State Aviation Journal Issue #18
Spring 2013
Skydiving - Winner in the 2012 Iowa Photo Contest
USPA Looks to Retain Women in a Male Dominated Sport Spring 2013
State Aviation Journal Page 1
On The Cover Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Vice President/Operations Layout Design Photography
Cirrus Aircraft display at the AOPA Summit. Photo by Kim Stevens Contributing Writers
Kim Jeffrey Stevens Andrew Stevens Deborah Stevens Andrew Stevens Shahn Sederberg Kim Stevens Andrew Stevens Carol Groff Penny Hamilton Wendie Davis-Grauer Scott Malta Jenny Watts Lara Jackson
State Aviation Journal/Arizona Aviation Journal 9866 W Lone Cactus Drive Peoria, AZ 85382 623-326-1125 www.stateaviationjournal.com
Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Layout Design Photography Advertising Director Contributing Writers
Contents
Kim J. Stevens Andrew Stevens Kim Stevens Kim Stevens Shahn Sederberg Vacant Wendie Davis-Grauer Andrea Brennan Scott Malta Penny Hamilton
Iowa Photo Contest Winner Nate Burrows Page 2
State Aviation Journal
From the Publisher
Spring 2013
Life Comes at You Fast
From the Publisher
Page 4
Colorado Museum Pays Tribute to Bob Hoover
Page 6
EAS Changes and Challenges
Page 8
WRP Principals Discuss Aviation in Sacramento
Page 10
Commentary
Cancelled Airshows
Air Maui
Paradise From on High
Sisters in Skydiving
Page 4 Page 5 Page 6
Sport Attracting More Women
Page 8
Freefalling
Page 12
Photo by Thomas Curry of Ames, Iowa. His photo won first place in the 2012 Iowa Office of Aviation photography contest (Sky Diving Category). Photo courtesy of Iowa Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation.
ACI-NA/AAAE Hold
Washington Legislative Conference Page 14
Arizona Airports
Hold Spring Conference
Steve Miller
Bright Future for Marana
California
Aviation Awareness Day
Western Regional Parnership
Talks Aviation in Salt Lake City Spring 2013
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From the Publisher
Life comes at you fast You’ve probably seen the commercials for the insurance company whose tagline proclaims ‘life comes at you fast’! You know the one; you turn around to make sure your daughter is safely strapped into the car seat, only to discover that she is a teenager. For me, one moment I was mowing my little plot of green in the desert and the next moment I’m on the balcony of my apartment overlooking Reagan National Airport, the Potomac River and the nation’s Capital off in the distance. My transition to Washington DC was quite a surprise and not even a distant thought until someone in the industry, whom I respect a great deal, suggested I might look at the opportunity available at a national aviation association. And, with that suggestion, it seemed like everything in my life came into sharp focus. The line from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, came to mind… “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around every once in a while, you might miss it.” It was like I stopped, took a look around and saw the next chapter in my life opening up before me. Being in the nation’s capital brings many opportunities. I’ve already met some amazing people and have had the opportunity to attend and participate in various functions and activities that wouldn’t have been available to me otherwise. Charles Schultz said, “Life is like a ten speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.” I don’t know how many gears are on my bike, but I’m grateful to be able to shift and use another one. Mark Twain said that twenty years from now we’ll be more disappointed by the things we didn’t do than the ones we did. “So throw off the bow lines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Live.” Thank you Mark, I think I will!
