In Flight USA September 2022

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 3

Calendar of Events
To list your group’s event on a space available basis, please send your event notice with
date, time, place w/city and state, contact name, and phone number to: Calendar, In Flight
USA, P.O. Box 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402, or email [email protected].

Note: Calendar includes only information available by our press date, Friday,
Sept. 2. Confirm the status before attending.

SEPTEMBER NEW TANKS -
3 Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com. QUOTES ON: 10 YEAR WARRANTY
Cherokee Tanks
Q Marion, IN: Fly/In Cruise/In, 7 a.m., to 2 p.m., Marion Municipal Fuel Cells & Metal Tanks
Airport, (765) 664-2588, flyincruisein.com. Repair, overhauled & new
3—4 Q Gardner, KS: Kansas City Air Show, gates 9 a.m., New Century Technical Information or
AirCenter, kcairshow.org. Free Fuel Grade Decals
Q Bethel, PA: Golden Age Air Museum Flying Circus Airshow, gates
10 a.m., Grimes Airfield, (717) 933-9566, goldenageair.org.
3—5 Q Cleveland, OH: Cleveland National Air Show, Gate 13 open 9 a.m.,
Burke Lakefront Airport, tickets in advance only at clevelandairshow.com.
Q Toronto, Ont.: Canadian Int’l. Air Show, noon to 3 p.m., Canadian
National Exhibition, cias.org.
7 — 13 Q Baltimore, MD: Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore, various
times/events, Fort McHenry, (866) 639-3526, mdfleetweek.org. MONARCH PREMIUM CAPS
9 — 10 Q Spokane, WA: AOPA “Hangout,” Felts Field, (301 695-2214, aopa.org. Premium Stainless Steel
9 — 11 Q London, Ont.: Airshow London-SkyDrive (drive-in airshow), gates Umbrella Caps
Fri. 4 p.m./ Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m., London Int’l. Airport, (519) 204-4537, for your
airshowlondon.com. Cessna 177 through 210
10 Q Rio Vista, CA: Airport Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rio Vista Municipal
Airport, (707) 374-6451, riovistacity.com. [email protected]
Q Midlothian, TX: The Trojan Gathering, Mid-Way Regional Airport,
(972) 923-0080, mid-wayregional.com. www.hartwig-fuelcell.com
Q Camdenton, MO: Lake of the Ozarks Air Show, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
Camdenton Memorial-Lake Airport, lakeoftheozarksairshow.com.
Q Osceola, WI: Osceola Wheels & Wings, gates 7:30 a.m., L.O.
Simenstad Municipal Airport, wheelsandwings.org.
Q Hagerstown, MD: Hagerstown Wings & Wheels Expo, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Keeping aircraft in the air since 1952

10 — 11 Hagerstown Regional Airport, (301) 733-8717, wingsandwheelsexpo.com. US: 1-800-843-8033 INTL: 1-204-668-3234
Q Knoxville, TN: Smoky Mountain Air Show, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., McGhee CDN: 1-800-665-0236 FAX: 1-204-339-3351
Tyson ANGB, smokymountainairshow.com.
Q Hughesville PA: Lycoming County Balloonfest, gates 10 a.m.,
Lycoming Fairgrounds, (570) 279-6192, balloonfestairshow.com. AirVenture Booth Number 3073
Q Hood River, OR: WAAAM Hood River Fly-In, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ken
Jernstedt Airfield, (541) 308-1600, waaamuseum.org. FLY HHIIGGHH 0+SiSnicnece
Q Lockport, IL: Military History Weekend, park opens 9:30 a.m., 19189585
Dellwood Park, (815) 838-1183, lockportpark.org. wiitthh
Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., AAvviiaattiioonnOOxxyyggeennSSyysstetemmss
Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, [email protected]. Mounttaaiinn
11 Q Waukegan, IL: Northern Illinois Airshow. CANCELED
Q Oakland, CA: Open Cockpit Day, noon to 4 p.m., Oakland Aviation
Museum, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org. Higghh MMOOUUNNTTAAIINNHHIIGGHH
Q Oakland, CA: Hayward Executive Airport Open House, 10 a.m. to MMadaedeininthtehUeSUASA EEqquuiippmmeenntt&&SSuupppplylyCCoommppaannyy
3 p.m., (510) 293-8678, hayward-ca.gov.
14 — 18 Q Reno, NV: National Championship Air Races, Reno Stead Airport,
airrace.org. Tickets online or call (912) 470-5773. GA and Rotorcraft Pilots use MH Oxygen Systems with Pulse-DemandTM
16 — 18 Q Gatineau, Quebec: Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow, gates 9:30 a.m.,
Gatineau Airport, aerogatineauottawa.com sss Makes flying at the higher altitudes safe and comfortable sss

Q Troy, OH: WACO Vintage Aircraft Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., WACO Portable Pulse-DemandTM Systems
Historical Society, (937) 335-9226, wacoairmuseum.org.
17 Q Tillsonburg, Ont.: Canadian Harvard Aircraft Assn. Wngs & Wheels
Family Fun Day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tillsonburg Regional Airport, (519) 212- MH XCP
6021, harvards.com. 1-4 Place
Q Freeport, IL: Northwest Illinois Airshow, gates 10:30 a.m./show 1:30 p.m.,
Albertus Airport, nwilairshow.com. Cross-Country
Q Chantilly, VA: Dulles Day Plane Pull, gates 10:30 a.m., Dulles Int’l. 0ILOT
System

Airport, specialolympicsva.org.
Q Somerset, KY: Lake Cumberland Air Show, gates @10 a.m., Lake
Cumberland Regional Airport, lakecumberlandairshow.com.
Q Oconoto, WI: Oconto Elks Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., J. Douglas Bake
Memorial Airport, (920) 834-6969, oconotocounty.org.
Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob EZ BreatheTM
Cannulas

Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org.
Q Petaluma, CA: Petaluma Display Days, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petaluma
Municipal Airport, (707) 778-4404.
17 — 18 Q Virginia Beach, VA: NAS Oceana Air Show, time TBA, oceanaairshow.com.
Q Camp Springs, MD: JBA Air & Space Expo, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Andrews
AFB, jba.af.mil.
Q Lititz, PA: Community Days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lancaster Airport,
(717) 569-1221, lancasterairport.com.
18 Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., Montgomery-
Gibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.
24 Q Leesburg, VA: Leesburg Air Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leesburg

s

FAA/CAMI
Executive Airport, (703) 777-1368, leesburgva.gov. Tested
www.MHoxygen.com s [email protected]
Continued on Page 10

4 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

COVER STORY

THE STORY OF CIELOBLU; TECNAM’S U.S. ADVENTURE

By Kayla DiLullo are pilots and my father is an active jet pilot With that realization, at the conclu- Mark DiLullo teaching Kayla DiLullo
and flight instructor. He started his career as sion of my bachelor’s program, I decided how to fly (2020).
CieloBlu is the exclusive factory an Air Force Pilot. it would be wise to attend more schooling
authorized Tecnam Dealership to prepare me for the corporate world. I (Courtesy Threshold Aviation)
for California and Arizona. This I spent a large majority of my youth mean… as prepared as any 23-year-old
includes sales, service, and support. immersed in the family aviation business, with no real business experience could itage. A family-owned aviation business
Although CieloBlu is a startup, its parent, admiring everything in the hangars from be. A law degree has to be useful, right? combined with our shared heritage
Threshold Aviation Group, has been luxurious business jets to single engine So I checked that box and entered into a immediately resonated with me. Tecnam
extremely active in the aviation industry trainers. To be honest, with Threshold contract with Tecnam the next day. built airplanes as early as 1948 and is a
for 35 years. Aviation Group as my playground during generational business.
summer break, I never actually dreamed of Although I grew up surrounded by
CieloBlu also specializes in buying, working in the industry, or becoming a pilot aviation, I had no real knowledge or The name, “CieloBlu,” translates to
repairing, refurbishing, and selling busi- myself. My dream was to be successful experience in the industry other than that “Blue Sky” in Italian, a fitting name.
ness jets. Often, we work in support of enough to be the person riding in the luxu- of a passenger’s perspective.
corporations, financial institutions, and rious jets. My desire was to become a busi- EAAAirVenture, Oshkosh
insurance companies to resolve dis- ness owner, like my father. He has always Naturally, with my father, mother,
tressed asset issues. With respect to been an excellent example of the saying, sister, and brother-in-law all working in Let’s talk about Oshkosh! CieloBlu
Tecnam, we are a one-stop-shop, having “dreams don’t work unless you do.” aviation, it was in my blood. We all agree Continued on Page 7
a service center that can maintain air- that aviation is an exciting and dynamic
frames, avionics, and engines. Threshold Aviation Group & CieloBlu environment to make a living. I continue
Headquarters located at Chino Airport to be surprised and amazed at the range
My Background (KCNO) in California. of opportunities that aviation offers.

I have something in common with (Courtesy Threshold Aviation) Tecnam Is A Family Business
most aviation enthusiasts: my love of avia-
tion and my inevitable entrance into the Tecnam is a family business located
community. I was born into an aviation in Italy. When I became aware of
family. My grandfather was a Marine Tecnam, I immediately felt a sense of
Fighter Pilot and retired from United connection to their brand and their fami-
Airlines as a 747 Captain. All of my uncles ly. My family originated in Italy as well
and we are very proud of our Italian her-

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Volume 39, Number 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS September 2022

650-358-9908 • Fax: 650-358-9254 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.inflightusa.com

ON THE COVER

COVER STORY PHOTO FINISH

CIELOBLU VAN’S CONTINUES
BECOMES USA’S LEGACY
TECNAM DEALER
WITH RV-15

By Kayla DiLullo Photos and Story by Jeffery Decker
Page 4 Page 47

NEWS Photo courtesy CieloBlu COLUMNS

GAMA Opens Registration for 2023 Aviation Design Challenge..........8 Publisher’s Letter: In Flight USA Celebrates Mini-Series: An Old Guy Learns to Fly (Part 1)
FAA Awards $2.7 Million in Drone Research..........................................12 39 Years By Annamarie Buonocore ..............................11 By Dr. William July ........................................................6
Redbird Unveils Proof of Concept for Mixed Reality Training Device13
Retiring Senator Inhofe Wins EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award ..........17 Taking Luxury to the Next Level: Tecnam’s Gran Flying With Faber: An Interlude to a Pacific Island
Air Force Reservist/Philanthropist Develops E-Course Lusso By Jeffrey Decker..............................................14 By Stuart J. Faber ........................................................29

By Carolyn Herrick, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs..............................19 Chicago’s Air & Water Show Is Finally Back Homebuilder’s Workshop: Flying to Oshkosh and Back
NATA Announces New Leadership, Acknowledges Obitts..................20 By Larry E. Nazimek ......................................................24 By Ed Wischmeyer ......................................................32
EAA Young Eagles Celebrate 30 Years with Special Programs ..........21
2022 One Week Wonder Makes First Flight ............................................22 XL Aviation Is “Community:” Interview with Anna SafeLandings: Hot Weather Hazards................................37
NASCAR Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.To Keynote NBAA-BACE..............27 Zavrazhnova By Annamarie Buonocore.......................25
GA Moves Closer to an Unleaded Future: GAMI Wins STCs ..............28 Goodies & Gadgets: Featuring Functionality.................46
National Air & Space Museum to Open West End Oct. 14 ..................37 Editorial: A Midair Can Ruin Your Day
Airtime Assumes Distributorship, Pens $1M in Orders........................42 By Ed Downs.................................................................26 DEPARTMENTS
AOPA’s You Can Fly Program Celebrates 200th Flying Club ..............43
Castle Air Museum Receives F-117 Nighthawk ....................................44 Reviewing the Proof-Of-Concept RV-15 Calendar of Events ..........................................................3
By Ed Wischmeyer.........................................................36 Classifieds ......................................................................48
Index of Advertisers ......................................................50
Airman’s Innovation Saves Time, Money
By Airman 1st Class Alvaro Villagomez.............................38

AOPA: Lineman Gets Aerobatic Surprise
By Dave Hirschman, AOPA..............................................47

6 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

2011978S0oCceastsanaTB18M2Q930 12907054CHeaswsknear U40200A6F AN OLD GUY LEARNS TO FLY,
PART ONE

Introduction by Ed Downs
Article by Dr. William July, Ph.D.

AirplanesUSA proudly presents this incredible example of the leg- AirplanesUSA proudly offers this low time Hawker 400XP In my work with Aviation Seminars, I
endary Skylane. This is, without a doubt, the nicest 182Q on planet to market. We assisted the Seller with the acquisition when have the pleasure of meeting lots of
earth. Better-than-factory new in every respect. No expense spared they purchased the airplane several years ago. We are people interested in learning to fly.
and no detail overlooked. THIS AIRCRAFT NEEDS ABSOLUTE- pleased to now offer this extremely well cared for 8 pas- People come to this from many back-
LY NOTHING! This is an opportunity to own a turn-key, pristine VHQJHU H[HFXWLYH FRQ¿JXUHG ¿UH EORFNHG LQWHULRU +DZNHU grounds, different career goals and some,
cross-country dream machine. Complete logbooks and meticulous 400A to market. Export and Worldwide delivery are avail- just for the fun of learning something new.
maintenance record. Export and worldwide delivery are available. able. The aircraft is currently on Chilean registry CC-DRN,
All trades considered.…....................................................$259,900 and was exported from the USA in 2020.……...........CALL! The author of this short series of arti-
cles is Dr. William July, Ph.D., a ZOOM
1991496C1oNm3m5aBnodnearn1z1a4B 2000 Commander 115 student who came to me through
Aviation Seminars. He was very interac-
1977 Piper Lance tive during the class and communicated
with me after class. He is finding the
AirplanesUSA is proud to present this beautiful N35 Bo- AirplanesUSA Aircraft Sales proudly presents this incredi- “adventure” of learning to fly a real eye- A photo taken after my first flight lesson.
nanza to the market! Gorgeous paint, speed mods, up- ble late model Commander 115 for sale. The engine was opener. As a published author, Dr. July (Courtesy Dr. William July)
graded single piece windscreen and long-range fuel tanks. just overhauled by America’s Aircraft Engines, Tulsa, Okla- asked if In Flight USA might be interest-
Hangared in the Midwest this beautiful bird needs a new homa. A low time and damage free airframe is compliment- ed in running a short series about what it and that keeps me setting new goals. I
home. Call Today! Dual Instruction, Export and Worldwide ed by excellent cosmetics, a highly capable avionics panel, is like for an older guy to take on pilot remarried a few years ago after my first
Delivery Available.....................……........................$89,900 and complete and original log history. This is a no excuses training. Dr. July and I have exchanged wife died of cancer. I also have a reason-
example of one of the last of these planes produced. Dual several notes and his prospective is both ably decent dad bod. My firm belief is
instruction, export and worldwide delivery are available. All interesting and entertaining. that we should squeeze every ounce of
trades considered.….............................................$289,000 gusto out of life while we are here, before
Dr. July is a licensed psychologist in heading to that ultimate great heading
Steve Feldman • Sales Manager private practice with three clinics in somewhere else in the universe.
(650) 394-7610 • [email protected] Texas. (Visit his website at https://www.
drwilliamjuly.com). In addition to being That’s why I started flight training at
San Carlos Airport • 620 Airport Way • San Carlos, California 94070 a psychologist, he has been a nationally age 56. It’s something I wanted to do 20
best-selling relationship author of four years ago but the circumstances of life
www.airplanesusa.com books from Doubleday. He also wrote a had other plans for me. I often read arti-
textbook chapter on Personality in a cles or see YouTube videos about learn-
Psychology textbook. Prior to becoming ing to fly after 40 and I laugh to myself.
a psychologist, he also had an exciting Forty! Man, I’m 56 and learning. So, this
and interesting life. His background article is for the rest of us.
includes having been an entrepreneur,
psychology professor, and a police offi- First, let me say this is the path that is
cer. He has been a regular guest expert working for me. I’m sharing this to give
for CNN, the Fox News Channel, and the the reader some ideas but I’m not suggest-
Great Day Houston Show. ing my path to licensure is the only or best
way. This in fact is my first point. As a
Dr. July is excited about sharing his mature person, you know yourself. You
experiences. And, In Flight USA is both know how you learn. You know your
excited and proud to share his adventures strengths and challenges. You know your
and thoughts. financial position. Your health is not a
mystery. You are in a great position to
••••• define the best training path for yourself.

Well, there’s no more denying it. I’m In this series of articles, I’m going to
well into my 50s, much closer to 60 than share some ideas that may be helpful if
50. Despite my attempts to deny this, I get you’re around my age-ish and getting
reminders such as the AARP targeting me started in aviation as a hobby. Here are
in their advertising along with IHOP and some things you should really think about
pharmacies offering the “over 55 dis- before committing to this adventure.
count.” Seeing friends on Facebook retir-
ing after working somewhere 20 or 30 Why Flying?
years is another reminder. Oh, and I’ve
lost my hair and have gray in my beard. First, ask yourself why you want to
Fortunately, I use the Just for Men, Jet fly. Why do you want to spend thousands
black moustache and beard dye regularly. and thousands of dollars along with days
I’m not ready to be a silver fox yet. and nights studying? Oh yea, because
that’s fun? For me the answer is two
But I don’t feel old. In fact, today at parts. First, I plan to fly for business. I
my age, 56, many people are kicking into have driven between my offices in
a new gear and I’m one of those people. Houston and Dallas more times than I
In my career, my clinic continues to grow can count. As a pilot, I can fly for some
of those trips. Flying to my other office
will not be cheaper, but it will be a heck

Continued on Page 9

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 7

The Story of CieloBlu

Continued from Page 4 Flying A Tecnam FLY INGLET’SGO
ordered 15 Tecnam Aircraft and pur-
chased three for inventory and display Flying a Tecnam is an experience We’re here for you every step of the way.
just before EAA AirVenture 2022, in that undoubtedly leaves a positive out-
Oshkosh. The aircraft were delivered to come for both pilots and passengers. AOPA Members benefit from:
Tecnam’s assembly center in Sebring,
Fla., and accepted by CieloBlu. They Tecnam aircraft offer the best flying AOPA Flight Training Advantage
were then flown to Oshkosh by our characteristics, performance, and safety
pilots. The aircraft were on display for the experience of any aircraft in their class. New member benefit for student pilots—AOPA Flight
entire show and viewed by many excited Tecnam’s design philosophy is safety, Training Advantage (AFTA)! A fast and cost-e cient
aviation enthusiasts at the Tecnam booth. efficiency, and comfort and they achieve way to train for your private pilot certificate.
these milestones with ease.
EAA AirVenture was like nothing Safety & Education
one could imagine. It’s a must experience Attention to detail is emphasized
for any aviation enthusiast. Literally throughout production and delivery. Access AOPA’s Air Safety Institute library of safety
comprised of thousands of airplanes and Tecam designed their aircraft much like and training information covering topics from
an attendance exceeding 650,000 people, an Italian “sports car” in the sense that aircraft ownership, decision making and more!
many of whom continued the experience they are alluring, with remarkably effi-
round-the-clock by camping in tents cient wing designs that make them high- Advocacy for your Freedom to Fly
underneath the wing of their aircraft. ly maneuverable. Fit and finish is off the
Imagine the amount of passion. From any chart and never seen before in this class No organization is more e ective in defending your
vantage point, attendees are surrounded of aircraft. At a glance, the thought is “it’s freedom to fly than AOPA.
by thousands of aircraft, some in flight, sexy, it’s seductive.” What it isn’t, is a
some on display, some doing aerobatics, 1955 mid-continent retread. Tecnam is a Pilot Protection Services
and all providing entertainment. modern and welcomed general aviation
manufacturer. Speak with AOPA Legal Services Plan
For me, EAA AirVenture multiplied attorneys and medical certification sta in
a passion for aviation and made me more Garmin is standard equipment in all case of a suspended medical certificate,
enthusiastic when thinking about the Tecnam aircraft; large displays with aircraft accidents, tax matters, and more.*
future of CieloBlu. I quickly realized that ergonomic and easily navigable features,
the experience and knowledge I was instilling confidence in all phases of Pilot Information Center Helpline
obtaining was invaluable. More impor- flight.
tantly, everybody else was sharing a sim- Speak directly to our Pilot Information Center for
ilar experience, an increased passion for Tecnam is delivering quality prod- any medical, technical, or regulatory questions.
aviation. ucts at an affordable price in support of
consumer needs. The company is for- Pilot Magazine
Having the opportunity to talk to ward-thinking and innovative. Many
hundreds of pilots and aviation enthusi- models have engine options, including Free subscription to our award-winning
asts really ignited something in me. Each the highly efficient and reliable, robust magazine made for pilots, by pilots.
person I encountered excitedly shared Rotax Engine. Rotax offers the flexibility
their aviation journey with me, often of utilizing “MOGAS” and/or Join Now aopa.org/mybenefits
explaining careers created, fond memo- “AVGAS.” The Rotax engine gives
ries, and lasting impressions. Common Tecnam the edge on being able to deliver *Only available to AOPA members with
themes were first experiences, such as an aircraft that can be flown using more PPS Basic or PPS Plus membership levels
their solo, checkrides, aircraft purchases, than one type of fuel.
or flying to Oshkosh, which can be a
challenging experience to even seasoned Tecnam’s P2010 aircraft has three
aviators. In the end, Oshkosh is the quin- engine options available. The Continental
tessential aviation experience unrivaled 170 HP engine runs on jet fuel and/or diesel
by any other industry event. fuel, giving this aircraft the longest range
and lowest fuel consumption of the entire
Inside a P2006T. This twin engine has fleet offering. There is also the option for
two Rotax 912 S3 100 HP engines, burn- the Lycoming IO-360 180 HP and
ing 9 gal/hr. Perfect for multi engine Lycoming IO-390 215 HPAVGAS engines.
training. Email [email protected] or
call 725/258-3759 for more information. Tecnam takes pride in creating envi-
ronmentally conscious products, not just
(Courtesy Threshold Aviation) the idea of being greener, but actually
minimizing the environmental impact of
aviation activities. Due to their engi-
neered efficiency, the average amount of
CO2 emissions released into the environ-
ment is reduced by 62 percent when fly-
ing a Tecnam. That equates to more than
10 tons less CO2 into the atmosphere per
student during training.

