Arizona Aviation Journal - July/August 2011

Arizona Aviation Journal July/August 2011

Issue #3

Arizonan Returns Home to Land

Dream Job Aviation Explorers See Bright Future

Barbara Harper

Self-confidence Propels Tucson Pilot to Lofty Accomplishments

ASAG

Aviation Advisory Group Works to Keep Arizona Skies Safer

Contents From the Publisher...........................................Page 4 Barbara Harper.................................................Page 6 Sky Harbor Receives FAA Safety Award........Page 8 Grand Canyon Airport Eyes Future Growth....Page 9 NPS Lobbies for More Route Restrictions......Page 11 Aviation Explorers Train for Future Jobs........Page 12 AFA Holds Valley Conference........................Page 14 APA Embraces Role as Voice for GA.............Page 15 Arizona Native Lands Dream Job...................Page 17 ASAG Works to Keep Skies Safer..................Page 19

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Arizona Aviation Journal July/August 2011

On The Cover

Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Hall Lewallen poses next to a Cessna CitationJet on the campus of Kansas State University. Photo courtesy of Kansas State University.

Publisher/Editor/ Kim J. Stevens Graphic Design/ Andrew Stevens Layout Design/ Andrew Stevens Advertising Director/ Kate Stevens Photography/ Kim Stevens Contributing Writers

Claire Stern Andrea Brennan Stacy Howard

Published by the State Aviation Journal July/August 2011

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 3

From the Publisher

Connections Living in Arizona for the past ten years has given me the privilege of meeting an amazing group of folks in the aviation industry. It has occurred to me that this group, although spread across the state, is a closer knit group than one might first expect.

Sure, we all come from different walks of life, but our passion for aviation draws us together. Even though one might pilot an Airbus across the country, another a Maul across the state, we come together to meet and support the industry we love, representing a host of different groups, yet united in a single goal - to preserve our love and privilege to fly.

There are several examples within the pages of this issue of folks interacting with a number of organizations in the State. Barbara Harper, whom we feature in this issue, has spent a lifetime both in general aviation planes as well as commercial airliners. She also is involved in two organizations that we write about in this issue, the Aviation Safety Advisory Group and the Arizona Pilots Association.

Scott Chesnut is another. As a retired Air Force Colonel, he is very supportive of the Air Force Association here in the Valley. He also is a very active member of the Arizona Pilot’s Association.

Like Scott and Barbara, there are a host of similar stories. Fascinating and talented men and women, who devote much of there time to our industry.

In the issues ahead, we at the Arizona Aviation Journal look forward to bringing to you their stories. Our hope is that in doing so, we can help strengthen and encourage each other and help unite the industry that we love.

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Arizona Aviation Journal July/August 2011

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July/August 2011

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 5

Barbara Harper

Self-confidence and Strong Convictions Key to Success

By Kim Stevens Self-confidence and strong convictions are two attributes that have propelled Barbara Harper to great heights both figuratively and literally using aviation to achieve many accomplishments throughout her lifetime. “Those seem to be essential along with insight and the ability to understand,” said Harper.

Harper, whose experience ranges from flight instructor to airline pilot to international lecturer, first became interested in aviation when asked out on a dinner date in an aircraft. “I liked the aircraft better than the pilot,” said Harper.

Harper said she had many influences throughout her career.

“The instructors that I had were very encouraging,” said Harper, who had set small goals and accomplished all of them in a reasonable amount of time. “I never did have my sights on the airlines. I was happy with just a private pilot certificate.”

Flying children was very motivating and invigorating for Harper, who found them to be noncritical of her flying. “My passion was developed, I think, on a long cross country from California to Oregon with a friend,” said Harper. “I knew I had the gift of instructing at that time and quietly pursued the Commercial followed by the Flight Instructor and Instrument ratings.”

Harper did eventually spend time flying for the airlines, which she said was “a dream.”

She joined Continental Airlines as a pilot in 1989 and flew until taking an early retirement in 1998. Flying for the airlines was not difficult for Harper but the relationships with others were. “Most of the pilots were men and they did not like a woman stepHarper at dig site ping into their domain at all, she said. “One had to prove oneself over and over again, a never ending story.” A small flight deck is like a small office, and according to Harper, hardly anyone knows what goes on with the human behavior of the crew and the social attributes of pilots.

Aviation has taken Harper all over the world to lecture on communication and safety in places like Nepal, Bombay, and New Delhi. “What fires me up is seeing that aviation can be

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Harper holds a certificate signed by AOPA’s Craig Fuller recognizing her induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of Tom Veneklasen

better and improved with serious dedication to safety,” said Harper. Although her time in foreign places was very rewarding, so to was her induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame in April of 2010.

