Arizona Aviation Journal - Winter 2013

Arizona Aviation Journal Winter 2013

Issue #12

Aviation Day at the Capitol

Guidance Aviation President/CEO, John Stonecipher

Flying High in Prescott

Arizona’s Backcountry Airstrips Winter 2013

Arizona Aviation Journal

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On the Cover

Contents From the Publisher A Team Effort

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A Shining Star in Aviation Arizona’s Backcountry Aviation

Page 6 Prescott’s New Airport Manager

John Stonecipher, President and CEO of Guidance Aviation poses with one of the company helicopters near the Arizona State Capitol during Aviation Day at the Capitol.

Photo by Carol Groff.

Aviation’s Economic Impact

Homecoming for Jeff Tripp

Showcased by Guidance Aviation

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Aviation Day at the Capitol

Industry Gathers for 8th Annual Event

Prescott Municipal Airport On track for growth

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From the Publisher

It’s a Team Effort Whether it’s opening up backcountry airstrips or promoting the value and importance of aviation to our Arizona legislators, working together as a team has been the formula for success.

I spoke with Mark Spencer (See article on page 6), Chairman of the Backcountry Committee and 1st Vice President for the Arizona Pilots Association (APA), at length about the passion and drive he and others have for backcountry airstrips and the hard work it has taken to keep these strips open and accessible for pilots.

Backcountry flying has increased in popularity thanks to individuals and groups like the APA and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).

Aviation Day at the Capitol (Coverage of the 8th annual event begins on page 10) continues to grow and have an impact, largely because of the team effort of volunteers from all corners of the aviation industry in Arizona. Organized and hosted each year by the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA), representatives from many other aviation organizations, companies and associations have stepped up to make

this a important event recognizing the value that aviation plays in all of our lives.

Every team needs those individuals, that through that extra spark of passion and vision, have led them to new heights. Arizona’s aviation industry team is blessed with many such folks - like Mark Spencer, with APA or Jennifer Maples, AzAA and her predecessors, who have championed Aviation Day at the Capitol. Leaders who encourage and inspire others around them to get the job done.

Hats off to everyone who has and will continue to contribute their time and resources to these and other initiatives to make Arizona one of the strongest and most active aviation states in the country.

Volunteer work day crew at Double Circle Ranch Airstrip.

Volunteers for Aviation Day at the Capitol meet to prepare for the 8th annual event which took place on January 15th.

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Arizona Aviation Journal Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Layout Design Advertising Director Photography

Kim J. Stevens Andrew Stevens Andrew Stevens

Contributing Writers

Jenny Watts Claire Stern Wendie Davis-Grauer

Vacant Kim Stevens

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

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Arizona Aviation Journal

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Backcountry Aviation

Guest Commentary

A Shining Star for GA in Arizona

By Mark Spencer When I assumed the role of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) Liaison to Arizona roughly two years ago, I had not anticipated the progress that would be made for aviation in Arizona’s backcountry in such a short time. It was a dismal situation in 2010 with nearly every publicly-owned backcountry airstrip in the state having been closed for a decade or more.

The closures began on Forest Service (FS) lands in the early 90’s, followed by those on state lands in 2004-2006. While the Bureau of Land Management was not bit by the liability bug, even they had closed an incredible airstrip located at the historic Empire Ranch headquarters site near Sonoita. It was not for liability concerns, but for lack of use, or pilot input, during hearings held regarding the Empire airstrip. It was the discovery of this closure that launched me into advocacy for backcountry aviation in Arizona. After joining the RAF and taking their training course, I began interacting with Arizona Pilots Association (APA) backcountry committee members and we set out to the first order of business, amending the state’s Recreational Use Statute (RUS) by adding aviation as an activity that both private and public land managers could open their lands to without fear of liability.

We piggy backed our efforts on SB1229, which was offered

by Senator John Nelson on behalf of the Arizona State Land department, adding off-highway vehicles (OHV’s) to the current law’s language. With the support of then Deputy Land Commissioner, Vanessa Hickman and Representatives Pratt and Jones, a floor amendment was made adding aviation and the bill became law under A.R.S. 32-1551. With this in hand, we headed to the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s office in Phoenix and after several weeks of discussion were given the go ahead to begin working directly with District Ranger Luhrson on a dirt airstrip located just outside the little town of Young (24AZ). The APA installed a fire ring, cooking grate, picnic tables and a shade at the site. With several successful flyin weekend camps under our belts, we reached out to additional District Rangers on the Tonto and began to work with District Ranger Jardine on re-opening Grapevine, formerly E75, off the shores of Roosevelt Lake. Grapevine had been closed since 1997 and the tree growth along the edges of this 3800’ long and 40’ wide asphalt runway made its use risky, at best and that only by a high wing aircraft. With Jardine’s go ahead we scheduled an all-volunteer work weekend at the site and pilots from around the state showed up; over 80 volunteers in all over

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Arizona Aviation Journal

a two day period attended.

