautéforone minute.Addbayleaf.
Addbutter,whitewineandchicken stock.Scrapepottoloosenfond.Stirin peas.Simmerfor4-5minutes.
Returnthechickeninthepanand stireverythingtogethertocoverwith sauce.
Bake20-25minutesinpreheated oven.Removefromoven,stirinparsley anddrizzlewithlemonjuice.Place chickenonplatterandcoverwithsauce.
Whatfolksloveabouttheserecipes isthattheycreatemealsforuptoaweek. So,onenight’scookingcanresultin instantmealsfordays.Theseandhundredsofotherrecipesarecontainedinmy newcookbook, CookbookForPeople WhoHateLawyers,availableon Amazon.
Homebuilder’sWorkshop
Wischmeyer
BACKTO “N ORMAL”
AfteraweekofcrappyGeorgia weather,andaweekonsteroids duetoCMCosteoarthritis(a newphenomenoninmyrightthumb, hurtslike****),theweatherlooked doableandthedrugswereoutofmysystem,soitwasofftoClaxton,GA,a whole34nmaway,forcheapgas.I thoughtIhad20gallonsleftintheRV9A,butdidn’twanttoburnitallinthe patternandthennotbelegalforIFRto getmoregasatClaxton.
Sowelaunched,overtakingaCirrus thattookoffrightaheadofus(maybean SR-20insteadofa-22)by20knotsand outclimbinghimaswell.Therewasone cloudwemissedonthewayout,but therewerescatteredtobrokencloudsjust thissideofClaxton,notasforecastbut anticipated–seenthatbefore.
Departuregaveaphonenumberto calltocancelIFR(haditinthecellphone already)butIcancelledintheair.
Ontheground,anolderteenager andhisdadwerewatchingtheplanes, andheknewfromFlightAwarethata planewasheadedtoClaxton.HecommentedthatIwasafewminutesbehind schedule–atleastaccordingto FlightAware.
IfIhadafour-seater,I’dhavetaken thetimetogivethemrides.
Withcloudsa-buildin’,IfiledIFR forthetriphomeaswewatcheda Sundowner(Musketeer)makesomenice landings.ItwasstilllegalVFR,andI don’tknowwheretheirhomewas,but IFRwasaloteasier–nocloudclearance rulestofusswith.
Runupcompleted,Icalledthephone numberthatdeparturegavemetocancel
IFR.ItrangfivetimesandthenIgotan answeringmachine...wasn’tgoingtoget aclearancethatway.SoIcalledoneof mynumbersforSavannahtower,and theytoldmetocalltheotheronetotalk totheradarfolks.Gottheclearance,and offwewent.
Listeningtoapproach,Iheardthem tellsomebodyelsethattheywerenumber eight(!)fortheairport.Wewereindicating135knotswhenapproachrequested minimumspeed.Ioffered80knotsand theysaid,well,maybe25faster.Iwent for100knotsandwesloweddown.
Afewminuteslater,approachsaid, “I’lltakethat80knots.”
Ididapoorjobofmaintainingprecisespeedintheupanddowndrafts,and especiallyafterglideslopeintercept.
Iaskedtoweriftheystillneededus at80,andtheysaidspacingwasperfect fora172ahead.Shouldhavecheckedthe ADS-BbeforeImadetheoffer.
Webrokeoutat1,800feetorsoand Iofferedtotaketheotherrunway,tower declinedtheofferbutdidgivemealong landing.Touchdownwasgentlesqueaks fromthemaingear,oneatatime,nice, butnostallwarning.Grr.
Atleastsomeofthetower/radar folksknowmeandwhattheRV-9Acan do,andit’salwaysfuntogetthesenonstandardinstructionsthrownatyou.I wonderifI’mbeingegotisticalorifothersgetthosekindsofspeedchanges,too.
tionbeingtoseeif“impossibleturns”are worthalltheattentionthey’regetting. Thefullstoryisatairfactsjournal.com, butherearesomehighlightsfromovera thousandNTSBreportsfrom2018:
Mostofthetakeoffandgo-around accidentswereFailureToAchieve SustainedFlight.Thismajorcategory meantthatafterpowerwasapplied,the airplanedidnotachieveflightbeyond obstaclessurroundingtheairport,suchas treesandpowerlines.Includedinthis categoryareabortedtakeoffs,failureto avoidhittinganobstacletothesideofthe runwayeitheronthegroundorintheair, inadequatepowerfortheairplanetoeven takeoff,andanumberofunlikelyspecial cases.Whilethiskindofcatch-allcategorywouldbeunacceptableinmanyanalyses,itwasappropriateheretodifferentiatesituationsinwhichan“impossible turn”wasunlikelytobeattemptedfrom situationswherean“impossibleturn” wasapossibility.
TheNTSBreportshadamarvelous term,“AbnormalGroundContact,”used inthecontextoflandings.Thattermwas notrelevantinthisstudy,however, becausetheGoAroundstatisticsdidnot considerthecauseoftheGoAround.
Andmostinterestingofall,fatalities onTO/GAeventswererelativelyrare.
power.Nowaddtothat satellitecommunication,atleastinalimitedsense,soyour iPhone14cancallforhelpifyou’reina caraccident.There’slotsofsmartsinthe accelerometerstotellifyou’reinacar accidentorifyoujustdroppedit.Wonder ifthatworksforairplaneaccidents…
Alongthelinesofevermoreintegrated,thenewestDeltaZuluheadphonesfromLightspeedincludeacarbon monoxidesensor.Notenough?It includesahearingtestforeachearand compensationbasedonthattest,sortof likebuiltinhearingaids.Andmore…
You’veprobablyheardofthe Bally Bomber,a1/3scaleB-17builtbythelate JackBally.Allmetal,thehighlydetailed airplanewasdamagedinacrosswind landingatOshkosh,Ithink.
Itsspiritualsuccessorisaroughly halfscaleB-29,builtofcarbonfiber.I’ve foundfewdetailsotherthanafewpictureshereandthere.
TheFAA’slargestsolarprojectto dateiscomingtotheMikeMonroney AeronauticalCenter(theCenter)in OklahomaCity.Thecleanelectricity generatedfromthesolarpanelsonFAA propertywillhelpservetheCenter’s powerneeds.
“Thisprojectcapturesthearea’s abundantsunshine,willsavevaluable taxpayerdollarsandwillhelpbuilda moresustainableaviationsystem,"said ActingFAAAdministratorBillyNolen.
Thepanelsareexpectedtoproduce 2,600megawatthoursannually,the
Alwaysthesafetyresearcher,I decidedtotakealookattakeoffandgoaround(TO/GA)accidents,themotiva-
It’sinterestingtomeasasystems engineerthatamodernsmartphonehas display,inputtouchscreen,speakers, microphone,accelerometers,barometer, compass,Bluetooth,cameras,wifiand allkindsofstuff,andstaggeringcompute
POWER MIKE
AERONAUTICAL CENTER
equivalentneededtopower260average homes.Theprojectwillreducethe Center’selectricbillbyanestimated $170,000-$200,000annually.Airtraffic controllers,technicaloperationsprofessionalsandaviationinspectorsaretrained attheCenter.
Therearemanyenergy-related advancementscurrentlyunderwayatthe Center.SixteenoftheFAA’s24certified sustainablebuildingsarelocatedonthe Center’scampus.TheCenterhasparticipatedintwopilotprogramsforelectric vehiclechargingstations,andlocaluni-
versitystudentsarecurrentlystudying waystobettertracktheCenter’senergy useandreporting.
ThisprojecthelpstheFAAmeet PresidentBiden’sgoalforfederalbuildingstobecleanandsustainable.Other solarprojectsincludea1,600panelsolar farmadjacenttotheTucson,Ariz.,air trafficcontroltower.Thepanelsgenerate enoughpowertosupportallofthatfacility’selectricalneedsforseveralhoursa dayandhelpcoolthebuildingatnight.
Pricesofeverything,includingairplanes,havetakenoffoverthelastfew years.Justsawanadforayear-oldCirrus SR-22Twithallthebellsandwhistles and385hours.Areyoureadyforthe price?Iwasn’t.Amillion,onefifty.The adwasover-written,too.Exceptfor hangarcosts,Icouldownandoperatea fleetoffunplanesforasmuchasthe Cirruswouldcosttobuyandoperate.
Lt.Col.MaryClarksteppedouttothe MH-139AGreyWolfwithconfidence.
Confidencegainedfromtakingpart inandleadinginthedevelopmentalefforts oftheAirForce’sfirstacquisitionedhelicopter.Thoseearlylaborsfromconceptto realityculminatedassheclimbedintoone
ofthepilotseatsfortheMH-139A’sfirst flightunderAirForceownershipatEglin AirForceBaseAug.17.
“Thismilestonereallyrepresentsthe beginningofAirForcetestingfortheGrey Wolf,”saidClark,aformerrequirements officerwiththeGreyWolfprogram,now atthe96thOperationsGroup.“Wecan nowopenupthosetestpointsforthemilitaryandpushtheenvelopemoretoensure
we’redeliveringthatoperationalcapabilitytheunitsneedoutofthehelicopter.”
TheGreyWolfachievedthismilestone afterearningitsmilitaryflightreleaseAug. 12.ThenewstatusallowsAirForce-only aircrewtoconducttestingonmilitarycapabilitiesoftheMH-139Aastheprogram movesforward.Priortothemilitaryflight release,militaryandBoeingcontractors sharedtheflightdutiessincetheaircraft’s
arrivalatEglinAFBinDecember2019.
Duringthattwo-and-a-half-yearperiod,themilitarytestingfelltothe413th FlightTestSquadronandtheAirForce GlobalStrikeCommandDetachment7,in whichClarkwasaformercommander. The413thFLTSistheAirForce’sonly rotary-wingdevelopmentaltestunit.
“Welearnedalotoverthelasttwo years,”Clarksaid.“Thatexperience allowedustoshapeourtestplansandultimatelysavetime.Wealreadyknowsome baselinefoundationalthingswedon’thave tore-establishinourownprogram.”
Theaircraft’sfirstflightunderitsnew callsign,Lycan,meaningwerewolf,took placeaboveandaroundDukeField,anauxiliaryfieldnorthofEglinAFB.Thegoalofthat flightwastovalidateprocesses,checklists, maintenance,emergencyproceduresandaircrewcommunicationandcoordination.
