Sunglasses

Posted on November 28, 2023 by mwflyer

by Dr. Bill Blank, MD
Senior Aviation Medical Examiner
© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved!
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue

Recently the Federal Air Surgeon, Dr. Susan Northrup, released on YouTube, an “AME Minute” entitled “What are Some Safety Considerations Regarding Sunglasses.” Here are her thoughts along with some of mine.

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV radiation, decrease glare, and improve vision during periods of bright light. Pilots are encouraged to wear sunglasses during these conditions. Here are some safety considerations when choosing the type of sunglasses to wear.

Under low light conditions, sunglasses compromise vision. How much can depend upon the color of the tint. Gray reduces overall brightness with the least color distortion.
Photosensitive lenses are unsuitable for aviation purposes because they respond too slowly to changes in light intensity. In the faded state, they might not be clear enough when flying in cloud cover or at night.

Lenses that block blue light can distort aviation lights and displays. Polarized lenses are not recommended, because they interfere with the visibility of instruments with anti-glare filters. Polarized glasses and wind screens don’t mix. They interfere with each other.

There are color vision correcting lenses. They may be worn, but not for the purpose of improving color vision. Go figure! Sunglasses are not acceptable as the only means of correcting visual acuity, but may be used as a backup, if they provide the necessary correction. It is also recommended that you have a non-tinted pair of spare lenses.

Sunglasses sometimes offer UV protection. It’s necessary to research the lenses you are considering. You can’t tell by looking at them. Some very dark brown lenses offer none. You want sunglasses labeled UV 400 which protect wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. This includes 75% to 90% of the visible light from the sun and includes UVA and UVB. UV protection is thought to protect against the formation of cataracts and the development of macular degeneration. I think a more realistic approach is to hope they help delay the onset and slow the progression. The major risk factor for both conditions is age.

I hope this article will help you cho0se the best sunglasses for your purposes. Happy flying!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Columnist William A. Blank is a physician in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and has been an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) since 1978, and a Senior AME since 1985. Dr. Blank is a retired Ophthalmologist, but still gives some of the ophthalmology lectures at AME renewal seminars. Flying-wise, Dr. Blank holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and has 6000 hours. He is a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) and has given over 1200 hours of aerobatic instruction. In addition, Dr. Blank was an airshow performer through the 2014 season and has held a Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) since 1987. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2021.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this column is the expressed opinion of the author only, and readers are advised to seek the advice of others, including their own AME, and refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations and FAA Aeronautical Information Manual for additional information and clarification.

Posted in Columns, Columns, Columns, Dec 2023/Jan 2024, High On Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Moving & Changing Your Address? Better Let The FAA Know

Posted on November 28, 2023 by mwflyer

by Gregory J. Reigel, Esq
© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved!
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue

Are you in the process of moving and changing your address? Or have you recently moved? If so, you need to let the FAA know.

Why? Aside from the obvious compliance and enforcement reasons, the FAA also wants to keep airmen informed of seminars (e.g., Wings programs, etc.), to request input from airmen regarding local issues (e.g., airspace design, airport closure, etc.), and to provide airmen with any other aviation safety information it feels is beneficial or necessary. And, more importantly, because it is required by the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”).

The Regulation

FAR §61.60 requires that airmen keep the FAA informed of their permanent mailing address. (A similar regulation applying to airmen other than flight crewmembers is found at FAR §65.21). Specifically, FAR §61.60 prohibits an airman from exercising the privileges of his or her certificates if the airman has failed to provide the FAA’s Airman Certification Branch with a new permanent mailing address within 30 days of changing his or her permanent mailing address.

The change of permanent mailing address may be reported to the FAA via U.S. Mail or via the internet. If via mail, the notification must be sent to FAA, Airman Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. If via the internet, airmen should go to the FAA’s website, where a form may be completed to notify the FAA of a change in permanent mailing address.

When an airman cannot provide a permanent residence address (e.g., where the person resides in a motor home or is in the process of moving), it is permissible for the airman to use his or her parent’s or friend’s permanent address as the airman’s permanent address. This is frequently the case with newly hired airline pilots who are domiciled out of a different city from the city in which they will ultimately reside when they acquire enough seniority to hold the appropriate schedule.

