"Against amazing odds, in a conflicted economy, we have come a long way," writes Albert Lewis, President of the WINGTIP-to-WINGTIP Association ROSE PARADE PROJECT, "We have paid for and gained approval of our application to be in the Rose Parade in this most appropriate year, the 125th Anniversary of the Tournament of Roses, this 70th Anniversary of the conclusion of the WASP program, and this 1st Year that women are now recognized as limited, not by gender, but only by individual skill, a point proudly established by the WASP those 70 years ago.   We have also obtained an excellent builder, Fiesta Parade Floats, whose creations have won more awards than others, and have a design ready and approved to build.  We have also had a great number of supporters who have made significant contributions and pledges to the project and worked at various airshows and gatherings to get us some publicity and donations that have significantly filled our bank account."

-WASP ROSE PARADE PROJECT Float design-

Due to our lower than expected fundraising, we are now contemplating the grim reality that we may abandon our effort.  To be clear, this is the last and only chance that we will ever have to build a Float to Honor the WASP for the Pasadena Rose Parade and its more than 74 million viewers.  There is no chance that we could delay this a year --- we know that.  And there is no other venue for such publicity that will reach so many people in such an effective way according to Lewis.

-WASP on parade at Avenger Field, WASP ROSE PARADE Project image-

He indicates at this point, with only two full months to seek further donations, we do not have enough to succeed.  The immediate additional amount we need now is not that much in the grand scheme of things,  $95K. But unless we can find donors, corporate sponsors or anyone, to pledge that additional amount of money by November 7th, we must fold our tent and slip away, and the story of the WASP will have to be told in a less effective way.

The group is asking to please act on this last appeal to you, their supporters and friends, to contact what companies you know, what individuals you know that may be willing and able to make a substantial, tax-free charitable contribution or pledge, and keep their dream alive.  For a big donor, we can put their logo on the side of the float, but that has to take us over the top. The WINGTIP-To-WINGTIP Association ROSE PARADE PROJECT: www.WaspFloat.com is a Texas Non Profit Corporation  IRS 501(c)(3) Tax ID: 24-2343555 / Public Charity §170(b)(1)(A)(vi) .

SHELBY CO Airport- CALERA AL- The 2013 Wings of Freedom Tour, a Collings Museum Foundation flying experience in WW ll history, is three of the most famous WW II bomber and fighter aircraft.  Touring the U.S. for 24 years, on average visiting 110 cities and 38 states in eleven months, the group is making their way through Alabama with four scheduled stops.

Click to View AlabamaAviator Video- A Flight Back in Time-

-Collings Foundation P-51 in formation with the B-24 enroute to EET, AlabamaAviator image-

-A B24 tail gunner came from Tennesse to ride on the Collings war bird at Decatur, AlabamaAviator image-

-Collings B17 at Decatur prepares for departure to Shelby County, AlabamaAviator image-

-Ellis Cruse, 92 of Birmingham recalls flying during WW II, Alabama Aviator image-

-Collings P 51 atShelby Co, AlabamaAviator image-

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH WI- The Experimental Aircraft Association will recognize the contributions made to the world of flight by five aviators on Thursday, Nov. 14, as it inducts them into the EAA Hall of Fame during a banquet at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wis.

The five aviators represent the spectrum of aviation within the EAA community and have achieved notable successes within their particular realm of flight:

EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame: Frank Beagle of Kankakee, Ill. (posthumous)

International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Bill Adams of Waukesha, Wis. (posthumous)

Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Susan Dusenbury of Walnut Cove, N.C.

Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Lee Lauderback of Orlando, Fla.

EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Phillip J. Lockwood of Sebring, Fla.

"Each of these five individuals has made a unique contribution to the world of flight that has benefited all of us," said Charlie Becker, EAA's communities manager. "These inductees serve as an example for everyone involved in flying and represent the best that recreational aviation has to offer. We recognize their commitment and passion for flying and are honored to welcome them into the EAA Halls of Fame."

In addition, Judy Mueller of Random Lake, Wis., will receive the Henry Kimberly Spirit of Leadership Award for her efforts on behalf of EAA and the local community. Mueller has long been involved as a volunteer in AirVenture activities, including as a chairman for Theater in the Woods evening programs at Oshkosh.

A limited number of tickets remain for the dinner and program, which begins with a 6 p.m. reception. Tickets are priced at $50 each. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.eaa.org/halloffame or call 920-426-6823.

For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.

First group of manufacturing-related employees for assembly line in Mobile, Alabama- Airbus broke ground on its first U.S. assembly line at Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile, Alabama in April of this year. Hiring has begun, and new employees are reporting for work.

The first group of employees who will support the assembly process for the Airbus A320 Family assembly line, all from the U.S. South, reported for their first day on the job this week. The group of 10, including six manufacturing engineers, three station managers and one quality manager, will train locally for two months before transitioning to Hamburg, Germany to train for up to nine months alongside their colleagues in the assembly line organization there. Aircraft assembly in Mobile will begin in 2015, with first delivery scheduled for 2016.

Pictured, left to right: First Row: Lindsay Thompson, Linda Taylor-Bethea, Alex Tijerina. Second Row: Robert Kincaid, Joe Martin, Stephen Beal. Third Row: Jud Newman, Josh Richter, Todd Janes, David Clay. -AirBus Americas Press Office

BIRMINGHAM AL- A restoration of an F-86 Sabre Jet that served as the mascot for Banks High School for over 30 years is now complete and a new memorial wall is ready for dedication. This historic aircraft is one of a very few "D" models in existence. It stood proudly on the top of the local Banks High, serving as a beacon and the symbol for the academic and athletic successes of so many of her alumni.

Reprinted with permission from the Sand Mountain Reporter by Jonathan Stinson- Albertville Regional Airport Manager Jerry Cofield was recently elected to lead the Aviation Council of Alabama.

"It's an honor to serve this organization at the state level," Cofield said. "It's an honor to be elected, first of all. I look forward to it and it is something that I'm very passionate about - our airport and aviation in general."

The council's main purpose is to help sway lawmakers on aviation issues and "provide a united voice to promote and generate legislation that is beneficial to Alabama," according to Cofield.

-Jerry Cofield to Lead the Aviation Council of Alabama, City of Albertville image-

Currently, the organization represents the interests of more than 80 airports throughout the state, and one of Cofield's goals is to increase that number.

Cofield said his new position would bring "a lot of attention to our airport," which could be good for the local community.
Next year, the council's annual convention will be hosted in Guntersville, which could also have a positive impact on the community.

