Air show pioneer William W. "Pappy" Kobelt, the innovative Thrasher Brothers, and lifetime performer Eddie Andreini are the 2013 inductees into the International Council of Airshows (ICAS) Foundation Hall of Fame.
Eddie Andreini has performed in nearly a thousand air shows over a period just shy of 50 years, flying a customized Russian Yak, a modified 500-hp Super Stearman, and beginning in 2012, a fully restored P-51 Mustang. Andreini also earned the ICAS Sword of Excellence in 2004. Performing primarily on the West Coast, Eddie has also flown internationally, including in the countries of Canada and Australia. According to Eddie, "There is always some small child who you know just became passionate about flying because of what he saw my plane do. Or even an older person will tell me that my performance really went deep into his or her heart and touched him in an unexpected, but so meaningful way," Andreini said. "That, for me, is what keeps me flying."
William W. “Pappy” Kobelt established Kobelt Airport in 1958. Located in New York State, the airport was intended to support Kobelt’s power line patrol operation. But since he was also an air show performer in a Ryan PT-22, he soon added an aerobatic flight school, one of the first in the country. Kobelt Airport became the aerobatic mecca of its day with fly-ins, air shows and the school. In the early 1960’s it was "the" place to find performers, where fledgling aeronauts and experienced fliers went to aviate or just hang out. Today’s performers, competitors, and flight schools owe a debt to Pappy Kobelt for his foresight and love of flight. Pappy Kobelt died in an automobile accident in 1966, but will always be remembered as a visionary with a passion for flight, aerobatic training, and air shows.
The Thrasher Brothers – Grady, Richard (Bud) and Tunis – performed from 1945 to 1950 in 378 air shows from Houston to Erie Pennsylvania to Miami, and were known for organizing and promoting their own shows, known as the Thrasher Brothers Aerial Circus. They also performed as featured acts in other established shows, along with pilots including Woody Edmunson, Bevo Howard, Betty Skelton, and Ben F. Huntley. Their outrageous performances included the aerobatic routine of their Twin Ercoupe (two airplanes bolted together sharing common outer wings), a Piper Cub which took off with Bud hanging on a wingstrut during a complete airport traffic pattern, a "World's Smallest Airport" (cartop landing), car-to-aircraft human transfers, and a parachute jump with Bud displaying an American flag.
The Thrashers, Kobelt, and Andreini will join the impressive list of fifty-nine honorees who have entered the Hall of Fame since 1995. The ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas during the annual ICAS Chairman’s Banquet.
The ICAS Foundation Hall of Fame was created in 1995 as an independent nonprofit organization to honor those who have made a significant impact on the air show industry, to educate today’s generation about their contributions, and to recognize the industry’s top performers throughout the history of air shows.
2013 World Aerobatic Championships Come To US - Aero-News Network | Chosen Site Is Jean, NV, Southwest Of Las Vegas | The 27th FAI World Aerobatic Championships will be coming to the United States in 2013. Members of the FAI Aerobatics Commission met in Krakow, Poland earlier this month and approved a proposal to hold the event in Jean, Nevada. The Jean Airport (0L7) is about 25 minutes southwest of the Las Vegas Strip, immediately adjacent to the Gold Strike Hotel and Casino. The official event website says the championships will be organized by a...
Blue Angels to visit Pease in advance of 2012 air show - Sea Coast Online | PORTSMOUTH — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are planning a return visit to the Seacoast Monday, Nov. 28, in preparation for the upcoming 2012 Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show. Lt. Mark Tedrow is expected to land Blue Angel #7 at the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease for the brief visit....
Wings of Blue wins gold - Air Force Academy Public Affairs | 11/18/2011 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- Nov. 3 was a good day to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, as the Air Force Wings of Blue parachute competition team can attest. The squad's four-person "Air Force Inception" team won first place in the four-person intermediate free-flying competition at the U.S. Parachute Association's National Skydiving Championships in Eloy, Ariz., highlighting a string of good finishes by both Air Force Academy cadets and U.S. Army skydivers....
Two Weeks Remain for Refunds of Air Race Tickets - KTVN | From the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is currently offering refunds for tickets purchased for Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 due to the cancellation of the remainder of the 48th Annual National Championship Air Races. Since refund information was first posted in mid-October, Air Race customers from around the world have called, mailed and emailed their support that RARA apply their refund amounts towards sustaining the future of the air racing organization and the planning and production of future events....
Pilot Sullenberg reunited with miracle plane - Kansas City Star | CHARLOTTE, N.C. | For the first time since the historic splash landing in the Hudson River in 2009, Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger on Friday reboarded the Airbus 320 whose wings carried him to aviation fame. “It's a familiar place,” Sullenberger said after dropping back into the left seat on the flight deck of the US Airways jetliner —now an attraction at the Carolinas Aviation Museum beside Charlotte-Douglas International Airport....
ICAS Foundation to Raffle Waco "Mystery Ship" Pedal Plane at ICAS. (Dec. 4-7, 2011) by Franklin's Flying Circus | A small group of airshow enthusiasts have built an amazing pedal plane version of Kyle Franklin's Waco "Mystery Ship". The ICAS Foundation will be selling raffle tickets for this one-of-a-kind work of aviation art that also functions as the world's coolest toy. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Kyle and Amanda Fund being administered by the Foundation. Buy Tickets HERE.
New CAF director - ODESSA AMERICAN | The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and CAF Airpower Museum announced Friday that Autumn Hicks as the new museum director of the CAF Airpower Museum. Hicks had served as interim director since September....
