Wingtips Volume 4 - Number 2

Alfred ‘Bubba’ Thomas is one of 10 winners of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times’ Jefferson Volunteer Award, sponsored by the American Institute for Public Service, a national organization that recognizes volunteers. This is the fifth year the newspaper has sponsored the awards locally.

Since 1993, Thomas has taken his Beechcraft Sundowner on numerous missions of mercy flying and landing to help the ill and injured, racking up nearly 165 hours in the air and covering more than 23,000 miles. Thomas helps operate Angel Flight of South Texas, along with Jim Dering of Ingleside, Gary Harding of Mathis and Fletcher Kelly of Sinton. This volunteer group handles a variety of emergency requests. The cost to the passengers? Nothing, although sometimes people pay for the fuel.

Thomas has flown a man with a broken back, auto accident victims, people needing cancer treatments, transplant recipients, terminally ill patients and seriously ill children.

This is a powerful example of how general aviation provides a means of contributing humanitarian service to our communities.

Chances are pretty good that if you see a giant compass rose beautifully painted at an airport, that a 99s Chapter was there! It would seem as though the compass rose is becoming a trademark of the NinetyNines’ generosity and dedication to service! Pictured here with the new compass rose at the Mesquite Metro Airport are (left to right), Judy Johnson, Melody Dougherty, Chairman of the Dallas 99s, and Chris Swain. This compass rose is a brand new one since the old one was covered with concrete when the airport resurfaced their runway and taxiways. Afte( two days of hard work, this one was completed by the Dallas Chapter of the Ninety Nines on June 30, 1996. The Ninety-Nines provide these compass roses as a service to their fellow pilots and the aviation community in general. The Dallas Chapter also completed the compass rose at the Grayson County Airport on July 13, 1996! OUTSTANDING!

The 99s organization offers mutual support for women in aviation and supports the advancement of aviation. The organization is well known for its involvement in education, charitable and/or scientific activities as they relate to aviation. For information about a chapter in your area, call us at 1-800-68-PILOT.

The Texas Air Museum, located in the Rio Grande Valley of deep South Texas, is a non-profit corporation that strives to both preserve and restore vanishing bits of aviation’s past. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of rare World War II Focke-wulf 190s. The museum exhibits some 50 aircraft, ranging from the early days of flight to the post-Vietnam era. Areas of special emphasis include early aviation, agricultural aviation, Texas and Hispanic aviation history, the World War II eastern front, and Vietnam. The museum is known worldwide for its epic-scale restoration projects. Visitors can tour the museum’s restoration facilities and watch museum volunteers working on aircraft throughout the year. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $4. for adults, $2. for youth 12-16 and free for children 11 and under accompanied by a paying adult. The museum is located 1 mile east of Rio Hondo on Highway 106. Visitors are also welcome to fly in to the museum any time. The airport is designated as Texas Dusting Service on current aeronautical charts.

On regularly scheduled fly-in days (usually the 2nd Saturday of each month), visitors are usually treated to an all-you-can-eat waffle breakfast, served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., free with the price of museum admission. Visitors can also expect to see some of the museum’s historic aircraft take to the air, weather permitting.

Don’t miss the Texas Air Museum’s very special Early Aviation Fly-In, “Celebrating Aviation from the Dawn of Flight to the Golden Age” on Feb. 7-8-9, 1997! Contact John Houston, Museum Director, 210/748-2112 for complete de1ails.

If an airport is to succeed in the purpose for which it was built, it must be constantly and consistently promoted. The promotion-of an airport in a community or in groups of communities is not just a one time thing. Airport promotion can never be truly successful in winning the hearts, minds, and support of the people and community leaders simply by putting on a pancake breakfast once a year. To be successful, the promotion of the airport must be ongoing and continuous.

The people and organizations that use an airport must be involved in the continuous and positive promotion of that airport. The management and caretakers of the airport as well as the city leaders must also have a part in the proper and ongoing promotion of activities. In other words, the responsibility does not fall solely on the shoulders of the airport manager or owner, but also falls on the shoulders of the users as well, whether direct or indirect users.

To be the best it can be, the airport requires the active support and efforts of the people who want it to succeed and grow. It must also be used for the purpose for which it was designed and built. It must be cared for as if we each own a piece of it, because in fact, if it is a publicly-owned airport, we do!

The specific requirements for promoting an airport will vary somewhat from airfield to airfield. The efforts and needs of promoting a small rural airport will certainly be different than those of promoting a large urban facility. However, some very basic things are common to every promotional effort. First of all, it must be a TEAM effort. It is easier for many good minds to find creative and imaginative solutions to problems and ways to overcome obstacles, than just one good mind. Writer Napoleon Hill said, “first comes thought, then organization of that thought into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination!”

The team can benefit from a membership made up of people from a cross-section of the aviation community including non-flyers as well. Make sure to have a representative from airport (on field) businesses. Involve a member of your local Civil Air Patrol Squadron. Call on a member of a flying club, or a sky diving club. Be aware of the many different points of view and talents they can bring to the team.

