State Aviation Journal Fall 2018
• EAA AirVenture 2018 Tankers, Gooneys & Jets - Oh My • Meet NASAO’s 2018 Henry “O” Scholarship Winners Fall 2018
NASAO/State Aviation Journal
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On the Cover
Contents Commentary From the Publisher
Guest Commentary By Jack Pelton
Page 3 An F-22 flies over the flightline at AirVenture 2018 in Oshkosh, WI. SAJ photo by Andrew Stevens.
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Features
Focus on AvEd NASAO Issues Henry “O” Scholarships
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Military Aircraft & Warbird Review in Photos
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Thrustmaster Making a Great First Impression
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Dream Building On the Flightline
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Odds & Ends ~ Photos
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States Exhibit at AirVenture For Maximum Exposure
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NASAO/State Aviation Journal
KidVenture Sees Increase in Participation
Judy Rice Steps Down from NCASE to Focus on Flight Instruction
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Eagles Soar, Harts Explore - A Successful Flight Scholarship Campaign Page 39 Spotlight on State Staff Washington’s Rob Hodgman
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From the Publisher
25 Years at Oshkosh There’s not much written that hasn’t already been expressed over the years when reporting on what’s now called AirVenture. Being an ‘old dog’, I can’t help but refer to the greatest aviation event on the planet as simply “Oshkosh.” I know I’m not alone in that. Jack Pelton said in his guest commentary ‘Aviation’s Family Reunion’ (check it out on page 4), “we’re here as a community – it reinvigorates us.” I’ve been attending Oshklosh/AirVenture since 1993 (and have cups to prove it) and totally agree with his statement – we are indeed a community, and it is family. I have met so many people at Oshkosh who have remained friends over the years and others who have influenced and assisted me in the industry. Case in point (see photo below right), Mike Ferguson, a former state aviation director from Montana. These days, Oshkosh is about the only place we run into each other, either at the NASAO tent or in the same camping spot that Mike secures each year by flying into Oshkosh in his Bonanza early, but, to know that he and so many others will be there, remains a big part of why I continue to mark the dates on the calendar. Whether you attend AirVenture (approximately 601,000 did this year), just to take it all in, or are there for a specific reason – to focus on the wide variety of aircraft (more than 10,000 arrived at Oshkosh and surrounding airports), to exhibit (867 commercial exhibitors), or to attend forums, workshops and presentations (1,500 sessions attended by more than 75,000), it’s like coming home – the sights, the smells, the camaraderie – it’s what keeps me coming back. Jeannie and Mike Ferguson pose with State Aviation Journal Publisher, Kim Stevens (right). The trio have been seeing each other at Oshkosh for nearly 25 years. Photo by Andrew Stevens.
Fall 2018
NASAO/State Aviation Journal
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Jack J. Pelton,
Chairman and CEO, Experimental Aircraft Association
Guest Commentary
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: Aviation’s Family Reunion As EAA reviews everything about the 2018 edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this past July, there were many highlights that come to mind. The positive vibe all over the grounds, the upbeat economy boosting exhibitors, and the spirit of aviators from around the world are all things I’ll remember for a long time. I have countless all-too-brief, but heartfelt, conversations during the week at Oshkosh. This year, one consistent comment was that people didn’t come to see one thing; they came to see everything. More than anything, AirVenture is that place where one can see it all, from ultralights and drones to airliners and warbirds. Again and again, feedback I received on a particular one-of-a-kind event or activity was some variation of “That’s so … Oshkosh.” It’s been said that aviation not only comes together at Oshkosh, but that it NEEDS Oshkosh. We need a place where regardless of what we fly or what we want to see fly, we are here as a community. It also reinvigorates us. We spend much of the year explaining to our non-flying friends and family about why we fly, why it’s safe, why we focus our time and money on it. At AirVenture, we don’t have to explain. Everyone speaks the language. That is the magic that Paul Poberezny found more than a half-cenJack Pelton - EAA photo/Andrew Zaback. tury ago. It remains to this day. AirVenture also strikes me as a week that we can make as big or as small as we choose. There are many of us who try to see as much as we can – and there’s still a lot of it that we don’t, despite our best efforts. Yet I know of many people who spend the entire week in a specific area, such as homebuilts, vintage aircraft, or even the seaplane base, enjoying close-knit company as one would at a local fly-in. It gladdens us to see increasing numbers of people (especially families) and airplanes coming to AirVenture. That also creates challenges for the future for logistics, priorities, and activities. What we see at Oshkosh each year both reflects where we are in aviation and opens a portal that shows us where we’re going. There was a wonderful balance of that in 2018 that is important to maintain for years to come. If you were one of the 600,000 who joined us at Oshkosh this year or one of the 5,000-plus volunteers who made the event possible … thank you. If you weren’t, we’d love to welcome you in 2019 as we celebrate the 50th consecutive year of the EAA fly-in convention in Oshkosh. It’s July 22-28. We’ll see you on the flightline. Page 4
NASAO/State Aviation Journal
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C-47 I came to admire this machine which could lift virtually any load strapped to its back and carry it anywhere in any weather, safely and dependably. The C-47 groaned, it protested, it rattled, it leaked oil, it ran hot, it ran cold, it ran rough, it staggered along on hot days and scared you half to death, its wings flexed and twisted in a horrifying manner, it sank back to earth with a great sigh of relief - but it flew and it flew and it flew. — Len Morgan
A C-47, flies over Oshkosh during EAA AirVenture 2018. Fall 2018
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“The generosity and support that this organization has shown me through this scholarship, will allow me to achieve my dreams of becoming a commercial airline pilot,” said Kenneth Kressin (shown at left). “Thank you for helping aspiring career pilots, like myself, to be able to continue learning about their passion in aviation.” Kenneth Kressin
NASAO Issues Four 2018 Henry “O” Scholarships The National Association of State Aviation Officials
(NASAO) recently issued this year’s Henry “O” [Ogrodzinski] scholarships to four university students. They are Kenneth Kressin, Destry Jacobs, Ethan Thuma and Sarah Markley. The purpose of the NASAO Henry Ogrodzinski Scholarship program is to award a scholarship for academic achievement in aviation or aerospace. The scholarship is offered to juniors or seniors at a college or university continuing their education in the aviation or aerospace industry. “We are extremely proud to recognize these four outstanding students. They have distinguished themselves by superior performance and a passion for aviation,” said Dr. Jeff DeCarlo, Administrator, MassDOT Aeronautics Division and NASAO Center Board Chair. “The evaluators from the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education had originally been tasked with selecting three awardees. However, with the strength of the field of candidates, the evaluators were compelled to add an additional award.” Randy Burdette with his Harley and Cessna Henry Ogrodzinski, spent more than seventeen years 182. Photo by Kim Stevens. leading NASAO as its President and CEO and devoted his lifetime to the general aviation industry. Henry O, as he was referred to by the industry, passed away in January of 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Page 6
NASAO/State Aviation Journal
“I am sincerely grateful to NASAO and to the Henry Ogrodzinski Scholarship committee for their hard work to create this scholarship and support individuals like me desiring to further their academic pursuits,” said Destry Jacobs (shown below). “For me, like Henry Ogrodzinski, aviation will be a lifelong career, especially as I finish my Master’s in Aviation Management and Human Factors. Your support is providing me the opportunity to impact aviation in new and innovative ways in the hopes of optimizing the safety and process of flight for the present and future.”
