Aerospace News

More than 200 Airmen take part in the "Ability to Survive and Operate" course Feb. 24 through March 2 here.  Members of the 18th Munitions Squadron  trained to operate in an hostile environment covering mobility protective wear, post-attack reconnaissance sweeps, and unidentified explosive ordnance identification and reporting.

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“Congratulations! It’s an airport!” With these words Marjy Leggett, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Vista Field Airport (S98) in Kennewick, Wash., let pilots know that their efforts to keep the airport open worked.

On Monday, March 8, commissioners for the Port of Kennewick, the airport sponsor, voted unanimously to keep the airport open. The airport is run by the port for the city of Kennewick under a long-term lease that expires in 2020. City officials had been exploring the idea of closing the airport and redeveloping the 92 acres that make up the airport property.

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A career in aviation isn’t limited to being a pilot, flight attendant or mechanic. Dozens of girls ranging in age from 13 to 19 learned what their options are during the annual Women Fly event at the Museum of Flight in Seattle March 5.

The event, part career fair, part college fair, is designed to let the girls gather information about potential careers from mentors and college officials.

The day consisted of workshops and a panel discussion with women in aviation from all over the world. At the end of the event the girls lined up to have their programs signed. Here a young visitor collects the signature of Michelle Bassanesi of Italy. Bassanesi, a flight instructor, is the founder of Aviation and Women in Europe.

For more information: MuseumOfFlight.org.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is forecasting that key airspace safety and efficiency modernization efforts will play a vital role in spurring long-term sustained growth in air travel and the nation’s overall economic health.

The forecast, which comes after a short-term period of slow growth in aviation activity, underscores the need for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and continued investment in airport infrastructure projects, officials said upon releasing it March 9.

“A safe, efficient and vibrant aviation system is vital to our nation’s economic health,” said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “We must find long-term solutions that will keep the U.S. aviation industry competitive and moving forward into the future.”

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In the latest issue of Airman magazine, the "Ghostwalkers," Airmen with a unique mission hone their skills for action outside the wire.

Whether they are called to secure a captured airfield or provide force protection in a combat zone, these security forces warriors depend on each other. Intensive training sharpens their individual proficiencies and forms the foundation of the teamwork required for success.

Follow the Ghostwalkers as they prepare for their next rotation into the unknown.
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Air Force officials here established the Single Airman Working Group to evaluate and develop morale and support programs for its members as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

Officer and enlisted single Airmen representatives from each major command and subject-matter experts from several functional communities met Feb. 21 through 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Ala.

The forum's objective is to create an enduring roadmap that addresses the single Airmen support structure, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy.
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A tradition that leads to solutions kicked off on Monday as the two-day EAA/FAA Winter Recreational Aviation Summit opened in Oshkosh. Each year, key FAA managers visit EAA Headquarters to work with EAA staff and division heads to address challenges and opportunities facing general aviation, and recreational aviation in particular.

Extracting accurate statistics for amateur-built accidents can be an exhausting exercise in numbers, especially since the FAA and NTSB often use different statistics to report the homebuilt aircraft fleet size and the accidents that occur each year.

The White House announced Monday that President Obama will nominate Major General Robert A. Harding, U.S. Army Ret. as Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security to head the Transportation Security Administration.

Want to check out almost any airplane ever built in the world? Then check out this Virtual Aircraft Museum, which includes information on hundreds of aircraft, as well as aircraft manufacturers, cockpits, the basics of flight and more.

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Four members of the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing based here had a rude awakening Feb. 27 when the 15th floor of their hotel in Santiago, Chile, started to shake.

Deployed to Chile to provide flying and maintenance support to the Chilean air force on their new KC-135 "E" model aircraft, the group had no idea that a 8.8-magnitude earthquake would quickly cause them to become the some of the first U.S. armed forces members to support humanitarian efforts in the country.
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The GA industry needs to keep communicating the value and benefits of business aviation. That’s the message conveyed today by Robert Stangarone, vice president, corporate communications, Cessna Aircraft Co., at the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) Annual Conference.

“Everyone in our industry should consider themselves ambassadors,” he said. “Business aircraft are used in so many valuable ways and have truly become essential to the global transportation system. We need to take every opportunity to spread that message to the world.”

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The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) is now taking nominations for the first annual Lawrence P. Burke Trophy. The trophy gets its name from Lawrence “Larry” Burke, who co-founded the organization in 1982 and nurtured it through the ultralight aircraft phase and into the time of Light Sport Aircraft.

