SPECIAL NEWS - Louisiana AIrport Passport Program

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as Commercial Service Airport of the Year and Executive Director Steven Picou received honors as the David Slayter Memorial Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year. The award is named for Slayter, who most recently served as Longmont (Colorado) Vance Brand Airport Manager and Executive Director for the Houma-Terrebonne Airport in Louisiana. The awards were presented at the 2022 Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA) Annual Conference held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lafayette.  “It’s such an honor to receive this statewide recognition for LFT the same year we opened our new terminal,” said Lafayette Airport Commission Chairman John Hebert. “A lot of people worked hard to make our airport the outstanding facility it is today. This award reinforces that others in the aviation industry have taken notice of their work and rewarded them for it.”

Picou said he was honored to be recognized by his peers for his leadership and achievement. “While this award recognizes my leadership, it also honors the airport staff and commissioners who provided the support needed for LFT to receive these honors,” Picou added.

The annual awards ceremony also recognizes the hardworking airport sponsors and aviation professionals in Louisiana, as well as superior achievement and leadership in the state’s aviation field. These awards honor excellence and professionalism at all levels of airport operations.

“On behalf of the entire department, I would like to congratulate the award winners,” said Louisiana Department Of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “DOTD encompasses much more than roads and bridges, we are in the business of mobility and their work is a testament. The multimodal aspect of our business, in the case of aviation, is [a] major component that impacts communities across Louisiana. For our citizens, businesses, and visitors, air travel is obviously an important part of our economy.”

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. 

One person died and two other crew members are in critical condition after a helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Mexico about 46 miles offshore from Morgan City, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

The Coast Guard rescued two crewmembers from the Gulf Wednesday night. They were airlifted to University Medical Center New Orleans in critical condition.

The body of the third crew member was found inside the submerged helicopter.

Officials from Westwind Helicopter Inc. informed the Coast Guard around 6:35 p.m. Wednesday that one of their company helicopters, with three people on board, had crashed.

The two rescued crewmembers were able to hang on to a life raft until the Coast Guard arrived.

No information about what may have caused the crash was immediately available and the incident is still under investigation.

"We're grateful we were able to save two crewmembers but saddened from the loss of the third," Lt. Cmdr. Sean DiGeorge, a US Coast Guard District Eight search and rescue mission coordinator said. "We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to the crewmembers' family and friends during this difficult time."

Westwind Helicopters, which has its headquarters in Santa Fe, Texas, provides offshore transportation services for the energy industry.

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I attended the annual Chilhowee Octoberfest glider flying and dinners at Sarah and Jason Arnold’s Gliderport near Benton, TN. The event is from Oct. 21-24 with gliding the whole week after also. Pilots from all over attended to enjoy the ridge flying,  thermal flying and after soaring is over the nightly Oktoberfest meals with special beer brought in from a microbrewery in FLA.

Here are the winners of the 2022 Flying Wings of Louisiana Raffle

Chennault International Airport (CWF) in Louisiana is paving the way for air cargo after signing a memorandum of understanding with US Customs and Border Protection to enable regular clearance of select international aircraft.

Following the airport’s completion of a $4m air cargo facility in September, the agreement allows for the clearance into the US of foreign crews and air cargo utilizing the existing CBP staff based in Lake Charles.

The agreement also allows foreign maintenance-bound aircraft and crews to enter at Chennault — a potential benefit to existing and prospective MRO activity on the field.

Chennault staff will interface with US customs on behalf of industry partners to secure international clearances at Chennault and front the corresponding costs for the service.

US Customs has agreed to respond accordingly to permit applicable international arrivals using its existing local resources.

“Formalizing this relationship with US Customs ensures these foreign clearance capabilities,” said Chennault executive director Kevin Melton. “Our Gulf Coast location makes us an ideal airport for these foreign aircraft to enter the United States.”

Already established for its commercial and military MRO work, Chennault said establishing foreign clearance capabilities is among the steps it is taking to enable commercial flight activity. 

Melton said Chennault is committed to working closely with the industry to enable certification of its air cargo facility efficiently.

“We appreciate the responsiveness of U.S. Customs in facilitating these important components of our air cargo initiative,” he said.

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PHI Aviation and BP will make a multi-million-dollar investment in the helicopter company's base at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport.

PHI Aviation announced the plans Thursday, saying they are part of a 10-year contract extension that will enhance both companies' work in the Gulf of Mexico oilfield.

The multi-aircraft agreement, which began in September, provides full-time Sikorsky S-92 helicopter support from PHI’s Houma base, the aviation company said in a news release.

The investment will expand PHI’s Houma base facilities and hangars to "deliver synergies for BP and increased efficiencies for other customers over the next 25-plus years," the release says.

“This investment will help make critical enhancements to our Gulf of Mexico support facilities, a significant piece of our operational footprint,” said Jamie Hinch, chief operating officer for PHI Aviation-Americas. “We’re committed to the south Louisiana community and our employees in the area and are excited to continue working with BP.”]

The companies do not specify details on exact spending or specific expansion plans. The Courier and Daily Comet have asked PHI for details.

This marks the second 10-year contract for PHI since February 2021, when the company added four Airbus H160 helicopters to the Houma fleet to serve Shell Exploration & Production Company's operations in the Gulf.

PHI has provided helicopter services to BP for 40 years.

“We’re delighted to continue building on our longstanding relationship with BP,” said Keith Mullett, managing director for PHI. “This 10-year contract is not only a reflection of our mutually beneficial relationship but another testament to PHI’s ability to provide enduring value for our customers.”

PHI, based in Lafayette, transports more than 300,000 passengers in the Gulf and more than 400,000 passengers around the world annually.

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

The 41st Annual Stearman Fly in Jennings was very successful.  They were blessed with perfect weather! Hundreds of folks came through the gates to get an up close look at these amazing planes. And thanks to the wonderful pilots that came to participate in this years’ event. Until next year!

Photos Courtesy of Jeff Davis Parish Tourism

Pictured, l to r, Commission President Derek Necaise, Airport Director Chanse Watson and Airport Operations Director Jerry Island.

Stennis International Airport recently earned an ANTN Digicast Excellence in Airport Training award.

The award, presented by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), signifies that airport employees and others working at each facility have completed a specified amount of federally-mandated, airport-specific training and continuing education using ANTN Digicast's web-based training system.

“We are pleased to receive national recognition for our continued efforts to improve operations and safety at Hancock County’s community airport,” said Hancock County Port & Harbor CEO Bill Cotter. “It is a testament to the dedicated staff and their commitment to service.”

The award levels are based on total training programs completed and total number of employees trained at each airport. Levels vary based on the airport's hub size. Each winning airport is presented with a plaque marking the achievement.

Located in Kiln, Stennis International is Hancock County’s community airport. It features an 8,500-foot runway rated to carry the world’s largest cargo planes. It is home to 15 aerospace companies serving both general aviation and military aircraft.

At approximately 6:14pm on Saturday September 24, 2022 the Houma Fire Department was dispatched to a emergency standby for a aircraft inbound to the Houma-Terrebonne Airport with mechanical issues and smoke in the cockpit. Crews were standing by onscene and waiting when the aircraft was on approach.

A full alarm assignment responded which included two engines, one ladder and a Chief. The aircraft had 6 people onboard for this flight. The  helicopter then crashed on the airport runway. After contacting the ground the aircraft slid into a grass area but did remain upright.  Emergency units were onscene to the crash site within moments.  Rescue crews evacuated all passengers and pilots from the aircraft.  Some of those on board did report injuries and were transported to the hospital by Acadian Ambulance.

The aircraft had significant damage and was secured, airport officials, Air traffic control,  company officials, and emergency personnel worked together to make sure the scene was safe.  The crash is under investigation by the proper authorities. This area of the airport is still closed to aircraft operations.  This entire incident occurred inside the property of the Houma-Terrebonne Airport. 

Photo credit:  B. Pennison - Houma Fire Department and S. Fonseca - Houma Fire Department

The Captain Fletcher E. Adams 357th Fighter Group Museum has been moved to a new location and it will be reopened to the public on October 8, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  After that day, we will be open by reservation only until an opening hours schedule can be worked out.

The Museum is physically located at: 18876 Alabama Avenue, Ida, Louisiana (Northwest Caddo Parish)

To schedule a visit and for any comments or questions contact:

Clyde H. "Smokie" Maddox

P.O. Box 268

Ida, Louisiana 71044

(318) 469-1060  cell

email: chmaddox@cs.com

Sep 23, 2022 

Louisiana Tech University and United Aviate Thursday announced a partnership designed to benefit Louisiana Tech students in the Professional Aviation and Aviation Management programs.

Aviate is United’s pilot career development program, offering aspiring and established pilots a path to the United flight deck.

“We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to engage with an industry leader like United Airlines,” said Col. Tom Garza, Aviation Professor. “Thanks to United Aviate, our students have a clear path to pursuing their dream careers.”

“We’re excited to welcome Louisiana Tech University as a United Aviate university partner, benefiting former, current and future Louisiana Tech students in their journeys to becoming professional pilots,” said Michael Bonner, Managing Director of Aviate & Pilot Strategy at United. “Louisiana Tech’s national reputation for a high-quality aviation education aligns with our pilot recruitment strategy.”

Former and current Louisiana Tech Aviation students and instructors who apply and are successful in the Aviate selection process will join the program, receive a conditional job offer from United, and enjoy thebenefits from the defined path to a lifelong career at United.

“This program will help our students gain a leg up in the competitive airline industry,” said Dean Karl Puljak of the College of Liberal Arts. “We know that the demand for qualified and motivated pilots is high, and it will continue to grow.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. About 18,100 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

“Louisiana Tech is proud to be only one of a handful of universities United has chosen to partner with,” said Dr. Les Guice, Tech President. “Our students have the very qualities United searches for, and our campus culture – including our Tech Tenets – aligns with the core service behaviors and commitment to excellence United expects from all members of their flight and ground operations.”

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The numbers are in and thanks to Y O U we were able to present St. Mary's Residential Training School with a check for $155,000!  That exceeds our donation from the previous year.  We are truly blown away! 

Our fundraising event 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. We are SO very proud of what we have all accomplished together & are already busy planning our 2023 event. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

The Avionics Solutions team is proud to announce the opening of our new helicopter completions facility! We have worked tirelessly to position our company to best serve you, our customer. All fixed wing avionics, structures, and paint work will remain at our Lafayette Regional Airport facility. Our new facility, located at 3313 W. Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, La, will be home to our main office, helicopter avionics, structures, and paint work, as well as our wire harness shop. This facility is fly in / fly out. Our helicopter completions work includes avionics design and integration, mission system design and integration, structural repair, and modifications, to include, composite and fiber glass repair, full aircraft painting and paint touch up. We can’t thank our loyal customers enough for the relentless support as we strategically and organically grow our company. Our team is looking forward to serving you throughout the fixed and rotor wing sectors.

https://myavionicsteam.com/

Members of the Bayou State Escadrille and their Bell 47 Helicopter in Hammond, LA.

HAMMOND, LA (September 7, 2022) - Members of the Bayou State Escadrille, a young Commemorative Air Force Unit located north of New Orleans, traveled to San Marcos, Texas, to pick up their recently assigned Bell 47G4A helicopter. This Bell 47 is a single-rotor single-engine light helicopter and has the livery of a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) helicopter.

Bayou State Escadrille members are thrilled with the assignment of the aircraft which will be based at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport in Hammond, Louisiana. Several Unit members are helicopter pilots and mechanics, so this is a great fit for their location. The addition of the aircraft means they will have a project to rally around and will likely draw in new members from the community.

The CAF’s Bell 47 was donated to the organization in 2017. It’s unique to the fleet in that it is the CAF’s only flying helicopter and unlike most aircraft in the CAF’s fleet, is not a World War II-era aircraft. Including the Bell 47 in the fleet gives the CAF an opportunity to broaden the story of American military aviation, even extend into the Vietnam War era, because many of that generation’s helicopter pilots were trained in the type.

The CAF’s example is a Bell 47G-4A featuring a 310 horsepower Lycoming VO-540 was constructed in 1969 for the civilian market. It was operated extensively by a flight school until it was generously donated by a CAF Colonel. Due to its bubble canopy, the Bell 47 offers great all-around visibility, making it an ideal aircraft for sightseeing and living history flights.

Bayou State Escadrille Website:  https://www.bayoustateescadrille.org/

Louisiana's First Family of Float Flying, the Panepintos of Southern Seaplane, have been featured in the AOPA news a lot lately.  They were featured in a wonderful eight page article in the October issue of AOPA Pilot Magazine.  I hope that many of you have access to it and get a chance to read it. That is Lyle Panepinto and his daughter Lacy Charvet on the cover above.  Southern Seaplane, Inc. is located in Belle Chasse and is the Largest Seaplane Operation in the Gulf South.  They offer air tours, charters, seaplane instruction, fishing trips and maintenance services.

Website:  http://www.southernseaplane.com/

Facebook: Click HERE

They were featured in an AOPA Live video as well.

AOPA Live Video

Southern Seaplane in Belle Chasse, Louisiana offers seaplane flight instruction, fishing charters and sightseeing flights over New Orleans. Meet the family that keeps this small general aviation business growing and thriving.

To watch the video click HERE.

A year in review: The Lafayette Regional Airport 2021 Annual Report is available online at the link below.

https://bit.ly/3S66gF5

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

Allen Taylor

Airway Lighting & NAVAIDS Specialist

– Retirement

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.

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Chennault has completed a $4 million air cargo facility that is now available for lease.

Air cargo facility development, incentives, and specialized ground equipment purchases — in addition to land acquisition and remediation, and taxiway improvements — have produced a first-rate, cargo-ready airport.

“We have worked tirelessly to remove entry barriers for the air cargo industry,” said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton. “We have made investments in facilities, established a rich incentive program, and we will invest in ground equipment to support the industry. We are committed to share the risk associated with new markets.”

“Chennault is deeply committed to attract commercial air cargo,” said David Whitaker of DVW Aviation Advisor, who is consulting for the initiative. “In addition to the new facility and strong incentives, the novel ground support equipment program alleviating a significant capital burden for the industry is most impressive.”

ABOUT THE FACILITY

The facility includes a 1,000-square-foot office area and an expandable 9,000-square foot-warehouse. The adjacent aircraft parking apron is 127,000 square feet, able to accommodate all sizes of cargo aircraft. The facility was built to attract international cargo, in addition to domestic, and the airport will work with industry partners to help certify the building for international cargo clearance.

INCENTIVES

Chennault is offering a package of air cargo incentives with a potential value of $300,000-plus, including two years of free rent on the new air cargo facility with a five-year commitment. The airport will also waive landing fees for all commercial air cargo landings for two years, reflecting its strong commitment to collaboration.

GROUND EQUIPMENT

The airport also has approved the acquisition of more than $500,000 for specialized air cargo ground equipment to mitigate a capital expense that otherwise can be a barrier to start-up activity.

“The airport will work closely with industry partners regarding specific equipment needs for their operation and then help secure that equipment,” said Melton. “We are leaving no stone unturned.”

NATIONAL SITE OF CHOICE

Chennault International Airport is a former U.S. Air Force base that is now a complex for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services; high-end aircraft refinishing; and non-aerospace manufacturing. The major businesses at Chennault include Northrop Grumman, Citadel Completions, LandLocked Aviation Services, Louisiana Millwork/Masonite and Million Air. Chennault’s other advantages include its two-mile-long runway, its uncongested air and ground space, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and land available to expand.

IN PRINT: They were already showcased in Air Cargo Week about the completion of their air cargo facility, which is ready for a tenant.

See it on the page by clicking:  HERE

Airport Sponsors, Managers, and Industry Stakeholders,

I am excited and honored to announce that Joshua Duplantis has been selected as Assistant Aviation Director for the Office of Multimodal Commerce within the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Joshua is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a minor in Business Administration.  He began his career as an intern for our office in 2012.  Since then, Joshua has been promoted and risen through the ranks of aviation leadership through his initiatives and professional management of airport projects, inspections, and assigned programs. 

Joshua will lead the Aviation Safety Program and the Aviation Development Program within our office.  Joshua’s primary responsibilities include administration of the 5010 Airport Safety Inspection and Registration Program, administration of the Airport Construction and Development Priority Program, and the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program.  Joshua’s experience and education allow for the Department to continue to build upon relationships and establish enhanced best practices in developing the aviation program of the future for our state airport system.  Joshua will provide planning expertise and bring a national perspective to ensure that Louisiana airport development gains early airport sponsor and community involvement to produce infrastructure and facilities that are in high-demand, right-sized, fit-for-purpose, and cost effective to develop, operate, and maintain for the overall system.

Considering the challenges facing the aviation industry and state in terms of recruiting and retaining talent, Joshua serves on an industry recognized board through his affiliation with his alma mater Louisiana Tech University.  Joshua will assume the chairmanship this fiscal year of the Louisiana Tech University Aviation Advisory Board.  Through his role, Joshua will lead industry leading representatives from Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Lockheed Martin, Davis Aircraft, Louisiana Aircraft, and Excel Aviation, to name a few, in stakeholder engagements on national issues such as pilot shortages, UAM, AAM, aircraft mechanic shortages, pilot education, aviation training, and electric aircraft issues, impacting aviation throughout the United States and Louisiana.

Please help me in congratulating Joshua on his new role.   

Respectfully

Bradley R. Brandt

Aviation Director

Office of Multimodal Commerce

Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development

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Pictured Left to right, Director Hollie Boudreaux, Curator Roy Bullock, Kevin Melton, and COO Judge Stout.

Chennault International Airport Executive Director Kevin Melton was hosted by Chennault Aviation and Military Museum’s, COO Judge Stout; Director Hollie Boudreaux; and Curator Roy Bullock.  The purpose was to develop relationships and find opportunities to tie the rich aviation histories of Lake Charles and Monroe together with stronger relationships.  If you have not been to the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, it is a MUST ATTEND.  Led by a knowledgeable and caring staff, this gem of North Louisiana is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the history of Maj Gen Claire Chennault and how his patriotic leadership and his Flying Tigers turned the tide on the Asian front during WWII.  The museum offers a large variety of military and aviation artifacts ranging from the Civil War to modern day.  It is a great place for all ages to spend the day to learn about Chennault and the Monroe, Louisiana’s aviation and military history that had world-wide impact.  Missed and unable to attend is the Museum’s CEO/President Nell Calloway who is the grand-daughter of Maj Gen Claire and wife, Anna Chennault. 

NTSB issue the preliminary report into an accident involving a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, N17747, that occurred on August 18, 2022, near Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR/KBTR), Baton Rouge, Louisiana:

On August 18, 2022, about 0852 central daylight time, a Beech F33A airplane, N17747, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the purpose of the intended flight was to remain in the airport traffic pattern and practice landings; however, shortly after takeoff the pilot determined instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and requested an instrument flight rules clearance to return to the airport for a full stop landing. The pilot was given radar vectors to join the instrument landing system (ILS) runway 22R approach. After aligning with the localizer inbound to the runway, the pilot extended the landing gear and selected 15° of wing flaps.

The pilot reported that the airplane was high on the glideslope when it descended below the clouds about 1,500 ft mean sea level (msl). He reduced engine power and decreased airplane pitch to increase the airplane’s descent rate. When the airplane was about 1,100 ft msl he further reduced engine power, but after a “small bump” the airplane had a total loss of engine power that was confirmed by referencing the engine intake manifold pressure gauge. The pilot was unable to restore engine power after he increased the throttle and mixture controls, checked both magnetos, and engaged the starter motor.

The pilot declared an emergency with the air traffic controller and made a forced landing in a grass area short of runway 22R. The airplane clipped trees and bounced during the forced landing, during which the fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that the airplane departed with 34 gallons of fuel and that the duration of the flight was about 12 minutes.

The airplane wreckage was recovered to a secured location where an examination will be completed.

Monday, August 29, 2022

Baton Rouge- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Section is releasing a new program aimed toward driving tourism to Louisiana airports. The Louisiana Airport Passport Program, formerly known as Fly Louisiana, is designed to encourage pilots and aviation enthusiasts to visit airports throughout the state.

The Louisiana Airport Passport Program supports general aviation, local businesses and tourism in the state of Louisiana by promoting safety and education by encouraging recreational flights to all participating public use airports in the state. Participants who sign up for the app and complete certain incentives have the opportunity to win prizes such as aviation patches, flight bags, shirts and even a flight jacket.

“Other state DOT’s across the country have similar programs and have seen much success over the years,” said Renee Lapeyrolerie, DOTD Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce. “Everyone can participate in this program, not just pilots. It is our hope to encourage aviation throughout the state and even open the door for others to learn about this exciting industry.”

Any licensed pilot from any state, their passengers and aviation enthusiast can register. Participants can create an account by downloading the AOPA app from all devices and then select the Louisiana Airport Passport Program. Participants will get credit by checking-in to any of the participating public use airports throughout the state, as well as visiting aviation attractions, attending safety seminars and bonus activities that include flying to seaplane bases and visiting out of state airports, to name a few.

“This is an exciting opportunity to connect with pilots and passengers of Louisiana and surrounding states,” said DOTD Assistant Aviation Director Josh Duplantis. “At DOTD Aviation, our focus is on airport infrastructure, and rightly so, but the Louisiana Airport Passport Program offers anyone and everyone the opportunity to engage with Louisiana’s airports and other aviation attractions and collect some pretty sweet rewards while doing it. I encourage everyone to participate; you never know what you might find or learn out there!”

Additionally, the Southern Air Heritage Foundation in Tallulah and the Commemorative Air Force- Big Easy Wing in New Orleans have both donated a ride in one of their aircraft to participants that have signed up for the Fly Louisiana app. Two winners will be randomly selected in May 2023 and the first 100 participants are eligible for the drawing.

The Louisiana Airport Passport Program app is scheduled to be available September 15.

To see the announcement on the DOTD Website Click…..HERE

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Erin Williams has always been into flying and his love of aviation is landing him in the history books. He is the first African-American to become a pilot with Louisiana State Police.  “I always wanted to fly,” said Williams. “So, I kinda did it in the latter part of my life. I got my first lesson in 1990.”

He’s been a state trooper for nearly 18 years. Now he’s joining an elite group of only eight pilots statewide. In his new position, he will help patrol the state from the skies instead of the roads.  LSP pilots are also called on to assist in searches for prison escapees and possible missing persons cases.

Williams hopes to inspire the pilots of tomorrow. He hosted a STEM summer camp in Hammond for five years.  As his career takes him to new heights, Williams hopes others will land on a career in aviation.

“You can go places and that’s one of the things I try to instill in the youth. Hey, you can do it. There’s nothing, not too many things you can’t do if you put your mind on it,” said Williams.

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Chad Hebert loves watching people’s faces as they fly in a hot air balloon for the first time. 

“That moment when you first break over the tree line while climbing to altitude and see fear leave their face and excitement set in—there’s nothing like it,” he says. 

Ballooning is a long-held tradition in Hebert’s family. Every weekend at Really Hot Air Balloon Adventures, three generations of the family and their friends take riders into the air. In bright yellow balloons, they lift off into clear, golden skies over Zachary.

