Palmetto Aviation
South Carolina Aviation Association
2021 Winter Edition
T C E N N O REC D A E H N O T L I H in February 24 - 26, 2021 Annual Conference
South Carolina Aviation Association
Making new connections . . . and reconnecting with friends in the aviation community. Make your room reservation at the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Janaury 25, 2021. Call Sonesta at 843-842-2400 and requesting the SC Aviation Association discounted room rate of $129 or make your reservation online at scaaonline.com and use the group code 0223FLYING.
SCAA President’s Update Greg Jones, ADC Engineering
The 1960s and 1970s were famous for a lot of things, including great T-shirts, bumper stickers, bangs, awesome B movies, Hee Haw, oil embargoes and smog control devices. During that time a slogan became popular that we can use today: Keep On Truckin’. The year 2020 is behind us; don’t look back; let’s kick the dust off of our sandals and Keep on Truckin’. SCAA has been busy planning this year’s Annual Conference, which has options for in-person and virtual attendance. We have an exceptional agenda planned, so please visit our website and sign up to participate. This is a Hall of Fame induction year, and we are proud to add two new members, William Kendall and Darwin Simpson. Both Mr. Kendall and Mr. Simpson exceedingly exhibit the qualities and contributions commensurate with our Hall of Fame. Please be sure to read their biographies in this publication and join me in congratulating them. I am proud to share some of our progress. Our Safety Committee continues their steadfast approach to regular activities across the state promoting and educating on aviation safety. I applaud their efforts, along with all the participants, and the work they do. SALUTE. We are thankful to the family of Hall of Fame member Reid Garrison for their contribution to the SCAA scholarship fund in his honor. In recognition of their generosity and the lifetime achievements of Reid, the scholarship committee is currently discussing how best to recognize his memorial during the 2021 scholarship program. His legacy continues, as does his contribution to South Carolina aviation. You can read more about Reid Garrison on page 5. In addition to the work that has been accomplished, our year is chock full of upcoming opportunities, including this year’s Aviation Week and exciting work in our Legislative Committee. Please be giving thoughts to possible activities at your airport during Aviation Week, which will be held August 15 – 21, 2021, and take every opportunity to remind your legislators of the positive impacts you and your airport are making in your community and across our state. In closing, this is my final newsletter column. I extend my appreciation to Katie Koon, Melanie Friscoe and the entire staff at SCAA. They are the engine that makes SCAA move. My thanks to all the Board of Directors, with whom I have served. Your dedication, contribution and professionalism has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Thanks to James Stephens and the entire staff at the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. Our state, our industry and our association are better because of your support and leadership. Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to the members of this association. All of you turn our mission into results. Thank you, and may God Bless you all.
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SC Aeronautics Update
James Stephens, SC Aeronautics Commission Executive Director Winter is here and the uncertainty of last year remains. However, thinking back, I’m reminded about how much we must be thankful for. Today, I was once again reminded of the quality individuals that are here at Aeronautics and was reminded of their love for aviation and for each of you. Today I watched as staff advocated on your behalf, I watched as they debated the pro’s and con’s of offering new programs and managing old. Today, I watched as they thought about your specific needs, how they could be met, and the impacts and longevity that meeting those needs would bring. Today, I saw how budgets were stretched. I saw how relationships with the FAA create space for dialogue that provides for creative methods to improve and maintain our airports. I saw creative thinking, and I want you to know that the staff here at Aeronautics works hard behind the scenes on our airport system in so many ways, and often those efforts remain unseen. Not only does the staff work hard on your behalf, but the Commissioners themselves do much in support of their respective airports and the entire airport system. I’ve seen them engage with interested airport parties from the users and tenants to airport managers, city and county counsels, mayors, and the state legislature. Just this year I’ve seen how their work impacts airports by providing budgets that allow for significant airport improvements and much needed maintenance, by engaging stakeholders in conversations that better the local airport, and by active participation with legislative members to see that the Commission maintains cohesion for years to come. I’ve seen them fight to protect a local airport from encroachments that could minimize the usefulness of the airport, and I’ve seen them spend personal dollars to develop relationships that benefit aviation and will last a lifetime. I’ve seen them advocate for you. I’ve also seen our airports take actions to keep up with the pressures of changing economic times and uncertain futures. Airport managers have gotten creative in working on solutions that provide relief to tenants. They’ve stepped out of their comfort zones to engage local leaders in conversations where airport economic impacts are shared, and airport needs are discussed. I’ve seen airports open their doors so that the local community can come see what benefits the airports offer, and I’ve seen managers answer difficult questions that at times can lead to or be caused by situations that are difficult to manage. I’ve seen personal ownership develop in many airport stakeholders, and I look forward to seeing what the results of that ownership will cause. Finally, I’ve seen the SC Aviation Association become strengthened by new management, and I’ve seen how a partnership between the Commission and the Association can bring positive change amidst unprecedented times. I’ve seen the SCAA board work hard to create new methods to promote aviation despite a pandemic, and I’ve seen an airport system strengthen because of that promotion. I’m thankful to be part of this amazing aviation group here in South Carolina, and although 2020 has been painful and uncertain, I’m thankful that we’ve been able to fly through it together. I look forward to 2021 with each of you, and together, we can anticipate great things in aviation in the new year.