Flying Tigers reunite, honor 70 years of service - Middle East North Africa Financial Network | (AFNS) -- The 2011 Flying Tigers reunion brought together pilots who have flown attack and rescue aircraft bearing the infamous shark's teeth for the past...
The Comet Affair - Air & Space Smithsonian | Why the cold war forced the British government to choose between keeping a friend and arming an enemy.
Branstetters had a love of aviation, OSU - 2KJRH | TULSA - A plane crash that killed two of Oklahoma State University's coaching staff also claimed the lives of two other people. Olin Branstetter and his wife, Paula, were both onboard the plane that killed OSU Women's Basketball Head Coach Kurt Budke and Assistant Coach Miranda Serna....
The model NC-4 - Travel for Aircraft | The model NC-4 | The previous post was about the real Curtiss NC-4, first aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean which resides in the National Naval Aviation Museum. The mammoth size of the seaplane makes it difficult to capture it in a single image — not that I am complaining since any visitor can walk right up to it to see the fabric’s texture and wooden hues....
In 1954, ANYTHING Is Possible! (Convair XFY-1 Pogo VTOL Video) - AirPigz | This short video from November 1954 shows the Convair XFY-1 Pogo making the transition from a tailsitting VTOL concept to a forward flying big-prop-beast! (ok, big props) Bottom line: this is a must see video! Stop and think about this... it's 1954 (57 years ago) and an airplane successfully takes off from a tailsitting position, then speeds around in fast forward flight, then comes back and...
A Canadian at an Air2Air Workshop - Flightglobal | I found out about Air2Air workshops a while ago when looking at Moose Petersons website. The workshop has 3 Instructors Moose Peterson, Richard VanderMeulen and Doug Rozendaal and are held in Arizona, Florida and Texas with four workshops done this year. I went to Galveston Texas on Thursday November 3 and when I got into town I found 5000 Harleys and their owners at the annual Lone Star Harley event. Those bikes make a lot of noise but cannot beat the sound of the B-17G engines when you...
Aerial Firefighting in Ontario - Flightglobal | In August of 1921, during a timber sketching flight in the Sioux Lookout District, Lieut. R. N. "Reg" Johnston spotted a forest fire on an island in Cliff Lake. He returned to base where he picked up a ranger equipped with the necessary fire-fighting tools. The ranger managed to extinguish the fire before it got out of control. It is believed that this was the first case in Ontario of an aircraft being used to suppress a fire. Carl Crossley in 1944 began experiments dropping water on fires from aircraft. He decided that it would be useful as it took...
Aviation High School breaks ground on new location - Tukwila Reporter | Aviation High School junior Jacob Wagner already had a dream come true. He got to fly an airplane solo for the first time. "It was the best experience I've ever had," he said, beaming. "I was just giggling the whole time. It felt so good to be up in the air; I felt so free." This experience was possible because of a discount Wagner received through his enrollment at Aviation High School. The school, built in 2004, focuses on preparing students for college and a high-technological workplace....
EAA to Launch Adult Flight Program in Spring 2012 - Aero Experience | The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has announced its long-awaited aviation program for adults scheduled for rollout in Spring, 2012. The Aero Experience reported that changes to the Young Eagles program (which include an adult flight program) were being considered by the EAA back on January 16 during the 2011 Midwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show held in St. Louis County. During the conference, EAA President Rod Hightower spoke about enhancements being made to the Young Eagles program, such as the Sporty's Pilot Shop virtual pilot training instruction and the voucher available for an orientation flight with a flight instructor. The adult flight program was then in development, and now the EAA press release below gives more details:...
Design by Rutan - Air & Space Smithsonian | A retrospective of Burt Rutan's high-performance art.
Astronauts Usher in New NYC Museum Space Show - Space.com | NEW YORK — The American Museum of Natural History here raised the curtain on its brand new space show this week, with help from two guys with first-hand experience. NASA astronauts Mike Massimino and John Grunsfeld, who both flew...
Longtime ICAS member and air show performer Bill Reesman passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 15 near his home in southern California. Details on the cause of his death are not available.
FOUNDATION SEEKS HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
The ICAS Foundation is seeking nominations for its Air Show Hall of Fame. New inductees will be recognized during the 2011 ICAS Convention, December 4-7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Air Show Hall of Fame was established in 1995 to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the air show industry and to help educate the air show community about the history of the air show business. Past inductees include Bob Hoover, Lincoln Beachey, Paul Poberezny, Leo Loudenslager, Duane Cole, Curtis Pitts, Jimmy Franklin, Charlie Hillard, and Bill Sweet.
Nominees from all segments of the air show community may be recommended to the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Closing date for nominating a candidate is July 1, 2011.
MOHR TO BE INDUCTED INTO MINNESOTA AVIATION HALL OF FAME
ICAS member and longtime air show performer John Mohr will be inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 30 at a ceremony in Bloomington, Minnesota. In addition to his 35+ year air show career, Mohr is being recognized for his experiences as an airline pilot, helicopter pilot, ambulance flight pilot and floatplane pilot.
Begun in 1988, the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame now includes more than 160 aviation professionals, including Charles Lindbergh, Marvin Northrup, and Leo Thorsness.
BRANTFORD CANCELS
Space limitations and ongoing construction projects have prompted the organizers of the Rotary Brantford (Ontario) Charity Air Show to cancel their 2011 air show.
August 27-28, 2011: The Minden-Tahoe Airport will host the 1st annual Aviation Roundup. This year’s event will be a benefit for Amanda and Kyle Franklin. All profits will be donated to the Kyle and Amanda Fund through the ICAS Foundation. Please join us in this very important event. ICAS members Bobbi Thompson, Wayne Boggs and Bruce Turner will team together to lead this special benefit show.
