Arizona Aviation Journal March/April 2012
Issue #7
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Holds Aviation Day
First Flight An Education in Aviation
Chandler Airport’s Lori Quan
Chandler
Economic Development Key to Airport Growth
MCAS Yuma
Hosts 50th Annual Airshow March/April 2012
Arizona Aviation Journal
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Arizona Aviation Journal
March/April 2012
Contents From the Publisher First Flight
An Education in Aviation
Aviation Icons
Inducted into CAF Walk of Honor
Falcon Field
Holds Annual Open House
On the Cover Page 4 Page 5 Page 7
Page 10
Synthetic Turf
Former Airport Manager Promotes Airport Application
Buckeye Airport
Celebrates 50 Years of Aviation
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Aviation Procurement
Diversity Business Development Center Hosts Conference
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Holds Open House
Phoenix Hosts
International Aviation Symposium
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MCAS Yuma
Celebrates 50th Annual Airshow
Publisher/Editor/ Kim J. Stevens Graphic Design/ Andrew Stevens Layout Design/ Andrew Stevens Advertising Director/ Vacant Photography/ Carol Groff Kim Stevens Contributing Writers
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Chanler Airport
Economic Development Plans Promising Future
Lori Quan is the new Airport Administrator for the City of Chandler. �Great resources sometimes come from the most unexpected places.� See article on page 26. Photo by Kim Stevens.
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Claire Stern Hall Lewallen
Published by the State Aviation Journal 9866 W Lone Cactus Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382. 623-326-1125
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Arizona Aviation Journal
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From the Publisher
Airports, Airshows, Airplanes & Arizona History Over the past couple of months we’ve seen a swell of enthusiasm and an outpouring of support for airshows, air fairs and airport open houses in Arizona. Record crowds have attended aviation events across the state from Yuma International to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and that’s good news! You can see coverage of these events throughout this issue. My hope is that the enthusiasm and support demonstrated is an indication of the appreciation folks have for aviation. In this, the state’s centennial year, there is of course an emphasis being placed on history. There are many people and organizations that are show-casing that history at various functions across the state. In May, two events will highlight the history of aviation in Arizona. The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) is hosting the Arizona Airports Association’s (AzAA) Annual Spring Conference on May 20th through the 22nd. The event, which has received official centennial designation, will place an emphasis on the history of airports. Also, for the first time, AzAA and TAA are organizing a statewide fly-in to be held on Saturday, May 19th at Ryan Field. The initial response for the fly-in has been very positive. There have been many pilots and aviation associations that have expressed an interest in participating. The Arizona Aviation Journal will be there and we hope you are too. For more information on either event visit www.azairports.org.
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Arizona Aviation Journal
March/April 2012
New LLC Sparks Student Interest
First Flight - An Education in Aviation By Claire Stern Dr. Eric Savage has about as many degrees as there are letters in the alphabet, but the degrees that he is most interested in now are those of future generations. His fledgling company, First Flight Education, LLC is designed to bring aviation into grade school classrooms and spark students’ interest to learn even more. Founded in early 2011, First Flight Education applies the STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – to aeronautics. First Flight Education’s curriculum applies what students are already learning in their traditional classes to the field of aviation – helping them to make important learning correlations. Theories such as Newton’s third law of motion and the Bernoulli principle are incorporated into First Flight Education’s lesson plans, hands-on examples, iPad applications and simulators. Using basic math to solve everyday real world problems is an important lesson. Savage hopes that the result is a generation of students inspired to pursue higher education. As a private pilot, instrument ground instructor, college professor for Southern Illinois University and Embry Riddle, and former Boeing engineer, Savage wants students to be inspired as he says “to reach a new level.” First Flight Education follows the National Science Education Standards with a concentration on students in grades four through nine, but is able to tailor its approach to a school’s particular needs. Savage and his team can teach
Savage - Creating opportunities for inspiration.
