Louisiana AIrport Passport Program Ends

I am pleased to report that Dr. Ray Spurlock has received the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This award is given to pilots who have practiced 50 years of safe flight operations. The award was presented by FAA representative Laennec Ratard at the Minden airport on April 2.  He is the 89th Louisiana pilot to receive the award.  You can see the list of recipients by clicking…

HERE

Dr. Spurlock had this to say about his flying career…. 

“I soloed on my 16th birthday, January 23, 1975, in Homer, LA, after receiving six hours of dual in a Cessna 150 aerobat. Two of my flying highlights are flying from Haynesville.LA to Daytona Beach on my honeymoon in 1979. We had borrowed a 1953 Tripacer equipped with an Escort 110 radio and wet compass. I also flew to EAA Airventure and camped out with friends for a week. I have been an EAA member since 1980. I have owned a Skyhawk, Taylorcraft  BC12D and Cherokee Six.

I want to acknowledge my late stepfather, Blake Hemphill for getting me into aviation at a young age and my wife, Christina, who has always encouraged my flying habit.”

Congratulations, Dr. Spurlock!

Acadian Air Med Flight RN Joannie Sanchez

April 9, 2025 - Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes its exceptional paramedics and EMTs for their tireless work ethic and dedication. From across the company’s four-state service area, as well as sister divisions Acadian Air Med and Safety Management Systems, 32 paramedic and EMT finalists were nominated by their peers for displaying exemplary attitudes and providing excellent patient care. The top winners are selected by a company-wide committee. 

Acadian Ambulance will honor its top Medics of the Year -- including Acadian Air Med Flight RN Joannie Sanchez; all regional honorees; and its entire medical team at its celebration on May 9 in Lafayette, LA.

Joannie has been a valued member of the Air Med team for two years, serving as a flight nurse on Air Med 1 in Lafayette. Originally from LaPlace, she resides in Duson with her rescue dog, Xanadu. After earning her EMT certification in 2018, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Emergency Room tech while completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Joannie gained experience in the ER, trauma care, and ICU before joining Air Med. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nursing, at the University of South Alabama.  

Since joining Air Med, Joannie has shown exceptional dedication through mentoring new nurses, and actively participating in the clinical development team and safety committee. Her colleagues admire her commitment, often going above and beyond to support her team.  Joannie’s goal is to continue her education and provide the best care for her patients. 

Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.

To read the April Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click….

HERE

To read the April Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Newsletter click…. HERE.

Lyle Panepinto

It is always very sad when we lose members of the Louisiana aviation community in a plane crash, but it is even worse when you know them.  I am very sorry to report that Louisiana aviation legend Lyle Panepinto was lost in a crash near Raceland Wednesday night. Lyle owned Southern Seaplane, Inc. in Belle Chasse and was a very active DPE in south Louisiana.   Also lost was company pilot Lauren Menkemeller. 

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and the wreckage was found Thursday morning in a marshy area.

Officials said the plane was traveling from Belle Chasse to Houma. A search and rescue was underway, but hampered by dark and windy conditions. Only one wing was visible above water.

"We're being told it was a training flight to log some hours in the aircraft," said Lafourche Parish President Chaisson.

"They were going to take off from Belle Chasse and to Houma, Houma to Galliano, then from Galliano back to Belle Chasse," he said, "And then unfortunately at some point over Raceland, inbound to the Houma Airport, the plane unfortunately went down."

The Cessna 210  belonged to Southern Seaplane. The cause of the plane crash is still unknown.

Federal Aviation authorities are expected to arrive later Wednesday.

This is a developing story and we are working to learn more information.

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to their families and friends.

To read more click...... HERE.

Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles welcomed members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., the international organization of women pilots, last weekend — for a presentation, lunch, and tours of businesses at Chennault. The event was part of the Ninety-Nines South Central Section Meeting being held in Lake Charles.  In attendance were pilots from Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

The 99s celebrate the legacy of Amelia Earhart and other pioneering women pilots and promote aviation through education, scholarships, and support. Bolstered by an international membership hailing from upwards of 40 countries, these aviators share a united passion for flight. Dr. Sandra Leder and other aviation advocates took part.  

Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton said the event is part of the airport’s ongoing community outreach and support for general aviation.

In the photos the ladies are shown touring the Citadel Completions Design Center.

I am very excited to announce that the EAA Ford Tri-Motor Tour is returning to the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport (APS) in Reserve on May 2-4.  Some of you might remember that this piece of living history also visited there seven years ago.

Step back into the vibrant era of the Roaring '20s and experience the thrill of flight aboard the legendary EAA Ford Tri-Motor. As the pioneer of luxury air travel, the Ford Tri-Motor revolutionized global transportation, ushering in the golden age of commercial aviation. Embark on our tour, guided by passionate volunteers eager to share the captivating stories of this historic aircraft.

This tour stop, generously supported by Reserve EAA Chapter 971 and its volunteers, welcomes families to explore the intricacies of the Ford Tri-Motor and learn about the organization's mission. Viewing the aircraft is complimentary, so don't forget to bring your camera along.

Proceeds from the Ford Tri-Motor tour directly contribute to covering maintenance and operational expenses, ensuring the continued flight of the beloved "Tin Goose" for generations to come.

For your comfort and safety, we recommend wearing hearing protection near the aircraft, and earplugs will be provided for your convenience.

Join us on this extraordinary journey through aviation history, where the spirit of adventure and innovation takes flight aboard the timeless Ford Tri-Motor.

Ford Tri-Motor flights are $105 for adults, $85 per child 17 and under.

For information on our Reserve, LA, Tour Stop and to book a flight click….HERE.

For overall information about the tour click….HERE.

Lake Charles, Louisiana – Monday, March 24

Selection for the SOWELA Flight Training School’s architectural firm was made recently by the State of Louisiana Architecture Selection Board. The project was awarded to the Lake Charles firm Champeaux Evans Hotard Architects. The $5.5 million flight school will support aerospace workforce development.

“The Flight Training School project is a great addition to SOWELA’s already thriving Aviation Maintenance Technology program. This project is truly a collaborative effort made possible by dedicated partners,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “The City of Lake Charles and Mayor Nic Hunter made funding a priority for this project through the successful LC Rebound tax referendum passed in November 2023. The Chennault International Airport, through the leadership of the Executive Director Kevin Melton, is providing the property where the Flight Training School will be constructed. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the submission and successful award of an EDA grant provided the remaining funding needed to bring the project to fruition. We are excited to move aviation training to the next level at SOWELA.”

The 16,000-square-foot flight school will provide aspiring pilots comprehensive training programs leading to a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) and commercial flight training. This initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled pilots and provides an accessible pathway to aviation careers.

A $3.5 million U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant and $2 million from the City of Lake Charles will fund the project. It will include a new hangar of 12,000 square feet and an associated classroom building of 4,000 square feet. The classroom building will house a flight simulator lab and classroom and office space. The flight school will be adjacent to SOWELA’s Main Campus on the Chennault Airport Property, directly connecting to an existing taxiway.

“News of the flight school moving to the next phase is very welcome and we are excited to learn that a stellar local architecture firm will be working on the design of this game-changing project,” said City of Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “This project represents an elevation of this community to a whole new level, bringing economic diversity and workforce training. Our administration is so proud to be partnering with SOWELA to make this a reality.”

Industry collaboration for the SOWELA Flight Training School includes industry advisors from Chennault International Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport, Planet Air, and Noble Development, among others. This collaboration will ultimately create 170+ jobs.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Commercial Pilots are five-star jobs due to occupational outlook, educational requirements and salary. The typical salary for a commercial pilot with experience is $81,000 or more.

SOWELA anticipates breaking ground on the flight school in Fall 2025.

To read the entire press release click….HERE.

The AviNation SPRING issue is now available online and will be in subscribers' mailboxes soon.  To see it click HERE.

This is the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo issue. It is packed with inspirational stories, upcoming events, and companies looking to hire!

If you would like to receive a "hard copy" please support AviNation's mission by purchasing a subscription.  To subscribe click  HERE.

March 12, 2025

Metro Aviation is introducing its latest air medical interior for the H135, featuring notable upgrades while retaining popular elements from the previous design.

“We developed this interior based on direct feedback from our customers, focusing on their needs and challenges,” said Metro’s Part 145 Director of Maintenance Shawn Bruton. “The improvements enhance situational awareness and provide greater accessibility for medical crews.”

Key enhancements in the H135 2.0 interior include a relocated communication panel, now positioned for optimal accessibility by both attendants, improving ease of use. The redesign also maximizes the full width of the aft wall grid, creating more space for medical teams to work efficiently. Additionally, new ground-use-only area lighting enhances visibility for crews entering or exiting the aircraft at night.

Metro has retained several popular features from its previous air medical interior, including options for external gaseous or LOX oxygen systems and a mounted air and suction setup. The higher avionics shelf remains but now incorporates a built-in storage compartment for added convenience.

“We are very in tune with the industry and its needs,” said Director of Aircraft Configuration Amy McMullen. “We understand that every end user has different needs, which is why we offer customization options to tailor the interior even further. Ultimately, it’s about delivering a product that enhances performance in the field.  We’d love to talk to anyone looking for a custom interior solution.”

Read More

NextGen Aviation LLC, which is expanding its multi-state footprint, has chosen Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles for its new location.

NextGen Aviation specializes in avionics installations and troubleshooting; RVSM certifications; and IFR and VFR certifications. It installs the most advanced avionics technology to maximize flight safety.

Owner David Sprouse, a pilot himself, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. He also was an avionics technician for the U.S. Air Force, responsible for the troubleshooting and repair of the avionics systems of F-16, F-117 and CV-22 aircraft.

“Aviation can be even safer and more efficient with the application of new technologies,” Sprouse said. “The new technologies of today and tomorrow will help make aviation safer and more efficient. I can offer anyone a solution to make their aircraft safer and more efficient in a cost-effective manner.”

“We welcome this new opportunity at the airport,” said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton. “General aviation is an important part of our mission and we have sought and will continue to seek opportunities for growth. Historically, this level of avionics service has been limited in Southwest Louisiana. We are hopeful that NextGen Aviation’s footprint will quickly grow at Chennault as we continue to take pride in serving our general aviation community.”

Congratulations on your new role as Director of the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport. What drew you to this position, and what are your initial goals?

I am both honored and excited to have been selected as the Airport Director of the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport. Being called to serve has resonated with me since my early years in airport management. The opportunity to serve the incredible Louisiana aviation community again, and the growing River Parishes region specifically, was one I could not let slip by. In my nearly 10 years in airport management, I have always centered my focus on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and fostering continuous, measurable growth.

Can you describe your vision for the airport and how you plan to enhance its role in supporting the Port of South Louisiana?

Airports are the gateway to the communities they serve—both for the traveling public and the aviation community itself. Providing exceptional customer service and ensuring safe and efficient operations are critical to everyone we serve. The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport is in a unique position, being one of only two airports in the state operated by a port. Finding growth opportunities that capitalize on a truly multi-modal vision and further enhance the region’s economic impact will allow our airport and community to soar to even greater heights.

To read the entire interview on Biz New Orleans click…HERE

To read the Winter Newsletter of the Scarlett Skies Initiative click…..HERE.

To read the March Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click….

HERE

To read the First Quarter 2025 Newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force…  HERE.

England Airpark and the Alexandria International Airport (AEX) reflect on an impressive year of strategic planning, growth and transformation in 2024, setting the stage for an even more dynamic 2025. England Airpark’s strategic plan and planned enhanced air service development have solidified its position as a vital transportation hub for the Central Louisiana area.

To read their news email click….

HERE

To read the February Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…

HERE

To read the January Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click….HERE.

Freeman Jet Center at the Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA) in New Iberia is excited to share that they have relocated from their temporary space in the Airport Terminal to their beautifully renovated building next door.  They invite their valued customers to visit. Please call them if you have any questions at 337-367-1401.

Their Jet-A-Way Cafe’ is open Monday-Friday, serving Breakfast from 8 AM to 10:30 AM and lunch from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. We have other options available after the café closes.

Happy New Year!

Freeman Website

Chennault International Airport has welcomed Rob Stanford as the new general manager of Million Air Lake Charles, the FBO at Chennault.

Stanford is a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel with extensive military and civilian experience around the world — and multiple Louisiana ties.

Million Air is “an ambassador for Lake Charles,” Stanford said. “We’re the first and last thing people see in the city. That’s why our level of service truly must be second to none — and I’m going to enforce that.”

Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton said Stanford “brings strong leadership and foresight to the operation — which will be a game changer” at the airport. “I’m excited to see growth and change at Million Air and a focus on every customer who flies in and walks through the doors.”

Stanford retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years as a military police officer.

During his time as an active Marine, he served in a variety of command and staff assignments where he conducted numerous operational deployments and exercises — serving in both law enforcement and antiterrorism capacities.

Prior to becoming a Marine, he enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard as a military policeman.

Since retiring from the Marine Corps in 2012, he has served in a variety of positions related to antiterrorism/force protection, law enforcement, mission assurance, emergency management and security.

He performed duties as the chief of the Law Enforcement Division of the Office of the Provost Marshal General, Headquarters, Department of the Army. He also managed operations for the U.S. Navy’s antiterrorism program, coordinating the development of emergency management systems and manufacturing prefabricated portable armories and magazines for the U.S. government.

Stanford also supported the Joint Staff, training security professionals to conduct vulnerability assessments. He led the development of the Mission Assurance Concept of Operations and developed law enforcement classes for the Marine Corps Military Police Officer Basic and Law Enforcement executive courses. He also worked as team lead for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Red Team.

Before joining Million Air, Stanford was the physical security and safety manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

Stanford is a graduate of Drake University and earned a master’s degree from Marine Corps University. He is also a graduate of the Air Force security officer basic course, Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, Army MP Captains career course, Command and Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, FBI National Academy and the FBI Law Enforcement executive development course.

Rob and his wife, Laura, have three daughters and three granddaughters.

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) unveiled its new brand identity at a special pep rally for Airport employees as they prepare to welcome visitors from around the globe to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX next week.  

See the new brand by clicking:  HERE

The new brand was developed through thoughtful community engagement, collaborative workshops, and a design process that married modernity with tradition. The end result is a dynamic new identity that reflects the spirit of New Orleans and the surrounding region, as well as the airport’s role as a global gateway.

To see brand launch video: Click HERE

The updated symbol, a Fleur de Lis, is clean and streamlined with lines suggesting a plane taking flight—a celebration of movement, progress and connection. With origins that span cultures and continents, the Fleur de Lis has historically symbolized beauty, nobility, strength and rebirth—all attributes that align with New Orleans’ cultural identity and the airport’s role as a gateway to possibility. 

The new color palette incorporates elements inspired by architecture, nature and food—key aspects of New Orleans’ identity that resonate with the public.

The Airport is named after Louis Armstrong and his name is featured on the top line standing alone in a place of prominence. 

The unveiling comes at a pivotal time for the airport and the city, as New Orleans gears up to host thousands of visitors for Super Bowl LIX. The new brand underscores MSY’s commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience that stays true to the city’s legacy of hospitality and vibrancy.

Read More

To read the January Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…. HERE.

The Scarlett Skies Initiative was created in 2024. Their mission is to empower underprivileged youth and women in Louisiana, with interest in aviation and aerospace, by facilitating and providing educational opportunities within the industry, inspiring them to follow their dreams of reaching the sky and beyond. 

The photo above is a summary of their accomplishments in their first 9 months of operation.  We congratulate them on their first year and look forward to seeing even greater achievements as they continue their operation.

To read more about them and see how you can add your support visit their webpage:  https://scarlettskies.org/

Christmas in the Clouds was the first aviation outreach event ever held by a new organization called Scarlett Skies.  You can read about them at their webpage:

https://scarlettskies.org/

Here’s what they said about their event:

An aviation outreach event full of joy and exciting opportunities for all!

Watching students experience flight in a helicopter for the first time was truly magical! 

This special day offered the gift of learning through unforgettable experiences we hope will foster curiosity and unlock sky high dreams. 

Christmas in the Clouds could not have been made possible without our wonderful host Aviation Academy of Louisiana! Thank you for graciously offering your space, aircraft and talented team of pilots! 

To each of our sponsors and vendors, we thank you for your contributions and time! Your generosity made this day all the more special! 

We’re so grateful to end our year with a successful first event. There are many exciting opportunities that await next year, and we can’t wait to share them with deserving youth and women in Louisiana! 

Sponsors & Vendors:

• Aviation Academy of Louisiana
• Murray Biological Solutions | Chris & Chynelle Murray
• Sinanan Consulting
• STEM Socialite
• Demette Land, LLC | Joel Demette
• FlyGuys
• Acadiana Regional Airport | ATC with special guest from LFT ATC
• Hub City Ford
• Bonnie & Mark Simon
• TNT Demolition LLC
• Zaunbrecher Design, LLC
• Allen & Kirmse LTD
• Colby Robert

Congratulations to both Scarlett Skies and the Aviation Academy of Louisiana for working together to make this wonderful event possible.  We need a lot more like this throughout the state to get youth involved in aviation.

Many of you recall that the AviNation Dream Tour made a very successful Stop in Hammond on October 9. The great news is that they plan to make another Tour Stop in Louisiana next year. This time it will be in Lafayette on March 25.. 

If you haven’t heard about the AviNation American Dream Tour, it is an outreach program to youth to promote aviation/aerospace education and career opportunities and next steps. 

Right now they are looking for speakers/industry leaders to interact with the students.  They are seeking general aviation, business, commercial, ag, drone and military pilots.  They also want A&P Mechanics, engineers, FBO managers, aviation sales, aviation attorneys, Colleges, Universities, Flight Schools and others to have representatives participate.  They are also looking for some sponsors for the event.

Advanced RSVP is required by speakers/industry leaders and teachers/schools/students as we have limited available space.  Tom Flavin is the Point of Contact.  Call him at 310-709-0844 or email him at Tom@Elevatorpitch.Surf.

To see their website click…… www.AviNationUSA.com

To see an informational video about AviNation Magazine and their Dream Tour, just click HERE.

To read the December Newsletter of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation click

HERE 

Louisiana aviators have responded to the call for data about general aviation (GA) flights with nearly three dozen survey responses that will aid the economic impact study of Louisiana’s airports. The study, conducted by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development-Office of Multimodal Commerce (DOTD), aims to quantify the jobs, payroll, and economic output associated with Louisiana’s airports, as well as other aviation and aerospace activities in the state. However, more data is always welcomed.

Every additional survey response helps substantiate the important economic contributions made by Louisiana GA. If you have used GA recently to visit a Louisiana airport, please take our brief, anonymous survey and help substantiate the spending facilitated by GA. Access the survey either by scanning the QR code, or using this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YGT2NLM. 

This study is approximately one-third of the way through its planned schedule. DOTD plans to publish study results in June 2025. If you have questions, please direct them to the study project manager, Eric Laing (Eric.Laing@meadhunt.com).

On Saturday, December 14, Don Imhoff became the 87th Louisiana pilot to receive the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.  He received it at a surprise ceremony during the EAA Chapter 244 Second Saturday Fly-in at the Louisiana Regional Airport (KREG).  It was presented by Myron Billiot and Laennec Ratard from the FAA Baton Rouge Flight Standards District Office.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright who were two American aviation pioneers credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful motor-operated airplane. The Wright Brothers made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft with the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The brothers were also the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible.

It is the most prestigious award that is presented by the FAA and is given to pilots that have flown safely for over 50 years.  

A nice crowd of family and friends were present for the ceremony.  Remarks were made by Pilots for Patients founder Philip Thomas, EAA Chapter 244 President Logan Eichelberger, and friend Julie Jones.  Don is a longtime and valued member of both of those organizations.

Congratulations to Don on this significant achievement.

To see the list of all of the Louisiana pilots that have received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award click HERE.

To see an FAA video that was shown during the presentation about the Wright Brothers and this award click on the photo below.

To read the December Newsletter of the Aviation Academy of Louisiana click HERE

To read the December Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click….HERE

Governor Jeff Landry signed into law a bill that will generate millions of dollars in additional revenue for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) – Aviation Division.

Passed during the special legislative session in November, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to adopt a new formula for recalculating sales taxes collected on aviation fuel. This change will increase funding without raising taxes, with all proceeds dedicated exclusively to airport-related purposes.

The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including LFT Executive Director Steven Picou, A.A.E., and other airport executives, as well as legislators who championed the bill. Among them was House Ways and Means Chair Julie Emerson of Carencro, who guided the legislation through the process.

Picou highlighted the significance of the new funding, "The additional revenue will enable the state to match federal funding, which can then be invested in airport improvements across Louisiana. At LFT, we’re excited about the opportunity to make further enhancements to our airfield to better serve our passengers."

The Lafayette Regional Airport Terminal Project has officially concluded under budget, with surplus funds being returned to the Lafayette Airport Commission (LAC). The surplus funds will be used for future projects that will improve customers’ travel experience.

At its November meeting, the LAC approved the final change order received from the contractor, Lemoine-Manhattan Joint Venture. This milestone recognizes completion of all project punch list items, with only warranty-related work remaining, which will be addressed at no additional cost to the LAC.

The total contract cost for the project is $99,044,368.60, leaving $504,026.40 unspent.

The LAC and its staff elected to use the Contract Manager at Risk (CMAR) model for the project as opposed to the traditional “Bid and Build” model used for projects of this scale. Under the CMAR model, the contractor assumes responsibility for any budget overages, creating a strong incentive for efficiency. This model proved highly effective, allowing the terminal to open on schedule in January 2021 and ultimately delivering the project under budget.

“The completion of the Lafayette Regional Airport Terminal Project reaffirms the airport’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, the use of effective project management strategies, and operational excellence,” said Executive Director Steven Picou. 

“For a project of this size and scope, bringing it in under budget and on time is unprecedented for our community,” said LAC Chair Samuel Pierre. “Congratulations to our general contractor, project managers and subcontractors, Mr. Picou and our staff for working so hard on this historic achievement,” Pierre added.

CLEVELAND, Mississippi — Delta State University’s Commercial Aviation Department has won a $1 million federal grant for the purchase of an agricultural and aerial firefighting flight simulator.

The Air Tractor 802 flight simulator will be the first of its kind and will support DSU’s Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway (AAOCP) program, providing flight training for future aerial applicators and firefighters, according to university officials.

The simulator will provide high-fidelity, scenario-based training, university officials noted.

“Students will engage in advanced training designed to replicate real-world conditions, honing their skills in precision aerial applications, which are vital for effective crop management and firefighting operations, and, above all, will save pilot lives by increasing their readiness for such dangerous flying,” officials said.

The cost for the development and purchase for the simulator was funded by state and federal funds sponsored by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Additionally, Delta State will allocate $60,000 annually toward a contractual agreement for simulator maintenance, repairs, and operational training.

“This grant is precedent setting,” said Major Allen Williams, chair of the Commercial Aviation Department. “For us to be able to continue to grow our ag training program, it’s going to give us an opportunity to increase the depth of knowledge for our students. It will give us the opportunity also to develop some streams where we can start off with some recurring training for the ag industry across the country because of the uniqueness and the capacity for this simulator.”

The university anticipates the new simulator will be fully operational within the next two years.

For more information: DeltaState.edu

To read more from General Aviation News click…. HERE

To read the December Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click….

HERE

November 25, 2024 — Acadian Air Med has announced that Maranda Granger is the company’s new Chief Flight Nurse. 

Granger holds 16 years of ICU and ER nursing experience and a background in education, along with strong Air Med operational knowledge. She joined Acadian Air Med as a registered nurse in October 2019. Since then, she has worked at multiple Air Med bases throughout the program, and has been a Flight Line Supervisor for the past two years.  During her tenure at Air Med, Granger has worked in various roles, including ground operations, hurricane deployments, and various COVID projects through Air Med’s sister company, Safety Management Systems.

A native of Pineville, Granger was an elementary and middle school teacher for eight years, holding special education certifications. She pursued her aspirations of becoming a registered nurse in 2008 and worked in multiple ER and ICU settings before taking to the skies with Air Med in 2019.  Granger holds her prehospital trauma life support (PHTLS) instructor certification and recently achieved her advanced certified transport registered nurse (CTRN) certification.  “With years of education and clinical experience, Maranda will bring great knowledge to the Chief Flight Nurse position and is going to bring the Air Med program to new heights,” said Acadian Air Med Vice President Michael Sonnier.

Granger was recently recognized at the 13th annual ‘An Evening for Healers’ fundraiser, hosted by the LSU Health Sciences Foundation Shreveport. The event shared the incredible stories of two patients, including Clay Moock, who was severely burned in a pipeline explosion incident in April 2021. Granger was part of the Life Air Rescue flight crew who responded, treated, and transported Moock to Ochsner LSU Health. 

Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

Metro has placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 A250 aircraft, with plans to integrate the airframe into its existing fleet. 

Metro Aviation, the world’s largest family-owned, traditional air medical operator, has placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 electric vertical takeoff and landing ALIA VTOL aircraft manufactured by electric aerospace company, BETA Technologies. Metro plans to integrate BETA’s ALIA VTOL into its existing network of air medical operations, to ultimately carry out both inter-hospital and scene transports. 

Metro currently operates 170 aircraft for 42 programs across 27 states in the U.S. BETA’s ALIA VTOL will provide another platform to that portfolio – and with its high reliability, low cost, and vertical capabilities, it will offer increased mobility and access to rural and urban geographies with zero operational emissions. 

Metro has been in conversation with various eVTOL developers over the past several years, but BETA, with its pragmatic approach and genuine interest in an operator’s perspective, was the one to legitimately capture Metro’s attention. 

“We are all about the relationships we have with our partners,” said Metro’s Vice President and Co-Owner, Todd Stanberry.  “Yes, we believe BETA has the superior product in the eVTOL space, and they are taking the right approach to entering the market, but most importantly, they genuinely care about our opinion and everyone checks their ego at the door.  This made the decision easy for Metro.  We are aligned with BETA in so many ways, from people, to safety, to quality, and we are thrilled about this new partnership.” 

“We originally designed ALIA with organ and tissue transport in mind, so we are excited to complement that mission with Metro and its family of healthcare providers across the country,” said Kyle Clark, BETA’s Founder and CEO. “Electric aviation brings reliability at a lower cost, which makes it a strong value proposition for urgent transport like hospital transfers and emergency response.”

Metro Aviation is a pioneer in the industry. As the first to equip its entire fleet with night vision goggles and continuously investing in cutting-edge safety technologies, including full-motion simulators, Metro remains at the forefront of innovation. It’s no wonder they are the first air medical operator in the U.S. to embrace this new technology. Serving top-tier medical programs, Metro operates in some of the most challenging environments, from remote rural areas to mountainous regions with varying elevations.

BETA has begun production of its all-electric aircraft, including the ALIA VTOL and its conventional counterpart, the ALIA CTOL. Both aircraft optimize for payload and range, fit for regional or intra-city transport with the ability to carry up to 1,250 lbs of payload or five-passengers and a pilot, depending on the configuration. BETA’s aircraft have landed at more than 90 airports, completed deployments with the U.S. Air Force, and completed the industry’s first full, manned transition in a production-intent vehicle. ​​In addition to its aircraft, BETA is also rolling out an electric charging network across the U.S. Today, there are 35 BETA chargers online along the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and 50 additional sites are in development. 

The company is producing these aircraft and chargers in its nearly 200,000 square foot production facility in Vermont. These aircraft and chargers will be delivered to BETA’s growing base of customers, which includes global operators across cargo and logistics, medical, defense, and passenger applications, including UPS, Air New Zealand, United Therapeutics, Bristow, Blade, LCI, Helijet, the U.S. Department of Defense, and now Metro Aviation. 

Read More

To see the Metro announcement video click  HERE.

Aviators have a unique opportunity to demonstrate how general aviation  (GA) contributes positively to the state economy through an ongoing Louisiana study.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development-Office of Multimodal Commerce (DOTD) is conducting a statewide economic impact study of the airport system to quantify the jobs, payroll, and economic output attributed to each of the 68 system airports in 2024. DOTD selected Mead & Hunt to gather necessary data and conduct the study.

Insights from the GA community are an important component. You can assist in showing the economic benefits that GA visitors bring to Louisiana. If you have used GA recently to visit a Louisiana airport, please take our brief, anonymous survey to substantiate the spending facilitated by GA. To take the survey, either scan the QR code, or access it at this link:. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YGT2NLM

Statewide study results, along with individual airport impacts, are planned for release in mid-2025. If you have questions, please direct them to the study project manager, Eric Laing (Eric.Laing@meadhunt.com).

HAMMOND --- Axcess Construction is excited to announce the groundbreaking of Sky X, a new, fully integrated aviation facility that will offer a streamlined, one-stop solution for aircraft owners and operators. This state-of-the-art project will feature a 30,000-square-foot hangar and a new FBO, providing services such as aircraft charter, aircraft hangar storage, aircraft maintenance, avionics, aircraft management, and aircraft sales and acquisitions.

Founded in 1987 by Joseph and Sandy Mistich, Axcess Construction specializes in integrated design-build services and has maintained a valued partnership with the Scariano family for over three generations. This project proudly continues that relationship with Sky X founders Robert and Ashley Scariano.

The design and construction team for Sky X includes skilled degreed architects Joseph Mistich and Annelise Travers, along with engineers Robert Lambert Jr., Shawn Ledig, and Scott Howell, all bringing their expertise to this transformative project.

In addition to aviation, Axcess Construction is proud to specialize in residential, disaster relief construction, healthcare, education, industrial, corporate, civic, interior design, conceptual design, 3D renderings, master planning, community resiliency planning, and environmental services. Under the leadership of current owners Joseph Mistich, and Sandy Mistich, and Jason Van Haelen, Axcess remains committed to delivering exceptional quality and service across all projects.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new venture with Sky X, which will offer unparalleled support and quality to our aviation clients,” said Joseph Mistich.

To read more click….HERE.

The runway overlay at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (KPTN) in Patterson is well underway. The runway grinding and asphalt removal is being performed now.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and the resurfacing goes quickly.

Ken Perry, ATP

Owner/President

Perry Flying Center

k.perry@perryflyingcenter.com

(985) 397-0990

To read the November Aviation Academy of Louisiana Newsletter click….HERE.

To read the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Fall Newsletter click…. HERE

Very sorry to report that on November 6, Apex Jet Center at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport had a fire that took over their office and one of their hangars. Luckily the people in their office were able to get out safely and call the fire department. Thanks to the first responders the fire was brought under control and they mitigated as much damage as possible.

They are back in operation and are continuing flight operations to the best of their ability.  They thank everyone for their help and understanding.

What makes this fire even worse is that they had just announced back in August that they had finally completed the restoration of all of their facilities after Hurricane Ida.  That took them three years of work.

Here is the report on the fire from the Houma Fire Department:

At approximately 7:50 pm on November 6, 2024 the Houma Fire Department was dispatched to a possible Commercial building fire in the 200 block of Aviation Rd. on the airport.

E911 operators were getting reports of heavy smoke and fire coming from a large airplane hanger, with loud explosions going off inside.

Initial responding units declared a working fire before getting on scene and went to a 2nd alarm at 19:55 upon seeing the smoke column in the sky from across the airport. Once on scene Incident commanders requested a 3rd alarm at 19:57 after seeing the condition of the building and with even more explosions going off inside. Once crews were on scene they went into offensive operations to make a push interior when a large explosion went off just prior to crew entry.

Units regrouped, requested a 4th alarm at 20:04 for manpower and then made an aggressive push into the multistory office portion of the building attached to the hanger and the hanger itself.

At 21:27 the fire was placed under control and investigators are working to make a determination of the cause.

***Updated 12:00 midnight, Nov. 7, 2024 as of this update the fire department has completed our preliminary investigation, all units have cleared the scene. And the occupants/owners are assessing the damages.

We want to thank all of the agencies that assisted us this evening.

Beta’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Alia could join Metro Aviation’s air ambulance network following expected FAA certification in 2026. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Metro Aviation, which operates air ambulance services across the U.S. using a fleet of more than 150 modified helicopters, plans to add electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to its arsenal.

The Shreveport, Louisiana-based firm on Monday announced it placed a deposit-backed order for as many as 20 Alia VTOL aircraft from manufacturer Beta Technologies. The unique design—which falls under the first new category of aircraft the FAA has created in decades—lifts off vertically like a helicopter but cruises on fixed wings.

Metro said it talked to several manufacturers about adding VTOL aircraft to its fleet before ultimately settling on Beta.

“We are all about the relationships we have with our partners,” said Todd Stanberry, vice president and co-owner of Metro. “We believe Beta has the superior product in the eVTOL space, and they are taking the right approach to entering the market, but most importantly, they genuinely care about our opinion, and everyone checks their ego at the door.”

Beta’s all-electric Alia is designed for a pilot to fly as many as five passengers or 1,250 pounds of cargo, cruising at 135 knots. The manufacturer recently unveiled a passenger-oriented version of the model, but it is designed to handle a range of operations—including medical services.

Beta customer and investor United Therapeutics, for example, intends to use Alia to transport cargo such as 3D-printed organs. The U.S. Air Force, meanwhile, recently took the aircraft out for "real-world" demonstrations that included a simulated medical evacuation. In September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Beta $20 million to study Alia’s capabilities as an emergency response vehicle.

Metro Aviation’s fleet of 170 helicopters serves programs across 27 U.S. states, flying in treacherous environments such as mountain ranges and remote rural areas. Typically, helicopters, with their VTOL capability, are called upon for such missions.

To read more from Flying Magazine click….. HERE

We have lost another Louisiana aviation legend.  I'm very sad to report that longtime Louisiana aviator Sammy Whatley has passed away.  He was a wonderful guy and an FAA Flight Examiner for almost 50 years.  My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends.  RIP my friend.

Sammy Wren Whatley

Sammy Whatley, a devoted aviator and mentor to countless pilots, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:15pm in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation in Chapel Dauphine at Chauvin Funeral Home on Monday, November 4, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Born with a passion for flight, He began his journey in aviation at the age of 19, marking the start of a career that spanned more than six decades. For 46 of those years, he proudly served as an FAA Flight Examiner, guiding and inspiring young and seasoned pilots alike. Thousands of pilots had the privilege of taking their check rides with him benefiting from his wealth of experience and his unwavering dedication to their success.

At 72, his passion for flying took him in a new direction as he learned to fly helicopters, an adventure that brought him great joy.

Sammy's lifelong dedication to safe flying and his remarkable contributions to aviation were recognized when, at 83, he received the FAA's highest honor for pilots: the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This prestigious award, presented to those with over 50 years of safe flying, was a testament to his exceptional skill, commitment, and love for flight. During a ceremony held at the Monroe airport, He was celebrated with a presentation of every certificate he had earned throughout his illustrious career.

Sammy's legacy lives on through the many pilots he taught, the countless lives he touched, and the skies he so dearly loved. He will be remembered as a dedicated flight instructor, an adventurous spirit, and a beloved daddy, papa, pops and friend. His memory will continue to inspire those who take to the skies.

To read the entire obituary click HERE it.

Chennault International Airport was honored to host four B-52 bomber jets from the United States Strategic Command for a training exercise in preparation for Global Thunder 25, the Strategic Command's annual global training effort.

Chennault is a rare non-military airport that can handle the landing and logistical needs of these massive aircraft because it has a two-mile runway and ample room to move and park safely.

"We look forward to future opportunities to serve the needs of the nation's B-52 fleet,” said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton.

Global Thunder 25  is an annual exercise designed to train U.S. Strategic Command forces and assess joint operational readiness. Chennault’s support during this exercise by the U.S. Air Force showcases the collaboration between civilian and military entities.

The exercise was not in response to any action by any nation, but an exercise in operating in diverse environments and enhancing overall readiness.

In hosting four B-52s, Chennault not only demonstrated a capability, but also building the capacity that will enhance their training and readiness for years to come.

The B-52s that landed here at Chennault demonstrate the versatility of these aircraft to operate in various locations to improve global reach and adaptability. 

By conducting operations here at Chennault, aircrews had the chance to practice vital skills in less familiar, non-military environments, which enhances their ability to adapt quickly and operate effectively in real-world scenarios where traditional support may be limited.

Metro Aviation recently welcomed the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office for Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC) recovery training. They are proud to partner with all law enforcement agencies in Louisiana to offer free training for IIMC recovery. The course consists of 4 hours of ground instruction along with a flight training period for each pilot in their AS350 FTD or BH407 FTD. They encourage any department in the state of Louisiana to reach out to their training department to schedule IIMC Recovery training.  To contact them click: HERE

Airport Manager Yvonne Chenevert receiving LA Airport of the Year Award for False River Regional Airport.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 8:13 AM
By WILLIAM H GRASS

Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the winners of the recipients of Louisiana Airport of the Year, David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year, and the Allen Taylor Legacy awards. The awards were presented on October 8 at the 2024 Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates Annual Conference held at the Courtyard Marriott in Houma, Louisiana.
“On behalf of the whole department, congratulations to our award winners,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “The multimodal commerce aspect is a major and critical component of the agency, and air travel is an integral part of our transportation infrastructure for passengers and cargo alike.”
The award winners are as follows:
“Congratulations to Amelia Hebert, Jason Ball, Rusty Lavergne, Andy Velayos, and Heath Allen, as well as the False River Regional Airport, for being winners of these prestigious awards,” said DOTD Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce Julia Fisher-Cormier. “We’re thrilled to recognize excellence in aviation, and we’re proud to have these winners represent that significant mode of transportation in our state.”

To read more click HERE.

To read the November Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click HERE.

Please take a moment to watch this amazing piece put together by Pilots for Patients supporter, Tammi Arrender! It beautifully showcases a different angle on just how much these flights truly mean to our pilots. If you are, or you know, any pilots who might be interested in becoming part of such a great cause, please have them contact us. We’d be glad to answer any questions! Please share this video with your friends and family in hopes of it reaching just the right person. Thank you, Tammi, for putting together such a great showcase of our mission!

For more information click HERE.

To read the October Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…. HERE.

From left: President and CEO of JAARS Inc. Steve Russell, retired West Monroe-area businessman Wayne Petrus, retired Louisiana State Police pilot Travis Pierrelee and Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham.

Three Louisiana pilots flew up to North Carolina to fly missions to help the residents recover from Hurricane Helene. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham and Travis Pierrellee flew a R44 helicopter looking for people in trouble and Wayne Petrus flew a K100 Kodiak moving food, water, & supplies to 7A8 Avery County airport in the mountains.  It was a 20 minute flight from Samaritan Purse at North Wilkesboro into 7A8.  The Kodiak was perfectly suited for this mission and we were able to move 8400 lbs in two days.  The locals would greet the airplane each trip and all were so gracious and thankful for the supplies.  That community was totally cut off from the outside world.

They flew with JAARS Inc., the Jungle Aviation and Relay Service team that supports Christian mission work worldwide.

All three of the pilots also fly missions for Pilots for Patients, a Monroe charity that helps people travel long distances for medical appointments and treatment.)

To read more from BR Proud click:  HERE

IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)– A manhunt for 39-year-old Kristian Broussard, an escaped Iberia Parish Jail inmate, resulted in him being captured hours later.

Assisting the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office were multiple law enforcement agencies, plus a flight school.

Deputies and officers with Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Allen Correctional Center, Raymond Laborde Correctional Center, Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Iberia Police Department and Louisiana State Police assisted in the capture of Broussard, who escaped from the Iberia Parish Jail on Wednesday.

The Aviation Academy of Louisiana assisted in the capture as well. News 10 took an exclusive ride with the academy to learn how aviation is used to assist law enforcement.

Craig Simon, the manager and certified flight instructor at Aviation Academy of Louisiana, said assisting the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office in the capture was a natural response.

Simon said aviation offers officers a different vantage point.

“If someone got in the sugarcanes, it may be difficult to see, but we have a different perspective than someone on the ground,” Simon said. “The ability to put three people in the aircraft and actually give them that bird’s eye point of view really helps with their scene coordination and gives them an idea how they’re going to handle their organization.”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the manhunt lasted five hours in a social media post.

“They would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Aviation Academy of Louisiana for their invaluable assistance in the search for the escaped inmate,” the post read.

Simon said having aviation as a resource for law enforcement can be even more beneficial going forward.

“It’s hard to put a value on exactly how many people a helicopter can assist,” he said. “But with communication, with radios and technology today, there’s no reason that helicopters shouldn’t be a part of more law enforcement communities.”

Read More & Watch Video

Baton Rouge, LA – Hancock Aviation, a leading provider of aircraft sales and service, is excited to announce its new status as an authorized Blackhawk Aerospace Dealer and Installation Center. This prestigious partnership positions Hancock Aviation as one of less than 100 authorized Blackhawk dealers worldwide, and the most strategically positioned installation center in the Gulf South region, offering unparalleled access and support to aircraft owners in the area.

Blackhawk Aerospace is globally recognized for its high-performance engine upgrades that enhance the speed, range, and overall value of turboprop aircraft. As an official dealer and installation center, Hancock Aviation now provides a full suite of Blackhawk engine upgrades, backed by expert installation, maintenance, and customer service. This partnership opens new opportunities for aircraft owners looking to maximize their aircraft’s performance, with upgrades that reduce operating costs and extend the aircraft’s lifespan.

"We are incredibly proud to join the elite group of Blackhawk dealers and bring these performance-enhancing solutions to our customers," said Holton Hancock, President of Hancock Aviation. "With our expertise and prime location in the Gulf South, we are perfectly positioned to fill an area that was previously missing an installation center."

This new partnership underscores Hancock Aviation’s dedication to providing top-tier services and premium upgrades to its customers, further solidifying its role as a trusted leader in the aviation industry.

For more information about Hancock Aviation’s Blackhawk engine upgrades and services, visit www.hancockaviation.com or contact (225) 800-2359 or info@hancockaviation.com

.Read More

To read the September Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click…HERE.

To read the September Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click….

HERE

Exactly 3 years ago, the life of Apex Jet Center on the Houma-Terrebonne Airport was thrown upside down overnight because of Hurricane Ida. Ida completely destroyed our business, our homes, our employees homes and so much damage in Terrebonne Parish. People do not always understand why it took us 3 years to rebuild. It was a major struggle to rebuild stronger and better due to extensive damages, the lack of resources from Covid and the two years fight against our insurance. We did it though. We finally won the battle after a lot of sweat, tears and perseverance. We want to say thank you to everyone that helped us after the hurricane. Thank you to the employees that showed up right after the hurricane and worked countless hours in miserable conditions to help clean up. Thank you to Bobby Butler who let us establish our business in his mobile home. Thank you to all the airplanes that brought food & supplies to the Houma community . Thank you to everyone who still came and supported us which kept our business alive even though our facility was badly damaged. We did it, we finally rebuilt.

Perry Flying Center at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (PTN) in Patterson is doing a hangar refurbishment and upgrade.  They are widening the hangar door opening to 70 feet and raising the opening from 18 feet to 21 feet to accommodate larger aircraft.  Here are some pictures of their project in progress.

To read the August Newsletter of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum click…..HERE

The 2024 numbers are in! Thanks to Y O U, Rockin' On The Runway is donating $190,000 to St. Mary's Residential Training School!  That is a grand total of $670,000 donated over 5 years.

Your dollars are being put to good use! Phase 1 of the new on campus indoor water park facility project is gaining momentum.

• Project approved by the Diocese Planning Committee
• Building site confirmed
• 2 potential contractors identified

The continued growth & success of our event would not be possible without the  generosity, dedication, & selflessness of our incredible sponsors, volunteers, & local community.  THANK YOU!

We are thrilled to continue this journey & work together with you to improve the future of St. Mary's. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! Planning for 2025 is already in full swing & we can't wait to bring you our biggest & best event yet!

Onward to year 6!

https://www.rotr-la.com/

To read the August Newsletter of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation click:  HERE

To read the August Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…

HERE

From Greater Baton Rouge Business Report

July 31, 2024

Plans to break ground on the Livingston Parish airport project have been delayed several months.

Delia Taylor, chair of the Livingston Parish Airport District, told Daily Report in March that the airport’s groundbreaking was tentatively scheduled for April.

The timeline was pushed back for multiple reasons. Taylor says that once the process of clearing and grubbing the land is complete, she will have a better idea of when a groundbreaking might take place. She says Rigid Constructors out of Lafayette is the contractor clearing the land and it hopes to begin work next week.

The approval process at the parish and state level contributed to the delay.

“We got everything approved by the parish in April and May, but there was something else we needed to get approved and that took a little bit longer just to get through the process,” Taylor says.

The current plan for the airport calls for a phased approach. Phase one includes a 4,200-foot runway. Taylor says the final product will have a 5,000-foot runway with a larger apron and a full parallel taxiway. Engineering firm Alvin Fairburn & Associates in Denham Springs is handling the project.

As of Tuesday, the district has invested $13 million in the project, according to Taylor.

Livingston Parish officials secured 242 acres near the Satsuma exit off Interstate 12 in 2017 for the airport.

“I’m hoping to know in the next few weeks when we can plan the groundbreaking and just keep moving forward,” Taylor says. “After that, we’re going to start trying to construct the runway.”

READ MORE

We are very sad to report that Mike Hudolin was the pilot that was fatally injured in an ag aviation midair accident near Bonita, LA, earlier this month.  

A memorial tribute to Mike may be made to: 

Pilots for Patients, 3127 Mercedes Drive, Monroe, LA 71201 (ph: 318-322-5112;  email: pfp@pilotsforpatients.org).  

His obituary may be found by clicking HERE.

From Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard - This morning, Senator Bill Cassidy visited the Acadiana Regional Airport to Announce a $2 million Delta Regional Authority Grant awarded to the Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA) for their East Side Development project.

The Acadiana Regional Airport East Side Development project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the airport's role and economic impact in the Acadiana community. The project includes constructing a state-of-the-art 200,000-square-foot maintenance repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility, expanding the aircraft apron to maintain airfield safety, and upgrading infrastructure with a resilient power grid and life-saving utilities.

These developments will support existing tenant MRO operations, allowing for capacity expansion or new business lines, ensuring economic sustainability throughout various market conditions.

The apron expansion will address the current capacity issues for large aircraft and accommodate new tenant operations safely. The new hangar facility is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, fostering local job creation and skill development.

Overall, the East Side Development will elevate the airport's infrastructure and serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth, benefiting Iberia Parish, the Acadiana region and the State of Louisiana.

To read the June Recap from the HCPHC click…HERE

BONITA, La. (KNOE) - According to the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office one person is dead following a plane crash near Dummie Line Road.

Sheriff Mike Tubbs said around 2:07 p.m. today (July 11) law enforcement responded after receiving reports of a crash involving two aircraft. One crop duster crashed while the other landed safely with minor damage to the plane.

MPSO officials said the family has been notified, however, they will not release a name at this time.

MPSO and the Federal Aviation Administration are currently on the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board, which will handle the investigation, is expected to arrive tomorrow (July 12).

Watch Video Report

For some additional details click…HERE

In 2007, Pilots For Patients founder Philip Thomas had the same dream two nights in the row.  It was about flying more Louisiana residents to receive the very best medical treatment available.  To see a video essay about Philip and Pilots For Patients from KNOE Television Station in Monroe click: HERE.

In a related story, Philip just flew his 600th Mission for Pilots For Patients….

600th MISSION MILESTONE ALERT! 

We at PFP would like to congratulate our very own President and Volunteer Pilot Philip Thomas on completing his 600th PFP mission. He helped start this organization with the vision of helping as many of our friends and neighbors around the state of Louisiana as he could. He has definitely done just that. We couldn’t be more proud of him for accomplishing such a huge milestone. Thank you Philip for sharing your love of aviation and helping others all while serving our great master in the sky.

On this 600th mission, he flew patient Missy and her husband Kevin from Monroe to Houston. He also waited for them to complete their appointments and is flying them back home to Monroe this evening.

Thank you Philip once again and congratulations!!

The Aviation Academy of Louisiana is proud to announce our adoption of the Army COOL program! 

This incredible initiative provides financial assistance to our brave Army soldiers and veterans, helping them achieve professional certifications and licenses to advance their careers in aviation.

We're honored to support our heroes in their journey to success. For more information on how the Army COOL program can benefit you, visit our website or contact us today!

Click For Details

Metro Aviation in Lafayette, Louisiana, has expanded, creating Metro Gulf, a new division that adds fixed-wing aircraft to the company’s list of completion services.

Metro Gulf provides software and equipment upgrades, inspections and engineering, avionics support, full airframe rewiring, structural modifications, paint services, and more, according to company officials. The new division holds its own Part 145 Certificate and will provide maintenance, repair, and avionics services to Metro’s existing fixed-wing and rotor-wing fleet, as well as outside customers.

The new company is the result of the acquisition of Avionics Solutions. Joey Calandra and the rest of the Avionics Solutions team have joined the new company.

With the creation of Metro Gulf, Metro Aviation now has three maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, including PAC in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Metro’s headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Metro Gulf.

