Thursday, February 28, 2013

Indy Transponder 28-FEB-2013 2315z

Gallery: Avalon Airshow - Wyndham Weekly | An RAAF Hornet refuels off one of the airforce's KC-30 tanker fleet at the Avalon airshow. Picture: Mark Smith. Two RAAF Hornets at the Avalon airshow. Picture: Mark Smith. Two RAAF Hornets as part of the refueling display at the Avalon Airshow ...

The airshow that looks like a Hollywood blockbuster: Scorching pictures of ... - Daily Mail | But these scorching snaps were not taken on a film set, they were captured at the Australian International Airshow, where crowds were left feeling the heat by the red hot stunts being performed in the skies above them. The dynamic Tinstix Of Dynamite ...

Experience WWII history from the cockpit - Wink News | Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. folks can look at planes on display and fly-bys. Featured Warbirds are expected to include: B-25, P-51 Mustang, TBM-Avenger, OV-1 Mohawk, F9F-Bearcat, Yak-9, L-39, O-2, C-45, PT-17, BT-13, ...

Blue Angels lend a helping hand in Niland - Imperial Valley Press | Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Isaac Dominguez, U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, bags food to be distributed to those in need at the Niland Food Shed on Feb. 20. The Blue Angels are conducting winter training at Naval Air ...

Dayton Air Show may have to go without Thunderbirds in 2013 - WDTN | The Dayton Air Show brings approximately 75,000 people to the area every year and pumps $3.2million into the local economy. 2013 will mark the 39th consecutive show, making it one of the oldest and most premiere air shows in the nation. However, this ...

Question of the Week: Air Shows Without Jet Teams? from AVwebFlash Current Issue | One of the impacts of sequestration will be an end to military flight displays. Will you still go to your local air show if there are no jets?Plus: Last week, we asked AVweb readers if they'd ever flown with an unruly passenger; click through to see the breakdown of responses.

Federal budget cuts could affect Treasure Coast airfields, Stuart Air Show ... - WPTV | Federally funded school programs and upcoming air shows in South Florida could take a major hit from federal budget cuts. Photographer: Deborah Silver, TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS Copyright 2013 Scripps Media ...

Through the Sequestration Gate: Now What? from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association | Barring a sudden display of bipartisanship in Washington, it is becoming apparent that implications of the federal budget sequestration will begin to occur on Friday. The aviation community, particularly those of us in general aviation, are bracing for whatever happens afterward.

The Royal International Air Tattoo | We are pleased to confirm the attendance of the Frecce Tricolori and a Finnish C-295M at the 2013 Air Tattoo.

The Manston Airshow returns after 20 year break - Kent News | The skies over Thanet will be alive to the sound of aircraft this summer with the return of the South East Airshow at Manston Airport for the first time in 20 years. The show will host some of the world's greatest modern and historic aircraft...

Looking Forward to the Cape Girardeau, MO Air Festival by Looking Back: 2010 from The Aero Experience - Celebrating Midwest Aviation by Carmelo Turdo | The 2010 Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Skip Stewart, Kyle and Amanda Franklin, Melissa Pemberton, U.S. Army Golden Knights, and Team RV. A variety of warbirds were present, including the B-17 Sentimental Journey, B-25 Mitchell, and F-4U Corsair. They also had a rare EA-6B Prowler on static display....

YEAGER BRINGS 'RIGHT STUFF' TO NATIONAL CHARACTER AND ... - Avionics Intelligence | And while he was officially prohibited from engaging in combat, his guns were hot the day he and his students received an order to provide cover for a crashed B-17 Flying Fortress. "The operations officer called me on the radio and said, 'How much fuel ...

Podcast: Around the World in a Hawker Jet, for Education from AVWeb Podcast - Podcast | Barrington Irving, whose Experience Aviation nonprofit helps to inspire kids in Miami to pursue science and engineering careers, aims to reach millions of kids with his next project -- a six-month flight around the world, via all seven continents, communicating with kids via satellite along the way. AVweb's Mary Grady spoke with Irving about his plans and his recent designation as an Emerging Explorer by the National Geographic Society.This podcast is brought to you by Bose Corporation.
Next Stop For Irving, All Seven Continents from AVwebFlash Current Issue

Fuller To Step Down At AOPA from AVwebFlash Current Issue | AOPA announced today that President and CEO Craig Fuller is stepping down and the search is now on for his replacement. Fuller became president in 2009, taking over from Phil Boyer. Fuller is just the fourth president of the organization in its 75-year history. He will stay on until a replacement is found. An AOPA news release says Fuller committed to five years in the job and with the end point approaching it's time for the search for another leader to begin. "The process of finding a new leader can now go forward as all of us at AOPA roll up our sleeves to fight the day to day battles that seem to keep coming our way," said Fuller. "The team will not miss a beat this year as we lay the groundwork for the future." Board Chairman William Trimble III thanked Fuller for his service, saying he "served nobly and professionally."

Original part from B-17F Memphis Belle® returns home from National Museum of the USAF Top Stories | Young Airman Ralph Barrett had no idea what that strange looking part he had found in Memphis was, but it looked interesting so he picked it up and decided to hang onto it.  The part eventually made it to his tool box at home and remained there unseen for more than 40 years.

Huey helicopters to be featured at Pima Air Museum - KVOA Tucson News | TUCSON - A Huey Helicopter Forum is being held this weekend at the Pima Air & Space Museum. The Huey Forum showcases the varied history of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" helicopter whose storied career has included countless civilian search and...

Pearson Air Museum reopening draws ire of some Vancouver residents - OregonLive.com | Emily Gorchels and her daughter, Claire Gorchels, 3, explore a tent that is part of a new exhibit about a World War I era spruce mill at Pearson Air Museum. The museum reopened Wednesday under direction of the National ...

