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Aerospace News

Breaking news from a dozen leading aerospace information sources.
Updated hourly.

Last updated:
March 15, 2010 0333
All times are UTC.

March 14, 2010

General Aviation News

Lean and powerful

Deb&Lester

I thought retirement would be different. I envisioned lunch dates on sunny days at small cafes. I could see the Old Man and I snuggled together on the couch on rainy or cold days, reading or just talking while sipping hot tea or coffee. I imagined romantic interludes. Not.

If there were any interludes in the two months since he told his professional world goodbye, they have been working ones. I thought all this working business would be over and done. I was so very wrong.

... read the rest of story (1,061 words)



by Deb McFarland at March 14, 2010 2355

Book review creates flood of memories

Every now and then I get a call from the office and the conversation usually goes something like this:

Ben: Hi dad, what’s going on?

Me: Nothing much just watching the Olympics or working on some Rotary stuff but nothing critical … what have you got in mind?

Ben: How about coming into the office. I just got a book in for a review that I really think you would enjoy reading.

Whenever this happens, I know someone has sent in a book that Ben has taken a quick look at and decided he either isn’t interested in trying to get through it or he is simply too busy to try and do it himself.

... read the rest of story (312 words)



by Dave Sclair at March 14, 2010 2324

FAA forecasts robust LSA growth…for a while

The FAA issued a 20-year forecast for aviation to 2030. According the the agency, Light Sport Aircraft sales will grow by 825 per year through 2013 and then taper off to 335 per year.

Hmmm? One wonders why it should fall so dramatically and so soon?

Except in a lousy 2009, the LSA industry has generously exceeded 335 units per year — and this while the industry also had to build its entire infrastructure: A system of certification, distribution channels, service centers, parts inventory, trained flight instructors, and much more.

... read the rest of story (201 words)



by Dan Johnson at March 14, 2010 2156

Air Force Top Stories

Day 34 of '30+ Days Through Afghanistan'

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 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. The project started out to run for 30 continuous days but has been extended some additional days to cover all the regional command areas in Afghanistan.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 14, 2010 2103

General Aviation News

CFI tools for the iPhone

Keeping up with aviation apps for the iPhone is nearly a full-time job, but staying current on these apps can definitely be worth it, according to John Ewing, a Gold Seal flight instructor who writes a blog at Aviation Mentor.

A good example, he says, is the suite of reasonably-priced apps from CFI Tools. He continues:

“This suite consists of seven apps and each has the stated goal of doing one task and doing it well, rather than trying to be the aviation/iPhone equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife. The advantage of this approach is that you only need purchase the apps that you want or need.”

He then takes an in-depth look at each app: The Crosswind Calculator, Holds Pattern Calculator, VOR Viewer, Weight & Balance, Mvx Tracks, Takeoff & Landing Distance, and Area Wx. Check it out here.



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 2009

Safety Stand Down kicks off at Sun ‘n Fun

FAASTeam’s Safety Stand Down, a safety and education initiative to improve general aviation safety, will be launched at this year’s 36th annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, slated for April 13-18 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Florida.

The Safety Stand Down will focus on four areas: Loss of control, surface safety, owner-performed maintenance, and risk management. The FAASTeam will provide live and webcast presentations on the four topics at the fly-in, will offer online resources at www.faasafety.gov, and will distribute a DVD nationwide.

For more information: FAASafety.gov



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1946

2010 National GA Awards recipients named

Every year, the General Aviation Awards program and the FAA have recognized aviation professionals in the fields of flight instruction, aviation maintenance, avionics, and safety for their contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety. The awards program is a cooperative effort between the FAA and more than a dozen industry sponsors. Recipients will receive their awards at this summer’s AirVenture in Oshkosh.

“These awards highlight the important role played by these individuals in promoting aviation education and flight safety,” said JoAnn Hill, General Aviation Awards Committee chairperson. “The awards program sponsors are pleased that these outstanding aviation professionals will receive the recognition they so richly deserve before their peers in Oshkosh.”

... read the rest of story (304 words)



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1919

Space Station wins Collier Trophy

spacestationThe National Aeronautic Association has selected the International Space Station as the recipient of the 2009 Robert J. Collier Trophy, “For the design, development, and assembly of the world’s largest spacecraft, an orbiting laboratory that promises new discoveries for mankind and sets new standards for international cooperation in space.”

... read the rest of story (219 words)



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1906

Weather: Safer Skies Aviation Training Series

While YouTube is great for entertaining videos, it also offers a slew of aviation training videos — at just the right price: Free.

Check out this one from the FAA that discusses weather planning and inflight weather decision-making.



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1901

SilverWing at Sandpoint prepares for takeoff

SW-PhotoGallery-Exterior1SilverWing at Sandpoint continues to move forward with the airpark development at the Sandpoint Municipal Airport (SDZ) in Idaho. The model unit was completed in December and several interested buyers are currently in negotiations, according to developers, who add multiple lots, along with a shell building, also have entered escrow.

... read the rest of story (199 words)



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1526

Tax software package offered

Wolcott & Associates, P.A., an aviation CPA tax and accounting firm, is offering an aviation business-use flight tracking tax software package with training, support and tax advice to aircraft owners, flight departments or CPAs and lawyers with aviation clients operating business aircraft.

... read the rest of story (145 words)



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1413

AirNautic debuts Swiss-made pilot’s watch

The AirNautic Watch Co. has released the AN-24M, a 24-hour watch that marries the functionality of a pilot’s watch with the strength of a diver’s watch, according to company officials.

watch

... read the rest of story (146 words)



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1405

Latest Master Instructors named

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review recently accredited eight CFIs as Master Instructors.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.

Aviation educators who earned or renewed the Master title during February are: Raylene Alexander, Lindsborg, Kan.; Parvez Dara, Toms River N.J.; John Earlywine, Fort Wayne, Ind.; David Hall Faile Jr., Fairfield, Conn.; William O’Brien, Tallahassee, Fla.; Michael Phillips, Ventura, Calif.; John Rockcastle, Oxford, Fla.; and Doug Stewart, South Egremont, Mass.

For more information: 303-485-8136 or MasterInstructors.org



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1402

Miller expands Arc Armor line

CoolBand

CoolBand

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has extended its Arc Armor line of welding protection products with the release of two new welding helmet cooling accessories designed to reduce heat stress, according to company officials.

The two new Arc Armor Heat Stress accessories include the CoolBand, an integrated headgear cooling system that fits into most Miller Arc Armor Helmets, providing up to six hours of continuous cooling on one battery charge. Downward and upward air vents provide constant air movement over the entire users face and head, removing stagnant air and decreasing lens fog, company officials said.

