/StateAviationJournal-JulyAug2011

State Aviation Journal Issue #12

July/August 2011

e g a r e v o C o t o h P l a i c e Sp e r u t n e V r i A EAA 2011

AWOS

A Current State of Affairs

New at the Helm:

Michigan’s Mike Trout

w e i v e r PNASAO Annual Conference and Tradeshow 2011

From the Publisher Guest Commentary Randall Burdette, NASAO Chair

Contents

Page 4 Page 5

Tennessee Aero Division Works to Maximize NASAO Conference Attendance

Page 6

Emily Howell Warner Earns 99s Award

Page 8

Trout Taps Experience to Run Michigan Aeronautics

Page 9

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Looks Green

Page 10

Steven Baldwin Opens New Consulting Firm

Page 11

AWOS ~ A Current State of Affairs

Page 13

Rouella Picked to Lead Vermont Aviation

Page 15

Special Coverage of EAA’s 2011 AirVenture Coverage Begins on

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State Aviation Journal

May/June 2011

On The Cover

On The Cover

Publisher/Editor/ Graphic Design/ Layout Design/ Photography/

Advertising Director

Conntributing Writers

Kim J. Stevens Andrew Stevens Andrew Stevens Kim Stevens Shahn Sederberg Chris Bildilli Kathleen Stevens

Lara Jackson Andrea Brennan Scott Malta Penny Hamilton Steven Callahan

NASAO President Henry Ogrodzinski, left and David Greene, Director of Wisconsin’s Bureau of Aeronautics. Cover photo by Shahn Sederberg.

May/June 2011

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From the Publisher

80 Years of State Aviation

In September NASAO will celebrate its 80th anniversary at the organization’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s hard to believe that I have been a state aviation official or an alumni for 20 of those years. Although each year’s conference is unique and holding it at a different location each year adds to the interest, its the opportunity to reunite with “family” that trumps everything else for me.

This will be the third consecutive year that the State Aviation Journal (SAJ) will feature a full issue dedicated to the annual meeting. With this being a special year, the SAJ is planning enhanced coverage with four writers in attendance along with yours truly and my camera.

This special issue will be posted within a couple of weeks of the conference on the Journal website and promises to be the best ever, with interviews of members, attendees, speakers, vendors and of course, pages oozing with photos.

Many of you remember Roy Eckrose and Bill Green of Eckrose & Green. Each year at the conference the two would put up a large poster board with photos that Bill had taken at the previous year’s NASAO Annual Meeting. Gary Ness said they started doing this in 1989 and continued until they retired. That was great fun because Bill had a knack of getting shots when least expected.

I think Eckrose and Green realized it was a great marketing tool, but that it also helped preserve a history of the organization in pictures. The State Aviation Journal has taken that concept to a different level, but I am pleased to be able to help record some of the history of this fine organization so that some of the best moments from each conference can be enjoyed by future generations of state aviation officials.

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State Aviation Journal

July/August 2011

Guest Commentary

NASAO, Serving the Public Interest in Aviation for 80 Years

By Randall Burdette By the late 1920’s, America was in the midst of what would become known as the Golden Age of Aviation.

Civil aviation became popular, fueled by daring and dramatic record-breaking feats and skilled pilots that became internationally famous including Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart.

Realizing there was a void in this growing new industry, the states established NASAO in 1931 to ensure uniformity of safety measures, to standardize airport regulations and develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state, and regional needs – a predecessor of the Civil Aeronautics Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration. Since 1931, NASAO has been unique among aviation advocates representing the men and women, in state government aviation agencies, who serve the public interest. These highly skilled professionals are full partners with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world.

Over the years, the roles of NASAO and the states within our national aviation system have changed and expanded. From the beginning, as a consensus driven association, NASAO has been the recognized and respected voice of state government aviation agencies in Washington, D.C. and a trusted source of accurate information.

Today our mission is to provide our members a valuable two way dialog between the states and our national leaders on areas of importance to the states, and to provide the states a valuable conduit to share information between the states in order to improve our state and national aviation systems.

The NASAO Strategic Plan 2010-2020 identifies three strategic issues: Investment – ensure public investment sufficient to provide safe and efficient access to the national aviation system for all Americans. Technology – support the efficient use of emerging technologies to improve the national aviation system’s capacity and provide access to more communities across the nation. Communication – promote information exchange, emphasizing public awareness, understanding, and education regarding the importance of the national aviation system to the health, economic development and quality of life for our communities.