Success

CieloBlu had success when I inked
my first aircraft sale on Day 2 of

Continued on Page 9

8 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

UNLEADED FUEL: YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS
By Mark Baker developer. AOPA’s role includes leading going through that process. We are taking steps to reverse the
an industry effort to keep the transition on When can pilots realistically irresponsible prohibition of 100LL sales
AOPA President and CEO track and ensure that everyone is aligned at Reid-Hillview and San Martin in
and preparing for a seamless conversion expect a full transition to an unleaded California. We have filed a formal Part 16
Reflecting on a great time at EAA to unleaded fuel. We don’t support a spe- fuel for the GA fleet? complaint that will require the FAA to
AirVenture 2022, my interactions cific process or fuel candidate; we sup- address this issue, and Congress is
reinforced how focused the gen- port the fuel(s) that will achieve our goal While the industry-government part- reviewing options. All airports across the
eral aviation community is, especially on as quickly and safely as possible. nership is calling for a full transition by country must follow the rules that apply
the issue of finding an unleaded fuel 2030, I believe that is a worst-case sce- when they take federal grants, and the
replacement for the piston engine fleet. What is the status with GAMI and nario and I expect this to be achieved FAA needs to enforce them.
Swift Fuels? before then. All connected – scientists,
As I have often stated, I have faced no engineers, GA associations, aircraft and What can pilots do to help ensure
bigger issue in my time at AOPA than the Both GAMI and Swift Fuels are pursu- engine manufacturers, policy makers, that we have a safe and smart transi-
need for a safe transition to an unleaded ing the STC route, which is one of two FAA and airport executives – are committed to tion to an unleaded fuel?
future. I will never defend lead, but I will vig- pathways for certification. I know, through getting this done and working every day
orously advocate for a smart transition that my discussions with George Braly of GAMI toward that goal. Stay informed and engaged. Review
does not negatively impact the current fleet. and Chris D’Acosta of Swift Fuels, that both your aircraft’s type certificate data sheet
companies are making good progress. GAMI Will unleaded fuel be more expen- and updated service information from
This is not a matter of politics; it’s a received FAA approval for hundreds of pis- sive? engine and airframe manufacturers to be
matter of safety. I don’t have to tell you ton aircraft engine models to burn 100-octane certain which fuels are allowable in your
the potential catastrophic impact of using unleaded avgas, and is working with the The goal is to ensure that an unlead- aircraft. Talk to your airport manager,
the wrong fuel. But there is a blatant dis- agency to receive approval of STCs for high- ed higher-octane fuel will not be signifi- your airport board, and your representa-
regard for safety by a local government er compression engines. This is taking longer cantly more expensive than 100LL. tives in Congress to express the need for
body in California that is prohibiting the than either GAMI or the FAAanticipated, but While some reports say that 100UL will 100LL while we work toward a transi-
sale of 100LL before we have a replace- meetings at Oshkosh hopefully put the carry a small cost increase, AOPA has tion. Also stay up to date on the issue and
ment fuel that can be used by all aircraft process back on track. Swift Fuels expects made it clear that the solution cannot be follow the latest news on AOPA’s 100UL
(looking at you, Santa Clara County). fleetwide approval for a 100-octane unleaded cost-prohibitive. Studies also show that information site (aopa.org/100UL).
formulation to be ready to deploy in 2023 and engines using newer fuels being tested
With so many questions on this be available fleetwide within three years. The may be able to fly longer between main- Together, we will address and meet
issue, I wanted to keep you updated on FAA also continues its testing and evaluation tenance, lowering some operating costs. this challenge.
this unleaded fuel transition. program known as the Piston Aviation Fuel
Initiative (PAFI), and two fuel candidates are Why is the FAA putting politics
What is AOPA doing to help get above safety by allowing airports to
an unleaded fuel to market? prohibit the sale of 100LL during a
transition period?
First, AOPA is not a fuel provider or

GAMA OPENS REGISTRATION FOR 2023 AVIATION DESIGN CHALLENGE

On National Aviation Day (U.S.), Aug. What Do Past Winners Say About The Competition?
19, the General Aviation Manufacturers
Association (GAMA) announced that reg- GAMA’s Aviation Design Challenge, a “Hands-on experience with industry offers a tremendous value to student learn-
istration for the 2023 Aviation Design hands-on STEM program, is open to the ing,” said Michael Capuana, Director of Erie 1 BOCES Career & Technical
Challenge has opened. This annual compe- first 150 schools that register to partici- Education, the 2018 winning high school located in Cheektowaga, New York. “As we
tition, now in its eleventh year, promotes pate. (Courtesy GAMA) need more young people to enter STEM careers, all efforts to increase student
careers in aviation and Science, engagement are embraced. Thank you to GAMA and its partners for their efforts; this
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics mission in a fly-off using X-Plane software. opportunity is truly one of a kind.”
(STEM) education in U.S. high schools Completed challenge submissions
through aviation-focused curriculum. “The chance for our students to compete in the Aviation Design Challenge broad-
will be scored by GAMA judges based ened horizons in ways that we would not have been able to do without GAMA,” said
“GAMA’s annual Aviation Design on the fly-off and other performance Matt Caffey, Principal of Olney High School, the 2017 winning school based in
Challenge provides a great experience for parameters. The winning team will Olney, Texas. “Our students winning is one of the most exciting things to happen at
students to learn more about aviation and receive an all-expenses-paid general avi- Olney High School this year. The best part is that their learning will continue through
the diverse career opportunities that the ation experience, which includes a the enriching experience they will have at Glasair this summer.”
industry has to offer. We are proud to CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience.
continue to offer this valuable program to The second-place team will receive a Jeremy Schroeder, Principal of Weyauwega-Fremont High School, the winning
interested high schools and look forward Redbird Flight Simulations STEM Lab. high school in 2016: “We are very honored, thankful, and extremely appreciative that
to seeing teams take on the challenge. We our students and staff are being recognized for their diligent, hard work in and out of
find it fitting to open registration on Since its inception in 2013, the the classroom. This opportunity and recognition will allow further real-world educa-
National Aviation Day, a day in which we Aviation Design Challenge has had over tional experiences for these students to apply what was learned within the classroom.
celebrate the history and promote the 650 teams participate, representing more Thank you again to GAMA for the selection, recognition, and opportunities to come
future of aviation.” said Pete Bunce, than 400 high schools from 48 states and for our students and staff.”
GAMA President and CEO. Washington, D.C. The Aviation Design
Challenge has inspired many students to “I can’t thank you enough… for the positive impact you are making in the life
The Aviation Design Challenge is open get involved in general aviation and/or of a kid,” said the CHEF Homeschoolers from Cuba City, Wisconsin, who won in
to the first 150 schools that register to partic- pursue a college degree or career path 2015. “The GAMA competition has taught us the importance of teamwork, creativi-
ipate. Registered schools will receive free related to general aviation. ty, and critical thinking.”
“Fly to Learn” curriculum, which is aligned
with national STEM standards, to facilitate To register and to learn more about “This competition, and ultimate victory, will be life-changing for my kids,” says
the learning of flight and airplane design Grant Hanevold, Principal of Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada,
principles. Teachers can guide their students which won in 2014.
through the curricula in approximately four
to six weeks. The teams will then virtually the challenge, please visit the GAMA closes on Dec. 17, 2022, or once all avail-
modify an airplane design and complete a Aviation Design Challenge webpage at able slots are filled. General information
https://gama.aero/opportunities-in- about GAMA can be found at gama.aero.
ga/aviation-challenge/ . Registration

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 9

An Old Guy Learns to Fly For all of your oil cooler needs,
call us at:
Continued from Page 6
of a lot more fun than driving every time. 909-839-9079
But when I fly, I will miss stopping at
Dairy Queen for a dipped cone. That is a
shame. The other reason I want to fly is
the freedom. The idea of being up in the
air going where I want and when I want
is exhilarating. Of course, this freedom is
highly regulated and restricted by a lot of
laws and regulations.

Try A Different Approach

Consider doing ground school and Photo with my CFI; Scott Cavalcante,
your written exam first. I’ve had a lot of CFI, West Houston Airport.
amazing life experiences, but I didn’t
know diddly-squat about aviation. The (Courtesy Dr. William July)
closest I had been to a cockpit was pass-
ing by it as I boarded a commercial airlin- working weight and balance problems while
er waving at the captain. eating lunch at work. If I see that plank one
more time! That’s why I took the written
There is a lot to learn in becoming a exam first. I had only been on two flights
private pilot… a lot! I remember seeing a before I took the written exam.
billboard by a local airport with a person
smiling in a Cessna that said, “Learn to Fly.” By doing the exam first, I’m now
What they didn’t show on the billboard was able to focus on learning much better. I
a confused student pilot racking their brain have the luxury of not having to study for
with an E6B in one hand and a nasty look- the written while learning to fly. I’m able
ing chart in the other. Or the many joys of to focus on learning and performance and

Continued on Page 12

The Story of CieloBlu

UNIVAIR

CieloBlu’s P2008 Light Sport, in invento- Has Kept Classic 1946
ry right now! For sale and demonstra- Aircraft Flying Since
tion. Easy to fly, sleek, low maintenance,
low cost. Email [email protected] or 'PS ZFBST
6OJWBJS IBT CFFO QSPWJEJOH GBDUPSZ PSJHJOBM BOE '"" 1."
call 725/258-3759 for more information. BQQSPWFE QBSUT UP BWJBUJPO FOUIVTJBTUT XJUI DMBTTJD
WJOUBHF
BOE IPNFCVJMU
BJSDSBGU 8F DBSSZ B IVHF TFMFDUJPO PG QBSUT
TVQQMJFT
BOE EJTUSJCVUPS JUFNT GPS
(Courtesy Threshold Aviation) "FSPODB
$IBNQJPO
$JUBCSJB
%FDBUIMPO
4DPVU
$FTTOB
&SDPVQF

-VTDPNCF
1JQFS + UISPVHI 1" BOE 1"
4UJOTPO
BOE 5BZMPSDSBGU
Continued from Page 4 $BMM VT PS WJTJU PVS XFCTJUF UP SFRVFTU ZPVS GSFF 6OJWBJS DBUBMPH 'PSFJHO PSEFST
Oshkosh, a P92 Echo MKII. The future QBZ QPTUBHF
looks bright, the sky is blue!
CieloBlu’s first sale: P92 Echo MKII, FREE SHIPPING ON QUALIFYING ORDERS! SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
How To Contact CieloBlu sold at EAA AirVenture ‘22. CieloBlu had
possession of this Tecnam P92 for 2 days Toll Free Sales: 1-888-433-5433
If you are interested in purchasing a before it was sold.
Tecnam aircraft or any of the other serv- Shop Online: www.univair.com
ices offered by CieloBlu, please do not (As seen on instagram @cieloblu.aero)
hesitate to contact me directly. AIRCRAFT CORPORATION )JNBMBZB 3PBE t "VSPSB
$PMPSBEP t
Following CieloBlu on Instagram Info Phone .................................
Kayla DiLullo can be reached at: and TikTok is the best way to keep up to Fax ................. PS
Email: [email protected] date with our latest deliveries, showcas- Email..................................... JOGP!VOJWBJS DPN
Toll Free: (888)8SKYBLU es, sales, and more! @cieloblu.aero
Office: (725) 258-3759 "-- .&3$)"/%*4& *4 40-% ' 0 #
"6303"
$0 t 13*$& "/% "7"*-"#*-*5: 46#+&$5 50 $)"/(& 8*5)065 /05*$& t

10 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

Calendar

Continued from Page 3
24 Q Madison, IN: Madison Airport Airshow/Aviation Day/Fly-In, 10 a.m. to
5:30 pm., Madison Municipal Airport, madisonmunicipalairport.com.
24 — 25 Q San Diego, CA: MCAS Miramar Air Show, gates 8 a.m.,
miramarairshow.com.
Q Wichita, KS: Frontiers in Flight Open House & Air Show, McConnell
AFB, (316) 759-2471, mcconnell.af.mil.
www.PCA.aero | 800.353.0370 Q Mirabel, Quebec: Volaria Festival Aéronautique, gates Sat. noon/Sun.
10 a.m., Montréal-Mirabel Int’l. Airport, volaria.ca.
Q Colorado Springs, CO: Pikes Peak Regional Airshow, gates 8 a.m.,
Colorado Springs Airport, (719) 634-7333, pprairshow.org.
25 Q Simsbury, CT: Simsbury Fly-In, Car Show, Food Truck Festival, Sat.
11 a.m./Sun. 8 a.m., Simsbury Airport, (860) 693-4550, simsburyflyin.com.
AERA 760 PORTABLE GP FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS 30 — Oct. 2 Q Huntington Beach, CA: Pacific Airshow, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Huntington Beach, pacificairshow.com.
Q Ranger, TX: Ranger Old School Fly-In & Airshow, gates 9 a.m.,
Ranger Municipal Airport, (254) 433-1267, rangerairfield.org.
OCTOBER
NEW!

1 Q Altus, OK: Open House & Airshow “Red River Thunder,” gates 9 a.m.,
Altus AFB, (580) 481-7700, altus.af.mil.
G5/PFD (TSO) ........................................................$2525 Q Somerville, TN: Thunder over Fayette County Airshow, noon to 5 p.m.,
G5/HSI.................................................................... $3495 Fayette County Airport, eventbrite.com.
G5/PFD (Exp) .........................................................$1420 Q Georgetown, DE: Wings & Wheels, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Delaware
GI-275/PFD................................................ From $3695 Coastal Airport, wings-wheels.com.
AERA-760 7” Touchscreen GPS...............................$1499 GI-275/HSI ................................................ From $3995 Q Sedona, AZ: Family Fun Day (Fly-in/Drive-in), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sedona
AERA 660 5” Touchscreen GPS $799 GI-275/EIS................................................. From $4685 Airport, (928) 282-4487, sedonaairport.org.
Q Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air
Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.
Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Fly-In, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Frazier Lake Airpark, (408) 835-1694, frazierlake.com.
AUDIO PANELS 1—2 Q Minden, NV: Aviation Roundup, gates 9 a.m., Minden-Tahoe Airport,
(775) 782-9871, aviationroundup.com.
Q Sacramento, CA: California Capital Airshow, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mather
Airport, californiacapitalairshow.com.
CALL FOR 7—8 Q Virginia Beach, VA: Warbirds over the Beach. CANCELED
SPECIALS Q Gainesville, TX: Texas Antique Airplane Assn.-Fall Festival of

Flight, gates Fri. 1 p.m./Sat. 8 a.m., Gainesville Municipal Airport,
texasantiqueairplane.com.
GMA-342.........................................................................$1710 7—9 Q San Francisco, CA: Fleet Week Air Show, Fri. 10 a.m./Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.,
4-PL Stereo Intercom • 3D Audio Marina Green, fleetweeksf.org.
3.5mm Aux Input • Voice Recorder 8 Q Atlanta, GA: CAF Dixie Wing WWII Heritage Days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Falcon Field, Peachtree City, airbasegeorgia.org.
GMA-345 ........................................................................ $1890 $3395 Q Corsicana, TX: CAF Corsicana Airsho, gates 8:30 a.m., Corsicana
Bluetooth • USB Port • 3D Audio $749 Municipal Airport, coyotesquadron.org.
6-PL Stereo Intercom • Voice Recorder Q Brandy Station, VA: Culpeper Air Fest, gates 9 a.m., Culpeper

Regional Airport, culpeperairfest.com.
Q Apple Valley, CA: Apple Valley Airshow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Apple
Valley Airport, (760) 995-8761, applevalleyairshow.com.
New FTA-850L Color Q Easton, MD: Easton Airport Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Easton-Newnam
Handheld Com/Nav Field, eastonairport.com.
$89 Q Chino, CA: Hangar Talk/Flying Demo, 10:30 a.m., Planes of Fame Air
IC-A16 COM $119 Museum, (909) 597-3722, www.planesoffame.org.
IC-A25C COM* Q Wichita Falls, TX: Sheppard AFB Open House. CANCELED
IC-A25N NAV/COM/GPS* 8—9 Q Salinas, CA: California Int’l. Airshow, gates 9 a.m., Salinas Municipal
FTA-450 COM

CALL FOR Airport, (831) 754-1983, salinasairshow.com.
SPECIALS Q Hollister, CA: Antique Aircraft Display & Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Hollister Municipal Airport, (408) 804-3591, [email protected].
$249 13 — 16 Q Reno, NV: High Sierra Fly-In, 9 a.m. Thurs. to 5 p.m. Sun., Dead Cow

$349 14 — 16 Lakebed Airstrip, highsierraflyin.com. STOL competitors must sign up.
Q Sparta, TN: Upper Cumberland Air Fair, gates Fri. noon/Sat. &
IC-A220 COM.............................$SPECIAL PRICING Sun. 8 a.m., Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, (931) 739-7000,
ucregionalairport.com.
*Prices may be changed at any time without notice* 15 Q Riverside, CA: Aircraft Display Day Fly-In, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flabob

WEST COAST’S LEADING AVIONICS DEALER Airport, (951) 683-2309, flabob.org.
Q Petaluma, CA: Petaluma Display Days, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petaluma
%DVLF LQVWDOOV WR FRPSOHWH SDQHO JODVV UHWURÞWV &DOO WKH OHDGHU LQ H[SHULHQFH VHUYLFH SULFLQJ Municipal Airport, (707) 778-4404.
Q Edwards AFB, CA: Aerospace Valley Air Show, 9 a.m., avairshow.com.
15 — 16 Q Santa Maria, CA: Central Coast AirFest, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Santa Maria

Public Airport, centralcoastairfest.com.
Q Rome, GA: Wings over North Georgia, parking 9 a.m. (advance tickets
only), Russell Regional Airport, (706) 291-0030, wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.
16 Q San Diego, CA: Historic Aircraft Display, noon to 2 p.m., Montgomery-
Gibbs Field, (619) 301-2530.
21 — 22 Q North Little Rock, AR: North Little Rock Air Show, gates Fri. 5 p.m./
Sat. 9 a.m., North Little Rock Airport, (501) 835-5654, nlrairshow.com.
22 Q Fort Worth, TX: AllianceTexas Aviation Expo, open 11 a.m., Alliance
Airport, atxaviationexpo.com. Tickets online only.
30 YEARS OF GIVING PILOTS 22 — 23 Q Bethel, PA: Golden Age Air Museum Flying Circus Airshow, gates 9 a.m.
THE BEST PRICING AND SERVICE to 5 p.m., Grimes Airfield, (717) 933-9566, goldenageair.org.
Q Jacksonville, FL: NAS JAX Air Show, gates 9 a.m., NAS Jacksonville,
nasjaxairshow.com.

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 11

IN FLIGHT USA CELEBRATES 39 YEARS

By Annamarie Buonocore This month’s cover features the first er, Vickie Buonocore, was a journalist tions along the way.
and newest Tecnam dealer in the U.S., with the San Francisco Examiner and I have had the pleasure of working
Dear Readers, CieloBlu, a division of Threshold helped him organize the editorial. After
Aviation in Chino, Calif. In the coming the two were married, they went on to for this small but mighty publishing
Thank you for once again reading the pages, you will read about how Tecnam launch In Flight USA as a monthly news house since I was in high school and have
monthly issue of In Flight USA. I started and rose to fame as a family busi- magazine and had several other publica- enjoyed every minute of it. I started my
am excited to announce that this ness in Italy and how the Italian-
month is our 39-year anniversary. As we American DiLullos of Southern Califor- Continued on Page 13
recap AirVenture and gear up for the Reno nia landed this opportunity to sell these
Air Races, we are excited to reflect on a innovative planes here in the U.S. with P.O. Box 5402 • San Mateo, CA 94402
history that is inspiring and going strong to their daughter, Kayla, leading the way. (650) 358-9908 • Fax (650) 358-9254
this day. Like the DiLullo’s, the In Flight USA
family has Italian roots and is proud of Founder ..................................................................................................................Ciro Buonocore
the work Tecnam is doing here in Publisher/Editor................................................................................................Victoria Buonocore
America, specifically California. Managing Editor..........................................................................................Annamarie Buonocore
Production Editors ............................................................................Anne Dobbins, Steve Pastis
My father, Ciro Buonocore, started Associate Editors .................................... Nicholas A. Veronico, Sagar Pathak, Paul T. Glessner
this publication as a small flight school Staff Contributors ........................................................................S. Mark Rhodes, Larry Nazimek
newspaper in his garage back in the mid- Columnists ..................Stuart Faber, Eric McCarthy, Ed Wischmeyer, Marilyn Dash, Ed Downs
1980s. He was a photojournalist with a Copy Editing ............................................................................................................Sally Gersbach
passion for cars, boats, and planes, and Advertising Sales Manager ........................................Ed Downs (650) 358-9908, (918) 873-0280
was a student pilot at the time. My moth-
In Flight USA is published each month by In Flight Publishing. It is circulated throughout the continental
In Flight Volume 1, Number 1 started as United States. Business matters, advertising and editorial concerns should be addressed to In Flight USA, P.O. Box
a local aviation newspaper in Sept. 1984. 5402, San Mateo, Calif. 94402 or by calling (650) 358-9908–fax (650) 358-9254. Copyright © 2008 In Flight
It has grown to a national general avia- Publishing.
tion news magazine with consistent
monthly publishing. In Flight USA is not responsible for any action taken by any person as a result of reading any part of any
issue. The pieces are written for information, entertainment and suggestion – not recommendation. The pursuit of
(Courtesy In Flight USA) flight or any action reflected by this paper is the responsibility of the individual and not of this paper, its staff or
contributors. Opinions expressed are those of the individual author, and not necessarily those of In Flight USA.

All editorial and advertising matter in this edition is copyrighted. Reproduction in any way is strictly prohib-
ited without written permission of the publisher.

In Flight USA is not liable or in any way responsible for the condition or airworthiness of any aircraft adver-
tised for sale in any edition. By law the airworthiness of any aircraft sold is the responsiblity of the seller and buyer.

12 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

HANGARS FAA AWARDS $2.7M IN DRONE
5 3 Y<eHaDrUsV oRfI M0aDnQuXfIaDcFtWuXrUiLnQgJ E(x[FcHeOlOlHeQnFcHe RESEARCH TO SUPPORT DISASTER
%BXu\y )FDaFcWtRoUr\y 'DLiUrHeFcWt ! PREPAREDNESS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE

‡ 7 +DQJDUV ‡ (OHFWULF %L )ROG 'RRUV The U.S. Department of Trans-
portation’s Federal Aviation Adminis-
‡ ,QGLYLGXDO +DQJDUV ‡ &RUSRUDWH +DQJDUV tration (FAA) awarded $2.7 million on
Aug. 18 to support research on how
‡ 0DLQWHQDQFH +DQJDUV ‡ +DQJDU +RPHV drones can assist in disaster preparedness
and in emergencies.
FAA awarded $2.7 million on Aug. 18 to
“Every second counts in an emer-
gency, and this funding will allow drones support research on how drones can
to safely and more quickly deploy in
moments when minutes matter,” said assist in disaster preparedness and in
Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen.
emergencies. (Courtesy FAA)
The research will explore the use of
3KRWR E\ %UXFH 6HO\HP drones in providing effective and efficient The ASSURE Center of Excellence
responses to different natural and human- is one of six that the agency has estab-
&&DDOOO 77RRGD\ made disasters. It will address coordina- lished to help advance technology and
tion procedures among drone operators educate the next generation of aviation
R & M Steel Co. from federal agencies as well as state and professionals. Research conducted
local disaster preparedness and emergency through ASSURE is focused on helping
8 6 7ROO )UHH 3KRQH ‡ )D[ response organizations. The five universi- the drone community safely grow and
2XWVLGH 8 6 ties and their award amounts are: integrate into the nation’s airspace.
• University of Vermont
ZZZ DYLDWLRQEXLOGLQJV\VWHP FRP Earlier in 2022, Secretary Buttigieg
$1,195,000 outlined six key Innovation Principles the
VDOHV UPVWHHO#JPDLO FRP • University of Alabama Huntsville Department of Transportation will apply
when fostering transportation technolo-
COME LAND ON THE COLORADO WITH US! $828,070 gies. Specifically, while continuing to
• New Mexico State University commit to the highest standards of safety
across technologies, these awards
$400,000 demonstrate the Department’s commit-
• North Carolina State University ment to exploring ways to leverage inno-
vation to help communities and public
$200,000 sector partners through experimentation.
• Kansas State University
More than 850,000 recreational and
$145,000 commercial drones are in the active drone
Last month’s announcement is the fleet, and that number is expected to
grow. Learn more on the FAA website,
third round of Alliance for System Safety faa.gov.
of UAS through Research Excellence
(ASSURE) grants, which brings the total
to 20 grants valued at $21 million for
Fiscal Year 2022.

