Arizona Aviation Journal - Spring 2013 Magazine

Arizona Aviation Journal Spring 2013

Issue #13

Heritage Flight Trains at Davis-Monthan

AzAA Holds Spring Airports Conference in Page Arizona Wing of CAF Inducts Four into Walk of Honor Spring 2013 Arizona Aviation Journal Page 1

On the Cover

Contents From the Publisher A Stop in the Desert

Marana Airport

A Bright Future Ahead

Wings of Freedom

Tour Makes Stop in Marana

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Page 7 An A-10 and P-51 practice for future ‘Heritage Flights.’ Photo by Jay Beckman.

Heritage Flight

Training at D-M for an uncertain season

CAF

Commemorating ‘Goose Shoot’

Walk of Honor

CAF Inducts New Members

John Stonecipher SBA Person of the Year

Guidance Aviation

Meeting a Global Demand Page 2

Arizona Aviation Journal

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Lake Havasu City

ADOT Airport of the Year

AzAA Spring Conference

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Page, Arizona Hosts Airports

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Buckeye Annual Air Fair

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From the Publisher

A Stop in the Desert Twelve years ago I flew into Phoenix from Honolulu without a job – just a promise of an interview. I had just wrapped up a stint as an aviation/security consultant for a bakery, working on the feasibility of leasing an aircraft to fly bakery goods from Oahu to the other islands and back again with ‘other’ freight.

What that other freight might be was not my concern – just come up with the numbers to operate the aircraft and compare them to the existing service which was in the belly of Aloha Airlines 737s. After the completion of that mission, I was asked if I wanted to manage one of the bakeries… hmm, no experience in the baking industry, no experience running a company with more than a hundred employees – but I am in Hawaii - sounds perfect, when do I start?

Alas! It was a short-term assignment and then it was back to the mainland. Like Hawaii, life in Arizona proved to be quite the adventure as well. I’m grateful to Gary Adams for bringing me on-board at ADOT Aeronautics. Gary and I had met and worked together at the national level through our work with the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). I was the director, at the time, for the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics and Gary was instrumental in introducing me to the world of state aviation.

I learned a great deal under Gary’s leadership and later when Barclay Dick took the reins at the Aeronautics Division. I’m not only very grateful to them and the entire ADOT Aeronautics team but for relationships that I’ve built over the years with airport officials, sponsors, pilots and aviation industry leaders from all across the state. It has been an amazing twelve years here in Arizona and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but it doesn’t matter where you live; it can be in Nebraska, Hawaii, Arizona or my new home in Washington D.C. – from the farthest reaches of our country, from east to west, the men and women in aviation are the best!

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Arizona Aviation Journal Publisher/Editor Kim J. Stevens Graphic Design Andrew Stevens Layout Design Andrew Stevens Advertising Director Photography Carol Groff Kim Stevens

Contributing Writers

Jenny Watts Claire Stern Wendie Davis-Grauer

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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Bright Future Ahead for Marana Airport

By Jenny Watts

Like so many who are first captivated by aviation, Steve Miller, C.M. wanted to be a pilot. He did become one at the age of seventeen, and worked through all his ratings. However, after graduating from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Aviation Management in 1987, Miller found himself working for United Airlines in Operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Soon after, he moved on to Delta Airlines also working within their Operations division.

From here, Miller moved out of the airlines and entered the airport management industry. His first position was as the Operations Coordinator at Columbia Airport in Columbia, South Carolina. Next, he became the Airport Manager at a small commercial service airport in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Looking for a change, Miller accepted the position of Director of Business Development with Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) in 2008.

He spent the next four years at TAA working on various business development projects. In August of 2012, Miller decided to Manager Steve Miller move on and accepted a position as Airport Manager at Marana Regional Airport in Marana, Arizona. So far, Miller’s aviation career spans 25 years and he is looking forward to many more at Marana Regional. He currently lives in Marana with his wife and six children.

Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ) is a public, general aviation airport located about 15 miles northwest from Tucson International Airport (TIA) in Tucson, Arizona. The airport is owned by the Town of Marana. It serves as a reliever airport for TIA, and is utilized on a regular basis by many GA pilots in the area.

