Drafting An Aircraft Mechanic Lien Statement

Posted on November 27, 2021 by mwflyer

by Gregory J. Reigel, Esq.
© Copyright 2021. All rights reserved!
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine – December 2021/January 2022 Online Issue

If you perform work, provide services, or furnish materials to an aircraft, you likely have the right to assert a lien against that aircraft. A lien may also arise from a lien claimant’s storage of an aircraft.

Aircraft mechanic liens are governed by state law. And each state is a little bit different. However, most states require that a lien statement be filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) within a certain period of time.

What Does The FAA Require?

In order for the FAA to accept and record a lien statement, it must include the following:
1. The state or the specific law under which the lien is being claimed;
2. A description of the aircraft including manufacturer, model, serial number, and registration number;
3. The amount of the claim;
4. The date on which the last labor, services, or materials were furnished on/to the aircraft; and
5. Signature of the claimant showing appropriate title of the individual signing the statement.

What Else Should Be Included?

In addition to meeting the FAA requirements, the lien claimant must also meet the applicable state requirements. For example, if the lien claimant is required to maintain possession of the aircraft, then the lien statement must address this information.
Alternatively, if the lien claimant is required to surrender possession of the aircraft, then the lien statement must provide this information. Also, if local law requires the lien statement to be verified (acknowledged before a notary public), that must be included as well. The FAA will reject the lien statement if the required information or verification is missing.

Although not usually required, the lien statement may also include the date the work was authorized and who authorized the work. However, unless specific state law requires it, the FAA will not reject the lien statement if this information is not shown.

What Happens If The FAA Has Questions?

If the FAA receives a lien statement identifying a lien claimant who does not appear to be located or doing business in the state under whose law the lien is claimed and the aircraft is registered in a different state, that could raise questions for the FAA. It will wonder whether/what work was performed on the aircraft in the state claimed.

In this case the FAA may request supporting documentation to establish the connection with the state claimed. It may also ask the lien claimant to re-file the lien statement with attached invoices, a clarification statement, or other documentation reflecting work was performed on the aircraft in the state claimed.

Local Recording

In addition to filing with the FAA, some states also require a lien claimant to file their lien statements. This could be with a county clerk, a clerk of courts, a register of deeds, or a county recorder. In this situation, the lien statement filed with the FAA must include either the local file-stamp or certified copy confirming it was filed with the correct local office within the applicable time frame. Without this confirmation, the FAA will reject the lien statement.

Effect Of Filing With The FAA

It is important to understand that the FAA merely records aircraft lien statements submitted by lien claimants. As long as the lien statement contains the required information, the FAA will accept and record the lien statement. However, the FAA registry will not take any position regarding the validity or enforceability of the lien claim, nor does it get involved with any dispute between the aircraft owner and lien claimant.

Conclusion

Lien statements can be tricky. Before you file, make sure you understand both the FAA and local requirements. And if you need help filing or enforcing an aircraft mechanic lien, please give me a call.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Greg Reigel is an attorney with Shackelford, Melton, 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, or Twitter @ReigelLaw
(www.shackelford.law).

Posted in Aviation Law, Columns, Columns, Columns, Dec2021/Jan 2022 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

It’s Called Consideration & Common Courtesy

Posted on November 27, 2021 by mwflyer

by Dave Weiman
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2021/January 2022 Online Issue

The ladder provided at Price County Airport (KPBH) in Phillips, Wisconsin, is safe and convenient, compared to the flimsy aluminum ladders at most airports. Good, safe, and well-maintained self-serve fueling equipment attracts and deserves repeat business. Dave Weiman Photo

Consideration and common courtesy works both ways… Airports and fixed base operators need to provide self-serve fuel systems which are easy, convenient, and safe for pilots to use, and pilots need to be respectful and responsible of the equipment.
In the August/September 2019 issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine, we published an article entitled “Why The Size of Fuel Hoses On Self-Serve Systems Is So Important!” The article emphasizes the importance for airports with self-serve fuel systems to provide fuel hoses which are easy for pilots to use: https://midwestflyer.com/?p=12669
While large fuel hoses might be okay to use on low-wing aircraft, they are not okay to use on high-wing aircraft. And while large fuel hoses might enable airport personnel to transfer fuel from the pump to a fuel truck faster, they are not convenient for the customer fueling their own aircraft.