Dr. Eric Savage - designed First Flight Education to bring into grade school classrooms to spark interest to learn more.
in individual classrooms, to larger groups in auditoriums or host interactive science nights. They bring with them in-depth knowledge of all aspects of aviation as well as real world applications. In fact, Savage has designed and manufactured portable flight simulators that give students opportunities for hands-on learning. He’s proud to say that the manufacturing is done right here in Arizona. An unusual opportunity for Savage came in late 2011 when Round Valley Middle School in Eagar, Arizona contacted First Flight Education about helping students who witnessed a fatal private plane crash. According to Savage, seeing planes triggered bad memories for the students. Over the course of several days, Savage says First Flight Education helped “replace those bad memories with fun memories by introducing concepts to students in a fun and engaging way.” Savage strongly believes that “everyone should have an opportunity to be inspired.” In fact, many of the students he’s worked with in the past two years have never been on a plane. Through his company, Savage is trying to make
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First Flight Continued from previous page.
a substantial difference to students at a younger age. He says that the students he sees at the college level already have the educational background and the desire to succeed. Now he wants to reach a much younger audience. He says he continues to be inspired by reports of students in the United States falling behind their international counterparts in the fields of math and science. First Flight Education strives to be a STEM partner with the schools it provides services to. Although the company is young, its team has already worked with two dozen Arizona schools and introduced approximately 3,000 students to aviation through its interactive STEM approach. Savage is hoping that the sky is the limit when it comes to how many grade school students First Flight Education can reach. For more information about First Flight Education, LLC visit www.firstflighteducation.com or call 928-864-9048.
Rep. Jerry Weiers, left is congratulated by Col. Brian Ready.
Civil Air Patrol Honors Rep. Jerry Weiers The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Monday night honored Rep. Jerry Weiers for his efforts in the completion of the new CAP Squadron Facility at the Glendale Municipal Airport. The dedication of the Jerry Weiers Education Center took place at the facility itself as part of a regular squadron meeting, which included Arizona Wing Commander, Brian Ready and other members of the state legislature. “Thanks to the tenacity and dedication of Representative Weiers, we are celebrating the opening of this facility that is dedicated to the aerospace education, leadership, and search and rescue training of generations of young people to come,” said CAP Captain Peter Mountain. “This is the result of 12 years of hard work by community members, the CAP, airport managers and the city of Glendale,” said Jerry Weiers, adding “I am proud that I was able to help make this dream become a reality.” The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and provides aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.
Savage has designed and manufactured portable flight simulators to give students an opportunity for hands-on learning. Captain Peter Mountain addresses cadets and guests.
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Arizona Aviation Journal
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Brig. Gen. J.D. Harris gave the keynote address. Inset at right - Dean Hall introduces Mrs. Joseph “Didi” Foss, representing Brig. Gen. Joseph Foss.
Commemorative Air
Aviation Icons Inducted to Walk of Honor By Kim Stevens The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force recently paid tribute to six aviation icons by inducting them into the organization’s newly formed Walk of Honor. Approximately one-hundred people attended the inaugural dinner and inductee ceremony held at the Hilton Phoenix East /Mesa Hotel in February. The six inductees were Brigadier General Joseph J. Foss, Major Frederick E. Ferguson, Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., Dr. S. Harry Robertson, Sergei Sikorsky and Rear Admiral W. L. “Lew” Chatham. Brigadier General J.D. Harris, Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, gave the evening’s keynote address. For Larry Turner, Wing Leader and master of cerSergei Sikorsky. emonies, this was the culmi-
nation of a lot of work. “Literally hundreds of volunteer hours were involved in the development of the project,” said Turner. Several years ago Turner was looking for another event that the Wing could produce to honor those associated with military aviation. “I formed a committee to discuss various ideas that would not only recognize the rich Arizona military aviation heritage but also serve as an educational tool,” said Turner. When the State began promoting educational venues for the centennial celebration, Turner said the Walk of Honor was a perfect event to be recognized for the educational value. The Arizona Wing applied and were accepted as a Centennial Legacy Project. The six person committee of volunteers worked for approximately two years to discuss and develop the requirements for induction and the process to be followed. “Much discussion revolved around the fact that we wanted to recognize more than just pilots,” said Turner, “so we developed the categories of flying, engineering, manufacturing, operation, education and a catch all category of Other.” Since the Wing had not done a tribute such as this before they needed to determine the best method of recognizing the honorees. “We settled on pedestals lining our sidewalk,” said Turner.