It was bloody work, as every tree was covered in thorns, but we managed to save a muliti-million dollar asset from the graveyard of abandoned airstrips that weekend. Since then, the APA has installed a new wind sock, fire ring and cooking grate, as well as picnic tables and portaMark Spencer johns at the site and we’ll be calling on the pilot community and aviation industry to help us in a long term volunteer, asphalt preservation program. This airstrip is now open to the general flying public every third weekend of the month and utilized by the USAF for search and rescue training on weekdays and other weekends. Pilots from as far away as Alaska have participated at the site. The APA provides a volunteer site host each open weekend.

From the Tonto, we moved onto the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest through the AZ Game & Fish Department’s Adopt a Ranch Program. Through this program the APA backcountry team, who I had become a member of by now, was introduced to ranchers holding the grazing lease on the historic Double Circle Ranch northwest of Clifton. The old Double Circle was homesteaded by “Little Steve,” a former member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1872. A dirt airstrip was added

Double Circle Ranch

to the site in the 60’s by the owners at that time and the whole site traded in a land swap to the Forest Service in the early 90’s. Suffice it to say that the history of this site is moving, and incredible. From its’ graveyard where outlaws and several of Geronimo’s victims are buried, to the dance hall with its’ oak floors and fire place, this site is a gem worth saving. Over the last year, with many visits to the site and negotiations with the Forest Service, the pilot community, through the APA and

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RAF, is working with the Forest Service in a volunteer effort to preserve what remains at this site.

Who would have ever thought that in just under two years’ time the pilot community would enjoy an award winning relationship with the Forest Service, yet this is exactly the case. On Tuesday, January 16, 2013, Apache Forest leadership presented local ranchers and the pilot community with certificates of appreciation for the volunteer efforts that had taken place at the site. On one weekend, pilots descended at the site and assisted the Forest Service in removing roughly 1100 pounds of modern day trash. Currently, the RAF is gearing up to fund a historical architectural study at the site. During our first formal fly in at the site last October, twenty-nine aircraft and more than fifty people attended, including pilots from New Mexico and Alaska. A steak dinner was funded by Sentinel Aerospace, and the icing on the cake was when four Apache men walked in to join us for dinner. You see, the Apache had inhabited the site side by side with Little Steve and his White Mountain Apache bride in the 1870’s.

Meanwhile, up on the Arizona strip, the RAF was able to save another backcountry airstrip located on BLM land in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument at the historic Grand Gulch Mine, the first copper mine in AZ history. The RAF signed a volunteer maintenance and use agreement with the BLM last Spring.

Not all aircraft are suited to the backcountry, but participants

Grapevine

in everything from Cubs to Bonanzas and from Cherokees to 172’s, visit the newly revived backcountry airstrips in Arizona.

Backcountry aviation has become one of the fastest growing segments of general aviation (GA). In fact, the RAF has more than doubled its membership in the last two years and the APA’s commitment to backcountry in Arizona has brought new life to its membership, not to mention, orders for backcountry specific aircraft like Cub Crafter’s Carbon Cub SS, which are impressive and growing. Even AOPA president Craig Fuller now owns a Husky and is a regular visitor and participant at backcountry airstrips around the country. I don’t want to oversell it, but I believe backcountry aviation is and will continue to be a shining star in the world of GA. For up to the minute news and information on backcountry in Arizona, visit the APA’s web site at www.AZPilots.org.

Mark is Chairman of the Backcountry Committee and 1st Vice President of the Arizona Pilot’s Association.

A Nagging Challenge The Case for Tuweep Negotiations have been renewed to re-open the historic and famous Tuweep airstrip, located on State Trust Land on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This airstrip had been open to the public since the early 1930’s. National Park Service Ranger, John Riffey, was stationed at the site with his Super Cub Pogo from 1942 until his death in 1980. His grave is a short walk from the airstrip. Riffey was replaced by Clair Roberts, who advocated for keeping the airstrip open when the State Land Department announced its plan to close the airstrip in 2004.