Merry Christ-
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Guest Commentary
Cancelled air shows
Spring 2013
Penny-wise, pound foolish By William Hamilton, J.D., Ph.D. The reason sequestration has not ended the civilized world is because the so-called budget cuts do not actually take place until the end of this fiscal year.You see, everything the federal government was budgeted to do in this fiscal year is already in this fiscal year’s budget. But yes, the overall rate-of-government-growth will be cut by about 2.8-percent. Meanwhile, some politicians want to scare the public into supporting tax increases by shutting down programs such as: White House tours, our national monuments, and by cancelling aerial demonstrations by the Navy Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds. For the over 70 communities where either the Blues or the T-birds perform each year, these cancellations mean far fewer tourism dollars and tax revenues. For Pensacola, Florida, a Blue Angels show means a $2.4 million boost to the local economy. When the Thunderbirds appear at Edwards Air Force Base, over 250,000 aviation enthusiasts flock to see it. At the Indianapolis Air Show, the Blue Angels raise attendance by 20-percent. Seattle’s Lake Washington air show attracts over one million spectators. For exciting young people about military service, the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds are marvelous recruiting tools. For those already serving, the teams are a tremendous source of pride and an inspiration toward their own pursuit of excellence. If you have witnessed the Blues or the T-birds you know you have seen the world’s best pilots flying the world’s best fighter aircraft, performing the world’s most daring and highly-complex maneuvers. For the American taxpayer such demonstrated excellence reveals
one area at least where their investments are not being wasted. Be aware that the Blues and the T-birds are watched by far more than just the American public. All the air attachés and intelligences services of hostile nations focus on the flying skills of the pilots and on the performance of their aircraft. The deterrent effect of the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds should never be underestimated. What potential enemy pilot in his right mind would want to try to match flying skills against a military than can produce the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds? By the same token, when our allies witness the flawless maneuvers of the Blues and the T-birds, they take heart that they have allied themselves on the right side of military might. And, if you have ever seen a demonstration put on by South Korea’s aerial demonstration team, the Black Eagles, you know the Black Eagles must be scaring the living kimchi out of the pilots of North Korea and Red China. Yes, there are places where some real budget cutting is needed. For example, should the National Institutes of Health be spending $2.6 million to study the drinking habits of Chinese prostitutes? Do we need to spend $1.5 million to study why 75-percent of lesbians are obese? Maybe we need a study on how to invent common sense.
Nationally syndicated columnist, William Hamilton, was educated at the University of Oklahoma, the George Washington University, the U.S Naval War College, the University of Nebraska, and Harvard University. ©2013. William Hamilton.
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Air Maui: Paradise from on High
By Wendie Davis-Grauer
Wendie Davis-Grauer with husband, Michael Grauer, and pilot, Rich Russell, ready to embark on an Air Maui helicopter tour.
By Wendie Davis-Grauer “Think of the helicopter as a magic carpet that transports you not just to another world, but another time.” These are the words that can be found on the website for Air Maui Helicopter Tours and words in which owner, Steve Egger, abides. Egger was flying with Air Kauai twenty-one years ago, but when Hurricane Iniki struck the island in September 1992, it rocked the travel industry immensely. This catastrophe forced Egger to make a decision - rebuild or relocate. He chose to move operations to Maui and since 1993; Air Maui is affectionately called the most thrilling and adventurous helicopter tour company on the island. “It’s a family atmosphere,” Ashley Easley, a reservationist of five years shared, “there are fourteen employPage 6
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ees who work for Steve - four pilots, six reservationists, as well as a good mix of ground and maintenance crews.” A-Star Helicopters are the aircraft of choice for Air Maui. In order to keep these beauties in pristine condition, “an entirely new crew takes charge of the aircraft. Our FAA-certified and factory-trained mechanics inspect and maintain our helicopters to ensure that every component, every system, meets the highest standards of safety and quality. Our standards are simple: ‘If it’s not perfect, it doesn’t fly.’” Just like their helicopters, pilots must also go through rigorous training and standards set forth by Chief Pilot, Steve Egger. Rich Russell, one of Air Maui’s pilots knows firsthand the dedication it takes to be part of a team like this. “I was Army trained and I have an ATP
