Yavapai College Creates Fast-Growing Helicopter Program with Big Economic Impact
John Morgan, Yavapai College Dean of the Technical Division, has been a key figure in the development of one of the most successful and fastest growing collegiate helicopter programs in the United States. The Yavapai College Professional Helicopter Pilot Program has an enrollment of almost 100 students.
Approximately 80% of these students are U.S. Military Veterans utilizing their GI Bill veteran benefits. The YC Professional Helicopter Pilot Program was established in spring of 2010 and to date is generating nearly $9 million in revenues annually, making this the highest revenue generating degree program at Yavapai College, surpassing current contributions from the State of Arizona.
Corbell Receives Master CFI Renewal
Philip T Corbell, an independent Phoenix-area glider instructor and resident of Sun City West, received his accreditation renewal as a Master Certified Flight Instructor, (CFI). He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2002, has held it continuously since then and is one of only 24 worldwide to earn the credential six times.
Philip Corbell.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 17 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs, (see: http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/) while Phil is one of only 25 Arizona teachers of flight to earn this prestigious "Master" title.
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning -- both their own, and their students'. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate.
For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the "Find a Master Instructor" section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visithttp://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/.
Yuma CAP Finds New Home in Former FedEx Facility
The Yuma County Airport Authority hosted a ribbon cutting and open house last week by turning over the keys of the newly refurbished Flight Safety Meeting and Training Center to Yuma’s Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Composite Squadron 508. Members of the CAP from throughout Arizona came to check out the new facility and try their hand at the new flight simulators.
CAP Vice Commander, Lt. Col. Layne Slapper accepts the key to Yuma Squadron 508's new home at Yuma Int'l Airport from YCAA Board President, Rob Ingold. (Photo by Gen Grosse.)
Brian Hotchkiss, local CAP Commander, said this is a fantastic facility. "We've been working with the Airport on the renovation, but the final product is much more than we ever imagined." A flight training room is equipped for use by local instructor pilots and includes three flight briefing stations and two flight training simulators. The training room will also be available for local flight instructors and their students who obtain approval from the Civil Air Patrol. The upstairs has been fitted out as a conference room and meeting room for aviation related events.
The facility also includes hangar space for the Civil Air Patrol’s aircraft, keeping it safe from the desert elements. Hotchkiss said the facility greatly expands their opportunities and having a new CAP Headquarters on the airport means they can focus all of their energy on their mission and concentrate on their Cadet program for young people from age 12 to 21. Craig Williams, Airport Director said the airport’s objective is to promote flight safety. The Civil Air Patrol's mission is to provide Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education. "There could not be a better fit," said Williams.
NASA Engineers at Yuma International Host Students to Discuss Orion
Engineers from NASA and Jacobs Engineering hosted students this week from Cibola, Yuma and San Luis High Schools for a tour of their hangar at Yuma International Airport, to discuss the space agency's Orion Program and the work they are conducting in Yuma. The tours occurred on Monday, January 23rd and Tuesday, January 24th. The students are involved in the University of Arizona - Yuma High School Engineering Program.
Students gather in front of the Jacobs/NASA facility at Yuma International Airport.
The University of Arizona began offering Engineering 102 in an effort to introduce high school students to college-level engineering and to give math-and-science savvy students hands-on experience before they commit to a university engineering program. The high school program is based on the Engineering 102 class that freshman engineering students take at the UofA.
Inside the NASA hangar.
NASA’s Capsule Parachute Assembly System team has been performing parachute drop tests at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Grounds since 2007 to support the design and development of the capsule descent and landing parachute system to support the Orion flight tests and first human flight.
While they’ve been testing in Yuma since 2007, NASA didn’t have a permanent home until the airport built the Pappy Boyington hangar in 2009. Since basing themselves in the hangar, the NASA and Jacobs Engineering team are ahead of schedule.
“Since the NASA and Jacobs engineers are here for six months out of the year, Yuma is like a second home for them and we’ve built an amazing relationship.” said Gen Grosse, airport spokesperson. “We also participate in a variety of educational programs within the community. When NASA expressed interest in sharing their knowledge and experience with our local students, we knew it would be an experience of a lifetime. It's exciting for the students to see what a wide variety of options lies in their future.”
FAA Issues Letter to Airmen for Traffic Operations Near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
Phillip D. Thornton, Air Traffic Manager of the FAA's Phoenix Terminal Radar Approach Control, (TRACON) issued a "Letter to Airmen" today, regarding air traffic operations in the vicinity of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
The Phoenix Terminal Area is home to a large general aviation community in addition to a large professional pilot flight training industry. During peak periods, the airspace surrounding Phoenix is some of the busiest in the nation, with several thousand aircraft movements per day in the terminal area.