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To read the August edition of the Bayou State Escadrille Nouvelles click

HERE

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

Louisiana aviation legend Charlie Hammonds is featured on the last page of the September AOPA PILOT magazine.  I’ve been very fortunate to spend some time chatting with Charlie over the years and visiting his wonderful museum in Houma.  If you haven’t done that yet you need to.  To read the article click…

HERE

Photo taken by 1st Lt Anne Calvert

Aircrews and ground teams with Civil Air Patrol’s Louisiana Wing are conducting an exercise to demonstrate the wing’s readiness for the 2022 Hurricane Season.

Their mission is to gather aerial and ground-level photos and data which can be used by FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

The exercise includes extensive ground and aerial sorties, photographing simulated areas of severe wind damage and flooding in the Greater Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area. The flights were launched from the Louisiana Wing Headquarters at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.

“These exercises are vital to our wing’s mission readiness, especially during the peak of hurricane season.” Said Colonel Mike Dubois – Emergency Services Training Officer, Louisiana Wing.

Acting as a Total Force partner and as the United States Air Force auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol helps the First Air Force rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

The Louisiana Wing operates nine single-engine aircraft, some equipped with special camera and navigation systems for generating precise, high-definition photos. When called into service, these aircraft are flown by a crew of three — a pilot, an observer and a scanner/photographer.

The collected imagery and its embedded data are immediately processed and converted into both 2D and 3D images that can be used by FEMA and GOHSEP emergency managers for planning and expediting recovery efforts.

"The Louisiana Wing has a long and distinguished history of responding to requests for assistance following disastrous hurricanes.” said, Maj. Tracy Breithaupt, Incident Commander for the exercise. “We are here to apply our unique capabilities in support of post recovery efforts.”

We would like to take a moment to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating our 20th anniversary. We had one of our charter members, Paul Jackson in attendance, and 3 of The City of Leesville - Municipal Government city council members, Chris Robertson, Willie Kennedy, and Phillip Hunt, in attendance. We enjoyed seeing every one of you. We had a surprise guest, Wilson J. Brown fly into the meeting in the Cirrus that’s pictured. Big congrats to him and his wife on their new baby! Our scholarship recipient was also in attendance Mr. Wesley Felice and his mother Carolyn. We look forward to many more years with this club, and if you weren’t able to make this meeting, our next one is September 3rd at Jasper Airport aka Outlaw Country. Flyers beware, should be lots of fun, and if you’re not there, Mike Lout is definitely going to be telling lies about you. Mike also promised he wouldn’t make chili. And Ralph said he would go since there’s not going to be any chili.  A huge thank you is owed to Becca's Bakery for the catering and the cake. And thank you to Kevin Mock for asking your wife Tammy take our big group photo.

WC-130J from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler AFB. Photo: Alex H

BY BRANTSEN GILL 

Civil Air Patrol has been a long-time ally to the U.S. Armed Forces dating back to 1941. From assisting in coastal patrol to performing life saving missions, this U.S. Airforce Auxiliary has saved many lives and continues to save lives today. Another part of their mission is cadet programs in which they train and develop "tomorrow's leaders". 

Part of this program is a week-long event known as encampment in which cadets have the opportunity to face a challenge larger than themselves, which includes physical fitness, aerospace education, learning how to lead, and becoming a more disciplined individual. During the week they will also get to explore military career options such as piloting, security forces, and many more. Amidst the training, these youth will have the chance to make friends that will last a lifetime and come out with a confidence and level of dignity knowing they accomplished their goal.

The volunteer organization recently took on another adventure in their Louisiana Wing (LAWG) where cadets attended the week long LAWG 2022 Summer Encampment at Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. From July 16-24, 2022, these cadets had the opportunity to see many career options in the USAF, one of which was the 53rd WRS "Hurricane Hunters" which operates a fleet 10 specially modified Lockheed Martin C-130Js which are known as WC-130Js.

Stemming from 1944 when Joseph P. Duckworth flew a T-6 Texan into a hurricane "just to prove it could be done", the Hurricane Hunters have saved thousands of lives with their integrative skills and technology. The Airforce Reserve Squadron wanted to share their history and passion with the Civil Air Patrol by taking the cadets of Louisiana Wing Encampment on the flight of a lifetime on board the very unique WC-130Js. Cadets were able to sit in the very seats of the Hurricane Hunters and climb aboard for a flight along the Gulf of Mexico where they were able to enter the cockpit, talk with the crew, and enjoy the views from this fantastic aircraft. From the smallest of cadets to the largest of cadets, there were smiles all around, even the aircrew were smiling.

This part of aviation is what drives the aviation community, sharing this wonderful world with others big and small, and hoping that one day they become the next aviators of this world. The best part about aviation is sharing the passion that we all possess and seeing smiles from everyone around you. There truly is no world like the world of aviation.

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RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - New information has been released from the NTSB about a cropduster that crashed Tuesday afternoon near Cheneyville, which killed the pilot.

The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the pilot’s name was Gill Pias.

According to the NTSB, the cropduster was an Air Tractor AT-502. An NTSB investigator was at the scene Wednesday to survey the site. We’re told the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. Part of the investigation will be to request radar data, weather information, maintenance records and the pilot’s medical records. NTSB investigators will look at the pilot, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation.

The preliminary report, which includes all the factual information learned to date, is expected to publish 15 days after the accident. We’re told at this early stage that NTSB does not state a cause, but will provide that information when available.

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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.

The Shreveport Soaring Club has received a proclamation from Governor Edwards recognizing their 50 Anniversary…..

1st Lt. Ron Naquin pilots the drone while Cadet Technical Sergeant Alexis Jones acts as technician. Photo Credit- 2Lt Casie Jones CAP

By 1st Lt. Anne Calvert, CAP

July 18, 2022 – Abita Springs, Louisiana – Early in the morning of June 18 members of the Louisiana Wing Civil Air Patrol, St. Tammany Composite Squadron gathered at the St. Tammany Regional Airport to conduct Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flight training.  Starting at approximately 9:00 am cadets and senior members prepared to launch their drones.

Temperatures were in the low-mid 90’s with clear skies. Hurricane season began June 1, and local CAP volunteers prepared with hands-on training to assist local and state agencies in disaster recovery. The drone program will add an additional dimension to the disaster recovery resources of the CAP.

First Lieutenant Ronald Naquin launched his drone with Cadet Technical Sgt. Alexis Jones acting as technician. Naquin successfully completed two maneuvering trials and captured a total of 37 photos.  He flew a DJI Mavic Air 2 drone and a DJI Mavic 2 Pro machine. Naquin completed the necessary tasks required by CAP requirements obtaining his qualification as an sUAS Instructor and Check Pilot.

Lieutenant Colonel Don DuCote, a resident of Covington, led a flight class using the St. Tammany Composite Squadron’s DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone. Drone pilots were able to log over two hours of flight time. The flight course used was the NIST Standard open lane course, which consists of a takeoff/landing pad and four ‘omni stands’ spaced at approximately a 15 foot interval. “Drones are now an essential part of today’s economy” said Col. DuCote, “They have helped fight fires, locate missing people, and deliver vital supplies like medicine and medical equipment. Our cadets are preparing to use this technology to serve our communities in the future.”

CAP conducts flights photographing hurricane and other disaster affected lands and waterways. Hundreds of hours are spent in the air and thousands of images are captured. They are then delivered to customer agencies such as the FEMA and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) as well as other state and local agencies, which will use them in assessing damage after a storm.

NEW ORLEANS – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) announced today that Henrietta Brown, A.A.E., Deputy Director of Aviation – Finance and Administration, has been elected to Board of Directors of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization representing 7,000 airport professionals across the world.

“As the aviation industry moves beyond pandemic to a brighter future ahead, AAAE is fortunate to have another group of exceptional airport executives who have pledged their time, energy, and talent to help guide the Association forward,” said AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli. “On behalf of the AAAE team, I congratulate these leaders for the recognition they have earned from their peers across the country and thank them for their commitment to our organization and the airport industry.”

The 26-member AAAE Board of Directors hold direct responsibility for establishing the policy and direction of the association. The AAAE Board of Directors is elected by the membership to represent their interests, and the individuals who hold these key leadership roles reflect the strength of AAAE as an organization with service at airports of all sizes and in all parts of the country.

“We are extremely proud that Henrietta Brown will take on this key national role with AAAE,” said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for MSY. “This is a critical time for the aviation industry with airports across the country facing major challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. We are fortunate to have her helping the industry navigate this crisis while also advocating for the needs of the New Orleans region.”

In December, Brown earned the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by AAAE after successfully completing a three-phase accreditation process. Before joining the Board of Directors, Brown served as chair of AAAE’s Finance and Administration Committee from 2020-2022.

As MSY’s Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, Brown is responsible for the finance, accounting, concessions and other administrative divisions of the Airport. She participated on the bond transaction teams for the one of the new parking garages as well as two cost-savings bond refunding transactions. Brown has more than twenty years of finance and administration experience, with 13 of those years at mid-size airports in progressively responsible management roles.

Brown said, “I am grateful for this opportunity to offer my time and expertise to AAAE’s Board of Directors to help the organization make advancements in this dynamic industry. Thank you to my peers across the nation for electing me to this esteemed position.”

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Shreveport Soaring Club celebrated 50 years of soaring in Louisiana since it started in 1972 near Shreveport. At its home base, Gilliam Airport, it awarded three awards to its only surviving founding members shown below, (from left to right), Wayne Crank, Jr., Hugh Hunton, and Ralph Forrester. Over 20 people attended and 4 new members signed up. The Club offers glider ratings for members and two place and single seat gliders and a Cessna 182 and winch flying. 

For more information contact Glenn C. McGovern Secretary 504 908 1404 or at glenn@glennmcgovern.com.

Baton Rouge Metro Airport has been awarded a $5.2 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to replace passenger boarding bridges, making them more accessible and reliable.

The airport was one of two in Louisiana to be included in the first round of FAA grants announced Thursday, which total $1 billion. Lake Charles Regional Airport is set to get $2.5 million, which will also be used for bridge improvements.

“Those bridges are over 20 years old and we’ve been looking for the last four years for sources to fund a replacement,” said Mike Edwards, director of aviation at Baton Rouge Metro.

Along with the FAA funds, the airport is set to get a matching grant of about $300,000 from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Trust Fund. That will allow Baton Rouge Metro to replace at least five of the six airport bridges, Edwards said.

The plan is to put the work out for bid in the fourth quarter and hopefully start construction by summer 2023, he said. The bridges need to be custom-made.

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

Bill Cotter

CEO Bill Cotter to retire after 23 years with HCPHC

KILN, MISS. – Hancock County Port and Harbor CEO William “Bill” Cotter recently announced he plans to retire at the end of year after 23 years of service.

Cotter has served with Port and Harbor for over two decades in various roles, including Stennis International Airport Director, agency chief operations officer and, since 2021, CEO.

“After a lifelong career in aviation and economic development, I’ve decided it’s time to take break and refocus my energy,” Cotter said. “My wife and I plan to enjoy retirement and spend more time with our children and grandchildren.”

During his tenure as airport director, Cotter helped guide Stennis Airport’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina and coordinated the airfield activities during the BP Deepwater Horizon response. Since 2005, he has overseen nearly $40 million in capital improvements at the airport including the construction of the air traffic control tower, aircraft hangars and the terminal building. As COO, Port Bienville Industrial Park’s existing docks were refurbished and improved, and construction began on a new 600-foot dock, which is expected to be completed later this year.

Among other accomplishments, Cotter was instrumental in attracting a line of companies that resulted in Tyonek Service Group’s operation to Hancock County. The Department of Defense contractor performs maintenance, repair and overhaul operations for military aircraft. It is one of 30 companies at the port and airport that together employ nearly 1,000 people.  Cotter is also credited with bringing the United States military operations support to Hancock County. 

“Economic development is really about creating opportunities for our neighbors to grow. When I look at the hangars and buildings, I’m impressed by the work we’ve done at Port and Harbor. But when I think about the hundreds of employees and the families they support, when I see them around town at shops and restaurants, I’m proud of the impact we have had to make Hancock County one of the best places to live,” Cotter said. “I thank the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission and County Board of Supervisors, past and present, for the support over the years.  It has allowed us to grow the airport and port into the economic engines they are today.”

The Port and Harbor Commission accepted Cotter’s retirement and recommended current COO Blaine LaFontaine as the next CEO beginning January 1, 2023. The Hancock County Board of Supervisors voted July 5 to accept the recommendation.

“Hancock County and entire region benefited from Bill’s dedicated service,” LaFontaine said. “Over the next six months we will continue working together to ensure a seamless transition. We have exciting opportunities ahead and will continue to build on the success that Bill’s leadership has brought.”

LaFontaine joined HCPHC as Chief Operations Officer/Port Director in March 2021. In his current role, LaFontaine is responsible for overseeing the organization's ongoing operations and procedures along with development at Port Bienville Industrial Park.

Blaine LaFontaine 

Pictured Left to Right: Cadet Airman Izaiah Pellerin, Cadet Airman Malachi Pellerin, Cadet Senior Airman Samantha Jordan, Cadet Airman 1st Class Daniel Escobar

Picture by Lawrence Pellerin

By: 2nd Lt Tracy Jordan, CAP

Lake Charles, La., July 3 – Cadets from Civil Air Patrol’s Lake Charles Composite Squadron served as color guard at Trinity Baptist Church’s annual I Love America celebration on July 3.

The squadron’s cadets learn and practice color guard procedures at their regular Tuesday meetings and have been honored to serve at several local events. The practice brings a feeling of pride and stability to a group that has worked hard to get back to normal after the events of the past few years.

This event was Cadet Airman 1st Class Daniel Escobar’s first time to serve as rifle guard. He said that he wanted to serve on the color guard because he enjoys working with a smaller unit and likes the idea of defending his country’s flag.

Cadet Airmen Malachi and Izaiah Pellerin frequently join the squadron’s color guard with their brother, Cadet Airman Eli Pellerin. For the brothers, serving their country and honoring their flag is simply a daily way of life.

Cadet Senior Airman Samantha Jordan has served several times now and said that veterans frequently approach her to say thank you.

After the service, the cadets and their families joined in the festivities and enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. 

World Atlantic Airlines MD-83 Main Landing Gear Failure | 04.20.18

3,597 views  Jun 29, 2022  

On April 20, 2018, at about 1420 central daylight time, a Caribbean Sun Airlines Inc., dba World Atlantic Airlines, MD83, N807WA, experienced a right main landing gear failure during its landing roll at Alexandria International Airport (KAEX), Alexandria, Louisiana. Due to the gear failure, the aircraft's right wing dragged on the runway, creating a friction fire which was quickly extinguished by airport rescue and firefighting personnel. The airplane was substantially damaged and there were no injuries to the 101 passengers and crew aboard. The L1 emergency slide was activated but did not deploy during the evacuation. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a domestic passenger flight from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport (KORD), Chicago, Illinois, to KAEX.

The takeoff, climb, cruise, and descent portions of the flight were uneventful. The first officer was the pilot flying for the visual approach and landing on runway 14 at KAEX. Examination of the flight data recorder (FDR) data showed that the airspeed, attitude, and descent rate for the landing were similar to previous landings. After landing, the right main landing gear (RMLG) cylinder fractured and collapsed aft and the airplane settled onto the right wing and flaps. The crew was able to stop the airplane on the runway about 7,000 feet from the approach end and called for an emergency evacuation due to a suspected fire on the right wing.

The flight attendants opened the two forward and two aft doors for the evacuation. The escape slide at the left forward door (L1) did not deploy or inflate for the evacuation due to the depletion of the gas charge in the reservoir. The reservoir depleted due to a leak in the valve assembly and was not caught during multiple inspections since installation of the slide assembly in the airplane. The landing gear cylinder fractured under normal landing loads due to the presence of a fatigue crack on the forward side of the cylinder in an area subject to an AD inspection for cracks. The most recent AD inspection of the cylinder was performed 218 landings prior when the fatigue crack was large enough to be detectable. A previous AD inspection performed 497 landings prior to the accident also did not detect the crack that would have been marginally detectable at the time.

The passengers and crew evacuated the airplane using the three doors with inflated slides. There were no injuries reported by the passengers or crew during the evacuation.

To watch the video click….HERE

A color guard from the St. Tammany Composite Squadron includes, from left, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Edward Braithwaite (behind the flag); Cadet Maj. Sebastian Miskimmin; Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Lillian Pittman; and Cadet Master Sgt. Aimee Calvert

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANNE CALVERT

Family and friends gathered at the Metairie Cemetery on Memorial Day to remember Civil Air Patrol’s 1st Lt. Frederick S. “Freddy” Englert, a pilot during World War II who lost his life while on a simulated bombing mission for the U.S. Army during the war. At the ceremony, CAP’s Louisiana Wing was honored to posthumously award Englert a Congressional Gold Medal. 

Members and cadets of CAP’s St. Tammany Composite Squadron presented the colors, while retired Air Force Master Sgt. James LaChute presided. The invocation was offered by CAP Maj. Frontis Ergle; retired Air Force Col. Gordon Greaney described Englert’s heroic actions as a CAP pilot; and a memorial plaque was unveiled that will be permanently attached to the headstone.

Englert was stationed at Coastal Patrol Base 9 on Grand Isle in the 1940s where he flew missions with the Civil Air Patrol searching for German U-boats and locating the survivors of U-boat attacks. Members of this coastal base were called the "Fighting Nine," and they were experienced at spotting injured crews and passengers of torpedoed ships clinging for life in the unpredictable waters of the Gulf.

More than 2,000 volunteers made up the CAP during World War II, including pilots, mechanics, doctors, homemakers and clerks who gave freely of their time and resources. They used their own planes, tools, and radios and donated spare parts to keep everything running.

In total, CAP Coastal Patrol aircrews spotted U-boats 173 times and made 57 attacks on them. They reported 91 ships in distress and 363 survivors of U-boat attacks. Twenty-six CAP volunteers lost their lives and ninety Coastal Patrol aircraft were lost.

The medal awarded Englert was designed and struck by the U.S. Mint and has been awarded collectively to members of Civil Air Patrol who served in World War II. It recognizes the humanitarian, combat, and national services CAP members gave during a critical time in the nation's history.

Englert was born in Mississippi City,  moved to New Orleans at the age of 10 and was a member of CAP when it began operations at Coastal Patrol Base 9. 

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The Red, White & Blue Airshow took place on June 17-18 at the Monroe Regional Airport.  The attendance was very good considering the record heat that was taking place that weekend.  There was a wide variety of outstanding performers as you can see from the photos below.  Hopefully a lot of money was raised for the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and the Southern Heritage Air Foundation.

All of these beautiful photos were done by Nick Butler.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team - The Golden Knights.

Sam Graves in the P-40, Dan Fordice in the P-51, Frank Kimmel in the Corsair.

Robby Grice in his Stearman.

USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team

Stephen Covington in his Raptor Pitts

Kevin Coleman in his Red Bull Extra.

Ken Pietsch in his Interstate Cadet

The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team

To read an Flying Magazine interview with Louisiana Aviation Legend Corkey Fornof click….HERE.

C/Airman Ayden Martin assists with marshalling planes at Rockin’ on the Runway.

Photo by: C/Senior Master Sgt. Brantsen Gill, CAP.

By: 2nd Lt. Tracy Jordan, CAP

Lake Charles, La., June 15 – Cadets from Civil Air Patrol’s Lake Charles Composite Squadron recently served at the “Rockin’ on the Runway” charity airshow in Sunset, La.

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Abby Rougeau, Cadet Senior Airman Allyssa Rougeau, Cadet Airman Izaiah Pellerin, and Cadet Airman Malachi Pellerin served as color guard. Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Brantsen Gill, Cadet Airman Eli Pellerin, and Cadet Airman Ayden Martin performed marshalling duties using visual cues to lead aircraft to their parking locations. The cadets also assisted with crowd control.

“Rockin' on the Runway” was created to raise funds and awareness for special needs children and young adults residing at St. Mary's Residential Training School in Alexandria, La. Over 200 Louisiana children and young adults with developmental disabilities live and attend classes at that School.

In addition to the air show, the event included a car show, food vendors, and live music.

Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft and 2,250 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of all search and rescue operations within the contiguous United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 108 lives last year. CAP’s 56,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education resources. Members also serve as mentors to over 23,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs.

Visit www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force held a hot, busy, fun Father's Day Weekend Open House this past weekend at the Lakefront Airport. Pilot Mike Scott gave a number of folks a beautiful open cockpit experience over the Crescent City in the wing’s Stearman.  Passengers included some dads, military guys and even a 91 year old man and an adventurous 93 year old lady. She loved it!!!  There were several other activities and displays in the hangar for the young and old to enjoy as you can see in the photos.

Thanks to all of the wing members who worked so hard on a very hot weekend to share aviation with the folks who came out to the event.

For more info on joining the Big Easy Wing and to book a ride in their Stearman click:

https://bigeasywing.org/

In the second round of the 2022 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) awards, the FAA awarded $518?million to build safer, more accessible airports across the country. This includes 416 grants to airports across the U.S. to fund a variety of projects such as the construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield elements like lighting or signage, and purchasing equipment needed to operate and maintain airports.

The FAA has awarded a total of $1.1 billion of the $3.2 billion total funding available in Fiscal Year 2022. A complete listing of grants is on the FAA website. You can also view an interactive map here with all the awards. 

Here are the grants that were announced for Louisiana Airports:

Congratulations to Pat Donahue for receiving the FAA Wright Brother’s “Master Pilot” Award on June 10, at the Bogalusa AIrport.  It was presented by BTR FSDO Manager Rick Ebert. Also in attendance was FAASTeam Manager MIchael Hall as well as family and friends. Pat is the 76th pilot to receive this award in Louisiana.

The Wright Brother’s “Master Pilot” Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award is named after the Wright brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as “Master Pilots”. A distinctive certificate and lapel pin, and the airman’s Blue Ribbon package is issued after application review and eligibility requirements have been met. Upon request, a stickpin similar in design to the lapel pin is also provided to the award recipient’s spouse in recognition of his or her support to the recipient’s aviation career. Once the award has been issued, the recipient’s name, city and state will be added to a published “Roll of Honor” which you can see by clicking HERE .

Photo By Ferdara Mark Broussard- Hubbard

Another Rockin' On The Runway is in the books!  This year ran even smoother than I could have imagined.  That is in no small part due to the AMAZING volunteers we had supporting us during our planning throughout the year, 4 day set up, & two day event. Each year we will continue to learn & grow from our experiences. I am so very proud of what we all accomplished together!

Also, shout out to our INCREDIBLE sponsors. We had many repeat supporters & so many new!  Thanks to you, we exceeded our sponsorship numbers from last year. Our event would NOT be possible without your selflessness & continued support.

I am so humbled, grateful, & excited to be a part of the growth & success of Rockin' On The Runway.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Want to learn more about Rockin' On The Runway & why we do what we do?  I'd love to chat with you!  You can also find us @rotrla or www.rotr-la.com

Taylor Chauvin Elliott

To see more photos from Photographer Ferdara Mark Broussard-Hubbard on Facebook click….HERE

To see more photos by Photographer Joe Richard on Facebook click….