Tech.Sgt.AlexanderGraves,an AFGSCDet.7specialmissionsaviator, waspartofbothMH-139firstflightswith Boeinginearly2020andnowtheall-Air Forceflight.TheAirmansaidhehadn’t reflectedonhisplaceinGreyWolfhistory asthefirstenlistedtoflyinandinstructon oneoftheAirForce’snewestaircraft.
“Whatanhonor,”saidGraves,aformerC-130Herculesloadmaster,who waschosentobepartoftheGreyWolf program.“Ineverthoughtinmycareer I’dbeinapositiontodosomethinglike this.It’ssorewardingtofinallytestthe thingswe’vebeenbuildingupandtosee thatworkweputinoverthelasttwo yearspayoffnow.”
Thegoalforthenext15monthsof testingonthefourMH-139Asherewill betovalidatethesafetyoftheaircraftand definethelimitsandmaneuversthatcan beperformed.Thedevelopmentaltesting herewillmakesuretheMH-139Ameets AFGSCrequirementsforoperational missionsanddefinebaselineoperational capabilitiesuponwhichtobuildtactics, techniques,andprocedures.
TheMH-139AwillreplacetheAir ForcefleetofUH-1Naircraft,increasing capabilitiesinspeed,range,endurance, payload,andsurvivability.TheAirForce willacquireupto80helicopters,training devices,andassociatedsupportequipment.Theaircraftwillprovidevertical airliftandsupporttofourmajorcommandsandotheroperatingagencies.
Fromthosehumblebeginningsin concepttofeelingtheMH-139A’swheels leavethepavement,Clarksaiditwas trulyamagicalmoment.
“It’sjustextremelysatisfyingtonow ownandflysomethingweworkedsohardto get,”shesaid.“Todaytheleashwasoff,and wecouldfinallyrunwiththeGreyWolf.”
COLONEL EILEEN COLLINS,USAF(RET.) TOBE HONOREDWITH 2022WRIGHT BROTHERS MEMORIAL TROPHY
TheNationalAeronauticAssociation(NAA)hasannouncedthatColonel EileenCollins,USAF(Ret.)hasbeen selectedastherecipientofthe2022 WrightBrothersMemorialTrophyfor... “herperseveranceintheadvancementof aviationandaerospaceasateacher,astronaut,andleader,andforservingasan inspirationforallthoseseekingtobreak barriersintheirfield.”
EstablishedbyNAAin1948to honorthememoryofOrvilleandWilbur Wright,thetrophyisawardedannuallyto alivingAmericanfor“...significantpublicserviceofenduringvaluetoaviation intheUnitedStates.”Oneofthemost important,historic,andvisibleaerospace awardsintheworld,theWrightBrothers MemorialTrophyreflectsatimelineof themostinnovativeinventors,explorers, industrialists,andpublicservantsinaeronauticsandastronautics.
“Fordecades,EileenCollinshas beenanexplorer,educator,spokesperson, andchampionforaerospace,”saidNAA BoardChair,JamesAlbaugh.“Shehas giventirelesslytoourindustryandjoins anesteemedlistofpriorrecipients.”
AccordingtothenominationsubmittedtotheWrightBrothersMemorial TrophySelectionCommittee,Collins knewfromayoungagethatshewanted toflyandworkedseveraljobstotakeflyinglessonsassoonasshewasable.At SyracuseUniversity,Collinstookfurther stepstowardheraviationfuturebyjoiningtheUnitedStatesAirForceROTC program.WhileatSyracuse,NASA announcedtheywereacceptingwomen fortheshuttleprogram,butatthatpoint, shedidn’thavealltherequirements.It wouldbeanotherdecadebeforeCollins wasreadytosubmitherapplication.
Collinsunderstoodthatthebest
AirForceCol.EileenCollinsmadeNASAhistoryin1999asthefirstwomantocommandthespaceshuttle.ColonelCollinswasattendingAirForceTestPilotSchoolat EdwardsAirForceBase,Calif.,whenNASAofficialsselectedherfortheastronautprogram. (NASAphoto)
routetoherdreamswaswiththeUnited StatesAirForce.Alreadyaprovencompetentpilot,Collinswasselectedintothe firstclassatVanceAirForceBaseto includewomen.Shegraduatedfrom UndergraduatePilotTrainingatVancein 1979asoneofthefirstfourwomentogo throughtheprogram.
From1983to1985,sheactedasthe C-141aircraftcommanderandinstructor pilotatTravisAirForceBasein California.Thefollowingyear,Collins attendedStanfordUniversityasagraduatestudentthroughtheAirForceInstitute ofTechnology(AFIT)program.Asshe soaredtotherankofColonel,Collins earnedanM.S.inOperationsResearch fromStanfordUniversityin1986and thenanM.A.in
SpaceSystemsManagementfrom WebsterUniversity,St.Louis,Missouri,
in1989.AftergraduatingfromWebster, CollinswasassignedtotheU.S.Air ForceAcademy,whereshewasanassistantprofessorinmathematicsandaT-41 instructorpilot.
Collinswasnextselectedasoneof thefirstfemalesacceptedtoAirForceTest PilotSchoolatEdwardsAirForceBase. Herreputationthroughouttheprogram wasasacool,level-headedtestpilotandin 1990,Collinsbecamethesecondwoman pilottograduatefromtheschool.
Thatsameyear,herdrive,passion, perseverance,skill,andtenacitypaidoff. ShewasacceptedforNASA’sastronaut programandwentontofulfillherlifelongdreamofbecominganastronautin July1991.
Followingayearoftrainingat JohnsonSpaceCenterinHouston,Texas, CollinswasassignedtoOrbiterengineer-
PrestigiousAir&SpaceHallofFame
NeilArmstrongandAmeliaEarhart. NotableinducteesalsoincludeBuzz Aldrin,ChuckYeager,IgorSikorsky, WernhervonBraun,JackNorthrop, JackieCochran,WilliamBoeing,Sr., ReubenH.Fleet,GlennCurtiss,Walter ZableSr.,FranBera,WallySchirra,Bill Anders,JimLovell,T.ClaudeRyan, JimmyDoolittle,BobHoover,Ellen Ochoa,PeggyWhitson,LindenBlue, JeffBezos,PattyWagstaff,andmany more.Learnmoreatthefollowinglink:
http://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/o nline-exhibit-page/international-airspace-hall-of-fame.
ProceedsfromtheInternationalAir &SpaceHallofFamecelebrationbenefittheMuseum’syoutheducationprograms.“Inspiringkidstoundertaketough scienceandengineeringchallengesisa criticalfirststepforourfuture,”Kidrick said.“Wemustalsogivethemthe resourcesandimpetustheyneedtopursuescienceeducationdegrees.”
Morethan500nationalandinterna-
tionalbusiness,aviationandspaceleaders areanticipatedtoattendthe2022 InternationalAir&SpaceHallofFame Celebration,includingprominentrepresentativesandHallofFamemembersfrom prioryears.Ticketsareavailableonthe Museum’swebsiteathttps://sandiego airandspace.org/celebration.
TheSanDiegoAir&Space MuseumisCalifornia’sofficialairand spacemuseumandeducationcenter.The Museumisanaffiliateofthe SmithsonianInstitutionanditwasthe
ingsupport.In1995,shebecamethefirst womanpilotofaSpaceShuttle,servingon theorbiter Discovery,whosemissionwas torendezvousanddockwiththeRussian spacestation Mir.Collinspilotedasecond shuttleflightinMay1997,successfully dockingthe Atlantis with Mir totransfer personnel,equipment,andsupplies.
Withhundredsofhoursinspaceto hercredit,Collinsbecamethefirst womantocommandashuttlemissionin July1999,taking Columbia intoEarth’s orbittodeploythe ChandraX-ray Observatory.TheSTS-93mission,highlightedbythedeploymentofthe ChandraX-RayObservatory,was designedtoconductcomprehensivestudiesoftheuniversebyenablingscientists tostudyexoticphenomenasuchas explodingstars,quasars,andblackholes. Collinslatersharedthatthe ChandraXRay deploymentwasoneofthemost rewardingeventsofhershuttlemissions.
InJuly2005,CommanderCollins flewherlastShuttlemission.STS-114 wasthe“Return-to-Flight”missionafter thetragiclossofthe Columbia crewand orbiter.Inthenomination,formerNASA AdministratorSeanO’Keefesaidof Collins,“AswepreparedfortheReturn toFlightmissionuponadoptionofall recommendationsadvancedbythe ColumbiaAccidentInvestigationBoard, shewastheobviousselectiontoleadthe mission.Hercapacitytolead,adapt,and takeinitiativewastheprecisecharacter traitsweneededatthatcriticalmoment. Nosurprise,sheexecutedthattaskbrilliantlyasshehassomanyothers.Eileen isnothingshortofheroic.”
Additionally,Collinsservedonthe KennedySpaceCenterteamresponsible forOrbiterpre-launchcheckout,final
firstaero-themedMuseumtobeaccreditedbytheAmericanAllianceof Museums.TheMuseumishometothe InternationalAir&SpaceHallofFame. TheMuseumislocatedat2001Pan AmericanPlaza,BalboaPark,San Diego,CA92101.TheMuseumandgift storeareopendailyfrom10a.m.to5 p.m.withadmissionsuntil4:30p.m. ClosedThanksgivingDayandChristmas Day.Visitsandiegoairandspace.orgfor detailsandtickets.
SBDDIVE BOMBER
WWIIVeteranDickMirallesslid intothegunner’sseatoftheSBD DauntlessDiveBomberalmostaseasily ashedid80yearsagointheSouth Pacific.Miralles,98,wasrelivinghis wartimeexperienceinarestoredSBD operatedbyCAFAirbaseGeorgiain PeachtreeCity,Ga.
Mirallesflewintherear,orgunner, seatofSBDsinGuadalcanalin1943.He survivedthewarfrontandsupportedflight testinginHawaiiuntilhereturnedtocivilianlife,servingfor30yearswiththe CaliforniaDepartmentofForestry(now knownasCALFIRE).Hismemoirsare recordedinhisbook,“WarandFire.”