As we embark on the second decade of the 21st Century we expect a resonance in aviation generated by NextGen

Burdette activities, new aircraft designs and materials, and alternate fuel supplies. NextGen will make every community airport a business center and the evolution of aircraft like very light jets and light sport aircraft will increase activity at even our smallest airports. As America was profoundly affected by the growth of the rail system in the 19th Century and the development of the super highway in the 20th Century, the 21st Century hallmark will be the growth and proliferation of an even safer and more efficient global aviation system. NASAO and state governments stand ready to usher in this new Golden Age of Aviation.

July/August 2011

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State Aviation Journal

July/August 2011

Tennessee Aeronautics Division

Maximizing the NASAO Conference Experience

By Andrea Brennan The Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division is maximizing the opportunities for state aviation officials to informally meet during the NASAO Annual Convention and Trade Show on September 10–13 in Nashville. Robert Woods, Aeronautics Division Director, outlined the activities planned during the conference.

Sunday, September 11 features three events: a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame, a special family-style lunch at the five-star Hermitage Hotel (a historic Civil War site that was the home of Andrew Jackson), Woods noted, and a ribbon-cutting show-opening followed by a two-hour reception at the exhibitor hall.

On Monday, September 12, NASAO and Tennessee officials will start the day welcoming attendees. The official opening remarks will be followed by an introduction to the host-state from Mike Snider of the Grand Ole Opry, a banjo champion (and a pilot, said Woods). Snider will offer his unique musical and humorous perspective of Tennessee.

During lunch on Monday, David Sanders will speak to the attendees about his experiences as a FedEx pilot.

Sanders was a member of a flight crew that thwarted a hijacking attempt of FedEx 705 in 1994 and landed the DC-10 safely back in Memphis.

On Monday night, Republic Parking is sponsoring an evening of country cuisine and music at the Wild Horse Saloon. The ribs dinner will be followed by two-step dancing, including lessons to learn how to two-step.

“Bring your boots and hats,” Woods recommended.

On Tuesday, September 13, the featured speaker during lunch will be Stan Brock of NBC’s Wild Kingdom and founder of the Tennessee-based Remote Area Medical Foundation. Brock will describe RAM and the Remote Area Medical Rural America Program that provides medical services around the United States, including the Appalachian mountain region. In the evening, NASAO will host a reception for the trade show and the annual awards dinner.

“The Aeronautics Division staff here in Nashville has been working with NASAO for over a year to make this anniversary Convention and Trade Show the very best one ever,” said Woods, including “the most interesting ever” tours for spouses. “One of the difficulties is that there is so much to see and do in Nashville that making decisions on what to do was difficult,” he said.

Tennessee Aeronautics Division Director Robert “Bob” Woods and his wife Wanda. Wanda has been instrumental on the host committee helping to plan for the upcoming conference events.

July/August 2011

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EMILY HOWELL WARNER EARNS 99s AVIATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

By Penny Rafferty Hamilton When Colorado pilot Emily Howell Warner was hired to fly for Frontier Airlines in 1973, she said her success, like that of the other women airline pilots who then began to be hired by the other airlines, rested on the shoulders of American women such as Helen Richey whose dreams had been so tragically frustrated by the inequalities of earlier times.

Recently, the International 99s honored “Captain Emily” with their “Award of Achievement For Contributions to Aviation” at their annual convention held in Oklahoma

City in July. “I joined the 99s when I was just 18 years old because I was so inspired by the women pilots and flight instructors,” explained Warner when asked about her flying experiences.

Still in her late teens, Emily experienced a ride in the jump seat of a DC-3. Thus, two male pilots lighted a flame in a young woman who would go on to establish many “firsts” in aviation history. As a receptionist for a Denver flying school, Emily put her salary into flying lessons; eventually, earning the ratings and building the flight hours required for airline pilots. She built flight time ferrying airplanes, too. Every chance she got to fly, she took it.

Ironically, as chief flight instructor of the Clinton Aviation Flight School at then, Arapahoe County Airport, now Centennial/APA in Colorado, Emily taught instrument flying to young men who, not long after they left Emily’s tutelage, became airline pilots. So, Flight Instructor Emily began a polite, but determined, quest that would see her become the first female member of the Airline Pilots Association and America’s first female airline captain with her captain’s uniform enshrined in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. “Captain Emily” is also the first woman to lead an all-female airline crew.

She has been inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation, the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame and the Women’s Hall of Fame. In Weaving the Winds, noted book writer, Ann Lewis Cooper, describes Emily’s hard work, determination and many years of mentoring women pilots.

