Arizona Aviation Journal - November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal November/December 2012

Issue #11

Wings & Wheels Organizer Ed Snyder

Scottsdale ‘Rocks the Runway’

CAF Arizona Wing Honors Military Aviators

ASAG

Arizona Aviation Safety Group Holds 40th Annual Awards Banquet November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal

Page 1

Contents From the Publisher FAA Holds Open House

for Phoenix Airports Field Office

Page 4

Free Flights

Page 16

Page 5

ASAG

Page 18

Highlight Sierra Vista Fly-In

Safety Advisory Group Holds Annual Awards Banquet

Deer Valley Pilots

Association Holds Annual Members Event

Page 7

FAA Spotlight

Regional Administrator Withycombe Set to Retire

CAF Arizona Wing Honors Military Aviators

Rockin the Runway

Scottsdale Holds Annual Air Fair Page 2

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Page 10

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Arizona Aviation Journal

November/December 2012

On the Cover Wings and Wheels at the Glendale Municipal Airport, was organized by Ed Snyder.

(Photo on the Glendale Airport ramp by Kim Stevens)

Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Layout Design Advertising Director Photography

Kim J. Stevens Andrew Stevens Andrew Stevens

Contributing Writers

Jenny Watts Claire Stern Wendie Davis-Grauer

Vacant Kim Stevens

Published by the State Aviation Journal 9866 W Lone Cactus Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382. 623-326-1125

Kim Stevens Photo - Aircraft on display during the Scottsdale Air Fair.

November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal

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Soaring off the Fiscal Cliff

From the Publisher

There are locations in Arizona that offer very good soaring opportunities and if you’re in to hang gliding it’s only a short six hour drive to the Torrey Pines Glider Port in La Jolla, California, which, by the way, offers an excellent opportunity to jump off the cliff while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

It can sometimes be tough to stay positive and keep our focus with all of the headlines reminding us, that soon, we may all experience a jump off of a different cliff - a fiscal cliff. The good news, is that even with that dour reality to contend with, there are many positive and uplifting aviation stories happening in Arizona and we’re excited to bring them to you.

In this issue we acknowledge a few organizations that work tirelessly to promote aviation and aerospace; A couple for honoring past accomplishments, another for continued current successes and yet another for future endeavors.

2012 has been overall a good year for aviation in Arizona.

There is much to celebrate. It has also been an amazing year for me and the State Aviation Journal family of publications.

2013 promises to be a year of change and new possibilities for all of us. We hope that you continue to travel with us as we unfold new stories about our industry, not only here in Arizona but around the globe. So, strap on your wings and let’s catch the updraft from the fiscal cliff and soar above the fray.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Torrey Pines photo by Andrew Stevens

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Arizona Aviation Journal

November/December 2012

FAA Opens Phoenix Airport Field Office The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new Phoenix Airports Field Office officially opened Monday, December 17, with an open house giving airport officials, aviation consultants and other stakeholders an opportunity to meet the new FAA staff. Planners, project managers and program specialists, dedicated to working on Arizona airport issues will work out of this office.

Located at 44th Street and E. Thomas Road, the office will eventually expand as oversight for Nevada airports are included, making it the fourth Airports District Office (ADO) in the FAA’s Western Pacific Region, that includes the states of Arizona, Nevada, California and Hawaii.

Mike Williams, FAA’s Phoenix Field Office, Assistant Continued on next page.

Corinne Nystrom, Mesa Falcon Field Airport Director, Arlando Teller, Navajo Division of Transportation and Mike Williams, FAA.

Gary Mascaro, left, Scottsdale Airport Director and Michael Klein, ADOT, Multimodal Division.

Glen Boyd, left, Show Low Airport Manager and Tim Morrison, Engineer/Program Manager, FAA.

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Gen Grosse, left, Yuma Airport Authority and Tania Williams, Program Specialist, FAA.

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Geotechnical

November/December 2012

Environmental

Construction Materials

Arizona Aviation Journal

Facilities

Page 5

Casey Denny, left, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Airport.

Kyler Erhard, FAA

Phoenix Field Office Continued from previous page.

Manager said it was great to visit with each of the 100 estimated visitors. “Everyone with the FAA appreciates the support, enthusiasm and efforts of the Arizona aviation community in helping to get this office established. “We look forward to working with everyone.”

Mike Halpin, left, Grand Canyon National Park Airport Manager and Mark Sedarous, FAA Engineer/Program Manager.

