News

(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

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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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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Kathryn’s Report on the Accident

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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.”

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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. 

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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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CHENNAULT TO GET NATIONAL GUARD READINESS CENTER: Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2021 on a 60,000-plus square foot National Guard readiness center at Chennault International Airport.

The Lake Charles Readiness Center will be the future home of multiple Louisiana National Guard units who experienced damage to their armory during Hurricane Laura.

The plans for the new readiness center began before Hurricane Laura barreled through Southwest Louisiana.

Lt. Col. Scott Slaven, LANG's Construction Facilities Management Officer, notes that progress continues on the planning and design of the new readiness center in Lake Charles despite challenges with COVID-19 and hurricanes.

“Through the efforts and dedication of our design partner, Holly and Smith Architects from Hammond, La., design is now 60 percent complete. This has truly been a collaborative effort, and I look forward to the day when we can turn over a first-class facility to our soldiers,” Slaven said.

Brig. Gen. Keith Waddell, the Adjutant General of LANG, supports the progress.

“We’re looking forward to beginning construction on the Lake Charles Readiness Center in 2021 and are pleased with the opportunity to continue working with the leadership at Chennault International Airport, the city of Lake Charles and other state and local stakeholders,” Waddell said. “Our priority remains serving the citizens of Louisiana.”

Here are some additional facts and figures about the facility:

• Size: 60,000 square feet.

• Cost: An estimated $24 million or more.

• Units served: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion of the 156th Infantry Regiment; Detachment 1, H Company of the 199th Support Battalion; and B Company of the LANG’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

• Soldiers: About 170.

“We welcome and look forward to the development of the 3-156 Infantry Battalion’s new home at Chennault International Airport,” said Kevin Melton, Executive Director of Chennault International Airport. “We’re proud to host — right here in our own backyard — the robust and important training of the warriors of the Louisiana National Guard. The addition of the new Guard facility supports Chennault’s vision of growth for the economic good for our region and state."

The mission and purpose of the Lake Charles Readiness Center will be to provide space for training, administration and material storage for the assigned National Guard units.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter welcomed the announcement.

“This is a monumental announcement coming on the heels of a truly difficult year,” Hunter said. “The Louisiana National Guard’s commitment to build a multimillion-dollar Readiness Center at Chennault is a true testament to the value the airport brings to our regional economy. Now, more than ever, a diversified economy is critical to the rebuilding of our community.”

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A Baton Rouge woman has won a $50,000 collegiate scholarship from Dr. Pepper to pursue her dream job of being a commercial aviation pilot.

Kirsten Smith, a 2020 graduate of what is now Liberty High School, was named a finalist for Dr. Pepper’s Tuition Giveaway program after she submitted a video entry explaining how the scholarship would help her fulfill her career goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

“Along my journey, I couldn’t help but notice there are not very many people like me,” Smith said in the video. “It was a little discouraging at first, however, with the help of my family and mentors I know my destination can become a reality.”

Smith described herself as a ‘unicorn’ in the submission video because she is pursuing a career in aviation as a female African American. She says women make up only 5% of pilots in commercial aviation and of those female pilots even less are African American.

Dr. Pepper, which is granting $2 million in tuition during the 2020-201 college football season, told Smith she was a finalist and would compete in a game-show style game on Dude Perfect’s YouTube Channel on Dec. 7.

Smith competed against a fellow finalist from Texas A&M in a game of “Small Games, Big Prizes” in which the contestants had to guess if an object was real or actually a cake.

She did not realize it before the game began, but she would win a $50,000 scholarship for participating.

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We're proud to be the host of the Chennault International Airshow, which will return June 5-6, 2021. Today, our executive director, Kevin Melton — who is also president of the Airshow's independent board of directors — welcomed a U.S. Navy Blue Angels advance team to Chennault review early logistics before their headline appearance here in 2021. At one point, Melton went out to look over the Blue Angels jet that they arrived in, and as an Air Force man — a retired colonel, in fact — he appeared to be impressed with the legendary Navy aircraft.

READYING FOR THE BLUE ANGELS: Chennault International Airshow Board President — and airport Executive Director — Kevin Melton, seated in foreground, listens as Lt. Julius Bratton of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels discusses logistics for the Blue Angels’ visit to the next Airshow.

The report has been issued on a Van’s RV-8 incident at Southland Field that occurred back on June 8, 2020.  The aircraft had a landing gear structural failure when landing. There was substantial damage to the aircraft but thankfully only minor injuries to the pilot.  For details on the accident click HERE.

The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Gala has gone virtual... but don't worry!  You can watch it at any time on our Facebook page.

This fundraiser occured live on December 12 and went virtual on December 17. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year!  If you missed the live event, you can watch it now for free by clicking HERE

You can also still support the Museum by donating to the Gala HERE.

Donations are appreciated and benefit the Museum's mission to Preserve, Promote, and Honor Military and Aviation History.

To read the Winter edition of the Pilots For Patients Newsletter click HERE

Tech. Sgt. Joseph McCoy, Tech. Sgt. Eric Hill, 2nd Security Forces Squadron flight chiefs, and Master Sgt. Tamieka Morgan, 2nd SFS defense force operator, search for a route to a crash site at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, 

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – The pilot and passenger killed Wednesday in an early morning plane crash have been identified as Jonathan Cole Harris, 19, and Jet Andrew Montgomery, 18, both of Bossier City. 

Harris and Montgomery were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Barksdale Air Force Base. 

The two were in a Piper single engine aircraft that went down in poor weather conditions around 4:45 a.m. When air traffic controllers lost radar contact with the aircraft the Federal Aviation Administration was notified. Base personnel and Bossier Parish sheriff's deputies soon after began their search for the aircraft and found it around 8:25 in a heavily wooded area of the base referred to as the east reservation. 

Col. Mark Dmytryszyn of the 2nd Bomb Wing, who is the base commander at Barksdale, said Wednesday afternoon the site was secured and either the FAA or National Transportation Safety Board would take over the investigation into the crash. 

"It is not excessively dense but it is a low-volume, low-population area," Dmytryszyn said of the area where the plane went down. "We use it predominately for oil and natural gas exploration as well as some timber farming."

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For additional information on Kathryn’s Report click HERE

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

After this year, I won’t even hazard to guess if events scheduled for 2021 will actually take place.  However, it is encouraging to see that each of the military jet teams are scheduled to perform in Louisiana in 2021.  

• The Thunderbirds are scheduled for the Barksdale AFB Air Show on May 8-9.   https://afthunderbirds.com/site/show-season/
• The Blue Angels are scheduled for the Chennault Air Show on June 4-6.  https://chennaultairshow.com/

If you want to look out even further, the Blue Angels are also scheduled for the New Orleans Air Show on March 19-20, 2022.

Keep your fingers crossed!  I’m sure you are ready to see them as much as I am.

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, supported the Marine Toys for Tots program Dec. 8 by delivering toys and games to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from multiple hurricanes in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

The team conducted the event in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., product philanthropy nonprofit organization Good360, and, of course, Santa Claus.

The Blue Angels’ C-130J logistics and support aircraft, affectionately known as “Fat Albert,” flew toys into Lake Charles Regional Airport where Marines from Marine Forces Reserve units along with a host of volunteers unloaded the toys and delivered them to the local Toys for Tots coordinators in the  surrounding parishes who will then distribute those toys and games to families in need for the 2020 holiday season.

“When we received the call from Santa asking for a helping hand with an early toy delivery, we knew  we were the right team for the job,” said Capt. Rick Rose, lead U.S. Marine Corps pilot of the C-130  demonstration. “We are so grateful to help in any way we can and support families around the Lake Charles area. Spreading the holiday spirit of giving and joy is what it’s all about.”

Throughout 2020, Hasbro has partnered with Toys for Tots to distribute toys and games to children who were most impacted by the pandemic. The Lake Charles community endured major hurricanes on top of a year that brought extraordinary challenges to so many.

“At Hasbro, we are proud to continue our longtime partnership with Toys for Tots, donating one million toys and games to support children across the nation in 2020,” said Hasbro’s Director of  Global Philanthropy and Social Impact Kevin Colman. “Play can help children gain a sense of normalcy during times of upheaval so we hope this donation of Hasbro toys and games will bring some joy to the children of Lake Charles this holiday season.”

Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving and Toys for Tots’ newest  partner, has opened the door for relationships with thousands of local nonprofits through their vast  network allowing Toys for Tots to distribute toys in previously unsupported areas. Good360 works  closely with partners on the ground to provide critically needed goods throughout all giving phases of disaster recovery.

"This year Lake Charles has not only been dealing with the devastating effects of the pandemic, but  also with multiple destructive weather events that have left thousands of residents without homes and basic necessities," said Matt Connelly, CEO of Good360. "Our partnership with Toys for Tots allows us to bring joy to children and families undergoing the most challenging of circumstances, and it is our honor to take part in this distribution event with the Blue Angels."

Santa, through his U.S. Marine Corps connections, originally reached out to the U.S. Navy Flight  Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, to seek alternative transportation early this year. The Blue Angels offered their Marine C-130 aircraft and crew in support to fly these much-needed toys this holiday season.

Thank you to all of our Board Members, Advisory Board Members and the best Volunteers in the World for working hard to make the Southern Air Heritage Foundation in Tallulah a #greatnonprofits!

Thank you also to our guests, sponsors and supporters!

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The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe has begun building an outdoor pavilion, display, and park showcasing seven restored military aircraft and more to tell our incredible story of aviation history and heritage. The Chennault Aviation Park will soon offer visitors a modern-day out-door facility with paved walkways, covered pavilions, and restored military aircraft.

For more information and how you can help make it happen click HERE.

Photo Courtesy of Professional Aviation Photographer Joe Richard

JEFF DAVIS PARISH, La. (KPLC) - A pilot walked away from a cropduster crash in Jeff Davis Parish this afternoon.

The crash happened in a field near Winston Road, south of Elton, and the pilot was able to walk to the junction of Dan Buller Road and La. 26, according to Chief Deputy Chris Ivey, with the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office. Dan Buller Road and Winston Road are about a half-mile apart.

The crash ended with the cropduster lying upside down.

Ivey said the pilot refused medical treatment and appeared to be ok.

Another pilot who lives in the area says the cropduster likely malfunctioned.

“Probably was the engine,” Barry Tietje said. “That’s the only way he probably would be out here like that but when he landed in this muddy rice field, he probably skidded maybe a couple hundred feet and flipped over in the mud.”

John Carbalan, who owns the farm on which the plane ended up, said he was relieved to learn there were no fatalities.

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The Aviation Academy of Louisiana is now doing helicopter flight training in New Iberia.  To see a video of their operation click….HERE

For more info go to their Website:  https://www.flylouisiana.com/

Check out the Port of South Louisiana’s latest issue of Port Log. Below is a link to the airport feature in this issue which highlights NOBRA River Pilot Cody Heitmeier who has taken his piloting skills to a "higher" level. 

Read the Article

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

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. 

Their Vision

The vision of Helix Aviation Academy is to empower scholars to become young adults who take an innovative approach to problem solving and thrive in competitive aviation and cyber technology careers.

Their Mission

Helix Aviation Academy prepares all students for achievement in college, career, and a life of opportunity and choice through a deep understanding of the limitless world of aviation, including flight, aeronautical engineering, aircraft technology, and cyber technology.