(Airline Transport Pilot) rating for helicopters. I’ve been flying tours in Hawaii for almost twenty-five years; the last year being with Air Maui, an incredible experience. The Air Maui family is a close one and works amazingly well together as a team. Passengers sometimes tell me that I have the best job in the world and I have to agree. I certainly work with the best people.” Air Maui takes pride in its top-notch service. The company has had a stellar, safety record that dates back to its Air Kauai days - over twenty-four years of success; no hard landings, accidents, or injuries. The AOA requires all positions to pass thorough background checks, including reservationists who jokingly refer to themselves as the “Jill of All Trades”- dabbling in ground crew, fuel, and dispatch. “We do everything except fix and fly!” shared Malia Thompson, Air Maui Reservationist of four years. Interested in observing paradise from a bird’s eye view? Air Maui offers several flight tour packages that are sure to satisfy young and old alike. Before boarding, the friendly staff will brief passengers on the safety guidelines of the flight. Just before takeoff, everyone is welcome to pose for a picture in front of the A-Star helicopter. Enjoy the friendly pilot’s narration of the island - flying over the West Maui Mountains, Molokai, the North Shore (where major motion pictures have been filmed), and Haleakala Volcano. Enjoy a heavenly view of waterfalls, rainbows, clear waters, and families of humpback whales swimming in the deep blue. Tour Hana on the east side of the island and soak up the beauty that is Maui. Flights are offered in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments. At the conclusion of the flight, feel free to peruse the one-of-a-kind Air Maui souvenirs available in the terminal as well as the keepsake of your aircraft photo and narrated flight video that is available for purchase. If you have a hankering for adventure, all-inclusive fees, a great run company with employees who love their jobs and feel like family, then check out Air Maui Helicopter Tours. More information can be found at www.airmaui. com. Spring 2013
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Mario Ripa takes a happy student for her first jump over Skydive Orange in Virginia. Photo by C. Lambert.
During the annual Chicks Rock! skydiving event at Skydive Elsinore in California, a group of women gather after landing from a costume jump wearing their themed “Heaven and Hell” outfits. Photo by David Sands.
Sisters in Skydiving Soars By Nancy Koreen The door of the airplane opens. Noise and wind rush in. You move to the edge, your heart beating. You look out, take a breath… and then you leap. It’s the most exhilarating experience of your life. Suddenly, you feel like you can tackle any challenge, overcome any obstacle. You’ve just enjoyed the thrill of a lifetime. You’ve just become a skydiver! The life-changing sport of skydiving has grown steadily over the past decade, even as other areas of general aviation have struggled. Each year, more than a half million first-timers, along with 34,000-plus licensed skydivers, make more than 3 million jumps in the U.S. At the end of 2012, the U.S. Parachute Association, the sport’s governing body in the United States, boasted a record-high membership of 34,800. But even as skydivPage 8
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ing becomes more popular, the sport, like general aviation, has retained a relatively low percentage of female participants. Roughly half of first-time jumpers are women, but USPA reports that less than 15 percent of its members are female. General aviation experiences the same problem, with women comprising only 6 percent of certified pilots. Dr. Penny Hamilton, an award-winning aviation educator and writer, has studied this issue in-depth. Her “Teaching Women to Fly” research project offers numerous reasons for and potential solutions to the dearth of women in aviation. Within skydiving, USPA is also looking at ways to improve female retention. To encourage more women to pursue the sport and increase its female membership, USPA created the Sisters in Skydiving program. Now celebrating its two-year anniversary, SIS is a mentorship
skydivers to jump with. • Helping with equipment selection and sharing their experiences with finding the right size gear. • Being a sounding board for their Little Sisters to air their concerns, fears or difficulties in the sport, and offering moral support and encouragement. • Letting their Little Sisters know that they may have gone through some of the same struggles the newcomers are experiencing, whether it’s difficulty figuring out landings, trying to balance family life or facing fear. • Inviting their Little Sisters to social outings with skydiver friends. Another goal of the Sisters in Skydiving program is to reach out to female first-timers in an effort to get them to return for a second jump. Literally hundreds of thousands of women make a first tandem skydive each year. Big Sister Christine Edwards from Aurora, Colorado, emphasizes the importance of connecting with female first-timers. “My biggest suggestion for sisters like myself is to take time to get to know the tandem students,” she says. “They are often the ones you hear talking about how they would love to continue in the sport, but once they leave the drop zone, they really don’t know how to go about it, and the opportunity has passed.”