An Old Guy Learns to Fly

• Highly Experienced Instructors and DPE Continued from Page 9 my flaw as I prepped for the written. I fig-
• Private and Commercial ASES Add-On Ratings the eventual check ride. Also, the things ured I could push my way through the
• Flight Reviews in an Amphibious Airplane I’ve learned for the written exam helped written exam with a moderate amount of
• Re-Current Training Flights me feel a little less confused as my les- study. Wrong. I missed passing, also
sons began to progress. It has still been known as failing, by just a few points. I
www.lakehavasuseaplanes.com confusing and overwhelming at times, realized I was going to have to attack the
but at least I began with some form of private pilot’s exam with the same inten-
Lake Havasu City, Arizona • 928.733.7122 foundation. As a mature person with so sity I used to pass my board exams. Then
much to do outside of this hobby, check- I went in for the retake strong and confi-
ing off ground school and the test dent, came out with an 85. Then, I had
reduced a lot of stress. one bigger box to check off the list before
returning to flight lessons.
Respect the Test
In the next article, I’ll discuss the
I see a lot of people bragging online joys of getting a Class III medical certifi-
about their written exam scores. But I cate when you’re 56. I also think student
failed the first time. Now, it is not pilots my age should strongly consider
because I could not do the work, I’m a getting the medical early, if not before
very educated man and I’ve passed some everything. I got it, but it wasn’t as easy
difficult board exams, the kind that eat as it would have been 20 or 30 years ago.
Ph.D.’s for lunch. But actually, that was More on that in the next article.

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 13

REDBIRD UNVEILS PROOF OF CONCEPT

FOR MIXED REALITY TRAINING DEVICE 504-723-5566

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simulation systems based in Silicon solution for professional flight training.”
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tems that blend the physical and digital Redbird showcased the new device in
worlds, the mixed-reality solution inte- its exhibit at AirVenture 2022. The compa-
grated into the new Redbird device transi- ny is working on bringing it to market with
tions seamlessly as pilots move their eyes compelling features and functionality that
from the graphics in the simulation to the suit several use cases – from STEM edu-
real-world flight controls. cation to advanced flight training.

In Flight USA Celebrates

Continued from Page 11 to producing more content on that subject

own literary journal when I was in col- in upcoming editions.
lege and am now a partner publisher here
at In Flight USA. In addition to our Thank you, graphic artists, Anne
monthly GA news magazine, we also
have a quarterly bizjet publication called Dobbins, Sally Gersbach, and Steve
BizAvJets USA and annual directories for
senior citizens called Born to Age. We Pastis, who work tirelessly every month $ $
take on book projects and are passionate
about writing and editing. to put out a beautiful magazine. I would !

As I write this letter, I would like to like to thank Andrew Wignot, head of our !
give a shout out to Keith Latour of USA
Aircraft Brokers. Not only has he been a delivery and distribution team, for his


dedicated client over the last 30 years; he
has taught us a great deal about aviation effort of getting magazines to all the great # #! # ! !

"
and the current marketplace for buying
and selling aircraft. We also have great airports near and far. Our website admin,



!
appreciation for AOPA, which is an
immense resource and advocate for our April Pastis, never fails us and makes $ #& " ! #%
industry. Airport Shoppe/Aviation Oxy-
gen and Aircraft Spruce & Specialty are sure all of the noeuwr sasissoucpiaotenliendei.toIrw, oPualudl
& % %
our go-to supply shops, and we thank like to thank


them for their support of our magazine
over many years. Glessner, and all of the associate editors


I would like to take a moment to who have worked with us over the years. "
thank all of our advertisers, our dedicated
writers and photographers, and all of our You are amazing. Lastly, I will give a () ' ' ! ! ##
staff. Ed Downs works diligently in the
sales office near Stillwater, Oklahoma shout out to my sister, Lea Buonocore,
month after month and is one of the most
accomplished professionals we know in who helps with deliveries and to my
the industry. We love his articles and have
enjoyed his editorial contributions grandmother, Desi Evangel, who at the
immensely. We are proud to be working
with some startup companies and avia- age of 90, still helps with clerical tasks.
tion-strong government organizations in
the state of Oklahoma and look forward While we are happy to see aviation

growing and thriving in many ways, we

know that we have challenges ahead. We

stand with our local Reid-Hillview

Airport in San Jose, Calif. as it fights to

remain open and thank all those who

have advocated for this airport and other

airports that are under threat of closure.

We wish all racers good luck at Reno

and look forward to promoting good deals

on aviation products for the holidays.

Blue Skies,

Annamarie Buonocore

Associate Publisher
In Flight USA

14 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

TAKING GREAT LUXURY TO THE NEXT

LEVEL: TECNAM’S GRAN LUSSO

By Jeffrey Decker

Fly By Wire Air is a one-stop shop for aviation. You will find What makes high-performance Tecnam’s Gran Lusso embodies elegance
RC models, general aviation planes, services and acces- even better? Great luxury. and innovation in a sleek powerful pack-
sories, as well as sites rich in historic aviation. We hopy you Gran Lusso, as Tecnam names age. (Courtesy Jeffrey Decker)
enjoy visiting our site. When you think of flying - Fly By Wire. its new P2010 variant. The Italian manu-
facturer’s four-seat high-wing started its Every surface touched by the pilot in
www.flybywireair.com American tour at Oshkosh, showcasing a Tecnam’s Gran Lusso is leather.
hand-stitched leather interior even more
Recurrent Flight Training opulent than the prototype that first (Courtesy Jeffrey Decker)
Pilot Services appeared in April at Aero Friedrich-
shafen. That aircraft is now flying over Tecnam’s Gran Lusso features a single-
SIC/PIC Type Rating Classes Europe, one of three sold to customers frame composite fuselage.
OKC - ABQ - MYV - SMF with high expectations.
(Courtesy Jeffrey Decker)
Grace Passmore • (916)790-0501 • http://ldaerospace.com It’s elegance and innovation in a AFCS Control Unit GMC 707 autopilot
sleek, powerful package, says U.S. Sales with ESP has ample safety features. “If
Convair RB-36H Peacemaker Director Dave Copeland. “Lamborghini, you get disoriented you just hit the button
Ferrarri, those are code words for us, and level out.” Sferra explains.
AH-1W Cobra what people expect from the most luxuri-
ous sportscars,” he says. “They’re No leading edge and no cuffs distract
Castle Air Museum, adjacent to Castle Airport Boeing B-52D famous for clean, sleek innovation.” from clean aerodynamics. “It’s a very
(MER) is in its 41st year of operation, and has SH-60B Seahawk smooth aircraft because of its single-frame
become the West Coast’s largest static display FA-18 Blue Angel 2 Every touch surface is leather. composite fuselage,” he says, though the
of vintage military aircraft dating back from the F-15A and F-16A “We’ve doubled the carpet in this air- wing is aluminum in case it gets dinged.
late 1930’s. With over 80 aircraft in the collection craft. It’s a wool and silk blend.” Suede “We decided not to go full composite
and more due soon, such as the Lockheed F-117 on the ceiling, extra storage compart- because any problems you may have, a
Nighthawk and FA-18 Blue Angel Aircraft, the ments, a third door, new entry steps and metal wing is much easier to fix.”
Museum is situated on 31 acres, 25 of which are standard metal paint... all those amenities
currently occupied by aircraft. The most add 39 pounds of weight over the previ- Sferra says Cirrus and Cessna cus-
comprehensive collection of WWII Bombers, ous P2010 certified just last year. tomers are switching over, seeing value
from the Douglas B-18 Bolo to the mammoth worth $626,750 per aircraft. Between 60
Convair RB-36 Peacemaker, B-52D Stratofortress “We’re on a weight loss program,” and 80 models of P2010s are produced
DQG )% $DUGYDUN )RU WKH ƓJKWHU IDQ \RX ZLOO Copeland adds. Swapping steel for alu-
view aircraft from the Lockheed F-80 to the minum and carbon fiber, plus a new bat- Continued on Page 18
General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon. tery, will drop 15 pounds.
The Museum is located at 5050 Santa Fe Dr.,
Atwater, CA 95301, and open daily 9 am to 4 Useful load is 805 pounds. Today’s
pm, with last admission to the Aircraft Exhibit endurance is up to 13 hours and with a
Grounds at 3:15 daily. 1,000 nm range and fuel capacity of 63
For more information, please call 209-723-2178 U.S. gallons (240 litres). A typical flight
or visit www.castleairmuseum.org. at 140 knots burns eight gallons per hour.
At 120 knots its six gallons per hour in
Continental’s Jet/diesel powered 170-hp
engine. It’s turbocharged, the newest and
most powerful engine of the CD-100
family. FADEC manages the fuel under
redundant safety features and constant
power up to 10,000 feet.

In back, the storage compartment
can only be unlocked from the inside.
“It’s more secure and it just makes more
sense,” Copeland says. Seats rated to
absorb 26Gs were tweaked for extra
room. At six feet tall, Copeland fits easi-
ly in the back and has room to stretch up
front with a fancy armrest at each side.
Redesigning the center console leaves
room for phones to charge up just behind
the new trim control and parking brake,
which formerly sprouted from the floor.

Francesco Sferra, sales and business
development manager, lists how the con-
trol panel improved. “We redesigned it
from the glare shield down,” he says.
Standard FMS accompany the Garmin
NXI touch-screen avionics suite. Its

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 15

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16 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 17

EAA’S FREEDOM OF FLIGHT AWARD GIVEN TO JAMES INHOFE,

LEAVING A LEGACY
In the 35 years since he was first support for. that he was back in the air,” Inhofe said.
elected to Congress, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R- “People will ask, ‘What rewards you To match the international standard Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), shown
Oklahoma), EAA 179992, has continual- here at EAA AirVenture 2022, was award-
ly fought for the rights of pilots and the the most?’ There are really two things,” for commercial pilots, Inhofe helped pass ed EAA’s highest award last month.
general aviation industry as a whole. he said. “The first is the people. There are legislation to raise the mandatory retire-
After three-plus decades in Congress, people that I’ve known all my life, and I ment age for American pilots from 60 to (Courtesy EAA)
Inhofe has decided to retire at the end of only see them once a year. I look forward 65 years. Inhofe was also instrumental in
the 117th Congress, which concludes on to it. They know me; I know them. It’s helping to create the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, ation maintenance technician schools for
Jan. 3, 2023. just fun spending time with them. The which creates a level playing field the first time since the 1960s.
second thing is probably the most pro- between individual pilots and the FAA by
For his many years of service and ductive thing, and that’s getting things ensuring pilots have access to all the Recently, Inhofe was vital in defeat-
advocacy in support of general aviation, passed.” information required to appropriately ing the ATC privatization movement,
Inhofe was presented with EAA’s defend themselves during an FAA which was an effort to take away the free-
Freedom of Flight Award on Aug. 26. The legacy Inhofe leaves when it enforcement proceeding or NTSB dom to fly from GA pilots by privatizing
The Freedom of Flight Award is EAA’s comes to legislative wins for general avi- review. air traffic control. Additionally, he’s
highest honor, bestowed annually to rec- ation is impressive. As an avid pilot with helped in designated pilot examiner
ognize contributions to aviation that more than 11,000 hours, Inhofe’s passion Inhofe’s involvement in third-class reforms, which ensured the FAA updates
closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneur- is aviation, and it shows with what he’s medical reform also cannot be understat- regulations and policies related to the
ship, and innovativeness of EAA mem- been able to accomplish in Congress. ed. The result was BasicMed, which selection, training, and deployment of
bers. eased the medical certification process DPEs to ensure commercial and recre-
When legendary military, test, and for pilots by cutting bureaucratic red tape ational pilots have access to an adequate
“I think it’s great. It’s really some- air show pilot Bob Hoover’s medical cer- and encouraged pilots to disclose and get number of examiners.
thing when you think about the number tificate was revoked by the FAA, Inhofe treatment for medical conditions that
of people who’ve done some good things helped shepherd legislation through the may affect their ability to fly. As someone making his 43rd
[who also earned the award],” Inhofe Senate to protect FAA certificate holders
said. from bureaucratic overreach by provid- To address the shortage of pilots and
ing pilots the ability to immediately aviation maintenance professionals,
In his final trip to Oshkosh as a sit- appeal emergency revocations of their Inhofe created the Aviation Pilot and
ting U.S. senator, Inhofe reflected on the certificates to the National Transportation Maintenance Workforce Development
two aspects of attending AirVenture that Safety Board. Program that supported career develop-
he enjoys most – the friends he sees and ment, as well as directed the FAA to mod-
the aviation-related legislation he gathers “Nothing was more significant than ernize the mandatory curriculum for avi-
seeing the look on Bob Hoover’s face

The full-size, pilot-friendly, rugged folding mountain bike.

Remote airfields, here we come.

18 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award

Continued from Page 17 transition to unleaded avgas. flying. Second, we can provide airports the promotion of youth aviation pro-
“On top of my mind this year is how across the nation with additional flexibili- grams and the availability of aviation-ori-
straight trip to AirVenture (excluding ty to use Airport Improvement Program ented curriculum for students of all ages,
2020’s cancellation), aviation events like we can provide a safe and smart transi- funding to make the infrastructure and empowers collaborative and cross-
Oshkosh are close to Inhofe’s heart, and tion to unleaded aviation gas so that pilots upgrades necessary to quicken the transi- disciplinary efforts between private sec-
he’s passed legislation that directs the can keep flying,” he said. “We must all tion to unleaded aviation gas.” tor organizations, higher education, and
FAA to provide air traffic services for work together to provide the smoothest other relevant entities to develop cutting-
these types of gatherings without addi- transition to an unleaded aviation gas. One In addition, Inhofe supports a num- edge aviation materials, technology, and
tional cost to participants. of the ways we can ensure this is to make ber of other initiatives to help general avi- avionics. The PLANE Act ensures tax
sure airports continue to make available ation. The National Center for the receipts from all aviation fuel sources are
In his remaining months in for sale 100LL aviation gas until there is Advancement of Aviation (NCAA) deposited in the Airport and Airway Trust
Congress, Inhofe does have some legisla- an unleaded fuel solution approved for use ensures the development and sustainabil-
tive goals when it comes to general avia- and available, enabling pilots to keep on ity of the civil and military workforce via Continued on Page 19
tion, particularly when it comes to the

Trusted. Tecnam’s Gran
Lusso

I Available in both Qref® Book, Card and I Written by Master CFIs with workflow
new iPad editions and ease of use in mind

I Over 50 years of professional experience I Professional design, rugged construction
in every checklist

Best-SellingAircraft Checklists

Beechcraft Bonanza A36 285HP 1968 1983 Cessna 210N Centurion 1979 1984 Piper Arrow IV PA 28RT 201 1979 1982 Tecnam’s Gran Lusso is a four-seat high-
Beechcraft Bonanza C/D 35 1951 1953 Cessna Turbo 182T 2001+ Piper Arrow IV Turbo PA 28RT 201T 1979 1990 wing aircraft that made an exciting
Beechcraft Bonanza J/K/M 35 1958 1960 Cessna Turbo 182T/G1000 2006+ Piper Cherokee 140 PA 28 140 1964 1977 appearance at AirVenture.
Beechcraft Bonanza N/P 35 1961 1963 Cessna Turbo 206H 1998+ Piper Cherokee 150 PA 28 150 1961 1967
Beechcraft Bonanza V35 A/B 1966 1982 Cessna Turbo 210M Centurion Piper Cherokee 160 PA 28 160 1961 1967 (Courtesy Jeffrey Decker)
Cessna 150 1959 1977 Cirrus SR20 Analog Gauges 1977 1978 Piper Cherokee 180 PA 28 180 1963 1973
Cessna 152 1978 1986 Cirrus SR20 G1 G2 2000 2003 Piper Dakota PA 28 236 1979 1994
Cessna 172 Universal Cirrus SR20 G3 2003 2007 Piper Cherokee Lance PA 32R 300 1976 1978
Cessna 172M Universal Cirrus SR20 Perspective Piper Navajo PA 31 310 B/C 1972 1980
Cessna 172N 1973 1976 Cirrus SR22 G1 G2 2007+ Piper Navajo Chieftain PA 31 350 1973 1984
Cessna 172P 1977 1980 Cirrus SR22 G3 2008+ Piper Saratoga SP PA 32R 301 1980 1992
Cessna 172R 1981 1986 Cirrus SR22 Perspective 2003 2007 Piper Saratoga SP Turbo PA 32R 301T 1980 1987
Cessna 172RG 1998 2006 Cirrus SR22 G3 Turbo 2007+ Piper Tomahawk PA 38 112 1978 1982
Cessna 172S 1980 1985 Cirrus SR22 Turbo Perspective 2008+ Piper Warrior 151 PA 28 151 1973 1977
Cessna 172S G1000 1998 2006 Diamond DA20 C1 2007+ Piper Warrior II PA 28 161 1976 1986
Cessna 177RG Diamond Star DA40 2008+
Cessna 182P 2005+ Piper Archer II PA 28 181 1998+ MANY MORE MODELS COMING SOON!
Cessna 182R 1971 1978 Piper Archer III PA 28 181 2001+
Cessna R182 Skylane RG 1972 1976 Piper Arrow 180 PA 28R 180 1976 1994
Cessna 182RG Turbo 1981 1986 Piper Arrow II PA 28R 200 1995 2002
Cessna 182T Analog Gauges 1978 1986 Piper Arrow III PA 28R 201 1967 1971
Cessna 182T/G1000 1979 1986 Piper Arrow III Turbo PA 28R 201T 1969 1976
1977+
2001+ 1977 1978
2004+

Standard FMS accompany the Garmin

Best-SellingAvionics Quick Reference NXI touch-screen suite in Tecnam’s Gran

Lusso. (Courtesy Jeffrey Decker)

Avidyne Entegra Garmin GNS 480 Garmin GPSMAP 96 Continued from Page 14
Garmin G1000 Non WAAS Garmin GNS 530 Garmin GPSMAP 195
Garmin G1000 Garmin GTN 750/650 Garmin GPSMAP 196 annually. Of the four varieties, he projects
Garmin G1000 WAAS Garmin GX Series Garmin GPSMAP 295 up to 30 percent will be Gran Lussos; up
Garmin G600/G500 Garmin MX 20 Garmin GPSMAP 296 from an initial estimate of 10 percent.
Cirrus Perspective by Garmin Garmin 300XL/250XL Garmin GPSMAP 396 With fewer suppliers than competitors,
Bendix/King KLN 89 AnywhereMap ATC Garmin GPSMAP 495 Tecnam manufactures as much as 80 per-
Bendix/King KLN 90B AvMap EKP IV / IV Pro Garmin GPSMAP 496 cent of each aircraft, starting with raw
Bendix/King KLN 94 AvMap EKP V coming soon Garmin GPSMAP 696/695 materials. Since the P2010’s first flight in
Garmin GMX 200 AvMap Geopilot II / II Plus Garmin Aera Series 2012, Sferra says Tecnam’s manufactur-
Garmin GPS 400 Bendix/King AV8OR Lowrance Airmap 2000C/1000 ing capacity has tripled. Growth north of
Garmin GNS 430 Bendix/King AV8OR Ace Lowrance Airmap 500/600C Naples continues. “We already bought
the land and work is underway to double
FAA FITS WRITTEN BY www.Qref.com this,” he reports.
ACCEPTED MASTER CFIs
Order direct or from your favorite pilot supply Learn more about Tecnam Aircraft
on their website: https://www.tecnam
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September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 19

SEYMOUR JOHNSON RESERVE PHILANTHROPIST DEVELOPS E-COURSE
TO HELP OTHERS FLY

By Carolyn Herrick Capt. Kristin “Bodie, 77th Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A Pegasus pilot, poses on the “We would talk about the military
flightline at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., July 20, 2022. Bodie is a reservist and show them how to join and get col-
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs who flies the Airbus 320 as a first officer for American Airlines full time and spends lege paid for, to help get them out of situ-
countless hours pouring into others through a myriad of philanthropic outlets. ations they’re in and into something ful-
When she was a little girl, Capt. filling,” she said.
Kristin Bodie, 77th Air (U.S. Air Force photo by Carolyn Herrick)
Refueling Squadron KC-46A Becoming an Airman
Pegasus pilot, used to lay in the grass each mission, from coordination to logis- through leukemia, so it meant a lot to me
with her grandmother on their farm in tics, refueling and maintenance. to fly these missions,” Bodie said. “When “Pretty much from the minute I first
rural Saluda, South Carolina, and watch my cousin died, it was so impactful; my flew at Clemson in 2009, I wanted to join
the fighter jets from nearby Shaw Air “That taught me a lot about myself entire life, I knew I needed to give back.” the military,” Bodie said. “For years, I
Force Base and McEntire Joint National as a person and pilot,” she said. “I was out tried to email my package to all the units
Guard Base fly overhead, wondering there traveling the country by myself As the only young woman volun- I was interested in and was not getting
where they were going and what it would with nothing but my suitcase and this tiny teering, Bodie had to work hard to build any response.”
be like to fly through the clouds. little airplane. It put me out of my com- her credibility there.
fort zone and made me more confident.” By 2015, Bodie was finished with
Her journey to become an Air Force “I would clean the hangar, mop, and her MBA, fully rated, and working for
pilot took years, and she flew all around Giving Back trade apple dumplings and pecan pie to Republic Airlines as a first officer flying
the world to reach her goal, but Bodie learn,” she said. the Embraer 170. Through all those
took the things she has learned and devel- After eight months, Bodie began fly- years, that nagging feeling that she would
oped an online course to help others find ing mapping missions in the King Air There, she learned to weld, do serve in the military had never left.
their path more easily. 200s, working seven days followed by engine overhauls, change gears, fabrica-
seven days off. Looking to fill her time tion, upholstery and more. After a few Standing out among her peers with
“Girls Don’t Fly Planes” off, Bodie found Wings of Hope, a months, she began flying children with higher education and 3,000 flying hours,
humanitarian organization that flies to terminal illnesses and disabilities around she was selected for Officer Training
Bodie remembers sitting in church highly remote locations to provide life- the country for treatment. School and Undergraduate Pilot Training
as young as five years old, hearing the saving care interventions to people who after a recruiter suggested Bodie put in an
preacher talk about serving in the military have never have a chance to see a doctor. Bodie became more and more unsponsored package. Several squadrons
or as a missionary and thinking, “He’s involved with Wings of Hope, eventually called to interview her, and she joined the
talking about me. Someday, I am going to This mission was close to her heart becoming a board member and assisting 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour
leave my family and serve.” for personal reasons. on a global level. She also started volun- Johnson AFB, as a KC-135R Strato-
teering in the organization’s SOAR into tanker pilot.
Her love of watching airplanes “When I was around 8 years old, I STEM program, partnering with Boeing
spurred a strong desire to fly them. watched my cousin Loren struggle to bring high-risk youth into the hangar to “It was a backward way of doing
mentor them. things and a very hard way to get into the
“Every time I mentioned becoming a Reserve,” said Bodie, who jokes that she
pilot, teachers in school would say, ‘Girls had to fly all the way around the world to
don’t do that,’” Bodie said. “I didn’t get to her goal of serving in the military.
know of any female pilots, so I believed
them – until I got to college and a good Forging an Affordable Path
friend took flight lessons and asked if I for Others
wanted to go on a flight.”
Driven by a desire to help others
Bodie, who was attending Clemson streamline the process of obtaining a
University, immediately fell in love with pilot’s license, joining the military, and
being in the air. volunteering, Bodie found and connected
with BogiDope, an aviation career con-
Determined to become a profession- sulting resource, and became their first
al pilot, she enrolled in a program at female coach. For a year, Bodie
Embry Riddle University. Upon comple- researched and compiled all the best
tion of her Master of Business resources into “Affordable Paths for
Administration in aviation management Launching Your Aviation Career,” a free
and obtaining her flight ratings, Bodie
landed her first flying job doing aerial Continued on Page 21
surveys in a Cessna 172. As a brand-new
pilot, she was in charge of all aspects of

EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award

Continued from Page 18 infrastructure. The Certainty for General ing aircraft hangar shortage. have the job that I have, there’s a lot of
Aviation Pilots Act provides certainty While Inhofe is retiring from the misery. I come here because I know a
Fund so all aviation user fees go to sup- that pilots engaged in flight training and bunch of people. I have friends here that
port aviation infrastructure and the avia- flight testing are not considered as “car- Senate, this won’t be the last time he’ll be I see once a year. The second thing I do,
tion community, as well as empowers rying persons or property for compensa- back at Oshkosh, as this event is his pas- we’re passing laws and all that, and the
DPEs and DARs by giving them neces- tion or hire,” while the HANGARS Act sion and he won’t stop advocating for best place to get support is to do it here.”
sary civil liability protection and desig- funds the construction of hangars at gen- aviation even when retired.
nates qualified GA airports as “disaster eral aviation airports to address the grow-
relief airports” so they have the needed “It’s the most enjoyable thing I do
every single year,” he said. “When you

20 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

NATA ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP, RECOGNIZES TIMOTHY OBITTS’

SERVICE TO MEMBERS

The Board of the National Air industry’s commitment to sustainability dles and refocusing them on new oppor- Timothy Obitts, NATA’s Chief Executive
Transportation Association (NATA) through the promotion of initiatives that tunities. On behalf of the NATA Board,
announced on Aug. 24 that Timothy advance the proliferation of sustainable members, and staff, I sincerely thank Tim Officer & President, stepped down on
Obitts will step down as President and aviation fuels, encourage the use of Book for his years of service to the Association
CEO effective Sept. 1, 2022, as Obitts and Claim programs, and provide a and look forward to great things ahead Sept. 1. (Courtesy NATA)
will continue to advance the cause of sus- roadmap for FBOs, airports, and other under his guidance at Alder Fuels, as well
tainability as the Chief Legal Officer for aviation businesses to reduce their envi- as his continued advocacy for sustain- of flight. Prior to accepting the position,
Alder Fuels. The Board of NATA has ronmental footprint. ability initiatives in our industry,” said Castagna served more than six years as
appointed Curt Castagna (President and Lowe. an NATA Board Member including two
CEO, Aeroplex Group Partners, Long “It has been an honor to serve the years as Board Chair and one year as
Beach, Calif.) to serve as NATA’s 11th membership of NATA these past eight With Castagna continuing his duties Immediate Past Chair.
President and CEO. years. We have accomplished much as President and CEO of Aeroplex Group
together, overcome adversity, furthered Partners, this leadership transition fol- “We all welcome Curt’s expansive
Since joining the NATA staff in the cause of aviation safety, and raised lows a succession plan set up by the industry experience and knowledge of
November 2014, Obitts also served as the awareness of the critical role that aviation Association several years ago to leverage the Association in helping to further
Association’s Chief Operating Officer, businesses play in advancing society. I the experience and dedication of its
Executive Vice President of Business am proud and humbled to have been the members to drive strategy and effect Continued to Page 21
Operations, and Senior Vice President of leader of a great team at NATA and con- meaningful change in the industry. Marty
Business & General Counsel, overseeing tinue my support of leadership in advanc- Hiller first served in this capacity in
the Association’s day-to-day operation ing the Association’s success,” stated 2016, consistently demonstrating his
and ensuring a member-first culture. Obitts. value to the Association through a keen
understanding of its membership’s needs
For nearly the past three years as NATA Board Chair Clive Lowe and insight in the development of innova-
NATA’s President and CEO, Obitts was (Executive Vice President, Atlantic tive products and services.
instrumental in advocating for its mem- Aviation, Arlington, VA) recognized
bers during the COVID pandemic and Obitts’ contributions and thanked Castagna will serve NATA’s mem-
personally guiding hundreds of aviation Castagna for his willingness to serve as bership under this model, leveraging a
businesses through complex relief pro- President and CEO. “Tim was instrumen- proven industry background with a spe-
grams. During his tenure with NATA, he tal in guiding our members through one cific focus on trade association collabora-
brought leaders of other general aviation of the most challenging times in our his- tion and stakeholder engagement to help
groups together in demonstrating the tory, assisting them in overcoming hur- take the Association into the next phase

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September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 21

EAA YOUNG EAGLES SPECIAL

PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED

Believe it or not, the EAA Young Young Eagles programs.
Eagles program is now in its 30th year of Young Eagles 30 Flight for 30 Years
providing free introductory flights to kids
ages 8 to 17! This is all thanks to the – Any Young Eagles pilot that flies 30
efforts of 50,000 dedicate volunteers. Young Eagles from Aug. 1, 2022 to July
The Young Eagles 30th Anniversary was
officially launched at EAA AirVenture Continued on Page 22
2022, but the year-round participation by
EAA members is what will make this cel-
ebration special!

To celebrate the Young Eagles 30th
Anniversary and to launch the program
into the next three decades, EAA is excit-
ed to announce a number of special

NATA Announces Leadership EEh> KZ D ^< ͍
d, d /^ d, Yh ^d/KE͘
Continued from Page 20 my new role. My ability to serve in this
capacity is based in part on the tireless ;&KZ /Z Z &d ^s />/E'^ dK &>ϭϴϬ Θ &>ϮϱϬͿ
NATA’s impact through advocacy efforts of Keith DeBerry as COO, Jason
advancements, education innovations, Miller as CFO, and the entire dedicated ^< ͞d, Kyz' E > z͟Π
and an elevated industry presence. We NATA staff. Together, we will work to /E&KΛ s/ d/KEKyz' E͘ KD
appreciate Curt’s long standing and con- advance safety initiatives, enhance train-
tinued commitment to NATA and will ing opportunities, assist aviation busi- Images and visions of Sagar Pathak
benefit greatly from his ability to foster nesses in navigating the needs of emerg-
progress through effective partnerships ing industry markets, and ensure business
and community collaboration,” Lowe aviation policy is sound and aligns with
added. our members’ current operating environ-
ment.”
Newly appointed NATA President
and CEO Castagna stated, “I am honored Learn more about NATA at
to continue my service to NATA mem- www.nata.aero.
bers and the aviation business industry in

E-Course to Help Others Fly

Continued from Page 19 While volunteering at a convention Specializing in Aviation Photography
for military aviators, Bodie’s dream of
e-course for aspiring aviators. It contains flying for a major airline materialized. www.HorizontalRain.com
information about scholarships, guidance She now flies the Airbus 320 as a first
on how to create a winning application, officer for American Airlines in addition
in-depth explanations of military assis- to her Air Force Reserve commitment
tance programs for enlisted personnel, and spends countless hours pouring into
and information about tools and others through a myriad of philanthropic
resources available to aspiring and cur- outlets. Bodie is now the vice president
rent pilots. of the North Carolina chapter of Women
in Aviation, which awards women schol-
“If it helps one person win a scholar- arships to fly, internationally.
ship or figure a path they didn’t know
about, the entire year working on it and “I always thought my gift was avia-
years building up to are worth it,” she tion,” Bodie said. “During COVID when
said. everything was paused, I had an
epiphany: my gift is not flying, my gift is
Bodie has helped several Airmen in my compassion and my love for people
her reserve unit, including Senior Airman and wanting to help them any way I can.
Antonio Frost, a KC-46 crew chief from God gave me airplanes as a vehicle to
Florence, South Carolina, who is enter- spread my compassion more. I would
ing his senior year of college hoping to always do it, but with airplanes I can do
commission and become a pilot. it on a larger scale through the world.”

“If she wasn’t helping me, I would Bodie’s free e-course can be accessed
probably be paying for the remainder of my at https://bogidope.com/courses/affordable/
flight hours out of pocket,” said Frost, who
is in the process of applying for a $20,000 Learn more about the Air Force at
scholarship with Bodie’s assistance. “She www.af.mil.
showed me the e-course for scholarships
and grants and is helping me write an essay
and submit other documents.”

22 In Flight USA Celebrating 38 Years September 2022

2022 ONE WEEK WONDER MAKES FIRST FLIGHT

This year’s completed One Week ple stopped by the booth to pull a rivet. More test flights are on the horizon as Joe Norris, EAA Lifetime 113615, was at
Wonder at EAA AirVenture in July had a What makes this Waiex-B unique is the aircraft certification process continues. the controls of the Sonex Waiex-B on its
successful first flight at Wittman Regional Once certified, the One Week Wonder will first flight Aug. 18. (Courtesy EAA)
Airport on Thursday, Aug.18. Joe Norris, that it is the first to incorporate a factory- be flown by EAA to chapter events and
EAA Lifetime 113615, was at the controls of designed installation of a Rotax 912iS other activities throughout the country. Williams, Toucan Exhaust, True Blue
the Sonex Waiex-B on a beautiful sunny day. engine. Power, uAvionix, and WB Parts Express.
The 2022 One Week Wonder project
The One Week Wonder project began The aircraft will also feature a cus- was presented by Sonex Aircraft and Rotax Learn more about the 2022 One
as a kit on Monday morning of AirVenture tom paint scheme courtesy of the “Pick Aircraft Engines, and supported by Week Wonder and see a video at eaa.org
Oshkosh 2022, July 25, and ended on The Paint” contest presented by The AeroLEDs, Aircraft Specialty Flightlines,
Sunday, July 31, with the aircraft’s first Sherwin-Williams Company and support- Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, Crow Safety
official taxi during the air show. ed by Scheme Designers Inc. Voters had Gear, David Clark, earthX, Flightline
10 options to pick from, created by Craig Interiors, FlyONSPEED, MGL Avionics,
EAA Director, Chapters & Barnett, CEO of Scheme Designers Inc. Midwest Panel Builders, Sandia Aerospace,
Homebuilt Community Manager Charlie After more than 5,000 votes, an American Scheme Designers, Sensenich, Sherwin-
Becker reports that more than 2,200 peo- flag-based design was the winner.

EAA Young Eagles Special Programs Announced

Contnued from Page 21 To show appreciation for these volunteer- All first time Young Eagles pilots, redeemed the following calendar year for
s’ efforts, Young Eagles coordinators can who fly their first Young Eagle between a wide variety of items that improve the
31, 2023 will be awarded a commemora- order commemorative Young Eagles Aug. 1, 2022 and July 31, 2023, will be Young Eagles program. This includes
tive Young Eagles 30th Anniversary polo 30th pins as recognition items for chapter entered in a monthly-basis to win a sponsoring Air Academy attendees, sup-
shirt. EAA will track these flights, and con- ground volunteers at EAA.org/YE30. Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset! plies/equipment to improve the chapter’s
tact the pilots as they reach their mile- Young Eagles program, Young Eagles
stones. New Young Eagles Pilot Drawings Double Young Eagles Credits for Workshop kits, and Young Eagles Build
– EAA is actively recruiting new Young EAA Chapters – To encourage chapters and Fly kits. Learn more at
Pilots can follow along with their Eagles pilots. The fact of the matter is to participate in the Young Eagles 30th EAA.org/YECredits.
progress and the progress of other pilots that there will always be aspiring aviators Anniversary, and host additional rallies,
using the World’s Largest Logbook and the looking to take flight for the first time, EAA will be offering double Young To learn more and get involved, visit
Young Eagles 30th Anniversary webpage. but there will also be a need for more vol- Eagles credits ($10 per flight) to chapters EAA.org/YE30.
unteer pilots. This is where EAA mem- from Jan. 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023.
Recognition for Ground bers can make a difference in the future
Volunteers – Young Eagles ground vol- of aviation. Young Eagles credits are accrued on
unteers are the unsung heroes of the a calendar year basis, and can be
chapter rallies hosted all over the county!

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24 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

CHICAGO’S AIR & WATER SHOW FINALLY BACK

By Larry E. Nazimek

The Chicago Air & Water Show Triple Time Team (Courtesy Larry E. Nazimek) MV-22 Osprey 1 (Larry E. Nazimek)
returned Aug. 20-21 after a two-
year hiatus. It was a “full” show, For the first time, the Air Force spersed with the other acts, but due to the F-22 Raptor flys past downtown sky-
although it was scheduled for four hours Heritage Flight (F-22 Raptor and P-51 low ceiling, all three were at the start of
instead of the usual five. It has gone, Mustang) and the Navy Legacy Flight (F- Sunday’s show. The Police had both hel- scrapers. (Larry E. Nazimek)
however, from its roots in 1959, with a 35C Lightning II, A-4 Skyhawk, and FG- icopters (Bell 206L Long Ranger and
budget of $88, to what it is now. 1D Corsair) were presented in the same Bell 206BIII Jet Ranger), something that
Air and Water Show; a rare event for any is seldom seen.
Once again, weather played a major air show. The C model of the F-35 is the
factor, with too much of the water in the Navy’s variant, with a larger wingspan With the weather holds, some things
air. With a show that has been going on and beefed up landing gear and tailhook had to be cut short. Bill Stein, Kevin
for so many years, it only makes sense for carrier landings. Coleman, and Rob Holland did not per-
that some of the shows will be confront- form their individual acts, but they per-
ed with bad weather. Neither of its two The three helicopter demonstrations formed their formation act under the
days, however, were canceled. As the (Chicago Fire Dept. Air/Sea Rescue Bell “Triple Time Team” moniker when the
weather changed, so did the plan, so 412EP Huey; Chicago Police Dept. cloud cover opened up.
onlookers were exposed to the decision- Helicopters; U. S. Coast Guard Air/Sea
making processes that goes on. The first Rescue MH-65E) are normally inter- You may have never heard of air
day of the show was characterized by show aircraft being used to check the
rain, although not continuous, while the weather, but that’s exactly what the KC-
second day had some rain, but the main 135 did. It flew past the crowds and
factor was low cumulus clouds. peeled off into the clouds.

Susan Dacy’s “Barnstorming Amer- Fortunately, the A-10C Thunder-
ica with Big Red” act had to be canceled, bolts and the USMC MV-22 Osprey acts
because she flies an open-cockpit were able to be completed, as they don’t
Stearman. There was also consideration need high ceilings. As the clouds moved
given to the possibility of rain damaging out, the F-22 and F-35C demo teams per-
the paint job of some of the civilian formed.
planes. When it comes to antique aircraft,
“preservation” is an important factor. When the weather permitted, the
Army’s Golden Knights were able to
Serving the General jump, but only after their C-31A
Aviation Community Troopship flew around and dropped
streamers to access the winds.
Since 1981
Although the show was scheduled to
end at 2 p.m., due to the weather, Golden Knights jump. (Larry E. Nazimek)
Saturday’s Blue Angels performance was
2008 SR20 GTS – N175PG slipped to 2:15, and Sunday’s to 2:20. F-35C Lightning II 4. (weapon bay
This was possible, because the NOTAM
Only 1125 TTSN, NDH, Dual 430Ws, GTX 330 ES, EX-5000 PFD/ securing the airspace lasted until 3 p.m..
MFD, S-TEC 55X, SkyWatch, Stormscope. – $315,000 They had planned on doing their low
show, but on Sunday, when the lead pilot
• Aircraft Sales (920) 261-4567 saw that the clouds permitted, they were open) (Larry E. Nazimek)
• Maintenance able to do a maneuver out of their high
• Avionics [email protected] show. Flexibility and adaptability were
• Interiors WisconsinAviation.com the keys here.

As the saying goes, “The show must
go on!”

)

In Flight USA... is on Facebook.

Come join in for some “plane” talk.

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 25

MORE THAN JUST A FLIGHT SCHOOL, XL AVIATION IS A COMMUNITY

By Annamarie Buonocore Anna: I started with another school IFUSA: You mentioned you were Ops Manager Anna Zavrazhnova in the XL
but I didn’t really like it. It was also kind of already in a competition last year. Tell me Hangar. XL Aviation offers ACM (Air
I n Flight USA recently had the pleas- expensive. Then I found a Facebook page, more about that. Combat Maneuvering) training. Exper-
ure of interviewing Anna Zavrazhnova, “Russian pilots of Bay area,” and I asked ience ACM in the world’s most maneuver-
the ops manager at XL Aviation in some questions there about flight training. Anna: Yes, I was in Coalinga last able aircraft while putting your aerobatic
Livermore, Calif. Anna is a very accom- Someone introduced me to an instructor year and got second place and then I was skills to the test. The training program com-
plished pilot, especially since she started her that works here at XL and he’s a very good in Tracy (Northern Calif.) this year and I bines everything on their flight training
training under difficult circumstances in instructor. I got my license with him. moved up to Sportsman (category) and I menu. It’ll expand and improve your situa-
Russia. She came to the U.S. and completed placed ninth. I didn’t train well or as tional awareness and response skills.
her training, while learning English, and Our first introductory lesson with much as I wanted before this competi- Instructors tailor XL’s ACM sorties for all
now sees XL Aviation as her second home. him was in a Decathlon. I really like aer- tion. I’m hoping to be training more and levels of pilot expertise by military combat
XL’s mission is to train pilots to be better obatics and I always wanted to fly aero- to get better results. I’m planning to go to trained CFI’s. Come experience aerobatic
and safer in the air and on the ground. Their batics. We went up in the Decathlon and Redlands for another competition. I hope flight! (Courtesy Annamarie Buonocore)
fleet of aircraft and expert flight instructors I enjoyed flying with him. Then I did my to do better. We have a lot of planes here
provide exactly what you need, and meet training in a Cessna and got my license in so we can train and compete in those. Clint Beacham are great XL instructors
you where you are in your training, even if about a year. I was working on my instru- with tens-of-thousands of hours teaching
you started your training in another country ment rating but quit for a little while to do IFUSA: What advice would you flight. Mike (Henderson), the owner, is
and are learning English, like Anna. They some aerobatics and I went to my first give to aspiring pilots and people who always helping people. He believes in me
offer flight training in aerobatics, onset competition in Coalinga (central Calif.) want to learn how to fly? and always supported me. He even gave
upset recovery, and air combat maneuver- and placed second. And then I started my me a block of hours to prepare for my
ing. Also, they offer solo aircraft rentals and instrument training again. So now I’m Anna: I want to say don’t give up. It first competition. He does that with many
aircraft type certifications at all levels. doing both, instrument and aerobatics. was very hard for me. When I started to of us. He helped Cameron (Koutz) to get
fly, I didn’t have much time and money. I his CFI and now Cameron is instructing
In Flight USA: The first question I IFUSA: That’s what is so great was working immigrant jobs, like here. He helps all people who need it.
have for you today is tell me a little bit about this school. They do a lot of aero- babysitting, and I didn’t speak English
about yourself and why you wanted to batic training and they have access to very well. When I first started, I didn’t What else is very good here in the
come here to the USA to learn to fly? those kinds of planes. Is aerobatics your understand a single word my instructor U.S., you have scholarships and the FAA
favorite kind of flying? was saying to me. My instructor would and people want to help. In Russia, it’s
Anna: I’m originally from Russia say, “you’re not understanding anything, not like that. They just want your money.
and I started to fly in Russia but it was Anna: Oh yes, this is my favorite you can’t get a license.” But I did start to Here, safety is very important. And I
very complicated. It is very corrupt. I had kind of flying. My favorite plane is Pitts. understand and I did learn and I got my would like to add that everyone here, the
to work three jobs to be able to fly just 20 They are fun to fly and hard to land and license in a year… not too bad! And dur- instructors and the mechanics are very
minutes per week. I couldn’t get my it was hard for me to get checked out in ing that time, I had to take some breaks good. They are experienced and they
license there. In Russia, you have to be in it. The Decathlon is pretty easy to land because of the fires in California. So want to keep safety as a top priority.
a school that is approved, like an FAA- but hard to fly aerobatics with huge don’t give up. You can do it!
approved school here, but there are less wings and little ailerons. You have to be IFUSA: Is the school good about
then 10 in the entire country and you pretty good to fly them well. Pitts is more IFUSA: Why would you recom- bringing women into aviation?
have to pay a lot of money to get the sporty, more sensitive. mend XL, what sets it apart?
license. It just so complicated and there Anna: We have numerous female
wasn’t a school I could go to so I was in IFUSA: Does your instructor still Anna: Its special. The atmosphere is instructors here, Lynzie (Hudson) and
a club, not any kind of regulatory work here at XL? different here. I was in other schools and others and of course many female pilots
approved school, but just a flight club they were about business, you get your at all levels including aerobatics. We
where I couldn’t get a license legally. I Anna: Yes, he still works here. He papers and you go to the hangar. You never have one girl who got her private license
came here with my husband. If it wasn’t works here full-time and he’s very busy. I see a mechanic. But here, we’re all in one in a Decathlon, in a tail wheel, and then
for flying, I would have never thought of brought all my Russian friends here. They place. You see the owners and you see she got her commercial license in a twin,
leaving Russia. I have my family and my all fly with him. He also has the TSA mechanics. The receptionist is here in the in a Barron, and then single-engine add in
friends there but when my husband said “Permission to Initiate Training,” regula- hangar. There was a student who came a Pitts. She’s pretty impressive and flies a
we should think about coming to the tions papers. When you’re a foreign stu- here because he failed his oral exam. He lot. We have families, and we have peo-
U.S., I thought about flying and I agreed. dent, you have to get the TSA permission was asked about engines and so he was ple who come with their kids and their
When I came to say bye to my Russian for flight training. If you’re an instructor frustrated because he never met a mechan- dogs. The kids get to watch and fly in
instructor Georgij Kaminski, the honored you have to apply for this and he has the ic at his old school. He felt he needed to cool planes. It’s a great community.
coach of the Russian aerobatic team, who formal knowledge and ability to train for- know more about engines. Here, I was
won multiple World and European aero- eign students. We actually have a lot of standing right there with the mechanic and IFUSA: XL is an impressive school.
batic championships, he said I’m doing people from all over the world here at XL, he was changing oil and so I just asked Thank you so much for your time.
the right thing because everything is only Russian students, students from India and him about it. He could explain everything.
getting worse in Russia. many other countries. Learn more about XL Aviation at
This atmosphere here is like in a xlaviationtailwheel.com.
IFUSA: Does your husband also fly? IFUSA: Do you want to make avia- community and a family. In a big flight
Anna: No, he’s an IT guy. He came tion your full-time occupation and school, pilots just don’t get to know each
here because the Silicon Valley is a good career? other. Everybody knows everybody here.
place for him to be. John (Degennaro) is the Chief Pilot and
IFUSA: What made you chose XL Anna: I always wanted to fly. It was he has flown in international aerobatic
Aviation in Livermore as your flight my dream from my childhood. My great- competitions and airshows with Sean
school? grandpa was a World War II pilot. I want Tucker. He loves to fly a Pitts and now
to get my commercial license and maybe he’s an airline captain and teaches aero-
instruct here as a CFI. I never wanted to batics here. Allan (Crabill), Lynzie
fly for the airlines but I enjoy recreation- (Hudson), Cam Koutz, Mike Becker,
al flying, especially aerobatics.