Destry Jacobs
Fall 2018
“I am excited to receive the Henry Ogrodzinski scholarship from NASAO,” said Ethan Thuma (shown at left). “Although I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ogrodzinski, I hope he would be glad to know I have a passion for aviation that has influenced my education and career goals.” Thuma just completed his junior year at Western Michigan University studying Aviation Management and Operations. “This major has given me a detailed look of what it takes to keep the aviation industry running smoothly and safely,” said Thuma. “Along with my degree, I have been pursuing flight ratings on my own time outside of school.” This past April, he said he achieved his childhood dream and passed his private pilot check-ride. “I have enjoyed sharing my new rating with friends and family this summer,” said Thuma. “When I go back to Western, I will pursue an instrument rating.”
Ethan Thuma
Sarah Markley
Sarah Markley (shown above) said she
feels honored to be a 2018 recipient of the NASAO Henry Orgodzinski scholarship, and is grateful for the opportunities it will provide her. She is currently an Aviation Flight Science student at Western Michigan University, and has recently completed her IFR airplane rating. “I will use this scholarship to complete my commercial and multi engine ratings,” said Markley. This spring she will commission into the Army as an officer where it is her goal to fly helicopters. “Thank you again for choosing me for this scholarship and believing in my aspirations!” Fall 2018
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Military Aircraft &
Warbirds
A Photo Review
8 1 0 2 e r u t n e V r i A A A E Photos by Kim and Andrew Stevens Page 8
NASAO/State Aviation Journal
Fall 2018
A day is done. Two young men rest atop an A-26 Invader.
The Day is Done The day is done, and the darkness Falls from the wings of night, As a feather is wafted downward From an eagle in his flight. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
See more photos on pages 10 -15
Fall 2018
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An F-22 demonstrates its capabilities (above and below, left) during the airshow at AirVenture 2018.
An F-86 taxis in after participating in the day’s airshow.
Canadair T-33A-N Silver Star 3.
A MiG 17F flies over Oshkosh.
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NASAO/State Aviation Journal
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An F-15 Eagle demonstrates some of its flight capabilities at AirVenture. The F-15 has been the U.S. Air Force’s primary fighter jet aircraft and intercept platform for decades. The Eagle’s air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat. The F-15’s superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. Low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.
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Fall 2018
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D-Day Squadron Featured at AirVenture D-Day Squadron, on hand at AirVenture, is helping to organize a mass flyover of vintage Douglas DC-3s and C-47 Skytrains over the beaches of Normandy in France in June of 2019 to commemorate the thousands of soldiers that died during D-Day. C-47s led the Allied invasion during D-Day, dropping paratroopers behind enemy lines late at night to help prepare for the beach landings that took place on the morning of June 6. The flyover will be part of the larger Daks Over Normandy event, which will feature DC-3s and C-47s from other countries. Nine aircraft of the D-Day Squadron flew throughout the week at AirVenture. Three additional airplanes made an appearance at different points during the week bringing the total number of Squadron aircraft appearing at AirVenture 2018 to twelve.
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Clockwise from left, a B-52 passes over the flightline; An MH47 on static display; A pair of F-22s arrive; A pilot prepares his P-51 for the Heritage Flight.
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Doc Returns to EAA AirVenture Doc, seen below flying over Oshkosh during AirVenture, is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. Since 1987, when Tony Mazzolini found Doc sitting and rotting away in the Mojave Desert, plans have been in the works to restore the historic warbird to flying status to serve as a flying museum. Over the past 15+ years, hundreds of volunteers have worked on Doc and the restoration project. Skilled workers and retirees from Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, veterans, active duty military and others wanting to honor those who served, have spent tens of thousands of hours on Doc’s restoration. Countless individuals and organizations also made financial and in-kind contributions to keep the project going. The Boeing Superfortress first came to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh last year with an amazing back story of perseverance and made a return visit to Oshkosh this year.
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NASAO/State Aviation Journal
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Above and at top - A light rain fell during a portion of the C-17 demo.
NASA’s Glenn Research Center brought its submarine hunting Lockheed S-3 Viking to celebrate its 40th birthday. It’s the last S-3 ever built and the U.S. Navy accepted delivery of it on July 25, 1978. Lockheed built 188 examples of the type and this is the only one still flying.
