Sunday, March 31, 2013

Ten Years Ago.... the story of Meigs Field


Ten years ago, Chicago and the Aviation world woke up to see Meigs Field destroyed. Mayor Richard Daley took it upon himself to circumvent the law, the rules, and the rights of the citizens and pilots of the world to destroy a landmark. Many will remember waking up the next morning and watching the news in complete shock.

Meigs field had a deep history in the Chicago area. While it wasn’t the everyday home to aircraft, it was just for transient traffic visiting the downtown Chicago area. It was used frequently and was a treasure to many people who lived, visited or worked in the area.

History

Merrill Church Meigs was born in 1883, a newsman in Chicago at the Chicago Herald and Examiner. He was inspired to become a pilot after covering the solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean by Charles Lindbergh in 1927.

Later in life he became head of the Chicago Aero Commission and was instrumental in the development of Meigs field, which was named in honor of him and his hard work in developing the field in 1948.

Meigs Field – Before
Credit: Marge Beaver / Used with permission from the Friends of Meigs Field

Trouble

This troubled field was under attack most of its life. The future of the lakefront airport had been in dispute since the 1990s. Daley had hopes of turning it into a 91-acre park – but it looked like these plans would be blocked for years by the courts and legislative fights with those who considered it a valuable business amenity. So he ordered a stealthy and nearly irrevocable strike that began the transformation of Meigs Field back into Northerly Island and a park. 

The public and their laws can be so annoying! Hearings, court battles, compromise proposals, impact studies, etc., that whole messy governmental process thing that's really just a formality - in Chicago anyway – why do it properly when you have a few friends with bulldozers.

The Friends of Meigs Field, an organization dedicated to preserving the field, received a call in the middle of the night asking if they knew of any construction being down at the field. They were stunned of course and headed out there to see what they could find out. They weren't allowed on the field and were later told that the night was chosen specifically because only light aircraft were on the field that night.

The stranded aircraft were allowed to take off from the taxiway – or, the City of Chicago would “dismantle their aircraft and move it for them”. Um… seriously? I think I’ll take off from the taxiway, thanks.

And then came the lawsuits. Chicago faced a $33,000 penalty and up to $4.5 million in additional fines for the clandestine destruction of Meigs field. The fine was for shutting down a public use airport without giving the required 30 day notice.

The additional fines were from the FAA basically saying city officials improperly diverted $1.5 million in federal grants and airline passenger taxes intended for capital repairs to pay for demolishing the Meigs runway. The FAA could have ordered the city to repay any improperly used funds or impose penalties of up to $4.5 million if the city refuses to comply.

Regarding the alleged misuse of airport funding, a city official was quoted as saying, "Some funds were used to build the airport, and it was appropriate to use the airport funds to remove the airport."

When it was all said and done, the only repercussion from this, besides a public black eye, was the $33,000 fine. That’s it.

Now, Northerly Island, the old site of Meigs Field, is a 91- acre park on Lake Michigan. The majority of this space is dedicated to “strolling paths, casual play areas and a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline”. So, there you have it.


Caption: Meigs Field - After
Credit Precision Aerial, Mark Remaley / Used with permission from the Friends of Meigs Field

Is your airport next?

Is Santa Monica Airport next? Some people in that community have already developed plans to turn their local airport into a park also. It seems all of our local airports are under attack by someone or some group looking to use the land for their preferred interest. 

Be sure, Aviation as we know it is under attack in many ways and we need to keep our eyes open and be vigilant to make sure the next generation has a place to learn, experience and enjoy what we have dedicated so much of our time, energy, money and love. 

Final thoughts:

A friend of mine wrote this the other day and I wanted to add it here.

Here today, while there are still plenty of airplanes in the sky, I fear that this is a waning phenomenon. The administration has made it a top priority to demonize and vilify people who leave the ground for periods of time that exceed the time it takes to jump. One of the surest signs that a country has its shit together is when it can do things that are so potentially lethal so safely that no one ever seriously considers the downside of the activity when they engage in it. If we give that up, it is truly a sign that decline is only a modest way of describing the mode of the nation.