Storch with it’s legs in the snow from Apron 6 | A first picture of the Slepcev Storch (wich means stork) in the snow. I was very happy to photograph this airplane in the grasfield in front of it’s hangar. With the engines running it blew the snow into the air which gave a nice photo opportunity. Although it’s not a Fieseler Storch but a 3/4 [...]

Lloyd G. Cloum - Monroe Evening News | Lloyd served in the U. S. Army Air Corps, 94th Bombardment Group as a tail gunner on a B-17 where he received his Mission wings for five flights over Germany. He volunteered for the invasion of France serving Company E, 354th Infantry during the Battle ...

From POW to freedom - Estherville Daily News | Howard Croner of Estherville received the information in the mail earlier this month from Carol Wilcox, cousin of 1st Lt. Charles C. Young, Jr., pilot of the B-17, who was killed in the crash. When the door was opened, it pushed me off to the side
and ...

A whale of a plane! from Bayou Renaissance Man by Peter | Boeing's experimental hydrogen-fueled 'Phantom Eye' high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft flew for the second time on Monday....

Dennis Tito Envisions Journey to Mars in 2018 from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association | A group founded by private space traveler Dennis Tito announced plans Wednesday to pursue a manned mission to Mars in January 2018.

BTTC Wins A Telly Award!

A Newsletter from the Producer of
Breaking Through The Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby 
Newsletter #20
February 28, 2013
 
Welcome to the newsletter about:

Breaking Through The Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby (BTTC). 

Hello everyone,

As those of you who regularly read my newsletters know, I try to always include highlights of the women in the derby, details on processes involved in making the film and other tidbits. I also try to space out the frequency of the newsletters so no one is inundated.

However, I am breaking my rhythm today to share the news that BTTC just won the first of two Telly Awards. Read below for details and learn how you can help make this award a double hitter!

Also below are some upcoming dates for screenings and appearances, including dates in March, which is women's history month.

Thanks to all.

Heather Taylor

Producer of the Award-Winning documentary Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby. An Archetypal Images Production.
In This Issue
BTTC wins Telly
Upcoming Events
Thank you
BTTC DVD Available
What is BTTC?
Quote
BTTC Tshirts For Sale
Sale of Old Cover DVDs

BTTC WINS Telly Award! 
YOU can help BTTC WIN 2nd Award
Breaking News:

I just received news this morning that BTTC has won a Silver Telly Award.

As many of you know, I entered BTTC into two categories in the Telly Awards. The Silver Telly Award announced today was for an award decided on by a panel of judges. The judges rate the film based on the standard of excellence. The "Silver Telly" is their highest honor. Telly states that only 7-10% of over 12,000 entrants receive this award. The category BTTC won is non-broadcast productions in history/biography. 

The other award, which has not been announced yet, is for the People's Choice Award. The voting for this is still actually still open. There are two days - today and tomorrow - to cast your vote for this award! Evidently you can vote as often as you like - UNLESS you are using an iphone, ipad or internet explorer 9 which Telly informed me is incompatible with the voting system.

For those who can vote, just follow the link here and click the thumbs up underneath the trailer. That's all there is to it. This link is active through tomorrow, March 1, 2013. 

http://www.youtube.com/tellyawards?x=OQM8joe996U

Maybe we can make the Telly Awards a double hitter!

Since my last newsletter in which I requested people to vote for this award, I have received some of the neatest comments and amazing response. People all over the US, Germany, Australia, Holland, France and Thailand have told me they voted!

I am truly thrilled by the amazing response from this voting process. Thanks to you all for your continued support. Telly Award Trophy



Upcoming Events 

Below is the latest schedule for screenings and appearances. For those of you on Facebook and Twitter, I post updates frequently. I also try to update my website as soon as new information is announced. 

March 23rd at Noon:
Heather will be on a panel at the Annapolis Film Festival. I am told there are going to be some incredible celebrities on this panel discussing women in the film industry. They asked me to be on the panel to discuss the process as a first time filmmaker. 

March 25th at 6pm:
Heather will be at Hood College in Frederick, MD at part of Hood's Literary Event. 

March 27th:
Heather will be at Simmons College in Boston, MA showing the film and answering questions afterwards. Details to come on exact theater location and time.

March 31st:  
Heather will be on the 21st Century Radio Show on Sunday, March 31st from 8 to 9pm. The link is: http://www.21stcenturyradio.com/ 

April 13th 
Heather will be in attendance at the screening on April 13th at 2pm in Baltimore, MD at the Maryland Women's Heritage Center (exact details on location to be announced): http://www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org/

April 28th 
BTTC will also be in Wichita, Kansas on April 28th as part of the Women in Aviation Air Capital City event to raise money for low income girls to attend space camp.

Heather also has plans to give presentations in June at both the American Society of Aviation Artists at BWI and COPA in Alabama. More details on those and other events as the dates draw near. 

*March is women's history month. If anyone is interested in a screening of BTTC, please contact me at Heather@breakingthroughtheclouds.com  

Thank You & 
Ways to Help
BTTC has only been able to succeed because of individual support! It is very much a grassroots effort so I appreciate every single comment, thumbs up, mention and email I receive. It truly keeps me going to know the film touches lives in some positive way.

If you would like to help me keep it going, here are just a few simple (and free) ideas that can make a big difference:
  • Post a positive comment (or thumbs up) on youtube underneath the BTTC clip  
  • Become a Fan of BTTC Face Book Page  
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Forward these newsletters, and/or sign up for my blog
  • Introduce me to contacts who might be interested in screening BTTC  
All links for the social media are below. You can also mention BTTC in your own blog, article, podcast or to friends and colleagues.

Of course there are a myriad of other ways to help as well. The sky's the limit! If the film has touched you in some way, please feel free to email and let me know. As always, thank you!
Quick Links for BTTC Social Media

BTTC Website:

www.Breakingthroughtheclouds.com

BTTC Facebook Page has the latest updates as they happen
Like us on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breaking-Through-The-Clouds/372261573332?ref=mf

BTTC TWITTER ACCOUNT: @breakingclouds
Follow us on Twitter

Follow along on more detailed writings on the BTTC Blog

Visit our blog
http://breakingthroughclouds.wordpress.com/.