Helix Aviation is currently accepting applications for 6th graders for the fall of 2021. We focus on building partnerships to increase exposure and maximize career preparation. Hear from Mike Edwards, Director of Aviation at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, on the importance of early exposure in STEM fields, specifically Aviation.

Signature Flight Support, the world’s largest network of Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), has relocated its private aviation facilities at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport in Louisiana to a newly renovated terminal and hangar complex. The transition marks a major change in Signature’s on-airport presence following the company’s acquisition of its original Baton Rouge premises following the acquisition of Landmark Aviation in 2017. 

The well-appointed campus consists of 20,000 sq. ft. of public, office, and hangar space, including an attached 15,000 sq. ft. hangar capable of housing numerous business jets. Additional amenities and services include large conference rooms, a pilot lounge, and crew showers. In addition, Signature Baton Rouge continues to offer expert ground handling for private aircraft. 

“Signature Flight Support is committed to the growth of private aviation at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport and the greater Baton Rouge area” expressed Signature Senior Vice President Operations Geoff Heck. “We are proud to serve residents and visitors to the city, and our new facility allows us to grow our on-field presence in greatly renewed surroundings.” 

“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” shared Mike Edwards, Director of Aviation for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. “General aviation continues to be a commercial driver to both the airport and our city, generating over 4,500 jobs and an annual $1.1 billion dollars in economic impact for the Baton Rouge area.”

BELCHER, La. -- A small Piper PA-12 plane crashed in a corn field on Sunday evening after the pilot accidentally missed the road where he was going to land, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office.

The plane was found upside down, right off of state Highway 3049 and Cedar Bluff Road.

Caddo deputies said the plane took off near Virginia Beach and was headed to California. Deputies said the pilot was transporting the plane to its owner in California.

Caddo Parish sheriff's Cpl. Nathan Wesson said the pilot flew through some heavy fog and rain and he landed in a corn field on private property.

The pilot was not injured in the crash.

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Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton, center, is joined by, from left, Chennault Maintenance Director John McMullen, LED Secretary Don Pierson, LED Assistant Director for Small Business Services Chris Cassagne and LED Senior Director of Business Development Shawn Welcome.

THE GOAL IS ALWAYS JOBS: Chennault was honored to host our friend, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, and his staff to discuss hurricane impacts at the airport.

Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton explained how strategies were synergized to recover the airport as quickly as possible — to continue its efforts to grow even more opportunities and jobs for our region and state.

Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Office of Multimodal Commerce’s Aviation Division was recently recognized with the Special Recognition Award by the Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA) during their 50th anniversary virtual conference. This award was presented to this division for the state’s work in improving airports to allow for a safer and modern managed system that provides convenient and efficient access for travelers, businesses, and commerce. Additionally, Bradley Brandt, Director of Aviation, was also announced as the recipient of the esteemed Award of Distinction for his service to the aviation community.

Brandt holds a degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as an Aviation Law Diploma from the International Air Transport Association. He began his aviation career in airport operations at the Denver International Airport.  In 1998, he relocated to Louisiana where he became a program manager in the Noise Mitigation Program for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.  Three years later he joined DOTD’s Aviation Division, where he currently serves as the Aviation Director.

“It is an honor that DOTD’s Aviation Division has been recognized by this outstanding organization. I would like to praise the work this division does for our system of 69 publically owned airports statewide,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “I would also like to congratulate Brad on receiving this notable award from LAMA. The aviation community has seen his devotion to his work throughout the state in not only the improvements to our airport’s infrastructure but to the education and outreach for aviation safety. These are much deserving awards and I am proud of what this agency has accomplished.”

Brandt served as a member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), where he held numerous positions with the organization as a Regional Director for the Southwest Region, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Chairman of the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education. He also served as Chairman of the NASAO Board of Directors in 2017.  Brandt is also a Dunbar Award winner, the State’s highest Civil Service award.

By Mike Lout

Two Leesville pilots were presented the FAA’s coveted Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award on Saturday, November 7th during the EAA Chapter 1356’s monthly meeting at Leesville Municipal Airport.  The recipients of the Award were Mr. Ralph D. McRae, Jr. and Mr. William C. Pardue, Jr.

The Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to General Aviation pilots.  The 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.  The Award was instituted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 11, 2003.  To date, this Award has only been given to 2,000 of the almost 500,000 General Aviation pilots in the United States.

Mr. Ralph McRae

Mr. Ralph McRae started his distinguished flying career with his solo flight on January 10, 1966.  He served in the US Army and flew an O-1G in Vietnam for 1,148 combat hours. This is where he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, 29 Air Medals and the RVN Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star.  Throughout his aviation career, Mr. McRae has flown many different aircraft, where he amassed 7,622.3 flight hours.  He currently owns and flies an O-1G “Bird Dog” and a Robinson R-44 helicopter.

Mr. Bill Pardue

Mr. Bill Pardue conducted his first solo flight on February 14, 1968.  He is an instrument rated commercial pilot and has logged over 3516 flight hours.  He currently owns a Cessna 206 and continues to fly for business and pleasure.

The Awards were presented by Mr. Don Pardon representing the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office in Baton Rouge, LA.  Mr. Pardon is the FAA’s Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative for West-Central Louisiana.

To see the list of 58 Louisiana Award Recipients click HERE, put LA in the state field and click search….

Pafford Air One, Clinical Air Division of Pafford EMS is pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic partnership with Shreveport, Louisiana based Metro Aviation. This partnership will combine Pafford Air One’s industry-leading, pre-hospital care with Metro Aviation’s internationally recognized excellence in helicopter transportation services and award-winning flight safety and training programs.

Under the partnership, beginning February 2021, Metro Aviation will employ all Pafford Air One pilots and maintenance personnel, conduct all helicopter flight training, and provide all helicopter maintenance, safety programs, and operational oversight.

“Metro Aviation’s robust Operational Control Center and IRIS program, along with Night Vision Goggle upgrades, Safety Management System, FOQA, and numerous other programs, including their Level 7 simulator for the Bell 407 in Shreveport added to our decision-making process and reinforces our commitment to safety and operational excellence,” said Keith Carter, Pafford EMS/Air One SVP/Chief Operating Officer.

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It was a different kind of Reklaw this year but it was just as amazing as it alway is.  Lots of airplanes and campers arrived early because of the weather forecast plus I think folks were more than ready to enjoy an aviation event again.  The weather Friday was not good so it was Saturday before the bulk of the attendee’s arrived.  As always a lot of members of the Louisiana aviation community were there.

You can see from the photos that the attendance was fantastic and a weekend’s worth of flying was done on Saturday afternoon.  Then the weather got worse again on Sunday and some folks had to delay their flights home…. but everyone left happy.

Thanks again to the Masons for inviting everyone to their ranch to enjoy the 35th edition of what has become known as the “Woodstock of Aviation”.

To see all of my photos click…..

https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3grKbbV8vXWg2t87

5,500 Missions!! Wow!!!

Volunteer pilot Jimmy is flying patient Judy from Monroe to Houston to complete this milestone flight..

It is amazing to see how much this organization has grown and how many lives it has touched in just over 10 years.

We could not have done it without the incredible support of our community, our patrons, staff and most importantly, our PILOTS!!

We thank each and everyone of you!! Your selfless love and devotion you have shown us and our patients over the last 5,500 milestones!

Here's to 5,000 more!!

Also to celebrate this momentous milestone, we had a 1st time flier with us today, patient Judy.

She was presented a "Journey Bag" by our coordinator Stacey before her flight.

President Philip Thomas and PFP treasurer Wayne Petrus were also with us today.

October 21, 2020—At the Acadian Companies virtual annual meeting, Administrative Assistant Erin Norton was awarded as the 2020 Air Services Employee of the Year. She represents the company’s Acadian Air Med and Executive Aircraft Charter Service divisions.

Norton was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. She graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria and attended Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana, where she studied Voice Performance for two years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Norton began her career with Acadian Companies in 2012 and has worked in various roles and departments, including risk management and public relations & marketing before joining the air services team. 

A mother of two, Norton has been an active member of various organizations. She has served on the board of directors for three Mardi Gras krewes. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Lafayette Education Foundation, where she was a participant in their annual fundraising event, ReProm. 

“Erin goes out of her way to make sure our air services department runs smoothly. Her attention to detail and can-do attitude make her an invaluable team member,” said Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier.

Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and seven fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana and Southeast Texas. 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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After an unexpected delay, Helix Community Schools is moving forward with plans to open two new schools in Baton Rouge in fall 2021.

Applications for Helix's new Helix Legal Academy and Helix Aviation Academy will open around October 12, launching with a cohort of 120 6th graders in year one at each school. The existing Mentorship STEAM Academy, soon to be a member of Helix Community Schools, will also accept applications for students around that time. 

The two new schools were scheduled to open in August 2020. However, officials decided to delay that opening because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its wide-ranging effects on education.

“It actually gave us another 10 to 11 months to prepare even more for anything we might have missed or anything that wasn’t quite right,” said Robert Webb, the schools’ CEO/CAO. “It just gave us a little more time to be even more prepared. We’ve had an additional year to go from good to great.”

The aviation and legal academies will open in 2021 with sixth-grade classes. The plan is to add more grades each year. Ultimately, the plan is for the aviation academy to be open for students in K-12, the legal academy for students in grades 6-8 and the existing STEAM academy for grades 9-12.

To read more click HERE.

One man is under arrest and facing charges after an incident at the Lafayette Regional Airport Saturday morning.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Deputies responded at 7 a.m. to an individual found outside near a plane at the airport.

After a joint investigation between the LPSO and the Department of Homeland Security, the individual, identified as Adani Fuentes-Ardiano, was taken into custody and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Louisiana Statute RS 14:61 makes it illegal to intentionally enter a critical structure or enter onto any secure premises that is completely enclosed by any type of physical barrier, including chemical plants, refineries, and transportation facilities like truck terminals or airports.

The Department of Homeland Security's Investigations Lafayette team was involved in the alert and the arrest. HSI New Orleans acting Special Agent in Charge Gilbert Trill, who oversees agents in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, said of the arrest, "HSI takes the protection and security of our nation’s critical infrastructure seriously and we stand ready to respond day and night to that mission. Our agents are committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to safeguard our nation’s communities and assets.”

Fuentes-Ardiano is facing one charge of Unauthorized Entry into a Critical Infrastructure. A bond has not yet been set.

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The Southern Heritage Air Foundation held there biggest ever NATA Formation Clinic at their Museum in Tallulah with over 60 aircraft in attendance. 

It was immediately followed by their Warbird, Wings, & Wheels event on October 17th which featured a great performance of the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team.

As the event title suggests, there was a large number of beautiful cars on display There were also several aircraft to view including the CAF’s historic “Thats All, Brother”  D-Day leading C-47.

To see my photo album of both events click HERE

To see SHAF’s photo album on Facebook click HERE

SLIDELL, La. — At least one person is dead after a single-engine plane crashed in the woods near the Slidell Municipal Airport.

According to Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau, police believe there may have been more than one person on the plane and are searching the area for possible survivors.

“We have our Flir system drones looking to see if there are any other signs of life in the area,” Seuzeneau said. “We have multiple people still searching right now. At this time we can’t determine anything else.”

The crash occurred around 7:15 p.m. First responders received several calls about smoke and fire coming out of the woods near the Slidell Municipal Airport and were dispatched to the scene. 