Heflewfromhishomein Sacramento,Calif.,toenjoythisspecial flightatAirbaseGeorgia,anditwaseverythingheexpectedittobe.AirbaseGeorgia pilotPeterHaguewasequallyexcitedto behelpingthisveteranrelivehisflying days.UnderabeautifulblueGeorgiasky, HaguefireduptheWrightradialengine andtheSBDwasoffonitsspecialmission.HaguesaidMirallesenjoyedevery minute.Afterperformingafewflight maneuvers,HagueaskedMiralleshowhe wasdoing,andhesaid“more!”
Hagueceremoniallysigned Miralles’originalflightbook,and Mirallessaidabouttheflight,“Itwas calmcomparedtowhatIwasusedto.” Miralleswasjoinedbyhisoldestson, Gary,whocamefromNewBern,N.C.,to witnessthespecialoccasion.
Mirallesrecountedhistrainingand combatexperience,explainingthattrain-
inginCaliforniawasbasicallydonewith trapandskeetshooting.Itwasveryimportantthatthegunnersweretrainednotto shootoffthetailsoftheirownairplanes. HisplanewashitonceoverBougainville butreturnedsafely.Hesaiditappearedto bearandomJapaneserifleshotthattook outonecylinderoftheengine.
Thisheartwarmingeventinhonorof thisWWIIveterancameaboutbecause PatriciaODonnellofHavertown,Penn., boughtaflightontheAirbaseGeorgia SBDatanairshow.ShehadseveralfamilymemberswhoservedinWWIand WWII,andwassomovedbyherflight
ColonelEileenCollins
launchconfiguration,crewingress/ egress,andlanding/recovery.Shealso workedinMissionControlasaspacecraftcommunicator,servedasthe AstronautOfficeSpacecraftSystems BranchChief,ChiefInformationOfficer, ShuttleBranchChief,andAstronaut SafetyBranchChief.
Throughouthercareer,Collinshas loggedover6,751hoursin30different typesofaircraft.
Collinshasreceivednumerous awardsincludingtheDistinguished FlyingCross,DefenseMeritorious ServiceMedal,FrenchLegionofHonor, NASAOutstandingLeadershipMedal, FreeSpiritAward,theNationalSpace Trophy,andinductionintotheNational AviationHallofFame.Sheretiredfrom NASAin2006.
“EileenCollinshasblazedtrails,
brokenbarriers,andachievedgreatlyat everystepduringherconsequential career,”saidNAAPresident,Greg Principato.“Notsatisfiedwiththat, Eileenhascontinuedtoserveandinspire othersinallkindsofways.Herserviceto aviationandtohercountryembodiesthe qualitiestheWrightTrophywascreated tohonor.Itwillbeanhonortopresentthe WrightTrophytoher.”
“Iacceptthishonorwithhumility andadesiretoserve,”Collinssaid.“My lifehasbeenfullofopportunity,challenge,andadventure.Ihopetocontinue inspiringyoungpeopletochooseaviationandspacecareers,apathwhichisan incrediblyrewardinglifevocation.”
2022WrightBrothersMemorial TrophySelectionCommitteeMembers:
•JamesF.Albaugh,BoardChair, NationalAeronauticAssociation
andthehistoryoftheaircraftthatshe offeredtobuyanotherflightforaveteran ifAirbaseGeorgiacouldarrangeit.
InanemailtoAirbaseGeorgia,she said,“AsIgrewolder,Ibecamevery awareofwhatagoodlifeIhadandhow Iowedalotofthattothemenandwomen whoservedinWWIIforbasicallysaving thefreeworld.ThemoreIlearn,themore I’minaweofwhatamazingthingspeopleaccomplished.Myrideinthe DauntlesswasoneofthebestthingsI’ve everdone,andIhavetotalrespectfor thosewhoflewherinbattle.”
TheentireeventinPeachtreeCity
•JulieBoatman,EditorinChief, FlyingMagazine
•MajorGeneralCharlesF.Bolden, Jr.,2020WrightTrophyRecipient
•NicholasE.Calio,President& CEO,AirlinesforAmerica
•JanaDenning,President,AeroClub ofWashington
•DanielL.Dumbacher,Executive Director,AmericanInstituteof AeronauticsandAstronautics
•EricFanning,President&CEO, AerospaceIndustriesAssociation
•JoanSullivanGarrett,Founder, ChairoftheBoardofDirectors, MedAire,Inc.
•PamelaA.Melroy,Deputy Administrator,NationalAeronautics andSpaceAdministration
•RussellW.Meyer,Jr.,1995Wright TrophyRecipient
wasrecordedbyGeorgeRetelas,director ofaWWIIdocumentary,“Eleven”, www.ElevenTheMovie.com,aboutAir GroupEleventhatincludedDickand George’sgrandfather(alsoGeorge Retelas).Retelasplansashortfeature aboutMiralles’flightatAirbaseGeorgia. Thesameaircraftwillbefeaturedin AirbaseGeorgia’sWWIIHeritageDay Oct.8,attheairbaseheadquarters,and rideswillbeavailable.
AbouttheCAFAirbaseGeorgia WarbirdMuseum
CAFAirbaseGeorgia,basedin PeachtreeCity,Ga.,wasfoundedin 1987.TheAirbaseisoneofthelargest unitsoftheCommemorativeAirForce (CAF).Thegroupmaintainsandflies sevenvintagemilitaryaircraftincludinga P-51Mustang,anFG-1DCorsair,an SBDDauntless,andaP-63AKingcobra. TheAirbase,whichiscomposedofmore than450volunteers,hashostedWWII HeritageDayssince2003.Theorganizationisalsoafoundingpartnerofthe GeorgiaWWIIHeritageTraillaunchedin 2021.TheAirbaseispartoftheCAF,a non-profit,tax-exemptorganizationthat reliesoncontributionsoftimeandfunds tocarryoutitsmission.Formoreinformation,gotohttps://airbasegeorgia.org/. Miralles’book, WarandFire,From FightinginWorldWarIItoFighting CaliforniaWildFires,AnAutobiography, isavailableonAmazon.
Collinswillbepresentedwiththe WrightTrophyattheAeroClubof Washington’s74thAnnualWright MemorialDinneronDecember16,2022, inWashington,DC.Formoreinformationabouttheawardortoviewalistof pastrecipients,visitwww.naa.aero.For updatedinformationregardingthepresentationoftheWrightTrophy,visit www.aeroclub.org.
TheNationalAeronauticAssociationisanon-profitmembershiporganizationdevotedtofosteringopportunities toparticipatefullyinaviationactivities andtopromotingpublicunderstandingof theimportanceofaviationandspace flighttotheUnitedStates.NAAisthe caretakerofsomeofthemostimportant aviationawardsintheworldandcertifies allnationalaviationrecordssetinthe UnitedStates.Forinformation,visit www.naa.aero.
Ithasbeensaidthattheonlyvoluntaryactinaviationisthedecisiontotake-off.Everyactionaftertake-offinvolvestheskillfulmanagementof risk,theenjoymentofflightandacontinuousstreamofdecisionsthatresultinasafelanding.
In1974,NASAcreatedtheAviationSafetyReportingSystem(ASRS)toallowaviationprofessionalstoshareexperiencesinafrank,non-punitivemanner.TheASRSstructureallowspilotsandotheraviationprofessionalstofileananonymousreportofanincident,errororoccurrencethatthecontributorfeelsmightbeofvaluetoothers.These reportsaregathered,analyzedanddatabasedbyNASAexpertsandmadeavailabletoallinterestedpartiesasatoolforcreatingproactiveaviationsafetyprograms.Additionally,NASAdistributes anelectronicpublication, CALLBACK,whichcontainsselected,de-identified,reportsonafreesubscriptionbasis. InFlightUSA isproudtoreprintselectedreports,exerptedfrom CALLBACK,for ourreaderstoread,study,occasionallylaughat,andalwayslearnfrom.Visithttp://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/tolearnhowyoucanparticipateintheASRSprogram.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?
offersthereaderachanceto
Thismonth,CALLBACKagain
“interact”withtheinformation giveninaselectionofASRSreports.In “TheFirstHalfoftheStory,”youwill findreportexcerptsdescribinganevent orsituationuptoapointwhereaspecific decisionmustbemade,animmediate actionmustbetaken,oranon-normal conditionmustbeactivelymanaged.You maythenexerciseyourownjudgmentto makeadecision,determineapossible courseofaction,ordeviseaplanthat mightbestresolvethesituation.
TheselectedASRSreportsmaynot providealltheinformationyouwant,and youmaynotbeexperiencedinthetypeof aircraftinvolved,buteachincidentshould giveyouachancetorefineyouraviation judgmentanddecision-makingskills.In “TheRestoftheStory…”youwillfindthe actionsthatweretakenbyreportersin responsetoeachsituation.Bearinmindthat theirdecisionsmaynotnecessarilyrepresentthebestcourseofaction,andtheremay notbea“right”answer.Ourintentisto stimulatethought,training,anddiscussion relatedtothesereportedincidents.
TheFirstHalfoftheStory CommunicationOnceAgain
B737-700Pilot’sReport
• [Wewere]midwaydowntherunwayontakeoff.Aregionalaircraft…stated,“Usingtheafterburners, huh?”
WhatWouldYouHaveDone?
ADysfunctionalCheckFlight
CRJ700FirstOfficer’sReport
• Thisflightwasafunctionalcheck flight(FCF)…Allflightcontrolswere disconnectedandreconnectedtoreplace abeamunderthecockpit.Afterabout30 to45minutesofnormalFCFtestsof hydraulicsandflightcontrols,wetaxied outandcompletedthereversertestand enginerunup.Itwasaftersunsetand dark…now.Wewereclearedfortakeoff…withnodelayduetoaflightonthe visualapproach.Welinedupslightly
noseleft.TheCaptain,PF,addedfull powerforastandingtakeoffwithbleeds closedperFCFprocedure.Hereleased thebrakesandusedtherightrudder pedaltosteerright,buttheaircraftwent moreleft,sohehittherightpedalharder andwewentleftharder.