The CoolBelt is a lightweight, belt-mounted cooling system that integrates into most Miller welding helmets. Designed for extreme industrial environments, the CoolBelt offers multiple air speeds with directional air controls to provide air movement over the user’s face and head. The CoolBelt can lower temperature under the hood up to 17° F while also removing stagnant air and decreasing lens fog. A rechargeable battery pack provides up to five hours of battery life, and extra battery packs are available.

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



by Janice Wood at March 14, 2010 1400

Crosswind gets better of Cessna pilot

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 140. Injuries: None. Location: Dayton, Tenn. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The pilot, who was practicing crosswind landings, told investigators that when he flared the plane came down hard and bounced, then launched back into the air and veered to the left. He corrected with aileron and rudder, and the airplane tracked to the right. The main landing gear hit the runway hard and was torn from the aircraft. The airplane slid on its belly and came to a stop. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Probable cause: The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

For more information: NTSB.gov



by Meg Godlewski at March 14, 2010 1339

March 13, 2010

Air Force Top Stories

Day 33 of '30+ Days Through Afghanistan'

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 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. The project started out to run for 30 continuous days but has been extended some additional days to cover all the regional command areas in Afghanistan.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 13, 2010 1554

Airmen expand local hospital to meet Chileans' medical needs

At the request of local medical officials, Airmen from an Air Force Expeditionary Medical Support team expanded the mobile hospital here March 12 to better meet the medical needs of the population surrounding Angol.

During a meeting between Air Force EMEDS team leaders, local Chilean medical officials said they would need more surgical space and more wards than the EMEDS +10 hospital would provide. The original EMED +10 hospital plan included one operating room, seven beds and three critical-care beds.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young) at March 13, 2010 1545

March 12, 2010

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Flexible Nanocrystal Fibers Can Harness Tidbits of Waste Energy to Create Hydrogen Fuel

Piezoelectric materials that create energy when flexed might go beyond recharging our smart phones and help make hydrogen fuel. Scientists have harnessed piezoelectric energy from nanocrystal fibers to split water into oxygen and hydrogen gas.

"This is a new phenomenon, converting mechanical energy directly to chemical energy," said Huifang Xu, a geologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He and his colleagues have dubbed it the piezoelectrochemical (PZEC) effect.

The usual brittle nature of crystals such as zinc oxide and barium titanate gives way to more flexible fibers at tiny scales. The Wisconsin researchers found that the tiny nanocrystal fibers can scavenge energy based on small mechanical "noise" such as vibrations or flowing water.

The chemical energy of hydrogen fuel also represents a more stable method of storage than an electric charge, Xu explained.

This represents perhaps another small (hah!) step toward squeezing energy from many tiny sources. People have harnessed mechanical energy for centuries on the large scale by using waterwheels and dams, but even raindrops should theoretically work in this case.

Perhaps the bigger question mark still hangs over the viability of a hydrogen economy. Other research teams have investigated ways of producing hydrogen through artificial leaves, as well as storing hydrogen within new types of solids. But even with hydrogen fuel-cell cars hitting the road, the supporting hydrogen infrastructure such as refueling stations remains in its infancy.

[via ScienceDaily]

by Jeremy Hsu at March 12, 2010 2223

The Experimental Aircraft Association

Former AOPA President John Baker Passes Away

John Lee Baker, the second president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) who served from 1977-1990, passed away on Thursday, March 11, at his home in Angier, North Carolina, at the age of 81.

March 12, 2010 2201

Air Force Top Stories

NSPS Web site adds features to track transition

New features on the redesigned NSPS Web site give employees the opportunity to follow the progress as Air Force officials prepare to transition more than 44,000 current Air Force National Security Personnel System employees into non-NSPS personnel systems.

To enhance transparency in operations, the Web site designers incorporated a transition section that includes news, timelines, resources and training tools, and a modified feedback area where viewers can submit brief comments to help shape the site's content.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (April Rowden) at March 12, 2010 2141

Air Force Reserve to get C-17s at Wright-Patt

Air Force officials will begin next year replacing 10 C-5 Galaxy aircraft with eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff approved the change March 12.

The officials anticipate that the first four C-17s will arrive at the Air Force Reserve Command unit in fiscal 2011 after five of the C-5s are retired from service. They expect delivery of four more of newer aircraft in FY 2012 after the remaining C-5s are retired.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 12, 2010 2127

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Tiny Flaws Can Be Tracked to Make Mass-Produced RFID Tags Unique and Unclonable

Can't touch this

Tiny manufacturing flaws on the atomic level might cause most companies to throw up their hands, but MIT-spinoff Verayo saw them as the key to creating the perfect anti-counterfeiting tags for everything from Walmart DVD shipments to futuristic passports. The company's radio frequency identification (RFID) tags rely upon no two chip being exactly alike on the atomic level, Technology Review reports.

Miniscule flaws because of a slightly thicker or thinner wire can mean tiny variations in how fast a circuit works on a chip. Srini Devadas, an electrical engineer at MIT and Verayo founder, saw that as as the key to creating physically unclonable devices.

Devadas realized that running a series of signals through the imperfect circuits can create a string of numbers unique to each circuit. The string of numbers became the basis for a whole series of mathematical equations that create many challenge and response pairs unique to the security of each chip.

That means a forger can't hope to copy an RFID chip even if he or she intercepts the RFID signals being transmitted, because it's literally impossible to perfectly replicate each and every flaw.

Someone could still beat the system by getting their hands on the challenge-response pairs for RFID tags. But these imperfect circuits should form just one part of a much larger defense against counterfeiting, experts say.

Verayo already has contracts for even more sophisticated systems with the U.S. Department of Defense, and other companies have begun developing physically unclonable security systems.

If you're not as worried about counterfeiters, and just want to keep track of all your personal gear, there are already DIY RFID kits that have you covered.

[via Technology Review]

by Jeremy Hsu at March 12, 2010 2120

Air Force Top Stories

Maintainers remove 26-year-old engine

The first KC-135R Stratotanker F108-100 engine delivered to the Air Force 26 years ago in the United States made its last flight March 1here.

When KC1-35R tanker engines were originally purchased from CFM International, it marked the first time in history military officials bought a commercial engine for its aircraft. Upon purchase, the engine model, CFM56-2B, was designated as the F108 model by the Air Force.

