An Honored Flyer Tells Of His Service To America (Part 1 of 4)

OK... we gotta tell you... this one was one of the best speeches we have EVER heard at any aviation event... and it occurred this year at the 2012 AEA Convention and Tradeshow. The kind folks of Universal Avionics pulled off quite a coup and arranged for a truly inspiring speaker for one of the most important gatherings in all of aviation -- the opening ceremonies of the 55th Annual AEA International Convention and Trade Show. And Universal's choice knocked it out of the park. Former Air Force One Command Pilot Colonel (ret) Mark W. Tillman, the United States’ 12th Presidential Pilot,

Klyde's Not Impressed With 'APOO'

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Details Still Being Worked Out, But Solar Aircraft Designers Hopeful

While nothing is yet set in stone, the United States may get its first up-close look at the Solar Impulse solar-powered airplane in 2013. The Solar Impulse Team confirms on its website that plans are in the works for a flight from California to New York City by way of Washington, D.C. next year.

But New Report Says Long-Term Outlook Still Depressed From Peak Levels

In a report on the business jet industry released earlier this month, J.P. Morgan indicates that there are "intermittent signs of stabilization" in the market "suggesting demand could improve this coming year."

Air Medical Transport Company To Acquire 20 Bell 407GX Helos

Bell Helicopter has reached an agreement with Air Methods for the supply of 20 Bell 407GX aircraft. Air Methods will dedicate the helicopters to air medical transport for critically ill and injured patients throughout the United States.

RC Club Leases Land From Local Farm Owner

The owners of Long Hill Farm near West Newbury, MA, are apparently in violation of local zoning codes and state law for allowing a model airplane club to lease some of the farm's land. The farm receives state tax exemptions for agricultural purposes under the state Agricultural Preservation Restriction law.

Man Was Injured In A Quad Bike Accident

At about 1830 local time December 27, a New Zealand Life Flight team responded to a quad bike accident in the Northern Wairarapa. Life Flight responded with a Wellington Free Ambulance Paramedic onboard the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Mayor Had Asked In August For A Ruling On Its Closure From The Agency By Thanksgiving

The city of St. Clair, MO, wants to close its airport, but is still waiting for word from the FAA about whether it can do so. Mayor Ron Blum's reasons for wanting to close the airport are familiar. He says it has been losing money for several years, and the city has plans for development of a retail shopping complex on the site. Blum has been trying to close the airport since 2007.

Three Airplanes Damaged As Car Hit Two Hangars

Normally when you park your airplane in a hangar, you think it's pretty safe. But that turned out not to be the case at Valdosta, GA, Regional Airport Monday night when a driver described as "drowsy" crashed through the airport fence, across a parking lot, and through the walls of two hangars damaging three airplanes along the way.

How To Advertise With Audio

I've been in the radio business for more than 30 years now -- I've written, produced and, of course, heard my share of commercials over three decades. But Aero-Casting is a new technology, especially to aviation businesses that generally don't advertise in the mainstream media. So here's a quick Q&A on some of the particulars you might want to know if you want to use this exciting new medium to get your message across to our listeners.

Anomalous Propagation Non-standard atmospheric temperature or moisture gradients will cause all or part of the radar beam to propagate along a non-normal path. When non-standard index-of-refraction distributions prevail, "abnormal" or "anomalous" propagation occurs. When abnormal downward bending occurs, it is called "superrefraction." If the beam is refracted downward sufficiently, it will illuminate the ground and return signals to the radar from distances further than is normally associated with ground targets. The term "subrefraction" is applied when there is abnormal upward bending of the radar beam.

Aero Linx: Civil Reserve Air Fleet A unique and significant part of the nation's mobility resources is the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. Selected aircraft from U.S. airlines, contractually committed to CRAF, support Department of Defense airlift requirements in emergencies when the need for airlift exceeds the capability of military aircraft. The CRAF has three main segments: international, national and aeromedical evacuation. The international segment is further divided into the long-range and short-range sections and the national segment into the domestic and Alaskan sections. Assignment of aircraft to a segment depends on the nature of the requirement and the performance characteristics needed.

"...release from all past grant obligations, subject to a requirement to repay the unamortized portion of such grants, and requests closure of St. Clair Regional Airport and authorization to sell the land by sealed bid, subject to a requirement that all proceeds from said sale be provided for disbursement at the direction of the Federal Aviation Administration." Source: From remarks made by the city of St. Clair, MO, -- which wants to close its airport, where it has plans for development of a retail shopping complex on the site. The city has been trying to close the airport since 2007.