WhatWouldYouHaveDone? ExitStrategy
Small,Two-EngineTransport Pilot’sReport
• Afterdroppingaloadofskydivers,I enteredtheairporttrafficpatternona highcrosswind…Subsequentcallswere madeondownwind,base,andfinal. NeitherInortheotherpilotonboard heardanycallsfromanyotheraircraftin thearea.WearealwayscarefultocoordinateduetotheglideractivityattheairportaswellastheVFRtrafficwhenthe weatherisnice.Onshortfinal…Isuddenlynoticedanaircraftontheopposite endoftherunway…Theaircraftwas movingandheadingdirectlytowardus, thoughitappearedtobeonorjustabove therunway.Wewerestillonshortfinal andhigher.Icouldnotaltermyflightpath totheright,asskydiverswerelanding there.Ididnotwanttogoleft,asthatis whereIexpectedtheotheraircrafttogo.
WhatWouldYouHaveDone?
LandingDecisions
SmallAircraftPilot’sReport
• IwasPICandtheonlyperson onboard.Onmyturnfromdownwindto final,Inoticedmyairspeedwasat60 [knots],soItookactiontoincreasemy airspeed.Inthecourseofdoingthis,I foundthatwhenIturnedtofinal,Iwas toohigh.Iputtheaircraftintoaslipto getdown.WhenIroundedoutoftheslip, Iwasovertherunwaynumbersand doing79knots.
WhatWouldYouHaveDone?
SpoilerAlert
B767Captain’sReport
• Thistripwas…thecontinuationof
AircraftXon…thedayfollowingour weatherdivert.Whilebeginningour descent…theFO(PF)deployedthe speedbrakestoapproximately50%in ordertocomplywiththealtituderestriction.WhentheFOstowedthespeedbrakes,theaircraftabruptlyrolled35 degreestotheleft.Theautopilothaddifficultycontrollingtheaircraft,sowedisconnectedandtheFOflewmanually.The FOquicklyandaccuratelycorrectedthe left-rolltendencywithrightailerons,leveledthewings,andcontinuedthearrival. Simultaneouslytotheseevents,the SPOILERSEICASilluminated.We slowedto250KIAStominimizetheleftrolltendencyandinformedATC.We decidedtohavetheFOcontinuetofly andhandleradioswhileIranthenonnormalchecklist,coordinatedwith DispatchandMaintenance,andranthe testwiththeLeadFlightAttendant.After finishingtheSPOILERSEICASchecklist andtheothercoordination…itwas determinedthatsomeofthespoilerson theleftwingremainedintheUPposition andwouldnotstow.
WhatWouldYouHaveDone? TheRestoftheStory CommunicationOnceAgain
• Sincewewereemptywithnopassengersandnotmuchfuel,wewere acceleratingquickly,andthus,hiscommentmadesense.Uponrotation,the Toweraskedtheregionalaircraft,“What wasthatyousaid?”Heresponded, “Lookslike[Company]isusingafterburners;asix-footflamewascomingout ofthebackofthe#2engine.”Upon reachingcleanupaltitude,weranallthe appropriatechecklistsandreturnedback toZZZ.Thefiretruckswerecalledby ATC,andtheyperformedaninspection upontaxiingclearoftherunway.We wereclearedtotaxitothegate…The eventwasenteredinthelogbook,and Maintenance,Dispatch,andtheChief Pilotswerenotified.Theregionalaircraft couldhavebeenmoreclearinhiscomments,andwecouldhaveabortedthe takeoffatlowspeed.
ADysfunctionalCheckFlight
FromtheCaptain’sReport
• Iabortedthetakeoffandcametoa completestopontherunway.Thespeedat thetimeoftheabortwaslessthan40 knots.WerantheQRHandwereableto taxi…offtherunwayusingthetiller.Before taxiingbacktotheramp,welinedupon therunwayagain,thistimeonlyintending totesttherudderpedalnosewheelsteering.BoththeCaptainandFO…pedals weretested…Bothsetsofpedalsweregivinginversesteeringcommands.Rightrudderwasgivingaleftsteeringcommand andleftrudderwasgivingarightsteering command.Theaircraftwasreturnedtothe ramp,andthediscrepancywasentered intothelogbook.Thecauseofinverse steeringcommandswastracedbacktoone oftheelectricalcomponentsthatactivates nosewheelsteeringbeinginstalled180 degreesoutofnormalposition.Update FCFcheckliststoincludemoredetailed preflightchecksandthetestingofrudder pedalsteeringduringtaxi-out.
ExitStrategy
• Inthatdecision-makingmoment,I sawtheotheraircraftbegintoclimb,and Idecidedthatthebestcourseofactionwas togounderneaththemandcontinuewith thelanding.Fromthirdpartyaccounts,I believethattheotheraircraftdid,infact, makearadiocallannouncingtheirpositioninthepatternandtheirintenttoland on[thatrunway].Thehighamountof windnoiseinteractingwiththeheadset boomsmayhavepreventedusfromhearingthosetransmissions…WewereincontactwithATCduringthejumprunandthe descentanddidnothaveanissuehearing them.Thisisoneofthoseairportswhere therunwayhasasignificantslope,and aircrafttakingoffinonedirectionand landingintheotherdirectionisnot uncommon.Thatwasthecaseonthisday.
LandingDecisions
• Ishouldhavegonearoundbut,
DUTY STOL,GOOD
ByEdWischmeyerSoitlookslikeatruck,andhasbig tireslikeatruck,andishappyon roughterrainlikeatruck.Butthe ZenairCH750SuperDutySTOLfliesa lotnicerthanatruck.
DemopilotRogerDubbert’sstoryis atleastasinterestingastheairplane.A nativeofMexico,Missouri–homeofthe U.S.branchofZenith–Dubbertgraduatedfromcollegewhentherewasadownturninaviationandjobswerescarce.He washiredasZenith’sfirstemployeein 1993andhasbeenthereeversince.He nowhas7,000or8,000hoursinZenith aircraft,includinga701hebuilthimself andstillflies.Hesaysthatheenjoys workingwithcustomers,anditshows.
Onthewalkaround,Dubbertpointed outdesignfeatures.Insteadofaconventionalfinandrudder,theCH750hasanallmovingverticalsurface.Thehorizontal stabilizerhasaninvertedairfoilformore downwardforce,butasubtlefeatureis vortexgeneratorsthatgivealittleextra downforceandaslightlyslowerapproach speed.Flaperonsareconspicuousonthe wing,butasubtlefeatureisthattheyarein twopieces,atafewdegreesdifferentangle toeachother.Thismakestheinboardsectionofthewingstallbeforetheoutboard sectionforbetterhandlinginthestall.
Thathonkinghugehigh-winghas thosefixedslots,greatforlow-speed STOL,theprimarymissionoftheairplane.Theyalsocreatealotofdrag becausetheyarenotretractable,atradeoffforsimplicity.Someearlybuilders closedovertheslots,buttheCH750 Cruzerhasawingwithouttheslots.(The Cruzeralsohasaconventionalfin/rudder insteadofanall-movingverticalsurface.)
Obviousontheplaneweretheoptional27-inchtires,attachedtomassivelandinggearlegs.“Thosecomepre-bentsothe builderdoesn’thavetodoithimself,” offeredDubbert.Notsurewhatcouldbend thingsthatstiffoutsideofahousejack.
Gettinginwasrelativelyeasy.One handontheliftstrut,onefootonthetire, slideyourbuttinontotheseatandswivelyourlegsaround.Withthesinglecentercontrolstick,therewasnoobstacleto yourlegs.
Thisplanehastheoptionalhuge screenonaswivel,madebythesame companythatmakesTeslascreens.Ithas plentyofroomforeverythingneededfor VFR,andwasveryreadable.Speakingof VFR,theSuperSTOLcruisespeedwith thebigengineandbigtiresisonly105
mph.Afewbuildershaveequippedtheirs forIFR,butthisairplaneisusuallyflown within200milesofhomebase,theysaid.
Speakingofperformance,thisSuper Dutyhasanadvertisedperformanceofa 115-foottakeoffroll,1,350-feet-perminuterateofclimb,and24mphstall speed.Landingrollishalfafootballfield, 150feet,andrangeis400miles.Inother words,theSuperDutywillhanginthere withotherSTOLhomebuilts.
Thedemoplanehadahonkin’big 205hpLycomingthattheyhadlying around,connectedtoagroundadjustable Sensenichpropelleradjustedformaximumtakeoffperformance.Awholeslew ofengineshavebeenputonZenithairplanes,includingmostoftheengine typesyoucanthinkof.FortheSuper Duty,recommendedenginepoweris between150–230HP.
ThisenginewasfuelinjectedandsurprisedDubbertbystartingrightup.He pointedouttheelectricelevatortrimand saidthatitwasn’tusedallthatmuch.He wasright,andIflewtheentireflightwithouttouchingthetrim,althoughtherewere afewtimesIwouldhave,haditnotbeen hiddenbehindthecentercontrolstick.
Speakingofwhich,thatcentercontrolsticklooksreallyweirdbutit’snot
TransPod,thestartupthatisbuilding theworld’sleadingultra-high-speed groundtransportationsystem(the TransPodLine)todisruptandredefine passengerandcargotransportation, unveiledtheFluxJet,anindustry-defininginnovationdesignedtotransformthe waypeoplelive,work,andtravel.
Basedongroundbreakinginnovationsinpropulsionandfossil-fuel-free cleanenergysystems,theFluxJetisa fullyelectricvehiclethatiseffectivelya hybridbetweenanaircraftandatrain. Featuringtechnologicalleapsincontactlesspowertransmissionandanewfield ofphysicscalledveillanceflux,the FluxJettravelsinaprotectedguidewayat over1000km/h–fasterthanajetand threetimesasfastasahigh-speedtrain.
TheFluxJetwilloperateexclusively ontheTransPodLine,anetworksystem withstationsinkeylocationsandmajor cities,featuringhigh-frequencydeparturesdesignedtoenablefast,affordable,
$19.2Btotheregion’sGDPthroughout construction.OncetheTransPodLineis inoperation,itwillcostpassengers approximately44percentlessthana planetickettotravelthecorridorand reduceCO2emissionsby636,000tons peryear.
“Allthehardworkoverthepastfew yearshasledtothismilestonemoment wheretalkisbecomingareality.The technologyisproven,andwehavethe confidenceofinvestors,governments, andpartnerstocontinuepushingforward toredefinetransportationeffectively,” saidSebastienGendron,co-founderand CEO,TransPod.