Some airmen attempt to simplify compliance with this regulation by disclosing a post office box as the permanent mailing address. That way, so the argument goes, the airman can move as much as he or she wants without having to provide notice to the FAA with each move. This is a nice idea, in theory. Unfortunately, the regulation accounts for this scenario and requires airman to also provide his or her current residential address if a post office box is disclosed as the permanent mailing address.

FAR §61.60 does not specifically ask for the airman’s “residence” or where he or she lives, except when the airman is disclosing a post office box for a permanent mailing address. Also, the regulations do not define “permanent mailing address,” or “residential address” for that matter. However, a reasonable implication of FAR §61.60’s requirement is that the FAA wants an address where it knows that information mailed to that address will be received by the airman. For most airmen, this address is where they live.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

A failure to comply with FAR §61.60 usually arises in one of two situations. The situation may come to light during the course of a ramp check or check-ride conducted by an FAA inspector/examiner when he or she compares the addresses on an individual’s airman and medical certificates and the driver’s license or other government identification, which airmen are required to carry when flying. Inconsistent addresses on the documents may lead to a request to confirm the address on file with the FAA so the inspector/examiner can determine which address was current and whether it matched the FAA’s records. If the airman’s current permanent mailing address does not match the FAA’s records, the airman is technically in violation of FAR §61.60.

This situation may also appear in enforcement actions arising from unrelated FAR violations. Many airmen have suffered suspensions and revocations for unrelated FAR violations without the benefit of a hearing or appeal as a direct result of their failure to comply with FAR §61.60. How does this happen?

Well, in order to initiate an enforcement action against an airman, the FAA must serve the airman with a “notice of proposed certificate action” (“NPCA”) or “notice of proposed civil penalty” (“NPCP”). This NPCA/NPCP offers an airman several alternatives for responding to the NPCA/NPCP and the airman must choose and pursue one of the alternatives within the period of time specified by the regulations.

If the FAA does not receive a timely response from the airman (in this case because the airman was unaware of the NPCA/NPCP because it went to the airman’s address of record with the FAA which was no longer current), then the FAA will simply issue an order imposing the sanction sought in the NPCA/NPCP.

When the FAA mails an order of suspension, revocation, or civil penalty to an airman via certified mail, service is effective on the date of the mailing. An airman must appeal an order within a specified period of time (20 days for a non-emergency order, 10 days for an emergency order, or 2 days for appeal of emergency determination), otherwise the order becomes final and un-appealable. (Of course, if the airman did not receive the NPCA/NPCP because of the incorrect address, more often than not the airman will not receive the order either.)

If an airman later learns of the FAA’s order and attempts to appeal the order, unless unusual circumstances are present, the airman’s appeal will likely be denied. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) precedent holds that when the FAA mails the order to the airman’s permanent address on file with the Airman Certification Branch, the use of such address constitutes constructive notice. As a result, if the FAA has provided constructive notice to an airman, the NTSB deems that the airman has received notice, whether the airman has actually received the NPCA/NPCP order or not.

If the airman failed to keep the FAA informed of a change of his or her permanent mailing address, the airman will not be able to argue on appeal that he or she never received proper service. According to the NTSB, “[c]ertificate holders must ensure that they keep their official records, to include a permanent address of record at which they may receive official correspondence regarding their certificates, current.”

Further, failure to receive an order that was sent to the most current permanent mailing address contained in the FAA’s record does not constitute “good cause” that would excuse the untimely filing of an appeal. The NTSB has rejected, and continues to reject, arguments of “good cause” based upon an airman’s failure to receive the mail when his or her permanent mailing address differs from the one contained in the FAA’s records.

This isn’t to say that the FAA will not or cannot pursue a separate enforcement action for a violation of FAR §61.60. However, it is unclear what sanction the FAA may seek to impose for a violation of FAR §61.60, if any. A review of the Sanction Guidance Table in FAA Order 2150.3C does not disclose a specific reference to FAR §61.60. Further, a quick search of National Transportation Safety Board reported cases does not reveal any reported cases in which the FAA has pursued enforcement action against an airman for violation of FAR §61.60.

Conclusion

Like it or not, airmen need to make sure the FAA knows where it can reach them. Not only does FAR §61.60 requires it, but it also makes good sense. The FAA does, on occasion, send airmen aviation safety information that is beneficial and unrelated to compliance and enforcement.