“Being inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame was like being given the best actor award at the annual Oscars show and the Nobel Peace prize together,” said Harper. “I felt very privileged and honored to have been selected.” Harper said that to have been chosen for this award was of course, a wonderful privilege but it is also a privilege that belongs to others as well as to her. “This award should have been a group one; my instructors, friends and family,” said Harper.

Harper was one of three inducted during the 21st Annual Induction Ceremony held at the Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia in Tucson, Arizona.

Arizona Aviation Journal July/August 2011

Harper started her professional career as a flight instructor at the Petaluma Sky Ranch, Petaluma, California. After moving to Arizona she continued as a flight instructor for the DavisMonthan AFB Aero Club in Tucson, and eventually became the chief flight instructor. In the late 1980’s Harper flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds at Davis-Monthan.

From 1975 to 2002 she worked part time as an aerial surveyor/photographer for a local organization. This work inspired her to obtain a bachelor degree in anthropology with archaeology as a specialty to enhance studies in aerial archaeology/ remote sensing. This knowledge helped to develop a program for government entities whereby monitoring of historical and prehistoric sites by aircraft for vandalism and natural decay.

“I studied archaeology in Tucson and have been on many digs,” said Harper. “I have always been interested in aerial photography and how it can be used to locate prehistoric sites and monitoring with the Arizona Site Steward program.”

Harper is a member of numerous aviation organizations including; the Operations Council of the Tucson Airport Authority, the Arizona Aero Club, the Arizona Pilots Association, the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, the 99s, the Aviation Safety and Advisory Group of Arizona and the National Aeronautic Association.

Although presently not looking to break any speed records, Harper does hold Certificates of Record from the U.S. National Aeronautic Association, Washington D.C. and the Federation Aeronautique International, in France for setting speed records, including a March 16, 2004 flight with Chanda Budhabhatti for a “Speed Record Over Recognized Course” from Tucson, Arizona to Laughlin Bullhead International, during Women History month. They covered 257 nm in 2 hours 4 minutes and 59 seconds in a PA28-235.

Harper, who will be going to Mumbai in December to speak, believes the future of aviation will depend on the growth of industries, employment, and population demand. One thing for certain, “Arizona is a wonderful state to learn to fly,” said Harper, “both military and civilian.”

Harper, left receives certificate of appreciation from Nancy Benscoter, President of the Arizona Pilots Association for her service on the Association’s board of Directors.

Harper with float plane

Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame display

July/August 2011

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City of Phoenix Aviation Department employees on hand in Los Angeles to accept the award were: Candace Huff, Special Projects Administrator, Design and Construction; Bobbie Reid, Aviation Superintendent, Facilities and Services; Scott Maxwell, Aviation Supervisor III, Operations; Becky Gawin, Deputy Aviation Director, Facilities and Services; Carl Newman, Assistant Aviation Director; Randy Payne, Project Manager, Planning and Environmental; Chad Makovsky, Deputy Aviation Director, Operations and John Sawyer, Aviation Superintendent, Operations. Mr. Newman is holding the plaque, (center). To his left, from the FAA are, Mark McClardy, Manager, Airports Division, Western Pacific Region and Kate Lang, former Acting Associate Administrator for Airports. Bill Withycombe, Western Pacific Regional Administrator is on the far right.

Sky Harbor Selected for FAA Safety Award Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was the recipient of an FAA Western-Pacific Region Airport Safety Award. The honor was announced at the FAA Western-Pacific Region Annual Airports Conference held last month in Los Angeles. Sky Harbor was recognized for its commitment to safety and for its ongoing efforts to work in collaboration with the FAA. Safety and security are top priorities for Sky Harbor. Assistant Aviation Director, Carl Newman said he is proud of their dedicated staff which works in partnership with the FAA, the airlines and other Airport stakeholders to ensure that one of the busiest airports in the country is also one of the most well-run.

This month, Sky Harbor also received its sixth perfect FAA certification safety inspection in a row. Every year, the FAA conducts a thorough inspection of the air operations area and rates the Airport on runway and taxiway maintenance, recordkeeping, emergency response and more. The inspector looks at everything from airfield markings to lighting and signage.

Newman said it takes employees from various divisions, working together around the clock and at the top of their game to achieve perfect inspections six years in a row.

The recipient of this award goes to an airport sponsor (aircarrier or non air-carrier), that has demonstrated outstanding

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accomplishments resulting in enhanced airport safety, or the development/ implementation of a specific program or activity that resulted in improved safety.

Nominations for this award may be submitted by any member of the Airports Division, Western Pacific Region. This year’s nominees in addition to Sky Harbor were Elko Regional Airport, Elko, Nevada and Merced Municipal Airport in California.

