Wingtips Winter 2024

We are excited to announce a strategic initiative within the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division that aims to enhance operational efficiency and better serve our diverse regions. Coming soon, we will be regionalizing our staff into four key areas across Texas.

Each region will consist of a team comprising:

• 2 planners
• 2 project managers
• 1 contract specialist
• 1 inspector

To ensure effective coordination, a lead person will be appointed for each region, with the possibility of the lead being either a planner or a project manager within that specific region.

Each airport will still have a designated planner to ensure continuity. You can expect to receive communications from your designated planner in the coming months as we transition to this new structure.

For a visual representation of the regional breakdown, please refer to the proposed regional map below.

If you have any questions regarding this new regionalization policy, contact Stephanie Kleiber, P.E. at [email protected].

By Haley Davoren
GlobalAir.com

Phase one in the development of the Chennault Airfield (25TX) in Texas is complete and being celebrated with a grand opening ceremony on Thursday. The ambitious project began in 2022 after Chennault Aviation Academy acquired the former Cut & Shoot Airport-19TE, a cropduster grass airstrip, and embarked on a two-phase project to build a new headquarters for the academy and grow the local general aviation community.

Located about 40 miles north of Houston in Conroe, Texas, the airfield is transforming a space that has been out of use for decades. The full-service flight school acquired the former cropduster grass strip with the goal of transforming the land into a new airfield and headquarters for the academy. Construction began in late 2022 and the first phase of development was completed in November 2023.

The airfield will serve as an educational hub for aspiring pilots, offering a place of safety and community within the region. The airfield will accommodate small GA aircraft with infrastructure and hangar spaces, providing a space for the smaller aircraft displaced by the increasing congestion in larger airports nearby. The airfield should relieve pressure from neighboring airports and contribute to a less crowded airspace. In Texas, there are 393 airports for public use, with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) as the biggest in Texas, second biggest in the U.S. and fourth biggest in the world, according to Maps of the World. Texas has a major aviation hub and according to local news source KLAQ, Chennault will be the first airfield to open in Texas since 2008.

Phase one included the construction of a 3,100 by 70-foot runway, basic airport infrastructure and the flight school’s main hangar. The first phase was completed in November and the grand opening will take place on Nov. 16, offering exciting activities and food. Phase two of development includes hangars for rent and sale, club building and other airport businesses. The new headquarters is the center of CAA’s expansion plans, with a new hangar and office building to host the flight school. Training in a private airfield offers students a safer and more comfortable environment to train, avoiding external interferences and improving training efficiency.

CAA was named after and carries on the legacy of Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault and the American Volunteer Group, the Flying Tigers. He was a famed leader during WWII, lending his name to the flight academy and the Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was born in Texas and raised in Louisiana, commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Infantry Reserve in November 1917 and got his wings after WWI in 1919, according to the Air Force. His military aviation career continued, studying aeronautical engineering and performing squadron duties as a commanding officer and then instructing. He was promoted to captain in April 1929 and named director of flying at Brooks Field Texas. He then attended the Air Corps Tactical School at Langley Field in Virginia, graduating in June 1931 and staying on as an instructor.

According to the Air Force, Chennault was promoted to major in June 1936 at Maxwell Field, where he was chief of Pursuit Training. He left for China after the start of the Sino-Japanese War and trained pursuit units in the Chinese Air Force. In 1941 he was named brigadier general in the Chinese Air Force and put in charge of recruiting pilots for the American Volunteer Group, the Flying Tigers. On April 15, 1942 he was recalled to active duty by the Army Air Force as a colonel and was promoted to brigadier general one week later. He then became a commanding general of the U.S. Air Force in China and in March 1943 he was promoted to major general and named to command the 14th Air Force in China, where he spent the remainder of WWII. He retired from the service on Oct. 31, 1945.

Chennault Aviation Academy strives to live up to the legacy of General Chennault and the Flying Tigers, meeting the standards that exceed other pilot training operations in the civilian market by focusing on the development and ongoing improvements to pricing, staff qualifications, training methods, syllabus and environmental factors. The Academy carries a legacy left by the founder with flight training that meets the high standards that made the Flying Tigers WWII heroes to the Americans and the Chinese people.

