In Flight USA Article Categories
In Flight USA Articles
Editorial: The “Flying Season” and Safety
By Ed Downs
Okay, not an exciting title, but give it chance. There really is a “Flying Season.” Logically, it takes place between May and October, obviously due to improved weather vacation travel. Generally, up to 70 percent of the flying hours flown during a year occur during these months, and the same percentage applies to revenues earned by aviation- related businesses. Regrettably, the NTSB and FAA also have to gear up, as accident rates increase with activity. No magic to those stats, more planes, more pilots, more accidents. So let’s see if there are any lessons from the past or new programs that might reduce this predictable trend.
The FAA came to an interesting conclusion early in this century. New technology airplanes were hitting the market, advanced GPS-based navigation systems came into play, and auto-flight control systems became increasingly sophisticated. This trend has accelerated. Many students learning to fly today begin their experience in planes like the Cirrus and new Cessna, which are fully decked out with advanced, integrated auto-flight and navigation systems.
Pacific Coast Dream Machines
Returning to the Half Moon Bay Airport for the 24th consecutive year, the Pacific Coast Dream Machines event saw record attendance this year.
By Michael Mainiero
(Michael Mainiero)For those not familiar, the event is a unique grouping of 2,000-plus machines from the 20th and 21st centuries that can fly, drive, putt around or just look cool! Dream Machines is an uncommon event due to the sheer size of the display. The combination of cars, vintage tractors, old military equipment, motorcycles and aircraft provides something for everyone, and there were plenty of attractions for the kids as well! From turbine-powered cars to vintage fighter aircraft, the world’s coolest cars and planes from every era and style drew people from hundreds of miles away. Model-T fire engines, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, super sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors were displayed prominently around the airport
We Fly with the Geico Skytypers: A Truly Unique Act
By Larry E. Nazimek
Full team formation. (Geico Skytypers)The GEICO Skytypers are a precision formation flying team, but they are also an aerial advertising team that gets the messages out in a most unique way: “skytyping.”
“Skywriting,” with a single aircraft flying in patterns and releasing smoke to form large letters, was far more popular 50 years ago than it is today. What had been common then is not common now.
“Skytyping” is a type of dot matrix printing made by puffs of smoke released by a five aircraft flying line – flying abreast.
Editorial: “Federal Event Fees” Are a Reality
By Ed Downs
As most readers know by now, the EAA was given a short notice demand for nearly half a million dollars for services to be rendered by the FAA at AirVenture 2013. The fact that such services have already been paid for and delivered in the past, or that the FAA does not have the legal jurisdiction to levy user fees without Congressional consent seems to have no bearing on this action. This is a purely political move by the political leadership of the FAA as directed by the Executive branch of our Government.
Numerous other aviation events that have involved FAA coordination or services have also received notification that “event charges” would apply, resulting in a number of show cancellations. Such federal charges are not limited to EAA AirVenture or even to aviation events. An “event charge” does not need identifiable users that are getting “more than their fair share” of services. An event could be any activity that utilizes federal resources in the conduct of the event, even if only on a casual basis. This could easily include security issues for large sporting events, perhaps a charge to implement required TRF’s over large outdoor gatherings. NASCAR races are heavily aviation related, ideal targets, and even a local rodeo could end up with federal fees from the Department of Agriculture. The potential of “event” related revenue sources is virtually limitless. Point this out to those who brush off AirVenture as simply a party for rich guys. They are next.
Kokomo, Indiana’s Fifth Annual Wings and Wheels Air and Car Show
By Mike Heilman & Ed Wells
Cliff Robinson races a motorcycle down the runway in his modified PT-17 Stearman. Robinson, an airshow veteran, has appeared in more than 300 airshows during his career. (Mike Heilman)It was the little show that could. The 5th annual Wings and Wheels Air and Car show was held June 8 at the Kokomo Indiana Municipal Airport (OKK). The one-day event was billed as the largest airshow in the state of Indiana in 2013. Kokomo can make that claim since the Indianapolis and Gary airshows cancelled due the Congressional sequester. The event drew an estimated 4,000 people.
The annual event is used as a fundraiser with proceeds from food sales and VIP seating going to local charities. The Event Coordinator, Pam Wild, explains “Our show is completely free, no admission at all. The pilots are not monetarily compensated in any way. All they get is a T-shirt and breakfast and lunch. They get gas for the show and the trip to get here. It is an all-volunteer show. We have the support of the City of Kokomo and they are our biggest sponsor.”
