Posts by Andy Wilson
Living Legends of Aviation Awards takes flight
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The 10th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation” Awards, presented by Bell Helicopter and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and hosted by John Travolta (pictured), will be held Jan. 18, at the Beverly Hilton. The program starts with Morgan Freeman narrating the “Flown West” tribute to four legends who took their last flight West…
Read MoreIllinois Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study
(CalPilots Editor’s Note: When a state or municipality takes the time and makes an effort, the resutls are always favorable to the airports providing a huge benefit to the state or local economy) – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Aeronautics sponsored the Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study of airports in Illinois. The Illinois Aviation System is one of the largest and most diverse airport systems in the United States. By measuring the individual and collective economic activity stemming from these 116 airports and heliports, including the state’s commercial service facilities, the benefits that each airport provides the public, government officials, and other stakeholders were quantified and illustrated.
Read MoreCalPilots Participates in FAA Review of Industrial Plumes
On January 15th, California Pilots Association Director Andy Wilson represented CalPilots in Washington DC along with seven other aviation organizations invited by the FAA to review and comment on the FAA’s Safety Concerns of Industrial Plumes (Power Plants) study results.
Santa Maria Airport – A Jewel for all of North County
Santa Maria AirportSM airport proves Aesop’s wisdom – Santa Maria, North County and all of California were hit hard by the Great Recession. Some places responded with hand-wringing, worrying and sheep-like bleating to elected officials for a government program of one sort or another.
There is no renewed prosperity on that path.
Perhaps we have been guilty of some fretting ourselves. Perhaps Santa Maria is not a perfect picture of fiscal health, but it could be doing a lot worse. And that would not be good for the area, because a healthy Santa Maria is essential to the well-being of North County.
Read MoreONT Authority Approves Plan to Help Fix Airport's Woes
ONTARIO, CA – It’s a question that has been asked over and over again: What would the Ontario International Airport Authority do if it had control of Los Angeles/Ontario International Airport?
The multi-jurisdictional alliance at its Monday morning meeting approved a formal document that details how it would address its four main goals – reducing airline costs, developing airport-related businesses, expanding air service and providing customer-friendly facilities and services.
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New Issue of FAA Safety Briefing Available
Notice Number: NOTC4511
Fortuna Council to hear proposal to rename Arcata/Eureka Airport
Fortuna Arcata AirportAt its first meeting of the New Year on Monday, the Fortuna City Council will hear a proposal to rename the Arcata/Eureka Airport.
According to the council agenda, the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission, the entity proposing the change, says a rebranding will attract more tourism dollars, ultimately creating an environment for sustainable airline competition and lower ticket prices.
The commission has already presented the idea to the McKinleyville Community Services District and plans to present it to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors at a later date.
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Livermore Airport's Love of Blimps Not Just Hot Air
LIVERMORE — After two weeks moored in the muck at Livermore Municipal Airport, MetLife chief blimp pilot Bret Viets eyed the afternoon’s dark clouds, waiting for a break in the weather. The previous day, Viets’ lighter-than-air vessel, “Snoopy Two,” provided aerial coverage of an Oakland Raiders game. His work finished, he bided his time before heading south to San Diego.
An airship pilot for five years, Viets is a rare breed. He estimates there are only about two dozen such pilots in the U.S.
“It’s fun,” Viets said. “I enjoy meeting new people. That’s as much a part of our job as flying.” Read MoreTeaching the Aviators Model Code of Conduct to Kids
You may be familiar with the Aviators Model Code of Conduct. If so, great! If not we invite you to visit http://www.secureav.com/ to learn more.
New Features on FAASafety.gov
We are starting the new year with some nifty new features and improvements on FAASafety.gov. They will be available on Thursday, January 3, 2013.
More information is available in this descriptive document: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2013/Jan/Auto_Register_and_Upgrades.pdf
One new feature is for non-registered users who attend safety seminars. If they do not have an account on FAASafety.gov, this new feature allows them to request that we create an account for them. We call it the “Auto Register” feature. After the account is created, the new user will receive an automated email with their log in information. Read More