The Board Chairman is Nell Calloway, Chennault’s granddaughter and the director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, and the board member is retired U.S. Army Major General William S. Chen. Serial Entrepreneur Aaron Wang is the President and CEO. The COO and Chief Instructor is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Mo Rolfs. The team includes nearly a dozen well-trained flight instructors. There are different programs for training, including career pilot, individual ratings courses, a flight screening program and a customized training path.

The new airfield will offer a safe space for students to train and grow the local GA community through a new site to bolster the growth of aviation businesses, clubs, fueling stations, supply stores and maintenance shops in the community. Now that phase one is complete and the grand opening is underway, phase two is in the planning stage and will expand opportunities for the local GA community at the airfield.

This article first appeared on GlobalAir.com on Thursday, November 16, 2023. https://www.globalair.com/articles/chennault-aviation-academy-opens-new-airfield-in-texas?id=6628.

By Haley Davoren
GlobalAir.com

The Draughon-Miller Airport in Texas has a mission to become the airport of choice for all general aviation and business aviation aircraft operators in the region, with a grand opening to be celebrated for a new, $7.4 million Avfuel-branded FBO on Wednesday.

The Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport (TPL) in Temple, Texas will celebrate the grand opening of a new FBO on Nov. 1. The new facility is a milestone in Temple aviation infrastructure. The space will double the size of the current FBO, featuring sleek and updated facilities to reduce its carbon footprint through the use of improved construction materials, energy-saving fixtures and HVAC equipment. The expanded FBO will also help provide TPL with a private, relaxing experience along with improved amenities and a quicker boarding process.

The new FBO facility took over one year to complete, doubling the size of the former space. The Elmer Reed GA terminal encompassed a total of 3,900 square feet and offered space for FBO services, flight planning, a pilot’s lounge, concessions, management offices, a conference room and restrooms. A 2020 Airport Master Plan stated that the GA terminal was located directly adjacent to the original 6,000 square feet of commercial airline passenger space, at the time occupied by a non-aviation tenant. The plan expressed the need to expand the GA terminal facilities to support customers, indicating the desire to use the original commercial airline passenger terminal building site as the expansion site.

FBO manager Andrew Hill shared with Aviation International News that now the city of Temple is conducting an analysis to find what potential life the former terminal had left. The new space covers 6,400 square feet with an additional 1,600 square foot Airport Rescue and Firefighting bay to replace the prior ARFF station, 20 years after its last renovation. The new terminal includes passenger lounges, snooze rooms, bathrooms and showers, concierge services and crew cars.

Since 2019, Temple has seen a 35 percent increase in airport use and the numbers are continuing to rise. Approximately 40 percent of the city’s annual fuel sales in 2023 came from visiting customers. The expansion is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities, increasing tourism, business travel and aviation activities. The airport was awarded one of the best inspection ratings for the state for providing quality aviation fuel for aviators.

“We are thrilled to open our new FBO at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport,” Airport Director Sean Parker said. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create a facility that caters to the needs and desires of our community members, stakeholders, and visitors alike.”

This article first appeared on GlobalAir.com on Monday, October 30, 2023. https://www.globalair.com/articles/ central-texas-airport-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-new-fbo-facility?id=6568.

Located just 12 miles northeast of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and 8 miles north of Dallas Love Field Airport, Addison Municipal Airport, preferentially known as Addison Airport, serves as a hub of activity, innovation, and a source of pride for its community.

Established in 1957, this airport has grown from humble beginnings as a 4,500-foot asphalt strip (with a turf crosswind runway) to one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States. “It is a privilege to manage one of the country’s busiest general aviation airports,” says Airport Director Joel Jenkinson. “Addison Airport’s original developers conceived it as an ‘executive’ airport, and I believe it has succeeded in that role beyond anything they could have envisioned in 1957. Our staff is proud to have played a part in that development, and we’re excited to continue serving our community and the broader aviation community with dedication and pride.”

Originally, Addison Airport was privately owned and operated. However, in 1976, following the inevitable closures of smaller airports closer to downtown Dallas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recognizing the importance of smaller airports serving business and private aviation interests, took steps aimed at protecting Addison Airport from suffering a similar fate. FAA approached the Town of Addison to become the airport’s public sponsor, and the Town agreed, marking the airport’s transition from private to public ownership.