"This is the first time the state convention has been held outside a municipality," he said. "I kind of hope I had an influence to move that convention to here. I think the whole county will reap some benefits from that because we'll have 200-plus people come in for this state convention."

Cofield has served four years at the state level on the council. Reprinted with permission from the Sand Mountain Reporterby Jonathan Stinson

EVERGREEN AL- Mr. Charles Macklyn Jones recently received a Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" award from Mr. Ken Spivey, FAA Southern Region FAASTeam Manager.  The award was made during an FAA Safety meeting in the Big Red Hangar, Middleton Field, October 25, 2013 as a kick off for the annual South East Regional Fly In -SERFI. A Master Mechanic Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to an airman for safely carrying their duty as an aircraft mechanic for more than fifty years.

A large group of family and friends attended while his wife Maxine, was also awarded a beautiful Charles Taylor stick pin for her support of his time honored endeavors. - Special to Alabama Aviator , FMI: FAA Charles Taylor Award .

Birmingham Aero Club's fall AOPA seminar is coming Wednesday, November 13 from 7-9 pm to the Southern Museum of Flight. You don't need a meteorologist-level understanding of weather to be a good pilot-though to judge from some of the educational materials out there, you might think so. Skew-T diagrams and moist adiabatic lapse rates are all well and good, but for most of us it's the practical stuff that matters.

• The most important weather resources for pilots
• Critical tie-ins with risk management and decision making
• Weather-related accidents that didn't need to happen
• The promise (and pitfalls) of cockpit weather

ASI safety seminars are funded by generous donations from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and pilots like you.
WEDNESDAY 13 NOV 2013
7:00 to 9:00 pm
The Southern Museum of Flight
One block east of the Atlantic East (old Mercury) FBO at KBHM
4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206
www.SouthernMuseumofFlight.org
Free & Open to the Public

BIRMINGHAM AL- The Patriotic Ceremony will begin at 1:30 in the Memorial Plaza.  In honor of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I (1914), this ceremony will focus on Alabama's involvement in the war. Colonel Robert Lewis Howard will be honored posthumously with a Medal of Honor plaque placed on the columns in the Memorial Plaza.

-Colonel Robert Lewis Howard, medal of Honor recipient-

-Alabama Veterans Memorial Park, AlabamaAviator image-

After intermission, visitors will reassemble at 2:45pm in the American Flag Plaza for the StepStone Ceremony.  Each StepStone is a 4X8 brick paver that has been engraved with the veteran's name, rank and branch of service and has been installed for permanent viewing under the American Flag.
FMI: http://www.alabamaveterans.org/#!services1/coen ,
More about Col Howard see: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rlhoward.htm

WASHINGTON- The final rule, issued today, stems in part from the tragic crash of Colgan Air 3407 in February 2009, and addresses a Congressional mandate in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 to ensure enhanced pilot training. Today's rule is one of several rulemakings required by the Act, including the requirements to prevent pilot fatigue that were finalized in December 2011, and the increased qualification requirements for first officers who fly U.S. passenger and cargo planes that were issued in July 2013.

The FAA is focusing on pilot training for events that, although rare, are often catastrophic. Many air carriers have also voluntarily begun developing safety management systems (SMS), which will help air carriers identify and mitigate risks unique to their own operating environments.

The FAA proposed to revise the training rules for pilots in 2009, one month prior to the Colgan Flight 3407 accident. The FAA issued a supplemental proposal on May 20, 2011, to address many of the NTSB's recommendations resulting from the accident, and incorporate congressional mandates for stick pusher, stall recovery and remedial training.

-Bombardier C Jet  courtesy image-

On Aug. 6, 2012, the FAA issued Advisory Circular (AC) Stall and Stick Pusher Training to provide best practices and guidance for training, testing, and checking for pilots to ensure correct and consistent responses to unexpected stall events and stick pusher activations.

ARLINGTON  VA - Boeing as part of its continuing partnership with the National Museum of the United States Army, has launched the online Soldiers' Stories video gallery, which features male and female veterans describing their experiences in service.

The videos can be found on the Army Historical Foundation'swebsite and on Boeing's Tribute Page.

In addition to honoring these stories of courage, commitment and sacrifice, the videos also help raise awareness for the museum, which is scheduled to open in 2017 at Fort Belvoir in northern Virginia.

-Click to view Trailer-

Boeing will sponsor the museum's central gallery, which also will be called the Soldiers' Stories Gallery.

Actor Joe Mantegna, spokesperson for the campaign to build the museum, narrates the videos. Mantegna's uncle, World War II veteran William Novelli, is one of the video storytellers.

Retailers and merchants salute our nation's veterans this weekend with discounts and complimentary meals to thank them for their service on Veteran's Day. Several retailers across the nation are participating with different deals. Here's a sampling:

Warning: it can be crowded. Try going to the restaurant before or after the peak hours-- 4 p.m. or 8 pm for dinner. Veterans Day is often the busiest day of the year for the restaurant. But there are many other discounts beside food.

Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers), Veterans Service Organization Card (VSO's include groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA, and the American Legion), or in some cases businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.

WASHINGTON -The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released its first annual Roadmap outlining efforts needed to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the nation's airspace.  The Roadmap addresses current and future policies, regulations, technologies and procedures that will be required as demand moves the country from today's limited accommodation of UAS operations to the extensive integration of UAS into the NextGen aviation system in the future.

 "This Roadmap is an important step forward that will help stakeholders understand the operational goals and safety issues we need to consider when planning for the future of our airspace," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

The FAA's main goal for integration is to establish requirements that UAS operators will have to meet in order to increase access to airspace over the next five to 10 years. The Roadmap discusses items such as new or revised regulations, policies, procedures, guidance material, training and understanding of systems and operations to support routine UAS operations.

"The FAA is committed to safe, efficient and timely integration of UAS into our airspace," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The Roadmap also addresses the evolution of UAS operations once all requirements and standards are in place and are routinely updated to support UAS operations as the National Airspace System evolves over time. The document stresses that the UAS community must understand the system is not static, and that many improvements are planned for the airspace system over the next 15 years.

The FAA plans to select six UAS test sites to begin work on safely integrating UAS into the airspace.  These congressionally-mandated test sites will conduct critical research into how best to safely integrate UAS systems into the national airspace over the next several years and what certification and navigation requirements will need to be established.

In February, the FAA asked for public comments specifically on the draft privacy requirements for the six test sites. Today, the agency sent a final privacy policy to the FederalRegister that requires test site operators to comply with federal, state, and other laws on individual privacy protection, to have a publicly available privacy plan and a written plan for data use and retention, and to conduct an annual review of privacy practices that allows for public comment. Information about the test site selection process and final test site privacy policy is available at: http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/

For the next several years, the FAA will continue to use special mitigations and procedures to safely accommodate limited UAS access to the nation's airspace on a case-by-case basis. The Roadmap notes that this case-by-case accommodation will decline significantly as integration begins and expands, but will continue to be a practical way to allow flights by some UAS operators in certain circumstances.