Like the other F108 models, the engine from McConnell Air Force Base will be refurbished and returned to service.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Senior Airman Abigail Klein) at March 12, 2010 2010

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

'Quake Catcher' Software Converts Laptops Worldwide into Earthquake Sensor Network

The nifty program takes advantage of accelerometers built into many newer laptops

Here's one genius computer program you might consider pushing virally for science's sake. The "Quake Catchers" program aims to make earthquake detection a lot easier and cheaper by taking advantage of accelerometers built into MacBooks and other newer laptops, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The accelerometers that are embedded in everything from iPhones to the Nintendo Wii aretiny devices that detect movement. Having software that takes advantage of the tiny devices on thousands of laptops could complement the current system of earthquake sensors installed along fault zones.

Elizabeth Cochran, an earth scientist at the University of California in Riverside, got the idea of harnessing accelerometers for an earthquake network by watching the "Seismac" program on a friend's MacBook. But whereas Seismac allows you to shake the MacBook and get accelerometer readings for giggles, Cochran hopes "Quake Catchers" can help science and maybe save lives.

The "Quake Catcher" software is designed to record all vibrations on a computer, but only uploads the info if many computers in the same geographic area record "dramatic shaking."

If the idea catches on in schools, businesses and homes, it might even become part of an early-warning system that detects the outward ripple of an earthquake. Even laptops that don't have accelerometers can get a $50 sensor with a USB cable that acts similar to an accelerometer.

About 1,000 people have already signed on as "Quake Catchers," and Cochran's group hopes to possibly blanket California and beyond. That doesn't mean we won't still need our quake-proof buildings, but the software represents readily adaptable technology that's available now. We'll just keep dreaming of our active cloaking that counters earthquakes.

Check out the Quake-Catcher Network here.

[via Los Angeles Times]

by Jeremy Hsu at March 12, 2010 1947

Air Force Top Stories

Remotely piloted aircraft sensor operators named team of year

Air Force and Air Force Association officials recently announced remotely piloted aircraft sensor operators as the 2010 Team of the Year.

AFA officials named five enlisted Airmen in the RPA sensor operators' career field as individual 2010 Team of the Year award winners.

Each year, AFA officials recognize a specific enlisted career field as well as Airmen from across the Air Force in that specialty who demonstrate professionalism, technical expertise and leadership.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (1st Lt. Gina Vaccaro McKeen) at March 12, 2010 1933

Joint fighter faces critical period

Contracting for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, touted as the future backbone of U.S. air superiority, must be brought in line with budget realities to make the aircraft affordable again, a defense official said in March here.

Key manufacturing and testing milestones are expected for the fighter between now and 2011, said Ashton B. Carter, the undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

more...

by afnews@dma.mil (John J. Kruzel) at March 12, 2010 1917

Soto Cano servicemembers provide 630 people medical care in Belize

A 23-person team from Joint Task Force-Bravo deployed to Belize March 1 through 4 to provide medical care to more than 630 people in rural areas of the country.

In partnership with the Belize ministry of health and defense force team, JTF-Bravo medical crews, based out of Price Barracks near Belize International Airport, airlifted into the villages of St. Margaret's village and Armenia to offer preventive health instruction, general medical care, dental care and medications to the local residents.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks) at March 12, 2010 1912

Airey House, Court dedicated to first chief master sergeant of the Air Force

The first chief master sergeant of the Air Force was remembered and honored March 10 at a dedication here of the house and street where CMSAFs reside.

"(We are here to) honor our first chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, number 16 of a long line of heroes. "With this unveiling, we honor the chief who preceded us all."

Chief Roy was joined by five former CMSAFs (#5 - Robert Gaylor and his wife, Selma; #6 - James McCoy and his wife, Kathleen; #8 - Sam Parish and his wife, Inge; #9 - James Binnicker and his wife, Jan; and #14 - Gerald Murray and his wife, Sherry), as well as members of the Airey family; Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Lt. Gen. William Shelton; Col. Steven Shepro, the installation and 316th Wing commander; and members of Clark Realty, the company that built the Airey House.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Chelsea Gitzen) at March 12, 2010 1859

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

International Space Station Appears Ghostly Blue in Radar Satellite Photo

Not exactly what you'd expect to see on the old radar screen

Perhaps it's time for Space Ghost to hand over his moniker to the International Space Station (ISS). The orbital outpost makes for an eerie blue shadow in this image taken by a German radar satellite, SPACE.com reports.

The snapshot was taken by Germany's TerraSAR-X satellite on March 13, 2008. But the German space agency only released the startling view of the then-incomplete space station this month.

This dates back to a time when the $100 billion space station still lacked its final set of solar arrays, and so it appears lopsided, SPACE.com notes. Since that time, astronauts have installed the solar arrays as well as new modules and laboratories, including a fine new observation deck.

Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi has already taken advantage of his ISS residence to send plenty of Twitpics featuring stunning Earth views, and has also made good use of the new cupola window. So it's only fair that the space station itself receive a bit of the spotlight, too.

[via SPACE.com]

by Jeremy Hsu at March 12, 2010 1758

The Future of Arcades: Get Inside a Human Hamster Ball

Yes: this is, in fact, the largest video-game peripheral you've ever seen. The VirtuSphere is a new interface that captures movements in 360 degrees, and translates them into a video game. The gang over at Joystiq first caught wind of the human hamster ball in '06, but got to see it in the flesh just this week.

The system sees where and how fast you're running through a sensor panel it sits on top of. A series of cameras inside the ball track when you spin around, and reorient your in-game avatar. The demo that VirtuSphere had on the Game Developers' Conference floor was a simple, first-person shooter. The player holds a toy gun and wears a pair of goggles, which display the in-game experience in real time.

Since the sphere can detect more than just walking and running (think jumping, crawling, and rolling), the company sees its appeal spreading beyond video games and into more intense applications like personal gym training and military combat simulations.

There are currently about a dozen VirtuSpheres up and running across the globe (check out their Web site to see all the locations), but in case there isn't one close to you, you can at least check out the video demo below.

[via Joystiq]

by Corinne Iozzio at March 12, 2010 1715

NASA EDGE

NE@Fahrenheit 6000

NASA EDGE talks with both NASA and ATK engineers about the Development Motor Test Firing in Promontory, Utah.

March 12, 2010 1700

Air Force Top Stories

Lawyers provide operational advice to commanders

When battle directors at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center here make life and death decisions affecting battles hundreds of miles away in Afghanistan and Iraq, expert advice comes in handy, especially when it's from a lawyer.