Happy flying. 

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Pylon Place 

Indy Transponder 31-MAR-2013 0245z

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Friday, March 29, 2013

Indy Transponder 29-MAR-2013 2045z

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Indy Transponder 29-MAR-2013 1045z

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Indy Transponder 29-MAR-2013 0245z

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Dayton Air Show will feature 14 spectacular acts in 2013

...Thunderbirds cancel due to Sequestration

Dayton, Ohio – The Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger will fly as-planned on June 22nd
and 23rd despite budget cuts announced by the military due to Congressionally-mandated sequestration. A recent Department of Defense memorandum confirmed that all military aerial teams will cease public performances as of April 1, 2013. This includes the USAF Thunderbirds, who were scheduled to appear at Dayton this year. The Air Show had hoped that Congress would reach an agreement permitting the military jet teams to fly, but with the April 1st deadline rapidly approaching, such an agreement appears unlikely.

This year's show will feature a spectacular lineup of some of the nation’s top attractions. A total of 14 acts will fly each day in the feature show, including: “FIFI”, the only flying B-29 in the world, will create a "Great Wall of Fire" atomic bombing reenactment; there will be both a MiG-17 and an F-86 Sabre flying demonstration; the AeroShell Formation Aerobatic Team will perform; Melissa Pemberton’s Edge 540 flying aerobatics will be on display; Skip Stewart will perform high energy aerobatics; Jane Wicker Wing Walking will risk all; and the "School Time" jet-powered school bus will roar down the runway at 300+mph.

"With such a tremendous lineup of top attractions already in place, we felt it was important to continue the 38-year tradition of Dayton and move forward with the 2013 show," stated Michael Emoff, United States Air and Trade Show Board of Trustees Chairman. "We think spectators will be excited by not only the thrills of these professional acts, but also with the overall quality of this year's show both in the air and on the ground," he added.

In addition to previously planned attractions, Air Show officials announced today the addition of the following new features:

One of the most famed fighters of WWII is the F4U-5N Corsair and Vectren Dayton Air Show spectators will get to witness this unique gull-winged aircraft both in flight as well as on static display. The first U.S. fighter to fly at 400 mph in level flight, the Corsair was designed for aircraft carrier-based service. Called “Whistling Death” for the distinctive sound the engines of the Corsair made in a dive, US Marines referred to the Corsair as their best friend for the excellent air support it provided when troops were pinned down on the ground. Dave Folk will fly the Corsair, which is housed in Greenwood, Mississippi in the winter and Kalamazoo, Michigan in the summer.

The Warbird Heritage Foundation’s A-4B Skyhawk, flown by Paul Wood of Waukegan, IL will return to Dayton after its first appearance in 2012. The Skyhawk was a light bomber/attack aircraft flown by both Vice Admiral James Stockdale and LCDR John McCain (now Senator McCain) during the Vietnam War. The Skyhawk appearing at the 2013 Vectren Dayton Air Show is painted to represent aircraft BuNo 148609 flown by LCDR Ted Swartz, who shot down a MiG-17 over North Vietnam with an unguided ZUNI rocket. This was the only air-to-air kill by a Skyhawk during the entire Vietnam War.

Team Fastrax, a world-class skydiving team located in Middletown, Ohio has also been added to the 2013 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger lineup. To be considered as a Demo Team member, individuals must first have at least 1,000 jumps and meet stringent professional standards. As a result, Air Show spectators will witness a thrilling collection of precision maneuvers that display the ultimate skill in skydiving. Kicking off the show each day with a 7,500 square foot U.S. flag (the world’s largest), Team Fastrax is sure to leave a lasting impression on Air Show spectators as the team has performed around the world and at high profile venues such as NASCAR, the NFL and MLB.

Along with historic aircraft flying each day, the Vectren Dayton Air Show will present an impressive number of classic aircraft on the ground. Recently added to static display are the Douglas C-54 Skymaster “Spirit of Freedom” and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil”. Each of these storied aircraft served at various times for the US military during WWII: the C-54 was made famous in the Berlin Airlift and the B-24 was used in both the European and Pacific theaters. Spectators are sure to enjoy close-up views and tours of these amazing aircraft of yesteryear.