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Approximately 100 people attended the event in Mesa. Insert at left - Rear Admiral W.L. “Lew” Chatham responds to his induction.
Walk of Honor
Continued from pervious page. In this manner, attendees entering the museum would begin their educational experience before they entered the facility. Turner said the committee also needed to develop a brochure, nomination forms, the design for the metal tablets that would cap the pedestals, and an appropriate recognition ceremony. The group eventually settled on a program to recognize persons from the State of Arizona (residents, former residents or native born) who had done something significant to advance military aviation. “Our idea was not unique,” said Turner. Many other museums do something similar, but Turner said theirs is different in that inductees must have advanced military aviation of all branches, not just aviation in general. Continued on next page.
Dick Exler, left and Larry Turner.
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Arizona Aviation Journal
Brigadier General Jerry Harris, left, Heather Harris and Harry Robertson.
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The Luke AFB Honor Guard opened the evening’s festivities. Insert at right - Don Luke represents Lieutenant Frank Luke in the induction ceremonies.
Photos by Kim Stevens Major Frederick Ferguson.
Honorees talk after the ceremony.
Larry Turner, left and Dean Hall.
Don and Diane Honeycutt.
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Falcon Field Holds 4th Annual Open House
From left are, Jerry Robinson, Jim Stewart and David Robinson.
Walk of Honor
Boeing’s Apache helicopter attracted a lot of attention.
Continued from previous page. Turner said he has received positive comments from everyone who attended or participated. “The only disappointment was that the dinner was not as well attended as we had hoped.” Turner said that being a not-for-profit organization, they were on a shoestring budget but in the future they will need to take a better approach to advertising. Turner said he hopes to get more people involved earlier in the process for future events. “I hope that over the years the Walk will become better recognized within the community and the State [of Arizona].” The only planned change to future Walk of Honor events, other than perhaps location, will be that only four persons will be inducted annually instead of six as they did this year. Turner emphasized that they are all volunteer members of both the Commemorative Air Force, the parent organization, and the Arizona Wing. Their mission statement is : Celebrating our legacy of freedom through flight, education, exhibition and remembrance. “We are very proud of what we do in honoring our military aviation veterans,” said Turner. For more information on the CAF, you can visit: http://azcaf.org/.
From left are Scott and Brenda Tinius and Shelby and Peter Bolke.
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Falcon Field Airport in Mesa held their 4th Annual Open House on Saturday, March 31st. A Welcome Ceremony was held at 11:00 am featuring a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) B-17, Sentimental Journey. Mayor Scott Smith and Councilwoman Dina Higgins welcomed attendees. The Arizona Wing of the CAF, located at Falcon Field provided free admission to their museum for Open House attendees. Highlights of the day’s events included aircraft displays, flight simulators, aviation education and career information, military and public safety vehicle displays. There were also many booths featuring local businesses, community organizations Joe Husband, Event and a great selection of food vendors. Announcer.
With Arizona Aviation Flight Services are from left, Ken McDaniel, Diana Koehter and Judi Roth.
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Lt. Dave Willard looks on as Robin Anderson flys a CAP simulator.
With Aviation Explorers are Bennett Sloan, left and Joshua Loy.
CAF volunteers, David Dunton and Kristin Purcell.
99s from left are, Theresa Farley, Mallory Schreck, Paula Woods and Logan Dale.
Patrick Oakley with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
CAP Color Guard. Photo by David Willard.
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Part of a completed project at Grand Canyon West.