Legal advisers, or LEGADs as they are known in the CAOC, are part of a team of experts who provide as much information as possible to commanders so decisions can be based on the latest intelligence, desired effects, available aircraft and legal data.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Maj. David Kurle ) at March 12, 2010 1654

Blood platelet donations vital in deployed environment

When a servicemember is critically injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and in need of a blood transfusion, it is the responsibility of technicians in the 932nd Blood Support Detachment here to ensure units of blood platelets are collected and shipped out to the caretakers tending to the wounded.

Medical officials say platelets are one of the most important parts of the blood.  They are a main coagulation factor and can play a vital role in saving lives. Since it's impossible to know when servicemembers will be wounded, having a reserve of platelets is crucial.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm) at March 12, 2010 1630

Airmen celebrate National Women's History Month

They are our mothers and daughters. In many cases, they are also the ones who hold families together. They are the women of our lives and have accomplished much throughout history in addition to caring for loved ones.

President Barack Obama recently issued a proclamation declaring March as National Women's History Month, an observance that offers all Americans an opportunity to honor the accomplishments of women.

The theme for the 2010 observance is, "Writing Women Back Into History." According to the National Women's History Project Web site, the history of women is often written with invisible ink. Even when recognized in their own times, women are frequently left out of the history books.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman) at March 12, 2010 1621

New process available for selecting retirement option

Officers and enlisted Airmen reaching 15 years of active-duty service will have new procedures in place beginning April 1 to accept enrollment in the Redux retirement plan.

Airmen will receive an electronic notification of their eligibility for the High-3 Choice retirement plan that allows members to choose a $30,000 career status bonus in exchange for lower retirement pay under Redux.

The notification will inform Airmen of their option to elect CSB, advise them on how to accept the bonus, and instruct them on how to initiate the payment request.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 12, 2010 1612

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Computer Algorithm Uses Brain Scans to Pick Out Memories

The algorithm can read which of three short films human volunteers are thinking about

Brain scan technologies still can't do mind reading as such, but they do provide a window into what the human brain is doing at a given time. Now a computer algorithm has used brain activity patterns to predict which of three activities human volunteers were remembering.

Scientists showed 10 volunteers three short films that featured women carrying out ordinary activities. Some of the footage included drinking coffee and then tossing the paper cup, as well as mailing out a letter.

The volunteers then recalled each of the films inside an fMRI brain scanner, which gauges brain activity based on changes in the brain's blood flow. That allowed the computer algorithm to study the brain activity patterns, and then start predicting purely based on the patterns.

University College London researchers at the Wellcome Trust Center for Neuroimaging focused specifically on the hippocampus region of the brain, which seems to play a crucial role in recording episodic memories. Three particular areas of the hippocampus lit up consistently in all participants -- but the scientists remain unsure as to the exact role for each.

Too bad the same computer probably couldn't predict which short films Oscars viewers were thinking of, if only because short films don't usually register for most moviegoers. But at least the shorts do get some center-stage attention, unlike the Sci-Tech Oscars hidden away in the cupboard under the stairs.

[via ScienceDaily]

by Jeremy Hsu at March 12, 2010 1606

Air Force Top Stories

Defense secretary discusses Iraq, Afghanistan with deployed troops

Servicemembers quizzed Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates about Afghanistan, the elections in Iraq and the Iran situation during a question-and-answer period March 11 here.

Secretary Gates spoke to members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, which has been deployed here since January 2002 in response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The unit has a refueling mission, a reconnaissance mission and also provides air command and control for the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Jim Garamone) at March 12, 2010 1553

March 11 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 11 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close-Air Support

Lashkar Gah
Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operators provided armed overwatch and conducted reconnaissance for friendly forces. The operators observed enemy personnel, positively identified by ground forces as planting an improvised-explosive device who requested operators to engage enemy forces. The operators released missiles against the position and the engagement was declared successful when enemy activity ceased.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 12, 2010 1528

Day 32 of '30+ Days Through Afghanistan'

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 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. The project started out to run for 30 continuous days but has been extended some additional days to cover all the regional command areas in Afghanistan.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 12, 2010 1514

Scott youth participate in international robot competition

"Void turnLeftRotation (int pwr, int rotation)
MotorEncoder[motorRight]=0
MotorEncoder[motorLeft]=0
While(abs(nMotorEncoder [motorRight] <rotation)"

Or, in human terms, turn left. But Zippy isn't human, he's a robot, and behind Zippy stands a six-person team consisting of home-schooled high school students, four of whom are military family members from Scott AFB.

They call themselves the Robotic Maniacs, and they will travel to Atlanta in mid-April to compete against 100 teams from all over the world.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane) at March 12, 2010 1503

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Are Our Asteroid-Destroying Nukes Big Enough?

A new study shows that blasted asteroids could re-form, Terminator-style

Pop quiz. An asteroid the size of Manhattan is hurtling towards Earth, its impact is sure to result in mass extinction and the destruction of humanity as we know it. What do you do?

The traditional answers would be "blow it up". But new research from Los Alamos National Lab and the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows that if the asteroid isn't moving fast enough, or if the nuke isn't big enough, the asteroid will pull itself back together, T-1000-style, within a matter of hours.

According to the new simulations, the gravitational attraction between the various asteroid parts is strong enough to reconstitute a 3,281-foot-in-diameter asteroid in between 2 to 18 hours. To blow up the asteroid thoroughly enough to prevent its recombination, you would need a nuclear weapon with a yield of 900 kilotons -- which, luckily, is well within the range of current hydrogen bombs.

However, the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs was ten times larger than that, meaning it reform much faster after being nuked. So rather than blowing up the asteroid directly, many scientists advocate blowing the nuke up next to the asteroid. That explosion could shove the rock out of the way of Earth, without creating dangerous smaller meteorites or allowing it to come back together.

[New Scientist]

by Stuart Fox at March 12, 2010 1459

Air Force Top Stories

Diversity outreach unites Academy, community

When is being at the end of your rope a good thing? How about when you're a middle- or high-school student visiting the U.S. Air Force Academy's rock climbing wall as part of the Cadet Wing's Youth Diversity Outreach program?

Nearly 30 teenagers from the local community spent a full day with cadets, including three hours in the rock climbing room, Feb. 27 here. In addition to climbing, visitors met the Bird and Air Force cheerleaders and watched the Air Force basketball team play the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. Donald Branum) at March 12, 2010 1429

A dynamic tradition

Our Air Force has many traditions. Some we inherited from other services; others are more recent and will take time to fully develop. Traditions are positive things, deeply rooted in our heritage and pride. Traditions are things we don't easily give up.