For more information: MetroGulf.com

To read more in General Aviation News click….HERE.

The Houma Point of Vue Magazine has printed an excellent article about Pilots for Patients in the July Edition.  The organization is actively seeking more pilots, particularly to meet the patient demand in the southern part of the state.  To read the article click….HERE

PHI has officially taken delivery of the first Airbus Helicopters H160 July 3, 2024, at our Houma base. Our teams are excited to welcome this highly advanced aircraft into our fleet and look forward to building on our strong partnership with our customers and industry partners as we prepare for our extensive route-proving trial.

For additional information click HERE

To read the June Newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force click….HERE

To read the July Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click..HERE

To view the July Southern Heritage Air Foundation Newsletter click….HERE.

The largest medical helicopter completion center in the world is right here in Louisiana.  Learn about Metro Aviation 's unique relationship with Airbus Helicopters, which allows the Shreveport, Louisiana-based company to deliver nearly three dozen completed aircraft each year for air medical customers, law enforcement operators, and more.

Read about their operations in the Spring issue of Valor Magazine by clicking:  HERE

To read the May Stennis International Airport Newsletter click…. HERE

I’m very sad to report the passing of Dr. Patrick Willis Peavy of Shreveport.  Some of you long-time aviators might remember that Dr. Peavy, along with John David Crow, created the Royal Albanian Team in Exile (R.A.T) airshow act.  They flew in airshows all across America for 3 years in the late 1980’s.  What they once promoted as the “world’s worst aerobatic airshow act” actually became highly sought-after for its precision flying and extremely funny, and highly politically incorrect, ground show narrative. 

To see a video of one of their airshow performances click….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQhaXSBkvgE

I saw them several times and that video brought back a lot of memories.

To read Dr. Peavy’s obituary click….HERE

Bomber crew earns AFGSC General Curtis E. LeMay award

Published June 6, 2024

By Airman 1st Class Laiken King

2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  

A B-52H Stratofortress bomber crew recently earned the Air Force Global Strike Command General Curtis E. LeMay award for the outstanding bomber crew category during the 2023 AFGSC Operations Awards.
On December 13, 2022, the Scout 94 crew faced a life-threatening situation while flying a B-52 from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The three aircrew members on board were Capt. Charles Powell, 11th Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, now the Director of Staff, Lt. Col. John Conway, 11th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, now Air Combat Command Training Support Squadron Detachment 13 commander, and Capt. Matthew Walls, 343 Bomb Squadron copilot, now unit deployment manager.
While avoiding severe thunderstorms and descending in altitude in preparation to land, two of the aircraft’s electrical generators tripped off. According to Powell, the aircraft suddenly went into an uncontrolled left roll, descending rapidly and decelerating below normal approach speed.
“The emergency was sudden and caused brief but extreme disorientation to myself and the other crew members,” said Walls. “All the systems kicked off at once, and the aircraft went completely dark, engines flamed out, and controlling the aircraft became a battle.”
The crew immediately began working to troubleshoot and correct the situation.
“As we began to lose altitude, I could hear Captain Powell call to restart the engines and he informed me that we had lost 4 engines on one side,” said Conway.
Approximately three minutes into the emergency, Powell successfully restarted engines three and four, alleviating some of the asymmetrical load on the aircraft. The crew declared an emergency with air traffic control and orchestrated a non-standard right turn, steering clear of the bad weather as they navigated towards a safe landing.
“I was very fortunate to have a crew who handled their responsibilities so I could focus on the one thing that mattered in the moment– fly the jet,” said Powell.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the crew said they remained calm. The crew exchanged altitude for airspeed, regaining control just as the aircraft approached a low altitude of 1,200 feet above ground level. Considering the populated area of Bossier City, Louisiana, directly beneath them, the stakes were high.
“I believe that the reason Captain Powell was able to recover the aircraft safely is because he has trained to a six-engine approach many times and holds himself to a high standard when he trains,” said Conway. “This allowed him to instinctively fan the throttles and not make a bad situation worse by creating more of an asymmetric situation than we had.”
Approaching runway 15, the crew said they managed a six-engine landing despite the challenges they faced. The crew's airmanship directly contributed to the successful recovery of the $84 million aircraft and the safety of its three-person crew, sparing the metropolitan area from potential catastrophe.
“Capt. Powell and Capt. Walls both performed admirably and with immense poise that day,” said Conway. “They were quick to respond to the situation, run the appropriate procedures, and fall back on their training.”
The Scout 94 crew overcame multiple catastrophic failures to safely land the aircraft, averting potential disaster in the air and on the ground.
“I'm very proud of how we handled the situation,” said Walls. “It was fast and intense, and there wasn't time for discussion, just action. In my opinion, everyone fell into their role and did what was required.”

READ MORE

To read the June Newsletter of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation click…. HERE

To read the June Newsletter of the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum click…. HERE

To read the May Newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force click….. HERE

To read the June Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click… HERE

March 28, 1948 - June 5, 2024

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with you the passing of our friend, mentor, and leader Richard Emery Zuschlag. Richard fought the hard fight that so many with cancer and its complications have endured. While we mourn our extraordinary loss, we are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering. He is now in the loving arms of his Lord, in whom he had unwavering faith.

Richard was a much loved and admired agent of change, not only in the state of Louisiana but across the nation. The lives he affected through his vision, generosity, inspiration, and leadership are countless. Whether a friend, employee, peer or patient, all of our lives were changed due to his undeniable determination to make a difference. 

His legacy endures through his beautiful family, and in every life saved, every patient helped, and in every battle he waged to ensure that all people had access to high-quality medical care. He never backed down when fighting for the things he loved most: his family, his employees, and the communities he served.

His legacy also lives on in the company he tirelessly worked 53 years to grow and nurture.  Acadian Companies is not just a successful organization but also serves as an example of how servant leadership, high integrity and unwavering determination create success, not for one, but for all. 

We will forever be changed, forever be grateful, and forever be better because of who Richard was and the lessons and legacy he has left us. He treated everyone with respect and was constantly striving to bring people together for the greater good. It is up to all of us to honor this legacy by living and leading by his example and his faith. Because of Richard, Acadian is stronger than ever, and in his honor, we will carry on his life’s work. 

Special thanks go out to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Dr. Charles Burnell, Dr. Jason Breaux, Paul Hamilton and the many friends and healthcare providers who attended to him. 

Please continue to pray for Richard, his family, friends and all those whose lives have been forever changed by this loss. 

Information regarding services will be provided when available. We humbly ask you to please respect the privacy of the family while arrangements are being made.

VIP Bizliner Specialist Citadel Completions Expands Workspace

Company is leasing an additional 10,000-sq-ft faclity, freeing up another work bay

By CURT EPSTEIN • Senior Editor

May 29, 2024

Large business aircraft completions and MRO provider Citadel Completions has expanded its facility at Chennault International Airport (KCWF) in Lake Charles, Louisiana. There, the company has signed a three-year lease with the airport authority on an additional 10,000-sq-ft facility, one of the few remaining available structures on the field.

This will allow it to relocate its supply chain management and warehouse center, freeing up enough space in 115,200-sq-ft Hangar D to accommodate an additional maintenance bay suitable for narrowbody aircraft. “That brings in another A320, A319, or 737 and it has enough room for us to do more maintenance there, and frankly meet the customer demands that we are seeing out there on the market,” explained Neil Boyle, Citadel’s senior v-p and general manager. He added that the company’s main focus is on private jet maintenance. “Because of the requests for so much maintenance on VIP business aircraft, and the outfitting and refurbs, we’ve decided it’s time to get the warehouse off the floor.” According to Boyle, the company’s backlog extends to mid-2025, despite running two shifts a day.

Citadel, which began operations six years ago, also operates the even larger Hangar H at KCWF with 118,000 sq ft of space, enough for a Boeing 777 and an Airbus A340, with room for several smaller aircraft. In anticipation of its increase in business resulting from the expansion, it plans to hire 20 more employees.

“We stick with the Boeing and Airbus product right now and focus on maintenance and re-completions,” Boyle told AIN. “There’s not a lot of maintenance facilities doing A340 maintenance, we’re very good at that, and for the [Boeing 777]. Anywhere from dropping the engines and gear changes, all of that very heavy maintenance. This crew is very proficient in turning that.”

Despite its U.S. location, a large portion of the company’s business comes from Europe and the Middle East, and Boyle is hoping to meet with many new and existing clients this week at EBACE.

To see an additional article on this subject by Aviation International News click: HERE

Mark Bowen is a recently retired Optometrist that lives in Jena, Louisiana.  He’s a pilot, and now owns and flies a modern day, open air, 2 seat tandem gyrocopter. 

He and his wife recently met with some friends and fellow gyro pilots that flew from Taylor, Texas to Chennault Airport in Lake Charles.  Then they flew to their final destination which was the Port of South Louisiana airport in Reserve, LA.  There were a total of six gyrocopters and 20 folks.  They spent three days enjoying New Orleans, including an excursion to Biloxi one day with a fly over New Orleans (underneath the N.O. airspace) on the way back.  

Mark says, “Gyrocopters can be a fun way to see Louisiana and my Texas friends really enjoyed our state during the Memorial Day weekend.”

You can see some photos of what they did and how much fun they had by clicking: HERE

Lafayette Regional Airport Executive Director Elected President of the South Central Chapter of American Association of Airport Executives 

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) Executive Director Steven Picou has been elected President of the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SCCAAAE) for 2024 at their annual conference in Wichita, Kansas.

SCCAAAE is a professional association of individuals and businesses involved in the management of airports in Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Central America.

Picou also serves on the Board of Directors for the national organization, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). The Chapter’s purpose is to enhance AAAE’s educational efforts by bringing together stakeholders who share similar interests and concerns because of their regional proximity. AAAE also sets professional and managerial standards for its members.  

“I am honored to be selected to lead this association for the next year,” said Picou. “The association encourages active, consistent and constructive participation in the chapter and actively seeks new members for the association and the AAAE. The association members also work to promote the airport management field and related careers.” 

In a career spanning over 25 years, Picou has held key leadership positions in the aviation industry that include oversight of airport facilities and operations, management of construction projects. He holds a degree in Professional Aviation from Louisiana Tech University and is a commercial/instrument-rated pilot. He is an accredited member of the AAAE.

Picou has served as the Executive Director of LFT since 2015. He supervised the construction of the landmark LFT Terminal Project, which began in November 2018 and was completed in January of 2022. Other accomplishments under his leadership include installation of two EMAS beds, Taxiway Foxtrot improvements, sealcoat of runways, selection of a concessionaire, purchase of property from Lafayette Parish School System, development of a robust Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, an increase in passenger growth, Taxiway Bravo improvements, ongoing implementation of a Master Plan, airfield electrical improvements, and building of cell phone waiting area.

Kudos to Shreveport EAA Chapter 343 for arranging this training.  It’s a great idea and it might be something that other aviation organizations might want to arrange for their home airports…… Jim

SHREVEPORT, La. - Firefighters do many things, extinguishing burning buildings, helping with car accidents, and even getting cats out of trees, but they are also one of the first on scene during an aircraft accident.

That is why Shreveport firefighters came out Saturday to the downtown airport for aviation safety training.

Local chapter 343 of the Experimental Aircraft Association organized the event, bringing in an assortment of sky transportations.

From planes, to a helicopter and hot air balloon, Shreveport firefighters learned the ins and outs of each specific aircraft in case an emergency were to happen.

"We're showing them the unique aspects of general aviation aircraft.  Unlike the commercial aircraft, which are almost identical except for size. Of course,  all of these smaller aircraft are subtly different," said Lee Holmes, a local pilot and owner of a 1950 North American Navion.

"They're mainly concerned about the different fuel shutoffs they have. They have different master switches. They're all in different locations," said Fire Station 2 Capt. Patrick Denney, who's also a paramedic.

With many differences in each aircraft, firefighters learned how to open the different aircrafts doors, shut off fuel and electrical systems, and even how to move the seats back to get a victim out.

"All those things are paramount when it comes to trying to make a quick decision to be able to get them out. We already had that knowledge coming in. Then it just makes our job easier and it helps us to rescue or to help someone who might need it at that time," said Battalion 1 Chief Robby Thomas.

This training not only helps the firefighters, but also the pilots.

"I fly. I want to know that they know what to do if something happens," said Monty Walford, event co-organizer.

"So, it's terrifically important as you want to make sure when somebody shows up, they know how to treat it properly and how to get you out of the aircraft. And so, it makes you feel a lot better knowing that some of the first responders get this training and hopefully share it with all their friends so that they know there's going to be an appropriate response in case there's an incident out here," said Aaron Ullman, EAA Chapter president.

To read more and to watch a video click HERE.

For more coverage click HERE

Congratulations to the Flying Wings of Louisiana 2024 Raffle winners!!!!

• 1st place…Seth Jenkins (NC)
• 2nd place…Norbert Donegan (FL)
• 3rd place….Tim Gomes (CA)
• 4th place….Jason Moorman (CA)

Thanks again for all the support for our free missions to fly cancer patients to medical treatment

Louisiana National Guard members (left to right) Capt. Stephen Gancarcik, Sgt. 1st Class Joey Airhart, and Sgt. Brandon Sevin have been using their off-duty time and Army benefits to earn pilot certificates and ratings while on a long-term deployment. They are flying with Aviation Adventures in Manassas, Virginia. Photo by Jill Tallman.

Capt. Stephen Gancarcik, Sgt. 1st Class Joey Airhart, and Sgt. Brandon Sevin serve in the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment in New Orleans. They have been stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, since arriving in 2023, and they will return home in May. All three have been flying diligently with Aviation Adventures in Manassas, Virginia, when they’re off duty.

Gancarcik, a helicopter pilot who flies the Sikorsky UH–60 Black Hawk and the Eurocopter UH–72 Lakota, discovered on a previous deployment that he could train at Aviation Adventures to add fixed-wing ratings. He told Airhart and Sevin about the flight school, and they were eager to get into the air as well.

Sevin began flight training in 2013 but had to stop when he ran out of money. He came to Aviation Adventures with a singular focus and, on April 23, earned his private pilot certificate. He was able to take the flight test with just 35 hours—the minimum number allowed under FAR Part 141. He’s now planning to complete an aviation university degree in the hopes of joining the airlines when he leaves the military.

“He is the only person we’ve ever had that has finished the 35-hour program in 35 hours,” said Bob Hepp, Aviation Adventures’ founder and one of the school's flight instructors. “He was really focused.”

“I felt it was rough,” Sevin said of his checkride. “We had a lot of thermals. But I stayed within the [practical test] standards.” He said Washington, D.C.’s complicated airspace took some getting used to.

“The worst thing we have at home is the New Orleans Bravo, which I call ‘B-minus’ because [the controllers] are so accommodating,” said Gancarcik. He is finishing up a multiengine fixed-wing commercial add-on.

Airhart completed the fixed-wing instrument instructor checkride in December 2023 and will finish his deployment with a fixed-wing multi engine instrument rating. He also used some of his off-duty time to flight instruct for Aviation Adventures. Back home in New Orleans, he is a full-time flight instructor with Gulf Coast Aviation and has received an invitation from Frontier Airlines to join an upcoming training class.

The guardsmen have been paying for their training with an Army benefit called Credentialing Assistance, which provides up to $4,000 per year to pay for special training programs and certificates. Airhart praised Aviation Adventures for being a military-friendly flight school.

Hepp, who served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and learned to fly using the GI Bill, said he always intended for the school to make the same opportunities available to veterans and pay it forward to others in the military once Aviation Adventures became Part 141 certified. Aviation Adventures has locations at airports in Virginia, including Manassas, Leesburg, Stauffer, Warrenton, and Winchester.

“I’ve flown with all three of these guys and they are exceptional pilots,” Hepp said.

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Barker is on the left pictured with wife Donna and FAA presenter Billy Hattaway.

Most of you probably know someone who’s received the Federal Aviation Administration's prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. About 8,900 pilots have been awarded the honor.  Last year a friend of mine who grew up a few blocks away from me in Thibodaux, DeWitt Barker, received that award.

Now he has received the FAA's Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, which recognizes accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics. About 3,700 people have received that award. Taylor was the inventor and early aviation mechanic who worked with the Wright Brothers and who built aircraft engines for them.

This is an extremely significant achievement as fewer than 1,000 folks have earned both awards.

To read more about Barker, who now lives on a beautiful grass strip near Pensacola, and watch a video click HERE.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A well-known Baton Rouge plastic surgeon died in a plane crash in Tennessee Wednesday.

Dr. Lucius Doucet took off in a single-engine Beechcraft V35 just before 9 a.m. Wednesday from the Louisiana Regional Airport in Gonzales. On board of the plane were two unidentified passengers.

According to a family source, Doucet was the pilot. The destination of the flight was to Louisville, Kentucky, according to investigators.

The plane crashed in the southwest portion of Williamson County, about 45 minutes south of Nashville, around noon. Investigators say there was a large debris field and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Doucet was 62 years old and has been affiliated with several hospitals in Greater Baton Rouge and operates a couple of cosmetic locations. He leaves behind three children.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the plane crash.

To read more click:  HERE

For additional coverage on WAFB TV click:  HERE

Governor Jeff Landry has declared May 2024 General Aviation Month in Louisiana. Lafayette Regional Airport is proud to join the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD), along with statewide airports and our partners in the aviation industry, in celebrating this occasion.

According to the LaDOTD, general aviation contributes over $1.1 billion in economic impact and supports over 10,000 jobs across the state. “On behalf of the whole department, we recognize the significant impacts and contributions of general aviation in Louisiana,” said LaDOTD Secretary Joe Donahue.

To read the proclamation, click: HERE

To read the May Edition of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Newsletter click:

HERE

Southland Field in Sulphur, LA is pleased to report that their new hangars will be open for business soon. The previous hangars were demolished from Hurricane Laura and the new hangars were just completed.

For additional info contact Tim LaFleur, Airport Director at  (337) 607-4550 or manager@southlandfield.com.

https://southlandfield.com/

To read the May Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…HERE.

May 6, 2024 - Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes its exceptional paramedics and EMTs for their tireless work ethic and dedication. From across the company’s four-state service area, 32 paramedic and EMT finalists were nominated by their peers for displaying exemplary attitudes and providing excellent patient care. The top winners are selected by a company-wide committee. 

Acadian Ambulance is honoring its top Paramedic and EMT of the Year, all regional Paramedics and EMTs of the Year, and its entire medical team at its celebration on May 7 in Lafayette, LA.

Flight Paramedic Alli Hardy represented Acadian Air Med and was a finalist for the top honors.

Air Med operates six bases throughout the state of Louisiana.

Alli joined the Acadian Ambulance team in 2009 as an EMT, working throughout the Hub City region. She enrolled in National EMS Academy and earned her paramedic certification in 2011. She then became CCT certified in December 2013. Alli has displayed nothing but the Acadian standard since she began working with us.

Alli is currently enrolled in a Registered Nurse program, and her career goal is to continue working within the Air Med department as a flight RN.

She is quiet and humble, never seeking the spotlight. She is recognized as an excellent clinician and the person you want to be around.

Alli and her family live in Vermilion Parish.

Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

View all of Acadian’s regional paramedics and EMTs of the year by clicking: HERE

Pictured are St. Tammany Parish Facilities Director Jim Ford handing over the FBO building to ASL General Manager Cheryl Walsh.

Abita Skies LLC (“ASL”) opened for business today at the St. Tammany Regional Airport (FAA Identifier “L31”) in Abita Springs, Louisiana.  Situated on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain in beautiful St. Tammany Parish between Abita Springs and Lacombe along LA-36, L31 is the “Up and Coming” corporate aviation hub for Covington/Mandeville area.

”We are thrilled to offer full aviation services to the flying public of Southeastern Louisiana!“ stated Cheryl Walsh, General Manager at ASL.  “The Abita Springs area is wonderfully-eclectic filled with charm and character.  Further, the Covington/Mandeville area is experiencing explosive economic growth with businesses moving to the North Shore due to its business-friendly environment as well as its high per capita wealth.  St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper has spearheaded the establishment of L31 as a corporate aircraft hub for the area with our support.  We are truly honored and excited to grow the service offerings here.”

Contact Information

Abita Skies LLC provides aircraft storage, fuel sales and support facilities for aviation activities at L31. 

For more information sign up to receive updates at www.abitaskies.com or give us a call.

Cheryl Walsh, General Manager

+1(985)377-2907

Wednesday, May 01, 2024

Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) celebrates the month of May as General Aviation Appreciation Month. General aviation supports a vital role in the state’s response to business development, job creation, aerospace manufacturing, aviation education, emergency management, agricultural support, and search and rescue operations.

“On behalf of the whole department, we recognize the significant impacts and contributions of general aviation in Louisiana,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “DOTD encompasses numerous transportation modes. The Office of Multimodal Commerce is a major component of the agency, and the safety of air travel is an extremely important part of our infrastructure for passengers and cargo alike.”

General aviation transforms the way people and goods move around Louisiana and the nation, uniting distant markets and enhancing the state’s economy. Throughout Louisiana, the 61 general aviation airports provide support and stimulate the economy by attracting and retaining businesses that allow companies to move people and goods in a timely and safe manner.

General aviation contributes over $1.1 billion in economic impact and supports over 10,000 jobs across the state, with an annual payroll of more than $469 million. DOTD’s commissioner of multimodal commerce, Julia Fisher-Cormier, says, “Aviation is crucial in supporting successful integration of multimodal commerce development initiatives in connecting Louisianans to critical transportation networks and improving the local, regional, and state economies.”

Read More

To read the April Southern Heritage Air Foundation Newsletter click HERE.

To read the March Newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force click HERE.

SATSUMA - After years of environmental testing, it has been confirmed that a 242-acre airport will be built in Satsuma, south of I-12 in Livingston Parish.

It will have a 5,000 foot runway, a parallel taxiway, hangers for pilots to house their planes, and more.

Corporate jets and helicopters would be the main flights using the new facility. It will not be used by commercial airlines.

"There are so many positive things about this project. It's happening. We are so excited there's so much potential for this project and it's going to bring so much promise to Livingston Parish. It's exciting to see this can finally become fruition," Delia Taylor, chairwoman for the Livingston Parish Airplane District, said.

Members of the district say the project will provide at least 150 jobs, $4.8 million dollars in payroll, and a $15 million dollar economic impact. 

One parish pilot, Wayne Spring, says the parish can expect to see businesses flourish with the easy-access to the area.

"Executives and CEO's can go into Livingston airport and take care of business right there and then fly back to wherever they're from," Spring said.

So far, $13-million dollars have been invested into the project. 

Spring says the pros outweigh the cons.

"It's good for the parish in general, as far as bringing in revenue, taxes, and to help fix our roads. More infrastructure would come in with that airport there," Spring said.

Parish leaders say four schools have already added aviation classes to their curriculum in hopes of creating more career opportunities for children.

• New aviation instruction at the Live Oak High School STEM center;
• Walker High School to offer piloting ground school instruction and flight options;
• Northshore Technical Community College to include an aviation curriculum and
• Baton Rouge Community College aviation mechanics curriculum

Leaders say groundbreaking will happen within the next few months and they hope to begin phase one of construction early next year.

To read more and to watch a video click: HERE

I’m very sad to report that Timothy “Tim” Mayeux, operator of MYU Helicopters in Luling, died while diving Saturday at The Wharf Marina, according to the Orange Beach Police Department.

Police said that Mayeux had been cleaning his boat at the marina but had not been seen for several hours.

Officers responded and were able to verify that he had entered the water at around 7:30 a.m. but had never resurfaced. Multiple dive teams were deployed and were eventually able to recover his body, police said.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 26, at 10:00 am with a memorial service to commence at 11:00 am, and a reception following immediately after. Everything will take place at Celebration Church, 3550 Williams Blvd., Kenner, Louisiana.

Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends.

To read the full obituary click:  HERE

For the news report on the accident click:  HERE

Cadet Capt. Aimee Calvert is the first cadet from the Louisiana Wing, Civil Air Patrol to be selected for Civic Leadership Academy, a week-long National Cadet Special Activity where cadets from across the nation go to Washington, D.C., to learn about the U.S. government.

The academy teaches cadets about their civic duties, government systems and some American history. Part of the activities include negotiation exercises in which cadets try to bring various fictitious nations into peaceful alliances and to protect the human rights of religious and ethnic minorities.

Calvert, a member of the St. Tammany Composite Squadron, and the other cadets toured the Pentagon, where the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Jo Bass spent time with them, telling them about the U.S. Air Force and its role in national defense.