Currently Miller handles all aspects of the airport’s daily operations; only one other Town of Marana employee works at the airport overseeing the maintenance of the airfield and facilities. Thus, on an average day, Miller will perform all of his own administrative work, oversee construction projects occurring on the airfield, conduct at least two airport safety inspections, interact with tenants and customers, and handle compliance issues, both FAA and Town related. To some this may seem overwhelming, but it is actually one of the characteristics

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of his job Miller enjoys the most.

The flexibility to manage and oversee many facets of the airport such as marketing, community relations, operations, and planning functions, just to name a few, really have helped Miller develop a sense of community at Marana Regional.

He says the three biggest components of creating such an atmosphere are “communication, involvement, and information.” His management style is hands-on and focused, yet he welcomes the advice of airport business partners and Town of Marana leadership. Conversely, he is also diligent and straight-forward. “My first responsibility is to see to the safety and security of the airport. Beyond that, it is a business and must be run as such,” states Miller. Having a good working relationship with tenants (such as the long-standing one with Tucson Aeroservice Center) and the Town of Marana management and Council makes his job easier and ultimately fulfills the goal of “making the airport more successful.”

The Town of Marana has high hopes and big plans for the airport. Two of the most significant future projects for the airport include updating its Master Plan and developing an airport private business center/industrial park, similar to Scottsdale Airpark which surrounds Scottsdale Airport. The updated Master Plan will also describe the Town’s plans to build a new terminal building on the airfield. A new terminal building will be one of many new improvements to the airport in the near future. In fact, when asked what he would most like to accomplish at Marana Regional while serving as its manager, Miller replied “seeing a new terminal building built and being a part of that process.”

Funding continues to be an issue across the country for small GA airports such as Marana Regional. Thus, the exact outcomes of such projects in today’s current economy are somewhat optimistic. The old adage “if we build it, they will come” jumps to mind; in the case of Marana Regional Airport, this may be true. The airport is located in a prime location with huge potential to be a major economic goldmine for the Town of Marana, and best of all, it has the support of the Town management and Council, and it is in the capable hands of Steve Miller, who is determined to see the airport grow and prosper.

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P-51 Mustang

Wings of Freedom Tour Makes Annual Stop at Marana It was a warm and beautiful weekend to experience some aviation history as The Collings Foundation made its 6th annual stop at Marana Regional Airport during its famous “Wings of Freedom Tour.”

Local volunteers for the organization staked a claim on the South-East corner of Marana Regional Airport from April 19 – 21 to allow aviation enthusiasts an opportunity to tour, and fly in, World War II era aircraft. The legendary aircraft showcased this year included the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 Flying Fortress, and the P-51 Mustang.

Whether watching these aircraft in action gallantly gliding across the sky or stationary on the ground in all their grandeur, young and old and those in between instantly come to appreci-

ate the pure beauty, feeling of nostalgia and immense symbolism these amazing machines represent. They are simplistic in design and function, yet they accomplished such great feats at the hands of brave individuals. They are truly artifacts of living aviation history in all its glory.

For those who came out to marvel at these incredible machines over the course of their three day stop in Marana, one would hope that the mission of The Collings Foundation was accomplished; their mission is “to help promote aviation’s living history and the remembrance of or veterans.” Until next year… fly safe on the wings of freedom.

For more information on The Collings Foundation and the “Wings of Freedom Tour,” please visit www.cfdn.org

Marana Regional Airport Fun Fact

A piece of American history can be found on the airfield. The Columbine II, a Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation, was once used by President Eisenhower as Air Force One.

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Arizona Aviation Journal

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A P-51 Mustang on the ramp at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

Heritage Flight Trains at D-M for Uncertain Season

By David S. Ricker According to George Santayana, a Spanish philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist: “Those who are unaware of history are destined to repeat it.”

The U.S. Air Force, as a way to honor its heroes of the past, the present and the future, created the Air Combat Command (ACC) Heritage Flight Program (http://www.airforceheritageflight.org/) 15 years ago. “It’s a representation of the air force’s past, it’s present and it’s future,” said Thomas Gregory III, call sign “Gumby.”