One of our traditions, however, isn't often recognized as "positive" and doesn't get the applause it deserves. That tradition is one of our strongest and most resilient. You see, our Air Force is dynamic - always adapting to meet new missions and to counter new threats. With our world and its realities continually evolving around us, living in a culture of change is inevitable. This creates a level of uncertainty, and people generally don't like uncertainty. Such change, however, is vitally important and allows us to maintain our efficiency, effectiveness and relevance.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz) at March 12, 2010 1423

Airmen build hospital in Chile

Airmen from an Air Force Expeditionary Medical Support team along with members of the Chilean army are building a mobile hospital here March 10 through 12 to help augment medical services for nearly 110,000 Chileans in the region.

About 60 medical Airmen will work alongside local Chilean medics to provide support to meet the daily medical needs of the local community in this mobile facility.

The EMEDS team is equipped and staffed to provide surgical, primary care, pediatric, radiological, gynecological, laboratory and pharmaceutical services.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young) at March 12, 2010 1411

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

View slideshow.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 12, 2010 0728

Aviation eBrief

FAA bill emerges as vehicle for airline safety rules

After months of delay, the Senate this week began debate on a $34 billion FAA reauthorization bill, but a host of amendments  -More

March 12, 2010 0600

Senate considers increasing taxes on jet fuel:

The Senate's Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill sets the general aviation jet fuel tax at 36¢ per gall -More

Which Life Insurance Carrier Offers the Best Premium Rates for Pilots?  You can find out with an easy online quote from the Pilot Insurance Center.  Don't overpay – Get complete coverage with no aviation exclusions from the best A+ rated companies. 800-380-8376 or www.piclife.com

March 12, 2010 0600

Pioneering GA advocate John L. Baker dies

John Lee Baker, AOPA's president from 1977 through 1990, passed away early March 11 at his home in Angier, N.C.  -More

March 12, 2010 0600

Cessna executive defends business aviation

Business aviation should work together to defend the industry against criticism of corporate jets, according to Cessna Vice P -More

March 12, 2010 0600

Column: General aviation faces heightened security

The IRS attack in Texas by a private plane has raised the specter of increased security for general aviation.  -More

Purchasing An Aircraft in the New Year? Finance and Get flying! It's a great time to buy - and with low financing rates and terms up to 20 years on new and used aircraft, it has never been more affordable. Call (800)390-4324 or request a quote online at www.AirFleetCapital.com.

March 12, 2010 0600

Central Texas to add 2 general aviation airports

Central Texas may soon be home to two new general aviation airports.  -More

CARRY THE CARD THAT PAYS YOU TO SUPPORT GA – The AOPA credit card with WorldPoints® rewards allows you to earn great rewards & helps to maintain the freedom, safety, & affordability of GA. For every dollar spent on purchases, you earn one point & double points at over 4,700 FBOs*. Redeem your points for great rewards like cash, merchandise & travel. Learn More!

March 12, 2010 0600

Community college receives $3.4M grant for aviation tech

Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Ark., has received a $3.4 million federal grant for an aviation technology progr -More

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Discover the Caribbean like no one has ever before 
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March 12, 2010 0600

Column: All pilots can relate to fear of flying

A South African pilot discusses the common fear of flying, after a parachute accident makes headlines in the country.  -More

When it comes to aircraft insurance, one size does not fit all. Call us first! The AOPA Insurance Agency can offer you the right coverage at the right price. We work with A-rated aviation insurance underwriters so we can offer the most coverage options to fit your unique needs for the aircraft you own or rent. Call 800-622-AOPA or go online for a free quote today.

March 12, 2010 0600

Costello talks FAA funding as bill moves to Senate floor

The long-delayed FAA reauthorization bill made its way to the Senate floor this week, opening the way for a measure to pass t -More

March 12, 2010 0600

Juliette Gordon Low, founded the Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912

The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers. -More

March 12, 2010 0600

Air Force Top Stories

Reserve Command repeats as top MAJCOM for maintenance excellence

For the second year in a row, the Air Force Reserve Command was named the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award winner.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted the 2009 award ceremony in the Pentagon March 11. Receiving the award was Col. T. Glenn Davis, former director of AFRC Logistics (A4).

In presenting the award, General Schwartz highlighted the challenges AFRC logistics readiness and maintenance Airmen face. Reservists fly "nearly every aircraft in the inventory," the general said, "including missions unique to them, like aerial firefighting."
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Master Sgt. Russell P. Petcoff) at March 12, 2010 0502

NASA: Breaking News

NASA Awards Civil Design, Engineering and Services Contract

NASA has selected Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. of Gainesville, Fla., to provide civil and environmental design, engineering and other professional services.

March 12, 2010 0500

NASA Announces Systems Engineering Student Competition

NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate is inviting teams of undergraduate and graduate students throughout the country to participate in the fourth annual Systems Engineering Paper Competition.

March 12, 2010 0500

Air Force Top Stories

Photo essay: Black light inspection

Microscopic iron solution over parts inside a magnetic particle machine reveal a rainbow of colors March 9 at the non-destructive inspection shop here. The process is crucial in identifying defective aircraft parts to prevent possible failure due to microscopic cracks and fractures on the surface. 

View the slideshow

more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman) at March 12, 2010 0032

March 11, 2010

General Aviation News

A dream realized

Gilliam14

By BILL WALKER, For General Aviation News

Roland Gilliam’s dream was a familiar one for pilots: He wanted his own airport.

In 1994, at age 54, he stopped dreaming and built 5NC3, Gilliam-McConnell Airfield at Carthage, N.C. Since then, his personal airport has developed into a business enterprise that will not stop growing.

It all began with a friend who wanted to build a house alongside Gilliam’s 2,500-foot runway. Gilliam sold one lot, then another and another. Before he knew it, he owned an airpark.

Carthage and the surrounding Pinehurst/Southern Pines area is great golf country, so many pilots brought their clubs along. How about building a driving range, one of them proposed? Gilliam agreed.

With the increased traffic at the field, an A&P decided to open a repair shop. Same story for the avionics shop and the organizer of biplane and helicopter rides. Why can’t we buy fuel here, someone asked? So Gilliam put in a tank and often pumps the fuel himself.

A restaurateur wanted to sell barbecue from a mobile van. That van turned into the Pik N Pig, one of the most popular restaurants in the area and one of the best fly-in restaurant in the Carolinas.