South Carolina Aeronautics Commission
David Anderson District 2
Skeets Cooper District 3
Lara Kauffmann District 4
Doug Barnes District 5
Marco Cavazzoni Chris Bethea District 6 District 7
Delphin Gantt, Jr. Chairman
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The Startle Response “Expect the Unexpected.” –– Coach Paul “Bear “Bryant
Safety Update
The light blue cardboard cover of my student pilot logbook is faded and the black cloth spine is tattered. The pale black lettering on the front cover reads: Amityville Flying School-Zahn’s Airport. Amityville, Long Island, NY. Pilot’s Log and Rating Record.
provided by: Leo Berube, CFI, CFII, MEI SCAA Board of Director FAASTeam Representative Slowly leafing through
each page, I recalled the minute details of my first Solo after seven hours and 56 minutes Dual. My second and third supervised solos were postponed due to approaching weather. After four days, the sun finally returned and then on a late August morning in 1967, Piper J-3 Cub - N7381H with it’s 19-year-old pilot rotated and climbed skyward once again on the east/west runway. During the 1960s, the traffic pattern at Zahn’s airport resembled a yellow daisy chain of post-war J-3s, Colts, TriPacers and Apaches. The most spartan instruments, minus any radios, graced the mighty Piper Cub’s panel. Adding to a hornet’s nest of Zahn’s traffic were Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopters, Cessna 0-1 “Bird Dogs,” and Cessna O-2 “Oscar Deuce” Skymasters flown by US Army Air Guard instructors and their students training for Vietnam deployment. If your head wasn’t constantly on a swivel and your eyes actively scanning for traffic, then you might be flying additional dual with your instructor until he had confidence enough to finally cut you loose.
The crosswind, downwind and base legs were uneventful. Then, while turning from base to final for Runway 11, a flock of redwing blackbirds suddenly appeared out of nowhere. A heartbeat later, the Cub’s windscreen was shrouded by a dark cloud of feathers and more. This was my first encounter with the Startle Response. Only moments before, I had departed in a yellow J-3. Now, I just landed in a yellow and red J-3. After carefully “S” taxiing back to the cavernous Zahn’s hangar, my instructor jogged toward my airplane as the Continental 65 and wooden propeller came to rest. My instructor appeared quite pleased with an expression of immense relief to see his young student once again. After a short post flight debrief, my CFI endorsed my logbook and handed it back to me along with a hearty handshake. Inscribed in my student logbook was “08/29/1967, J-3 Cub - N7381H, OK to solo J-3 Cub in pattern. Third supervised solo J-3 Cub. OK to solo in practice areas. Excellent landing. Robert C. Blair, CFI 1761xxx.” The Startle Response can be loosely described as a significant distraction or surprise that creates a physiological response resulting in a delayed reaction to an emergency. Over the years, I’ve experienced other inflight distractions that triggered a Startle Response. Here are a few other memorable moments that come to mind: - Beechcraft Barron BE-55 baggage door popping open after rotation on Runway 28 in IMC with no runway remaining at Statesville Airport (KSVH). - Several yellow jackets with attitudes swarming our ankles during climbout in a rented PA-28-R-200 at Rowan County Airport (KRUQ) on a sultry July afternoon. - Split flap condition when landing a Cessna Cardinal CE-177 in IMC on an ILS Runway 20 approach with an instrument student at Concord Regional Airport (KJQF). - And on the lighter side ... After landing at Charlotte Douglas (KCLT) for a quick turn before departing for Morehead City Airport (KMRH) on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, I walked into the air conditioned Pilot Operations Room to check weather and file an instrument flight plan. I’d planned to depart before the next traffic push at 12:55 pm. Stopping by the food vending stations aka “Wheels of Death,” I selected a chicken salad sandwich, Lay’s BBQ potato chips, an apple and bottled water. With lunch in hand, I walked through the double doors and outside across the blistering concrete ramp toward our Cessna. I preflighted the airplane and then contacted Clearance Delivery. continued on page 14
Amityville Flying School - Zahn’s Airport. Amityville, Long Island, N.Y.
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Reid Garrison, SC Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee 1936 – 2020 Jesse Reid Garrison passed away on August 22, 2020. Born in 1936 in Madison, S.C., Garrison graduated from Calhoun Falls High School in 1955 and Clemson University in 1960. He was inducted into the S.C. Aviation Hall of Fame in 2015. While at Clemson, he worked as a “line boy” for Carolina Aero Service in Anderson, learning to fly while earning $1 per hour. He later traded work for flying instructions. He received his private pilot certificate in 1959 while at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After graduating from Clemson, Garrison entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He completed the Officer Basic Course and then graduated from the U.S. Army helicopter flight school. During his Army career, he served as a rotorcraft helicopter pilot and flight instructor. In 1963, he returned to civilian status but remained in the U.S. Army Reserve until he retired as a Captain in 1983. Upon completion of active duty, Garrison returned to work at the Anderson County Airport with the Carolina Aero Service, as a flight instructor and mechanic. In September 1965, he was awarded a contract to build and develop a Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at the Clemson-Oconee County Airport. While there, he provided flight training for U.S. Army and Air Force cadets enrolled in ROTC programs. Garrison was instrumental in acquiring the first airplane to be donated to the Clemson University Athletic Department. He operated this aircraft as a pilot-in-command for almost a year while also providing air carrier charter service to Clemson. He purchased Anderson Aviation, Inc., in Anderson in 1975. He operated both the Clemson and Anderson airports as a full FBO that included a flight school, a charter and helicopter service, and an aircraft maintenance and avionics shop. He sold the Clemson operation to Oconee County in 1979. Garrison continued to operate the Anderson Airport as a full-service FBO until 1999. During this period, he maintained and managed two separate Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 135 air carrier services with twin-engine airplanes and rotorcraft helicopters.