BTTC You Tube
Please click "like" and/or make comments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m4pSdKbApAs. 

Receive the BTTC Newsletter
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1103540042967

BTTC is available on DVD

BTTC Cover withLaurels
This Award Winning Documentary is available on DVD. For more information, please visit: http://breakingthroughtheclouds.com

The inspiring true story of 20 women who raced across America in 1929.  

Follow along as headline aviatrixes Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barnes, Phoebe Omlie, Bobbi Trout, Louise Thaden and other well known women pilots of the era race across the country in the summer of 1929.

Breaking Through The Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby provides over two hours of captivating viewing. The women's personalities shine through with original footage from the derby, much of which has not been seen in over eighty years.

Beautiful and colorful aerial recreations place the viewer in the pilot's seat.

Interviews with legendary aviatrixes
Elinor Smith Sullivan, and Patty Wagstaff, noted aviation historians, and family members of the original pilots
help bring the story alive.


Included are 23 minutes of bonus
material
discussing the challenges the women faced during the race, what the women wore and more information about the planes & navigation in 1929. 

Available at:
http://breakingthroughtheclouds.com
BTTC Cost $30 plus S&H

*Note:For those who do not like 
to order on-line or use pay pal,you 
may fill out this order form and 
mail a check:

What is Breaking Through The Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby?

Breaking Through The Clouds: The 
First Women's National Air Derby is 
an award-winning documentary about  Amelia Earhart and 19 other brave pilots who defied convention by taking to the skies and racing across the country for the first Women's National Air Derby.
  
With just a compass and a road map to guide them, they faced cultural stereotypes, mechanical failures, threats of sabotage, navigational challenges and endless chicken dinners. The women persevered and became pioneering legends in aviation. Their story is inspiring to anyone who has the courage to follow their own dreams.  

Producer Heather Taylor had a calling to tell this inspiring story in the hopes of helping others to find the courage to search for their own path. While Heather hasn't had to deal with the endless chicken dinners like the women in the derby did, she does face the challenges of an an independent artist.  By spreading the word and supporting the film, you are helping Heather and other struggling artists reach for the sky in their own way and work towards breaking through the clouds. Thank you. 

Heather Taylor, Executive Producer
Archetypal Images, LLC
http://breakingthroughtheclouds.com

Quote

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." 

Charles R. Swindoll 

BTTC T-shirts Available

Did you know the logo on the t shirts is based on one of the trophies won in the 1929 Derby? You can briefly make out the trophy in the footage on race day in BTTC. 

Black BTTC AND white BTTC t-shirts
are available for purchase. Below is what the front of a black t-shirt looks like. The back has breakingthroughtheclouds.com written in the top middle part. 

If you would like a t-shirt, send me an email. The cost is $20 plus postage. Heather@breakingthroughtheclou
ds.com
tshirt
BTTC T-shirt (black).  White T-shirts with a black Logo are also available.

*PLEASE NOTE: If you haven't heard a response within a week, chances are 
I did not receive the email. 
You may call me at 
865-242-7551 to follow up, though my preference is email first so I can keep track of the order. Thank you. 

Old Cover DVD's on Sale

I still have some DVDs with the old cover featured. Despite the old cover,
 a couple spelling errors in the
opening quote and a missing credit,
 the film is the same as what is
sold now. I am selling these copies
 for $20 plus shipping. If interested, send an email to Heather@
breakingthroughtheclouds.com and
 we can work out the details.
 Thank you. 

BTTC old cover
Join Our Mailing List
If you know someone who would like to receive these newsletter,s please feel free to forward to them and have them join the  mailing list.


Indy Transponder 28-FEB-2013 0300z

March 16-17: Thunder in the Valley Air Show - Columbus Ledger-Enquirer | Expect to see aircraft formations, jump teams and other aerial acrobatic acts at the Thunder In The Valley Air Show. It's 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16-17 at the Columbus Airport. Tickets cost $10 in advance and it's a $15 day-of-the-event ticket. For ...

Sequester may ground Wings Over Houston - Your Houston News | If the choice is between military readiness and the airshow, military readiness must take priority,” Olson, a former naval aviator said. “The House passed two separate bills to improve the automatic spending cuts known as sequestration with targeted ...

Fantasy of Flight to host Splash-In from General Aviation News | For the fifth year in a row, Fantasy of Flight will once again host the Splash-In of the 39th annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, held in nearby Lakeland, Fla., April 9-14....

Reno Air Race Tickets on Sale MARCH 1st from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News | Hey race fans, RARA is happy to announce that tickets are going on sale on Friday March 1st for the 50th Annual National Championship Air Races. You can order them online through their website at www.airrace.org or you can call their office at (775)972-6663....

Wings Club to present award to Patty Wagstaff from General Aviation News | NEW YORK — The Wings Club will honor Patty Wagstaff, champion aerobatic pilot, with the fourth annual Outstanding Aviator Award. The Outstanding Aviator Award was created by the Wings Club in partnership with the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA). The mission of the award is to recognize pilots whose actions have made major contributions to aviation and/or security and serve as leadership role models....

Doolittle Raider Reunion taking shape - The Northwest Florida Daily News | Out in front will be the remaining Doolittle Raiders, the legendary World War II fliers who will be in town for their 71st and final official reunion. The Parade of Heroes on April 20 will be the first of its kind in Northwest Florida, a community ...

Doolittle Raider who shunned title of 'hero,' dies - Cincinnati.com | Tom Griffin, 96, of Green Township, one of Doolittle's Raiders in WWII, died Tuesday, Feb. 26. Griffin was a navigator on plane #9 on the bombing run to Tokyo where he and his crew had to bail out over China. He then had to bail out over Sicily and ...