Have an event coming up? Submit it for publication in the In Flight USA Events Calendar online at inflightusa.com

26 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

Editorial By Ed Downs

A MIDAIR CAN RUIN YOUR DAY

USPAP Bank Values Two recent videos produced by common to air carrier operations (and many
for All Aircraft, AOPA’s Air Safety Institute GA planes), all we had to work with were
caught this writer’s attention. Yes, Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs) which
Aircraft Management, as the title implies, both reports were only covered the last 30 minutes of a crew’s
and Insurance Claims about midair collisions, with loss of life. conversation. Yes, we picked up on proce-
But it was not just the tragedy of these dural and crew coordination issues, but also
DIVORCE – PATERNITY events that struck home, but the misun- something else, which was unexpected. In
MEN’S RIGHTS derstandings this writer encounters the vast majority of CVRs reviewed, the
almost every time I teach a class (week- crew was conversing about the situation
If you are Involved in a Divorce or end live or ZOOM), fly with a student, or which was about to kill them. They were
Paternity Case... conduct a check-out or flight review. One trying to confirm with the other crew mem-
...you Should Know That: of the fun aspects of working with more bers that something was wrong, a clearance
than 300 students per year (including might have been misunderstood or perhaps
1. You may have an excellent chance of obtaining child custody; conducting Flight Instructor Revalidation a key aircraft system was malfunctioning.
2. It’s your child...she doesn’t own it; Courses) is that one is allowed to sample But they were not acting, they were not
3. There are numerous legal methods of avoiding alimony; what is going on in GA and professional seeking clarification from ATC, they were
4. There are numerous legal methods of avoiding loss of your property; flying from one end of the country to the not declaring an emergency. Our NASA
5. If properly represented, you won’t be “taken to the cleaners”, other. While midair collisions are typical- team concluded that “intuition” is a power-
6. Courts can be legally required not to favor the woman; ly not at the top of the conversation list, ful safety tool and that if you are “thinking
7. You can fight against false charges of child abuse or spousal abuse. there are many training scenarios that something is wrong,” IT IS! Immediate
8. You can emerge from a divorce emotionally and financially sound; include the potential of a midair. Allow action is required. In other words, you are
9. Men do have rights! this old CFI to ramble just a bit, keeping not in danger of having an accident, the
10. California cases only. stats and FARs to a minimum, but shar- accident is already happening. Such was the
ing personal views gleaned from years of case in the two most recent midair colli-
Contact: Lawyers For Men’s Rights working with pilots and the ATC system. sions.
213-384-8886
First, are midair collisions a major In the first example, two aircraft
or visit us at www.mensrightslawyers.com factor in general aviation? Not really, were approaching a well-known towered
LAW OFFICES OF STUART J. FABER with such encounters averaging some- airport, one on a long final and the other
where in the teens to low 20s, every year. cleared for a mid-field crossing to line up
They have not gotten worse, but also not with a parallel runway. By all appear-
improved. From purely a statistical stand- ances, a well-managed process to get
point, the odds are in your favor of never both airplanes on the ground in the least
even coming close to a midair. But while amount of time. The tower was talking to
doing research for my old employer, both planes and both pilots were on fre-
Continental Airlines, back in a late quency. Communication could not have
70s/early 80s time frame, this writer been better, but the aircraft overflying the
joined other airline pros and NASA to field flew past the parallel runway
study airline-related accidents. The assigned and overtook the plane on final.
NASA team was lead of Dr. John K. Of the three players in this tragedy, at
Lauber, Ph.D. Neuropsychology, a truly least one must have had bad “vibes,” but
remarkable guy. We held meetings at no clarifications were sought or given. In
Embry Riddle University and finally the the second example, a training plane (CFI
NASAAmes Research Center in the SFO and student) was doing typical pattern
Bay area. Really cool stuff to play with! work, touch-and-goes, making good
Dr. Lauber offered an interesting view CTAF calls as this was a non-towered air-
regarding “statistical safety.” According port. An arriving plane decided to make a
to Dr. Lauber, “ The chances of being in long straight-in approach at high speed,
any kind of accident may be only .001 again making CTAF calls. The trainer
percent, but if you are involved, you par- turned base and final in front of the arriv-
ticipate at 100 percent.” That point stuck ing straight-in utilizing typical CTAF
with this writer and many others. These procedures. The straight-in called final
studies evolved into what we know today approach. The trainer attempted to go
as Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) around at the last minute, obviously con-
and are a part of all pilot training. It was, cerned about the unseen plane now clos-
in fact, this NASA activity that came ing on his six, but too late. The slower
back to this writer’s mind as I watched plane was run over by the faster plane. It
the two videos produced by AOPA’s Air is hard to imagine that, given the level of
Safety Institutes. communication going on in both of these
examples, at least one of the players did
These early NASA studies were look- not question what was happening but
ing specifically for airline procedural errors simply did nothing for too long. It is often
and/or poor crew communication. Without
the advanced data recording systems now Continued on Page 27

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 27

NASCAR DRIVER DALE EARNHARDT JR. TO SHARE LEADERSHIP

LESSONS ON AND OFF THE TRACK AS NBAA-BACE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The National Business Aviation Dale Earnhardt Jr., who became the only third-generation NASCAR champion, has Dale Earnhardt amassed 26 career victo-
Association (NBAA) on Aug. 23 ries throughout his racing career, includ-
announced that famed stock car racer long utilized business aviation. He was on a flight that overran a runway on landing in ing the 2004 and 2014 Daytona 500s.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., will be a keynote
speaker, opening the first day (Oct. 18) of Tennessee, nearly ending in tragedy. On day one of the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Since 2006, Earnhardt also has
the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation served as owner of JR Motorsports,
Convention & Exhibition (NBAA- Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), he will speak to his experience, and the les- which fields four full-time entries that
BACE) in Orlando, FL. have scored 40 wins in the Xfinity Series,
sons he has learned from the event. (Courtesy NBAA) in addition to two late model stock cars
With back-to-back NASCAR competing regionally in the Southeast.
Infinity Series titles in 1998 and 1999,
Earnhardt became the only third-genera- Earnhardt, who has long utilized
tion NASCAR champion, following his business aviation, was on a flight that
legendary father Dale Earnhardt Sr., and overran a runway on landing in
his grandfather Ralph Earnhardt. In total, Tennessee, nearly ending in tragedy. He

Editorial: A Midair Can Ruin Your Day Continued on Page 30

Continued from Page 26 only on a “workload permits” basis. The (one mile, remain clear of clouds), mean- advisories is not included. Like our air-
amount of traffic within a radar sector, ing there could be a VFR plane out their port airspace (Class B and C), radar is for
thought that good communication, controller training, experience and judg- (not smart) right next to the cloud you are IFR separation, not VFR.
through CTAF or an ATC facility, will ment all enter the picture. The primary coming out of. Heads up! And what about
assure a midair will not occur. Nothing purpose of approach and departure con- you VFR pilots flying from class G air- VFR flight advisories will be given on
can be further from the truth. trol is to get their “participating cus- ports? You might be flying a perfect traf- a “workload-permits” basis. Flight follow-
tomers” (meaning IFR flights) to line up fic pattern, making great CTAF calls ing is typically available in “airway air-
Let’s talk about operations around on the final approach course or to get when an IFR plane comes popping out of space,” more commonly known at Class E.
class B, C and D airports. Isn’t the pri- them out to the airway. It is the job of the clouds from any direction appropriate Class E is also referred to as “Controlled
mary job of airport-related ATC, be it local control (tower) to pick up arriving to the approach procedure. Sure, you are Airspace,” meaning the FAA has the juris-
local control (tower), or approach and planes (brought to them by approach con- working CTAF, but what about the IFR diction to control aircraft… if requested.
departure control (radar) to keep you trol) and get them on the ground and out pilot? Possibly not. As learned from the How does one “request control?” Simple,
from hitting other planes? Certainly, you of the way of the next landing plane as midair example discussions earlier, file an IFR flight plan, which immediately
think, “when I am on radar (actually GPS fast as possible. These two FAA facilities CTAF is of no value unless both planes moves you to the head of the list with pos-
ADS-B display), I am flying with shields act as a team to optimize airspace and are using it (recommended, but not an itive separation from other IFR partici-
up, guarantied separation, right?” The runway utilization for their IFR cus- FAR) and you take appropriate action pants. Remember your VFR minimums in
answer is an emphatic NO! One must tomers. Of course, they do this task when something sounds goofy. class E airspace? Below 10,000 feet MSL,
clearly understand how the U.S. ATC sys- expertly and with a goal of not running visibility is three miles, 1,000 feet over
tem works, which is very different from planes into each other, but it is the IFR Bottom line, when around airports clouds, 500 feet under clouds and 2,000
most other countries. Our entire ATC sys- plane that carries the big stick when it (towered or non-towered), do radar and feet from clouds. Is that designed to keep
tem is based upon “see and be seen,” that comes to the game of “cram and jam.” communication always insure everyone VFR pilots out of trouble? Nope, it is
task belonging to the Pilot in Command knows where the other guy is … designed to give IFR pilots time to pop out
(PIC) who is the final authority as to the But the vast majority of instrument absolutely not! One last thought, do you of a cloud and then see and avoid a non-
operation of the aircraft. You are held approaches are at non-towered airport. always fly a standard traffic patter, espe- IFR aircraft. Once again, the “miss respon-
responsible to not hit other airplanes. The No radar, no radar separation. These type cially on entry and exit? Do you know sibility” is on the pilot. And remember,
only exception to this is when you are on of approaches have increased due to GPS that traffic patterns as defined in the Chart ADS-B is not required below 10,000 MSL.
an IFR flight plan, or clearance, and in technology. When arriving such an air- Supplement are regulatory for non-tow- Planes below 10K may, or may not, have
Instrument Meteorological Conditions port, you are cleared for an approach and ered airports, not just suggestions? While been “seen” by radar in time to give a
(IMC). Under IMC, ATC affords you need to let ATC know when you are on there certainly are exceptions, the stan- warning, if ARTCC even notices the poten-
positive separation from other IMC traf- the ground, then the next guy comes dard 45-degree to the down-wind entry is tial conflict. Yeah, but doesn’t everyone
fic. If on an IFR clearance, but in Visual down. On departure, you are given a time a regulation. That “straight-in” involved have ADS-B. This country boy is here to
Meteorological Conditions (VMC), you (launch window) and block of airspace, in the collision previously discussed was tell you … NO! Again, workload, con-
are held responsible to not hit a VFR air- not radar vectors. Other IFR aircraft are in violation of FAR requirements. troller training and skill all enter the picture.
plane. That is why Class B, C and D air- kept out of you block of airspace until Always ask the rhetorical question, “Am
space have VFR minimums, including you let ATC know you are in or out of the I in a position to see and avoid another One can drone on (oh yes, watch out
separation from clouds. They do not exist system. In the case of non-towered air- airplane?” If the answer is no, change for drones!) as there are many situations
to protect VFR pilots from bad weather, port with GPS approaches that are con- your situation … NOW! that can lead to a midair, so lets just go
but to give an IFR plane popping out of a sidered a “precision approach,” the stan- back to the basics. You are pilot in com-
cloud time to see and avoid a non-IFR dard VFR minimums of three miles visi- Let’s talk in-route. Certainly, in- mand, and you are responsible to see and
plane. In class C airspace, approach and bility and standard cloud clearance go to route flight following (ARTCC) will avoid. Never assign that responsibility to
departure control radar have jurisdiction the ground, giving you (the IMC pilot) advise you of traffic and keep you as safe another person or technology. If in doubt
out to 20 miles from the airport, but non- time to pop out and see a VFR airplane in as the Starship Enterprise being moni- … ACT!… to change the situation. Don’t
IFR traffic is required to communicate time to miss it. tored by the eagle-eyed Mr. Spock… let the very small .001 percent of proba-
with a class C airport only within 10 right? To be sure, in-route flight follow- bility become a 100 percent involvement!
miles. That last 10 miles (out to 20) pro- But many of these non-towered air- ing is a great idea, especially due to
vides services only to “participating” air- ports (Class G) have GPS non-precision important weather and airspace alerts you
craft and, in the case of a non-IFR plane, approaches with Class G VFR minimums might pick up, but a guarantee of traffic

28 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

GENERAL AVIATION MOVES CLOSER TO AN UNLEADED FUTURE
FAA Approves GAMI Uunleaded Avgas STCs for Entire GA Piston Fleet
By AOPA Staff GAMI covering a smaller number of AvFuel is standing by to manage the
Cessna 172 engines and airframes, and logistics and distribution of G100UL, Aviation Groups React to FAA
The FAA, on Sept. 1, signed off on Approval of GAMI Unleaded
supplemental type certificates to then expanded those STC approved and said he is open to partnerships. “Our Avgas STCs
allow General Aviation Modifi- model list (AML) to include essentially arrangement is that any qualified refiner
cations Inc.’s (GAMI’s) 100-octane all lower-compression engines. Though or blender of existing aviation fuels will Along with AOPA, several other
that was seen as an encouraging step for- be eligible to produce and sell it subject
unleaded fuel (G100UL) to be used in ward in the years-long path to supply to the quality assurance requirements that aviation organization leaders reacted
every general spark-ignition engine and unleaded aviation fuel to the piston air- the FAA has approved,” he said. to the FAA’s Sept. 1 announcement

every airframe powered by those craft fleet, the STC’s did not include air- The timing for when G100UL will regarding the FAA’s Approval of
engines. The move was hailed by the craft needing the higher-octane fuel that reach airports is still uncertain. “It’s GAMI Unleaded Avgas STCs.
industry as a major step in the transition accounts for two-thirds of avgas con- going to take a while to manage the infra- General Aviation Manufacturers

to an unleaded GA future. sumption. The FAA’s Sept. 1 announce- structure including manufacturing and Association (GAMA) President and
The FAA’s approval of the use of ment addresses the needs of those higher- distribution,” Braly said. The supply CEO, Pete Bunce, issued the following
G100UL fuel in all piston aircraft direct- compression engines. chain “is still a very wounded infrastruc- statement regarding the FAA’s
GAMI co-founder George Braly ture and that’s not going to make the approval of Supplemental Type
ly addresses the industry’s long-standing
goal of finding solutions that can be used said, “This is a big day for the industry. It process any easier, but we have a handle Certificates (STC) to allow General
means that for a lot of our general avia- on how to do this, and with the support of Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI)
for the entire GA piston fleet.
“I’m proud of GAMI, the industry tion communities, and especially for a the major players I think we can do that. 100-octane unleaded fuel (G100UL)
team, and the FAA for persevering over high fraction on the West Coast, relief is It’s going to be limited to begin with, but to be used in every general spark-igni-
the long term and getting a fuel that the on the way. And it means that our indus- it can be ramped up rapidly,” he said. tion engine and every airframe pow-

FAA has recognized as a viable alterna- try will be able to go into the future and Baker said it’s important to get any ered by those engines:
“As we continue to work towards
tive to low lead,” AOPA President Mark prosper, and provide the essential infra- fuels approved for use to the California
Baker said. “It’s vital that we find solu- structure for this country for everything market as soon as practical, in light of the a safe and reliable transition to an
tions to what has been plaguing general from Angel Flights to critical training of fact that some municipalities have pre- unleaded future state for piston-engine
aviation since the seventies. It’s certainly our future airline pilots.” maturely banned the sale of leaded avgas aircraft, FAA issuance of a broader
Braly thanked the GA community and threatened a safe and smart transition STC for GAMI’s G100UL is a signifi-
the biggest issue I have dealt with in my for its support through this long process. to unleaded. “It is a politically charged cant milestone. Manufacturers look

time at AOPA.”
“This is a big deal,” Baker added, “Without it we couldn’t have gotten this issue there, and this will help keep our forward to having an opportunity to
“but there is a lot of work yet to be done.” done,” he said. airports open with fuel that works with all understand the composition and per-
formance of this new fuel to support
In 2021 the FAA approved STCs for GAMI’s Braly has said that Ann aircraft.” Continued on Page 30 Continued on Page 34

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September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 29

Flying With Faber

AN INTERLUDE TO A PACIFIC ISLAND
Iwas a kid during World War II. Every
day, we scanned the local newspaper Exterior and Bay. (Courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort) Stuart J. Faber
for stories about the progress of the and Aunt Bea
war. On Saturdays, we went to the movie of the Navy Cross. In the late 70s, he southeast side of Coronado, the bulk of
theater to see the latest cowboy picture recounted a few of his war stories to me. the Naval Amphibious Base, and most of Bayside View Room.
show. A newsreel showing the progress One involved his gunner who was the Coronado Cays (all on the south side (Courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort)
of the war in Europe and air combat in wounded during a dogfight. The examin- of Coronado) were built on soil dredged or patios. We could gaze out over the
the Pacific always preceded the film. er described how he nursed his crippled from San Diego Bay. yachts bobbing in the marina, enjoy a
aircraft back to a carrier. The gunner did spectacular sunset from a private bal-
After the war, a popular musical not survive. We were in the mood for an island cony, or simply kick back and enjoy all
play, later a movie, entitled South Pacific journey that would take us to a secluded the modern goodies from free Wi-Fi and
was produced. The backdrop of the pro- A Recent Visit to a Pacific Island retreat with a small town atmosphere, ample outlets to 55-inch flat-screen TVs
duction was the South Pacific during the water activities, exciting restaurants and and Keurig coffeemakers.
war. Many of the songs, written by In the spirit of complete journalistic comfortable resorts. The geological des-
Rogers and Hammerstein, became clas- disclosure, accuracy and integrity, the ignation of our destination was of no con- The Crown Landing Restaurant,
sics. One was “Bali H’ai.” island I am about to describe may not cern to us. We are still reluctant to board skippered by super-chef Jesse Llapitan,
even be an island. An island is a tract of a commercial airliner and subject our- offers outstanding selections, of fresh
This production glamorized and land surrounded by water. However, selves to the risks and dangers associated seafood, poultry and Wagyu beef in a
romanticized the islands of the South some geologists describe Coronado as a with 2022 air travel. We selected gorgeous setting overlooking the marina.
Pacific. The war years were anything but tombolo. A further exercise of honesty Coronado Island – a Pacific Island with
glamorous and romantic. I’ve read numer- compels me to admit that, until recently, I all of the attractions we desired and with- Activities
ous books about the carnage and destruc- had no familiarity with tombolos. The out the morbid history that I have
tion of the war in the Pacific. I am current- dictionary defines a tombolo as a mound described. Pool.
ly reading Fly Boy Heroes, the story of the of sand or gravel that connects an island (Courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort)
WWII Medal of Honor recipients (James to the mainland or another island. We strolled the streets of the quaint
H. Hallas, Stackpole Books, 2022). These Tombolo is derived by the Latin tumulus, downtown, sampled a few family owned Loews Coronado Bay Resort part-
kids, many of them farm boys, were bare- which is a mound. restaurants, walked on the dog-friendly ners with Action Sports Rentals to offer a
ly adults when they first flew the fighters, beaches, gazed at naval training flights variety of waterfront activities. Rental
such as the P-51 Mustang, Douglas Geographically speaking, Coronado and settled in at the wonderful Loews options from the marina include power-
Dauntless, P-40, P-39, P-38, F-4 and the is a 32.7-square-mile island joined to the Coronado Bay Resort. boats which guests can personally oper-
Corsair- plus the B-24 and B-25 bombers. mainland by a tombolo known as the ate on San Diego Bay, jet skis, water-ski-
I can still recognize and identify each and Silver Strand. Since recorded history, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, ing packages, sailboats, stand-up paddle
every one of these airplanes. Coronado was primarily separated from 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, boats, kayaks and surf lessons.
North Island by a shallow inlet of water California 92118, 619/424-4000. www.
Many of the Medal of Honor medals called the Spanish Bight. The develop- loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort Continued on Page 30
were awarded posthumously. These farm ment of North Island by the United States
kids, no older than 21-24 when they per- Navy prior to, and during World War II, I’ve always enjoyed a visit to Loews
ished, were brave beyond any person I’ve led to the filling of the bight, which com- Coronado Bay Resort, a bayside escape,
ever known. bined the land areas into a single body. with a distinct southern California flavor.
Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI Situated on a private 15-acre peninsula
In the past years, I’ve made numerous or “North Island”) on Coronado is still surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and
pilgrimages to, and island-hopped, many operational. On the southern side of the Coronado Bay, the resort, located min-
of the South Pacific Islands. I’ve visited town is the Naval Amphibious Base, a utes from downtown San Diego, is a
Guam, the Gilberts, the Marianas and the training center for Navy SEALs and spe- short drive to the city’s world-famous
Marshalls to name a few. I’ve seen rusty cial warfare combatant-craft crewmen. I attractions. Resort amenities include
sunken ships and airplanes, still visible should also confess that, heretofore, I did direct access to the pristine Silver Strand
from the surface. In the Marshalls, off of not know what a “bight” was. State Beach, three tennis courts, a private
Kwajalein, I observed a downed B-24. At 81-slip marina, 439 sea-inspired guest
low tide, a portion of its damaged fuselage The “Country Club” area on the rooms and suites, and panoramic views
protruded above the surface. I dived down northwest side of Coronado, the of the San Diego-Coronado Bay.
and touched the aircraft. I soon learned “Glorietta” area and golf course on the
that the crewmembers who crash landed Each of the 440 rooms and 40 suites,
the ship were captured by the Japanese and tastefully designed with a coastal color
summarily executed. palette, are graced with private balconies

The book describes in gory detail
how many of these kids lost their lives.
Some were killed as they parachuted
from their doomed, spiraling aircraft. A
Japanese pilot would take a final, fatal
shot at these helpless kids. To be fair,
American pilots engaged in the same
insane conduct.

The FAA examiner with whom I
took my ATP check ride was a recipient

30 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

General Aviation Moves Closer to an Unleaded Future

Continued from Page 28 tional] cost,” he said. Swift Fuels Inc., an Indiana based In addition, two fuel candidates are
While the cost of the fuel has not “It’s not going to be unreasonable,” company, has received FAA approval for currently in the PAFI testing process.
its 94-octane unleaded fuel, and has
been determined, Braly said the small Braly added. “Pilots in America will not expanded its distribution, particularly to All fuel manufacturers continue to
batch production process that will initial- be paying what they’re paying for avgas the West Coast. Swift Fuels’ 94-octane be encouraged to follow through with
ly earmark the arrival of G100UL at air- in Europe today.” fuel meets some, but not all, of the their own formulations, Baker said.
ports means that the fuel will cost slight- demand of aircraft with lower-compres- “We’d like to see several fuels available
ly more than leaded avgas. “Small vol- Owners can also expect to see sion engines. The company is developing that all work together and blend together.
ume batches cost money,” he said. “Until engines that operate more efficiently. “I a 100R unleaded fuel with more than 10 Competition is always a good thing for
we can get [production] revved up that think the days of cleaning spark plugs percent renewable content. the markets.”
we’re making millions of gallons at a every 50 hours are going to be behind us
time, there will be an incremental [addi- for good,” Braly said.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Share Leadership Lessons

Continued from Page 27 special moment at NBAA-BACE.” Fans and media selected Earnhardt Taking place Oct. 18-20 at the
In 2007, Earnhardt launched The as one of the top three Xfinity Series driv- Orange County Convention Center and
will speak to his experience, and the les- ers of all-time in a 2006 NASCAR poll, nearby Orlando Executive Airport
sons he has learned from the event. Dale Jr. Foundation dedicated to provid- and he has been recognized among the (ORL), NBAA-BACE will explore
ing opportunities for underprivileged country’s most influential athletes by future-forward technologies and innova-
“We are pleased to welcome Dale youth to build their confidence and publications including Forbes and tive perspectives, while also showcasing
Earnhardt to be with us at this year’s con- achieve their goals. He has also been rec- BusinessWeek. Following his retirement the very latest business aviation aircraft,
vention,” said NBAA President and CEO ognized by Make-A-Wish as one of only from racing full-time in 2017, Earnhardt products and services. Learn more about
Ed Bolen. “He is a well-known advocate a handful of athletes who has facilitated joined NBC Sports Group to provide NBAA-BACE from the NBAA website,
for business aviation, and a leader and more than 200 “wishes” for kids battling NASCAR coverage and commentary. nbaa.org.
role model outside the raceway. His terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
keynote presentation will be a unique and

Flying With Faber

and gravy plate, a chicken fried steak
meal or a complete turkey dinner with all
the trimmings. Service was friendly and
efficient. Breakfast was accompanied by
musical selections from an old-fashioned
jukebox.