Thank you, Garrison Family! In lieu of flowers to honor Garrison’s passing, his family asked for donations be made to the SCAA Scholarship Fund. Following are those that made a donation in memory of Garrison. All contibutions will fund scholarships for individuals persuing careers in aviation.
Andrew Albrecht Betty Ambrose Deborah R. Brown Elaine Burgess Dorcas Sunday School Class William Dowler Penny E. Evans Kristy Garrison Holt Consulting Sue & Jeffrey Hooper Sheila T King KLP Steve & Jean Martin LuAnne Anderson Newton Michael Baker International Martha Pruitt Jerome & Kathy Rhodes Sandy Pt HOA Mary Sherard Gaye Sprague Dr. Russell and Connie Street Pat Vickery WK Dickson
In 1972, Garrison acquired the famous Art Scholl Chipmunk aircraft N13A, and he launched his aerobatic career. For about 12 years, he flew N13A in air show demonstrations. Garrison was passionate about the restoration of WWII aircraft, and he restored a Beech T-28, two North American T-6Gs, and a Beech Dehavilland Chipmunk from London, England and Lisbon, Portugal. His prized restorations were two restored Beech T-34s. In 2001, Garrison was contracted by MedShore Ambulance Service to create a medevac helicopter operation. Garrison worked with the FAA to establish, Skycare, LLC, the first helicopter medevac certified by the South Carolina Flight Standards District Office. Garrison served as Director of Operations and chief pilot until 2011. Garrison was a Safety Counselor for South Carolina Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for 25 years. In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Garrison was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. What began as a small town boy’s enthusiasm turned into a career spanning a lifetime.
Jim, Reid and Brett Garrison
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Board of Director Candidates Ballots will be sent out by email for voting.
aker International B l e a Mich Andy Busbee’s lifelong interest in aviation has fueled his career. He has 27 years of experience as an airport consultant with Michael Baker International, where he is employed as Manager of Aviation Design. In this role, Busbee has worked alongside FAA and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission personnel to deliver services ranging from planning, environmental assessments, feasibility studies and design to construction management and field supervision. A graduate in civil engineering from the University of South Carolina, Busbee has been a licensed Professional Engineer in S.C. since 2001. Busbee previously served on the SCAA Board of Directors and is an active participant in the S.C .Aviation Hall of Fame Committee. If elected to the board, he plans to pick up where he left off, continuing to promote aviation across South Carolina through awareness and increased focus on education.
nty C o u o C r e Jasp
uncil
A lifelong resident of Hardeeville, Barbara Clark has twice served on the Jasper County Council. She has been a member of SCAA since her second council term began in 2013. Clark has a total of 13 years of local government experience, and she is familiar with leadership, having served two years as Jasper County Council Chair and four years as Vice Chair. Clark is a retired educator, who describes teaching as reaching out beyond the call of duty to connect with people. She has carried this philosophy with her in public service, and she intends to use her relationship building skills, along with her experience in education and local government, in service to SCAA. If elected to join the Board of Directors, Clark intends to promote the importance of airports and aviation in South Carolina’s counties among her colleagues, the state’s locally elected officials.
Pilot Steve Crimm has been involved in aviation since he first soloed at the age of 17. As an Army aviator, Steve flew helicopters in Vietnam where he amassed more than 800 combat flight hours and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in addition to many other awards. Following the military, he flew helicopters in Canada, the Western and Southeastern United States, and in the Caribbean until 1998. Steve continues to fly and owns an RV-10. He lives at Whiteplains Airpark (SC99) outside of Lexington with his wife Bobbi. Steve has logged more than 10,000 hours of flight time in both helicopters and fixed wing, with multiple flight ratings and certifications. Steve has spent the last 18 years working in information technology. If elected, Steve aims to combine his 50-plus years of aviation experience and knowledge to serve and to strengthen the association through leadership and collaboration, as well as developing strong inclusion of non-public airports into SCAA.
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Pilot
A resident of Mauldin, Scott Crosby has been a pilot since 1986 and has an IFR rating. In Nov. 2020, he surpassed 2,500 logged flight hours. The owner of a Cessna 182, Crosby has flown as far as Texas and South Dakota. He retired from a 45-year career in information technology, including supporting the development of the International Space Station, in 2019. Since then, he has been pursuing a second career as a writer. Crosby published Generations, the story of a flight shared with his pilot mother, in the Nov. 1998 issue of AOPA Pilot. Crosby served on the Mauldin City Council from 2012 – 2019. In 2016, he helped Triple Tree Aerodrome give airplane rides to 60 high school students, and he is scheduled to teach a seminar at the 2021 Triple Tree Fly-In. In 2017, he became the South Carolina Breakfast Club Upstate Coordinator and was recently elected the organization’s Vice President. If elected to the board, Crosby aims to promote aviation generally and in younger generations.
