Aviation-Related News from Around the Southwest

Do you have news items of interest to the Southwest’s general aviation community? Submit them to: publisher@swaviator.com. Submissions will be run as space permits and may be edited for length and style. E-mails or disks and digital photos receive preference.

Beaumont, Kansas Pancake Feed and Fly-In Continues Through the Summer
The Beaumont Hotel’s monthly fly in pancake breakfast continues to attract large crowds, receiving an average of 60 aircraft at each breakfast. This fly-in is held on the second Saturday of each month from 7:00 a.m. until Noon. The remaining dates for this summer are July 12, Aug. 9, and Sept. 13. Also in September, the Beaumont 2nd Annual Blazin’ BBQ Championship & Fly-In occurs on Sept. 12 and 13. For more information call 620-843-2422.

Beech Training of the Southwest, LLC Dedicated to Training Beechcraft Pilots
Located in El Paso, TX, Beech Training of the Southwest, LLC offers initial and recurrent training for Beechcraft pilots, and strives to tailor the training to your specific needs and mission. Each course consisting at least of 5 hours of ground instruction and 4 hours of flight training. The course leads to a Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check, and is FAA approved for award of a phase of the Wings Program. It is also approved by most insurance companies as meeting their recurrent training requirements.
Beech Training of the Southwest, LLC conducts the training from Dona Ana County airport, 16 miles west of El Paso, Texas (5T6). Beech Training of the Southwest has the ability to customize a training program that fits the needs of each individual student on a one-on-one basis. For course dates and telephone registration call 800-580-3118, or visit beechtraining.com.

FlyingMachinePhotos.com Offers Professional Aviation Photos Online
Dave Higdon, international aviation photographer and writer, recently launched FlyingMachinePhotos.com to share his favorite aircraft photos.
The website offers one-stop shopping for aviation art and free monthly desktop calendars to every visitor. Galleries showcase images of aircraft and aviation events across the nation – everything from stick & rudder rag-wings, vintage warbirds, and classic antiques to modern business turbines and heavy iron.

AeroSpace America’s Extreme Airshow and Fly-in RescheduleD for Oct. 3, 4 & 5
Award winning AeroSpace America, one of the top five airshows in the U.S., rescheduled it’s traditional Father’s Day airshow to Oct. 3, 4, and 5. Donald B. Dennis, chairman of the AeroSpace America International Airshow Board of Directors explained the reason for the change. “One of the many reasons for the change,” Dennis said, “Is the absence of the Oklahoma City Air National Guard. It takes about 1,000 volunteers to put on this show and over four-hundred of them are either in Iraq or Kuwait.”
“It is hoped that the Guard will be back in town by then, along with many modern military display aircraft that are so popular with the spectators. Tinker Air Force Base (Midwest City, OK) said that they would make sure we had the necessary resources in the event the Air Guard hasn’t returned,” Dennis added. AeroSpace America Executive Director, Lois Lawson said all the civilian performers previously signed for the Father’s Day weekend have, without fail, agreed to honor their contracts for the new dates.

Book Publisher Wanted
Attention book publishers and/or venture-marketing capitalists/specialists, let’s celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight! Larry Shields has written two thoroughly-researched, well-crafted books — one for adolescents and one for the general public — about the Wright Bothers and the first powered flight. Both are enjoyable and educational, and both have a place in schools, libraries, and homes. Dr. Joseph A. Shivers, Curriculum Director, Salem City Schools (OH); member, American Secondary Education Editorial Board; Former Co-Chair, Harvard Educational Review Editorial Board, gives both books two thumbs up, and urges you to consider publishing them for the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Contact: Dr. Joseph A. Shivers, 330-332-0316 (W), 330-337-3418 (H) or Larry Shields, 330-332-460, ext: 239 (W) or 330-332-8114, or email tbird@connectohio.net.