Seuzeneau said that Slidell Police officers will remain on the scene until the morning, when the FAA and coroner’s office will be able to investigate the crash scene.

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Updated Coverage:

The co-owner of a single-engine airplane that crashed at Slidell Municipal Airport said Thursday he thinks his partner was flying it when it went down, killing one person on board.

Jim Blazek said he and his friend, Gene Fendler, had owned the Bonanza V-Tail for about 20 years. Both men are New Orleans lawyers, and Fendler's law firm posted a message mourning his death.

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Jimmy Wayne Fordham of Monroe received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on October 16, 2020.  The 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".

Here is all the info on Jimmy’s flying career….

To see the list of 58 Louisiana Award Recipients click HERE, put LA in the state field and click search….

Two people were killed Friday in a small plane crash outside of Houma, officials said. 

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office identified the pilot as Omar Fouad El-Aazami, 54, of Lumberton, Miss., and the passenger as Dr. Jan Marie Villemarette, 48, of Houma.

A Cessna 182 carrying two people departed from the Houma-Terrebonne Airport at 11 a.m. en route to Brenham, Texas, according to National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson.  

The single-engine plane disappeared from radar around 11:14 a.m. about seven miles southwest of Houma, Knudson said. 

Using coordinates supplied to dispatchers, water patrol agents from the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and members of the Dularge Fire Department began a search, authorities said.  

After the plane wreckage was found near Lake Hatch patrol and airboats were used in the recovery efforts, the Sheriff’s Office said. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB, Knudson said. 

“A preliminary report will be made available in a couple of weeks and the investigation will be concluded in 12 to 24 months,” he said. “The preliminary report will lay out some of the facts and circumstances that we know at this point.” 

Sheriff Tim Soignet thanked everyone who helped in the recovery efforts. 

“I am grateful to the Dularge Fire Department and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for their assistance in the location and recovery efforts,” Soignet said. “I also wish to extend my condolences to the families of the victims. Please know that you are all in my prayers during this painful time.”

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SHREVEPORT, La. -- A bold claim of evidence suppression against Shreveport's Mayor and a member of the Airport Authority is the latest in the city's ongoing battle with Downtown Airport hangar owners.

The claim is in a recent court filing that's part of a lawsuit that seeks to void the reappointment of airport board member Jonathan Reynolds. Plaintiffs now claim that Reynolds destroyed records requested in their suit, and that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins failed to submit any records that were requested.

The case claims that the city violated Louisiana open meeting laws by rushing Reynolds' reappointment without giving public notice, depriving the airport tenants a chance to speak out against Reynolds. They claim he's been one of the most outspoken and controversial members of the Airport Authority. The city council suspended the rules at a meeting in January, and voted to keep Reynolds on board.

In his deposition in July, Reynolds said he had deleted requested documents from his email. He used his email account at his employer, Carter Federal Credit Union, for his Airport Authority business. He said he deleted SAA documents beginning in February when activity relating to Paycheck Protection Program loans began to increase. But plaintiffs point out that the loan program did not begin until the end of March. February is when the suit was filed.

Reynolds was asked to get those documents off the company server, but so far has not produced them, according to the court filing that claims adverse inferences.

The plaintiffs also allege that Mayor Perkins "has produced no documents at all." At his deposition, also in July, the plaintiffs claim Perkins said he would provide all responsive documents the following week. But they say no documents have been provided.

The plaintiffs go on to say the city has refused to make council members available for deposition, claiming legislative privilege. The plaintiffs argue that does not extend to city council members, but instead, state lawmakers.

The plaintiffs' attorney, Jerry Harper, wrote in conclusion, "If ever there was a case that richly befits the imposition of adverse inferences, on multiple bases, this is such a case."

Harper says a judge will rule on whether plaintiffs are entitle to adverse inference before the trial. According to the legal blog Lawvibe, adverse inference means that a jury can infer that the evidence would have been adverse to the defendant, and adopt the plaintiff’s reasonable interpretation of what documents would have said.

An attorney representing the city in the case, Brian Smith, declined comment on the pending lawsuit and court filing. So did Reynolds, as well as Mayor Perkins through a spokeswoman.

Defendants face a deadline of Monday, October 19 to respond to the filing. A hearing on the case is set the following week on October 28.

There's been a lot of friction the last three years between the tenants and the Airport Authority board. A second lawsuit, pending in Bossier Parish District Court, seeks $10 million in damages for lost property value over lease conditions.

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Established in 1980 EAA 614 has been part of the Louisiana and Rapides parish community serving both the flying and general public for 40 years.

Like so many EAA chapters, we have enjoyed many of the fruits EAA offers and challenges us to partake in. From aircraft restoration projects, to Young Eagles flights, to twice yearly fly-ins, our group of folks have always been there each and every time they were needed.

Perhaps our biggest “claim to fame” is the first Saturday of the month breakfast we host. Here, both the flying public and the mortals delegated to driving, have for years come through our doors and enjoyed the beautiful clubhouse and spacious covered deck sitting on Buhlow lake and Pineville airport. Our clubhouse is fairly unique with its waterfront property sporting a sea plane runway on one side and a paved asphalt runway on its other side. Many a morning has been spent eating home cooked food while watching float planes and land planes alike playing in the Louisiana sun. We even have a local alligator named Elvis who is quite fond of biscuits!

On Friday October 9th, all of this changed as hurricane Delta made its way up central Louisiana with record amounts of rain in its veins.

Because we are located on a lake, we have always prepared for rising water and a couple of times have seen close to 12” of in the clubhouse. Fortunately, the original members and builders made preparations for this by raising the electrical wiring, putting ceramic tile over a concrete foundation, installing freezers, refrigerators and other important equipment on raised platforms, and more. But on this date, Hurricane Delta had more to give than our clubhouse could take. On this day, almost 4 feet of water flooded us. This was well above the electrical, the counter tops, and the equipment. We lost everything that kept our club solvent. Everything, that is but the spirit of our members. Hours after the water subsided the doors were opened and EAA614 members began the cleanup while others worked to assess the situation.

In short, our bank account can nowhere near cover the expense of rebuilding and disbanding a chapter that’s 40 years old seems like cruel and unusual punishment. With what we know so far, it would be fruitless to repair without taking even more measures to ensure the clubhouse stays dry even in the worst of storms. Our second option is to relocate which is also expensive but may be best in the long run.

We have started a Go-Fund-Me page to see if the support is great enough to help make this happen. Donations can also be sent directly to EAA Chapter 614-Buhlow Lake Rd.-Pineville, LA 71360 and since we are a 501c-3 non-profit, your contributions are tax deductible.

For anyone, or any chapters interested, our Go Fund Me page is: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/EAA-614

Our email address is EAA614@gmail.com

Best regards to each and every one of you,

Gary Vallery

President, EAA 614

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

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

New Orleans residents living near Children’s Hospital have been unhappy for months about the hospital’s decision to move its helicopter operations from one side of the Uptown campus to another during its $300 million renovation.

Now a City Hall decision that made the move permanent has further upset them, enough to consider legal action, a lawyer hired by the Audubon Riverside Neighborhood Association said.

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Our team had the honor and privilege to extend the serviceability of this historic UH-1 Huey. The aircraft is a 42-year military veteran that served our great nation through many roles. 74-22478 was the last serial number UH-1 in the U.S. Army’s fleet and is now serving the citizens of Louisiana as a member of the Louisiana State Police Air Support unit. Avionics Solutions upgraded the antiquated radio systems with new avionic systems that will greatly increase the crew’s situational awareness as well as the operational readiness of the helicopter. A newly designed and fabricated instrument panel was installed to improve the overall layout of the instrumentation and avionics. The aircraft’s seating was refurbished while keeping the original style and fabric type. The interior was painted satin black which included the repainting of all placards and stenciling. Finally, the exterior was treated and painted the beautiful flagship colors of our Louisiana State Police. Our team is proud to have been chosen to perform this incredible transformation! The upgrades will allow 74-22478 to provide service to the citizens of Louisiana for years to come.

https://myavionicsteam.com/

Here are a couple of before pictures…..

Nola.com Photo

As Lawrence Brooks reached 111 years of age Saturday, birthday wishes poured in through the mail, from the sidewalk and even from the heavens: A squadron of World War II-era aircraft buzzed low, in formation, over his home in New Orleans Central City to celebrate the United States’ oldest known World War II veteran.

Click for More Photos from Nola.com

Brooks stood on his front porch, tipped back his head and watched the planes leaving four streams of exhaust behind them. He danced a little two-step to the Victory Belles, a trio of singers standing on his front sidewalk and performing the 1940s classic, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sometimes called the Black national anthem.

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Photo by Nola.com

It was an awesome gesture by the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team to come to New Orleans help celebrate Mr. Brooke’s birthday with the flyover.  They not only did the flight but also drove to his house to present an autographed team photo as a birthday gift.

I also need to thank the Tom Gibbs of the National World War II Museum and the Gary Sinise Foundation for their major part in making this flyover and the entire Birthday Celebration happen. 

The Aeroshell Team staged their flight at the Big Easy Wing hangar at the Lakefront Airport. Thanks to Wing Leader David Capo and all of the hardworking BEW members for their efforts to coordinate with the team and make everything work smoothly.  The Big Easy Wing Stearman was also supposed to do a flyover but had to cancel due to the weather.

They also presented a Team Photo to the Big Easy Wing.

I was very fortunate to be able to go on the flyover in the back seat of the No. 4 slot aircraft.   I’ve never flown that close to another aircraft much less been surrounded by three of them.  Thanks so much to Aeroshell Pilot Jimmy Fordham for the invitation.   It was an experience I will never forget.

For a few more photos of the flyover click HERE.

I also took a video during the flight and you can view it in the Lagniappe section later in this edition of the Louisiana Aviation News.

So Happy Birthday Mr. Brooks…… and thank you so much for your service!  I hope you enjoyed your celebration.

HILLTOP LAKES, Texas (KBTX) - Four people died Sunday morning in a plane crash near Hilltop Lakes in Leon County.

According to flight records, the 1984 single-engine plane left Horseshoe Bay Resort near Marble Falls, west of Austin, at 10:00 a.m. Sunday and was headed to the Natchitoches, Louisiana Regional Airport.

Troopers say on the way, the plane started to have engine issues. The aircraft was attempting to make an emergency landing at Hilltop Lakes Airport when it crashed near the Hilltop Lakes stables north of Normangee around 10:45 a.m.

Officials say the pilot had been in contact with the FAA before the crash, saying the plane was having engine problems.

A witness tells KBTX the plane was flying extremely low to the ground and once the pilot started pulling up the motor stopped turning.

“He got over the putt-putt area across from the stables. He banked left almost overcorrected and then banked right again and then he banked left one last time and when he did that second bank to the left he pretty much nose-dived straight vertical into the ground,” said Justin DeLeon, a Hilltop Lakes resident.

DeLeon says he and one other man ran to the plane to see if they could help.

According to the flight track, the plane made it 18,000 feet altitude before it descended less than an hour into the flight. The aircraft is registered to KMAC Bravo LLC in Lafayette, Louisiana.

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The four Louisiana residents killed in yesterday’s plane crash in Texas have been identified.  Our deepest sympathy and prayers to their family and friends…..

Read More

Kathryn’s Report on the Accident

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Sept. 8, 2020) – The Louisiana Wing of Civil Air Patrol set out Monday on a new and unusual mission -- to help the coroner of storm-devastated Cameron Parish find caskets washed out of their above-ground vaults by Hurricane Laura’s surging floodwaters.