Arizona Aviation Journal July/August 2011

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Grand Canyon National Park Airport Eyes Future Growth

By Andrea Brennan

Records Show Upswing in Operations and Enplanements

On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, air tour companies and other operators use the Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) to provide access to the region around the park and nearby communities. In 2015 the third-largest, and only state-run, airport in the state will mark fifty years of operation and service; new opportunities and challenges will shape its future.

According to AirNav.com, ninety five percent of the traffic at GCN is air taxis: helicopters and small fixed-wing aircraft from tour operators such as Papillon, Maverick, Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines, and Westwind Air Service take sightseers around the Grand Canyon. Air Force Reserve units, such as F-16s from Luke AFB near Phoenix, stop for refueling; “I think they pick us so they can stop and see the canyon,” joked Mike Halpin, airport manager. VIPs sometimes fly in, he added. Currently a very small percentage of the air traffic is commercial flights from major airlines—according to Halpin, that might change.

GCN has made several updates and upgrades to the facility and services in the past few years. The airport has completed new drainage improvements and a holding ramp, Halpin said.

TSA added personnel so that Vision Air can fly tourists from McCarran Airport in Las Vegas on daily flights that began on June 13, said Halpin. These tourists then take a bus tour of the canyon.

In 2010, the airport completed construction of an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Facility (ARFF) Maintenance Building and held the grand opening of that building in June 2010. This new building, designed by LEA Architects, LLC, received a Sustainable Building Award in 2010 from the Coconino County Sustainable Building Program—Advanced Level Plus. In April 2011 the building received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The facility runs maintenance and operations, Halpin said, and has been used for several events, including a town hall meeting by Congressman Paul Gosar.

Halpin said in 2009 that the airport experienced reduced air traffic due to the economy and other travel concerns.

However, during the peak seaMike Halpin son, traffic has been steady, he said. Recently GCN has had an increase in attendance, despite

Maverick Helicopter over the Grand Canyon

Continued on next page

July/August 2011

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Air Force One lands at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport

Grand Canyon National Park Airport Continued from previous page weather-related (such as the March 2011 tsunami in Japan) postponements and cancellations. In January 2011, the number of enplanements and operations was “way up,” said Halpin, and in each month since the number has increased. Through May 2011, he said, enplanements are 13 percent higher and operations are nearly 10 percent higher.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the airport is planning several improvements over the next ten years including the design and construction of a new terminal building (2010-2020). The new terminal facility supports scheduled airline operations from across the country, which might change the way travelers arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park. Halpin plans to complete an environmental impact assessment by 2012.

“Everyone wants to see the Grand Canyon at least once in his or her life,” said Halpin, which is why he wants the airport to expand to become “as easy as flying to Las Vegas.” Once the new terminal is in place, airport planners will need to figure out how to get people to hotels and parks—Halpin suggested that new operators could provide shuttle service or package tours.

Halpin cautiously views the short-term future of air operations at the airport. To handle the busy skies, the area around the airport restricts the routes planes and helicopters may use.

Halpin has met with park and environmental groups . If noise and congestion concerns, such as the National Park Service Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Special Flight Rules Area in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park, lead to further restrictions for the number of flights over the canyon, the limits would have an adverse effect on the airport, he explained. “If air tours can’t operate it would affect our revenue,” Halpin said. [Air tours] “are the biggest segment of our traffic.”

However, the airport that once had 44 different companies has dwindled to seven.

Conversely, increased traffic would have a positive impact on the business community, Halpin suggests. Now that Vision Airlines flies 737 commercial aircraft between McCarran Airport and GCN, it is easier for travelers to come out for the weekend. To address noise and emission pollution concerns, Halpin added, travelers flying into the airport might be able to reduce ground traffic congestion by using shuttles to visit the Grand Canyon and then commute to and from hotels.

“A lot of locals have told me they would love to have more travelers coming through the airport,” Halpin said. “The future primary purpose of the airport will not be tour flights but to become the gateway to the Grand Canyon.” When the plans become a reality, the locals can look forward to seeing more forms of aviation bringing visitors to enjoy the Grand Canyon—and its surrounding local businesses.

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NPS Seeking More Grand Canyon Flight Restrictions

By Andrea Brennan

AIR TOUR INDUSTRY RESPONDS

In June, the National Park Service delivered a proposed preferred alternative and environmental impact statement to the Federal government, Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Special Flight Rules Area in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park, suggesting ways to reduce noise pollution in the Grand Canyon.

Although the plan allows for 15 percent growth in air tours, the proposal recommends numerous operational changes for the air tour industry that include expanded no-fly areas and a new lower cap on the number of Maverick Helicopters - one of several air tour operators over the Grand Canyon National Park flights per day.