In addition to the FAA's Roadmap, as required in the 2012 FAA Reauthorization, the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) has developed a comprehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of civil UAS into the national airspace system. That plan details a multi-agency approach to safe and timely UAS integration and coordination with the NextGen shift to satellite-based technologies and new procedures.

The UAS Roadmap (PDF) and UAS Comprehensive Plan is available on our website.  FMI: FAA.gov

The United States Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, The"Blue Angels" will be the featured air show performers at the 40th Annual SUN'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, scheduled for April 1-6, 2014 on its campus at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida.

"After a year of sequestration and no military participation at airshows, SUN 'n FUN is honored to host the first appearance of the Blue Angels in the southeast in 2014," said SUN 'n FUN President & CEO John R."Lites" Leenhouts. "It is exciting for us to offer our guests the stellar precision that represents the piloting skills of all naval aviators."

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Nov. 9, 2013) F/A-18 Hornets assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform a Delta Flat Pass over the Naval Air Station Pensacola airfield in Pensacola, Fla. The flyover marks the end of the team's 2013 season and the beginning of the 2014 air show season. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald/Released)

The Blue Angels' mission, according to the U.S. Navy, is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The Blue Angels' C-130, affectionately known as "Fat Albert," begins each demonstration by exhibiting its maximum performance capabilities during a 10-minute performance. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet "Delta Formation." Staff Report, FMI: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/

The aviation community is extending condolences to U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and his family on the death of the senator's son, Dr. Perry Inhofe, in an aircraft accident near Owasso, Okla., last Sunday afternoon.

According to media reports, the MU-2 aircraft piloted by Perry Inhofe went down five miles away from the Owasso airport at about 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. He was the only person on board. The NTSB has sent an investigative team to the accident site and is expected to release more details at a news conference late Monday.

-MU-2  aircraft-

Perry Inhofe (EAA 730028), an orthopedic surgeon worked at Central States Orthopedics in Tulsa, was one of four children of Oklahoma's senior U.S. Senator.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to Sen. Inhofe and his family during this difficult time," said EAA Chairman Jack Pelton.

Sen. Inhofe (EAA 179992) and his sons are annual visitors to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Senator is a staunch supporter of General Aviation on Capitol Hill. -Staff Report

EAA 1350 Hamburger Lunch in LaGrange, GA
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 in LaGrange, GA at LaGrange Callaway Airport (KLGC)
- Go Fall leaf peeping and stop by for a burger this Saturday. EAA Chapter 1350 will be having a hamburger lunch at LaGrange Callaway airport -KLGC at 11AM-1PM (Eastern), replacing the pancake breakfast until daylight savings time.

Nashua NH - PilotWorkshops announced the availability of their "Pilot-Friendly" GPS Manuals for the Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750 units. These manuals; written by renowned GPS author and trainer John Dittmer, guide pilots through complex GPS procedures in a simple, step-by-step format. They take a hands-on approach, so you can master new procedures and processes quickly by actually doing it. PilotWorkshops also provides digital, PDF versions of the GTN manuals along with the printed ones so pilots can enjoy the convenience of accessing them on their iPad.  The manuals are available directly fromhttp://www.PilotWorkshops.com

PilotWorkshops publishes a family of "pilot-friendly" manuals for all popular Garmin panel-mount and handheld units.  Over the years, thousands of pilots have benefited from the clear, concise instructions and diagrams included in the manuals. "There has been a lack of training for these new Garmin units, and our customers have been asking for them. We're happy to provide the proven, pilot-friendly format for the GTN series so owners can get the most from their investment," stated PilotWorkshops president, Mark Robidoux.

PilotWorkshops acquired the entire family of manuals from ZD Publishing, Inc in February of 2013. PilotWorkshops.com LLC was founded in 2005 PilotWorkshops also creates and sells a range of pilot proficiency programs including their"IFR Mastery" scenario-based training.  http://pilotworkshops.com

AUBURN AL- Auburn University reportedly needs more than $5 million from the state to rebuild its flight facilities. University trustees will consider Friday whether to initiate a project by seeking architects to design a new aviation education facility at Auburn University Regional Airport.

The proposed facility would include flight simulators, workforce training space for the aerospace and aviation industries, and space for related research, University President Jay Gogue told Bentley in a letter requesting Bond Commission funds.

-Fly Auburn.org image-

The new facility could expand the university's aviation offerings to include airframe and power-plant training, as well as unmanned-aerial-vehicle training to be provided in conjunction with the state's two-year college system, he wrote.
Alternatively, Gogue sought Bentley's help identifying other sources of funding that may be available, if funding through the bond commission is not.
Auburn offers Alabama's only four-year aviation degree. -Staff report, FMI:Auburn President Gogue's letter to Gov. Bentley

A group of business leaders from Wichita, KS founded Doc's Friends in early 2013 with a vision to see the historic Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc restored to flying condition.

The new non-profit group, Doc's Friends has taken ownership of the airplane and will lead the effort to refurbish the vintage airplane. It is believed that Doc is the last known Boeing B-29 Superfortress that is in restorable condition.

Before Doc's Friends took on the project, in 1987, after sitting more than 40 years in the Mojave Desert where it was a sun baked sanctuary for birds and many other desert creatures, Doc was rescued by a group of historians with a dream. The group, led by Tony Mazzolini and backed by the United States Aviation Museum, had a plan to restore the B-29 and eventually get it back into the air. Mazzolini, a 78 year old local, has invested a lot of effort into the B-29.  He was instrumental in rescuing the bomber from the scrapyard, and will remain involved in the restoration.  According to Tony "Doc" should be ready for her first flight in May with the hope to make the first public appearance in an airshow for the 2014 Air venture in Oshkosh.

-Nacells, Engines and props are readied to install, Doc's Friends .com image-

When refurbished, Doc will be only the second flyable B-29 in the world. Its ambitious restoration and service as a living memorial is documented on the group's website: www.B-29Doc.com .

Meet the folks you hear on your aircraft radio and get answers to your questions.  Birmingham Air Traffic Controllers will discuss local airspace procedures and review Letters to Airmen. This seminar will provide a new insight how ATC functions, local limitations and how to better use the National Airspace System. Learn some common arrival and departure routes around local airports in the Birmingham area. This setting will be a great opportunity for instructors to introduce students to ATC and experienced pilots to see what makes the National Airspace System work.

