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NAFI SAYS STUDENT OPERATIONS NOT TO BLAME FOR CONFLICTS AT PHOENIX
AIRPORT
NAFI HEADQUARTERS, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Dec. 24, 1997) - Allegations of unsafe conditions at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport should not be pinned on student pilot operations, according to the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). NAFI, a professional association representing thousands of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) throughout the country, believes an attempt to ban student pilot operations at the airport is an over-reaction in a larger effort to eliminate general aviation activities at the facility. Earlier this month, The Arizona Republic newspaper quoted an air traffic controller spokesman as saying that student training was the biggest complaint among all air operations at Sky Harbor. "The air traffic controllers at Sky Harbor and throughout the country do a magnificent job of maintaining safety," NAFI Executive Director Sean Elliott said. "But at this airport, student pilots are involved in less than 20 percent of the incidents with general aviation aircraft that controllers contend violated safety standards. Safety is always a primary issue for any pilot and students cannot operate at this or any airport without instruction and authorization from a certified flight instructor." Elliott added that safe aircraft operations should also consider all violations, including those by commercial air traffic and other general aviation aircraft as well as student training. Those figures were not included in the newspaper feature. Sky Harbor International is currently the fifth-busiest airport in the United States, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) figures. The facility logs nearly 500,000 takeoffs and landings each year. About one-fifth of those operations involve general aviation aircraft, including student training. FAA officials have studied operations at Sky Harbor and concluded it safe for all types of certified aircraft and pilots. FAA also emphasized that airports receiving federal funds are required to serve all types of aviation and cannot discriminate. Student pilots are prohibited from flying at 12 airports throughout the country, but FAA and Sky Harbor officials maintain traffic levels and density at the Phoenix airport does not require such a move. While there are several "reliever" airports in the Phoenix area, none provides the city proximity, the variety of aircraft services or the essential metropolitan airport training environment as thoroughly as Sky Harbor. General aviation operations, including student training, also account for much of the $11 billion annually pumped into the Phoenix-area economy through airport operations. "Student pilots at Sky Harbor are well-trained in how to prepare and react when flying in a busy airspace system," Elliott said. "Operations there have been safe. It's unfair to make them scapegoats for disputes between airport officials and controllers on other issues, such as improvements at the control tower or controller workload." NAFI was founded in 1967 and is dedicated to raising and maintaining the professional standing of flight instructors throughout the nation, as well as providing a safe and effective learning situation for students. In addition, NAFI initiates education and support programs throughout the aviation industry. The organization affiliated with EAA in May 1995. More information is available through the NAFI World Wide Web site (www.nafinet.org).  |
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EIGHT-YEAR EAA EFFORT FOR UNLEADED AVIATION FUEL MAKES MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Jan. 5, 1998) - The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has approved a new specification for an 82-grade unleaded aviation fuel that could improve availability and lower costs for thousands of airplanes that now fly on leaded gasoline. That agreement among petroleum suppliers, aircraft and parts companies and aviation organizations came during the ASTM meeting in Dallas, Texas, last month. The ASTM specification approval culminated a process that began more than eight years ago by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). EAA and Cessna Aircraft were the first aviation industry entities to gather and supply information regarding the possible specifications for an unleaded aviation fuel. Cessna has already indicated that the new fuel will be used in its new small aircraft. "This approval is a major step forward toward the use of unleaded fuel in general aviation airplanes," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "The goal has always been creation of an avfuel specification that would be easy for fuel suppliers to refine and distribute, as well as be readily available and affordable for pilots. This agreement achieves those goals." The new 82-grade aviation fuel is equivalent to the 87-octane auto fuel commonly available throughout the country. More than 70 percent of the nation's single-engine general aviation fleet may be able to use this fuel in place of the diminishing stocks of 80-grade aviation fuel. Since the 82-grade fuel can be refined and stored with auto fuel, refining, storing and shipping costs are greatly reduced over the relatively smaller demand for current aviation fuels. The main difference between the 82-grade fuel and 87-octane auto gas are specific additives mixed with auto fuel just prior to delivery. EAA began its efforts for an unleaded aviation fuel in the late 1980s under now-retired Technical Director Harry Zeisloft. The organization supported the effort because of its potential lower cost to pilots and increased environmental protection. EAA supplemented