(CourtesyTransPod)
Canadian-basedTransPodrecentlyunveiledtheFluxJet,ahybridbetweenanaircraft andatrain,callingitanindustry-defininginnovationdesignedtotransformtheway peoplelive,work,andtravel.
andsafetravel.Mostrecently,TransPod confirmed$550MU.S.financeand announcedthenextphaseofan$18B U.S.infrastructureprojecttobuildthe TransPodLinetoconnectthecitiesof
CalgaryandEdmontoninAlberta, Canada.Preliminaryconstructionwork, includingtheenvironmentalimpact assessment,hasbegun.Thiscriticalprojectwillcreateupto140,000jobsandadd
AtTransPod’sunveilingeventin Toronto,ascaled-downFluxJetwasfeaturedinalivedemonstrationshowingits flightcapabilities.Thealmost1-ton FluxJetvehicledemonstratedatake-off, travel,andlandingprocedurewithinits guideway.
ALLAircraft
class graduated June 27, 1944. The Marine
LEFT SEAT.COMIS NOW SELLING AIRPLANESAND HELICOPTERS!
Really?Whendidtheystartdoing that?OK,actuallyPilotMedical Solutions(www.leftseat.com)hasbeen helpingaircraftrepresentativesandmanufacturessellaircraftforalmost30years. Wecan’ttakeallthecredit.
Therearealotofgreatnewaircraft designsinspiringwould-bepilots.Pilot MedicalSolutionssuppliespilotswiththe medicalcertificationsupportsotheycan flytheaircraftoftheirdreams.It’sactually asilentpartnershipwithaircraftrepswho understandthatitistoughertosellanairplanetoapersonwhocan’tflyit.
Pilotsoftencallaftertheiraircraft representativesuggeststheycheckout LeftSeat.comtomakesuretheycangeta medicalcertificate.PilotMedical
Solutions/LeftSeatreceivednumerous questionsregardingconcernsovermedicalcertificatesfrommanypilotsatthe recentAOPA“HangOut”eventheldat
TransPodUnveilstheFluxJet
“Thismilestoneisamajorleapforward,”saidRyanJanzen,co-founderand CTO,TransPod.“TheFluxJetisata nexusofscientificresearch,industrial development,andmassiveinfrastructure toaddresspassengers’needsandreduce ourdependenceonfossil-fuel-heavyjets andhighways.”
“TransPodcompletelychangesthe gamewithultrahigh-speed,zero-emissionpassengertravelandfreighttransportationbetweenmajorgatewaycities,”
SafeLandings
ContinuedfromPage38
instead,madethebaddecisiontotryto forcetheplaneontotherunway.WhenI toucheddownbeforethemidwaypointof therunway,Iwasstilltoofastandlocked upthebrakes.Thisresultedinasideways skidintothegrassontheleftsideofthe runway.Iwent30feetintothegrass. Therewasnodamagetotheairplaneor injurytome.Itaxiedbacktothehangar
saidYungWu,CEOofMaRSDiscovery District.“Itistimeforboldactionfrom ourpolicymakers,investors,andoperatorstosupportthecommercializationof made-in-Canadainnovationslike TransPod,towininthemulti-trilliondollarglobalinnovationeconomy.”
“TheFluxJetisafirstforCanadian innovationandisthenextgreatinfrastructureprojecttobebroughtworldwide,”saidJanzen.“TheTransPodLine isbeingdevelopedincollaborationwith ourpartnersinEurope,USA,and
beyond,includinguniversities,research centers,theaerospaceindustry,architecture,railway,andconstructionpartners.”
TransPod’sFluxJetunveilingwas madepossiblewiththesupportandcollaborationoftheBuildingTradesof Alberta,Canada’sBuildingTrades Unions,DassaultSystèmes,DHL Express,MaRS,IkosConsulting,and SADEEngineering.
TransPod’sgoalistodisruptand redefinecommercialtransportation betweenmajorcitiesindevelopedand
FeltsFieldinSpokane,Washington.An examplewascitedbyExecutiveDirector DavidHale:“Werecentlyheardfroma pilotwhodesperatelyneededasolution. Hehasanon-refundable$250,0000 depositonaBellJetHelicopterbutjust hadapacemakeranddefibrillator installedinhischest…soundslikean unsolvableproblem,right?”But,Hale continues,“Thereareavenuesavailable. Evenseeminglyimpossibleissuescanbe overcomewithgoodmedicalcareandby workingthroughtheFAAlabyrinthwith knowledgeandskill.”
Formoreinformationandsolutions, visitwww.leftseat.com,e-mail info@leftseat.comorcall,1-800-6994457.
forinspection.Maintenanceconfirmed nodamage.Lookingbacknow,Ishould havejustgonearoundafterIwasnot happywithmydownwindtobaseturn.
SpoilerAlert
• IoptedtorequestpriorityhandlingandrequestedtheILSwithalong, 20-milefinal,whichATCcoordinated.
Wethengraduallyslowedandconfigured theaircraft,determiningtheaircraftcontrollabilitywitheachconfiguration change.Oncefinallandingconfiguration (Flaps30)andtargetspeedwereestablished,theaircraftcontinuedtheleft-roll tendencybutwasmanageable.TheFO accuratelynotedthatattargetspeed,the speedtapeshowedlittlemarginabove stickshakeractivation,soweoptedto
emergingmarkets.Thestartupwas foundedin2015tobuildtheworld’s leadingtube-transportationsystem(the TransPodLine)toconnectpeople,cities, andbusinesseswithhigh-speedtransportationthatisaffordableandenvironmentallysustainable.TransPodInc.is headquarteredinToronto,Canadaand hasaffiliatecompaniesinAlberta, France,andtheUAE.Visit www.transpod.comtolearnmore.
add10knotstoourtargetspeed.Ibelieve thiswasduetothespoilersstillextended ontheleftwing.Theremainderofthe approachandlandingwasuneventful,as theFOmadeanexcellentlanding.Itook theaircraftontherollout,andwemetthe respondingemergencypersonnel.They checkedusover,andwetaxiedtothe gate.
Your wait will be over when this admission-free community event returns to the Hansen Dam Sports Complex in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.
NOV 12
Los Angeles, CA
Born in Los Angeles, the AMERICAN HEROES Air Show mission goals since 1993 strive to: Educate || Communicate || Demonstrate the versatile capabilities of rotary-wing aviation with static displays & exciting flight demonstrations!
In addition to an exciting aviation experience, this admission free event includes :
HELICOPTERS from law enforcement, fire, EMS/ENG, military / DOJ and homeland security organizations profile the unique capabilities of rotary-wing aviation. AMERICAN Anthem Presentation introduce your family to our newest U.S. citizens when members of the U.S. military and others recite their Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens in front of friends and family ... C COODDEE3 3 C
& R
recruiting teams from law enforcement and schools with Criminal Justice curriculum are on-scene to profile careers in public safety, government service, homeland security and national defense.
SAR SITE1 local Search & Rescue teams roll out with emergency vehicles, equipment displays, demos and family outdoor safety tactics. Non-profit organizations are on site to promote their mission of public service, community safety, animal rescue and emergency / disaster preparedness.
Join our EVENT FLIGHT TEAM and get a birds eye view of the event action when you climb on board their helicopter flight-seeing rides over the event .
concessions, entertainment and aviation related vendors
AOPACONNECTS,SUPPORTSAT GLOBAL AEROSPACE SUMMIT
ByLillianGeil
AOPA
OnSept.14and15theU.S.Chamber ofCommercehostedtheGlobal AerospaceSummit–anindustryevent whereleadersinairandspacecame together“forconversationsontheeconomy,tradeandthesupplychain,cybersecurity,workforcedevelopment,andtheaircraftandspacecraftofthefuture.”
The20thGlobalAerospaceSummit washeldintheatriumoftheRonaldReagan BuildingandInternationalTradeCenterin WashingtonD.C.,withnearly1,000participants.Packeddiscussionsessionsandpresentationscaptivatedindustryplayersin aerospaceandaviation,focusingontopics likeinternationalcollaborationinspace, tomorrow'sairmobility,andthefutureof aviationsafety.Keynoteremarksweregiven byJessicaRosenworcel,chairoftheFederal CommunicationsCommission,andDavid L.Calhoun,presidentandCEOofBoeing Co.
Inaninterviewpriortotheevent CarolB.Hallett,summitfounder,aviationexpert,andapilotwithmorethan 5,000flighthours,spokeaboutthebenefitsofholdinganeventlikethis,andwhat theindustryhopestoaccomplish.“The nation'seyesareontheaviationindustry moresothaneverbefore,”shesaid. “Whenpassengersthinkofaviation nowadays,theythinkofapost-COVID returntonormalcy,theythinkofvacation,theymaythinkofcancellationsand delays,andthey,ofcourse,thinkofthe excitementofflight.Thisiswhyitisso
AOPAVicePresidentofGovernment AffairsMurrayHulingspeakstoanevent attendeeattheU.S.Chamberof CommerceGlobalAerospaceSummit. (AOPAPhoto/LillianGeil)
importanttohearfromtheleadersofthis industryandlearnwhatthey'rethinking. That'swhattheSummitoffers,achance tolisten,learn,andhearfromtheseCEOs inawaywedonotalwaysgetto.”
AOPAwaspresentonbothdaysof thesummit.Eventattendeeswereableto visitwithAOPAstaff,learnabouthow generalaviationcontributestothelarger industry,andtryouttheever-popular RedbirdJayflightsimulator.“Thereisa goodbitofnetworking,”saidMurray Huling,AOPAvicepresidentofgovernmentaffairs.“Peoplewanttoknowwhat wedoandhowwecanhelp.”
Whileindustrygiantspaintedinspiringpicturesoffutureadvancements, AOPA'spresenceremindedattendees thatteachingnewgenerationstofly remainscriticaltothehealthoftheindustry.“Withushere,itgivesusagood reminderof,rememberwhereyoucame from,”saidHuling.“Allpilotsstartwith generalaviation.”
TheAircraftOwnersandPilots AssociationAirSafetyInstitute(ASI) recentlyreleasedanewvideofromits EarlyAnalysisseriesprovidinganinitial examinationofarecenttragicaccident involvingalightsportaircraft.