Cr
ring e e n i g n oy E
An airport consultant, Katie Eleam has more than eight years of airport planning and project experience including as the statewide aviation planner and aviation project manager for the Georgia Department of Transportation. As an airport planner, Eleam has participated in many airport layout plan and master plan updates across the southeast including the planning of two new general aviation airports. Eleam entered the private sector in 2015 and serves as the Aviation Planning Manager and Aviation Project Manager at Croy Engineering. She earned a Bachelor of Science in aviation management from Auburn University. She is a CFI/CFII and FAR Part 107 small UAS remote pilot and has been an active participant in many sUAS missions, including several at airports. She is a certified member of American Association of Airport Executives. If elected to the Board of Directors, Eleam’s goal is to promote aviation across the state, especially to young people. She feels aviation is vital to the economy and should remain a local and state focus in the future and plans to make outreach a priority.
hnson, Inc. o J d n a arl McF
Zach Nelson is an airport consultant with more than 14 years of experience in business and development planning for airports in South Carolina and the Southeast region. He has been employed as Regional Aviation Planning Manager at McFarland Johnson, Inc., since 2016. Previously, Nelson worked with engineering firms Passero Associates; Hoyle, Tanner & Associates; and Atkins. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Public Administration degree with an aviation concentration from University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is an adjunct professor at Florida Institute of Technology, where he teaches courses including airport planning, airport design and AutoCAD for airport development. Nelson plans to leverage his intergovernmental coordination experience in support of SCAA objectives. He aims to support the smooth functioning of the organization while contributing fresh insights from his experience in other statewide and national aviation organizations and growing the association through outreach.
SCAA Mission Statement: South Carolina Aviation Association actively promotes aviation growth through airport development and safety to meet the air transportation and economic development needs of South Carolina.
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RECONNECT in HILTON HEAD
Wednesday, February 24 9:00 am 10:00 am – 6:30 pm 6:00 – 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
Thursday, February 25 7:30 – 8:30 am 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
SCAA Annual Conference February 24-26, 2021 Sonesta Resort · Hilton Head
Schedule of Events
Golf Fore a Good Cause (see details on next page) Registration Welcome Reception with Exhibitors - sponsored by Titan Fuels Dinner on Your Own
February 24 - 26, 2021
Annual Conference
South Carolina Aviation Association
Breakfast with Exhibitors - sponsored by Delta Airport Consultants Spouse Program (see details on next page)
9:10 am . . . and reconnecting with Making8:30 new –connections friends inand the aviation community. with Live Ads Welcome Announcements 9:10 – 9:30 am 9:30 – 9:50 am 9:50 – 10:10 am 10:10 – 10:30 am
FAA Update from Southern Region Administrator Michael O’Harra FAA Update from Southern Region Manager Steven Hicks FAA Update from ADO Manager Larry Clark SC Aeronautics Commission Update with James Stephens
Make your room reservation at the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Janaury 25, 2021. Call 10:30 – 10:50 Sonesta at 843-842-2400 andam requesting the SC Aviation Federal Association discounted room Update rate of $129from Legislative or make your reservation online at scaaonline.com and use the group code 0223FLYING.
10:50 – 11:10 am 11:10 – 12:00 pm
12:00 – 12:10 pm 12:10 – 12:20 pm 12:20 – 12:25 pm 12:25 – 1:05 pm 1:05 – 1:15 pm 1:15 – 2:05 pm 2:10 – 3:00 pm 3:05 – 3:15 pm 3:15 – 4:00 pm 4:10 – 5:00 pm 6:30 – 7:00 pm 7:00 – 9:00 pm 9:00 – 11:00 pm
Friday, February 26 8:00 – 8:30 am 8:45 – 9:30 am 9:30 – 9:45 am 9:45 – 10:30 am 10:30 am
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NASAO President Greg Pecoraro
Break with Exhibitors
The Future of Drones Exhibit Live Ads (continued) Pick up lunch and return to seats - sponsored by WK Dickson WK Dickson sponsor presentation Case Study Highlight - Contech Engineered Solutions Break with Exhibitors Hilton Head Airport Case Study: Master Plan, Runway Extension and More Incompatible Land Use Around Airports Break with Exhibitors - sponsored by Mead and Hunt
Ins and Outs of Construction Contracts Best Practices for Detoxing Public Engagement Hall of Fame Reception Hall of Fame Banquet - sponsored by Talbert & Bright Hospitality Suite - sponsored by Holt Consulting Breakfast with Exhibitors Safety Update FAA Awards Presention Land Development Planning Closing Remarks and Giveaways - sponsored by ADC Engineering
Education Course Descriptions
Safe Space 2021
Thursday
9:10 – 10:50 am SCAC, FAA and NASAO Reports
Hear from SCAC and FAA on how aviation fared in 2020 and what’s on the horizon in 2021. New for this year, NASAO will give a federal legislative update from a state airport perspective.
11:10 – 12:00 pm The Future of Drones speakers: Justin Robinson, CrossFlight Sky Solutions Jim Grigsby, FAASTeam Representative
What is the future relationship between drones and the airport and how can airports keep everyone involved safe.
