WRP Aviation Committee Reviews Airspace Issues
The Western Regional Partnership's committee on Military Readiness, Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness and Aviation met recently in Reno, Nevada to review the committee's draft outline of airspace sustainability and discuss aviation and airspace issues that were germane to the group.
Committee members break for a photo op.
Eric Glick, Aviation and Rail Program manager for the Nevada Department of Transportation, welcomed the committee, which is made up of representatives of state aviation, general aviation, the FAA, Department of Defense and other state and federal agencies, to Reno.
Approximately fifty attended, either in person or via the internet. "I was really pleased with the participation," said Kim Stevens, Co-Chair of the committee and Publisher of the State Aviation Journal. "It was especially gratifying to have high-level participation from the FAA."
Stevens
Stevens gave a brief on a few of the aviation issues that could impact the group, including Unmanned Aerial Systems, (UAS) and the possible defunding of contract air traffic control towers. There was also a brief on regional aviation issues from Holloman AFB in New Mexico. In addition to aviation issues, there were other updates, including FEMA, an overview of the NAS Fallon mission, the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and the Division of Emergency Management, Nevada Office of Homeland Security. The Committee is working to have written summaries of the missions of the military installations and ranges within the WRP region to highlight their contributions to the national security.
One of the goals of this committee is to open up the lines of communications between DoD, state and federal aviation officials and representatives of general aviation. "In many cases we all share the same airspace and there are issues that impact all of us," said Stevens. "I've found this committee to be an excellent venue for honest open discussion of those issues." To assist in this matter, the Committee is developing aviation contacts throughout the WRP region to assist with collaboration and sharing of information.
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.
Industry Promoted at 7th Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol
The seventh annual Aviation Day at the Capitol was held Wednesday, January 18, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. on the grounds of the State Capitol.
Representative Russ Jones. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
The event is a state wide industry opportunity to promote the variety and vitality of aviation in Arizona and to meet with State legislators personally and individually.
Jennifer Maples, President of the Arizona Airports Association, (AzAA) said this is the single most collaborative aviation event held at the state level.
AzAA President Jennifer Maples. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
"Arizona's Aviation Day at the Capitol is our industry's cornerstone event every year," said Maples. "Having the sponsors, exhibitors, and committee members represented by such a wide cross-section of aviation is a testament to the significance of what we accomplish at Aviation Day." For AzAA, the event embodies their goal of promoting public recognition of airports and fostering the development of air transportation in Arizona.
The stated mission of Arizona Aviation Day at the Capitol is to inform the legislative members and staff of the Arizona State Government about the benefits and economic impact of aviation within the State of Arizona. The Mission also introduces these individuals to the significant contributions made by the many businesses, organizations, and associations which support aviation in their communities and throughout the State.
Speakers at this year's event included House Minority Leader, Chad Campbell and Representative Russ Jones. Maples, Aviation Superintendent at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said that Representatives Campbell and Jones could not have delivered a better message than if we had written their comments for them. "Their understanding of the issues and commitment to preventing sweeps of the Aviation Fund was the crowning jewel on the day's activities."
Event Chairman was Casey Denny, Immediate Past President of AzAA and Deputy Director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. See more detailed coverage in the next issue of the Arizona Aviation Journal.
Sky Harbor Names New Community Development, Government Relations Chief
Marchelle Franklin has been named Deputy Aviation Director for Community Development and Government Relations for Sky Harbor International Airport.
Marchelle Franklin
Franklin, whose experience includes more than 20 years of public- and private-sector leadership roles, will oversee legislative efforts and be the primary liaison to the Mayor’s Office and City Council.
Franklin will also supervise the Aviation Department’s Outreach Program and plan and staff the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board (PAAB) meetings as well as develop and strengthen relationships with industry groups, such as the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Airport Council International – North America (ACI-NA).
Carl Newman, Assistant Aviation Director said Franklin has an extensive background in working effectively with various elected bodies, so they're very excited in having someone with her caliber join their team.
Franklin served the past eight years in the Mayor’s Office as the Senior Assistant to the Mayor, Deputy Chief of Staff and Co-Chief of Staff. Her responsibilities included assisting the mayor with executive level policy analysis and strategic planning; managing programs, projects and operating budget; and supervising staff.
Franklin has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She also completed the Executive Development Program in Human Resources Consulting and Strategy Development at the University of Southern California.
CAF Salutes Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen
The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) held a tribute on Saturday celebrating the legacy of Arizona's Tuskegee Airmen.
Tuskegee Airman Rudolph Silas speaks to attendees. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
The event, held at the CAF's museum located at Falcon Field in Mesa, was held in collaboration with the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment.
Mayor Scott Smith of Mesa provided opening remarks to an estimated 600 in attendance, including Brig. General JD Harris, 56th Fighter Wing commander at Luke Air Force Base. The ceremony honored fourteen original Tuskegee Airmen, five of whom are now deceased.
Yuma Airport Welcomes Newly Elected Officials
The Yuma County Airport Authority (YCAA) has announced that Rob Ingold, former President of the Yuma Regional Medical Center Board as been named President of the Authority.
Bill Gresser gives gavel to Rob Ingold, newly elected President of the YCAA.
Mr. Ingold was elected to the airport's Board of Directors in 2006. He has served as the Board's Vice President since 2009 and will now act as the body’s president after being voted in by his colleagues on Tuesday. Ingold replaces Bill Gresser as President.