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Arizona Aviation Journal

Jennifer Maples, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Mike Williams, FAA.

November/December 2012

DVT Pilots Hold Member Event

DVPA President, George Zukauckas

Photos by Kenn Potts The Deer Valley Pilots Association held their 34th annual membership event on Saturday, November 3rd at the Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix. This year the association expaned the opportunity for others to promote their aviation business or products. The event included vendors, static aircraft displays and a pancake breakfast. For more information on the association visit: www..dvtpilot.com.

November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal

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FAA Spotlight

Arizona Well Represented

Withycombe Set to Retire in January

By Kim Stevens In 1996, already a 25 year veteran of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), William ‘Bill’ Withycombe accepted the post of Regional Administrator for the FAA’s Western Pacific Region, thus capping a career that took him from an Aviation Safety Inspector with the Van Nuys Flight Standards District Office, to various management positions in the Midwest and finally to the position that includes international support for the Pacific Rim countries and U.S. Territories in the Pacific.

“It’s been a great privilege to serve here in Los Angeles,” said Withycombe, who has faced many challenges including working with several of the nation’s largest metroplex airports and leading a national effort to implement Air Tour Management Program controls throughout the country. Issues like those have brought Withycombe to Arizona many times.

“I’m very proud to represent the FAA and to interface with the States,” said Withycombe. “Back in about 1996 I started my tour here as Regional Administrator and I have been honored to hold that position now for the past 16 years - that’s longer than any other Regional Administrator has served throughout the FAA.” Part of a Regional Administrator’s responsibility is to work with state aviation directors from those states in the region on aviation issues that impact the region as well as the states. Withycombe had the opportunity for much broader interaction as he helped prepare and implement the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1997 between the FAA and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “I was honored,” said Withycombe.

Withycombe’s interest in aviation started at the age of thirteen while growing up in Ohio. As a young boy he lived near a local general aviation airport 20 miles East Page 8

Arizona Aviation Journal

FAA Regional Administrator Bill Withycombe

of Cleveland. “It was a small airport with a grass runway which no longer exists today,” said Withycombe. “It was home to several Warbirds though.” One of those planes belonged to an ex-marine pilot, Cook Cleland, a WWII Ace. “It was the powerful F4U Corsair Fighter - I was very impressed by that aircraft.”

“My first flight took place from that same airport in a Stearman open cockpit biplane,” said Withycombe, who is a licensed commercial pilot. “After that I was convinced I wanted a career in aviation.” That eventually led him to join the U.S. Air Force. In addition to becoming a pilot, Withycombe also worked at Los Angeles Airways, an airline operating large Sikorsky S-61 helicopters. “I served as Director of Maintenance for the airline based here in Los Angeles,” said Withycombe. “That job put me in close contact with the FAA on a regular basis.”

When the FAA had a job opening in Los Angeles, the FAA inspectors he worked with encouraged him to apply for the job. The rest is history - 45 years of Govern-

November/December 2012

State Aviation Director’s Workshop in Carson City, Nevada, October 1-3, 2012. Arizona Aviation Director, Mike Klein is standing, second from the right. Bill Withycombe is seated in the middle on the front row.

ment experience in all.

After serving in various management positions both in Los Angeles and Chicago, Withycombe was sworn into the Senior Executive Service of the FAA in 1987 as the Manager of the Great Lakes Region Flight Standards Division in Chicago, Illinois. He later moved to Washington DC where he served as Manager of the Flight Standards National Field Office at Dulles Airport. “I was eventually selected as the Deputy Regional Administrator in Great Lakes Region in 1993 and selected as the Regional Administrator in Western-Pacific Region in 1996.”

Withycombe said he plans to travel after retirement and to renew his hobbies of playing golf, riding motorcycles and building and flying model aircraft. “In other words, taking and enjoying one day at a time.” Withycombe said he will continue to serve on the Board of the Southern Califor-

nia Aero Club and might even consider part time work doing something close to aviation.

“The FAA and the very talented people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years made the job a great experience,” said Withycombe. “They are dedicated safety professionals and it’s been a great pleasure to have served with them.”

November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal

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CAF Honors Military Aviation Legends with Dinner

Sergei Sikorsky, addresses attendees at the Friday night dinner in Mesa. (Inset - Sikorksy)

For five years now, the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has celebrated Veteran’s Day with a weekend of activities to honor our military aviation legends. The Arizona Wing, which will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary in January, hosted a dinner on Friday, November 9, 2012 in Mesa. The dinner provided attendees the opportunity to meet and dine with legendary aviators representing WWII and the Vietnam era and share in their unique and historic experiences. “Our goal is to honor these gentlemen,” said Larry Turner, Wing Leader and Museum Director.