Tickets for the popular Chairman’s Club, Dannon Pavilion, Family 4 Pack, and Blue Sky Chalet are now on sale, offering an attractive range of seating options. Tickets can be conveniently purchased through the show website at www.daytonairshow.com. Many of these venues sell out early, so don’t wait to get your tickets!

Beginning May 13, 2013, deep discount general admission tickets will also be available for purchase at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton-Cincinnati region.

The Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is produced by the United States Air and Trade Show, Inc, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit Ohio Corporation that relies on sponsorship and community support to offset the cost of producing the event. The Dayton/Montgomery Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that the show has a $3.2 million annual economic impact on the region.

For more information on performers:

F4N-5N Corsair
A-4B Skyhawk
Team Fastrax


Founded in 1975, the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is one of America’s premier air shows. The Air Show showcases world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family celebrating Dayton’s aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, National Museum of the US Air Force and Wright Patterson AFB. For more information visit www.daytonairshow.com

Indy Transponder 28-MAR-2013 1015z

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Commemorative Flyover Planned for Meigs on Easter Sunday from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association  | The dates March 30-31, 2003, are infamous to pilots, especially those who loved the former Chicago lakefront airport known as Merrill C. Meigs Field (CGX). During those overnight hours 10 years ago this weekend, Chicago's mayor, Richard M. Daley, achieved his long-held goal of closing the airport when he illegally ordered bulldozers to carve large X's into Meigs' Runway 36.

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Vintage Aviation Posters - Planeshots

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Indy Transponder 28-MAR-2013 0215z

Accountant wins Red Arrows experience - Bournemouth Echo | AN accountant swapped her
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WWII hero Farrow, NASCAR great Yarborough join SC Hall of Fame - The State | ...Farrow was
posthumously inducted for his role in the famed Doolittle Raid in April 1942. His crew bombed Nagoya, Japan’s fourth largest city, in response to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. They destroyed an oil storage tank and damaged the Mitsubishi aircraft factory....

Podcast: Dick Rutan Remembers from AVWeb Podcast - Podcast  | It's only been 27 years since Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager flew around the world without refueling, but the technology that has been introduced since then would make it a much different trip today. Rutan spoke with AVweb's Paul Bertorelli after speaking to the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Las Vegas.


B-17 "Memphis Belle" to visit Long Beach Airport on March 30th from Aero Pacific Flightlines by Michael Carter | Laurence Stevens was a 19-year-old B-17 tail gunner, dozing off above Brux, Czechoslovakia, in 1944 when a jolt snapped him alert....

Solar-Powered Plane Uses Its Lightness To Fly In The Dark - NPR (blog) | Next month, a very odd looking plane will take off from Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif., and head east to New York. The Solar Impulse — the world's first solar-powered plane — is capable of flying nonstop all day and all night. Its creators ...

Local pilots recipients of Wright Brothers award - Polson Lake County Leader | Timm was a flight instructor for the Wright-Patterson AFB Aero Club. Hiss military career was in intelligence, and he retired as a colonel in 1992. He amassed more than 5,000 flight hours and has flown 50 aircraft makes and models. Morin recalls that ...

The Jolly Green Giant approaches from Travel for Aircraft by joseph_may | The Jolly Green Giant
approaches Military helicopters differ from conventional military combat aircraft in a subtle but significant and often unrecognized way — they are forged to continuously work in an extremely rigorous flight regime. None inherently fly though they can dance like a dragonfly, hardly any can be called graceful but nearly all can [...]

Video: This Is The Way To Start Your Day! (F-18 Cat Launch From Cockpit!) from AirPigz by Martt

Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Expands Scholarship Program from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association | The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) has expanded its scholarship program to include Wisconsin students enrolled in aviation/aerospace courses of study at out-of-state colleges and universities.