OnSept.8,2022,aPiperSport crashedattheSantaMonicaMunicipal Airport(KSMO)inSantaMonica,Calif. Theaccidentcausedtheairplanetocatch fire.Nooneonthegroundwasinjured. Sadly,thecertificatedflightinstructor andthestudentpilotdiedintheaccident.
TheflighthaddepartedtheSanta MonicaMunicipalAirportonwhat
appearstohavebeena30-minutediscoveryflightalongthecoastlinebefore returningtoSMO.
“InEarlyAnalysis:N126WK,the AOPAAirSafetyInstitutewantstohelp pilotsunderstandwhatisknownabout theaccidentaswelookatfactorsthatare likelytobeasubjectoftheinvestigation bytheNationalTransportationSafety Board(NTSB),”saidAOPA’sASIsenior vicepresidentRichardMcSpadden.
McSpaddencontinued,“Lightsport aircraftarehighlypitchsensitiveandthe PiperSportpitchedupaggressively
AOPA’SAIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES
EARLY ANALYSIS:JET CRASHAT RENO AIR RACES VIDEO
TheAircraftOwnersandPilots AssociationAirSafetyInstitute(ASI) releasedanewvideofromitsEarly Analysisseries,providinganinitial examinationofatragicaccidentthattook placeonSept.18,2022.
AnAeroVodochodyL–29Super DelfincrashedattheStihlNational ChampionshipAirRacesinReno, Nevada.Noinjuriesonthegroundwere reported.Sadly,airracecompetitorand 2021RookieoftheYearAaronHogue, 61,waskilledintheaccident.
“InEarlyAnalysis:JetCrashat RenoAirRaces,theAOPAAirSafety Institutewantstohelppilotsunderstand whatisknownabouttheaccident.We lookatfactorsthatarelikelytobethe subjectofaninvestigationbythe NationalTransportationSafetyBoard,” saidAOPA’sASISeniorVicePresident RichardMcSpadden.
TheL-29wasinatightcompetition fortheoveralltrophyduringthefinalheat oftheJetGoldrace.InbetweenOuter Pylons4and5,thepilotinitiatedan unusualright-handturn.Herolledoutof theturnandbeganclimbingtotheoutsideofthetrack,thenreversedtotheleft. Thepilotappearedtoattempttoreenter therace,pullinghardleft,whichwasthen followedbyarelaxingoftheturnanda continuousdescentintothedesertfloor.
McSpaddenaddedthat,“Thepilot
BOOK
videoathttps://www.aopa.org/trainingand-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/n129mm.ViewotherEarlyAnalysis videosathttps://www.aopa.org/trainingand-safety/online-learning/early-analysis .TheAOPAwebsiteiswww.aopa.org.
AaronHoguewithhisAeroL-29SuperDelfin.The“SuperDelfin”isthenamegivento ahandfuloftheplanesdesignedforracingthathavebeenconvertedfromthestockjet engineproducingapproximately1,700poundsofthrust,toaPratt&WhitneyJ-60 engineproducingapproximately3,000poundsofthrust.AconvertedL-29Delfinholds therecordattheRenoAirRacesforthefastestlapspeedofover540mph,accordingto HogueAirForce’swebsite.
mayhaveexperiencedG-inducedlossof consciousness(G-LOC)thatisimpacted byfactorssuchasfatigue,dehydration, nutrition,andfitnesslevel.Inaddition, G-tolerancevariesfromdaytodayand canchangeinflight,”heconcluded.“His hardturnfollowedbyarelaxingofthe turnandsteadydescenttothecrashisa classicG-LOCprofile.Orperhapsthere
(CourtesyHogueAirForce)
wassometypeofstructuralissuethat preventedfullcontroloftheairplane. We’llwatchtheNTSBcarefullytosee whattheycandetermineasthecause.”
EarlyAnalysisvideosprovidean initialassessmentofprominentmishaps thatgeneratelargepublicinterestand mayprovideimportantsafetylessonsfor thegeneralaviationcommunity.Viewthe
RacingJets,Inc.,thegoverningorganizationalarmmanagingthevariousfunctionsandrelationshipsrequiredtoensure successfulparticipationofthejetracing communityattheRenoNationalAir Races,notesthatHoguehadbeeninterestedin“anythingaviationrelated”sincehe wasayoungboy.Hetooksomeintroductoryflightsatage16andgothisticketin his20safterspendingtimeintheNavy whereheworkedasanelectronicstechnician.RacingJetsstatesthattheairraces werea“naturalevolutionforAaron.”He accumulatedmorethan2,300hoursinseveralaircraft,includinghishigh-performing L-29SuperDelfin.Hoguehasan AerobaticProficiencyCertificatefrom ShawnTucker’sTutimaAcademy.Along withbeingapilotinthejetclass,heserved asasponsorandmentortootherjetpilots. HewastheownerandpresidentofHogue, Inc.andalsooneoffourpartnersofHogue AirForce(hogueairforce.com).
MichaelSteiger,PresidentofRacing Jets,Inc.,ispartoftheinvestigationteam andsaidresultsfromtheaccidentwillbe availabletothepublicassoonaspossible.Learnmoreatracingjets.com.
RACE 2.0: SPACEX, BLUE ORIGIN, VIRGIN GALACTIC, NASA, AND THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE FINAL FRONTIER BY BRAD BERGAN
PublishinginNovember, Space Race2.0 followsthedevelopmentof commercialspaceexplorationtothe present.Thefirststepsinprivateventures arecovered,suchasthosebySpace ServicesInc.andOrbitalScienceinthe 1980sand‘90s,aswellastoday’smajor players:SpaceX,BlueOrigin,Virgin Galactic.
Whileexaminingthehardware, authorBradBerganalsoexploressuch considerationsastheimportanceof design-forwardequipmentandthe endgame:whatultimatelyis“init”for firmsattheforefront?Naturalresources?
NASAandESAcontracts?Commercial travel?Communications?Andwhatlegal boundaries,ifany,restraincorporate interestsinspace?
SpaceRace2.0 istheonlyauthoritativephotographichistoryoftheeffortsof privatecompanies–oftenalongside NASA–toacceleratehumankind’s explorationandunderstandingofthe finalfrontier.It’stheultimatevisuallook atthisrelativelyyoungindustry,looking backatrecentremarkabledecades–and aheadtowhatthefuturemightbring.
Berganisawriterat NFTNow and previously,acontributingeditorat
Futurism andsenioreditorat Interesting Engineering,specializinginspaceand tech.Hiswordshaveappearedinoron VICE,Thinknum,3:AMMagazine,The WorldEconomicForum,Bloomberg, Discover,and NBCNews
LearnmorefrompublisherQuarto (TheQuartoGroup)atwww.quarto.com.
Space Race 2.0 by Brad Bergan will be available next month from Quarto publishers. (Courtesy Quarto)
OODIES AND AND
ADGETS
One of the truly great things about being an aviation buff is the number of “Goodies and Gadgets” available to play with. Here In Flight USA has collected a few new ones worthy of your consideration.
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. has been the supplier that aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses have depended on since 1965. They carry a wide selection of aircraft parts, building materials, avionics, and pilot supplies, all of which are offered on their website (www.aircraftspruce.com) and in the famous Aircraft Spruce catalog, now over 1,000-pages available for download or for free in print. You can depend on Aircraft Spruce for prompt shipping and competitive pricing on all orders.
AIRCRAFT SPRUCEIS READYFOR FALL FLYING
Fall is in the air, a perfect time for flying, sprucing up and gift shopping. Aircraft Spruce has answers for every aviation need. Visit their website, stocked full of more than 100,000 items, at www.aircraftspruce.com.
Happy autumn flying from Spruce!
TCW Integrated Back Up Battery System
The Integrated Battery Back-up System (IBBS) provides an engineered solution to enable an endurance bus for critical loads found in aircraft. The IBBS system provides backup power to critical electronic loads such as EFIS, GPS, Autopilots and engine monitoring systems.
Integral to the IBBS is a lithiumiron-phosphate battery pack and a matched charging system to ensure the battery is properly charged and maintained. The system includes switching circuitry to provide a stable source of output power during both normal and emergency operations. The IBBS system also provides signals to other equipment such as EFIS systems to communicate the operating state of the back-up bus as well as the state of the battery.
The IBBS system connects to the standard aircraft power bus and provides an output to critical equipment that requires back-up power. Additionally, the IBBS system provides surge and sag protection for connected equipment, allowing operation of critical equipment during engine starting.
The IBBS system is suitable for use with equipment such as Garmin GNS and GTN series navigators, G3X series of avionics, Grand Rapids Technologies EFIS systems, Advanced Flight Systems EFIS, Dynon EFIS, and MGL EFIS, TruTrak Autopilots and EFIS, and Trio Autopilots.
Aircraft Spruce offers the TCW Integrated Back-up Battery system in 12 or 24 voltage and with 3 Amp hour or 6 Amp hour units. The units start at $249, increasing in price depending on voltage and Amp hours selected.
Honeycomb Charlie Rudder Pedals
The Charlie Rudder Pedals
brings the final piece to complete the full Honeycomb Flight Simulation Setup. The pedals are made with real alloy metal and can adjust to different angles for the best comfort while flying. The pedals use a specialized drive train system for travel with no center detent. The base includes large rubber grip pads and reversible carpet spikes for non-movement use giving you confidence and skill in your approaches and landings.
This product is available for preorder now and expected delivery by midOctober. Each unit costs $349.
Lightspeed Delta Zulu ANR Headset With Bluetooth Delta Zulu is built for your mission with safety, control, and comfort in mind. The newest headset from Lightspeed includes their best ANR to date, with the superior comfort and durability you expect from a Zulu, while also introducing groundbreaking new technologies that could save the lives of both pilots and passengers.
Safety: Lightspeed’s designers and engineers collaborated with a team of highly qualified flight and safety experts to develop a revolutionary digital platform and groundbreaking new technologies to make flying safer. Kanari smart alert technology built right into the headset provides protection by measuring cabin carbon monoxide levels, helping to keep you and your passengers alert and safe with audible warnings. The free Lightspeed App allows you to also check the CO sensor data visually during flight and review your full history later. The Delta Zulu also introduces a built-in audio equalization system called HearingEQity that ensures crystal clear flight communication. Through an auto-
mated 12-frequency hearing test that can be taken through the Lightspeed App, HearingEQity sets the hearing level in each ear of your headset to create your individual hearing profile to compensate for any hearing variations between ears.