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Four junior and 20 sophomore U.S. Air Force Academy cadets received the first unmanned aerial systems-remotely piloted aircraft wings awarded in the school's 55-year history during a function at the Dean's Heritage House Feb. 25, here.  

Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the Academy superintendent and Brig. Gen. Dana Born, the dean of the faculty, presented cadets with certificates and UAS-RPA scarves during the event.

"I'm thrilled to recognize the first class of cadets to graduate from Airmanship 200, Airmanship 201 and Airmanship 202 and become the catapult leaders for the UAS-RPA program at the Air Force Academy," General Born said. "You are all pioneers."
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A long-planned new terminal for Page Field Airport (FMY) in Fort Myers, Florida, got the nod Monday, March 8.

According to a story at News-Press.com, Lee County commissioners OK’d a $16.1 million construction budget for the complex at the general aviation airport’s northwestern quadrant. It will include a 22,613-square-foot passenger terminal, a 24,000-square-foot multi-use hangar, a fuel farm, a parking lot and a new entrance road. Groundbreaking is slated to begin later this month or early April, with the complex scheduled to open next summer 2011.

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Emerging new aircraft types, such as Very Light Jets (VLJ) and Cruise-Efficient Short TakeOff and Landing (CESTOL) aircraft, have the potential to positively affect the efficiency and capacity of the NextGen Air Transportation System, according to research recently completed by Sensis Corp. and its project team.

Under a NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate contract, “Integration of Advanced Concepts and Vehicles into the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen),” the team analyzed the impact of five advanced vehicles in NextGen scenarios. In addition to a CESTOL vehicle, the team investigated Large Commercial Tiltrotor Aircraft (LCTR), an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), a VLJ and a Supersonic Transport (SST). NASA is currently evaluating the data and recommendations that were generated by the project.

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A team from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is conducting a three-day mission to Haiti to assess the status of the aviation infrastructure in the country following the Jan. 12 earthquake and to recommend a course of action for reconstruction and assistance, according to a report at AvStop.com.

From March 9 to 11, ICAO officials will assess airport and air navigation facilities and services, flight operations, and aircraft handling, according to the report, which notes the team also will review assessment reports prepared by the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the military of the United States.

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Pilots and aircrews from the U.S. and Pakistan air forces participated in a joint aerial refueling information exchange as part of an on-going effort to enhance cooperation and develop the air refueling capabilities of both nations in early March at Pakistan air force base Chaklala.

Pilots and aircrews from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron arrived at PAFB Chaklala March 3 to conduct the information exchange with their Pakistan air force hosts.

Upon arrival, the Airmen invited PAF pilots and aircrews aboard their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to familiarize them with Air Force air refueling equipment and procedures.
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Officials from the 80th Flying Training Wing's Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program here will host the ENJJPT Steering Committee March 8 to12.  During this 59th meeting of the committee, program participants, including national leaders, plan to discuss issues and set policies.

As the commander of the 80th FTW, Col. Kevin Schneider has two chains of command. He reports to 19th Air Force for daily operations and administration, but he also works for the international partners through the steering committee process, he said.
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Since 1956, the traditional punishment for rule infractions at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., has been "the tour."

The tour is one hour spent in service dress, carrying a rifle at right shoulder arms, while marching in a single-file line around in a square. This isn't a particularly arduous task; however, what makes this punishment so obnoxious is that the whole process is intended to be a colossal waste of time.

Officers who graduate from the Academy gain a unique perspective on the value of their time, while contemplating the things they could be doing while marching to nowhere around a square.
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Twenty-four F-15E Strike Eagle pilots and weapon systems officers graduated the 333rd Fighter Squadron basic course during a ceremony March 6 at the Walnut Creek Country Club in Goldsboro, N.C.

"The 'B-Course,' as it is affectionately known, is a nine-month program designed to mold novice pilots and weapon systems officers into competent aviators capable of employing the world's most lethal fighter aircraft, the F-15E Strike Eagle," said Capt. James Valpiani, a 333rd FS student pilot.
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The Web-based project, "30 Days Through Afghanistan," kicked off Feb. 8 and aims to bring the people, the mission and the experiences of the men and women assigned to the International Security Assistance Force to a worldwide audience through the eyes of Tech. Sgts. Nathan Gallahan and Kenneth Raimondi.

