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TEXAS’ GULF COAST WINGS WEEKEND
The Texas Aviation Association and Scholes International Airport (KGLS) in Galveston, TX invite you to several days of sharing knowledge and having fun learning on Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4. Join John and Martha King, the “king and queen” of aviation education, at the Annual Banquet on Saturday night. There will be over 70 hours of free aviation training at Moody Gardens Convention Center - all approved for Wings certification! There will also be one to three hours of free in-flight instruction for licensed pilots (private or better) for the Wings Program. Also featured is discounted access to the Lone Star Flight Museum for registrants, and discounted accommodations at the beautiful Moody Gardens hotel. Visit gulfwings.org for more information and to register, or contact Tre Deathe at tre.ex.director@txaa.org.
ANNUAL AVIATION EVENT AGAIN BENEFITS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The 32nd annual New Mexico Pilot Bash has been scheduled for June 11 from 5:30 until 10 p.m. at Seven Bar Aviation at the Albuquerque International Sunport.
Designed to foster good relations among the various elements of aviation in New Mexico and the surrounding area, the hangar party is open to all persons associated with general, commercial, or military aviation and their families. Attendees must present an aviation ID at the gate. There will be a hot dog cookout, libations, aircraft exhibits, displays of aviation products, and music for your listening/dancing pleasure. Admission is free.
The New Mexico Aviation Division will have a booth and staff representatives in the hangar to discuss current aviation issues. All attendees are invited to stop by to say hello and discuss matters of concern with Division director Tom Baca and his staff.
For the eighth year, all proceeds from the Pilot Bash will go to the Jim and Roz Kinlen Memorial Scholarship Fund, the purpose of which is to further youth aviation education. The Scholarship program honors the Pilot Bash’s founders, who “flew west” in 1997. Since its inception, the program has awarded over 40 $500 scholarships to deserving young people who have applied them toward various types of aviation related training and tuition. Contributions to the Scholarship Fund are being accepted by the New Mexico Pilot Bash Scholarship Committee, 12009 Donna Court NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87112. A raffle to be conducted at the June 11 event also will benefit the Scholarship Fund. Scholarship application forms are available from Anna Taylor, 59 Canyon Ridge Dr. Sandia Park, NM 87047.
AIR SAFETY SOLOS FIRST PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS IN CIRRUS
Air Safety Flight Academy today announced that Air Safety student Nathan Kimborowicz of Hingham, MA completed his first solo flight in a Cirrus SR20-G2. With only 19 hours of flight time, Nathan becomes one of the first primary flight students ever to solo the Cirrus. This solo flight marks the beginning of a new generation in professional pilot training. The Cirrus SR20-G2 has now proven itself an excellent aircraft for both primary and advanced flight instruction. Air Safety Flight Academy is the first flight school in the US to utilize glass cockpit equipped aircraft as primary training aircraft for professional pilot training. Since the avionics platform used in the Cirrus is identical to most commercial aircraft, Air Safety students are able to train in real-world aircraft from day one of their program. Air Safety Flight Academy (airsafetyacademy.com) based in Glendale, AZ, offers professional flight training, custom flight training, add-on ratings, and glass transition training. Call 888-45-PILOT for more information.
‘THE OKLAHOMA AVIATION STORY’ DEBUTS
The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) is proud to announce the debut of “The Oklahoma Aviation Story,” a new historical retrospective sponsored by the OAC and produced by the Oklahoma Heritage Association. The OAC commissioned the book last spring to celebrate the 100th year of powered flight, and to promote awareness of Oklahoma’s rich aviation heritage. OAC Director Victor Bird said the book is the first comprehensive overview of aviation history in Oklahoma. Copies of the book may be purchased for $29.95 from the Oklahoma Heritage Association. For more information, contact Gini Moore Campbell, managing editor, Oklahoma Heritage Association and Book Center at 405-235-4458.
FIRST EVER HOT ‘GLASS FLY-IN SET FOR MAY IN LAS CRUCES
Aviation enthusiasts from across the nation will gather in Las Cruces, NM to participate in Hot ‘Glass Fly-In May 20-22 at the Las Cruces International Airport, (KLRU). This is the only fly-in of its kind in the nation, and several hundred high performance composite aircraft are expected to attend. Hot ‘Glass will showcase aircraft such as Lancair, Glasair, Tango, Burt Rutan’s Long-EZE, White Lightning, and the new Nemesis NXT. Demonstration flights, technology seminars, roundtable discussions, and expert speakers are planned. Saturday morning, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 555 will host a pancake breakfast. Saturday evening Adventure Aviation will host an Enchilada Dinner. All pilots and aircraft as well as the public are welcome. To register or for accommodation information contact Adventure Aviation at 505-525-0500 or log onto adventureaviation.com. For information about Las Cruces call 505-541-2444 or visit las-cruces.org.