program that pairs female students and novices (Little Sisters) with experienced women skydivers (Big Sisters) for encouragement, support and guidance. By helping female novices navigate through the sometimes-intimidating experience of being a new woman jumper, USPA hopes to increase retention of female newcomers, adding depth and diversity to the sport. Being a new skydiver can be intimidating for anyone, but this is even truer for women, who are a small minority in an adrenaline-filled and fear-confronting sport. Oftentimes, only other women who have had the same experiences can help female novices through some of the Contined on page 10 common hurdles they face, for example, finding appropriately sized gear for their smaller frames, learning to safely and consistently land their parachutes, dealing with unsolicited advice from doting male skydivers, etc. Since the inception of SIS, female skydivers—both novice and veteran—have enthusiastically embraced the program. USPA now boasts more than 400 Big Sisters around the U.S. and abroad, and USPA regularly receives requests from female students to learn more about Sisters in Skydiving and find a Big Sister. Through these mentor relationships, Big Sisters are helping female novices Women fly together during the Sisters in Skydiving Tunnel Retreat at the iFLY Seattle indoor skydiving vertical wind tunnel. Big and Little Sisters from across the country in many ways, including: traveled to Washington State for a weekend of tunnel coaching, group flights and fun • Introducing their Little Sisters to other times. Wind tunnels are a fun training tool for skydivers. Spring 2013
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Big and Little Sisters skydive together during a weekend SIS event at Skydive Monroe in Georgia. Photo by Liam Davel.
Big and Little Sisters at Skydive Superior in Minnesota get ready for a jump out of the drop zone’s Cessna. Photo by JoAnn Jardine.
Sisters Continued from page 9 If experienced women jumpers take the time to talk to these first-timers while they’re at the drop zone—either before or after the jump, when they’re filled with excitement—and let them know about all the sport has to offer, those first-timers are much more likely to return to jump again and maybe even work toward a skydiving license. In addition, many skydiving centers are hosting SIS events, inviting female students and new license holders to jump with experienced female skydivers, learn from the Big Sisters about a variety of skydiving topics and develop friendships that will keep the new skydivers coming back to continue jumping. These events are as varied as the skydiving centers themselves. Smaller, single-Cessna operations might have only a handful of women attend. On the other hand, the largest of these Page 10
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events has drawn more than 90 Big and Little Sisters to Skydive Arizona, one of the country’s biggest skydiving centers, for the gathering. USPA continues to receive reports from Big and Little Sisters in the field of how the program is making a difference for them, indicating that SIS is doing its job helping women stick with the sport. Big Sisters are enjoying the opportunity to share their love of skydiving with the newcomers, and the female students and novices are benefitting from the friendships and camaraderie that SIS fosters. Big Sister Emily Watt from Los Angeles reports, “Having been in the sport a mere 1.5 years, I have already found the camaraderie and support from my sisters has only helped progress and evolve my interest and goals both in skydiving and outside of the sport. These relationships are the main thing that have helped keep my interest in skydiving, without which I may have easily
hung up my rig, with meandering focus, and stopped jumping altogether. I do not think I have developed stronger bonds with women in any demographic of people than I have in this sport.” Little Sister Adrienne Brewington from Freeport, New York, says, “The [SIS] experience has been invaluable. My Big Sister has listened to me express my concerns and has used realistic terms to put my anxieties to rest. My Big Sister has made a point of introducing me to people at the DZ to help me get acclimated. My Big Sister is encouraging and mentors me with a generous spirit, as well as a wealth of information. My Big Sister is a smiling, familiar face when all the sky guys are doing little more than glancing at me out of the corners of their eyes. Sisters in Skydiving has definitely made it easier for me to enter into this new life of mine. And because of that, I believe I am going to be around a very long time.” Jenn Butera, a Little Sister from Gilbert, Arizona, reports a similar experience: “One year ago [at a SIS event], I found something I had been missing and fell in
love like it was the first time. Without SIS, I may never have started jumping again, and I am so glad I did. This has been one of the best years of my life!” Just like in other areas of aviation, gender has no bearing on a person’s skydiving ability, and USPA’s Sisters in Skydiving program is working to close the gender gap in the sport. By creating meaningful bonds among female skydivers through mentorship and friendship, SIS is helping women move beyond their first jumps and become a part of the wonderful world of skydiving. Nancy Koreen is the Director of Sport Promotion for the U.S. Parachute Association
Big and Little Sisters get ready for a jump at Skydive Carolina in Chester, South Carolina. Photo by Lamar Southerland.