And, if you are involved in an enforcement investigation, you probably want to make sure the FAA sends things to an address where you know you will receive them so you can preserve your rights and respond in a timely manner. After all, if the FAA wants to pursue an action against you and it uses the current address it has in its records, it can do so whether you actually receive its order or not.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Greg Reigel is an attorney with Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, and represents clients throughout the country in aviation and business law matters. He has more than two decades of experience working with airlines, charter companies, fixed base operators, airports, repair stations, pilots, mechanics, and other aviation businesses in aircraft purchase and sales transactions, regulatory compliance including hazmat and drug and alcohol testing, contract negotiations, airport grant assurances, airport leasing, aircraft-related agreements, wet leasing, dry leasing, and FAA certificate and civil penalty actions. For assistance, call 214-780-1482, email: greigel@shackelford.law, Twitter @reigellaw (www.shackelford.law)

Posted in Aviation Law, Columns, Columns, Columns, Dec 2023/Jan 2024 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Working One-On-One With Your Favorite Mechanic

Posted on November 28, 2023 by mwflyer

by Dave Weiman
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023/January 2024 Digital Issue

I’ve always been a believer in working one-on-one with my aircraft mechanic when doing our annual inspection. I’m there if my mechanic has a question, I can point out what might be wrong with my airplane, it is an opportunity to learn something about my airplane that might be helpful as its sole pilot, and it frees up my mechanic to focus on maintenance items of major importance.

I can assist in removing and reinstalling inspection plates, various parts such as the tail cone, wheel pants, and the seats, and in small shops, I can provide the extra pair of hands needed for some tasks, such as compression checks.

It is important that the owner does not get in the way of his or her mechanic or ask too many questions which can distract him/her and add time to the clock.

Speaking of the clock, saving money can also be a consideration, so long as the owner weighs all factors, such as time away from one’s regular job, and travel time from home to the FBO. If saving money is your only reason to participate in the annual inspection, it might not be reason enough.

Whether or not you participate in your annual inspection, it is important to establish a relationship with one mechanic and maintain good communications with that person throughout the year. And by having one mechanic responsible for the maintenance of your airplane, that person will know your airplane’s needs the best and will reduce the time needed to research your logbooks.

I will never forget when we were considering having a graphic artist at our printer design and layout the magazine. We met with that person for several hours, gave him previous issues of the magazine, and a folder with specifications, so he would know the basic layout. Even though we were on his schedule, on the spur of the moment, he decided to take a vacation. In response, the printer said, “No problem… We have other graphic artists who can fill in.” That would be the same as if you had an appointment with your primary physician for your annual physical and that person decides at the last minute to take a vacation and left you with a physician you had never met or who never reviewed your medical records. It would be better to reschedule your appointment. The same would be true for your annual inspection.

Posted in Columns, Columns, Columns, Dec 2023/Jan 2024, Dialogue | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Indiana Seaplane Pilots Association Celebrates 21st Anniversary With Splash-In & Wedding

Posted on November 28, 2023 by mwflyer

by Randy Strebig
President, Indiana Seaplane Pilots Association
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue

OUTSTANDING!! Might be the ultimate summary in a single word to describe the 21st Annual Indiana Seaplane Pilots Association Splash-In, September 23-24, 2023, on Lake James at Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana. A glorious Midwest September weekend delivered the nearly perfect conditions for a splash-in. The event resulted in 33 seaplanes participating and volunteers were second to none!

Once again, the event reported a 100% safety record. Jakob Mckenney, who is a walking Wikipedia of all things airplanes, participated again as the announcer. Randy Rhodes and his daughter, Sara, along with Scott Millard, seamlessly handled the Friday and Saturday aircraft operations. And it seems that I could no longer make this event happen without Joe Willig as my wingman.

We had a beautiful evening for our Saturday evening barbecue and bonfire at my airstrip on the other side of the lake. Once again, our local Land O’ Lakes Lions Club prepared our evening meal.

We dropped four skydivers into our airstrip (myself-included) from our Maule on floats flown by Allison Wheaton. Upon landing, a note was delivered to me by my niece, Aubry, and by AJ Balyeat, that when read aloud, surprised many that Allison and I would be getting married. A crew rushed over to set up a beautiful scene in the trees, alongside the taxiway that included white lights strung from the trees and a piano for Allison’s grandmother to play. The short, but sweet ceremony opened with “Chaps,” the white pony, carrying saddle bags with rose pedals spread by Allison’s niece, Clara, and our German Shepard, Jack, bringing the rings. Jacob Balyeat officiated, ending with a “you may high five your bride!!” And yes, a customary kiss. Along with our seaplane friends, we had our hometown friends, and our families present to witness the fun.