To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here.The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs: Advanced Knowledge 2 - 1 Credit. FMI: EVENTS

BIRMINGHAM AL- "Shadow Gallery--The Art of Intelligence" opened with a gala event at the Southern Museum of Flight Friday night. An excited crowd of over one hundred watched as former Air America captain Tony Coalson, Raven Forward Air Controller, James L. "Lee" McKinley and renowned artist Jeff Bass cut a ribbon dedicating this unique gallery.

-Artist Jeff Bass, former Air America pilot Tony Coalson and former Raven FAC James L."Lee" cut the ribbon at the Southern Museum of Flight's "Shadow Gallery--The Art of Intelligence" dedication.-

The paintings depict highly classified CIA air operations throughout the turbulent Cold War years. Operations in Cuba, Southeast Asia and worldwide air reconnaissance are graphically shown.  Each is accompanied by a detailed storyboard containing mission information to assist the viewer in understanding the real story behind the painting. One of the most compelling pictures shows an attack by A-26 medium bombers flown by Alabama Air National Guard crews on a Cuban vehicle column during the ill-fated Bay of Pigs operation.

-American Virginia Hall is depicted conducting clandestine operations in France during WWII. The painting portrays Hall in the early morning hours, radioing London from an old barn near Le Chambon sur Ligon to request supplies and personnel. Power for her radio was provided by a discarded bicycle rigged to turn an electric generator, the clever invention of one of her captains, Edmund Lebrat original by Jeffrey W. Bass, Oil on Canvas, 2006-

-A plaque Dedicated to CIA personnel who gave their lives in service to their Nation.  This memorial is dedicated to air crews and ground support personnel of Civil Air Transport, Air America, Air Asia, and Southern Air Transport who died while serving the cause of freedom in Asia from 1947 to 1975-

Lake Oswego, OR - The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation has announced the ten aviation charities as chosen through online voting to share grants totaling $60,000.

The ten Pilot's Choice Award recipients in ascending order of number of votes received for 2013 are:

#10 Air Race Classic- Air Race Classic encourages and educates current and future women pilots. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will be applied to collegiate outreach.

#9 JAARS- JAARS provides aviation support, transportation and information services to speed the task of Bible translation around the world. The Pilot's Choice award resources will help fund new aviation projects in Tanzania or Southeast Asia.

#8 Missionary Flights International- Missionary Flights International meets the air support needs of missionary families in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will help fund a turbine DC-3 to assist the organization's mission efforts in Haiti.

#7 Angel Flight West- Angel Flight West is a volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. Pilot's Choice award funds will enable necessary modifications in the Angel Flight IT system.

#6 Mission Aviation Fellowship- Mission Aviation Fellowship uses aviation, technology and faith to meet the physical and spiritual needs of isolated people in dozens of countries. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will be used to operate ongoing programs, launch new initiatives, and expand services.

Click to View Grant Winners

#5 Recreational Aviation Foundation- The Recreational Aviation Foundation is keeping recreational aviation strong by preserving and maintaining backcountry and recreational airstrips throughout the U.S. RAF will use the Pilot's Choice award funds to further its mission.

#4 The Ninety-Nines- The 99s promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will be used for increased outreach and a new scholarship award.

#3 Civil Air Patrol- Civil Air Patrol is an organization with more than 61,000 members nationwide. The 2013 Pilot's Choice award resources will help fund the K-6 Aerospace Connections in Education program.

#2 New Tribes Mission- New Tribes Mission equips and coordinates pilots and technicians to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective missionary aviation support in remote areas. The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation grant will go toward the cost of overhauling a Robinson R-44 helicopter.

#1 Pilots N Paws- Pilots N Paws provides a forum for pilots and plane owners to share the gift of flight to assist with the transportation of rescue, shelter or foster animals. The Pilot's Choice grant will go toward increasing awareness of the organization in the aviation community.

Since its inception, the Pilot's Choice voting and awards have introduced us all to dozens of worthy charities and amazing people that are making a significant impact around the world. says Allan Schrader, President of Lightspeed Aviation. With twice as many votes as last year, the awards are having a meaningful impact on expanding awareness and appreciation for aviation.

Nominations and grant applications for the 2014 Pilot's Choice Awards are available at www.lightspeedaviationfoundation.org. Aviation non-profits committed to growing the pilot community and using their gifts for compassion and service to others are eligible to apply.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers last week urged Defense Department leaders to hold off on any plans to cut the A-10 and provide more scrutiny to the Air Force's budget plans.

The letter, signed by 13 senators and 20 representatives, calls on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to "actively scrutinize" the Air Force's fiscal 2015 budget proposals, and conduct a study on close-air support as directed by the Senate Armed Services Committee in its report on the fiscal 2014 authorization bill.

A group of lawmakers urged Defense Department leaders to hold off on any plans to cut the A-10 and provide more scrutiny to the Air Force's budget plans. (Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman / Air Force)

"In terms of maintaining the health of the A-10 fleet with pilot training, sufficient flight hours, utilization of active component squadrons, software upgrades, and modernization funding, it is essential that the Air Force not take any additional steps toward divestment," the Nov. 14 letter states. "It is also important that the Air Force reverse any actions taken in recent months that could make an A-10 divestment a foregone conclusion before Congress can exercise its constitutional oversight role."

Earlier this year, Air Force leaders said they were considering cutting entire fleets of "single-mission aircraft," including the A-10 ground attack jet and the KC-10 tanker plane.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote that the A-10 is the service's most capable aircraft at providing close-air support. Cutting the airframe would create a close-air support "gap that would reduce Air Force combat power and unnecessarily endanger our service members in future conflicts." -Staff report, FMI: AirForceTimes

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Boeing projects that airlines in the Middle East will need nearly 100,000 new pilots and technicians to support the expanding demand for new airplane deliveries over the next two decades.

At the Dubai Air Show this week, Boeing released the regional projections of the 2013 Pilot and Technician Outlook -- a respected industry forecast of aviation personnel.  With the aviation industry in the Middle East growing faster than the world average, the Boeing outlook predicts the region will require 40,000 pilots and 53,100 technicians over the next 20 years.

The 2013 global outlook projects significant increases in pilot demand -- compared to previous forecasts -- in all regions except Europe, which declined slightly over last year's outlook. Overall, the demand is driven by steadily increasing airplane deliveries. In the Middle East, more than 60 percent of the pilot demand will be driven by increased deliveries of twin-aisle -- or widebody -- airplanes.