Disney's Planes Cast Revealed! - Babble | Roger Craig Smith (Captain America in Disney XD's “Marvel's Avengers Assemble,” voice of Sonic The Hedgehog in “Wreck-It Ralph”) voices world champion racer Ripslinger—wings down, the biggest name in air racing—and he knows it....

Classic movies, star presenters attract fans of flight and film to Dayton for inaugural Reel Stuff Film Festival of Aviation

TOP GUN 3D and WINGS screenings by famed filmmakers and pilots lead three days of spectacular giant screen events in new state-of-the-art Air Force Museum Theatre
DAYTON, Ohio (March 27, 2013)  A rare opportunity to view classic American aviation movies in a technologically advanced theatre environment is attracting film and flying buffs from across the U.S. to the Air Force Museum Theatre in Dayton, for its First Annual Reel Stuff Film Festival of Aviation on April 12-14. 

The theatre recently underwent an $800,000 upgrade and will celebrate its grand reopening by hosting eleven unique screening events over the three days of Reel Stuff.  Theatre upgrades include installation of dual 4K projectors along with 7.1-plus surround sound, in addition to new carpeting, seats and a presentation stage.  Each film will be presented by someone closely associated with its creation such as a producer, director, or cinematographer, and shown on the theatre’s new 80 foot wide screen. Two of the festival’s feature films are credited with attracting patrons coming from as far as California, Colorado and Wisconsin since tickets became available on February 15.  

On Friday, April 13, Reel Stuff will present a digitally re-mastered version of the 1927 Paramount classic, WINGS, which won the first ever Oscar for ‘Best Picture.’  WINGS remains an industry milestone for its director, the late William “Wild Bill” Wellman’s, use of new camera techniques and effects that set the Hollywood standard for decades afterward.  The April 12 screening of WINGS is presented by the director’s son, actor and author William Wellman, Jr., who wrote The Man and His Wings, a biography of his father and his illustrious filmmaking career.

Another early favorite with Reel Stuff Film Festival fans is TOP GUN 3D, the late director Tony Scott’s 1986 blockbuster hit about Navy F-14 pilots that grossed over $350 million worldwide and catapulted actor Tom “Maverick” Cruise to stardom.  TOP GUN’s rock-and-roll hit score coupled with Scott’s distinctive visual style set new creative standards that influence filmmakers to this day.  TOP GUN was recently converted from 35mm into digital 3D, earning rave reviews while renewing interest in the iconic film.  Reel Stuff presents not one but two rare opportunities for film buffs to experience TOP GUN 3D in its new format on a screen 30 feet larger than any other in the region. 

The April 13 screening of TOP GUN 3D will be presented by the original production’s famed aerial cinematographer, Clay Lacy, along with Dr. Barry Sandrew, Ph.D., founder/CCO/CTO of Legend3D, the company that converted the original film into 3D for Paramount’s limited one-week theatrical run and BluRay release in February.  Sandrew’s company similarly did the conversion of 3D standouts like TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON and HUGO.

An April 14 “encore” TOP GUN 3D screening will be presented by former real-life “Top Gun” fighter school graduate and five-time Shuttle mission veteran, retired Navy Captain Robert L. “Hoot” Gibson.  Gibson is also noted for having deployed with VF-1, the very first squadron to fly F-14 Tomcats in combat in 1974-75.  He has over 14,000 hours at the controls of over 130 aircraft types, and will be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in October 2013.

Seating for these three and eight other film screenings during Reel Stuff is limited, so fans are encouraged to go online to purchase tickets in advance at www.airforcemuseum.com/reelstuff, or by calling (937) 253-4629.   Tickets are on sale now at the Air Force Museum Theatre box office and will be throughout the three-day event.  General admission tickets for individual daytime screenings are $8 per person, and $15 per person for evening shows, which includes Sunday’s TOP GUN 3D show.  Full day discount passes, good for all screenings on that day, are also available; $35 for Friday, $35 for Saturday, and $25 for Sunday.  Full Festival passes are available for $90, providing admission for one person to each screening Friday through Sunday.

Corporations and individuals interested in festival sponsorship opportunities contact Reel Stuff Film Festival Director Ron Kaplan at (937) 212-8847 or director@reelstufffilmfest.com.