Sergeant Raimondi, a broadcaster, and Sergeant Gallahan, a print journalist, are traveling throughout Afghanistan for 30 continuous days visiting each of the five regional commands and giving a first-hand perspective of the counter-insurgency mission. The two reporters will produce video and print news stories as well as document daily adventures through blogs and video blogs to showcase the troops in an interactive manner.
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Veterans Affairs officials announced March 9 an aggressive new initiative to solicit private-sector input on a proposed fast-track Veterans' claims process for service-connected presumptive illnesses due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

"This will be a new way of doing business and a major step forward in how we process the presumptive claims we expect to receive over the next two years," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "With the latest, fastest and most reliable technology, VA hopes to migrate the manual processing of these claims to an automated process that meets the needs of today's veterans in a more timely manner."
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Airmen now can contribute to relief operations for the Jan. 12 earthquake that struck Haiti that caused widespread death and destruction, according to Air Force and Office of Personnel Management officials.

In a recently signed memorandum, OPM Director John Berry provided guidance to federal agencies regarding support to Haiti in its time of extraordinary need.

"Federal workers have always shown their generosity when disaster strikes, and this time is no different," Mr. Berry wrote. "The U.S. Agency for International Development has recommended cash contributions as the most effective way to help."
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Airmen will teach the first Iraqi air force college pilot-training course beginning in March with Iraq's new T-6A trainer.

The tandem-cockpit aircraft, that began arriving in Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 16, is the platform Iraqi airmen will use to transform the college into a cornerstone of Iraqi air sovereignty.

Its also the same aircraft U.S. Airmen fly during pilot training.

"It has a very powerful engine for its size," said Lt. Col. Charles Westbrook, the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron commander deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla. "It's fully aerobatic and can do anything and everything you want within the terms of a training platform.
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The Iraqi air force flew an all-Iraqi effort in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the first time in Iraq this week in support of an Iraqi election.

Kirkuk Regional Air Base's Iraqi air force Squadron 3 launched six of their aircraft on the morning of March 5, during a surge flight operation in support of the national Iraqi elections March 7.

"In previous years, the United States has provided security, aerial surveillance and reconnaissance for the elections, but today marks a historic event because the Iraqi forces, with all of their assets, will provide their own (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) coverage for the Iraqi national elections, something they've been working toward for the past four years," said Lt. Col. Rodney Liberato, the 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group/Det. 3 chief at Kirkuk RAB.
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Four National Football League players visited Bagram Airfield servicemembers March 5, as part of a USO tour of the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

Mario Williams, a defensive end for the Houston Texans; Jason Whitten, a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys; Vernon Davis, a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Thomas, an offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, were welcomed by the servicemembers.

The signed autographs, posed for pictures with the troops and learned about the mission in Afghanistan.
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American and South Korean military members kicked off Exercise Key Resolve/FOAL Eagle 10 March 8 and will train for 10 days here.

The annual joint/combined command post and field training exercise is defense-oriented and designed to ensure the South Korean and U.S. alliance is prepared to defend against outside aggression.

"Key Resolve is our combined Joint Chief of Staff exercise where we train and prepare for conflict," said Col. Danny Wolf, the 7th AF director of operations and plans. "It's a command and control exercise where we have Combined Forces Command working in concert with the ROK, JCS and all the other components."
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Big South Fork Airpark, an aviation and equestrian community adjacent to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area 50 miles north of Knoxville, Tenn., has completed Phase 1 of its development, with developers saying properties are now available for sale.

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Stuart Jet Center at Witham Field Airport (SUA) in Stuart, Florida, has joined the Avfuel network of branded FBO dealers. The alliance means that Avfuel now supplies fuel and services, assists with marketing and provides quality assurance support and training. As an Avfuel-branded dealer Stuart Jet Center also now offers the AVTRIP reward program on qualifying fuel purchases, and the Avfuel Contract Fuel program.

Stuart Jet Center, located approximately 30 miles north of Palm Beach, has an executive terminal that features a private passenger lounge, conference space, gourmet catering, complimentary beverages and cookies, auto valet, courtesy limo service, a pilot’s lobby, a snooze room, showers, courtesy cars and shuttles, and full flight planning, weather software and wireless internet access.