“The National Park Service is responsible for protection of relationships between their management pilots to communicate its resources,” said Mary Killeen, planning chief for Grand concerns and other issues with each other. The NPS plan, sugCanyon National Park. Airspace deserves the same consideration for noise reduction as ground transportation. People travel gested Jacobs, should address how commercial flights passing over the area contribute to the noise and how those noise levels to the Grand Canyon from all over the world, Killeen added; can be reduced. everybody looks for an experience in the park.

When asked about the Policy Development Group statements, The NPS proposal was originally part of a cooperative plan Killeen said NPS was in the beginning stages of analysis, and it with the Federal Aviation Administration and the air tour inwas too premature to respond to the air tour industry. dustry; “we have been working with the FAA since 2006,” said What happens next? Killeen said that the national office will Killeen. However, said an air tour industry representative, the review and analyze over 30,000 comments that were received plan is lacking their input and perspective and relies on outuntil June 20, and they will determine which comments are dated and faulty data, which has led NPS to several misguided substantive. If necessary, NPS will propose additional noise conclusions.

In a written response to the NPS preferred alternative plan and modeling or other research. After analyzing the comments, NPS will start to prepare the final EIS alongside the FAA in EIS, several air tour operators serving the Grand Canyon area Washington D.C., Grand Canyon National Park, and the Natupoint out the errors in the NPS analysis. One major problem ral Sounds Program in Fort Collins, Colorado. with the NPS EIS, according to one industry analyst, is that the The FAA will review the plan “from the perspective of the report cites pollution levels of older aircraft and doesn’t acairspace,” explained Killeen, to make sure the proposed air tour count for the modernization of many tour operator fleets. routes have no safety issues. Otherwise, the FAA must approve Many tour operators have upgraded their aircraft, points out the plan without changes, she said. A final decision is expected Andy Jacobs of Policy Development Group, Inc. based in sometime in 2012.

Arizona. Maverick Helicopter Tours, for example, upgraded If the proposed plan remains intact with few or no changes, its entire fleet of 34 EC-130 helicopters with many noise and the air tour industry warns of an adverse impact on the area. emission-reducing features; Papillion has 17 EC-130s. “Grand Instead of anticipated growth, air tour operators counter that the Canyon Airlines,” Jacobs added, “pioneered quiet technolplan would reduce air tour passenger volume by 7 percent; reogy for its fixed wing airplanes in 1986 and now operates 15 duce gross GCNP revenue by 9 percent, reduce air tour operaDeHavilland DHC-6-300QP Twin Otters and two Cessna 208B tor employee earnings by 8 percent; and reduce GCNP direct Caravans, among the quietest commercial aircraft available air tour-related employment by 10 percent. today.”

In general, the air tour industry response states “NPS should As a result of the efforts of air tour operators, noise reducdrop its ill-conceived Alternative and halt the EIS process,” tion has reached the NPS-targeted levels since 2005, states the citing the data and analysis errors in the proposal. “NPS’s Preindustry response. Air tours have met or exceeded other objectives to limit flight times and routes; “[t]oday,” according to the ferred Alternative are not ‘needed’ to achieve NPS’s objective of reducing air tour noise, but they have adverse impacts on industry response, “over 85% of the Grand Canyon National Park is in flight-free zones.” The companies have good working jobs and other aspects of the human environment.”

July/August 2011

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Aviation Explorers Post 352 operates out of Mesa’s Falcon Field

Aviation Explorers Raise Funds for Aviators in Training

By Claire Stern Aviation in Arizona has a bright future ahead, thanks in part to a small but dedicated group of Aviation Explorers. The teenagers and young adults are students in the Aviation Explorer Post 352 program which operates out of Mesa’s Falcon Field.

For the second year in a row, Falcon Field’s Anzio Landing Italian Restaurant played host to a fundraising event aimed at collecting donations for the program which teaches students 14 years and older all about aviation. From aircraft maintenance to navigation, flight control and actual flying lessons, the students spend their Saturdays learning everything about the field of aviation.

The first and third Saturdays of each month are spent in ground school with certified flight instructors learning about aerodynamics, air traffic control, airspace, regulations, navigation, weather and cross country flight planning. The second and fourth Saturdays are spent learning maintenance from an inspection-authorized mechanic. The students themselves are actually responsible for maintaining the plane they fly - a Piper Cherokee 180 D Model. They get hands-on experience conducting compression checks, wheel and tire maintenance, riveting, bending sheet metal, stripping and painting.

On months with a fifth Saturday, students take behind-thescenes fieldtrips to places like the Pima Air Museum, the Southwest Airlines maintenance hangar at PHX and Sky Harbor’s air traffic control tower. All the activities are aimed at building a solid foundation for flying, which the students say is the very best part of the program. In fact, each student must commit to a minimum of one hour of flight time instruction each month in addition to at least one ground school class and at least one maintenance class. The goal of the program is to develop students who are well-rounded in all aspects of aviation, understanding and loving it, whether they go into careers in the field or not.