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Thrustmaster Makes Great First Impression at AirVenture 2018 By Andrew Stevens
Every year I always find myself interested in what
presence gaming has at AirVenture. I’ve seen Wargaming. net showcase World of Tanks and World of Warplanes, PlayStation bring it’s ‘Road to Greatness Tour’, and Forza Motorsport playable year after year at the Ford tent. Another company I used to pay close attention to was Mad Catz and its Saitek brand of aviation accessories. I would also visit its booth to see what PC sims were playable with their latest equipment. Sadly though, Mad Catz ran into financial trouble and sold off Saitek to Logitech who so far has no interest in participating in AirVenture. This left the door wide open for a successor. Enter Thrustmaster. Thrustmaster creates joysticks, game controllers, and steering wheels for PC and gaming consoles, and for the first time ever they decided to represent their latest aviation products at the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. Additionally, they didn’t just sneak in the back door, but they showed up in style by being a bronze level sponsor. Hangar B was known as the Thrustmaster hangar in 2018 and they had prime positioning right out front to ensure no one would miss them. While at AirVenture 2018 I had the opportunity to check out Thrustmaster’s booth to play a couple of aviation sims while using two of their new products, the TPR pendular rudder system and T-Flight USAF Edition gaming headset. I also got to speak with Tim Gorham, Marketing Manager for the company. I started out by asking him what Thrustmaster had learned from participating at AirVenture for the first time in its 28-year history and how it compares to a gaming centered conference such as E3. “We learned of the extreme depth of knowledge that the
Tim Gorham, Thrustmaster Marketing Manager with product exhibit at Oshkosh.
real-world aviation community has about sim gaming.” said Gorham. “It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to us to find that pilots and aviation enthusiasts have jumped into sim flying as the software and hardware provides such an immersive duplication of the real thing, but that level of knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing and contagious!” “E3 is a different kind of event where we reach media, partners, and buyers, with some consumer engagement as a bonus. AirVenture is a consumer-first event, and as Continued on next page
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Thrustmaster Continued from previous page the consumer marketing manager, I considered it an even bigger success, especially considering the knowledge that this community had. At E3, some gamers and industry vets were left puzzled about our $499 flight rudders, compared to at AirVenture where the attendees immediately understood the product and value – most were actually surprised at how affordable they were!” I also asked Gorham if there were any early indicators of how successful their presence was at AirVenture based on online sales of their product. Andrew Stevens tries out one of the sims showcasing Thrustmaster products. He mentioned that numbers through one of its partnerships indicated sales of their flight units jumped by over 500% during the week of flight products, haven’t landed sooner in Oshkosh. AirVenture compared to the previous two weeks. That’s So, based on the early success numbers, I was curious simply awesome for any company and probably leads to to know if Thrustmaster already had plans to return to the question of why Thrustmaster, or any company with Oshkosh in 2019 and have perhaps an even bigger pres-
Gorham, left, converses with the author.
ence than 2018. “This year we sync’d our attendance with some new announcements (TPR Rudders and USAF Headset). Depending on what we have to say/promote next year, we will scale our attendance accordingly,” said Gorham. “If we have even more news, we will definitely go bigger as this year was a great hit!” I can’t imagine Thrustmaster not returning next year. They filled a hole left behind by Saitek and saw some immediate success from their attendance. Plus, being a gamer and flight enthusiast myself, it’s nice to have a company in that world attending not only one of the best events in aviation, but one of the best events period. You can learn more about Thrustmaster and its line of aviation products, including the TPR Rudders and USAF Headset mentioned in the interview, by visiting www. thrustmaster.com. Fall 2018
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Dream Building On the Flight Line By Andrew Stevens
Eleven. And no, I’m not starting an article by talking about El in Stranger Things. However, I technically did just do that, so there you go. However, when I say eleven, I’m actually speaking to the number of years I’ve now attended The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The number of years filled with great memories of spending time with my Dad, my wife, and all the wonderful people that create the unique atmosphere that is EAA AirVenture. AirVenture 2018 ended up being a lot different for me personally for many reasons. The biggest being that it was two weeks away from Day 1 and I still didn’t think I was going. Normally my Dad and I would drive out together and spend the week there, but this year contained a lot of changes that disrupted our normal approach for the show. So, with two weeks to go, this led to a question I had to find an answer to. How much do I truly enjoy attending AirVenture and will I regret missing a year? For those who don’t know me that well, I currently work in the video game industry. Yes, I play and test games all day, and then write feedback reports on what can be done differently within the game. If there’s something wrong, I let the developers know about it. Pretty cool job, huh? About a month before AirVenture is the most popular expo in the gaming industry known as E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles). I got to attend it this year and represent a few of my company’s games to fans and press. I also got to find time to play a couple of my favorites like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Forza Horizon 4. And by the way, the McLaren Page 18
NASAO/State Aviation Journal
Senna had its U.S. reveal at the booth next to mine…It’s SOOO pretty!! My point in sharing my gaming background is that I love video games and love working in the industry. E3 is the ultimate convention for all gamers to get together to see what creativity is on display and what will be available for us to play in the months and years to come. E3 is simply awesome for anyone that’s into video games, you could consider it the AirVenture of gaming, and I had an incredible time attending it this year. So, what’s interesting is that I grew up loving video games and have worked in the gaming industry for 8 years. Yet, this was my first year attending E3. I’ve attended AirVenture 11 years now and aviation is runner up on my list of interests. What does that tell you about what AirVenture means to me? Well, it should speak to just how unique and special AirVenture is and can be for anyone and everyone and how much of an impact it can have on people. It’s great for the aviation community and awesome for the businesses that show up with their booths. It can also be incredibly inspirational and motivational for those who step back for a second and really take it all in. So many great things happen at AirVenture, and that’s before the airshow even Continued on next page Fall 2018
Dream