Sheila Dulhanty
Former AZ Airport Manager Sees Widespread Applications for Synthetic Turf Synthetic turf has for many years been a viable alternative to the real thing and has had a proven track-record for projects including military installations, paint ball fields, sport and stadium venues and commercial/residential landscaping sites. When the FAA approved synthetic turf for airside applications, it made since for an already successful company in the industry to expand to include airports. After careful research of the process, Evan Money, President of Money Turf Aviation, felt the aviation business for artificial turf would increase and continue to grow and decided to develop an aviation area within his existing synthetic turf business lines. Money’s next order of business was to bring someone onboard with airport experience. That person was Sheila Dulhanty. “While working in airport management I was approached about this position through a contact I had made in California,” said Dulhanty. Although she enjoyed working in airport management, this seemed like a good opportuDulhanty nity, so Dulhanty, who obtained her Airport Management Certification from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, left her position as manager of the Springerville Municipal Airport and accepted the position with Money Turf. Today, as Vice President, Dulhanty’s focus is on the marketing process, increasing sales and further developing relationships with company partners and clients. Although she markets to her
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home state, she is not limited geographically. “Right now my primary focus is Arizona,” said Dulhanty, but pointed out that she is working with some partners in California. To date, the aviation business has been solely domestic, including a recent project at Grand Canyon West, but one of Dulhanty’s long-term goals is the marketing and exporting of synthetic turf and turf installations to international airport customers. “The other divisions of Money Turf have been working on International projects for many years,” said Dulhanty. Dulhanty, who enjoys the challenge of navigating through business strategies and testing the waters, has been instrumental in securing and completing projects on two airports. Evan Money “I thrive on the challenge and knowing that we are providing a quality product to our customers.” For Dulhanty however, it’s not all about work. She says that her greatest joy is her family. “My husband, Sean and my three sons, Patrick, Connor and Collin are my reason for being.” Synthetic turf installation on airports, according to company literature, can substantially reduce maintenance costs, improve visibility and lead airports toward safety and economical goals while promoting airport self sustainability. For more information on Money Turf Aviation you can visit http://www.moneyturfaviation.com/.
March/April 2012
Town of Buckeye
Air Fair Celebrates 50 Years of Aviation
Peytin Williams with the Town of Buckeye mascot.
The Town of Buckeye celebrated 50 years of aviation on February 25th, with an Air Fair at the Buckeye Municipal Airport. The event, which ran from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, included aviation demonstrations, static aircraft displays, hot air balloon and helicopter rides, and food and other vendors of all kinds. “We estimated that the total number of visitors was over 10,000 with all 1,500 parking stalls full all day and constant traffic coming and going,” said Scott Lowe, Public Works Director for the Town of Buckeye. The Town first held the Air Fair back in 2006 with the intent of it becoming an annual event, but with the downturn in the economy the airport staff was lost due to budget cuts and the Town simply could not afford to have the air show after 2009. “This year the Buckeye Airport Advisory Board asked that we start again,” said Lowe. So with the help of a 100 percent volunScott Lowe teer committee and support from the Town, the Air Fair was again offered, with plans to make this an annual event once again. The Town of Buckeye does support the airport and according to Lowe, it feels that it’s going to be a huge driver in the economic development of the community. Lowe said situated where it is, just outside of the Sky Harbor Class B airspace, the airport is ideally situated for corporate aviation near the industrial corridors of the Town of Buckeye. Jackie Meck, Buckeye’s mayor stated in his opening remarks at the Air Fair that, “Buckeye Municipal Airport is a jewel in the desert” and the airport is an indicator that “Buckeye is open for business!” Lowe said the biggest highlight for him was the fact that all of the vendors who came out indicated that they made money and Mayor Meck that they wanted to come back next year. “This means that the visitors patronized them and were happy to be there and basically had a good time.”
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Buckeye Air Fair
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Above right - Jim McEwen from Sun Valley Flyers in North Phoenix with his RC jet, which burns kerosene.
Photos by Kenn Potts
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Keynote speaker Robin Svobotta talks about the UAS/UAV industry nationwide and in Arizona.