As pilots, we must do our part too. We need to be respectful of the fuel equipment to avoid damaging it, and when we line up behind other aircraft to fuel, we should shut down our engines so the pilot fueling ahead of us can hear the fuel filling in their tanks. Otherwise, the chance of over-filling is real. See you at the pumps!

Posted in Columns, Columns, Columns, Dec2021/Jan 2022, Dialogue | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Space Shuttle commander and air racer Hoot Gibson headlines EAA Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet on Dec. 17

Posted on November 1, 2021 by mwflyer

Limited tickets available – orders taken now online

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (October 14, 2021) — Robert “Hoot” Gibson, a five-time space shuttle flight veteran whose aviation background ranges from military jets to air racing, is this year’s featured guest at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet on December 17 at the EAA Aviation Museum.

Tickets for the event are currently available at the EAA Aviation Museum website. Attendance is limited to 350.

Gibson’s space experiences are unique, as he flew aboard four of the five active shuttles (Columbia, Challenger, Endeavor, and Atlantis) and totaled more than 860 hours in space. Gibson’s final mission, when he commanded STS-71 in Atlantis in 1995, was a historic first-time docking of the shuttle with the Russian Mir space station. Gibson also served as Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office in 1992-94 and Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations in 1996 before retiring from NASA.

Along with Gibson’s space exploits, he has a long list of aviation accomplishments that include flying carrier-based combat missions for the U.S. Navy in Southeast Asia, graduation from “Topgun” Naval Fighter Weapons School, and more than 300 carrier landings. Gibson also has an extensive recreational aviation resume, ranging from racing at Reno Air Races to building and flying his own aircraft. He was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013.

EAA’s annual Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet honors the Wright brothers’ successful flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903, that began the era of manned flight. Tickets for the event are $65 for EAA members and $85 for nonmembers. Doors open on December 17 at 5 p.m., with the dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.

 

About EAA

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 240,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

Posted in EAA & AirVenture, News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Experimental category fatal accident total drops again, finishes under FAA not-to-exceed total for year

Posted on November 1, 2021 by mwflyer

Fatal accident totals have fallen 40 percent in past decade

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (October 28, 2021) — Safety for experimental category aircraft in the U.S. over the past 12 months continued the trend of improvement seen over the past 15 years, as the fatal accident total fell another 5 percent and finished below the Federal Aviation Administration not-to-exceed number for the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2021.

This decrease in fatal accidents mirrors a year of substantial improvement in overall general aviation, even with increased flight hours over the past 12 months. There were 42 fatal accidents in experimental category aircraft during that period (October 1, 2020-September 30, 2021), five below the FAA’s not-to-exceed number set for the year. Of that total, 33 were in amateur-built aircraft.

“This is continued good news on the safety front, as fatal accident totals in the experimental category have fallen 40 percent in the past decade,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “Fatal accidents in homebuilt aircraft have dropped by one-third over that time as well, reflecting a safety culture that is more widely accepted and followed as an important part of the balance of freedom and responsibility that is such an essential element of flying.”

The FAA has continued to lower the not-to-exceed total each year as an expectation for improving the safety metrics throughout aviation. The agency first set a goal in 2010 of reducing the fatal accident total by 10 percent over the next decade, a target that was quickly surpassed and set the stage for even more dramatic improvements in the safety measurements.

EAA continues to focus on safety and is actively working with FAA with such groundbreaking programs as Additional Pilot Program, the EAA published Flight Test Manual, and the upcoming task based flight test allowance for phase I flight testing of certain homebuilt aircraft. MOSAIC as a new baseline for recreational aircraft will also enable many safety-enhancing elements for both aircraft and pilot certification in the EAA community. Safety continues to be a central focus for EAA and its communities.

“As positive as these figures are, EAA will not stop here and will continue to lead in making safety the top priority for all of us who fly,” Elliott said. “We have pushed the totals to very small numbers than are substantially fewer than many other common recreational pursuits, such as boating or all-terrain vehicles. But with such small numbers, even one or two accidents can have a negative impact on the overall safety trend.”

About EAA

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 240,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

Posted in EAA & AirVenture, News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tickets now on sale for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022

Posted on October 28, 2021 by mwflyer

World’s Great Aviation Celebration coming July 25-31

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (October 22, 2021) — Weekly and daily admission tickets for the 69th edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention, are now available online for the event at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 25-31, 2022.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s largest fly-in event, welcoming more than 10,000 aircraft each year, along with an attendance of more than 600,000. The seven-day gathering features the latest innovations and aircraft from around the world, as well as a full spectrum of airplanes from more than a century of aviation history that is on display in the air and on the ground.