The airstrip had been visited by President Clinton on four occasions for the signing of various proclamations, but was ultimately closed to public use in spite of efforts made by the Arizona Pilots Association (APA), Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), Clair Roberts and then ADOT Aeronautics Division Director, Barclay Dick. Liability was cited as the primary reason, despite Tuweep’s 80 year record of safety and a complete lack of data supporting the recreational pilot community as a liability concern.

In fact, in a 2007 study funded by the RAF, it was discovered that not a single federal land manager has ever been the subject of a lawsuit by a pilot. At the same time, Utah’s state land department invites the aviation community onto its airstrips as part of its volunteer maintenance plan. With the newly amended Arizona Recreational Use Statute (RUS), adding both OHVs and aircraft, proponents felt that the re-opening of Tuweep would be little challenge since the land department had obviously understood the benefits of amending the RUS in its addition of off-highway vehicles (OHV) to the law. Unfortunately, in the negotiations to date, the pilot community has been singled out as the only group excluded from state trust lands under the standard recreational use permit, in spite of the protection added by the newly amended RUS.

Tuweep airstrip. Photo courtesy of John Kounis, Pilot Getaways

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Jeff Tripp Returns Home as Prescott’s New Airport Manager

By Kim Stevens For Jeffrey S. Tripp, accepting the top spot at the Prescott Municipal Airport feels more like a homecoming than experiencing a new post. The sixteen year aviation industry veteran worked at the Prescott airport before. He also attended EmbryRiddle University in Prescott from 1991-1996.

Tripp, an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), returned to manage the city’s airport on December 14th after serving six years as an airport projects supervisor at Mesa’s Falcon Field.

Tripp said his reception has been very enthusiastic from both airport customers and staff, half of whom worked for him previously. “Because I have worked at this airport on several occasions throughout my career, I have a long history with both the airport and the community,” said Tripp. “I know what the issues are and what needs to done.” Tripp said the transition was much easier than if he was going to an airport that he’d never been to before.

One of the reasons Tripp left the Prescott airport, also referred to as Ernest A. Love Field, earlier in his career was to broaden his experience with project development and grant administration. “I gained valuable experience in both of these areas in addition to budgetary experience that I will now be able to apply at Prescott,” said Tripp.

Part of his enthusiasm for the new position stems from the opportunity to address and put into place things that he wanted to do as the assistant manager prior to moving to Phoenix.

“Watching the growth in the Phoenix airports, I realize how lucky I was to be able to see this growth occur,” said Tripp. “Now I hope to be able to assist Prescott with similar growth and development to allow this airport to reach its full potential.”

The Prescott Airport, during the last decade, has seen the establishment of two major helicopter flight schools, Jeff Tripp with Governor Brewer at a preGuidance Aviation and vious Aviation Day at the Capitol event.

Universal Helicopters, operating more than 30 helicopters. Because helicopter operations were an important part of the activity at Falcon Field with MD Helicopters, the Boeing Company, several flight schools,

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Jeff Tripp, Prescott Airport Manager

Mesa police and medevac operators, Tripp says he has had the opportunity to work on numerous helicopter-related issues - information and experience that he can now apply to the Prescott Airport.

Tripp said, however, that the most pressing issues in the short term are, completing the $9+ million dollar runway safety project that is currently in progress, preparing the next fiscal year budget, addressing pavement maintenance issues and addressing a number of lease issues that need to be resolved. “Part of the challenge is that when the previous airport manager left, the airport was without a dedicated manager for almost 6 months,” said Tripp. “So, I have a backlog of projects to get caught up on.”

During his tenure at Falcon Field, the last section of the Loop 202 freeway was completed between Falcon and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which helped fuel a surge in growth prior to the economic meltdown. “There is similar roadway development occurring around the Prescott Airport that will help assist our future growth as the airport and airpark areas become more accessible,” said Tripp.

Tripp said his biggest challenge will be running a commercial service airport with limited resources, particularly in staffing.

To operate Prescott they have a staff of five full-time and 5 part-time employees. In comparison, according to Tripp, Falcon Field has 10 fulltime staff to run a reliever airport.

In the long term, Tripp intends to focus on the big picture items of economic development and growth, improving the airport’s business practices and growing the revenue base so the airport can achieve its financial goal of being completely self-sustaining. “Prescott has a great opportunity with EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University and a growing airport business park to expand our horizons,” said Tripp. “If we can improve our revenues, we can look to increase staffing.”