Emily is a charter member of the International Society of Women Airline pilots founded in 1978 with only 21 members back then.

In 1992, Warner was inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Women Hall of Fame. She also is the winner of the Amelia Earhart Woman of the Year Award. “Captain Emily” remains mindful that opening the door to the flight deck for other women pilots is her true honor. An honor Emily accepts on behalf of all the women pilots of yesteryear.

Emily Howell Warner Page 8

State Aviation Journal

July/August 2011

Trout - I see great things for aviation in the state.

Trout Taps Experience to Lead Michigan Aeronautics

By Kim Stevens Michigan has over 200 public use airports and each one plays a significant role in contributing to their community in the area of jobs and economic benefit. For Mike Trout, A.A.E., AICP, the newly appointed Executive Administrator for the Office of Aeronautics, this is an opportunity to use his many years of experience meeting the needs of the one to help meet the needs of the many.

“I see great things for aviation in the state,” said Trout, who spent time at both Bishop International Airport and Detroit City Airport. “Our job is to help them realize their full potential in supporting their local economies.”

Trout sees a great benefit from his previous airport experience in his new position. “My perspective from being an airport manager and having responsibilities that allowed me to see the operation, maintenance and development side of things will serve me well,” said Trout. “The airports are our customers and I know the level of services airports expect and can identify with their various needs.”

Trout says he has a great staff and as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation, sees changes happening to make their office more efficient in delivering services. “Being a part of the MDOT team with the leadership we have is fantastic,” said Trout. “We are focusing on our core functions and doing those things the best we can.”

Trout’s father was a civil engineer and the Detroit ADO Manger in the 70’s and 80’s. That’s what initially sparked

his interest in aviation. “It always seemed like a kind of exclusive/important field that allowed for a variety of skills and was exciting,” said Trout. While Trout tried a variety of jobs in his 20’s, including owning a business and selling real estate, it was always in the back of his mind that airport management would be a great career path to pursue.

“When I decided to get my master’s degree, I chose Public Administration with the intent of working in aviation and my studies focused on research related to that subject in particular,” said Trout. “When I graduated, I was lucky enough to get a job as the aviation planner with Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) which allowed me to attend the state aviation conferences. That networking paid off with my first opportunity at Detroit City airport.”

As a new state aviation official, Trout hasn’t had previous exposure to the National Association of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO) but firmly believes there is great value there. “I have always enjoyed being involved in associations, having served on the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) for six years, being an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), and others,” said Trout, “so it will be fun to meet some new people and learn new things.”

Trout and his wife Nancy have been married for 22 years and have two children. He has earned both a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan.

July/August 2011

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Michigan Coalition Seeks to Strengthen Airports Economy

By Lara Jackson The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition (UM-GAC) recently completed its first set of conferences addressing the latest trends in aviation and sustainability. According to Vikki Kulju, executive director at Telkite Technology Park at Sawyer International Airport, Gwinn, Michigan and a member of the Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition’s management team, “Each conference focused on specific topics based on the niche of the area where the conference was held.”

The Coalition is looking to strengthen the local economy by fostering environmentally-friendly industry at three Upper Peninsula Airports. In 2010, a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was awarded to the UM-GAC. The grant was part of SBA’s Innovative Economies program.

The Conferences Each conference was held in a different location in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which have a unique aviation subcategory industry. The environmental needs and focus of these industries also change based upon the region.

Jim Baker Ph.D., executive director, Innovation and Industry Engagement at MIT provided background on green research and development and technology commercialization at MIT, at the May conference held at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

The June conference was held in Gladstone, Michigan, located in Delta County and focused more on sustainability, the reduction of the aviation industry’s carbon footprint and lean and green process management. Speakers at this conference included Gavin Brown, president of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) and William Carberry of Boeing. The focus of Brown’s presentation was an overview of the aerospace market and its forecasted growth, challenges, and how MAMA can help those entering the industry and overcome the barriers. Carberry focused on Boeing’s sustainability strategy.

Carberry also discussed the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association’s (AFRA) airplane recycling program including AFRA’s four tips for starting an airplane recycling operation: 1) Plan for it, 2) Don’t over-engineer, Don’t oversimplify, 3) Define target customers and outlets – planes, parts and materials, 4) Set up strategic alliance with knowledgeable mentor.