Stuart Jet Center’s 53-acre facility has more than 15 acres of lighted and secured ramp space, and approximately 250,000 square feet of hangar space available. Hangars are large enough to accommodate aircraft as large as a Gulfstream V.

For more information: StuartJet.com or Avfuel.com

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An Air Force Expeditionary Medical Support team deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is scheduled to arrive in Santiago, Chile, March 9 aboard three C-17 Globemaster aircraft, where it will assist citizens affected by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation Feb. 27.

The team, consisting of approximately 84 Airmen, including 63 medics, will conduct humanitarian assistance operations in the city of Angol, southeast of Concepcion, an area that suffered considerable damage from the earthquake.
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Long-time aviation executive Charles (Chuck) Gumbert has launched The Tomcat Group, an aviation management consultancy based in Wichita.

The Tomcat Group specializes in assisting organizations with operational turnarounds, strategic development and implementation, productivity and process improvement, strategic selling, cash management, new product introductions and senior level interim management, according to company officials. Gumbert said the companywas formed to “provide business leaders and company owners with short-term and cost effective access to the tools, expertise and experience necessary to take their organizations to their next level of performance.”

With more than 35 years of experience in aviation management, Gumbert will serve as the company’s CEO. His career has included executive positions with GE, Goodrich, Electromech Technologies, TECT Aerospace and M7 Aerospace. Gumbert holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with added course work in engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is a U.S. Naval Aviator and with extensive flight time in F-14 Tomcats and A-4 Skyhawks.

For more information: Tomcat-Group.com.

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Aspen Avionics, Inc., manufacturer of the Evolution Flight Display System, has received an amendment to the Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that grants installation approval of the system in Canada. The amended STC now enables all aircraft on Aspen’s Approved Model List (AML) of more than 700 aircraft to install the Evolution Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD) product lines. It also recognizes an FAA allowance to remove most mechanical backup flight instruments upon installation of Aspen’s Evolution PFD and MFD with DuoSafeTM capabilities.

The benefit to Canada-based owners and operators is that now all aircraft registered in Canada that fall under Aspen’s AML have an approval path to install Aspen’s glass cockpit solution. The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an expandable and upgradable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft. Compatible with existing avionics, the system lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit, according to company officials.

For more information: AspenAvionics.com or 505-856-5034.

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Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has introduced its Invision MPa Plus System with Alumination technology. Using a benchtop feeder, the system provides both push-pull and standard push wire feeding capabilities and MIG/pulsed MIG welding outputs for heavy industrial applications that use aluminum and a second wire type or wire diameter at a single welding station.

Compared to welding stations that use multiple wire feeders or systems, the Invision MPa Plus System reduces downtime associated with process changeover, simplifies operation, uses less space, uses less primary power and improves welding performance when using aluminum, stainless steel and other wires, according to company officials.

The system includes the Invision 352 MPa welder with built-in pulsed MIG programs, a D-74 MPa Plus dual wire feeder, the XR-Aluma-Pro Plus push-pull gun (15-, 25- and 35-ft. lengths) and a standard 400-amp Bernard Q-Gun. Alumination technology enables the push-pull gun to connect directly to the benchtop feeder, using tachometer feedback and improved software to provide consistent aluminum wire feeding and positive arc starts, even with 1/16-in. diameter aluminum wires. An S-74 MPa Plus single wire feeder with Alumination technology is also available.

For more information: MillerWelds.com or 800-4-A-Miller (800-426-4553).

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An Air Force Expeditionary Medical Support team composed of more than 80 Airmen deployed to Chile March 8 from here to aid local medics in their response to victims of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake Feb. 27 in Chile.

The Airmen from 13 different bases left Lackland Air Force Base aboard C-17 Globemaster IIIs and are prepared to support relief efforts for up to 60 days.

The EMEDS team will operate in the city of Angol, Chile, and be capable of providing medical care as part of the EMEDS construct.
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Airmen in the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron are "looking for trouble," using the MC-12W Liberty to bring tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, to ground commanders in Afghanistan.