After the celebration, we got back to the food and the bonfire where we opened the poker hands. Allison, and her brother-in-law, Kevin, a seaplane pilot from Seattle, Washington, had the winning hand and took home a very cool laser cut LED backlit seaplane wall hanging, and of course the loot. The spot landing runner-up was Dan Peacock in his Sea Ray. The top prize went to Kevin Anderson flying his Cessna 182 on straight floats.

With a cloudless sky at the park on Sunday, we were able to share the day with guests who came to see the airplanes and meet the pilots. Thanks to Allison Wheaton, and Rick and Josh Kaskel who flew a beautiful pair of Republic Sea Bees, and Mark Fisher and Kelly Carnigham for providing morning rides with a free raffle drawing. The event was abuzz with seaplanes all day. At one point the park manager texted me and said there was absolutely no place else to park a car in the 10,000-acre state park. Seaplanes make people happy!!

Special thanks to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Parks Administration, and the staff of Pokagon State Park, with leadership from Ted Bohman, manager, who was on duty for the event. Potawatomi Inn manager, Emily Burris, and staff, attended to our meal needs, and provided a complimentary meal for our pilots on Sunday.

The Lake James Association has sponsored this event for all 20 years running, along with the Steuben County Visitors and Tourism Bureau. The Herald Republican newspaper and WLKI radio provided coverage.

Posted in All Features, Dec 2023/Jan 2024, Features, Features, Fly-Ins & Air Shows | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milwaukee Timmerman Airport Hosts Spot Landing Contest

Posted on November 28, 2023 by mwflyer

Congratulations to the winners! Samuel Treffinger landed on the line twice! Matt Granzow landed just over the line at 3 feet. A.J. Henry landed just over the line at 14 feet.

Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue

Experienced and inexperienced pilots alike participated in this year’s “Spot Landing Contest,” September 9, 2023, at Milwaukee Lawrence J Timmerman Airport (KMWC). Milwaukee County, which owns and operates Timmerman Airport and Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (KMKE), provides a grand prize of $200.00 and food and refreshments. The prize money adds to the fun, but it is the challenge of the competition that lures pilots to the annual event. The contest was sponsored by Spring City Aviation to promote safety and the airport.

Participants arrived at Timmerman by 10:00 a.m. for a mandatory safety briefing. The contest got underway at 10:15 a.m.

Each contestant was given two attempts to land on the white target line, or as close beyond the line as possible, and only the best landing counted. Any landing short of the line was not counted.

Pilots had their choice of executing a touch-and-go to reenter the pattern for their second attempt, or landing to a full stop, then taxiing back to takeoff again.

Power and flap adjustments could be used to make the most accurate landing, but flaps could not be raised unless executing a go-around.

Legitimate go-arounds were okay, as safety was the focus of the contest. But go-arounds were not to be used to cheat.

Jamming, slamming, or deliberately landing hard on the runway was not allowed. Only normal, descent landings counted. The judges adjusted scores for any such landings that resulted in bouncing, side-loads or porpoising.

Only three aircraft could be in the pattern at any one time, and the judges’ decisions were final.

When it was their turn, pilots contacted Timmerman Ground Control and informed the controller they were participating in the contest and ready to taxi to the designated runway.

Pilots then taxied out in assigned groups of three to avoid congestion on the taxiway, but procedurally, there were no shortcuts. Pilots did their normal preflight checks and runups at the end of the runway.

The airport remained open during the competition, and participants got excellent cooperation from the tower. Transient aircraft were given the right-of-way, so as not to disrupt normal airport operations.

In addition to the “Spot Landing Contest” in September, Milwaukee County also sponsors a “Flour Drop Contest” in June.

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St. Louis Downtown Airport Saw Continued Growth In Flight Operations During FY2023

Posted on November 27, 2023 by mwflyer

St. Louis Downtown Airport

Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS/SAUGET, ILL. – St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) announced flight operations at the airport increased to a total of 104,156 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The data follows a positive trend in recent years of flight operations continuing to rebound from significant air travel impacts felt during the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, the operations are surpassing levels seen before the global pandemic began in 2020.