The July conference was held in Houghton, Michigan, the home of Michigan Tech University. Representatives from Lockheed-Martin and Bombardier also attended this conference. Houghton is also the home of Houghton County Memorial Airport. Over the past 10 years, the Department of Defense has been investigating ways to green military aviation including investigating fuel alternatives and the recyclability of military equipment. So, the aviation focus of this particular

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conference was the application of sustainable technology and how to use it commercially to create a more environmentallyfriendly platform.

“While they were in town, the representatives [from Lockheed-Martin and Bombardier] toured Michigan Tech and noted how impressed they were with these advanced technologies,” noted Kulju, “We (UM-GAC) hope this meeting creates joint ventures and partnerships between the manufacturers and the university and we’re looking into ways to expedite these partnerships.”

Director of Strategic Technology, Senior Engineering Advisor at Bombardier Aerospace, Fassi Kafyeke, Ing., Ph.D., spoke at UMGAC’s July conference, “…on our plans to bring to the market an aircraft (the Bombardier CSERIES), which will considerably reduce aviation impact on noise, local air quality and on climate change. The Fassi Kafyeke [UM-GAC] committee arranged for me to meet with the university and a number of SMEs of the area. I was impressed by the …atmosphere to resolve to use technology and the environmental objectives to propel economic growth and very innovative business models being used in the region. I think it is a promising bet for the area.”

UM-GAC Background According to a January 2011 United States Small Business Association (SBA) press release, UMGAC “…was selected among 173 applicants throughout the country to receive funding through a new pilot program, ‘Innovative Economies.’ UM-GAC is targeting three main areas: 1) The environmentally sensitive recycling of aging aircraft, 2) Research and development in the recycling process and in new “green product” development, 3) Commercialization of green aviation technologies.

The UMAGC is comprised of “…private and public sector members and stakeholders who are participating in the creation of an industry cluster surrounding the concept of green aviation…The mission is to join private and public sector partners across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and bordering regions, with experts from throughout the world, to develop new employee categories; promote investment; develop and commercialize advanced technologies; promote collaboration among cluster partners; and expand existing third-party business and financing services within the field of green aviation.”

July/August 2011

A Conversation with Steven Baldwin

Aviation Veteran Starts Own Consulting Firm

By Scott Malta

Steven Baldwin, after 30 years of dedicated service to the aviation/airport industry, including 14 years in public service managing airports and 15 years leading a national consulting practice for a large architectural/engineering firm, has announced the formation of Steven Baldwin Associates, llc.

Baldwin, most recently, was the Senior Vice President of Louis Berger Group Inc.’s National Aviation Program and was responsible for the delivery of all domestic aviation services throughout the firm’s network of offices, which include 25 offices in the United States and in over 90 countries worldwide.

Prior to Joining Berger in 1996 Baldwin served the NYSDOT Aviation Division for 14 years. The State Aviation Journal (SAJ) had the opportunity to chat briefly with Steve Baldwin (SB)…

SAJ – Please tell us some details about your new business, Steven Baldwin Associates, llc.

SB – “We’re going to focus on what we do best. With highend clients: policy decisions, owner’s representative work, and management studies to name a few. We’ll do planning work for airports from GA to large hubs. On the financial side, leases & license, management & policy, and minimum standards.”

SAJ – How has your past experience prepared you to start your own business?

Steven Baldwin Stewart Airport was approximately 1500 acres with an additional 8000 acres as a noise buffer set up for light industrial uses. We took an additional 188 acres as an industrial park with about 5 million square feet (of facility volume) that we filled quickly. That was a great demonstration of our capabilities and enabled us to bring in additional utilities and other facilities. I also brought in American Airlines at Stewart, the first to the airport with six daily flights, three to Chicago and three to Raleigh Durham. Then we got US Airways, Delta and Continental, then began a terminal expansion including new roads, increasing the ARFF index, etcetera.

I went on to get my Masters Degree in Public Administration.”

SAJ – What motivated you to start your own business?

SB – “I’m well prepared, from high school through Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) to my career in aviation. I have several pilot certificates and a degree in aviation management. I’ve also flown as a commercial airline pilot, during my time at FIT and for a year after graduation.

I then went to work for the New York State Aviation Division. Within two months, I was involved with legislation from the state transferring Stewart and Republic Airports to the state. I also worked on two governor appointed commissions.

At Republic Airport, we had a nighttime curfew that was enjoined by a federal lawsuit. I had to defend the curfew but knew it wasn’t a good idea. After five years, we settled with the FAA and received a lot of funding for airport improvements. I did a quid-pro-quo Part 150 study (one of the first) and mitigation measures.