Nine-O-Nine: The Collings Foundation’s B-17 Flying Fortress
Story Courtesy of
The Collings Foundation
The sixth annual Bomber Camp held at Taigh Ramey’s Vintage Aircraft in Stockton, California was held on May 29-30 featuring the Collings Foundation’s famous B-17 Nine-O-Nine. Being used for the first time to drop 250 lb. concrete bombs this former air-sea rescue SB-17G s/n 44-83575 had last dropped a lifeboat more than 60 years ago prior to taking on this new role. Since its start in 2008 Bomber Camp had used the B-24J ‘All American’ to make the bomb drops, however his year Nine-O-Nine was called on to make two missions at the popular event. Taigh Ramey used the Norden bombsight in Nine—O-Nine to lineup his target for the drop. Safety was observed at all times with Jerry Anderson flying the chase/photo aircraft for the flights. (Jim Dunn) The most widely recognized and revered aircraft type of World War II, the B-17 Flying Fortress, takes to the skies again. The B-17G (Serial # 44-83575) has been returned to its wartime configuration under the auspices of the nonprofit Collings Foundation of Stow, MA and given the name Nine-O-Nine.
The Collings Flying Fortress was built at Long Beach, Calif. by the Douglas Aircraft Company and accepted on April 7, 1945. Although she was too late for combat, #44-83575 did serve as part of the Air/Sea 1st Rescue Squadron and later in the Military Air Transport Service.
In April 1952, #44-83575 was instrumented and subjected to the effects of three different nuclear explosions. After a thirteen-year “cool down” period, #44-83575 was sold as part of an 800-ton scrap pile and Aircraft Specialties Company began the restoration of the aircraft.
The Pylon Place - June 2013
Another Great Planes of Fame Airshow and PRS Preview
By Marilyn Dash
Five P-38 Lightnings in Formation – Amazing. (Rob “Phred” Miller)Ignoring the naysayers, Planes of Fame goes right ahead and puts on an amazing airshow – again. Nearly 40,000 people were in attendance to witness history and a terrific show.
This year, the airshow celebrated the history of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. There are only seven airworthy P-38s in the world today, and five of them were in the skies over the Chino Airport. Another P-38 on display, a photo-recon variant, made up the sixth P-38 at the show that weekend.
The formation of five was breathtaking. I don’t think we’ll ever see something like that again, sadly.
AERO 2013 is flying high again: Slated for April 24-27
T-6 Class Gets Stronger at Reno 2012
By Alan Smith
Nick Macy on way to Gold race victory. (Victor Archer)As the only “one design” class at the National Championship Air Races, high performance in the AT-6 class has, for years, been primarily dependent on pilot skill that minimize wasted distance on the oval race course and puts one airplane into the lead. There are, however, permitted airframe “cleanups” that, when properly done, can significantly increase the top speed of a T-6.
For example, the stock T-6 wing skins are riveted in place with domed rivets. For racing, these are replaced with flathead rivets flushed into the wing. Landing lights are removed and the wing fiberglassed back to the main spar. There are many other small things that can be done to reduce drag and increase speed. And, of course, a racing T-6 has been repainted in vivid colors and is highly polished. I have been told, by some racing T-6 owners, that even selecting the right polishing compound can have a positive effect.
Pratt Open House and Plane Rides on Saturday, Aug. 25
Cleveland Airshow Set for Labor Day Weekend
The Olympic Airshow
By Paul Tannahil
The Olympic Flight Museum’s “Tora” Zero Replica piloted by museum president Brian Reynolds formed up with the museums P-51D Mustang American Beauty flown by Bud Granley for a few passes and a mock dog fight. (Paul Tannahill) For the 14th year running, Fathers Day weekend and the Olympic Air Show, hosted by the Olympic Flight Museum, at the Olympia Regional Airport, in Washington State, has signaled the start of airshow season for many aviation enthusiasts in the northwest. For the last few years however, less than ideal weather has played a major factor, this year being no different. Low ceilings, poor visibility and showers in the area, likely kept many fly-in visitors and spectators at home. Many of the performers were forced to modify their routines to cope with a ceiling that at times was at or around pattern altitude. Fortunately conditions never deteriorated to the point where the show had to be canceled entirely.
The Pylon Place - June 2012
Planes of Fame Airshow Does It Again
By Marilyn Dash
The Planes of Fame Museum held their annual airshow the first weekend in May 2012. This year’s theme was “1942 – Turning the Tide” celebrating the 70th anniversary of our entry and participation in World War II. This is clearly one of the finest airshows in the US. And this year was no exception.
The regular aerobatic acts including Hartley Folstad and Margie Stivers in their Silver Wings Wingwalking performance started the day off with a beautiful “ballet in the sky.” Long time Chino regular, Tumbling Bear followed with his high-energy aerobatic routine in the Zlin. Clay Lacy returned again this year with his Learjet routine which is always fun to watch.
New features this year included fan favorite and award winning performer Sean D. Tucker, who brought his amazing Oracle Challenger III Biplane to wow the crowds. His aerial high-jinx included his signature double hammerhead, centrifuge, helicopter pass and the series of three ribbon cuts, all in different configurations – right knife edge, left knife edge and inverted.