A veteran aviator with the U.S. Marine Corps, Gregory has been flying for the Lone Star Flight Museum since 1993 and is qualified on a number of warbirds. He was one of the first civilian warbird pilots to volunteer for participation in the Heritage Flight program. “I’m one of the original 12 selectees for the program,” he said. “This is my 15th season to fly heritage.”

During the four-day course, Feb. 28 through March 3, DavisMonthan Air Force Base, near Tucson was the host for the annual Training and Certification Course designed to make certain that Heritage Flight pilots, both civilian and military are capable of safely flying in close formations during air shows around the country.

The training program started in 1999. “It’s a requirement for the program. We train up our new pilots. We refresh those of us who are veterans and continue with the program,” Gregory explained.

In a statement, air force officials said that participation by active duty pilots in Heritage Flights might cease after certification due to prioritization of flying hours as part of budget uncertainty and fiscal constraints. Decisions on Department of Defense and air force support of aerial demonstrations and fly-

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overs will be announced as appropriate. The previously scheduled Heritage Flight training program went ahead as scheduled in order to ensure that if there is a favorable resolution to current fiscal challenges aircrews can safely perform flights.

Historic aircraft flying during the training included the P-51 Mustang, the P-40 Warhawk, the A-36 Apache, P-47 Thunderbolt, A-1 Skyraider and the F-86 Sabre. ACC aircraft included the F-4 Phantom II, A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Gregory explained that the biggest issue facing participating pilots is the vast difference in speed. “The issue is for the jet to slow down enough to stay with us,” he explained. “The difference in performance is quite drastic. We can be taxed at times when we’re on the wing dealing with differentials of horsepower. We’re real careful with our throttle and our engines so that we don’t overtax our equipment.”

Capt. Zach Krueger, an A-10 pilot with the 357th Fighter

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A flight of a P-51, F-86, F-16 and A-10

Squadron at Davis-Monthan, volunteered to assist community residents and base personnel and their families attending the Heritage Flight training. The six-year veteran was in awe of the warbirds on the flight line while admitting he would be challenged to find the starter button. “Flying it would be pretty fun,” he said. “It’s pretty cool to see these old airplanes and to think about the history and stuff behind them.”

F-4 Phantom II

Herb Zinn welcomes attendees to the CAF Museum.

CAF Commemorates ‘Goose Shoot’

A-10 Thunderbolt II

P-40 Warhawk

The CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, located at Falcon Field in Mesa Arizona, held a special one-day event commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Cape Bon, Tunisia “Goose Shoot” during the Allied North African Campaign in 1943. The presentation was made on March 4.

On April 18, 1943, during Operation Flax, the American and British allies scored the highest aerial victory count of any Allied mission during World War II, breaking the back of the aerial bridge that the German and Italian forces used to retreat and evacuate troops and supplies from North Africa. This historic event is referred to by the Germans as the Palmsonntag Massaker (“Palm Sunday Massacre”) or the “Cape Bon Goose Shoot” by the Allies. In all, approximately seventy-six German and Italian transport and escorting fighter aircraft were destroyed or badly damaged. Operation Flax was designed to cut the air supply lines between Italy and the German/Italian armies trapped

by Allied ground forces in Tunis, Tunisia, in April 1943.

Photos by David S. Ricker

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The keynote address was provided by Col. Joseph B. Wilson Commander, 161st Maintenance Group, Arizona Air National Guard.

Arizona Wing Inducts New Honorees into Aviation Walk of Honor

By Kim Stevens Organizers called the 2013 Arizona Military Aviation Walk of Honor Induction Dinner a complete success. Established in 2012 by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, the Walk of Honor seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of native, resident or former Arizona residents, living or deceased, who made noteworthy contributions in flying, manufacturing, education, engineering, operations or other activities of a commendable nature related to military aviation

development.

“I think everyone there was truly inspired,” said Herb Zinn, this year’s Master of Ceremonies and Wing Member. “The inductees represented a cross-section of our history that was enlightening and inspiring.” The four new members inducted this year were General Seth J. McKee, (US Air Force Ret.), Major General Barry M. Goldwater (US Air Force Reserve), Colonel Bruce P. Crandall (US Army, Ret.) and Captain Ted E. Lines (US Army Air Force).