SB – “It was time for a change. Berger had 400 people when I started in 96, its very large now, more than 4000.

Large firms compared to smaller ones tend to split your time between aviation and corporate needs. I want to focus on aviation, what I do best. I want to see aviation as the “whole pie” – I’m completely dedicated to the aviation field.”

SAJ – What will be your biggest challenge?

SB – “The first year! Branding, getting the word out to the industry, web design, filing corporation papers, tax department, IRS – lots of administrative tasks. I’m currently working with clients and I need to keep up with them. Getting a positive cash flow.”

July/August 2011

Continued on next page.

State Aviation Journal Page 11

Baldwin Continued from previous page.

SAJ – How did you get interested in aviation?

SB – “My father was in the Army Air Corps and ran a small airport in Salzburg, Austria and I used to listen to his stories. I also became a model airplane builder. As a member of the FIT aviation program, I arrived two weeks before the others and was told, “Let’s go flying.” I was hooked! I found the whole process of learning at FIT to be exhilarating.”

SAJ – What is it that fires you up the most about starting your own business and about aviation?

Baldwin and his father getting sea plane rated at Jack Brown’s Sea Plane base in Winter Haven Florida.

- planes will fly without logos, - executives are looking for ways to save time.

Elected by his peers, Baldwin is the Chair of the AssociSB – “Aviation comes naturally to me. I’ve had a long ates/World Business Partners Board of Directors, Airports career – 30 years. Aviation has a hold on me. I like the chalCouncil International - North America (ACI-NA), where he lenge of starting up a company, it’s risky, the economy is not was involved with FAA funding issues and was instrumental as robust as we’ve seen, however, it does provide opportuniin getting the President to call Congress to get the FAA back ties for start ups. There are those who want more face-time, to work. His other professional affiliations and memberships they’re looking for the very best, lowest cost, tightest schedinclude the: American Association of Airport Executives ule – I believe I am the best! This is not work for me; it’s an (AAAE); Airport Consultants Council (ACC); New York activity I love!”

State Aviation Management Association - where he serves on the Legislative Affairs Committee; and, several other state SAJ – What do you think the future holds for aviation? and regional aviation organizations.

“I was delighted to learn that Steve has launched his own SB – “Aviation is going through changes, a pendulum effirm,” said Mark Paul Brewer, A.A.E., Airport Director fect. In the 90’s we were looking at congestion, regional jets at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. “He is a highly entering the market and were thinking about redesigning respected aviation professional with significant personal terminals – a crisis that we thought was coming, but didn’t. airport management background.

TSA – remember when whole families would come to the Steve Korta, AAE, State Aviation Administrator for the

gate to see you off or back in?

Bureau of Aviation and Ports, Connecticut Department of Technology will have a long way to go: Transportation, said that having known Steve for approxi - booking & check-in, mately 15 years and having had the benefit of experiencing

- linear ticket counters are old school, kiosks are his involvement with various initiatives, he can point to a more friendly and attractive. history of exceptional results. “It is exciting to hear about the Airlines will continue to struggle: launch of Steve’s new firm and it will be equally exciting to

- they will add more fees, watch it grow,” said Korta.

- not crediting back taxes, Steve is an active commercial instrument rated multi-en - investing huge amounts of capital flying from A to gine pilot and flight instructor with both land and sea plane B, to make a few dollars. ratings. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Airport Real impact will be on GA: Management from Florida Institute of Technology and a

- cost of owning and flying; many can buy, but it’s Masters Degree in Public Administration from the State Unihard to operate due to cost, versity of New York, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs

- there will be a pilot shortage, and Policy.

- shortage of those interested in airports, You can reach Steve Baldwin at: Steven Baldwin Associ - this will provide opportunities for those that see ates, llc., 22 Aviation Road, Albany, New York 12205. (518) them.

441-3071. sbaldwin@baldwinllc.com Corporate aviation:

- to executives, time is money, to some, time is big Scott C. Malta, A.A.E., C.A.E., Captain, USAF (RET) is the money, President of the South West Chapter of AAAE and a regular

- many will continue to invest and fly, contributor to this magazine.

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July/August 2011

AWOS and the Current State of Affairs

By Steven Callahan Ever since the first certified Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) was installed over 25 years ago these systems have provided invaluable information to pilots, meteorologists, and flight dispatchers to monitor weather conditions, prepare forecasts, and plan flight routes. As the FAA states, “Since the early days of aviation, the taking and dissemination of surface aviation observations has been an essential function for safe and efficient flight.