Control: The Lightspeed App also allows you to record radio conversations, playback transmissions, draw diagrams, and archive flight recordings for post-flight briefing and training. Delta Zulu is also the first headset to adopt the UAC plug, allowing you to connect to other devices directly from the headset for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio.
Comfort: The legendary Zulu comfort and durability continues in the Delta Zulu. Performance ear seals, sturdy cables built around a Kevlar core, full Bluetooth integration, and an industrybest 7-year warranty are still standard in the newest Lightspeed model.
Visit the Aircraft Spruce website (www.aircraftspruce.com) to see videos on this product and additional details. Each unit sells for $1,099.
Wood Propeller Altimeter Clock
A must have for every pilot, at home or on the hangar wall, a wooden propeller with clock. Propellers are fabricated in Colombia through an artesanal process using the best and finest tropical cedar wood. Each propeller is 29.5 inches long, the clock diameter is 75mm, it weighs one pound and needs an AA battery (not included). Each clock propeller sells for $79.95… Think holiday gift!
AeroLeds Starlight Wing Ice Inspection Light FAA-PMA
Approved
provides optimum illumination of your wing to check for the formation of ice. The wing inspection lights offer more total light output (Lumens) and a wider beam spread to give you the optimum amount of light needed. It also provides added visibility to your aircraft for collision avoidance and recognition. The StarLight Ice wing inspection light serves as an easy LED replacement for incandescent 7079 light bulbs. Each unit sells for $244.95.
Aircraft Spruce’s New Website Feature: Expanded Order History Search
Low-lying clouds and sub-zero temperatures can create hazardous ice formations on the wings of your aircraft. The StarLight wing inspection light was engineered with your safety in mind.
This LED Ice detection Lighting system (or wing inspection/wing scan light)
Aircraft Spruce on Sept. 22 announced the release of their expanded order history search. You can now search your order history by product keyword, part #, manufacturer # in addition to the previous search function by order #, invoice # or PO#. More key upgrades include:
•Graphical results presentation featuring highlighted word, number or phrase match.
•Quick links to view full order details, track packages, view/download invoices or download order certs documents (if available).
•Product results feature quick links to re-order products and view certs (if available) for that specific item.
Dynamic Visual Results: Order search presents matches in a user-friendly visual presentation allowing you to quickly access key information from your account saving you precious time. See all the details at www.aircraftspruce.com.
Look for Aircraft Spruce at these upcoming events:
•NBAA in Orlando, FL, Oct. 18-20 (nbaa.org)
•AOPA Aviation Showcase in Fort Worth, TX Nov. 17-18 (aopa.org)
•AG Aviation Expo in Knoxville, TN on Dec. 5 (agaviation.org)
MEXICO’SIFLY UNIVERSITY TAKES DELIVERYOF TECNAM’S P2006T MKII PREMIUM EDITION
Tecnam recently announced that the P2006T S/N 350 was delivered to iFly Academy in Merida, Mexico. iFly chose this modern twin-engine to improve the MEP training and updating their twin fleet “with the most efficient and versatile aircraft of its category for multi – IFR training.”
The Tecnam P2006T MkII is a twinengine four-seat aircraft with fully retractable landing gear. Its simplicity, great performance, efficiency and ergonomics are what make this aircraft ideal for multiengine training, as well as cross-country flying. The P2006T offers unbeatable value and innovative design with a modern Garmin avionics suite, integrating all primary flight, navigation, communication and terrain data on two high-definition LCDs. The aircraft is also equipped with an S-Tec 55x high-performance, two-axis autopilot, with advanced features.
Fitted with two Rotax 912S3 engines, the Tecnam P2006T exhibits remarkable fuel saving and can be operated on AVGAS and MOGAS 95 octane fuel, leading to huge cost reductions.
Acquiring the P2006T will allow iFly to offer more flight time and a quicker way to move through multi-engine ratings. The P2006T is ideal for flight training, as the aircraft has proved to be “unstressful” to fly, the controls are light to operate, and even with one inoperative engine, the pressure needed to cope with the asymmetric thrust is very low.
The P2006T MkII can compete with a single-engine aircraft on consumption, allowing, with just one platform, different ratings as Multi Engine Piston (MEP), Variable Pitch Propeller, EFIS, and retractable landing gear.
“We are so delighted to have another Tecnam flying in Mexico. We see a great potential for aviation, and we are proud
Tecnam recently announced that the P2006T S/N 350 was delivered to iFly Academy in Merida, Mexico. The aircraft flew from Tecnam U.S. in Sebring, Florida, to Merida, Mexico. (Courtesy Tecnam)
that flight students would benefit from a modern and smart aircraft,” said Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer, Walter Da Costa.
iFly CEO and Founder, Julian Esquivel said, “We are proud of building from scratch a new relationship with Tecnam and we are even more proud of the hands and legacy that built our airplane. Tecnam is a beautiful aviation family and we are honored to work with and connect Mexico to Italy in our industry.
About iFly; “Pasión por la Aviación” iFly Aeronautical University was founded on May 6, 2011 by Captain Julián Esquivel Calvillo in the city of Mérida, Yucatán, with the mission of training the best aviator pilots in Mexico. The company started operations with a team of 40 people including directors, administrators, teachers, captains, controllers and maintenance technicians, all committed to improving Mexican aviation. In 2018 iFly obtained the Recognition of Official Validity of Studies (RVOE) of the Aviation Management career, becoming the first Aeronautical University for aviator pilots in Mexico, as well as the certification of their Airbus A320 simulator.
Today the University has more than 250 students. Learn more at http://www.ifly.com.mx/. Also, visit the Tecnam website at www.tecnam.com.
AOPA’S Air Safety Institute
Continued from Page 44
before it spiraled into the ground. The accident sequence may have started from the PiperSport encountering disturbed air from a departing Beechcraft King Air.
“Another possibility is based on ATC audio of the PiperSport’s cockpit communications. From that audio it appears that someone may have panicked and pulled back the stick aggressively during final approach to land,” said McSpadden.
Early Analysis videos provide an
initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.
View the video on the AOPA website (aopa.org) or directly at https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis/KSMOTrainingAccident.
View other Early Analysis videos on the website (aopa.org) or directly at https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/early-analysis.
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE
American Aircraft Sales, Livermore Airport, CA, americanaircraft.net, cell (510) 783-2711, (925) 449-5151.3/13
From Trade-ins to Aircraft Management, financing and appraisals. T.J. Aircraft Sales, Novato, CA, (415) 8985151, tjair.com. 3/13
AirplanesUSA Aircraft Sales, San Carlos, CA, Airport, (650) 394-7610, airplanesusa.com. 1/16
JETS
Small Manned Aerial Radar Target, Model 1. Tiny jet aircraft, long-range tank. SMART-1, Tucson, AZ, (202) 2132400, smart-1.us.5/21
SPORT/ULTRALIGHTS
RV12i5. Total performance perfected. Easy to build, fly and own. Van's Aircraft www.vansaircraft.com.11/18
Innovative aviation parachute recovery solutions for GA, sport, UAVs, more. aviationsafetyresources.com.11/21
HELICOPTORS & eVTOL
5 Bell 212s 1996-1991, current maintenance, one owner. Bell 412, 33017 SN, 0 engine OH. Hudson Flight Limited, (806) 662-5823, or (971) 241-8473.6/20
Experience the joy of gyro flight Orbic Helicopters, Camarillo, CA, (805) 389-1070, orbichelicopters.com.6/22
EXPERIMENTAL
BD-10, factory-built demonstrator with airplane safety mods. Airframe 465TT. $275K complete pkg. w/spares. Fuel Fresh, Phoenix, AZ, (480) 345-6677, fuelfresh@aol.com. 12/21
AIRCRAFT SALES AIDS
Aviation Sales & Marketing by ABCI
Ideal for a startup or side hustle in the aviation industry. (702) 987-1679 or aviationsalestraining.com/startup.1/21
FLIGHT INSTRUCTION
Sunshine Flyers. Flight & tailwheel instruction, rentals, mountain flying, and aerobatics., Auburn, CA, (530) 820-3442, sunshineflyersaviation@gmail.com.3/20
Arizona Type Ratings
CE-500/CE-525 type ratings or recurrent. Insurance approved, staff examiner. arizonatyperatings.com, (602) 614-7994.9309:TFN
Seaplane Instruction, ASES ratings, amphibious flight reviews, re-current training. Lake Havasu Seaplanes, Lake Havasu City, AZ, lakehavasuseaplanes. com, (928) 733-7122.12/20
Recurrent pilot training and services. L/D Aerospace, Grace Passmore, (916) 790-0501, idaerospace.com.1/22
Fly for fun or career. Discovery flights, pilot training, AOPA Distinguished Flight School & Cessna Pilot Center. Smith Aviation Napa, Napa County Airport, (707) 345-6526, mikesmithaviation.com. 4/22
MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS
XL Aviation - Aircraft Maintenance. Custom-tailored programs for all aircraft. Livermore, CA, (925) 961-6135,
RESTORATIONS
consulting at reasonable rates. The Wright Experience, (540) 379-9092.8/21
Custom aircraft & high-quality composite parts. Aviation Composites, Sandersville, GA, (937) 243-7303.1/22
Aircraft Insurance Center, (650) 5933030, (888) 723-3358. 10/06
Insurance solutions for all aviationrelated services. Business Aviation Insurance, bizavins.com, (925) 825-1900.7/20
Protect your whole family, including your pets. Comprehensive health and Medicare solutions. Jen Mathey, owner, Pixie Health Insurance, (941) 200-3738, pixiehealth insurance.com.10/22
AVIATION CONSULTANTS
Aviation Building Systems, custom designed hangars. R&M Steel Co., Caldwell, ID, (208) 454-1800, aviationbuildingsystem. com, (866) 454-1800.51217:TFN
HOMES/AIRPARKS
Airpark Lots for Sale
guidelines to: In Flight USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, CA 94402.TFN Oakland Aviation Museum, CA, is recruiting volunteers. Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org. 6/21
PILOT POSITION WANTED
All parts available to rebuild 1936 Rearwin Sportster. In Northern California. Contact Sue Harmuth at suewilldooo@ outlook.com. 22801:9
FBOs
Serving the GA Community since 1981. Wisconsin Aviation, Watertown Municipal Airport, WI, (920) 261-4567, WisconsinAviat2ion.com.3/13
Corona AirVentures. Low fuel prices, amenities, tie-downs & hangars. Corona Municipal Airport, (951) 737-1300, CoronaAirVentures.com.8/14
AVIONICS
Avionics for Every Mission. All major brands.Airtronics, Calaveras County Airport, CA, airtronicsavionics.com,
Informed, accurate aircraft appraisals. jetvaluesjeremy.com, (636) 751-3987.7/20
PILOT SUPPLIES
No cheap imitation watches at HME!