Flight operations reported in FY2023 represent a 2.4% increase over numbers reported in FY2022, and a 7% increase over pre-pandemic totals reported in FY2019. This marks the second consecutive year of growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport, which is in St. Clair County on 1,000 acres in Cahokia Heights and Sauget and is the busiest general aviation airport in Illinois, outside of Chicago.

“The trend in increased flight operations is a positive sign that air travel is returning to normal for private and business travel customers,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which owns and operates the airport. “The biggest increases in flight operations were seen toward the end of our fiscal year, so we are optimistic that this upward trend will continue into the next year.”

While flight operations have grown, charter flights in and out of the airport have remained steady with 274 reported in FY2023, up 2.6% from FY2019. Fuel sales in FY2023 surpassed those in FY2022, but still haven’t reached the levels seen during the last pre-pandemic fiscal year. Data collected shows that 1,606,416 gallons of fuel were sold during FY2023, an increase of 9.8% over FY2022.

“Fuel sales have been climbing since the pandemic ended, which is encouraging,” said Sandra Shore, Director of St. Louis Downtown Airport. “We are happy to see the overall positive trends as more aviation customers choose to fly in and out of St. Louis Downtown Airport. We continue to strengthen relationships with our tenants and partners who rely on the airport to accommodate their various needs.”

Recent airport investments will support future growth. In mid-August, a $5.4 million Ground Engine Run-Up and Compass Calibration Pad project was completed. It will serve aircraft maintenance and manufacturing providers operating at the airport and support high-tech aerospace maintenance and trade skill jobs. The new areas were made possible through a $5 million Rebuild Illinois grant and will help improve operational safety, boost airport businesses, and increase global competitiveness for the bi-state region.

The Ground Engine Run-Up portion of the project includes new airfield pavement with jet blast deflectors used to perform aircraft maintenance tests. Up to 500 high-power engine run-up tests are expected to be conducted annually by the aircraft maintenance tenants, such as Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. and West Star Aviation that will utilize this new area. The area will reduce aircraft engine run-up noise by more than 50%. The new Compass Calibration Pad enables the magnetic compasses in each aircraft to be regularly calibrated – free from any magnetic influencers – to help ensure the safety of the crew and passengers.

St. Louis Downtown Airport continues to be a significant contributor to the local and state economies. According to the most recent study conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), St. Louis Downtown Airport helps generate more than $422 million in economic impact for the region, including factors such as on-airport activity and visitor spending. The airport supports significant activity from recreational, charter and business flying, as well as flight training at Saint Louis University’s Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science, the nation’s oldest flight school still in operation, along with Ideal Aviation and St. Louis Flight Training. Additional activities supported by the airport include government operations, military training, real estate tours, medical transport, aerospace technology research, and glider flying. St. Louis Downtown Airport remains a major job center in the St. Louis area, providing 1,522 full-time and part-time jobs through airport tenants and operations.

To learn more about St. Louis Downtown Airport, visit www.stlouisdowntownairport.com.

About Bi-State Development

Bi-State Development (BSD) owns and operates St. Louis Downtown Airport and the Gateway Arch Riverboats, and operates the Gateway Arch Revenue Collections Center and Gateway Arch trams. BSD is the operator of the Metro public transportation system in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois, which includes the 87-vehicle, 46-mile MetroLink light rail system; a MetroBus vehicle fleet of approximately 18 battery electric vehicles and nearly 400 clean-burning diesel buses that operate on 59 MetroBus routes; and Metro Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 123 vans. BSD also operates the St. Louis Regional Freightway, the region’s freight district.

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Arrowhead Eagles Celebrate 75 Years of Aviation In Cook County

Posted on November 26, 2023 by mwflyer

 

 

(L/R) Kathy Finn, Airport Manager Rodney Roy, Eagles President Mike Raymond, and Ginger Berglund. Katie Clark Photo

Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue

GRAND MARAIS, MINN. – The Arrowhead Eagles Aviation Organization held its annual fundraising event at Grand Marais/Cook County Airport September 16, 2023. The fly-in and drive-in pancake breakfast is a tradition that welcomes community members and pilots to an open house at the airport. It’s a chance to see airplanes up close, talk with pilots and even take an airplane ride. Three local vintage aircraft were on display — a 1940 Piper J-3 Cub, 1946 Taylorcraft (which won Grand Champion at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh), and 1958 Piper Tri-Pacer, along with numerous other aircraft, and a 1938 Stinson S-10 project.