BAS, INC. SELLS STC
BAS, Inc. has recently sold its Folding Rear Seat STC for Cessnas to Tom Flaglor, Long View Aviation, 630 Wisecarver Rd. Mosheim, TN 37818. See his web site at cessnajumpseats.com or call 423-552-5592.
Tom has obtained the PMA paperwork from his local FAA office, and has started producing seat kits for sale. Tom will also be making other improvements and developments as time goes by, so stay tuned.
The reason for the sale was to free up more time for BAS, Inc. to spend developing Shoulder Harness Kits and obtaining STCs for more aircraft makes and models.
See the BAS web site at basinc-aeromod.com for a list of currently approved aircraft. Contact B.A.S., Inc. at 888-255-6566.
SOUTHWEST BONANZA SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP TOUR
The Southwest Bonanza Society 2005 Membership Tour will be visiting the five states they represent, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Their mission statement invites all that have interest in aviation to be a member of the SWBS. The SWBS is one of the seven regions of the American Bonanza Society (a 12,000 member organization). The New Mexico recruiting fly-in will be on Saturday, June 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Albuquerque's Double Eagle Airport. Lunch will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the New Mexico Bonanza, Baron, and ABS members in the region, and be encouraged to join the Southwest Bonanza Society. They will also discuss future fly-ins, and hear ideas on new locations for fly-ins or other activities. Later that day, they will move to the New Mexico Pilot Bash for additional hangar flying and recruiting. Call Randy Taylor at 830-660-5495 for more information.
AVIATION WEB SITE WINGSOVERKANSAS.COM GROWING
Aviation industries, organizations, and enthusiasts now have expanded resources of aviation information at their grasp by logging on to the web site wingsoverkansas.com. This growing aviation web site adds new content information weekly from aviation industry sources, aviation authors, and historians. Of value to the General and Military Aviation audience alike are subjects on Aviation News, Aviation History, Aviation Careers, Aircraft Photo Galleries, Aviation Quizzes and much more. What started as a Kansas Aviation focused web site for the Past, Present & Future of Boeing-Wichita, Bombardier Aerospace/Learjet, Cessna Aircraft, and Raytheon/Beech Aircraft, has now grown to encompass the US and the World Aviation Community with over 140 countries worldwide logging on. For more information on WingsOverKansas.com, please log on.
GROUND BREAKING FOR NEW CUTTER AVIATION FACILITY IN EL PASO, TEXAS
After 20 years in their current location, Cutter Aviation El Paso broke ground for their new, state-of-the-art facility April 29, 2005. The two story facility will consist of a striking 13,000 square foot building with an attached 20,000 square foot hangar. Amenities at the new terminal building will include a pilot's lounge and flight planning center, tenant office space, conference rooms, on-site rental cars, and a spacious customer lounge with airport views. Additional services Cutter ELP offers are aircraft charter and management, line services, and new and pre-owned aircraft sales. Will Cutter, CEO and President of Cutter Aviation, has been eagerly anticipating the ground breaking. "The new facility in El Paso should contribute to the continued growth and success of our company. In addition, we look forward to strengthening our commitment to the City of El Paso." Alfonso Moreno, General Manager El Paso, has great expectations for the upcoming move. Alfonso states, "We will now be able to meet the growing demands of our tenants with more hangar space and enhanced amenities." Founded in 1928 in Albuquerque, NM, Cutter Aviation has operations at six major airports in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Visit cutteraviation.com for more.
ADAM AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN OGDEN, UTAH
Adam Aircraft announced that it will open a manufacturing and assembly operation in Ogden, UT. The facility will be located at the Kemp Ogden Airport Gateway Center, where the company is leasing 22-thousand square feet in the newly completed Kemp Jet Services terminal to manufacture and assemble A500 and A700 aircraft. To accommodate anticipated growth, Kemp will develop, by phases, new facilities for Adam Aircraft on adjacent sites. (continued)
With 430 employees and more than 100,000 square feet of facilities, Adam Aircraft will use the Gateway Center to parallel its ongoing business in Colorado. In anticipation of FAA Type Certification, Adam Aircraft has already begun manufacturing customer aircraft. There are currently five customer aircraft undergoing the construction process in Colorado, and with the help of the Ogden facility, the company plans significant production rate growth in 2005. To learn more, visit adamaircraft.com.
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT EXPANDS INTO CHINA
Diamond Aircraft has announced that it has entered into a joint venture to produce its popular DA40 Diamond Star in China. “We are investing in Chinese domestic production as China is an important emerging GA market,” said Diamond CEO Christian Dries. “With a total of three production sites, each centered in significant and distinct regions, Diamond is further strengthening its position as a global GA company.”
The new facility is designed to employ as many as 1700 workers and produce over 600 aircraft per year, as the Chinese market develops. Diamond’s existing North American and European facilities will continue the production of Diamond aircraft for their respective markets.
For further information on Diamond Aircraft, visit diamondair.com or call 888-359-3220.