and create memories with, that has it come full circle in making it not only the greatest aviation celebration, but Continued from previous page the greatest celebration of love, friendship, and happiness. begins. I was two weeks away from missing out on an My recognition of what AirVenture means to me only experience that I thoroughly enjoy and get motivated by, confirms that I’ll never miss another one from here on out. but then I decided that I just needed to make it happen. I That does leave me with a few more questions to answer bought my tickets, showed up, and ended up having one though, questions that I had actually asked myself while of my most inspirational years yet. sitting on the flight line. In what role will I take when I took a lot of time during AirVenture 2018 to soak up showing up next year at AirVenture 2019? Will I be a the environment. There’s no other conference, trade show, guest, media, or perhaps as an owner of my own booth? or event like it, and there’s certainly no other place that’s You see, I had a lot of creative ideas run through my head as inspirational as AirVenture. Every morning I was able during my time dream building on the flight line, and I to appreciate this as I would grab a cup of coffee and sit believe I’ve composed an idea that will continue to help and relax on the flight support the passion line while watching for aviation at AirVenaircraft and doing ture – and throughout some dream building. the year. For now, A lot came from taking though, you’ll have to this time to sit back wait in suspense for a and take it all in. little bit before I start You know, it’s fun sharing my ideas. But to think back on the at least you’ll have a progression I’ve gone new upcoming season through during my of Stranger Things to many years of AirVenwatch in the meanture. It began as just time. The author at E3 with the McLaren Senna. another airshow to have the opportunity to attend. It then transitioned into enjoying the airshow while taking photographs for my Dad’s magazine. And eventually I even found myself helping manage a booth on top of that. Obviously though it’s the number of memories I had with my family at AirVenture that helps combine those experiences with love and enjoyment. But during those years I never realized just how much the spirit of aviation grew deeply within me. The spirit of aviation at EAA AirVenture to me is the community that arrives every year and shares a passion for aviation with each other. It’s the pilots, enthusiasts and volunteers, that all come together to make AirVenture the greatest week of the year. And then, most importantly, it’s the family and friends that you get to share this passion Fall 2018
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s d n E s d & n s u d o r G Od e h t d n u o r A
Airshow attendees rise to their feet for the National Anthem.
DRACO is Mike Patey’s turboprop STOL Wilga on steroids.
Members of the Patriot Parachute Team are driven down the flight line.
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Crowds lined the flight line each day for the airshow.
International attendees gather. This year South Africans set AirVenture attendance record with 237. South Africans have long been among the most visible international visitors at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The country’s GA-friendly policies in part explain the popularity of the annual migration. Ohter countries with large attendance included Canada (538) and Australia (386).
Ray Johnson, Vintage Village, hosted the Ladies for Liberty while they were performing in that location.
A DC-3 takes on fuel prior to departing on Saturday.
A future aviator sits with the flight crew on the stairs leading up to a KC-10 Extender of the 349th Airmobility Wing.
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Flying car developer Terrafugia announced major design enhancements for the Transition, shown above at the company’s exhibit at AirVenture. Among the upgrades: in drive mode, Transition will be a hybrid vehicle, powered by a combination of an internal combustion engine and a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate chemistry) battery — a safer technology than other lithium battery chemistries, according to the company.
UAS demonstrations, always a popular attraction, took place daily in the Drone Cage at AirVenture 2018.
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The moon rises as attendees get ready to watch the night airshow.
One of a number of DC-3s on the field.
China promoted GA at AirVenture.
Attendees settle in to watch the night airshow and fireworks display.
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Ford Motor Company once again supported EAA’s youth aviation education programs by auctioning a one-of-a-kind vehicle that salutes an aviation legend. The Royal Air Force Eagle Squadron Ford Mustang GT, inspired by the British Spitfire, was unveiled at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. The vehicle which was specially designed and built by Ford design engineers and drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his RTR group, was up for bid during EAA’s biggest fundraiser, The Gathering, on Thursday. Jack Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman of the board said for 20 years, Ford Motor Company has supported EAA’s programs to build the next generation of aviators through commitments such as these one-of-a-kind collector vehicles. The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT features a 700hp 5.0-liter Ford V-8 topped with a Ford Performance supercharger, an RTR carbon fiber wide-body kit, and a tactical performance suspension package. Page 24
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An attendee checks out lego-man in the Ford Pavilion at AirVenture.
Attendees checked out an Embraer Phenom 300 on static display at AirVenture.
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Fall 2018
NASAO/State Aviation Journal Page 25
From left, Andy Trimble, Scott Brummond, Meredith Alt and Tiffany Novinska, at the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics exhibit. Brummond noted that Aeronautics staff who worked the show were as enthusiastic as ever, grateful to be able to participate in the event – and several have done this for many years. “I guess that’s a testament to the addictive qualities of this passion we call aviation….even after many, many years for some, the event hasn’t lost its luster or gotten old,” said Brummond.
States Exhibit at AirVenture for Maximum Industry Exposure By Kim J. Stevens For many years state aviation agencies have found AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to be an excellent venue to promote the great things that are happening with regard to aviation in their states, including business opportunities and an atmosphere that values the aviation industry as a whole. “In Oklahoma we know the value of supporting our aviation and aerospace industry,” said Amy Loftis-Walton, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives Director for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). “500+ aerospace related companies do business in Oklahoma because of our pro-business environment.” Oklahoma ranks in the top 10 among Best States for Doing Business and has one of the most progressive business incentive programs in the nation. The sole mission for OCAST is to expand and diversify the Oklahoma economy through technology-based economic development. OCAST is able to foster Continued on next page Page 26
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Wisconsin’s Hal Davis.