This will include an Air Show a fly in and convention for pilots, manufacturers, and distributors of aircraft and aircraft components. The event is open to pilots and the community and will provide great family entertainment.
The main Airport ramp will be available for tents and booths for vendors. Space will be available for seminars and classes for pilots and customers. This is an opportunity to be on the ground floor of a premier event in the aviation industry. As a courtesy, the Minden-Tahoe Airport will not be charging for the vendor spaces for this pecial event. Please know that space is limited, so get your registration in early. We are anticipating 12,000 to 15,000 in attendance.
Watch for additional updates as we get closer to the Roundup. For questions or for more information, please contact Bobbi Thompson, Airport Manager or Chris Johnson, Airport Operations Specialist, at (775) 782-9871, or bthompson@co.douglas.nv.us, or cjohnson@co.douglas.nv.us.
2010 CONVENTION OFFERS PROMISING START TO 2011 SEASON
With total attendance of 1,560 convention delegates and an exhibit hall floor that was unusually busy with activity, the 2010 ICAS Convention appears to have set the stage for a successful 2011 air show season.
“We are pleased with the strong attendance, but the energy and excitement in the hotel was even more encouraging,” says ICAS President John Cudahy. “There was a palpable sense of optimism and relief among almost all of our members.”
In addition to 235 organizations exhibiting in the 60,000 square foot exhibit hall, this year’s ICAS Convention included nearly 100 education speakers, including an opening keynote address by Congressman Sam Johnson, a former U.S.A.F. Thunderbird and Vietnam War prisoner of war. Johnson was introduced by ICAS member and air show legend Bob Hoover.
The 2010 convention becomes the fourth largest event in ICAS history and the most well attended since 2004.
Dates for the 2011 ICAS Convention have already been set: Sunday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 7 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
2012 BLUES SCHEDULE STILL NOT AVAILABLE
Due to some unanticipated scheduling complications, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels were not able to release their 2012 performance schedule as planned during the 2010 ICAS Convention. Though the schedule has still not been approved at the highest levels of Navy leadership, it is expected to be released and publicized within the next several days.
GALLOGLY IS 37TH SWORD RECIPIENT
During the Chairman’s Banquet at the 2010 ICAS Convention, Colonel Larry Gallogly of the Rhode Island Air National Guard was presented with the 2010 ICAS Sword of Excellence, in recognition of his outstanding service and personal contributions to the air show community.
Gallogly was recognized with the air show industry’s most prestigious award for two decades of work in the air show business. In addition to building his own show, he and his colleagues at the Rhode Island Air National Guard Air Show have helped to train hundreds of air show professionals from other shows, both civilian and military. Gallogly also served eight years on the ICAS Board of Directors, including one year as chairman during a difficult and turbulent period of transition for the organization. He was recognized for his considerable leadership and entrepreneurial skills and his deep and personal commitment to the air show business.
HINTON IS 2010 SCHOLL AWARD RECIPIENT
World-renowned air show pilot Steve Hinton was named as the 24th recipient of the Art Scholl Showmanship Award during the Chairman’s Banquet at the 2010 ICAS Convention.
During the award presentation, Hinton was recognized as one of the air show industry’s most experienced and capable pilots, flying a large number and wide variety of rare and sometimes exotic warbirds for nearly 35 years.
Awarded each year to the air show industry’s most entertaining performers, the Scholl Award has been presented to Bob Hoover, Jim Franklin, Leo Loudenslager, Sean Tucker, Danny Clisham, the French Connection, Michael Goulian, the Red Baron Squadron, Tora Tora Tora, and Kent Pietsch, to name just a few past recipients.
139TH AW NAMED SCHRAM RECIPIENT
The 139TH Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard, based in St. Joseph, Missouri, was recognized as the 2010 recipient of the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award during the annual ICAS Convention earlier this month in Las Vegas.
Although their 2010 event was the 139TH's first open house in four years, the air show was singled out for the unique manner in which civilian airport officials, local government representatives and community philanthropic organizations were involved with every aspect of planning and execution of the Sound of Speed Air Show and Open House, as well as the contributions made by the show to local philanthropies. The result was an air show and open house that embodied the ideals and philosophy represented by the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award.
NEW DIRECTORS ELECTED
In a Board election that included more member participation than any election in the last ten years, the ICAS membership selected four of their own to fill vacancies on the ICAS Board of Directors.
Marcus Jannitto from the Rhode Island Air National Guard, Dale Drumright from AirPower over Hampton Roads, and George Cline of Air Boss, Inc. will serve three-year terms. Steve Brown from the Commemorative Air Force will serve a two-year term on the Board.
OFFICERS NAMED
The new Board of Directors also selected its officers for 2010-2011. Dan McLaren of Mach 1 Productions will serve as chairman of the Board of Directors. Air show performer Gary Rower will serve as vice chairman. And Judy Willey from the Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Oregon, was selected as secretary/treasurer.
TAKE A MINUTE TO COMPLETE OUR POST-CONVENTION SURVEY
If you attended the 2010 ICAS Convention earlier this month, you will be receiving a brief survey that will help us assess the quality and effectiveness of this year’s ICAS Convention and, more importantly, provide us with invaluable information and feedback as we begin the process of planning the 2011 convention.
The survey has been designed to take less than ten minutes to fill out. Please take a few minutes today to read through the questions and provide us with your feedback. In addition to giving us important insight to use in planning next year’s convention, your name will be added to a drawing to receive a free registration to the 2011 ICAS Convention.
