Wingtips Volume 4 - Number 1

Originally published in 1996

The FAA has designed and produced an information video for pilots detailing what they may expect when flying to Atlanta for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

The video details procedures that must be followed for flying into Atlanta for the Games, such as required arrival and departure reservations and temporary flight restrictions.

Information contained in the video is accessible on the FAA’s corporate bulletin board by dialing (800) 224-6287 and is published ‘in Notices to Airmen (NOT AMS).

A copy of the “Olympic Flight Plan” video, which is free of charge to NBAA members and $15 for nonmembers, may be obtained by calling the NBAA publications line at {202) 783-9286.

A copy will soon be available for check out from our Aviation Video Library, 1-800-68-PILOT.

Originally published in 1996

The final 20 unreleased episodes of the 1950’s television series Sky King, an action/adventure program that featured extensive use of aviation, have been packaged for release by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Foundation. What are believed to be all 64 existing full episodes of the series are now packaged into 16 four-episode tapes. The five new tapes contain the 20 programs that have not been seen by the public for more than 30 years.

Sky King, which originally aired on NBC and ABC from 1952-1954, was developed from a radio serial of the same title. The TV series featured Kirby Grant as Schuyler”Sky” King as a former Navy pilot-turned rancher in the western U.S. Numerous adventures and mysteries caused King, his niece Penny {Gloria Winters) and nephew Clipper (Ron Hagerthy) to use airplanes for various assignments. The airplanes included a Cessna T-50 “Bamboo Bomber” in early programs and later a Cessna 310. Both airplanes were known as “Songbird” in the TV series. Sky King videos are $24.95, and may be ordered by calling EAA at 1-800-843-3612.

Originally published in 1996

The 99’s are women pilots, mechanics, flight instructors, air traffic controllers, homemakers and other professionals from 35 countries. The organization was founded in 1929 by Amelia Earhart and other early women pilots. Of the 117 U.S. licensed women pilots of the day, 99 became charter members of the organization and took the name from their number. Their purpose is to offer mutual support for women in aviation and to support the advancement of aviation. The organization is well known for its involvement in education, charitable and/or scientific activities as they relate to aviation.

There are thirteen chapters in Texas. For information about a chapter in your area, call Marie Peinado at our Aviation Resource Center, 1 800-68-PILOT.

Originally published in 1996

Meacham Field in Fort Worth will be the site of the 12th World Precision Flying Championship, Sept. 28 – Oct. 6.

The 99’s will host the event, and one of the functions they perform is to help the foreign countries locate suitable aircraft to fly in the competition because the cost of shipping their own airplanes over here is prohibitive.

THEY NEED HELP! They estimate they will need 75-100 single engine airplanes to rent for about $35/ hr. (dry) for 50-60 hours of rental time during the two weeks the competitors will be in Texas. Almost any single engine is acceptable: home builts, modified production aircraft and even some ultralights if they meet minimum weight and 3 hrs. sustained fuel capacity requirements. So far, the airplanes requested have been mostly C150s and 152s, but also some C172s and a PA 18.

It is urgent that contacts be made soon so that non-U.S. Pilots can be put in touch with willing aircraft owners so they can work out their own deals. Contact person is:

Pat Ward, Rt. 1, Box 206M
Aero Country Airport, McKinney, TX 75070.
Tel:214/346-3517, Fax: 214/347-2917
Compuserve 76764, 1253
Internet Pat M. Ward 76764.1253 @ Compuserve.com.

Originally published in 1996

Would you think twelve people could do such an outstanding job of painting 19,200 square feet of pavement in only 2 1 /2 hours? That would be 1,600 square feet per person … and that would be 128 square feet per minute! Wow! Well, that’s just what members of the San Antonio Chapter of the 99’s did on a recent Saturday morning at the New Braunfels Municipal Airport! The group members painted 16 threshold bars on runways 17 and 35 at the airport.

After Airport Manager Darrell Phillips received some expensive bids from commercial painters to do the job, he decided he would call the 99’s to see if they would consider the project. He knew of other jobs (aerial paintings, hangars, compass roses) chapter members had voluntarily done at airports, and thought he would give it a shot and ask them. They agreed to do the job.

The city bought the paint, and two street department workers assisted in the painting project.

”The 99’s did a fantastic job, and their efforts are appreciated” said Phillips. “Commercial painters could not have done a better job. Not only did the volunteers save the City a considerable amount of money, everyone had a great time doing the work. One of the 99’s even brought her 8 year old grandson who also helped. The group was just great to be around. The morning was filled with lots of fun, laughter and hard work.”