The cadets visited Arlington National Cemetery, where Calvert and Cadet Capt. Joseph Whitney from North Carolina presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Calvert was presented the Amelia Earhart Award at the 2024 Louisiana Wing Conference. In 2023, she was a flight leader at the CAP National Cadet Special Activity in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

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We were honored to host B-52s for the Bayou Vigilance exercise. Here are the official details from the Air Force:

*

By Senior Airman Seth Watson

2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

A pair of B-52H Stratofortresses from the 20th Bomb Squadron tested their capabilities by landing as part of exercise Bayou Vigilance on April 12.

Bayou Vigilance exercises aim to increase the readiness and lethality of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base. This is accomplished by simulating combat operations and demonstrating the ability to respond to strategic attacks.

As part of the exercise, the wing tested its ability to operate in austere environments by landing and taking off at a civilian airfield.

“When it comes to nuclear war, all bets are off and we need to be prepared to adapt to the current situation,” said Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, 20th BS commander. “By demonstrating our ability to land at a civilian airfield, we’re demonstrating our ability to conduct operations.”

The 20th BS landed the jets at Chennault International Airport.

“We are demonstrating a capability, and that capability is to land a B-52 anywhere across the globe,” said Patterson. “So yes, we’re doing it close to home this time around, but this proved we can do it anywhere around the globe.”

Landing the B-52s at Chennault required close coordination between the 2nd BW and airport personnel. It showed that the 2nd BW is able to partner with local authorities and the individuals who oversee airfield operations in order to execute the mission.

“The 2nd BW and Chennault International Airport partnership is significant because it provides the wing an alternate location for training and operations, while at the same time demonstrating the viability and importance of the Department of Defense – civilian relationship,” said Kevin Melton, Chennault International Airport executive director. “It shows we are a team founded on similar core values, which at the end of the day ensures our nation is protected by a formidable fighting force second to none.”

A company that has created a solar-powered aircraft completed an unmanned flight at Stennis International Airport on Thursday, April 4, the company announced.

Skydweller, which has a wingspan greater than a 747, completed the world’s first successful unmanned flight of a large solar-powered aircraft, taking off, flying and landing by itself, without humans on-board or in control, from Stennis airport in Hancock County.

“This is a true, world-changing first in the aerospace industry,” said Robert Miller, CEO, Skydweller Aero, the aircraft’s manufacturer. “Our fleet of uncrewed aircraft will enable a multitude of long-duration missions that support national security and non-terrestrial communications with revolutionary cost savings.”

Skydwellers can be deployed for long-duration missions such as providing continuous aerial overage above conflict zones, surveilling naval activity in contested waters without risking pilots’ lives, detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea, and tracking wildlife migration and poaching in Africa.

“This really is a first when it comes to national security and protecting Americans,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee who unveiled a Skydweller aircraft to the public last month. “It really is great news and it’s only the beginning.”

Skydweller aircraft can stay aloft for 90 days or more, at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet. Current combustion-powered aircraft, including drones, are limited to approximately 40 hours maximum flight time, limited by the endurance of pilots, the amount of fuel a conventional aircraft can carry, and the need for frequent maintenance.

These aircraft can accomplish missions with a single aircraft that has historically required a fleet of conventional aircraft, flight crews and maintenance personnel. According to the company, a single solar-powered aircraft capable of perpetual flight, coupled with minimal operating personnel, replaces all of this cost for the same mission. As such, solar-powered aircraft are 10 to 100 times less expensive to operate than conventional aircraft for long duration missions, the company said.

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Ava Lane Watson, a native of Louisiana, was born in Covington in 2007 to April and Craig Watson. Currently enrolled at The Willow High School in New Orleans, Ava is an active participant in school activities, serving as a member of the yearbook staff and contributing articles to the school newspaper. She’s also dedicated to making a difference in her community, having served on the Mayor’s Youth Council for the City of New Orleans, where she addressed important youth mental health issues.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Ava is passionate about aviation, actively learning to fly in a Grumman Tiger airplane. She’s a proud member of the NOLA 99s, an international organization supporting women pilots, as well as the Experimental Aircraft Association and Women in Aviation International. Aviation runs in her family, with her grandfather being a lead engineer on the Grumman F-14 Tomcat for the Navy, her other grandfather being a private pilot, and her mother also sharing a love for flying.

When not at the airport, Ava spends her free time on other runways modeling.  Inspired by her love for the runway, she challenged herself to enter the pageant world in 2023 and in only her second pageant to become Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2024. Additionally, she enjoys beach outings, swimming, traveling, thrift shopping, movie nights, and quality time with friends. She’s also committed to maintaining her fitness.

Within her family’s business, Ava serves as an art instructor, finding joy in teaching others how to unleash their creativity. Looking ahead, she aims to dedicate her upcoming year to serving her community, focusing on introducing aviation career opportunities to young girls, fundraising for children’s hospitals, and raising awareness about mental health resources for teenagers.

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To read the April Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…

HERE

Grand opening of Chennault Airfield on November 16, 2023, in Conroe, Texas. [Courtesy: Chennault Airfield] 

The Chennault Aviation Academy is based at Chennault Airfield in Conroe, Texas. Its fleet is pictured on the ramp at the airport. [Courtesy: Chennault Airfield]

It’s always refreshing to see a headline that begins with “new airport opening.” During a time when airports continue to be threatened, Chennault Airfield (25TX) in Conroe, Texas, opened in November. 

This airport wasn’t entirely new, though. The acreage where Chennault Airfield’s 3,100-foot runway sits was once the site of an aerial spraying operation during the 1970s. At the time, it was called the Cut and Shoot Airport (19TE). 

The 35-acre Chennault Airfield is owned and operated by the Chennault Aviation Academy, which has more than 100 active students and instructors. Skye Nowlin, CFI/CFII and communications coordinator, explained that the flight school’s name pays homage to Claire Lee Chennault, an American military aviator who led the Flying Tigers squadron during World War II. The owner and CEO of Chennault Aviation Academy previously lived in Monroe, Louisiana—Chennault’s hometown— where he had built a relationship with the Chennault Foundation.

Since its founding in 2017, Chennault Aviation Academy has been based at another area airport. As the flight school continued to grow, its ownership considered different options for the base of its operations.

“In March of 2022, our owner was told about the airfield property after he found out that we were not going to keep the current hangar that we were originally located in at Conroe Airport (KCXO), as it was being purchased,” Nowlin said. “Our owner, Aaron Wang, bought the property for the airfield in April that same year, and construction began in April 2023.

“The property was completely overgrown, and you wouldn’t have been able to recognize it as the airstrip that it used to be. It took about a year to figure out the logistics of how they were going to be able to make this work. During construction, they ended up having to build up the area of the runway and our hangar area with about 6 inches of dirt. They built up this area to allow for better drainage and prevent flooding in the future.

“Additionally, during construction, there was a retention pond to aid in preventing flooding and a 1.5-million-gallon fire pond as a preventive measure to help extinguish and prevent the spread of fire.”

Nowlin noted that the property went from full of trees to neatly cleared with a functioning runway in only six short months. Phase one of the project included construction of the asphalt runway, taxiway, and flight school hangar/training building, and a second phase will soon be underway. 

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When a handful of aviation maintenance personnel gathered together in Alexandria, Louisiana, 57 years ago, it is doubtful they could have envisioned that they were laying the groundwork for what would become an annual meeting that is one of the premiere professional seminars in the region.

The Gulf South Aviation Maintenance Seminar (GSAMS) was first organized by the late Harold Summers, former VP of maintenance for Petroleum Helicopters, Inc (PHI) and director of flight operations for Helicopter Association International (HAI). His aim was to bring together mechanics, manufacturers, vendors, and regulators to share information, best practices, and experience, in both fixed- and rotor-wing segments, to make the industry safer.

The event was moved to Lafayette shortly after its founding, and in 1988, Summers brought on then-PHI maintenance instructor Jeffery Howard to assist. Now the director and managing partner of the GSAMS, Howard has persevered with Summers’ vision as the seminar is held every March.

“Over the many years we’ve been holding this, it has allowed us to bring together the people out there working on aircraft so we can talk about what is being done, and to help these people become leaders and to pass on what they have learned, as well as to learn new techniques themselves,” Howard explained to Vertical.

“We’ve been able to bring in the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], manufacturers, and vendors to discuss best practices and help these mechanics become even better at their jobs,” he added.

Howard also stressed the importance of assisting attendees in becoming leaders in their profession.

“One of the things we want to do is encourage them to go from being that A&P mechanic when they get that opportunity to become a manager, to learn how to deal with people, learn how to be that manager, to go to that next level.”

To achieve these goals, March 27 and 28, 2024, was set aside for a packed schedule of training seminars. Following the welcoming and open session by Howard, Michael Hall from the FAA Baton Rouge FSDO safety team spoke to the group about certificate renewals, accident investigations, regulatory issues, and the compliance program.

For attendees from the helicopter world, daily presentations included discussions of technical updates on light and intermediate Bell aircraft, inspection and care of elastomeric components by Parker/Lord, Arriel and Arrius engine updates from Safran, a brief on the M250 powerplant by Rolls-Royce, and talks on the EC135 and AS350 from Airbus.

Airplane maintainers were treated to talks on corrosion prevention from Lear Chemical, battery airworthiness by Concorde Batteries, examination of Lycoming and Continental engines by the OEMs, lighting and LED upgrades by Whelen, and more. Howard also provided sessions on various topics.

In addition to providing valuable training on their respective products, 35 manufacturers and service providers met with showgoers in the exhibit hall.

One of the most talked about topics was the hiring and retention of maintenance personnel. While there is concern over the difficulty in finding qualified talent, the inclusion of booths representing aviation maintenance technology programs from both the Baton Rouge and South Louisiana Community Colleges, along with numerous students, was a positive sign.

“There is a need on the maintenance side and that’s what we’re trying to encourage,” Howard said.

For more than 20 years, a highlight of the event has been the annual Cajun Crawfish Boil. Hosted jointly by neighboring Masco Service and Arrow Aviation, this evening of celebration followed much of the history of the GSAMS.

“This started as just something to do during the conference and it has grown to what we have today,” Clay Massey, VP of Masco, told Vertical.

From 50 lb. of crawfish — a Louisiana favorite — and a few dozen people over two decades ago, the event has become a community staple.

“This year, we’ll have nearly 1,500 people that we’ll serve around 5,000 lb. of crawfish to,” Massey said. Much like the GSAMS, this yearly celebratory gathering has become more than just about aviation.

“The beauty of the whole party is we’re putting the whole industry together,” said Massey. “OEMs, operators, competitors, and the community are all here under one roof to have a good time. We couldn’t do it without the sponsors — we’re proud to be a part of it.”

All profits from the events are donated to local charities, such as the veteran’s organization.

“Our goal has always been to help in professional development, to provide the tools of knowledge which will help them today and tomorrow,” said Howard of the event’s purpose. “It is my goal to continue that effort.”

More information on next year’s event can be found at www.gsams.org.

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Corkey Fornof (Left) and Charlie Hammonds (Right)

Local pilots Charles Lindy “Charlie” Hammonds and J.W. “Corkey” Fornof have been chosen as the 2024 Inaugural Inductees for the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. The two aviators will be inducted at the Monroe Regional Airport on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

“Aviation represents a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States, and Louisiana has a long and rich line of individuals that have made their mark on history,” reads an official press release from the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. “The Aviation Hall of Fame seeks to honor these individuals and ensure that their contributions are memorialized and remembered forever.”

“Charlie Hammonds serves as the President of Hammonds Air Service and has for over 62 years. He taught hundreds to fly in a series of aircraft. He is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management. His greatest aviation moment was flying the F-15 Fighter through to the speed of sound. J.W. “Corkey” Fornof credits his instructor Charlie Hammonds, and mentors Bill Fornof and Bob Hover for his career. Corkey has captivated audiences at air shows and on the big screen for over 50 years. Charlie and Corkey are both honored to represent Houma and the beautiful state of Louisiana with this prestigious award,” reads a submitted statement. The two local pilots boast a combined flight time of over 60,000 hours.

Alongside Charlie and Corkey, the award will be posthumously awarded to General Claire L. Chennault, Merle Gustafson, Walter Wedell, James Robert “Jimmy” Wedell, Harry Palmerston Williams, and Scott Tibbs.

For this interested in attending the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame Induction, please purchase your tickets here, or call (318) 362-5540. Congratulations to Charlie and Corkey!

About the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame: The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame was established in 2023 with a mission to honor individuals and groups that have made extraordinary contributions to the Aviation industry. The Hall of Fame was located in Monroe, LA at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in 2022. The Aviation Hall of Fame is currently overseen by an eleven-member Executive Board that represents all regions of the State of Louisiana. 

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What a great year it was to Fly LFT! Our 2023 Annual Report is now available with details. We are happy to report the continuing support of Acadiana travelers with passenger numbers exceeding 2022 totals. LFT served over 465,000 passengers and had over 27.7 million pounds of cargo emplaned and deplaned.

We thank everyone who chose Lafayette Regional Airport for their travel needs in 2023 and customers who toured or visited the terminal.

Read it here:  https://bit.ly/LFT2023AnnualReport

Congratulations to Rock Solid Aviation’s Beauregard Regional Airport CFI Sponsorship recipients Caleb Reed, Nicholas Davis, Micah Richard, and Jason Anderson (listed from top picture in order of left to right). These individuals will receive flight training from their current knowledge level through CFI at no upfront cost.

Ready to Fly?

Contact us at (337) 707-8997 or at rocksolidaviation1@gmail.com

As fighter jets soar over New Orleans' West Bank this weekend for the annual air show, the military base in Belle Chasse is planning for a major upgrade to accommodate new planes. 

Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base is scheduled to replace a crew of aging aircraft with newer, more advanced models.

The Air Force flagged two aircraft models to potentially send to Belle Chasse, but is widely expected to send the F-15EX aircraft. The new fleet will bring 100 jobs to the base, as well as require construction to equip the base to handle the newer aircraft. 

“The selection of new F-15EX aircraft for the Louisiana Air National Guard reflects the confidence that the United States Air Force has in our ability to accomplish the Air Dominance mission and our outstanding community support," Col. David "Ripper" Anderson, commander of the 159th Fighter Wing, said in a statement.

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie, noted the history of the Louisiana Air National Guard and 159th Fighter Wing dating back to World War II.

“Understanding the importance of the 159th’s mission, the Air Force selected Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans as the destination for brand new F-15EX fighter jets," he said. "I’m proud to have worked with the Air Force and the Louisiana Air National Guard on this important issue, and for the 159th to continue to play a major role in America’s national security.”

Aging aircraft

The 159th Fighter Wing's aging fleet of F-15C and F-15D planes would be replaced with either F-15EX or F-35A planes.

In April 2023, the Air Force said that the "preferred alternative" for the 159 Fighter Wing would be the F15-EX, but that the base would be eligible for either the F-15EX or F-35A. The Air Force is expected to make a final decision late this year. 

The F-35A aircraft would arrive to the base in 2026 and the F-15EX aircraft would begin arriving in 2027 and 2028.

The older aircraft would be retired from the inventory because of their age, which has limited their flying capability and led to increased safety concerns and maintenance costs.

Depending on whether the F-15EX or F-35A fleets are selected, the base would hire an additional 100 or 80 people, respectively. The hires for the F-15EX would include an increase of 36 officers, including 21 combat system officers, and 65 enlisted persons while the F-35A would include 15 officers and 65 enlisted persons. 

To see the entire article on Nola.com click….HERE

To read the final noise study click…HERE

NEW ORLEANS – For the third year in a row, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) received a top award for Best Airport in North America (5 to 15 million passengers per year) from the Airports Council International (ACI) World’s 2023 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program. The ASQ awards highlight the world’s best airports as judged by their customers who are surveyed while they are in the airport.

MSY is one of only three airports in North America to win Best Airport recognition among those serving 5 to 15 million passengers per year.

“The Louis Armstrong International Airport continues to deliver an unmatched experience for its passengers that the entire Gulf Coast Region should be proud of year after year after year, ” said Judge Michael Bagneris, Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board. “Moving forward, we will continue to provide the people who travel to and from New Orleans with the best possible customer service.”

“The future success of airports hinges on the unwavering commitment to delivering a stellar customer experience at every touchpoint. In an era where passenger expectations are evolving rapidly, excellence in customer service isn’t just a goal; it’s the key to ensuring airports remain not just gateways, but memorable destinations in themselves.” ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said.

The Airport Service Quality program is the world’s leading airport customer experience measurement and benchmarking program. The ASQ Departures program measures passengers’ satisfaction across 34 key performance indicators. Specific categories include security wait times, value for money of parking facilities, helpfulness of airport staff, business and executive lounges, restroom cleanliness, terminal cleanliness, parking facilities, Wi-Fi access, ambience of the airport and more.

“While the number of passengers traveling through Louis Armstrong Airport has steadily increased over the last three years, our ability to provide the best airport experience in North America has remained the same,” said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation. “There are over 4,000 MSY employees representing a wide variety of stakeholders who work hard every day to make sure our passengers get through the airport efficiently and safely, and that they feel the spirit of New Orleans hospitality while passing through our facility”

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A salute to the driving force which made the Gulf South Aviation Maintenance Seminar occur for so many years.  It is great to see Harold Summers being honored by an industry he dedicated so much to.

Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce a new addition to its Salute to Excellence Awards, which acknowledge significant achievement in the vertical flight industry. The newest award honors the spirit and legacy of Harold “Hal” Summers, a longtime HAI employee who was renowned for his efforts to improve the rotorcraft industry.

In recognition of her unwavering support for her late husband, the inaugural award recipient of the Harold Summers Legacy Award is Zhilin Summers. Presentation of the award will take place Feb. 26, 2024, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 in Anaheim, California.

“Our current Salute Awards recognize special achievement by individuals or groups throughout our industry,” says HAI President and CEO James Viola. “This new award recognizes Harold’s passion for the industry, particularly his enduring efforts to make every part of our industry better.”

Summers was a part of vertical aviation for over 60 years, entering the industry after earning his airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate in 1960, then flying helicopters on the Alaska Pipeline. He joined Petroleum Helicopters Inc. (PHI) in 1964 as a mechanic–pilot, eventually rising to the role of VP of maintenance and engineering, in which he oversaw a massive fleet of aircraft globally that included more than 400 helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico alone. One significant achievement during his tenure with PHI was the implementation of health usage monitoring systems (HUMSs) in the organization’s fleet.

After 40 years with PHI, in 2004 Summers became HAI’s director of maintenance. While at the association, he dedicated the final 17 years of his life to improving the industry, serving as an active, vocal participant in countless HAI working groups, industry working groups, and national and international regulatory committees or working groups. His work took him across the river to Washington, D.C., back to the Gulf of Mexico, and around the world.

“Throughout his career, subordinates, peers, and leaders all recognized Harold’s ‘by-the-book’ work ethic,” adds Viola. “Except when he would disagree with ‘the book.’ Then, he was by-the-book in his efforts to change ‘the book.’  Because of his passion for our industry and his willingness to share his knowledge, our industry is indeed better as the results of his efforts.”

Summers never stopped working until his death in October 2021 at the age of 83. Ten years prior, he received the prestigious FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognizing 50 years of working in aircraft maintenance.

“HAI received numerous suggestions of methods to honor Harold’s spirit and his legacy,” says Viola. “We considered renaming existing awards in his honor, but nothing felt right. I am grateful to the HAI Technical and Maintenance Working Group—in which Harold participated—which proposed creating this new award to recognize extraordinary efforts to aid and improve our industry.”

Solicitation of nominations for the 2025 Salute to Excellence (STE) Harold Summers Legacy Award will open along with the other STE award nominations later this year.

HAI adds new Salute to Excellence Award honoring Harold Summers - ROTOR Media

To read the March Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…

HERE

To read the March Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Newsletter click HERE

We're excited to offer you a chance to shape the future of Louisiana Tech University's Department of Aviation. By joining the Take Flight Giving Society you will influence fund allocation directly, ensure maximum impact on students, faculty, and the aviation industry.

Your membership means active involvement in decision-making, from scholarships and research grants to state-of-the-art equipment and facility enhancements. Your support will empower the next generation of aviation professionals to soar to new heights and achieve remarkable success.

Your support and others propel our department forward, fostering excellence in aviation education. Your contribution empowers the next generation of aviation professionals. Join us in the Take Flight Giving Society, and thank you for your commitment.

For more information click: HERE

Or contact Rosilynn Gillum, Louisiana Tech Foundation Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts, at 318-257-2296 or via email at rgillum@latechalumni.org

Monroe, LA, February 19, 2024—The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and the board of

the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Inaugural Inductees for 2024. The

Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame, which will be housed at the Chennault Aviation and Military

Museum located in Monroe, LA, was established by legislation to memorialize and honor

individuals and groups that have made extraordinary contributions to Louisiana’s abundant

aeronautical history. Inductees will be installed into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 4, 2024,

at the Monroe Regional Airport and will represent exceptional individuals that have made

tremendous contributions to aviation in Louisiana and beyond.

The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame is proud to announce the following individuals will be

inducted on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Inductees include JW “Corkey” Fornof and Charles Lindy

“Charlie” Hammonds. Posthumous Inductees include General Claire L. Chennault, Merle

Gustafson, Walter Wedell, James Robert “Jimmy” Wedell, Harry Palmerston Williams, and Scott

Tibbs.

Aviation represents a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States, and Louisiana has a long

and a rich line of individuals that have made their mark on history. The Aviation Hall of Fame seeks

to honor these individuals and ensure that their contributions are memorialized and remembered

forever.

To purchase tickets to this event and for more information please visit www.laahof.org or call 318-362-5540.

About The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame

The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame was established in 2023 with a mission to honor individuals

and groups that have made extraordinary contributions to the Aviation industry. The Hall of Fame

was located in Monroe, LA at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in 2022. The Aviation

Hall of Fame is currently overseen by an eleven-member Executive Board that represents all

regions of the State of Louisiana. 

www.chennaultmuseum.org

www.laahof.org

Theriot Consulting Group - Lafayette, La, a general business consulting company, announces the acquisition of local 25-year aviation company, Alpaugh Aviation Service and Supply based

in New Orleans, LA. Principal of Theriot Consulting group Troy Theriot shares, “I’m excited about my bolt on acquisition in the aviation space, and the importance of clean quality aviation

fuel”

Alpaugh Aviation Service and Supply provides fuel system service, supplies, with design, build and install for airports, heliports, and refineries throughout the U.S.A. Operations will continue

at the New Orleans, Louisiana based location with a transition to the Acadiana area soon.

Saunders Alpaugh, founder, will remain with the business as a Senior Advisor to Troy Theriot who will serve as sole owner and operator along with consultant Tracy J. Theriot in the future for a smooth transition.

Saunders Alpaugh shares, “It has taken 25 years to build this great company, I’m not concerned about the money, as much as I am concerned about who would carry the Alpaugh legacy

forward”. Troy Theriot and his team are the correct people for the job and will do what is best for Alpaugh’s aviation clients.”

What’s the next step you can take to improve your airport’s fuel efficiency and maintain the highest standard of clean fuel?
- Improve Your Fueling Infrastructure

How do you do that?
- Hire Alpaugh Aviation to create your Aviation Fuel Infrastructure Plan

Find all the details by going to the new website of this Louisiana-based business:
https://www.alpaughaviation.com/

Alpaugh Aviation Service & Supply

A. Troy Theriot

337-962-8808 Mobile

E. Saunders Alpaugh

504-733-3399 Office

Introducing the first competitor and NEW local host of SWAMP STOL, Adam Gordon!

Local to Louisiana, Adam competed with National STOL for the first time last year. When longtime local host of Swamp STOL, Colonel Matthew Peterson, expressed it was time for him to step back and begin winding down the extra responsibilities to enjoy more time with his lovely wife during his upcoming retirement, National STOL reached out to Adam to see if he'd be interested in stepping into the role. All have been very pleased to know the future of this fan favorite event is in great hands.

Besides being our local host, Adam will be competing in the Adventure Class in his CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX-2! Join us in Jennings, LA, March 22-23 for the 4th Annual Swamp STOL Fly In and Competition. For full details, visit nationalstol.com/swamp

Fred L. Phillips, well-known in Shreveport-Bossier City for his loyal business practices, service to his community, philanthropy, and kind heart, passed away in 2021 at age 73.

Fred was a pillar within the oil and gas industry and was proud to be President and CEO of Phillips Energy, Inc. He had a passion for both aviation and paying it forward. His Family is devoted to keeping his spirit of generosity alive and impacting the future of the flying industry.