BOOTH SPACE FOR 2011 IN SHORT SUPPLY
The traditional booth drawing for exhibit space at next year’s convention produced nearly 20 percent more booth reservations for 2011 than ICAS received at the 2009 convention for the 2010 event.
Translation: booth space for the 2011 convention is likely to be in short supply earlier. If you plan to reserve exhibit space at next year’s convention, you will want to contact Karen Connors (Connors@airshows.aero) at your earliest convenience.
JIMMY DRISKEL: ON THE MEND
Jimmy Driskel, the long-time announcer and frequent ferry pilot for Bob Hoover, recently took a fall at home and fractured his back. He’s recovering at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado and would probably enjoy receiving “get well” messages and/or holiday greetings from his many friends in the air show community. You may contact Jimmy at Jimmy Driskel, Larchwood Rehab Center, 2845 N. 15th Street, Room #17, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506.
FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES BOARD, OFFICERS
The ICAS Foundation has announced the members of its 2011 Board of Directors. Completing their two-year terms in 2011 are Jeff Parnau, Rhonda Butler and George Cline. Accepting another two-year term are Caroline Trinkwalder, Nancy Lowe, Wayne Boggs, John Bowman, Dale Drumright and Steve Oliver. Joining the board for the first year of their two-year terms are Herb Gillen, Karin Goulian and Rose McComb.
The Foundation’s 2011 officers will be Caroline Trinkwalder, Chairman; Jeff Parnau, Vice-Chairman; Nancy Lowe, Secretary; and Rhonda Butler, Treasurer.
Feel free to contact any of the board members for information about the ICAS Foundation, or visit their web site at www.icasfoundation.org.
THANK YOU ONE LAST TIME TO OUR SPONSORS
Sponsorship support of the 2010 ICAS Convention was both strong and invaluable. Please join us in expressing our appreciation to: AirShowBuzz.com; Air Boss & Consulting International, Inc.; American Aerobatics, Inc – Julie Clark’s Chevron Mentor; ExtremeTix, Inc./ClicknPrint Tickets; Greg Poe Airshows; Team Chaos Extreme Airshows; FedEx Express; Mike Goulian Airshows; John Klatt Airshows, Inc.; Insurance Technologies & Programs, Inc.; AirSupport, LLC; Commemorative Air Force/Tora Tora Tora; Shannon & Luchs Insurance Agency, Inc.; Air Boss, Inc. - George Cline; Jim Peitz Aerosports, Inc.; Jacquie B Airshows; Nalls Aviation, Inc.; Mohr Barnstorming; Mach 1 Productions; Team Rocket; Gordon Bowman-Jones; Geico Skytypers; Tim Weber Airshows, Inc.; Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows, LLC; Aerostars Formation Aerobatic Team; The Air Show Network; Stallion 51 Corp.; Patriots Jet Team; Rob Reider, Air Show Announcer; and OnBoard Images.
PRE-REGISTRATION LEVELS SUGGEST NEAR RECORD ATTENDANCE
With more than 1,250 air show professionals already registered to participate in next month's convention, ICAS representatives believe that total convention attendance will exceed any recent year and may approach record levels.
"We have never had this many pre-registrants at this point in the run-up to the convention," says ICAS President John Cudahy. "Booths are sold out. The hotel is nearly full. And every leading indicator that we monitor is suggesting record or near-record attendance."
DON'T MISS THE BIG EVENT
Although the precise cause is difficult to identify, it's clear that the air show community is returning to something approaching business as usual. Member organizations that sent two representatives to the ICAS Convention are sending three or four this year. Companies that skipped the convention entirely last year have pre-registered and will be attending this year's big event. And booths in the exhibit hall sold out much earlier than they have in several years.
If you've been delaying a decision yourself, the pace of registrations during the last three weeks should be the indicator you've been looking for. The air show community will gather at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel with renewed enthusiasm as we all continue the process of planning for the 2011 air show season. We hope that you'll make the decision to join us.
YOU CAN STILL REGISTER
ICAS members who have not yet registered for the ICAS Convention may still do so by visiting the ICAS website or by clicking here. Registering on-line will save you money. And registering before you arrive in Las Vegas will help you avoid the sometimes long lines in the convention registration area.
BRING YOUR REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION
If you have already registered for the ICAS Convention, be sure to bring your confirmation letter. It includes a bar code that will greatly expedite the self check-in process.
BOARD VOTING PROCEDURES
Voting for the four open positions on the ICAS Board of Directors will take place at the ICAS Convention on Monday, December 6 and Tuesday, December 7. Members may cast their ballot in the Chablis room from 10:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, and then again from 2:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One vote per member organization.
Information on each of the candidates running to fill the four openings on the ICAS Board of Directors was distributed earlier this fall and will be available at the ICAS Convention.
Recently, an ICAS member pointed out to the ICAS Board of Directors an inconsistency in the ICAS Bylaws. In one section, the bylaws provide for submitting election ballots by mail and for submitting proxy votes. Elsewhere in the bylaws, the language makes it clear that the voting can be conducted entirely on-site during the convention, the process that ICAS has used for more than 35 years. These two sections contradict one another. After consulting with ICAS legal counsel, the ICAS Executive Committee opted to use the same process that ICAS has used for more than three decades. Following this year's convention, an ad hoc committee authorized and empowered by the ICAS Board will review and recommend changes to inconsistent or ambiguous wording in the bylaws.
WHAT TO WEAR
One of the most frequent questions we receive at ICAS headquarters in the last several days before the convention relate to dress. So, we'd like to offer a few clothing-related pointers for convention events.