A Hero Among Us: Part II - Novato Advance | On a raid to Anklam, Germany in October 1943, Everett was flying a different B-17 in order to train that plane's pilot. His regular plane and crew, led by his original copilot 2nd Lt. Alexander E. Stewart, were flying immediately to his right in the...

Visiting the USAF Thunderbirds Museum at Nellis - Airline Reporter | Visiting the USAF Thunderbirds Museum at Nellis. By Malcolm Muir, on February 27th, 2013 at 1:53 pm. Welcome to the Home of the USAF Thunderbirds - Photo: Mal Muir - airlinereporter. Welcome to the Home of the USAF Thunderbirds – Photo: Mal Muir ...

Horsham Air Museum Blends History, Education - Patch.com | Once the fence around the sprawling 1,100-acre former Willow Grove air base come down to make way for homes, a school, a town center and more, future generations may not know its history as a military base, or an airfield. “Fifty years from now, no one ...

Douglas A-26C Invader Reida Rae Unveiled By WarbirdsNews | Following an exhaustive nine-year restoration, the combat-veteran Douglas A-26C Invader 43-22499 “Reida Rae” was unveiled to much fanfare at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, beautifully polished and sporting her vanishingly-rare early-style upward hinged canopy....

Nebraska's Very Own Ghost Busters At The Strategic Air & Space Museum - WOWT | TRIP, or Tri-City Research and Investigation of the Paranormal, will be at the Strategic Air & Space Museum this Saturday, March 2, at 3pm. This is a chance for those who believe in paranormal activity, or those who might be a little skeptical, to ...

From Antique Airfield News:

Human-Powered Aircraft Competition Set For July from AVwebFlash Current Issue | The second annual Icarus Cup will be held in Northampton, Great Britain, July 19-28, and for the first time, the competition will be officially sanctioned by the Federation Aeronautique International. Teams will compete in a variety of trials, including a 200-meter sprint, a slalom course, landing accuracy, duration of flight, and take-off performance. Organizers hope the competition will help to promote and develop the sport of human-powered flight, with the goal to one day see competitors in the Olympic Games. The event is organized by the Royal Aeronautical Society. Registration is open to all.

'Planes' Trailer: Disney's 'Cars' Spin-Off Lands Online - ScreenCrush | From high above the world of “Cars,” flies “Planes,” Disney's upcoming animated action-packed comedic adventure starring Dusty, a big-hearted, fast-flying crop duster who dreams of competing in the most exhilarating around-the-world air race in history.

CoolPix: Looking Back At Shuttle Endeavour (Looking Over Earth) from AirPigz by Martt | ...While the Space Shuttle Program seems a rather simple achievement compared to Apollo's moon mission, it was still a remarkable human accomplishment....

Indy Transponder 27-FEB-2013 2345z

Regarding Sequester:


Australian International Airshow 2013 preview from MRC Aviation by Mike Condon | The Australian International Airshow 2013 and its associated aviation exposition is well underway at Avalon located to the south of Melbourne...

Airshow plane makes 'precautionary' landing - Yahoo!7 News | A plane has made a "precautionary" landing at the Avalon Airshow, west of Melbourne, this afternoon. One of a pair of Stearman planes, which were doing aerial wing walking displays, encountered difficulty and landed on grass. The plane was not damaged ...

Gateway Airport event tour offers close-ups of rare war planes - East Valley Tribune | Aircraft accompanying the B-29 or B-24 will include other World War II aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell along with an assortment of fighters, trainers and liaison aircraft. The aircraft will be on the ramp at ...

Warbird Weekend: A salve for the wounded - Florida Weekly | Close to 45 Warbird planes will be on display, including a B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang. “When veterans and pilots hear this is for Veterans Airlift Command and Wounded Warriors, they show up,” Mr. Olzacki says. Patrons can purchase rides on a T-6 ...

CAF Rise Above Exhibit Coming to Southern Museum of Flight from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News | BIRMINGHAM AL- The Southern Museum of Flight welcomes visitors to enjoy the RISE ABOVE movie. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron's free RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be at the Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, Alabama on March 5-7, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m....

Looking Forward to the Cape Girardeau, MO Air Festival by Looking Back: 2007 from The Aero Experience - Celebrating Midwest Aviation by Carmelo Turdo | The 2007 Cape Girardeau Air Festival featured two acts, sadly, we will never see again. One was the Red Baron Stearman Squadron and their slow, beautiful aerobatics in four noisy Stearman biplanes. The other was the airplane to...

Celebrating the skies - Sequim Gazette | The Sequim Valley Airport plans to host an Air Affaire to celebrate the airport’s 30th anniversary and Sequim’s 100th anniversary on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The day will be organized like a classic 1920s barnstorming event, where aviators from far and wide converge on an airfield to exhibit their planes and stunts....

AIRSHOW NEWS: Cosford Club snaps up major photographic sponsor from Flightline UK - UK Airshow News | Following on from the exciting announcement of the brand new hospitality and enthusiast enclosures at the 2013 RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show, organisers have unveiled that Nikon will officially sponsor the exclusive “The Cosford Club”.

Classic Aero-TV: A Sea Of Yellow -- 75 Years of Piper Cubs from Aero-News Network  | America's Iconic GA Airplane Celebrates Its Heritage Whether you fly ultralight, LSA, certified airplane, military jets, or wide-bodied airliners, there is one aircraft type that practically personifies aviation. That airplane is the Piper J-3 Cub. The 75-year-old design is perhaps the most recognizable, and most copied, airplane that has ever graced the skies. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the airplane, more than 125 Cubs have landed on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport for AirVenture, 2012. And 75 of those airplanes flew in in a "mass arrival" early in the week, filling the south parking area along runway 18-36 with a virtual sea of yellow ... with the occasional glimpse of white or red. It was literally Cubs as far as the eye can see.