“While we are still creating the schedule of programs, features, and attractions that will be at Oshkosh in 2022, aviation enthusiasts are already setting their plans to join us on the flightline,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We hear from numerous families who make AirVenture tickets part of their holiday gift planning.”

Again in 2022, all attendees ages 18 and under are admitted free, supported in part by The Boeing Company. In addition, EAA members who purchase admissions prior to June 15, 2022, are eligible to receive their admission wristbands in advance via the Express Arrival program. Early purchase discounts are also available on both daily and weekly admissions. While admissions are available at the gate, early online purchase gives the best discounts, options for faster entry to the grounds, and additional information and insights prior to the event.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh annually features nine air shows over seven days, as well as 1,500 forums, workshops, and seminars plus in excess of 800 aviation exhibitors. Pre-purchase options also include camping credentials and early-bird merchandise, with additional special offers available as they are finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

Posted in EAA & AirVenture, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Pioneering F-16 pilot is featured November speaker at EAA Aviation Museum

Posted on October 28, 2021 by mwflyer

Sharon Preszler was first woman to fly F-16 combat missions

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (October 27, 2021) — Sharon Preszler, the first woman to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet in combat and later became the first woman to be an instructor in the aircraft, will be the featured speaker at the EAA Aviation Museum’s Aviation Adventure Speaker Series on Thursday, November 18.

Preszler’s presentation begins at 7 p.m. on November 18 in the museum’s Founders’ Wing. Admission is free for EAA members and just $5 for nonmembers.

During her 20-plus years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Preszler was also a navigator, piloted a Lear Jet, and spent time in North American Aerospace Defense Command writing homeland defense plans after the terrorist attacks on 9/11 that are still in use today.

Preszler is appearing in place of F-16 pilot Christina Hopper, whose originally scheduled presentation has been postponed due to a schedule conflict.

Other upcoming public events through December 31 at the EAA Aviation Museum include:

  • Thursday, November 4 – Skyscape Theater Royale movie series: When We Were Apollo, 6:30 p.m. A look back at the 400,000 people who made it possible for 12 humans to walk on the moon from 1969 through 1972. Admission free for EAA members, $5 for nonmembers.
  • Thursday, December 2 – Skyscape Theater Royale movie series: Spitfire, 6:30 p.m. Produced in commemoration of the Royal Air Force’s centenary, the history of the Spitfire airplane and the fighter pilots who helped win World War II’s Battle of Britain is explored.. Admission free for EAA members, $5 for nonmembers.
  • Saturday, December 4 – Christmas in the Air. EAA’s annual free open house and thank-you to the community, featuring local musicians and school groups, holiday decorations, and a visit from Santa.
  • Friday, December 17 – Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet. Four-time space shuttle astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson is the featured speaker as EAA honors the 118th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flights. Tickets are limited and available at the Events area of the museum website (EAA.org/Museum).

About EAA Aviation Museum

The EAA Aviation Museum is located just off Interstate 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EAA members receive free museum admission year-round. For more information, call the EAA Aviation Museum at (920) 426-4818 or visit www.EAA.org/museum.

Posted in EAA & AirVenture, News | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

EAA to honor 2020 and 2021 Halls of Fame inductees on Nov. 11

Posted on October 4, 2021 by mwflyer

Twelve aviation notables recognized for contributions

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (September 30, 2021) — Twelve individuals who contributed greatly to recreational aviation will be honored on November 11 as they are inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during a ceremony and dinner at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh. The large group of individuals represent the Hall of Fame classes of 2020 and 2021, as the 2020 induction ceremony was canceled due to the COVID pandemic.

The 2021 inductees include:

  • EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Flo and Bob Irwin (posthumous)
  • International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Kirby Chambliss of Chandler, Arizona
  • Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Carl Scholl of Chino, California, and Tony Ritzman of Ontario, California
  • Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Steve Nesse of Albert Lea, Minnesota
  • EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Roy Beisswenger of Greenville, Illinois

The November 11 event will also recognize the 2020 inductees:

  • EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Frank Christensen of St. George, Utah
  • International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Verne Jobst of McHenry, Illinois
  • Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Mark Clark of Rockford, Illinois
  • Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Steve Dyer of Brighton, Colorado
  • EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Dan Johnson of Port Orange, Florida

The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation.