Generally, the dress for the ICAS Convention is business casual.
At the traditional welcome reception on Sunday evening, the theme this year will be home town pride. Wear your "geographically suggestive" clothing and let people know where you're from. Though there is no official policy within the military, with the exception of Flight Suit Day on
Tuesday and the Chairman's Banquet on Wednesday night, it is unusual for military representatives to wear their military uniforms.
Tuesday is Flight Suit Day. All pilots and performers are encouraged to wear their flight suits.
The Wednesday night Chairman's Banquet is a "black tie optional" event. Though some of our convention delegates choose to wear tuxedoes and evening dresses, they are not required and you will not feel out of place if you come in less formal attire.
ICAS REITERATES EXHIBIT FLOOR SOLICITATION POLICY
Selling privileges on the ICAS Convention exhibit hall floor are limited to organizations that have contracted and paid for space assignments. No other persons or organizations will be permitted to sell products or services, solicit contributions, distribute advertising materials, or demonstrate products on the exhibit hall floor. Non-exhibiting personnel observed selling on the exhibit hall floor will be asked to stop such activities. If these non-exhibiting personnel refuse to stop, they will be asked to leave the hall.
A note to our other delegates: if you see somebody involved in this practice, please alert an ICAS staff member. If you are approached by a vendor who is attempting to do business with you on the trade show floor without a booth, please let them know that this practice is against convention policy and that you don't feel comfortable having that conversation on the exhibit hall floor.
"This is a policy that has been in place at the ICAS Convention for many years," says ICAS President John Cudahy. "If the practice is not actively discouraged by all ICAS members, it threatens to do serious and lasting damage to this important industry event. It also has the potential to drive up costs for all of our convention delegates."
AUCTION TO BENEFIT IMPORTANT FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
As you finalize your plans for the 2010 ICAS Convention, don't forget to pack your checkbook. The traditional ICAS Foundation auction has expanded this year to include an on-line component, but the on-site silent auction program will still be an integral part of this year's ICAS Convention. This year, the auction will be located at the entrance to the Paris Hotel convention area. Auction hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 5 and from 10:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 6. Winning bidders can pick up their items on Tuesday, December 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
TALENT SHOW IS NEW ADDITION TO ICAS CONVENTION SCHEDULE
As you plan your work in Las Vegas, be sure to set aside time on the evening of Monday, December 6 to join us for ICAS Has Talent, a member-driven air show talent show. From 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., a small group of talented ICAS members will show off their non-aviation talents, all for the benefit of the programs and services run by the good folks at the ICAS Foundation.
PATRIOTS EXPAND TO SIX JETS
The Patriots Jet Team recently announced that they will add two jets to their current four-ship demonstration program to become North America's only civilian six-jet demonstration team. Entering their ninth year of performing in the jet-black L-39 Albatross, the 2011 team will include former pilots from the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
FINER KILLED IN CRASH
Air show performer and ICAS member Bob Finer was killed on Wednesday, November 17 when the twin-engine Cessna 337 in which he was flying crashed while participating in a military training exercise near Tampa, Florida. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the causes of the accident.
SPONSORS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
As we move into the final stages of our planning for the 2010 ICAS Convention, ICAS would like to thank all of our convention sponsors for the invaluable support they have provided this year, including: ASB.tv; Air Boss & Consulting International, Inc.; American Aerobatics, Inc – Julie Clark's Chevron Mentor; ExtremeTix Inc./ClicknPrint Tickets; Greg Poe Airshows; Team Chaos Extreme Airshows; FedEx Express; Mike Goulian Airshows; John Klatt Airshows, Inc.; Insurance Technologies & Programs, Inc.; AirSupport, LLC; Commemorative Air Force/Tora Tora Tora; Shannon & Luchs Insurance Agency, Inc.; Air Boss, Inc. - George Cline; Jim Peitz Aerosports, Inc.; Jacquie B Airshows; Nalls Aviation, Inc.; Mohr Barnstorming; Mach 1 Productions; Team Rocket; Gordon Bowman-Jones; Geico Skytypers; Tim Weber Airshows, Inc.; Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows, LLC; Aerostars Formation Aerobatic Team; Air Show Network; Stallion 51 Corp.; Patriots Jet Team; Rob Reider, Air Show Announcer; and OnBoard Images.
CANDIDATES STAND FOR ELECTION TO THE ICAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In August, the ICAS Nominating Committee recommended four candidates to fill four positions that will become vacant this year on the ICAS Board of Directors. Those nominees were selected in accordance with Section 9, Paragraph B (1) of the ICAS Bylaws.
The Nominating Committee was chaired by Judy Willey from the Oregon International Air Show. The other members of the Nominating Committee were Past ICAS Board Chairman Charles Hutchins from Tora Tora Tora, Past ICAS Board Chairman Harry Wardwell from the California International Air Show, Past Board member and air show performer Sean D. Tucker, and Past Board member and air show announcer Mike Berriochoa.
Section 9, Paragraph B (4) of the ICAS Bylaws requires that the Nominating Committee indicate its recommendations to the ICAS membership. The members that the Nominating Committee recommended to the Board are Stephan Brown from the Commemorative Air Force; Terry Grevious from the Vectren Dayton Air Show; Brigadier General (select) Marcus Jannitto from the Rhode Island Air National Guard; and David Monroe from the Aerostars Formation Aerobatic Team.