In terms of demand for technicians, the introduction of more efficient and smarter airplanes will require fewer mechanics over time, as aging aircraft-which typically require more maintenance-are retired from service. New airplane technologies featuring more advanced components are likely to lead in some areas to lower maintenance requirements and corresponding lower technician demand. 

Projected demand for new pilots and technicians by global region:

•   Asia Pacific - 192,300 pilots and 215,300 technicians

•   Europe - 99,700 pilots and 108,200 technicians

•   North America - 85,700 pilots and 97,900 technicians

•   Latin America - 48,600 pilots and 47,600 technicians

•   Middle East - 40,000 pilots and 53,100 technicians

•   Africa - 16,500 pilots and 15,900 technicians

•   Russia and CIS - 15,200 pilots and 18,000 technicians

"This is an issue that has the attention of the entire aviation industry," said Carbary. "To attract a new generation of pilots and technicians, we need to train them in new ways. At Boeing, we are continually looking at innovative training methods, moving away from paper and chalkboard-based learning to incorporate tablets, eBooks, gaming technology and three-dimensional electronic modeling techniques. We need to make sure aviation is as great a career option for the world's youth as it is for us." SOURCE:Boeing

EAA's Chairman Jack Pelton, along with EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Stephen Leonard, today sent a
strongly worded letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta detailing EAA's strenuous objection to the sleep apnea testing policy announced in the current Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin.

The policy outlined by Dr. Fred Tilton, the federal air surgeon, mandates testing for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for all FAA medical certificate applicants with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 and a neck size greater than 17 inches. However, the air surgeon made it clear that those mandate minimums were only a starting point, noting, "Once we have appropriately dealt with every airman examinee who has a BMI of 40 or greater, we will gradually expand the testing pool by going to lower BMI measurements until we have identified and assured treatment for every airman with OSA."

Pelton and Leonard, with concurrence from the entire EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council composed of experienced aviation medical examiners, wrote that the policy announcement was "most surprising and distressing because there is little or no evidence of aviation safety having been compromised by sleep apnea" and that EAA strongly objects to speculative testing that would "subject every airman who might be at risk of having sleep apnea, even in the complete absence of clinical evidence, to a minimum $3,500 worth of testing and evaluation."

"FAA's charge is to protect the flying public, not to practice predictive medicine or further public health policy," EAA's letter stated. - FMI: EAA, AOPA

CULLMAN AL- The staff at Cullman Regional Airport along with members from the Cullman Civil Air Patrol squadron have arranged for the Cullman airport to be available this exercise.  It is anticipated the exercise duration will be from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning with the bulk of the training and testing being conducted on Saturday.

The Communications objective for this exercise is to improve our HF communications ability by selecting the best HF antenna and frequency combinations that will provide reliable 24 hour HF radio coverage to our many HF equipped ground team vans.

Testing of several different types of multifrequency and broadband HF antennas will help identify type of antenna(s) that deliver the best received signal strength over a State and/or Region in early morning, daytime, evening, and at night.

The Field Day exercise at the Cullman Airport is growing. CAP members throughout the Southeast, Northeast, and Southwest Regions will participate by confirming receipt of training messages transmitted from Cullman.  By having the ability to communicate with other Wings and Regions during this exercise we will accumulate very good information on the performance of various antennas. Out of state CAP members are also invited to come to Cullman and erect antennas. 

Alabama Wing Communications Conference and "Field Day"
An exercise for Civil Air Patrol Communicators
December 6 - 8, 2013
Cullman Regional Airport.

The City of Abbeville has applied for a $1.2 million grant to move power lines that prohibit the expansion of the Abbeville Airport. We hope this will enhance our economic development program that we are pushing. We feel like it will certainly be more attractive for our city when some of these manufacturing companies come in, according to Jim Giganti, Abbeville mayor.

-Abbeville airport, Airnav image-

In an open letter to fans on the Reno Air Race website, RARA announced the PR/Marketing position held by Valerie Miller-Moore is eliminated. Val was a friend to media since she came on board. Her loss will impact future events and hopefully she will somehow return. The following is the open letter from RARA President & CEO, Mike Houghton two months following the 50^th Anniversary:

Valerie Moore with Mike Houghton during Reno 50th Anniversary announce to media that plans
for 50 more years of Reno Racing is underway.

Dear Air Race Supporters,

On the heels of a spectacular and historic 50^th National Championship Air Races, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is looking forward to the next 50 years. This year's event marked a recovery from the many emotional, financial and operational challenges of the last three years. The crowds were back, the weather was good and the racing was thrilling and safe.

However, as we work to build for the future, we are faced with a set of significant challenges posed in the wake of a third year of financial losses. As a not-for-profit organization, RARA is committed to preserving and growing air racing and we are dedicated to creating long-term financial sustainability. As such, we have carefully evaluated our current financial position and we have been forced to make some agonizing and difficult decisions. Effective immediately, we have implemented furloughs and wage and benefit reductions on all RARA staff. Additionally, we have made the heartbreaking decision to eliminate certain positions.

I have always believed that the fans, volunteers, pilots, staff and sponsors of the Reno Air Races are a family and these decisions were not made lightly. I have been humbled by the dedication and response of our staff as they diligently work to continue this world-class event. In fact, our third-party marketing partners - both of which we have had long-standing relationships with - have committed to continuing to work with us, without a formal contract, ensuring no notable changes to our marketing and communication efforts.

As difficult as these steps are, they are intended with the sole purpose of keeping air racing alive and preserving this historic aviation event for our community and the world. In short, in order to address the operational costs of 2014 and beyond, including an oppressive insurance premium, we need to raise $500,000 in commitments, funds and debt reduction by Sunday, Dec. 15 of this year. While this might seem a daunting task, we have already made substantial strides in accomplishing this goal. Concurrently, through voting to immediately restructure the RARA board of directors and bylaws, our current board of directors is taking the steps to ensure an evolution of our fundraising and sponsorship model that allows us to grow this historic event far beyond 2014 and become more agile in the decision process.

Unquestionably, we need your immediate help and support. We are rapidly developing an exciting, new fundraising campaign that aims to quickly engage air race fans and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world and we'll be releasing details before Thanksgiving on our website and Facebook page. Existing reserved and box seat holders are currently ordering their 2014 tickets and General Admission, unreserved Boxes and Seats will be available to the public on March 1, 2014.

We recently celebrated 50 great years of air racing and are optimistic, that we will celebrate many more. This can only happen with the continued and increased support of our worldwide family.

Sincerely,

Mike

Mike Houghton
President/ CEO

 HUNTSVILLE AL -Panalpina has announced it is running paperless flights for general air freight. Using its own controlled modern 747-8 freighter planes, the freight forwarder now operates several paperless (e-freight) port-to-port services with final destination in Europe, Hong Kong and the U.S., said a release.