HERE

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

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

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) Executive Director Steven Picou, A.A.E., was recently elected as Secretary/Treasurer of the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SCCAAAE). The chapter election was held at its annual meeting, which took place in Corpus Christi, Texas, at this year’s conference. Twelve officers and board members were elected to the SCCAAAE for 2022-2023.

Picou has served as the Executive Director of Aviation for LFT since 2015. 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 American Association of Airport Executives.

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 and more. He also supervised the construction of the landmark new LFT Terminal Project, which began in November 2018 and was completed in January of this year.

The South Central Chapter of AAAE is a professional association comprised of individuals and businesses involved in the management of airports in the midwest, southwest, southern regions of the United States and Central America.

June 1, 2022 - 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 the medics at a celebration held in Lafayette on Thursday, June 2.

Paramedic Jacob Musumeche represents Acadian Air Med and was a finalist for the top honors.

Musumeche is a native of New Iberia. He has been with Acadian since 2001, starting as an EMT with Acadian Ambulance. He earned his paramedic certification in 2003 and joined Acadian Air Med in 2014. He currently works out of Lafayette.

Musumeche has been a huge asset to the Air Med team, taking pride in both his work and in striving to make the program better. He helps precept new employees and is involved with the Air Med Safety Committee.

“While those are accomplishments unto themselves, Jacob’s actions during the pandemic is what helps set him apart from his peers,” says Program Director Marc Creswell. Musumeche has assisted with both Acadian and Safety Management Systems COVID response assignments over the past two years. 

Musumeche’s flight partner says, “Jacob always shows up to work with a positive attitude and treats all his patients with care and compassion. He makes us laugh often.” 

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.

To view all of Acadian’s regional paramedics and EMTs of the year click: HERE

Lafayette Regional Airport and Executive Director Recognized at SCCAAAE Conference

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) and Executive Director Steven Picou, A.A.E., were recently recognized at the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SCCAAAE) conference in Corpus Christi, Texas. Picou received the Airport Project Award for the New LFT Terminal and the Commercial Service Airport Award on behalf of LFT.

Picou has served as the Executive Director of Aviation for LFT since 2015. He holds a degree in Professional Aviation from Louisiana Tech University and is a commercial/instrument rated pilot. He is also an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

In a career spanning over 25 years, he has held key leadership positions in the aviation industry that include oversight of airport facilities and operations, management of construction projects and more. Picou also supervised the construction of the landmark new LFT Terminal Project, which began in November 2018 and was completed in January of this year.

The South Central Chapter of AAAE is a professional association comprised of individuals and businesses involved in the management of airports in the midwest, southwest, southern regions of the United States and Central America.

The pilot of a plane that crashed in Lafayette and killed five of the six people aboard in December 2019 became spatially disoriented and lost control of the plane, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded in its final report. 

The small passenger plane was bound for Atlanta to watch the Louisiana State University football team play a semifinal game in the Peach Bowl when it crashed on Dec. 28, 2019, shortly after taking off from Lafayette Regional Airport. 

To read the full NTSB Report click:  HERE

To read the full article from The Daily Advertiser click: HERE

I competed in the 1-26 Glider Championships in Chilhowee, TN. The weather was a challenge. Lots of blue sky days so it is hard to find the thermals with no clouds. I had a battery failure and backup battery for the vario died. My handheld was near dead and I had to return to base. I landed and got the brand new battery that failed out the case. Then I took an old K2 lithium battery and hooked to to an extension chord and put a car charger on it for hours. The former dead battery took the charge and did not blow up. I put it in and it got me to 15 th place and I got a task and some points. I had a relight when I went to the ridge and that did not work. Landed and took off again asap. I got off. Got to a thermal and soared like a homesick angel to 3500 ft. I was racing and knew I could follow a line of invisible thermals. I hit a boomer and got to 5000 ft. Then it went from 3 knots to 1 knot and I got impatient. Mistake. I left and should have had another 1000 ft but I hoped to dolphin to the first and second task. Almost made it. Went over an area with all tall trees and no farmland or pasture. Held on and I landed out in Cleveland, TN. Hit my SPOT device and called retrieve center. I was told no one was available for a tow out or to drive my RoadTrek and trailer. I  waited for Judith's grandson and girlfriend, who she graciously loaned to me, to get me back. The roads were so steep going back to Chilhowee Google sent me on, we almost did not make it up a huge steep hill! I had the pedal to the metal and just made it!  It was like a rollercoaster up and down that hill. Then the turns were 270 degrees and we had to pass on some but made one of them with no room to spare. I learned a lot and finally got the technique to thermal in weak thermals in a 1-26 and how to work blue skies. I did more relights than anyone there . I can say I tried my best every day and one day did 6 relights. Can't wait until next year at Ceasar's Creek! I do need a crew though. Doing this all by yourself is too much and getting back may take all day for a ride back. - Glenn McGovern

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

Yesterday marks a historic day for U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans as they received their first of three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, the other two expected by July of this year.

The arrival included an overflight of downtown New Orleans by Cmdr. Keith Blair, Air Station New Orleans commanding officer to mark the historic occasion.

The addition of the MH-60s are a part of a Coast Guard rotary wing service life extension program and initiative to expand the capabilities of the Coast Guard Eighth District. The MH-60 Jayhawk is a multi-mission, medium-range helicopter used for search and rescue, law enforcement, military readiness and marine environmental protection missions.

Chennault International Airport was at the MRO Americas conference this week, keeping Chennault front-of-mind for the nation’s maintenance, repair and overhaul enterprises. Chennault is an emerging U.S. hub for world-class MRO work.

While making rounds at the MRO Americas trade show, Executive Director Kevin Melton visits with the Liberty University aircraft maintenance training program (below), which is competing in the maintenance competition here. He offered Chennault’s support and willingness to connect them with major airlines and other maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations, such as Citadel Completions.

Pictured left to right: Kailyn Viney; Col. James Viney, new commander of CAP’s Louisiana Wing; and Regina Viney.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Tracy Jordan

By: 2nd Lt. Tracy Jordan, CAP

Alexandria, La., April 13 – Lake Charles native James Viney was officially promoted to Colonel and sworn in as Commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Louisiana Wing at that organization’s annual banquet on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Col. Viney retired from the Lake Charles Police Department after serving for that organization for 30 years. Currently, he is an instructor at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy.

Col. Viney joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in the 70’s, later becoming a senior member. He served in multiple positions, including Commander of the Lake Charles Composite Squadron and Vice Commander of the Louisiana Wing.

He was sworn in by Colonel David Roberts, Vice Commander of CAP’s Southwest Region.

Col. Viney’s wife, Regina Viney, and granddaughter, Kailyn Viney, pinned on his new rank epaulets. Cadet Senior Airman Samantha Jordan, a member of the Lake Charles Composite Squadron, served as flag bearer for the ceremony.

Col. Viney says that he will call upon his past experiences in CAP and his professional career to do this job to the best of his ability, making Louisiana Wing the gold standard to which all other wings can aspire.

Pictured left to right: Col. David Roberts, Vice Commander of CAP’s Southwest Region; C/SrA Samantha Jordan; and Col. James Viney, new commander of CAP’s Louisiana Wing.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Tracy Jordan

By: 2nd Lt. Tracy Jordan, CAP

Alexandria, La. - Cadets from Civil Air Patrol’s Lake Charles Composite Squadron attended the Louisiana Wing Conference in Alexandria on Saturday, April 9, 2022. They attended various instructional sessions and participated in several social events. 

The conference culminated in a formal banquet where the cadets received several awards for their squadron. They also witnessed the swearing in of Lake Charles native Colonel James Viney as the new Louisiana Wing commander. Cadet Senior Airman Samantha Jordan was honored by being selected to serve as flag bearer for the Change of Command ceremony.

Awards received by Lake Charles Composite Squadron included the Quality Cadet Unit Award for years 2020 and 2021 and the Aerospace Education Achievement Award for 2021. 

Squadron senior members 1st Lt. Ryan Nelson and 2nd Lt. Tracy Jordan received honors for completing professional development levels. Jordan also received the Louisiana Wing Public Affairs Officer of the Year award for 2021 and a Commander’s Commendation. Another Commander’s Commendation was awarded to 2nd Lt. Robert Lequeux. 

Nelson was honored during a Commander’s Call on Sunday for outstanding assistance and support as a qualified inspector for the wing’s Subordinate Unit Inspection Program.

To read the Spring Pilots For Patients Newsletter click….HERE

April 7, 2022-- Acadian Air Med has promoted Sherri Wells to its Operations Manager position. She was most recently the division’s operations supervisor.

As the Operations Manager, Wells will work closely with Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier and Program Director Marc Creswell. She is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the command team of Acadian Air Med, Air Med Operational Control, and Metro Aviation operations and maintenance to ensure that Air Med is ready to respond when needed. She also coordinates all accreditation activities, customer relations and tactical growth of the division. 

Wells joined Acadian Ambulance in 1997 as an EMT in Hammond, LA. She became a paramedic in 2001 and joined Acadian Air Med in 2005. She has been involved in many aspects of the company, including ground operations, education, public relations and air operations. 

“Sherri is an integral asset to our Air Med operations. She has a deep understanding of the program and is committed to connecting with our crew members and staff who are located statewide. I look forward to seeing the program grow under her leadership,” said Michael Sonnier.

Wells attended LSU-Eunice and received her Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services with a Certificate of Technical Studies in Safety. She has been recognized as Acadian Air Med’s Paramedic of the Year in 2013 and 2018.

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.

To read the April Newsletter of the BIg Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force click HERE.

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

Metro Aviation and Piasecki Aircraft were pleased to announce today their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to further develop Piasecki’s upcoming PA-890 Pathfinder Electric helicopter, with its revolutionary Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric propulsion system.  The Pathfinder will be a seven-passenger, two hundred nautical mile compound helicopter. The Hydrogen Electric system, developed by Piasecki with its partner HyPoint, has a projected energy density that is five times that of today’s Lithium batteries. It will provide carbon-free vertical flight suitable to a wide range of applications, particularly Emergency Medical Services.  In addition to the fuel cell, the Pathfinder will feature a unique Piasecki-patented compound configuration, featuring an articulating wing and swiveling tail rotor, to maximize the helicopter’s efficiency in cruise flight, offering quantifiable reductions in noise and vibration.  The result will be a helicopter ideally suited for various mission profiles including EMS, law enforcement, corporate, airline, and cargo carriage, with direct operating costs 40% to 60% lower than today’s gas turbine-powered helicopters, all with no carbon emissions.

John Piasecki, CEO of Piasecki Aircraft, was enthusiastic about the new partnership: “Piasecki Aircraft is thrilled to be working with Metro Aviation to bring the voice of the customer to our design as it matures.  Metro offers us huge breadth and expertise in the technological advances of improving safe helicopter operations. They have also helped us understand the viewpoint of a very successful completion, repair, and overhaul facility, as well as one of the world’s most advanced helicopter flight training centers.  The background and depth Metro offers us during Pathfinder development – in all facets of the helicopter community – will be invaluable to us and our customers.”

Mike Stanberry, CEO of Metro Aviation, added, “Piasecki Aircraft’s legacy of innovation speaks for itself, and we are excited to work with them as they develop and commercialize this exciting new technology.  The Pathfinder is a transformative and credible step forward for vertical lift aviation. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Piasecki, sharing our expertise in helicopter completions, flight operations, maintenance, training, and support to help make the Pathfinder a truly transformational product for our industry and customers.  Metro has always been a leader in bringing new technology and innovation to the industry.  This step to bring affordable, carbon-free, quieter technology to the world of helicopters is timely and exciting.  We’re glad to be a part of it.”

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A small plane crashed Tuesday afternoon at Slidell Municipal Airport, but the two people aboard, an instructor and student, suffered only minor injuries, officials said.

The plane, a twin-engine Piper Seneca, is owned by Air Reldan Inc., a pilot training school and charter flight business that operates in New Orleans and Slidell. Owner Neil Nadler said the company has been operating from Slidell Airport for about three years.

Neil said the crash occurred on an instructional flight, and both the instructor and the student are commercially rated pilots. While it's not completely clear what happened, Nadler said it appears that the plane was landing.

"The instructional pilot did what he needed to do to keep everyone safe," he said.

Flight records show the twin-engine plane took off at 1:19 p.m. and crashed about an hour later.

READ MORE

Metro Aviation began in 1982 as a helicopter charter, flight training, and maintenance operation. Today, it is the largest traditional air medical operator and largest air medical completion center in the world, operating 155 aircraft for 39 programs across the United States. This year, the company commemorates its 40th anniversary by celebrating its rich history and tradition, focusing on bringing that tradition into the future.

“It’s unbelievable to be celebrating such a milestone this year, and I attribute our success to our employees,” said Metro Aviation President and CEO Mike Stanberry. “As a family-owned and family-oriented company who puts its employees and customers FIRST, we’ve been able to make great strides in safety and innovative technologies, unbound by constraints of shareholders or board members.”

Echoing his father’s sentiments, Metro co-owner and Director of Business Integration, Todd Stanberry added, “Metro is truly an industry disruptor.  We are not afraid to challenge the status quo, and we are really proud to have such an amazing family of employees and customers who not only share that vision, but partner with us to continually fulfill it.”

Metro Aviation’s tradition is lined with stories of quality, customer service, and an uncompromising commitment to safety, a standard that radiates throughout the company and is evidenced by many of Metro’s industry-first achievements. Metro was the first air medical operator to equip its entire fleet with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). In 2014, it was one of only three organizations to achieve Level IV of the FAA’s voluntary Safety Management System Pilot Project for Part 135 operators. Metro also may have been the first to utilize video recording in the cockpit, first rigged up in the 90s by Managing Director Milton Geltz with a camera from the local audiovisual store.

“I was just a kid when I came to work at Metro, and I have been blessed to be a part of this incredible journey,” said Metro COO Kenny Morrow.  “I have received an invaluable education from Mike, Milton, and our CFO since 1986, Jerry Segura.  As we look forward to the next forty years, we are committed to maintaining the traditional values that got us here – innovation, dedication to employees and customers, and an unrelenting drive to do the right thing all the time.”

Aside from its completions and operations business, Metro is also the parent company to PAC International and the Helicopter Flight Training Center. Metro first acquired Pennsylvania-based PAC ten years ago, realizing the company’s rich tradition dating back to 1976. PAC completes numerous aircraft for organizations across the country and serves as a completion center for Metro customers in the Northeast. In 2012, Metro opened the Helicopter Flight Training Center, catering to pilots, mechanics, and communication specialists. Together, the Metro Companies create a well-rounded brand to meet the needs of the helicopter community

Looking forward to the future, Metro Aviation is continuing to invest in safety initiatives and completion capabilities. The company welcomed three new operations customers in 2021, and its completion center is on track to complete nearly 35 aircraft in 2022.

READ MORE & WATCH VIDEO

Some members of KAPS community gather for a picture at the recent Wings and Wheels Fly-in with outgoing Airport Director Lisa Braud.  She retires at the end of the month after having worked 30 years with the Port.

They hate to see Lisa go but also wish her a long and happy retirement.  She has worked very hard to support and grow the airport community and she will definitely be missed.

It was a fun day at the Port of South Louisiana Airport on Saturday for the Wings and Wheels Fly-in.  Thirteen planes and 18 classic vehicles participated in the event.  People’s Choice Awards went to Tom Van Waardenburg with his 1948 North American Navion and to Rance and Karen Rayes with his 1957 Chevy Belair.  Thanks to all who came out to enjoy the day.

To see more photos on Facebook click… HERE

Aeronca 7CCM Champion, N555EK: Accident occurred March 04, 2022 at Winnsboro Municipal Airport (F89), Franklin Parish, Louisiana

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Aircraft departed, veered right and struck a tree. 

Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office -

Sheriff Kevin Cobb reports that at approximately 1012 hrs the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting an airplane crash at the Winnsboro Municipal Airport. 

Two male occupants were transported to the Franklin Medical Center for medical treatment.

At this time the crash is under investigation by the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office and has been reported to the National Transportation Safety Board for further investigation. 

Sheriff Cobb stated, "I am thankful both occupants were communicating to us after the accident and that those in the residential area were not impacted."

Read More

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

The Kopter SH09 single-engine helicopter that was to be built in Lafayette.

The company that had planned to employ 125 at the building that once housed Bell Helicopter in Lafayette has changed plans and terminated its lease on the building.

In a letter last year to members of the Lafayette Airport Commission, officials with Kopter AG Group offered to buy out the remainder of the lease that was set to end late next year on the 84,700-square-foot building near the Lafayette Regional Airport and not move forward on its plans to manufacture a new prototype at the building.

Kopter's move to Lafayette was first announced nearly three years ago. It had since been acquired by Leonardo Helicopters, which has a maintenance facility in Broussard, but operates autonomously.

The company cited the COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse of the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico as reasons for the change in plans.

“Despite all these obstacles, Kopter (and Leonardo) made a careful examination of how we could potentially draw from other ongoing business endeavors and integrate them into the benefits and advantages offered by the facility at the Lafayette airport,” the letter read.

“We found ourselves having the keys to an excellent new specialized facility that we would not be able to integrate into any of our business plans for better part of the next five years.”

A statement Friday from a Kopter spokesperson indicated the move was “primarily driven by Kopter’s integration strategy within Leonardo.” The company will move operations to Leonardo’s operations in Philadelphia, “which already benefits from full commercial, training, support and engineering capabilities for other Leonardo products."

Kopter offered a payment of $687,686.04 to buy out the remainder of the lease, the letter stated. Termination documents filed in late September show the company was to pay $760,000 that was owed for the remainder of the primary term along with $15,672 for cost of repairs, documents show.The Swiss helicopter manufacturer moved into the building with lots of fanfare in 2019, announcing it would “conquer the market here in the United States from right here in Lafayette.” It selected the Lafayette site over 38 other cities for its production and product support center and planned to employ about 120 people at an average salary of about $55,000.

Lafayette was going to be the site where Kopter would build the SH09 single-engine helicopter along with a site in Switzerland, according to one industry magazine. By March of last year the Lafayette site was already in question because of Leonardo’s substantial U.S. headquarters in Philadelphia.The company planned to make a $4.2 million capital investment in new equipment and building additions at the Lafayette site.The company’s incentive package from the state of Louisiana included performance-based grants: one of $1.2 million for facility modifications, payable at $200,000 in 2019 and $1 million in 2020; and one of $1.3 million for lease support, payable in five annual installments from 2020 through 2024.Both the state and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority has since marketed the facility to potential clients, LEDA president and CEO Mandi Mitchell said. The site has been toured by prospective tenants, and Mitchell and LEDA’s director of business attraction have met with site selectors at the annual Site Selectors Guild Conference this week in San Diego.LEDA will also reach out to an annual helicopter trade show next week in Dallas.“Aviation has a long history in the region,” Mitchell said. “We are committed to growing aviation manufacturing and the MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) sector in Lafayette Parish with the LFT facility as a nexus point.”

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Tuckahoe Farms subdivision in Pass Christian, MS, is now selling homesites. It is located on a 3500’-100’ grass strip called Addison-Henley Field (0MS7), There are 14 lots available on the runway and 12 lots available on the water ski lake. Contact Jay Knowles 228-669-3244.

Website:  https://www.tuckahoefarmspasschristian.info/

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/tuckahoefarms/

From Flying Magazine

McCutcheon Field Airport hasn’t had an aircraft associated with it in 30 years, but 20-something Ryan McCutcheon is trying to change that.

Toler and Mary Jo McCutcheon on the airstrip, either right after completion or when it was in the final stages, with a PA-12 Super Cruiser behind them. [Courtesy: McCutcheon family]

To look at this grass airstrip in East Central Louisiana, you wouldn’t know it was much at all, but Ryan McCutcheon is trying to change that. 

This piece of property has been passed down through generations of the McCutcheon family Several members of the family have learned to fly there. The runway, notated on sectionals as LA83, was the vision of Sidney McCutcheon, a Louisiana native farmer, rancher, and businessman. 

Ryan, Sidney’s great grandson, who plans to soon begin flight training, has recently taken an increased interest in the legacy flying field known as McCutcheon Field Airport.

“My great grandfather built this 2,300-foot airstrip in the late ’40s for my grandpa and great aunt,” Ryan said. “Over the years, many people, including my dad, have flown from this airstrip, and hopefully I myself will one day soon as well. 

“We’ve spent the last few months getting it back in shape and have plans for some bigger projects this spring.”

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WE WELCOME BEACON AVIATION TO THE FIELD!!

Beacon Aviation Maintenance is pleased to announce that we are now offering aircraft maintenance services at the Port of South Louisiana Executive Airport (KAPS). Beacon Aviation Maintenance is a full-service workshop that provides quality and reliable maintenance support for a wide variety of piston and turbine engine aircraft. Additionally, our FAA-licensed technicians are Factory Certified to service the King Air 350/350, Citation 525, and Williams FJ33/44 turbofan jet engines.

Beacon Aviation Maintenance can handle all of your aircraft maintenance and repair needs. Typical services that we provide include;

• Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance

• FAA Certified Annual/100 Hour Inspection

• Structural Repair and/or Replacement

• Installation

• Pre-buy Inspection

• Parts Support

For any questions and/or to receive a quote for services, please reach out to our Chief Mechanic, Jaime Hollis, at 985-981-0808 or email us at admin@beaconaviationgroup.com.

Location 1

Port of South Louisiana Executive Airport (KAPS)

355 Airport Road

Reserve, LA

70084

Location 2

Winnsboro Municipal Airport (F89)

1004 Airport Drive

Winnsboro, LA

71295

What a year 2021 was for our team! After a brief break, we started to prepare for an even crazier 2022. First item of business was to start the New Year with all planes fully Red Bull branded.

Our team's first trip of the year was in Fayetteville, Arkansas to assemble the newly branded Extra 300L. Which is ready just in time for our upcoming Paper Wings activation with Red Bull.

The Extra 300SHP is currently undergoing paint and will be ready for our first Air Show in March.

To read the January, 2022 Newsletter of the Bayou State Escadrille of the Commemorative Air Force click HERE.

Team Announcement - Coleman Aerosports will join the AeroGP1 Category with pilot Kevin Coleman in the first season of the World Championship Air Race in 2022.

Kevin is an American airshow and advanced aerobatic pilot who joined the Red Bull Air Race as the first American Challenger pilot in 2016, taking four consecutive race podiums and finishing third in his debut season. Kevin started performing at airshows aged 17 with a goal to join the Air Racing circuit from a very young age.

Air Race World Championship has started announcing race locations to the public and will continue announcing locations in the next few weeks. The first race that has been announced is Indonesia.

In preparation for the upcoming season, our team has been diligently working on the race plane to ensure we are well equipped for round one. In the past month, we have continued testing with new mods while running data to help strategize on how to maximize the performance.