Zinn said to be associated with the greatness of men like General McKee and Major General Goldwater, Colonel Crandall and Captain Lines is the realization of both a dream and the accomplishment of the core mission of the CAF Arizona Wing. “To bring it to the public in a way that is educational and inspiring conveys the true value of the Museum to the communities we serve. Mission accomplished as far as we are

Col. Joseph B. Wilson

Rick Paylor, left and Lt Colonel Jon Wheeler

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Michael Crandall acepted the award for his father.

Attending the banquet, from left are, Lisa Randall, Lisa Lines and Bekki Webb.

Members of the Lines family accept the award for Captain Ted Lines.

concerned.”

Once inducted, copper plaques honoring each inductee are installed upon concrete pillars in the walk leading to the Museum. The 2013 Inductees join those honorees inducted in 2012, including Lieutenant Frank Luke, Major Fred Ferguson, Rear Admiral W. L. Chatham, Mr. Sergei Sikorsky, Major Joseph Foss and Dr. Harry Robertson.

Zinn says they definitely see the Walk of Honor progressing indefinitely into the future. “We continue to be surprised when we hear that the Museum is the Valley’s best kept secret and with events like the Walk of Honor, we aim to reverse that perception so that more and more visitors see us not just as a collection of aircraft but a center for learning about aviation and about our history, both in a national and international setting.

Barry Goldwater, Jr. looks at a placque honoring his father.

The challenge will be the cost of mounting an event like this and convincing the public that it is a worthwhile expenditure.

“In stressful economic times, that becomes a steeper challenge,” said Zinn. “With the support of sponsors, we are optimistic that the economics of this event can be put in a better light and be overshadowed as well by its educational value and inspirational effect.”

Zinn shared an oft-heard phrase - We cannot appreciate where we are and where we are going without appreciating how we got here. “It may be clichéd but it is true.”

Nomination forms can be downloaded from organization’s website at http://www.azcaf.org/pages/walkofhonor.html.

Herb Zinn

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General McKee and Sally McKee. In June, they will have been married for 70 years.

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Stonecipher Named Person of the Year by Small Business Administration John Stonecipher, President, CEO of Guidance Aviation, accepted the Arizona Small Business Administration’s Person of The Year Award from the State’s SBA CEO, Rick Murray and National SBA District Director, Robert Blaney, during the State’s SBA 20th Annual Enterprise Business Awards at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Established in 1998, Stonecipher started Guidance with one helicopter and himself as the sole instructor pilot and employee. Today, Guidance Aviation is recognized as a leading collegiate helicopter flight training academy with a fleet of fifteen aircraft, fifty employees and hundreds of graduates throughout the country now working in the aviation industry. Twenty-four of the Guidance employees are U.S. military veterans.

Selection of The Person of The Year by the Arizona Small Business Administration is based upon the following criteria: (1) Staying power, (2) Growth in number of employees, (3) Increase in sales, (4) Current and past financial performance, (5) Innovativeness of product or service offered, (6) Response to adversity, and (7) Evidence of contributions.

“Our success is a result of the great people that work at Guidance. These people are simply the best of the best,” stated Stonecipher.

Stonecipher’s experience is formidable. With nearly 9,000 accident free hours of pilot in command time, he is rated in both helicopters and airplanes and has served the aviation community as a Designated Pilot Examiner for more than 7 years. Throughout a career committed to education and aviation, he has maintained his Flight Instructor Certificate and has held aviation positions as Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Chief and Asst. Chief Instructor, and Check Airman for both (Part 141) and FAA approved pilot schools and (Part 135) unscheduled air carriers. Additionally, Stonecipher is a founding member and currently serves on Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Training Committee while also holding the distinction of Adjunct Professor at Yavapai Community College for the Associate of Applied Science - Professional Helicopter Pilot Degree.