The Air Force Museum Theatre is operated by the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc.  Proceeds will allow the non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation to bring this world-class festival to Dayton and help support entertainment and educational programs for patrons throughout the year.  The foundation was established in 1960 as a philanthropic, non-profit organization to assist in the development and expansion of the facilities of the National Museum of United States Air Force®.  The Foundation raises funds through its Museum Store, Air Force Museum Theatre, membership program, flight simulators, and Valkyrie Café, as well as from direct donations.  For more information visit www.airforcemuseum.com.

Reel Stuff Aviation Resources LLC is dedicated to supporting non-profit aviation organizations through producing entertaining events and programs that cinematically celebrate the people, wonder, and joy of flight.  Reel Stuff founder and director, Ron Kaplan, is past executive director of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, a columnist for Pilot Magazine and Warbird Digest Magazine, and provides research and on-camera services to aviation film and media productions.  His work appears on such projects as the Miramax documentary, The Role of Howard Hughes in Aviation History; PBS-TV’s Emmy-winning series, Legends of Airpower; and Discovery Channel’s Showdown: Air Combat series, among others.  For more information visit www.reelstufffilmfest.com.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Indy Transponder 27-MAR-2013 1000z

'Aviation Nation' air show canceled at Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base - Truckee Times | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AP) — U.S. Air Force officials say federal budget cuts mean the grounding of the Thunderbirds precision aerial demonstration team and cancellation of a popular Nellis Air Force Base open house and air show. The 99th Air...

Blue Angels cancel Friday practice - Pensacola News Journal | Because of the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget cuts known as sequestration, the cancellation leaves only Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week as confirmed Blue Angels practices. The Navy has announced that the Blues's participation ...

25th Annual 2013 Salute To Veterans Airshow - STLtoday.com | It made history as the first aircraft to fly down Broadway over the 1989 Salute to Veterans Parade 25 years ago accompanied by the WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber SHOWME who will return to join it and fly a Heritage Flight. DON'T MISS THE INCREDIBLE ...

Dick Rutan Recalls Voyager's 1986 Circumnavigation from AVwebFlash Current Issue | Twenty seven years after the fact, Dick Rutan says he's somewhat astonished that he and Jeana Yeager made it around the world in the Burt Rutan-designed Voyager, given the rudimentary avionics of the day and the fact that the airplane had so little surplus load factor that moderate turbulence would have torn it apart. As the keynote speaker at the 56th Aircraft Electronics Association Convention opening in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Rutan flashed a photo of his panel that was then state-of-the-art but which now features some boxes long since faded from the market.

Leading the Way for Women in the Air Force: Jacqueline Cochran - DoD Live | Just as Nazi troops began their march across Europe, Jacqueline (Jackie) Cochran suggested her plans for using women pilots to fight the war. The initial suggestion was rejected, but her determination and consistency made her the first woman to pilot a bomber across the North Atlantic. Her efforts also made it possible for women to serve in what is today’s Air Force....

Doolittle Raider to visit Goodfellow [JUMP]97-year-old Cole to recall nearly ... - San Angelo Standard Times | SAN ANGELO, Texas — A national treasure will visit Goodfellow Air Force Base today, a man whose 97 years of life experiences include flying the right seat of a B-25 Mitchell in the famous Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, Ret. USAF ...

Sgt. Norman Page was a C-130 ‘Cold War’ mechanic and flight engineer from War Tales by Don Moore | For most of his 24 years of service in the Air Force Sgt. Norman Page kept C-130 “Hercules,’ four-engine transport planes flying as a senior aviation mechanic and flight engineer or crew chief. After graduating from aviation mechanics training his first assignment, a Strategic Air Command mechanic at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa in the [...]

Georgia pilots band together to inspire - AOPA Pilot | The distinctive paint scheme, along with patches and insignia, are used by TigerFlight both to capture the interest of children, and honor the Flying Tigers of World War II. Photo courtesy Phil Cataldo/TigerFlight Foundation. Phil Cataldo worried he ...