Airports

Sunset. Coronado Street Scene (Stuart J. Faber) Clayton’s Coffee Shop (Stuart J. Faber) Pilots have a choice of at least two
(Courtesy Loews Coronado Bay Resort) Foyer with breathtaking views of the San airports. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive
Diego Bay to various water-view terraces One evening, we had a hankering for Airport (KMYF), six miles from the city,
Continued from Page 29 and gardens, each space comes with Mexican cuisine. We discovered Miguel’s has parallel runways, plus one intersect-
unparalleled service. Ranging from a Cocina, 1351 Orange Avenue, 619/437- ing runway. Runway 10L/28R is 4,598
Experience Loews at the Strand on small pilot club reunion to an extravagant 4237, a cozy, family-owned establishment feet long. Runway 10R/28L is 3,401 feet
Silver Strand State Beach. Take the com- destination wedding, the resort can be the on a tree-lined street that has been around long. There are ILS and GPS/RNAV
plimentary shuttle out to the beach (or a site of a memorable event. for decades. The cuisine, primarily tradi- approaches. Crownair, 858/292-1181, is
quick 5-minute stroll), and enjoy beach tional Mexican, also presents some mod- my favorite FBO. Rental cars are avail-
toys, boogie boards, and more. Surfing Dining in the Village ernized offerings. We feasted on enchi- able. Years ago, I often flew into this field
lessons can be arranged with the ladas, tacos, fajitas, beans and rice. Other with a friend who did nightly commercial
Coronado Surfing Academy. Guests can Miguel’s Enchiladas (Stuart J. Faber) popular dishes include seafood ceviche, runs, just to dine at Casa Machado
also rent a bike, play tennis on one of the classic Mexican meatballs and pollo Mexican restaurant which is on the field.
three courts, work out in the fitness cen- asado. It turned out to be one of the best
ter or just lounge around the pool. Mexican dinners we’ve ever had. An alternative is San Diego
International Airport, aka Lindberg Field,
San Diego is home to several chal- By morning, our mood drifted to an (KSAN). I used to love to fly the LOC
lenging golf courses. From public cours- old fashioned coffee shop breakfast. We back course to R27. Although this airport
es to PGA-caliber greens, these venues hopped aboard the hotel’s free shuttle to is in the heart of the city, it is not as GA
are located within easy driving distance the downtown area and landed at another friendly as it was in previous years. Fuel
of the resort. Coronado Municipal Golf family-owned landmark, Clayton’s is about $2 per gallon higher than neigh-
Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course with Coffee Shop, 979 Orange Avenue, boring fields.
wide, inviting fairways, immaculately 619/435-5425. Not only do they have an
manicured greens and stunning views of expansive breakfast menu, they offer I love the South Pacific. On many
Coronado Bridge and the Bay. tempting coffee shop lunches, burgers, occasions during my island visits, I hum
shakes, hot fudge sundaes and home- “Bali H’ai” to myself. On most occa-
Meetings & Events made pies. The blue-plate specials sions, I fight back my tears ¬– usually
include a fried chicken dinner, a meatloaf without success. Our recent trip to the
Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers tombolo-tethered island of Coronado was
more than 70,000-square-feet of indoor one of joy. We observed naval aircraft,
and outdoor meeting space. From the dancing in flight. They were at peace.
spacious Commodore Ballroom and

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 31

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32 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

Homebuilder’s Workshop By Ed Wischmeyer

FLYING TO OSHKOSH AND BACK

Flying my little two seat RV-9A After flying the demo airplane the The route north started out due west from The route north, starting due west to
from Savannah, GA, to the big air- next morning, the short flight to Iowa to Savanah, then went west to Mexico, Mo.,
show in Wisconsin gave 17 hours visit an old friend was much the same, in and Marion, Iowa. $35 overnight is much avoid weather, then two more legs on the
of mildly challenging cross-country flight and out of the cloud tops. Iowa has too much, Signature.
time, with, no surprise, experience changed in the 11 years since I left, of first day. The next two days were one leg
gained. And, no, I didn’t go into Oshkosh course, and only some of it was recogniz- (Courtesy Ed Wischmeyer)
per se. I went to another airport an hour’s able. It was good to see him and his wife, each. (Courtesy Ed Wischmeyer)
drive away for less air traffic and less has- but the years in Iowa were not kind to me, issued after I went to bed. The next night,
sle. The drive before and after the show and the years have been most unkind to there was another un-forecast thunder- The flight home. One leg on the first day,
was worth it, sort of – road construction him as well. We reinforced our friendship storm but not as severe.
created a horrendous traffic jam going in. with discussions of times past, but he three legs after a full day of rest. The last
expressed his hope to serve the commu- I tried to launch early to get a good
Humidity goes to the Southeastern nity as a county supervisor. And cam- start of a full day of flying, but that leg was three hours, the longest I’ve ever
U.S. for summer camp, full of fun and paigning is a lot of work! overnight thunderstorm had recruited
games. As a matter of principle, I don’t some buddies and was blocking the way flown in the RV-9A. Usually, I like to land
fly above clouds when they are lower The next day’s flight took me to southeast. I went around it to the west, fol-
than 1,000 feet. This is so that if the Wisconsin, above the clouds in cool, lowing the back side of the line of storms. with enough gas to go somewhere else
engine goes poop, I’ll have a screaming smooth air, with IFR meaning no worries
chance of finding somewhere soft to land about descending through the scattered Long about this time, the cooling fan without refueling, just in case, but decid-
after I break out of the clouds. clouds. When I arrived, one of the two on the communication radio died. I
runways was closed because a T-28 had turned down the backlight as much as I ed that I didn’t need to, coming to home
However, there’s lots of the Southeast its nose landing gear collapse. Repairs to could, and that seemed to help keep the
that’s wooded, so a thousand feet is not a that machine are likely to cost the same as temperature down. At the first gas stop – base. (Courtesy Ed Wischmeyer)
guarantee of a gentle forced landing. But the value of my entire airplane. where the terminal and the bathrooms
that’s not much different from a flight over were locked, thanks – I called the manu- on their frequency, a nice pleasantry.
the same area with no clouds. My risk On this flight, I had a trial subscrip- facturer and learned that the fan cooled The next stop was at Beech River
aversion means that when clouds are down tion to the aeronautical portion of Sirius only the display, and not to worry about
to the tops of the mountains south of XM and, as it turned out, to their audio the functionality of the radio. Airport in western Tennessee, five miles
Nashville and Knoxville, I detour west channels too. Somehow, I couldn’t get outside Parsons, where they installed
past Chattanooga. the audio to play through the airplane’s I thought, though, that if I lost the dis- their second traffic light four or five years
radio, but no big deal as ATC was more play, I would lose my ability to know what ago. There was a modest assortment of
The second part of my risk profile is compelling. I could play it through the frequency I was tuned to. (I had forgotten
that I don’t fly through any cloud, i.e., headphones via Bluetooth, but I was too that I could also tune the comm radio Continued on Page 34
cumulus buildup, that I can’t visually busy to listen to music. through the main display screens, a failure
inspect to make sure that it is not too tall, mode I’d not contemplated before). Since
meaning, too violent to fly through com- Curiously, uplinked XM radar did my route of flight would take me right
fortably. When I fly in the southeast not always agree with the free, ADS-B over St. Louis, Flight Service gave me a
under IFR, I tend to fly at 5,000-8,000 radar. XM did show direction of storm phone number for St. Louis approach.
feet, either above the clouds or through movement and sometimes had all kinds Armed with a transponder code so that the
the tops of the clouds – a cheap thrill, of arrows sticking out of storms, presum- ground radars would know it was me in
zooming through the clouds. ably showing storm movement. case the comm radio pooped out, and with
However, there was no way to turn off an approved route, I launched.
I gave myself a three-day window to that distracting clutter. XM radar overlaid
get to Wisconsin for the airshow and was cloud coverage above the storms, but On the radio, St. Louis approach was
surprised that the weather cleared up on there was no way to turn that off, either, great, perhaps because I called in
the first day of the window. Thunderstorms at least not that I could figure out. advance, and they knew that I was con-
blocked the direct route to the northwest so sidering contingencies.
I detoured, flying west to Americus, Ga. I Lastly, XM winds aloft was not the
was hoping to go to another airport a bit traditional squirting pistols showing Several controllers on this trip would
beyond Americus with cheaper gas. direction and speed, but rather some kind reply with “Welcome” when I checked in
However, after breaking out of the clouds of connected bug tracks that I didn’t
at 2,000 feet on the instrument approach, I know how to interpret for wind speed.
decided that was a poor time to ad lib to a Granted, much of this was probably oper-
different airport, even though the weather ator ignorance, but I preferred the free
would have permitted it. weather to XM weather. XM does have
features and advantages, but $40/month
A year ago at Americus, I saw an will go to something else.
elderly man in a wheelchair being backed
up the steps into a business jet, perhaps After an exhilarating but draining
Jimmy Carter. week at the Oshkosh airshow, I left
Sunday morning and stopped on the way
Gassed up, weather on the next leg home at that same friend’s house in Iowa
was a little better, scooting through cloud for two more nights to rest. The first
tops at 6,000-8,000 feet. The leg after that night, the weather forecast indicated a
was on to Mexico, Mo., droning along slight chance of overnight rain. I woke up
above hot, hazy weather, struggling to just after midnight to a terrific thunder-
stay awake. This first planned overnight storm and a notice on the cell phone of a
stop was to visit Zenith and to write an severe thunderstorm warning that was
article on the CH750 SuperSTOL.

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 33

34 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

Homebuilders Workshop the transponder code to VFR.
Continued from Page 32 I tried to cool the radio display by
were only five bucks in change. The friend- Oh… I told ATC that there was the possi-
fast food places, but what was amazing ly airport attendant insisted that I take the bility of a radio failure and if that hap- placing a moist paper towel over it, just
was how tidy all the houses were along Coke, free, because I’d just bought gas. pened, I would do the book procedure of like tending a baby with a fever. It didn’t
the highway, unlike eastern Tennessee. setting the emergency code on the help, but the radio kept working all the
I only detoured that far west because transponder, then switching to the lost way home. A new $100 cooling fan is on
After lunch, the airport recliner in of the weather, but next time I’m anywhere communication code. However, instead the way. Because my airplane is not fac-
the pilot lounge gave me a much-needed close, you can bet I’ll stop there again. of landing immediately per normal IFR tory built, I can replace the fan myself
hour’s snooze. My body forgot that I radio failure procedures, I would contin- instead of spending $100 to fly to an air-
can’t sleep in recliners. I launched for Claxton, Ga., a small ue the flight clear of clouds. I would sig- port with a radio shop and back where
airport near home with cheap, well, less nal that I was canceling IFR by changing they will charge me another $100 – if I
Cokes out of the fridge were a buck, exorbitant gas prices. The radio no longer can get on their schedule and if they don’t
but my smallest bill was a 10, and there felt warm to the touch but was again hot. ask me to leave the plane overnight. At
least, that’s the theory. The cooling fan is
Pulsar Tech-Gear Limited Time Clearance! on the back of the radio rack, and serious
disassembly is required. I’m going to pay
Pilot Watch Get a Pulsar TechGear somebody who’s done it before.

Fully Analog Movement Pilot for only $29.90 The descent into Savannah was
Alarm unpleasant, leaving 67-degree air and
Date Window when purchasing any landing with the temperature in the upper
Sweep Second Hand 90s. After a long day flying from Iowa,
Dual Time Subdial HMEWatch ATC planning routes to dodge weather and fig-
60 Min Chronograph uring out what to do if the radio pooped
E6B Calculator Bezel Chrono/Aviator Watch! out, I was pooped, and it showed in my
2/Tone Metal Bracelet landing. All three of them.
100 Meter Water Resistant Note: One Pulsar Watch for each ATC model purchased
Crown Protector Next year, I might wimp out and
Double Locking Clasp $129.95 Add your ATC and the Pulsar watch in the Website take the airlines.
Case 43mm x 13mm cart on the website and use Discount Code “InFltUSA”
Aviation
ATC2200B ATC2250Y ATC2250K Groups React
$450.00 $485.00 $465.00
Continued from Page 28
Features
commercialization and use as a viable
Date Window $179.50 $182.50 $182.50 replacement for 100LL.”
60 Minute Chronograph
1-Touch Instant Chronograph Reset ATC3200B ATC3255K ATC3500B The National Air Transportation
2nd Independent Time Zone $550.00 $585.00 $650.00 Association (NATA) joins industry and
24 Hour Subdial governmental partners in welcoming the
Large E6B Calculator Bezel $179.50 $187.50 $225.50 FAA’s issuance of Supplemental Type
Constant Sweep Second Hand Certificates (STCs) approving the use of
Deploy Clasp on ALL models GAMI’s 100 octane unleaded avgas
100 Meter Water Resistant (G100UL) in all spark-ignition piston air-
Designed by and for Pilots craft and engines in the General Aviation
Screw-Down Locking Crown (GA) fleet.
7.5 Inch Strap/Bracelet Lengths
46mm x 13mm Case Dimensions “The National Air Transportation
Serial Numbers engraved on Caseback Association (NATA) is pleased to see this
advancement toward an unleaded Avgas
Contact us @ 323.464.6660 or on the web @ www.HMEWatch.com future take shape. As G100UL becomes
commercially available over the next few
years, we look forward to continuing to
develop infrastructure support, resources
and training for airports, FBOs, and other
refueling operators, as well as guidance
on unleaded avgas conversion considera-
tions now for fuel service providers to
support its safe and effective rollout.
NATA congratulates GAMI on this
achievement,”stated NATA President and
CEO Curt Castagna.

Learn more from AOPA,
www.aopa.org; GAMA at www.gama.aero;
and NATA at www.nata.aero. The General
Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) web-
site is www.gami.com.

September 2022 In Flight USA Celebrating 35 Years 35

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EĞǁ Ăƚ ZŽƐĞŶ ^ƵŶǀŝƐŽƌ ĨŽƌ ϮϬϮϬ

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36 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

REVIEWING THE PROOF-OF-CONCEPT RV-15:

By Ed Wischmeyer AN INTERVIEW WITH RIAN JOHNSON ference is that the O-390 has oil squirters
to cool the pistons, so the O-390 needs
You’ve undoubtedly heard about Van’s RV-15 proof-of-concept airplane, featuring shiny new aluminum, made an impres- more oil cooling. The O-360, without this
the RV-15, the new high-wing feature, needs more cooling air than the
airplane from Van’s Aircraft. The sive debut at AirVenture22. (Courtesy Ed Wischmeyer) O-390. Optimizing for speed will mean
factory has been wise about withholding different cowlings. The Rotax 915iS was
details as the engineering proof-of-con- petition for the existing RV-10. The RV-15 is also designed to have a considered but is not powerful enough.
cept airplane is just that – an opportunity The RV-15 initially will be a tail- low-deck angle on the ground for better
to experiment with and optimize the visibility over the nose and for easier The prototype will probably have
design. Final mileage will vary. dragger, but floats and nosedragger are to loading. Some high-lift devices require a the engine a bit farther forward, and there
come. A stock GlaStar can be changed in high angle-of-attack, which translates to will be good access to the bottom of the
In a most unlikely turn of events, the the field between nosedragger and tail- a high-deck angle. Rather than going engine for ease of maintenance. In fact,
crowds around the RV-15 at AirVenture dragger, but that is likely to be only a the- with high-lift devices, the RV-15 the engine installation will be optimized
dispersed and Rian Johnson, Van’s oretical possibility in the RV-15, as that achieves low-speed performance with for ease of maintenance. To the degree
President, was available in the Van’s tent would require additional structure when extra wing area. Wing area also helps rate possible, all of the airframe screws will
for a lengthy, uninterrupted interview. the plane is built. of climb. Van’s will, however, experi- be #8 instead of the current mix of #6 and
Johnson has been with Van’s for 24 years, ment with vortex generators and slats, #8, a further simplification.
including ten as Chief Engineer. The RV-15 has a custom airfoil and just to see what can be learned. Span will
huge flaps, operated by a lever in the ceil- allow the plane to fit into a 36-foot Other fun details: the control sticks
So where does the RV-15 fit in on ing. The design landing is for the shock hangar. have a huge bow in them to make board-
the aeronautical spectrum? Johnson start- absorbers in the main gear, two on each ing easier. Rivets will be an appropriate
ed by analyzing 60 (!) airplanes, and con- side, horizontal in the bottom of the fuse- The custom airfoil has low-camber mix of pop rivets and bucked rivets, and
verging on a dozen. He also generated a lage, and the tailwheel, also with a shock with a low-pitching moment. It is “influ- Van’s is doing impressive R&D to com-
spreadsheet that would capture inputs absorber, to absorb the landing forces enced” by the well-known 23012. pare the characteristics of the two. The
from Van’s’ ¬– is that the correct punctu- with no bounce, and for the flaps to be prototypes doors are plexiglass, top to
ation? – engineers, with the spreadsheet dumped immediately after touchdown. If More wing area means that a bigger bottom, for a better view of the ground.
showing design tradeoffs as the engineers one of the air-oil shocks leaks in the field, tail is needed for desired stability, and On the proof-of-concept airplane, the
input their ideas. the other one can be pumped up to get indeed, the RV-15 vertical fin and rudder avionics were chosen in part for recoding
you home. And the four-bar tailwheel look maybe a bit over-sized. What takes flight parameters four times per second.
Loosely, very loosely speaking, the linkage maintains the caster angle during a better eye than mine to notice is that the This higher data rate is important for
design that emerged was kind of like a the full range of motion to avoid shimmy. aft fuselage is a bit short, but it might be flight test. The proof-of-concept has an
Cessna 170 with more power. longer on the production airplane. all-moving stabilator (one-piece horizon-
Alternatively, think of a GlaStar The landing gear has a 7-inch stroke, tal tail) for more control authority at low
Sportsman 2+2 but with more room, bet- so there’s no need for huge tires to absorb The RV-15 was designed around speeds to handle the bigger flaps. The
ter low-speed capabilities, all sheet metal, landing impact. Tires 31-inch and larger two Lycoming engines, the 180HP O- leading edge is held on with screws for
and significantly less expensive. can make a plane susceptible to nose over. 360 and the 215 HP O-390. A major dif- easy replacement in case of damage in
the field. Flaps deflect to 55-degrees and
I’m reminded of my much-loved old are single-slotted Fowler flaps. Frise
Cessna 175 with an STOL kit that I ailerons are used, a Van’s standard. Seats
wished had a baggage door, more room are on tracks to allow easier entry, and
inside, and more speed. The 175 had a may have a notch in the front for more
mostly adequate 39-inch cabin width, but easily fitting a control lock.
the RV-15 cabin is a nice 46-inches wide.
The proof-of-concept is shiny, new
The design mission was two, 200- aluminum, making it very photogenic.
pound passengers, 200 pounds of camp-
ing gear, and 50 gallons of fuel, all of And no, you can’t order one yet.
these subject to modification. An aux That will come when the factory is ready,
tank in the fuselage is a consideration. and after they’ve hired few dozen more
Think Seattle to Juneau. people to take orders.

Why not a four-seater? Because that More information is available at RV-
would not allow full camping gear for 15.com, an authoritative but non-factory
four, and it would require a different fuse- website, as well at https://www.vansair
lage shape for backseat headroom. Also, craft.com/rv-15/.
a four-seater might in some way be com-

TO ADDRESS AVIATION WORKFORCE NEED, EMBRY-RIDDLE, IATA
PARTNER FOR NEW AIRLINE MANAGEMENT GRADUATE DEGREE TRACK

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univer- Administration in Aviation (MBAA) pro- with extensive industry experience,” said world’s airlines, representing nearly 300
sity’s Worldwide Campus is partnering gram through its College of Business. Dr. Maneesh Sharma, College of airlines or 83 percent of total air traffic.
with the International Air Transport Business dean. “We combined the best of
Association (IATA) this fall to offer a “This is an MBAA specifically IATA and the best of Embry-Riddle.” “As aviation rebuilds from the
new Airline Management specialization focused on airline management with Covid-19 crisis, laying the foundation for
for the existing Master of Business courses taught by both Embry-Riddle Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the workforce of the future is essential,”
Worldwide faculty and IATA instructors IATA is the trade association for the
Continued on Page 37

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 37

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM WILL OPEN RENOVATED

WEST END OCT. 14

Eight New Galleries Will Open to the Public This Fall

The Smithsonian’s National Air and The renovated museum will feature View from the ground floor of the View inside the nearly finished “Early
Space Museum will reopen half of its hundreds of new artifacts to the building Northrop T-38 Talon and the Extra 260
flagship building on the National Mall such as Jackie Cochrane’s T-38, the plane hanging at the Smithsonian's National Flight” exhibition at the National Air and
Friday, Oct. 14. Eight new and renovated Cochrane flew when she became the first Air and Space Museum in Washington,
exhibitions, the planetarium, museum woman to break the sound barrier; the D.C. Both will be on display when the Space Museum in Washington, DC.
store and Mars Café will open on the Sharp DR 90 Nemesis air racer, the most museum reopens Oct. 14, 2022.
building’s west end. The museum has successful aircraft in air racing history "Early Flight" will be on view when the
been undergoing a seven-year renovation flown by pilot and co-designer, Jon (Smithsonian's National Air
that began in 2018 and includes redesign- Sharp; and Sean Tucker’s custom-built and Space Museum) museum's west end reopens on Oct. 14,
ing all 23 exhibitions and presentation aerobatic biplane, the Aviation
spaces, complete re-facing of the exterior Specialties Unlimited Challenger III. The cant upgrades to its technological capa- 2022. (Smithsonian's National Air
cladding, replacement of outdated full-sized X-Wing Starfighter that bilities and include new screencast abili-
mechanical systems and other repairs and appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of ties that will allow connection with plan- and Space Museum)
improvements. Skywalker, on loan from Lucasfilm, will etariums around the country and vastly
also be displayed for the first time and expand the museum’s reach. The Apollo 11 Command Module
Only half of the building will be located outside of the planetarium. Columbia displayed in the new
opening, and great interest in visiting is Visit the museum’s website (airand- "Destination Moon" exhibition, opening
expected. Free timed-entry passes will be Visitors will see favorite artifacts space.si.edu) for more information on the Oct. 14, 2022. (Smithsonian's National
required to ensure visitors have an enjoy- presented in new settings. The Apollo 11 renovation. Details on free timed-entry
able experience. The passes will be avail- command module Columbia will be passes will be provided in the coming Air and Space Museum)
able on the museum’s website Sept. 14. housed in a custom-designed, climate- weeks.
controlled case as the centerpiece of the
“This is one of the most exciting “Destination Moon” exhibition alongside The National Air and Space
times in the National Air and Space Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit. Museum in Washington, D.C., is located
Museum’s history,” said Chris Browne, the The 1903 Wright Flyer will be displayed at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue
John and Adrienne Mars Director of the in a dynamic new environment that better S.W. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is
museum. “When we open the first re- tells the story of the invention of flying located in Chantilly, Virginia, near
imagined galleries, we hope all visitors are and its implication on world history. Washington Dulles International Airport.
inspired by artifacts on display for the first The Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily
time, favorite icons of aerospace presented The exhibition plan will use creative from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec.
in new ways and diverse storytelling.” and dynamic techniques to engage visi- 25). Admission is free, but there is a $15
tors while they are at the museum and fee for parking at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
Exhibitions Opening Oct. 14: after they leave. Instead of simply pre-
senting information to visitors, the exhi-
“America by Air” bitions will provide ways of engaging
• “Destination Moon” people through hands-on experiences.
• “Early Flight” For example, in the “Kenneth C. Griffin
• “Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Exploring the Planets Gallery,” visitors
will tour the solar system and learn what
Planets Gallery” it would be like to walk on another world
• “Nation of Speed” through an immersive, interactive experi-
• “One World Connected” ence.
• “Thomas W. Haas We All Fly”
• “Wright Brothers and the Invention The planetarium will offer signifi-

of the Aerial Age”

Embry-Riddle, IATA Partner for Graduate Degree

Continued from Page 36 unique courses in revenue management, “The unique combination of focus Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus is
said Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice business models, cost controls and ancil- areas in risk management and the four partnering with the International Air
president for commercial products and lary revenue taught by IATA industry key areas that are most essential to the Transport Association (IATA) to offer a
services. “Companies across the aviation experts, according to Sharma. Courses airline industry makes this program truly new Master of Business Administration
value chain are recruiting once again and, will be virtual, with weekly question- one-of-a-kind in the world and positions in Aviation (MBAA) program, with an
hence, the importance of having pro- and-answer sessions with professors. students much more competitively in the Airline Management specialization, this
grams in place which will provide the airline industry,” said Sharma. fall. (Courtesy ERAU)
right skill set for the talent of the future. The program is tailored to those
seeking a career in airline management, Learn more at Embry-Riddle
Embry-Riddle plans to launch the including understanding the unique fea- Aeronautical University’s website,
new specialization program, which tures of running an airline, various airline www.erau.edu.
includes a certificate in Airline business models and revenue manage-
Management, in October. It will feature ment strategies.

