FAA Releases New GA Airports Study
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released today an 18-month study called General Aviation Airports: A National Asset. The study was conducted to capture the many diverse functions of general aviation (GA) airports. As a result, the general public is expected to have a better understanding of GA airports in the community and within the national air transportation system.
FAA Acting Administrator Huerta.
The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), a participant in the study, applauded the FAA in a news release, for issuing the report which was unveiled today by Acting FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta during his luncheon presentation at the Aero Club of Washington.
Over the last century, GA airports have evolved from unpaved landing strips to aviation hubs. This in-depth analysis highlights the pivotal role GA airports play in our society, economy, and the entire aviation system. The FAA has conducted previous commercial service airport studies, and now has analyzed both aviation segments with the completion of this GA study.
PHX Sky Train™ Achieves Another Milestone
The PHX Sky Train™ achieved another major milestone on Monday as Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton sent Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s new automated train on its first official journey. The PHX Sky Train™ traveled on the track between the East Economy Parking train station and its maintenance facility.
The PHX Sky Train™ makes its first run. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
Mayor Stanton said that today represents a major milestone with the PHX Sky Train™. “Each day brings us closer and closer to completing this vital project. The future success of Sky Harbor is the future success of our City.”
The electrically-powered, automated PHX Sky Train™ will transport travelers between the regional light rail system, Sky Harbor’s largest parking area and Terminal 4, which serves 80 percent of the Phoenix Airport’s passengers. It will serve passengers beginning in the first quarter of 2013. The PHX Sky Train™ will run 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and will be free of charge. In future stages, the PHX Sky Train™ will serve all of Phoenix Sky Harbor’s terminals by early 2015 and will continue to the Rental Car Center by 2020.
Aviation Director Danny Murphy welcomes guests and dignitaries. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
Aviation Director Danny Murphy noted that today’s test run is a visible sign that the project is on track and will soon deliver a new level of service to their customers. The train brings with it many new amenities, including baggage check-in services, boarding pass kiosks and pet parks at the stations. Trains will arrive and depart every three to four minutes, and it will only be a two minute ride between the East Economy Parking train station and Terminal 4.
For more information on the PHX Sky Train, visit www.skyharbor.com/phxskytrain
Training Op Refuels in Wickenburg
During a recent joint training operation with Singapore, members of the U.S. Army National Guard based in Marana, along with their foreign counterparts posed for a photo during a stop in Wickenburg. The group had box lunches at the airport, refueled and left.
Photo by Jim Bildilli.
FAA Cancels Annual Airports Conference Scheduled for Long Beach in June
On Friday Mark McClardy, manager of the airports division for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Western Pacific Region in Los Angeles, sent an e-mail to participants who had been planning on attending the Region's annual airports conference, explaining that it had been cancelled. The 8th annual conference was scheduled for June 5-7, 2012 in Long Beach, California.
McClardy's email said that both the Department Of Transportation (DOT) and FAA are reviewing conference policies and procedures, and are exploring alternative ways to use technology, such as webinars, to share information and efficiently and effectively collaborate with stakeholders, like airport sponsors.
Conferences like these have been held by regional FAA offices throughout the country for a long time and have proven successful giving airport managers, sponsors, consultants and other personnel the opportunity to learn more about their trade, network with their peers and meet face-to-face with federal aviation officials.
AzAA President Jennifer Maples.
Jennifer Maples, President of the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) said that while the cancellation of the FAA Western Pacific Region conference is disappointing, attendance at the upcoming AzAA conference will still offer the opportunity to interact with key FAA officials in our region. At last report, the FAA's Mark McClardy, Debbie Roth, and Dave Cushing will all be present and participating in the AzAA conference being held in Tucson on May 20-22.
The email was confirmed by the FAA.
Annual Spring Airports Conference Coming to Tucson
The Dutch Bertholf Spring Conference of the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) will be held in Tucson this year with activities beginning on May 19th. The annual conference is an opportunity for airport and other aviation professionals to learn about latest trends and share experiences and business practices. Aviation students also attend to learn outside the classroom and make professional connections.
The conference, which has been designated as an official centennial event, will begin with a state-wide fly-in and breakfast on Saturday, May 19 at Ryan Airfield, followed by golf and an opening reception on Sunday, May 20. It will include educational sessions on a wide variety of topics, industry updates, aviation industry exhibits, and an awards banquet.
Scottsdale Airport Holds Live Fire Drill
Although not required at a general aviation airport, Scottsdale recently held a drill simulating an aircraft emergency that will help to make sure emergency responders are as prepared as possible. Kate O'Malley, planning and outreach coordinator for the airport said safety and security are a key focus at Scottsdale Airport. More than 65 volunteers participated in the drill. City of Scottsdale participants included representatives from the Aviation, Fire, Police, City Channel 11 and Communications departments. The Federal Aviation Administration and a local charter company also participated in the drill.