Contributions given to the community by Stonecipher and his organization showed strongly in the SBA criteria with $494,400 in donations made over the past five years. Stonecipher and Guidance Aviation have been working with Fred Kennedy, a senior business advisor with 21 years of experience, at the Yavapai College Small Business Development Center (YC SBDC). Mr. Kennedy said, “It is always a pleasure and a privilege to work with small businesses...with their prosperity come new jobs, more profitability, additions in revenue to local, county, and state municipalities, and real success, providing the capital needed to maintain schools, roads, fire and police protection. I met John Stonecipher in 2005 when his business

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John Stonecipher - Cover photo by Carol Groff inset photo by Kim Stevens

advisor, Rick Gibson, a business professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, asked me to assist John and Guidance with strategic business planning. Since those early days, John and his team have brought Guidance to the forefront of successful businesses in Yavapai County and in Arizona. The accomplishments that John and Guidance have made are far too many to mention here, but nonetheless, accolades are deserved.

It was my humble privilege and unpretentious honor to nominate John as the SBA Person of the Year and see him win the honor and, in turn, the admiration of his peers, the community, and his country.”

Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. For the first time, National Small Business Week events will be held in multiple cities.

The cities of Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Pittsburg and Washington, D.C. will feature one day of events during National Small Business Week. The week will culminate with the NSBW awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. (SBA.GOV) Stonecipher’s next big step is to represent the State of Arizona at the National Small Business Luncheon in Washington, D.C. on June 21st.

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Lake Havasu City Municipal, 2013 Airport of the Year Lake Havasu City, long recognized as one of Arizona’s premier spots for travel and tourism and a destination city for winter visitors, can now boast of being recognized as having a top-notch airport. The airport has been recognized by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for its superior service and accomplishments over the past year and awarded the 2013 Airport of the Year.

The award was presented to the airport manager and staff in April during the Arizona Airports Association Spring Conference in Page, Arizona at the Lake Powell Resort and Marina.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from ADOT and to be recognized for our efforts as we serve our customers and our community,” said Steve Johnston, supervisor and manager of the Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport. “We are considered a gateway to the region for businesses, tourists and events, and we embrace our role as ambassadors to our visitors. As an airport, our goal is to enhance visitors’ positive memories of Lake Havasu and hopefully attract them to return for future visits.”

Each year, the Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport logs approximately 50,000 takeoffs and landings. It houses 142 aircraft on its 646-acre facility. There are only four full-time staff members who keep the airport running smoothly every day.

Many flight-training students from around the world routinely use the airport, and the facility also attracts corporate aircraft flying into and out of Southern California.

“The collaboration between the city, businesses both on and off the airport and tourism-economic development interests continues to build a stronger community,” said Johnston. “We are proud to showcase our airport to Arizona and the nation.”

Some of the airport’s major successes and accomplishments over the past year included partnering with Rio-Colorado chapter of The Ninety-Nines, Inc. International Organization of Women Pilots to host the national Air Race Classic and

Mike Klein, ADOT, left and Steve Johnston.

serve as a starting point for this historic race. (See Arizona Aviation Journal Cover Story in the July/August 2012 Issue).

The airport also partnered with a fixed-base operator at the airport in July 2012 to host an international helicopter manufacturing company for certification testing of rotorcraft, hosted an Army search and rescue Blackhawk exercise in July 2012, partnered with the Air Force Academy to host the Collegian Flight Training Competition in March 2012 and hosted Luke Air Force Base for an F-16 emergency landing repair and mechanics security effort in September 2012.

A sign will be erected near the airport announcing Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport as the 2013 Airport of the Year.

Guidance Aviation The global demand for professionally trained aviation and aerospace professionals continues to rise dramatically. Subsequently, the demand for professionally developed vocational training programs, collegiate degree programs, and corporate programs continues to grow in the aviation sector.

Established in 1998, Guidance is now a leader in aviation and aerospace training program development and delivery.

From career training of civilians and U.S. Military Veterans, to the development of customized training and management programs for our collegiate and corporate partners, Guidance’s depth of knowledge and commitment to continuous improvement is the foundation of their belief in “Training to a Higher Standard™”.

Guidance Aviation’s Prescott, Arizona facility was the first FAA approved Part 141 high altitude helicopter flight training facility in the United States. Students may acquire their Associate of Applied Science, Professional Pilot, Helicopters,

degree, through Guidance’s collegiate partner, Yavapai College. This program is VA Chapter 33 benefits approved for U.S. Military personnel utilizing their GI Bill benefits for professional flight training.

