‘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
AOPA Enhances Member Benefits with Launch of FlyQ Mobile App
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) released a new mobile application for the iPhone today that provides detailed airport information, aviation weather, and flight planning capability, free to AOPA members. The new app, AOPA FlyQ, replaces the popular AOPA Airports app and is now available for download through Apple’s App Store.
“AOPA Airports has been extremely popular with our members, with more than 60,000 users since its launch in 2009,” said Chris Ward, AOPA vice president, eMedia. “AOPA FlyQ brings even more value to the AOPA member by incorporating a fast and elegant user experience, aviation weather, and intelligent flight planning capabilities that will make flight planning smarter and more convenient.”
Developed in partnership with Seattle Avionics, AOPA FlyQ dramatically improves the airport directory function in the previous app and extends it with robust and easy-to-use flight planning capabilities, enhanced by local and national weather information.
Cirrus Aircraft Announces ‘Full Speed Ahead’ for Revolutionary Vision SF50 Jet Program
Cirrus Aircraft has announced that its Cirrus Vision SF50 personal jet program is fully funded through certification and initial production and projects first customer delivery to take place in 2015.
Vision SF50
The Cirrus Vision creates a new category in personal aviation - it is the first aircraft of its kind to fill the gap between high performance pistons and traditional turboprop twins and light business jets. The Vision will offer the same class-leading innovation, technology and style hallmarks that Cirrus is known for in its best-selling SR20, SR22 and SR22T family of single engine piston aircraft. Seating up to five adults and two children in an expansive cabin that sets a new standard in luxury and flexibility for pilots and passengers, the Vision is designed for performance, affordability and safety.
Dale Klapmeier, CEO and Co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft said that this is simply a tremendous milestone for Cirrus. Kapmeier said they revolutionized general aviation with the introduction of the SR20 just over a decade ago. More than 5,100 SR-series aircraft delivered to date.
American Bonanza Society To Hold Annual Convention During AOPA Aviation Summit In Palm Springs
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) and the American Bonanza Society (ABS) have partnered to hold each group’s annual convention together with the common goal to create more value for attendees by offering relevant content. The ABS annual convention will be held in conjunction with the AOPA Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, Calif., Oct. 11-13.
Beechcraft Bonanza G36
"I'm excited ABS has partnered with the AOPA Aviation Summit to deliver enhanced value to our attendees. Co-locating the events brings the convenience of being able to attend two conventions at once allowing pilots to get even more content while saving time," said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “We think this will set a standard for other groups looking to provide specific content to their members while reaping the benefits of attending our Summit, which is general aviation’s premier trade show and convention.”
Gateway Airport Reports Passenger Traffic Up 51%
Passenger volume at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) for the first quarter of 2012 posted a 51 percent gain in comparison to last year.
After a January that increased 30 percent over last year, February and March increased by 60%. March was a record month with 167,550 departing and arriving passengers. Looking at the quarter as a whole, AZA served 378,144 travelers in comparison to 250,557 in the first quarter of 2011.
The increase is attributed to additional destinations and frequencies of service by Allegiant Travel Group, and new service by Spirit Airlines.
In calendar year 2011, AZA served a total of 956,665 total passengers, and Airport staff forecast 1.2 million will use the Airport in 2012.
Davis-Monthan Celebrates Statehood with Thunder and Lightning
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base celebrated 100 years of statehood with Thunder & Lightning over Arizona April 14th and 15th. Thunder & Lightning over Arizona is a biannual Davis-Monthan Open House event which is free to the public. This year's event celebrated aviation history, airpower, and 100 years of Arizona Statehood. Several military air demonstration teams, including the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds performed with other military and civilian acts. Look for more coverage in the next issue of the Arizona Aviation Journal Magazine.
Crowds enjoyed the variety of aircraft on display at D-M's Thunder & Lightning over Arizona. (Photo by Clint Morris)
DVT Last Valley Stop for Wings of Freedom Tour
Deer Valley Airport was the last stop in the Valley for the "Wings of Freedom" tour featuring three WWII aircraft. This is the 23rd season of the tour sponsored by the Collings Foundation.
