Air Force Crews Transport American Flags Flies Over Afganistan

The spirit of Sept. 11, 2001, is still evident in the sky above Afghanistan as airmen there do their part to support a long-standing tradition of carrying U.S. flags onboard aircraft flying combat missions. Crewmembers from the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Support Squadron and the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron have flown more 600 flags since December during combat missions over Afghanistan. The flag owners, in-turn, present the flag to deserving military members, family members, home-base units, towns and other organizations. In addition to C-130 crews, those flying the KC-135 Stratotankers also have an active flag-flying program.

First Man To Fly Avro Arrow Dies

Avation has lost another pioneer and hero this month. Jan Zurakowski, the chief test pilot for the CF-105 Avro Arrow, died at his home in Barry's Bay, Ontario, on Monday following a lengthy illness. He was 89. An accomplished war pilot, the Polish-born Zurakowski was decorated for his  fighting in the Battle of Britain and later went on to test fighter jets for Britain. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 to work for AV Roe Canada Company as chief development pilot for the supersonic jet and became the first to fly the  Avro Arrow on March 25, 1958. A member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, Zurakwoski retired to Barry's  Bay, located about 150 kilometres west of Ottawa, in 1960 to open a tourist business with his wife. In July 2003