Doolittle Raider Tom Griffin dies at age 96 - WHIO Dayton | One of the Doolittle Raiders who served as the navigator of Aircraft No. 9 has died, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Tom Griffin, 96, most recently resided in Cincinnati. Griffin returned to battle in Europe on July 3, 1943 and...

Radioman Jim Spence survived crash of Super Constellation during Navy stint from War Tales by Don Moore | After bootcamp at Great Lakes in 1958 and a stint in Aviation Electronics School in Patuxent River, Md., Radioman 3rd/Class Jim Spence wound up as a radio operator aboard a U.S. Navy four-engine, Super Constellation patrol plane flying out of Argentia, Newfoundland in Airborne Early Warning Squadron 13. “It was a rock in the North [...]

Wodicka in German captivity - Estherville Daily News | Editors note: The following story is the third in a series about how Edward S. Wodicka survived getting shot down in his B-17 over German territory and his subsequent internment as a prisoner of war. The story is from an interview by Jerry Penry ...

A look back at black aviation engineer units of World War II from Air Force Link Top Stories | As we close the books on February, Black History Month offers us the opportunity to recall the important role black Americans played in providing the worldwide system of bases during World War II as members of segregated aviation engineer battalions...

Timeless Voices - Charles Gallagher from eaavideo.org | Charle Gallagher served as a B-17 flight engineer and top turret gunner with the 336th Bomb Squadron of the 95th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force during World War Two. He flew 35 combat missions during the war.

Pearson Air Museum to reopen on Wednesday with temporary exhibits - OregonLive.com | The National Park Service has spent two weeks setting up temporary exhibits after the Fort Vancouver National Trust removed previous displays. "I think there will be a number of very dramatic differences that people will find ...

Sioux scout in detail from Travel for Aircraft by joseph_may | The Sioux is one of the most recognized helicopters produced. Beginning as the Bell 47 — and subsequently incorporated by the military in 1947 — it is easily recognizable by the: twin rotor blades welded tail boom bubble canopy fuel tanks located...

FS2004 Newark Air Museum DH104 Dove G-AHRI - Fly Away Simulation | Screenshot of Newark Air Museum DH104 Dove in flight. Re-registered G-AHRI, she was sold to Brooklands Aviation Ltd and was eventually withdrawn from service and stored until January 1971. G-AHRI was then loaned to the Lincolnshire Aviation Society ...

USAF Retires First Operational KC-135R Stratotanker from Aero-News Network | Airplane Headed To The 'Boneyard' After 50 Years Of Service After more than 50 years of service and 22,500 flying hours, the first operational KC-135R Stratotanker retired from service, Feb. 21, 2013. The aircraft made one last high-speed pass on the runway before heading to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, better known as the "Boneyard," where Air Force aircraft go to provide parts to satisfy critical supply needs without any major holds.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

MOBILE ‘BIG’ SCREEN THEATER AND EXHIBIT HONORING TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TRAVELS TO 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM

Houston, Texas (February 27, 2013) – The 1940 Air Terminal Museum along with The Texas Flying Legends Museum will welcome visitors to enjoy the RISE ABOVE movie. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail

Squadron’s free RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum located at the William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, March 12-16, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a truly unique opportunity for the young and the young-at-heart to not only learn, but experience the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen while being immersed in a theatrical experience.

Standard museum admission will be free while the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is showcased at the Museum; however, donations are highly encouraged as the non-profit Museum functions almost completely on the generosity of sponsors and public donations.

During the original movie aptly named, "RISE ABOVE," audience members will be transported into what it was like to be a black airman during WWII and the obstacles faced by America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel, known today as the Tuskegee Airmen, as they worked toward their goal of becoming U.S. Army Air Corps pilots in the early 1940s. At the conclusion of the film, audiences experience the excitement and thrill of flying the world’s greatest fighter aircraft, the P-51 Mustang, in formation, aerobatics, a break and a few low passes. Filmed with a 180-degree lens along with the state-of-the-art theater design, the movie experience gives attendees the feeling that you are actually flying in the airplane.

“The exhibit is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure similar to something you would experience at Disneyland,” said Brad Lang, CAF Red Tail Squadron. “The overall message is about rising above adversity to reach your potential no matter your circumstances; the film uses the story of the Tuskegee Airman and the story of the Red Tail Squadron to inspire young people to achieve their potential, but the message resonates with all ages because of the unique and interactive way it is told. This is an experience you won’t want to miss.”

The exhibit is a mobile ‘big screen’ theater and exhibit with a customized 53' trailer with expandable sides that houses a 160-degree panoramic curved movie screen and seating for 35 in climate-controlled comfort. The exhibit showcases a short original movie, "RISE ABOVE," focusing on what the Tuskegee Airmen had to overcome to be allowed to fly and fight for their country during World War II. The Exhibit reflects the CAF Red Tail Squadron's educational mission of showing guests, especially young people, amazing possibilities. This experience highlights how to set a goal and succeed even when all odds are against you; just like the original Tuskegee Airmen achieved. The Squadron has distilled the Airmen's experiences into six guiding RISE ABOVE principles to help with this mission:
  • Aim High
  • Never Quit
  • Believe In Yourself
  • Be Ready To Go
  • Use Your Brain
  • Expect To Win
The free CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be welcoming visitors March 12-16 at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, 8325 Travelair Street, Houston, Texas 77061. Sponsors of the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at this time include The Texas Flying Legends Museum, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., and Gulf Coast Aviation.

About the CAF:
In 1957, a small group of ex-service pilots pooled their money to purchase a P-51 Mustang, beginning what is now called the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). With the addition of a pair of F8F Bearcats, the CAF became the founders of the Warbird Movement, an effort to preserve and honor our military history with the rallying cry to “Keep ‘Em Flying!” Now, 55 years later, the CAF is the premier Warbird organization, operating 156 vintage aircraft in Honor of American Military Aviation. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 10,000 members and its fleet of historic aircraft is distributed to 80 units located in 24 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

For more information about the CAF Red Tail Squadron, visit www.redtail.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (#CAF Red Tail Squadron).