Live fire drill at Scottsdale Airport. (Photo by Jim Bildilli)
RETIRED PILOT’S MEMOIR ENTERTAINS, INFORMS AND EXPOSES DARK SIDE OF THE FAA AND COMMERCIAL AVIATION
--From smuggling Bob Marley out of Jamaica and flying celebrities, to fighter pilot adventures and unethical and dangerous acts by the FAA
Ace Abbott invites both pilots and layman to take a wild ride with him on a unique and improbable aviation career spanning 36 years, in his revised third edition of The Rogue Aviator: in the back alleys of aviation 
(http://www.therogueaviator.com/). As Ace visits 44 countries with 25 different employers, he takes his readers from five star hotels and restaurants in Paris to noisy, greasy, cargo ramps, and a visit to a Venezuelan jail. The book regales the reader with many unique experiences and "war-stories" from Ace’s early career as an F-4 Phantom fighter- pilot based in the Far East.
When he left the Air Force in 1971 he soon found himself in South Florida where he flew the rich and famous in private-chartered Learjets. His passengers varied from iconic sports figures such as Jack Nicklaus to unsavory drug dealers. Other celebrities Ace rubbed elbows with include Jimmy Buffett, Helen Reddy, and Olivia Newton-John, but his most memorable experience involved smuggling Bob Marley out of Kingston, Jamaica.
This aviation adventure story/expose' will also reveal the "muck and crud" of the smaller commercial airlines as they frequently allow profitability to supersede safety, often to the demise of the pilots and the travelling public. Abbott exposes several accounts of unethical and often politically motivated response by the FAA and its effects on aviation safety, especially situations involving flight crew fatigue.
From an adrenaline-pumping night airborne refueling mission in the F-4 Phantom, to numerous close encounters in a Learjet, to his final 727 flight, when he briefly flirted with catastrophe during landing at Boston's Logan Airport, Ace Abbott brings his readers in for a final smooth landing. His book validates the idealistic premise that the quality of one's life experiences will always trump material wealth and possessions.
Arizona Airport Executives Re-appointed as AAAE Committee Chairs for 2012/13
Bonnie Allin, A.A.E. president and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority and Carl Newman, A.A.E., Assistant Aviation Director, City of Phoenix, have been re-appointed to chair committees for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) for 2012/2013.
AAAE Chair Bruce Carter, A.A.E., director of aviation at Quad City International Airport (Ill.), named the two Arizona executives to continue their leadership positions shortly after the association's 84th annual conference held this year in Phoenix.
Newman will continue to chair the Operations/Safety/Planning committee and Allin will serve another year as chair of the International Association of Airport Executives.
Bonnie Allin
Carl Newman. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
Allin said that it was an honor to be asked to continue another year. This is the fifth consecutive year that she has held this office. "The International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) Board has an ambitious agenda of training and networking among our members to exchange ideas and solutions for the challenges in our industry." As airport executives, Allin said they all learn and grow professionally from this exchange. "It is also an opportunity for Tucson International Airport to be recognized at the international level."
"I am very pleased to have been asked to continue in this important role and look forward to working with more than 120 colleagues from around the country who provide vital input to the AAAE Operations, Safety and Planning Committee," said Newman. This committee reviews and provides guidance to AAAE and the industry on issues that concern airports around the United States. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been a very diligent participant in the committee. "We are proud to help lead the industry in the areas of operations, safety and planning."
Sky Harbor, City of Phoenix Host AAAE Annual Conference
The City of Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport hosted the 84th Annual American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) in Phoenix earlier this week.
The Arizona Center was the venue for a Monday night celebration.
'It Comes 2 Life' was the conference theme which offered the estimated 2,000 attendees, both timely and interesting topics from the airport industry as well as an opportunity to enjoy a revitalized downtown featuring new restaurants, shops and hotels.
Conference Host Danny Murphy, director of Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and Carl Newman, A.A.E., assistant aviation director, were among the many Arizona and City of Phoenix aviation officials on hand to greet conference delegates from across the globe.
Look for expanded coverage in the next issue of the Arizona Aviation Journal e-magazine.
84th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition Opens in Phoenix
It Comes to 2 Life is the theme of this year's 84th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition being held in Phoenix, Arizona Sunday April 29th - May 2nd.
AAAE Exhibit Hall at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The conference officially kicked off Sunday evening with the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and Corporate Appreciation reception.
Kelly Johnson, AAAE Chair and Carl Newman cut the ribbon officially opening the conference. (Photo by Kenn Potts.)
New this year are the concurrent educational sessions which are now organized into tracks based on areas of expertise in the aviation industry. Look for more coverage throughout the week on both the State Aviation Journal and Arizona Aviation Journal website and in the next issue of the e-magazine.
State Aviation Journal Headlines
- Nebraska Governor Proclaims May General Aviation Appreciation Month May 17, 2012
- FAA Releases New GA Airports Study May 15, 2012
- U.S. Students Do Well in International Aviation Art Contest May 15, 2012
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Recent Topics
- FAA Releases New GA Airports Study
- PHX Sky Train™ Achieves Another Milestone
- Training Op Refuels in Wickenburg
- FAA Cancels Annual Airports Conference Scheduled for Long Beach in June
- Annual Spring Airports Conference Coming to Tucson
- Scottsdale Airport Holds Live Fire Drill
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