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Freefalling Writer Davis-Grauer Reflects on Her Second Jump, a Romanian, Alaska Guy and Special Memories I have a love affair with Groupon. All the deals beckon me with their frugal goodness... or at least that’s what I tell myself. This year I had a bucket list of sorts, ’32 things to do while I am 32.’ One of those things required me to do something thrilling. After a few health setbacks, I was ready to get back in the saddle. I had just gone to California to brave the roller coasters - now it was time for my daredevil-side to come out - hence my love affair with Groupon. Those daily emails would make my phone light up with cheer. Skydiving on the brain? You bet. Groupon knew how to read my mind! A deal to skydive! I toyed with the idea, and then talked to some friends who might be able to go along - work schedule conflicts. Oh no! Groupon deal over! I was so bummed, but alas, I put my ‘Sherlock Holmes’ cap on and I went sleuthing for similar deals - surely there had to be something and indeed there was! Another deal -$139 for a tandem skydive with certificate and t-shirt. With that, the deal was booked. Phoenix Area Skydiving in Casa Grande, AZ would be the location of my second jump. These were bittersweet memories as my first jump was with my dad and sister five years before... and this time, my dad would be with me in spirit only since he had passed earlier last year. I needed the thrill. I needed adrenaline to rush through me - making me feel powerful and yet weightless - staring into the world below me. Sasha was my tandem instructor. This Romanian thrill-seeker had completed more than 1400 jumps in the past seven years. He told me the most jumps he had completed in one day, was 16! We piled into this little Cessna lovingly nicknamed “Old Blue”- all of the “guts” ripped out to make room for the pilot, two instructors and two wide-eyed, excited jumpPage 12
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Wendie Davis-Grauer makes a tandem jump with her instructor high over Arizona.
ers -me and a guy from Alaska. Vroom! The sound of the propeller was our soundtrack as we headed down the runway. The friends who watched us take off looked like little ants below. Up, up, and away we went! Desert squares below and as far as the eye could see. Two miles up in the air - the camera captures every essential moment. Alaska man jumped first. Before you knew it, I shuffled to the side of the plane, feet on the edge of the step - 1, 2, 3 go! Free falling at 130mph-the wind in my face. I looked at the camera watch on Sasha’s left arm. Silly faces, peace signs, thumbs up-man, I felt amazing! What a rush! The chute opened before I knew it and we were gliding effortlessly in the expansive blue, Arizona sky. We twirled, we laughed, it was freeing - exactly what I needed. Like a bird unable to be caged - I was free! Red target signaled the drop zone below. My seven minute thrill ride ending quicker than it began! We landed with ease... and on our feet - my second tandem jump successfully recorded in the thrill book of my mind. I was all smiles - exhilaratingly satisfied! Man, I love skydiving and can’t wait to go again! Spring 2013
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Henry Ogrodzinski, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials talks about general aviation airports.