About EAA

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 240,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

 

EAA HALLS OF FAME 2021 INDUCTEES 

HOMEBUILDERS HALL OF FAME

Flo and Bob Irwin (posthumous): In 1965, the couple began a business named Aircraft Spruce that sold timber to those who were building their own airplanes. The company quickly grew into a one-stop shop for aviation builders and restorers, as well as all aircraft owners, and became known by its current name of Aircraft Spruce and Specialty. The company’s annual catalog, in both print and online versions, has become the “wish book” for aviation enthusiasts.

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

Steve Nesse (EAA 27037): Nesse has been actively involved in EAA since the late 1960s and with the Vintage Aircraft Association since its inception in 1971 as the EAA Antique-Classic Division. He was instrumental in the creation of the Contemporary Aircraft judging category at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in the early 1990s, which allowed thousands of aircraft to be restored, maintained and judged to the high standards that are the hallmarks of the esteemed Lindy awards. Nesse is also a longtime member of the VAA board of directors, chairs the Tall Pines Café area, and involved in restoration workshops and other areas that serve AirVenture attendees.

INTERNATIONAL AEROBATIC CLUB HALL OF FAME

Kirby Chambliss (EAA 261512): Chambliss has lived an aviation life, beginning with his first flight lesons at age 13, a corporate pilot at age 21, and a Southwest Airlines pilot by age 24. His most notable fame, however, came as an aerobatic competitor and air show performer. Chambliss is a five-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, a member of the U.S. National Aerobatic Team from 1997-2005 as well as its captain on three occasions. He has earned 13 medals in world aerobatics competition.

WARBIRDS OF AMERICA HALL OF FAME

Carl Scholl (EAA 184061) and Tony Ritzman (EAA 393289): This duo both began their interest in aviation in the 1970s and, after meeting at Scholl’s transmission shop, they began started Aero Traders, an aircraft restoration business that has become renowned for its painstaking attention to detail and “doing it right.” For more than 40 years they have restored dozens of warbirds and there are few airworthy B-25 Mitchell bombers from the World War II era flying today that have not been under their care.

ULTRALIGHTS HALL OF FAME

Roy Beisswenger (EAA 537298): Beisswenger has made significant contributions to ultralight flight as an instructor, event organizer, and media supporter. He is the only FAA Gold Seal flight instructor to have earned the recognition through training powered parachute pilots, and has served on international committees that created competition and record-setting sdtandards for the sport. He organized the World Powered Parachute championships in 2000, drawing competitors from four continents. He created the UltraFlight Radio Show and took over publishing UltraFlight Magzine, now known as Powered Sport Flying Magazine.

EAA HALLS OF FAME 2020 INDUCTEES 

HOMEBUILDERS HALL OF FAME

Frank Christensen (EAA 36663): Christensen is one of only a few individuals honored in two of the EAA Halls of Fame, as he was also inducted into the International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame in 2017. Christensen changed both the aerobatic and kit aircraft communities in 1977 with the introduction of the Christen Eagle, a fully aerobatic biplane that also set the gold standard for homebuilt aircraft kits. Christensen was also an outstanding aerobatic competition pilot, winning the Advanced category title at the 1969 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships.

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

Steve Dyer (EAA 40682): Dyer has been an avid supporter of the vintage aircraft movement throughout his life and has been instrumental in developing replacement parts to keep those historic aircraft flying. His family business, Univair Aircraft Corporation, has been a go-to resource for owners of vintage aircraft including for types that have been “orphaned” after their manufacturers went out of business. Dyer’s foresight and abilities have allowed thousands of aircraft throughout the country to remain airworthy and serve as examples of the varied designs and capabilities of vintage aircraft.

INTERNATIONAL AEROBATIC CLUB HALL OF FAME

Verne Jobst (EAA 37653): Jobst was one of the first members of IAC when it was founded in 1971, serving as the first editor of Sport Aerobatics magazine and beginning in 1973, a five-term as president of the organization. During that time, IAC’s local chapter network and competition schedule expanded, along with the creation of the IAC Achievement Awards program. Jobst also served on the EAA board of directors for nearly 30 years and headed air show operations at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for 33 years. He was also well known for his piloting skills of EAA’s Spirit of St. Louis replicas, including flying the aircraft in 1987 at LeBourget Airport in Paris on the 60th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s epic trans-Atlantic flight.