Sporty’s Offers E6B Flight Computer Software for Palm®
The same calculations that can be made on Sporty’s best-selling Electronic E6B can now be made on Palm-Based PDAs. With Sporty’s E6B Software for PDAs, pilots can perform 19 aviation functions and 14 standard aviation conversions right on a PDA.
Featuring the same pilot-friendly design as the original Sporty’s E6B, the Palm Software makes quick work of any navigational, weight and balance, or fuel problem and it also performs conventional arithmetic calculations. The software prompts you for the proper inputs as you work through a problem line-by-line. Information from previous computations is automatically retained for future use so there is no need to retype old data into new problems.
All Sporty’s products are available on the Internet at sportys.com, or by calling 800-SPORTYS.

Reiff Preheat Systems Selected for USAFA Cadet Training Fleet
Reiff Preheat Systems, manufacturer of electric engine preheat systems and related products, is pleased to report that its system was recently chosen by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to equip its new fleet of 35 aircraft used for cadet flight training at the US Air Force Academy. Embry-Riddle also has had Reiff’s systems installed on their large fleet at their Prescott, AZ campus for several years.
For further information, visit the company’s web site at www.ReiffPreheat.com, or call them at 262-968-2342.

ASL Camguard Advanced Oil Supplement Now Available
ASL Camguard is an advanced oil supplement designed to make engine oil what it needs to be to protect and lubricate any engine. Camguard is a synergistic blend of advanced oil additives designed to reduce wear, curb deposit formation and protect engines against rust and corrosion, enhancing the performance of all engine oils that meet the current SAE 1899 specification.
The product is available in limited release from Aircraft Specialties Services of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Call 800-826-9252, or visit aircraft-specialties.com for more information or to order.

Precision Restoration for Cessna 180, 182, and 185 Wings and Flight Controls
Shearer Aviation Specialties Inc. (SASINC) and wingrebuilder.com are proud to announce that they now provide precision restoration for Cessna 180, 182, and 185 wings and flight controls, as well as, deHaviland Beaver cowlings and flight controls.
SASINC has invested extensively in tools and equipment. Their 24-inch compression riveter enables them to reassemble parts into subassemblies like Cessna did. This helps avoid unnecessary extra access holes and Cherry Max rivets. They have four other pneumatic rivet squeezers of different shapes and sizes. The beauty of these machines is that they produce perfect, uniform rivets without distressing the surface. If the rivet can’t be squeezed, they use the correct size rivet gun for the application. Their rule of thumb for Cherry Max rivets is “if the factory didn't use them, then we don't either.”
SASINC has a machine shop for tool and die work. They have a fixture for every job they do, or they make one. They also make squeezer heads, bucking bars, and corrugating dies. They have the tools and equipment to make whatever they need.
Visit wingrebuilder.com or call 307-266-1448 for more information.

Embry-Riddle Equips Fleet for Traffic, Weather Info
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will equip 100 of its training aircraft in Arizona and Florida with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) technology from UPS Aviation Technologies to track its fleets. Pilots of similarly equipped aircraft can see traffic on a cockpit display. “Successful implementation in Arizona and Florida could convince the FAA to complete the installation of ground stations throughout the country,” said Sean Jeralds, chairman of the flight training program at Prescott, Arizona. The system can also uplink weather.

Albuquerque Artist’s Work Chosen for 2003-2004 New Mexico Aeronautical Chart
The artwork of Louise Durand has once again been selected to grace the cover of the New Mexico Aeronautical Chart. The 2001-2002 Chart was the first to feature her creative work. In addition to being a talented freelance artist, Louise is a 20-plus year employee of American Airlines.
The 2003-2004 edition of the chart will be available soon. Contact The New Mexico Aviation Division at 505-476-0939 for more information.

Taos Mountain Flying Clinic
The New Mexico Pilots Association, in conjunction with Silver Eagle Aviation, LLC, of Taos, NM is conducting a Mountain Flying Clinic in Taos on September 26, 27 & 28. Seminar attendance and flight participation qualifies for FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency endorsement.
Weekend reservations can be made at the Kachina Lodge for a special rate. Contact the Lodge at 505-758-2275 or 800-522-4462. Mention the New Mexico Pilots Association. Free transportation to/from the airport will be provided by the Lodge. Most town attractions are within walking distance of the Lodge. Enterprise rental cars, are available at airport, at a corporate rate, with prior reservation. Local reservation phone number is 505-737-0514.
Contact Jim Van Namee, CFII, at 505-377-6786 or jimvn@aol.com for more information.