Cessna's exhaustive technical data from which the specification was developed. "Aviation fuel has traditionally cost more than auto fuel because of the relatively limited and specialized demand for aircraft as opposed to automobiles and trucks," said Earl Lawrence, EAA Government Programs Director. "It took nearly a decade of work to create a fuel that could meet aviation's demands yet hold the potential for reduced flying costs. Although there is still work to be done, this new specification is the best hope yet for unleaded aviation fuel." EAA plans to petition FAA to allow the use of the new 82-grade aviation fuel under current auto fuel STCs. EAA has been a pioneer in aviation fuel research since the 1970s. In 1982, its research led to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuance of the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the use of auto fuel in certain types of general aviation aircraft. Nearly two-thirds of the current general aviation fleet is now eligible to operate on auto fuel STCs. Those aircraft annually fly thousands of hours without fuel system problems caused by auto fuel. EAA is an international aviation organization with 170,000 members and more than 950 local Chapters. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or explore EAA's World Wide Web site at - http://www.eaa.org. |
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EAA OSHKOSH '98 SET FOR 29th July - 4th Aug
Plans are underway for one of the world’s largest and most significant aviation events; the 46th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In Convention scheduled 29th July – 4th August 1998, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. "EAA Oshkosh has evolved into an event that covers all aspects of the world of flight," said Convention Chairman Tom Poberezny. "Top aviation leaders see EAA OSHKOSH as a unique opportunity to meet with other decision makers and their aviation constituents. Manufacturers bring the latest designs and cutting-edge technology. And, as always, EAA OSHKOSH offers a forum where homebuilts, warbirds, antiques, classics, ultralights, light planes, aerobatic and all other aircraft can be seen in one place. Within this multitude of possibilities, there are specific activities for every age and interest – young and old, pilot and non-pilot alike." More than 500 educational forums, seminars and workshops will be offered throughout the week-long event. More than 700 exhibitors will have the latest aviation innovations on display. Many government agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and US and Canadian Customs, will display aircraft and conduct forums covering all aspects of general and sports aviation. An outstanding schedule of evening programs is being coordinated for the Convention’s "Theater in the Woods." Daily air shows showcase the talents of the world’s top aerobatic performers. Showplanes, including antiques, classics, homebuilts, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft will be located along the 8,000-foot flightline. In 1998, there will be several noteworthy changes relating to the Convention. The popular Flymarket area has moved to an expanded location. A new Federal Plaza near the flight line will offer Convention participants a better opportunity to meet officials from several American and Canadian government agencies to discuss aviation issues. Outdoor Aircraft Display areas will be expanded near the new Exhibit Hangars. The Grand Champion aircraft awards, including the "Lindy" trophies, will take place on Monday evening, 3 Aug. "There is no other recognition coveted more by aircraft designers, builders and restorers than a 'Lindy' Grand Champion award from Oshkosh," Poberezny explained. "The award represents the highest standards in aircraft design, construction, restoration and maintenance." In 1997, more than 840,000 people and 11,500 airplanes - including 2,674 showplanes attended the event. Further details on EAA OSHKOSH '98 will be released as they become available. For more information regarding the event, write to the EAA Aviation Center, PO Box 3086, Oshkosh WI 54903-3086 or call (920) 426-4800. More information is also available through the event's World Wide Web site at http://www.fly-in.org. |
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AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTORSHIP CHANGES
Aerostar International, North America's largest and the world's oldest manufacturer of hot air balloons is pleased to announce the following changes to its distributor network. In September, Bill Cloninger purchased the territory from The BalloonSmith operated by Dave Smith. The territory includes the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. Bill has over 600 hours of LTA experience and operates several companies under the umbrella of Willy's Balloons. Amish Country Balloon Tours promotes and operates a ride business in the Akron, Ohio area. LTA Aviation will operate the Aerostar distributorship. Bill also organizes an annual "balloon camp" trip to Carson Valley, CA where student pilots can complete their training in a focused, intense one week or two week long formats. Bill and his wife Sandy are active participants in balloon races and safety seminars throughout the year and the region. Bill can be reached at: Bill Cloninger LTA Aviation 7780 Bainbridge Rd Chagrin Falls, OH 44203 Phone: 440-543-7139 Fax: 440-543-7339 In related news, Celebration Aviation based in Tampa, Florida has purchased the Aerostar distributorship for the southeast United States from Colvin Rouse, former owner of Sport Balloons. The owners of Celebration Aviation are David Justice, Bob Carlton and Carol Weiner. Celebration Aviation will be the Aerostar distributor for the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Celebration Aviation will specialize in hot air and cold air balloon promotions, rides and sales of Aerostar parts and balloons. Future plans involve the development of a repair station as well. The office staff includes Barbara Stokoe and Dean Mabe both formally of Sport Balloons. The Celebration Aviation team has over 80 years of combined ballooning experience. Celebration Aviation can be reached at: Celebration Aviation 5930 Corporate Place C Tampa, FL 33634 Phone: 813-884-5610 Fax: 813-884-5728 E-mail: celaviat@aol.com web site: www.celebrationaviation.simplenet.com For more information contact: Allen Schlenker National Sales Representative Hot Air Balloons P.O. Box 5057 Sioux Falls, SD 5 71 1 0 Phone: 605-331-3500 Fax: 605-331-3520 e-mail: sales@aerostar.com web site: www.aerostar.com |