The keynote address was provided by Sergei Sikorsky, noted rotorcraft advocate and son of Igor Sikorsky. Other speakers included Lt Colonel Paul Willingham, Director of Staff, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB and Dina Higgins, Councilwoman, Mesa District 5. Turner was Master of Ceremonies.

Amongst the honorees in attendance was General Seth J. McKee, thought to be the oldest living four-star general.

During World War II, he logged more than 190 hours in 69 combat missions in the P-38 Lightning and is credited with destroying two enemy aircraft. McKee retired on September 30, 1973.

On Saturday, the CAF Museum presented the Gathering of Legends, the largest gathering of military aviators in the southwestern United States. The daylong Page 10 Arizona Aviation Journal

Photos by Kim Stevens

Larry Turner

November/December 2012

Lt Col Paul Willingham

Aproximately 140 guests attended the dinner in Mesa.

event is designed to honor aviators who have participated in U.S. military conflicts during the past 69 years and serves as the centerpiece of the museum’s Veterans Day celebration.

Sunday, the Museum conducted a memorial service for 23 British Cadets who died during World War II while training at #4 British Flying Training School (today’s Falcon Field) in Mesa.

For more information on activities at the Arizona Wing

Lt Colonel Paul Willingham, left and Colonel Wayne Daniels (ret).

Sergei Sikorsky, left and Arizona Wing Leader Larry Turner.

Debra J. McKinion, Arizona Wing Administrator, left and Corinne Nystrom, Mesa Falcon Field Airport Director.

November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 11

‘Rocking the Runway’ in Scottsdale The 2012 Scottsdale Air Fair ‘Rocks the Runway’ was held Saturday and Sunday, November 3-4, at the Scottsdale Airport. “Scottsdale Airport appreciates Zulu Caffe and Soundlighting FX for coordinating this year’s Scottsdale Air Fair,” said Aviation Planning and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Ferrara. “ This year’s event was a wonderful opportunity for our community to experience aviation first-hand.

Children and adults enjoyed the event, especially as the military jets flew the skies above. ”

Chris Read, Operations Manager for Scottsdale Airport

More photos by Kim Stevens on pages 11-13.

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November/December 2012

Cameron Lynskey takes a photo of Alicia Lynskey in the cockpit of an F-16.

November/December 2012

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Military aviation was prevalent and attracted steady crowds at this year’s Scottsdale Air Fair. Below, an F-18 prepares to taxi.

Lyric Craig checks out the Apache helicopter with Sgt. Abbie Pierce.

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Jim and Jerri McCue on the flight line.

November/December 2012

Scottsdale Air Fair

November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 15

Parents and families take pictures of their kids preparing for takeoff.

Free Flights Highlight 19th Annual Sierra Vista Fly-in

By David S. Ricker Hundreds of young people were introduced to aviation on Nov. 3 during the 19th annual Sierra Vista Municipal Airport Fly-In and Open House at the Sierra Vista Municipal Airport.

The event, sponsored by the city of Sierra Vista and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Cochise Chapter 776, also promoted general aviation activities available at the airport, which is shared with the U.S. Army aviation activities.

The army’s operation is based at Libby Army Airfield on the opposite side of the airport.

Carol Van Fleet, EAA Cochise Chapter 776, organized the free flights for the young people during the event. “We have been doing this ever since the program started in 1992,” she said.

“We have been doing it here with the breakfast and everything for nine years.”

The breakfast and other activities were housed in a hanger leased from the city by Southwest Aerotech. Alvin Brown, with Southwest Aerotech, an avionics business at the airport, has been a part of the fly-in for six years. “The city and the local EAA chapter organize it. Southwest Aerotech’s hanger that we lease from the city is used to host the event,” he said.

“We have Southwest Aerotech to thank for letting us use their building,” Van Fleet said.

Van Fleet said her EAA chapter has worked closely with the city department that oversees airport operations. “Staff with the Public Works Office of the city of Sierra Vista are the cooks in there,” she pointed out.

The day before the open house was a school day, but several

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busloads of children came to the airport. “City employees walked them around to all of the displays and we took them flying,” Van Fleet explained. “Yesterday, we flew 159 kids and some of those kids have come back today for a second flight.”