Originally published in 1996

In 1995, charities received an average of $41,057 from air shows, marking a 9 percent increase over figures compiled in 1993. This is good news for community groups and charities, many of which are struggling to meet ever increasing demands.

Air show rates are growing annually. In 1995, the average attendance per show was 60,627. Total North American attendance at air shows has skyrocketed to more than 27 million, making air shows the second most attended spectator events. Air shows are second only to major league baseball, with attendance rates at 50,469,236. Automobile races and NFL football attendance rates follow with 14,873,796 and 15,047,058, respectively.

Air shows have evolved into world-class entertainment events. The combination of the festival-like atmosphere and the chance to get close to aviation brings families back to air shows year after year.

Communities in which air shows are held typically experience show-related economic booms. Most show attendees reside within 50 miles of the event, but local businesses see increases in gasoline, fast food and other sales associated with festivals.

For additional information, contact Rebecca V. Scullon, International Council of Air Shows at (517) 782- 2424.

Listed below are several upcoming airshows. Attendance at any of these will probably get you hooked!

Originally published in 1996

Pictured right, David Fulton, Director of TxDOT’s Aviation Division presents E. T. Page with Cotulla Municipal’s award. This was a declining airport in the late 1980’s, until E. T. Page convinced the community to actively support the airport. Mr. Page’s commitment and persistence persuaded the community to become involved with the airport and raise funds to make it an integral part of the economy.

After completing a state/federal project, the community extended the runway with their own money. The community is very active in the pursuit of business at the airport. They have a waiting list for available hangar space.

Cotulla Municipal was originally owned by the city, but in the spirit of community development, LaSalle County joined in the ownership and also furnishes funds for airport maintenance. The County even accepted the responsibility of providing matching funds to obtain state and federal funds.

The airport is utilized for many community events, such as a city-wide garage sale. Several times a year, Mr. Page allows military reserve units to set up a temporary encampment at the airport, which has a positive economic impact on the community.

E.T. Page, the City of Cotulla, and LaSalle County united in a strong community effort to revive Cotulla Municipal Airport, and we congratulate them as winners of the 1996 Community Involvement of the Year Award!

Originally published in 1996

Pictured left, Senator Tom Haywood does the honors of presenting Gainesville Municipal’s award.

Gainesville Municipal Airport displayed an outstanding commitment to improve the appearance and usefulness of their airport. “The beautiful new terminal building was built with 80 percent local funds,” said David Fulton, Director of TxDOT’s Aviation Division. The new 2,794 square foot terminal building at the airport has a conference room that can be used by other organizations. The main runway has been extended, the crosswind runway has been rebuilt, and a new fueling system has been installed.”

The community has also hired an on-site full time airport manager, Mike Shahan. Mr. Shahan accepted the award on behalf of the city, from Senator Tom Haywood at the 1996 Texas Airport Operator’s Conference.

Originally published in 1996

L. A. Miller of the Quanah Municipal Airport is the recipient of the “1996 Airport Manager of the Year” award. Pictured left, is Senator Tom Haywood presenting Mr. Miller with the award.

A flight school for foreign students keeps the airport in use year round. An airplane refurbishing business is also based at the airport. Without Mr. Miller’s leadership this airport would not be the success it is today. It is a viable airport in a small city (3,400 population) with 28 based airplanes. The airport is always open and always clean. The airport is well managed and attractively landscaped with a white picket fence and blooming flowers.

“Thanks to L. A. Miller’s leadership, Quanah Municipal Airport is an outstanding example of what a small city airport should be,” said David Fulton, Director of TxDOT’s Aviation Division. “L. A. and his wife Melba live there, and they take great care of things.”

Originally published in 1996

Odessa Schlemeyer Field has been named the state’s 1996 Airport of the Year by the Texas Department of Transportation. This award is given not just to the airport, but to the community for a job well done in all aspects of owning and operating a general aviation airport. Pictured right, David Fulton, Director of TxDOT’s Aviation Division presented the award to Odessa Schlemeyer’s Airport Manager, Don Bonifay.

There are many reasons why this is an exceptional airport. Odessa Schlemeyer has strong local support, good management and provides quality customer service.

“Ector County Commissioners are aviation-oriented and extremely supportive of Odessa Schlemeyer Field,” said David Fulton, Director of TxDOT’s Aviation Division. “The local airport board has provided strong direction and leadership. Management continues to maintain and upgrade services to pilots and aircraft owners. The result is a well-managed and well-maintained airport that is an example others should follow.”