"We bring a unique capability to the fight," said Lt. Col. Rob Weaver, 4th ERS director of operations, deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., where he is an A-10 Thunderbolt pilot. "Our mission is to deliver combat airpower and overwatch to the joint fight in theater."
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This March 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Cessna 182. Injuries: None. Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The pilot, who was attempting to land at the end of a cross-country flight, was on an instrument flight plan and had received radar vectors for the approach ILS runway 8. The pilot obtained the ATlS information prior to being cleared for the approach. The winds were reported as 130° at nine knots, but shortly afterward the ATIS was updated because of a significant weather change in the form of winds at 150° at nine knots gusting to 20. The pilot determined that 130° at nine knots was within the limits of the aircraft and his training. He elected to use 20° of flaps and an airspeed of 80 knots for the approach. Prior to touchdown, the pilot corrected for the crosswind by turning the ailerons into the wind and applying opposite rudder and holding the correction. When the right main wheel touched the runway, the aircraft suddenly lifted in the air. The pilot added full power to initiate a go-around. The plane drifted off the runway and the tail struck runway markers.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during recovery from a bounced landing.

For more information: NTSB.gov

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AOPA and California pilots are speaking out against a developer’s unsolicited plan to close the Oceano County Airport in Grover Beach so that it could be converted into residential and commercial uses.

King County, Wash., plans to raise land lease rental rates for tenants at Boeing Field. AOPA has emphasized that the increase does not reflect the economic hardships imposed by the recession.

Barrington Irving, who in 2007 became the first African-American to fly around the world, received additional recognition of his achievements in February, which is designated Black History Month.

NASA has exercised a $60 million, one-year extension option for a contract with Science Applications International Corporation of Houston to provide support to safety and mission assurance activities at the agency's Johnson Space Center.

NASA today unveiled an interactive computer simulation that allows virtual explorers of all ages to dock the space shuttle at the International Space Station, experience a virtual trip to Mars or a lunar impact, and explore images of star formations taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

NASA today unveiled an interactive computer simulation for virtual explorers of all ages.

Images over the planet's northern hemisphere show clear shifts of as much as seven feet in ripples atop a dune

Winter Haven’s Gilbert Field (GIF)  is located in the heart of central Florida. This part of the world is bathed in sunshine and warmth, and dotted with dozens of lakes custom made for fishing, boating, skiing, and seaplane flying. But there is another geographical benefit that has been lost on the administrators of this outstanding uncontrolled field for 36 years: Sun ‘n Fun is located a mere 14 miles to the west.

This massive, week-long gathering of aviation aficionados has historically been the busiest week of the year at Winter Haven’s airport, too. Yet somehow, the management of Winter Haven’s Gilbert Field mistook the influx of visitors from the north and west as a welcome, yet random, bit of good luck. It is only now, with undeniably aviation friendly oversight, that the city has taken a second look at what opportunity truly looks like – and they are taking action.

Part of the problem was that it’s not always obvious that a service industry business requires a strong dedication to customer service skills to turn opportunity into success. Another aspect of that historical myopia was the fact that nobody involved in the management of the airport had any background in aviation – or any interest in gaining any experience in the field.

Turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to your customers can get expensive.... read the rest of story (321 words)

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Aircrews and F-16 Fighting Falcons from Shaw AFB, S.C., participate in Red Flag Feb. 23, 2010, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted on the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range, north of Las Vegas.

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A retired major general with 35 years experience in the intelligence community has been nominated by President Obama to head the Transportation Security Administration. He is Gen. Robert Harding, who retired in 2001 and, in 2003, founded Harding Security Associates, a company of more than 400 professionals providing security solutions to U.S. government agencies.

At his retirement he was the army’s Deputy G-2 (Intelligence) officer. From 1996 to 2000 he was director of operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). There he directed more than $1 billion in intelligence collection programs and supervised and provided security to the department’s defense attaches in more than 200 embassies and offices around the world.

Announcement of his nomination was greeted warmly by the chairman of the Senate committee that must approve him. Sen. John (Jay) Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) called the nomination “great news for America’s national security.” He added the general’s experience should prove to be invaluable experience for this crucial post. Rockefeller said he would move the nomination “as expeditiously as possible.”

Errol Southers, Obama’s previous nominee, withdrew his name from consideration in January after some were concerned that his labor union background could cause him to give collective bargaining rights to Department of Homeland Security employees, including TSA employees who are responsible for airport security.

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The planned Feb. 22 rollout of a civilian hiring test initiative activated on schedule, requiring current Air Force civilian employees to follow new procedures when applying for jobs at select bases.