1:15 – 2:05 pm Hilton Head Island Airport Showcase speaker: Jon Rembold, Hilton Head Island Airport
Come hear about how the airport’s master plan led to a runway extension and how the extension plan led to more airport expansion.
2:10 – 3:00 pm Incompatible Land Use Around Airports speaker: Gary Siegfried, SC Aeronautics Commission
This session will provide a refresher on the regulations and airport responsibilities for monitoring land use around airports.
3:15 – 4:00 pm Ins and Outs of Construction Contracts speaker: April Johnston, Myrtle Beach Int’l Airport
Since being with the Horry County Department of Airports, April Johnston has performed contract and procurement administration for numerous solicitations and contracts, various capital equipment acquisitions, and multiple concessionaire opportunities. In addition to her procurement experience, she has participated in federal and state funding applications, processing of pay requests, and ensuring compliance with grant assurances. In this session Johnston shares what she has learned along the way.
4:10 – 5:00 pm Best Practices for Detoxing Public Engagment speaker: Jennifer Zorn, McFarland Johnson
Attend this interactive presentation to learn more about highly effective, collaborative strategies to transform conflict and outrage before and during a public meeting to create an environment for constructive engagement and better outcomes. This session will increase your self-awareness and understanding of personal reactions and responses to others, and you’ll learn the skills and tools to embrace high emotion and outrage during a public meeting.
Friday
8:45 – 9:30 am Safety Update speaker: Terry Connorton, Spartanburg Memorial Airport
Get an update on recent and upcoming Safety Committee initiatives.
9:30 – 10:15 am Land Development Planning speakers: Kevin Howell, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Frank Murray, Director of Planning & Facilities at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Learn about land development and initiatives and their impacts on local and state economic development.
Following recommendations of health and government leaders, our event has been redesigned with social distancing and safety practices in mind: temperature checks will be done upon arrival/check-in; seats will be placed six feet apart; face masks/buffs will be available and must be worn by attendees at the event, except when eating or drinking at your seat; and hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the event. We ask that if you have been in contact with persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the 30 days prior to the event you refrain from attending for the safety of the population at large. Not Ready To Travel? Attend virtually and have access to all the online sessions on Thursday, Feb. 25, as well as the ability to access them after the conference for the next year. Registration Fees $350 member/ $400 member $100 virtual registration Special Events and Sessions Wednesday • Golf at Shipyard Golf Course Play golf at Shipyard Golf Course and support a great cause! Proceeds from golf will benefit the SCAA Scholarship Fund. Players/teams are responsible for their own transportation. SCAA will schedule tee times for players and teams. Registration includes a round of golf, cart and boxed lunch. $150 - individual / $600 - team Thursday 11 am – 1 pm Spouse Program - Tell Me A Story Cassandra King Conroy, wife of the late author Pat Conroy will come and share her stories at the Sonesta Resort on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch is included. Her most recent book, Tell Me A Story, is a memoir of her life with Pat. Register Now!
Visit scaaonline.com or call 877-FLY SCAA (359-7222).
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SC Aviation Hall of Fame 2021 Inductee Major General Darwin H. Simpson, US Army, Retired
Darwin H. Simpson began his 39-year military career in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1964. In 1967, Simpson graduated from the Army’s OCS program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Throughout his career, Major General Simpson has held numerous staff and Command assignments including Commanding General of the 228th Signal Brigade in Spartanburg, South Carolina and Commanding General of the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Anderson, South Carolina. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto. After retiring from military leadership and a career as a chemical company executive, Simpson served as Director of Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport on a voluntary basis from February 2009 through September 2017. Simpson oversaw an extensive revitalization of many of the airport's facilities, including renovation and expansion of the airport terminal and runway improvements and extension. Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport serves today as one of South Carolina’s premier general aviation airports and is a crucial economic development and job creation catalyst, helping to drive private investment in the Spartanburg community. Simpson has been flying for more than 55 years, with more than 7,000 hours of flight time. He was recognized with FAA’s Master Pilot Award for more than 50 years of contributions to further the cause of aviation safety. Simpson previously represented District 4 on the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. On June 25, 2018, the airfield of Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport was named in Simpson’s honor for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to his country and his decades of service to Spartanburg.