Our shipping date is quickly approaching so we will have a few more test days on the calendar before the plane crosses the pond for our first race.

https://www.wcairrace.com/

AOPA visited Gerald Herbert at his hangar last month at the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport, and did a little Southern Louisiana travel piece. It starts around 17:45 into this edition of AOPA Live.  To watch click….. HERE

La. Guard’s Air Traffic Control Squadron continues excellence

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Air National Guard’s 259th Air Traffic Control Squadron (ATCS) located at England Airpark, Alexandria, Louisiana, provides rapid deployment, operation and maintenance of air traffic control and landing systems to ensure safe, efficient flying operations in both deployed and non-deployed environments.

Since being commissioned by the Air Force on June 12, 1997, the 259th ATCS provides 24-hour air traffic control services and has proven to be an experienced asset to the Alexandria International Airport (AEX). The 259th stays ready to deploy stateside to protect the life and property of citizens of Louisiana during natural disasters and globally to provide tactical air traffic control services in support of U.S. national interests.

“It’s a great partnership with the England authority. They get skilled air traffic controllers 24/7, and this partnership provides our squadron a live airport, with good air traffic to train our air traffic controllers,” said Baton Rouge, La. Native, retired Lt. Col. Raymond C. Schindler II, 259th ATCS civilian air traffic control manager. “It keeps our air traffic controllers and our maintainers go-to-war ready.”

Bearing in mind that the 259th is subject to deployment at any time, the 259th ATCS has a built-in cadre of Department of Defense civilian controllers that are non-deployable but work for the Louisiana Air National Guard. Therefore, when the entire 259th ATCS is deployed, the Department of Defense Civilian controllers operate and run AEX.

Read More

To read the February, 2022 Big Easy Wing Newsletter click….HERE

The genesis of Lafayette Regional Airport came in 1929 when Lafayette city leaders began searching for land to place the city's new airstrip. Several prominent landowners offered to sell their property to the city for the airport.

City officials eventually chose land owned by J. A. Roy and Hugh Wallis located along the then-new Lafayette-Broussard Highway. At the time, the plot was located one mile away from Lafayette city limits. City officials purchased the 150-acre plot on December 27, 1929, for a price of $22,500 ($366,844.74 in 2021 dollars), with an option to purchase 50 additional acres for $150 per acre.

Read More: The History of Lafayette Regional Airport 

Congratulations to Colonel Shirley Colomb.  Shirley was nominated by her unit for her dedication and service to their wing for the past 5 years (2017).  Colonel Colomb was nationally recognized for consistently displaying outstanding skills in her service to the Commemortavie Air Force.  Thus, Colonel Shirley Colomb received the CAF Unit Service Award for 2021.

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KILN, MISS. – U.S. Congressman Steven Palazzo and Gov. Tate Reeves joined local officials and industry representatives today at Stennis International Airport for a ribbon cutting ceremony at a new 24,000-square-foot hangar.

Known as the RESTORE Hangar, the state-of-the-art facility is adjacent to the main terminal and opens directly to the main ramp. It features a hangar door that is 154 feet wide and 28 feet high. The premier location includes utility rooms, restrooms and a foam fire suppression system.

“The new hangar at Stennis International Airport is an embodiment of the great investments that the RESTORE Act has brought to south Mississippi since it was passed by Congress in 2012. This bill was intended to revitalize our Gulf Coast communities, and through projects like this state-of-the-art hangar, it is doing just that. I’m proud to see a piece of legislation that I championed bringing so many new jobs to our home and that this community airport remains a premiere destination for aviation, military, and industry partners,” said Congressman Steven Palazzo.

“When it comes to RESTORE Act funds, my top priority will always be ensuring every penny meant for Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, goes to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The RESTORE Hangar will be an important part of our multilayered strategy to propel Mississippi’s economy to new heights. It highlights what we can achieve with effective partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels. I look forward to working with all of our partners to make sure Mississippi’s Gulf Coast remains a premier destination for the aviation and aerospace industries.”

The $5.24 million project was awarded to Drace Construction Corp., of Long Beach, in November 2019. It was funded in part by a $1.85 million RESTORE grant. 

“Port and Harbor Commission is committed to being the cornerstone of Mississippi’s aviation industry,” CEO Bill Cotter. “Thanks to the support of federal, state and local partners, we invested over $5 million in this project to support business operations and continued growth.”

The new hangar is already leased by Tyonek Services Group, Inc., an aviation maintenance service provider with numerous public and private clients including the Department of Defense and Boeing.

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The opening of the new terminal at Lafayette Regional Airport is finally just around the corner as officials announced today that the first flights will take off on Thursday, January 20.

The new terminal will be a significant improvement from the old one as it's twice the size and has nearly double the gates.

Officials say the old terminal will get decommissioned once the new one opens. Eventually, it will get demolished to make room for future expansion 

Read More

More coverage…

Lafayette's new 120,000-square-foot terminal will officially open Thursday, but local and state officials celebrated the project's completion with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday. 

The Lafayette Regional Airport terminal project, which cost around $150 million, has been about five years in the making. The terminal replaces the old terminal, which opened in 1930 and will be demolished for future expansion.

"What you're looking at...is a significant undertaking," Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "That's an investment in infrastructure that's going to improve quality of life, economic development opportunities, you name it."

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Two people are presumed dead after a helicopter crashed Friday in a south Lafourche marsh, according to authorities. 

Local authorities were notified of the crash before noon by a citizen who reported seeing the aircraft lose altitude and then saw a "big splash of mud," Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson said during a news conference Friday evening. 

"It appears at this time that there are no survivors," Chaisson said.

The helicopter was occupied by a pilot and a passenger, he said.

Most of the helicopter is submerged in the marsh, just off the Pointe-aux-Chenes Reserve, he said.

RLC, the helicopter's owner, is working with local and federal agencies to recover the wreckage and find the bodies of the two presumed dead. Their bodies are assumed to be underneath the waterline, Chaisson said.

Read More

To read the January, 2022, newsletter of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force just click…..HERE 

The Preliminary Accident Report for the December 14, 2021, Helicopter Accident near Laplace in which Pilot Joshua Hawley was killed has been issued by the NTSB.  To read it click…..HERE 

Paramedic John Fortner

People In Business: Acadian Ambulance honors Air Med flight paramedic of the year

December 22, 2021 — Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes its exceptional medics for their tireless work ethic and dedication. All finalists are known as outstanding paramedics and EMTs who display exemplary attitudes and provide excellent patient care, and are nominated by their peers. The top winners are selected by a company-wide committee. 

Acadian Ambulance honored the medics and celebrated its 50th anniversary in a virtual event in November. The keynote address was presented by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.

Paramedic John Fortner represents Acadian Air Med and was a finalist for the top honors.

Fortner joined Acadian in 2011 as an EMT and has earned his paramedic, CCT paramedic and flight paramedic certifications over the years. He works on AM6 out of Hammond and recently accepted a role as an Associate Quality Supervisor. He is also enrolled in a Registered Nurse program with a goal of working as a flight RN with Air Med. Fortner is a great patient advocate, an excellent clinician and an outstanding field training officer.

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.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Blue Angels made a landing in Belle Chasse ahead of the anticipated return of the New Orleans Air Show in March 2022.

It was foggy early Friday at Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, but it cleared just in time for Lieutenant Katlin Forster to make a landing.

“To me, it’s just like riding a crazy rollercoaster every day,” Forster said. “We all love coming to New Orleans.”

The show will take place in March 2022. Forster is a pilot and the event coordinator for the Blue Angels, so she came into town for preparation.

The Blue Angels will be the star of the show, but other exhibition teams include the Louisiana National Guard and local Navy squadron VFA 204.

“We show off the slow speed handling capabilities of the F18, some of those sneak passes are definitely still in the show, and really just showing off that precision flying that we at the Blue Angels are known for,” Forster said.

When the show last took place in 2017, NAS JRB New Orleans Spokesperson Andrew Thomas said there was an attendance of over 130,000 over two days.

Next year, Thomas said he’s expecting a big turnout.

“It’s just so amazing to be flying overhead, getting to tour the country, showing off the aircraft that I got to fly within the fleet,” Forster said. “Most of our team flew the F-18 Super Hornet, getting to show it off to the American public.”

The New Orleans Air Show will take place March 19-20, 2022. You can find out more here.

Read the Article

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced Louisiana’s airports will receive $35,689,010 million in funding this year from his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This amount is in addition to Louisiana’s annual funding under the Airport Improvement Program because of the IIJA.

“This is just the beginning of the billions in resources coming to Louisiana and would not have happened without passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Improving our airports is essential for our state to catch up, attract investment, and create opportunity.”

This additional funding only accounts for fiscal year 2022. Louisiana can expect to receive similar sums of funding for airport infrastructure from Cassidy’s infrastructure bill each year for the next four years. Local leaders and airports will decide which projects they ultimately fund with this additional funding.

To see Cassidy’s full video statement and how much your local airport will receive click…HERE

There wasn't much that Joshua Hawley couldn't do once he set his mind to it, according to his relatives. 

The 13-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran was an Eagle Scout, a paramedic, a boat mechanic, an airplane mechanic, the family IT guy, an electrician, a husband and a devoted father to his three boys, ages 3, 4 and 7.

"He was about the smartest guy I've ever met," brother David Hawley, 40, said Wednesday. 

Joshua Hawley, 42 of Denham Springs, also had a passion for flying. A helicopter pilot and instructor, his brother described him as a conscientious aviator who took safety very seriously. 

That's why family members and colleagues were left stunned by the news that Hawley had been killed in a helicopter crash on the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish Tuesday afternoon. 

"He was well respected and a huge advocate of safety. They're all just flabbergasted," Hawley's cousin, Tiffany Patrick, 43, said after speaking with some of his fellow pilots.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation into the cause of Hawley's crash, which occurred about 12:30 p.m. on the Interstate 10 bridge over the Spillway.

Hawley was the only person aboard the Bell 407 helicopter, which was en route from Gonzales to the Lakefront Airport in New Orleans to pick up three passengers, according to authorities. 

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December 9, 2021-- Acadian Air Med, a division of Acadian Ambulance Service, is marking 40 years in operation in 2021. From its early days, Acadian Ambulance’s ground operations worked in tandem with air ambulances. In 1976, Acadian partnered with the U.S.’ Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic (MAST) helicopter ambulance program. The success of MAST led to the launch of Acadian Air Med, in 1981. The program’s first base was established in Lafayette, Louisiana. Today, Air Med operates bases across Louisiana and services much of the state and the Gulf of Mexico.

Establishing Acadian Air Med allowed Acadian to greatly reduce the response time to remote locations and to provide emergency medical response to injured workers offshore. Acadian Air Med is unique in the use of helicopters as a primary response vehicle, launching a helicopter to remote locations or to more serious injuries when specific criteria are met. As a result, they fly more first response medical air missions than any other ambulance service in the country. 

In 1983, Acadian Air Med added fixed-wing aircraft to their fleet, allowing for long-distance transport of patients to the most appropriate facility for advanced care. The addition of that aircraft led to the founding of Executive Aircraft Charter Service in 1991.

“We've logged millions of miles in the sky and expanded our service area over the past 40 years, but our commitment to our patients and our communities has never changed,” said Acadian Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier.

Acadian Air Med received the Igor Sikorsky Humanitarian Award in 2006, presented by Helicopter Association International, in recognition of our response following Hurricane Katrina. 

In 2019, Air Med earned accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). The CAMTS accreditation standards address issues of patient care and safety in rotor wing services providing critical care transports. They are periodically revised to reflect the dynamic, changing environment of medical transport with considerable input from all disciplines of the medical profession and serve as a marker of excellence for federal, state and local governmental agencies, as well as private agencies and to the general public.

Acadian Ambulance Service is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). That accreditation is achieved through maintaining the absolute highest standards in training, equipment, protocols and patient care.

Acadian is one of the few services in the nation to receive accreditation from both CAMTS and CAAS, the ambulance industry’s leading accreditation agencies.

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. They are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

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Purdue University Global expands professional flight degree program with New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training partnership

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University Global continues to make its popular professional flight program more easily accessible to students by partnering with regional flight schools. The latest joint venture is with New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training (NOAT&FT).

“As we continue to grow our popular professional flight program, we aspire to find qualified partners throughout the country in order to better serve our students and keep their costs in check,” said Sara Sander, Purdue Global vice president and dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Education. “New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training provides another attractive option and comes with an impressive track record. We are pleased to join forces with them.”

Purdue Global also has regional flight training partnerships with Sterling Flight Training in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cincinnati-based Lunken Flight Training Center.

“New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training has been working hard to find the right partner for a degree program, and we are thrilled to be affiliated with Purdue Global,” owner Krystal Hukmani said. “With the diverse airspace in New Orleans and the great weather that allows us to fly almost every day of the year, NOAT&FT and Purdue Global are perfect partners for a career in aviation to take off.”

Purdue Global’s professional flight degree program is a collaboration between Purdue Global and Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology – announced in 2019. It combines the quality of Purdue’s legendary aviation program spanning more than six decades with the flexibility and affordability that Purdue Global offers.

Students accepted into the program, with a private pilot certificate, will complete their Bachelor of Science degree courses online through Purdue Global, which includes aviation and general education classes, while completing professional flight training at one of the Purdue Global affiliate training centers across the country. During flight training, students will working to earn certificates and ratings in instrument, commercial, multi-engine and certified flight instructor.

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Congressman Steve Scalise had the honor of presenting the Earhart Award to Cadet Captain Jackson Fogelman of Ponchatoula for his exceptional leadership skills and commitment to serving his community through the Civil Air Patrol! He plans to join the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after graduating this year. Join me in applauding him for his dedication to our community, state, and country! 

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

To read the December edition of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum click HERE

Two Louisiana aviation museums have been honored by voters in their area.  First, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum located on the Monroe Regional Airport has received these honors:

Second, the Southern Heritage Air Foundation located on the Vicksburg - Tallulah Regional received these accolades.

Congratulations to both of them on a job well done.

Kent Sibille Named as Acadian Companies Air Services Employee of the Year

December 2, 2021—At the Acadian Companies virtual annual meeting in November, Executive Aircraft Charter Service Director of Maintenance Kent Sibille was recognized as the Air Services 2021 employee of the year. He was presented with his award by Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier.

Sibille has been with Acadian since 2007 and has provided exceptional leadership to Executive Aircraft Charter Service. He brought 21 years of experience when he joined the company, and he provides a level of expertise that is unrivaled in the industry. Sibille comes to work every day with a can-do attitude and is always looking to make the maintenance processes better. 

Sibille goes the extra mile to make sure the company’s aircraft are as safe and efficient as possible. He is known to go above and beyond his duties. It’s not uncommon for him to come in post-flight and troubleshoot a problem to keep the aircraft ready for its next flight, or answer his phone in the middle of night and come in to facilitate a medical flight request.

“Working with Kent for as long as I have, he makes you want to work harder,” Sonnier said. “Everyone who has been around Kent knows that there isn’t a more deserving candidate.” 

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. They are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.

Flight Team soars to Nationals after qualifying at Regionals

Nov 29, 2021

Louisiana Tech’s Precision Flight Team, a student organization that competes in National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) events, participated in its regional event in late October and performed well enough to qualify for the national competition at Ohio State University in May 2022.

The date is undetermined at this time; last year, the competition was not held.

The team either won or placed in the top three spots in several individual events and finished second and third in team events at the Regional held at Delta State in Cleveland, Mississippi.

“The Flight Team’s accomplishments are a result of student initiative and performance,” said Jon Pearson, an Assistant Professor in Tech’s Department of Aviation. “Students sign up, schedule, coordinate, and practice for competition. Credit for their performance belongs to them. As faculty advisor, I merely communicate with NIFA and the other schools.”

There are 22 members on the team. Because of limitations on how many can compete and expenses, 12 students made the trip to Regionals.

NIFA’s motto is “Safety through Education, Excellence through Competition.” The organization breaks its annual events into Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) Regionals and the SAFECON National Championship. Louisiana Tech is part of Region IV, which consists of flight departments, colleges, and universities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

At the regionals and nationals, students compete individually or in pairs, depending on the event. There are ground and flight events.

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If you would like to make a contribution to help the team go to the nationals you can do so by clicking HERE

A B-25 in on site to be repainted at Chennault.  Staff Photo from The Advocate

Big plans with a big runway: Historic Louisiana airport seeks to transform itself

LAKE CHARLES - It’s been a Cold War air base, a deserted strip used for drag races and driving lessons, and more recently a site for training flights and plane maintenance, including for Donald Trump’s jet.

Now there are hopes to turn it into a money-maker, or at least more of one.

Officials want to transform Chennault International Airport and its two-mile runway on the eastern edge of Lake Charles into an economic engine for the region. Jobs and revenue from the site would be a needed shot in the arm as southwest Louisiana rebuilds from last year’s hurricanes, though much work remains to allow the historic airport, itself damaged in the storms, to fulfill what its management team see as its potential.

“We focus everything that we do on, not what works for us today, but: What do we think is going to work five years, 10 years, 30 years down the road?” said airport director Kevin Melton, a retired Air Force colonel who has run Chennault since 2018. “That's what I care about, and that's what I focus on.”

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Over 70 folks were spotted wobbling down the runway at the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport on Saturday, November 20.  And it was all for the benefit of Pilots For Patients.  Here are some pictures to tell the story of a wonderful day at the airport that raised over $10,000 for Pilots for Patients.

Thanks to all the sponsors (LaAviator.com was proud to be one of them) that helped make the event so successful as well as all of the volunteers tha cooked and worked that day.  A special thanks goes out to Airport Director Lisa Braud who had the idea and was the key person to make the event a reality.

Here is the presentation of the “big check” by Lisa Braud to Pilots For Patients Founder Phillip Thomas.

You can find more pictures of the event on our Facebook page - 

https://www.facebook.com/LaAviator/

A rendering of the 40-acre technology park at Stennis International Airport by unabridged Architecture.

Stennis Airport receives $2.2M RESTORE grant

KILN, MISS. – Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission received $2.2 million in RESTORE Act funds for a technology park at Stennis International Airport.

The 40-acre technology park will consist of multiple buildings built in phases. The funding, which stems from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon settlement, will go toward the first phase of the technology park.

Phase 1 includes construction of a building to house the Department of the Army’s Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise (JALBTCX), which has outgrown its existing incubator space at the airport.

“JALBTCX has been a great aerospace partner,” said Bill Cotter, Hancock County Port and Harbor CEO. “The incubator space served its purpose, giving them room to grow. Now they need more space and their own building.”

Planning for the technology park began in 2017 when HCPHC developed the Aviation and Aerospace Optimization Plan with a goal to become the cornerstone of Mississippi's aerospace industry.

In 2019, HCPHC began site development surveys and identified a 40-acre parcel south of the water tower to locate a high-performance technology park. The technology park will accommodate building needs for existing airport tenants, while creating room for future growth in the aerospace technology cluster.

In 2020, unabridged Architecture created an award-winning masterplan for the park. The completion of all site development surveys, wetlands delineation and environment permits are scheduled to be completed by end of 2021.

During Phase 1, a 10,600 square foot building will be constructed. The project is expected to begin next summer.

Cotter said the technology park is another example of the aviation optimization plan at work. Other capital investments include concrete apron expansion projects and 34,000 square feet of new hangars.

“We are working a long-term vision to ensure Hancock County’s community airport remains a premiere destination for general aviation and military and industry partners,” Cotter said. “We appreciate the continued support Gov. Reeves, the Gulf Coast Advisory Committee and our Hancock County delegation for making the project possible.”

Located in Kiln, Stennis International is Hancock County’s community airport. It features an 8,500-foot runway rated to carry the world’s largest cargo planes. It is home to 15 aerospace companies serving both general aviation and military aircraft.

Photos special to the American Press

Chennault International Executive Director Kevin Melton, standing behind the award, is flanked by his director-level team members — from left, John McMullen, Andrea LaFleur, Loretta Hanks and Mitch O’Neal.

Chennault International Airport, a center for Southwest Louisiana job creation for three decades and since 2020 a hub for post-disaster recovery and economic growth initiatives, has been named Louisiana Airport of the Year.

The award is given by the state Department of Transportation and Development for “superior achievement and leadership in the aviation field in Louisiana” and “best practices in aviation.”

“From airport achievement, to recognizing outstanding work in a particular discipline, our awards honor excellence and professionalism at all levels of airport operations,” DOTD said.

Chennault’s past year has been marked by:

• New construction and property leasing.

• Completion of road, infrastructure, airfield and facility improvements.

• Operating daily despite record damage from two hurricanes.

• Serving as a regional hub for post-storm recovery materials and resources.

“Our Chennault team has never missed a beat since the hurricanes, flooding, and freezing weather. This team has ensured Chennault has been a centerpiece for economic development growth efforts, emergency response and disaster relief,” said Executive Director Kevin Melton. “Our team has a strong work ethic that prides itself on esprit de corps, excellence and accountability. We love what we do, we work hard for Southwest Louisiana and the state and we are honored that DOTD acknowledged our significant efforts and substantial results.”

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6,000 Missions!!  Amazing!!

Pilot Nicholas flew Patient Zeke and his wife  Courtney from Monroe to Houston today making this another incredible milestone achieved for PFP. We have flown over 2,255,000 nautical miles since our inception in 2008. That is approximately 104.5 times around the equator. We thank every patient, pilot, and patron that have made this possible. Thank you Nicholas for taking this mission.

The Louisiana Agricultural Aviation Association (LAAA) is excited to announce that our new website is up and running! Go here to look for membership renewal, convention registration, scholarship opportunities and more!! Big thanks to Bailey with Honeywave Creative and all involved for all your hard work getting us up and running!  To take a look click...

https://laaaonline.com/

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

Sweet Cheezus is located inside the Terminal building at the Shreveport Downtown Airport. The restaurant offers traditional American diner type food but with flair! We’re on the road to becoming pretty known for our 14 hour, slow smoked brisket chili that is wonderful on top of a baked potato or as a stand alone meal! Start your day with a plate or side of our hashtaters! Baked and sautéed to perfection with no limit on delicious add-ins! Try them with the caramelized onions! It will change the way you do hashbrowns! From Soups, to Sandwiches and everything in between, we have you covered for a delicious meal for whenever you stop by! No matter where you sit, you’ve got a great view for watching planes land and take off! 

Sweet Cheezus offers daily breakfast and lunch specials, Tuesday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join us for a unique breakfast or lunch experience! 

Need more information? Contact us at (318)617-7361 or follow us on Facebook (Facebook Page) and Instagram! 

1550 Airport Drive, Shreveport, La 71107

Lafayette and the Acadiana region likely will ring in the new year with a brand-new, 120,000-square-foot airport terminal. 

Steven Picou, executive director of the Lafayette Regional Airport, said the new terminal will open as soon as possible, which is looking like the first of January.

He took a group of government officials and media on a tour of the facility Monday, which marked the first day of partial substantial completion for the $150 million project. While it was not complete, with furniture still to be installed and the restaurant built out, "substantial completion" means that the contractor has 30 days to complete the final touches.

When the time does come to move from the old terminal, opened in 1930 and still in use, the shift will take place overnight. Passengers on the last flight of the night will deplane in the new building, and flights will begin leaving from it the next morning, Picou explained.