Air Force civilians applying for jobs at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas; Osan Air Base, South Korea; or any of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases will apply for vacancies through USAJOBS instead of the Air Force Civilian Employment Self-Nomination Application found on the Air Force Personnel Center's secure Web site.
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Our fuels expert Ben Visser sent along a link to a really cool look back at a pivotal moment in aviation’s history. Win Perkins, a real estate appraiser who specializes in airport properties, has posted on his website a video he created of Charles Lindbergh’s famous and risky takeoff in the Spirit of St. Louis. According to Perkins, this is unlike any other presentation of the takeoff footage. Perkins said he “painstakingly assembled news footage from five cameras that filmed Lindbergh’s takeoff from Roosevelt Field, Long Island” and “mixed it with enhanced audio from the same newsreel sources.”

There are four parts to the video: “Dead Men Flying,” “A Sudden Change,” “Well, Then, I Might As Well Go,” and “I’m Not Lindbergh!“

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Under a deluge of rain, the 757 touched down here late at night, returning Army Staff Sgt. Michael David P. Cardenaz home. He had been killed just a few days before in an enemy attack in Afghanistan.

With family and friends near, an Army carry team marched in slow, measured steps to the aircraft, undeterred by the whipping wind. Their hands clad in stark, white gloves, the Soldiers slowly moved the transfer case from aircraft to waiting vehicle. Only the sound of distant aircraft and the anguished cry of a loved one cut through the silence.
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National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman recently encouraged the sleep research and healthcare community to continue their efforts to educate transportation policy makers of the dangers of fatigue in all modes of transportation.

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The Iraqi election process shows how far the country has come, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said March 7 here.

Secretary Gates received reports on the Iraqi election from Army Gen. Ray Odierno, the U.S. commander in the country.

General Odierno had expected a high number of high-profile attacks as al-Qaida attempted to disrupt the elections and keep Iraqis from the polls.

"But the efforts of the Iraqi security forces are such that al-Qaida in Iraq was forced to change their tactics," Secretary Gates told reporters traveling with him.
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The Oklahoma Aerospace Alliance will once again present the annual Oklahoma Aerospace Summit and Expo, taking place June 1–4 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

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Alaska recently became the latest state to honor GA when Governor Sean Parnell declared March “General Aviation Month” in the state.

The proclamation states that “aviation in Alaska plays a critical role in the lives of our citizens, businesses, and rural villages across our vast state,” noting the state has six times as many pilots per capita, and 16 times as many aircraft per capita, as the rest of the United States.

“Alaska has a significant interest in the continued vitality of the health of aviation, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions, flight schools, tourism, community airports, and aviation organizations,” the proclamation continues, then concludes by encouraging “all citizens to reflect upon the importance of aviation in the lifestyles of all Alaskans.”

The state has 406 public access airports in Alaska, 258 of which are operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. These facilities are home to 10,899 general aviation aircraft. The state is also home to 258 charter flight companies, 53 repair stations, and six flight schools. In addition, there are 50 FBOs in the state. This accounts for more than 9,900 jobs in the aerospace and aviation industries of Alaska.

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The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) recently unveiled the national winners of the 2010 U.S. Aviation Art Contest. The original artwork of these young artists will be forwarded to Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) for inclusion in the 2010 International Aviation Art Contest in Naples, Italy, in April.

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Artificial limbs have advanced quite a bit since the days of the pirate peg leg, but not nearly enough for DARPA. The Pentagon agency has kicked off a new phase of its "Revolutionizing Prosthetics" program that sets the hefty goal of creating a fully-functional human limb directly controlled by the brain within five years, according to Wired's Danger Room.

DARPA has already backed the "Luke" prosthetic arm controlled by foot-operated joysticks, the brainchild of Segway inventor Dean Kamen. But the neurally-controlled prosthetic project requires scientists to make neural-recording interfaces that last longer than their current measly two-year lifespan.

A more sensitive interface that detects more brain activity would also be good. DARPA's existing prototypes can only transmit 500 events per second, compared to the thousands of neural communications involved in a simple motion such as using an arm to eat.

The new goal for neurally-controlled limbs is a prosthetic that has a 70-year lifespan and perfect integration with the human body. But as Wired's Danger Room notes, DARPA has already planned for failures by encouraging researchers to push the limits of current interfaces -- better to study failure in a lab before a military veteran finds that his or her device has stopped working.

Given that this is DARPA, the project also mentions using brain implants that interface directly with the human nervous system. Sounds like the agency managers might want a chat with Intel's researchers.