WARBIRDS OF AMERICA HALL OF FAME

Mark Clark (EAA 42114): Clark turned his passion for flying, military aircraft, and history into a career as his family business, Courtesy Aircraft, helped thousands of aviators achieve their dreams of owning and operating historic military and other aircraft. His company is especially known as one of the leading brokers in the world of warbird aircraft. Clark’s own aviation career began in his teens, including a T-6 restoration while he was in college. He holds the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and is a longtime organizer of the National Warbird Operators Conference.

ULTRALIGHTS HALL OF FAME

Dan Johnson (EAA 368861): Johnson has a lifelong dedication to promoting and preserving light recreational aviation, beginning with his start as a hang glider pilot in Tennessee. He promoted the sport through his own magazine, Whole Air, and through his writing for numerous other aviation publications. Johnson worked with Ballistic Recovery Systems to help develop and promote ballstic recovery chutes for ultralights that improved the safety of the sport. He is also currently president and chairman of the board for the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, which advocates to the FAA on behalf of the ultralight and light aircraft communities.

INDUCTEES – EAA HALL OF FAME

HOMEBUILDERS

1993: Paul Poberezny, S.J. “Steve” Wittman, George Bogardus
1994: Bernie Pietenpol, Bob Burbick, Ray Stits
1995: Tony Bingelis, Molt Taylor, John Thorp
1996: Sam Burgess, Nick D’Apuzzo, Ed Heath, Volmer Jensen
1997: Ladislao Pazmany, William Ghan, Harold Best-Devereux
1998: Curtis Pitts, Burt Rutan, Bill Warwick
1999: Henri Mignet, Richard Van Grunsven, Chris Heintz
2000: Jean Delemontez, Leslie Long
2001: John Monnett
2002: Jack Cox, Ken Brock
2003: William Chana
2004: Bob Whittier, Pete Bowers
2005: Robert Bushby
2006: Edgar Lesher, B.J. Schramm
2007: Randy Schlitter
2008: John W. Dyke
2009: Lance A. Neibauer
2010: Dean Wilson
2011: Ed Fisher
2012: Wes Schmid
2013: Phillip J. Lockwood
2014: George Pereira
2015: Tom Hamilton
2016: Jim Bede
2017: Rob Hickman
2018: Darryl Murphy
2019: Robert Nuckolls
2020: Frank Christensen
2021: Flo and Bob Irwin

INTL. AEROBATIC CLUB

1987: Jose Luis Aresti, Duane Cole, Curtis Pitts, Frank Price
1988: Marion Cole, Mike Murphy, Betty Skelton
1989: Robert L. Heuer, Beverly Howard, Harold Krier
1990: Lincoln Beachey, Bob Herendeen, Charlie Hillard, Art Scholl
1991: Leo Loudenslager, Mary Gaffaney
1993: Neil Williams, Clint McHenry
1998: Bill Barber, Rodney Jocelyn, Tex Rankin, Harold Neumann, Tom Poberezny
1999: Henry Haigh
2000: Gene Beggs
2001: Mike Heuer
2002: Bill Thomas, Bob Davis
2003: Don Taylor
2004: Betty Stewart, Dorothy Hester
2005: Patty Wagstaff
2006: Gene Soucy
2007: Debby Rihn-Harvey, Bill Kershner
2008: William B. “Bill” Finagin
2009: Robert A. “Bob” Hoover
2010: Jimmy Franklin
2011: Tony LeVier
2012: Giles Henderson
2013: William Joseph “Bill” Adams
2014: Sammy Mason
2015: Sean D. Tucker
2016: Robert Armstrong
2017: Frank Christensen
2018: Thomas Adams Jr.
2019: John Morrissey
2020: Verne Jobst
2021: Kirby Chambliss

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ASSN.