To honor their patriarch’s legacy, the Phillips Family has established the Fred L. Phillips Aviation Memorial Endowed Scholarship through the Louisiana Tech University Foundation.

The scholarship will be given to its first recipient at the Aviation Festival (AVFEST) Awards Banquet on April 27 on Tech’s Ruston campus. The annual festival hosted by the University’s Department of Professional Aviation is for students, family, faculty, and alumni to gather to celebrate the program, hear about the state of the airline industry, and build relationships with those studying and working in the field.

Neither Phillips nor his family are graduates of Tech. However, the family wanted to honor their father’s memory by establishing an endowment at a university that shared his passion for the sky and could pass that passion to others. Now his ties and his family’s ties to the University will forever be strong.

“The Phillips Family believes in our students and aspires to support them in achieving their dreams of becoming pilots,” said Director of Development Rosilynn Gillum, who has worked alongside the family to establish this scholarship and accomplish their philanthropic goals related to Louisiana Tech. “This endowment symbolizes a perpetual gift that will continue to offer opportunity, fostering the legacy of their dad’s passion and inspiring future generations to soar to new heights.”

“My dad was such a beautiful and genuine spirit,” Dr. Sue Phillips Grisham said. “He was so easy to love. He lifted everyone up and celebrated others’ accomplishments no matter how big or small.  His resilience, passion for any journey he put his mind to, his dedication and tenacity, and his avid enthusiasm for aviation will forever resonate. He was a mentor to many young pilots, was an inspiration to all of those he met, and we hope to continue his legacy helping instill these values in young pilots early in their careers.”

Described by many as a friend who had a smile and contagious warmth that lit up a room, Phillips was a passionate man, brother, father, and grandfather and always available to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, often anonymously.

“He lived an incredible life,” Grisham said, “filled with adventure, excitement, compassion, and generosity.

He was known for his originality, and he excelled living near the edge. He was an accomplished race-car driver and competed both internationally and in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Some of his other hobbies and passions included motorcycling, bicycling, and collecting watches and cars.

Phillips loved being in the sky so much that he made more than 3,500 jumps skydiving, but aviation was his true passion. He flew solo at 19 and earned his multi engine and private pilot certifications and ultimately commercial pilot rating in the span of only 12 months.

In 2017, from the Federal Aviation Administration, he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for more than 50 years of safe flying. Phillips logged over 18,000 hours in the air and owned several different airplanes along the way. His most recent aircrafts represented who he was as a person, from a Bombardier LearJet 60, Eclipse 550, and Robinson 44 Helicopter to a Panzl S330 aerobatic airplane, along with several experimental aircraft.  The sky was sacred ground to Phillips, and the endowment in his name will pass that passion along, his family said.

For more information on endowments and other ways to support Louisiana Tech, please contact University Advancement at 318.255.7950 or e-mail Giving@LaTechAlumni.org

Click to Read More

On February 8, Bristow & BETA TECHNOLOGIES made a little aviation history at Houma Terrebonne Airport by introducing the first electric aircraft, BETA’s ALIA, an all-electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, to Louisiana.

Over 100 attendees witnessed ALIA's flight in Houma, showcasing what Chris Bradshaw, Bristow's president and CEO, believes has great potential for quieter, more accessible, and more sustainable flight, and thus the future of aviation.

Check out the amazing “ALIA.” It’s pretty cool!

You can watch a video of the flight in the Lagniappe section at the end of this newsletter.

To read an article with more details and pictures from The Daily Comet click….HERE.

Pearl River Community College has expanded its Career and Technical Education offerings with the Spring 2024 launch of Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) at the new Hancock Campus Hangar in Kiln. The program begins at a time when industry experts project a shortage of technicians so this new pathway will help bolster local workforce opportunities.  

“A survey of PRCC’s local workforce in Hancock County indicated a significant need for aviation mechanics projecting the potential hire of 60 graduates, particularly at the technician level, over the next few years,” said Dean of Career and Technical Education – Poplarville/Hancock Dr. Amy Townsend. “Statewide, Mississippi has projected a need for 50 additional jobs by 2030 with an entry-level projected yearly income of $45,000. Our fully certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technology program will certainly help to meet this growing workforce need.” 

Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) provides comprehensive training in aircraft engine and system inspection, repair, and servicing. This program introduces students to crucial theories in aviation maintenance and aircraft systems, preparing them thoroughly for FAA exams to obtain their Aircraft Maintenance Technician Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) rating.  

The FAA-certified AMTs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of U.S.-registered aircraft. Covering topics such as physics, aerodynamics, engines, structures, and more for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, the curriculum integrates classroom theory with hands-on hangar training on FAA certified aircraft. Certification is achieved through FAA-approved training, hands-on experience, and successful testing. 

To read more click…. HERE

To read the February Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click HERE

At 2:00 p.m. on February 6, Lafayette Regional Airport opened an easy-access Cell Phone Waiting Area to provide motorists with a more convenient way to coordinate the pickup of passengers arriving at LFT. Federal regulations prohibit motorists from parking in front of the terminal, except for the brief process of passenger pickup or drop-off. The new Cell Phone Waiting Area will provide a place for motorists to wait in their vehicles while awaiting the arrival of passengers to be picked up.

In addition to the new Cell Phone Waiting Area, motorists may also park without a fee for the first 30 minutes in either the short-term or long-term parking lots or drive around until their party is ready for pickup.

“This new service from LFT means motorists have an additional option when picking up arriving passengers. They will now be able to wait and coordinate pickup with an arriving passenger on their cell phone,” said LFT Executive Director Steven Picou.

The new Cell Phone Waiting Area is clearly marked and is located on Terminal Drive as you approach the terminal building. Passengers must always remain with their vehicle while in the Cell Phone Waiting Area.

“Airport commissioners often receive requests from travelers who use LFT, and the opening of the Cell Phone Waiting Area is something many have asked about,” said Lafayette Airport Commission Chairman Samuel Pierre. “This is another example of the customer service we work hard to provide to all who use the terminal.”

England Airpark now has a plan to make better use of the old air base to bring in new income and new jobs to Central Louisiana.  ABC News Reporter Joel Massey shows us how this makeover aims to breathe new life into the property and how it could benefit everyone.

England Airpark conducted 50 interviews and reviewed 8-hundred survey responses to come up with this roadmap for future development.  Experts also looked at the potential economic impact and how much it could mean in local tax revenue.

Blake Chatlain of Red River Bank says the airpark is a key asset in the region.

“I think if you look around the state of Louisiana this is one of the best assets for economic development anywhere in our state.  And I think Central Louisiana is really poised to be able to continue to grow and to do that I think we need England Authority hitting on all cylinders.”

The plan calls for seven strategic priorities to accomplish over the next 15 years.

1. Reinforce England Airpark as a primary economic driver
2. Attract new business and partnerships across the Airpark
3. Keep and grow airline service at the airport.
4. Look for and grow federal investment
5. Help the Airpark grow as a leading economic driver
6. Enhance quality of life at the Airpark
7. And get government, finance, and operation of the property on the same page.

England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says the makeover will build on the many changes already in place at the airpark.

“We’ve been able to repurpose a number of buildings that were here from the military.  We’ve built a brand new terminal about 15 years ago certainly air traffic move from over at Esler Field back in the early 90s.”

Chatlain calls the new strategic plan a fresh start to give people a fresh look at the airpark.

“I think it’s a very exciting plan that really kind of puts England Authority on a map to continue to grow and improve which is so important to our region.”

He says the goal is to see the economy of the airpark and Central Louisiana take off.

For a video click HERE

For the past 38 years, Dave Mason generously shared his beautiful Flying M Ranch to host  the annual Reklaw Fly-in and Campout in Texas.  It is definitely a favorite event of many of us in the Louisiana flying community.

With sadness and respect, I want to pass on this note from his wife Marcia - to the Reklaw Fly-in community:

David Mason (85) passed Friday night from multiple organ failure and cardiac arrest, in a hospital with family attending.  He had been ill for the last few weeks and was expected to go.  His remains will be cremated, and any memorial service is TBD after the family meets.  He loved you all.

Please keep this family in your prayers.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP — Barney M. Landry Jr. is a retired First Lieutenant of the United States Air Force, who served in the Cold War and the Korean War. 

But Landry’s most notable service memories come from his days as an instrument pilot who gathered nuclear samples during weapons tests in the Marshall Islands in 1946.

“The highest and largest bomb I was in, I was in a four and a half megaton hydrogen bomb cloud,” Landry said. “My altitude was about 40,000 feet, which was about as high as I could get with my aircraft. I was in the bottom of the mushroom cloud, the top was about 90,000 feet.” 

Landry said his role was to pilot through nuclear bomb clouds to collect samples to allow scientists to analyze the particles to improve United States nuclear technology. 

“I was instructed to go in for 15 minutes and turn around and come back out the same way, and that took another 15 minutes,” Landry said. “That actually ended my career in cloud sampling because I got enough exposure in that one that I reached a limit they had set and I was sent home.”

Landry said he was never afraid to fly his missions, because he trusted the scientists in charge. 

“We knew what we were up against,” he said. “And so we did whatever we knew how at the time to minimize our exposure so that it didn’t have any permanent effects. And at 92, I feel as I must have done something right, because otherwise I don’t think I would still be around.”

In total, Landry said he flew through four nuclear bomb clouds and one hydrogen bomb cloud before retiring as a First Lieutenant. 

Once he retired, he started his family with his wife Muriel and daughter Donna, all while embarking on what would be a 33-year career working for General Electric as an engineer developing jet-propelled engines for the US Navy. 

At 92, Landry doesn’t get around as much as he used to, especially with the pandemic ongoing, but this Veterans Day, he made his way to Fairfield Township’s Veterans Day Parade. 

A small gathering with students from Fairfield North Elementary to thank Vets for their service. Landry said he appreciates when people take the time to thank him for his service because it lifts his spirit. 

“That’s encouraging to all people, all of us veterans,” Landry said. “It’s encouraging to see that people are learning about what veterans were all about.” 

Putting a smile on the 92-year-old Veteran from Louisiana’s face. 

“Yes and I think it did for all the veterans who were out here.” 

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Chennault is spotlighted in Air Cargo Week's showcase of 16 world airports.

Already an emerging national hub for aviation maintenance, painting and high-end refinishing, Chennault now offers facilities, space and expansion opportunities for air cargo operations.

Read the magazine by clicking: HERE

To read the January Newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force click 

HERE

To read the January Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click HERE

To read the January Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click….

HERE

L to R, Capitol City Composite Squadron commander 1st Lt. Barry Hugghins and Cadet Lt. Col. Cullen Chaney. Chaney was presented with the 2023 Cadet of the Year Award for his many achievements during the past year.

Photo: Capt. Ken Best

Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron Cadet of the Year earns prestigious Eaker Award 

Baton Rouge, La. ­(Jan. 8) – Cadet Lt. Col. Cullen Chaney has been awarded the 2023 Capitol City Squadron Cadet of the Year Award for his many outstanding achievements in the Civil Air Patrol.

Chaney’s most recent achievement is the Ira C. Eaker award. The General Ira C. Eaker Award is the second most prestigious award in the CAP Cadet Program. The award honors one of the forefathers of an independent U.S. Air Force and a pioneer in the development of advanced aircraft capabilities. General Eaker rose to the grade of lieutenant general during WWII and commanded the Eighth Air Force, "The Mighty Eighth" force of strategic bombers, personally flying bombing missions over occupied Europe.

The Eaker Award marks the completion of Phase IV of the CAP Cadet Program, recognizing sustained excellence in all four areas of cadet life: leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. Cadets will also have graduated from an academically intensive leadership academy to qualify for this honor.

“CAP cadets are volunteers. We serve our community while becoming educated about aerospace, leadership, and emergency services.” Chaney remarked about his time in CAP.  “Through CAP programs, I have had the opportunity to travel and meet incredible cadets from across the nation, all while growing as a servant leader. Because of this, I hope to one day serve in the United States Armed Forces.” 

Chaney joined CAP in October 2020 because he wanted to get involved in his local community, learn about aerospace, and because he was considering a future in the military. This past summer he was selected to attend the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Operations Academy at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During the week-long educational event he had the opportunity to tour various Space Force and Air Force facilities and learn about careers available to those interested in space and cyber defense.

Chaney is currently serving as the squadron cadet commander, with the responsibility of leading and developing the cadets in his squadron. CAP cadets learn leadership by learning and implementing the program themselves, becoming leaders and instructors of other cadets. The Cadet Program teaches problem solving and interpersonal relations, and practical skills for leadership. This includes learning all that an executive-level leader needs, principles to ensure the unit’s success, and delegation of responsibilities to a team of officers.

Cadet Chaney is not letting up. He is currently working on another major CAP achievement, the Carl A. Spaatz Award which is achieved by less than one-half of one percent of all cadets worldwide.

Chaney is the son of Paul and Haley Chaney and is home schooled in Zachary, Louisiana. Upon graduation in the spring 2024 he hopes to be accepted into the United States Naval Academy where he plans to study cybersecurity.

Hey I’m a PILOT, why should I attend the Gulf South Aviation MAINTENANCE Seminar (GSAMS)?  Well for starters, as a pilot you should understand your aircraft systems, how they work and are maintained.  As an aircraft owner, you probably accomplish FAA allowed preventive maintenance items such as plug removal and cleaning, oil changes, wheel bearing and brake pad work, and battery servicing just to name a few.   Since you may be involved with paying for your or your company’s maintenance services, maybe you should know what the FAA requires of the mechanic.

The Gulf South Aviation Maintenance Seminar has been going on every year for 48 years!  It’s a gathering of aviation mechanics, many with Inspection Authorizations, that obtain refresher training for FAA authorization renewals.  Manufacturers and Vendors have display booths where you can obtain a lot of good information.  Seminars are held throughout the day with talks on current airframe and engine maintenance and issues.  Of course, in our Gulf Coast area, many are helicopter related.  But don’t fret if you aren’t whirlybird rated!  The sessions are divided into Rotary and Fixed Wing to accommodate all attendees.  This year there will be a group of business owners offering business and professional development classes as well.  The local FAA office generally sends staff over to be present for questions and possible presentations.

So, Brian, why should I attend?  Well let me list of few items covered over the years:

• Regulatory issues and aircraft records,
• Spark Plug operation and cleaning,
• The real way to maintain an aircraft battery,
• Propellor operation and repair,
• Magneto Operation and maintenance,
• Tire and Brake Operation and maintenance,
• If you are a rotor head, numerous helicopter briefings.

Well, that’s what I can think of off the top of my head, but the best of all is networking and speaking with industry professionals that produce parts, supplies, and maintain your aircraft.  Oh, side benefit, your low entry cost includes continental breakfast both days and a free meal and entertainment on the first day evening. A treat you won’t forget!

This year there is a new venue location, The Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette and the event starts at 0800, March 27, 2024. Visit https://www.gsams.org/ for information and required registration.

Brian Capone , Retired FAA/USMC

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Director of Aviation Kevin Dolliole became Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) on January 1, 2024. Dolliole was elected to the position in September 2023 and succeeds outgoing Chair Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelowna International Airport.

“While airports continue to respond to ongoing challenges following the pandemic and our recovery, the industry remains focused on the future,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Airports have ramped up initiatives in infrastructure, sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, economic development, workforce development, technology, and innovation. Sam has been a steadfast and forward-looking Chair at a critical time for our industry and we are grateful for his leadership. As we look to the future and the immense challenges before us, I know Kevin’s vast industry expertise and political acumen will help us further advance the key airport industry priorities before us.”

“For more than 75 years, ACI-NA has been a driving force of positive change for our industry, and I am honored to contribute to the organization for the next two years as Chair,” said Dolliole, Director of Aviation for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. “I look forward to working alongside our board, policy councils, committees, members, professional staff, coalition partners, and industry stakeholders as we work together to create the next generation of air travel for the benefit of our passengers, customers, and local communities.” 

Dolliole began his aviation career at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport before going on to lead and transform the San Antonio and St. Louis airports. Now with more than 40 years of experience in various facets of the aviation industry, he is once again back at the helm of Armstrong International where he continues effectively managing operational, organizational, and development initiatives like the new $1 billion airport terminal that opened in fall 2019. 

To read more click: HERE

2023 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40 Professional: Chris Groh

Dec. 19, 2023

Senior Project Manager, Kutchins & Groh, LLC and Newhouse & Associates

Written by Rebecca Kanable

A senior project manager at Kutchins & Groh, LLC, Chris Groh likes financial puzzles.

He has developed complex funding plans for new terminal and major capital programs consisting of dozens of federal, state and local funding sources.

“It ends up being a big spreadsheet puzzle, and it all makes sense at the end,” said Groh, describing what he enjoys most about his work.

He also leads financial negotiations with airlines, rental car companies and concessionaires and helps create multi-year capital development plans.

He is known for researching business tactics, technology and communication, and policy, then sharing this information with other business leaders.

In Louisiana, he worked to help pass a state law legalizing design-build as a construction delivery method for air traffic control tower and hangar projects. The law introduced in 2023 could be especially helpful to get airport assets up and running quicker after a hurricane.

He also offers consultation through Newhouse and Associates and is member of AAAE and TRB, where he has moderated several panels involving topics such as accessible universal design at airports, industry workforce development, and exploring additional funding opportunities outside traditional grants. During the 2024 TRB annual meeting, Groh will also moderate a panel focused on hydrogen development at airports.

Airports must diversify their funding strategies, they’re not going to get what they need from federal funds alone, he said, adding, “It’s just not feasible. There are other sources out there that airports could potentially tap – even outside of transportation. Not all airports realize that. Their existence in the community is a lot bigger than serving airplanes and there’s economic impact attached to it. There’s also future growth, which all tie to a bigger role for airports other than just a place where planes land.”

That, he said, goes back to the puzzle of it all.

Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Alma Mater: University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Age: 35
Number of years in the industry: 10

Read More

Note:  I wanted you to know about this aviation organization that started up in Louisiana a few months ago. Many of you will recognize the name of the person that is one of the founders and wrote this article.

Airmen, what does that mean? Ask and a high percentage of the population will probably respond ‘people that are in the Air Force or people that fly airplanes. In reality, the term airmen are plural of airman.

Let’s focus on what it really stands for: All people, regardless of gender, that work in an aviation field!

For years the FAA has utilized the term to impart on individuals, a means to identify qualifications and skills through issuance of an airman certificate. This includes more than pilots!  Mechanics, repairmen, flight engineers/navigators, flight attendants, parachute riggers, dispatchers, and even air traffic controllers.

The FAA issues a certificate (not a license) to designate qualifications and skills an individual has obtained; that means you put in a lot of time (and $$) into obtaining training and testing your knowledge and skills to prove yourself worthy to hold that certificate.

A dedicated, common-sense FAA official, (Bill O’Brien, self-proclaimed Washington Bureaucrat to those who knew him.) understood the professionalism of certificate holders. He worked to establish an award program to recognize those long-term mechanic and pilot certificate holders.  As with any recognition it is not easy to achieve. Fifty years of service to the industry. This program was created and controlled by the FAA.  There was a budget for awards given by the local FAA officials.

These programs have become The Wright Brothers Master Pilot and Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award Program.  For those which have received them, they are a treasured measure of their career.  An acknowledgment by an industry they gave so much for has reached out to say, “Thank You”.

Over the years, the FAA has backed off supporting these established programs.  In addition, our industry is starving for replacements of these master airmen.  What can we do?  Well after spending nearly 40 years in varying aspects of aviation, culminating in retirement as a Flight Standards District Officer (FSDO) manager, I asked the same question.

While staying involved in the industry and working with the Gulf South Aviation Maintenance Seminar team (gsams.org) we worked to create a Master Airmen Foundation, (mafgiving.org).  A nonprofit to help support the FAA Award Program.

It is our goal for both organizations to help provide support for upcoming and existing aviation professionals within the industry.  We want to grow long term professionals and recognize those within their unique area of aviation.  Visit our basic website to view our mission and pillars.

Please consider donating whatever you can to support future and present aviation professionals.  It’s time for aviation corporations to step up in supporting newcomers and old timers to give back to the profession that provided a fun and exciting career.  What the foundation can do is dependent upon the support that it receives.  God Bless America!

Brian Capone

Retired FAA/USMCR but not retired from Life!

To donate click: https://www.mafgiving.org/

Shreveport Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter #343 needs your help The Shreveport Airport Authority (SAA), a board of five mayoral appointees, is attempting to evict EAA Chapter #343 from their longtime home on Shreveport Downtown Airport. The chapter is involved in legal action (Graftaire v City of Shreveport) in Caddo District Court to prevent the action. Legal expenses are running extremely high and the chapter needs help..

Chapter  #343 has been in Shreveport for over fifty years. It was incorporated in 1971 as a Louisiana non-profit corporation. The first few years the chapter had no home. Meetings were held in various locations including member’s homes and hangars, a school where a member was a faculty member, and other locations. In 1987 or 1988 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contacted the Shreveport Airport Authority (SAA) regarding the property near the control tower at Downtown Airport which the FAA had leased some years before and why a hangar was constructed on that tract. It seems that the SAA had subsequently leased the same tract to Mr. Terry Sullivan  who had built a nice hangar on the tract. The FAA now needed the property and wanted the hangar removed. Red faced over the mistake the SAA was forced to negotiate with Mr. Sullivan and in September 1988 an agreement was reached and the SAA purchased another hangar on the airport and an act of exchange was signed by the Sullivans and the SAA.

That left the hangar still impeding the FAA’s use of the property. An agreement was reached between the SAA, the Shreveport City Council, and EAA Chapter #343 for the chapter to purchase the hangar and remove it. The chapter leased lots #71 and #72 on the airport, disassembled the hangar, removed the slab, and reconstructed the hangar as a beautiful meeting facility on the lots at a non-profit rate in line with that charged to Civil Air Patrol. The leases were renewed through the years. EAA was an excellent tenant bringing in various World War II aircraft, co-sponsoring fly-in activities and air shows, providing volunteer workers for the Barksdale Air Shows, and most recently co-sponsoring first responder training at the airport for the local police and fire departments, sheriff, fire districts, and at least one SAA officer. Various types of aircraft were made available including agricultural, various general aviation, and a hot air balloon. The event was a huge success. Of course over the years Chapter #343 has flown hundreds of Young Eagles, invited CAP cadets to see aircraft including construction techniques, and maintained a positive presence on the airport.

The lease between EAA and SAA expired on April 30, 2022. Prior to expiration of the lease EAA Chapter 343 President George Carroll requested a new lease. The Airport Director Stephanie Tucker, SAA Real Property Specialist Stephen Price, and the Downtown Airport Manager toured the two EAA hangars and found no issues, It was implied that new non-profit rate leases would be presented to the SAA Board. Ms. Tucker suddenly resigned. Inquiries to the Deputy Director of Airports were met with her claiming to “know nothing about it.” Documentation and email copies were offered to no avail. Mr. Price offered no help.

Then, without any board action, the Chairman of the SAA sent out eviction letters to a number of tenants including EAA Chapter #343. No action was taken against the Civil Air Patrol although the CAP lease expired in 2020. The Caddo District Court judge has issued an injunction against the evictions and has ruled that the lease terms violate the Louisiana Constitution and Shreveport's own City Charter. The SAA has appealed that ruling. EAA Chapter #343 continues to incur legal fees which have now reached approximately $14,000.  The chapter does not have this kind of money. We are seeking donations to help save our hangars and meeting facility. The chapter is a 501c3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. Donations can be sent to EAA Chapter 343, Legal Fund, P. O. Box 78325, Shreveport, LA. 71137. Any help would be appreciated.

SHREVEPORT, La. - Fifty-one years ago tonight, young men climbed into B-52's from Barksdale Air Force base and began Linebacker 2, the largest use of air power since World War II.

Years later, Aaron Ullman took on the role of a B-52 navigator.  He always knew growing up he wanted to fly. Ullman, who grew up near Seymour Johnson Air Force base, took mentorship from the guys who flew in the first Gulf War.  Ullman now serves as part of the Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base. 

Colonel Ullman is also the President of EAA Chapter 343 in Shreveport.

In this week's Hometown Patriot, Rick Rowe digs into Ullman's accomplishments, world travels and more. 

To see the video click HERE

To read the December Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…. HERE.