As a leading employer of the region, Guidance hires many of the U.S. Military Veterans and civilians that are graduating from the professional flight training program. In 2011, Guidance won the Statewide Master Award from the Arizona Small Business Development Center. This award honored 15 top performing Arizona businesses who “collectively created or retained more than 300 jobs; generated more than $4 million in new capital; and increased their sales by more than $17.7 million”. Guidance has also recently donated $35,000 to the Yavapai College Foundation; and donated a R44 helicopter to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Offices for Search and Rescue missions.

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More than 120 attended the 2013 AzAA Spring Conference in Page, Arizona.

AzAA Holds Spring Airports Conference in Page

By Kim Stevens Highway detours and high winds did not deter 127 participants from driving or flying to Page, Arizona to attend the Arizona Airport Association (AzAA) annual Dutch Bertholf Spring Conference April 7 – 10. “With the venue overlooking beautiful Lake Powell, participants and guests were treated to high quality training sessions and networking opportunities,” said Corinne Nystrom, AzAA Immediate Past President. “The sponsors, exhibitors and hard work of many volunteers made the event possible. Without their support, AzAA would not be the great organization that it is today.”

The Conference Heather Marriott included the annual award for Airport of the Year and Airport Executive of the Year. This year’s airport executive of the year is Lynn Kusy, the recently retired Executive Director of the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. Kusy was honoured for his significant contributions as an airport manager and distinguished career as an innovator and leader within the aviation industry.

Lake Havasu City Airport was recognized as airport of the year, an award presented by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Led by manager, Steve Johnston, the airport showed a tremendous commitment to supporting the various needs of their aviation

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community. (See related article on page 13).

During the General Membership Meeting, AzAA elected its new Board of Directors.

Executive Directors elected include Carmen Williams of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Dan Rauscher of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Rod Propst of Sedona-Oak Creek Airport Authority. Elected Executive Directors will join incumbent, Chris Read of Scottsdale Airport. AzAA members also elected Michael Hotaling of C&S Companies, to serve as Corporate Director and Kelly Phelps of PSM² was appointed Associate Director. Elected Lynn Kusy 2nd Vice President was Gladys Brown-Wiggins of Yuma County Airport Authority; Barney

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Helmick of Flagstaff Airport will serve as 1st Vice President. Jordan Feld of Tucson Airport Authority was elected to serve as AzAA’s President, while Corinne Nystrom, of Mesa Falcon Field will serve as Immediate Past President for the 2013/2014 term.

“Page and Lake Powell were wonderful hosts to the conference,” said Barney Hemick. “Though you might say the conference started with a roadblock, with the failure of State Art Fairbanks, Deer Valley Airport Route 89, it made its way around the roadblock and into history as educational, informative and fun.”

Mark McClardy, FAA Western Pacific Region, Airports Division manager, introduced the new Phoenix Airports District Office (ADO) staff, which is led by Mike Williams. The FAA and ADOT gave the annual update on grants in Arizona. Sessions included presentations on Airport Liabilities, Navajo Travel, Wildlife Strikes, and The Economic Impact of Airports.

GLOBAL EXPERTISE. LOCAL STRENGTH. Stantec provides a wide range of aviation services to support airport projects from the planning and design stage through final construction and closeout.

Stacy Howard, NBAA

See more Photos on the next five pages

ONE TEAM. INFINITE SOLUTIONS.

Left to right are, Mike Klein, Mike Williams and Mark McClardy.

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AD-DA-NYC-2013MAR26-P1V1

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Donovan Hanley, Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise and Geri Hongeva, Navajo Parks & Recreation Department welcome atttend-

Tina Moore, TAA, left and Deena Norton, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway.

Matt Shanon, National Power and Energy

Lorena de Rodriguez, SSi and Jeffrey Jessop, Colorado City.

Attendees enjoyed a full day of presentations.

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Derek Rogers, converses with Catherine Alcorn and Tammy Martelle.

H.D. Moss, Rural Electric

Jack Henderson with Liberty Airport Systems.