AAAE/ACI-NA
State Aviation Officials Attend D.C. Legislative Conference AAAE/ACI-NA held their annual Washington Legislative Conference on March 20 - 21. More than 200 attended the two-day conference, including a number of state aviation officials. National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Chairman, Tommy Booth (Mississippi), Secretary, David Gordon (Colorado), Immediate Past Chairman Debbie Alke (Montana), and former Chairman Victor Bird (Oklahoma), were on hand to hear keynote speakers on the first day, including the Honorable Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), Chair, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, the Honorable Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), Chair House ApproTommy Booth, Mississippi priations Committee and the Honorable Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), Chair House Aviation Subcommittee. NASAO President and CEO, Henry Ogrodzinski, was invited to participate on a panel to discuss the latest developments with FAA’s Page 14
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ASSET Program, the agency’s ongoing effort to reclassify general aviation airports. Day two included the Honorable Michael Huerta, Administrator, FAA, the Honorable Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Ranking Member, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Honorable Mike McCaul (R-TX), Christa Fornarotto, Associate Administrator for Airports, FAA and the Honorable Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Ranking Member, Senate Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee. Continued on page 16
Victor Bird, right, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, visits with Congressman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.)
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Casey Denny, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, left and Rod Dinger, Redding Municipal Airport.
Brian Ryks, Gerald R. Ford Int’l Airport, left and FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta and Kate Lang, FAA Airports.
More than 200 attendees listened to a strong lineup of FAA and Congressional and speakers.
AAAE/ACI-NA Continued from page 14 In addition to the excellent line up of speakers, AAAE and ACI-NA staff discussed the current state of play on current issues in Washington to help attendees prepare for visits with their congressional delegations on Capitol Hill. Those issues included the aforementioned Sequestration, Contract Towers, AIP and Passenger Facility Charges.
Congressman Hal Rogers (R-Kentucky), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
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NASAO President, Henry Ogrodzinski and Debbie Alke, Montana.
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Lorena de Rodriguez, SSI
Left to right are, Mike Klein, ADOT, Mark McClardy and Mike Williams, FAA.
Arizona Airports Hold Annual Spring Conference 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 community and during the past year, hosted numerous airport events and activities designed to engage the public. 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
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 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
Tina Moore, Tucson Airport Authority
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Wendy Renier, WH Pacific
State Aviation Journal
Steve Johnston, Lake Havasu City Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Airport
Spring 2013
2012 Arizona Airports Association Board of Directors. (Photos by Carol Groff)
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 2nd Vice President was Gladys Brown-Wiggins of Yuma County Airport Authority; Barney 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 Michael Hotaling, C&S Companies 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 Route 89, it made its way around the roadblock and into history as educational, informative and fun.” Mark McClardy, FAA Western Gladys Brown-Wiggins, Yuma
Stacy Howard, NBAA
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.
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Arizona Airport Manager Steve Miller
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 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, Page 20
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Marana Regional Airport Manager Steve Miller.
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 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, re-
ally 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.
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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talk about aviation when the legislators and staff visited the display area. Ron Elliott, Airport Manager, Merced Regional Airport and Vice President, ACA (one of the event founders) said, “The first annual California Aviation Awareness Day was a complete success.” With help and support from the organizations listed below, the ACA accomplished their goal of contacting, educating and bringing
and many others who donated their time and resources. This Aviation Awareness Day was a great first start… those that organized and participated in the event are already looking forward to next time, in 2014!
Aviation in California by the Numbers - Total annual economic impact of aviation in California: $154.7 billion - Aviation related employment: 1.1 million jobs, 5.5% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product - General Aviation annual economic impact: $18.2 billion, highest general aviation impact in the U.S. 246 public use airports, of which 212 are general aviation and 34 are commercial passenger service 34,844 FAA registered aircraft in the state, 10% of the national
Aviation groups provided the latest information in support of the industry in California.
