A Spectacular Way To End Aviation's Big Week

There are some things that are very difficult to describe. The night airshow which has capped off the last two years at AirVenture at Oshkosh is one of those things that almost has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Fortunately, Aero-TV was there to capture the airshow on the final day of this year's EAA gathering. So what were some of the reactions we got from people who saw the show? "It's just the coolest thing ever."

Happy Holidays!

No matter which holiday you're celebrating these days (and believe me, we're covered back here at ANN... with a diverse variety of Christian, Jewish and Buddhists among our families, these days). The hard-working and long-suffering gnomes that publish ANN and Aero-TV will finally get to take a short holiday break this week [we gnomes thank you --ed]. ANN's normal DAILY news schedule will be presented through December 24th, and will then be on a somewhat reduced Holiday schedule, December 25th through the 2nd of January.

From Two Great Men... An Aero-Holiday Memory

One of the greatest joys I have as the so-called boss of ANN is the many people I meet and the precious few that I get to know as friends. Two of my great friends have had the same name... Frank Kingston Smith, Senior and Junior. Frank Sr. has been gone a number of years now but our memories of him are fond and numerous... though his son is still often a vociferous advisor and co-conspirator via email. Some time ago, Frank, Jr., sent me a really great message... and it made for a fitting way by which I can wish you all a very Merry Christmas -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C

More Than 1,500 Airports Have Published Precision Approaches

Pilots flying all types of aircraft are now able to reach more runways in low visibility conditions than ever before.  The FAA says that last month, the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) program exceeded 3,000 Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (LPVs) approaches published. This is significant because of the safety and capacity benefits of WAAS-enabled approaches.

This Is Klyde's Idea Of Happy Holidays???

FMI: www.klyemorris.com

Tuskegee Airmen Mentor, Medal Of Honor Army Pilot, Navy “Top Gun” Shuttle Astronaut, Commercial Aviation Pioneer Among Four To Be Enshrined October 2013

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) Board of Trustees revealed the names of four individuals who have been elected for enshrinement at its annual formal ceremony that will be held in October of 2013.  The four will be joining the roster of 215 men and women air and space pioneers who have been inducted by the NAHF since its founding in 1962.

Airport Authority Approves Transfer Of Land To Facilitate Construction

The Metropolitan Knoxville (TN) Airport Authority has approved the expenditure of $99,116 in money from a state grant for consulting work associated with the transfer of land for a planned GA airport in Oak Ridge, TN, near the East Tennessee Technology Park.

Lockheed Martin Simulation Software Talks To Popular Tablet App

The same ForeFlight Mobile app used for flight planning and enroute navigation is now available for Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D simulation software. With FSXFlight as the interface, Prepar3D aircraft position information is sent to ForeFlight Mobile’s app, providing a moving map electronic flight bag.

Pilots Unable To Contact Tower for About Ten Minutes, Delaying Landings

Pilots approaching Takamatsu Airport in Kagawa Prefecture in Japan the evening of December 17th were unable to contact the control tower for about ten minutes, resulting in landing delays and possible disciplinary action against the controllers on duty.

California Capital Airshow Announces 2013 Headliner, Show Dates

The eighth annual California Capital Airshow will be roaring across the skies of Sacramento, October 5-6, 2013. The Show will feature performances including the show's just-announced headliner, the Royal Canadian Air Force Jet Demonstration Team, known as the Snowbirds.

Final Approach Fix The fix from which the final approach (IFR) to an airport is executed and which identifies the beginning of the final approach segment. It is designated on Government charts by the Maltese Cross symbol for nonprecision approaches and the lightning bolt symbol for precision approaches; or when ATC directs a lower?than?published glideslope/path intercept altitude, it is the resultant actual point of the glideslope/path intercept.

Aero Linx: The Independent Fixed Base Operators Association The Independent Fixed Base Operators Association is dedicated to the long term vitality and success of its members through collaborative endeavors, knowledge sharing, and best practices standardization on a global scale. Now is the time to join forces with the most aggressive business and government representation of independent FBO's in history. Be part of IFBOA's carefully planned and organized approach to boosting independent FBO footprints in an industry dominated by corporate giants.

“Sacramento is in for a rare treat this year. The Snowbirds fly a nine ship formation and fans will be captivated with the graceful yet heart-pounding aerial demonstration. Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of professionalism, teamwork, excellence, discipline and dedication inherent in the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces. Since they are an international jet team, their travels to the US can be limited – you won’t want to miss this performance. They may not be back for years.” Source: Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow, in remarks associated with the announcement that the eighth annual California Capital