The new terminal is twice the size of the one it's replacing, which will be demolished as part of this expansion project. Picou said bids will be received for demolition likely in the first quarter of 2022.

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For a brief video tour of the new terminal from KLFY-TV click…HERE

Please help us officially congratulate our 2021 Pilots for Patients Pilot of the Year, Brian Still.  On October 23rd at our annual luncheon, PFP Board Member and Director Sharon Thomas surprised Brian with this distinguished award.  He not only deserves this award for the number of missions he has completed this year but also for always going above and beyond for PFP.  He has represented PFP at various functions with the intentions of recruiting more pilots and stimulating more interest in public benefit volunteer flying.  He is also very active in bringing in the younger generation aviators and getting them involved in our organization.  We can't thank him enough for all that he does for our community and our organization.  Congratulations Brian, you deserve this distinguished title.

PUMPKIN CENTER – A small plane landed on top of a car in an elaborate emergency landing on I-12 Thursday afternoon.

No one involved was hurt.

Three people were onboard the small plane when it landed on the westbound lanes of the interstate near the weigh station around the Pumpkin Center exit about 4 p.m. Thursday.  As the plane landed on the highway, it hit a passing car.  All three people in the plane were okay as was the person in the car, sources told WBRZ.

The scene, which sounded like something from a movie, caused a traffic jam on either direction of I-12 between Springfield and I-55.  

Hammond Regional Airport staff said the plane reported losing oil pressure about 15 miles from the airport as it flew into the Hammond area from the west.  As it closed-in on the airport, the pilot reported the engine failed and he decided to land the plane on the interstate.

The airport director, David Lobue, told WBRZ, the airport scrambled helicopters to check on the situation and a helicopter pilot reported people were seen getting out of the plane and walking away from the landing area.

The plane is a five-seater registered to a Texas-based company.

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To listen to the ATC Audio click HERE

Photo by Lynn C. Jones

BATON ROUGE, LA (October 25, 2021) – President of Hancock Aviation, Holton Hancock, has expanded his company’s appraisal service following his recent designation as a Senior Appraiser with the Professional Aircraft Appraisal Organization (PAAO).

The Professional Aircraft Appraisal Organization offers education on value-specific areas of aircraft and ongoing training for existing aircraft appraisers. Mr. Hancock has been a certified appraiser since 2017, which is also a prerequisite for the Senior Appraiser certification.  

The Senior Appraiser certification is an intense training course that prepares participants for appraising aircraft, reviewing aircraft records, and writing credible appraisals in complicated situations. As part of the certification process, Mr. Hancock was required to complete a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) training class to become USPAP Certified on a national level. He also had to complete the Senior Appraiser training courses taught by PAAO. Following this, he had to write a Senior-Level Appraisal and submit it to the PAAO board for review.

PAAO sets high standards for all appraisers, and all expectations must be met before being awarded a  certification.  Mr. Hancock was commended on his appraisal and awarded the Senior Appraiser designation on July 22, 2021.

Touted as a One-Stop-Shop for Aircraft Owners and Pilots, Hancock Aviation offers a range of services from Aircraft Brokerage and Acquisitions to Aircraft Appraisals and Maintenance. The President’s new certification has added a new dimension to the services provided by the company.

As a newly designated Senior Appraiser, Mr. Hancock can now provide more in-depth appraisal services on more complex aircraft and complicated situations where an appraisal is needed.

Commenting on his new designation as Senior Appraiser, Mr. Hancock said: “The mission at Hancock Aviation has always been to offer our clients the very best experience in aircraft sales and service.  I see this expansion of our appraisal service as an invaluable resource for our clients, and I am honored to be among the most experienced appraisers in the aviation industry.

For further information about Hancock Aviation, visit https://www.hancockaviation.com. Learn more about PAAO at https://appraiseaplane.org.

It flew on D-Day ... and now 77 years later, The Liberty Foundation’s C-47  sports a detailed new paint job that authentically captures the era. The work was done free of charge by Chennault tenant partner LandLocked Aviation Services, and we salute the generous gesture.  To see the story of the transformation and everyone that was involved click….HERE

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - A plane that carried paratroopers into Normandy during World War II has been brought back to life and is now on display at Chennault International Airport.

Seventy-six years ago, it flew over Normandy, but after four months of restorations, the C-47 is finally restored.

“This particular aircraft, this exact aircraft, as a matter of fact, flew over Normandy during D-Day,” said President and Founder of Landlock Aviation Services Tyson Grenzebach.

The C-47 aircraft was used heavily to transport troops and the wounded throughout WWII.

“It is in fact an iconic piece of aviation history, and it exemplifies our patriotism and how the country was protected during the war,” Grenzebach said.

Thanks to a historian named Van, the C-47, also known as the “Chalk-47,” was able to be restored as the original.

“He’s a historian that knows all about the history of Chalk-40 and the role it played in the war in aviation [and] provided all the details with regard to the actual livery - the colors, the design, the specific numbers the nose art with the four aces on the nose of the aircraft,” Grenzebach said.

Grenzebach described the opportunity to work on warbirds such as the C-47 as exciting as it gets.

“That’s where I get goosebumps all of sudden, you know,” Grenzebach said. “I tell people, we in aviation, aviators alike, we all kind of - we have this child-like passion for working on aircraft. And it doesn’t get any better than working on a historic piece like this.”

Grenzebach said this is just the start of historic aircraft that will be restored in the area.

“Got a lot of other great projects, just to give a little hint,” Grenzebach said. “There’s another one of these iconic warbirds that’ll be here at Chennault, probably by the month of November.”

They restored the aircraft with hopes of it touring the country in different airshows like the Chennault International Airshow.

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MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Pilots for Patients celebrated their patients, patrons and handed out awards to the pilots at the luncheon. The non-profit organization provides free flights to patients who qualify and the event was held at the Monroe Airport.

Since 2008, Pilots for Patients have served the community by providing a quicker way for their clients to attend doctor’s appointments anywhere in the U.S. for treatments that are not available in the area.

“What better way to help our neighbors and friends is in a situation when they’re in a real crisis, and we try to take that out of the equation making sure they go for that treatment because if they say, oh no, we don’t want to go, they have no chance for survival,” said Phillip Thomas President of Pilots for Patients.

Sarah Zagar was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2019. She says this program has changed her life during one of the most difficult challenges she’s had to face. Zager says, during her battle she was still able to attend important events with her children with the help of the Pilots for Patients program.

“It’s allowed me to be there for the first day of Pre-K. It’s allowed me to be everywhere and not have to choose my children over my health,” she said.

The luncheon today allowed members to fellowship and share their stories. Now the organization is expanding, and they are looking for help.

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A former city golf course is being repurposed by Chennault for economic development, creating construction jobs and permanent jobs in the time ahead, as reported by John Guidroz in today's American Press.

Since the 2020 hurricanes, Chennault has broken ground on a multimillion-dollar air cargo facility, four-laned its industrial entrance plaza and announced upcoming construction projects in 2021-22 in addition to bringing a new tenant partner to the old Mallard Cove golf course.

*

Long-term lease signed

for former Mallard Cove property

By John Guidroz

American Press

Planet Construction, a company that builds fitness centers nationwide, signed a long-term lease with Chennault International Airport Authority Tuesday to develop 10 acres of the former Mallard Cove Golf Course property.

It’s the first lease signed on the property, now referred to as Site 1, since Chennault acquired it from the city of Lake Charles three weeks earlier, Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton said. The lease is for 30 years, with two 15-year renewal options.

Brandon Robinson, Planet Construction co-owner, said the 40,000-square-foot development will include the company’s national office, along with two hangars that will house up to 20 executive-level airplanes.

“We’re committed to being out here,” he said.

Operating since 2016, Planet Construction builds fitness centers nationwide, is licensed in 34 states and is responsible for the employment of roughly 2,000 people through its construction business, Robinson said. Developing at Site 1 will make it easier to meet with clients out of state, he said.

“It’s all an efficiency move,” Robinson said. “If we need to get on a plane to go to a job site, we don’t have to travel to the airport. We want our plane to be in our hangar where we can get right in it and go.”

However, the high cost of materials, including steel, has put the construction timeline on hold, according to Jeff Babineaux, Planet Construction co-owner.

“It could be six months or 12 months; we’re not sure,” he said. “We’re seeing the cost of goods plateau and have seen some decrease.”

The partnership between Robinson and Babineaux was born out of the ownership of the first Planet Fitness location, which opened on Ryan Street in March 2012, Robinson said. Babineaux, a Sulphur-based commercial general contractor for more than 20 years, was hired to build the initial location.

Robinson became partners with United PF Partners, the largest fitness franchisee in the nation, in 2016. Robinson and his partners sold United PF Partners and its 180 locations across 17 states on December 30, 2019, right before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robinson thanked Melton and Andrea LaFleur, Chennault director of executive and airport affairs, for having an open and transparent experience in securing the lease.

“I can’t see how they’re not going to do anything but further develop this area because they make that process, which is sometimes tumultuous, so easy and user-friendly,” he said.

A second lease that includes seven additional acres at Site 1 to develop an event center, should be signed soon.

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A&E Aviation has served north Louisiana for the past 4 years at the Ruston Airport but closed for 2021.  They will be officially reopening in January, 2022, at the Monroe Regional Airport in Hangar 10 North. They specialize in piston general services but hope to add turboprop soon. 

Contact them at 318 678-9234 or at Joel@AE-Aviation.com

Note:  I’m sure many of you remember the British Lightning that is undergoing restoration to flying status at the Stennis International Airport in Bay St. Louis.  Here is their latest update…..

Due to the ongoing travel restrictions in to the USA, we have had to postpone our November 2021 trip to Stennis. However, things are looking very promising for us to return in early 2022 to start making more progress on the restoration. Behind the scenes, we have been sourcing key project items and will have them shipped over to Stennis, MS. Please keep checking our main website https://lightning422.com/ and our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Lightning422/ for project updates. 

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

Airplanes flew through the clear blue sky above Hammond’s airport this weekend as, on the ground below, a sea of spectators clustered in groups of family and friends on blankets and in folding chairs.

The 2021 Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow kicked off Friday night with the Twilight Show for event sponsors and performers, followed by two full days of high flying fun Saturday and Sunday.

Binoculars, cameras and cellphones were abundant, as were the sunglasses and hats needed to see through the bright sunshine. Attendees of this year’s Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow watched in awe, trying to document the sights.

They took breaks to grab a bite to eat from one of the several food and drink vendors. Adult and children’ frozen treats could also be found, as well as coffee for those needing a little pickup during the day-long affair. Souvenir stands, business booths and military information stations were set up along the same path.

Children enjoyed bounce houses and other activities in the Children’s Village. Plane static displays and other aero-themed attractions supplied more family-friendly fun.

Guy Recotta, president of Hammond Airshow Foundation, estimated 60,000 people attended the airshow this weekend, including Friday’s twilight show.

Recotta said he spoke with visitors from South Baldwin County, Alabama, and folks from Gainesville, Florida, who came Sunday after attending Saturday’s LSU game.

Overall, he said, there were great crowds and great weather.

Mayor Pete Panepinto said everything went great, and it was a great show, despite two small hiccups.

“The wind was almost 40 knots Saturday, so the lady skydivers Misty Blues was not able to jump,” Panepinto said. “They were also going to present the game ball at Southeastern, but they weren’t able to jump.”

Misty Blues Jump Team did perform twice Sunday, however, performing to the national anthem and during the afternoon.

Vampire Airshows’ jet broke a strut in the front wheel and thus was unable to perform.

Panepinto estimated around 30,000 to 34,000 people attended Saturday alone, and Sunday appeared to have more cars than Saturday.

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KILN, MISS. – Five hangars with over 66,000 square feet of space are now available at Stennis International Airport.

Two new hangars were recently constructed, and three existing hangars were purchased by Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, the owners of Stennis International (KHSA).

“The Port and Harbor Commission continues to invest for the future of Hancock County,” said CEO Bill Cotter. “Our portfolio of hangar space allows existing tenants to expand and attracts new businesses to the area.”

Adjacent to the terminal, a 24,000 square foot hangar was completed in September. Opening directly to the main ramp, it features a hangar door that is 154 feet wide and 28 feet high. The premier location includes utility rooms, restrooms and a foam fire suppression system.

Known as the RESTORE Hangar, the $5 million project was awarded to Drace Construction Corp., of Long Beach, in November 2019. It was funded in part by a federal RESTORE grant. 

South of the RESTORE Hangar, a new 10,000 square foot hangar with an additional 2,500 square foot office space was also completed in September. A new concrete apron was built between the hangars and connects to the main ramp.

Known as the Corporate Hangar, the building is ideal for aerospace companies with aircraft storage and office needs. The hangar door is 80 feet wide and 26 feet high. The office space is unfinished and ready to be customized to fit any tenant’s needs.

The $1.5 million project was awarded to Mike Rozier Construction, Inc., of Hattiesburg, in July 2020. It was funded in part by a Mississippi Department of Transportation multimodal grant.

“Port and Harbor Commission is committed to being the cornerstone of Mississippi’s aviation industry,” Cotter said. “Thanks to the support of federal and state partners, we invested over $7 million to support business operations.”

North of the terminal, three existing hangars were recently purchased. The smallest hangar measures 7,000 square feet, and the larger hangars are 12,000 square feet and 13,125 square feet.

“Business interest and hangar demand at Stennis International Airport remains high. Three of the five hangars are already under contract,” said airport director Chanse Watson. “We receive calls every week from companies looking to locate or expand here at Stennis International.”

In fiscal year 2022, Stennis International has budgeted over $32 million in capital projects, including new hangars, apron extensions and life-cycle maintenance projects. Another 24,000 square feet of hangar space is expected by the end of next fiscal year.

In recent years, Hancock County has grown 230 new jobs and seen nearly $100 million in capital investment in aerospace development. Additionally, the next generation of aerospace workforce will be trained locally at Pearl River Community College’s planned $10 million workforce development center at the airport.

Located in Kiln, Stennis International is Hancock County’s community airport. It features an 8,500-foot runway rated to carry the world’s largest cargo planes. It is home to 15 aerospace companies serving both general aviation and military aircraft. The airport is covered by an onsite firefighting unit, and the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower is open daily. Million Air FBO provides amenities including a comfortable lounge, café, aircraft refueling and more.

For more information, visit www.flystennis.com or call airport director Chanse Watson at 228.467.7070.

A Louisiana State Police pilot was injured and taken to an area hospital after a crash landing Wednesday afternoon at an Ascension Parish airport, troopers said.

The Federal Aviation Administration will open an investigation into the crash and its cause, the federal agency said in a statement Wednesday. 

State troopers said the Bell 206B helicopter is suspected of having a mechanical failure that forced the pilot to make an emergency landing.

The FAA said the crash happened about 2:15 p.m. at Louisiana Regional Airport, which is off La. 44 just outside the southwest corner of the Gonzales city limits.

The pilot, who was not identified, had minor injuries. No one else was on board, the FAA said.

The helicopter had significant damage, troopers said.

State troopers said the helicopter dates from 1986, but FAA registration records show the helicopter was built in December 1979. At minimum, the aircraft is at least around 35 years old.

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The preliminary report for the State Police helicopter accident at Louisiana Regional airport has been issued…..

Bell 206B-3 JetRanger III, N373SP: Accident occurred October 06, 2021 near Louisiana Regional Airport (KREG), Gonzales, Ascension Parish, Louisiana

National Transportation Safety Board accident number: CEN22LA009 

Rotorcraft experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and crashed 200 yards from end of runway.

Louisiana State Police

Louisiana Department of Public Safety

https://registry.faa.gov/N373SP

Date: 06-OCT-21

Time: 19:15:00Z

Regis#: N373SP

Aircraft Make: BELL

Aircraft Model: 206

Highest Injury: MINOR

Damage: SUBSTANTIAL

Flight Phase: APPROACH (APR)

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PFP President and Volunteer Pilot Philip Thomas has officially achieved his 500th mission milestone. He flew Patient Mark and Patient David from Monroe to Houston this morning. PFP Board Member and Volunteer Pilot Wayne and PFP Board Member and Director Sharon were also there to celebrate the occasion with him. Once they landed in Houston, they were met by Houston Ground Angel Jerry who drove them to their appointments. Thank you so much Philip for your continued dedication and devotion to helping as many of our friends and neighbors as you can. You have touched and blessed so many lives and that is truly something to celebrate.

https://www.pilotsforpatients.org/

Tina Wilson, LaDOTD Aviation Development Program Supervisor was recognized with the State Aviation Distinguished Service Award by the NASAO.  Among her other achievements, Ms. Wilson implemented new strategic planning tools that have helped to promote aviation safety and manage airport profitably within Louisiana.   Congratulations Tina on this well-deserved award! 

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To read the September issue of the Big Easy Wing Newsletter click HERE

New Orleans Airport ranked best large airport in North America by J.D. Power

Also #1 in Food & Beverage and Retail factor

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is ranked as the number one large airport in North America for customer satisfaction based on J.D. Power’s 2021 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, which was released on Sept. 22. MSY’s number one ranking represents significant improvement from number 11 in 2020 and number 23 in 2019.

The annual study surveys passengers in six categories (in order of importance): terminal facilities; airport arrival/department; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage and retail. In the large airport category of 10 to 32.9 million passengers per year, MSY achieved a score of 844 based on a 1,000-point scale.

To read more click….HERE

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Aircrews and ground teams with Civil Air Patrol’s Louisiana Wing have joined federal and Louisiana state emergency managers’ efforts to assess Hurricane Ida’s impact.

CAP’s mission is to gather aerial and ground-level photos and data for use by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Louisiana as they continue to endure the effects of the hurricane,” said Brig. Gen. William Betts, vice commander, First Air Force, Air Forces Northern. “CAP is working non-stop with local authorities to help the community recover as soon as possible.”

Beginning Tuesday afternoon, just two days after Ida made landfall on Aug. 29, 2021, the wing flew five extensive aerial sorties, photographing areas of severe wind damage and flooding in the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area and in areas extending from Thibodaux south to Houma and southeast to Galliano. The flights were launched from bases in Patterson, Gonzales, and Baton Rouge, according to CAP officials.

The Louisiana Wing operates nine single-engine aircraft, some equipped with special camera and navigation systems for generating precise, high-definition photos. When called into service, these aircraft are flown by a crew of three — a pilot, an observer, and a scanner/photographer.

The photos and its imbedded data are immediately processed and converted into both 2D and 3D images for emergency managers to use in planning and expediting recovery efforts.

CAP aircraft are also being used to maintain communications networks in Louisiana as well as in surrounding states after the storm.

The Louisiana Wing also operates more than 20 vehicles that support both transportation and communications needs. They are frequently used to deploy ground teams for search and rescue and damage assessment missions.

The flights were expected to continue through the weekend and possibly into next week, CAP officials noted.

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Chennault is proud to be the host site of the Chennault International Airshow, which awards proceeds to Southwest Louisiana teachers as STEM education classroom grants. Our executive director, Col. Kevin Melton (Ret.), is the Airshow's outgoing board president.

Here is the text of the Airshow announcement:

Talk about high-flying teachers! Classroom grants to local educators totaling $28,966.53 have been awarded as part of the Airshow's 2021 STEMulate Learning Grant.

The programs fund teachers' classroom efforts related to awareness and learning in science, technology, engineering and math topics and careers.

"We are so pleased to partner with teachers for the advancement of STEM education in our community," said Mallory Beasley, coordinator of the grant program.

Airshow proceeds fund the STEM grants.

"The main reason we conduct airshows is to get our community and students excited about aviation and help them better understand how aviation positively affects our everyday lives," said Col. Kevin Melton (Ret.), Chennault International Airport executive director, who is concluding his service as Airshow board president. "We are proud of the faculty who took the time to care about their programs and their students and proud the Chennault International Airshow is able to give back to our teachers and their students.

"We could not make it happen without support from fans and local businesses," said Mary Jo Bayles, 2021 Airshow director. "The community really needed this shot in the arm. This money will go directly into the classrooms."

Melton and Bayles, seen here holding an oversized check, are surrounded by the grant recipients, who  include:

Megan Aleshire, Fairview Elementary; Dr. Doug DeVillier, LaGrange High; Samala Duffy, Barbe High; Emily Fryburger, Grace Scholé Homeschool Collaborative; Montez Fulton, Iowa High; Dara Johnson, Sulphur High; Christina Lejeune, Basile High; Terri Miller, Barbe Elementary; Renee Overby Rule, Barbe Elementary; Bridget Richard, First Baptist Christian Academy; Krista Schysm, LC-B Academy; Regina Smart, Westlake High; and Erin Zeringue, Our Lady Queen of Heaven.

Airshow board members, seen in the back row, joined in for the presentation.

ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (WAFB) - Deputies with the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office rescued a helicopter pilot, who was clinging to a propane bottle in the Mississippi River, late Friday, August 20.

Sheriff Brian Spillman said his office received reports about a person floating in the river near the mouth of Bayou Sara near St. Francisville and responding deputies located him about 50 feet away from the bank.

He added members of the WFPSO Crisis Response Team and other deputies were able to get him to shore.

According to Spillman, the man told deputies he was alone on the flight that started in Lafayette in a Robinson R-44 helicopter before 4 a.m. and went down in the river about 45 minutes later.

“He is extremely lucky to have survived the crash and that he went down in an area that is near a public access point to the river,” said Spillman. “He was in the water over 12 hours. I don’t think he could have lasted much longer.”

Spillman added the man was taken to a Baton Rouge hospital to be treated for exposure and a possible diabetic condition.

The sheriff said the man’s name is being withheld until his family can be notified.

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UPDATED COVERAGE:  Helicopter pilot identified and released from the hospital…..  Read More

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Interstate 49 is cleared and back open after a small airplane made an emergency landing late Friday afternoon in North Shreveport.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says the pilot made the emergency landing on the southbound side of the interstate after the Cessna 150 aircraft ran out of fuel.

It happened just before 5 p.m. near mile marker 214 near North Market Street. The sheriff’s office says two people were on board and no one was injured.

Deputies helped refuel the aircraft so that it could take off again and the interstate was cleared by around 6:40 p.m.

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Security at your local airport should be reviewed by all airports and users.  I urge all to take a moment to look at your local facility and if you notice something that requires the attention of your airport governing board, please let them know.

07/24/2021 at about 6am an individual entered the TAC Air fbo at KSHV.  After terrorizing the employee, this person left, wandering around the airport until he found an unlocked and open gate that gave access to a row of hangars.  He broke into the TAC Air hangar and stole a van.  The van was driven across an active taxiway and active runway.  He continued across the airfield until damaging the van.  He abandoned the van and made his way to another hangar on the SE side of the airport.  He broke into this hangar, ransacked the office and attempted to steal another vehicle that was parked in this hangar.  He did substantial damage to the vehicle.  He left this hangar and made his way down the inner airport access road.  He came upon the Shreveport Airport Authority vehicle maintenance facility.  There he was able to start a “bucket” truck.  He drove the bucket truck through the East security gate smashing it off the foundation.  This individual caused a minimum of $25,000.00, in damages to private and public property.