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As an Embry-Riddle alumni, Tripp recognizes that they have 30-years of Prescott graduates to try and tap into for development. “My question is how do we reach out to these people who are the managers of their respective organizations to attract them to bring business to Prescott. I know a lot of alumni who would love to live in Prescott again if the opportunity to work here was available.”

Tripp said he looks forward to the opportunity to focus efforts to brand and market the airport. “We have a great story to tell the private sector. If we don’t sell ourselves though, how can we expect to attract others to relocate here.”

In addition to his accreditation with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Tripp is also a member of the Southwest Chapter of AAAE and has served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) between 2004 and 2011 including a term as the Association’s President (2009-2010). He holds a Masters of Aeronautical Science and a Bachelor in Aviation Business Administration from EmbryRiddle. Tripp is also a part-time adjunct instructor at EmbryRiddle, teaching airport management-related courses and has been a member of the Aviation Business Department’s Professional Industry Advisory Board since 2005.

Prescott Airport Capitalizing on Industry Growth The Prescott Municipal Airport (Ernest A. Love Field) and its surrounding region is home to leading aviation and aerospace organizations. In fact, one could say that Prescott has one of the most unique, and special aviation communities in the world. The Prescott Airport is not only home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a world leader in aviation and aerospace education, but also to Guidance Aviation which is now one of the fastest growing and most successful professional helicopter flight training programs in the country.

“Our hope is to entice high-caliber companies like Guidance Aviation and capitalize on the aviation industry which is critical to the City of Prescott,” said Prescott Mayor, Marlin Kuykendall. The City recently hired Jeff Tripp, from Mesa’s Falcon Field, as its new Airport Manager and will be hiring a professional to focus on airport and economic initiatives in the near future.

The city has also committed themselves to the largest capital construction project in Prescott’s history in the amount of $35 million, to expand and improve sewage treatment capability at the City’s Airport Water Reclamation Facility. “The existing facility is operating near its physical capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day,” said Kuykendall. When completed, the new facility will have the capacity to treat 3.75 million gallons per day.

In addition to the increased activity and improvements at the airport, Prescott Valley also contributes to aviation in the region by housing one of only a handful of Lockheed Martin Flight Service Centers in the United States.

Jeff Tripp with John Stonecipher, President/CEO,Guidance Aviation in front of the State Capitol on Aviation Day.

Taking into consideration that Prescott is an outstanding tourism destination due to its overwhelming natural beauty and serves as a gateway to the wonders of the world (Sedona and the Grand Canyon), it’s obvious that Prescott and its airport community are truly special.

The results of a 2006 survey concluded that the total direct economic impact of aviation activities at the Prescott Municipal Airport exceeds $25 million per year. Coupled with indirect and multiplier effects this total is estimated to be approximately $69 million per year.

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A Sikorsky MH-60R helicopter on the ramp at Prescott.

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Aviation’s Economic Impact on Arizona Showcased by Guidance Aviation at State Capitol

A Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office helicopter crew visits with attendees at Aviation Day at the Capitol. (Inset) John Stonecipher, President and CEO of Guidance Aviation.

Guidance works with Yavapai College and Lockheed Martin to Develop New Aviation Training Programs As the economy continues to improve statewide, it was abundantly clear at the 8th Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol, that aviation and aerospace play major roles in the economic health of the State.

Aviation’s economic impact on Arizona is astounding. A recent ADOT report finds that aviation’s economic impact statewide is $58 Billion per year. At the local-regional level, one can see a similar phenomenon with collegiate aviation programs like that of the Guidance Aviation-Yavapai College program in Prescott, Arizona. In 2012, Guidance Aviation’s impact on the Prescott and surrounding communities in Northern Arizona was $15.2 million*, as established by William V. Cheek and Associates.

Commenting on the day, Arizona State Representative Andy Tobin remarked, “What you have today is the opportunity for the aviation industry to share with the legislature…. the economic impact that is generated by this industry. In my district, we have Guidance Helicopters, which is the number one helicopter training center.”