States Continued from previous page innovation in existing and developing companies by supporting basic and applied research and development to encourage new technology giving aviation and aerospace businesses an even greater chance to grow and succeed in our state. “Attending the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh was a great opportunity to highlight Oklahoma tourism for pilots flying in from around the world, support our manufactures at the show and most importantly meet with companies who want to expand, relocate or develop industry in our state,” said Loftus-Walton. Along with OCAST, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) partners with several other state organizations and communities to attend the EAA AirVenture each year. “The main goal for this group of entities is to utilize this amazing event as an economic development opportunity to try and recruit aviation companies to relocate or expand their businesses in Oklahoma,” said Grayson Continued on page 28
Amy Loftis-Walton, Director, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, with the Oklahoma exhibit at AirVenture.
States
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Kreg Anderson, left and Nick Zieglmeier, from Alexandria, MN, point to the airport’s location on the Minnesota map.
States Continued from page 27 Ardies, manager of the Airport Development Division for OAC. “Our partner entities conduct many meetings throughout the week with some of the various companies that exhibit at Oshkosh to determine their interest in the business friendly climate that Oklahoma offers.” In addition to that, Ardies said their booth in Hangar C provides an opportunity for the OAC and their partner organizations to showcase to the pubic the great things Oklahoma has to offer in terms of airports, fly-in events, and tourist attractions. “Our pinnacle event at the Oshkosh show is the luncheon we host on Saturday for Senator Jim Inhofe and fellow Oklahomans at the show,” said Ardies. “The event has grown in popularity over the years to include Oklahoma’s fifth district Congressman, Steve Russell, and EAA’s own Chairman Jack Pelton.” Although a relaxing lunch at Oshkosh after a long week at the airshow is certainly a good thing, Ardies said this event gives Senator Inhofe and Congressman Russell an Page 28
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opportunity to visit with some of the businesses that their partners have identified as being interested in Oklahoma. “It really shows those companies how invested Oklahoma is in taking a hands-on approach to recruiting every single business that comes to our great state.” For Minnesota, 2018 was their third year back at Oshkosh with a booth. “Each year we learn more and the level of engagement improves,” said Cassandra Isackson, DiContinued on next page
OAC’s Grayson Ardies, center, with Oklahoma’s Sen. Jim Inhofe, left, and Congressman Steve Russell at Saturday’s luncheon.
Fall 2018
JVIATION IS PROUD TO BE A STRONG SUPPORTER OF THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
of
Kim Wells and Alton Jordan at the Virginia Department of Aviation exhibit.
States
STATE AVIATION OFFICIALS
Continued from previous page rector of the Aeronautics Office for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. “In year 1, several pilots asked us about our turf runways,” said Isackson, which led them to develop a one-page map of the state’s turf airports. “We gave them away in year 2. This year, pilots were coming up to request the turf map.” Isackson said they also invite the airport sponsors in Minnesota to work in the booth with them, promoting travel and business to their communities. “Communities have told us that they have experienced increased traffic at their airports before and after Oshkosh as a result of their participation.” This year Isackson said they collected opinions on Minnesota’s Nav Aid and AWOS systems from Minnesota pilots and those familiar with flying in Minnesota. “We will use this information as we develop our asset management strategy.” They found that about half of respondents do not want to see a reduction in VOR coverage in Minnesota. Each state that has exhibited over the years has reported similar success in their outreach activities and quick to support the theory of, “you get out of it, what you invest in it.” For Isackson, that included recruiting businesses to their annual Maintenance Conference. “Two years ago, our recruitment efforts resulted in 5 new exhibitors.”
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s d n E & s d d s d O n e u r o Mo d the Gr n u o r A
People gather for photos and to watch as a Corsair and a P-51 prepare for a flight at dusk.
A photographer enjoys his shot.
Above and at right - The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon, brought two extremely uncommon aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018. Both aircraft are gliders that were used to train pilots to fly larger troop-carrying gliders like the Waco CG-4, and both were developed from more common powered aircraft of the day.
From left, - A Cessna 180, Compass Hill and a colorful place for lunch.
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The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team performs in the night airshow.
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The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team of T-6 Texans.
Left - The Patriot Parachute Team kicked off the afternoon air show and the day’s skydiving activities, putting on a patriotic display of the American flag during the national anthem. In a second act, the team demonstrated what it takes to be an elite U.S. Navy SEAL, and a member of one of the premier skydiving demonstration teams in the nation. The team also performed a pyrotechnics routine in the night air show, highlighting maneuvers only their team has ever performed.
Left - Air show pilot Jeff Boerboon, EAA 363600, and a few friends considered what might happen when two identical, high-performance aerobatic airplanes came together as one. They combined Jeff’s Yakovlev Yak-55 with another, to produce the Yak-110.
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“Year of the Tanker”
Refueling Aircraft Showcased at AirVenture 2018
The “Year of the Tanker” at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 wouldn’t be complete without the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (shown above and to its right). At top, a DC-10 simulates a refueling with an F-22. An HC-130P/N (near right) flies along the flightline.
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Above, a student learns to follow directions by putting nuts and bolts together in the right order. Below and at right, students learns to rivet by making nametags.
KidVenture Sees Increase in Participants During AirVenture 2018 Located at Pioneer Airport across from the AirVenture Museum, KidVenture, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, provided opportunities for young people to explore aviation from several different fronts. They earn FAA credit toward an A&P certificate through hands-on building projects, learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, modify a wing on a computer then find out how well it flies, and even see what it’s like to land on Mars - making it a outof-this-world experience. The FAA STEM AVSED Program directly supported 3 booths (Smart Skies, Preflight, and Weight and Balance) as well as working with EAA on the general logistics for the event including coordinating with AVS to ensure 2 hours of FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant time for students who completed all maintenance activities. Each of the 18 stations requires about 30 minutes to complete the activity. Page 34
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Jim Brough, FAA Management and Program Analyst with the National STEM AVSED Program, reported that 3,052 students participated in the program this year. Highlights included eight A&P booths where kids learn basic Continued on next page
SAJ Publisher, Kim Stevens talks with Jim Brough, FAA.