There were several actions that should have occurred that would have prevented this incident from escalating beyond the initial encounter at the TAC Air fbo had the airport security personnel and procedures been followed.

• Response time of the airport security was not timely
• Lack of communication between airport security and the Shreveport Police to confront and detain this individual
• Security gate that allowed initial access to the TAC Air hangar was not secured as required.

If you operate at a dual use airport(GA & Airline) understand that the operating authority will focus their security attention towards the airline terminal.  Don’t become complacent! 

Whitney Boggs

VP for SHV@SAHOA.org

This hangar is for Freeman Jet Center and it’s coming along each day. We can’t wait to see it filled with planes in the coming months. 

In the coming months as projects get underway we will have a total 60,000 sq.ft of hangar space here at LCH. Our hangars are next on the list!

AOPA’s David Tulis took an aerobatic ride with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team at Airventure 2021.  He flew in the No. 4 slot aircraft with Louisiana pilot Jimmy Fordham at the controls.  To read and see more click HERE.

A new unit of the Commemorative Air Force, the Bayou State Escadrille, has been formed at KHDC in Hammond. Their website is https://www.bayoustateescadrille.org.

For information about joining this group contact:

JP White, Adjutant Officer at bayoustateescadrille@gmail.com

To read their first newsletter click HERE.

Does Louisiana Need an Aviation Hall of Fame? 

I asked that question a few editions ago.   My answer is positively yes.  With the rich aviation heritage we have in this state, it is a disgrace that we haven't recognized our aviation legends.  

Why am I asking that question now?

A few weeks ago I got an email from Charles Butcher, the new Airport Director at Monroe.  Here are some excerpts from his message:

“I just moved here from Arkansas. I was surprised to find that Louisiana did not have an aviation hall of fame.  I was the president of the Arkansas Airport Operators Association, and we were always sponsors for the event. I think it would be great to start that here in Louisiana. There have been a lot of worthy aviators in Louisiana for the award over the years. I spoke to Jimmy Fordham, and he also agrees. I will include the link to the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame. We would love to host an event like this in Monroe.

https://www.arkavhs.com/arkansas-aviation-hall-of-fame”

So, here is where we are.  A new resident is surprised we don’t have an Aviation Hall of Fame (HOF).  A lot of us have felt for a number of years that we should have a HOF.  So how do we make that happen?

I think a logical way is to get a group of folks from a number of different parts of the aviation community to form a committee and go to work on it.  I think there should be representation from groups like LAMA, the 99’s, EAA, CAP, Ag Aviation Association, Aviation Museums, Businesses, Schools, etc.  I’ll be glad to collect the names of any folks that would be interested in working on this and get them connected so they can get to work.  

So if you’re interested in participating just send an email to laaviator@cox.net

I’m hoping to get enough volunteers so they can get started.

Metro Aviation, in keeping with its never-ending commitment to continuously improve and innovate, has made an additional investment into its safety and training measures. By equipping pilots with the ICARUS view-limiting devices,  Metro leadership is reinforcing its steadfast dedication to providing pilots with the best training tools available.

ICARUS or Instrument Conditions Awareness Recognition and Understanding System is a pilot training device that improves instrument flying proficiency. The device, used in the field, allows for the proper training for recovery of Inadvertent entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC), which still today, is a leading cause of accident fatalities. 

“This is a game-changer our industry has needed for some time” said Metro Director of Operations Brian Bihler.  “Training is the lifeblood of what we do at Metro Aviation and this device is the perfect complement to our full-motion flight simulators and flight training devices,” added Bihler.

The ICARUS Device was invented by Nick Sinopoli in 2014 after losing a friend to a spatial disorientation accident. Nick sold his car to apply for a patent and the gamble paid off in 2016 when he was awarded a patent for his innovation.

Bihler added, “We used one device to conduct extensive testing with several of our pilots in the field over the past few months, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”

Shipment of the devices to Metro’s bases located throughout the country will begin in the coming weeks.

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On June 16, 2021, Paul Klein received the FAA Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award at Lakefront Airport.  Michael Hall from the FAA Flight Standards District Office in Baton Rouge presented the award.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as "Master Pilots".  Once the award has been issued, the recipient's name, city and state will be added to a published "Roll of Honor" that you can see by clicking HERE.

To further honor Captain Klein, the Lakefront Management Authority recently passed a Resolution to recognize his contributions to New Orleans aviation and Lakefront Airport.  To read the Resolution click HERE.

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

Click For Details

To read the latest edition of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum newsletter click…

HERE

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Coast Guard rescued a pilot from a downed aircraft in Fourleague Bay last Tuesday morning.

The single-engine 2002 Cessna 182T airplane crashed in the bay just south of Morgan City. The U.S. Coast Guard received the call at 8:18 a.m. and immediately launched search and rescue via a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.

The Coast Guard aircrew and a St. Mary’s Parish Sheriff’s Department boat crew arrived on scene to assist. The helicopter crew safely hoisted the pilot from the water and took them to awaiting EMS at a nearby airport.

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Barksdale Air Force Base has a museum rooted in honor and valor dating back to 1975 and continues to add to its collection to this day. A huge part of the museum’s collection begins with the museum curator.

The museum curator position is not a position that is replaced often as it holds much responsibility and is a main reason for the success or failure of the museum. The curator is in charge of what is put on display, keeping track of the stock the museum receives, the airpark, and museum tours.

Elizabeth Jan Micaletti is the newly appointed museum curator at the Barksdale Global Power Museum and is looking forward to making a few changes to the museum and adding to its already amazing legacy.

“A big addition I plan on adding to this already amazing museum is a map room. We have so many maps to display, even some dating back to World War II, that I feel a place to display them all will be a great addition to the museum,” said Micaletti. “Also, with a B-1 Lancer being decommissioned most recently, we are looking to add that to our airpark in late September.”

At bases throughout the Air Force, airparks are used to display Air force aircraft and commemorate significant events. The Barksdale Global Power Museum continues that long and honored tradition.

“Our airpark has a display of 20 aircraft at the moment and 21 tall memorials honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, not to mention a brick walking path with each brick dedicated to someone,” said Micaletti. “We encourage members and their families to come out and get engulfed in our museum and relive some historic moments in history.”

The goals of the museum is to generate interest, awareness, and education of the history and insignia of the 2nd Bomb Wing and the bomber to generations of all ages, help preserve the aircraft and memorabilia on display in the museum and on the base grounds, and reach out and seek growth for membership of the Barksdale Global Power Museum at Barksdale in all the communities of Northwest Louisiana; and ensuring that the History of the aerial bombardment will forever be alive and well cared for at the Barksdale Global Power Museum.

Micaletti and her co-workers are excited to show as many people as they can how much there is to learn in their museum and give people a look at some pieces of history they can’t see anywhere else.

“From the pieces inside the museum to the aircraft and memorials in the airpark, the Barksdale Global Power Museum has so much to offer,” said Master Sgt. Rick Hale, 2nd Bomb Wing global power maintenance assistant. “There is over 4000 pieces of inventory always in rotation and with our plans to bring some things in to liven up the museum and its surrounding area such as a barbeque pit, there is even more reason for people to come see our museum and get a part of history that will always be with them.”

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New Orleans, La, July 25, 2021 – Lieutenant Colonel Kathy Beauford was honored on July 20, 2021, by the Pontchartrain Cadet Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in celebration of her 25th anniversary in that organization.

As a NASA Solar System Ambassador and Director of External Aerospace Education in CAP, Beauford has created air and space shows and exhibits that have reached almost 33,000 individuals.  She has won 60 aerospace awards, two of which named her as “Number 1” in the nation.  

Beauford wrote A Teacher’s Companion to the Space Station: A Multi-disciplinary Resource that was distributed internationally by NASA and Lockheed Martin Space Systems.  She has written 292 published articles, which have appeared in newspapers, magazines, and on the Internet.   She has created a 24 show series of “AE Presentations” and has distributed 700 free CD copies.

“Kathy’s record of accomplishments in the field of aerospace education is amazing”, said Lt Col Amos Plante, Chief of Staff for CAP’s Louisiana Wing.  “Not a week goes by that she hasn’t displayed an aerospace exhibit, spoken to some interest group, or created another teacher’s aide”, he said.

Beauford is also an experienced aviator.  She holds a CAP Senior Observer rating and is a CAP qualified Aerial Photographer.  She has flown as observer/navigator or photographer in 81 aerial search and rescue or photography missions.  In addition, she has participated in 26 ground team missions for a total record of 107 missions. 

Beauford has received Lifesaving Medals from CAP and the American Red Cross.

In addition to all her other accomplishments, Beauford funded the Gertrude Beauford Memorial Aerospace Award to send CAP cadets to the National Flight Academy.

The FAA is transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS) to Performance Based Navigation (PBN). As a result, the VOR infrastructure in the Contiguous United States (CONUS) is being repurposed to provide a conventional backup navigation service during potential Global Positioning System (GPS) outages. This backup infrastructure is known as the VOR MON.

You can watch the latest FAA webinar on the subject by clicking HERE.

Here are the current list of VOR’s in Louisiana that are candidates for removal and retention:

You can get more details and see the entire lists of VOR’s to be discontinued and retained by clicking HERE.

If you own a hangar on leased land on a public airport in the state of Louisiana or are interested in doing so, you need to read the following message from the Shreveport Airports Hangar Owners Association (SAHOA). Their email address is at the end of the article. They would like to hear from you….

On Father’s Day 2017, the owners of privately owned hangars at the Shreveport Regional and Downtown Airports received a letter from then Director of Airports, Mr. Henry Thompson, stating that a new aeronautical land lease was required of all current hangar owners.  “Take It or Leave It”.  If you did not “Take It” you would not be offered the opportunity to renew any lease with the Shreveport Airport Authority.  If you “Took It”, there were some very real ramifications regarding you’re privately owned personal property.  Besides a change in the term (10 or 30 year) the new lease brought vocabulary not previously used.  REQUIRED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE and REVERSION.  These two new terms to lease language are the basis of the New Lease and the cause for a call to action by local hangar owners in North West Louisiana.

REQUIRED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

LRS 2:135.1.B(2)-this Statue was written to protect unimproved public land leased by a non-public entity.  It requires the lessor to make a capital improvement during the lease term and as a requirement to renew the lease.  This Statute had been written to protect vacant municipal land from being leased up with an intention of never improving the property.

This clause had historically never been applied to improved property, such as an established privately owned hangar at the local airport.

REVERSION

This is a concept that is applied at the end of a person’s lease.  Simply put, at the end of your lease you may:

1.  Simply leave whatever improvements you made

2.  Remove any improvements you made.

Neither of these “terms” had been written into the lease contracts here.  This was the beginning of the struggle at our airports here in Shreveport.  A legal excuse to force a hangar owner to make an un-needed Capital Expenditure to improve their property and an avenue to entice a person to “abandon” their personal property due to the excessive cost of removing an established building.Due to these two provisions included in the New Lease, a group of privately owned hangars organized and formed the Shreveport Airports Hangar Owners Association-SAHOA.  SAHOA is a 501c organization that supports and provides information to its membership regarding the operation and governance of our airports operated by the City of Shreveport.After the New Lease had been read within the aviation community, it became very clear that the New Lease was going to have a VERY negative economic impact.  With the New Lease, the City of Shreveport had destroyed the economic value of privately owned property and crippled any free market activity by reducing the value of our hangars.  No one would be willing to build or buy a building that required a huge Capital Expenditure and then give it to the city. 

 We used to have many new private hangars built every year. Since this started in 2017 there have been none. Additionally, the Tax Assessor’s from both Caddo and Bossier Parishes agreed that value had been destroyed and reduced the property tax by 60%. They issued tax refunds to the hangar owners.In January of this year SAHOA membership became aware that Natchitoches Airport had received an exemption to part of LRS 2:135.1.  The local hangar owners were able to get State Representative Raymond Cruse to sponsor legislation HB 337, a bill to exempt Shreveport Downtown Airport from the provisions of LRS 2:135.1.B(2).  After many trips to Baton Rouge to testify before the House and Senate Transportation Committees, HB 337 was passed and signed by Governor Edwards.The membership of SAHOA would like to spearhead a state wide effort to organize local airport users, hangar owners, and friends of aviation to become involved with your local airport board, and your State Senators and Representatives.  Many airport authority members and elected officials have little or no experience with aviation or airports.  They do understand, however, the impact of private investment on economic growth. Exempting your airport, or even better, repealing statewide the oppressive provisions of LRS 2:135.1.B(2) would act as an aviation infrastructure investment accelerator. Such an incentive for investment would benefit every part of every community, not just aviation. We desperately need this in Louisiana.We as a group must band together to protect our interest.  We must be able to be heard at the State level, or what has happened here in Shreveport is coming to an airport near you.Whitney BoggsVPforSHV@theSAHOA.org

A popular spot for hungry Louisiana Aviators, the Jet-A-Way Cafe at the Stennis International Airport, is in the news….

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Breeze Airways, created by the founder of JetBlue, has started flying out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. New Orleans is one of the new carrier's four main bases of operations.

Breeze flies to 10 destinations from New Orleans. They are:

• Charleston, SC
• Akron/Canton, Ohio
• Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Huntsville, Alabama
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Norfolk, Virginia
• Oklahoma, Oklahoma
• Richmond, Virginia
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Columbus, Ohio

Eight of the 10 cities are new destinations from MSY, according to Erin Burns, a spokeswoman for the airport.

The new airline from David Neeleman, who has launched four other airlines over the past four decades, is aiming to tap demand for direct, low-cost travel to smaller and mid-sized U.S. cities that are known for attracting leisure travelers, the company said.

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(CNN) — "The first thing you notice about New Orleans are the burying grounds -- the cemeteries -- one of the best things there are here" wrote Bob Dylan in his 2004 book "Chronicles: Volume One."

"Going by, you try to be as quiet as possible, better to let them sleep... The past doesn't pass away so quickly here."

The legendary American folksinger wasn't thinking about the virtually abandoned airport terminal at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (MSY), but his words certainly are apposite. While not dead yet, the old MSY is currently stuck in quiet purgatory.

CNN Travel went to explore.

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The new Terminal Building at St. Tammany Regional (L31) has been completed and it looks like they should be moving into it soon.

To see an update on the New Lafayette Terminal click HERE.

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

To read the latest edition of the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click HERE

Students looking to fly the friendly skies won't have to travel far with the addition of a new aviation program at LSU of Alexandria. The program will allow them to earn a degree and become professional pilots.

Beginning immediately, students can enroll at LSU of Alexandria and take classes applicable to the program. The course, Introduction to Aerospace, will be offered in the fall.

"The program LSUA is offering leads to a bachelor's degree," said Dr. Eamon Halpin, Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at LSUA. "It's a bachelor's of general studies with a concentration in professional aviation."

To learn more about the program an aviation open house was held at Million Air on England Airpark for prospective students and parents. Another open house is set for August.

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The original Baton Rouge Airport beacon that began serving the capital city of Louisiana in 1931 has been restored and redisplayed. It was the first beacon that operated on top of the original Baton Rouge airport terminal that was located near Government St. and Lobdell Rd. The beacon is now displayed at the BTR airport on Blanche Noyes Rd. in front of the BTR Jet Center. Stop by and see this unique piece of Louisiana aviation history.

Photos of the original terminal and the beacon in its original place are shown below..

A Louisiana man was killed early Friday evening in Talladega County when the helicopter he was piloting crashed near Sylacauga, authorities said.

Zachary Warren Pourciau, 30, of Ventress, La., was spraying pesticides near 700 Edwards Rd. in Alpine when the Bell Helicopter OH-58A crashed at 6:15 p.m. Friday, according to the FAA and Talladega County Coroner Shaddix Murphy.

Pourciau, who was the only person on board, was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m., Murphy said.

According to a social media page under Pourciau’s name, he was also a pilot for the Army National Guard in addition to the agriculture operation he was flying for on Friday.

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MACA team members meet with airport officials at Jonesboro Airport

left to right:  Calvin Wortham, MSgt Steven Vance, Lt. Col. Thomas “Doc” Barnard,  1st Lt. Jim “Pooh” Partington, Capt. Dustin “Shackle” Martin, Dr. Herbert Simmons Jr., Lt. Col. Jeff Ragusa.

Photo by Richard Knowles

By Captain James L. Peck, CAP

Bossier City, La. – On Thursday, May 27, 2021, the Shreveport Senior Squadron of Civil Air Patrol flew a first-of-its-kind mission for the USAF 2nd Bomb Wing based at Barksdale Air Force Base. The new CAP mission supported Barksdale’s Mid-Air Collision Avoidance (MACA) program.

Each Air Force unit with a flying program must establish a MACA program designed to actively engage and acquaint the local flying community and local airport management to the military use of local airspace. The program covers aircraft types, configurations, and speeds as well as altitudes of operations in the vicinity.

As part of the Barksdale AFB MACA program, 2nd Bomb Wing safety personnel make annual trips to airports in the local area. They meet with airport managers, visit with airport personnel, and distribute MACA posters and pamphlets tailored to the area. In years past, these trips were made over several days by ground vehicle.

Air Force Captain Dustin “Shackle” Martin, Chief of Flight Safety for the 2nd Bomb Wing, reached out to CAP in August of 2020 to see if that organization could support the Barksdale MACA program. Having limited knowledge of CAP capabilities and missions, Martin discovered that the program had never involved CAP before and that there was no agreement in place for CAP to provide any support.

According to Martin, the logic of using CAP aircraft to transport Air Force Safety personnel to local airports for safety visits became apparent. A new Air Force Assigned Mission (AFAM) for CAP was created. During the process, Martin learned more about other existing CAP missions and became a member of the Shreveport Senior Squadron.

On May 27, 2021, Captain Martin, Master Sergeant Steven Vance (Flight Safety Superintendent), Mr. Richard Knowles (Deputy Chief of Safety), and Mr. David Beaty (USDA Wildlife Biologist) were flown in two CAP aircraft to four local airports in the Barksdale AFB area. CAP pilots for the sorties were Lieutenant Colonels Thomas “Doc” Barnard and Jeff Ragusa and First Lieutenant Jim “Pooh” Partington.

At the neighboring airports, the team met with airport and municipal officials as well as local pilots. The crews also over-flew and inspected two airports at which officials were not available to meet.

To read more click HERE.

Capt. Martin leads the discussion on Mid-Air Collision Avoidance at Red River Airport

left to right:  Dr. Wyche Coleman, Dodge Rees, Cameron Windham, Jessie Davis, Capt Dustin “Shackle Martin, David Beaty

Photo by Richard Knowles

Pilots and Crews at BAFB after the MACA flights

left to right: MSgt Steven Vance, David Beaty, Richard Knowles, Lt. Col. Jeff Ragusa, 1st. Lt. Jim “Pooh” Partington, Capt Dustin “Shackle” Martin, Lt. Col. Thomas “Doc” Barnard

Photo by Capt Mike Brogan, USAF

Mr. Michael Hall of the BTR FSDO presenting the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to Randall C. (Randy) Turner.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award was presented to Randall C. (Randy) Turner on Saturday, June 26, by Mr. Michael Hall of the BTR FSDO.  The award was presented at the Stennis International Airport during an EAA Young Eagle Event and Fly In.  The event was hosted by EAA Chapter 479 from Diamondhead and Chapter 697 from Slidell.  

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as "Master Pilots".

Randy is the 64th Louisiana pilot to receive this award.

To read the details of Randy’s very impressive flight history click HERE.

Randy with wife Kathy and their Piper Cherokee Six

Chennault International Airport broke ground today on a $4 million facility to enter the air cargo sector.

Stakeholders with golden shovels turned the first ceremonial dirt on Thursday to build an air cargo warehouse.

The new facility will be the centerpiece of Chennault’s latest effort to provide economic diversity and ultimately create new jobs at the airport, which is recognized nationally as an emerging aerospace hub.

The project is propelled by $3 million in capital outlay funding from the Louisiana Legislature with the balance of the funding paid by the Chennault International Airport Authority.

“The willingness to change and look for opportunities outside of the norm is critical to remaining relevant in our dynamic world today,” said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton. “Chennault remains a game-changer for Southwest Louisiana — and we’re excited to offer this new opportunity for more development and more jobs.”

Chennault has retained Ohio-based air cargo expert David Whitaker as a consultant to help identify potential corporate tenant partners in the time ahead.

“Chennault is a very robust airport with enormous potential and Southwest Louisiana is a cargo-rich region of the world,” said Whitaker, who has more than 30 years of airport and air cargo operations experience.

Construction of the 10,000-square-foot warehouse will take 12-18 about months. The contractor, Trahan Construction, bid, competed and was ultimately selected and the contract was executed on June 7.

As the warehouse is being built, ongoing discussions are planned with potential ground handling partners on such related issues as ramp handling, warehouse operations and securing unique ground equipment to service large aircraft.

Initial discussions have been very positive regarding the potential for Chennault.

Whitaker noted that a commercial market response is not immediately assured, but that the effort is still valuable in advancing Chennault’s objectives and numerous paths to commercial activity will be available.

Modern-day Chennault’s success in its nearly 35 years has been rooted in private-public linkages, with the airport as a marketer and landlord to corporations seeking infrastructure to do their work and have space for potential expansion.

Denise Rau, president of the Chennault International Airport Authority’s board of commissioners, cited that legacy of partnerships during her remarks at Thursday’s groundbreaking.

Rau said Chennault’s potential to become a Gulf Coast location for air cargo operations will rest in the same kind of partnerships that have elevated Chennault to what it is today.

HAMMOND -  A private plane loaded with marijuana was seized at a small airport in Tangipahoa Parish after it made a stop in the middle of its cross-country flight. 

The Hammond Police Department said the aircraft landed at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport Wednesday evening. The department said it had received a tip that the plane was heading from California to Miami with a load of illegal drugs. 

Police surveilled the landing strip and moved on the private jet after it stopped to fuel up. After getting permission to search the aircraft, officers found duffel bags and suitcases full of suspected marijuana, marijuana vape cartridges and pre-rolled marijuana cigars.

The department estimated the street value of the drugs to be around $750,000 in total. The plane, a Learjet 55, was also seized by the district attorney's office and is pending forfeiture. The total value of the seized items was said to be more than $1.6 million. 

A passenger, identified as 40-year-old Leonard Lopez of Miami, was arrested. The two pilots of the aircraft were interviewed and released. 

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Founder and Chairman of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Captain Daniel K. Fordice III was presented Friday with the 2021 American Spirit Medallion. The National World War II Museum reserves this honor for individuals who “exemplify the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and initiative while making unselfish contributions to their community, state, or nation”.

Friends, loved ones and brothers in arms gathered at the Southern Heritage Air Foundation to watch the honoring ceremony and recognize a man who has dedicated so much of his life to the service of living heroes.

Fordice served with the U.S. Army and the Mississippi National Guard both as an Engineer and Special Forces, totaling over 13 years of service to our country.  Many more, in truth, as Fordice has continued to serve through his two non-profit organizations designed to provide assistance and improve the lives of servicemembers and veterans.