Diversity Business Development Center
Aviation Procurement Conference Attracts Diverse Interest By Kim Stevens The Arizona Diversity Business Development Center held its 2012 Commercial & General Aviation - Business Procurement Outlook, Exposition and Capabilities Presentation Conference on March 2nd at ASU’s SkySong Campus facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona. The targeted audience for the day-long conference included architecture, engineering and environmental consultants, prime contractors, specialty contractors, subcontractors, renewable energy, aerospace and defense, law enforcement, government organizations and academia. The Annual Aviation Procurement Outlook and Exposition conference was first conceived when Development Center staff attended a Chandler Chamber of Commerce lunch event on Aviation. “It became evident that in addition to the well known contract opportunities at Sky Harbor, there were significant and ongoing business opportunities in the General Aviation arena that were only known to a handful of contractors and service providers,” said Eduardo Castillo, President and Founder. Further research revealed that there were no organized events to promote business opportunities in this multi discipline arena that includes Planning, Architecture and Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Construction, Security, Education and Training, Communications, Electronics, Transportation, Retail, Food Management, Aircraft Repair and Reconditioning, Facilities Maintenance, Renewable Energy, Utilities, Fuel, and many others. “Armed with these facts, we organized the first event in
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2011 and the second in 2012,” said Castillo. Representatives of many of the Valley’s airports made presentations on current and planned construction and design projects. Mike Klein, Manager of the Aeronautics Group with ADOT’s Multi-Modal Planning Division gave an update on available state funds programmed for airport projects in the coming years. Keynote speaker was Dr. Robin Sobotta, Professor of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and the Chair of the Department of Business at ERAU-Prescott. Dr. Sobotta, who has 15 years experience in the aviation and transportation industry, spoke on the civil integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (UAS). Sobotta currently serves on the Arizona Aerospace and Defense Commission, and has been a business and technical consultant to NASA-Dryden Flight Research Rosa Roy, President of Center. Creative Human Resources According to Castillo, the success of the first two annual events Concepts, LLC. provided them with the confidence Continued on page 18.
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Presenters included, clockwise from left above, Lorena de Rodriguez, President, AviaEd; Carmen Williams, Manager of Design & Construction, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport; Mary Niemczyk, Program Chair, Aviation Programs and Air Transportation Mangement, ASU; Art Fairbanks, Manager, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport; Jennifer Maples, Aviation Superintenent, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Walt Fix, Administrator, Glendale Municipal Airport.
Arizona State University SkySong Campus.
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Arizona Aviation Journal Page 17
Ed Castillo
Mike Klein
Aviation Procurement
Hillary Mullins, left and Kari Poulin with ISEC.
Continued from page 16. to plan the third annual event to be held in the early spring of 2013. “We are contemplating a two day event to accommodate other participants and supporters such as commercial airlines, aviation training schools, and other businesses that depend on general aviation airports to sustain and grow their businesses.” As part of the planning process for the conference in 2013, Castillo says they will conduct meetings and brainstorming sessions with key players to identify specific needs that general aviation airports may have that could be addressed at this conference. Castillo said they also plan to meet with ASU’s Department of Technological Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, Aviation Department and Embry Riddle University, to identify strategic initiatives to promote the development of new and existing businesses directly and indirectly related to aviation. The Diversity Business Development Center is a not-for-profit 501(c) 6 statewide Public Benefit Corporation founded in 2010
and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The purpose of the Center is to assist qualified small businesses to identify, obtain and fulfill federal, state and local government contract and/or subcontract opportunities with Government entities and Prime federal contractors. Other presenters included Mary Niemczyk, Associate Professor and Chair, Technological Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, (TEIM) for Arizona State University’s College of Technology and Innovation and Jennifer Maples, City of Phoenix Aviation Superintendent and current President of the Arizona Airports Association. Ms. Maples told attendees about the important role that airports play in Arizona and the positive economic impact they have on all of our communities.
J.B. Mills Hawn, Director of Sales and Sheila Martin, Business Development, with Arizona Diversity Business Development Center.
Donald Moody, President of Eaglelift, left and Cliff Frazao, Director of Commercial Operations.
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For more information on the Diversity Business Development Center visit www.azbizopps.org.
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Attendees, including Almira Martin, foreground, respond to the presentations.
Antonio Alvarez, Vice President of Nicklaus Engineering, Inc.
Roger Theis, West Company, left and Robert Lemus, Lockheed Martin.