To read the December Newsletter of the Aviation Academy of Louisiana click:

HERE

Monroe, LA, November 3, 2023—The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum announces the establishment of the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame.  The Aviation Hall of Fame, which will be housed at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum located in Monroe, LA, is being established to memorialize and honor individuals and groups that have made extraordinary contributions to Louisiana’s abundant aeronautical history.  Inductees will be installed into the Hall of Fame on an annual basis and will represent exceptional individuals that have made tremendous contributions to aviation in Louisiana and beyond.  An induction ceremony will be held on an annual basis and will include members across all sectors of aviation. “There are so many deserving people that have made a lasting impact on aviation in the state of Louisiana. We need to make sure and honor the aviation heritage of the men and women who created it”, said Charles Butcher A.A.E., Board Member and Airport Director of the Monroe Regional Airport. Aviation represents a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States, and Louisiana in particular has a long and rich line of individuals that have made their mark on history.  The Aviation Hall of Fame seeks to honor these individuals and ensure that their contributions are memorialized and remembered forever.

About The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame

The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame was established in 2023 with a mission to honor individuals and groups that have made extraordinary contributions to the Aviation industry.  The Hall of Fame is located in Monroe, LA at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.  The Aviation Hall of Fame is currently overseen by an eleven-member Executive Board that represents all regions of the State of Louisiana. 

www.chennaultmuseum.org

Very sad to report that the Louisiana Aviation Community has lost another aviation legend.  Allen Taylor, longtime Louisiana DOTD Airway Systems Manager, passed away on November 21.  

If you’ve had anything to do with operating an Louisiana airport over the last 20 plus years, you have worked with Alan and all of us have benefited from the safety improvements that he has put in place over the years.  Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Here is a summary of his career:

Allen served our country proudly in the United States Air Force on active duty from 1966-1970 in the Photo Mapping Division at Turner AFB.  He was HONORABLY discharged from the USAF in 1972 where he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve Unit on active duty from 1974-1979 at Eglin AFB and the Naval Air Station in New Orleans.

From 1970-1993, Allen worked at Pabst Brewing, Rust Engineering, Tayco Services, Associated Engineering, and Spectrum Engineering providing critical aviation consulting services to states and firms for engineering and aeronautical projects.  

Allen began his DOTD aviation career in 1994 where he was responsible for airport obstruction analysis, instrument approaches, navigational aids, lighting, R & D, developing standards, inspections, and final acceptance for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and State funded projects for all public-use airports in Louisiana.  He is a recipient of the 2010 DOTD “Secretary’s Award of Excellence” and the DOTD Bi‐Annual Conference “2011 Transportation Excellence Award” for “Use of Innovative Product or Technology ‐ False River Regional Airport LED Lighting Test Program”.  Allen received the Charles Dunbar Career Civil Service Award in 2016, which is the highest honor a state employee is awarded.  Allen Taylor has been a dedicated employee with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development since January 1994.  During his 28 years of distinguished service to the Department and the aviation community in Louisiana, Allen has served in the capacity as the Airway Systems Manager.

Allen has been responsible for the development and administration of the Navigational Aids Program since its inception in 1996.  The Navigational Aids Program was funded annually through the Airport Construction and Development Program at average amount of $950,000 each fiscal year. 

Throughout his tenure, Allen successfully implemented 611 projects and initiatives that benefited and influenced the airport industry on a national scale, and more importantly, positively impacted the public airports in Louisiana.  Allen implemented over $51.3 million in state funding to improve the safety of aircraft operations and airport navigational aid development at airports. The leadership and expertise demonstrated by Allen, will sustain these initiatives and developments and provides for the safety, security, stability of airports for decades to come.

Allen is known and respected nationwide as an airport lighting and electrical specialist.  He was a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America - Airport Lighting Committee (IESALC) and garnered their approval for the only new Pulse-Width Modulation Test program at a general aviation airport in the nation back in 2008 – 2010.  That test program was completed right here at the False River Regional Airport.  At that time, there were only two other test projects in the nation that involved this technology.  One project is being completed at Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport and the other at Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport.

As Allen’s crowning achievement - This project won the 2012 IESALC Award of Excellence for the Design of: Implementation of a Solar Powered Airfield Lighting Circuit at New Roads – False River Regional Airport (KHZR).

Allen is married to his wife Nancy of 48 years and they have a son, James, who is 34 years old.  Allen has been employed with the state of Louisiana for 28 years.  He is a lifetime national member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and is an Instrument Rated Pilot. 

From serving his country, to accomplished DOTD employee, to selfless community volunteer, Allen Taylor is an aviator that soars to new heights in professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication.

Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the winners of the recipients of Louisiana Airports of the Year, David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year, and the Allen Taylor Legacy awards. The awards were presented on November 7, at the 2023 Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates Annual Conference held at the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria, Louisiana.

“On behalf of the whole department, congratulations to our award winners,” said DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda, Ph.D. “The multimodal commerce aspect is a major component of the agency, and air travel is a critical and important part of our infrastructure for passengers and cargo alike.”

“Congratulations to the winners of these prestigious awards,” said DOTD Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce Renee A. Lapeyrolerie. “We’re thrilled to recognize excellence in aviation, and we’re proud to have these winners represent that mode of transportation in our state.”

The awards recognize the hardworking airport sponsors and aviation professionals in Louisiana, and the Louisiana Airport of the Year and David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year, and the Allen Taylor Legacy awards recognize superior achievement and leadership in the state’s aviation field. These awards honor excellence and professionalism at all levels of airport operations.

To be considered eligible for the Airport of the Year award, an airport must have managed all maintenance inspection issues, managed all significant safety-related features, and made a significant impact on aviation through safety improvements/practices, construction, development, or management of aviation resources.

The award winners are:

Anthony Marino  -  Allen Taylor Legacy award

Kutchins & Groh (Brad Kutchins & George Groh)  -  David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year award

Josh Duplantis, Assistant Director of Aviation, DOTD Aviation Office  -  David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year award

Kelly-Dumas Airport  -  General Aviation Airport of the Year award  (Clark Strange, Airport Manager accepting award)

Baton Rouge Metropolitan  -  Air Carrier Airport of the Year award  (Craig Alford accepting award)

Presenting the awards in all three photos is Barry Keeling, Deputy Secretary DOTD.

To read the November Newsletter of the Aviation Academy click….

HERE

To read the November Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…

HERE

To read the November Newsletter from the Chennault Aviation and Military museum click:

HERE

Kristyn Legier says she never really gave much thought to what goes on in airports until last summer. That’s when a local aviation initiative aimed at minority youth pulled back the curtain for the Baton Rouge Magnet High School senior. 

Legier was one of a couple dozen high school students to attend the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport Business Diversity Conference in San Antonio with the Baton Rouge Youth Aviation Experience this past June. The annual summer event, held at a major city’s airport, showcases the multitude of jobs that make the aviation and aerospace industries run. 

“I was surprised by how big airports actually are and how many people go through them every day,” Legier says..

The Baton Rouge teen hopes to attend Howard University, followed by law school and a career in international business. She says the conference gave her a better understanding of how  airports impact the economy. 

Exposing students to career opportunities in the aviation industry is what District 6 Councilman and Baton Rouge Airport Commissioner Cleve Dunn Jr. aimed to do when he founded the Baton Rouge Youth Aviation Experience in 2019. In addition to the AMAC conference, Dunn also takes students to occasional airport commission meetings. 

“I grew up in the Banks/Scotlandville area, and I heard planes going overhead every day,” Dunn recalls. “But it wasn’t until I was on the airport commission that I started thinking about how many jobs it takes to run an airport. I didn’t want our current youth to deal with any barriers to the industry.”

Aviation jobs aren’t limited to pilot and flight attendant roles, Dunn says. The annual conference showcases positions like air traffic controllers, mechanics, airport administrators, retail operators and others. It also informs teens what is required to land such positions. 

More than 100 students from 12 local high schools have participated in the program so far. Along with San Antonio this year, the Baton Rouge Youth Aviation Experience has participated in conferences based in Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta. The organization raises money to pay for travel, food and lodging associated with the event. Along with the conference, they’re also able to explore the city and a few tourist attractions.  

“We use the trip as bait,” Dunn says. “Most of our kids have never flown, and it’s a huge thing for them to fly. We just want to open their eyes to what’s out there jobwise in this field.” 

Travis Winters, a junior at Helix Mentorship Academy, is part of his school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program, which develops leadership skills and exposes participants to the field of aerospace science. He says attending the conference reinforced his interest in an aviation career and calls traveling to San Antonio this summer “amazing.”  

“I was on a plane when I was younger, but experiencing it now was really different,” Winters says. “(At the conference), we were able to see a helicopter and private plane up close. It was my first time ever seeing something like that.” 

Winters hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy after graduating from Helix next year.  

Every spring, the Baton Rouge Youth Aviation Experience asks high school counselors to nominate students to attend the summer conference. Dunn says he looks for a diverse group, including a good balance of young men and women, as well as students who would benefit from a gentle push into a field that could yield a good career. Once they understand the opportunities in aviation, some teens may want to consider earning a two-year degree in aviation maintenance from Baton Rouge Community College, he says. 

“We’re not just looking for the best grades,” Dunn says. “We also want those students who might just need a lightbulb moment.”

HERE

Very happy to report that an old friend and fellow Thibodaux native Dewitt Barker has received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.  Barker currently lives in the Pensacola, FL area but spent many years of his early flying career in the Thibodaux/Houma area.  Congratulations, Dewitt!

By Ralph L. Moser, EAA Lifetime 702188

Two EAA members recently received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award at their EAA Chapter 485 monthly meeting. BHM FSDO FAAST member Jordan Shaw (center) presented the awards. The two recipients were DeWitt Barker, EAA 551690, shown on the right, and Ralph Moser, EAA 702188, shown on the left. Both DeWitt and Ralph are now retired and share ownership in the Cessna 182Q shown. Between them they have accumulated more than 46,000 hours of flight time.

DeWitt enjoyed a very colorful career, including crop dusting, seaplane servicing of oil rigs, and owning a parachute drop zone (he has accumulated more than 3,000 jumps). He flew freight all over the world in Lockheed Electra and C-130 aircraft, and he has owned a number of GA aircraft. He is a CFII and A&P/IA.

Ralph started out as a 20-year U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, flying the F-4, F-15, F-16, and C-12J aircraft. This was followed by some Part 135 charter flying, then 22-and-a-half years as a pilot for United Airlines. He was an A320 check airman for 11 years, training new captains and first officers at UAL. He is a CFII/MEL.

They both enjoy flying Young Eagles at their chapter in Pensacola, Florida, provide selected ground and flight instruction, and support various youth programs leading to aviation careers. DeWitt currently serves as IMC Club coordinator, and Ralph serves as president for their chapter.

Read More

NATCHEZ — The Miss-Lou is mourning the loss of a friend, husband, father and much-needed service provider to the farming industry.  Casey Novak, owner of Ferriday Flying Service, was killed Tuesday morning in a plane crash. Novak was a crop duster.  “Casey was a good friend of mine and a good client. He was a good friend of many, particularly among those who fly hot air balloons,” said Curtis Moroney of Natchez. “We first met when we started riding mountain bikes together. And then we did balloon together.”

In fact, Novak was in attendance at last weekend’s 38th Annual Natchez Balloon Festival.  “He could come off as being gruff, very direct. He was honest and straightforward and you always knew where he stood on things. At the same time, he was a funny guy. He always had a joke or something sharp and witty to say. He seems like he was tough and rough, but he loved cats. He had several he kept at the flying service and at the shop. He had a soft heart, as well,” Moroney said.  “He was always around when we were ballooning. When he was up flying and we were up in the balloons, he would always make a pass and leave a smoke trail or would dip his wings, his way of saying hello with his planes.”

In addition to many missing his wit and heart, Moroney said many farmers will miss Novak’s tremendous work.  “I feel for the farmers. So many people in our community depended on him for the work he did. I think he really valued his customers and took a lot of pride in what he did for them. He felt a lot of responsibility to get stuff done.  “I talked to him last week or the week before last and he said the season was winding down. He was still putting out some seed and things like that. He has always been there for those farmers,” Moroney said. “He will be missed by a lot of people in lots of different ways. Casey was an interesting, engaging and entertaining character.”

The National Transportation Safety Board posted on its social media that the agency is investigating a Tuesday crash of an Air Tractor 502B airplane near Vidalia.  Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft said many heard or saw the plane flying low by the river before it crashed in the woods Tuesday morning.  “I heard the plane go over and it was so low it scared me,” Craft said.  Authorities at Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.  CPSO public information officer Brandy Spears said that at 9:12 a.m. a 911 caller stated that the plane went down near BASF on Louisiana 131.

To read more from The Natchez Democrat click: HERE

Skydweller Aero Inc. is bringing its flight test and aircraft modification operations to Hancock County.

The project represents a corporate investment of $15 million, as well as $40 million in advanced solar-powered aircraft inventory. The project will create at least 36 new jobs.

Skydweller Aero is a transatlantic cutting-edge aerospace company developing solar-powered aircraft solutions capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy and powerful payload capacity.

Utilizing technology based upon the longest continuous renewably powered flight program in history, this fast-growing startup is developing a new class of unmanned aircraft, providing the persistence of geosynchronous satellites with the powerful sensing capabilities and the flexibility of a large, airborne platform.

To read more click HERE

- NTSB issues the preliminary report into the fatal accident involving a Cessna 414 airplane, N880A, that occurred on October 12, 2023, near Harry P Williams Memorial Airport (PTN/KPTN), Patterson, Louisiana:

On October 12, 2023, about 1521 central daylight time, a Cessna 414 airplane, N880A, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Patterson, Louisiana. The commercial pilot and the pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross-country flight.

According to the passenger’s family, the purpose of the flight was for the passenger to travel to Houston, Texas, for a medical appointment. The pilot, who was also the airplane owner, was a flight instructor for both single and multi-engine airplanes. The passenger held a private pilot certificate, for single engine airplanes.

A review of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed that the airplane departed from the Gonzales Regional Airport (REG), Gonzales, Louisiana, at 1456. Prior to the departure at REG, that pilot added 64.57 gallons of fuel to the airplane The airplane landed at 1511, at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport (PTN), Patterson, Louisiana. According to the PTN airport manager, the airplane taxied over to the fixed-base operator, the airplane remained at idle, and the passenger boarded the airplane. The passenger pulled a rolling suitcase out to the airplane. Once the passenger boarded, the pilot then got out of the airplane and walked over to the left side of the airplane where he appeared to look at the something on the airplane. The pilot then boarded then airplane and taxied to runway 24 for departure. The pilot announced on the airport common traffic advisory frequency that the airplane was departing runway 24, and no further radio transmissions were heard from the airplane. The ADS-B data did not capture the airplane taking off.

A witness, who was driving in her vehicle near an intersection just to the west of PTN, observed the airplane shortly after it departed from runway 24. She observed the airplane was “tilted to the left,” it turned on its side, and then entered a nosedive. She observed the airplane impact a sugarcane field, where upon impact, an explosion occurred, and the wreckage and surrounding area was on fire. She could not tell if the airplane’s engines were emitting any abnormal noises prior to impact as she was driving at the time, nor did she observe any smoke or flames emit from the airplane prior to impacting the sugarcane field. She additionally reported, that from her position, it did not appear that the airplane was trying to turn around back to the airport.

The airplane came to rest about 0.32 miles southwest from the departure end of runway 24. The accident site was located on private property, that consisted of sugarcane, about 12 ft tall. The wreckage was destroyed from the post impact fire. All major structural components of the airplane were located at the accident site. The wreckage was recovered from the accident site, and it was transported to a secure location for further examination.

To Read the full report click: HERE

My son Zachary Holt just completed his mission.  He has been working for 3 years to get his PPL. He worked through life's adversity of challenges. He lost 3 instructors due to them moving on in their careers to the airlines or private commercial aviation. With each step he required backtracking with new instructors to prove his skills.  In the middle of all this came a tough divorce.  He managed through adversity to continue to follow his dream. He has flown with me since he was born, and has the bug.  He purchased his own plane N8387W, a 1967 Cherokee 180. He spent the entire summer alongside friends and a Louisiana A&P doing mechanical and electrical restoration. Lastly, when he had the greenlight to do a checkride, he and his current instructor found a 2 month wait for DPE for La, Miss, East Texas.  Time finally came. Wednesday October 11th at Hattiesburg.  Wouldn't you know it, it had been good flying weather for months and in rolls the weather. Canceled.  Maybe Thursday, Nope, front stalled. Weather canceled again. Friday 13th.  Well maybe. Narrow chance so DPE agreed to start oral.  Passed.  Weather marginal. DPE said it’s up to you, I will not allow any deviation from standards for weather, up to you.  He said let's do this.  With calculated 500 ft or less clouds margins from limits on class E space and gusty winds they’re off. Well, enough said.  Welcome Zachary Holt new PPL.  

Picture Left Zachary, Right DPE Stan with N8387W in the back drop

Jay Holt, DVM

To read the October Newsletter of the Aviation Academy of Louisiana click:

HERE

To read the October Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click:

HERE

Congratulations to Ashley and Joey Calandra on the 16th birthday of their company, Avionics Solutions of Lafayette.  It’s been fun watching the company grow in so many ways over the years.  They do it all….

• Avionics Integration
• Instrument Panel Design and Fabrication
• Engineering
• Structural Modifications and Repair
• Aircraft Painting
• AOG Support

You can learn all about their company and what they do by clicking:

https://myavionicsteam.com/

Here’s what they had to say about this big milestone:

“Happy Sweet 16 to us! Today marks our 16th year in business. Ashley and I have been truly blessed with some of the most talented, team oriented, and driven employees in the business. Avionics Solutions is, and will forever be a team effort. Thank you all for the business, support, and patience as we’ve organically grown over the years. Our vision remains the same. Be better than we were yesterday.

Forever grateful. Forever forward.

Cheers to 116 more.”

We wish the folks at Avionics Solutions many years of continued success!

Very sad to report that longtime Louisiana aviator Robert Allen has gone west. For so many years, if there was a fly-in somewhere in Louisiana, you knew that Robert would be there in his very familiar cream and red RV-6A (that he had built). Our deepest sympathy and prayers for his family and friends. His services are Saturday.

Obituary

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, Robert Lee Allen embarked on his last flight, destination the landing strip eternal. Robert was born on April 18, 1927, in El Dorado, AR to Aden Burton (A.B.) and Clara Bell (Johnson) Allen. He is survived by his children: Michael Allen (Deanna), Mark Allen, Audrey Easley (Kelley); grandchildren: Jared Allen, Carly Easley, Jeremy Allen, Caroline Allen, and Erin Easley; and his sister, Cherry Smith. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Gabriela Pacheco Allen; his parents; and his siblings: Dorothy Sublett Seifert, A.B. Allen, Jr., and Donald Allen. At 18, Robert joined the Marine Corps. During his 20-year military career, Robert served in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, and South America. During his postings as an Embassy Guard in Argentina and Bolivia, he met and married Gabriela. Robert eventually attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. After his military career, Robert spent several years working as an electronics technician in the oil and gas industry. This work took him all over the country and the world. Although Robert retired from working, he certainly did not retire from living life. His passion for distance running expanded to triathlons. In his sixties, Robert decided to build and fly his own ultra-light airplane. As the years went on, and Robert's triathlon activities narrowed down to just swimming, he took on another physical pursuit - tango. Obviously, his love of South American culture never faded. He will be missed by his friends from the New Orleans area tango community, the Korean American Association of Greater New Orleans (Louisiana Korean War Veterans Association), Ama airport, Elmwood Fitness Center, the Maple Leaf, and countless others. The family would like to thank all of you for your friendship with Robert over the years. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the service following at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 

To read more click….HERE

With almost 15 years of fundraising under their wings & 70++ charitable STEM education & Wounded Warrior Weekend events, the Blackhawk Flight Foundation is still flying high.  Incorporated Oct. 11th, 2006, they received their IRS tax exempt status as a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in Feb. 2008.  And, although still relatively new in the world of nonprofits, they’ve made a considerable positive impact on the lives of approximately 1,200++ young Americans, across the S.E. United States Gulf Coast & Alaska.

On Saturday, September 16th, 10am – 2pm, Blackhawk kept the tradition rolling with their 2023 STEM Education & Aviation Career Day event at the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport, Reserve, LA, in the Auric Avionics, Inc. hangar facilities.  The event was designed to promote the importance of STEM education & careers in the aviation / aeronautical sciences / aerospace industry.  It highlighted the basic mathematical, science, & language arts skills required to become a success in today’s global economy, via the presentations of 6, well-respected, very successful, highly qualified aviation professionals.  Speakers and supporting staff consisted of a group of professional pilots, aircrew, technicians, support personnel.  The speakers included; 

• Sonny Schilleci, Owner & CEO, Auric Avionics
• RADM J.D. Olson, USN, retired, MD F-4D Phantom fighter pilot, Top Gun graduate & Top Gun instructor,
• Chris Rogers, Air Traffic Operations Supervisor, New Orleans Louis Armstrong International
• Chris Sturm, Civil Air Patrol Commander, professional airlines pilot
• Captain Patrick “Tyson” Mason, USAF, B-52H Aircraft Commander, Test Pilot, Instructor
• Addie Fanguy, GM, Landmark / Signature / Million Air FBOs, NO Lakefront Airport.      

Included in the presentation were static displays of 2 of the most beautiful, professionally maintained, A.V. L-39 Albatros jet fighters / WARSAW Pact jet trainers, in the world today, to discuss aviation as a sport & business, & the role that it plays in America’s future. US Naval Sea Cadet Corps units from Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, JROTC units from De La Salle High School & Mandeville High School were in attendance to explore the incredible opportunities available in the aeronautical sciences industry today.

The event provided positive examples of what young Americans can accomplish when they direct their talents, intelligence, & perseverance at a positive goal, regardless of their social or financial circumstances.

Some of the sponsors that made the event possible were;

• Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport staff, led by Mr. Charles Palmer, Airport Supervisor
• LHC Group (Lafayette), Mr. Jules Galiouras, Division President & Ms. Liz Garrison, Account Executive
• Pastor Chris Kroll, First Baptist Church of Covington
• CAF Big Easy Wing, New Orleans
• CAF Bayou State Escadrille, Hammond, LA
• US Naval Sea Cadet Corps Squadrons from New Orleans (Higgins), Baton Rouge, & Acadiana
• Mandeville High School JROTC
• De La Salle High School JROTC, New Orleans
• Sam’s Club, Store #4874, Covington, LA.

The event was a huge success and the next one is already on the drawing board for Spring 2024, location TBA.  Hope to see you all there.

To see the entire press release click: HERE

For more information you can contact BJ Perrett, Executive Director of the Blackhawk Flight Foundation, Inc., at 985.789.2746 or Et12@charter.net.

Lafayette Regiona Airport(LFT) is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Basin Arts and BARE Walls, introducing an innovative art display program that showcases the talents of local Acadiana artists starting in October. The partnership aims to infuse the newly designed terminal with local artistic essence, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Acadiana.

Steven Picou, Executive Director of LFT, expressed his excitement about this unique initiative. “It significantly contributes to the terminal's ambiance adding more charm through the exhibition of local artists' works. This partnership is helping propel LFT, exemplifying our commitment to investing in our local region,” said Picou.

The exhibition will feature over 40 local art pieces and showcase them on a three-month rotating basis on the secure and non-secure sides of the terminal. Passengers and visitors will have the opportunity to purchase art via QR code and arrange to have it delivered to their chosen destination at the end of the three-month rotation with an additional shipping cost.

Clare Cook, Founder of Basin Arts, shared her enthusiasm for curating artwork at LFT and highlighted the importance of this partnership in offering travelers a memorable and visually exciting experience at the terminal. “This program underscores LFT's dedication to providing a culturally rich experience for travelers passing through LFT,” Cook added.

Basin Arts and BARE Walls collaborate to nurture local artists and showcase Acadiana’s talent in public spaces. BARE Walls received a $2,200 grant from the 24 Hour Citizen Project in 2018 and has since paid over $40,000 to local artists for their contributions. “We are thrilled that both residents and visitors will have the opportunity to savor local artistry as they arrive and depart from our stunning new airport,” stated Cook. 

DENHAM SPRINGS - A vehicle towing a $30 million helicopter got stuck on Range Avenue after the top of the aircraft inadvertently rammed an I-12 overpass Friday morning.

Photographs showed the helicopter on top of a towing trailer wedged under the overpass. It appeared the craft's rotor collided with a support beam on the underside of the bridge. 

The bridge passes 15 feet above the roadway, according to signage north and south of the span. Technical specifications for the helicopter indicate its body is 15.5 feet tall.

Range Avenue was fully reopened shortly after 10:30 a.m. after the helicopter was removed. DOTD says there is no indication the bridge sustained any structural damage at that the interstate would not be impacted. 

The Denham Springs Police Department said the driver, 56-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, worked for Texas-based trucking company International Machine Transport. He was ticketed for careless operation.