... read the rest of story (801 words)



by GAN Staff at March 11, 2010 2352

Senate starts FAA reauthorization debate

After two years and 11 temporary extensions, the Senate has begun debating reauthorization of the FAA, calling for improvements in the air traffic management system.

... read the rest of story (211 words)



by Charles Spence at March 11, 2010 2350

The Experimental Aircraft Association

Lowering Barriers at the Summit

It is a gathering unmatched anywhere in the general aviation community. Once again this year, the annual EAA/FAA Recreational Aviation Summit on March 8-9 in Oshkosh set the direction to address key issues that matter to pilots and aircraft owners.

March 11, 2010 2316

DC-2 to Join Oshkosh DC-3 Celebration

A rare Douglas DC-2, the predecessor to the DC-3, will join the July 26 mass arrival of 40 airplanes at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. The aircraft, owned by the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Wash., will lead the group flight of DC-3s just before the opening day air show to usher in the DC-3's 75th anniversary celebration.

March 11, 2010 2316

Electric Aircraft Innovation on Display at AirVenture

The innovation and technology of the emerging era of electric-powered aircraft will be a major part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, with a full schedule of events throughout the week.

March 11, 2010 2316

EAA, FAA Work to Expand Experimental, LSA Aircraft Type Designators

Those of you who have experience filling out a flight plan know that you're required to enter an aircraft type designator in block 3.

March 11, 2010 2316

General Aviation News

Security takes center stage

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Many pilots and aircraft owners breathed a huge sigh of relief when President Obama’s budget for 2011 did not contain user fees, but none of the groups working Washington have let their guards down. Not only do user fees remain an issue, but security has raised its ugly head in the wake of the Austin IRS crash.

... read the rest of story (426 words)



by Charles Spence at March 11, 2010 2312

Aviation Week and Space Technology

No Roadblocks To Extended ISS Operations

There are no technical reasons to preclude conducting operations at least through 2020, space station partners say

March 11, 2010 2242

General Aviation News

Long before the Sebring LSA Expo…

Before Sebring, Florida, was known for auto racing and the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, thousands of young men swarmed to the airport at the bequest of Uncle Sam.

From 1942 to 1946, the Army Air Corps used the field we know as Sebring Regional Airport (SEF) as a training facility for multi-engine bomber crews. At that time the airport had four runways. After the war, part of the airport property was converted into the Sebring International Raceway. As time passed, still more land was handed off for non-military industrial and commercial use.

historyA-WAC_sm

Despite the passage of time, you can still detect the field’s military heritage. From the air, you can see the outlines of the old runways. Old timers at the airport will tell you about the remains of a B-17 crash that’s near the end of a runway, but which runway it is depends on who is telling the story. One thing not in dispute is the pride the airport has in its history. At the base of the control tower there’s a plaque dedicated to the men who served in the military during World War II.



by Meg Godlewski at March 11, 2010 2238

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Nanoelectromechanical Sensor Can Instantly Detect Pathogens And Toxins

Tests for toxins or pathogens generally rely on chemical reactions. But a team of researchers at Cornell University have created a sensor that detects the presence of chemicals based on the mechanical disruption of a nanoscale system. The device can instantly detect as little as a single molecule of a substance.

The nanomachine takes the general shape of a diving board, a form called a cantilever. At one end of the cantilever sits a nanoelectromechanical oscillator; at the other end, a laser. When the laser strikes the oscillator, the whole cantilever vibrates at a specific frequency. If a particle lands on the cantilever, the frequency changes in a predictable way, revealing the identity of the particle.

An array of these sensors could analyze blood for the presence of viruses, or water for the presence of pollution. The super-high resolution of the device would allow for more accurate, and earlier, warnings than ever before possible.

[PhysOrg]

by Stuart Fox at March 11, 2010 2214

General Aviation News

Civil Air Patrol ramps up flood preparations

With another potentially massive flood looming in North Dakota’s Red River Valley and other Midwestern states, members of Civil Air Patrol’s North Central Region are standing ready.

Melting snow from larger-than-normal amounts of snowfall this winter is expected to flood the Red River Valley in the weeks ahead. Forecasters predict it may be worse this year than last, which is bad news for Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn. Both cities withstood massive flooding a year ago, with the Red River reaching a record 40.84 feet in Fargo. National Weather Service hydrologists say there is a 98% probability of major flooding in Fargo and Moorhead and other cities throughout the Midwest this spring, as snow melts and rivers and their tributaries begin to thaw.

... read the rest of story (546 words)



by Janice Wood at March 11, 2010 2202

Air Force Top Stories

Airmen train Iraqi aerial gunners aim to protect helicopters, defend Iraq

Most U.S. Airmen know the "sound of freedom" when they hear the unmistakable sound of a fighter jet soaring above. Now Iraqi air force airmen have cause to feel that same pride when they hear their helicopters.

The Iraqi air force, founded in 1931 and once considered one of the largest air forces in the region, has come a long way, and due in part to the training and advisory mission of the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron staff here.

The Iraqis are on their way to an independent air force capable of protecting its people. One of the steps to an improved air force is the introduction of aerial gunners.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Master Sgt. Kimberley T. Harrison) at March 11, 2010 2150

First Sergeant Academy curriculum, organization mirrors total force

The life of an Air Force first sergeant is truly a tale of two experiences. There exists the joy of watching Airmen receive well-deserved promotions and recognition, and there is the disappointment and sadness at receiving a 3 a.m. phone call from a law enforcement desk or casualty affairs. These experiences are not unique to first sergeants working in any component, but methods of processing promotions and legal actions vary considerably for active, Guard and Reserve members.

The instructors at the Air Force First Sergeant Academy here ensure future first sergeants understand issues specific to their component and the Air Force as a whole through their total-force curriculum. Implemented under the direction of former Air Force FSA commandant, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop, more than four years ago, total-force classroom time comprises 80 percent of the curriculum.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Staff Sgt. Brannen Parrish) at March 11, 2010 2138

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Concept Waterscraper Brings Monumental Architecture Into The Open Sea

For the last five years, eVolo Magazine has hosted a futuristic skyscraper design competition. Usually, the entrants imagine giant buildings taller than anything under construction today. However, the most impressive entry in this year's competition goes the opposite route, by dropping the building straight into the sea. This floating building would generate its own electricity and food, house thousands, and plunge deep beneath the waves.

Designed by Sarly Adre bin Sarkum of Malaysia, the waterscraper would be about as tall as the Empire State Building, but with only a couple of stories exposed above the surface. The whole building would be a self-sufficient, floating, arcology. Wind, solar, and wave power would provide energy, hydroponics and the green space at the top would provide food and oxygen, and the structure would provide housing, work spaces, and areas for recreation.