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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
Aviation Day Attracts Record Crowds Perfect weather, fly-overs and a mix of modern and vintage aircraft on display, attracted a great crowd to this year’s Aviation Day, hosted by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. “We had an estimated attendance of 12,000 guests which is 2,000 more that last’s year’s record,” said Brian Sexton, Public Relations officer with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Among the vintage warbirds were the Commemorative Air Force’s B-17 and B-25. There were also a number of civilian and military helicopters for viewing, including the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter brought up by the 305th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson. This year’s event was put together by Patrick Oakley, Gateway’s Community Relations Coordinator. “Gateway Aviation Day is our signature event for demonstrating to the community the positive aspects of the Airport,” said Oakley. “We capture the public’s attention with exciting planes on display and once they’re here, they are introduced to all the other things happening at Gateway. We had over 65 aircraft on
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display, several dozen Airport tenants and aviation exhibitors, and a kid zone that was popular with young families. It was a fun and informative day.” Plans are already underway for the next event to be held in 2014.
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Photos by Kim Stevens
Kent Dibble, President of Dibble Engineering.
Above - Town of Gilbert Mayor, John Lewis welcomes attendees. At right - artist Josh Keating draws a likeness of Airport Executive Director Lynn Kusy. Below - Children enjoy climbing on a Pave Hawk helicopter, also shown at top.
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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Aviation Day
Left, is Dee Anne Thomas, Marketing & Communications Specialist with Falcon Field in Mesa. Right are Jack Mitchell, an Ambassador for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Carmen Williams, Manager of Design and Construction for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway.
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Tom and Deena Norton with Daphne and Spencer.
CAF’s B-17, Sentimental Journey.
Tammy Thibodeau with her Pitts S-1T Blue Eagle.
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Panel members, from left, included Captain Lee Moak, President of the Airline Pilots Association, Bradford Rich, President of SkyWest, and Will Ris, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs for AMR Corp. & American Airlines.
Phoenix Hosts 21st Annual International Aviation Symposium
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.
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Billed as the most exclusive gathering in the industry, the City of Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport hosted the 21st Annual International Aviation Symposium at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton was on hand to welcome attendees from around the globe to Phoenix. Over 120 pre-registered for the three-day event to hear or participate in sessions ranging from airline and airport strategy to airline loyalty programs and ancillary revenue. “This event is very important to our Phoenix mayor and city council as it showcases our city as the home of Phoenix Sky Harbor, one of the busiest airports in the United Sates,” said Danny Murphy, Phoenix Aviation Director. “They come to Phoenix to discuss the most pressing issues of the aviation industry, and we’re Danny Murphy proud to have that happen right here.” Randy Babbitt, former FAA Administrator was on hand to deliver the keynote luncheon address during day two and joked that the audience was getting “Babbitt unplugged.” The former FAA head was given a standing ovation after his talk which was, in his own words, unrestrained from the typical political
March/April 2012
Phoenix Sky Harbor employees from left are, Sarah Brown, Jason Gitkin, Rachel Brannan and Peggy Kreus.
strings you might expect from a federal agency head. However, Babbitt didn’t stray too far in his talk which briefly touched on NextGen, airports, system infrastructure, equipage and funding. Babbitt acknowledged passage of the new FAA four-year authorization bill but did say that he may be the only administrator whose term saw nothing but continuing resolutions. The symposium agenda also included sessions on airline customers, airline finance and network issues, open skies, crossborder combinations and mergers. An executive panel made up of Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways Group, Willie Walsh, CEO of International Airlines Group, Dave Cush, President and Chief Executive Officer with Virgin America and Ben Baldanza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines, wrapped up the symposium with a discussion on the topic of progress and challenges in the airline industry. The global aviation market is fiercely competitive and according to Mayor Stanton, Sky Harbor is one of the most competitive airports in the nation when it comes to costs and services. Deborah Ostreicher, Deputy Aviation Director said the Phoenix International Aviation Symposium gives them the opportunity to meet with many airlines from around the country and around the world in Phoenix. “By being here, they see all that we have to offer as a premier airport.”
Paul Blue, left, Chief of Staff for Phoenix Mayor Stanton and Randy Babbitt.
Diane Nakagawa Sky Harbor Planning Division and John C. Williams of Ricondo & Associates.
Photos by Kim Stevens
New this year, program information was available to attendees through a mobile-friendly Symposium website.