Providing a convenient alternative for corporate and business aviation, Addison Airport boasts a comprehensive range of facilities catering to the diverse needs of users. The airport features a full-length parallel taxiway east of its single runway, which was extended in stages from 4,500 feet to 7,203 feet to accommodate private jets. In addition, Addison Airport is the first general aviation airport in Texas to install an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS). Completed in 2014, the EMAS bed is designed to safely stop jet aircraft overrunning the runway, minimizing damage to the aircraft and reducing the potential for injury to the occupants. EMAS is installed when land is not available for a runway safety area of standard dimensions. Installing the EMAS enabled Addison Airport to reclaim 610 feet of runway length for takeoffs and landings to the south that would otherwise have been used to provide a full runway safety area, which improves safety and utility for many of the larger jets that use the airport.

Addison Airport is surrounded by dense urban development, including a rail line near the south end of the airport, which was the main impediment to any runway extension. Reflecting on the challenges the limited space has brought, Jenkinson emphasizes the significance of the EMAS. He shares, “For years, our airport faced the prospect of having to shorten the runway to provide a full runway safety area because the rail line eliminated the possibility of extending our runway. This limitation marks the critical importance of our EMAS, ensuring the highest level of safety within the constraints of our available space. In this context, we prioritize innovation and safety to navigate the skies with confidence and commitment to the well-being of our travelers.”

Addison Airport also offers exceptional fixed base operator (FBO) services. Million Air Dallas, Atlantic Aviation, and Galaxy FBO are the three FBOs at Addison Airport. These premier FBOs provide top-notch amenities, concierge services, fueling, and maintenance, ensuring that passengers and crew alike experience a seamless journey through Addison Airport.

Addison Airport also supports numerous aviation businesses both on and near the airport including aircraft maintenance and repair organizations, aircraft parts suppliers, several flight schools, aircraft sales, cargo and passenger charters, aviation insurance, and Rising Aviation High School. These companies benefit from the synergy created by their tenancy on or proximity to the airport and contribute to the vibrant aviation ecosystem.

In addition to inspiring this vibrant aviation ecosystem, Addison Airport engages with its surrounding community, hosting events and educational programs. These activities include airshows, open houses, and educational programs aimed at sparking interest in aviation among young students.

Jenkinson highlights his favorite local event, stating, “Every year on July 3rd, Addison hosts a townwide celebration of freedom called Addison Kaboom Town. Fueled by one of our FBOs, Million Air Dallas, Addison Airport provides historic warbirds and other unique planes to fly over the event, in addition to organizing specialty aerobatic displays, parachute jumpers, and more. It’s always fun to participate in townwide events and get the surrounding community involved and excited for all things aviation.”

Addison Airport, with its storied history, state-of-the-art facilities, thriving aviation ecosystem, and deep community engagement, stands as a model for what a general aviation airport can be.

For more information, visit: https://addisontexas.net/airport.

In the world of aviation, one event stands out for its exhilarating and extraordinary display of precision flying: The National Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) Competition presented by American Legend Aircraft. Since 2019, aviation enthusiasts and skilled pilots from all over the United States have gathered in Texas to witness a breathtaking showcase of aircraft control, power, and performance. Hosted by Lonestar STOL, the 2023 National STOL Competition took place in Sulphur Springs, Texas, for the very first time, wrapping up the 2023 season.

STOL is a discipline of aviation that focuses on the ability of aircraft to operate in confined spaces, often on unprepared runways, and with exceptionally short take-off and landing distances. The STOL competition provides a platform for pilots to test their aircraft and their own abilities in a fun and challenging environment.

Renowned for its well-maintained facilities and a grass strip runway, the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport set the perfect stage for pilots to demonstrate their STOL capabilities. There were over 65 volunteers, which is the highest number of volunteers ever at a single National STOL Competition. “It was such an honor for the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport to be selected as the location for the last STOL competition of the 2023 season,” says Sulphur Springs’ Airport Director Joey Baker. “This annual event personifies the spirit of adventure, pushing the boundaries of aircraft performance and celebrating highly developed piloting skills. The skies of Sulphur Springs witnessed extraordinary aerial feats, and we appreciate all the pilots, volunteers, and attendees that made this event a resounding success.”