Ballast tanks would keep the structure level, like in a submarine, as would the tentacles. The tentacles would also move around in the ocean tides, generating electricity from kinetic energy.

Adre bin Sarkum deliberately designed this building to contrast with the skyscrapers that dominate the rest of the competition, and to highlight sustainable architecture.

Obviously, no one has any plans to build anything remotely like this. But if global warming throws us into a WaterWorld like future, Adre bin Sarkum's aqua-condo looks like much sweeter digs than a rickety boat captained by a urine-drinking fish-man.

[eVolo Magazine, via Geekologie]

by Stuart Fox at March 11, 2010 2130

Air Force Top Stories

Joint Chiefs chairman to speak at Academy graduation

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is scheduled to give the commencement speech for this year's graduation ceremony.

This event marks the first time the Academy will host the JCS chairman as the graduation speaker.

Admiral Mullen, a 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was sworn in as the 17th CJCS Oct. 1, 2007. He serves as the principal military adviser to the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 11, 2010 2125

McGuire Airmen return from deployment

Officials from the 305th Air Mobility Wing here welcomed home Airmen from the 6th Airlift Squadron March 2 as they returned from supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Throughout their four-month deployment, the C-17 Globemaster III squadron Airmen executed more than 3,000 sorties, off-loaded 101 million pounds of equipment and airlifted 146,000 passengers.

"Our mission was to provide combat airlift support to operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom," said Lt. Col. John Price, the 6th Airlift Squadron commander. "Without combat airlift, operations on this scale simply are not possible. We employed our C-17s to transport equipment, supplies and personnel from main operating bases to austere locations throughout the Middle East. By providing logistical and transportation support to our fellow servicemembers, we helped ensure success in combat and sustainment operations."
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Angel Lopez) at March 11, 2010 2039

General Aviation News

Former AOPA President John Baker dies

John Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association after long-time head “Doc” Hartranft, died Thursday morning in Angier, N.C,. where he lived with his wife Kathy. Baker was president of AOPA from 1977 to 1991, just the second person to fill that position. Before taking over the top leadership post at AOPA, he was director of general aviation at the FAA. He was a jet pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

... read the rest of story (212 words)



by Charles Spence at March 11, 2010 2001

Air Force Top Stories

Employment program to resume for enrolled spouses

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program, commonly known as MyCAA, will resume March 13 for the more than 136,000 spouses who already have established an account, the Defense Department official who heads up the program announced March 11 here.

Officials announced a temporary halt in the program Feb. 18, pending a top-to-bottom review, after a six-fold spike in enrollments in January, a surge that overwhelmed the system and caused the program to nearly reach its budget threshold.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Elaine Wilson) at March 11, 2010 1950

Defense secretary comments on tanker competition, other issues

The recently released request for proposals for the Air Force's next-generation tanker aircraft was fair, the Defense secretary said here March 11, and he expressed disappointment that Northrop-Grumman has withdrawn from the competition for the $35 billion contract.

Secretary Robert M. Gates also talked about military retention and the proper mix of military members, career civil servants and contractors during a question-and-answer period with servicemembers of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Jim Garamone) at March 11, 2010 1927

General Aviation News

Flying with Grandpa

A little boy gets his first flight lesson from his Grandpa, as his Dad watches from the back seat. The YouTube video is put together by the Dad, who notes that his son is learning to fly on the same private strip where he learned to fly 23 years ago. The video includes a beautiful flight over Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Check out some great flying and a great introduction for a young boy into the wonderful world of flight here.



by Janice Wood at March 11, 2010 1917

Air Force Top Stories

Day 31 of '30+ Days Through Afghanistan'

The Web-based project, "30 Days Through Afghanistan," kicked off Feb. 8 and has been bringing 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 visiting each of the five regional commands and giving a first-hand perspective of the counter-insurgency mission. The two reporters have been producing video and print news stories as well as documenting daily adventures through blogs and video blogs to showcase the troops in an interactive manner.  The project started out to run for 30 continuous days but has been extended some additional days to cover all the regional command areas in Afghanistan.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 11, 2010 1912

Pilot for day visits 56th Training Squadron

A 6-year-old quadriplegic became a pilot for a day Feb. 26 at Luke Air Force Base.

Brandon "Hulk" Davis, visited Luke AFB with his mother, Tina Davis; aunt, Jess Davis; future uncle, Chris and his home nurse, Emmy.

Brandon was selected to participate in the pilot for a day program at Luke after he was involved in a car accident about a year ago that left him paralyzed.

"He remembers what it is like to walk and wishes he could again," Mrs. Davis said. "He does have some dexterity with fingers on each hand, but his doctors don't have any hope for further recovery."
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Airman 1st Class Melanie Iannaggi) at March 11, 2010 1854

DOD officials identify more phases for Iraq medal

Department of Defense officials announced March 10 that additional campaign stars are authorized for wear on the Iraq Campaign Medal.

The campaign stars recognize a servicemember's participation in DOD-designated campaigns in Iraq.

Airmen who have qualified for the ICM may display a bronze campaign star on their medal for each designated campaign phase in which they participated. The stars will be worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon of the campaign medal. One bronze service star shall be worn for each campaign served. A silver service star will be worn instead of five bronze stars.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 11, 2010 1848

VA targets $39 million for homeless veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs is allocating $39 million to fund about 2,200 new transitional housing beds through grants to local providers.

"VA is committed to ending the cycle of homelessness among Veterans,"
said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We will use every tool at our disposal - health care, education, jobs, safe housing - to ensure our Veterans are restored to lives with dignity, purpose and safety."

The $39 million in funding is broken into two categories. About $24 million in grants are available to renovate or rehabilitate space to create about 1,000 transitional housing beds. The grants put a priority upon housing for homeless women and housing on tribal lands.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 11, 2010 1831

General Aviation News

WASP awarded Congressional Gold Medal

The first female military pilots received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the Capitol March 10.

Almost 70 years ago, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were disbanded with little fanfare, but this ceremony was a way to make things right for the trailblazers, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley.

More than 200 WASPs attended the event, many of them wearing their World War II-era uniforms. The audience, which Speaker Nancy Pelosi noted was one of the largest ever in the Capitol and too large to fit into Emancipation Hall, also included their families, as well as the families of those who have since died or couldn’t travel.