Fordice was voted Warren County’s Man of the Year in 2015 for his work through his foundation, the Warrior Bonfire Program, which exists to serve and improve the lives of combat-wounded veterans.

“The National World War II Museum is proud to honor Dan Fordice with the American Spirit Medallion for his service to country, unwavering community support, and philanthropic efforts to help his fellow veterans in need,” stated President & CEO of The National World War II Museum, Stephen J. Watson. “His work assisting Purple Heart recipients heal emotionally and physically has been invaluable to combat veterans as they return home from the battlefield. I have also had the good fortune of observing firsthand Dan’s passion for restoring and piloting vintage aircraft as a way to honor the men and women who flew and built them. Simply put, Dan is a great American that has lived his life in service to others.”

Read More

Flying Wings of Louisiana held the drawing for the raffle on Saturday, June 19th.  The winner of the Cessna 150 or $20K is Billy T Albritton.

Other prize winners are: 

• IPad Mini - David Thomas
• Go Pro - Engled Bosch
• Men’s or women’s aviation watch - Isiah Michael

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who supported their raffle.

NEW ORLEANS – The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) today released the results from the first quarter of 2021’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey program, as part of Airports Council International (ACI) which measures passengers’ satisfaction across 34 key performance indicators.

Among the 23 U.S. airports serving over 5 million passengers per year that participated in the ASQ program in the first quarter of 2021, MSY was rated number 1 in 15 of the 34 satisfaction items of the survey and finished in the top 3 in a total of 24 of the 34 satisfaction items.

MSY was notably ranked first the overall satisfaction category and also ranked number 1 when the Overall Satisfaction designations are separated into the Business, Leisure and Other + Leisure categories. Other first place rankings include parking facilities, availability of baggage carts/trolleys, waiting time in check-in line, courtesy and helpfulness of security staff, feeling of being safe and secure, courtesy and helpfulness of airport staff, internet access/Wi-Fi, business/executive lounges, availability of restrooms, cleanliness of restrooms, comfort of gate areas, cleanliness of airport terminal, ambience of the airport and speed of baggage delivery.

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Schultz Aviation Services is based at KOPL - St Landry Parish, Ahart Field and offers primary, instrument, and commercial training, as well as proficiency checks. Training is available in our rental aircraft or yours.  Call Jason at 337-305-2159 or check out our website for additional information: www.Schultz-Aviation.com and follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Today, England Airpark in partnership with LSU Alexandria and the Central Louisiana Technical Community College announced the Aviation Career and Education (ACE) Initiative. The program includes the establishment of Bachelor Degrees in Aviation at LSUA with an option to obtain a commercial pilot license; an FAA-approved A&P Mechanics School at CLTCC; and the conversion of a former hangar at England Airpark into a 37,000 square foot training and classroom facility.

The collective goal of ACE Aviation Center is to take advantage of the Airpark’s assets and grow our economy by training our workforce into skills and jobs that will benefit both the aviation industry and the region. We appreciate our partners and legislators for all their hard work as we lay the cornerstone today for the future of workforce development in Central Louisiana!

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

To read the Spring, 2021, Pilots for Patients Newsletter click HERE.

To read the June, 2021, Chennault Aviation & Military Museum Newsletter click...

HERE

Some of you have asked how the Pineville EAA Chapter is recovering from their flood.  Here is a message from their President…..

EAA chapter 614 is still in the process of rebuilding the club house. With the almost 4ft of water that filled the clubhouse during hurricane Delta, we felt that there was a need to renovate the club house in a way that would make cleanup after future floods much easier and faster. At this moment the club house is gutted from 4ft down and we are beginning the rebuild process. The whole goal is to help reduce cleanup time while bringing a new look to our clubhouse. As of right now I don't have a definitive answer on when we will begin hosting our pancake breakfasts but I am hopeful it will be before the end of the summer. The club would like to thank all of those who have donated and especially all who come and enjoy a wonderful breakfast with us. We would be nowhere without this amazing community. I will keep you updated as the build process continues and we look forward to serving everyone once again in the near future. 

Thanks,

EAA 614 President

Vernon Knowles

Not only is the Executive Regional Airport a hub for business and travel in the River Region, but for the past 30 years, it has been home to the Avigators, an organization for people with a passion for all things aviation and aircraft.

Founded in 1991, the Avigators is the official Chapter 971 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), which boasts more than a thousand chapters worldwide, and 12 total in Louisiana. Each chapter brings together local aviation enthusiasts and hobbyists of all interests–such as aircraft restoration, builders, antiques and helicopters–and fosters a spirit of camaraderie to keep the community and creativity alive.

To that same end, Avigators President Michael Saladino says EAA chapters are equally committed to sharing their passion and expertise with others in their respective hometowns.

“The EAA supports a variety of flying activities including aircraft construction, introducing youth to aviation, local flying activities, historic aircraft tours, and providing guidance and insurance for local chapters,” Saladino says. “The Avigators have participated in all of these over the years. We host local Fly-Ins to promote aviation and bring activity to the airport, and we hosted the EAA Ford Tri Motor historic aircraft on a tour a couple of years ago. We even have several chapter members that have built their own aircraft.”

Read More

To read the Helix Aviation Academy June Newsletter click 

HERE

By Curtis Heyen | May 23, 2021 at 11:00 PM CDT - Updated May 24 at 3:44 AM

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — The fatal crash of an experimental aircraft Sunday occurred on at least its fourth flight this month.

The fixed-wing plane that crashed into Cross Lake, killing its pilot, took off from Shreveport Regional Airport at 2:36 p.m. Sunday, Caddo sheriff’s Capt. John May said.

The single-engine, one-seat aircraft was in the air for about nine minutes, he added.

Aviation records show it was at least the fourth time this month that the plane took off from Shreveport Regional.

According to the website FlightAware.com, the aircraft took:

• a 10-minute flight at 2:23 p.m. May 9,
• a nine-minute flight at 3:16 p.m. May 13, and,
• a flight of unknown length at 2:35 p.m. May 16.

FlightAware.com also shows that the aircraft took off at 2:39 p.m. Sunday and last was seen at 2:46 p.m. the same date.

[ Click here to track the fatal flight of the plane that crashed into Cross Lake ]

Federal aviation records show the 2017 John M. Corneal Subsonex is owned by Pocket Jet LLC, a corporation that lists its address in the 300 block of Marshall Street in Shreveport.

That’s the same address as Phillips Energy.

And the Caddo coroner’s office has identified Fred L. Phillips, manager of Pocket Jet LLC, as the pilot who died in the crash Sunday.

He’s the Phillips Energy CEO who was critically burned in the gas-fed explosion of a house he owned in Colorado that claimed the life of the woman he shared his life with for 25 years.

A relative by marriage who got a call about Phillips on Sunday also confirmed that he’s the same person who survived that explosion in 2019.

The CBS affiliate in Denver interviewed Phillips in October 2020.

The Phillips Energy website says Phillips was an avid aviation enthusiast and an accomplished pilot with more than 18,000 hours as pilot in command. He owned and operated Petrolift Aviation Services Inc., an aircraft charter company, and Movie Choppers of Louisiana LLC, a helicopter charter company.

His other interests included skydiving, cycling and motorcycling.

That website goes on to say that the father of five served as a board member for multiple civic and business organizations, including Aeropres Corp., the Northwest Louisiana chapter of the American Red Cross, the Southfield School Foundation board, the Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center and several family-owned entities. Phillips also was vice president of the Leonard W. & Betty Phillips Foundation.

Read More

Kathryn’s Report on the Accident

Read More

Breeze Airways Announces MSY Base

NEW ORLEANS — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and CEO David Neeleman of Breeze Airways announced the newly-launched airline will create an operations base with hundreds of jobs at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, or MSY.  With operations established by aviation industry veterans, Breeze Airways will make a capital investment of $6.6 million at MSY and will create 261 new direct jobs, with an average salary of $65,000, plus benefits.

In New Orleans, Breeze Airways will inaugurate direct flights to 10 U.S. destinations. Direct flights will connect New Orleans and Charleston, South Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky; Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas; Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Akron/Canton and Columbus, Ohio; and Huntsville, Alabama. The airline will launch its first flights connecting New Orleans and Charleston starting July 8, with other connections launching July 15 and 16.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we understand full well the amount of pent-up excitement to travel once more, both for excited tourists to experience our unique

and welcoming culture, as well as for Louisiana residents to explore new destinations,” said Gov. Edwards. “Today, I am proud to announce new destination offerings, courtesy of our latest airline partner, Breeze Airways. In addition to these exciting routes, Breeze Airways is also creating great new opportunities for our people as they establish their operations base at MSY. We welcome Breeze Airways and wish them success here in New Orleans and beyond.”

Read More

Pilot Hiring Information

Breeze Airways is scheduled to begin service in early 2021 operating a fleet of Embraer 190 and Embraer 195 aircraft with the Airbus A220 on order. Breeze is currently developing pilot staffing requirements, bases, and a route structure for their initial launch.

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A young man from Ferriday was killed in a plane crash Tuesday afternoon near Elam Turner Road in Catahoula Parish, law officials said.

According to Sheriff Toney Edwards of the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office, his department received multiple calls regarding a plane, which seemed to be a crop duster, crashing at approximately 1:21 p.m. Tuesday.

Upon their arrival to the scene, deputies found the crashed plane in an open field with fuel leaking from the right-wing area.

The pilot was identified as Jakob Thomas Porter of Ferriday and the plane belonged to Ferriday Flying Service.

“This was a tragic incident that occurred in Catahoula Parish yesterday.  I ask for us all to remember Jakob’s family, friends, and everyone who assisted at the scene yesterday,” Edwards said, adding an investigation of the crash is ongoing with the Federal Aviation Administration.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – One local school is a one-of-a-kind experience in hopes of inspiring more students to pursue STEM careers.

Helix Aviation Academy is inspired and informed by the unique local assets around it. Located in North Baton Rouge at the Baton Rouge Airport, the aviation academy is uniquely situated to provide students with exposure to professionals and experiences related to the field of aviation. 

Recent studies by the Federal Aviation Association and the Aviation Technician Education Council have shown that there is an impending shortage in both technician and pilot related careers, and the market for drone pilots and engineers is expanding dramatically. 

Helix Community Schools’ vision focuses on student success via career pathways and rigorous academics. Helix Community Schools Vision: Helix Community Schools offers unique career pathways and rigorous, innovative academic experiences that empower students to transform themselves, their families, and their communities.

Helix Aviation Academy will open with a 6th grade class in the 2021-22 school year. The following year, the aviation academy will add a 7th grade and an 8th grade in 2023-24 school year. In the 2024-25 school year, an elementary program will open with grades K-2. Thereafter, Helix Aviation Academy will continue to expand until the 2027-28 school year, reaching full capacity and providing students with a full K-12 experience. 

To learn more about Helix, you can visit their website.

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We’ve spent too much time apart and it’s time to get back together.  Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is proud to announce the 2021 Louisiana Airport Managers & Associates annual conference.  LAMA’s 50th Conference will be held at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on October 24-27, 2021. 

LAMA Members:  Discuss timely topics impacting airports today, network with attendees from across Louisiana, learn about the latest solutions in the exhibit hall, and participate in discussions over the future direction of Louisiana’s aviation industry.  There will be social events scheduled on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights that will provide additional opportunities for networking, as well as a chance to experience some of the best food and entertainment Baton Rouge has to offer. 

Exhibitor/Sponsors:  The 2021 LAMA Conference will bring together top airport professionals from across Louisiana.  Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand and make a lasting impression on attendees!  We invite you to explore our diverse selection of conference sponsorship opportunities to find the option that best suits your business.  For questions about our sponsorship opportunities, please contact lamaconference2021@gmail.com.

Please reference the LAMA Conference when making your hotel reservations.  We look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks.

You will find conference forms for your use at www.louisianaairports.org.  If you have any questions feel free to contact Tara Tessier at 225-355-0333 or lamaconference2021@gmail.com.

To read the latest newsletter from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport click HERE.

They have a survey in this edition they would like you to take.

To read the May edition of the Pilots For Patients newsletter click…..

HERE

And in our next issue of The Aviator Gazette . . . It’s our May Edition and we have some great programs to share with you and your family. Click below for updates on founding student events, upcoming activities, and our Summer Bridge Program.

Click HERE to read more.

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

HOUMA, La – Andy Cook is one comfortable guy.

He’s on a Louisiana layover.

Inside what’s left of a retired, renovated, old New Orleans Hornets Boeing 727 airplane.

WGNO’s Bill Wood is there, too.

He’s been invited into Andy’s man cave.

Andy has decked out his home away from home.

It’s actually just behind his home.

He landed his 727 man cave right in his own backyard.

And it’s a short commute from work.

Andy Cook is an air traffic controller at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport in Houma, Louisiana.

He’s had a career of guiding in planes across the country.

He loves planes, always has.

His passion started when he was a kid.

The plane he snuggles up in now flew for the NBA for New Orleans, when the team was the Hornets and for two other NBA teams.

Fasten your seatbelt for one of the few 727s still in service.

It’s on a non-stop flight.

In the first-class imagination.

Right there in the driver’s seat, there’s a Louisiana pilot.

To see the video click HERE

I previously shared some photographs of Doc the B-29 taken from the ground by NOLA Photogal Kate Dimartino. This time I’m sharing a few photos from Aviation Photographer Patrick Quigley from a different viewpoint...up in the air. Thanks to Kate and Pat for sharing their beautiful images for all of us to enjoy.

When a beautiful and rare aircraft like Doc visits Louisiana the aircraft photographers will definitely be there. Here are some beautiful images from Kate the NOLA Photo Gal. 

As one of the busiest airports in Louisiana, Lakefront routinely serves private, corporate, and military aircraft. The airport had more than 65,000 operations last year.

Recommendations to close Runway 9/27 have been in the works for years, as proponents say it would mitigate existing hotspots and provide a safer taxiway environment on the field. Additionally, airport officials say decommissioning the runway is necessary for planned development of T-hangars and box hangars and to provide more ramp space for the airport’s two FBOs.

While the FAA was in favor of closing the runway, the agency made it clear that the sponsor should engage the stakeholders in the process—a request that was largely ignored.

Emmet Bartholomew, an airline transport pilot and flight instructor based at Lakefront, said he was only notified of the public meeting once it was “pretty clear” a decision had already been made. “I was taken aback that numerous other notifications and meetings had not been held to receive feedback from those this change will impact the most,” Bartholomew said.

AOPA member Erin Seidemann, who flies a Cirrus SR22 G3 and owns a T-hangar at Lakefront, said most tenants were unaware of prior meetings on the matter.

AOPA learned that the project was being solicited for bid and pressed the FAA airports district office to provide a public hearing on the closure. The airport sponsor scheduled the meeting one week in advance and did not provide a virtual option for attendees until hours before.

During the April 27 meeting, tenants and pilots called the airport out for the underhanded manner in which it was held, while many were vocal about the safety implications of removing the crosswind runway.

Over the past decade, Runway 9/27 has only had two hotspot incursions, both of which were considered Category C or D—the lowest risk. Despite the airport citing a wind rose study stating that the two parallel runways provide 97 percent wind coverage, pilots remain skeptical and say the hotspot tradeoff would jeopardize safety. One tenant calculated an estimate of around 5,000 annual operations during times of significant crosswinds.

The airport has a busy flight training facility, and the lack of a crosswind runway could cause major concern for novice pilots in the event of severe weather changes. 

READ MORE

A former Louisiana Wing cadet, Rebecca Oppenheim, and fellow engineers on her NASA design team will soon be nervously watching and waiting for the signal that the Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, had completed its first flight on the Red Planet. Ingenuity traveled almost 300 million miles in the belly of the Mars land rover, Perseverance. Last week the rover was taking selfies with the helicopter in Mars' Jezero Crater, where the first controlled powered flight ever conducted on another planet will take place once NASA provides final clearance. During an internship at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, Oppenheim worked for six months on the team that designed the helicopter’s blades. She started her journey into aerospace engineering, modeling and simulation when she was a young girl at a summer camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She knew from then on she wanted to design things that fly and to send them into space. Oppenheim worked hard in high school studying math and science and participating on the robotics team. She was also active in the Louisiana Wing’s St. Tammany Composite Squadron her last two years of high school, having joined because of her interest in flying and because she was seriously contemplating attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. CAP’s aerospace education activities and classes complemented Oppenheim’s high school academic endeavors. After high school she studied aerospace engineering at Mississippi State University, graduating magna cum laude in 2018. She has since worked for NASA and is now a U.S. Army employee. Oppenheim’s father, Daniel Oppenheim, joined the squadron to support her efforts. He now holds the CAP rank of captain and is the Louisiana Wing’s legal officer as well as a mission pilot and cadet orientation pilot. 

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Left to Right, George Waddell (FAA), LJ Brady, Joel Brightbill, and Michael Hall (FAAS Team).

Two more Louisiana pilots have received the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.  Congratulations to LJ Brady and Joel Brightbill who received their awards at the Ama Airport Crawfish Boil on Sunday, April 11.  They are the 63rd and 64th recipients from Louisiana.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as "Master Pilots".

A distinctive certificate and lapel pin is issued after application review and eligibility requirements have been met. Once the award has been issued, the recipient's name, city and state will be added to a published "Roll of Honor".  You can see it by clicking Here.

The Louisiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has awarded the Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Award to Captain Daniel Oppenheim, our Louisiana Wing legal officer, 

pilot, and O-ride instructor. He is always busy doing things for the community, along with his wife, Patti Oppenheim, and his children.

The Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Award is given to Civil Air Patrol members who complete Level Two of the Senior Member Professional Development Program and have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in the CAP.

Congratulations! We appreciate all you do for our squadron and for our community and nation.

Congratulations to Patrick Quigley from Slidell for receiving the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.  He received the honor on April 10th in a ceremony at Lakefront Airport.  Patrick is the 62nd recipient from Louisiana.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as "Master Pilots".

A distinctive certificate and lapel pin is issued after application review and eligibility requirements have been met. Once the award has been issued, the recipient's name, city and state will be added to a published "Roll of Honor".  You can see it by clicking Here.

Photo Credits:  Scott Lindsly

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

Boutique Air will begin flight operations from Greenville, MS - Greenville Mid-Delta Regional Airport to New Orleans, LA -Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The new route will offer one daily round-trip on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Greenville, MS Mayor Erick Simmons is proud to announce this new service for our residents as “We have diligently worked with Boutique Air to launch this service to New Orleans. We believe this is the right route at the right time for our citizens in the Mississippi Delta. Additionally, we believe it will provide a continued pathway to help us with our economic development needs.”

Sam Washington, the Greenville Airport Manager has much to say about this New Orleans service as well,“I am very pleased that Boutique Air has chosen to begin limited service from Greenville, MS to New Orleans, LA. This is a route that I have requested to add since early in my tenure as Airport Director and I am grateful that Boutique Air was willing to work with the City of Greenville to make this a reality for the citizens of the Mississippi Delta.”

Brian Kondrad, Vice President of Business Operations for Boutique Air, added “We are very proud to offer New Orleans to our Greenville passengers. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, we’re happy to provide dedicated service to this exciting new destination,” Kondrad stated.

Boutique Air is a full codeshare partner with United Airlines and has an interline agreement with American Airlines.

“Passengers booking through United Airlines and American Airlines will enjoy seamless connections and baggage transfers when booking on either website of United Airlines or American Airlines,” said Kondrad.

"We are pleased to welcome our newest airline, Boutique Air, to New Orleans," said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. "Greenville is our first nonstop destination in Mississippi, and we look forward to connecting the rich history of each of our regions."

Fares will start at $79 per person. For the current schedule and to book directly with Boutique Air, please go to www.boutiqueair.com.

Hollywood, Fla. – Silver Airways, America’s leading independent regional airline, today announced new safe, reliable, and customer-focused service with nonstop twice weekly flights from New Orleans, Louisiana to Jacksonville, Florida.

In addition to nonstop service between New Orleans, Louisiana and north Florida, this new route will also provide convenient and seamless connections to Silver’s extensive network throughout the Sunshine State, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and destinations domestically and worldwide through Silver’s codeshare and interline ticketing partners. Silver serves more intra-Florida destinations than any other air carrier.

"We are pleased to welcome Silver Airways to New Orleans with nonstop service to Jacksonville," said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. "We continue to work to provide more opportunities to connect New Orleans to the rest of the country and vice versa. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a great partnership."

“We are very excited to serve New Orleans, Louisiana and the surrounding Gulf Coast communities” said Steve Rossum, Chief Executive Officer of Silver Airways. “New Orleans is a vibrant city with a unique culture known for its lively music scene, distinct cuisine, and Southern charm. Steeped in history with deep roots in African, French, and Spanish cultures, the city of New Orleans delivers a charming experience with scenic parks and outdoor activities, countless museums and historical sites showcasing its incredible architecture,” added Rossum. “We are delighted to arrive in the Big Easy and look forward to providing safe, reliable, and friendly service to the community here.”

To celebrate the new nonstop service, Silver is offering fares from $79* available at silverairways.com for a limited time for travel from June 3 through July 11, 2021.

For complete details, reservations and to receive email updates on Silver’s special offers, visit silverairways.com.

Tampa General Hospital is upgrading its fleet of critical care helicopters with the addition of a new Airbus EC145e. The new helicopter provides more cabin space and faster air speeds than their current primary aircraft.

“This new medical air transport helicopter is an important part of Tampa General’s Aeromed Program and will play a key role in helping us provide potentially lifesaving care to critically ill or injured patients in 23 Florida counties,” said Michele Moran, senior director of emergency services, Tampa General Hospital.

“The larger interior means the medical flight crew has better access to care for patients, allows for improved views and communication between the pilot in the cockpit and the crew in the cabin or for a family member to accompany the patient, if appropriate,” said Moran. for easy and safe loading and unloading.

The new EC145e is equipped with Metro’s standard medical interior and Genesys Aerosystems’ instrumental flight rules (IFR) HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System, providing workload reduction for both single and dual pilot operations. The aircraft also has the Outerlink Global Solutions IRIS combined voice, video and flight data recorder system onboard. The video function and data monitoring can be used for pilot training, while the flight following, push-to-talk radio, and live alerts and warnings allow Metro’s Operational Control Center to monitor the location and condition of the aircraft and verify alerts and conditions in real time.

Aeromed has been part of the Metro Aviation family of operations customers since 2013.

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

The 2021 Barksdale Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show is happening May 8 and May 9. Our featured performers are the USAF Thunderbirds. We are very excited to have them back at Barksdale! Many details will be forthcoming. Please watch our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/barksdaleairshow/) and our website (https://barksdaleafbairshow.com) for updates. We can tell you today that this is a "drive in" show. Attendees will be directed to the flight line where they will park. Each automobile will have a reserved area next to the vehicle where you can place lawn chairs for seating. There will be many do's and don'ts associated with this arrangement and we will tell you about them as the details are approved by the base. Please plan to attend, and check back for further details.

We have published the "information" page on our website:  Click Here  As mentioned previously, more details will follow.  