A wing aircrew took photographs showing the extent of damage to 26 cemeteries, then turned the images over to parish officials.

Patrick Hebert, a volunteer working under the direct supervision of the parish coroner, said airboats and marsh buggies will be used to retrieve the displaced caskets. “Most of the terrain is very difficult and dangerous to get through, and I think an aerial view makes the most sense,” said Hebert, who first contacted the Louisiana Wing for assistance. 

“Although a little unusual, this mission is just the sort of thing we’re ready to take on,” said Lt. Col. Mickey Marchand, the wing’s Hurricane Laura incident commander.

The wing has been providing aerial images of the hurricane’s impact for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local officials since Aug. 30.

Acting as a Total Force partner and the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

Hurricane damage to this small church cemetery in Cameron Parish is visible in a Louisiana Wing damage assessment photo.

Hurricane Laura damaged several cemeteries in Cameron Parish, including this one shown in a  Louisiana Wing damage assessment photo.

Lt. Col. Brian Capone, pilot, and Capt. Francis Guillory, system operator, run through a checklist before takeoff from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport for a photo mission.

BATON ROUGE, La. (Sept. 6, 2020) – Civil Air Patrol’s ongoing mission to fly over and photograph the damage Hurricane Laura inflicted on Southwest Louisiana continues through the Labor Day weekend.

Four photography missions were launched Saturday and two on Sunday. Four involved the use of high-tech photo and navigation systems. The other two used conventional camera equipment.

Using the advanced systems mounted on their Cessna aircraft, Louisiana Wing aircrews flew specific patterns over areas defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Their photos will be used by FEMA analysts for that agency’s hurricane recovery activities.

Flying these patterns requires a two-member crew, a pilot and a system operator. The pilot controls direction and altitude while the operator focuses on managing navigation and the camera system. The flights frequently last several hours and require landing to refuel.

An incident management team of professionally trained Louisiana Wing members provides support for the photography flights. They are drawn from all corners of the state. Their actions are directed by an incident commander, whose staff consists of operations coordinators, planners, flight briefers, communicators, logisticians, administrators and general staff assistants.

Lt. Col. Mickey Marchand, an experienced Louisiana Wing incident commander, was in charge over the Labor Day weekend. “Our aircrews and staff have quickly assimilated the new photo technology and adjusted to the new flying techniques it demands,” Marchand said. “We’ve also handled the conventional aerial photography flights with ease. I’m proud of how well our staff and aircrews have performed.”

Acting as a Total Force partner and the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

(From left) Second Lt. Susan Cox, Maj. Jimmy Cox and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Stevens operate the radios in the incident command post’s communications room.

(From left) Lt. Col. Brian Capone, Maj. John McCrory and Capt. Francis Guillory reposition a CAP airplane before a photo flight while Lt. Col. Mickey Marchand looks on.  All Photos by: Lt. Col. Amos Plante, CAP

To read the September Big Easy Wing Newsletter click….HERE 

The Tiger Trac Formation Flight Team has been organized and has already performed a few flyovers, including a recent boat parade on the Tchefuncte River.  As far as I know they are the only Formation Flight Team in Louisiana.  You can get more information on their Facebook Group page by clicking  HERE.

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The devastation left behind from Hurricane Laura feels endless.

You can see it in your neighborhood, your favorite business and at school.

Right now, recovery efforts are taking place at Chennault International Airport who also took a big hit from Laura.

“We’ve seen 100% of our buildings across Chennault destroyed in some sort of fashion,” said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton.

Day after day, the remnants of Hurricane Laura and the long road to recovery becomes a bit more clear.

“What this storm has done though is come in and desolate some of our hangar space.”

The storm left its mark on buildings and aircraft. Winds from Laura tossed a Centauri aircraft that was donated just three months ago nearly 200 yards from its post.

“If I go back and give you just a very basic estimate of cost of repair, we’re looking at the tens of millions. There’s no question about that.”

Although not fully operational, one thing Laura didn’t take away was the airports ability to assist in recovery efforts.

“We put a lot of miles on foot and in vehicle covering every angle of the community that’s been affected. The spirit that we’re seeing amongst southwest Louisiana has been remarkable.”

Beyond the damage, Melton says it’s the response from the community and various agencies that holds more weight than Laura’s high winds.

“We’re going to recover, not as quick as I would like to be but we’re going to recover and do good for our community and our tenants.”

FEMA is staging their team at the Chennault air base also with Jefferson Davis co-op and Louisiana DOTD.

As for tenants at Chennault, all are non-operational at this time.

However, Melton says one tenant may be back up and running within the next two weeks.

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A pilot flying into the New Orleans area was rescued after his plane crashed in a St. John the Baptist Parish swamp Thursday night, authorities said. 

The 52-year-old, whose plane is based in Mobile, Alabama, suffered a broken arm and other minor injuries in the crash, the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office said. The pilot, Calvin King, was the only person aboard the plane. 

The crash occurred about 8 p.m. in a swampy area just north of the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport in Reserve, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which participated in the rescue along with the Sheriff's Office. 

The pilot was able to dial 911 from his downed plane, a single-engine Piper Tomahawk, according to authorities. He told a Sheriff's Office call taker that his engine stopped. 

Private pilot Gerald Herbert was at the Reserve airport when Sheriff's Office deputies arrived to search for plane. Herbert went up in his own plane to see if he could help locate the downed aircraft. 

"It was pretty dark when I went up," Herbert said Friday. "It was hard to see the ground."

The darkness actually aided his search, allowing Herbert to spot the lights of what he believed to be the crashed plane through the trees. Herbert circled the area until a rescue crew aboard a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter arrived. 

Using search lights, the crew located the plane and retrieved the injured pilot. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released, the Sheriff's Office said. 

Herbert commended the Coast Guard crew, the Sheriff's Office deputies and the air traffic controllers who worked together to find the plane. 

"I don't know what role I played," Herbert said of his search and circling. "I hope what it did was give that pilot some comfort in knowing that we had him and help was on the way."

Read More

Kathryn’s Report Coverage:  Click HERE

Lt. Col. Larry Anderson (left) and Maj. John McCrory check the camera pod on a Louisiana Wing Cessna  in preparation for an aerial photo flight as their fellow aircrew member, Lt. Col. Mickey Marchand, waits in the cockpit.

BATON ROUGE, La. (Sept. 3, 2020) – Civil Air Patrol’s Louisiana Wing continues to fly over areas hit particularly hard by Hurricane Laura, gathering photographs of hurricane damage for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The wing is using new, advanced photo and navigation equipment on three of its planes, allowing aircrews to fly very precise courses and gather thousands of high-resolution images for FEMA’s use. Joining them Thursday was another specially equipped plane from CAP’s Texas Wing.

All are flying over designated areas around affected cities and over the coastal areas of Southwest Louisiana.

Weather conditions are a factor in the aerial photo missions. With clear weather prevailing over target areas, the wing has launched more than 12 missions using the new, high-tech equipment.

Other, normally configured aircraft have conducted conventional photography flights for Alexandria, producing images that were delivered to the city’s damage analysts.

The wing has also provided flights for observers from other government agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Agriculture.

“The members of this wing have reacted to the crisis swiftly and with a new technology,” said Col. Patrick Yglesias, Louisiana Wing commander. “I’m very proud of the things they’ve accomplished these past several days.”

Acting as a Total Force partner and the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.

A pair of the Louisiana Wing’s Cessna 172s equipped with new technology camera and navigation equipment for aerial photography await takeoff in Baton Rouge.

Photos by Lt. Col. Amos Plante, CAP

Cessna R182 Skylane RG, N639RR: Accident occurred August 24, 2020 in Crowley, Acadia Parish, Louisiana

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

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

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: Click For Report

https://registry.faa.gov/N639RR

Location: Crowley, LA

Accident Number: CEN20LA361

Date & Time: 08/24/2020, 0930 CDT

Registration: N639RR

Aircraft: Cessna R182

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation

On August 24, 2020, about 0930 central daylight time, a Cessna R182 airplane, N639RR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Crowley, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight.

According to the pilot, the preflight engine run-up and takeoff were normal. About 30 minutes into the aerial observation flight, the engine began "popping" and running rough. The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient engine RPMs and elected to return to the departure airport for a precautionary landing. Based on the airplane's location relative to the runway orientation, the pilot performed a downwind landing. During the approach, the airplane was "a little high and fast;" however, the pilot was committed to the landing due to the reduced engine performance. The airplane touched down, overran the end of the turf runway, impacted a ditch and came to rest upright.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Visual examination of the engine revealed the No. 4 engine cylinder exhaust valve push rod and housing were bent.

There are several groups of aviators that are planning to help those folks that were impacted by Hurricane Laura.  Here are three that I know about. You can track their activities on their Facebook pages and websites.  Maybe you would like to join in.  It's a great way to use aviation to help folks in need.  These organizations are looking for your help and you won't regret it.

The Cajun Airlift activities can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cajunairlift and on the web at https://www.cajunairlift.org/

The new Aerial Relief Network based in the New Orleans area can be found on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/supportbyair

If you are in one or our neighboring states then Operation Airdrop says they hope to be launching relief flights out of Hattiesburg, MS and Conroe, TX.  They can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/opairdrop and their website is https://www.operation-airdrop.com/

I’m very sad to report that several of the airports in Southwest Louisiana were seriously damaged from Hurricane Laura.  I got this report on Facebook from False River Regional Airport Manager Yvonne Chenevert:

Lake Charles Regional is totaled....all hangars lost, many aircraft totaled, FBO heavily damaged, terminal functional. Chennault is decimated. Alexandria terminal roof heavily damaged. DeQuincy lost hangars and the pilots lounge is laying on its side. Jennings is ok.

Here are a couple of pictures from Lake Charles…..

The three aircraft in this hangar were unfortunately a beautifully restored, yellow Gullwing Stinson, red Tiger Moth and a blue Chipmunk.  Three very rare antique aircraft.

I know that loss of life in storms like this is much worse but it still hurts to see destruction at airports like this.  I know that the facilities will be rebuilt but most of these aircraft will never fly again.

Southland Field in Sulphur was also essentially destroyed…..

By Lt. Col. Amos A. Plante, CAP

Baton Rouge, La., August 26, 2020 – The Louisiana Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has made ready its fleets of aircraft and vehicles and its cadre of trained personnel to support state and local emergency managers in preparing for Hurricane Laura and in dealing with its after effects.

As the hurricane approaches the gulf coast, the U.S. Air Force may task non-combat missions to CAP in its role as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.  Such taskings could include airborne and ground reconnaissance, aerial imagery, disaster and damage assessment, 24-7 communications support, and airborne and ground transportation of essential personnel, equipment, and critical supplies. 

Louisiana Wing has over 600 members assigned to 16 squadrons.  These squadrons are located in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond, Kentwood, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Leesville, Monroe, Greater New Orleans, Patterson, and Shreveport.

The wing maintains and operates ten single-engine Cessna aircraft, most of which are equipped with state-of-the-art navigation equipment.  When called into service, these aircraft are flown by a crew of three consisting of a pilot, observer, and scanner/photographer. 

The wing also has a fleet of 18 mission-ready vehicles which support both transportation and communications needs but are usually used to deploy ground teams for search and rescue and damage assessment missions.