Deborah Ostreicher, Deputy Aviation Director for Sky Harbor, left and Thelma Munoz, Marketing Manager with Aeromexico.
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The Hangar Cafe and Chandler Air Service located on the Chandler Municipal Airport. Insert - Lori Quan in the lobby of the GA Terminal.
Chandler Municipal Airport
Economic Development Plans Promising Future By Kim Stevens The last time that economic impact figures for the Chandler Municipal Airport were released was in 2002 as part of a statewide economic impact study completed by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division. City of Chandler officials including Lori Quan, the airport’s new administrator, are looking forward to the results of a new study ADOT will be doing. “The Santan 202 Freeway didn’t reach Chandler Municipal until 2006,” said Quan. A lot has changed since then. Chandler Municipal Airport has become a part of the city’s Economic Development Division and in her new role, Quan has taken on the responsibility for the development and growth of the airport. “I consider myself fortunate to have stepped into a team of amazing airport professionals who have been supportive and patient,” said Quan. “Our three Operations and Maintenance staff members have more than 60 years of combined experience.” This transition time according to Quan, could have been tenuous if not for the devoted and talented people who have ensured that the City delivered on its first priority of operating the airport in a safe and responsible manner. The team’s talent and experience has allowed Quan to focus
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on implementing a new business model to position the airport to meet future needs, increase traffic and drive private investment on the airport and surrounding airpark area. This approach is designed to establish and protect the airport as a unique asset with the ability to provide significant economic impact to the region. In Quan’s capacity with the Economic Development Office, she has played a key role in the attraction of companies such as PayPal, Ports America, International Rectifier and Triumph Air. “I still approach what we’re doing on this airport with the same philosophy,” said Quan. “We are creating an environment in which people, be they the business owner, employees, the aviation enthusiast or the surrounding community, recognize the greatest returns. According to Quan, promoting quality customer service, ensuring cost efficient operations and facilitating the airport’s development, will further diversify the economic base of the region. “Chandler has always been a city focused on intelligent growth,” said Quan. Decades ago with the anticipated popularity of southeast Chandler, community leaders designated the nine square miles surrounding the Airport as an “Employment Corridor”. This preserved the area for job creation and involved land use planning that encouraged the development
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of non-noise sensitive uses. “At city build out, we anticipate about 28 million square feet of non-residential space will be home to more than 30,000 jobs,” said Quan. “The airport is a unique asset that sets this employment corridor apart.” If you couple infrastructure with access to a talented population of 1.3 million people within a 30 minute commute, Quan said you begin to have the makings of a place that competes internationally for top companies. “This is one reason the airport was recently moved to Economic Development,” said Quan. “We want the airport to be strategically positioned to capture attention when the economy turns around and more companies begin to invest again.” That may happen soon. In late 2008, more than 500,000 square feet of speculative office and industrial space completed construction in the airpark area. “We all held our breath as it took a long time to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Quan, “but now EDMC, Covance, Marvell Technologies, CDW, Ottawa University, Soilworks, Academy Mortgage & Fleetronix are among the employers in the area.” And perhaps that’s just the tip of the ice burg. Recently, the city has been hinting that there are several announcements that may come at anytime. “The interest is significant.” Quan said she is fortunate to work for one of the best economic development practitioners in the country in Christine Mackay, who has worked to attract notable developers like the Rockefeller Development Corporation, Mark IV Capital and Douglas Allred Company to Chandler Airpark. “There are a number of Chandler companies who utilize an aircraft for business purposes and we’re proud to serve them at Chandler Municipal,” said Quan. “We hope to see that number grow as we add services to the airport and educate valley employers and other companies in southwestern U.S. markets who have business interests in Greater Phoenix that this is a convenient location for them.” The city works closely with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority to promote the area as a place aviation and aerospace companies can thrive. “We’ve formed strong partnerships with universities, the real estate community and leading industry experts and actively pursue companies and their executives to consider Chandler in the location decisions,” said Quan. “Arizona is a