“Wings of Freedom” Tour Stops in Casa Grande
Pictured are city staff and volunteers from the Collings Foundation in front of "Witchcraft." The B-24 made its stop in Casa Grande April 18th - 20th .
Study Puts TIA’s Economic Impact at $3.2 Billion
Tucson, Ariz. (April 27, 2012)―A new study shows Tucson International Airport (TIA) brings an annual economic impact of more than $3.2 billion to the region.
The study was commissioned by the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) and conducted by MBA students from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. It has been more than 10 years since TAA conducted such an analysis.
Tucson International Airport
"These updated findings provide an accurate and current picture of the job creation and economic activity brought about by TAA's ongoing operations, significant infrastructure investments and partnerships with more than 100 tenants. We take great pride in helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in southern Arizona," said TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin.
The airport's direct, indirect and induced economic effects are included in the total. Direct impact is generated as a result of employment and operation of the airport and tenant businesses. The Eller MBA consulting team calculated a total annual direct impact of $1.7 billion stemming from payroll, goods and services purchased by the airport and airport businesses, expenditures on capital improvement projects and payment of local taxes from airport activity.
The remainder of the $3.2 billion total is attributed to indirect and induced impact.
Kinner Sworn In as New Yuma CAP Squadron Commander
Major Ron Kinner was sworn in as Commander of Yuma Squadron #508 of the Arizona Wing, Civil Air Patrol. The ceremony was held at their hangar on Yuma International Airport during their regular Tuesday evening meeting. Major Kinner is a fifteen year veteran of Civil Air Patrol, having logged 2200 hours as pilot in command. He is a instrument certified flight instructor and also serves as the squadron's check pilot.
Cadets and leaders from Yuma's Civil Air Patrol Squadron # 508 tour the B-24J Liberator which was part of the Wings of Freedom Tour on display at Yuma International Airport this week. (Photo by Gen Grosse)
Squadron #508 is a composite squadron, meaning they have both cadets and senior members.
Commander Ron Kinner.
They presently have 19 cadets and 20 senior members. They fly an IFR equipped Cessna 182. The cadets meet every Tuesday evening and the senior members meet the second and fourth Tuesdays. They meet at their hangar, 3490 S. Fortuna Ave, Yuma, AZ, 85365. Their web site is www.yuma508.webs.com.
New Solar Sculpture Lights up TIA
Tucson, Ariz. ― Since the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) announced a commission award for creation of a new solar sculpture at Tucson International Airport (TIA) late last year, locals have wondered what it would look like.
Solar Sculpture at Tucson International Airport
Now the wait is over. This evening's unveiling and dedication revealed the "Spirit of Southern Arizona," an 18-foot-high commemoration of Arizona's Centennial that serves as artistic and scientific link between the region's historic past and its technological future.
Six circular medallions encircle the sculpture's base, representing southern Arizona's past and present through images such as Tucson's first airplane flight in 1910, a Tohono O'odham woman harvesting saguaro fruit and the University of Arizona's radio telescope at Kitt Peak. Taking off from this cultural foundation is a futuristic airplane that leaves a sparkling contrail behind as it climbs into Arizona's sky en route to the next 100 years of progress.
Underlying the theme throughout is the history of aviation in southern Arizona and the importance of solar energy to the future. Photovoltaic solar panel collectors power numerous light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that deliver a constantly changing display of colored lights and patterns at night.
Eclipse Receives Production Certificate from FAA for the Eclipse 550
Albuquerque, NM, April 25, 2012 — Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., manufacturer of the world's first very-light jet (VLJ), today announced that it has received Production Certificate #550 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), paving the way for production of the new Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet. Representatives from the FAA presented the production certificate to Cary Winter, Senior Vice President of Eclipse Aerospace, earlier today at a ceremony held at Eclipse's Albuquerque headquarters.
Eclipse Jet
A production certificate allows a company to manufacture aircraft and parts in conformance with FAA-approved type design, and is only granted when the FAA has determined that the organization's manufacturing processes and quality systems comply with all federal regulations.
"Armed now with a fully certified aircraft, a certified production process, and an established supply chain, Eclipse is well positioned to re-introduce the Eclipse Jet to new production. Earning our FAA production certificate means we have successfully built a reliable, high-quality manufacturing process, and are well positioned to expedite aircraft deliveries," said Winter.
Falcon Field improvements near completion
Construction is in the final stages on the Falcon Field improvement project that includes reconfiguration of Taxiway B and installation of runway guard lights. Paving of the new taxiway intersections has been completed, and tasks currently underway include final grading of the runway safety area; installation of new airfield lights, guidance signs & runway guard lights; and re-striping of airfield markings.