Louisiana Wing Commander, Colonel Patrick Yglesias, said, “I am confident Louisiana Wing is ready to meet the challenge of Hurricane Laura.  Our volunteers are dedicated to emergency services support and are trained to a professional level.”

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

HERE

The family of a New Orleans TV newscaster who was killed in a stunt plane crash a year ago has filed a $23 million lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration claiming the agency cleared the aircraft to fly despite allegedly knowing of its history of mechanical problems.

The husband of Nancy Parker, a veteran anchor for Fox affiliate station WVUE-TV, filed the wrongful death lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New Orleans on behalf of himself and their three children.

Parker, 53, and pilot Franklin J.P. Augustus, 69, were killed on August 16th, 2019, when the Aerotek Pitts S-2B aircraft, registered to Drug Fighter LLC, crashed shortly after taking off from New Orleans' Lakefront Airport. Parker and Augustus were the only two people aboard the biplane, which was scheduled to do skywriting stunts, officials said.

Parker's husband, Glen Boyd, claims in the lawsuit that FAA workers were aware of airplane's "lengthy and well-known history of substandard maintenance, mechanical problems and scant flight time" when they cleared the flight for takeoff, according to the lawsuit that was filed on August 6th, 2020.

To read more click…..HERE

Bristow is to close facilities in Galliano and New Iberia, Louisiana, as it begins to make cuts following its recently-completed merger with Era.

The impacted facilities are Bristow’s flight and maintenance operations at Galliano heliport and the New Iberia maintenance/hangar complex at the Acadiana Regional Airport. Both facilities belonged to the pre-merger Bristow company.

Bristow’s administration and training facilities in New Iberia will remain open to support continuing operations in the Gulf of Mexico and around the world, while its search-and-rescue operation in Galliano is also unaffected by the closures.

“These decisions were necessitated by market conditions and aligned with the strategic purpose of the recently completed merger between Bristow Group and Era Helicopters,” a Bristow spokesperson told Vertical in an emailed statement. “They were also made after extensive and careful consideration and were ultimately made with the long-term viability and success of our business in the Gulf of Mexico region in mind.”

Galliano Base

The company notified staff on Aug. 5, with an employees’ union claiming the closures would result in the loss of 350 jobs. A Bristow spokesperson said it was “too early” to say the precise number of staff impacted by the move, but that it “will likely be significantly less” than 350.

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HAI Director of Maintenance and Technology Zac Noble (right) and Pilot Lester Cambre of Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office complete a successful reconnaissance flight at the site of HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 in New Orleans. The flight, conducted on Aug. 3, was performed to check out proposed flight routes from Lakefront Airport (KNEW) into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

This week HAI staff members returned to New Orleans, our host city for HAI HELI-EXPO 2021, to continue long-range planning for the event, which is scheduled for Mar. 22–25, with exhibits open Mar. 23–25.

Chris Martino, VP of operations; Charlotte Zilke, director of conventions; Zac Noble, director of maintenance; and Chris Hill, director of safety, met with key officials from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the FAA, and several other groups to review and coordinate logistics, health, safety, and security requirements for the event. 

In addition, HAI is conducted an exhibitor site visit Aug. 5–6, both in person and virtually, for exhibitors working on logistics planning for their company’s participation in the show. HAI staff and exhibitor representatives will tour hotels, the convention center, and event venues.

Keep up-to-date with HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 plans as we continue to update our website, heliexpo.rotor.org, with more information. Don’t forget: Housing opens Aug. 17!

Click For Details

IT'S A FLYING LAUNCH PAD: Chennault continues to be a proud partner with Citadel Completions, which provides benchmark services across multiple spectrums of the aerospace industry. We at Chennault are proud to provide service and support to Virgin Orbit, a leader in the aerospace industry.

Virgin Orbit will offer flexible, routine, and low-cost launch services for small satellites via the LauncherOne system. Its vehicles include the LauncherOne rocket and the 747-400 "flying launch pad," nicknamed Cosmic Girl, here at Chennault.

LauncherOne service already has a substantial order book of both commercial and government customers. Virgin Orbit's systems are in an advanced stage of testing with initial orbital launches expected soon. To learn more, visit https://virginorbit.com/

We’re just 500 feet off the ground, cruising at a few hundred miles per hour in a C-130J Super Hercules. In the back cargo hold is a lumbering, 8,000-pound Humvee strapped down with heavy link chains. We are transporting the vehicle to Geronimo Landing Zone, in Louisiana, as part of a joint U.S. Air Force/Army field exercise called Swamp Devil.

Our pilot, Capt. Nathan Roberts just in front of me in the cockpit, spies some nasty thunderstorms ahead and decides to turn back to Chennault Air Base, from which we had embarked earlier. The turnaround is disappointing, for sure, as our transport flight is part of the training exercise.

As in any makeshift field operation, event schedules ebb and flow due to elements beyond one’s control. Earlier in the day, a series of cargo drops and parachute jumps by Army paratroopers was also scrapped - due to COVID-19 concerns - and an Army reconnaissance Blackhawk helicopter flight was canceled because of bad weather.

But such challenges can also be good, says Lt. Col. Joshua Johnson, 37, a 15-year USAF veteran and C-17 Globemaster III pilot who is overseeing a good chunk of the operation. “We’re trying to find new tactics, techniques and procedures during a pandemic, so a lot of the stuff that comes up - the cancellations, the weather, etc. - you can’t predict,” he says. “But when they do happen, that’s where we get the valuable training, going through that thought process and still being able to operate effectively.”

Read More

Gunnar Peterson-Gross

Gunnar Peterson is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in Aviation Management.  He gained his love for aviation by traveling with his mother, a Delta Airlines flight attendant.  Gunnar is using his internship at LA DOTD to learn and gain experience in the aviation industry.

Maggie Grace Loper

Raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Maggie Grace Loper grew up in the aviation community.  In her spare time Maggie would go on corporate flights with her step-father or go out to the local skydiving hangar where she even got a few jumps under her belt.  After receiving her private pilot certification just a few months before her 18 birthday, Maggie began pursuing her Aviation Management degree from Louisiana Tech University.  An upcoming senior, Maggie is on track to graduate from the University March 6, 2021.  Upon graduation Maggie plans to immerse herself into an Aviation Management and Planning position.

Andrew Hennessy

Andrew Hennessy is a junior at Louisiana Tech and is majoring in aviation management.  Andrew has grown up in this environment and hopes to gain useful experience and industry connections from his internship.

A Redbird TD2 simulator is now available at Southland Aviation in Sulphur as a Basic Aviation Training Device.

Real buttons. Knobs unlike other virtual touchscreen simulators, steam gauge and g1000, fixed, complex, and HP configurations available when you start the simulation!

Since instrument rated pilots can log currency needed without an instructor or safety pilot it makes it a real convenient option and time saver!

Website:  Southland Aviation

LaToya Joseph was recently promoted to Aviation Project Manager for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Aviation Division. She currently manages the Division’s safety, human resources, education, training, and internship program, in addition to assisting with the Divisions’ daily operations, internal compliance, state consultant contracts and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. She also oversees the Office of Multimodal Commerce (OMC) Social Media communication outreach and is the OMC liaison with DOTD Public Relations.

She has a Business Manager Certification from Louisiana State University (LSU) in additional to earning a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix. She is currently working on an Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Certificate in Airport Finance through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) as well as her Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. LaToya is a member of Women in Aviation International (WAI), and served as an events and organizational volunteer at this year’s annual conference. She is also the past president for DOTD’s “Highway to Success Toastmasters” organization.

LaToya took a discovery flight with LAMA past President Janet Gonzales in 2016, which sparked her passion in aviation. She has a desire for helping the Louisiana Airport System grow and ensuring public awareness and education of the importance of the aviation industry as well as promoting the industry to upcoming young professionals.

Northrop Grumman at Chennault has been hired to repair nose cowls for B-52 bombers.

"Chennault remains a committed partner with Northrop Grumman and we are extremely pleased to see our relationship with this standout corporation grow," said Kevin Melton, Chennault's executive director. "We consider the Northrop Grumman team our family — and as such, we are excited to see this growth opportunity for them, and our region, as it relates to increased jobs."

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The Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA) Executive Board is pleased to announce the launch of our new website. You may access the site at 

https://louisianaairports

Congratulations to Robert "Bob" Johnson for receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the United States Federal Aviation Administration in a small ceremony with family, friends and community leaders today out at the Slidell Municipal Airport.

The award is presented by the FAA to recognize pilots who have practiced safe flight operations continuously for 50 or more years during the course of their aviation careers. Since 2012, over 2,000 certified pilots have been honored with the award.

Johnson’s aviation career began when he was 17 years old, flying an Aeronca Champ for his first solo flight in 1961. In 1964, he earned his Commercial Pilots License and began flying charter flights for Naples Airline. Then in 1966, he flew for Eastern Airlines for 24 years, starting out as one of the youngest pilots in his class.

During his extensive career, Johnson flew for Viscount Airlines, was hired by McDonnel-Douglas as a test pilot and flight instructor on MD-80 and MD-90 airplanes, and he flew the first Chinese model of the MD-90. Working for Boeing, he lived in China for 13 years, helping to develop a western-style safety culture for Chinese airlines and conducting simulator training and evaluation, facilitating human factor classes for flight crews, and supervised airplane flight inspections throughout the country.

Johnson retired from Boeing in 2012 and repatriated to Louisiana with his wife Jeanie to spend time with their family. Even in retirement, he can’t stay out of the sky. Today he flies a Cessna 182 and through his love for aviation, he and Jeanie have met many wonderful friends in the Louisiana aviation community.

Bob and Jeannie Johnson

Bob Johnson with Terry Morrison, FAA Representative

L-R: Councilman Bill Borchert; Michael Noto, Deputy Chief of Staff; Bob Johnson; Councilman Val Vanney; Richard Artigue, Slidell Airport Manager

Bob and Jeannie Johnson with family

We welcome Rise Above Aviation, a Part 61 flight school, to the diverse group of Chennault-based businesses.

"Our lessons are taught by enthusiastic instructors who love teaching," says Jade Guidry of Rise Above. "We go at your speed and we work with you to get you comfortable and where you need to be."

Instruction can be scheduled from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting.

"Everything we do is geared towards making your lessons as enjoyable as possible, while keeping safety a top priority," Guidry says.

The phone number is (337) 240-6187.

"We are honored to have Rise Above Aviation join the Chennault team as our newest tenant," says Kevin Melton, Chennault's executive director. "As we work to serve all types of aviation operations and businesses, it has been a focused effort to grow a flight school at Chennault. This is one pillar of many that support the overarching goal of aerospace excellence. Manned flight starts with flight instruction. I'm proud we host that capability."

Melton adds: "So what's next on the list? A more robust aviation maintenance and avionics repair program. Contact us if interested in helping us improve access for general and corporate aviation communities across the region."

(Note: Photos taken prior to current Covid-19 mask guidelines.)

https://www.facebook.com/riseaboveaviationlc/

Do you have a child that might be interested in an aviation career?  Did you know there is an Aviation Academy opening up in Baton Rouge in the Fall of 2021? Well now you do....

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.  

They are located on the Baton Rouge Metro Airport at 4400 Airpark Blvd. 

You can contact them at (225) 427-8004 or info@helixcommunityschools.org

For their Facebook page click HERE

Website:  https://helixaviationacademy.org/

To read the July Edition of the Pilot’s for Patients Prop Blast Newsletter click….