The cost of personnel and material limits the availability of (weather) stations and it has been increasingly practical to automate many observing functions. The need for additional weather sources spurred production of several automated systems, one of which is the AWOS.” Over the years the total number of AWOS systems installed in the field has grown to well over 1,000; however, Bing it has become increasingly difficult to install new AWOS equipment due to reduced funding, stricter cost/benefit analysis requirements by the FAA, and VHF frequency congestion.

Strong economic growth that funded several statewide AWOS initiatives now seems like a thing of the past as we continue to climb out of a slump in the economy. Federal and state funding has been limited and many local municipalities struggle to come up with their local match for proposed airport improvements. The communities that are able to fund their local match often have difficulties paying for the ongoing maintenance that is required.

During tough economic times it becomes even more important to prioritize projects due to limited financial resources but we can’t forget how important AWOS systems are to safe operations at airports. This includes not only investing in new systems to provide weather information in areas that currently have no reporting capability but also budgeting funds to keep existing systems in top operating condition. According to Geoff Bing, Director of Government Programs at XCELAR, “Many airports and states have invested significant funds to establish an AWOS program. Although most AWOS will perform reliably for

many years, it’s critical to continue to invest as equipment ages. In addition to AWOS maintenance, airports must realize that as equipment ages, it may be more difficult or costly to maintain. By planning for AWOS upgrades or replacement, your airport can continue to provide the level of all-weather access that an AWOS offers.”

To make the most out of your AWOS investment, Marilyn Wulfekuhler, co-founder of anyAWOS says it is important that the weather also be reported nationally to the FAA, where it is then available to DUATS, Flight Service, and Internet weather sites. “Multiple technologies can be used to make the best and most cost effective use of whatever infrastructure is available, at even the most remote airports,” said Wulfekuhler.

In recent years, the FAA has made it more difficult to receive federal funding due to stricter cost/benefit analysis requirements. It seems that justifying a new AWOS installation, in the minds of the FAA, is a lot tougher than it used to be. It is important for airports to work closely with their consultants or Wulfekuhler state aviation staff to understand these requirements and the true economic benefit to an airport that an AWOS provides. According to Christopher Snyder, Project Director for Woolpert’s aviation design Continued on page 15.

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AWOS

Continued from page 13 services, “Our Aviation Clients continue to show a strong desire and need for Automated Weather Observing Systems. Our industry needs to continue to develop this type of support infrastructure that improves the safety of flight, improves the utility of the airfield, and will support the next generation of navigational systems. The benefit to costs and policy standards need to be better and more quickly understood without restricting these basic, yet critical airPetragnani port improvements to simply tell pilots what exactly the conditions are on the airport.”

AWOS systems, depending on their configuration, broadcast weather observations on either a discrete VHF frequency or over the airport’s existing Unicom frequency. In some cases an AWOS system can broadcast either way. The best solution varies from airport to airport and depends on what an airport’s individual needs are.

However, in recent years, both solutions are becoming more difficult to manage. For example, Ralph Petragnani, Director of Sales and Marketing for Belfort Instrument,

states that “In the Northeast the FAA has said that any installed AWOS AV will not get a discrete frequency. That’s a problem because in New Jersey Belfort has 15 airports with AWOS AVs and they all wanted a discrete frequency.

The FAA has told us that there are 8 Unicom frequencies available for airports and they suggest that instead of asking for a discrete frequency that the airport change its Unicom frequency so as not to interfere with an airport close to them.” The frequency issues can be complicated and extremely time consuming to work out so it is important for airports and state aviation staff to work closely with their AWOS provider and/or consultant to navigate through the VHF licensing process.

Despite some of the financial and project management challenges associated with getting new AWOS systems installed, the economic benefit to airports and the increased level of safety provided to the flying public outweighs the logistical burdens more times than not. Therefore we need to keep this type of airport infrastructure in mind when prioritizing our limited resources and considering how to best gain a long-term benefit in return.

Steven Callahan is an aviation consultant and contributor to SAJ.

Rouelle Named Vermont Aviation Administrator Guy Rouelle, Interim Aviation Program Administrator for Vermont’s Agency of Transportation since July 7th of this year, was named August 22nd, to permanently fill the top spot replacing Rich Turner.

Rouelle said his biggest challenge in his new position will be marketing the state’s airports and their economic necessity to the public. Rouelle said the combination of GA and commercial aviation, adds a great deal of revenue to Vermont’s airport system. “We Rouelle need to be better at marketing airports,” said Rouelle, but “I am excited by this challenge.”