Meet the Chairman of the Board from Vintage Wings of Canada by DaveIf there is one person you should introduce yourself to at Vintage Wings of Canada this year, make it Todd Lemieux, our new Chairman of the Board. You will be glad you did, for your life will be the richer for it. Todd has been involved with Vintage Wings as a volunteer pilot and event organizer for the past three years, and he has committed to taking a couple of years off from a successful Oil Patch career to lead Vintage Wings towards an self-funding existence, capable of self-sustained operation independent of the present massively generous financial support of our Founder and major benefactor, Michael U. Potter. While Mike will remain our single biggest funder and donor of assets such as the major part of our fleet and our hangar, Mike needs to know that ...

1911 Ely-Curtiss Pusher Replica, C-54 Spirit of Freedom to Appear at Virginia Regional Festival of Flight from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association | Bob Coolbaugh's 1911 Ely-Curtiss Pusher replica and the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation's C-54 Spirit of Freedom will be at the 2013 Virginia Festival of Flight slated for May 4-5 at Suffolk Executive Airport (SFQ).

More than $125,000 in scholarships awarded from General Aviation News | LAS VEGAS — During the Opening Ceremonies at the 56th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show on Tuesday, March 26, the Aircraft Electronics Association’s Educational Foundation announced the names of 26 individuals who were awarded individual scholarships worth more than $125,000 for the 2013-14 academic year.

Preserving backcountry flying from General Aviation News | By JOHN J. MCKENNA Jr. | Some things are just worth holding onto and that is all there is to it. That simple statement is really how the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was formed — six folks sitting around a campfire with the idea that if they did not get busy protecting the special places that we know as backcountry and recreational airstrips, these cherished destinations would most likely just go away....

Val Kilmer & Anthony Edwards Are Fighter Jets in Full 'Planes' Cast - First Showing | Planes is directed by Klay Hall ("King of the Hill," Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure) and follows Dusty (Dane Cook), a small town crop dusting plane who longs to enter the most epic around-the-world air race despite his fear of heights. But Dusty's ...

Space shuttle Enterprise lands in historic places registry - NBCNews.com (blog) | Located at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, the test orbiter has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, becoming the first of NASA's retired space shuttles to receive the distinction. "We are extremely proud to be ...

Dragon Returns in Successful Splashdown from Spaceports | Elon Musk tweeted "Cargo looks A ok," referencing the nearly 2,668 pounds of equipment, supplies and scientific instruments returned from the International Space Station on-orbit. The cargo will be shipped to the Port of Los Angeles and then trucked to Texas for unloading with NASA....

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Indy Transponder 26-MAR-2013 2130z

Valkaria AirFest April 20 - Brevard Times | The AirFest is presented by the Valkaria Aviation Association, a nonprofit charitable organization, and is hosted by Brevard County Government. The cost to attend is $15 per person. For more information, visit www.valkariaairfest.org. Proceeds from the...

25th Annual 2013 Salute To Veterans Airshow - STLtoday.com | Columbia, MO: The Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Veterans Corporation invites the public to come celebrate a major milestone at their 25th Annual Two-Day Salute to Veterans Airshow over the Memorial Day Weekend at Columbia Regional Airport on...

August airshow planned at Allentown airport - Allentown Morning Call | The Lehigh Valley International Airport will host an airshow in late August to raise money and awareness about the Allentown facility, where passenger traffic has slipped. The Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team, an all-female sky diving team and ground exhibits...

Ellsworth cancels annual Dakota Thunder airshow - Rapid City Journal | Ellsworth Air Force Base said Monday that it has cancelled this year's Dakota Thunder air show following federal budget cuts that took effect this month. The air show has been been hosted every two to three years at Ellsworth for decades. At a typical...

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN - DAY TWO from Royal International Air Tattoo News | Welcome to Day Two of the Air Tattoo's 'Magnificent Seven' Easter Egg-stravaganza of Aircraft.

AIRSHOW NEWS: RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day is a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013 from Flightline UK - UK Airshow News | Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day has been named as a finalist in the Tourism Experience of the Year category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013....