SCAA Aviation Hall of Fame Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. Samuel F. Austin Gerald Ballard Jack Barry Randolph Battle Frank Bedard General Charles F Bolden, Jr. Major General Jones Bolt Hank Brown Robert Edmiston “Bob” Bryant Raymond Butters Horace Ellis “Sally” Crouch Frank L Culbertson, Jr. John Cureton Maynard Cusworth Ralph Cuthbertson
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Colgate “Coke” Darden Nettie DuRant Dickerson Charles Dickerson Charles Moss Duke, Jr. Haywood R “Woody” Faison William G. “Billy” Farrow Rear Admiral James H. Flatley, III Hiers Furtick Roland “Rocky Gannon Reid Garrison Wendall Gibson Joe Giltner David Griffin Thomas Cecil Hadwin Jimmie L “Jim” Hamilton John W. Hamilton Representative Robert Harrell
Thomas Patterson “Pat” Hartness William W “Bill” Hawkins Caroline Etheridge Hembel Lester Hembel Ernest Henderson Richard “Dick” Hitt Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings Bevo Howard MB “Dusty” Huggins Benjamin Franklin Johnson General Hansford T. Johnson Walter Ingram “Walt” Johnson Howell C. “Nick” Jones Carroll Joye Senator Phil Leventis Elliott Huger “Billy” Lynam Jr. Dexter C. Martin
SC Aviation Hall of Fame 2021 Inductee
William O. “Bill “ Kendall, Jr.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, William O. “Bill” Kendall, Jr. enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950, where he served as a mechanic on B25s, B29s, F-86s, F-80s, F-84s and P-51s. Upon his discharge from the military in 1953, Kendall began a civilian career in aircraft maintenance that took him to Atlanta, Detroit, and Cleveland, working on DC-3s, 4s, 6s, and 7s, as well as Vickers Viscounts, Caravelles, and Lockheed Constellations. He earned his FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate in 1961. From 1969 to the mid1980s, Kendall worked outside of aircraft maintenance while still maintaining FAA currency in order to assist aircraft owners and operators with technical expertise and inspections. By 1985, he was working for Greenville Technical College when he was asked to help establish the college’s FAA Part 147 Aircraft Maintenance Technology program. Located in an old World War II hangar at what is now the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), the first class started in the fall of 1986. The need for technicians was real and the program grew, forcing the need for a new hangar. With his military and civilian aviation background, Kendall helped to design a new hangar to train future technicians to meet the aviation needs of the Upstate. In the years that followed, Kendall served the program as recruiter, instructor, department head, lab assistant, and FAA Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME). In 36 years as a DME, he has administered more than 1,400 oral and practical exams, certifying more than 900 technicians. He provided input and expertise to assist in the design process of an SCATC joint use facility shared by the college and the South Carolina Air National Guard. Kendall was awarded the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in 2016 in recognition of more than 50 years of outstanding aviation maintenance contributions.
SCAA Aviation Hall of Fame Barnie B. McEntire Ronald McNair George G. Miler, Jr. Frances Higham Miller Cyrus Robert “Buck” Moss Xen Motsinger General Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton A. Lee Orr Carolyn M. Pilaar Len Povey Robert “Bob” C. Pulliam Paul Rinaldo Redfern Sylvia Roth Robert “Bob” Russell Captain Edward T. H. Shaffer John Nelson Shelton Ellie Givan “Buck” Shuler Jr
Robert L “Bob” Sleigher Elliott White Springs Jimmie Doyle Stewart Thomas Summers Robert Sumwalt John T. Talbert Wesley Frank Walker Representative Robert “Bob” Walker Joseph B. Wilder John Henry “Luke” Williamson Established in 1991, the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame honors pioneers and leaders in the aviation industry who have made significant contributions to the development, advancement or promotion of aviation and have close ties to the state of South Carolina. Information about each individual can be found at scaaonline.com.
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What Do Frogmore Stew and Beaufort Executive Airport Have in Common? written by: Jackie Adamson, SCAA Membership Director
Individuals originally from South Carolina call themselves “locals” and all “locals” know Frogmore Stew. This well-known combination of shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn on the cob cooked together originated in the Frogmore community. The village of Frogmore, SC is at the heart of St. Helena Island, between Beaufort and the island. The airport is often referred to as Frogmore Island Airport or Frogmore Intranational Airport. It has also been referred as Lady’s Island Airport. Its official name until recently was Beaufort County Airport. In November of 2020, Frogmore International traded its name to Beaufort Executive Airport. As a gateway to many destinations, the new name will help business and highlight their focus of all they have to offer to visitors. Just this year, it boasts its first web presence – beaufortcountyairport.com. Besides the history and beauty of Beaufort, we also associate it with the Marine Corps Air Station and of course, Parris Island, where many a Marine begins their military life.
“the place is affording steady employment for about 80 people and during certain seasons about twice that number.” The airport was built as a grass strip and was only paved in the early 1960s. Part of the reason for the pavement was due to local hogs penetrating the surrounding fence and rooting up the runway. In 1979, the runway was realigned to the current position. Beaufort Executive Airport is located on 110 acres, boasts 3434’ x 75’ of asphalt runway, and has 34 hangers. Their Master Plan was interrupted by flooding of the runway not once but twice. Hurricane Matthew pushed 3’ to 4’ of water over the field and left three sailboats that broke free from a nearby marina on or near the runway! The very next year, Tropical Storm Irma flooded the airfield again ... but no boats. Of course, the entire electrical infrastructure was compromised and had to be replaced. The FAA assisted in obtaining an emergency grant to do the work. An interesting piece of trivia: The airport’s FAA location identifier is ARW, however, it is BFT by IATA. ARW is assigned to Arad Airport in Arad, Romania. Beaufort County Airports Director (includes Hilton Head Island Airport), Jon
In response to the Korean Conflict the air station now known as MCAS was reactivated. Over the next few years, Beaufort County lost its local airport, which had operated at the field where the Air Station is now located. In 1955, the county purchased the current location. In a 1951 report to the Beaufort County Council, the airport manager reported,
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pictured above: A sailboat is removed from the runway after Hurricane Matthew pushed boats from a nearby marina to the airport.