Falcon Field Taxiway B Reconfiguration Construction on January 11, 2012.
Final inspections for both project phases are expected to be completed during the week of May 1, followed by final testing of the lighting system. Once approvals are obtained from the City of Mesa, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), both Airport runways will be open for normal operations.
Construction began in January. The $1.65 million project is funded with a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the City is paying the remainder with assistance from a $41,250 grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Through public bids, Dibble Engineering was selected to design the project, and Visus Engineering Construction, Inc. is performing the construction.
For more information about the Falcon Field construction project, contact Jeff Tripp, Airport Projects Supervisor, at (480) 644-4230 or jeffrey.tripp@mesaaz.gov. Project information also is available at http://mesaaz.gov/falcon_field/ Click on News & Events and see Capital Improvement Program Updates.
FAA offers pilot seminar on navigating reconfigured taxiways at Falcon Field
The FAA Safety Team will conduct a pilot seminar on navigating the reconfigured Falcon Field Airport taxiways from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 5 at CAE Global Academy, 5010 E. Falcon Drive at the Mesa airport. For details or to register, visit http://bit.ly/ICTOEk For questions, contact Dr. H.C. ‘Mac’ McClure at (480) 586-0762 or faasteam.mac@gmail.com
Angel MedFlight Scholarship Now Open to Arizona Aviation Students
Angel MedFlight's Scholarship for Excellence in Aviation is now open to students pursuing a degree in an aviation program at an Arizona college or university. Applications are being accepted through June 4, 2012.
For the third consecutive year, Arizona's aviation students will have the chance to apply for a $3,000 scholarship courtesy of Angel MedFlight's Scholarship for Excellence in Aviation.
The award, established in 2010 by air medical transportation leader Angel MedFlight in partnership with the Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA), is available to students pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in an aviation-related program at a two- or four-year Arizona college or university.
"As an international air medical transport provider, we have the unique opportunity to impact the aviation industry not only globally and nationally, but also on community and individual levels," says Angel MedFlight President and CEO Jeremy Freer. "This scholarship gives students a chance to be resourceful, share ideas and take an active role in shaping their educational experience and ultimately their careers."
The annual Scholarship for Excellence in Aviation was created to support innovation and leadership in Arizona's aviation students. Andrew Cochran, the 2010 recipient, is an Aeronautical Science senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz. The 2011 scholarship winner, Matthew Grega, is a first-year Aeronautical Engineering student, also at Embry-Riddle.
New assistant manager at Tucson’s FlightSafety International Learning Center
FlightSafety International has appointed Jeremy Pisell as assistant manager of the company’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Jeremy Pisell
Pisell, who joined FlightSafety in 2006, has a BSc in aeronautical science and minor in aviation safety, holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, and is a certified flight instructor. He has a Commercial Pilot ASEL, type rating in Boeing and Gulfstream aircraft and has over 2,000 hours of flight experience. Prior to joining FlightSafety Jeremy worked for Delta Airlines for six years as an instructor for the Boeing 737 series of aircraft.
“Our Customers and Teammates who train and work at the Tucson Learning Center will appreciate and benefit from Jeremy’s aviation experience, thorough understanding of FlightSafety’s training programs, focus on service, and ability to manage and communicate effectively,” said Greg McGowan, vice president of operations.
FlightSafety’s Tucson Learning Center provides comprehensive training using a fleet of ten full flight simulators and an advanced FAA Level 7 qualified flight training device. The Center offers training for the Bombardier Learjet 25, Learjet 31A, Learjet 35, Learjet 45, Learjet 60; Challenger 601 3A, Challenger 604; and the Eurocopter AS350.
‘Wings of Freedom’ Makes Yuma Stop
B-17 "Nine O Nine" on the ramp at Yuma International Airport. Photo by Gen Grosse.
The 'Wings of Freedom Tour' consisting of a B-17, B-24 and P-51, arrived at Yuma International Airport on Monday of this week and will stay through Wednesday before departing for San Diego.
On hand to view the vintage WWII aircraft were local veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and local Yuma media - KYMA and KSWT to get those close up shots and great interviews.
Local media covers all the angles. Photo by Gen Grosse.
Cadets from local Civil Air Patrol Squadron 508 will get a special tour of the aircraft. The tour is sponsored by the Collings Foundation. For more information visit: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_schedule-wof.htm
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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