US AEROBATICS TEAM IN NEED OF SUPPORT
With soldiers’ needs for C-5A military transport aircraft in Iraq a top priority, the United States Aerobatic Team members will have to find another way to get their airplanes to the 2005 World Championships, scheduled for June 22 through July 2, in Burgos, Spain. Without the military airlift they’ve had in the past, the cost of transporting the US team aircraft and competing at the World Championships is estimated at $20,000 to $30,000 per member. About 80 of the world’s best pilots will compete in an Olympics-style competition, which in the past has been dominated by Russia and France. For more information on the team, sponsorship, or to make a donation, visit the US Team at usaerobaticteam.com.
The US Team consists of 10 individuals, 6 men and 4 women. Team members include US National Champion and 4-time Team member Kirby Chambliss of Flying Crown Ranch, AZ; 7-time team member Robert Armstrong of Athens, GA; 5-time Team member David Martin from Possum Kingdom Lake, TX; 12-time Team member Debby Rihn-Harvey of La Porte, TX; 2-time Team members Vicki Cruse of Santa Paula, CA and Janet Fitzke of La Porte, TX; and rookies Michael Racy of Tucson, AZ, Hubie Tolson of New Bern, NC, Zach Heffley of Roanoke, TX, and Allyson Parker-Lauck of Fairfield, CA.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPS FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE-SCHOOLERS AND EARLY HIGH-SCHOOLERS
Over the past 3 years while working with a young student, Cleo Chamberlain wrote and published the Youth Pilot Training Program. In December 2004 she made the Program available to parents, flight instructors, and anyone with an interest in seeing the younger generation develop their wings.
When she started flying with Daniel (age 12), Cleo searched for written materials that would coincide with the elongated flight schedule of one flight a month. After researching several flight organizations that cater to the younger student, she came to the conclusion that although there are programs out there for the young person, they seem to be short-term. Several organizations offer camps that span a weekend or a week or two, but no one she found offered an on-going program that would take the student through solo over the longer term.
To give Daniel something to satisfy his aviation desires during the month between lessons, Cleo created booklets to send home with him after each flight. The booklets consisted of materials covered in the lesson to keep the concepts fresh during the off-time. At the end of the booklets are questions to be answered and reviewed before the next flight.
Using Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.87, “Solo Requirements for Student Pilots” as a guide, the Youth Pilot Training Program grew into a total of 12 booklets (nine flight sections and three ground school sections.) To make the Program more useful to others, a brochure for parents and one for instructors were created to provide answers to common questions.
Details of the program can be found on the Web at chamberlainaviation.com.
AMERICAN LEGEND AIRCRAFT COMPANY INTRODUCES THE LEGEND CUB
American Legend Aircraft Company introduced the Legend Cub light-sport airplane at its first appearance at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, FL. The Legend Cub is an all-new factory-built aircraft, designed in the spirit of the legendary Piper J-3 Cub.
The Legend Cub combines the best of the J-3, PA-11, and PA-18 designs while maintaining its S-LSA classification. Similar in appearance to the J-3, the Legend Cub utilizes a J-3 wing design, PA-11 struts, and outboard wing attachments like the PA-18 Super Cub. A 3-inch wider cockpit provides increased elbow room. Additionally, fuel is stored in the wings allowing for solo flight from the forward seat. The Legend Cub comes with a choice of PA-11 style closed cowl or J-3 style “eyebrows.”
For further information on the development and availability of this exciting new aircraft contact: American Legend Aircraft Company, 903-885-7000, or log on to LegendAircraftCompany.com.
LANCAIRS DESCEND ON SCOTTSDALE
On Thursday, March 31, more than thirty owners of Lancair Columbia airplanes descended on the Scottsdale Airport for the annual Lancair Owners Pilot Association (LOPA) fly-in. Hosting the event was Lancair Certified Southwest, the local dealership which moved to Scottsdale in 2001.
“It’s amazing to me that our customers are so satisfied with our planes that they formed an organization and web site devoted to flying the Lancair Columbia,” said J.B. Lauchner, owner of the local dealership. “There is no greater testimonial, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
The new Columbia 400 is now ranked as the world’s fastest certified piston powered aircraft. It is the Lancair Company’s third certified aircraft, following Columbia 300 and 350. With its 310-horsepower turbocharged Continental TSIO 550 engine, the 400 speeds through the air at 265 miles per hour. That kind of performance makes the Columbia 400 the fastest certified piston powered aircraft in production today – single or twin, fixed gear or retractable.
“The Columbia 400 is fast, but that’s only part of what makes it such a special aircraft,” said Lancair Southwest Sales Manager John Cooke, “It is also one of the safest planes on the market today, at a lower price than other planes which do not perform nearly as well.”
The Lancair Certified Southwest dealership in Scottsdale covers the entire Southwest territory, including Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
For more information, call 480-922-1182 or see lancairsw.com.