The National STOL Competition is a multi-day event filled with various categories and classes. The competition is open to a wide range of aircraft, from purpose-built STOL planes to modified bush planes and experimental aircraft. The categories typically include classes based on aircraft type, such as the Standard Classes comprising the Touring Class, Backcountry Class, Adventure Class, Sport Class, and Exhibition Class. There’s also the Unlimited Class, offered for the first time in 2023, and the Rookie Class. These different categories and classes ensure that every participating aircraft has a fair shot at victory.

In addition, the event features different competitions, including:

• Takeoff Competition: The goal is to takeoff in the shortest distance. The score is based on the best round (i.e., a pair of takeoff and landing).
• Landing Competition: The goal is to stop in the shortest distance. The score is based on the best round.

The National STOL Competition is not only a thrilling event for aviation hobbyists but also an opportunity for families to enjoy a day outdoors. The event offers food trucks, aviation displays, and activities for kids, making it a fun family-friendly event. Baker adds, “It is fun to see aviation enthusiasts of all ages attend these events, especially this type of event where success requires that the aircraft and the pilot operate on the edge of limitations and capabilities.”

The National STOL Competition has become a premier event in the aviation calendar, offering viewers an exciting spectacle and participants a chance to showcase their exceptional STOL skills. So, mark your calendars for the next National STOL Competition and experience the thrill of aviation!

To view the 2023 National STOL Competition results, visit: https://nationalstol.com/2023-season-standings/.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Mount Pleasant, Texas, the Mid America Flight Museum stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of aviation history. For enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone captivated by the wonders of flight, this museum is a must-visit destination.

Established in 2013 by Scott Glover, this privately owned museum boasts a diverse array of over 40 aircraft, ranging from vintage World War II warbirds to early American innovations in private civilian aviation. This museum’s mission is dedicated to honoring veterans, mentoring the youth, and preserving aviation history.

Honoring Our Heroes

To show appreciation for their sacrifices, the Mid America Flight Museum provides aviation experiences to veterans and their families.

Paul Henderson, the airport manager of the Mount Pleasant Regional Airport-KOSA, where the museum is housed, expressed his profound pride saying, “There’s nothing quite like witnessing the pure joy in a veteran’s eyes as they take flight in one of these historic planes. The experience has the power to transport them back in time.”

Since its establishment, the Mid America Flight Museum has provided more than 600 free rides to veterans and their families, and it has no intention of slowing down. Museum Director Kelly Mahon adds, “Our mission goes beyond aviation; we’re dedicated to creating lasting memories and paying tribute to those who’ve served our nation. Currently, we’re in the process of adding a Vietnam Memorial to the museum. This recent addition joins our growing collection of Vietnam Era Helicopters, serving as another way to show our deep gratitude and respect to those who have given so much.”

Inspiring Future Aviators

The museum is not just about celebrating the past; it’s about inspiring future generations. The Mid America Flight Museum recognizes the universal fascination with flight, especially among children. For many young minds, seeing these incredible aircraft in action is a source of endless wonder. The museum provides a chance for kids to explore the possibilities, whether as hobbyists or as future professionals in fields like military aviation, corporate flying, or commercial airlines. By providing mentorship and encouragement, the museum opens doors to a world of opportunities that many young individuals might never have considered otherwise.

Preserving Aviation History, One Flight at a Time

While many aviation museums are content with static displays, the Mid America Flight Museum believes that aircraft were meant to fly. Mahon notes, “What makes our flight museum unique is that all our planes are flyable, thanks to our expert team of mechanics and pilots.” This dedication ensures that historic aircraft continue to grace the skies, captivating the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and inspiring future generations.

The 2024 opening weekend for the Mid America Flight Museum is scheduled for April 6th, marking the end of the winter season closure. This remarkable facility welcomes visitors every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Mid America Flight Museum stands as a beacon of respect for our veterans, an inspiration for aspiring aviators, and an advocate for the preservation of aviation history. It’s a place where the past and future of aviation unite, and where the sky is just the beginning.

For more information, visit: https://midamericaflightmuseum.com/.