Gresser said that it has been a remarkable honor and privilege to serve as the Airport Authority’s president for the last two years, and is extremely pleased with the airport’s accomplishments.
Ingold’s first task as board president was to complete the election of the board's new slate of officers for 2012. Long time aviation enthusiast and fellow board member since 2007, Albert Gardner, was unanimously voted in as the Board's 1st Vice President. Also unanimous was the election of Ron Rice as 2nd Vice President. Mikel Smith and Jeanine Rhea were elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
Ingold, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, said they have a full agenda for the coming year. The airport plans to start construction on a new $5 million Aviation Industrial Center and plans a significant upgrade to Taxiway Z, used primarily by the airports general aviation community.
New book recounts author’s solo flight around globe at age 76
At the age of 76, rather than choosing a life of quiet retirement interspersed with trips to the golf course, Randolph decided that he would embark on the flight of a lifetime. 
After building his single engine plane, Randolph flew it solo 27,000 nautical miles over three oceans, eight seas and three gulfs as well as a few continents. From an emergency landing in a thunderstorm in Brazil to a near crash and aircraft fire in Thailand to pursuit by fighter jets over the Mediterranean, the journey was fraught with danger at every turn.
“On every leg of my trip I encountered wonderful people and made new friends,” says Randolph. “It’s a tale of adventure that’s available to anyone who dares.”
Inspired to write the book by the many who have heard his tale, the author recalls his journey with fondness. Although he was locked up in a few different countries and communication difficulties led to all sorts of delays, Randolph describes these incidents with humor in this account intended to engage, entertain and inspire other adventurers.
“Flight of a Lifetime” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.
About the Author: William Randolph was born in 1928 and joined the United States Navy early by lying about his age, fearful of missing World War II. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and made a career in the computer industry. Flying since 1946, Randolph has owned eight planes. At the age of 76, he decided to build his own airplane and fly it around the world. He currently resides in Santa Cruz.
Arizona Wing Gets New CAP Commander
A Change of Command Ceremony for the Arizona Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) took place Saturday in the CAP's hanger at Glendale Municipal Airport.
Colonel Brian Ready, left and Colonel John Eggen. (Photo by Kim Stevens)
Colonel John M. Eggen relinquished command to Colonel (Select) Brian N. Ready, who served as Vice Commander since January of 2010. Ready will wear the insignia of Colonel, but it will not be made permanent until the end of his service as Wing Commander. Colonel Ready is a qualified Check Pilot and Emergency Service Incident Commander and earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Technology from Arizona State University. See expanded coverage in the next issue of the Arizona Aviation Journal magazine later this month.
TOP AIR SHOW PERFORMERS MAKE EARLY CONFIRMATIONS FOR EAA AIRVENTURE 2012
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Jan. 5, 2012) — Many of the world’s top air show performers have already given early confirmations to participate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012, the 60th annual “World’s
Greatest Aviation Celebration” scheduled for July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport. Daily air shows at EAA AirVenture are presented by Rockwell Collins, a leading provider of communication and aviation electronic solutions for military and commercial customers around the globe.
Among the highlights for the afternoon air show lineup in 2012 is Chuck Aaron’s Red Bull aerobatic helicopter, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Matt Younkin and his Twin Beech, Bob Carlton and the Jet Sailplane, and Warbird Spectaculars (including expanded shows on Friday and Saturday featuring pyrotechnics).
Also scheduled are Sean Tucker and his Pitts, Gene Soucy and his Showcat, and Mike Goulian and his Extra. In addition, Greg Koontz and the Alabama Boys will help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Piper Cub during EAA AirVenture 2012, as will the return of Kyle Franklin flying in his PA-18 Super Cub comedy routine.
“Each of these performers work as a headline act at air shows throughout the country, but they come together at in Oshkosh to form an all-star roster of the ‘best of the best,’” said Rod Hightower, EAA President/CEO. “Each afternoon’s showcase and air show create a daily attraction that simply cannot be seen anywhere else but EAA AirVenture, which has the most knowledgeable and appreciative audiences on the air show circuit.”
New AOPA Regional Managers to Focus on Advocacy, Community
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has announced the hiring of seven new, full-time regional managers to better build strong local GA communities and strengthen the organization’s relationships with state and local governments across the country.
AOPA has had a successful regional representative program for many years, which focused on state and local advocacy. In 2012, the association re-organizes the country into seven regions, headed by regional managers who will work on state and local issues, handle pilot outreach and serve the membership. Many of the previous regional representatives will continue to serve in the new AOPA program, attending aviation events as part of the association’s local engagement initiative.
The hiring of the regional managers marks the first overhaul of AOPA regional advocacy and representation in decades. AOPA President Craig Fuller said they are pleased and fortunate that many of their ‘new’ regional managers are familiar faces, having served very capably as AOPA regional representatives.
The new regional managers are:
- Great Lakes region: Bryan Budds
- Northeast region: Craig Dotlo
- Alaska: Tom George
- Southern region: Bob Minter
- California: John L. Pfeifer
- Central Southwest region: Yasmina Platt
- Northwest Mountain region: David R. Ulane
For more information visit: http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2012/120103crew-set-to-build-strong-ga-communities.html
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