Section 9, Paragraph B (2) of the ICAS Bylaws provides members not selected by the Nominating Committee with the opportunity to add their own name to the Board of Directors election ballot by submitting a ballot that contains the signatures of ten (10) ICAS members. This year, three members have used this process to put their names on the ballot: George Cline from Air Boss, Inc.; Dale Drumright from the ICAS Foundation; and Larry Strain from AirPros, Inc.
The election to select the new members of the ICAS Board of Directors will take place on Monday, December 6 and Tuesday, December 7 during the ICAS Convention. Each member organization is entitled to cast one ballot in the ICAS Board of Directors election. For detailed position statements from each of the candidates, click here. To see a sample ballot, click here.
ICAS PROVIDES DETAILS ON EDUCATION PROGRAM
ICAS will conduct one of the most information-packed series of education sessions that it has ever offered in conjunction with the 2010 ICAS Convention, December 5-8 in Las Vegas. In all, more than 100 different speakers will participate in more than 60 different education sessions. (To see a summary of the entire agenda – including education sessions – for the 2010 ICAS Convention, click here.
"This year, I think the program does a particularly good job at getting at the most important issues with the most qualified speakers," says ICAS President John Cudahy. "There are so many strong sessions that we expect that many convention delegates will be frustrated by their inability to be in two places at one time."
Both prior to and during the convention, ICAS is holding several workshops and seminars on specific topics, including organizing and conducting Air Force open houses; air show operations; event sponsorship; and issues related to air bosses and air bossing. For more information on this series of programs, click here.
After some extensive negotiations with ICAS, the host hotel for the 2010 ICAS Convention has agreed to lower the group sleeping room rate to $99 per night.
ICAS members who have already made their reservation within the ICAS block of rooms at a higher price will have their rate automatically adjusted to $99. Anybody who makes a reservation under the ICAS block of rooms during the next few weeks will receive the lower rate.
To make your reservation within the ICAS block at this new and lower rate, click here.
ICAS HIGHLIGHTS SCHEDULE, CONTENT CHANGES TO 2010 CONVENTION
Five changes to the convention schedule/content for you to keep in mind as you make your plans for this year's event:
Important Change #1: As we did in 2009 for the first time, ICAS will hold a series of pre-convention break-out sessions on the afternoon of Sunday, December 5. ICAS advises you to arrive early on Sunday to participate in late afternoon sessions on ticket, budget and finance, regulatory harmonization between the U.S. and Canada, how to make most effective use of your booth in the ICAS exhibit hall, how to use your air show to recognize military veterans, and much more.
Important Change #2: ICAS will hold its first Safety Stand-Down during the 2010 Convention. On the afternoon of Monday, December 6 from 2:00 to 4:15 p.m., ICAS will devote two hours and fifteen minutes to presentations that assess, analyze and de-brief safety-related incidents and accidents during the 2010 air show season. The session will begin with a presentation by Des Barker, a retired general in the South African Air Force and world-recognized air show safety expert. Following Barker's presentation, the group will split into three groups to discuss performer, event organizer and air boss safety issues.
Important Change #3: For the first time ever, ICAS is holding a mini-film festival on two nights during its annual convention. On Monday night, ICAS will show Barnstorming, a new documentary film that looks at the true story of a small group of pilots who land in an Ohio farmer's field, strike up a relationship with the farmer, his family and friends, and then continue to visit and fly an informal air show at the farm each year for more than a decade. On Tuesday night, you'll see Speed and Angels, the engaging, exciting, multiple-award winning, true story of two young Navy officers and how they pursue their childhood dreams of becoming naval aviators.
Important Change #4: On the evening of Monday, December 6, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., the ICAS Foundation will demonstrate that, "ICAS Has Talent." A fundraiser for all the good work done by the ICAS Foundation, this tightly choreographed, extraordinarily entertaining talent show will leave you awe-struck, laughing in the aisles and thoroughly entertained.
Important Change #5: As we have at the past two conventions, the space draw for the next ICAS Convention will be held on Tuesday evening, after the afternoon exhibit hall session. This year, however, there is a financial incentive for you to participate in the space draw. Booth prices will be increasing for the 2011 ICAS Convention. Exhibitors who reserve and pay for their booth during the Tuesday evening space draw will reserve their space at 2010 prices. Booths reserved after that will be at the new, higher 2011 prices.
REGISTER FOR THE ICAS CONVENTION TODAY
As we move into the last few weeks of the 2010 air show season, the attention of air show professionals throughout North America is turning to the annual ICAS Convention, scheduled this year for December 5, 6, 7 and 8 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
Widely recognized as the air show business community's only "can't miss" meeting of the year, the ICAS Convention has been providing air show professionals with educational programming, networking opportunities and a practical tool for running an air show business since the organization was formed in 1967.
To benefit from discounted registration rates currently being offered, click here to register on-line today. The entire process will take you less than ten minutes.
FOUNDATION SEEKS CONTRIBUTIONS
Cleaning out your hangar or storage area? The ICAS Foundation is searching far and wide to acquire air show memorabilia for the annual Silent Auction at the ICAS Convention and the soon-to-be-launched on-line auction. Mounting and framing of your donations will create lasting memories to decorate a variety of spaces with "historic" air show appeal! Please contact Tom Trinkwalder to discuss your donation at: tom@tntphoto.com or by phone at 734-326-7020.
FOUNDATION TO SHOWCASE ICAS TALENT
In this exciting new addition to the annual ICAS Convention scheduled for the evening of Monday, December 6 during the ICAS Convention at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, the ICAS Foundation will showcase a wide range of ground-based entertainment skills. A fundraiser for all the good work done by the ICAS Foundation, this tightly choreographed, extraordinarily entertaining talent show will leave you awe-struck, laughing in the aisles and thoroughly entertained. Don't miss this new event; it is likely to be a frequent topic of conversation throughout the 2011 air show season. Cash bar available.