Deanie Parrish, one of the World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots and associate director of Wings Across America, accepts the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of her fellow WASPs at the Capitol March 10, 2010. Presenting the medal are Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. John Boehner, Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Mitch McConnell. More than 200 WASPs attended the event, many of them wearing their World War II-era uniforms. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

Deanie Parrish, a WASP and associate director of Wings Across America, accepts the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of her fellow WASPs. Presenting the medal are Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. John Boehner, Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Mitch McConnell. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

... read the rest of story (232 words)



by Janice Wood at March 11, 2010 1824

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

For Freshly Graduated UAV Pilots, a New Era Begets a New Set of Wings

This week, we heard 24 cadets at the Air Force Academy received the first wings awarded in the institution's history for pilots specializing in unmanned aerial systems and other remotely piloted aircraft. Seeing as how this year the Pentagon will buy more unmanned aircraft than manned, we thought it quite significant that the first class of undergrads had hit this milestone, but-geeks that we are-what really piqued our interests were the unique wings themselves.

It turns out that new UAV pilots do have their own insignia, which was approved and handed out to pilots completing non-undergraduate training in unmanned aerial systems late last year (Note: for the cadets honored Tuesday, receiving their "wings" is more a turn of phrase; they still have some training to complete should they choose to pursue the same distinction as the actual Predator and Reaper pilots).

Designed by Staff Sgt. Austin May of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the UAV occupational badge is meant to convey the same airborne-oriented aesthetic as the traditional Air Force Pilot badge (see below) while symbolizing the unique role unmanned aircraft have taken in America's surveillance and strike capability.

The actual wings are similar to those on the standard Air Force Pilot badge to signify that, while remotely piloted, UAVs are still planes in the air, subject to the same laws of physics and principles of flight as piloted aircraft. But the shield is wholly unique. Its shape mirrors that of the traditional design, but the insignia within is specific to the remotely-piloted aircraft mission.

The globe represents the world in which Airmen operate and the global reach of American air power, a reach facilitated by the unmanned aircraft. The rays of light symbolize both the dawn of a new age of aviation as well as the UAV's ability to shed light on far-flung corners of the planet. And the lightning bolt? It's just a reminder that though the primary objective of many unmanned missions is surveillance and reconnaissance, remotely piloted aircraft reserve the capability to rain down some fire (specifically Hellfire) if needs be.

As for Staff Sgt. May, his artistic talents aren't limited to occupational badges. For those of you who dig military humor, his "Air Force Blues" comic strip is updated weekly.

by Clay Dillow at March 11, 2010 1700

Air Force Top Stories

Policy to mandate head injury evaluations

Defense Department officials said they expect to launch a new policy in the coming months that will make head-injury evaluations mandatory for all servicemembers who may have concussions.

The current guidelines for treating servicemembers with such injuries allows for them to come forward on their own, said a senior official with the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Under the new policy, every servicemember exposed to such an incident will be required to seek attention. Troops will be required to rest and will be excluded from their unit's mission cycle for at least 24 hours, said Kathy Helmick, the senior director for traumatic brain injury at the center.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden) at March 11, 2010 1646

Regular colorectal cancer screening saves lives

Regular colorectal cancer screening saves lives

Colorectal cancer screenings may be an uncomfortable subject for some people to discuss, but their importance cannot be underplayed.

With one in 19 Americans being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime, the good news for Tricare beneficiaries is that colorectal screenings are available to them at no cost.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate at least 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided with regular screening. When colorectal cancer is caught and diagnosed early, treatment is more effective.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil () at March 11, 2010 1645

Solar array to 'dim' Luke's electric bill

Members of the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron here are exploring ways to reduce the multi million dollar electric bill and go 'green' with plans to build one of the largest solar arrays in the Air Force by December 2011 at Luke Air Force Base.

2nd Lt. Christopher Warshaw, the 56th CES energy projects manager, said members of Luke AFB use more than 60 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year to support the mission.

"Costs continue to expand," he said. "Currently, the base spends more than $5 million on electricity and most of the electricity used is not generated in a 'green' way."
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Airman 1st Class Melanie Iannaggi) at March 11, 2010 1642

American servicemembers help Afghans make strides

Some Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul military members will soon prepare to travel back to their duty stations after assisting their Afghan partners with improvements in Zabul province communities.

Over the course of 10 months, the collective staff completed more than 65 projects, totaling more than $40 million throughout Zabul province.

PRTs in Afghanistan use relatively small joint civil-military units developed to achieve three objectives: improve security, extend the authority of the Afghan central government and facilitate reconstruction.
more...

by afnews@dma.mil (Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton) at March 11, 2010 1627

Popular Science - Military, Aviation and Space

Bigger, Better, Faster: The Quake Proof Airport, Floating Freighter and Fast-Acting Fake Platelets

Every now and then, we like to gather three things that have gone bigger, better and faster this month. This time we're saluting airports that operate after strong earthquakes, giant cargo-hauling green airships, and artificial blood platelets that could save soldiers' lives.


Bigger: The Quake-Proof Airport

There's a 60 percent chance that an earthquake will level Istanbul by 2040. But when it does, the newest terminal at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport can soldier on. The world's largest earthquake-protected building, which opened last November, can absorb 80 percent of back-and-forth shaking, the most destructive movement. Designed by the engineering firm Arup, the building features a foundation with 300 dampers, each with a bearing sandwiched between sliding steel plates. In an event like the city's 1999 7.4-magnitude quake, the airport could be used to fly in emergency medical supplies and food, says Atila Zekioglu, a principal at Arup: "Transportation is what makes a city tick."

Faster: Bleeding Blocker

A soldier hit by shrapnel can bleed to death in 10 minutes. Now engineers at Case Western Reserve University have created artificial blood platelets-components that clump together to form clots. Last December they showed that the plastic platelets, which don't need refrigeration, can stop bleeding in rats 25 percent faster than donated natural platelets. Up next, the researchers hope to test them in larger mammals.

Greener: The Floating Freighter

Take a blimp, add plane engines and wings, and you get Dynalifter, a fuel-efficient aircraft. When the 120-foot airship prototype begins test flights this spring, its 20,000 cubic feet of helium-filled compartments will offset half its weight so the engines won't have to work as hard. The engines propel the craft at 80 mph, 30 mph faster than conventional blimps, says Robert Rist, the co-president of Ohio Airships, which is developing the ship. This year, the company will build a freighter-size Dynalifter that can haul at least 22 tons, which it's eyeing for cheaper, greener shipping in developing nations where rough roads limit traditional trucking.

by Carina Storrs at March 11, 2010 1535

 


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