-AlabamaAviator image-

At 05:49 local time on November 19, 2013, flight 5Y607 departed from Huntsville airport in Alabama, U.S. What appeared to be just another routine Panalpina flight to Luxembourg was in fact the inaugural flight of the world's first paperless round-trip route for general air freight. 

Panalpina now runs regular paperless air freight services between Huntsville and Luxembourg, from Luxembourg to Hong Kong, and from Guadalajara (Mexico) to Huntsville. Panalpina expands its paperless air freight network every month. The company is confident that it can fly all general air freight on its own controlled Boeing 747-8 Freighters without paper in less than two months' time, the only exceptions being flights to and from the MEAC region (Middle East, Africa, CIS), Mainland China and Brazil. By 2015 the company aims to eradicate 80% of pouches for all general air cargo, be it on the own controlled network or on commercial flights, the release said. -Staff Report

from the FAA- The November/December 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the critical function of FAA's Flight Standards Service in promoting safety within our National Airspace System. Articles focus on the diverse roles and responsibilities of Flight Standards and highlight the important contributions of its many dedicated safety professionals.

·              "Our Finest Hour" - a look at how the FAA is organized to perform its safety mission (p. 6)

·              "Lifting the Curtain" - meeting the people behind the policies that affect GA (p. 12)

·              "From Aeronca to Zenair" - the basics of buying your own bird (p. 18)

Other features cover the role of the FSDO (p. 10) including a 2-page color map of FSDO locations and phone numbers, an inside look at Flight Standards' Air Transportation Division (p. 22), and a guide to understanding the role of the ASI (p. 25).

The issue's Aeromedical Advisory department (p. 5) covers some new educational opportunities at FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI), while Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons (p. 28) covers some of the essentials before your next major repair or alteration.
The link to the online edition is: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2013/media/NovDec2013.pdf

HUNTSVILLE AL - NASA is updating its annual"moonbuggy" race in Huntsville. NASA has staged the Great Moonbuggy Race for the last two decades. Student teams from all over the country and some foreign countries build rigs to race around a simulated lunar surface.

The race is being revamped, and next year it will become the"NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge."

NASA is introducing a new engineering design challenge that will focus on NASA's current plans to explore planets, moons, asteroids and comets -- all members of the solar system family. The new NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (formerly NASA Great Moonbuggy Race) will be held April 10-12, 2014, at the U. S. Space & Rocket Center.

Students will again build vehicles, but the course will be a simulated field of asteroid debris with small boulders, a dry stream bed, pebbles and erosion ruts.

NASA says the new version of the race looks ahead to the next generation of spaceflight and the scientists needed to get people into deep space.

The challenge will be held in April at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. View Press Release . Registration is OPEN! - NASA

Tuscaloosa AL -On Tuesday the City of Tuscaloosa announced they will host the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels again on March 28 and 29, 2015.  This will mark the fourth time the Blue Angels have performed at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport since 2009.

-US Navy image-

"We're excited the Blue Angels have decided once again to come back to Tuscaloosa," said Mayor Walter Maddox. "The community, volunteers and partnering agencies take a lot of pride in these shows." - http://www.tuscaloosa.com/index
For more information on the Blue Angels, visit http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/.

Shell today became the first major oil company to develop a lead-free replacement for Aviation Gasoline (Avgas 100 and 100LL), which will now begin a strict regulatory approvals process. Avgas is one of the last common transportation fuels to contain lead and is used by light aircraft and helicopters.  Shell's new lead-free formulation comes after 10 years of exhaustive R&D, as well as successful initial testing, carried out in the last two months by two original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Shell technologists have been working on removing the lead from Avgas for 10 years at their dedicated Aviation laboratories.
Shell Image

Xinsheng (Sheng) Zhang, Vice-President of Shell Aviation, said: "We are proud of this first for Shell Aviation. This advanced product is the latest milestone in our long history of innovation. We believe that with industry support, a stringent approvals process can be completed for this new lead-free product within a short time-frame. We look forward to working alongside our technical partners and authorities to progress the necessary approvals needed to make this product a reality for use in light aircraft engines of all types."

Avgas currently includes lead in its formulation to meet fuel specifications and boost combustion performance (known as Motor Octane rating).  Shell has developed an unleaded Avgas that meets all key Avgas properties and that has a Motor Octane rating of over 100, an industry standard. The development of a technically and commercially-viable unleaded Avgas that meets these criteria has been seen by the aviation industry as a significant challenge, due to the tight specifications and strict flight safety standards that it has to adhere to.

To get to this stage, Shell Aviation technologists carried out an intensive internal laboratory program, including in-house altitude rig and engine testing.  Working alliances were then formed with aviation engine manufacturer Lycoming Engines and the light aircraft manufacturer Piper Aircraft Inc. As a result, the formulation was successfully evaluated in industry laboratory engine (bench) tests by Lycoming and in a flight test by Piper.

Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) is used to power light aircraft. It currently contains lead, but Shell Aviation has announced a lead free option that will be submitted for approvals. Mark Wagner for Shell article 

"Lycoming Engines commends Shell on launching its unleaded Avgas initiative", states Michael Kraft, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Lycoming Engines.   "They engaged Lycoming to test their fuel on our highest octane demand engine and we can confirm that it's remarkably close to Avgas 100LL from a performance perspective. This initiative is a major step in the right direction for general aviation."

"Piper Aircraft is pleased to participate with Shell and Lycoming in this feasibility flight test program," said Piper Vice-President of Engineering Jack Mill. "Recently, we successfully flew an experimental non-production Piper Saratoga with Shell's new formulation for about an hour. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Shell and Lycoming in this preliminary investigation of the technologies, which could in several years lead to flying unleaded fuel in our production airplanes."

Shell will now engage the aviation industry, regulators and authorities, including the US Federal Aviation Administration, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to achieve approvals for the unleaded Avgas. Shell expects to also work with other OEMs to continue the testing and refinement program as the approvals process progresses. - FMI: http://www.shell.us/

About Shell Aviation: Shell Aviation is a leading global supplier of aviation fuels and lubricants with a heritage of over 100 years. Used worldwide, our AeroShell aviation lubricants range is one of the world's most comprehensive with proven performance. We have strong working relationships with OEMs, put the customer at the heart of what we do and respond to industry opportunities and challenges.

Celebrate Alabama's 194th birthday at the Museum of Alabama in Montgomery on Alabama Day, December 14th! From 9 to 11 am in the Hands-On Gallery, families and children can make birthday cards, create their own Alabama state flag, design Alabama whirligigs, enjoy refreshments, and much more. The Land of Alabama and the First Alabamians exhibitions will be open for tours from 8:30-4:30. Don't miss celebrating this historic day with us.