In promoting the airport, it is equally important to keep in mind the audience to which you will aim your promotional efforts. In other words, be aware of the current attitude and opinion of the public about the airport. Remember that public opinion anywhere is a powerful force that can change the direction of major highways, or elect presidents, or restrict and possibly close an airport.

If an airport is to succeed in the purpose for which it was built, it must be constantly and consistently promoted. It must be promoted to the direct users as well as the indirect users. When the community is educated about the benefits the airport brings to them and how the airport can be used, they will help to support it and its growth in a manner that solidifies its future.

Promoting an airport is not a one time thing. In fact, it is an ongoing thing throughout your community and surrounding areas. Promoting an airport takes the efforts of more than just one person, but the results of a successful promotion will benefit many. An anonymous writer once said, “There are no limits to ·our opportunities. Most of us see only a small portion of what is possible. We create opportunities by seeing the possibilities, and having the persistence to act on them.”

Minnesota Flyer Magazine, September 1996

FBOs at Plainview’s Hale County Airport each provide the Plainview Daily Herald with a weekly report of their businesses’ daily flights. The newspaper’s standing article is called “Plane Talk”, and is a great way to let the community know how its airport is being used both for business and for pleasure. It is also a great way to advertise the aircraft you have available for use and the services you provide.

This might be something you would want to do! Call and ask them how they established this outstanding relationship with their local paper. Hutcherson Air Service (806/293-1307) and Miller Flying Service (806/293-4121 ).

Angelina County Airport is a prime example of what dedicated community involvement can produce! Early in 1995, the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce appointed an Airport Development Committee that intentionally consisted of individuals representing a multitude of interests and skills. The committee was charged not only with the task of taking inventory of the airport’s current status in a variety of areas, they were charged with the task of planning the airport’s future. The committee was also challenged to find the means to make the things they wanted to happen at the airport become a reality.

Barley Lenderman, Angelina County Airport Manager, is extremely proud of his community’s success, and he should be. He recently wrote to us to share the good news about Angelina County Airport.

“After several months and several meetings, the overall picture presented the fact that we had a very good operational airport; but that one of the most obvious things that we, as a gateway to the community, needed was a fresh modern image in our Terminal and grounds. Plans and sketches were decided on and the financial requirements were refined in relation to securing local help. After much study, presentations, and community involvement by all segments of the committee members and input from all other areas of the county, the plans were ready for operation.”

“The complete study was then given to a local foundation which is widely known for their worthy endeavors, the TLL Temple Foundation. After the Airport Board, Angelina County Commissioners Court, and the Chamber of Commerce as a whole proved their dedication to their intentions to be working partners, the foundation gave their blessings and financial support for the airport. $150,000 was granted for the work on the terminal, and as an added bonus, we were presented with over $35,000for partial payment of our portion of the 1.53 million TxDOT project we are currently involved in as rehabilitation of paved surfaces of aprons, taxiways, and lighting.”

“The airport itself dedicated approximately $33,000 for ADA changes, furniture, and other amenities of enhancement. This is in addition to a new 11,500 square foot hangar we have just completed which was already rented out to three of our corporate customers before construction was started.”

“This was all made possible by our supporting community along with fuel purchasing customers we strive to serve. Angelina County, as a growing, vibrant entity, greatly recognizes the economic benefits and contributions the airport bestows and therefore is ready to help when needed.

Airports that are federally obligated and open for public use are eligible to receive surplus federal property. This program is designed to provide equipment specifically for the development, improvement, operation or maintenance of a public airport.

The FAA’s recommendation of approval is limited to items formerly used directly and primarily in the preservation, maintenance, operation of basic airport facilities. Items such as miscellaneous visual aids, viewgraphs, projectors, tables, chairs, desks, and typewriters, etc., are not included in this program.

The first step in participating in this program is to apply for a screener identification card. After filling out the information, return it to FAA with a photograph, and they will get the card validated for you. The card is good for two years.

After applying for the property and receiving it, the airport is accountable for the property for one year, unless it is valued at less than $100 or consumable. You should mark the item to indicate that it has been conveyed for airport purposes. You should keep it in good repair and make it available for inspection by FAA on request.

The surplus property can’t be sold, salvaged or disposed of without the consent of the FAA. Property can’t be used for non-airport purposes but could be rented out at fair market value. For example, if the airport had acquired a sweeper as surplus property and the city government wanted to borrow it, the sweeper could be rented to the city.

How do airport officials find out what equipment is available? A catalog which listed the items is no longer in existence. There are a number of “holding agencies,” like Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls. But, the best approach would probably be to talk to fellow airport managers about what you are interested in acquiring. Many managers have sought out surplus property for years, and would be glad to help you out.

For more information on FAA’s Surplus Property Program, contact Betty Davis at 817/222-5646.

Texas State Technical College Airport in Waco is the nation’s first U.S. Department of Energy designated “Clean Airport”, because of its commitment to the development and use of alternative aviation fuels. TSTC in Waco has provided crucial support and resources to the Renewable Aviation Fuels Development Center at Baylor University in the effort to certify aircraft to use pure ethanol as fuel. There is an ethanol fueling facility on site and four aircraft powered by ethanol. The college’s aviation facility has earned a distinguished reputation as a pioneer in promoting alternative fuels.