At this year’s event, the Eagles honored people who have had a major impact on aviation in Cook County. A commemorative plaque was created to honor Clarence Krotz and his family for their efforts in constructing and operating the first officially recognized airport in the county. The airport was dedicated in 1948 as part of the national airspace system and supported by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics. Kathy (Krotz) Finn and Ginger (Krotz) Berglund accepted the plaque and shared memories of their father’s efforts in building the “Devil Track Airport.” Kathy’s 1940 Piper Cub was on display, along with the announcement of an upcoming book sponsored by the Cook County Historical Society, which chronicles the flying life of Kathy and her J-3 Cub.

The original Cook County Airport Advisory Committee was also honored for their work in creating the new airport, located just “up the hill” from the Krotz airfield. The group was tasked with finding a location, seeking state and federal approvals, and financial support to construct the new Grand Marais/Cook County Airport. Dedicated in 1992 and designated KCKC, the airport is part of the airport system plan in Minnesota.

Members of the committee present to accept the award were Bruce Dahlman, Duane Ege, Darold Rosbacka and Dave Tuttle. Member John McClure was unable to attend, and three members are no longer alive – Irving Hansen, Wes Hedstrom and Ted Backstrom. All are recognized on a plaque commemorating their efforts. Karen Blackburn was also singled out for her ongoing contributions to the airport’s financial recording and bookkeeping.

Both plaques will hang in the Arrival/Departure Building at the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport, located at 123 Airport Road in Grand Marais.

Posted in Airports, Dec 2023/Jan 2024, Sections, Sections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Posted on September 29, 2023 by mwflyer

PUBLICATION NO. 8516
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The City Council of the City of Hutchinson, Minnesota, will receive proposals by email, Attn: Mike Stifter, Director of Public Works, mstifter@hutchinsonmn.gov, until 4:00 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, for the Fixed Base Operator at Butler Field Hutchinson Municipal Airport.

This RFP is being issued by the City of Hutchinson Public Works Department. Copies of this RFP, including supporting documents, are obtained from www.hutchinsonmn.gov.

All proposals shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works at mstifter@hutchinsonmn.gov. The City will not consider proposals submitted in any other manner. Proposals must be filed with the Director of Public Works at mstifter@hutchinsonmn.gov prior to the due date and time of proposal submission. Proposals will not be accepted beyond the due date and time.
The City intends to rank the proposals based on the scoring criteria published in the documents. The City will consider the combined qualifications and experience of the Proposer, its principals, management, key personnel as well as the financial analysis. In addition, any lease or agreement granting the right to serve the public at the Airport will be subordinate to FAA and State of Minnesota grant obligations.

The City Council reserves the right to reject all bids and to waive any informalities and irregularities.

Matthew Jaunich, City Administrator

#FBO  #aviation  #flying   #aviationbusiness

 

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Tom Poberezny’s Sculpture Unveiled At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

Posted on September 26, 2023 by mwflyer

Tom Poberezny waves to the crowd following one of hundreds of performances with the Eagles Aerobatic Team.

Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2023 Digital Issue

OSHKOSH, WIS. – Tom Poberezny, who served as EAA’s president for more than two decades, and who was instrumental in the construction of the EAA Aviation Museum & Headquarters with his father, EAA Founder Paul Poberezny, and who was a world-class aerobatic competitor and airshow performer, was honored with a life-size bronze sculpture July 24, opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. Poberezny died July 25, 2022, from natural causes at age 75 – the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022.

Poberezny’s sculpture is located in the entrance atrium of the museum, adjacent to a sculpture honoring his father.

Poberezny chaired AirVenture from 1976 until 2010, a period that saw the event become one of the world’s preeminent aviation gatherings.

“Tom Poberezny was responsible for so many programs that engaged people in flight, including the growth of AirVenture, the creation of the Young Eagles program, and the introduction of the Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft categories,” said Greg Anderson, retired EAA executive vice president who led the private fundraising effort for the sculpture. “It is fitting that a permanent remembrance be placed in the EAA Aviation Museum – a facility that was his brainchild as a world-class home for EAA Headquarters when it moved to Oshkosh in the early 1980s.”