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KidVenture Continued from previous page building skills as well as Condor flight simulators and Kiddie Hawk flight trainers. KidVenture is part of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture program, held this year from July 23-July 29, 2018.
Above, students build balsa models. Below, students learn about weight and balance.
Above and below, students learn math and science behind air traffic control.
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Judy Rice
NCASE President Steps Down to Focus on Her Passion Flight Instruction By Kim Stevens
Working as a special education specialist in the early 1990s with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in Mora, Minnesota, Judy Rice found herself searching for classroom materials on aviation that she could use in her classroom. Her students discovered that Judy was learning to fly and would do anything she asked, if she talked about flying. During that same time, Judy’s son was also learning to fly. Keeping her son interested in his dream to become a pilot, and noticing the power that aviation held on some of the toughest students in her class, made Judy realize that she was on to something. However, her research had led to very little classroom friendly materials for teachers and students. “I knew I had to do something,” said Rice. It was through her research for good aviation related materials that led her to NCAE, now the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). “I wanted to witness firsthand what it was all about and what they had to offer in regard to aviation education,” said Rice. Motivated, she saved up enough for a flight across the country. “The meeting I attended exceeded my expectations and at the same time I met a lifetime of colleagues and friends.” From that first meeting, NCASE has been by her side throughout all of her aviation education endeavors. This month, after spending five years as the NCASE President, Ms. Rice has stepped down from the position to concentrate on her flight instructing career in Florida. She will continue, however, to be a cheerleader for the organization. “As I grew in my career from classroom teacher to aviation educator, I also grew with NCASE,” said Rice. “It was an honor to volunteer my time when asked to join the board, then vice president, and with shaky knees as President.” Rice said it was through Ken Cook’s menPage 36
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Judy Rice
toring during her vice presidency that she accepted the honorable position as President. “He’s always been there for me and NCASE,” said Rice. “He’s an amazing person and colleague.” Judy grew up as the middle child of six in Ohio. She recalls her first encounter with aviation was during a hot summer evening when she was about 5 years old. She was lying in her bed which was always up against the window so she could say goodnight to the sky. With the shadows lengthening due to the setting sun she began to doze off. Suddenly, she heard a loud whoosh – whoosh – whoosh! “I fled from my bed and ran down the stairs as fast I my tiny legs would carry me,” said Rice. “Once outside I looked up and saw a huge balloon with a wicker basket hanging below.” She could see the man in the basket as it passed just over her rooftop. The man hollered down, “What’s wrong little girl, cat got your tongue?” Rice said she was so amazed she couldn’t speak. “It was as though he was standing right beside me!” The house that Judy grew up in had a huge living room with bookshelves along one wall. After that evening’s exContinued on next page Fall 2018
NCASE Continued from previous page perience with the hot air balloon, she would park herself in the corner each day paging through the encyclopedia looking for the balloon and basket contraption. “To my delight, as I searched, I found all sorts of flying machines,” said Rice. “Once I found a lady standing on top of the wing of a small airplane and I remember saying to myself, ‘Someday, someday I will do that!’” In 1st grade Judy discovered that she was the only one in her class that dreamt about flying. One day her teacher smiled and nodded, telling her, “Honey, you are a girl. Good girls do not fly.” Horrified, she ran home and asked her parents if this was true. “My parents reassured me that in fact, good girls do not fly,” said Rice. “Crushed, I decided to keep my dream all to myself. Instead, I was encouraged to be a good girl, raise a family and have a respectful profession for a lady, like a teacher.” Judy did become a teacher and thought she had kept her dream to fly a secret until as a mom, her 9-year-old son asked her one day why she never learned to fly. “I was astounded not realizing I had shared my hidden dream with him,” said Rice. “He then proceeded to tell me that he wanted to learn how to fly. For his 10th Birthday, I surprised him with an introductory flight lesson and he in turn surprised me with a flight lesson! That was it, I was hooked.” Rice began taking flight lessons on weekends while teaching and being a mom. She found it to be extremely difficult. “I have always had to squeeze flying into life, which is always more challenging,” said Rice. “I have also always had issues with math - still do.” Rice says it takes her twice as long as others to earn any certificate or rating. “I tell students, if I can do it, so can you! Do not compare yourself to others. So what if it takes you longer. Most importantly, focus, do the work, and don’t give up.” Rice said it took a lot of work gaining the confidence that she could fly. After all, she had been told all her life Continued on page 38 Fall 2018
Rice, in her Florida hangar. Photo by Kim Stevens.
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NCASE Continued from page 37 that it wasn’t for her. “Flying gave me confidence, changing my life forever more,” said Rice. “Once I learned to fly, my life changed even more after noticing the power of aviation with my special education students.” Today, flying and sharing the experience of flight with others is what motivates Rice each day. “I have no less than 20 students a day, some from the USA, and many from over 21 different countries,” said Rice. “I bring my world flight experience and knowledge as a flight instructor to each new student.” Most students are not much older than 20, far from home and first time away from home. “I am their first contact and many times also become mom.” Seeing a student’s eyes light up as they understand a concept or gain confidence, and watching them grow as a person and a pilot is gratifying for Rice. No matter where in the world a student pilot may be from, Rice believes we all share the passion of the air. “It doesn’t matter the type of vehicle (fixed wing, helicopter, glider, etc.); it doesn’t matter what the country’s politics are, or the local language – as soon as you arrive in a flying machine you are family,” said Rice. “Even in the harshest countries, aviation is an international shared joy.”