The fundraiser at Anzio Landing was held to help pay the cost of insurance needed to cover student pilots in the post’s plane.

The costs passed along to the students themselves are actually much less than most people might expect. Each hour of flying time is $85 an hour. Dues are $20 per year and the mandatory uniform shirt and hat is $30. It is also recommended that each student have their own basic set of tools.

Stephen Sloan has been a student member of Post 352 for the past six years. Now, as a 19 year old freshman studying eco-

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nomics at ASU, he plans to stay in the program and credits his dad Bennett for encouraging him to join the post. Stephen says he enjoys his flight time the most, but that the people he’s met along the way are also incredible. “We have four flight instructors who volunteer 100% of their time from teaching to chaperoning.” He credits the instructors for keeping the costs of the program so affordable.

“Exploring” is a career based program affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America and is open to both male and female students 14 years or older and Post 352 currently has 18 students.

To be accepted into the program, students must go through an interview process so they and their families understand the time and cost commitments. In addition, the students must maintain A and B grades in school. Harold Bliss, founder and head advisor of Post 352 says students who don’t have great grades going into the program usually turn that around very quickly.

“We do monitor their grades and within one year of joining the post grades go up 12 to 15%, some even more.”

The students who helped out at the Anzio Landing fundraiser earned great reviews for their service as they seated guests, refilled beverages, cleaned tables. In fact, approximately 200 people attended and raised more than $2,000 for the post.

For more information about Aviation Explorer Post 352 or to make a donation, call Associate Advisor Bennett Sloan at 602316-0588 or email bennett.sloan@gmail.com

Bennett Sloan and and son Stephen

Student members of Aviation Explorer Post 352.

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Brigadier General Jerry D. Harris, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, addresses attendees.

Air Force Association Holds Regional Conference in Valley

By Kim Stevens

Air, Space and Cyberspace was the focus of The Air Force Association’s (AFA) Southwest Region Conference held at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona, June 24th - 26th. The public was encouraged to attend the three-day conference.

The AFA event brought together military, industry and community representatives to network on important topics for the Air Force in the region. Industry and military experts discussed the future of the Air Force, its current mission, as well as the impact of its continuing role in the three-state region of Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.

“The event was successful beyond our expectation,” said Scott Chesnut, Vice President of Aerospace Education, Luke Chapter of John F. Regni, Lt. Gen., the AFA and Chairman of USAF (ret). the Operations Committee.

“We received very positive comments.” Chesnut, who is a

retired Air Force Colonel and Program Director for Prime Solutions Group, Inc., said they started planning for the event six months prior to the conference. “We thought big and planned big.”

Chesnut credited four key reasons for success; the vision of chapter president Joe Marvin; active business involvement; support from Luke Air Force Base; and support from other chapters in the region. Chesnut said he hopes next year’s conference scheduled for New Mexico will be able to build on the momentum of this year’s event. To help insure that it does, the committee held a post-event meeting to discuss and document the lessons learned in order to provide continuity to the group planning next year’s event.

S. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt, Brig. General, USAF (ret) and National AFA Chairman, along with Bernard “Bernie” Skoch, Brig General, USAF (ret) and Commissioner of AFA Aerospace Education, added national perspective to the program, which was supported by AFA members throughout the region. Other discussions included remarks from recently returning airmen from deployment in Southwest Asia as well as programs that support the family members of warriors deployed.

The AFA is an independent, nonprofit, civilian education

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organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. It’s mission is to Educate, Advocate and Support.

As a non-profit, one of the attractions to volunteering your time to the AFA, according to Chesnut, is that it allows you to “stay a little bit blue.” He says that if you spent significant time in any branch of the service, “you miss it.” Chesnut says that it is a very satisfying feeling to maintain contact with that family.

There is another reason Chesnut gets satisfaction volunteering for AFA. “I get fired up,” said Chesnut, “by seeing the quality of youth that are aspiring to military careers.

Presenting an AFA scholarship to a super-sharp and motivated teenager is truly inspirational!”

Social activities including a golf tournament, a dinner and dance were part of the conference, which saw an average of 150 people in attendance over the course of the weekend.

For more information on AFA visit http://www.afa.org/ default.asp.

Attendees meet with vendors during a break.

Civil Air Patrol cadets, Allison Brown, Deer Valley and Cody Cassano, Glendale.

Voice of GA Heard Through APA Members In a world where change occurs about as often as the gear is re-cycled on your airplane, assuming that you’re still flying, its good to know that there is a group in Arizona that has the general aviation pilot’s back.