Wings, Wheels & Warriors Airshow May 12
Editorial: First Reno Air Race Accident Lawsuit Filed
Negligent. In aviation that’s a foul word. In legal terms it is devastating. On Nov. 2, the Reno Gazette Journal reported that the first lawsuit stemming from the tragedy at this year’s National Championship Air Races had been f
Aviation Nation Nellis Air Show 2011
Nellis AF Base Celebrates 70 Years of Service
Text and Images By Joe Gonzalez
The presentation of colors for the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies.The day’s questionable weather cleared giving way to perfect sunshine. On November 12 and 13, the very large and well-mannered crowds at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) enjoyed all the static displays, stopped by vendors of goods and services and, of course, watched the flying demonstrations, which were topped off by the USAF Thunderbirds who gave their last performance for the 2011 season.
History of Nellis AFB
The ultra modern Nellis AFB started from humble beginnings, known in the early years as the Las Vegas Army Air Corps Gunnery School. The mission of training aerial gunners for combat duty was primary. Rocky hills – about six miles from the base – offered a natural backdrop for cannon and machine gun firing. Dry lake beds offered an emergency landing location as needed. Supply and logistics had not yet been organized leaving mechanics to borrow parts as needed. Fuel came from the Civilian Conservation Corps. Construction of permanent base facilities began in 1941, including barracks to house about 3,000 personnel.
9-11 Remembrances at Wine Country Airshow
By Hayman Tam
A piece of Ground Zero was on display next to the “First Responder” F-15 Eagle. (Hayman Tam)Close to 25,000 airshow fans came out for the Wings Over Wine Country Airshow put together by the Pacific Coast Air Museum (PCAM) in Santa Rosa, Calif. This two-day show takes place at Charles Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) and is the museum’s major fundraising event. The cloudy skies cleared and the temperature warmed up to perfect, just right to put in earplugs and sunscreen and enjoy the festivities.
This year’s airshow honored two national occasions occurring this year, the Centennial of Naval Aviation and the 10th Anniversary of the 9-11 attack.
The Navy theme was echoed on the ground by the museum’s F-14A Tomcat, F-16N Viper, F-5E Freedom Fighter, A-4E Skyhawk, F-8 Crusader and A-6E Intruder. Wings of Gold took to the air in the form of flybys with several USN T-28 Trojans and a very rare C-1A Trader, a long-retired carrier onboard delivery aircraft. The popular Greg Colyer traded his normal USAF T-33 for one with a U.S. Navy “Blue Angels” motif, exciting the crowd as the only featured jet performer, showing how nimble a fifty-plus year old jet can be.
The Pylon Place - September 2011
Reno Racing Prep
By Marilyn Dash
Formula crews getting ready on a cold morning. (Tim AdamFor several months before the Reno Air Races, Race Teams are working diligently to get ready. There are hundreds of things to manage and prepare. I wanted to share some of the things we need to think about and my picks for this year’s races.
Registration
For each racing class, the deadline to have an entry in is the end of June. That’s just the “Here’s my intent to race, and my check.” We get another month to complete all of the paperwork, and there are volumes of it. Items on the list include the request to sell merchandise in your pit, the safety systems on your racer for Crash and Rescue and mountains of other official documentation.
Wild Weather at Sun 'n Fun
By Ed Downs
Photos Courtesy of EAA
(EAA Photo)This April edition of In Flight USA is going to press just as information is being received regarding a severe storm, now being reported as an F1 Tornado that hit the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In and Air Show site at Lakeland’s Linder Regional Airport. It is now known that some 15 attendees and/or exhibitors received injuries ranging from minor scrapes and abrasions to broken bones. Forty to 50 aircraft were seriously damaged or destroyed. These aircraft included those on display by vendors and many visitor airplanes, including homebuilts and classics. Numerous vendor tents and displays were destroyed. The staff at In Flight USA wishes to extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery from personal injuries and a 
(EAA Photo)successful financial recovery from the enormous financial strain such a disaster places on all affected.
Our April cover, the Legend Cub, an S-LSA manufactured by American Legend Aviation of Sulfur Springs, Texas, represents a snapshot of the courage and tenacity of the vendors who have been hit hard by this storm. Dave Graham, Director of Marketing for American Legend, commented, “We knew storms were on the way and secured everything the best we could. When it did hit, there was little warning. Our team rushed inside our display tent and hung on for dear life. I can now say that I have soloed a tent!”
The Official Word From Sun 'n Fun: All Safe, Property Damage Extensive
As of In Flight USA’s deadline on Friday, April 1, there were only minor injuries suffered by people on the ground, however, damage to aircraft and property was extensive following a severe weather system that ravaged the Lakeland area on Thursday, March 31.