DAV Shares Message at Thunder in the Valley

Columbus, Georgia – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) will reach out to veterans and their families sharing its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women at the Thunder in the Valley Air Show on March 16-17, 2013.

In the company of the iconic World War II era B-25 Mitchell Bomber, the DAV Flight Team will appear at the Thunder in the Valley Air Show. The air show is one stop on a nationwide tour that aims to increase public awareness of disabled veterans and provide information about DAV programs and benefits. The B-25, which gained notoriety in the famed Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, Japan 71 years ago, shares a modern-day mission with DAV -- reminding people of the sacrifices veterans make for freedom. As brave men and women return from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the DAV’s services and advocacy are as relevant today as at any time in the nation’s history.

“The DAV is thrilled to bring our message of volunteerism and support to our nation’s sick and disabled veterans to this air show. We believe the men, women and children who will visit this air show are the patriotic, military-friendly citizens that have helped make this nation so great,” said DAV National Commander Larry A. Polzin. “The DAV is proud to be among this crowd, and meet those who want to know more about our service to veterans.”

Disabled American Veterans, representing more than 1.2 million disabled veterans, is a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It is dedicated to one, single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam.

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Indianapolis Air Show called off; organizers cite sequestration - Indianapolis Business Journal | The air show was set for June 15-16 at Indianapolis Regional Airport near Mount Comfort east of Indianapolis. It has taken place annually since 1996 and draws up to 100,000 spectators. The show's executive committee made the decision to cancel this ...

Flyovers at Sporting Events One Casualty of Cuts to the Military – Are They ... - New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio | According to ESPN.com, military spending cuts to the Air Force at up to 30 percent have forced the branch to trim flying hours by up to 20 percent, part of which will come from air shows. Some of those air shows include the Thunderbirds aerobatic ...

U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Air Shows Potentially on the Budget Chopping Block - DigitalJournal.com | Last year, more than 13 million Americans attended an air show. Hundreds of air shows are held every year in the United States, featuring world-class entertainment and bringing significant economic impact – sometimes tens of millions of dollars – to...

Blue Angels Lend a Helping Hand - Military.com | Several Blue Angels team members, along with Lt. Jared Smith, Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro base chaplain and Lt. j.g. Lisa Lill, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East, assisted in bagging and distributing 438 bags of food for those in need in ...

Yuma military air show not affected by sequestration - KSWT-TV | YUMA, AZ - The looming sequestration deadline could also bring nearly $50 billion in military budget cuts. Some viewers wanted to know if the upcoming military air show would be affected. Captain Staci Reidinger with Marine Corp Air Station Yuma says no.

Air Fiesta 2013 marks half century of Valley aerial expositions - Brownsville Herald | This year's event will focus heavily on World War II airplanes in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Commemorative Air Force air shows in the Rio Grande Valley. Posted: Monday, February 25, 2013 10:40 pm. Air Fiesta 2013 marks half century of ...

Breaking news Red Arrows confirmed for Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week - Bridport and Lyme Regis News | Breaking news Red Arrows confirmed for Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. 10:08am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in Local News By Adrianne Maslen. The Red Arrows are confirmed for Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. THE Red Arrows will appear at Lyme Regis ...

Frecce Tricolori calendar of exhibitions - Translated | There are 19 events, including exhibitions and overflights, which will touch many Italian places, including the islands and foreign cities. Pan will be in Lignano August 18 and 25 in Grado...

10 best air shows around the world - USA TODAY | Bournemouth Air Festival, Dorset, England. The Bournemouth Air Festival, the largest free annual airshow in Europe, combines two great things: airplanes and the beach. The four-day festival draws over a million spectators for its aerial shows, hot air ...

Looking Forward to the Cape Girardeau, MO Air Festival by Looking Back: 2006 from The Aero Experience - Celebrating Midwest Aviation by Carmelo Turdo | The Cape Girardeau, MO Air Festival is returning this year after a two-year absence from 2011 - 2012. I thought it would be nice to take a look back at a few of their previous shows in anticipation of what we might see at this year's show....

The Ice Pilots NWT lost a family member | While filming with a different production company in Kenya, Director/Cameraman John Driftmier was involved in a fatal plane crash....

Yeager brings 'Right Stuff' to symposium from Air Force Link Top Stories | The first person ever to travel faster than the speed of sound didn't know anything about airplanes when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1941.  But retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager did have a knack for fixing machines and a willingness to do whatever his duty required of him and to take advantage of any opportunity that presented itself, which is how he ended up behind the controls of the X-1 experimental aircraft when it made its first supersonic flight just six years later....

Register NOW to Race in the 37th Annual Air Race Classic from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News | Albuquerque, NM -Entries for the 2013 Air Race Classic immediately started arriving at noon on January 2nd for this year's race when opened. Over the past month, two-thirds of the available racer slots were claimed. Entries will be accepted until April 1st, but the opportunity may not last that long, if all 55 race team slots are filled before then. Excitement is building early for this 2,400+ statute mile daytime VFR race from Pasco, Washington to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Challenge yourself to fly this year's route in four days (June 18-21)....

Women Fly! March 5-10 from Flight To Success by Karlene Petitt | Women of Aviation Week March 4-10, is one week away! The Museum of Flight is celebrating from the 5-10th.

Fly it Forward Opens to ALL Ladies on March 9th!!! from Toriaflies | The 2013 Frederick Women Fly It Forward Committee is happy to announce that flights are now available for all women on Saturday, March 9th at our PINK – Women Fly It Forward event. As our week-long Women Fly It Forward event draws near, we have seen a steady increase in interest for our Saturday flights from women and girls of all ages.