Paul Poberezny proposed the idea of the EAA Air Museum-Air Education Center in August 1958. In the late 1970s, Tom Poberezny began a campaign to raise money to build the museum, and move EAA’s headquarters from Hales Corners to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The museum and headquarters officially opened in 1983, and the Education Center, which includes a Pilot Proficiency Center, opened in July 2022.

The sculpture was created by famed sculptor George Lundeen, who has created remarkable likenesses of noted personalities over his 40-year career. It features Poberezny wearing his Eagles Aerobatic Team flight suit, looking up at the Christen Eagle biplane he flew as a member of the team.

The late Charlie Hillard formed the “Red Devils” aerobatic team in 1971 with Poberezny and Gene Soucy, and they flew three red Pitts Special biplanes. In 1979, they started flying Christen Eagle biplanes and renamed the team the “Eagles Aerobatic Team.” The Eagles performed throughout North America for 25 years, setting the record for the longest-running aerobatic team in the world, which included the same pilots. The team flew their final performance at Skyfest Daytona on November 5, 1995, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

A scholarship in Tom Poberezny’s name, created by former EAA executive and friend, Adam Smith, is focused on giving a former EAA Young Eagle an opportunity to further their flight training. More details on the scholarship will be announced as they are finalized. Contributions to the scholarship fund are welcomed by going to
EAA.org/Poberezny or by calling 888-500-5600.

 

Posted in All Headlines, Awards & Recognitions, EAA & AirVenture, Headlines, Headlines, Oct/Nov 2023 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Julie Clark Named 2023 Recipient of Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy

Posted on September 26, 2023 by mwflyer

Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2023 Digital Issue

Dave Weiman of Midwest Flyer Magazine congratulates longtime friend, Julie Clark, on her success as an airshow performer and airline pilot, and for inspiring others to pursue their dreams in aviation. Most recently, Clark was named the recipient of the 2023 “Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy.” Mike Brewer Photo

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, have announced that renowned airshow performer and airline captain, Julie Clark, has been named the recipient of the “2023 Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy.”

“The Katherine Wright Award means so much to me because I love to inspire and encourage young aviators,” said Clark. “I know that Katherine Wright was a true supporter of her famous brothers’ endeavors, and always put their activities ahead of her own. She was a real compassionate and loyal sister! How very honored I am to be selected for this amazing award.”

Clark is being honored for her significant contributions to the art and sport of aviation, the success of others and the promotion of aerospace education for more than a half-century.

“Throughout her life, Julie Clark has shown dedication, remarkable skill, and a passion for excellence,” said Ninety-Nines President Robin Hadfield. “Her aviation journey stands as an example of what can be achieved when one combines talent with determination, making her a true inspiration to all.”

Julie Clark is widely known for her 40-year career in the airshow entertainment industry, as well as one of the first female pilots to fly for a major airline. Clark is an original charter member of The International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21). Always going above and beyond, she contributes her knowledge and support to the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) by serving as a board member, chair of the ICAS regional satellite chapters, and as an aerobatic competency evaluator (ACE). Additionally, Clark serves as a mentor of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) “Women Soar” program. She also personally mentors young aerobatic pilots seeking a career as an airshow performer and inspires countless other young people to pursue a career in aviation.

“From the start of Julie’s aviation career to the present day, she has constantly sought ways to lift and inspire others,” said NAA President & CEO Greg Principato. “Many talk about giving back… Julie defines the term. She is the definition of a Katharine Wright Trophy recipient, great in her own right and making all others around her better. It will be our honor to present the Katharine Wright Trophy to Julie Clark.”

The Katharine Wright Trophy was established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation. The award was named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s sister, Katharine, who not only provided financial support to her brothers’ endeavors, but also emotional and public support. The Katharine Wright Trophy is awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots to an individual who has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period of time.

Members of the Katharine Wright Selection Committee include: Nicole Alexander, President, Wichita Aero Club; Robin Hadfield, President, The Ninety-Nines; Jill Meyers, 2022 Katharine Wright Recipient; Pat Prentiss, Director, The Ninety-Nines; Brian Sandberg, President, Society of Experimental Test Pilots; and Barbara Walter-Phillips, 2019 Katharine Wright Recipient

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States and is dedicated to advancing of the art, sport and science of aviation in the United States. The organization encompasses all areas of flight from skydiving and models to commercial airlines, military aircraft, and spaceflight.

NAA administers the nation’s most prestigious aviation awards, including the Collier Trophy and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. The Awards & Events Board oversees nominations and selections year-round.

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