1993: E.E. “Buck” Hilbert, George York
1995: Cole Palen, Kelly Viets, Joe Juptner
1997: Paul Poberezny, Ann Pellegreno, Jim Younkin, Harold Armstrong
1999: Gene Chase, Edward C. Wegner, Tom Flock
2000: Jack Cox
2001: Dr. Roy Wicker, Ted Koston
2002: John M. Miller
2003: Al Kelch, Nick Rezich
2004: Espie “Butch” Joyce
2005: Richard Knutson, Charlie Nelson
2006: Charles W. Harris
2007: Chet Peek
2008: Bill Pancake
2009: Stephen Pitcairn
2010: Morton Lester
2011: John W. Underwood
2012: Clyde Smith Jr.
2013: Susan Dusenbury
2014: Timothy Talen
2015: Dale “Gus” Gustafson
2016: Phil Coulson
2017: Jim Moss
2018: Ron Alexander
2019: John Turgyan
2020: Stephen Dyer
2021: Steve Nesse

WARBIRDS OF AMERICA

1995: Paul Poberezny, Walt Ohlrich, John Baugh, Bill Harrison, Jerry Walbrun
1996: Dick Dieter, Charlie Nogle
1997: Sue Parish, Rudy Frasca, Jeff Ethell
1998: John Ellis, Randy Sohn
1999: William Dodds, Richard Ervin
2000: Dave Schlingman
2001: Lincoln Dexter, Edward Maloney
2002: Frank C. Sanders
2003: Chuck Doyle, Lloyd Parker Nolen
2004: Howard Pardue
2005: Kermit Weeks, Steve Hinton
2006: Jack Harrington, Daryl Lenz
2007: Wilson “Connie” Edwards
2008: Connie Bowlin
2009: George H. Baker
2010: Harold D. “Hal” Weekley
2011: David B. Lindsay Jr.
2012: Preston (Pete) Parish
2013: Lee Lauderback
2014: Jay Wisler
2015: Nelson Ezell
2016: Doug Champlin
2017: Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson
2018: Jack Roush
2019: Dennis Sanders
2020: Mark Clark
2021: Carl Scholl, Tony Ritzman

ULTRALIGHTS

1999: Homer Kolb, John Moody, Chuck Slusarczyk
2000: Boris Popov, Wayne Ison
2001: Mike Sacrey
2002: John Chotia, Tom Peghiny
2003: Mike Jacober
2004: Klaus Hill, Bert Howland
2005: Larry Mauro
2006: Bob Lovejoy, Volmer Jensen
2007: Mike Markowski
2008: Mike Loehle
2009: Roy Pinner
2010: John Ballantyne
2011: Jack McCornack
2012: Taras Kiceniuk Jr.
2013: Frank Beagle
2014: Lowell Farrand
2015: Leonard Milholland
2016: Tracy Knauss
2017: Mary Jones
2018: Eugene Smith
2019: Morry Hummel
2020: Dan Johnson
2021: Roy Beisswenger

Posted in Awards & Recognitions, EAA & AirVenture, News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Rescuing lost Lake Michigan aircraft highlighted in EAA Speaker Series on October 21

Posted on September 24, 2021 by mwflyer

Restored Wildcat airplane from World War II on display in EAA museum

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (September 23, 2021) — Locating and rescuing World War II-era aircraft from the bottom of Lake Michigan will be the focus of the EAA Aviation Adventure Speaker Series on Thursday, October 21, as EAA welcomes Taras Lyssenko from A and T Recovery.

The presentation in the museum’s Eagle Hangar begins at 7 p.m. on October 21. It is free for EAA members and just $5 for nonmembers.

Dozens of World War II fighter airplanes were lost in accidents and intentional water ditchings during aircraft carrier qualification training near Chicago, most notably at the Naval Air Station Glenview just north of the city. In many cases, those aircraft remained at the bottom of the lake for more than a half century before individuals and organizations began locating and rescuing the airplanes for restoration. The airplanes included some of the most iconic airplanes of the World War II era, such as the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat that was recovered in the early 1990s and restored. That airplane is on temporary display in the Eagle Hangar, on loan from Lewis Air Legends of San Antonio, Texas.

The Wildcat on display at EAA is painted in the markings of Butch O’Hare, a Chicago-born World War II ace who was the first naval aviator to receive the Medal of Honor. In 1949, the City of Chicago named the small Orchard Field Airport in honor of O’Hare.

This October 21 presentation replaces the originally scheduled event featuring authors of the EAA book B-17: The Final Mission, which will be rescheduled to a future date.

About EAA Aviation Museum

The EAA Aviation Museum is located just off Interstate 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EAA members receive free museum admission year-round. For more information, call the EAA Aviation Museum at (920) 426-4818 or visit www.EAA.org/museum.