Balloon Crash Kills 19 In Egypt from AVwebFlash Current Issue | Nineteen tourists flying above the temples and tombs near Egypt's Nile River in a hot-air balloon were killed on Tuesday when the aircraft caught fire, according to the Associated Press. The passengers were from Europe, Hong Kong, and Japan. The pilot and several others survived and are being treated for burns. Tourist flights are popular in the Luxor region, where they are a mainstay in the local economy, and several other balloons were flying at the time of the accident. Local officials have grounded all flights.

Tim Timmins from Vintage Wings of Canada by Dave | Every Tuesday and Thursday morning around 1130 AM, rain or shine, winter or summer, former fighter pilot Tim Timmins wheels his car into the parking lot at Vintage Wings of Canada. As the wind sweeps hard across the pavement, often carrying drifting snow or sleet, he retrieves a document bag from the passenger seat, tucks it under one arm, locks the car door, walks up the sidewalk into the wind and enters the front door of the Vintage Wings hangar. Waiting at the door for him is Wallace, the front office dog. Tim stops by the reception counter, chats up the young ladies in the administration office, as fighter pilots are wont to do. He fishes a sandwich bag out of his pocket containing dog treats and turns to Wallace, who is waiting not so patiently and offers him “just one”. A minute later he offers him another. Then Tim Timmins makes his way to the library, taking time to stop in...

Wodicka tells harrowing tale of B-17 crash - Estherville Daily News | Editors note: The following narrative is from a telephone interview that Jerry Penry had with Edward S. Wodicka, navigator and survivor of the B-17 Flying Fortress 1st Lt. Charles Young was flying. The aircraft was shot down over Rodenbeck, Germany.

Red Bull P-38 and Corsair Video from Another Time by Dan Linn | Wow... you must take the time to watch this video showing The Flying Bulls collection P-38 Lightning and F4U Corsair flying in the skies over Austria! When I was young I saw these two Warbirds flying in the skies over Texas. Now years later...

Tourism award for Yorkshire Air Museum - The Press, York | THE Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington has been voted the best visitor attraction in the UK by a leading tourism industry magazine. For a second year the museum has been recognised by readers of Going Places magazine, for its friendliness and welcome, ...

Oklahoma City, OK: Museum of the 99s from You Fly, Girl by Cathy Gale

Quicksilver Pilot George Karamitis a Wright Master Pilot from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association | The FAA's prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award was presented to George Karamitis, EAA 144192, of Avon Park, Florida, at the 2013 U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida. Wright Masters are honored for 50 years of flight free of accidents, incidents, or citations.

Was there ever a YF-24? from The DEW Line by Dave Majumdar | Was there ever a YF-24? The US Air Force says no. "Our historians said there is no record of there ever having been a YF-24," says Lt
Col Max Despain, an Air Force spokeswoman at the Pentagon. "Perhaps it's being mistaken for an X-24 which wasn't a fighter?" That said, this old bio for a former test pilot, Colonel Joseph A. Lanni lists such an aircraft--which is curious...

Academy glider instructor named most active in nation - Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base | He is the first instructor recognized and certified as a master SSA cross-country instructor in U.S. Air Force Academy history and is the first instructor to be a national judge for the International Aerobatic Club. "I rely on Matti's talents daily to ...

NASA-Dryden Renamed for Neil Armstrong; Dryden Gets Test Range - SCV News | U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, praised the passage of legislation to re-designate NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. McKeon joined fellow local representative Congressman Kevin McCarthy in introducing this legislation....

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Indy Transponder 26-FEB-2013 0115z

Reporter is strapped in for an air ride on a wing and a prayer - Herald Sun | The Herald Sun's Aaron Langmaid completes a wingwalk with the Breitling Wingwalkers ahead of the Avalon Airshow. Aaron Langmaid surveys the sky and land during his wing-walk. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun. Aaron Langmaid is buffeted by ...

On board with the Wingwalkers (02:06)
The Age | RAW VISION - Age reporter Nino Bucci takes a flight on a Breitling wingwalker, which will be performing during the Australian International Airshow....

Folkestone Airshow 2013: Hunt for volunteers takes off - Kent News | The hunt for volunteers to help run this summer's Folkestone Airshow takes off next week with a special meeting open to anyone wishing to assist during the event. The open meeting takes place at Folkestone Town Hall on March 5, from 6-7pm. The aim is ...

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Valiant Air Command partner to offer ultimate aviation combo package featuring the USAF Thunderbirds - ITCM | Package includes admission to the 36th Annual TiCo Warbird AirShow March 22-24, 2013 and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Valiant Air Command and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex have partnered to offer a special ticket package in celebration of the 36th Annual TiCo Warbird AirShow, March 22-24, 2013. The Ultimate Aviation Combo package includes a one day admission to the TiCo Warbird AirShow and a one day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex valid March 22-24, 2013....

Blue Angels RI Show Could Fall Victim to Defense Cuts - WLNE-TV (ABC6) | Automatic spending cuts by the Pentagon may affect a summer tradition here in Rhode Island. Congress and the White House face a huge deadline, March 1st. It could lead to a "no show" by one of the most popular attractions of the air show. The Blue ...

Federal budget cuts will mean no Airfest, civilian furloughs at MacDill - Tampabay.com | TAMPA — With federal budget cuts looming, MacDill Air Force Base is bracing for the possibility of civilian employee furloughs and the cancellation of Airfest. There are about 3,000 civilian employees at MacDill. Most of those workers could be ...

Sequestration could affect St. Cloud air show - St. Cloud Times | “We intend to do our air show in July with or without the Blue Angels,” said David Trehey, Scout Executive at the Central Minnesota Council of the Boy Scouts of America, organizers of the show. An impressive civilian acrobatic lineup also is planned ...

Planes, Trains & Automobiles In Plant City from Aero-News Network | Community Event Features A Variety Of Aircraft For Public Viewing Plant City Airport is hosting its third annual "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" event Saturday, March 23, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event's organizers say it's a chance to see real airplanes, remote control planes, helicopters, model trains in operation and on exhibit, and classic and exotic car displays. Antique railroad maintenance equipment, train artifacts and memorabilia will be on site for guests to explore.