Max Shauck, head of Baylor University’s Aviation Sciences Department, led the effort to win the U.S. Department of Energy designation for the TSTC Airport. Shauck, along with his wife, made the first trans-Atlantic flight in an ethanol-powered plane.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated a voluntary Clean Airports Program in hopes of further increasing the use of alternative fuels. The Clean Airports Program is a spin-off of the Clean Cities Program, which encourages use of alternative fuels for cars, trucks and buses.

The removal of lead from fuel, as mandated by the Clean Air Act, provides a great challenge to the aviation industry. An unleaded alternative will soon be required to replace avgas. The Renewable Aviation Fuels Development Center (RAFDC) at Baylor University has proven, in the course of sixteen years of research and development, that 100% denatured ethanol has all the desired technical characteristics to replace 100 LL avgas. In addition, ethanol, even at today’s prices, is economically competitive with aviation gasoline. The RAFDC at Baylor University will assume Clean Airport program administration.

According to John Russell, Director, Office of Alternative Fuels, DOE, “Clean Airports will notify the public there’s a clean-burning alternative out there. Replacing avgas with ethanol will not only improve the environment and reduce foreign oil dependency, it can help aircraft owners save money as well. I anticipate a year or two from now an airplane will be able to fly from here to Minnesota on ethanol and refuel as many times as it needs to.”

To qualify for a “Clean Airport” designation, an airport must have alternative fuel facilities; have at least one airplane running on alternative fuel based at the airport; have an alternative fuel education program; and have a ground vehicle running on an alternative fuel.

For a copy of the brochure “A Guide to Establishing a Clean Airports Program in Your Community”, call us at 1-800-68-PILOT.

1996 marks the 11th year of my participation with the Texas Airport Operators Conferences. Each year the Conference has been bigger and better, more participants and more exhibitors. I treasure the friends which I have come to know through these annual meetings.

My efforts over the years have been to increase understanding of the aircraft modeler by the full scale community and conversely to bring back to the Academy of Model Aeronautics some understanding of the problems which the full scale folks have faced in modelers. I proudly report to you that some of my efforts have borne fruit. There have been at least two new clubs formed which have been a result of my presence at the conferences. There have also been some “horror stories” which you have brought to me which we have discussed and tried to resolve.

I have continually urged that any modelers granted the use of airport facilities or to be involved in a special event at the airport be a Chartered Club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Dealing with an established organization is necessary both for your confidence in the control of the modelers in following your rules as well as for the liability insurance which they can provide to you at no cost.

I was very gratified this year to learn of several airport organizations which have, or soon will be, involving modelers in shows and other events. Especially gratifying was the report from the City of Edinburg. The Airport Manager, Mr. Arnold Vera, invited modelers to use an abandoned runway thinking that 5 or 1 O people might participate. When 150 modelers attended, Mr. Vera brought the Mayor of the City out to see the event. The Mayor promptly directed that a permanent facility be built at the site!! Edinburg modelers now have their own runway, a ramp, and a covered pavilion with facilities!! I hope that this will be an association which will benefit both the airport and the modelers for many years.

I thank you all very much for the privilege of meeting with you for the past eleven years, and look forward with eager anticipation to number twelve!! Keep Them (Safely) Flying!!!

With warmest regards,
Bob Spivey
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Austin, Texas

Number twelve for Mr. Spivey will be April 9, 1 O, & 11, 1997. More details on the 1997 Texas Airport Operator’s Conference will follow in the next WINGTIPS issue.

The City of Big ·spring demonstrated tremendous commitment in making their dream of restoring an historic 1941 hangar a reality. They were diligent in pursuing the federal grant that would preserve a very significant p2rt of Big Spring’s history for future generations.

The hangar is on its way to becoming an aviation museum after receiving $458,880 through TxDOT’s Transportation Enhancement Program. Big Spring officials applied for a federal matching grant to help them restore the World War 11 Hangar to house vintage planes and mementos at McMahon-Wrinkle Industrial Airpark. The local match will be $114,720.

The Hangar was built in 1941, for the purpose of training Bombardiers for World War II. Over 5,000 Bombardiers went through the school during its tenure. The base closed after the war and was reopened during Pearl Harbor, and then became Webb Air Force Base.

The hangar will be completely restored to its original status. It will house a World War 11, C-46 Cargoturned flying hospital, called the TinkerBelle. The museum will have displays and memorabilia for visitors to see, and the Chamber of Commerce will have a visitors bureau inside.

Transportation Enhancements are eligible activities in the Surface Transportation Program (STP), which is one of the federally funded federal aid transportation programs created under the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). This law allows TxDOT to expand its activities beyond traditional highway and public transportation projects to include projects that will both support and enhance the enjoyment of the state transportation system. Projects are judged on their quality, potential benefits and the transportation enhancement value of each project.