Visit In Flight USA for the latest aviation news... www.inflightusa.com

38 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

AIRMAN’S INNOVATION SAVES TIME, MONEY

By Airman 1st Class Alvaro
Villagomez

100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Thousands of hours are spent each Airman 1st Class Jacob Helzer, 100th Maintenance Squadron hydraulics maintenance Airman 1st Class Jacob Helzer, 100th
year removing and installing a journeyman, uses the Boom Cover Tool on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at RAF Maintenance Squadron hydraulics main-
boom cover on a KC-135 Mildenhall, United Kingdom, July 22, 2022. The Boom Cover Tool, created by Helzer, tenance journeyman, puts together the
Stratotanker aircraft – hours that could be is expected to save 40,000 man-hours and $1 million annually. first prototype of the Boom Cover Tool at
used elsewhere. One 100th Maintenance RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. The
Squadron Airman has invented a new (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alvaro Villagomez) Boom Cover Tool, created by Helzer, is
boom cover tool that has the potential to expected to save the Air Force 40,000
save the U.S. Air Force 40,000 man-hours Airman 1st Class Jacob Helzer, 100th Maintenance Squadron hydraulics maintenance man-hours and $1 million annually.
and approximately $1 million per year.
journeyman, holds the first prototype of the Boom Cover Tool at RAF Mildenhall, (U.S. Air Force photo)
“I noticed as soon as I got to
Mildenhall (United Kingdom) that remo United Kingdom, July 28, 2022. Helzer is the mind behind the Boom Cover Tool that A protective cover is installed on the
ving and installing the boom cover was boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft
tedious and time consuming,” said enables Airmen to install and remove a boom cover off a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom,
Airman 1st Class Jacob Helzer, 100th July 22, 2022. The Boom Cover Tool
MXS hydraulics maintenance journey- in less than two minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo) allows the cover to be more secured than
man. “Removing the cover the conven- the conventional method and no longer
tional way involves calling the Aerospace adverse weather conditions. types for each aircraft here. requires the cover to be removed during
Ground Equipment backshop for an air- Each Boom Cover Tool costs rough- “Once we have everything stream- high winds. (U.S. Air Force photo by
craft stand and requires two Airmen and
a substantial amount of time.” ly $200 to produce. lined, we can move into the beta testing Airman 1st Class Alvaro Villagomez)
“The projected savings were calcu- phase, which is roughly six months, then
The current conventional method move on to scaling up for the entire KC- the moment he arrived on station and is
hinders daily operations, whereas the lated by him and I while submitting for 135 Stratotanker aircraft fleet,” Helzer always hungry to learn all aspect of his
innovative solution Helzer created is eas- Spark Tank by using the 2021 comptrol- said. job, and his critical thinking skills are
ier, takes less time and lessens the impact ler document for wages,” Jakubowski some of the bests I’ve ever seen,”
on the flow of operations. said. Moving forward, Helzer plans on Jakubowski said.
developing a batch of tools for the local
“One of the maintenance crew “I did the math and the projected KC-135 fleet to prove the design con- Helzer has always been motivated to
chiefs reached out because he knew I savings for the Air Force if they utilized cept. Helzer would then like to contract improve himself and the way things are
enjoy 3D printing and design and the Boom Cover Tool for the entirety of the fabrication of a final, more durable done at his job, and one example of this
believed I could come up with a solution the refueling fleet would be approximate- prototype and share the Boom Cover is the Boom Cover Tool.
for the boom cover,” Helzer said. “I then ly $1 million and potentially 40,000 man- Tool throughout the entire fleet and mod-
came up with a prototype for a tool that hours annually,” Helzeradded. ify the design to be adopted for other “This is how change starts, by ques-
could make the process much smoother.” variations of refueling aircraft. tioning the way we do things and coming
In order to meet this goal, Helzer has up with a solution that will benefit
Tech Sgt. Steven Jakubowski said been collaborating with the MXS fabri- “Helzer has been a go-getter from Airmen at all levels,” Helzer said. “I cre-
Helzer is always looking for ways to cation flight to produce the test proto- ated the Boom Cover Tool to make the
innovate and constantly asking questions lives of my Wingmen easier and inspire
to gain further knowledge. Airmen to devise and implement new
ideas to help improve even the simplest
“He spent a lot of his free time, out- tasks.”
side of work, designing the boom cover
tool,” Jakubowski said.

Helzer, using his skill and knowl-
edge with 3D printing, created a proto-
type called the “Boom Cover Tool.” The
tool was manufactured with Helzer’s 3D
printer and resembles a butterfly net on
the end of a retractable pole with a hoop
mechanism that tightens and loosens the
net covering on the opposite end.

“Once I created the prototype, I
brought it to my section and tested it out,”
Helzer said. “A 30-minute job became a
one-minute job with the Boom Cover
Tool.”

The Boom Cover Tool greatly
reduces the number of man-hours needed
every time a cover needs to be removed
or installed on an aircraft and the cover
itself better protects the boom pod during

Sell your airplane fast with an....In Flight USA Classified Ad Turn to Page 48 for details.

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 39

It has been said that the only voluntary act in aviation is the decision to take-off. Every action after take-off involves the skillful
management of risk, the enjoyment of flight and a continuous stream of decisions that result in a safe landing.
In 1974, NASA created the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to allow aviation professionals to share experiences in a frank, non-puni-
tive manner. The ASRS structure allows pilots and other aviation professionals to file an anonymous report of an incident, error or occurrence that the contributor feels might be of value to others. These
reports are gathered, analyzed and data based by NASA experts and made available to all interested parties as a tool for creating pro-active aviation safety programs. Additionally, NASA distributes an
electronic publication, CALLBACK, which contains selected, de-identified, reports on a free subscription basis. In Flight USA is proud to reprint selected reports, exerted from CALLBACK, for our read-
ers to read, study, occasionally laugh at, and always learn from. Visit http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/ to learn how you can participate in the ASRS program.

HOT WEATHER HAZARDS

Late summer has returned once mon assortment of hazardous, hot weath- A combination of factors con- El Paso, Texas while cruising at FL400
again, replete with its hot weather er factors that combined to produce an tributed, most of which were related to along J74 with a clearance to deviate for
conditions that perennially chal- insidious, but predictable situation and operating at maximum gross weight on a weather. At the time we were struck by
lenge all aviators and many others in potential disaster. hot summer day. Application of soft field lightning, we were passing between two
related aviation disciplines. considerations (not coming to a stop) cells that were approximately 20 nautical
• After landing at MRC for fuel, we over short field considerations (max miles north and south of us, and we had
The adverse effects of hot weather elected to take off using the grass runway. power before releasing brakes) reduced been flying for several minutes inside a
hazards can be manifold and far reaching The winds had been relatively calm, and the amount of available runway to less thin stratiform layer between two cells.
on any given flight. High temperatures despite training numerous soft field take- than full length. The air was very smooth, and our radar
may hamper human performance during offs and landings for private and com- showed no weather of consequence
an incident and render the human response mercial ratings, we had never actually The performance charts indicate we beyond the two cells. The first indication
less than optimum. High temperatures also used a grass runway. We spoke with some needed a total of 2,020 feet to clear a 50- that we had been struck by lightning…was
generally degrade aircraft performance, of the regulars in the FBO, who said that foot obstacle with approximately 1,000 a loud noise (bang), and the outer layer of
particularly at high altitudes, where densi- the turf condition was good, and they feet of ground roll. We had 1,800 feet of the copilot’s windshield was completely
ty altitude becomes critical. Engines and provided some tips for using that particu- runway plus another 900 to 1,000 feet of fractured with visible burn marks. We
airfoils achieve less. Takeoff, climb, lar field. We had two pilots in the aircraft, clear climbout space before the first notified ATC and requested a descent to
cruise, landing, and go-around perform- which put the C152 within 3 pounds of obstacle, which should have been more 10,000 feet, and as soon as we were
ance are all affected. Threatening seasonal maximum gross weight when full of fuel. than adequate, but was not enough on cleared, we began a rapid descent while
weather often surfaces as turbulence, thun- We back-taxied the length of the field to that day. manually controlling the cabin pressure to
derstorms, lightning, hail, icing, winds- reposition and test the smoothness of the reduce the differential pressure per the
hear, microburst activity, heavy precipita- turf. At the end, we turned a 180 and con- We suspect the combination of flying QRH procedure.… Reaching 10,000 feet
tion, and reduced visibility, to name a few. ducted a rolling takeoff without coming to a 40-year-old airplane with pilots rela- with the cabin differential reduced to the
Wildfires further complicate visibility as a stop. tively new to the C152 also significantly minimum possible and the airspeed
well as operations, and their fast-changing reduced aircraft performance from the [slowed] to 250 KIAS, we elected to con-
temporary flight restrictions make accurate The plane reached rotation speed best-case numbers in the published tinue to ZZZ1 where there is a factory
and timely dissemination difficult. In after about 1,000 feet (1,800 feet avail- charts. The biggest lesson learned is that service center. We were cleared to proceed
short, aviators and supporting casts must able), but on climbout, it became apparent when close to the margins on gross to ZZZ1 with…occasional vectors to avoid
be proficient and prepared to face a multi- that we would not clear the power lines weight and high-density altitude, always high terrain and landed without [further]
tude of complex hot weather hazards. and trees on the far side of the airport. take the longest runway winds will allow. incident.
With no more power to give, the aircraft
This month, CALLBACK shares already in clean configuration, and the Lightning Up the Sky Those Hazy Days of Summer
reported incidents featuring hot weather stall horn starting to sound, I cut power
hazards and phenomena. Enjoy the narra- and put the plane back on the runway, A corporate jet Captain details a Flying a DA40 Diamond Star, this
tives and crew responses, and savor the resulting in the plane coming to a stop in shocking high-altitude hazard experi- Flight Instructor was reminded of some
wisdom they reveal. the grass after the end of the turf runway enced during a routine summer flight and obvious, but subtle and serious flight haz-
across Runway 24 and the taxiway. There the mitigating actions accomplished to ards during the hot wildfire season.
The Green Half-Mile was no damage to the plane or facility, or contain the situation.
any injuries, but we were definitely two Continued on Page 40
This C152 pilot experienced a com- shaken up pilots after a close call. • On a flight planned from ZZZ to
ZZZ1 we were struck by lightning east of

NOW ACCEPTING
ADS FOR OUR

2022 PENINSULA
EDITION

40 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

Safe Landings several hot weather hazards during the Runway 8, we…could not see the airport to our alternate of ZZZ. They advised us
latter stages of one flight. Threats multi- due to the dust. We were in the clear, but that it was closed. This was news to us, as
Continued from Page 39 plied, and the situation deteriorated sig- the dust was obscuring most of the we had not received any word from
• It was a smoky day with decent nificantly before it improved. ground below about 1,000 feet.… Despite Dispatch that our alternate was no
having a strong wind from the west at our longer viable. We asked ATC what the
horizontal visibility and a milky white • Our flight to PHX had been altitude, you could clearly see the dust nearest open airport was. After a
sky. We were on flight following, flying uneventful until we started the EAGUL moving rapidly from the east below us. minute…he told us ZZZ1 and one
east, and we saw…traffic (not with flight SIX arrival. Our radar started painting a other.… ZZZ1 was the closest but still
following) on our traffic system flying substantial amount of thunderstorm Shortly after that, ATC told us they 234 miles away with weather between us.
parallel to us on our left, also eastbound. activity between us and the airport. The were changing the airport around due to We put ZZZ1 in the FMS, and it showed
We wanted to turn north, so we decided thunderstorm activity ran basically south the preceding 4 aircraft going around. us arriving with less than 2,000 pounds
to make a right 270-degree [turn] to the to north, east of the field by about 10 We turned around and got set up on a of fuel. We declared minimum fuel and
north in order to pass well behind that miles. ATC rerouted us to the north on a downwind for Runway 26, all the while told ATC that after deviating around the
traffic.… Just as we finished the turn, we different arrival.… It was the DSERT still getting a very rough ride. As we storms, our route to ZZZ1 would be
realized the traffic had turned right and TWO, but…thunderstorms prevented us passed over the city, we flew beyond the direct. We notified Dispatch of our diver-
was coming toward us. Out of the haze, from…doing this arrival. dust clouds and the ride became smooth. sion and FOB. We climbed fairly high for
there appeared to be a Mooney-like air- Turning base, we could make out the run- a short route to save fuel. The Captain
craft. Its bank, color, and convergence We deviated around the storms, fol- way. We noticed, however, that the dust did a flaps 15 landing, again to use less
angle blended perfectly with the white lowing the aircraft in front of us. Once on front was between us and the runway. We fuel. We landed with about 2,700 pounds
haze. Even though our traffic system said the backside of the weather, we noticed a discussed go around procedures, recog- of fuel on board.
they were 500 feet above, it looked closer substantial amount of dust being kicked nizing that landing might not be possible.
than that, so I began a rapid descent and up by strong low-level winds. Even at We got painted into a corner due to
was soon clear of the conflict. The 14,000 feet, we could see the dust moving I configured the airplane early so we the weather rapidly deteriorating at both
Controller was busy and did not give the rapidly to the west. ATC advised us that could be stable and recognize any our destination and alternate at the same
traffic alert until just before I saw them the previous aircraft had reported moder- adverse trends as soon as possible. Just time.… My only question is why did we
out of the haze. Conclusion: Be very ate turbulence ahead. In less than 30 sec- prior to the dust, we got the beginning of not get any notification from Dispatch
careful of traffic during wildfire smoke, onds, we experienced…a 45-knot a microburst. Power was near idle, air- about our alternate?… If we had had that
especially white aircraft on converging increase [in airspeed] and altitude devi- speed increased to almost overspeeding one piece of information, we would not
courses. Expect the unexpected when it ations of 200 feet. the flaps, and an increase of altitude put have tried to land in PHX. We would
comes to movement of other traffic, and us way above the glideslope. We could have gone somewhere else sooner and
do not rely on ATC advisories. As we followed the line of planes to not have landed if we had to. We called would not have been in such a low fuel
the airport, the ride did not improve, with for the go-around, getting a very rough situation.
A Rough Day at the Office wild fluctuations in speed, pitch, and ride.
bank. The autopilot kicked off a few
This B737-800 pilot experienced times. As we were on downwind for We told ATC that we were diverting

An Invitation to Aircraft Owners & Pilots
9G *QRG ;QW 9KNN ,QKP 7U CV VJG *KUVQTKE 99++ 9CNPWV 4KFIG #TO[ #KTƂGNFoU

80TH ANNIVERSARY

EVERYONE Celebration ALL Aircraft Welcome
WELCOME
A GATHERING OF WARBIRDS • Friday-Saturday, October 14-15, 2022 Civilian/Military, Big/Little, New/Old,
Fast/Slow, Factory Built/Homebuilt,

Jet Powered/Piston Powered/
Electric Powered

The Army Air Forces Basic Flying School Near Walnut Ridge, Arkansas Began Flight Training in Mid-October, 80 Years Ago.

Attention WWII Aircraft Owners: On April 15, 1942, an Army Air Forces Site Selection Board recommended an area northeast
We would love to have your airplane of Walnut Ridge, AR for a Basic Flying School. The War Department approved the project May
12th. Construction started June 20th, and Flight Training began October 12th. 5,310 students
for Static Display and/or Fly-bys. entered training. By May 1, 1944, 110 marriages had been performed in the base chapel; more
If you are able to participate, please followed. 82 babies were born in the base hospital—40 girls and 42 boys. Sadly, 42 young men
contact Harold at 901-828-2257 to were killed in training. The last Army Air Forces class graduated June 27, 1944. The Marine
discuss lodging, fuel and other details.
œÀ«Ã “œÛi` œ˜Ìœ ̅i >ˆÀwi` ˆ˜ -i«Ìi“LiÀ £™{{] `ÕÀˆ˜} ̅i …ÕÀÀˆV>˜i Ãi>ܘ° /…i >Àˆ˜ià ivÌ
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Aircraft Needed for this Event: Ã>i° œÃÌ ÌÀ>ˆ˜iÀà >˜` ÌÀ>˜Ã«œÀÌà ÜiÀi ܏`° {]nÈx >ˆÀVÀ>vÌ] “œÃÌÞ w}…ÌiÀà >˜` Lœ“LiÀÃ] ÜiÀi
Primary Trainers, Basic Trainers, chopped-up and melted from late 1946 to early 1948.
Advanced Single Engine and Two
Engine Trainers, Liaison Aircraft,
Fighters, Bombers, and Cargo Planes.

Join Us in the Wings of Honor Museum Friday Dinner and Saturday Sponsors: Walnut Ridge Walnut Ridge Regional Airport
Fri., 6:00pm: Anniversary Dinner Breakfast and Lunch FREE for Regional Airport, Lawrence Stacy Hoggard, Manager • 870-886-5432
Sat., 7:00-9:00am: Fly-In Breakfast Fly-In Pilots and Passengers County Chamber of Commerce, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Sat. 11:30am-1:30pm: Hot Dogs/Hamburgers & Wings of Honor Museum
Rachel King, Director • 870-886-3232

For Information, Contact Harold Johnson, Wings of Honor Museum at 800-584-5575 or [email protected]. Website: www.wingsofhonor.org

9KPIU QH *QPQT /WUGWO t 2TGUGTXKPI VJG #KTƂGNFoU 4KEJ *KUVQT[ CPF *QPQTKPI #OGTKECoU 8GVGTCPU

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 41

42 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

AIRTIME ASSUMES DISTRIBUTORSHIP FOR ALL THE AMERICAS;
BOOKS $1 MILLION IN ORDERS AT AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2022

At the conclusion of EAA move up to the next level,” he continued. year’s show,” said Daniel Guenther, CEO (Courtesy Airtime Aviation
AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, Airtime Most enthusiasts know longtime of Flight Design general aviation, the and Flight Design General Aviation)
Aviation of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Flight European manufacturer of the CT- and F-
Design General Aviation, a Germany- importer, Tom Peghiny, founder of Flight series of aircraft. “We are again taking 2018 and the expansion to full production
based corporation, announced they com- Design USA. As he pursues other activi- orders for new aircraft and the response at at the site has gone well. For some years
pleted contract work resulting in a new ties, Tom Gutman Sr., continued, “Tom the show was very positive.” already, F2 wings have been produced at
distributor for the Americas. Peghiny will continue on with Flight the Czech facility.
Design general aviation as a consultant in Guenther also said the company is
Since the beginning of the Light- the USA.” Peghiny is widely known for experiencing strong interest from flight “Sumperk has everything they need
Sport Aircraft industry, Airtime Aviation leading the ASTM Design & Performance schools in the Type Certified F2, and is presently preparing initial produc-
has been a leading seller of Light-Sport Committee in the challenging start-up of approved under EASA’s Certification tion,” assured Tom Gutman, Sr.
Aircraft in the United States – which industry consensus standards. His broad Specification Part 23 (CS-23). Validation
makes the company the largest seller of knowledge and calm demeanor greatly of the EASA CS-23 certificate has begun “As production returns to prior rates
LSA worldwide as the U.S. is the single aided the committee as it created the first- with the FAA. of manufacturing, we are searching for
biggest national market for the sector. ever standards for Light-Sport Aircraft. new dealers,” stated Tom Gutmann, Jr.
“We are very pleased to continue having “We booked five confirmed, paid
“Airtime Aviation acquired the right Tom Peghiny’s deep expertise available to sales for aircraft totaling $1 million in Flight Design General Aviation
to sell the Flight Design line in the us,” he added. orders,” said Tom Gutman, Sr. reported the company headquartered in
Americas, including North, South, and Germany has more than 45 orders for air-
Central America,” stated Tom Gutman, Sr., “We will continue to provide a com- “Airtime Aviation has long been the craft currently and expects to deliver new
when explaining the agreement reached. prehensive level of service to all Flight CT experts in America and we have aircraft at a rate of three per month by the
Design aircraft in the Americas,” said acquired the same expertise for the F- end of 2022.
“Longtime Flight Design distributor Tom Gutman, Jr. “The same staff as in series aircraft,” noted Tom Gutman, Jr.
Airtime Aviation is taking over the recent years will continue to handle
importation of aircraft and parts from spares from Europe so part inventories Production Resuming
Flight Design USA,” confirmed Flight are well secured.”
Design General Aviation. Despite a very difficult environment
Million-Dollar Order in Ukraine where major fabrication is
“We have been working with Flight done for Flight Design’s CT- and F-series
Design since the beginning,” said Tom “We were very pleased at the amount aircraft, the company has been successful
Gutman Jr., of Airtime. “Our company has of interest and new contracts taken at this at setting up parallel operations in the
sold more Flight Design aircraft than anyone Czech Republic. The Sumperk Czech
else in the world and it was a natural for us to location has earned Production
Organization Approval from EASA, the
5 BELL 212 Helicopters European counterpart to FAA. Design
Organization Approval was previously
given to Flight Design general aviation’s
Eisenach, Germany engineering group.