Rare Boeing B-29 Superfortress used during WWII lands in Phoenix - AZFamily | Other World War II aircraft that will be featured on the tour include the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the P-51 Mustang, a C-45 Expeditor, a Navy SNJ (T-6 Texan), and a Navy N2S (PT-17 Stearman). Phoenix is one of 11 stops on the CAF AirPower History ...

RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit Honoring Tuskegee Airmen Coming To The ...
Daily Markets  | The Carolinas Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport will host the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron's RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit honoring the Tuskegee Airmen Feb. 26 – March 2....

Of the 1,279,634 Reasons I Love EAA Airventure Oshkosh, This is my Top 10! from Airplanista Aviation Blog by Dan Pimentel | As this piece is being written, the official Hamilton Countdown to Oshkosh clock shows 154:08:15:58. To someone like me who lives to make his next trip to this part of Wisconsin in late July, that is about 154 days, eight hours, fifteen minutes and fifty-seven seconds too long of a wait. I want to be there right now....

Jetman Rossy Confirms School Plans from AVwebFlash Current Issue | As AVweb reported recently, Yves Rossy, who flies a unique jet-powered strap-on glider, apparently has plans to teach his skills to others, and last week, a reporter at EpicTV.com followed up to learn more about the Jetman's plans. Rossy confirmed that he is planning to open a flight school, which would accept as students only experienced skydivers who also have experience flying either airplanes or wingsuits...

CAP to get recognition from WW II from AOPA Pilot Blog: Reporting Points by Al Marsh | First it was the Tuskegee Airmen who, after waiting 51 years after World War II, got their just recognition with a Congressional Gold Medal. Then it was the Women Airforce Service Pilots who got the medal four years later. Now, there is an effort to honor the founders of the Civil Air Patrol with the medal, and thus all who flew with the CAP during the war. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has launched a bill to honor 60,000 civilians–men and women...

Frank McClean: Forgotten pioneer of the sky - BBC News | McClean, born in England to well-to-do Irish parents in 1876, was a pioneer aviator and something of a daredevil. Through a combination of unstoppable enthusiasm and access to ample funds, he became a driving force in the development of flying, having ...

Bellingham's Lyle Jansma showcases classic cockpits in 360-degree apps - Bellingham Herald | Photographer Lyle Jansma with a Douglas Skyraider warplane at the Heritage Flight Museum at the Bellingham International Airport, Wednesday, Feb. 20. 2013. Jansma created an app that shows the viewer a 360 degree view of the cockpit of the Skyraider ...

John M. 'Jack' Conroy 1920-1979 from Test & Research Pilots, Flight Test Engineers | Born in Buffalo, NY in 1920 and later attended high school in Sand Springs, OK. Upon graduation he hitched a ride on a freight train to Hollywood, CA, where he landed bit parts in movies during the years of 1937-1940 under the screen name of Michael Conroy, since John Conroy was taken.In 1940, against the advice of his agent who said "the big parts are coming", he hopped a freighter to Honolulu, HI, where he learned to fly and made his first solo flight in 1940. He was working at Pearl Harbor as a civilian digging underground fuel tanks on Sunday 7th December 1941.After witnessing the Japanese attack he immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was part of the 379th bombardment group of the Eight Air Force, out of Kimbolton, England during WWII. In 1942, just months past his 21st birthday, became a 2nd Lieutenant, pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress and put in charge of a 9-man crew....

Podcast: Anchorage Museum Celebrates Alaskan Flight Centennial from AVWeb Podcast - Podcast | It was 10 years after the Wright brothers' first flight before the first airplane arrived in Alaska, but aviation soon transformed the way of life in the state and today remains essential to the economy. A new exhibit at the Anchorage Museum explores the those 100 years of history. AVweb's Mary Grady talked with Julie Decker, chief curator of the museum, for more details.This podcast is brought to you by Bose Corporation.

How the “Black Jet” became the “Gray Dragon”: the story of the only gray F-117 stealth plane
from David Cenciotti's weblog | The Lockheed F-117A was not only the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, but also one of the most secret plane ever developed.  Conceived for night secret missions, the “Nighthawk” was restricted to fly only with darkness. In fact, in each operation from “Just Cause” in 1989 to “Iraqi Freedom” in 2003, the F-117s only flew after sunset....

Europe's Transall turns 50 from The DEW Line by Craig Hoyle | Thanks to my Air & Cosmos buddy Guillaume Steuer for reminding me that today is the 50th anniversary of the Transall's first flight.  The phrase "venerable" probably doesn't do justice to the European-designed transport, which remains in use with the air forces of France, Germany and Turkey, and which is most prominently currently supporting France's Operation Serval campaign in Mali. Its duties...

Video: San Gabriel Valley RC group takes flying mini planes to great heights - Pasadena Star News | SOUTH EL MONTE - Pilots from Southern California and the international community were in town this week to test their flying abilities and zoom their radio-controlled aircraft above the skies of the Whittier Narrows in anticipation of a pylon race taking place this weekend....

Who Knew? The Pope Has A Pilot's License from Aero-News Network | But The Holy See Never Learned To Drive A Car The retirement of Pope Benedict XVI came as a surprise to Catholics around the world, and his retirement ceremony will likely be full of pomp and circumstance, broadcast live around the world. But it's less well known that when the Pope flies off into retirement aboard the papal helicopter ... he wouldn't necessarily have to be sitting in the back waving. He could be up front in the cockpit flying the aircraft himself.

Space quest for female aviator - Southern Star Newspaper | READERS of The Southern Star are being asked to lend their support to an aviator who wants to become the first Irish woman to fly in space on the Lynx X-COR Sub Orbital Spacecraft. From an early age, Mags O'Sullivan, who manages the Aqua Dome in ...