In 2015 Rice flew around the world to promote the importance of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Education and the boundless opportunities in aviation and aerospace industries worldwide. This international in-flight effort labeled ThinkGlobalFlight, cultivated, promoted, and inspired a greater awareness and interest in S.T.E.A.M. for students by way of an around-the-world flight of adventure. “It took 10 years of planning and was worth every moment,” said Rice. When asked about her mentors, Rice, without a blink, named Fred Nauer, Ken Cook, Lee Siudzinski, and Dick Rutan. “These great people came into my life when I began this new dream of aviation education,” said Rice. “In part, I am who I am because of these four gentlemen.” Rice hopes to visit and fly in Africa, one of the few remaining countries that has always held a fascination for her since she was very young, and when she’s not in the air or thinking about it, she also enjoys gardening and scuba diving. “I believe everything happens for a reason,” said Rice. “I have experienced an amazing life through a lot of hard work.” Rice says she jumps out of bed each day, eager to share what an amazing life is ahead for everyone, regardless of age, if we just focus and work toward our dreams. “Dreams grow - As mine.”
In April of 2014 Captain Judy flew the Cirrus to Lakeland, Florida, one of her stops during Sun n’ Fun. Students were disadvantaged, inner city from Orlando that she spoke with about working toward their dreams.
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‘Eagles Soar, Harts Explore’:
AirVenture Serves as Backdrop for Successful Scholarship Campaign Leading up to this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, two organizations collaborated to offer more than $10,000 in flight training scholarships. Commemorating their one-year relationship with EAA, I Hart Flying, a California-based nonprofit, teamed with EAA Chapter 43 in Denver, Colorado through the launch of their themed scholarship ‘Eagles Soar, Harts Explore,’ a fourweek social media campaign focused on engaging, inspiring and educating followers about aviation, and to explore flying as a career path! The two aviation groups met to hold a joint press conference at the EAA Press Center during AirVenture to announce what turned out to be a successful campaign focused on attracting new pilots. “The campaign was a huge success,” said Eric Serani with EAA Chapter 43. “We’ve received more applications in a 4-week period than we’ve ever received for our annual awards. It goes to show that with a little effort on social media, it’s possible to spread the word about the scholarship funds available out there.” The pilot shortage is a very real and scary problem facing modern society. “Taking positive actions like this will introduce more young faces into the world of aviation and tackle this problem head on,” said Serani. Both organizations are adamant about increasing a diverse pilot population. This scholarship opportunity is also focused on bringing the excitement back for flying, for aviation and has used social media successfully to attract a strong response. “This effort is more about setting an example to those we are working to inspire and attract into aviation and how coming together, breaking down silos and working in concert for a shared mission, brings double the scholarship offerings for our future professional pilots,” stated Rachelle Spector, Founder of I Hart
Rachelle Spector, Founder of I Hart Flying.
Flying. “Success is not met alone. It’s a duty to work in a team fashion, to bring solutions to our industry. The pilot demand is reality, so let’s ensure we help future aviators make their dream of flight a reality.” In early March 2018, I Hart Flying launched a similar social media scholarship campaign with east coast’s Liftoff Learning. Nearly 250 combined total applications, more than 1.5 million social media impressions and engagements followed by more than 500 global inquiries were reported. Liftoff Learning’s winning recipient, Justina Darby, is currently working toward her private pilot license. I Hart Flying’s winning recipient is Hailey Truax, currently working on her commercial rating, followed by her CFI. “Our chapter recognizes that the faces in our meetings are getting older, and fresh young ones are not showing up the in the same way they used to,” stated Serani. “For this reason, our chapter is heavily involved in many ways to get the next generation inspired and involved in aviation.
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fighter pilot shortage, and that’s a problem. “While this scholarship isn’t a recruitment for the Air Force, it is the perfect opportunity to get our generation reengaged in aviation,” said McBride. “While the demand for professional pilots looms, so does financial barriers for exceptional future aviators to enter the field, and those currently advancing flight ratings fall short due to limiting finances, rising costs of training.” According to the July 2018 Boeing report, roughly 790,000 new pilots globally are in demand Eric Serani, EAA Chapter 43 and Rachelle Spector. until 2037 across commercial, busiEagles Soar ness and rotorcraft, where 206,000 alone are needed in Continued from page 39 North America. “Our ultimate goal is to break down barScholarships like this one are the ‘Hart’ and soul of what riers and share the beauty of flight, while also helping to Chapter 43 is all about.” meet these growing pilot demands in our industry,” added Tyler McBride, a pilot in the Air Force and member of McBride. EAA Chapter 43, said that in his career field there is a AirVenture served as an excellent opportunity for the two organizations to bring their message before young audiences, media, on-air radio interviews, airshow performances and the many partners on board for the journey ahead. “I am impressed by how far reaching ‘Eagles Soar, Harts Explore’ impacted followers on a global scale,” said Lyndse Costabile, a media/PR and corporate relations professional working on the campaign. “Not to mention the volume of applications submitted, this collaboration saw more than two million engagements and impressions across social media alone in less than a month’s time, which means that we are engaging at a high level and reaching audiences around the world with a passion for STEM, aviation and this industry. It speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of I Hart Flying and EAA Chapter 43.” Tyler McBride representing EAA Chapter 43.
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It Just Keeps Getting Better ! 9 1 0 2 n i e there
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Coming Next!