HERE

It’s been in the works for months, and now prospective pilots can receive flight instruction right here in the River Parishes.

Let’s Go Fly Academy recently opened up inside a 6500 square foot hangar at the Port of the South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport, located at 355 Airport Road in Reserve.

“The purpose of the school is to instruct people how to fly airplanes,” Owner Mufid Jabour said. “Whether it’s for leisure activities or career aspirations and prerequisites, you can attain the education and proficiency required of a pilot here at Let’s Go Fly Academy. The field of aviation is expanding and awaiting pilots with various career opportunities and fun.”

Read More

The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force conducted three flights in their Stearman over the Fourth of July weekend to honor frontline responders.  But these flights were different from all of the others.  Instead of flying over the healthcare workers, they flew the healthcare workers.  Their flights were part of the nationwide initiative of the Commemorative Air Force, United We Fly - 4th of July.

The pilot for the flights was BEW member Ben “Evil” Cook, who was also the lead Eagle pilot in the earlier B-52 Flights/F-15 formations flights over the city which also honored frontline responders.

Ben “Evil” Cook

To see a video report on one of the flights click HERE

The St. Landry Parish Airport held a very successful fly-in and vintage aircraft expo last weekend.  You can see from the photos below that the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, and the CAF Gulf Coast and Big Easy Wings all participated.  The Big Easy Wing needs some extra congratulations as this was their first flying event with their Stearman.

I’ll just let the pictures tell the story about this tremendous event….

The above 6 photos are by Mark Broussard-Hubbard.  For his whole album on Facebook click...  HERE

The above 3 photos are by Joe Richard.  For his whole album on Facebook click… HERE

Photo by Big Easy Wing

And finally, thanks to Airport Manager David Allen and all of the above sponsors for making it possible to bring these beautiful and historic aircraft to southwest Louisiana.

Members of the Louisiana Army National Guard performed a helicopter flyover Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Slidell Memorial Hospital in Slidell to honor emergency and healthcare workers who have been responding to the coronavirus pandemic. 'It was so beautiful, so wonderful for the flyover to recognize all the hard work our staff does,' said Dr. Janine Parker, director of intensive care at Slidell Memorial Hospital. 'I fell in love with the Black Hawks during Hurricane Katrina when they evacuated patients from the roof of Methodist Hospital in New Orleans East, where I worked at the time.' Four Black Hawk helicopters flew over hospitals in Slidell, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe.

For more coverage click HERE

A potentially tragic situation ended without injury on Thursday after the pilot of a small plane cautionary landed on the side of the road on La. Highway 3235.

The Gazette has received dozens of social media messages this morning about reports of a plane that landed on the side of the road off La. 3235.

The family of local businessman and pilot Howie Guidry have since confirmed on social media that the plane belonged to Guidry and that the landing was an emergency landing that thwarted a possible bad situation.

Guidry went up this morning to do an annual check on his plane.

With a mechanic on board, something went wrong while in the sky, which forced an immediate emergency landing.

Without an engine, Guidry was able to safely pilot the plane out of the sky and safely onto the side of the road without crashing into anyone, nor without injury in the plane, a feat that requires precision and skilled piloting efforts.

Read More

To see a video of the landing click from a dashcam click HERE

It’s official!  The Let's Go Fly Academy held their ribbon cutting at the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport last Friday.  The new company is owned by Mufid Jabour and will provide Flight Instruction, Aircraft Rental, Pipeline Patrol, Maintenance Services and Banner Towing.

For more info call (504) 957-8509

Website:  https://www.letsgo-fly.com/

Facebook Page:  Click Here

Port of South Louisiana Commissioner Joey Murray

Let’s Go Fly Academy owner Mufid Jabour

Chennault Executive Director (and Air Force veteran) Kevin Melton was back in a flight suit today — for a promotional flight to kick off the one-year countdown to the 2021 Chennault International Airshow. The biennial event takes place next June 4-6 and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Melton joined Airshow Executive Director Mary Jo Bayles at the microphone after landing in a restored 1941 World War II Meyers training plane. The Airshow is one of Chennault's highest-profile community engagements; Melton himself is president of the Airshow's all-volunteer board of directors.

Kopter, the Swiss helicopter company planning to house its North America headquarters in Lafayette, has received approval for test flights of the latest prototype of the SH09 helicopter.

The Lafayette facility will produce the SH09 for the North American market. The test flights, done in Italy, were halted due to COVID-19 but are scheduled to resume. 

During the three-month period without flying, Kopter maintained some operations. It has done much of the work digitally to use work-from-home solutions.

To read more click HERE

Finally…… yes, finally, we are back to having aviation events again! Hundreds of folks came to the Southern Heritage Air Foundation's "Summer is in the Air" event at their museum in Tallulah last Saturday. They had a huge rummage sale, a catfish lunch and sold airplane rides in their AT-6, Waco Biplane and L-5 Stinson.  The museum definitely reopened in style.  Here are some pictures to help tell the story.

To read an article by the Vicksburg Post click HERE

Have you been thinking about taking a trip to New Orleans to see the World War II Museum?  It is something that must be seen and has recently reopened.  They are now offering a special rate to all aviators for the rest of the summer of just $99 per night at The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton right next door.  This rate is good for aviators everywhere so please share this with your aviation friends from all over.

You can book your room and get this special rate one of three ways: 

• The easiest is to click on the following link and it will self populate the rate.  Booking Link: Click HERE
• You can go to Hilton.com, look up the The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton, click on special rates and manually type the booking code 3269868 into the “corporate code” field. 
• Or, finally, you can call the 833-359-1172 reservation number and ask for the “New Orleans Lakefront Airport” corporate rate.

Please note, if the link doesn’t work the entire URL must be copied and pasted for it to work properly. 

Reservations are limited to four at a time, so this may not be used for group bookings.  If you have more, please call the hotel directly. 

To see a great video tour of the hotel, please click the link below.

See it all as though you were strolling through this Art Deco Masterpiece!

Click For Video Tour

By Chet Landry | May 4, 2020 at 6:11 PM CDT - Updated May 4 at 10:27 PM

CARRIERE, Miss. (WLOX) - People across South Mississippi are lending a hand to help each other through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the last few weeks, smiley faces have been in the skies of Pearl River County. Troy Ellis is the private pilot and flight enthusiast who is the artist behind the smiles. With a few gallons of smoke oil and his RV-8, he takes to the sky to give hope to those down below.

“It’s something that I enjoy doing. I seen a picture of a smiley face one day and thought that’d be something neat to try. I started practicing and trying to see if I could make it come out," said Ellis.

So Ellis fills up his RV-8— one of four different planes and one glider in his hangar— with smoke oil and taxis off to the runway, which is actually in his own back yard.

Once he gets his final clearance from flight control, he pulls back on the throttle, and off he goes.

According to Ellis, the art of making a smiley face isn’t an exact science.

(Source: Photo WLOX)

“Usually when I make the complete circle, I can’t see my starting point. From there I’ll turn over and draw the mouth for the smiley face and, again, it’s just kind of guessing at where I’m putting it. After that, I’ll come around and draw the eyes, so to speak," Ellis said.

Checking his work is not as easy in the air as it is for the spectators that see from the ground.

“So, you really can’t see it until you climb up two or three hundred feet or descend down two or three hundred feet. Then, you can kind of see what you have done," Ellis told WLOX.

The smiley faces help him get through the chaos amid the coronavirus pandemic, as Ellis said, it’s all part of his love of flying.

“It’s something I enjoy doing so if they’re enjoying it and getting something out of it, it’s a win-win," said Ellis.

Read More

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

To read the latest PFP Blast newsletter just click HERE.

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

RAPIDES PARISH, La (RPSO) - Two prominent members of the Alexandria community have died following a plane crash near the Pineville Municipal Airport at Lake Buhlow.

According to Pineville officials, brothers Ben and Blake Cooper died after the small plane being flown by Ben, an accomplished pilot, crashed shortly after takeoff around 1:20 Sunday afternoon. Confirmation of the men’s identities was made Sunday evening.

Officials also said Blake Cooper’s son was thrown from the wreckage, underwent surgery and is expected to live.

Ben Cooper was the owner and administrator of Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Alexandria, while Blake Cooper was the Executive Director of the Central Louisiana Regional Port. Both men lived in Alexandria and were graduates of Tioga High School.

NTSB officials will release more information after their investigation.

Both Ben and Blake Cooper were members of Calvary Baptist Church.

Read More

A Centauri prototype aircraft was installed in midair this week at the entranceway to Chennault International Airport, the aviation/aerospace hub in Lake Charles.

“As people come into this airport and into this complex — which also supports Sowela Technical Community College — they see that we are a center of excellence," said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton. “They see that we focus on engineering, that we focus on aerospace — and that’s what we aspire to do.”

The new display is also “a message of hope for future pilots or maybe just an aviation enthusiast,” Melton said.

The aircraft was donated by longtime Southwest Louisiana restaurateur, philanthropist, and aviation enthusiast Doug Gehrig. It's a four-seater that features sleek 21st-century design and speedy rear propulsion. It was built by Centauri of San Francisco.

“This plane happens to be a prototype that had been retired, and the owner was just going to put it in a shed," Gehrig said. "I told him I wanted it. He said, ‘For what? I said, ‘I don’t know, but I’m going to find a place.

Randy Liprie, owner of Liprie Engineering and consultant for Chennault, and engineer Beau Pleasant also assisted with the permanent display of the plane.

“It’s a dream and foresight to enhance the threshold of this airport. Aviation is the premise of Chennault,” Liprie said.

Melton told KPLC-TV that the plane serves as a symbol of Chennault’s place in the community.

“It speaks of excellence. It speaks to the future," Melton said. "For anybody that comes through this area...whether out of state or from right here, some people may have never driven out to Chennault or driven through the Sowela complex — so this airplane will be simply a marker and an optic to show that we are a center of excellence and education excellence as well.”

NOTICE:

The False River Regional Airport (KHZR) is OPEN on its 5003' x 75' Runway and parallel Taxiway.  

(NOTAM #DRI 04/315 has been cancelled)

100LL avgas is $3.15 per gallon 

Note:  Upgrading the fuel terminal     

Tuesday, April 28 a new M4000 fuel terminal will be installed which will place the fuel pump out of service for most of the day.  

Thank you for your patience, thank you for your courtesy, and thank you for being a supporter of False River Regional.  It is sincerely appreciated.  

Respectfully,

Yvonne Chenevert, Director

False River Regional Airport

225-638-3192 office

225-978-8367 cell

frapla30@bellsouth.net

www.falseriverregionalairport.com

The FAA has reduced the hours for Control Towers at airports that have seen a significant reduction in flights, especially during the evening and nighttime hours, since the pandemic began.  The airports in Louisiana and their new hours are:

• BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport Baton Rouge LA 0600-2100 
• LFT Lafayette Regional Airport Lafayette LA 0800-1900 
• MLU Monroe Regional Airport Monroe LA 0800-1600 
• NEW New Orleans Lakefront Airport New Orleans LA 0800-1600

If you would like to see the whole U.S. list click….HERE

"Dear Louisiana Aviation Stakeholders,

We hope this finds you all safe and healthy.