The Arizona Pilots Association, (APA) has been representing the concerns of the general aviation (GA) pilot since 1978. For Nancy Benscoter, President of APA, its been a privilege to be involved with a proven organization that has a dedicated team of knowledgeable officers, directors and coordinators that help the membership and the GA community to promote and preserve general aviation in Arizona. “Being the President of the Arizona Pilots Association has impacted my life in several Nancy Benscoter positive ways,” said Benscoter.

The personal benefit of knowledge gained through the process of bringing current news, issues and safety information to the membership and the general aviation community has, according to Bencoter, only been enhanced by the friendships that have been forged along the way. “When I think about what fires me up most about the Association, it has to be the power & force of each persons voice,” said Benscoter. “Banning together to make a difference, to preserve General Aviation here in Arizona. This is the foundation of the APA.” What fires up Jim Timm, Executive Director for the Association, are the great people that he gets to work with. “It is good to be able to make the voice of the average general aviation pilot be heard on issues of concern that will impact them and making sure these concerns of the pilots are understood and respected,” said Timm. “It’s great to be working with an organization that can and does make a difference.”

As Executive Director, Timm’s responsibility is to provide a single point of contact for the organization and to insure that a consistent and informed response is given to inquiries while conveying an image of professionalism, permanence and credibility to the membership, the aviation community, the media and to the general public.

“I think the APA effort is very important in getting the word Continued on next page.

July/August 2011

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 15

2010 APA Annual Meeting in the hanger of Chandler Aviation. (Inset) Sergei Sikorsky and Nancy Benscoter.

APA Continued from previous page. out on the issues facing us,” said Timm. “I fear, in some cases, an issue may not attract the pilots attention and could pass by unnoticed until it was too late to respond.” It’s not just getting the word out, but in providing guidance or assistance in preparing an effective response to the issue of concern. In the case of the Grand Canyon National Park overflights issue, it was more than just an Arizona issue, impacting only Arizona pilots.

Therefore the group reached out to other pilot groups in Utah, New Mexico, Idaho and the Recreational Aviation Foundation.

“They shared our concerns,” said Timm. “Some of them looked to APA for guidance in preparing their response to the National Park Service.”

The Arizona Pilots Association also consulted with AOPA to help ensure a united voice was heard. Benscoter said that joining forces with neighboring pilot associations and national associations to champion general aviation preservation has played a positive role. “I see The AZ Pilots Association as having a very important role in protecting and preserving our future General Aviation rights, here in Arizona,” said Benscoter.

The success of any industry or organization depends heavily on the involvement, passion and dedication of individuals or members. The Arizona Pilots Association is no different. “APA has a board of directors covering a wide range of interests and according to Timm, they all are very highly motivated, work well together, and are committed to seeing the Association grow.

The Association is trying to encourage new membership and

Photos by Kim Stevens keep current members interested by expanding their electronic news letter and increasing the social opportunities for the membership by arranging special tours and fly-outs, such as back country, weekend fly-outs within a two state radius and within the state, partial-day fly outs or fly-out breakfasts.

“What ties us together, I believe, is a mutual love of flying and airplanes,” said Timm. “No mater if they are antique/classic, experimental or current factory built; and the strong desire to do what ever we can to preserve the ability to fully enjoy these interests.”

“There is nothing more satisfying than knowing, together, we have made and will continue to make, positive strides in preserving general aviation in Arizona,” said Benscoter.

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Jim Timm at the Casa Grande Airport.

AZ Native Returns to State ~ Lands Dream Job Cover Story

By Kim Stevens From an early childhood, Chandler native Hall Lewallen found himself looking skyward every time a plane passed by.

“All my friends were into cars,” said Lewallen. “I was always the one that had model planes.”

Lewallen was “bitten by the aviation bug” very early in his life. The moment everything clicked occurred when he was seven years old visiting an uncle who was a Coast Guard helicopter pilot stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. “He let me sit in the cockpit of his helicopter and then turned on all of the avionics,” said Lewallen. “Since then I’ve been absolutely hooked and have known that this [being a pilot] was what I would do as a career.”

Pursuit of that career has landed him with Cutter Aviation flying out of Sky Harbor International Airport. “I’m extremely happy to be employed by such an outstanding company,” said Lewallen, who began working for Cutter the end of May. When he was much younger, his father would take him to the FBO (fixed-base operator) to watch and look at all of the corporate jets on the ramp, and since then, he’s always associated Cutter with professional aviation and aspired to work there for many years.

Lewallen lists a number of people including his parents and Uncle Rick in Kodiak, as mentors and role models. He said his parents have given him an unbelievable amount of support and that there is no way he’d be who he is today without them. He also sites Frank Setzler of Chandler Aviation as someone who has given him insight and valuable advice into the aviation world.

“I decided to take up flying when I was 15 at a summer camp in Indiana,” said Lewallen. He soloed just after he turned 16. He went on to complete his private pilot’s license and his instrument rating during high school, and said he really enjoyed flying from his home airport of Chandler Municipal (KCHD), up to Sedona and Payson for breakfast on the weekends.