[via Wired's Danger Room]

More than 120 retirees, veterans and their families visited Andersen Air Force Base as part of their trip to Iwo Jima March 1 through 4 in remembrance of the 65th anniversary of the battle there.

The visitors learned about the base's history and received briefings on the aircraft deployed here that are part of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence and theatre security package.

These veterans of Iwo Jima also visited Naval Base Guam and other historic sites on Guam prior to travelling to Iwo Jima March 3.
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John Knudsen, a partner with the aviation law firm of Byrne Knudsen & White LLP in Denver and a former U.S. Navy aviator, has joined the Strategic Advisory Council for Bye Aerospace, Inc.

Knudsen was co-founder, president for government operations and general counsel of Adam Aircraft Industries. Before starting Adam Aircraft he was an aviation defense attorney with the law firm of Byrne Kiely & White. Prior to private practice, he spent five years as trial counsel with the FAA in Washington, D.C. Knudsen has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and a law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law. Prior to attending law school, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy, flying the A-6 Intruder, A-4 Skyhawk, T-2C Buckeye and T-34. His last Navy assignment was with the Naval Air Reserve as a patrol plane commander in the P-3 Orion.

Knudson said he has always been a firm believer in the absolute necessity of innovation and technological advances for the continued growth and development of general aviation. “With the current and planned developments underway, particularly in the areas of propulsion systems and fuels, Bye Aerospace is on the cutting edge of providing a huge leap forward for GA,” he said.

Bye Aerospace, founded in 2007 and headquartered near Denver, is developing an electric hybrid propulsion system for GA aircraft. For more information: ByeAerospace.com.

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SimCom Training Centers’ Falcon 20 and Westwind II devices have received FAA approval and statements of qualification designating them as Level C simulators.

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TeamKitfox.com, an online community for builders, owners, and prospective purchasers, recently surpassed its 1,000th registered member. With more than 4,500 Kitfox kits sold worldwide, membership is expected to increase substantially in the coming months, say developers of the website, which launched in 2008.

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Airmen assigned to the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here are teaching Afghan soldiers at the Afghan National Army Air Corps Command Air Corps Medical Service Clinic the skills necessary to keep their soldiers on the battlefield.

"The standards we are setting here are critical," said Master Sgt. Greg Peppers, the 438th AEAS Medical team lead deployed from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

"For the Afghans to take on more responsibility for their nation's security, their soldiers have to be healthy," he said.
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Military Health System officials have launched a new Web site that provides a single point of entry to military health news, information and resources.

The site, Health.mil, is part of the Defense Department's continued commitment to make health information available and easy to find, officials said.

Content is categorized by topic or audience, including servicemembers, retirees and families; health care providers; educators and researchers; Military Health System staff; Defense Department leaders; and the media.
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Flying operations for A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots participating in Cope Tiger 2010 kicked off with a four-ship training mission March 4, here.

Cope Tiger is a multilateral, combined and joint command post and field training exercise involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore.

This year's takes place at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force bases March 1 to 12 in Thailand.

The four A-10s are based out of Osan Air Base, South Korea. They exercised a basic surface attack mission with simulated weapons at the Nam Phong Range in Thailand.
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Airmen from the 82nd Security Forces Squadron here disarmed a man at 9:20 p.m. March 7after they received a report of someone carrying a weapon near a building here.

No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident.

The call came in at about 9:08 p.m. that a man with a weapon was walking around outside the building, which is a dormitory for base Airmen. Patrolmen from the 82nd SFS set up a perimeter around the building and began their search. It was later learned that the weapon was a shotgun.
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Air Force officers and civilians considering intermediate or senior developmental education in 2010 have until April 5 to submit their applications for consideration by the selection board here.

Officers apply using a Web-based application, while civilians submit a hard copy application to the Air Force Personnel Center Civilian Development Education and Training Branch at Randolph Air Force Base.

Line officers as well as chaplain and medical service officers may apply for up to five IDE/SDE programs using the Air Force's Web-based 3849 form, available to eligible officers and senior raters March 8 through April 5 though the AFPC secure applications Web site.
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The Web-based project, "30 Days Through Afghanistan," kicked off Feb. 8 and aims to bring the people, the mission and the experiences of the men and women assigned to the International Security Assistance Force to a worldwide audience through the eyes of Tech. Sgts. Nathan Gallahan and Kenneth Raimondi.