favorable place to do business and Chandler has an outstanding reputation for understanding the needs of its business community.” Quan said they know that time is money and are streamlining the development process at the airport so those who are interested can quickly become operational. With an average of around 13,000 operations per month the anticipated growth in coming years could lead to additional noise complaints from neighbors. Today, noise complaints are relatively few for an airport with such a large amount of rotary and fixed wing training. “We average 6-8 noise complaints per month,” said Quan. “We take a balanced approach to noise management and believe public engagement and education is important.” While they encourage pilots to follow the “Fly Friendly” procedures like those outlined by AOPA and NBAA, they also work to educate the surrounding neighbors on the
special asset they have in their community. For Quan, growth is more than just increased operations. It’s a hope the world sees one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports as an accurate reflection of the dynamic community it’s a part of. That it’s an airport that evolved in a manner authentic to its DNA and didn’t succumb to fruitless fads. “I believe the city can work hand in hand with aerospace industry and other customers to ensure that we deliver the necessary facilities and support tools to help them succeed at Chandler Municipal,” said Quan. “I really believe this airport is going to embody what our city has for so long: a destination for leading edge companies and the place innovative, adventurous thinkers call home.” Airports typically can have groups with competing interests and Quan hopes that she will be seen as someone who has earned the trust of those groups. “I often say we are creating a platform for possibility,” said Quan. “It’s a paradigm for government that works to ensure all the critical operating components are in place.” That platform exists to support the community and according to Quan, people are ultimately the ones who layer their dreams, their hopes, and their companies on top of that foundation. Quan says that Economic Development is more than job creation numbers. “It’s more than vacancy rates. It’s more than capital investment. At the end of the day, the way you measure a community’s health is the opportunity its residents have to generate income.” It’s easy to tell that Quan loves economic development. “I know I’m guilty of fundamentally being preoccupied with that passion,” said Quan. “There are so many moving parts, so many people and ideas to navigate and pull together. But when it does come together – “it’s magic.” Nothing, though, is more magical for Quan than her family. “My kids are still at the age that they scream “mommy” when I come home. I live for that moment when they turn the corner with their arms wide open.” The City of Chandler has its arms wide open as well. Ready to embrace a bright economic future they hope is also ready to turn the corner. Perhaps it is magic, but hard work is evident too, as Quan immerses herself in the world of airports and aviation. One thing that has surprised her is how quickly word spreads on an airport. “I’ve found that to be pretty helpful, though,” said Quan. “Great resources sometimes come from the most unexpected places.”
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds helped draw record numbers to the 50th Annual Airshow and Open House.
MCAS Yuma Hosts Record Crowds at Airshow The Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, hosted record crowds at its 50th Annual Airshow and Open House on Saturday, March 17th. Perhaps due to the “Luck of the Irish” forecasted high winds and rain held off, resulting in beautiful weather as an estimated 60,000 plus crowd enjoyed numerous aircraft static displays on the ground and aerobatic performances in the air. MCAS Yuma estimated over 45,000 visitors during its 2011 Airshow. The biggest draw of course was the precision flying team of the Air Force Thunderbirds in their F-16 Fighting Falcons, who chose Yuma as the kick-off to their 2012 season. The Thunderbirds gave attendees a glimpse of the awesome skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must posses. Other flight demonstrations included the F/A-18E, AV-8B Harrier II, F-5 and MV-22 Osprey. This was the Marine Corps first aviation event for 2012 celebrating the Marine Aviation Centennial. From Marine
Colonel Robert C. Kuckuk, Commander Officer at MCAS Yuma, responds to a reporter’s question.
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Corps aviation’s earliest beginnings during World War I to the expected 2012 arrival of the Corps’ fifth generation strike fighter, the F-35 in Yuma, Arizona, MCAS Yuma continues to answer our nation’s call of duty to provide superior aviation training ranges to U.S. and NATO forces. This year’s show is symbolic of the history and future of Marine Corps Aviation in the desert southwest and provides insight in to the exciting future that awaits MCAS Yuma Marines, Sailors, civilian employees and their families. Gladys Wiggins, left and Gen Grosse with the Yuma Airport.
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MCAS Yuma Annual Airshow
Photos by Kim Stevens
Veteran announcer Frank Kingston Smith.
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