We are honored to announce that Ms. Heidi Higginbotham in our office has been selected to lead the Division's new Aviation Operations Program. Ms. Higginbotham will manage and oversee a staff of three that manage the Aviation Grant Program, State Aviation Program Update, Pavement Condition Index studies, Aviation Compliance Program, and Education, Training and Outreach Programs, and our upcoming Wildlife Hazard Mitigation Program.

Subsequently, this will lead to some of the airports in our system working with new personnel from our office on project planning and construction management. Our Planning Office will be in touch with those airports impacted to begin an efficient and seamless transition to meet your needs.

Please help me in congratulating Ms. Higginbotham on her new position.

Respectfully

Bradley R. Brandt

Director

Aviation

Office of Multimodal Commerce

Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development

Tonjia Summerell of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Department has announced the winners of the 2020 Louisiana Aviation Art Contest that they sponsor.  So here they are:

She will be sharing some images of the winning art with us as soon they are available.  

For additional background on the contest you can click….HERE

Should you have any questions regarding the contest, please feel free to contact Tonjia at (225) 379-3053/via email tonjia.summerell@la.gov.

Special FAR 118 has been published to give relief for:

Flight Reviews

Instrument currency

PIC proficiency checks

Medical certificates

Knowledge tests

CFI extension

A&P practicals with expired tests

IA annual training/activity requirements

Part 141 school certificate renewals.

Some have additional caveats that are explained in the rule.  To read the rule click:  HERE

Last Friday, May 1st, several general aviation pilots conducted a flyover of St. Landry Parish to honor healthcare workers and victims of Covid-19.

Special thanks to the following people for helping make St. Landry Salutes happen. Greg Hollier & Steve Broussard with Access ATM, LLC and ASAP ATM, LLc provided our smoke oil today. Also big thank you to Bridget Beniest who provided our graphics/artwork for getting the word out. Ryan Elliott for being the lead pilot and heading up our formation flyover. Also thanks to these pilots: 

Ferdara Mark Broussard-Hubbard

Richard Bentley

Kyle Smith

Ryan Dupre

Josh Dumesnil

Caleb Cart

Darren Juneau

On Saturday, May 2, 14 pilots from the surrounding area saluted the healthcare and frontline workers of COVID-19 and honored the victims of the coronavirus in Pointe Coupee Parish and West Feliciana Parish by a flyover of the Pointe Coupee Sheriff’s 911 Center, Pointe Coupee General Hospital, City of New Roads, West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Department, West Feliciana Parish Hospital, and St. Francisville.

False River Regional Airport manager Yvonne Chenevert stated “Individuals of the aviation community of Pointe Coupee in addition to pilots from surrounding areas volunteered to participate. It was an opportunity for all to show their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, hospital workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, and all essential workers of COVID-19 and also to honor the victims of the coronavirus."

You can see some videos of the flyby on the airport Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/FalseRiverAirport

One of our PFP pilots from Baton Rouge James “Jim” Stratton was added  to a slate of director candidates for the Air Care Alliance (ACA) Board.

Last Friday, April 17 during ACA’s annual conference that was held by video /zoom, election of new officers were considered and James Stratton along with two others were voted on and elected to this nationwide board. 

Congratulations, Jim, on your new position with ACA and your continued support as a Pilots for Patients member. I know you will represent us well and keep us informed on any of the latest developments associated with Public Benefit Flying.

The Air Care Alliance Group was founded in 1990 to act as an umbrella organization for the volunteer pilot based Public Benefit Flying (PBF) Organization members that use their aircraft to transport needy patients, to assist in disaster relief, to fly environmental support missions, to relocate wild or domestic animals, to provide educational flights for youth and for many other missions of community and humanitarian support. Such flights are generically referred to as Compassion Flights.

Pilots for Patients has been a member of ACA since 2008 after we completed our first flights.

What a great group of caring individuals from across the nation that we also link with on missions up to 1000 nautical miles.

Philip Thomas

President

Pilots For Patients

For the third time this year, a tornado does some significant damage to a Louisiana airport.  First it was Pineville, then Monroe and now Bunkie.  A tornado struck the Bunkie Municipal Airport (2R6) Wednesday night damaging several hangars and aircraft.  Thanks to Amy Juneau, Drew Dufour and Rick Ferguson Flowers for the photos.

The Pilots For Patients newsletter is now mobile! Click the link to read great pilot stories, patient testimonies, PFP insights, upcoming events and MORE! If you would like to have our newsletter sent directly to you, click the "subscribe" button at the top. Thanks!

Click to Read

Opelousas, LA - Today, St. Landry Parish Airport is announcing that our 2nd Annual Summer Fly In & Vintage Warbird Expo is still on schedule. We’re adding more aircraft to the vintage warbird expo. 

"When we first announced the event, we said we would have additional aircraft to announce and now we're ready." Airport Manager David Allen said.

This year the event will feature the famous B-17 Bomber, the twin Beech C-45, a Stearman and the only flying SB2C Helldiver.

"This year's Fly In is shaping up to be a fantastic event. Now we have a premiere lineup of vintage aircraft with our main attraction being the B-17 bomber. Although our country and state is facing a tough battle right now with COVID-19, our hope is that we're coming through this shortly and we're preparing to make this event a big success for our community." David Allen said following the announcement of additional vintage aircraft.

The 2nd Annual Summer Fly In & Vintage Warbird Expo will be a 3 day event, Friday, June 26th - Sunday, June 28th.

Event Schedule

• Friday, June 26th: 6PM - 10PM
• Saturday, June 27th: 9AM - 3pm
• Sunday, June 28th: 12pm - 5pm

The airport has partnered with the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing to bring the aircraft in. Other aircraft will be on display and further details announced soon.

The event will feature vintage aircraft, airplane rides, airplane tours, food trucks, classic cars, RC airplanes, live music and activities for the kids.

Location: 299 Hanger Rd, Opelousas, LA 70580

For more information or media inquiries please contact David Allen (337) 351 - 0025 or you can visit the St. Landry’s Parish Airport Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/stlandryparishairport/

The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport (KAPS) runway project has been completed. The airport is now open for all traffic.  Self Service 100LL ($3.40/gallon) and self service Jet-A are available 24/7.

If full service Jet-A is required during this time please call (985) 212-1712 to schedule.

ALSO COMING SOON to KAPS!!

Let's Go Fly Academy

Flight instruction, aircraft rental, banner towing, touring or scenic flights, aerial photography flights, and more!

Call 225-255-1172 for more info.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you again.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $83.75 Million to Louisiana Airports in Response to COVID-19

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $83,752,300 in airport aid to 55 airports in Louisiana to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This historic grant funding is part of the Trump Administration’s newly created Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program, an effort to provide unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers, and businesses. 

“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.

“Thank you to the dedicated men and women from the FAA’s Office of Airports for creating an entirely new program in record time to assist airport sponsors in desperate need of these funds,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. 

View a list of Louisiana airports receiving funding on an interactive map, along with funding for all U.S. airports on FAA’s website.

The FAA encourages airport sponsors to spend the grant funds immediately to help minimize any adverse impact from the current public health emergency. Airport sponsors should work with their local FAA Office of Airports field office on the application and grant-agreement process.

Read More

Here is the total list of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) dollars that were made available to Louisiana airports.

MONROE, LA (04/15/20) It started as an idea that quickly took flight, one that would bring joy across the twin cities.

“Well, I was kind of watching tv and I saw the Thunderbirds do a flyover in Las Vegas. And the next day, the tornado was coming through” Jimmy Fordham, Slot Pilot with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team said.

He gathered his crew together for a flyover to honor those serving on the front lines.

“And I thought you know, we could do something here in Monroe, I’m from Monroe, it’s my hometown and, and maybe thank the first responders, thank the people in the hospital and all the people that are involved with the corona virus and maybe put a little hope in their lives” he said.

Once they took to the skies of West Monroe and Monroe, they held a diamond formation, with smoke effects to create vibrant trails. They piloted north American AT-6 Advanced Trainer Aircraft used to train those fighting in World War II.

Read More

MONROE, La. (KTVE/KTAL) – Congressman Ralph Abraham toured some of the damage caused by storms in Monroe Sunday, including a stop at the Monroe Regional Airport.

Flights have been suspended for now after strong winds and possible tornado heavily damaged hangars and aircraft at the airport. Damage there and across Ouachita Parish is expected to be in the millions.

“We know the damage elsewhere around Ouachita Parish is extensive. South of 165, Sterlington, a lot of homes, a lot of businesses have been hit,” Abraham said.

See More

Photos courtesy of Madison Perry and Philip Thomas

The NTSB has issued a Factual Report for a Piper Cherokee Cruiser accident that occurred near the Shreveport Downtown Airport in July of 2018.  To read it click.. HERE

The NTSB has issued a Factual Report for a Louisiana Piper Seneca III accident occurred in July of 2018 near Gulf Shores, Alabama.  To read it click...HERE

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond rides in a World War II era Stearman PT-17 biplane over the city of New Orleans, Friday, April 10, 2020. He took with him holy water from the Jordan River, where Christ was baptized, to sprinkle over the city, and the Eucharist, to bless those sick or deceased from the new coronavirus, as well as the front line responders.(Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)

STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD

Seventy-year-old New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond climbed into the open-air cockpit of a World War II-era biplane on Good Friday morning and roared off on a 25-minute mission.

As a pilot steered a course from the Lakefront airport to Kenner to Gretna, to the French Quarter and back, Aymond blessed the population, which has been afflicted and isolated by the coronavirus, from a safe distance — 1000 feet up.As he flew, Aymond prayed for protection and healing for the people below, sprinkling holy water that came from the Jordan River as he went. As it turns out, sprinkling holy water in the slipstream of an airplane can be a challenge.

“When I first did it, the water came back on me,” Aymond said, “but then I got situated.”

Aymond said he was a touch apprehensive when first asked to fly in the 77-year old airplane that was used to train WWII fighter pilots.

“I asked some questions about the plane,” he said. How many pilots would be aboard? One. How many engines were there? One. Was the engine new? Newly reconditioned.

“Eventually my questions became trust,” he said.

The flight was a sort of metaphor, the Archbishop said: The plane was used in war and right now we’re in a war with the coronavirus. He said he particularly asked God to offer grace to the health care workers, the first responders and city leaders who are on the front lines of the battle.

Read More

Archbishop Aymond’s Flight Track

To see him blessing the city click HERE

Aymond wasn’t alone in taking to the skies on Friday morning. Rabbi Lexi Erdheim, 29, of the Congregation Gates of Prayer Synagogue in Metairie, also ventured into the sky aboard the 1943 vintage aircraft to offer a blessing during Passover.

Rabbi Lexi Erdheim, 29, of the Congregation Gates of Prayer Synagogue

Erdheim, who took off at noon, said the traditional blessing asks God for healing and wholeness. Customarily, she said, a rabbi would read the names of those in the community who were ill, but under the circumstances of the coronavirus crisis, she planned to make it a blanket prayer for the whole city.

Rabbi Erdheim’s Flight Track

To see her blessing the city click HERE

Watch an excellent video of the Spirit Flights over the city in the Big Easy Wings’ Stearman...

Click to Watch

Kopter Manufacturing Facility Dedication (Photo: Andre Broussard/Special to The Advertiser)

Kopter, the Swiss-based helicopter company set to build its production center in Lafayette for the North American sales of its new SH09 copter, has completed its sale to the Leonardo Company, an Italian company specializing in aerospace, defense and security.

Kopter, which has been operating since 2009, will remain an autonomous legal entity under the helicopter division of Leonardo.