The RNJ.com reported Reno Air Racing Association President and CEO Mike Houghton announced Thursday afternoon that the association is “only a hair away” from reaching its $500,000 goal.
“I’m very pleased to say ... that it’s probably going to be a very early Christmas present for our organization, for this community and for our state quotas,” Houghton said.

The association’s “aggressive” goal was to raise $500,000 by Dec. 15 to pay off operational costs for 2014, Houghton said. So far, the Reno Air Races amassed $450,000, Houghton said. But the association is still pushing to meet the full $500,000 by Sunday, a deadline set in November.

“The air races are moving full speed ahead,” Houghton said. “And I can tell you with a smile on my face that it’s an absolutely delightful day for all of us.” Read full article at: RJN.com 

CHICAGO-- Boeing announced it will establish technology research centers in Alabama, California, Missouri, South Carolina and Washington as it continues to lay the foundation for increased competitiveness and future growth.

The company will restructure its Boeing Research & Technology organization, the company's central research-and-development unit, through the establishment of research centers in Huntsville, Ala.; Southern California; St. Louis; North Charleston, S.C.; and Seattle.

The new centers will operate independently but cooperatively with one another and with Boeing technology centers in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Spain and Russia. The international centers conduct research to benefit the environment, aviation safety, air traffic management and other areas.

"We are reorganizing and realigning our research-and-technology operations to better meet the needs of our Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space & Security business units, as well as our government R&D customers," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Research & Technology.

Earlier this year, Boeing announced the geographic diversification of its Information Technology organization, as well as engineering design centers within Boeing Commercial Airplanes. BR&T's realignment continues the company's strategy of pursuing future growth and competitiveness while consistently delivering on the company's promises to its customers.

The new research centers will consolidate technology development of strategic importance to Boeing over the long-term - up to 30 years into the future. They will be chartered to accelerate technical capability in specific fields and enhance and build networks of collaboration with university, industry and government research centers around the world.

The new locations and centers:

•   Huntsville, Ala.: Simulation and Decision Analytics; Metals and Chemical Technology

•   Southern California: Flight Sciences; Electronics and Networked Systems; Structures

•   St. Louis: Systems Technology; Digital Aviation and Support Technology; Metallics and Fabrication Development

•   North Charleston, S.C.: Manufacturing Technology

•   Seattle: Manufacturing Technology Integration.

As the centers are established, BR&T employee totals are expected to grow between 300-400 each in Alabama, Missouri and South Carolina. BR&T jobs in Washington are expected to decrease by 800-1,200, and BR&T jobs in California are expected to decrease by 200-300.

The unit will continue to provide manufacturing technology integration support at Boeing business unit production sites in Washington state, as well as Arizona, California, Missouri, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of jetliners and military aircraft combined. Boeing Research & Technology collaborates with customers, suppliers, universities and R&D agencies throughout the world to provide a broad base of innovative and affordable technologies for Boeing's business units. -Boeing

Now thru Christmas Eve take advantage of these festive ticket discounts for the upcoming
2014  SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo APRIL 1-6, 2014

 

Sale ends at 12 midnight on Tuesday, December 24th, 2013. 
http://www.sun-n-fun.org/FlyIn/Holiday-Special.aspx ,
https://www.facebook.com/SunNFunFlyIn

Two days of events commemorating the 110th Anniversary of Powered Flight planned for Kill Devil Hills, NC. On Tuesday, December 17, 2013, the First Flight Society and the National Park Service continues the tradition of honoring the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright at the 110th anniversary celebration of the first heavier-than-air powered flight. This event takes place at Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Scheduled events for the day include, an observance with a patriotic musical prelude by the Northeastern High School Band from Elizabeth City, NC.

A formal program begins in the First Flight Pavilion with opening remarks from First Flight Society President Geneva Perry followed by NPS Superintendent Barclay Trimble. Speakers include Park Ranger Darrell Collins, Dr. Tom Crouch, Senior Curator of the Division of Aeronautics - Smithsonian Institution and delivering the keynote will be Louis Mancini,  Boeing Senior Vice President for Commercial Aviation Services. The First Flight Society will pay tribute to William Edward Boeing as the 2013 inductee into the First Flight Society's Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine.

-First Flight Facebook image-

The visitor center is open at 9 a.m. Interpretive talks in the Flight Room Auditorium at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Flying Musicians Association will provide music, Symphony in the Sky: A Correlation Between Aviation and Music and staff their informational booth at the annual FIRST FLIGHT CELEBRATION. FMA members Billy Gee and John Zapp along with Donnie Story will provide music at the Pre-Flight Celebration Dinner/Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kitty Hawk, NC on Monday, December 16th.
For more information on William Edward Boeing and his induction into the First Flight Society's Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine, please visit www.firstflight.org. For more information about the event, call Wright Brothers National Memorial at (252) 473-2111.

Alexandria, Va. - A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, has the potential to significantly lower one of the barriers for prospective pilots. The General Aviation Pilot Protection Act (H.R. 3708), introduced by Rep. Todd Rokita (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and co-sponsored by four additional members of the House General Aviation Caucus, would direct the FAA to revise or issue new regulations that would allow pilots to fly aircraft up to six-place aircraft weighing less than 6,000 lbs. using the same driver's license standard for medical certification that currently applies only to Sport Pilot certificate holders. (The four additional co-sponsors are Rep. Bill Flores (R-Texas), Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), and Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas).

The bill would give the FAA no more than 180 days from its enactment to change medical certification requirements so that a pilot flying an aircraft authorized to carry no more than six occupants and with a maximum certified takeoff weight of no more than 6,000 lbs. would only need a valid State driver's license as evidence of adequate health. The bill makes no distinction between fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

The pilot would be required to comply with any medical requirements associated with that license.

A pilot choosing to use the driver's license medical certification standard would only be permitted to fly under visual flight rules (VFR), could not carry more than five passengers or fly for compensation, and would be required to remain at or below 14,000' above sea level and below 250 knots airspeed. The pilot would also not be allowed to fly outside the United States (unless authorized by the country in which the flight would take place).

"Historically the FAA has taken an overly cautious approach to changing medical certification standards, and caution where safety's concerned is a good thing," concluded Zuccaro. "However we believe the time has come for the FAA to acknowledge that there is no significant data indicating that the driver's license option will compromise safety in the general aviation community.

"Accordingly we appreciate Congressional General Aviation Caucus members sponsoring this legislative initiative directing the FAA to take action on this matter."