Guidance Aviation’s President and CEO, John Stonecipher, arrived at Arizona’s State Capitol to discuss current successes, challenges, and most importantly the new programs being

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>View Aviation Day Video: GuidanceAviationTV< offered by Guidance and its collegiate partner, Yavapai College. In addition to the current, highly successful professional helicopter pilot degree program being offered, a new degree program will be offered in August, 2013: The Associate of Applied Science, Aviation Technology degree. This new degree includes Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Operations Management (OM) areas of concentration. The Operations Management area includes Air Traffic Control, Certified Flight Dispatcher, and Flight Service Specialist (FSS) – The FSS program was written by Guidance Aviation’s Director of Academics, Professor John “JJ” Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), working directly with Lockheed Martin’s Flight Service Center to specifically meet the hiring requirements of Lockheed Martin.

In addition to the new, Yavapai College Aviation Technology Degree program, Guidance has already expanded its current Part 141, high altitude helicopter flight training programs to include Turbine Transition Training, Long Line (Vertical Reference), Night Vision Goggles (NVG), and Part 135 Tour Operations.

The Yavapai College Professional Helicopter Pilot Program was established in spring of 2010 and to date is generating over $9 million in revenues annually, making this the highest revenue generating degree program at Yavapai College, surpassing current contributions from the State of Arizona.

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Posing in front of the Arizona State Capitol are from left, Corinne Nystrom, AzAA President, Jordan Feld, 1st Vice President, State Representative, Karen Fann and Jennifer Maples, Immediate Past President of AzAA and Event Committee Chair.

Aviation Day Highlights Economic Impact

By Kim Stevens With much to celebrate, including the success of a $58 billion aviation industry in Arizona, the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) and its partners hosted the 8th Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. The event, which was open to the public, attracted more than 150 legislators and staff and occupied the Senate lawn at the Arizona State Capitol from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“We were very pleased that Aviation Day was so well attended,” said Jennifer Maples, Aviation Day Event Chair and Past President of AzAA. “We greatly appreciate our guest speaker, Representative Karen Fann, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, as she reiterated to the group the importance of aviation to our state.” With the legislature having been sworn in the day before the event, Maples said they couldn’t have asked for better timing to get in front of law makers at the onset of what they hope will be a productive legislative session.

The event provides information about Arizona’s aviation industry and the multitude of activities and businesses that it supports. Earlier that day the Governor’s office released a proclamation stating Tuesday, as Arizona Aviation Day. Signed

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AzAA member, Kevin Shirer, Woolpert, Inc., helps set up for the event.

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Civil Air Patrol Squadron 302

Theresa Farley and Sherry Parshley help register attendees for the event.

by Governor Brewer, the proclamation recognizes that the state has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, education institutions, aviation organizations, community airports and operators.

“These events are imperative for the aviation industry in Arizona,” said Richard Schuller, Schuller Aerospace Services International, Ltd. “These annual events bring focus to the

revenue impact and employment aerospace/aviation provides to Arizona’s elected representatives and their staff.”

Displays at the event included three helicopters provided by Guidance Aviation in Prescott and the Yavapai County Sheriffs Office, a light fixed-wing aircraft, a hot air balloon and table

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Continued on page 14.

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From left are Rebecca Timmer, James Nova and Rep. Karen Fann.

Aviation Day Continued from page 13. top displays with information about the numerous private and public-sector aviation contributors. Aircraft owners and pilots, airport managers, aviation manufacturers, educators, members of the Arizona’s military community and many others were on-hand to discuss the importance and impact of aviation in Arizona.

“Arizona airports look forward to Aviation Day at the Capitol every year to share with legislators and their staff members the importance of aviation and aerospace in Arizona,” said Corinne

Mike Williams, FAA and Casey Denny, Pheonix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

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AzAA members, Stacy Howard, NBAA and Richard Crosman, Genesis Consulting.

Stephanie Munoz, Dibble Engineering, left and Tammy Carr of Howard S. Wright Construction.

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Nystrom, AzAA President and Airport Director at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport. “Airports are vital players in our national transportation system and depend on state funding to build and maintain safe runways, taxiways, and other key infrastructure improvements. In return for this public investment, airports and aviation businesses contribute $58 billion annually to Arizona’s economy.”

Arizona is home to 83 airports consisting of publicly owned, privately owned, and Native American airports. Maples said the new economic impact numbers demonstrate that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. “There is such a wide variety of aviation activity in Arizona which has a tremendous impact on the State’s economy and depends upon a strong network of airports to be successful.” As an industry, Maples said they are fortunate the state legislature provides bi-partisan support.

“They recognize it for the significant economic engine it is.”

“I continue to be impressed by the efforts of AzAA’s members, and our partner agencies, in planning and implementing

Yuma Economic Development Project Manager, Kevin Wilkins, left and Lynn Hall, Yuma Airport Authority.