Special pricing on ATP series multifunctional watches with Altimeter. To order or for information, (323) 464-6660 or hmewatch.com. 11/16
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. Free 700page catalog, Corona, CA, & Peachtree City, GA, aircraftspruce.com.10/06
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
Apparel as unique as your journey Discounts to members. AOPA Pilot Gear, aopapilotgear.com.9/21
Hawks Landing (7.62 acres); Duchy Airpark (four lots in gated community); Myrtle Beach Hardee Airpark (lots from 1 acre to 1.74 arcres. Carolina Airparks, Geneva Allen, (704) 798-5214, carolinaairparks@ gmail.com. 8/22
A Pilot's Paradise—Valley Airport Private airstrip in the Ozark Mountains on banks of White River. Custom 3BR, 3BA home, office and hangar/ workshop, $749,999. Leo and Dianne Doughty, Cotter, AR. Contact Ray (870) 421-7193 to show. 9/22
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Become an Aircraft Broker — #1 Largest USA Network of Aircraft Start with USA’s proved system for listing and selling everything from highperformance single-engine airplanes, cabin class through jets, and helicopters & jet fractional shares. Includes multi-million-dollar inventory to start.
Complete turn-key proved system. No experience necessary. Will train. Licensed USA Aircraft brokerage. Call (504) 723-5566 orvisit Business Opportunity Section at usaaircraft.com 4208:TFN
SoCal pilot, experienced in aircraft design/flight test/aerospace industry. Willi travel as needed (and for repositioning). Contact Paul at (562) 714-6686 or ptglessner@aol.com. 17400:TFN
MUSEUMS
Rowland Freedom Center Vacaville, CA, (707) 449-3402 rowlandfreedomcenter.org
Castle Air Museum
World's largest static display of vintage military aircraft from late 1930s. Atwater, CA, (209) 723-2178 castleairmuseum.org
Oakland Aviation Museum Oakland, CA, (510) 638-7100 oaklandaviationmuseum.org
Golden Age Air Museum Grimes Airfield, Bethel, PA (717) 933-9566, goldenageair.org
Planes of Fame Air Museum Chino, CA, (909) 597-3722 planesoffame.org
AIRCRAFT PARTS
PROPELLERS
FUEL
InPhones with pilot keypad. Convenience & versatility at one low price! Only $199/year. (650) 504-8549, (408) 2340045. 10/21
The World's Best CREEPER, adjustableheights. aerocreeper.com.4/22
Mountain Bike, Full-size, pilot-friendly, rugged. FLATBIKE, flatbike.com.10/18
AVIATION RESOURCES
Emergency services, group trips, consulting services. BizAvJets, Inc., Business Aviation Services, bizavjets. com, (702) 465-2027. 10/20
Make the most of your business aircraft ownership with our Management Services. Thoroughbred Aviation, thoroughbredaviation.com.10/20
Wherever business takes you. Navigate It. (575) 615-2091, vatit.com.10/21
Scheduling Software that connects to your flight department. Simple, affordable. airplanemanager.com. 9/22
SERVICES
Divorce-Paternity Cases Contact Lawyers for Men's Rights, (213) 3848886, www.mensrightslawyers.com. Offices of Stuart J. Faber.4/10
Aero & Marine Tax Pros
Legally avoid sales tax on your aircraft purchase. In El Grove, CA, (916) 691-9192, aeromarinetaxpros.com.18500:TFN
Left Seat Pilot Medical Solutions. A confidential solution for pilot medical certification. Free FAA medical consultations. Left Seat, (800) 699-4457.1/21
AIRCRAFT FINANCING
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Global Aircraft Group. USPAP bank values for all aircraft, aircraft management, insurance claims & certified aircraft appraisals. Mark Parry, (855) 6GBLAIR, (413) 335-7507. 4/22
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One-piece doors. Hydraulic or bifold. Schweissdoors.com, (800) 746-8273.1/15
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Join thousands of aviation enthusasts worldwide. American Aviation Historical Society, aahs-online.org.3/21 West Valley Flying Club, San Francisco Bay Area. Palo Alto (650) 856-2030, San Carlos (650) 595-5912, www.wvfc.org.
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Specializing in aviation photography horizontalrain.com.1/15
Custom nose art & handpainted art pieces. on leather, metal or vinyl. Victory Girl, (909) 297-6688, victorygirl.com.2/19
Need a gift? Give a ride in an open cockpit biplane. WACO Air Museum, Troy, Ohio, wacoairmuseum.org, (937) 335-9226.20601:TFN
Fly By Wire Air, a one-stop site for aviators. flybywireair.com.4/21
"Flying Boat" poster, limited edition. Signed & framed. FlyingBoatFilm.com. 10/21
Aces High Aviation & Military Art.
PUBLICATIONS
Hiller Aviation Museum San Carlos Airport, CA (650) 654-0200, hiller.org
American Helicopter Museum West Chester, PA, (610) 436-9600 americanhelicopter.museum
Pacific Coast Air Museum Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 575-7900 pacificcoastairmuseum.org
Palm Springs Air Museum Palm Springs, CA (760)778-6262, psam.org
Wings of History Aviation Museum San Martin, CA, (408) 683-2290 wingsofhistory.org
Wings of Honor Museum Walnut Ridge, AR, (800) 584-5575 wingsofhonor.org
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Iconic
Aircraft Review: Zenair CH750 Super Duty STOL
Left: Getting in the Zenair is relatively easy, especially since there are no obstacles to your legs with the center control stick. (Ed Wischmeyer)
Below: Like its predecessors, the STOL CH 750 offers extraordinary STOL performance . (Ed Wischmeyer)
Right:The optional UnPanel Display is a re-positionable glass panel that replaces the traditional instrument panel. (Ed Wischmeyer)
that big of a deal. Sure, you have to fuss with radios and such, but 99 percent of the customers decline the option for dual control sticks, he said. The dual sticks have more linkage and such, detracting from the feel. The rudders and the surprisingly smooth elevator are cable actuated.
With the big screen, there is no panel for the throttle to mount to. On this plane, it was on the pilot’s (my) left in a bent, rectangular tube, adjustable for height above the cockpit floor. Worked just fine, although Dubbert occasionally had to reach across me as there was no throttle on his side.
Those flaperons are a bit different from what I expected. Full deflection is only 15-degrees, and takeoff is with half that. Then again, on some airplanes with flaperons, roll response decreases markedly with deflections of 40-degrees or so.
With all this power, takeoff procedure is a bit different. Start with the stick mostly back, add a bunch of power and then add the rest very shortly thereafter.
Liftoff was smooth and undramatic and we had a gentle deck angle rather than a showoff steep climb. But we were off quickly, no doubt about it.
What’s surprising is that the ailerons and elevator are smooth and light, pretty wonderful. The rudder and yaw characteristics are typical of an airplane with a square aft fuselage and no vertical fin. It takes concentration and practice to keep the ball centered – which I could not do easily without more practice – and the skittish electronic skid ball didn’t help.
Typical of square fuselage airplanes, when I pulsed the rudder, the plane yawed 20-degrees to the left and the skid ball did not return to center, having found greener pastures at the end of the tube. The plane continued a slow turn with the skid ball out. Some square fuselage planes show this characteristic, even with a vertical fin, which the Super Duty does not have – only a small dorsal fin.
Up and away, various turns and Dutch rolls and such were all easy and fun,
especially ignoring the skid ball. Dubbert said that the Super Duty doesn’t feel uncoordinated with the ball out, and I glommed onto that excuse for my sloppiness.
A 360-degree turn was easy, with the skid ball off somewhere on its own and me blissfully ignoring it. Practice, me boy, practice.
Slow flight was unexciting, lots of buffeting, no tendency for a stall break, and good roll control. There was a little bit of wing rock, easily controlled with aileron and rudder.
Coming back to the pattern, we stayed at cruise power – not all that fast, remember – till about time to turn base. The nose is very low in cruise, and I’m not sure that I ever got the speed to the desired 55-60 mph. Dubbert told me several times to lower the nose on base and final, leading to speed increases.
Dubbert says that most accidents in Zenith airplanes come from flaring too high and hard landings doing a mischief to the nosewheel strut. I didn’t do that,
but with the unfamiliar sight picture and cues, my touchdown was definite. Like many airplanes, the Super Duty elevators are more sensitive in the flare.
Market acceptance is good. The factory cranks out a kit per day, pre-drilled, requiring only minimal deburring. The current project is making the CH701 kit matched hole, meaning no drilling, just cleco and rivet.
There are two CNC machines making sheet metal parts, and in another part of the factory, a worker welds the aluminum fuel tanks. Not immediately obvious is that the corners of the fuselage are custom extrusions.
The factory backlog stretches into next year, and I can see why. The Super Duty is surprisingly fun to fly and will richly reward those who master its full capabilities.
For more information: https://zenith air.net/introduction-ch-750-super-duty/ .
PILOT
professionals at Pilot Medical Solutions provide superior, pilotfocused services and help during your time of need. I would, without hesitation, recommend their services to an airman in need."
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do all the work while we get the credit and the thanks from the pilot. They are knowledgeable, quick, well known to the FAA Aeromedical structure and make the special issuance process a breeze.”
Anti-magnetic. 5-day power reserve. 10-year warranty.
The new ProPilot X is powered by Oris Calibre 400.