HAI is the professional trade association for the international helicopter community. Its 1,600+ company members and 1,400+ individual members, in more than 70 nations, safely operate more than 5,000 helicopters approximately 2.5 million hours each year. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community. Source: Helicopter Association International (HAI)

From ICAS- More than 1,000 air show professionals gathered at the Paris Hotel last week in Las Vegas for the 2013 ICAS Convention, December 2-5. The 47th annual ICAS Convention featured the traditional opening reception on Monday, a keynote address by leadership consultant Jeff McCausland on Tuesday, a stirring panel discussion with three World War II aviation combat veterans on Wednesday, and the traditional Chairman's Banquet at the conclusion of the four-day event on Thursday evening. 

During the convention, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds announced their 2014 performance schedules. The preliminary schedule for the 2014 North American air show season can be found here (by date) and here (by map).  

MAGIN NAMED 2013 SWORD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT- Magin was recognized for video images that have helped to capture the beauty and drama of air shows since he first became involved in the air show business in 1997. As a technician and as an artist, Magin has used cutting-edge technology to provide our industry with never-before-seen perspectives on the air show business.

Click to view ICAS video about  2013 SWORD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT Mark Magin

First presented to Paul Poberezny in 1981, Magin becomes the 40^th recipient of the ICAS Sword of Excellence. Other past recipients include Bob Hoover, Leo Loudenslager, Art Scholl, Dick Schram, Bill Barber and Charlie Hillard.

ROGER AND PAULINE BUIS TAKE HOME 2013 ART SCHOLL SHOWMANSHIP AWARD- The 2013 Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award was presented to Roger and Pauline Buis during the Chairman's Banquet at the conclusion of the 2013 ICAS Convention in Las Vegas last week.

click to view ICAS video about  2013 ART SCHOLL SHOWMANSHIP AWARD-ROGER & PAULINE BUIS

For more than 15 years, Roger and Pauline have expanded the definition of air show showmanship with Otto the Helicopter, demonstrating that aerial entertainment comes in many different forms. In the spirit of Art Scholl himself, Roger and Pauline use music, smoke, an engaging storyline, pyro and world-class airmanship to provide spectators with high quality entertainment that is always right out in front of the crowd line.Roger and Pauline become the 28th recipients of an award that has previously been presented to Bob Hoover, Jimmy Franklin, Leo Loudenslager, the French Connection, John Mohr, Tora Tora Tora, the Red Baron Squadron and the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.

HOUGHTON RECEIVES INAUGURAL ICAS WINGMAN AWARD- ICAS launched a new awards program with its presentation of the ICAS Wingman Award to Mike Houghton, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. Made possible by the generous support of Breitling, the new award will be presented each year to an individual from within or outside the air show business who has made a contribution that improves, promotes or safeguards the air show industry.

Mike Houghton, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association at 50th Reno Air Race, Alabama Aviator image-

Houghton was recognized for the work that he did following the horrific accident at the Reno Air Races in September, 2011.  By providing courageous leadership during a difficult time, Houghton helped to ensure a professional and effective emergency response on the day of the accident. After the accident, he did exactly the right thing and struck exactly the right tone with the victims and their families, with the media, with investigators and regulatory authorities, and with the key stakeholders in his community. And, in acting as he did, he helped make it possible for the Reno Air Races to continue in 2012, 2013 and beyond.

KOBELT, THRASHERS, ANDREINI INDUCTED INTO ICAS FOUNDATION AIR SHOW HALL OF FAME- Also during the 2013 Chairman's Banquet, three new inductees were welcomed into the ICAS Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame.

"Pappy" Kobelt was recognized for both his work as an air show performer in the 1950s and 1960s, and the role that he played as an air show mentor to so many of the top performers of his day. After he opened Kobelt Airport in Wallkill, New York, it quickly became the aerobatic mecca of its day, welcoming Harold Krier, Charlie Hillard, Bill Sweet, Rod Jocelyn, Jim Holland, Debbie Gary and Leo Loudenslager. Pappy's daughter, Kid, accepted the award on behalf of the Kobelt family.

click to view ICAS video about ICAS FOUNDATION AIR SHOW HALL OF FAME inductee- Pappy Kobelt

The Thrasher Brothers - Grady, Bud and Tunis - were active on the air show circuit in the late 1940s. They brought a package deal (car top landings, aerobatics, parachute demonstrations, inverted ribbon cuts, car-to-aircraft transfers) to every show in which they appeared, often acting as both performers and event organizers. The Thrasher brothers performed 384 times all over the United States over a five year period, before ending their meteoric air show careers in 1950 at a show in Charleston, South Carolina.

click to view ICAS video about  ICAS FOUNDATION AIR SHOW HALL OF FAME- the Thrasher Brothers

Eddie Andreiniwas recognized for an air show career that has now spanned nearly 50 years. In addition to his talent as a performer flying many different acts in multiple aircraft, Andreini has earned a reputation as a team player who will do whatever it takes to help make an air show entertaining and successful. A fixture on the west coast for nearly five decades, Andreini is known for his performances in the Stearman biplane, Yak 9, and - most recently - the P-51 Mustang.

click to view  ICAS FOUNDATION AIR SHOW HALL OF FAME Inductee- Eddie Andreini

BUEKENBERGHS, DRUMRIGHT RECEIVE SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS- ICAS presented two ICAS Special Achievement Awards during this year's Chairman's Banquet. The first went to Gilbert Buekenberghs of the European Airshow Council, the sister organization of ICAS in Europe. Buekenberghs has been the principal driving force behind the Sanicole International Air Show in Belgium for more than 30 years. 

Dale Drumright was singled out for her work as an ICAS Board member during the last three years. The air show director for AirPower over Hampton Roads at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Drumright has served as chairman of the ICAS Foundation and was instrumental in the development of an ICAS Convention-based mentoring program and development of the new ICAS Board Handbook. 

KLATT, JACK LINK'S INTRODUCE NEW JET WACO- John Klatt Airshows has joined forces with Jack Link's Beef Jerky to introduce a one-of-a-kind, jet-powered Waco biplane to the air show circuit in 2014. The new plane and sponsorship deal were unveiled during the Welcome Reception at the beginning of last week's ICAS Convention. Based on a similar design flown by Jimmy Franklin from 1999 through 2005, the airplane will be promoted as"Screamin' Sasquatch," a reference to the successful series of television commercials that Jack Link's has used to promote its beef jerky.

During the 2014 air show season, Screamin' Sasquatch will be piloted by both Klatt, a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, and Jeff Boerboon, a former U.S. Unlimited Aerobatics Champion. FMI  - http://www.airshows.aero/