Police added that the cargo was being transported from Georgia to Lafayette. 

While officials have not released details on the aircraft involved, it appeared to resemble a Sikorsky S-92. Fresh from the production line, the helicopter goes for nearly $30 million. 

READ MORE

Baton Rouge, La. ­(Sept. 21) – In August, three Louisiana Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets returned home after spending a little over two weeks at the CAP National Blue Beret (NBB) activity in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Capital City Composite Squadron cadets Cadet Maj. Giselle El Bechir and Cadet Capt. Thomas Watkins were there for their first year at NBB. Cadet 2nd Lt. Aimee Calvert of the St. Tammany Composite Squadron returned for her second year as a flight leader for this year’s event and was responsible for training the 9 cadets in her flight.

Cadets and senior members must go through a competitive national selection process to attend as CAP volunteers at the largest airshow of its kind in the world, the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) AirVenture. In 2023 there were a record-setting 677,000 people in attendance, with over 10,000 aircraft arriving at nearby airports in east-central Wisconsin. Cadets help conduct the event operations including flightline marshaling, crowd control, and emergency services. CAP cadets from across the United States, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico were included in this years’ NBB activity.

Cadets experience Training Week during their first week of NBB. Training Week includes an introduction to the flightline and runway environment including all the necessary training required for cadets to fulfill their duties during the following week. The training includes flightline marshaling, mission radio operator qualifications, and extensive training on techniques for locating Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signals from aircraft in emergency situations.

To read the entire press release click…..  HERE

The International Forest of Friendship (IFOF) represents WORLD FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FLIGHT and is a living, growing tribute to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation. The Forest was established as a bicentennial project by the City of Atchison, KS (the birthplace of Amelia Earhart) and the Ninety-Nines Inc., The International Organization of Women Pilots. On September 16, 2023 five new honorees from the NOLA 99s were inducted into the Forest with plaques embedded in the walkway that winds through trees representing all 50 states and over 35 countries.

Twenty-Two members and spouses of the of the NOLA 99s attended the ceremonies in Atchison, KS on September 15-16. Each of those attending wore a t-shirt with the emblem as shown below so we were readily identified while traveling. The five honorees from the NOLA 99s were Mary Donahue, "Baby" Alice Furr, Jaime Gonzales, Melissa Holley, and Julie Jones whose IFOF biographies and pictures are attached below. Others attending, pictured in two attached group photos, were Merileigh and Theron Furr, Lisa Cotham, Carol Knight, Cheryl Kraemer, Janet Gonzales, Lois Horne (from Memphis), JoAnn Dawson, Mae and Ed Marquette, Marla Partimbene, Lizzie Domingue, Liz Waguespack, Margaret Jones, Jan Oreck, Karen Weldon, Alice Fanto, and Jess Twiddy. Also shown is our new 99s friend "Amelia Earhart". 

Click the Honoree’s name below to read their IFOF Induction Bio:

Alice Furr

Jaime Gonzales

Julie Jones

Mary Donahue

Melissa Holley

By Emily Burleigh of the American Press

The E-8A Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft has been brought to its new home, Sowela Technical Community College. The aircraft’s retirement from the U.S. Air Force was celebrated Tuesday with a Fly-In Ceremony at Chennault International Airport.  It will be integrated into Sowela’s aviation maintenance program. Chancellor Neil Aspinwall said that the moment the aircraft landed was momentous but sad, as its flight from Fort Moore, Ga. to Chennault Tuesday morning was its last.  “It’s not everyday that you get a $35 million J-STARS Boeing 707 donated to a college aviation program. … It’s good to have some history, some memories of the last flight, seeing the plane touchdown. The students will be able to work on one of the last, great surveillance jets.”

To honor the jet’s service and history, Chennault held a water cannon salute, in which two large arcs of water were shot into the air to recognize the decommission of the plane.  The $35 million modified Boeing 707-300 series jet was donated to Sowela –the largest donation in the school’s history – following the dissolvement of the E-8 Joint Stars fleet.  The fleet was developed over 30 years ago as an “airborne middle management amongst ground targets” that emulated other aircrafts across the world, said USAF Lt. Col. Aaron W. Quinn, chief, Joint STARS Branch.

The donated aircraft was deployed in 1991 for Operation Desert Storm while the E-8 Joint STARS program was still in development. It also was deployed in 1995 for Operation Joint Endeavor. It was used for command control, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance to “monitor, target and attack adversary surface forces.”  Following its time in action, it was modified to be a pilot trainer aircraft, used especially for takeoffs and landings, he said.  “I know it will continue to find great value in a new, different training mission, and continue to build on its already impressive legacy.”

Acquiring the aircraft took approximately a year and a half, Aspinwall said.  Since many Sowela aviation maintenance students go on to work for major aircraft industries like Boeing, Delta and United, a large aircraft like the Boeing 707 is vital to flesh out the students’ experience.  The aircraft includes engines and systems that are commonly used in commercial airlines.  Isabel Gonzales, a Sowela student in her last year in the aviation maintenance program, said that she was drawn to the career path because of the globe-trotting nature of aircrafts.  “We are taking care of something that goes up in the air and takes people places around the world.”  Another student in the program, Jack Iguess, said he just watched Top Gun one too many times. His love for aircrafts was nurtured in him at a young age. That passion has carried him through life. Before Sowela, he worked on flight decks in the Navy.  “I’ll never not be in aviation in some capacity.”  The E-8A Joint STARS aircraft will aid them in gaining tactile experience with a jet of its caliber and allow them to earn necessary industry certifications, in addition to being “a lot of fun to work on,” Gonzales explained.  “The best thing about it is that it is really going to benefit us after we are done with the program, because we are going to get certifications for working on it in school that are going to be carried over when we go in the job market,” said Iguess.  The inventory of aircrafts at Sowela is extensive, they said, including a Skymaster 337, Boeing 727, Cessna Citation Jet and Piper Arrow.  Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, said he is constantly inspired by the growth exhibited by Sowela and Chennault. The attainment of the aircraft is yet “another tangible example” of their growth, he said.  “The moment you get stagnant, the moment you start resting on your laurels, the moment you’re OK with the status quo is the moment you start to sign your death certificate, and for me, Sowela and Chennault and this relationship between the two is the antithesis of stagnation and status quo.”  E-8A will remain a live aircraft at Sowela, and will be painted and refinished with the Sowela logo in the coming months.

To read more from American Press click:: HERE

To see a video report on the donation ceremony from KPLC-TV click: HERE

To see additional video coverage of the donation ceremony click:

https://f.io/jhqBiblv

September 20, 2023 – Charitable Aviation Foundation, a 501c3 public charity based in New Orleans, announces funding support for volunteer pilot organizations engaged in compassionate airlift and public benefit flights for people, patients, animals and communities.

According to the Foundation, there are around 100 volunteer pilot organizations (VPOs) around the country that operate 50,000+ compassionate airlift and public benefit flights each year towards patient transport, animal rescue, disaster airlift, community support and conservation monitoring.

The Foundation raises money from aviation and non-aviation companies and individuals to provide funding for these VPOs towards hiring the staff to facilitate service expansion and volunteer pilot recruitment, as well as purchase the software and administrative systems required to optimize community coordination and mission management.

“There are thousands of pilots around the country that volunteer their time and aircraft towards compassionate airlift and public benefit flights, and the organizations that match these volunteer pilots and humanitarian missions are indispensable to the wider nonprofit community.  Unfortunately, there is very little funding visibility for these VPOs and, thus, a shortage of funds to expand their mission and impact.  We started the Foundation to change that,” says Jay Taffet, founder of the Charitable Aviation Foundation.

The Charitable Aviation Foundation funds the volunteer pilot organizations by issuing grants based on stated need and detailed funding applications, and the Foundation only supports nonprofit volunteer pilot groups that meet or exceed the organizational standards established by the Air Care Alliance, the industry leading advocate for public benefit flying.

“We are passionate about the charitable aviation space and are committed to recruiting both aviation and non-aviation financial partners to help fund these organizations towards long-term sustainability and impact.  We actively solicit grant applications from the volunteer pilot organizations throughout the year towards quick-turn funding in support of their mission and services,” according to Taffet.

Prospective Foundation financial partners can learn more about the charitable aviation space and donation opportunity at https://www.charitableaviation.org/

Volunteer pilot organizations can contact the Foundation directly through the website to explore funding opportunities.

To read the September Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click…. HERE

To read the September Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…. HERE

To view the latest Newsletter from the Aviation Academy of Louisiana click….HERE

Sep. 1, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - Additional aircraft have joined military helicopters in missions to the wildfires still active in West Louisiana.

The U.S. Forest Service arranged for aerial firefighters, or air tankers, to arrive at Alexandria International Airport (AEX) on Wednesday. AEX, the former England Airforce base, is operating as a staging site. Its large ramp space allows any size plane to set up shop, which is necessary for large air tankers.

“We were very excited whenever they said they were going to utilize us, not only because of our airbase but because they could come in and take care of our citizens to the West of us fighting those incredible horrible fires in Louisiana that we’re not accustomed to,” said Scott Gammel, AEX’s director of aviation.

There are currently four tankers at AEX. Captain David Mauldin’s tanker is referred to as ‘Big Juicy,’ for its size and ability to hold an incredible amount of repellant. Attached to the bottom of his plane are three tanks, holding a total of 9,400 gallons of flame retardant. There are only four tankers like Mauldin’s in the U.S. Forest Service’s entire arsenal. Three of those tankers are out in the Western U.S. fighting wildfires in California.

“Retardents are not used to put out the fire, but it’s used to give the ground firefighters time to get line, either hand line or bulldozer line, put in,” said Mauldin. “So, it’s more of a delaying type of product for the fire’s progression and suppression.”

Not only are the planes on-site at AEX but the retardant mixing operation is as well. Water and a bright pink powder are combined in a 6,000 lb. tank, which is then pumped into the tanks beneath the planes.

The tankers then release the retardent in flyovers, dipping low to the ground for drops. It can be surprising to some people to see the once-commercial aircraft flying low to the ground, but the tanker is retrofitted to fly low and quickly rise back up.

“Don’t be alarmed because we drop from usually 300 to 350 feet. So, they’re probably not used to seeing a large airplane like this at 300 feet unless it was about to land on their house. So minimize your alarm and don’t call the federal authorities.”

In the past few days, the tankers have been used to suppress flames in the Highway 113 fire near Pitkin. The tankers used half of the on-site supply of retardant in that effort.

“We have another big day or two of retardent on hand, but we have already requested six more 18-wheeler loads of retardent to come here,” said Keith Hackbarth, regional aviation officer for the U.S. Forest Service.

The retardant missions will continue for as long as they are needed to keep combatting Louisiana’s unprecedented wildfires.

Read More

To see a video about the large Fire FIghting Aerial Tankers operating out of the Alexandria International Airport click HERE

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) will offer two more direct flights to Houston (IAH) beginning Wednesday, September 6. That increases the number of daily flights from LFT to IAH to six a day. The first new departure time is 5:20 a.m. and the second departure is 2:00 p.m. Booking for these new flights is already available at www.united.com or by calling toll-free at 800-525-0280.

LFT Executive Director Steven Picou said, “These new additions give travelers more options to connect to the world from LFT.”

In addition to the six Houston flights, American Airlines offers daily connections to Dallas and Charlotte and Delta Airlines offers daily flights through Atlanta. Effective September 6, LFT will offer 14 daily flights.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Louisiana airports that will hold meetings are Chennault International. Houma-Terrebonne, Shreveport Regional and Lake Charles Regional.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration will hold runway safety meetings at approximately 90 airports between now and the end of September.

“Sharing information is critical to improving safety,” said Tim Arel, chief operating officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. “These meetings, along with other efforts, will help us achieve our goal of zero close calls.”

During a Runway Safety Action Team meeting, airport stakeholders come together to identify unique risks to surface safety at that airport and develop plans to mitigate or eliminate those risks. Representatives from the FAA’s air traffic organization, airlines, pilots, airport vehicle drivers and others participate. 

Major airports with upcoming runway safety meetings include Ronald Reagan Washington National, La Guardia New York, Dallas-Fort Worth International, Cleveland Hopkins International, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Reno/Tahoe International and Birmingham Shuttlesworth International. A full list is below. 

The meetings, held annually at each airport with a control tower, are the primary forum for pinpointing and addressing airport-specific risk in the surface environment. The product of the meeting is a Runway Safety Action Plan where stakeholders document and agree to pursue specific actions to improve surface safety.

The FAA issued a Safety Call to Action in February following a string of incidents. Following the Safety Summit in March, the agency has undertaken a series of safety initiatives. The summit resulted in a commitment from the FAA and aviation community to pursue a goal of zero serious close calls. The same approach virtually eliminated the risk of fatalities aboard U.S. commercial airlines.

To learn more, read about the FAA’s runway safety program and runway safety fact sheet.

To read more including the list of all 90 airports that plan to hold meetings click: HERE

Covington, La. ­(August 20) – On the 22nd of July Cadet Colonel Sebastian Miskimmin of the St. Tammany Composite Squadron was presented the highest honor any CAP cadet can earn, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, which is awarded to less than 1% of all CAP cadets nationwide.

The ceremony was held at his parents’ home during a farewell party as he prepared to leave a few days later to Lackland Air Force Base Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas.  His parents, Kimberly and John Miskimmin of Covington, both U.S. Navy veterans, pinned his new rank on his uniform as friends and loved ones looked on.

Since the award’s inception in 1964, Civil Air Patrol has presented the Spaatz Award to only 28 cadets in the Louisiana Wing. The St. Tammany Composite Squadron has produced two Spaatz cadets in the last two years. Spaatz cadets serve as positive role models for the junior cadets and become community leaders as they go into their future careers.

The General Carl A. Spaatz Award is presented to cadets after devoting an average of four years to progress through sixteen achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. Upon passing the Spaatz Award exams, the cadet is promoted to the grade of cadet colonel. The program is designed to help cadets develop self-discipline, personal responsibility, leadership skills, and a strong foundation to build a future career in aviation, space, or technology.

Miskimmin was unsure of his plans for the future when he joined CAP in 2017. He soon became an achiever, earning numerous awards including the 2019 Veterans of Foreign Wars NCO of the Year and the 2020 Air Force Association Cadet of the Year. In 2021 he was awarded St. Tammany Composite Squadron Cadet of the Year and the following year he was awarded Louisiana Wing Cadet of the Year.

In the words of St. Tammany Composite Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Don DuCote, “He was passionate about Civil Air Patrol and always looked forward to serving our nation in the Armed Forces”.

Miskimmin completed many hours of training during his time in CAP including Louisiana Wing (LAWG) Spring Cadet Training and Education Program (CTEP), Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), LAWG Encampment Alpha Flight Honor Graduate, Southwest Region Cadet Leadership School, Cadet Officer School, and National Blue Beret.

Miskimmin’s mother, Kimberley Garcia Miskimmin, has been his biggest supporter. She spoke enthusiastically of her son’s numerous achievements, “Civil Air Patrol was everything to him, it gave him direction.’

Assistant Deputy Commander of Cadets Art Davies spoke of his achievement at some length, “Cadet Col. Miskimmin is an excellent example of perseverance and an attitude of not giving up.” He related his experiences watching through the years as Miskimmin pushed through many challenging tasks including his work as squadron cadet commander, “He constantly encouraged his cadet subordinates to study and promote and when they did he was ecstatic for their success.”

Miskimmin is a 2022 graduate of Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, Louisiana, where he excelled in the JROTC program, earning several awards including Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Award, MOAA Cadet Officer of the Year, and twice earned the Senior Army Instructor Leadership Award.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with friends and family.

Rockin’ On the Runway in Sunset, LA, has become the largest private airport, public airshow in the country.  The year 4 numbers are in & thanks to Y O U we were able to present St. Mary's Residential Training School with a check for $180,000! That is a $25,000 increase from our donation the previous year. We are absolutely blown away!

Our fundraising efforts would not be possible without the continued support, dedication, & selflessness of our amazing sponsors, volunteers, & local community. THANK YOU!

Each year we will continue to learn & grow from our experiences. This was our biggest year yet & we are S O proud of what we all accomplished together!

We are already busy planning our 2024 event. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

To read the August Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…..

HERE

To see the August Newsletter of the Aviation Academy of Louisiana click… HERE.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Jake Tirado, an 18-year-old Mandeville High School alum, completed an intensive eight-week U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy aviation training program at Delaware State University in Dover.

Tirado received his FAA private pilot’s License and five college credits. The program took place from June 12-Aug. 3.

“Aviation is something that always had interested me and I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Tirado said.

Tirado visited the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans on Thursday (Aug. 10) to meet pilots and watch F-5 fighter jets take off.

“It was crazy,” he said. “I flew Piper Warriors, and getting to see F-5s take off was just wild.”

Tirado picked up five college credits during the program. He also earned a little over 45 flying hours. He got to spend time in a F-5 fighter jet while at the Joint Reserve Base.

Cmdr. Mitch Newton said he was impressed by the skills Tirado developed during the summer program.

“He went through this program, has built the basic building blocks upon which he can pursue a career in aviation in much higher-performance airplanes, if he decides to do that,” Newton said.

Tirado was just one of 28 high-performing 11th- and 12th-graders from throughout the United States and its territories selected for the elite program.

Cmdr. Newton said Tirado’s achievements demonstrate that there is no limit when it comes to chasing your dreams.

“To have Jake successfully complete the program, the message to gain from that is that other individuals that are interested in pursuing a career in the military and interested in aviation know that these opportunities exist for them,” he said.

Tirado said he’ll keep those dreams alive as gets ready to attend Duke University in the fall.

Read More

Brian and Parker Still participated in the AirRunners Fly-In at the Minden Airport last Spring. The event is tentatively set for April of 2024, with funds raised going to “Pilots For Patients,” a 501 (3) (c) non-profit flying service headquartered in Monroe. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)

By Marilyn Miller

When a child tells a parent, “It was my goal to follow my dad,” does Dad’s throat suddenly close up and tears just as hurriedly appear?

Dad’s chin was in his chest, so there was no way to discern that, but Brian Still had to have felt like he was flying in the clouds…Oh, wait a minute! Brian Still does fly in the clouds. And so does his 20-year-old son, Parker Still, who spoke those endearing words.

Today, the father and son team own three Cessna four-place (seats) airplanes, single engine, three combined (in airplane speak), two of which are housed in a hangar at the Minden Airport. A third is located off a grass runway on the Still’s cattle ranch in Taylor, LA. “It’s a hobby we are REALLY into,” Brian quipped, his son nodding his head in agreement.

Brian spent his summers in high school working on a cotton farm in Greenville, MS. The farmer who owned the place was also a crop duster. Imagine a boy of 15 getting into the middle of that. “I fell in love with it and on my 16th birthday I flew my first solo flight. On my 17th birthday, I got my license.”

Fast-forward 30 years, and Brian has logged 2,500 hours in the air, licensed on commercial, multi-engine instrument-rated planes.

Back when he and his wife, Barbara, started their family, the kids started flying “aboard” small airplanes while still in diapers. So Parker was hooked early. He was only 15 when he began putting flying hours into a log book. Then he followed his dad with the solo and license coming on his 16th and 17th birthdays, respectively. But he went a step further and earned his instructor’s license on a single engine airplane. Today he has 900 hours in the air, and he has trained 10 students for their solo flights and three more are now private pilots. But by the end of the year, that number will double, Parker believes.

Some students are just looking to fly solo, he explained, not to become licensed. Why? Because flying is not cheap. Parker recommends that someone “thinking about” flying check out the costs that are involved both short and long-term first.

Ever the entrepreneur, Parker also rents two planes at Minden Airport for instruction. All this and he is still a full-time student at Louisiana Tech University majoring in Aviation Management, with a minor in Business Administration. He is owner/operator of “Still Flying” (instructor), is a member of the Cook Baptist Church in Ruston, and is affiliated with “Pilots for Patients.”

Brian is the fulltime owner/operator of Timberland Services in Taylor and a cattle rancher. Their family, which includes daughter, Landrie, 18, and younger son, Nolan, 15, are members of the First Baptist Church in Minden, where Brian serves on the Missions Committee. He helps performing mission work both in the U.S. and abroad. He is active with the Webster Men of Courage. A 1999 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Agricultural Business, he is also affiliated with “Pilots for Patients.”

READ MORE

Baton Rouge, LA - Hancock Aviation, a leading provider of aircraft maintenance, modifications, and management, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) as an authorized dealer and installation center for ThrustSense® Autothrottle in King Air, PC-12, CJ2, CJ3, CJ4, and M2 aircraft. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Hancock Aviation, combining the expertise of Hancock Aviaiton and IS&S to enhance safety, performance, and convenience for aircraft operators.

The IS&S ThrustSense® Autothrottle system is a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes aircraft control, providing pilots with advanced automation capabilities. By integrating state-of-the-art digital engine controls and intelligent autothrottle functionality, the ThrustSense® system optimizes aircraft performance and reduces pilot workload, ensuring a smoother and more efficient flying experience.

As an authorized dealer and installation center, Hancock Aviation will offer comprehensive sales, installation, and support services for the IS&S ThrustSense® Autothrottle system. With their deep knowledge and extensive experience in aircraft maintenance, Hancock Aviation is well-positioned to deliver seamless integration and exceptional customer satisfaction to King Air, PC-12, CJ2, CJ3, CJ4, and M2 aircraft operators.

"Partnering with IS&S as an authorized dealer and installation center for ThrustSense® Autothrottle reflects Hancock Aviation's commitment to providing our customers with industry-leading solutions that enhance safety and optimize aircraft performance," said Holton Hancock, President of Hancock Aviation. "We are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge technology to our clients, empowering them to fly with increased confidence and efficiency."

The ThrustSense® Autothrottle system offers a range of key benefits to aircraft operators, including:

1. Enhanced Safety: The advanced automation capabilities of the ThrustSense® system ensure precise control of engine power, optimizing performance in critical phases of flight and reducing the risk of manual errors.
2. Increased Efficiency: By precisely managing engine power settings, the ThrustSense® system improves fuel efficiency, extends engine life, and enhances overall operational efficiency.
3. Reduced Pilot Workload: The autothrottle functionality minimizes pilot workload by automatically adjusting engine power based on various flight conditions, allowing pilots to focus on critical tasks and enjoy a more relaxed flying experience.

To learn more about the IS&S ThrustSense® Autothrottle system and its availability through Hancock Aviation, click here.

On July 22, 2023, a United Express Embraer E145XR — operating flight UA4293 for CommutAir — was operating a short regional flight when it overran the runway at Lake Charles airport in Louisiana (LCH, KLCH).

The flight was a regularly scheduled commercial service from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH, KIAH) to Lake Charles, typically lasting about 30 minutes.

After a few minutes at a low cruise altitude, the regional jet began its descent for an arrival towards the northeast into Lake Charles. Winds were out of the Northeast, so Runway 5 was in use.

The flight proceeded normally until the landing, where the crew had an available distance of 5,200 feet to land. 5,200 feet is normally plenty for an Embraer E145XR, so runway length was likely not a contributing factor in the incident. 

Although not yet confirmed, the most probable cause of the incident is simply a long landing. AeroXplorer is currently awaiting a statement from the airline about the cause.

The aircraft came to a stop outside the available runway on the grass and emergency personnel were on scene to assist. Currently, no injuries have been reported though this remains unknown. The status of the aircraft, a 17-year-old Embraer ERJ-145XR registered N21197, is also unknown at this time.

Read More

By Javier Vera, General Aviation News

Talk about a win-win: Rockin’ on the Runway combines the fun and excitement of an air show with a very good cause.

The event was held June 10, 2023, at Red Oak Landing Airport (51LS), a private 3,600-foot grass runway in Sunset, Louisiana.

It was the fourth edition of the event, which was started in 2019 to raise funds, as well as awareness, for children and young adults with developmental disabilities who live at St. Mary’s Residential Training School in Boyce, Louisiana.

“My brother-in-law, Cole Elliott, is a long-time resident of St. Mary’s,” explained Taylor Elliott, event director. “The school is home to approximately 200 residents. Four years ago my in-laws and some friends hosted a private party and brought out a donation bucket in hopes of giving St. Mary’s a small check. They raised a few thousand dollars that night with little to no effort, so they decided to dream big.”

The event has grown each year, so that in 2023, it featured some of the biggest names in the air show industry, including the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Matt Younkin, Kevin Coleman, Stephen Covington of SRC Airshows, and Robby Grice.

According to organizers, 100% of the proceeds from Rockin’ on the Runway are donated to the school.