Mooney Airplane Company Appoints Central U.S. Mooney Team Representative
Steve Broussard, owner of Midwest Mooney, has been named the newest in a growing line up of individuals selected to represent the new Mooney Airplane Company. Midwest Mooney is located at the New Century Airport, just outside of Kansas City.
Steve Broussard was a factory direct sales person prior to 1997 when he made the decision to create his own company. His knowledge of the Mooney product line and his continuity in serving the Mooney customers within his territory makes him a logical choice for “MTR” status. For additional information, contact Steve Broussard at 772-696-3683 or sbroussard@mooney.com.

First Robinson Rooftop Helipad Opens
Frank Robinson landed an R44 Raven II on the first approved and permitted Robinson Helipad, officially opening the private rooftop helistop. Located on the Honda dealership in Santa Ana, California, the 20 x 20-foot helipad features Robinson’s new lightweight deck designed for helicopters with gross weights up to 3,000 lb.
Honda of Santa Ana owner Ron Vinci took advantage of Robinson’s offer to provide a helipad deck, heliport consulting, and engineering assistance if he bought a new R44. Vinci will use the new R44 Raven II to visit his car dealership from his home in San Diego, less than an hour’s flight away.
Robinson’s offer to provide a free helipad deck is still available to Southern California and Arizona customers who purchase a new R44. Robinson will provide the deck, heliport consulting, and engineering services as part of the package. A second helipad in California is already underway in Temecula.

Sedona Airport to Host Annual Airport Day
“Celebrating 100 Years of Planes and Cars” is the theme of the 2003 Sedona Airport Day and Car Show hosted by the Sedona Airport Supporters Association, the Sedona Airport Administration, and the Sedona Car Club. It will be held on Saturday September 13 at the Sedona Airport (SEZ) in Sedona, Arizona from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sedona is a town of 10,000 located 100 miles north of Phoenix and is famous for the dramatic red rock mountains surrounding the community. Sedona Airport is located 500 feet above the beautiful Sedona landscape on a mile long mesa. The runway is 751 wide and 5,200 feet in length and is equipped with a VASI. Locals sometimes refer the the airport as the “U.S.S. Sedona,” jesting at the aircraft carrier appearance of the mesa.
In recognition of aviation’s 100 year anniversary in 2003, pilots who would like to display their aircraft as representative of different styles and periods of aircraft history should consider flying in for the morning. A static display of pre-registered aircraft would be placed in chronological order for all to enjoy.
All pilots are invited to fly in and enjoy the festivities. Aircraft flying in will be provided fuel at a special price courtesy of the Sedona Airport Administration. The Sedona Airport Supporters Association will provide breakfast for all pilots who fly in.
Pilots planning on attending Sedona Airport Day should RSVP in advance to Al Comello, president of the Sedona Airport Supporters Association. His number is 928-862-0210 and email address is al@comello.net. Please indicate if you want to display your aircraft as part of the event.

Tailwheel Training in the Rio grande Valley
As noted by Rod Machado in a recent column of AOPA Flight Training magazine (April 2003), there is a shortage of qualified tailwheel instructors in the US. In response to this shortage, a new flight training company, A Higher Plane Aviation, LLC, has been formed.
The company utilizes a PA-22/20, a Piper Colt which has been modified to tailwheel configuration. A Higher Plane Aviation specializes in transition training for Private and Commercial pilots who are looking for the challenge and adventure of flying a tailwheel airplane.
Other instruction is available, such as flight reviews and instrument checks. The business is based out of Mid-Valley Airpark (E98), which is 20 miles south of Albuquerque, NM.
For information, call 505-221-4081 or email memoyer@aol.com.

FAA Puts Graphical TFRs Online
Effective June 15, the FAA, with the assistance of Jeppesen, began providing graphical TFRs on the FAA website.
The first 90 days will serve as a test phase, as the FAA begins to migrate the service from a Jeppesen server to an FAA server. It will also allow the FAA to gather responses from the public so that modifications can be made.
To access, visit faa.gov and click on “Graphical TFRs.”