The "performers" page is also updated for 2021:  Click Here

It's a tailgate like no other! Our Airshow this year — on June 5-6, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and a salute to the 77th anniversary of D-Day — will be staged in the "tailgate airshow" arrangement.

That means your group will have your own private, roomy space to unload your ice chest, set up your chairs, and enjoy the show by your vehicle.

You're paying by the vehicle (the tailgate space), not per person. That can be a real savings on tickets! For at little as $50, your entire group arrives with you and tailgates with you in your space. In a six-passenger SUV, that's less that $9 per person to see the Airshow — less than half the price of the last airshow's ticket!

There are three tailgate zones: A, B and C.

Zones A and B are the closest and have local food trucks and air-conditioned and accessible bathrooms. Zone C has bathrooms and accessible bathrooms.

Tickets are sold only online, only in advance. There are no same-day sales or gate sales.

Get your tailgate ticket now by clicking HERE.

The Airshow doesn't happen without the valuable efforts of its volunteer force.

Everyone is encouraged to help with this memorable two-day celebration on the 77th anniversary of D-Day — and see the show for free! The next meeting for volunteers — new or returning — is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 12, at Southwest Beverage, 3860 Broad St.

Social distance and wear masks, please, in keeping with Airshow safety.

Encourage others to take part, too.  For more info click HERE.

To read the Spring Pilots for Patients News click...HERE

To read the latest newsletter from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport click HERE.

Check out the Aviation Academy of Louisiana’s latest blog ~As the Rotor Turns~ they posted a bit from one of their mentors, Wade Cook, the Chief Pilot of one of the largest EMS providers in the USA.

https://www.flylouisiana.com/blog-3-8

Propell Air is back with a new instructor- Seth Sanders! Seth is a recent graduate of Louisiana Tech’s Professional Aviation program, and will be the new instructor at Beauregard Regional Airport. He will be moving to DeRidder in the coming weeks and will be accepting new, and former Propell students, starting March 20th. Make sure and stop by our office in the airport terminal to meet Seth and welcome him to DeRidder.

I am excited to have Seth pick up where I left off and fill the need for flight training for DeRidder, Fort Polk, and the surrounding areas.

In celebration of Propell Air’s newest flight instructor discovery flights will be $50 off ($200) through the month of April.

Call (337) 401-5013 for info.

https://www.facebook.com/PropellAirLLC/

To read the March Big Easy Wing Newsletter click HERE.

Joe Wheeler (left) is welcomed by Tupelo Airport board member John Hill.  Photo by Thomas Wells of the Daily Journal

TUPELO • Tupelo Regional Airport has a new executive director.

The Tupelo Airport Authority (TAA) Board of Directors Thursday afternoon announced Joseph Wheeler as its new executive director. He will start April 1.

Wheeler replaces Cliff Nash, who retired in January after more than five years with the airport.

Wheeler has 15 years of airport experience, including his current position as the Airport Director for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission in Galliano, LA.

“I’m extremely excited,” Wheeler said. “I’ve got a lot of friends and family in the area, and I’m really looking forward not only for the community moving this up, but now it’s my family, my friends that I’m getting to actually move forward and help the airport expand. I’m absolutely thrilled about this opportunity.”

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I am extremely sad to report that longtime EAA Chapter 912 President Donna Maroon passed away on February 26.  I’ve known Donna for over 20 years and attended many of the annual fly-ins that she organized faithfully at the Concordia Parish Airport in Vidalia.  She also served on the Concordia Parish Authority.  She will be missed.  Our deepest sympathy and prayers for her family and friends.

Click For Obituary

Caption: Left to Right: 1st Lt Valerie Titus; Col Allyson Chauvin, CAP USAF; Cadet Lt Col Luke Titus; and Lt Col William Hunton.

New Orleans –    Col Allyson Chauvin, CAP USAF, presented Cadet Lt Col Luke Titus with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Ira C. Eaker Award on 23 February 2021 during a ceremony at the Pontchartrain Cadet Squadron. The Eaker Award Level is the second- highest promotion in the CAP cadet program. Cadet Lt Col Titus is the Cadet Commander of his squadron. Cadet Lt Col Titus is working toward his pilot’s license at The New Orleans Flight Club; he has passed the FAA Knowledge Exam. Cadet Titus plans to pursue higher education at the U.S. Air Force Academy and fly for the US Air Force.

Cadet Lt Col Titus has won the Region Commander’s Commendation, the Wing Commander’s Commendation, and the VFW NCO of the Year Award. At Louisiana Wing Encampment at Barksdale Air Force, he was chosen as Honor Cadet from a field of approximately 100 cadets from Louisiana and Texas.

Cadet Lt Col Titus is the assistant delegate to the Louisiana Wing Cadet Advisory Council. He has served as the Squadron Flight Sergeant and Committee Chairman for the Louisiana Wing Cadet Olympiad. He serves as Southwest Region Cadet Diversity Liaison, Louisiana Wing Cadet Diversity Liaison, SWR Cadet Advisory Council Primary Representative, and La Wing Cadet Advisory Council Vice-Chairman.

Cadet Lt Col Titus exhibits exemplary leadership and knowledge of the CAP cadet program. In his 4 years in CAP, Cadet Lt Titus has tested, performed, and promoted in record time. Cadet Lt Col Titus serves as Cadet Commander and as Leadership Officer and Emergency Services Officer. CAP provides 90% of the search and rescue in the US every year, saving from 100 to 149 lives a year.

Cadet Lt Col Titus is a Senior at Lusher Charter School and is an Offensive Lineman on Lusher’s Varsity Football Team. He established the U.S. Colors Club for the raising of the school’s flags.

Established in 1941, 

Visit www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. 

Collision During Takeoff/Landing: Quad City Challenger II, N6138Z; accident occurred March 22, 2020 in Lettsworth, Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana

On March 22, 2020, about 1630 central daylight time, amateur-built Bower Challenger II airplane, N6138Z, was substantially damaged when it collided with a tree and impacted the ground near Lettsworth, Louisiana. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he purchased the airplane about 1-1/2 weeks before the accident flight. This was his first flight. He had no previous flight time, nor had he received any flight instruction. He noted some familiarization with flying obtained from the internet. He had planned only to taxi; however, a wind gust caused the airplane to become airborne, and he ultimately flew for about 25 minutes "to get the hang of things." He attempted to land several times but was unable because of the turbulence. After another landing attempt, he again decided to go-around due to the turbulence. He thought the airplane had cleared trees near the flight path; however, the airplane was momentarily overcome by the continuing turbulence which resulted in it striking a tree. He stated there were no issues with the airplane; it was "performing flawlessly."

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A Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office helicopter malfunctioned upon take off, injuring two Livingston deputies and a St. Helena Sheriff's Office deputy Monday afternoon, according to a Facebook post by Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard. 

The three deputies were hospitalized with "minor to moderate injuries" but were later released after examination, according to a LPSO spokesperson.

"Fortunately, they were able to walk away from the incident without serious injuries," Ard wrote. "For that, I am very thankful."

LPSO was assisting the St. Helena office with an active investigation in Greensburg when the helicopter malfunctioned during take off with the three deputies on board around 2 p.m. 

LPSO is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine the cause of the crash, Ard wrote.

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Just completing her CFII check ride a few weeks ago, Capt. Momoko Edwards took advantage of that rating and signed off Lt. Col. Lester Cambre of LA-076 squadron based at KNEW and congratulated each other’s accomplishments!  Capt. Edwards signed off Col Cambre for his instrument rating in which she’d been helping him  with for the last several weeks! Civil Air Patrol encourages their members to achieve advanced ratings so they can become more proficient pilots! They also want to encourage the next generation of younger pilots to join for the same reasons! According to Col Cambre, “I look for young, low time pilots and challenge them to join. I tell them we’ll make you better!” Anyone interested in this challenge can contact Lt. Col. Cambre at 504-415-9726

Hear from Brian Capone, Squad Commander at the Baton Rouge Civil Air Patrol. Early Exposure is key to being successful in any career field.

To watch it on Facebook click HERE

LARRY JAMES LANDRY, SR.

1942 – 2021

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Larry Landry on February 13, 2021.  Larry was an integral part of the Mid-Continent family.  Larry’s association with Mid-Continent began in 1971 when he first met Mid-Continent founder and owner Dick Reade at the NAAA Convention in Las Vegas.  After working for Lyon Flying Service in Welsh, LA, Larry became parts manager for Falcon Crest Aviation.  Shortly thereafter, Larry was approached by then-Mid-Continent executive VP, Larry Cookemboo, who proposed a joint operation in Estherwood, LA.

Landry Aero opened its doors in May 1993 as a parts division of Mid-Continent, with insurance sales added in 1996.  Even though it has always existed as a division of Mid-Continent, the name “Landry Aero” was strategically chosen because the Landry name and reputation remained so closely identifiable with Larry’s existing customer base.

Larry Landry was born in Jennings, LA to Evelins Landry and Marie Gary Landry.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960-1964, in the Air Police Canine Corps, and as an interpreter during the Vietnam War.  He continued to serve his community as a Boy Scouts Master during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Larry was a devout Roman Catholic, devoted husband, and father.  Larry worked for many years in the aviation industry which was his passion, treating all his customers and employees as if they were family.  He loved BBQ and cooking for his family, loved watching Saints and LSU football, playing golf, and working out at the gym.  Larry’s greatest joy came from the time he was able to spend with all of his family, especially his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his three sons, Larry J. Landry, Jr. (Karen) of Ocean Springs, MS, Lance Joseph Landry (Carmen) of Scott, LA, Layne Jacy Landry (Rebecca) of Lafayette, LA; his two draughts Margaret Heather Landry Bergren (John) of Welsh, LA, Kamala Caroline Iguess (Kevin) of Welsh, LA; eight grandchildren, Ashley, Derrick, Aidan, Megan, Cain, Jordan, Shelby, and Zoe; and four great grandchildren, Jay, Jaxson, Charles, Jr., and Kingston.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret “Margo” Dunn Gillard Landry, his father Evelins Landry, his mother Marie Gary, step-father Camille Palmer, and one grandson, Christian Rene Dubois.

Memorial Services for Larry were held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Welsh, LA on Friday February 19, 2021.  Internment took place at Pine Island Cemetery in Pine Island, LA.

Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Click For Obituary

By USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award program

NEW ORLEANS - Today, USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award program announced that the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) ranked third in its 2021 Best Large Airport contest. The public voted for this honor after MSY was initially nominated among 12 other airports by a panel of travel industry experts. 

“It is an outstanding achievement to have our Airport named as one of the top three in the country,” said Judge Michael Bagneris, Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board. “This is proof positive that the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Aviation Board’s investment in a new terminal facility was well worth it.”

“Not only have we been making significant investments in our Airport’s infrastructure, but we have also been laser focused on ensuring that our passengers receive the best possible customer service experience,” said Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation. “We are grateful that the panel of experts from USA Today recognized this by selecting MSY, and we would like to sincerely thank every individual from the Greater New Orleans Region and beyond who voted for us throughout the four-week voting period.”

The top ten winners in this category are as follows:

1.    Denver International Airport 

2.    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 

3.    Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 

4.    Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 

5.    Orlando International Airport 

6.    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 

7.    Nashville International Airport 

8.    Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport 

9.    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 

10.    Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

In Nov. 2019, MSY moved all 16 airlines to its new, 972,000 square-foot terminal and drastically improved the first thing visitors see when they arrive in New Orleans. The new terminal features three concourses, 35 gates, two new parking garages, a surface parking lot next to the terminal. It was built with the passenger experience in mind, and features a consolidated checkpoint through which all passengers have access to more than 40 different food and retail concessions once beyond security.

Other amenities available in the new terminal include:

•    MSY-Fi – fast free Wi-Fi

•    Outlets in 50 percent of seats in the gate areas

•    11 water bottle refilling stations post security

•    Three Mothers Rooms

•    Fully automated restrooms with sanitary seat covers

•    A pet relief area post security

•    Music venues located pre and post security

•    Three curbside check-in locations with easy access to the Short Term Garage

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We are a tuition free, public charter school that provides transportation to all students. We are located at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. We have limited seating for 6th grade students; so, we encourage you to complete your application soon. Early exposure in Aviation and Cyber Technology is our focus. Students will be on a guided pathway into related fields. Apply now at www.helixaviationacademy.org to secure your seat!

MONROE, La. — The City of Monroe has announced the appointment of Charles Butcher as the Director of the Monroe Regional Airport.

According to the city, Butcher’s career in aviation spans across two decades. Butcher most recently served as the Director of Security Access and Ground Transportation Services at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport.

Butcher is also experienced in directing large airport projects, including writing the minimum standards, airport emergency plan, and helping with the rewriting of the security plan.

Butcher, who holds a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science with an emphasis in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from Delta State University. Butcher is also a licensed pilot and holds an FAA flight dispatcher certificate.

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

To read the Lafayette Regional Airport Annual Report Series: Part 1 of 4 click:

HERE

To read the Lafayette Regional Airport Annual Report Series: Part 2 of 4 click:

HERE

To read the Lafayette Regional Airport Annual Report Series: Part 3 of 4 click:

HERE

To read the Lafayette Regional Airport Annual Report Series: Part 4 of 4 click HERE.

Rock Palermo III, left, and Richard Don Clements were killed in a plane crash Tuesday night in Cameron Parish.

In an emotional news conference Wednesday, Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso talked about Rock Palermo III, who was killed in a plane crash on Tuesday in Cameron, along with another man, Richard Don Clements.

Palermo was a long-time attorney for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, as well as the department’s pilot. But more than that, Mancuso said, “He was our friend.”

“I don’t know how you replace that,” Mancuso said through tears. “It’s personal sometimes and this was.”

Mancuso said Palermo was “everything” to this office. “He was the best at what he did.”

He said this was about the toughest loss he could think of for the office, as well as the community.

“Rock touched many, many people,” Mancuso said, adding Palermo had actually started the aviation program at the department. “He’s one of those people you can’t replace. He was amazing.”

Calcasieu District Attorney Stephen Dwight, who had worked with Palermo and was also a friend, said, “Rock was family; he always had your back. He loved the sheriff’s department and the sheriff’s department loved him.”

The bodies of Palermo and Clements were recovered from the wreckage of the plane, which went down near Hackberry, according to Cameron Sheriff Ron Johnson.

The plane, a single-engine Cessna 182 four-seater, crashed on a small island between Hackberry and Big Lake, near Pete Seay Circle, according to authorities.

Palermo was an instructor on the flight and Clements was a student.

Both families have been notified and arrangements have not yet been announced for either of the men.

Palermo graduated from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in 1987 and graduated from LSU Law School in 1992. He was a founding partner in the law firm of Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson.

In addition to his law duties and work for law enforcement, he was an FAA licensed Airline Transport Pilot with airplane, jet and helicopter ratings. He was a certified flight instructor and master scuba instructor. Palermo was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary, and held the rank of colonel. He also served on the Lake Charles Regional Airport Authority.

Tributes poured in on social media throughout the day on Wednesday, with people recalling memories of each man and offering condolences for their families. On Palermo’s Facebook page, one said it was a “tough day for Lake Area pilots” while another said, “Blue skies and tailwinds Rock.”

Palermo is survived by his wife, Kim, and their three children.

Clements was a financial planner, husband and father. He had worked in investing and financial planning since 2002 and was with Raymond James, a global asset management group.

Prior to his career as a financial advisor, Clements worked as a trader in the energy business and as a CPA in a public accounting firm. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor of science in accounting.

Clements is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their two children.

The cause of the plane crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

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Left to Right, Ralph McRae, his wife Anna, and FAA Examiner Jacob Braden.

If you follow our Facebook page you have seen me congratulate a lot of folks from all around Louisiana for achieving various licenses and ratings.  When I got a note from Ralph McRae telling me he had achieved his Helicopter Commercial add-on, I got really interested when he mentioned that he was 76 ½ years old.  So I asked him to tell me a little about himself.  Here's what he sent:

“I am really proud to have gotten the commercial helo add on.   It was much harder than I thought.  I have been flying airplanes since 1965.  I graduated from Army flight school in June 1969.  I flew O-1 Bird Dogs in Vietnam 1,300 hrs.  Upon returning from Vietnam I flew one of the last Army C-47s 2,300 hrs.   I resigned from the Army in 1972.  

Since then I have been involved with several family businesses which allowed me to own and fly numerous private aircraft.   I hold an ATP with DC-3 and Falcon 20 type ratings.  I hold a commercial SE land and sea plus the new helo rating.  I am also a CFI ME SE Inst.  I am totally retired in Leesville.  I own a 1957 Cessna Bird Dog and a Robinson R44.  I am 5th generation Vernon Parish/Leesville.  Nowadays I only fly for fun mostly around Southwest Louisiana.   

Wow, what an impressive flying career.  And after reading that I also remembered where I heard the name before.  He also received the impressive FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in November of last year.  So congratulations, Ralph, on your new Commercial Helicopter License and also thank you for your service to our country.  I hope you will keep flying for many more years.

Ralph pictured with his family and L-19 on the day he received his Master Pilot Award.

After a very difficult year, we at Hangar 7 Air Center in Monroe have been forced to close our doors.  With no available hangars to rent and no leasable land on which to build more, along with a fuel farm, the plans for our new, amazing FBO building have been tabled.  We’d like to thank those of you who have faithfully used our services over this past year.  Nationwide, we have felt such encouragement and support from so many who have seen “locally-owned” and “veteran-owned” in our description and immediately knew they were coming to see us!  We have enjoyed getting to know so many pilots who have made us a frequent fueling stop on their cross-country flights and we will miss seeing your smiling faces.  Unfortunately, our city officials, along with the former airport administration, have deemed it unnecessary to unseat the monopoly they themselves have cultivated over the years.  When the new Monroe mayor used the slogan, “One-roe,” we hoped he would focus on helping local companies rather than corporate offices hundreds of miles away.  Sadly, this has not been the case.  Again, we thank you for your business and, more importantly, for your friendship over these past months.  We have been absolutely honored to have served you.

*The flight school will remain in operation*

To read the February Newsletter from the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe click…..HERE

To read the latest Newsletter from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport click HERE

It is with deep sadness that I report Steve Rastanis has passed away today after a sudden illness.  Steve was a flight instructor and owner of AutoGyro of Louisiana at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Jan. 22, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced it recently inducted the first U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) P-3 Orion aircraft for depot level maintenance at its Aircraft Maintenance and Fabrication Center in Lake Charles.

Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract in June for aircraft maintenance and logistics services for the P-3 fleet. In addition to depot level maintenance, the company will support daily operations of the 14 aircraft fleet operating primarily out of Jacksonville, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas, as well as domestic and international deployment locations. All 14 aircraft in the fleet will undergo depot inductions over the course of the contract.

“Northrop Grumman’s expertise in aircraft maintenance, logistics and sustainment have kept aircraft fleets mission ready for decades,” said Michelle Scarpella, sector vice president and general manager, global sustainment and modernization, Northrop Grumman. “We support operations of aircraft around the world and have delivered depot maintenance from our Aircraft Maintenance and Fabrication Center in Lake Charles for over 20 years.”

Northrop Grumman’s growing Aircraft Maintenance and Fabrication Center is home to 700 professionals who have performed over 15 million hours of direct maintenance work on numerous aircraft including the P-3 Orion, E-8C, E2-C Hawkeye, C-2A Greyhound, and the United Kingdom Royal Air Force’s E-3D.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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TENSAS PARISH, La. (KNOE) - Authorities are investigating a fatal plane crash in northern Tensas Parish. It happened on the afternoon of Jan. 19, 2021.

According to the Louisiana State Police, the plane was a crop duster. One fatality has been confirmed. There were no other occupants.

Tensas Parish Sheriff Rickey Jones said the plane crashed off of Highway 888. The Northeast Louisiana Ambulance Service, who got the call around 2:39 p.m., said the area was near Big Lake.

The plane was registered to Tensas Flying Service. The National Transportation Safety Board says they are investigating.

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Additional Coverage

Federal investigation at a Newellton plane crash site is concluding after two days. 

Tensas Parish Sheriff Rickey Jones said the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigators are finishing work at the scene and preparing removal of the plane. 

Carl L. Hill, 68, of Newellton, died Tuesday afternoon when his Air Tractor AT-802A crashed under unknown circumstances after hitting a power line near the intersection of Louisiana 888 and Big Lake Road.

Hill was the only occupant of the plane.

The Air Tractor is used in agricultural applications and was registered to Tensas Flying Service LLC, a company owned by Hill.

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I’m sure most of you remember that Louisiana agricultural aviation pilot Carl Hill lost his life in a tragic aviation accident on January 19, 2021.  

Carl was the owner of Tensas Flying Service.  A Memorial Flyover was conducted by several of his pilot friends at his Memorial Service on January 23, 2021.  Thanks to Candi Head for allowing us to share her video of this beautiful tribute.  To see the video click…  https://youtu.be/GZ7yiyqDNeo

Flyover crew for Carl’s tribute taken under the wing of Cody Hill's airplane.

Signature Flight Support has moved its FBO at Louisiana’s Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport/Ryan Field next door to a newly-renovated terminal and hangar complex that previously housed a corporate flight department. As part of its purchase of Landmark Aviation in 2016, Signature inherited a 1960s-era facility at the airport, and it purchased the adjacent, larger location last year.

After two months of renovations, the new FBO consists of a 15,000-sq-ft hangar (50 percent larger than the previous hangar) that can accommodate aircraft up to a Gulfstream G650, as well as a 5,000-sq-ft adjoining terminal with a 12-seat conference room, pilot lounge with showers, and offices.

“Signature Flight Support is committed to the growth of private aviation at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport and the greater Baton Rouge area,” said Geoff Heck, the service provider’s senior v-p for eastern U.S. operations. “We are proud to service residents and visitors to the city, and our new facility allows us to grow our on-field presence in greatly renewed surroundings.”

Mike Edwards, the airport’s director of aviation, added, “The expansion of private aviation capabilities at Baton Rouge by Signature Flight Support is a testament to the strength and importance of this group of airport users.”

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

Winnsboro officials were accused of being in breach of contract after not paying approximately $60,000 for work on the municipal airport.

The allegations arose during Winnsboro’s regular Town Council meeting Monday night by Bill Holdman, president and CEO of Amethyst Construction of West Monroe.

According to Holdman, Winnsboro owed his company $69,737 for the rehabilitation of Winnsboro Municipal Airport taxiway and aprons.

Holdman received a certificate of completion signed by Mayor Sonny Dumas and Heath McGuffee from Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixson Engineers of Alexandria. McGuffee was project engineer, according to Holdman.

Dumas said Winnsboro is currently disputing Amethyst Construction’s claim after further review of the quality of work.

“(The certificate of completion) was signed and certified by our office,” McGuffee said. “We made recommendations to the city, and the city has since disputed the remainder of the work and is requesting a reassessment. Yes, we did certify it but upon further review, (the work) does not meet the requirements”

When asked by Town Council member Rex McCarthy how did Amethyst receive a certificate of completion when the work was not complete Dumas said, “I don’t know if we have a certificate of completion but if we do I’d like to see it.”

Holdman said the certificate was signed by all parties involved..

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