Air traffic volume and complexity southwest of the Superstition Mountains, near Chandler, Arizona has increased markedly over the past several years. This airspace includes the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), several practice areas and areas known to contain acrobatic flight activity. IWA is a small hub commercial service airport. During calendar year 2010, approximately 400,000 passengers boarded commercial aircraft at IWA. In addition, general aviation flight training activity remains the larger percentage of aircraft operations.
Recently, the Phoenix Airspace Users Working Group assigned an ad-hoc workgroup to review activity and safety in this airspace, identify any safety issues and recommend mitigation strategies if possible. As one of the mitigation strategies, the ad-hoc group has recommended the information below be disseminated to airmen.
The Compleat Aviator
If you strive to be a more experienced and “compleat” aviator, a new aviation challenge could be just the ticket. Check out the article on page 8 of the Sep/Oct 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing which explores different ways pilots can work to become a more well-rounded and safer pilot. From certificates, to ratings, to endorsements and beyond, it provides some helpful clues on how you can keep your skills fresh while expanding your horizons.
The article is available online at: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2011/media/SepOct2011.pdf
FAA Modifies WINGS Program Requirements
The FAA has announced an addition to the Basic Level requirements of the WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program. This change will take effect with the next launch of enhancements to http://www.faasafety.gov/, tentatively scheduled for the late evening of September 14th.
Based on a recent analysis of accidents in the years 2008, 2009, and 2010, and in accordance with paragraph 4 of Advisory Circular 61-91J, WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program, we have revised the required subjects at the Basic level of the WINGS Program. By adding Preflight Planning, Risk Management, and Fuel Management as a major component of the Knowledge 3 subject area, we hope to generate increased emphasis and understanding of this vital part of flying. An increased level of awareness of Risk Management principles will have a positive impact on the number of accidents by General Aviation pilots.
One of the advantages of the automated WINGS Program on FAASafety.gov is the dynamic nature of the requirements. When an area that deserves greater focus is discovered, we can address that subject almost immediately.
Please note that all the current subjects are still valid; however, we are adding a new key subject area for the Basic Knowledge 3 slot. The new Basic Level lineup looks like this:
Knowledge 1 - Aeronautical Decision Making
Knowledge 2 - Performance and Limitations
Alternate Knowledge 2 – Runway Safety
Knowledge 3 - Preflight Planning, Risk Management, and Fuel Management
Alternate Knowledge 3 – Other Subjects (as listed on FAASafety.gov)
Flight 1 - Takeoffs and Landings
Flight 2 - Positive Aircraft Control
Flight 3 - Basic Flying Skills
A new syllabus has been written for training providers, course providers, and seminar presenters and is available now on FAASafety.gov. We will add additional activities, courses and seminars to the list of available credit items over the next several months.
Embry-Riddle Prescott Offers Career Exploration Summer Camps to Youth
Teens who would enjoy hands-on exploration of flight, aerospace engineering, and computer/electrical engineering careers will want to check out the exciting Summer Career Exploration Programs offered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz.
Summer Career Exploration Programs at Embry-Riddle offer students a taste of the college experience at the world’s most prestigious university for aviation and aerospace education. The programs are open to high school students ages 14 to 18. The cost includes housing in an Embry-Riddle residence hall, all meals, classroom instruction, educational materials and local trips.
All of the programs utilize our state-of-the art facilities and are taught by our expert faculty. The Embry-Riddle Career Exploration Programs allow youth to connect with other students who share their interests while exploring which career path to pursue in their college experiences.
This year the Career Exploration Summer Program offers the following camps:
Aerospace Engineering
June 19 – June 24, 2011
This program is designed to demonstrate fundamental concepts of engineering in a fun, hands-on environment. Each participant will learn the science of flight, the principles of aerospace design, and how materials stress, strain, and break. Students will be introduced to a variety of fields relating to aerospace engineering through daily classes and labs.
Requirements and Costs
Ages & requirements: 15 -18 and must have strong background in math and science.
Cost: $ 1,050
Computer Engineering
June 21 – July 1, 2011
Our Computer Engineering program will introduce you to the world of the electrical and computer systems in the aviation world. During this program students will experience building and flying a payload to the edge of space, and analyzing and researching data collected on the mission that could lead to the discovery of new phenomena.
Requirements and Costs
Ages & requirements: 15 -18 and must have strong background in math & science
Cost: $ 1,050
Flight Exploration Camp
Alpha Camp: June 5 – 10, 2011
Bravo Camp: June 19 – 24, 2011
Charlie Camp: July 3 – 8, 2011
Delta Camp: July 17 - 22, 2011
Echo Camp: July 31 – August 5, 2011
Take to the skies during this six day program with an Embry- Riddle flight instructor in one of our Cessna 172s and discover both the ease and the challenges of becoming a pilot. Just like our Embry-Riddle flight students, you will learn how to read weather reports and fly under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) — but most of all — YOU WILL FLY THE AIRPLANE! Back on the ground, your class instruction will include basic principles of aerodynamics, navigation systems, aircraft systems and performance, plus procedures related to the safe operation of an aircraft.