Vermont is one of the most beautiful states to fly in according to Rouelle, a 5th generation Vermonter. “I have logged thousands of hours over Vermont and landed at not only the 16 public-use airports, but a good share of the 165 privately owned, private-use airports.”

Rouelle developed his interest in aviation by reading books, building airplane models and listening to stories his Uncle told him about the gull-winged Corsair that provided air support for his Marine Company during WWII. “People fire me up,” said Rouelle, “Their enthusiasm for their aircraft, the airspace above them and the airports they operate from.”

July/August 2011

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EAA AirVenture 2011 Julie Clark Page 16 State Aviation Journal

July/August 2011

Sail plane and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photos by Chris Bildilli

Quiet Speaks Loudly at EAA’s 2011 AirVenture

By Kim Stevens You can usually tell who the first time attendees are at EAA’s annual AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They’re the ones bouncing off walls and other spectators, with their heads turned consistently skyward drawn to the decibels representing decades of air power. As a longtime attendee myself, I have to admit that I too, have been the bane of others seeking to enjoy the daily offerings of aviation to the max. If you love airplanes, noise and especially people, you can expect to come away from Oshkosh each year with a pretty positive experience.

For the seasoned veteran attendee, there are also subtleties in play if you pay close enough attention. Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO) has represented that organization at AirVenture for 15 years and has been attending for many years prior. He picked up on one of those subtleties this year.

“Every one of those events has been different and important for different reasons,” said Ogrodzinski, often referred to as HenryO, by industry peers and friends alike.

“One thing I will long remember about this Oshkosh was the “quiet”. Boeing chose to make this year’s EAA Oshkosh event the public debut of the new 787 Dreamliner. “Watching it take off, all of the aviation cognoscenti standing near me whispered, “it’s so quiet,” said HenryO. “It truly lives up to the promise of being 60% quieter than any similarly sized aircraft.”

Later, Ogrodzinski said he stepped out of the Wisconsin weather tent, which thanks to Wisconsin’s generosity, housed NASAO and the displays for the states of Colorado and North Dakota, to watch some of the electric Continued on Page 22.

NASAO President, Henry Ogrodzinski and Selena Shilad, Executive Director of Alliance for Aviation Across America. (Photo by Shahn Sederberg)

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Photos by S

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Shahn Sederberg

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From left are David Gordon, Bob Kunkel and Henry Ogrodzinski in front of the NASAO sign.

Oshkosh AirVenture 2011 – Perspective from a Newbie

By David Gordon My attendance at this year’s EAA AirVenture was something to behold. Especially when compared to my previous visit in 1967 when it was held in Rockford, Illinois……and I was a teenager learning to fly.

I made the trip to Rockford in a Cherokee flown by a local dairy farmer who had taken me under his wing and was helping me build hours. The trip to Rockford was a nice cross county trip from the northern Indiana farming community. At the time I was very inexperienced in life but the flying bug had already bitten me and the EAA flyin at Rockford “sealed the deal”. The number of aircraft of all sizes and shapes at one place was something to behold….

Fast forward 44 years to Oshkosh EAA AirVenture 2011.

Wow, what a change. I was totally blown away at how big the event has become and how many aircraft of all sizes and shapes fly in for this event. I had read stories and heard many descriptions from pilots who had flown back to their home airports in Colorado where I have been the airport manager, at three different airfields. But nothPage 20 State Aviation Journal

ing can prepare you for what the true experience is firsthand. This year’s event celebrated the 48th Annual EAA Convention and according to officials the attendance was around 541,000 and more than 10,000 aircraft flew in for the event.

On my first day at AirVenture I was fortunate to be given a grand tour of the site with past Wisconsin Aeronautics Director Bob Kunkel. Bob is now retired but spends every summer volunteering his time to AirVenture and serves as a Governmental Relations Ambassador. We spent about four hours driving around the grounds, including a side trip to the float plane base. It is amazing to not only see the camp grounds and facilities set up for the fly-in folks but also the true campers who drive in from all across the country. EAA has sure done their homework on how to get so many people from all forms of transportation at one place and accommodate their basic needs for a week. It’s a tribute to their efforts that thousands of people every summer plan their vacations around this event.

I was also introduced to Peter Moll, the Airport Director

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for Wittman Regional Airport. Being a past airport manager myself I can really appreciate what he and his staff do every year preparing the airport for AirVenture. The airport, volunteers and the FAA controllers do a fantastic job coordinating multiple ground and air activities simultaneously.

I was also impressed with what EAA has done with their education program. The Kid Venture area was filled with kids of all ages learning about aviation….something our industry at all levels needs to continue focusing on. The Young Eagles Air Academy is another example of how EAA is educating our kids of all ages. And the Air Academy Lodge is a wonderful facility built with donated funds. We had lunch at the Lodge on Saturday and were pleasantly surprised to hear an impromptu presentation by the Chief Test Pilot for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. I was impressed by the quality of questions the students were asking about the state-of-the art aircraft design characteristics and flight controls.

Lastly, my overall impression of AirVenture is that the sheer size of the event exemplifies our excitement, as a nation, for aviation at all levels; and the desire to share this excitement with others especially with the next generations who will follow us. The Experimental Aircraft Association, its members and donors can take great pride in what has been accomplished.

It’s great to live in the United States…..can’t wait until next year.

David Gordon is the Director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics.

Captain Mike Carriker, Beoing’s Chief Test Pilot for the 787 Dreamliner. (Photo by Shahn Sederberg)

Photographer Chris Bildilli captured the final moments of the Alabama Air Guard F-16 as it ran off the end of the runway during EAA’s 2011 AirVenture.

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held in Illinois back in 1967. (See related article by Dave Gordon on page 20.)

For Ogrodzinski, he’ll also remember the camaraderie that grew between those state aviation officials working the tent.

“Colorado’s Dave Gordon and Shahn Sederberg; North Dakota’s Larry Taborsky and his staffers Kelby Hovey, Joshua Simmers and Mike McHugh; Dave Greene’s great Wisconsin gang led by Scott Brummond, Mark Pfundheller, Jeff Taylor, Gary Dikkers and Craig Butler. By the end of that long interesting week together we were family, said Ogrodzinski.

Larry Taborsky, Director of the North From left are EAA President, Rod Hightower; AOPA President, Craig Fuller; and Dakota Aeronautics Commission, said that GAMA President, Peter Bunce. (Photo by Shahn Sederberg.)

AirVenture was, once again, a great opQuiet Speaks Loudly portunity to pass along information on behalf of North Dakota and to bring back ideas that will benefit aviation at Continued from Page 17. home. “The tourism folks got a chance to show off what aircraft fly. “They might as well have been gliders,” said North Dakota has to offer,” said Taborsky. “The AeronauHenryO, “They were so very quiet.” Still later, he looked tics staff made contacts in the areas of education, promotoward the flight line, about 200 meters away, during what tion, and technology.” he thought was a lull in the action. “But no!” There were “EAA Founder Paul Poberezny taught me many years a half dozen Very Light Jets (VLJ’s) flying a close-in, low ago,” said Ogrodzinski, that “it’s all about the people”! altitude demo pattern over runway 18/36. “They were so quiet,” said Ogrodzinski. “I am confident that they could For HenryO, this was a year for very special people and not be heard beyond the fence line.” All of this , of course, very quiet aircraft. bodes well for those airports which are targets of the noise complainers.

It is interesting to reflect on how important Oshkosh has become as more and more manufacturers choose this event to introduce new products. Like Boeing this year, Airbus brought its A380 to show off in Oshkosh two years ago.

“Although FAA was shut down by congress, Administrator Babbitt felt that it was important enough to be there, in Oshkosh, in person, if only for a few hours,” said Ogrodzinski.

For Bob Kunkel it was quiet for a completely different reason. Kunkel, a former Aeronautics Director for the State of Wisconsin, has been volunteering as an EAA Host for government officials, foreign dignitaries and VIP’s for the past 22 years. Kunkel noted that with the FAA laying off 4,000 employees due to the lack of a continuing resolution, it made it difficult for those employees that would have attended Oshkosh to be there, which included associate administrators.

Kunkel did have the opportunity to show one government official around the grounds, David Gordon. For Gordon, Director of the Colorado Aeronautics Division, it was his first visit to Oshkosh since attending the event when it was Photo by Chris Bildilli Page 22 State Aviation Journal

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Photos by Shahn Sederberg

Left to right are Geoff Bing and Cheri Haynes with XCelar. Henry Ogrodzinski, President of NASAO and David Greene, Director of Wisconsin’s Bureau of Aeronautics.

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Photos by Chris Bildilli Page 24 State Aviation Journal

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and Shahn Sederberg July/August 2011

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Sea Plane Base

Photos by Shahn Sederberg Graphic Enhancement by Andrew Stevens

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