Rembold has been director for just over seven years. Originally from western New York, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. His last duty station was at Parris Island and Beaufort County is now home. After the military, he was with a private engineering firm in the area, managing more than 200 residential and commercial development projects. As a Field Artillery Officer in the Marines, how can you chart a new course in aviation? Rembold readily admits he is not a pilot, however, his strength in leadership and managerial skills have served the airport well.
pictured above: Jon Rembold and his daughter greet Clemson University Coach Dabo Swinney at the airport.
Jon’s pride in the airports is evident when speaking to him. He knows the challenges of running a General Aviation airport, however, he is up to the challenge. He believes you get back what you put into work and life. Married for 23 years, a father of four, with one in college at Clemson Univeristy, he has worked tirelessly at his children’s schools, chairing the board at a Catholic school his children attend. He has chaired the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce and United Way and serves in various capacities in business organizations and other charities. You might be surprised to know he is the announcer at his John Paul II Catholic High School home football games. While he continues to explain how “Frogmore” relates to the airport, he is delighted that his list of responsibilities as director doesn’t include moving hogs off the runway.
SCAA Continues Efforts To Secure Additional Airport Funding When 2020 began, the Airline Tax Bill was introduced in the state House of Representatives as well as the Senate that would take $2.5 million generated by airline property tax that currently goes to the state general fund and reallocate it to the State Aviation Fund for Airport Improvements. In the letter written to legislators in 2020 shown below, a South Carolina Aeronautics Commissioner explained the need for this bill and asked for support in passing the legislation. Due to COVID-19 the legislation was not considered in 2020. As we enter 2021, this legislation is more important than ever due to the potential impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The current legislation directs the first $2.5 million in airline property tax to the State General Fund and the second $2.5 million goes to the State Aviation Fund, and any additional revenue is split between the two funds. Due to COVID, airline operations dropped down in 2020, which could result in the State Aviation Fund not receiving any airline property tax funds in 2022. This directly impacts SCAA members as the State Aviation Fund supports airport improvement projects.
This legislation will help South Carolina stay competitve with neighboring states.
The plan is to work with legislators to reintroduce the bill in 2021, and SCAA will continue its efforts to support the passing of this legislation. Please look out for more details on how you can help support your association’s initiative to pass this legislation. We need all hands on deck! SCAA is currently scheduled to host a Legislative Luncheon on the State House Grounds on April 28. More details will be provided as we get closer to the event date.
State are throughout the Our 58 airports l H3966/S1055. Bil Tax line Air me to the R signing your na d new faciliQes. PLEASE CONSIDE refurbishment an eral upgrades, repair, of ed ards securing fed ne nt sta in con ilable nickel tow lly redirects eraging every ava Qa en lev of ess ) job 55 10 ible bill (H3966/S does an incred FAA'S r. The Airline Tax Qcs Commission d. And through the onenQally furthe The SC Aeronau er money go exp of the General Fun t pay r airport ou d tax r an d ou ke Fun ma iaQon n annually for ou Av llio grants to mi the 0 o $5 int o ue int n rt system airline tax reven g the $2.5 millio t our State airpo the $2.5 million potenQal of turnin t the reality is tha gram, we have the tes in the fierce a lot of money, bu sta like g s rin nd federal grant pro bo sou igh at ne r Th with ou South Carolina. ina compeQQve refurbishment in keep South Carol LLAR in order to NEEDS EVERY DO s. d job state’s new industry an nce at all to the compeQQon for offer much assista is simply not ission is unable to ere mm Th Co ) ach Qcs Be au Aeron and Myrtle t law in place, the s commercial e - Spartanburg With the curren needs. The state’ arleston, Greenvill er to meet ALL the rts. (Columbia, Ch nds and other ord po bo in air y l blic ntl rcia pu cie me of suffi com issuance grants nt for grants, the leverage the FAA Qcs Commission to me au y ern ne ron Ae gov mo l SC gh era ou en that the the fed e of the changes to look straight to c engine and on mi ing be no hav uld eco are wo on t rts aQ tha airpo te's avi es law; center of our Sta . If H3966 becom the nce at ista are ass rts of po s mean Those four air Qme to Qme. and love to see. ed projects from would welcome n in various need Qo ipa /county rQc pa r ou deserve in a nickel, the city state (SCAC) puts . This is an matching funds) r local airports; the % you r (90 s ou kel m nic fro HTEEN of this law of request" ment puts in EIG ina. The passing ern rol Ca gov In nearly all "cases l th era Sou fed of and rt system a nickel and the it of federal grants ers and the airpo rsu pay pu ir (sponsor) puts in tax r the ou in for airports te in on dollar return ronauQcs to assist r system. Every sta Ae ou at in ff incredible dollar st sta exi the tly curren eral iner" that enables use airports that l service and gen is truly a "No Bra ly owned, public their commercia s of the 58 public all realizing the ina support both are rol ey Ca Th th e. Sou Qm meeQng the need s to t en ir airport nt system at thi d all that are adjac E of the FAA gra tly improving the the southeast an FULL ADVANTAG and therefore vas , and are taking ted impact study ge federal grants ple hu com ng tly uri en sec rec aviaQon airports by dollars same. Our leverage of their Jobs ajer jobs " need to do the full benefit and ct of $16 BILLION. of South Carolina al economic impa re. We "The State nu ctu an tru an ras ted inf y ica ilit fac Carolina ind industry in South on. for the aviaQon Carolina in aviaQ provided in South ing with any be are s job ajer l me personally ase feel free to cal further d for our State. Ple e to your office to goo com d an or e nt on de ph pru art, you by sm h is wit k bill s tal thi to g, y In closin have. I am happ ughts you might quesQons or tho discuss. . to South Carolina Qme and service Thanks for your
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Legislative efforts in support of the Airline Tax Bill in 2020 included a letter to legislators (left) and talking points (above) sent to members to share with their representatives and senators.