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AIRCRAFT SPRUCE SPONSORS A HANDS-ON AIRCRAFT
BUILDERS'CONFERENCE IN FEBRUARY
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, Alexander SportAir, Kitplanes magazine and the Experimental Aircraft Association are sponsoring a 2 1/2 day Aircraft Builders'Conference the weekend of February 21-22. The course of instruction is meant to provide an introduction to aircraft building. Attendees will be familiarized with the various techniques and materials used to build experimental aircraft. Over 5,000 people throughout the U.S. and Canada have attended Aircraft Spruce's Builders'Conferences over the past five years. The conference is intended to instill the confidence needed to successfully complete an aircraft construction project. Participants will also learn how to make educated decisions on what type of aircraft to build and where to gain further information and training. Three, four-hour, hands-on workshops will be presented on sheet metal construction, fabric covering and composite construction. Each participant will learn the basic construction methods and be given an opportunity to practice these techniques in a workshop environment guided by professional instructors. Two additional two-hour seminars focus on aircraft engines and "What's Involved in Kit Building". The seminar on kit building will include a detailed discussion relating to the regulations that apply to amateur-built aircraft, the time and money required, obstacles to completion, test flying, tools and workspace concerns, how to involve the family and other pertinent topics. Kitplanes Editor Dave Martin will conduct a forum on Saturday evening with the most popular kit manufacturers present to discuss specific designs and home-building in general. The Conference will be held at the new Aircraft Spruce facility in Corona, CA (in the Los Angeles area). The cost for the entire event, including Saturday night's dinner, will be $199. For registration or more information concerning the Aircraft Builders' Conference, please contact Alexander SportAir at 800-WORKSHOP (800-967-5746, or visit their website at www.sportair.com. |
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AIRCRAFT SPRUCE & SPECIALTY CATALOG NOW AVAILABLE FREE
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty has announced that copies of their 528 page catalog are now available free of charge. Anyone can order a catalog by phone, fax or e-mail and it will be shipped out within 24 hours. Airmail postage to foreign countries is $15. With over 16,000 different items detailed and described, the catalog offers the widest selection of aircraft construction materials, tools, hardware, and aircraft components found anywhere in the world. Copies of the Aircraft Spruce & Specialty catalog can be ordered by calling (800) 824-1930, fax (909) 372-0555 or order one by e-mail at Info@aircraft-spruce.com |
HUSKY SALES/PRODUCTION INCREASED IN 1997
Husky sales increased in 1997 for the second straight year, rising to 50 units. Production was stepped up in the fourth quarter to meet escalating demand. "Several factors have contributed to market growth," said Aviat President Stu Horn. "Part of it was the end of new Super Cub production along with the realization out there that the Husky has a much better performance envelope than the Piper. What we're also seeing is a higher level of interest among sport pilots. Huskys have always been popular for pipeline patrol, fish finding, glider or banner towing, forestry and police work. Today, however, the Husky is being 'discovered'as a plane for all seasons, all reasons. Bottom line is: it's a lot of fun to fly and covers a wide range of recreational activities. Sport pilots like the fact that it was designed for utility." Husky's can be flown with regular or tundra tires, straight or amphibious floats, and skis. They are capable of short field take offs and landings. At full gross, sea level, the Husky gets off in 200 feet. Flown solo with half fuel it gets off in less than 1 00'. Cruise speed is 140 mph at 75 percent power. It stalls with full flaps at 42 mph, lands at 48 mph, and has a range of 800 miles at 55 percent power. On floats the Husky gets off the water in six seconds, faster than any other certified floatplane. The high performance response is due to a specially modified Clark Y airfoil, wide span slotted flaps and a high aspect ratio wing. With skis, the Husky has been landed on a glacier in the Swiss Alps at close to 19,000'. Service ceiling is 20,000'. Rate of climb at sea level, gross, is 1500 fpm. Certified under FAR Part 23 in 1987, the Husky represents a progressive evolution of the simplicity and durability of the Super Cub. With the standard installation of a 180 hp Lycoming and a constant speed propeller, pilots have found the Husky far more versatile than its antecedents. For free aircraft and dealer information on the Husky A-1, contact Aviat Aircraft, Inc. at (307) 886-3151; fax (307) 886-9674, or write them at 672 S. Washington, P.O. Box 11 49, Afton, WY 831 1 0, USA. E-mail address is aviat@silverstar.com PHOTO CAPTION: Sales of the Aviat Husky A-1 have been rising |