WWII Avro Anson plane airshow star - 3News NZ | Organisers say computer games have driven interest in aviation heritage. But it's a rare World War II-era bomber that should attract the most attention. A 10-year restoration effort left the Avro Anson looking just as it did during the Second World War...

Opening Day festivities at Turner Field are set - AtlantaBraves.com | During the National Anthem, four T-6s of the historic Dixie Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will perform a flyover across Turner Field. Fans will see former third baseman Chipper Jones on the field for the first time out of his uniform when he will...

Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Into Cathedral Catholic [Gallery] - Patch.com | The Leap Frogs jumped from the aircraft immediately following an appearance by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard and the singing of the national anthem. The jumpers deployed their gold and blue parachutes and activated green smoke grenades to make...

Air Force Museum Hosts Aviation Film Festival from AVwebFlash Current Issue | To celebrate the installation of its giant new movie screen, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, in Dayton, Ohio, is hosting an all-aviation film festival, April 12 to 14. The museum's 400-seat theater is re-opening after an $800,000 renovation, featuring a high-definition digital 3D screen that stands six stories high and an all-new sound system. The Reel Stuff Film Festival of Aviation...

Faribault Area Balloon Rally & Airfest to return this fall - Southernminn.com | A group of hot air balloons are prepared to be launched at the beginning of the 2007 Faribault Area Airfest and Balloon Rally. The event has been on hiatus since 2009, but will return this September.

Boots Blesse flies west from Air Force Link Top Stories | An Air Force legend was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery March 22, officially "flying west." Retired Maj. Gen. Frederick "Boots" Blesse, a double ace pilot, passed away Oct. 31, 2012. He retired from the Air Force April 1, 1975, and into his final days, the Air Force was a consistent part of his life....

Moon landing jump starts general's own space legacy from Air Force Link Top Stories | When Neil Armstrong made history with man's first footsteps on the moon, Susan Helms needed a little nudging from her mom to get excited. And get excited she did. She realized that there would never be another first step on the moon, and even as a young 11-year-old, knew the feat was something special. Little did she know that a little more than two decades later, then Maj. Helms would be the first woman military astronaut to fly in space....

B-17 'Memphis Belle' vintage aircraft flies into Long Beach for anniversary from LGB - Long Beach Airport Spotting and News by Stephen Tornblom |LONG BEACH -- Laurence Stevens was a 19-year-old B-17 tail gunner, dozing off above Brux, Czechoslovakia, in 1944 when a jolt snapped him alert. Dozens of white parachute canopies were blossoming in the freezing stratosphere as B-17s began plummeting toward the ground.... [video]

Yorkshire Air museum in awards final - The Press, York | THE Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, near York, has been named as a finalist in this year's Visit England Awards For Excellence. The museum has made the shortlist in the category of Tourism Experience of the Year, following its French In York...

Air Force tells stealth pilots it has no cure for 'Raptor cough' - RT | Air Force pilots employed to fly the US military's F-22 warplanes are experiencing breathing problems and coughing fits caused by plane's oxygen system – and officials say they have no solution for this problem. Despite at least one fatal crash that...

Air Force Memorial Launches New Website - Sacramento Bee | The website has undergone a total redesign to better provide people with information about visiting the memorial, hosting an event, accessing its heritage archives, leaving a tribute for a friend or a family member, and much more. ... the United States...

SpaceX Dragon capsule returns successfully to Earth from Flightglobal Events  | The SpaceX Dragon capsule has returned successfully from its third flight to the International Space Station, splashing down into the Pacific Ocean. The...

Indy Transponder 26-MAR-2013 1645z

Countdown to SUN ’n FUN from General Aviation News by Drew Steketee | The Breitling Countdown Clock on the SUN ’n FUN website is ticking down as Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Florida transitions into GA’s season-opener national fly-in/convention/airshow....

Air show community networks at NWCAS conference - Canadian Skies | The Northwest Council of Air Shows (NWCAS) is just the forum for those discussions. One of three regional branches of the International Council of Airshows (ICAS), NWCAS was created to represent air show-related interests specific to northwestern ...

