Instrument Failure May Be At Fault The GA world has lost two more of it's brethren as the New Year started off in earnest. A single engine 1975 Bellanca aircraft (described as a "Bianca" by a number of aero-ignorant media-flaks), leaving Addison Airport, near DFW, in IFR conditions (rain and reduced visibility) went down shortly after takeoff, killing both persons on board. The pilot was identified as Dr. David Knowles of Bullard, TX, according to Alex Lemishko, the NTSB IIC. The passenger's identity has not yet been released. Knowles executed an IFR flight plan for the departure, though shortly after the take-off, Knowles told the tower that, "I lost my panel."

By10:30 on your average morning (in fact, every day but Christmas day) the outside line will have worked it’s way through security, and the steady stream of 10,000 people per day will make their way into the huge Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Museum at Washington Dulles International Airport (VA). It is sensory overload. No matter how many other museums you’ve been to, no matter what you fly, or how cool you are, you go back to being a ten-year old for a short while, as you take it all in. The colors and shapes and aircraft that defined the last century, and define what we fly today leap out from the exhibits, making you feel like you're on an epic journey through time. My childhood heroes flew these birds into combat. Now, they fly at airshows I attend, and write about.

The Oklahoma Aeronautical Commission has presented Dr. Guy Baldwin of Tulsa (OK) with the Oklahoma Aviator of the Year award. The December event at the Oklahoma City Wiley Post Airport was a celebration of the 100th Anniversary of controlled powered flight. This was also the fortieth anniversary of the Oklahoma Aeronautical Commission. Governor Brad Henry recognized aviation heroes such as Wiley Post, astronaut Tom Stafford, and Ray Siegfried for Nordam's contributions. Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin presented three proclamations to contributors of aviation. The Aviator of the Year Award was presented to Baldwin by Mike Huffman, Editor of The Oklahoma Aviator in recognition of his past and continued contribution to the enthusiasm, education, participation, the medical aspects of