50 years of design excellence in aviation.

DWL ARCHITECTS Phoenix, Arizona | www.dwlarchitects.com

Bruce Loev racks them up in the pool tournament!

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Mike Covalt

Mike Halpin, Grand Canyon National Park Airport

From left are Matt Johnson, Brendan Saline, Morrison-Maierle and Chris Read, Scottsdale.

Patricia Sliter, Armstrong

Tina Moore, TAA

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Jacqueline Fries, Americo with her door prize.

Corinne Nystrom, Falcon Field

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Tammy Martelle, Kimley-Horn

Richard Crosman and Mary Ortega-Itsell, Genisis Consulting Group.

Arlando Teller, Navajo DOT.

enhancing communities through Sandra Kukla, DWL

RandyPetty, City of Safford

creative, exceptional service

OU A PR

Gladys Wiggins-Brown, YCAA

D ME MBER OF TH E

NANA

FA M I L Y

O F CO M I C .C O PA N I E S • W W W.W H PA C I F

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Art Fairbanks, Deer Valley Airport

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Ken Snyder, Dibble Engineering

Wendie Renier, WHPacific

Michael Hotaling, C&S Companies

Photos by Carol Groff

Bill Menard, WLM Consulting, left and Jim Harris, Coffman Associates.

Corinne Nystrom

Barney Helmick - the Green Hat!

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Spring 2013

Mike Klein, left and Lance McIntosh share a lighter moment.

Buckeye Annual Air Fair Showcases Record-Holding Aircraft and Pilot The Stearman World Flight group and Flying Over Time, the famous Stearman bi-plane and the pilot that guided the classic vintage open-cockpit aircraft on the first-ever solo flight around the world in just 176 days more than four decades ago was featured at the Town of Buckeye’s annual Air Fair back in February.

Pilot Robert Ragozzino, who broke the previous 1924 record for the open-cockpit biplane circumnavigation of the world with the 22,000-mile voyage from June 1 to Nov. 17, 1970, has logged more than 60,000 miles in open cockpit bi-planes.

The Stearman bi-plane, a model similar to one that had been a mainstay for the United States Army Air Corps and Navy during World War II, was prominently displayed.

Ragozzino was available during the event for

A fly-by over Buckeye Municipal Airport.

sky-diving demonstrations, as well as fee-based helicopter and bi-plane rides were available.

New this year, more than a dozen national and regional agencies joined local groups in the Air Fair’s first-ever aerospace exhibition, including: Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, in existence since 1894 and known for discovering the planet Pluto and more recently commissioning the $40 million Discovery Channel telescope.

Challenger Space Center, the only Arizona museum dedi-

Helicopters kept attendees looking skyward.

Skydivers were a crowd pleaser.

spectators’ questions.

In addition, there were vintage and modern aircraft on display as in past air fairs. The B-25 bomber and C-119 cargo aircraft mainstays during World War II were on display, as was the A-26 Invader and C-1 Trader anti-submarine aircraft flown during the Korean War. A K-9 demonstration by Buckeye police, a Mustang Warbird flight simulator, a driving simulator, remote control plane and

cated to space and simulated international space station living much like the one orbiting the earth today.

“The Spirit of St. Louis Exhibit,” a traveling exposition of the aircraft flown by Charles Lindbergh when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean on May 20-21, 1927, and featuring Donald A. Hall, the man who designed the aircraft.

Other groups participating in this year’s expo included the Arizona Science Center, Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, the Lauridsen Aviation Museum, the NASA Center for Math & Science and representatives from pilot development

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Continued on next page.

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Buckeye Continued from previous page. organizations.

There was also a Kids Zone jammed full of fun for the young visitors, including several bounce houses, a treasure hunt and face painting, and, for a fee, kiddy train rides and tethered hot air balloon rides.

A full class car and motorcycle show will be held on the airport grounds, and dance teams, a jazz band and bagpipe musicians will perform on the Main Stage.

Peyton Sullivan with Mesa Pilot Development.

Photos by Kenn Potts

Angel MedFlight

Pilot Robert Ragozzino

Many attendees took helicopter rides.

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