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State Aviation Staff Focus
Passion for Aviation Leads Rob Hodgman to State Aviation Post in Washington State By Clarice Tweeten According to Robert Hodgman, Senior Aviation Planner at Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), he got “bit by the aviation bug” when he joined the Army at the age of 19. His barracks were across from the airfield where military helicopters would taxi by day and night, and he remembers thinking “I want to fly one of those.” Therefore, he took a chance early on in his military career and, after completing his enlistment, joined the Army ROTC for a chance at getting into flight school. “It was a bit of a risky move,” said Hodgman. “There was no guarantee that I was going to get into flight school. It was very competitive. I could have ended up driving a tank or being a supply officer or something like that, but I wanted to fly helicopters so bad that I was willing to take the risk. Fortunately it paid off.” Hodgman got into flight school in 1989 after attending college at Pacific Lutheran University where he earned a degree in business. He continued his education later on in life, earning an MBA from Saint Marin’s University in 2003. During his time in flight school, Hodgman served as a second lieutenant in the Aviation branch of the Army. After finishing flight school, Hodgman began flying advanced aircraft including CH-47D Chinooks, UH-1 Hueys, and OH-58A/C Kiowas. Hodgman flew these helicopters on many memorable missions throughout his 24 yearlong military career including aerial wildland firefighting missions and night
Rob Hodgman
vision goggle multi-aircraft slingload missions. He remembers one particularly exciting mission vividly where he and a Special Forces team of Green Berets performed a helocast at Seattle’s summer festival, Seafair, in front of large crowds of people. “We flew out over the lake in front of the grand stands and came to about a ten foot hover off the water. The Special Forces guys jumped out the back of the Chinook with their fins and wet suits into the water and performed a mock assault of the beach. While they were doing that we flew to a nearby holding area and waited for them to finish their demonstration, then returned to the grandstand where we landed on the water. A lot of people don’t know that you can land a Chinook on the water, but you can. When the mock assault was done, they came back out into the water and we actually submerged the tail of the helicopter so that they could drive their inflatable motorboat in. As we climbed away with water pouring out the aircraft, they strapped on parachutes, hooked up to the static line and parachuted down. It was a really unique mission.” Hodgman served active duty for 10 years in the Army, and the remaining fourteen years of his military career as
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Hodgman Continued from page 43 active National Guard. He was stationed in many different places during this time including Fort Campbell, Ky., Fort Rucker, Ala., Fort Lewis, Wash., and Korea. During his active guard time, Hodgman took an assignment in Public Works in the Washington Army National Guard as Deputy Construction and Facilities Management Officer where he worked for eight years, while remaining in army aviation in his weekend guard job. There he was responsible for design and construction projects as well as environmental studies and real estate transactions, experience that has now benefited him in his position as Senior Aviation Planner. Hodgman’s time in the National Guard allowed him to settle down in Washington’s capitol, Olympia, where he and his wife have lived for 20 years. Living in Washington has made Hodgman appreciate the state for the diversity that it offers. “I’ve lived in lots of different places, and what I like about Washington is that there’s so much here as far as opportunity. You have Seattle, a very large metropolitan area with anything and everything that you could want, you have the mountains where you can go snow skiing, the ocean where you can go boating, you’ve got Eastern Washington with the high desert, and you’ve got hiking and hunting. It’s a beautiful state.” On top of enjoying Washington’s many attractions, Hodgman also spends his time doing construction and woodworking, brewing his own beer and hard cider and practicing low and slow barbecue. One of his favorite past times is to combine his love of helicopters and Washington’s natural scenery and go flying over the tree covered mountains in his Sparrow Hawk gyrocopter. “It’s called the Evergreen State for a reason; it is so lush. Page 44
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Hodgman in his Sparrow Hawk gyrocopter.
As you drive or fly across the Cascade Mountain Range, it is the most beautiful scenery.” Hodgman’s military and recreational experiences with flying made him so passionate about the aviation industry that he joined on with WSDOT Aviation the day after he retired from the military. He started out in a nonpermanent projects position as an aviation planner and was promoted five months later to Senior Aviation Planner. “There was a lot of learning to do on my part because army aviation is great, but that’s only one small portion of the pie,” said Hodgman. “Fortunately I had a good team of colleagues that helped me along the way.” Hodgman has held his position as Senior Planner for six years now and has nothing but good things to say about it. “It really is one of the coolest jobs,” said Hodgman. “As the Aviation Senior Planner, I’m involved in almost everything, and no two days are the same. One day I’ll be in Seattle meeting with the FAA and large airports doing a big airport study, the next day I’ll be in Central Washington University meeting with the aviation board helping to develop a curriculum, the next I’ll be in Spokane presenting at a drone conference, so I travel all over the map. Every single one of the things that we do is high impact, so we really have the opportunity to make a difference.” One of the ways Hodgman and his team have strived to
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Hodgman Continued from previous page make a difference in Washington’s aviation system is by gaining more state funding for future airport projects. In 2014, Hodgman and his team started the Airport Investment Study where they discovered that there was a significant gap between the funds needed and the funds available for Washington’s airport system, resulting in approximately $8.4 million a year that the state needed but was not getting through funding. After identifying the funding gap, the next phase of the study is to find solutions to the problem. “The Airport Investment Solutions Study initially identified 32 solutions, and then we prioritized that list down to the top ten,” said Hodgman. “Of those ten solutions, two have already been successful, and we’ve got a third one for this next session in the queue.” The solutions that have worked so far included the passing of a legislative bill which increased the percentage of aircraft owner excise taxes going towards aviation from ten percent to one hundred percent, and the other was the Airport Revolving Loan Fund passed in 2018 which provides low interest loans to airports for revenue producing projects. The third solution in the queue for 2019 will be to put one percent of fuel sales tax towards the funding gap. As for the future, Hodgman is excited to continue working for WSDOT and expand more in the area of aerospace manufacturing. “My dad worked in corporate for General Electric so he dealt with manufacturing, and with my two business degrees, I’d like to be involved in that more. I’m hoping we can direct our program in that direction more. The Boeing company has several manufacturing facilities here in Washington, and we have all those suppliers. It’s such a huge industry, and there are so many neat new aircraft entering the market place, so it just seems really exciting and interesting.” Hodgman continues to enjoy his job and sees more ahead of him in his future there for many years to
Hodgman with Eric Johnson, center, Manager of the Airport Aid Grant Program at WSDOT Aviation and Professor Christopher Lum, University of Washington’s Boeing School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, whose students developed the one-of-a-kind prototype drone.
come. He also looks forward to spending more time enjoying low and slow barbecuing and flying his SparrowHawk to see all of the sights that the beautiful state of Washington has to offer.
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