Flight Expo Camp participants will receive:
• 4 hours of hands-on flight instruction*
• 4 hours of in-flight observation time*
• 4 hours of aviation ground school*
• 30 minutes of C-172/L-6 simulator time*
• Classroom instruction and lectures on the latest technology in the world of flight
Requirements and Costs
Students ages 14 – 18 must be a U.S. citizen, the cost for the one-week program is $1950 which includes meals, lodging, all instructional materials, and flight.
* Hours listed are approximate
To register or get more details on Career Exploration Summer Programs, contact Melissa James, 928-777-3786.
Embry-Riddle Prescott Fleet Upgrades to Diamond DA42 NGs
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Flight Line in Prescott will take delivery of four Diamond Aircraft DA42 NG twin engine aircraft before the new school year. The new DA42s will be used as multi-engine trainers for new flight students starting in August.
“We selected the Diamond DA42 NG after evaluating all the light twin engine aircraft on the market,” said William O'Hara, Interim Director of Flight Operations at Embry-Riddle Prescott. “The DA42 NG provides us with an exceptionally safe and fuel-efficient multi-engine training platform with the latest in engine, avionics and airframe technologies. And, the AE300 turbo-diesel is perfect for our high altitude training environment.”
The DA42 NG incorporates an all-carbon fiber airframe with FADEC, twin turbo-diesel AE300 engines from Austro Engine, and the latest avionics from Garmin, including the G1000 integrated glass cockpit with GFC 700 automated flight control system and Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT).
“With the sale of DA42 NGs to Prescott, Diamond is pleased to expand our relationship with Embry-Riddle. The DA42 NG is an excellent choice for Embry-Riddle's mission of preparing their students to be the best professional pilots in the industry,” commented David Moser, Director of Fleet Sales for Diamond Aircraft.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 150 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu.
For more information about Diamond Aircraft (North America) visit www.diamondaircraft.com
For more information about Diamond Aircraft (International) visit www.diamond-air.at
Embry-Riddle Prescott Hires Kim Haddow as Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach
Kim Haddow has been named the first-ever head golf coach for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Director of Athletics Ted Blake announced this week. Haddow will build both the men's and women's golf programs from the ground up, as the newest Embry-Riddle intercollegiate athletic teams are set to kick off this fall.
Kim Haddow
Coach Haddow commented on her new position, “I'm thrilled and honored to have been selected as the head golf coach. This is going to be a challenging experience for me, and at the same time, a rewarding opportunity at a very prestigious university.”
She added, “I am impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the coaches, faculty and staff at Embry-Riddle, as well as its students. The student-athletes that I have met are exceptional. I am looking forward to working with Ted Blake and the entire athletic department to build the best golf program possible.”
As a former head coach for both the University of Florida and the University of Arizona, Coach Haddow had phenomenal success guiding collegiate student-athletes to achieve their upmost potential. She has led her teams to nine NCAA Championship appearances, finishing in the Top-10 in seven of those tournaments. Her 1992 University of Arizona team finished second overall, and two of her Wildcat golfers claimed NCAA titles during her tenure. Coach Haddow has seen 22 of her golfers named NCAA All-American, nine who were Academic All-Americans, and one who was named National Player of the Year. During Haddow's time at Arizona, 15 golfers received All Pac-10 honors.
At the University of Florida, 11 players received All SEC honors while she was coach. Coach Haddow had numerous former student-athletes go on to illustrious careers in professional golf, including former LPGA great Annika Sorenstam. She has received many personal accolades herself, including being named NCAA Coach of the year in 1992, Pac-10 Coach of the year in 1992, as well as three times being named as the Far West Region Coach of the year. In 1997, Coach Haddow was inducted into the NCAA Golf Coaches Hall of Fame.
A veteran of international coaching assignments as well, Coach Haddow has coached the USA Team and USA Individual Team in the Shiseido Cup Matches in Tokyo, Japan. In the summer of 2010, she was selected to coach the U.S. Women's Team for the World University Golf Championships in Antequera, Spain, where four of her golfers earned medals. In 2008 she was selected to coach the USA Team for the World Championships in Sun City, South Africa, guiding them to a gold medal finish.
“We are all excited to have a coach with her background join us here at ERAU,” said Blake. “As we add these new intercollegiate teams, Coach Haddow's experience will be invaluable not only to the new golf programs, but the athletic department as a whole.”
A member of the National Golf Coaches Association, and an LPGA Class A Golf Instructor, Coach Haddow has a B.S. degree from Southern Methodist University, as well as an M.A. from the University of Arizona. The mother of two adult daughters, Coach Haddow resides in Chino Valley with her husband Mike.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 150 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu.
State Aviation Journal Headlines
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