Lewallen also worked for Chandler Aviation, Inc. during his senior year of High School. As an assistant mechanic, he was exposed to the professional aviation environment and became committed to becoming a corporate pilot. “I have held steadfast to this goal ever since,” said Lewallen. “I’m very fortunate to be so passionate about my professional occupation.”

After high school, Lewallen was looking seriously at several professional aviation universities when his Mom first mentioned Kansas State University at Salina. “I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t look at her as if she was crazy, because up until this point I hadn’t been too interested in going to Kansas,” said Lewallen. But after a tour, he instantly knew that this was where he’d be going to school to become a professional pilot.

Unlike many of the other aviation schools, Lewallen says KState has a strong connection to the corporate aviation world

Hall Lewallen due to its close proximity to the aircraft manufacturers in Wichita, Kansas, and K-State’s Professional Pilot Program has an excellent syllabus. “I knew that I’d truly be able to excel there without being held back,” said Lewallen. Also appealing to Lewallen was the K-State Professional Pilot Program which features a turbine transition program where, after receiving the required training, students have the opportunity to fly the University’s turbine aircraft on transportation trips.

Lewallen, who flew the university’s jet just after he turned 20, was also told that he’d have the opportunity to interview for a KSU flight instructor position upon obtaining the proper certification, which he did and was hired at the beginning of his sophomore year. Furthermore, according to Lewallen, the KSU flight department has excellent aircraft, facilities, and an incredibly experienced and caring faculty. “I graduated in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Technology (Professional Pilot) and a minor in Aviation Safety Management,” said Lewallen. “All in all, going to K-State was one of the best and most important decisions I’ve made in my life.”

After graduation Lewallen interned for the Hawker Beechcraft Demonstration Team. It was through that internship that he became in contact with FlightSafety’s Wichita Hawker Beechcraft Learning Center. “I was instantly impressed by the company and knew of the success stories of previous interns,” said Lewallen.

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Dream Job Continued from previous page.

Last November, he interviewed for a position as an intern there and was selected for the Hawker HS-125 Series of aircraft (Hawker 750, 800/850XP, and 900XP). During his time with FlightSafety, he acted as a Second in Command (SIC) Intern and worked daily in the simulators with clients from all around the world. “I gained invaluable experience in Crew Resource Management, cockpit organization, and overall pilot ability,” said Lewallen, “not to mention the ever-important corporate aviation networking that is imperative to any pilot’s career.”

“My internship with FlightSafety International was fantastic,” said Lewallen, “and played a major part in the opportunity to become a pilot for Cutter Aviation’s air charter division, Cutter Flight Management, Inc.” Hall Lewallen has been in Orlando, Florida getting professionally trained on the aircraft that he will be flying from Cutter’s Phoenix Sky Harbor location. Hall, by the way is his middle name, after his great grandfather, Hall Marmon. His mother’s side of the family owned and operated the Marmon Car Company. His great, great grandfather with the company, designed and built the first car to win the Indy 500. “I commonly introduce myself as Hall, like a hallway,” said Lewallen,

“because I often get called Paul or Hal!” Lewallen said he was anxious to return to Phoenix and start flying for Cutter Aviation full-time. “This is everything that I’ve been working for throughout my aviation career. “It is truly my dream job.”

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ASAG - Promoting Aviation Safety in Arizona

By Kim Stevens It doesn’t matter whether you pilot a plane, operate the airport that the plane flies in and out of or run a business that manufactures, maintains or supports the airplane, there is one thing each should have in common - an interest in safety.

A non-profit organization in Arizona that embraces that common interest, is the Aviation Safety Advisory Group. (ASAG) ASAG was formed in 1972, incorporated in 1987 and according to the non-profits constitution and by-laws, the organization’s primary aim and objectives are; to promote aviation accident prevention programs in the State of Arizona by individual member effort and in cooperation with public agencies; promote the image of safe aviation in local communities; and give recognition to those individuals who make significant contributions to safety in aviation.

ASAG is recognized throughout the country as a model for promoting safety awareness and achievement, accomplished through the organization’s annual Safety Awards Banquet and Ceremonies. Each year, according to Stacy Howard, ASAG President, members encourage statewide participation in the General Aviation Safety Awards Program to flight schools, aircraft maintenance shops, and Arizona pilot groups through the ASAG website, advertising posters and email communication.

In addition to traditional awards for Flight Instructors, Avionics Technicians, Aviation Maintenance Technicians and FAASTeam Representatives of the Year, ASAG recognizes the important role airport managers and air traffic controllers play in overall aviation safety by also presenting safety awards to the Communications Facility of the Year and Airport of the Year.