“Over the past two years we have donated $300,000 to go towards our immediate goal of building a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility for all of the residents to enjoy that will include a splash pad, movie theater room, trampolines, and more,” Taylor says. “Our long-term goal is to continue to improve and maintain the facilities at St. Mary’s. We do this not only for Cole, but for all current and future residents of the school. We hope to do our small part in making the future of St. Mary’s the best it can possibly be.”

And while the cause is wonderful, so was the event.

To read more from General Aviation News click…. HERE

To read the July Escadrille Nouvelle, the newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force, click…. HERE.

To read the July Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…..

HERE

To read the July Newsletter from the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum click…. HERE

To read the July Aviation Academy newsletter click HERE.

If you didn't get a copy straight to your email, let them know via email at info@flylouisiana.com. They will make sure to add you to the list.

Dear Pilots and Potential Glider Pilots in S. LA.

I know many of you want to get a glider rating, but don’t want to drive 3 hrs. to Brandon, MS or 4.5 hrs. to Shreveport/Gilliam Airport. I’ve heard from 20 plus of you that expressed interest.  Who would be interested in committing to take an orientation flight in a SGS-2-32 glider if I can make arrangements to fly out of an airport near the Lafayette/BTR area? There are two options to give you that orientation ride:

• Get a C-182 tow plane to fly down from Gilliam, LA., tow you to 3000 feet which would give you a 15-20 minute soaring experience.
• Bring the winch down, get winched to 900-1200 ft  AGL and stay up about 10 minutes (if we don’t catch a thermal) and land.

The costs for an aero tow orientation ride would be $120 per person . The costs for a winch tow would be $60.00 per person.

We would do this on a Saturday or Sunday in July or August.

I just need to know how many to plan for so I would appreciate it if you let me know that you or another potential glider pilot would be interested.

All of you are always welcome at Gilliam Airport but I want to get S. LA pilots the soaring experience without the long drive.

If it goes well we may have enough pilots for a S. LA branch of Shreveport Soaring Club so you can get your glider ratings.

Please email me to let me know if you are interested.

Glenn McGovern

Secretary of Shreveport Soaring Club, Inc

Email gcmcg@mac.com

Cell 504 908-1404

Dispatch Aviation is excited to announce its first acquisition of local FBO-fixed based operations company Phillips Aviation, Inc., in Picayune, Mississippi. Dispatch is expanding and adding to its location in Baton Rouge, LA. This addition aligns perfectly with its goal of creating a top-notch FBO network that offers exceptional customer service throughout the Southern Gulf Coast.

"We're really excited to have Phillips Aviation join our expanding network," said Smith Thomas of Dispatch Aviation. "It allows us to enhance our services and better meet the needs of our growing customer base. We look forward to building on Phillips Aviation's reputation for maintaining aircraft with the highest quality, safety, and customer satisfaction standards."

Phillips Aviation has been a trusted name in the aviation industry for over 50 years. They started by taking over operations at Diamondhead Airport in 1984 before moving to Stennis International Airport in 1988. In 2004, the business relocated to its current location at Picayune Airport. Phillips Aviation will keep its current name and remain in Picayune. Wayne Phillips, the previous owner, will also work closely with management to ensure a smooth transition, with the support of Dispatch Aviation's resources and expertise. 

Wayne Phillips and Smith Thomas

"We're confident that this acquisition will benefit both our customers," said Wayne Phillips of Phillips Aviation. "By combining our experience and resources, we can expand our capabilities further. We're thrilled about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings."Smith Thomas, owner of Dispatch Aviation, added, "Phillips Aviation is an excellent FBO, and we're looking forward to serving the City of Picayune and the Mississippi aviation community. Please stop by, preferably by plane, fuel up, and say hello!" Dispatch Aviation specializes in fixed base operation (FBO) management, aircraft maintenance and inspections, consulting, and other related private aviation services.

Dispatch Aviation dba Phillips Aviation, Inc.148 Runway Rd., Picayune, MS | (601) 749-9595

Dispatch Aviation 9548 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA |  (225) 900-7020Dispatchaviation.com

We are delighted to announce that our very own Director of Aviation, Mike Edwards, and Commission Chairman, Johnny Fife, have been selected as esteemed honorees in the Capital Region 500, presented by Baton Rouge Business Report.

This prestigious publication serves as a tribute to the exceptional community leaders who make significant contributions to shaping our vibrant Capital Region. Through a rigorous selection process that values merit and accomplishment, the guide showcases influential figures from various sectors, including business, government, and nonprofits.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Edwards and Mr. Fife for this well-deserved recognition of their exceptional contributions and outstanding leadership. Their dedication and impact have been instrumental in advancing our community and our airport, and we are proud to have them as part of our team.

That's a wrap for Rockin' On The Runway 2023! Year 4 was our BIGGEST year yet. The energy was exciting, the entertainment was incredible, & both days ran SO smoothly.

I am blown away by the number of attendees we welcomed throughout the weekend. Whether you came for the car show, airshow, to support St. Mary's, our family, or a little bit of everything, YOU showed up! Just by showing up, you made an impact on the lives of the residents & families of St. Mary's Residential Training School.

To our amazing sponsors & volunteers, THANK YOU. This would be IMPOSSIBLE without you. Your selflessness & dedication to our mission is why we are able to come back bigger & better each year. There are no words to express the gratitude we have for you.

THANK YOU to each & every person who played a role in the success of our event this year & the years prior. We are excitedly looking toward the future of this event & the future impact it will have at St. Mary's.

Until next year! 

Taylor Elliott

Event Director | Sister-in-law of St. Mary's Resident, Cole Elliott

Commentary in the American Press:

"Chennault International Airport serves the needs of business, civilian and military aircraft from around the world with world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities and an array of accomplished, industry-leading tenant partners. It’s a major component of our economy."

The viewpoint appears in the Chamber SWLA & Economic Development Alliance's twice-monthly economic report, "It's Everybody's Business."

The column appears below in full.

*

It's right in Lake Charles, you probably pass by it regularly ... and it’s a local economic powerhouse that’s a local job creator with a national reputation.

It’s Chennault International Airport.

Chennault is an emerging national aerospace hub that has kept military, corporate and personal aircraft in tip-top condition for more than three decades.

More than 1,000 people work at the firms at Chennault.

Much of the industry is already familiar with Chennault and the Lake Charles region, given its first-class aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses that operate there — including Northrop Grumman, LandLocked Aviation Services and Citadel Completions.

In addition to the world-class MRO work done for years by its tenant partners, Chennault is also home to non-aerospace manufacturing and service businesses.

Chennault has a 10,701-foot-long runway, the longest at any airport between Houston and Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is capable of handling all aircraft flying today and has ample adjacent concrete for parking.

Chennault is served by an accredited, contracted air traffic control tower. FBO services are provided by Million Air.

With all of the development at Chennault, there’s still room to grow. There are more than a dozen tracts of land totaling nearly 1,000 acres available for development.

“The willingness to change and look for opportunities outside of the norm is critical to remaining relevant in our dynamic world today,” says Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton. “Chennault remains a game-changer — we continue to work toward new tenant partners, more development and more jobs.”

The proof of Chennault’s power is best seen by its tenant partners, ranging from on-site furniture manufacturing to military aircraft arriving for fuel or overhaul.

Projects under way at Chennault International Airport are expanding the complex’s profile in serving aerospace and other needs.

One effort is the $4 million, 10,000-square-foot facility that represents Chennault’s entry into the air cargo sector.

“Chennault offers relief to airlines and freight forwarders who need space and attention — as a low-cost alternative to larger markets where expense, ground delays, and airspace delays slow delivery,” said David Whitaker, an advisor to Chennault's air cargo initiative.

Also at Chennault is the new facility for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. On the horizon is a $24 million, 60,000-square foot training and readiness committee for the Louisiana National Guard.

In short, Chennault International Airport serves the needs of business, civilian and military aircraft from around the world with world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities and an array of accomplished, industry-leading tenant partners. It’s a major component of our economy.

To read the June Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click…… HERE

The University of New Orleans is taking a big step to start their new Professional Pilot Program.  Their College of Engineering is seeking an experienced professional to be the Program Director.  To get all of the details  on the position and how to apply click….HERE

One of our guest writers, John Peterson, has written another essay for our reading pleasure.  The title of his essay is Hypolite Theophile Landry.  If you recognize the name of this Louisiana aviation legend, you can’t wait to read it.  If you don’t, then you definitely need to read it to get to know more about him.  Thank you, John, for taking the time to share your personal memories of Hypolite.  To read the essay click….. HERE.

BELLE CHASSE, La. ( WGNO ) — It is official, the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse is bringing back the New Orleans air show!

Fans of the event will have the chance to see the Navy’s premier flight squadron, the Blue Angels take flight once again. In 2022, the air show brought out more than 160,000 spectators and in 2024 everyone can expect to see some of America’s top aviators.

“They can expect an exciting show. They’ll hear and see the sound of freedom. They’ll see an amazing demonstration of the capabilities of our fighter jets and they’ll get to see the Stem Field in action,” said Captain Lena Kaman, Commanding Officer at the Naval Air Station Joint Base New Orleans.

The New Orleans Air Show is set to take flight on March 23, 2024. For more information and to purchase tickets, you can visit the air show website .

To read more from WGNO click….HERE

Shreveport Soaring Club, Inc. had a fun event on May 20 when it brought out its redone winch and let members experience winch launches. Some members were instructed on operating the winch and qualified to be winch operators. On June 20, 2023, another winch event will be held to qualify its member glider pilots to fly solo off a Chevrolet 350c.i./350 horsepower powered winch. It is unique with a rapid pull up at 70 degrees after a few feet up to altitude of 800-1200 ft. AGL where the parachute automatically releases the glider hook and the glider pilot is released. It was a fun event by all and several new members signed up after the experience. The costs of winch launches is about $15 versus and aero tow launch of about $45-$55 dollars. Members all agreed the winch is a lot more exciting and fun. The Club plans to visit S. LA. Airports in the hope of getting other pilots to join the Club and experience soaring. The winch is roadworthy so this is now possible to do. Soaring safaris are also planned to take the winch to other great soaring spots and launch members.

Every year during the third week in October, Dave and Marcia Mason welcome hundreds of airplanes to the Reklaw Fly-In, known to be one of the largest grass field fly-ins in the country.

They’ve been holding the annual fly-in for 37 years at Flying M Ranch Airport (7TA7) in Reklaw, Texas, which is about 130 miles southeast of Dallas, Texas.

During the weekend of the fly-in, only aircraft owners, pilots and other aviation enthusiasts are welcome at the ranch.

“We don’t raise cattle anymore,” the couple note on their website, “we just have a good time once a year with our annual weekend fly-in and campout.”

Why open your property to hundreds of aircraft every year?

“We love welcoming children and families, as well as the incredible camaraderie of the pilots,” Marcia said during the 2022 fly-in.

The yearly event gives pilots a chance to “fly in to our unique grass runway, park the plane, pitch your tent, kick back, kick tires, whatever, and just enjoy the show rain or shine.”

The couple appreciate that their private airstrip is not what most pilots are used to.

“Some people find this stretch of grass challenging,” Marcia acknowledged. “It offers a new experience for novice pilots who have only used paved runways. Flight schools often use our facility to train students in grass strip procedures.”

The grass runway, lined on either side with towering pine trees and stretching 3,500 feet long and 50 feet wide, allows for a wide variety of aircraft to land and take off, from homebuilts up to a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop.

To read more and see more photos click:  HERE

Acadian Air Med Names Brook Rozas as Flight RN of the Year

May 17, 2023—At the Acadian Companies annual meeting and awards ceremony on May 2, Brook Rozas CFRN was recognized as Acadian Air Med’s 2023 Flight Nurse of the Year. She was presented with her award by Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier.

A native of Lake Charles, Rozas earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University. She began her nursing career in 2016 at Lake Charles Memorial ER and joined Acadian Air Med in March 2020, where she has proven to be an invaluable asset ever since. Her role was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has continuously demonstrated her willingness to assist with ground operations and in-flight emergencies. 

Rozas recently obtained advanced certification as a Certified Flight Registered Nurse, the highest certification attainable for a flight nurse. 

Rozas has taken on the responsibility of training new Acadian Air Med nurses, where she is imparting the Acadian way of flight nursing and shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“Brooke’s hard work and dedication to the job have been exceptional,” Sonnier stated. “Brooke's modest and selfless attitude and her unwavering commitment to serving others are the qualities that make her a role model. Brooke, you are a remarkable individual whose contributions to our organization are immeasurable.”

Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

Acadian Air Med names Matthew Massoni as Air Service Employee of the Year

May 17, 2023—At the Acadian Companies annual meeting and awards ceremony on May 2, Aircraft Mechanic Matthew Massoni was recognized as Acadian Air Med’s 2023 Air Services Employee of the Year. 

Massoni has been employed by Acadian Air Med and Executive Aircraft Charter Service for 16 years as a licensed aircraft mechanic and is responsible for working on all of the division’s fixed-wing aircraft. His experience and expertise have helped keep aircraft downtime to a minimum. 

“Matt’s willingness to help others, dedication to his job, and dependability make him an invaluable asset to our team,” Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier stated. “We look forward to his continuing contributions when he becomes the Director of Maintenance later this year. There is no doubt that Matt will continue to exceed expectations and keep our fleet well-maintained and ready to fulfill future missions.” 

Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

To read the May Newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click….HERE

Like many parents, after the last of their four grown children left home, Betsy and Shane Miller went house shopping. What they ended up with, however, is a home away from home for other aviators located in a Diamondhead, Mississippi, aviation community.

“When we looked at this house, it was way more than we needed,” said Betsy Miller. “But we loved it because there is a taxiway right in the backyard, and it’s close to the water, since we like to fish.”

Miller said she immediately realized the house’s upstairs area could be closed off and turned into an Airbnb. 

“We call it ‘The Shangar,’ because my husband’s name is Shane and it’s in front of our hangar,” she said of the home located in the Diamondhead Aviation Community on the Diamondhead Airport (66Y).

“It screams aviation,” she said. “As soon as you enter, you are greeted with all of these aviation metal wall signs. Then you go up our taxiway (stairs), which I painted to look like the taxiway outside. Instead of a typical guestbook, we let our guests sign the wall there. And everyone gets really creative with that.

Even the carpet was chosen for pilots, she said. 

“It’s hotel carpet, that way pilots feel at home,” she said. “We also have lots of aviation decor, pictures, and even have a flap off of a CitationJet that was made into a bar in the kitchen. There’s lots of models around and aviation books here. Anything that we could think of, we have it here in the space.” 

Fly-in rentals are a rarity on the popular short-term rental sharing website, Miller said.

“Airbnb doesn’t have a specific category for airport home rentals, although I wish they would. They have unique spaces shown but nothing specific to fly-in properties.” she said. That’s been our only challenge in getting the word out about this space. Our airport manager asked me to make a flyer, and he has it posted for anybody who’s come in for fuel to see. I’ve also posted it everywhere on all these Facebook groups and not sure how to get it out there any better than that.” 

READ MORE From Flying Magazine

MILESTONE ALERT!!! 

7,000 Missions

This afternoon we have officially flown 7,000 total air missions since our inception in 2008. On this momentous flight, Pilot Jimmy flew patients Ray and B Jo back home to Monroe from Houston. Houston Ground Angel Sandra also drove both patients around while they were in Houston.  Once they landed in Monroe, they were met by PFP President Philip Thomas, PFP Board Member Sharon Thomas, Stacey, Lead Mission Coordinator, and Kari, PFP Marketing and Event Coordinator.

It is so amazing that we have come this far and we can’t wait to see how far we go. Thank you Jimmy for all that you do and for having such a generous heart.

Hammond, Louisiana (April 24, 2023) - The Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force held a ceremony to acknowledge the arrival of their first assigned aircraft, an OH-13 Bell 47 helicopter. The group based at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport was established in 2021. This is their first assigned aircraft, which they have named “Bayou Belle.”

The Bayou State Escadrille is the only Unit in the Commemorative Air Force assigned a flying helicopter. The Bell H-13 Sioux was a military training helicopter based on the popular civilian Bell 47, also a single-rotor, single-engine design. The Bell 47 had many designations depending on the branch of service; U.S. Army Air Forces called it a YR-13, the U.S. Army called it an H-13 Sioux, the U.S. Navy called it an HTL-1, and the U.S. Coast Guard called it an HUL-1G.

Attendees of the event included CAF President/CEO Hank Coates, the Mayor of Hammond Pete Panepinto, and the Head of the local Chamber of Commerce. Also, several members of other CAF Units were there to show support, including the Big Easy Wing, Mississippi Wing, and Floribama Wing.

About the Bayou State Escadrille

The Bayou State Escadrille is a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) unit established in 2021 to expand the mission to educate, inspire, and honor through flight and living history experiences in the Bayou State region. Based at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport, the group consists of volunteer members passionate about historic military aviation. Membership to the Bayou State Escadrille is open to anyone interested. No flying or military background is required to join. To learn more about Bayou State Escadrille, visit https://www.bayoustateescadrille.org/. https://www.facebook.com/bayoustateescadrille

An F-15EX flies over the Gulf of Mexico during testing near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on June 14, 2022. The Air Force said Tuesday, April 18, 2023, it plans to assign 18 of the new fighter jets to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, near Belle Chasse, to replace the base's older F-15Cs and F-15Ds.

AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TECH. SGT. JOHN McRELL

The Air Force signaled a vote of confidence in the Belle Chasse military base this week, announcing plans to replace 18 aging fighter jets there with newer, more advanced models.

Pending an environmental impact analysis, the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing will receive a new F-15EX fleet at Naval Air Station Joint Base New Orleans sometime after the spring of 2024. The unit’s F-15C and F-15D jets, many of them close to 40 years old, will be mothballed near Tucson, Arizona, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, known as The Boneyard, an Air Force spokesperson said.

While not an expansion at Belle Chasse, the plan to replace aircraft developed near the end of the Vietnam War with a model that started flying just two years ago represents an endorsement of the Belle Chasse base, said Ronnie Slone of Kenner, a business consultant and governor-appointed member of the Louisiana Military Advisory Council.

“It positions us to avoid a cut” if the Defense Department starts moving to close or consolidate bases around the world, Slone said. “It increases the profile of our base.”

The Pentagon last launched a comprehensive program to close bases in 2005, shuttering or significantly altering 182 sites to save $4.2 billion a year. In southeast Louisiana, it moved the Navy Reserve’s headquarters and more than 1,000 jobs from Algiers to Norfolk, Virginia, and it closed Naval Support Activity in Bywater and the Defense Information Systems Agency office in Slidell.

The Belle Chasse base survived that round of cuts, although it was ranked 24th out of 36 naval air bases for military value. Thus, its future has always been a worry point for local economic development boosters.

“The fact that Belle Chasse is going to get the new model aircraft indicates that the Air Force is investing in its future, and that Belle Chasse is at much less risk of being closed the next time,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. “It also demonstrates the commitment to the base and the National Guard’s mission of protecting the Gulf.”

The five-year lobbying effort involved the governor and his Department of Economic Development, Louisiana's congressional delegation and National Guard leadership, the National Guard Association of the United States, GNO Inc. and other local boosters and F-15 units in Massachusetts, California, Florida and Oregon.

The Belle Chasse base employs about 2,000 civilians at an annual payroll of $171 million, and at any given time is home to 5,000 to 6,000 military personnel, spokesperson Andrew Thomas said. Many of its F-15s are older than their pilots and ground crew members, said Col. Jonathan "Cash" Mumme, the 159th Fighter Wing's commander.

The new F-15EX costs about $100 million. The two-seat, twin-engine jet packs modern avionics, electronic warfare technology, a six-barrel cannon and the capacity to carry 12 air-to-air missiles, four more than the jets it is replacing.

It can fly 2½ times the speed of sound, or about 1,918 mph, making it the world’s fastest fighter jet, according to Airforce-technology.com. It has a range of 2,762 miles — and can be refueled while in flight — and a ceiling of 60,000 feet, according to Air & Space Forces magazine.

The Air Force awarded Boeing Co. the contract to build the fighter in 2020. It's now being tested at Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Read More

Gene “Bever” Borne from Reserve, LA, was actually inducted in the EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame in early November of 2022 and I totally missed it.  So here is a sincere, although a bit late, congratulations on this outstanding achievement.  Here is what the EAA had to say about him at the induction ceremony in Oshkosh….

Gene "Bever" Borne's ultralight journey started in late 1976 in a foot-launched Quicksilver with an 8-hp engine. The motorized hang glider was love at first flight. He soon became a premiere dealer for the Eipper-Formance Company, which is when ultralight aviation truly became his passion. After acquiring most of the U.S. Hang Gliding Association pilot and instructor ratings, Bever focused on teaching, eventually developing a solo training system. He was active in the formation of Part 103 and the light-sport aircraft process.

To date he has logged more than 5,000 hours as an instructor in ultralight-type aircraft and is a current GA pilot rated for single engine land and sea. He's active on numerous aviation boards and committees promoting aviation safety and ultralight sport preservation. In 2008 the FAA named him a designated airworthiness representative, and in 2015, he purchased the assets of Quicksilver Aircraft. Bever is grateful for the help and support of his wife and

partner of 46 years, Kim. Together they operate Air-Tech Inc., an ultralight and light plane manufacturing company dedicated to supporting ultralight aviation.

Their facility is located on the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport in Reserve, Louisiana.

Jim Riviere receiving the 2022 Award of Merit from 99’s Award Chairman Kathy Fox and 99’s International President Corbi Bulluck.  

(Photo courtesy of the 99’s)

Oklahoma City, OK

July 21, 2022

James “Jim” Riviere, Jr received the 2022 Award of Merit from the International Organization of Women Pilots, The Ninety-Nines, Inc. The Award recognizes individuals making significant contributions to any facet of aviation.

Riviere, along with Louisiana aviation leaders, chartered the Aviation Association of Louisiana.  The group introduced a constitutional amendment dedicating aviation fuel taxes for aviation purposes, instead of going to general state budget areas. The results are hundreds of millions of tax dollars being dedicated to airport improvements.

He developed an information webpage, LaAviator.com to keep the entire Louisiana Aviation community informed about news, events and classifieds. He also added a Facebook page and sends two news emails a week to 1700 subscribers.

Riviere is a Lifetime member in the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He chartered and became the first President of the Louisiana State EAA Chapter in the early 80’s. For 18 years he organized the Louisiana Fly-in Series, consisting of 10-12 fly-ins held at several airports. He received the EAA President’s Award from Paul Poberezny in 1986.

He received the Award of Merit at the Ninety-Nines International Conference, July 9, 2022, in Charleston, SC.

Each year, the Ninety-Nines, Inc. recognizes members and non-members for their contributions to aviation as well as the Ninety-Nine organization. A 501c3 corporation, the Ninety-Nines were founded in 1929 with 99 charter members. Amelia Earhart was the first president. Today, the Ninety-Nines have over 6700 members worldwide. Each year they award over $200,000 in scholarships.

Reflections From Jim:

I was very surprised and honored when I got the call from the 99’s that I had been picked to receive this award.  The plaque says that the award was presented for, “his long-term dedication and leadership in promoting, supporting, connecting and communicating with the Louisiana aviation community “.  The plaque has my name on it but none of the things that I have done for Louisiana aviation have been done alone.  There are just too many folks who I have worked with over the years to be mentioned here.  But you know who you are and I thank you all for your hard work.  I appreciate your support and treasure your friendship.

If you would like to read my bio that was read at the award presentation click 

HERE

I also need to thank my wife and daughters for all their sacrifice and support to allow me to do all of the things I’ve done in aviation through the years.  It was great that they traveled to Charleston for the awards banquet.  Their presence made the ceremony extra special. Here I am with daughters Mimi Hymel and Wendy Earon, and wife Linda.

I also need to thank that great group of NOLA 99’s who were responsible for nominating me for this award.  Pictured at the banquet are NOLA 99’s Lisa Cotham, Joann Dawson and Karen Weldon.

When I reflected on receiving this reward, I realized that my aviation heritage was connected to the 99’s from the very beginning. My Dad learned to fly in Patterson, LA, in 1944.   His flight instructor was pioneer woman aviator and early 99 member Edna Gardner*.  So the Riviere aviation legacy started 78 years ago when a very early 99 member shared her love of aviation with my Dad…. and I’m proud to say that it’s continuing as Grandson Joshua Earon is currently pursuing an Aviation Degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Thanks again to the 99’s for honoring me with this wonderful award.   

                          Jim Riviere

*If you would like to read more about Edna Gardner Whyte click HERE.