Continued on page 22

Photos on pages 8 - 22

by Carol Groff and Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – EDS

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – Concourse D

AzAA members from left, Michael Covalt, David Gaines and Steve Hulland.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Laughlin / Bullhead International Airport – ARFF Station

DWL Architects + Planners, Inc. Phoenix, Arizona | 602.264.9731 | www.dwlarchitects.com

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Aviation Day at the Capitol

Enjoying themselves are SSi teammembers, from left, Scott Simpson, Lorena de Rodriguez, Melana Tautkus and Steve Haws.

Meredith Burdett with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, in front of the airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s display at Aviation Day at the Capitol.

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Mike Williams, FAA and Jennifer Maples.

Representing AzBAA are from left, John Washington, Roy Wooten, Ken Casey and Richard Schuller.

One of several helicopters provided by Guidance Aviation.

Marc Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, ASU and Dee Holm, 99s.

Members of the Civil Air Patrol volunteered at Aviation Day at the Capitol.

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Mike Klein, Aeronautics Group Manager for the Multimodal Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation.

engineers - surveyors - planners - scientists

AIRSIDE AND LANDSIDE: • • • • • • • •

State Representative, Karen Fann, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, spoke to Aviation Day attendees.

Design, Plans, and Specications Construction Administration Planning Runways, Taxiways, and Aprons Terminals, Hangars, and Support Facilities Pavement Maintenance Programs Equipment Procurement Grant Administration Morrison-Maierle is a proud sponsor of Arizona Airports Association and Aviation Day at the Capitol

WWW.M - M.N E T

P H O N E: 602.273.2900

FAX: 602.273.2901

1275 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 108 • TEMPE, ARIZONA 85281

Falcon Field Airport Where Business Takes Flight Falcon Field Airport is Mesa’s friendly general aviation airport, serving private and business aircraft customers. More than 100 on-airport companies serve the aviation and business communities.

SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE: • • • • • • •

Two parallel runways FAA air traffic control tower Land for aviation development with direct runway/taxiway access Full-service fixed-base operator Fixed-wing and helicopter flight training for all rating levels Aircraft rentals & charters Aircraft maintenance, repair, interior & painting services

For more information about Falcon Field Airport, call (480) 644-2450, visit www.falconfieldairport.com or join us on Facebook or Twitter!

Dee Anne Thomas, Mesa Falcon Field

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Arizona Aviation Journal Page 19

Search and Rescue pilots with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office are Billy “Tinman” Ringer, left and Logan Schuck.

Aviation Da

From left are, Ed Crogan and Joe Husband with the Phoenix Goodyear Airport and Tom Brewer with the City of Phoenix.

From left are, Kent Dibble, Rebecca Timmer, Senator Barbara McGiure, District 8 and Elizabeth Brown.

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The Color Guard from Civil Air P

Jared Testa and Michelle Tissot with Embry-Riddle University.

ay at the Capitol

Patrol Composit Squadron 302 posted the Colors.

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Arizona Aviation Journal Page 21

From Morrison-Maierle are, from left, Brenden Saline, Keith Belden and Carmen Parks.

Aviation Day Continued from page 15 such a high level and high quality event,” said Jordan Feld, 1st Vice President of AzAA and Director of Planning for the Tucson Airport Authority. “Aviation Day is the single most important opportunity we have to educate our policy makers, it’s our duty to ensure governance reflects the critical role of airports on the economy and our quality of life.”

Arizona Aviation Day is the collaborative effort of numerous aviation industry groups from across Arizona. Sponsors include the National Business Aviation Association, City of Phoenix Aviation Department, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona Business Aviation Association, Phoenix Air National Guard Patriots, Arizona Pilots Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Arizona Airports Association.

For more information about Aviation Day and the role of aviation within the State of Arizona, please visit www.azaviationday.org or the Arizona Airports Association at www.azairports.org.

Geri Watson and David Warren with the Navajo Division of Transportation.

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Mike England with the Arizona Balloon Club.

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Airport Milestones u

u

u

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport awards: w Arizona Airport of the Year 2009 w FAA Western-Pacific Region’s 2009 Safety Award TSA departure gate “secure hold area” remodel and expansion complete Baggage Claim expansion complete

Airport Open House u u

USMC Harrier

May 16th - in conjunction with Armed Forces Day A free family event showcasing our Airport!

USAF F-16

Ford Tri-Motor

http://www.flagstaff.az.gov

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