Over time, ASAG has worked with many stakeholders and according to Jim Anderson, Secretary for ASAG, has been an organization which can cross many political lines as members work independently of any special interest groups. “ASAG helps energize the FAA’s FAASTeam program and effectively improves aviation safety in Arizona,” said Howard. “We do this by supporting the individual efforts of our members, undertaking group projects to address community needs, and providing statewide continuity and leadership in aviation safety education.”

“There are also many special projects Ed Daror we have taken on,” said Anderson, “such as disseminating information to our first responders on how to deal with downed aircraft.” That information is available on CD Rom. Much of ASAG’s success comes from its member’s dedication and passion for safety. “The true strength of the group,” said Anderson, “is we have members from just about every cross-

section of aviation in Arizona.”

Ed Daror, Vice President for ASAG agrees. “Members are both unofficial and official representatives of most aviation segments.” That list includes airline pilots, airport executives, flight instructors, mechanics, and representatives of institutions of higher learning, the FAA and FAASTeam, military, and others, who according to Daror, are devoted to promoting Aviation Safety in Arizona and the coordination of this goal. “The individual members bring with them their specific expertise and enhance ASAG’s role through their ideas and devotion to this safety program,” said Daror.

“One value of importance is the feeling of belonging with ASAG and identifying with the group,” said TucASAG guest speaker, AOPA’s Bill son member, Barbara Dunn and Stacy Howard.

Harper. “The group’s significance is identified with its effectiveness in obtaining equitable resolutions to issues and problems for the aviation community.”

“I appreciate the diversity of experience and flight backgrounds that the ASAG members have,” said Marc O’Brien, with ASU. “ASAG provides me with aviation safety perspectives from general, military, and business aviation, that I can share with students and colleagues at ASU.” As the FAA Flight Standards’ safety program changed through the years, ASAG has evolved too. In recent years, changes in the FAA safety program require program managers to rely almost exclusively upon local aviation groups to plan, schedule and conduct safety education seminars. ASAG studies aviation accident/incident reports to help assure safety programming meets the needs of local users, provides a clearing house for coordinating safety education programming among member groups and the FAASTeam, and strengthens communication links between user groups throughout the state.

ASAG works closely with FAA Air Traffic and Arizona’s military users to help disseminate collision avoidance information, enhance charting of Special Use Airspace, and communicate with airport sponsors about the need for improvements in airfield signage and lighting. “ASAG was instrumental in getting

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ASAG

Top airshow performer Tim Weber talks about safety at ASAG banquet.

Continued from previous page. a new aerobatic box moved to a more compatible location to avoid conflict with a local glider port,” said Howard, “and for alerting flight schools to the airline’s use of low altitude departure and arrival routes near common practice areas.”

ASAG’s most recently completed project was the creation and distribution of a First Responders Guide to assist airfield managers, fire fighters and law enforcement teams in designing local training programs and emergency plans for responding to on and off-field aircraft accidents at non-Part 139 airports.

ASAG is currently working with the City of Phoenix and FAA to create a runway safety video designed especially for Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, the nation’s busiest General Aviation airport.

There are no dues paid by ASAG members, and no payments made to ASAG members for their services. “It’s all strictly volunteer,” said Howard.

Jim Anderson “Each member brings to the table their own passion for aviation safety, and their own insight and expertise to solving problems.” Examples include Jim Anderson, an insurance underwriter. “He is intimately familiar with the true cost of aviation safety in both blood and dollars,” said Howard.

Members Marc O’Brien and Greg Landers are on the front lines of flight training and according to Howard, have the ability to shape attitudes and skills for future generations

of pilots. Joe Husband, Treasurer for ASAG, and an airport manager, is a conduit between the airport owner/operators and airport users. “He is able to answer important questions about FAA airfield standards and facilitate communication with airport officials,” said Howard.

Cary Grant, another member, operates in the national airspace system everyday. His perspective and personal knowledge of airline capability and airspace use are critical to the group’s understanding of how to safely operate in busy metropolitan areas. Carl Heinze addresses the unique needs of helicopter operators and aerospace manufacturers.

Demand for ASAG and groups like it will grow as long as there are multiple users of airspace and airports. Like corporations and airlines have to involve all of their various departments and divisions to develop standards, conduct investigations, analyze safety failures and chart progress in order to have a successful safety program, the aviation community must adopt an inclusive approach to aviation safety.

As FAA money for general aviation safety programs continues to diminish, it becomes more and more incumbent upon the aviation community to provide its own support system for safety education and recognition. “ASAG will continue to play that important role in the state of Arizona,” said Howard.

ASAG is self-funded and maintains it’s own web site to disseminate safety information. For more information and to subscribe to free safety updates visit http://aviationsafetyadvisorygroup.org/.

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