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ROTORWAY REPRESENTATIVE TAKING OFF IN UNITED KINGDOM
Southern Helicopters Ltd, in Herts, has been appointed the RotorWay representative for the United Kingdom. Owned by Jonathan and David Bull, the company will be the key contact for this marketplace, serving the current 25 RotorWay owners in the United Kingdom as well as handling the increasing stream of new orders for the Exec 'I 62 F. The two brothers, engineers and farmers by trade, recognized an opportunity upon first seeing a RotorWay helicopter in Wales. After buying a machine of their own, completing the assembly and receiving their type rating, they negotiated with RotorWay International for the representation and have now began to market and sell the Exec 162F in the United Kingdom. "We have a well-equipped 2400 sq ft workshop and a nearby helipad. We hold many RotorWay spares and try to keep one new kit in stock," said Jonathan Bull. It is their intention to provide first class service to all RotorWay customers, to help with any builders problems and to offer complete service from sales and spares to maintenance and training. Insurance is available for those machines and with their factory trained instructor, CAA approved test pilot and soon to be available TRE, they will offer the complete package to their RotorWay customers. "The RotorWay helicopter is a good well-proven machine with excellent backup from the factory and once on the CAA, UK register, we anticipate many more sales will follow", said David Bull. Currently, half of RotorWay Intemational's sales are outside of the United States. Among these strong international markets are the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, several other countries in Europe and of late, Russia. For more information on the Exec 162F in the United Kingdom, contact Jonathan and David Bull at Southern Helicopters Ltd, Street Farm, Takely, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM22 60U, United Kingdom. Telephone - 44-1279-87021 1. Fax - 44-1279-870255. RotorWay International, the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of kit helicopters, produces the award-winning Exec 162F helicopter kit. Located in Chandler, AZ, the facility houses all components of the business, including administration, sales, manufacturing and flight maintenance instruction. |
PITTS EXTENDS THE TRADITION OF WINNING
Since Curtis Pitts first flew his diminutive biplane 54 years ago, the Pitts Special has become identified with a tradition of winning. In the hundreds of acrobatic contests sanctioned over the years by the old Aerobatic Club of America and its successor, the International Aerobatic Club, Pitts Specials have been flown for far more medals and trophies than all other aircraft designs combined. Certified under FAR Part 23, the Pitts has kept pace with technology. The most recent addition includes the powerful S-1 -1 1 B. At sea level, the newest edition of the Specials can be pulled to vertical from level flight and do ten vertical rolls before leveling off. The S-1 -1 1 B and a two place S-2B formed a winning combination for the United States Advanced Aerobatic Team last summer in Lawrence, Kansas, when Gerry Molidor, Matt and John Morrissey won the Team Trophy by a wide margin. Sean D Tucker has shown the rugged maneuverability of the Pitts in an airshow routine that seems to defy the laws of aerodynamics. "We expect variants of the Pitts Special will continue to compete in Sportsman through Unlimited IAC competitions well into the 21st century," said Aviat President Stu Horn. "There just isn't anything else out there that allows a pilot to realize his full potential as quickly and as economically. What we are discovering today is that there are quite a few sport pilots purchasing Pitts Specials who have no intention of competing, providing flight training, or entering the airshow circuit. They enjoy the versatility of the Pitts and have realized that when they taxi up to the fuel pumps they're someone special ... pun intended." It has also been proven that Pitts Specials hold their value better than other certified or homebuilt acrobatic aircraft. Resales are often higher than a pilot's original purchase price. And the factory has begun providing full support for aircraft needing refurbishment, rebuilding, simple parts or extensive modifications. Aerobatic contests in the past year have seen so many Pitts Specials on the flight lines that it is hard to visualize a contest without the exciting biplanes. Thousands of pilots have already used them in acrobatic contests and for airshow routines. Winning medals in a Pitts has become a tradition that is likely going to continue for quite some time into the 21st century. For free aircraft and dealer infomation on the Pitts Specials in production, contact Aviat Aircraft, Inc. at 307.886.3151; fax 307.886.9674, or write them at 672 S. Washington, P.O. Box 1 1 49, Afton, WY 831 1 0, USA. E-mail address is aviat@silverstar.com PHOTO CAPTION: Pitts Specials, like this new S-2B have established a tradition of winning acrobatic contests and have become familiar sights on the airshow circuit. |
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OTHER ARTICLES OF ASI FEBRUARY'98 ISSUE | News In Brief | Letters To The Editor | World Records | | Simulated Flying - Birth of A New Air Sport ? | | World Gliding Championships In Your Home Town | | John Roake talks about...My Turkish Adventure | | The 41st Gordon Bennett Race | | A microlight look at the 1st World Air Games | |
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