aQon)
and contact inform
Palmetto Aviation Page 13
Congratulations, SC FSDO Award Recipents! The FSDO General Aviation Awards Program is a cooperative effort between the FAA and industry sponsors that recognizes indivudal aviation professionals on the local, national and regional levels for their contributions to aviation, education and flight safety. AMT of the Year – Chuck Hyer
Last August, SCAA named SC Aeronautics Commission Director of Maintenence John L. “Chuck” Hyer its 2020 AMT of the Year. Chuck is recognized for his dedication, consistent quality of work and his philosophy to share his knowledge with others. FAASTeam Rep. of the Year – Scott Newsome
A member of the FAASTeam since 2018, Scott Newsome is recognized as a “DronePro” and has conducted numerous FAASTeam seminars and webinars. Newsome has been instrumental in assisting numerous public agencies in obtaining Certificates of Authorization essential for safe and effective UAS operations. CFI of the Year – Chuck Copley
A Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Recipient, Charles J. “Chuck” Copley, III has been a Flight Instructor since 1969 and a Cirrus Aircraft Standard Instructor Pilot for 15 years. He also has extensive experience as a Part 135 pilot.
The Startle Response continued from page 4
The IFR clearance promptly came back ‘as filed’ and the flight was soon underway after routine Ground, Tower, Departure and En Route communications. Passing through 9000’ MSL, I heard a loud pop from behind the copilot’s seat. The plastic potato chip bag had burst. Anxiety turned into spontaneous laughter. On the back seat perched the Lay’s bag resembling an inflated weather balloon party favor filled with potato chips! Now, let’s take a look at this companion article prepared by the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee and learn how to better manage the Startle Response: https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/ 2017/media/se_topic_17_06.pdf
Greenville Downtown Airport FOD Program Each week, GMU awards the finder of the most intriguing piece of FOD with a gift certificate to Runway Cafe. Pictured at left is a recent collection including a pacifier and a hotel room key card.
Thank you SCAA corporate members!
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Membership Application South Carolina Aviation Association PO Box 80994, Charleston, SC 29416 (P) 1-877-FLY-SCAA // (E) scaa@scaaonline.com (W) www.scaaonline.com
On behalf of the SCAA Board of Directors, we want to recognize those that served on a committee in 2020 and encourage you to participate in a committee in 2021. Amanda Aldea, CRAFT Flight Training Matt Baker, SC Aeronautics Commission Leo Berube, Flightpath, LLC Denise Bryan, Fairfield County Airport Andy Busbee, Michael Baker International Philip Chandler, Rock Hill - York County Airport Kathy Cleveland, Anderson Regional Airport Terry Connorton, Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport Scott Crosby, SC Breakfast Club Kelli Feathers, Hope Aviation Insurance Gerald Gaige Dean Garritson, The Facility Solutions Jill Gilbert, Holt Consulting Group Steve Gould, Rock Hill - York County Airport Bud Hawk, Mead & Hunt Ken Holt, Holt Consulting Company Ryan Hounshell, Holt Consulting Company Kevin Howell, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Greg Jones, ADC Engineering Danny Lucas, Ridgeland-Claude Dean Airport Mike McCurdy, Charleston Flight School Paul Moses, Lancaster County Airport Hernan Pena, Charleston International Airport David Smith, SC Aeronautics Commission James Stephens, SC Aeronautics Commission Zach Nelson, McFarland Johnson Jack Mayfield, Holt Consulting Company Jon McCalmont, Parrish and Partners
__ $25 __ $40 __ $250 __ $450
Student Membership Individual Membership Airport Membership (Includes 8 members) Corprate Membership (Includes 10 members, logo in all newsletters & email spotlight)
Total ____________
Membership Category Circle the category that best describes you: Pilot Government Offical* FBO Consultant Vendor Airport Manager *Includes airport commission member, state, federal, or other government agencies. Please include any additional descritions (with ratings) that apply to you on the line below. (Examples: Commissioner, Commissioner Chair, Airport, Executive Director, Manager, FBO, Consultant, Vendor, Pilot, etc.) ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Name _______________________________________ Affiliation____________________________________ Address_____________________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone_______________________________________ Email________________________________________ Circle your method of payment: Check Visa MC Amex Bill Me CC#________________________________________ EXP Date ____________________________________ Security Code_________________________________ Name/Billing Address _________________________ _____________________________________________ ___ Please send me a printed copy of Palmetto Aviation.
Palmetto Aviation Page 15
PO Box 80994 Charleston, SC 29416 1-877-FLY SCAA (359-7222) www.scaaonline.com
SCAA Conference Sponsors
Union County Airport - Shelton Field
SCAA Conference Exhibitors
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