B-24 Liberator, "Witchcraft." Photo by Andrew Stevens.
The aircraft, which were available for viewing were a B-17 Flying Fortress, "Nine O Nine", a B-24 Liberator bomber, "Witchcraft" and a P-51 Mustang, "Betty Jane".
B-17 "Nine O Nine". Photo by Andrew Stevens.
The B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world. The B-17 is one of only 10 in flying condition in the United States. The tour will continue on to Casa Grande, April 18-20; Marana, April 20-22; and Yuma, April 23-25. For more information go to: http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm
TIA’s Passenger Traffic Up
Tucson, Ariz. (April 17, 2012)― Passenger volume at Tucson International Airport (TIA) for the first quarter of 2012 posted a 3 percent gain in comparison to last year.
Tucson International Airport
After a January that declined 1 percent year-over-year, February saw a 3 percent jump, likely attributable to the extra day afforded by the leap year. However, March then continued the trend with a 5 percent increase in departing and arriving passengers. Looking at the quarter as a whole, TIA served 958,674 travelers in comparison to 934,409 in the first quarter of 2011.
Alaska Airlines was responsible for the largest increase, having served 32 percent more passengers at TIA in this time period. Starting in June, Alaska is scheduled to use airplanes with 18 percent more seats for its daily flights between Tucson and Seattle-Tacoma.
American Airlines flew 17 percent more passengers this quarter, and Delta Air Lines’ volume went up 6 percent.
In calendar year 2011, TIA served a total of 3,658,1999 passengers, which was a 3 percent decrease from the 2010 total.
Tucson’s Airports First in AZ Solar Incentive District
Tucson, Ariz. (April 17, 2012)―The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a new Renewable Energy Incentive District (REID) March 20, marking several parcels of land throughout the Tucson metro area as suitable for large-scale solar development and putting incentives in place, including expedited permit processing and fee waivers.
During the drafting of the new zoning ordinance, Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) staff worked with the County to explore whether portions of the areas surrounding Tucson International Airport (TIA) and Ryan Airfield matched the REID criteria. The result was that both properties were included in their entirety, making Tucson's airports the first in Arizona to offer solar development incentives as a consequence of the state's new improvement district bill, HB 2298.
Mary Davis
"This district provides yet another tool to assist in our efforts to attract large-scale renewable development in and around the airport," said Mary Davis, senior director of business development and marketing for TAA.
In addition, this designation is compatible with TAA's sustainability policy, adopted in 2010 to formalize the organization's dedication to a sustainable future. Resource conservation highlights include operation of Tucson's first publicly accessible compressed natural gas fueling facility and use of an on-site photovoltaic solar panel array that helps power the parking lot payment building.
"Inclusion of both airports in the REID zoning overlay is a major step in continuing TAA's commitment to environmental sustainability," said TAA Director of Planning Jordan Feld.
Phoenix Mayor to Become an Honorary Airport Navigator
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton will sport a purple jacket and join Sky Harbor Navigator volunteers Wednesday April 18 as the City celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The Mayor will stand in Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4, level 3 on the east end beginning at 10:30 a.m. as he greets travelers and answers questions.
Sky Harbor volunteer Navigators.
Nearly 400 Navigator volunteers direct travelers, answer questions and welcome visitors to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This week, Airport employees are wearing stickers saying “We love our PHX Navigator Volunteers.” Airlines, shops and restaurants are decorating their counters and offices in the Navigator signature color, purple.
Mayor Greg Stanton. (Kim Stevens Photo)
The Sky Harbor Navigator volunteer program started in the year 2000 with 20 volunteers and has grown to one of the largest in the United States. Each Navigator donates at least four hours of his or her time every week assisting travelers and making sure Phoenix Sky Harbor lives up to its title “America’s Friendliest Airport.”
Those interested in becoming a Navigator may visit skyharbor.com/volunteer or call 602-273-4017.
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