Flight Design has progressed with
the move to manufacturing airframes in
Sumperk in the Czech Republic and
expects the first new planes to be deliv-
ered in October of 2022. Flight Design
has operated a facility in Sumperk since

Mfg 1996-1991, Current Maintenance, New Paint, One Operator We protect all of your family including those that wag.
Since New, Always on U.S. Registry, Back-to-Birth Records

BELL 412 Helicopter

SN 33017 - EMS Configured, Jen Mathey, Owner/CEO We are an agency that provides
or Utility, IFR, Zero Time Since Health & Medicare Specialist comprehensive health and Medicare
solutions. We use a variety of products
Engine Overhauls. Good
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Records. 941-200-3738

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Ron Fernuik • 806.662.5823
[email protected] Subscribe to In Flight USA today for home delivery of your source
for aviation news, information and features.
Allison Fisher • 971.241.8473
[email protected]

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 43

AOPA’S YOU CAN FLY PROGRAM CELEBRATES 200TH FLIYING CLUB

By Julie Summers Walker The 200th flying club that AOPA helped get underway is the Lake Shelbyville Flying sales and support airport business – but
the operator has to balance use and oper-
AOPA Club from Shelby County, Illinois. From left, Lake Shelbyville Flying Club members ations on the airport, and has the obliga-
tion of ensuring that all tenants play well
In just six short months, an idea Dave Heady, Paul Canaday, Tim Bowyer, Al Gerhold, Paul Adams, and Dan Toohill cel- together and that none are afforded spe-
became a club thanks to the AOPA You cial or exclusive rights.”
Can Fly Flying Clubs initiative. ebrate their milestone status. (David Tulis/Courtesy AOPA)
AOPA advises all newly forming
The 200th flying club that AOPA member of the club he initiated. As the them all the names of people who were clubs to have a discussion with their air-
helped get underway is the Lake airport manager, he says he has too much asking about a club, and they all reached port managers early in the formation
Shelbyville Flying Club from Shelby going on to join, but was – and is – the out to one another,” he said. “I have process about their plans. Establishing a
County, Illinois. cog that brought it all together. Area helped them come together, but they run good working relationship and having
pilots would come to his offices asking it on their own.” airport managers’ support is important
“This is a fun, three-part story,” said about rentals and always suggesting the and, more often than not, they open up
AOPA Flying Clubs Initiative Director possibility of forming a club to help with “Having the support of the airport doors and provide unexpected resources.
Steve Bateman. “It’s a wonderful story expenses and have an aircraft readily manager is essential,” said Bateman. Examples of these resources are free use
about an airplane, an airport manager, available. “I realized all these people had “Most operators are delighted that a new of airport boardrooms for club meetings,
and a group of pilots.” one thing in common – me. So, I gave aviation organization will be based at fuel/hangar/tiedown discounts, aircraft
their airport, as it will likely generate fuel on the field available for sale or lease, and
Shelby County Airport manager Scott finally, potential members, who often
Jefson said the pace of the club’s growth, include the airport manager themselves.
which now has 10 members, is in part
thanks to the assistance of the AOPA You Jefson was happy that the Lake
Can Fly Flying Clubs initiative. “We called Shelbyville Flying Club came together.
Steve after our first meeting in January, by “We now have 10 people who were not
the second meeting we were rocking and flying who are now flying.”
rolling, and things just [fell] into place.”
AOPA recognized members of the
The club is leasing a Cessna 172, club who came to EAA AirVenture
which Jefson found at an estate sale, Oshkosh at a special presentation during
cleaned up, and flew back to the airport. the annual Pilot Town Hall. To learn
After cleaning the heavy mold from the more about AOPA and the You Can Fly
aircraft, Jefson got the aircraft airworthy, program, visit AOPA’s website,
and it took its first flight with a club www.aopa.org.
member May 7.

Ironically (or not) Jefson is not a

A Pilot’s Paradise in The Valley Airport

A private airstrip in the Ozark Mountains located on the banks of the famous White River.
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‹ ,SLJ[YPJHS 6\[SL[Z PU *LPSPUNZ 6]LY )LUJOLZ HUK >HSSZ /! 870-430-5738
‹ » ,SLJ[YPJ )P MVSK +VVY *! 870-404-6162

44 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

CASTLE AIR MUSEUM RECEIVES
F-117 NIGHTHAWK

About the F-117 Nighthawk
The World’s First

Opoerational Stealth Aircraft

By Lockheed Martin Staff

6 RDU + LJKHU UHHQHU The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth The F-117 Nighthawk was devel-
6 RDU * (Courtesy Castle Air Museum oped in response to the urgent national
and Military-Today.com) need for a jet fighter that could operate
(504)723-5566 completely undetected by the enemy. In
Castle Air Museum located in true Skunk Works fashion, it was devel-
2006 Waco YMF-F5C • $ 285,000 Atwater, Calif., has announced the arrival oped rapidly and in complete secrecy.
of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth
Don’t miss out on owning this beautiful modernized aircraft to the museum on July 29. The air- Though far from the traditional,
One of A Kind classic biplane by Waco Classic Aircraft craft was offloaded at approximately 8 sleek aircraft designs preferred by
a.m. at the Museum’s Restoration Hangar Skunk Works founder Kelly Johnson,
that holds the “Transcontinental World Speed at 3040 A Street, on the Castle Airport the F-117’s unique design enabled it to
Record” from Boston to San Diego in Sept 2006. complex. The Museum to date has the dis- reflect radar waves. With its angular
tinction of being the only air museum in panels bolstered by an external coating
Contact: Northern California to receive this aircraft, of radar-absorbent material, the aircraft
R Chris Walls, Area Aircraft Broker and one of a few museums across the was nearly invisible to radar.
(850) 208-3299 x 107 nation with this distinction!
(850) 637-6125 In the summer of 1975, the
[email protected] An interesting note is that, technical- Defense Advanced Research Projects
ly this aircraft and its 58 sister aircraft did Agency (DARPA) held a “pole-off”
not exist as far as the general public was competition. Skunk Work’s design
concerned for more than seven years after demonstrated unmatched low observ-
its introduction! Many of the advance- ability and won Lockheed Martin
ments made on the F-117 remain cloaked Skunk Works the contract for Have
in secrecy to this day! The aircraft at Blue, the stealth demonstrator that led
Castle is one of the aircraft that were first to the F-117 Nighthawk.
to fight in the night skies over Baghdad,
Iraq on the first night of the air offensive DARPA awarded Skunk Works
during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. with the contract for the Nighthawk less
than a year after Have Blue’s successful
The California Highway Patrol first flight in 1977, and a legendary
escorted the aircraft over Highway 58 to partnership between the Skunk Works
Bakersfield and up Highway 99 to its team and the U.S. Air Force quickly
final destination at the Castle Air made F-117 production a reality. The
Museum in Atwater. At more than 19 feet first flight took place in 1981 just 31
in width, it was necessary to have months after the contract award, and
Highway Patrol Escorts the entire jour- deliveries began the following year.
ney, and allowed to travel over roads at
specified times only, per law enforce- The aircraft achieved initial opera-
ment. tional capability in 1983 but was kept
under the strictest of secrecy for many
For more information on this his- years. It wasn’t until 1988 that the pro-
toric event, visit the Castle Air Museum gram was publicly acknowledged, and
website at www.castleairmuseum.org or not until 1990 that it made its first for-
call 1-209-723-2178. The museum is mal public appearance. By this time,
located at 5050 Santa Fe. Drive, Atwater, the aircraft had been operational for
Calif. (95301) and is open from 9 a.m. to seven years.
4 p.m. daily with last admission to the
grounds and aircraft exhibit areas sold at The aircraft’s first public viewing
3:15 p.m. (The museum is closed on New at Nellis Air Force Base was attended
Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and by thousands longing to see more than
Christmas Day.) Two upcoming fall the fuzzy, low-quality image of the F-
events include Korks & Kegs Wine and 117 featured on the May 1989 cover of
Craft Beer Tasting Festival on Sept. 24 Aviation Week & Space Technology.
from 5 to 9 p.m. and Fall Open Cockpit
Day on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For Though retired by the U.S. Air
admission and ticket information, visit Force in 2008, the F-117 is an aircraft
the website. that continues to fascinate and inspire.
It paved the way for the future of stealth
technology, and it makes us wonder just
how much further we can continue
pushing the limits of what’s possible.

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 45

MICROBURST DAMAGE LEADS CHANDLER AVIATION TO REPLACE DOOR

WITH A SCHWEISS BIFOLD LIFTSTRAP DOOR

As thunderstorms rolled across the Extensive storm damage to the Chandler Aviation building in Chandler, Ariz., forced the 1960s masonry wall/wood roof con-
Arizona landscape, an incredible structed building, where the new
microburst came crashing down from the owner to have his building revamped from roof to floor. An old damaged bifold cable Schweiss door was installed. The other
sky in a blast of rain, hail and wind, caus- building was an early 1970s 80-foot by
ing extensive damage to the Chandler door by another company was replaced with a Schweiss Doors 48-foot by 14-foot, 10- 80-foot steel building that had a rolling
Aviation building. The damage resulted hangar door. With the use of a parapet
in the need for a new bifold hangar door inch bifold liftstrap door. (Courtesy Schweiss Doors) system, we were able to create the look of
and revamping of the building from the a single new building.”
roof down. Arizona Corporate Builders revamped the Chandler Aviation building and installed the
48-foot bifold door. They have installed other Schweiss doors including an 86-foot by Revamping the building has given
Microbursts, one of nature’s most 26-foot door on the new Triple C hangar in Scottsdale, Ariz. Setzler additional outside storage space
dangerous windstorms, are small but for hoists, jacks, oxygen and battery carts
powerful bursts of wind that rush down- (Courtesy Schweiss Doors) and other equipment not used on a daily
ward out of a thunderstorm. They can be basis through the use of secure eight-foot
wet or dry. When the microburst hits the building contractors (Central bifold is installed. Those sliding doors were privacy walls.
ground, the damaging wind spreads out Construction Co. and Dan Barnett marginal at best and depending on the time
in all directions. Once they reach the Arizona Corporate Builders), we defi- of the year, I sometimes had to use my “I’ve always had a love of aviation,”
ground, microbursts have been known to nitely have a superior installation and a pickup to open those old doors. It’s amaz- Setzler said. “My dad also had the pas-
produce wind gusts up to 150 mph. superior product.” ing to think that each strap on my Schweiss sion for it, but only as a hobby. I know his
bifold door can lift 29,000 pounds.” love of aviation rubbed off on me. He’d
“When these storms drop, they drop Setzler said he felt more comfortable actually got as far as soloing, but wasn’t
with a tremendous amount of force,” said with a bifold liftstrap door because it Arizona Corporate Builders in able to go much farther after starting life
Frank Setzler, owner of Chandler Aviation allows people to park closer to the build- Tempe, Ariz., ordered and installed the and a family. I pursued the mechanics
since its beginning in 1984. “One of those ing. He didn’t look to any other door Schweiss bifold liftstrap door for and maintenance side of aviation after
microbursts landed just south of my build- manufacturer before choosing Schweiss. Chandler Aviation. ACB and Central attending a community college in south-
ing. It tore aircraft from steel chain Construction Company were in charge of ern Arizona, specializing in the aviation
tiedowns and blew heavy airplanes around “I had an old bifold door from anoth- revamping Chandler’s building and exist- industry, so I could learn how to work in
the field like they were little Tonka toys. er company on my 9,000 square foot build- ing door damaged by the storm. Both the field and never looked back. I enjoy
My building was in the middle of it. My ing,” Setzler said. “I knew what I had companies have been involved with going to work every day.”
neighbor who has a newer building lost before and I know that I had to change out numerous buildings at the airport during
sliding doors on the north and south side of the cables maybe a couple of times. The the last 25 years. Setzler explained that in order to do
his building. I lost nearly half of my roof door that was on there I installed 20-plus mechanical and maintenance work, it
and damage to the door was virtually year ago. It replaced three sliding doors “We had two adjoined buildings,” takes an FAA license from the federal
equal. The standard rolling doors on the going north and three sliding doors going said Dan Barnett, President Emeritus of government called an A&P license, fol-
south side of our building were dislodged south, covering the span of where our new Arizona Corporate Builders. “One was a lowed by an FAA authorized inspector
and fell off the track system, causing dam- certificate. After working in the field,
age to several planes locked inside the Setzler earned his Private Pilots License
hangar during the microburst. The insur- about 30 years ago and now flies a 1965
ance company surmised the winds to be in Piper Comanche.
the range of 90 mph.”
“I get a lot of use out of the door
The Chandler Aviation building in every day,” Setzler said. “We are a five-
Chandler, Ariz., now has a 48-foot by 14- day-a-week company. We open it in the
foot, 10-inch Schweiss Doors bifold lift- morning for circulation and again in the
strap door on it. The door is equipped afternoon after the sun gets over to the
with a manual latch system. Four translu- other side. Plus, of course, every time we
cent polycarbonate panels at the top half tow an airplane into or out of our hangar
of the door allow natural daylight to for service. We put insulation on it because
brighten up the inside of the building. with the old door, I could feel heat coming
through the door early in the morning. For
“I spec’d out the bifold door from the comfort level it gives us, I am very
Schweiss,” Setzler said. “We have sever- pleased with adding the insulation. I like
al Schweiss doors here at Chandler the door because all we have to do is push
Municipal Airport on private hangars. the button and it goes up.”
I’ve been in and out of a lot of different
hangars over the past 30 years and I can Schweiss Doors is the premier man-
see the quality of Schweiss. ufacturer of hydraulic and bifold liftstrap
doors. Doors are custom made to any size
“Now that I see the differences in the for any type of new or existing building
construction and engineering of my new for architects and builders determined to
Schweiss door, compared to my previous do amazing things with their buildings,
electric bifold door, I doubt there would including the doors. Schweiss also offers
be a failure of this door under the same a cable to lift strap conversion package.
conditions that hit us previously. From
the quality and professionalism of our For more information, visit
www.bifold.com

Sell Your Airplane fast with an In Flight USA Classified Ad. Turn to Page 48 for details.

46 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

OODIES One of the truly great things about being an aviation buff is the number of “Goodies and Gadgets” available to play
with. Here In Flight USA has collected a few new ones worthy of your consideration.
AND ADGETS

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. has been the supplier that aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses have depended on since 1965. They carry a wide
selection of aircraft parts, building materials, avionics, and pilot supplies, all of which are offered on their website (www.aircraftspruce.com) and in the famous Aircraft Spruce cat-
alog, now over 1,000-pages available for download or for free in print. You can depend on Aircraft Spruce for prompt shipping and competitive pricing on all orders.

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nation and in Canada, is a worldwide dis- 1,500 RPM. The 2.5 inch stroke. Each unit was selling for
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Visit In Flight USA for the latest aviation news... www.inflightusa.com

September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 47

AVIATIONMANUALS EARNS American Aircraft Sales Co.

IS-BAH PSA RECOGNITION 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS–NEW LOCATION

AviationManuals Broadens Its Long-Standing Relationship with IBAC SOLD SALE PENDING
by Supporting FBO’s Efforts to Operate More Effectively

AviationManuals, a leading provider 2016 Cessna Skylane 182T 2004 Cessna Skylane T182T
of procedure development services and 1180 TTSN, Garmin G1000 NXI, GFC 700 A/P, like new! 2534 TTSN, Garmin G1000, KAP 140 A/P.
Safety Management System (SMS) soft-
ware, has received IS-BAH SOLD
(International Standard for Business
Aircraft Handling) Program Support AviationManuals exhibited at EBACE 1984 Piper Dakota PA-28-236 1955 Beechcraft T-34B Mentor
Affiliate (PSA) recognition. Launched in 2022 this past Spring, in Geneva, where
2014, developed by the International crowds of aviators from around the world Only 277 SMOH, 4000 TTSN, Garmin Avoinics, 60 HRS Since Restoration..........$295,000
Business Aviation Council (IBAC) in expressed interest in their products. nice airplane.......................................$169,950
collaboration with the National Air
Transportation Association (NATA), IS- (Courtesy AviationManuals) SOLD
BAH is designed to enhance the safety
and efficiency of business and general becoming a popular way for FBOs to 1970 Cessna 150K
aviation services on a global level. demonstrate their quality and profession-
alism,” continued Mark Baier, CEO of 1998 Cessna Skylane 182S Hangar kept since new, 2700 TTSN, 1200
The IS-BAH standards and recom- AviationManuals. “We want to support
mended practices focus on a preemptive our clients looking to achieve this Garmin 750 GPS, Aspen PFD 1000, 4153 TTSN, SMOH. New cylinders. This 150K is beau-
approach to managing workplace safety endorsement by providing them with our 2700 SMOH!..........................................$225,000 tiful..............................................................$49,950
to prevent aircraft handling incidents and years of extensive operational support
workplace injuries, emphasizing best and SMS experience.” 1979 Cessna Skyhawk 1969 Piper Cherokee 140
practices blended through a progressive
and robust SMS. Founded in 1996 AviationManuals’ 180 HP with only 1600 hours since new. One Only 134 SMOH, 4900 TTSN, IFR, GPS,
philosophy is to make operations manu-
“IS-BAH PSA endorsement allows als and Safety Management Systems owner and always hangar kept. Perfect all original immaculate hangar-kept................$59,950
AviationManuals to bring our 26 years of (SMS) accessible to every business avia-
operational procedures and SMS experi- tion flight department, FBO and com- condition..................................................$159,950
ence to the FBO audience helping to mercial drone operation. Headquartered
improve operational professionalism and in the Washington D.C. metro area, they SOLD
safety,” said Kevin Honan, Senior support more than 4,500 operators world-
Operations Advisor at AviationManuals. wide. For more information visit
“We can now provide services that assist www.aviationmanuals.com .
FBOs in understanding, complying with,
and maintaining the standards of the IS-
BAH Program.”

“IS-BAH certification is quickly

AOPA: LINEMAN GETS EXTRA SOLD
AEROBATIC SURPRISE
2005 Cessna T182T Skylane 1969 Beechcraft 36
By Dave Hirschman, AOPA 995 TTSN, Garmin G1000 glass panel, always Garmin 530W GPS, S-TEC 60 A/P, 46
hangar-kept, NDH.....................................$399,950 STOH, 1912 SMOH..........................$179,950

Sometimes the people that aviation AOPA offered Lineman Alton Downer a 1968 Piper Cherokee 140 1971 Cessna Skyhawk 172
can uplift the most are right in front of us. flight in the Extra, and the Jamaica-born 794 SMOH, 5967 TTSN, King digital 160HP, 601 SMOH, recent new
student pilot accepted with enthusiasm. See IFR..................................................$49,950 paint/interior/windows and plastic
Alton Downer works as a lineman at the video at aopa.org. (Courtesy AOPA) trim......................................$119,950
Signature Flight Support at Frederick
Municipal Airport in Frederick, another, and he said the experience left AIRCRAFT WANTED!
Maryland, to pay for flying lessons. The him more infatuated with flight than ever.
U.S. Army combat veteran has logged Robert Coutches
about 20 hours of dual instruction on his “It's amazing to see what's possible,” Cell - (510) 783-2711 • (925) 449-5151
way to becoming a private pilot. he said. “I never expected anything like
this. This day is one I'll never forget.” 550 Airway Blvd. • Livermore, CA 94551• Livermore Airport (KLVK)
Whenever he refuels the AOPA
Extra 300L donated by Bruce Williams to Learn more about AOPA and watch www.americanaircraft.net
continue its pilot education mission, he Downer’s surprise flight at www.aopa.
asks technical questions about the unlim- org or directly at https://www
ited aerobatic airplane's performance. .aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/
AOPA offered Downer a flight in the 2022/august/24/one-ill-never-forget.
Extra, and the Jamaica-born student pilot
accepted with enthusiasm.

For the next half-hour, Downer rode
through one aerobatic maneuver after

48 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

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September 2022 www.inflightusa.com 49

VAN’S LEGACY CONTINUES WITH RV-15, SWARMED BY CROWDS
AT AIRVENTURE

All the doors on the RV-15 are transpar- At least 50 gallons of fuel will fit in the
wings of the RV-15. (Jeffrey Decker)
ent so you can look down and see every-

thing. (Jeffrey Decker)

Above: Still in the testing phase, Van’s RV-15 made its debut at AirVenture. (Jeffrey Decker)
Below: The only high-wing in Van’s Aircraft lineup after 50 years is the shiny new RV-
15. (Jeffrey Decker)

The baggage door on the RV-15 is Eventually floats will allow water land-
designed for easy loading.
ings and tricycle grar will be offered on
(Jeffrey Decker)
the RV-15. (Jeffrey Decker)

The RV-15 kit is designed for backcoun- Van’s is taking its time to respond to the
market with the right airplane. No date has
try operations. (Jeffrey Decker) been set for first deliveries. (Jeffrey Decker)

By Jeffrey Decker 140 knots of cruise speed and 900 pounds needed for deep forest flights. The tail It’s the same for pilots, explained
of useful load are targets, but ample cargo wheel is oil-dampened air shock, with an Glen Williams of Auburn, Alabama. He
The world’s largest homebuilt fleet space is certain. The design took shape internal floating piston to counter wheel and his 16-year-old son, Hudson, are as
just got bigger. The RV-15 is the around an early requirement to fit in two shimmy problems typical after wear and happy to build their RV-14, almost, as to
only high-wing in the Van’s mountain bikes, minus their front wheels. tear. fly it one day.
Aircraft lineup after 50 years of service. “Our customers have been begging us for
Swarmed at its Oshkosh debut, the proto- an airplane that can go into the backcoun- The all-metal four-seater will fly as In the center of Van’s Oshkosh air-
type will offer more room and more try,” Hughes said. low and slow as possible. Large flaps craft array they signed their names along
power once testing and configuration are adjust to 50 degrees, adjusted by an extra- with a chorus of builders on a 50th
finalized. Views will be extraordinary, says large handle for leverage. At least 50 gal- anniversary sign as tall as the RV-15’s
Engineer Bernard Maltifano. “One thing lons of fuel will fit in the wings but for shining silver tailfin. Nine models are
“We’re responding to the market,” I think is really cool, that I’m really proud now the tank is on the passenger seat, available today, more with modifications,
said President and Chief Technology of, are the doors. They’re all transparent allowing faster tweaks in the search for and more than 1,100 Van’s aircraft kits
Officer Rian Johnson. “We want to so you can look straight down at the optimum balance. have been sold. Williams’ daughter is in
respond with the right airplane. We’re ground. That’s really different for an RV.” the Vans family, too. “They’re helping
taking our time,” he adds, setting no date Hughes says new machinery makes buck rivets in the garage and it’s making
for first delivery of the kit designed for Eventually floats will allow water refinement more swiftly than ever. “We them both want to be pilots,” he said.
backcountry operations. landings and tricycle gear will be offered. have a hydro press that allows us to make
The first landing gear is the most a change and have it pressed in the same That’s the Van’s brand’s great
The Lycoming IO-390 EXP-119 test advanced they can possibly offer, it just day,” he said. It also lets his team press as appeal. “If you see a Van’s hat and ask
engine makes the RV-15 “a beast,” says doesn’t look that way. Resembling typi- many parts in one day that used to take up ‘Which one?’ you’re immediately in a
Chief Operating Officer Greg Hughes. cal spring steel, the front wheels rest a whole week. It’s helpful, but not the best conversation with your new best friend.”
“It’s a got a lot of pull. A lot of power.” under fully dampened, hydraulic and part about going to work. “What really When is first flight? “We’re working on
The 220 horsepower drives an 80-inch pneumatic landing gear, allowing much gets me going each day, he said, “are the it,” Williams replied, flashing an “RV
composite Hartzell Trailblazer propeller. smaller tires than the fat variety usually people who are here making this happen.” grin.”

50 In Flight USA Celebrating 39 Years September 2022

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