Sergeant Raimondi, a broadcaster, and Sergeant Gallahan, a print journalist, are traveling throughout Afghanistan for 30 continuous days visiting each of the five regional commands and giving a first-hand perspective of the counter-insurgency mission. The two reporters will produce video and print news stories as well as document daily adventures through blogs and video blogs to showcase the troops in an interactive manner.
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Airmen from the 9th Communications Squadron here joined in the nation's largest reading celebration March 2, at Arobga Elementary School, here.

The Airmen interacted with schoolchildren as they read their favorite books during the National Education Association's Read across America week.

The reading celebration takes place each year on or around March 2, the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss.

"They're all so eager to read, not just to be read to, but to read themselves," said Staff Sgt. Rebecca Brown, the 9th CS NCOIC of network administration. "I kind of remember when I was in third grade, and I was in a reading group of my little peers, and we took the time during the day to sit and read with each other or by ourselves. You kind of forget how much fun reading was back then."
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The American Provincial Reconstructive Team in Zabul and 451st Air Expeditionary Wing leaders joined the provincial governor and community leaders as they gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 25 of the newly-built all-boys Sheik Mati High School and dormitory here.

The 240-bed facility will be home to young men as they attend the school built in 2009.

Provincial Governor Mohammad Ashraf Naseri, who officiated the event, said he is pleased with the recent successes in the community.
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In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen all over the world are teaming up with joint and coalition partners for important training and humanitarian missions. Plus, watch a feature on how Airmen team up to help others after an attack. And, you'll see how Air Force fighter pilots are making the most of a deployment to the Canary Islands.

The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen every day on The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Television Service stations around the world. The show also airs on more than 140 public cable-access stations within the United States. If you would like your local public access station to carry this program, send a request to DMASA.Marketing@dma.mil.
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Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials unveiled its first-ever environmentally friendly base exchange to shoppers when it opened the doors of the new Randolph Air Force Base Exchange March 5.

The new Randolph Air Force Base BX is AAFES' first exchange built to the environmental standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The building supports the Air Force sustainable design and development policy, according to Army Maj. Gen. Keith Thurgood, the AAFES commander.
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Airmen assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group here were some of the first responders on the scene after an Airbus A300 crew performed an emergency landing March 1 here.

The aircraft, contracted to DHL International, was carrying mail and cargo when an unsafe gear indicator alerted the crew to a problem.

The crew touched down after a visual inspection by tower members to ensure the landing gear was extended. Upon landing, the main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid to a stop between the runway and a taxi area.
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The Air Force Materiel Command executive director called upon civilians to broaden their career paths, as a changing Air Force turns to more civilian leadership, during a visit that began Feb. 22, here.

During the visit, Dr. Steven Butler had breakfast with the junior force council, spoke to civilian employees at a town hall meeting and participated in the AFMC/American Federation of Government Employees Partnership Council meeting with Scott Blanch, AFGE Council 214 president.
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Saker Aviation Services, an FBO at Garden City Municipal Airport (GCK) in Kansas (GCK), recently expanded with a recent move into a larger facility. The expansion comes in conjunction with the company’s recent rebranding efforts and name change from FirstFlight to Saker Aviation Services.

As part of their divestiture of Airborne Inc. last March, Saker Aviation Services agreed to change their company and trade name from FirstFlight. Saker derives its name from the Saker Falcon, one of the largest birds in the Falcon family. “We selected this name for the rebranding because we felt the imagery appropriately represented our business efforts,” Ron Ricciardi, president and CEO of Saker Aviation Services, explained.

Two additional locations have been rebranded as Saker Aviation Services: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) in Pennsylvania, and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York, New York (JRB). The GCK facility is a full-service FBO with charter, aircraft rental, flight instruction and maintenance, as well as a full line-up of amenities and pilot services.

For more information: 570-457-3400 or SakerAviation.com.

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This March 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious. Location: Gun Barrel City, Texas. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.

What reportedly happened: On the day of the accident, the non-certificated pilot was attempting to “buzz” an acquaintance located in a park area by an elementary school. According to the passenger on board, while maneuvering toward the field, the airplane’s right wing hit a power transmission line. The pilot lost control of the airplane and it crashed nose-first into the ground. The passenger stated that the engine sounded normal and the pilot appeared to have no difficulty controlling the airplane up until the impact with the transmission line.

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