During the Friday activities with school children the airport was very busy. “The kids that were out here flying yesterday got to wait out here and then take off with C-130s, A-10s and F-16s making flybys,” Van Fleet said. “All of this was going on and we were talking to the tower.”

A year ago, rain dampened the turnout on Saturday of the event. This year it was sunny and temperatures were in the 70s, perfect flying weather to take young people up. “Young Eagles Flights are to introduce aviation to a new generation,” Van Fleet said. “In 1992, the EAA decided to start this program to get a million kids flown by the 100th anniversary in 2003. We got well over a million worldwide and because the program was so good we have continued it.”

EAA had support for the flights from a local aviation program.

“We had a good response this year and in previous years from the aviation school at Cochise College down in Douglas,” she pointed out.

The school provided three airplanes and instructor pilots to take young people for flights. “You have to be an EAA member in order to fly kids,” Van Fleet added.

Van Fleet suggested that the Young Eagles Program is a success. “We have kids from the Young Eagles Program who are now flying with the air force and commercial airlines,” she said. “This program has worked. It’s gotten them introduced to aviation.”

November/December 2012

The drone and an army observation craft drew a lot of attention.

November/December 2012

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 17

Master of Ceremonies, Scott Pasmore, welcomes attendees to the 40th Annual Arizona Aviation Safety Awards Banquet.

Tuskegee Airman Gives Keynote at Aviation Safety Awards Banquet Lt Colonel Robert Ashby, a Tuskegee airman and first black captain for Frontier Airlines, was the keynote speaker at the 40th Annual Arizona Aviation Safety Awards Banquet, held Saturday, November 3rd in Phoenix.

As a cadet, Ashby flew the Stearman PT-17, AT-6 and the B-25. Ashby departed from what he referred to as his usual speech and told attendees about the difficulties young black pilots faced while training in the B-25. Due to segregation in the military, they were continually transferred from base to base. Because of that, commented Ashby, not much training was accomplished.

In addition to the keynote address, the 2012 aviation safety awards were given in the following categories: Maintenance Technician of the Year; Certified Flight Instructor of the Year; FAASTeam Representative of the Year; Airport Safety Award and the Ruth Reinhold Safety Award.

The Aviation Safety Advisory Group (ASAG) holds this annual banquet to recognize groups and individuals in Arizona that have made significant contributions to Aviation Safety.

This group works closely with the FAA Scottsdale FSDO Safety Specialists.

This year’s award recipients were Malcom Hedgepeth, a maintenance technician with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott; Kenneth Fukayama, Certified Flight Instructor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Cary B. Grant, Arizona FAASTeam Representative. The Airport Safety Award was presented to Phoenix-Deer Valley Airport.

The Ruth Reinhold Award was presented to Dominick Gallo, FAASTeam Program Manager.

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Ashby and ASAG Immediate Past President Stacy Howard.

ASAG has three goals: 1) Promote aviation safety through individual member effort and support of public agencies, meetings, and seminars.

2) Promote the image of safe aviation in Arizona communities by sponsoring statewide activities.

3) Award special recognition to individuals contributing to aviation safety at an annual banquet.

For additional information on ASAG visit www. http://aviationsafetyadvisorygroup.org/.

More photos by Kim Stevens on pages 19 and 21.

November/December 2012

An attendee records a portion of Lt. Ashby’s remarks.

Steven Johnston, Birgit Vanbynen and George Molitor, from Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Award recipient, Cary Grant and daughter Laura.

Dominic Galo, FAA, Jill Babcock, FAA Aviation Safety Assistant and Mike Halloran, FAA.

Dr. Charles and Susan Crinnian

November/December 2012

Laura and Pat Oakley

Arizona Aviation Journal Page 19

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November/December 2012

CFI of the Year, Kenneth Fukayama, Embry-Riddle University, Prescott, left and Randy Prine, FAA.

Chad Makovsky, left and Art Fairbanks, Manager of the Phoenix-Deer Valley Airport. Deer Valley was selected for the Airport Safety Award.

Jim Timm, left, presents Dominic Gallo with the Ruth Reinhold Safety Award.

Malcom Hedgepeth, Embry-Riddle, Maintenance Tech of the Year.

Mike Halloran, FAA and Lt. Col. Robert Ashby.

November/December 2012

Sarah Bowen prepares the silent auction display.

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November/December 2012