First Aviation Awareness Day Held at California State Capitol By Scott Malta The first California Aviation Awareness Day was held at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California on April 23 - 24. Arising from a couple of conversations and spearheaded by the Association of California Airports (ACA), the event was enjoyable to attend and participate in. Several participants led teams of people into the Capitol distributing an informative event flyer and inviting the legislators and their staff to review the information and to check out the displays set up on the North Steps Lawn. The aviation professionals were very well received and enjoyed the opportunity to Page 22
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Caltrans Aeronautics employees Derek Kantar, left and Dennis Jacobs.
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total 62,606 FAA certified pilots 172 million passengers pass through the state’s commercial service airports At the microphone during the opening ceremony of California Aviation Awareness Day, is State Senator Jean Fuller (R-District 18), from Bakersfield. She is a strong supporter of aviation and a pilot.
3.65 million tons of air cargo pass through the state’s airports each year
awareness, to over 95 percent of all current California State Senators and Assembly members on the importance and impact of aviation in the State of California. The ACA expressed their appreciation to the following organizations for their support in bringing this event to the fore-front of California Legislators: NBAA, AOPA, Alliance for Aviation Across America, California Airports Council, California Pilots Association, FAA, SeaPlane Pilots Association, SWAAAE, EAA Spring 2013
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Attendees gather for a photo-op during the two-day meeting of the WRP MRHSDP&A committee in Salt Lake City.
WRP Aviation Committee Meets in Salt Lake City Aviation shared the spotlight at a recent meeting of the Western Regional Partnership’s (WRP) Military Readiness, Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness and Aviation (MRHSDP&A) Committee Meeting, hosted by the Utah Department of Public Safety. Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell welcomed more than fifty participants at the meeting, which was held in the Conference Room of the Zions Bank Building in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 1st and 2nd. Attendees received briefings and updates on a variety of topics including UAV/UAS and a discussion on a publication being written by the Committee, titled ‘Air-
Pat Morley, Utah Division of Aeronautics Director speaks with Marshall Wright.
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space Sustainability Overview’, a guide for planners and policy makers on aviation sustainability concerns, aviation coordination best practices and aviation resources. “This has been a great project,” said Kim Stevens, Committee Co-Chair and Director of Communications for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We’ve received great feedback from many involved in aviation, both in the military and from those in the civilian ranks. We feel this will be a well-utilized document.” Marshall Wright This was the first opportunity to attend a committee meeting for Col. Keith D. Squires, Deputy Commissioner, Utah Dept. of Public Safety. “I found great value in learning of the military issues and discussing how we can find support opportunities and efficiencies through closer coordination with our state public safety agencies,” said Squires. Marshall Wright, Director, Business Development Aerospace and Defense, Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development gave an excellent update on the current state of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Systems (UAS). Utah is one of the many states vying for selection as one of the nation’s six test sights to be selected by the FAA. The research to be conducted at the test sites will help the FAA develop regulatory standards to foster UAS technology and operational procedures.
The effort also will add to the data needed to eventually permit routine UAS operations in the NAS. Wright said that the FAA will favor those states (of which Utah is one) that have not passed restrictive UAS legislation. Others, according to Wright are Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Alaska and Hawaii. As a new WRP Steering Committee member from Marine Corps Installations – West, Colonel Jack Monroe said he was extremely impressed by the effective-
Left to right are Terry Hansen, Mike Mower and Colonel Jack Monroe.
ness of this Partnership. “In today’s world of webinars, texts and tweets, face-to-face interaction is still the most effective way for individuals and groups to accomplish things,” said Monroe. “This was indeed borne out during the conference. From an aviation perspective, Monroe said this is critical as UAV’s become more prevalent and compete for regional airspace as well as the introduction of the F-35 and its much increased capabilities. “Thanks again to Utah Department of Public Safety for hosting the meeting and to the State of Utah’s Governor’s Office for their outstanding support,” said Monroe.
Left to right are Jose Rodriguez and Ryan Welch from Tooele army depot and Amy Duffy, Duffy Consulting.
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