Posted in EAA & AirVenture, News | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Exploring Extraordinary Career Paths In Aviation With Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp

Posted on September 18, 2021 by mwflyer

by Katrina Mittelstadt
Chairperson, Minnesota ACE Camp Board of Directors
Published In Midwest Flyer Magazine Online October/November 2021 Issue

Career exploration in high school is one of the most critical points in a young person’s life that often sparks a passion and helps to guide the decision-making process that will influence their future. For the past 30 years, Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp has been there to support students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade to gain exposure and experience in the exciting industry of aviation. Through three one-week-long residential summer camps, 90 students are given the opportunity to go behind the scenes in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan area and see firsthand how airport operations are conducted, try their skills in an air traffic control simulator, fly in an airplane, helicopter, and glider with a certified instructor, and much, much more.

The purpose of what we do at MN ACE Camp is to inspire students to consider career paths in aviation by facilitating hands-on activities and unique experiences that light their imagination and show them that an aviation career is very within reach. We care deeply about our students’ success and even after camp provide support and mentorship to our alumni as they pursue their dreams. It really is an ACE Camp family. 

MN ACE Camp was not hosted in 2020 due to safety concerns related to the Covid-19 pandemic, and after much consideration by staff organizing the event for 2021, a modified single-day MN ACE Days event was held June 11th, June 24th, and July 12th at South St. Paul Airport (KSGS).

A total of 180 students were hosted over the three one-day events and were given the opportunity to learn about the path to become a pilot, air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic, and the exciting new possibilities that exist for unmanned aerial vehicle or drone pilots. Students were also given the opportunity to talk with flight training schools that attended the event, explore aerospace engineering with guest speakers, and discuss what it is like being a flight attendant with staff volunteers. For many attendees, the event was a first look into the career possibilities that exist and was a place they were able to experience the excitement alongside their peers. 

Want to learn more? Visit www.mnacecamp.org and sign up to receive MN ACE Camp’s newsletter to be notified when the student application window for Summer 2022 opens, and to receive other important updates and deadline notifications. MN ACE Camp can also be found on Facebook and Instagram by searching @mnacecamp. If you want to volunteer or have specific questions, MN ACE Camp’s staff can be reached at www.mnacecamp.org/contact or by emailing supportstaff@mnacecamp.org.

Minnesota’s Aviation Career Education Camp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please consider joining the amazing supporters that help MN ACE Camp inspire the future of aviation by becoming a donor or sponsor at www.mnacecamp.org/donate. One hundred percent of contributions directly support MN ACE Camp’s scholarship fund that helps remove financial barriers to attend camp and soon will be offered to program graduates to help them achieve their dreams!

Posted in All Features, Education, Events, Features, Features, October/November 2021, Youth & Aviation | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

GAMA Opens Registration For 2022 Aviation Design Challenge

Posted on September 18, 2021 by mwflyer

Published In Midwest Flyer Magazine Online October/November 2021 Issue

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On National Aviation Day, August 19, 2021, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that registration for the 2022 Aviation Design Challenge has opened. This annual competition, which enters its 10th year, promotes careers in aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in U.S. high schools through aviation-focused curriculum.

“We are excited to once again open registration for GAMA’s annual Aviation Design Challenge, especially as the program enters its landmark tenth year. It is fitting that we make this announcement on a day in which we celebrate the history and promote the future of aviation – National Aviation Day. This valuable program provides students with the opportunity to learn about the science of flight, the mechanics of creating aircraft and the exciting career opportunities available in the general aviation industry,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.

The Aviation Design Challenge is open to the first 150 schools that register to participate. Registered schools will receive free “Fly to Learn” curriculum, which is aligned with national STEM standards, to facilitate the learning of flight and airplane design principles. Teachers can guide their students through the curricula in approximately four to six weeks through in-person and/or virtual settings. The teams will then virtually modify an airplane design and complete a mission in a fly-off using X-Plane software.

Completed challenge submissions will be scored by GAMA judges based on the fly-off and other performance parameters. The winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid general aviation experience. The second-place team will receive a STEM Lab Camp provided by Redbird Flight Simulations, an industry leading manufacturer of aviation training devices and tools.

Since its inception in 2013, the Aviation Design Challenge has had over 600 teams participate, representing over 400 high schools from 46 states and Washington, D.C. The Aviation Design Challenge has inspired many students to get involved in general aviation and/or pursue a college degree or career path related to GA.

To register and to learn more about the challenge, visit the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge webpage: https://gama.aero/opportunities-in-ga/aviation-challenge/ Registration closes on December 17, 2021, or once all available slots are filled.

Posted in Education, Events, October/November 2021, Sections, Sections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment