Wingtips Dec 1999

Originally published in 1999

Air Travel Still the Safest Despite Recent Accidents & Bad Press

During the past few months, two tragic general aviation accidents occurred focusing nationwide attention on the safety of travel in general aviation aircraft. The first was the untimely death of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife and her sister as a result of a night flight from New York to Martha’s Vineyard. The second, and equally tragic flight, resulted in the death of Payne Stewart, one of the top golf professionals worldwide, and five associates in a Lear Jet traveling from Orlando and intending to land in Dallas.

When aircraft accidents like these occur, many times the general public and, in some cases, the media question the safety of flying in small aircraft. However, the record is clear. There is no safer way to travel from one point on the globe to another than by air, both commercial and general aviation. We all have a duty to communicate this fact to non-flying public. Failure to do so will result in limitations to the growth of an industry that is critical to America and our future. Please do your part.

Originally published in 1999
By Arb Rylant
Texas Airport Management Association

The Texas Association of Airport Executives (TAAE) is reevaluating its goals and has voted to restructure the organization, and change its name to “Texas Airport Management Association.” Arb Rylant, president, and the other five executive board members met on July 13 to discuss the proposed restructuring of TAAE, mainly the breaking away from the present affiliation with the Texas Municipal League (TML) to become an independent airport organization. In a recent meeting held Oct. 6 members voted overwhelmingly to approve the change.

The restructuring independent of TML will allow for a new commitment and focus on networking of all Texas airports, as well as for increased professional growth of fellow Texas airport managers. “With a state as large and diverse as Texas, a strong airport organization is needed for mutual support and funding,” said Rylant. With the prospect of representing over 300 airports across Texas, this organization has the potential to become a tremendous voice in statewide aviation issues.

With renewed vitality, the new Texas Airport Management Association will also rework its by-laws, including elections, dues and membership. Membership into this newly restructured organization is open to all airport managers, as well as corporate and affiliate members. Current members of the former TAAE will automatically be part of the new organization. The remaining Texas airports not represented by the former TAAE are encouraged to join and participate in this new, independent organization.

For more information, contact Arb Rylant at 915/659-6409 (e-mail [email protected]) or Mike Shahan at 903/786-2908 (e-mail [email protected]).

Originally published in 1999

• San Antonio International Airport- New Airport Manager: Kevin C. Briseno, San Antonio, Texas
• Gilmer-Upshur County Airport- New Airport Name: Fox Stephens Field-Gilmer Municipal Airport, Gilmer, Texas
• Wharton Municipal Airport- New Airport Name: Wharton Regional Airport, Wharton, Texas
• Galveston International Airport-Scholes Airport- New Airport Name: Scholes International Airport, Galveston, Texas
• Gonzales Municipal Airport-New Airport Manager: Bobby Berger, Gonzales, Texas
• Ozona Municipal Airport-Correct Area Code: 915/ 392-2030, Ozona, Texas

Originally published in 1999

In September 1999, the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame, which is administered by the National Flight Instructors (NAFI), officially inducted three persons whose combined hours total nearly 40,000 hours of flight instruction time. The three inductees are Anders Christenson, Dale DeRemer and Verne Jobst.

Christenson, of Bloomington, Minn., has logged more than 27,000 hours of flight time, including more than 23,000 as a flight instructor. He was a high school teacher, who also became an outstanding instructor of student pilots and other flight instructors.

DeRemer, of Grand Forks, N.D., has more than 40 years of experience in aviation, including more than 3, l 00 hours of instruction. After careers in science and as a corporate pilot, DeRemer became a professor at the University of North Dakota’s aerospace program. He has also written several books used in collegiate aviation departments throughout the country.

Jobst, of McHenry, Ill., is an extremely versatile pilot and instructor who has flown aircraft ranging from B-17 bombers to 747 transports, as well as balloons and gliders. With more than 11,500 instructional hours of his 40,000 logged flight hours, he has contributed to aviation instruction and safety for both general aviation and the airlines.

The Flight Instructor Hall of Fame was founded in 1997; and the NAFI was founded in 1967, which is dedicated to raising and maintaining the professional standing of flight instructors across the nation, as well as providing a safe and effective learning situation for students. Additionally, NAFI initiates education and support programs throughout the aviation industry. The organization became affiliated with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in May 1995.

Originally published in 1999
By Leo J. Kainer
Airport Advisory Committee

The new “F-100 Static Display” was dedicated at Fayette County Regional Airport, near LaGrange, Texas on Sept. 24, 1999. The aircraft was obtained from the U.S. storage facility near Tucson, Arizona, and was refurbished by local volunteers, supported by donated funds and materials from local businesspeople and residents.

The F-100 is a very attractive aircraft with a long and impressive history and is a beautiful display at the entrance of the airport. It is hoped that it will motivate some of our young people toward aviation careers.

The display includes a POW-MIA flag, a U.S. flag, and a Texas flag as a tribute to all the men and women who have served in our military, and helped keep our country free. We hope that all citizens of the area will visit the airport and this very attractive monument.

Originally published in 1999

We believe that our employees are the most important resource that we have available to support us daily in the fulfillment of the “aviation” mission for the State of Texas. They are, as team members, our winning hand. We will continue to showcase employees in Wingtips, so that you can get to know them, their responsibilities and their interests.

By Bill Fuller
Aviation Division

Charlotte Bergfield

Every organization needs folks who provide experience and perspective as it moves forward. Call them “anchors” or “planks,” the Aviation Division is fortunate to have several. Charlotte Bergfeld is one such individual.

In 1976, provided with the opportunity for a new career, Charlotte, along with her three-year old son Cliff (a.k.a. Scooter), moved from Fort Worth to Austin. She began her tenure with the Texas Aeronautics Commission as a receptionist/administrative support person. Never hesitant to tackle a new assignment, Charlotte quickly migrated to the Air Carrier Division of the Commission, assisting in the certification of intrastate airline service for Texas communities. At one time Texas had 10 commuters providing scheduled service airline service throughout the state. A deregulation of the airline industry occurred in 1978. The requirement to regulate intrastate service also ended. Charlotte very quickly and effectively transferred her skills to a new assignment, primarily as a property acquisition agent, assisting airport owners in obtaining property for airport expansion projects.

Because of her previous experience with the intrastate air carrier service, Charlotte also oversees the Aviation Division’s efforts to assist communities in improving their local airline service. Currently, she is managing a statewide air service study involving 26 Texas cities seeking ways to improve their scheduled commercial airline service. Charlotte is representative of the fine staff that work in the Aviation Division who believe strongly in customer service and improving air transportation in Texas.

When Charlotte’s not busy at work, she’s busy at home. She enjoys curling up with a good book or watching an old war movie or western on late night TV. Then, there’s sailing, and her newest endeavor-golf. Charlotte’s a person who is always ready for a new challenge.

Originally published in 1999

The first airports to launch their Adopt-an-Airport Programs in Texas this fall were Fayette Regional County Airport in La Grange and Yoakum Municipal Airport in Yoakum.

Signing on to this new program were the Boy Scout Troop No. 204 at Fayette Regional County Airport and the Yoakum Rotary and Lions Clubs at Yoakum Municipal Airport. More volunteer groups are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to make their airports a source of pride for their community-an investment in the economic development for their community and the entire state.

The program is designed to assist airport managers in maintaining and beautifying local airports. Activities are performed by the volunteer groups and may include mowing grass, landscaping the entire entry road, picking up litter, general maintenance of terminal building and hangars, as well as sweeping and painting, removing debris from runways and painting numbers on the runways.

Remember, more than one group can adopt the same airport. Volunteer groups will be required to work on their adopted airports a minimum of four times a year for a two-year period. In recognition of their community service at the airport, TxDOT will erect a permanent sign at the airport entrance identifying each volunteer group.

If you are interested in starting an Adopt-an-Airport Program for your airport, write to TxDOT Aviation Division, 125 E. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483 or contact Bob Woods at 512/416-4503.

Originally published in 1999

Silver Spring Md-The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has selected the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) to receive its year 2000 “Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award.”

The National Association of State Aviation Officials represents, on a national level, the state government aviation officials who serve the public interest in all 50 states, and Guam and Puerto Rico. NASAO which includes the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division, is a partner with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient airport and airway system in the world.

According to Mike Jackson, executive director of NAHF, which was chartered by Congress in 1964, “Our trustees selected NASAO for its outstanding achievements and contributions to aviation. Certainly, the progress made during the first half of this century came through the efforts of courageous and innovative individuals who found support in their states, long before the federal government undertook major research and regulatory programs.”

“We are proud to join the ranks of the distinguished recipients of this high honor including the Tuskegee Airmen, Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, Flying Tigers (AVG), the Mercury Astronauts and many others,” said NASAO President & CEO Henry Ogrodzinski. He continued, ” … for 69 years, the men and women of state government aviation agencies have promoted, developed, and protected our national aviation system. We are thrilled to accept this recognition of their accomplishments.”

The award will be presented to NASAO during the 39th Annual National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on July 15, 2000. The award was established in 1981 and in 1988, the NAHF Spirit of Flight Award was renamed in honor of aviator and artist Milton Caniff. In addition to creating the “Steve Canyon” and “Terry and the Pirates” comic strips, Caniff drew portraits of every NAHF enshrinee until his death in 1988.

Originally published in 1999
By Bill Gunn
Aviation Division

The first person to cross the Pacific in an airplane, Charles Kingford-Smith, once remarked “You never have too much fuel in an airplane, unless it’s on fire, then you have way too much.” He was a practical man who embraced technology, but even he would be amazed in today’s electronic world. I say, “you are never too informed about your upcoming flight, unless you can’t use the information, then you have way too much.”

Like it or not, the Internet has invaded the general aviation world in a lot of ways, several of them positive. Everything you need to flight plan and check the weather is now available free on the Internet. Try www.duat.com and www.duats.com for easy-to-use weather briefings and excellent flight planning information; or http://ads.awc-kc.noaa.gov, an experimental research weather site that provides an amazing array of radar, watch boxes, surface reports, satellite shots; all in an easy-to-use visual format.

If you are not Internet literate, don’t worry, the system is getting easier to use and access is expanding, such as through your cable TV. So, if you like to fly and only yearn to float gently around the countryside at a stately 80 mph or so, there are several equally gentle to use Internet sites that allow you to find a fun place to land and get the proverbial $100.00 hamburger. Try www.aerolink.com for example. If you fly a lot of cross country, try www.airnav.com for an eye popping range of information on every public-use airport in the country, as well as the price of fuel and how to find it.

TxDOT Aviation Division is in on the act also. Try www.dot.state.tx.us for the TxDOT home page. Select the airplane icon and look for the free information on the video lending library, calendar of events from around the state, free pilot-oriented handouts on information for the GA pilot and instrument flying, including a worthwhile listing of aviation internet addresses. Just since you started reading this article, a hundred Internet sites have been added according to knowledgeable sources, so don’t worry about visiting every site! Just browse around, find what you like, and make it part of your aviation experience. Even Kingford-Smith would appreciate it!

Originally published in 1999

• Ability to color discriminate decreases.
• Older pilots require more light in order to see.
• Processing visual information takes longer
• Diseases, which can affect vision-high blood pressure, diabetes and arteriosclerosis-become more common.
• Pupil size actually decreases significantly.
• Range and speed of eye focus decreases.

Source: Plane & Pilot, November 1999