INTERESTED IN HOSTING THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS IN 2011?
The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's parachute demonstration team, still has several openings on its 2011 air show schedule. If you are interested in hosting the team, please fax (910-396-9307) or e-mail (karen.morrison@usaac.army.mil) a copy of your DD Form 2535. The team's 2011 performance schedule will be announced at the ICAS Convention.
RED ARROWS ESCAPE THE AX
The Red Arrows, the military jet demonstration team of Great Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF), will continue to thrill the public with displays like this despite the cuts in the country's defense budget, according to multiple news reports in Great Britain.
As the British government worked to identify possible targets for massive budget cuts, the Red Arrows were identified early on as a "high pain" option and removed from consideration as a potential area for cuts. Britain's defense minister later identified the team as part of the "nation's fabric. They are a historic part of the armed forces and they are the ambassadors of the British armed forces and the British defense industry." The budget proposals call for cuts of $60 billion/8 percent in the country's military budget over the next four years.
REDDING WINS NATIONAL AWARD
The National Exchange Club – a business-oriented service organization with 22,000 members and 700 member clubs – recently presented its Outstanding Community Service Project Award to the Exchange Club of Redding (California) for its 2009 Exchange Club of Redding Air Show. The 2009 air show featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and welcomed a crowd estimated at 36,000 to the Redding Municipal Airport in north central California. The 2009 event raised $85,000 for local charities and pumped more than $1 million into the Redding economy.
VIDEO ILLUSION CREATES STIR
During last week's San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show, a simple fly-by by a United Airlines airline created a small, short-lived controversy, until uninformed speculation was replaced by a little common sense and simple analysis. A video camera's telephoto lens had created the illusion that the Boeing 747 had flown very close to San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Except it didn't. In fact, it wasn't even close. To learn more about this "non-event" and the manner in which the simplest issues can be misinterpreted and blown out of proportion in this age of 60-minute news cycles, click here.
SOUCY TO BE INDUCTED INTO KENTUCKY AVIATION HALL OF FAME
Air show performer and long-time ICAS member Gene Soucy will be inducted into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame on November 6 at a ceremony in Lexington. A Kentucky native, Soucy soloed at Louisville's Bowman Field more than 45 years ago. He went on to become one of the greatest aerobatic competition pilots and air show performers of his generation, flying with the legendary Eagles Aerobatic Flight Team for 25 years. More recently, Soucy has been both a solo pilot and the pilot part of the Gene Soucy/Teresa Stokes wingwalking team. Soucy is a past recipient of both the Art Scholl Showmanship Award and the ICAS Sword of Excellence.
SKYTYPERS TO BE FEATURED IN GEICO TELEVISION ADS
In conjunction with local air show event organizers, beginning later this year and throughout the 2011 air show season, Geico will begin running promotional advertising spots that feature the Geico-sponsored Skytypers and will promote upcoming local shows. The ads will feature the team's flying and will include air show dates and locations customized to each city in which the team performs.
NAVY ISSUES INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The kick-off event for the U.S. Navy's much-anticipated Centennial of Naval Aviation commemorations will take place on February 12, 2011 with an "airborne parade of aircraft spanning a century of flight." The event will take place at NAS North Island in San Diego, California, as part of an open house at the base. The Commander of Naval Air Forces has invited Navy warbird operators to join in this historical review, either in the airborne parade or on the ground as a static display aircraft. For more information, contact Lieutenant Commander Michael Turner (619-767-7306), Major Stefan Maroudi (858-577-4302) or Lieutenant Kevin Albertsen (619-545-1805).
ANDERSON SIGNS MOVIE DEAL
Air show performer and ICAS member Andy Anderson recently reached an agreement with Forbes Films to turn two novels written by Anderson into feature films. In addition to being a member of the "Red Star and the Dragon" air show team, Anderson has published two novels: The Golden Countess and The Eagles Talon.
SPONSORS HELP ADD PIZZAZZ TO YOUR ICAS CONVENTION
For several years, our ICAS Convention sponsors have helped make the event bigger, better and more affordable for all involved. As you participate in this year's big event, please be sure to thank ASB.tv; Air Boss & Consulting International, Inc.; American Aerobatics, Inc.; ExtremeTix Inc./ClicknPrint Tickets; Greg Poe Airshows; Team Chaos Extreme Airshows; FedEx Express; Mike Goulian Airshows; John Klatt Airshows, Inc.; Insurance Technologies & Programs; AirSupport, LLC; Commemorative Air Force/Tora Tora Tora; Shannon & Luchs Insurance Agency, Inc.; Air Boss, Inc. - George Cline; Jim Peitz Aerosports, Inc.; Jacquie B Airshows; Nalls Aviation, Inc.; Mohr Barnstorming; Mach 1 Productions; Team Rocket; Gordon Bowman-Jones; Geico Skytypers; Tim Weber Airshows, Inc.; Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows, LLC; Aerostars Formation Aerobatic Team; Stallion 51 Corp.; Rob Reider, Air Show Announcer; and OnBoard Images.
LEAST EXPENSIVE CONVENTION REGISTRATION RATES AVAILABLE THRU JULY 31
Those ICAS members who already know that they will be attending the organization’s 2010 annual convention in Las Vegas on December 5, 6, 7 and 8 are encouraged to register between now and the end of this month. ICAS offers significant discounts to those who register early and the very lowest prices are available now through July 31.