The Honorable Deborah Hersman from WAI Connect Blog by Amy Laboda | Sequestration may have kept loyal WAI member the Honorable Deborah Hersman in Washington, D.C., during the 24th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference, but she cut a wonderful and inspiring video for all to see at the luncheon during the conference. Watch it yourself right here.

Valkaria AirFest April 20 - Brevard Times | Special events include a live bi-plane wing walking act, a live musical concert featuring “Luna Pearl” after a twilight airshow, a hot air balloon glow and a twilight rocket launch. There's also an Aviation Flea Market, 5th annual History Hangar, book ...

Editorial: Region needs Blue Angels - Pensacola News Journal | Anyone who questions the affection and admiration Northwest Floridians have with the Navy Blue Angels need only look at Tony Giberson's photos from Wednesday's practice. An estimated 6,200 people showed up to watch the hometown demonstration...

Cleveland National Air Show canceled for 2013 because of federal budget cuts - Plain Dealer | Frank Papiska, left, and his son Nick, 6, from Kent, pose in front of a U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet during the 2012 Cleveland International Air Show last September at Burke Lakefront Airport. This year's show has been canceled because of federal budget cuts.

Photos: Boeing B-17 “Memphis Belle” takes flight over Long Beach - Long Beach Press-Telegram | The Liberty Foundation's Boeing B-17 “Memphis Belle” is one of only 13 B-17′s still flying today out of nearly 13,000 built for service in World War II. The “Memphis Belle” will be at Long Beach Airport for Saturday flights and tours and it took a few...

2013 New Zealand Air Safari from Making a Kiwi Fly | It was the Waikato Aero Clubs turn to host a leg of the Air Safari as I said previously. I signed up to volunteer my services as needed, and it turned out I was going to participate in the Air Safari to an extent further than I'd expected....

Photos: Me-262 Schwalbe from FenceCheck Forums | Went out to see the newest addition to the Collings Foundation stable in Dallas today! What a machine!

Rare helicopter on exhibit at Oakland museum from General Aviation News by General Aviation News Staff | Oakland Aviation Museum in Oakland, Calif., now has on display the Hiller Ten99, aka Hiller 1099, helicopter. This one-of-a-kind helicopter was loaned to OAM by the Hiller Aviation Museum of San Carlos, Calif. The Ten99 was built in 1961 as an experimental helicopter by Hiller Aircraft.

Pearson Air Museum Bill Approved by Congressional Committee - Vancouver Business Journal | The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee today voted to approve legislation to restore local management to Pearson Air Museum. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, gained bipartisan support and is on track for a vote by the U.S. House ...

Virginia Air and Space Center receives $30000 donation - Daily Press | "Lori and I are pleased to be able to assist the Virginia Air & Space Center Opportunity Program. We think this education program offers hope of stimulating interest in the fields of space science, technology, engineering and math for children in our ...

Museum of Flight...Langley BC - Adventures in Mike's Life | Full size old planes that are still flyable, sit beside radial and "V" engines of yester-year. Above them are huge and intricate models...some or most of them used to be remote control airplane models. Beside the museum is a great little cafe...

Texas Chapter April 2013 Newsletter from Antique Airfield News
Marginal Aviation Worknight from Antique Airfield News

The Tale of Juan Mendoza, Bolivian Hero and Aviator - PRI's The World | For our Geo Quiz…rewind back to the War of the Pacific, a conflict that started in 1879, involving Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. This South American territorial war is also known by two other names. These alternative names refer to some of the natural ...

Vintage Atlas and X-15 infographics from The Original Rocket Dungeon by Dick | Here are two rocket illustrations for this chilly Tuesday. They come from Flickr user paul.malon. If you want to read the text, click through to Paul's photo stream, right click the photo and select 'original'.

Drones fly in huge Star Trek emblem formation over London - Wired.uk | ...To mark Earth Hour on 23 March, 30 LED-carrying quadcopter drones flew in formation over Tower Bridge, marking out a 94-metre-high Starfleet emblem. It was designed and carried out by...