For more information and an easy-to-use, web-based registration process, click here.
ICAS ACADEMY TO BE HELD IN OREGON IN AUGUST
Year in and year out, there’s one comment that we hear from ICAS members that hasn’t changed much during the last decade. “If I had known how good the ICAS Academy program was, I would have registered for it a long time ago.” Many people feel that it’s the single most productive and relevant educational program that ICAS offers each year.
Because we limit this intensive training session to only 25 air show professionals, we never have to publicize the program very heavily. But, still, we’re struck every year by this seemingly well-kept secret that we have no desire in keeping secret.
This year, we’re offering the program in conjunction with the Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Oregon on August 19, 20 and 21. The Hillsboro management group is one of the best in the business. We expect another sold-out program and another group of satisfied members.
But we’re on a campaign this year to make sure the entire ICAS membership knows about this powerful, popular, productive program. Click here to view our brochure, which will give you details and registration information.
And, of course, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or write ICAS headquarters.
OLIVERS TO RECEIVE 2010 BARBER AWARD
Steve Oliver and Suzanne Asbury-Oliver were recently named as the 2010 recipients of the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship. The Award presentation will take place on Monday, July 26 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin during EAA’s AirVenture.
The Olivers were singled out for their air show showmanship and their longstanding commitment to the air show industry.
Steve and Suzanne become the 24th recipients of this prestigious award presented each year by World Air Show News Magazine and the friends and family of air show legend Bill Barber. Other past recipients include Bob Hoover, Jimmy Franklin, Leo Loudenslager, Michael Goulian, Julie Clark, Sean Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, John Mohr, the French Connection, Jim LeRoy, Dan Buchanan, and the Red Baron Stearman Squadron.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES
In accordance with Section 9, Paragraph B of the ICAS Bylaws, ICAS Nominating Committee Chairman Judy Willey requests that any member wishing to submit his or her name for consideration as a possible candidate for the ICAS Board of Directors, forward a resume and short note stating why they wish to be a member of the ICAS Board of Directors, to her by e-mail to willeyjl@comcast.net or by mail to ICAS Nominating Committee, c/o ICAS headquarters, 750 Miller Drive, Suite F-3, Leesburg, Virginia 20175.
ICAS FOUNDATION EXTENDS HALL OF FAME NOMINATION DEADLINE
The ICAS Foundation has extended the deadline for nominating possible new inductees into the Air Show Hall of Fame. The new deadline is Saturday, July 31. To make your nomination, click here and follow the detailed instructions on the ICAS Foundation website. New inductees will be recognized during the Chairman’s Banquet on Wednesday, December 8 during the ICAS Convention in Las Vegas.
Current members of the ICAS Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame include Bob Hoover, Duane Cole, Art Scholl, Bevo Howard, Bill Barber, Leo Loudenslager, The French Connection, Betty Skelton, Lincoln Beachey, Curtis Pitts, Bill Sweet, Marion Cole, Jimmy Franklin, Bobby Bishop, Sean Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, Charlie Hillard, Paul Poberezny, Bob Herendeen, and Harold Krier.
BATTLES SETS WINGWALKING RECORD
ICAS member and wingwalker Ashley Battles set a world record for longest wingwalking flight on Saturday, June 19 in the skies above San Francisco, California. For four full hours, Battles was blasted by wind atop a Super 450 Stearman flown by pilot Robert Ragozzinoof. Her flight beat the previous record of three hours and 23 minutes established by a Frenchman in 1990.
CUDAHY JOINS NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME BOARD OF NOMINATIONS
The Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame recently selected ICAS President John Cudahy to serve as a lifetime member of the NAHF Board of Nominations. Established to publicly salute our nation’s aviation pioneers, the National Aviation Hall of Fame is located in Dayton, Ohio. NAHF inductees from within the air show community include Paul Poberezny, Patty Wagstaff, Bob Hoover and Sean Tucker.
PLAN ON SPENDING SOME TIME WITH YOUR THIRD QUARTER MAGAZINE
The third quarter issue of Air Shows Magazine, the ICAS-published professional journal of the air show industry, will be brimming with content, including articles on performer fees, air show uses of social media, what makes a great air show, information tools for small shows, and practical advice for air shows seeking to maximize sponsorship revenue.
The third quarter issue will mail at the end of July and should be in your mailbox in very early August.
ICAS BOARD SCHEDULES SUMMER MEETING FOR AUGUST 10 IN VIRGINIA
The Board of Directors of the International Council of Air Shows will hold its summer meeting in Reston, Virginia on Tuesday, August 10.
ICAS THANKS 2010 CONVENTION SPONSORS
Over the years, our convention sponsors have helped make our annual convention a bigger, better, more enjoyable, and more productive event. Please join us in acknowledging the contributions of Air Boss & Consulting International; ASB.tv; Mike Goulian Airshows; American Aerobatics, Inc. - Julie Clark's Chevron Mentor T-34; John Klatt Airshows; Team Chaos Extreme Airshows; FedEx Express; AirSupport, LLC; Jim Peitz Aerosports; Insurance Technologies and Programs; Mach 1 Productions; Commemorative Air Force/Tora, Tora, Tora; Air Boss, Inc. – George Cline; Shannon & Luchs Insurance Agency; Jacquie 'B' Airshows; Team Rocket; Nalls Aviation; Mohr Barnstorming; and the Geico Skytypers. ICAS still has many attractive sponsorship options available to members interested in increasing their visibility at our industry’s most important business meeting. For more information on a convention sponsorship option that might fit your specific needs, contact ICAS headquarters at 703-779-8510.