The acquisition allows Leonardo to strengthen its footing in the helicopter sector, and the company said when the sale was announced in January that Kopter's new SH09 single-engine helicopter — which the Lafayette facility is slated to produce — is a perfect fit for the company.

The price of the sale was $185 million plus an earn-out mechanism over the life of the program starting in 2022.

Read More

Barksdale honors Women's history month flight by having a sortie flown by an all-female team. Loaded and prepped by an all female-crew.

An all-woman aircrew from the 96th BS, 11th Bomb Squadron, 20th Bomb Squadron and the 2nd Bomb Wing is flying for Women’s History Month March 26, 2020:

• Major Marisa King, 2nd Bomb Wing commander executive and pilot
• Major Kristin “Spice” Nelson, 11th Bomb Squadron instructor pilot
• Capt. Leila “Roulette” Gerencser, 20th Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer
• Capt. Sarah Pak, 96th Bomb Squadron navigator
• Senior Airman Hortman, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief

To watch a YouTube video click HERE

Chennault Park, which offers ready-to-develop properties adjacent to what’s already a thriving complex of aviation businesses, is primed and ready for the future.

Kevin Melton, executive director of Chennault International Airport Authority, said over the last year, the facility has been building up its infrastructure and identifying ways to bring in additional clients.

Read More

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

Reverend Rusty Vincent, Pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church, flew over Vicksburg in the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Waco on Thursday.  The purpose of the flight was to sprinkle Holy Water and ask for God’s blessing on the city.  Pictured in the photo is pilot Dan Fordice and Father Vincent.

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Metro Aviation has announced the delivery of a new Airbus EC135 aircraft for the UT Health East Texas Air 1 air medical program.  This aircraft, added to the existing fleet of three recently rebranded aircraft, has also been upgraded with SPIFR certification. Headquartered in Tyler, Texas, the program will soon boast six precision GPS procedures for its fleet of four helicopters at various hospitals and bases

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Low Altitude Operation/Event: Air Tractor AT-502, N1509E; accident occurred July 24, 2019 in Welsh, Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana

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

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Location: Welsh, LA

Accident Number: GAA19CA452

Date & Time: 07/24/2019, 0820 CDT

Registration: N1509E

Aircraft: Air Tractor AT 502

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event

Injuries: 1 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during an aerial application low pass, he descended below the height of the wires adjacent to the field. Shortly after, he saw a telephone pole and maneuvered the airplane to avoid the pole, but the airplane's left wing struck the top of the pole. The airplane rolled left through a tree and impacted the ground inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

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Metro Aviation of Shreveport has completed another beautiful helicopter for Duke Life Flight.

https://www.metroaviation.com/

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

The St. Landry Parish Airport held a very successful Crawfish Fly-in on March 14.  If you want to see more of Mark Broussard-Hubbard’s excellent photos they are on our Facebook page.

Chennault International Airport’s Andrea LaFleur, director of executive and airport affairs, and Kevin Melton, executive director, display the 2020 Transportation Excellence Award their team received at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's annual conference.

Chennault International Airport was honored to receive the 2020 Transportation Excellence Award at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's annual conference in Baton Rouge.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson presented the award, which recognizes Chennault's multimillion-dollar runway rehabilitation construction project — an effort that was planned and executed by the airport, its consultants, the FAA, and DOT Aviation.

The award criteria included innovation, quality, economic approach, cooperative input from stakeholders, on-time completion and cost-savings initiatives.

As part of the two-day conference, Executive Director Kevin Melton also led a panel discussion on economic development initiatives at the airport — providing perspective on Chennault developments as well as economic development from an airport leadership perspective.

Bill Pratt standing next to his Spitfire replica at the Hammond Airport.

How much does Bill Pratt love airplanes? Enough to spend nine years building one knowing only others would get to fly it. Now, everyone can enjoy it without leaving the ground.

Pratt’s replica of the famous British World War II fighter plane, the Spitfire, is on display at the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum in Tallulah, which features airplanes from that era.

This Spitfire is a little more than half the size of the fighter plane credited with saving Great Britain before the U.S. entered the war. The single-seat fighter aircraft helped fight off the German air force, discouraging Adolf Hitler from invading.

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Erroll Babineaux, left, and Richard Zuschlag, right, following the dedication of the Air Med 1 base in Erroll's honor.

March 4, 2020—In a ceremony on Monday, March 2, 2020, Acadian Companies leadership, employees, associates and Babineaux family members gathered at Acadian Air Med’s base in Lafayette to honor Vice President of Air Services Erroll Babineaux and his invaluable contributions to the company. The base has been dedicated to Babineaux and will be known as the Erroll C. Babineaux Air Med 1 Base. 

A plaque was unveiled during the ceremony, which reads, “In recognition of Erroll Babineaux’s tireless effort and contribution to creating, developing and fostering Acadian’s air ambulance program. His foresight and dedication to Acadian Air Med has saved, and continues to save, countless lives.”

“Erroll’s long hours and hardworking, can-do attitude have helped make this company what it is today,” said Acadian Companies Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag. “Of all the things he has done, his legacy will be his contributions to the air ambulance industry in Louisiana. Anytime an air ambulance saves someone’s life, I credit Erroll for getting the program started."

Babineaux recently retired after more than 45 years of service with the company. He has worked as an ambulance driver, paramedic, supervisor, communications specialist and district manager of Iberia, St. Martin, Vermilion and St. Mary Parishes. He became Acadian’s first commercial pilot in 1979 and worked with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. to design and assist in building the first air ambulance helicopter used in Louisiana, which became FAA-certified. Acadian Air Med began service in 1981.

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Students in the Lake Charles area learned about aviation and related career opportunities—and got a close-up look at them—during a visit to Chennault International Airport. Executive Director Kevin Melton, standing at right, conducted a boardroom-style overview for the students, then joined his team in leading tours of on-site aviation enterprises, the air traffic control tower, and the Million Air FBO facility.

More and more people who fly for business or pleasure are beginning to discover Ahart Field, the St. Landry Parish airport, and are liking what they find. That’s leading toward the possibility of fiscal independence for the once-struggling airfield, and fueling an ambitious vision for David Allen, who is closing in on one year as the facility’s manager.

During that year the airport has cut in half operational funding needed from the parish general fund, moved to claim federal grants for capital improvements that were available but unclaimed, and begun to see the possibility of sustaining itself on its own revenue in the not too distant future.

One measure of that growth is at the fuel pump where, Allen says, sales were double what was projected for January and midway through the month were on track for a “very good February.” The growth in fuel sales is a reflection of a steady increase in landings over the last year. 

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CHATHAM, La. – Ice may be to blame for a Feb. 6 plane crash that claimed three lives in Jackson Parish, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Chris Mudd and Wade Williams, both of Shreveport-Bossier, and pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden, died in the crash. They were traveling from Jackson, Miss., to Shreveport when the plane went down into the side of a logging business on Highway 34.

The NTSB report said the pilot of the four-seat single-engine Cessna 182 reported to Monroe Air Traffic that he was encountering ice at about 6,000 feet and requested a lower altitude. He was given permission to descend to 4,000 feet but denied a request to go to 2,000 feet. ATC said 3,000 feet was the lowest he could be cleared to.

About 5 minutes later, after the descent, the pilot asked to divert to Ruston Regional Airport to remove ice off the airplane. Radar lost contact with the airplane before it reached the approach, the report states.

Preliminary data shows the airplane’s ground speed slowing and a rapid descent. Other than the report of ice, no distress calls were received from the pilot, according to the report.

The plane grazed the top of a logging company owned by David Greer. Employees said they heard an engine getting close and a loud crash. None of the employees were injured.

The NTSB report states the airplane hit the ground almost nose down. It caught on fire upon impact.

A preliminary weather study showed several other aircraft that were operating in the area reported ice at various altitudes near the accident site. The Ruston airport, located about 14 miles northeast, reported a cloud ceiling at 1,100 feet.

To read more click...HERE

To read the NTSB report…. Click Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $11.36 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants to 19 airports in Louisiana. This investment in Louisiana’s airports is part of a $520.5 million national investment in America’s airports that was announced today by Secretary Chao.

“This $520.5 million in federal support to airports across the country will help to keep our nation’s airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for passengers,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

With this announcement, the Trump Administration has invested a historic $11.42 billion in more than two thousand American airports across the United States for safety and infrastructure improvements since January 2017.

The grants to airports in Louisiana include the following awards:

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --

NBA Hall of Famer and Louisiana native, Karl Malone, toured Barksdale during a visit to the base Feb. 5-6, 2020.

A two time NBA MVP, 14-time NBA all-star and second ranked all time point score

r, Malone spent time with Airmen, toured facilities and even took a ride in a B-52H Stratofortress.

“To be able to spend time with our men and women in uniform and see how they perform when it’s go time, it’s unreal,” Malone said. “Just to get a chance to say thank you, it’s amazing.”

Growing up in Summerfield, Louisiana, Malone has developed extensive ties with Barksdale throughout the years .

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To read the February edition of the Big Easy Wing of the Confederate Air Force click…..HERE

Two Shreveport-Bossier men and a pilot from Minden were killed in a fiery plane crash Thursday afternoon in rural Jackson Parish in Louisiana.

Chris Mudd and Wade Williams, both of Shreveport-Bossier, and airplane pilot Robert Gilliam of Minden all died in the crash, Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown said.

The plane was owned by Matthew St. Amant of Shreveport-Bossier, who wasn't on board.

Mudd was the chief executive of St. Amant's Rehabilitation Services company and Williams was an employee of the company, said state Sen. Jay Luneau, the brother-in-law of St. Amant.

"He's incredibly broken up right now as you can imagine," Luneau said.

The crash happened just off of Louisiana 34 north of Chatham. The plane was a four-passenger, single-engine Cessna.

Brown said the cause of the crash is undetermined.

The plane left Jackson, Mississippi, Thursday afternoon and was returning to Shreveport when it crashed about 2:11 p.m.

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Additional Coverage - The single-engine plane crashed shortly after the pilot reported encountering icy conditions, FAA communications manager Lynn Lunsford told The Advocate.….

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On November 24, 2019, about 1050 central daylight time, a Cessna 150H airplane, N22931, impacted water following a loss of engine power near Shreveport, Louisiana. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight which was in the traffic pattern at Shreveport Downtown Airport (DTN), Shreveport, Louisiana.

According to information provided by the flight instructor, while conducting touch and go landings at DTN and on the crosswind leg, the engine "bumped" twice, and the propeller stopped. The instructor verified carburetor heat, throttle, and mixture controls. The pilot energized the starter and the propeller moved; however, it did not restore engine power. They performed a forced landing to water.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Citadel Completions, a luxury aircraft interior company, said they’ll be expanding their footprint by 35 acres within the business community known as Chennault Park.

“They’re growing. They gotta have more room, their business is - the number of their clients is increasing," Kevin Melton, executive director at Chennault International Airport, said. “So, as a result they need to have more facility, more space more workforce to be able to do that job."

Melton said this expansion is the first of many projects to come at the airport this year.

“We’ve got some big things happening in 2020 from building out roads to bringing in an air cargo facility that we’re going to build out," Melton said. “Wildlife and fisheries is coming. In the next year and two we’re going to have the Louisiana National Guard build a readiness center right here in Lake Charles, Louisiana.”

Ultimately, Melton said every project within Chennault Park will create job opportunities for those in Southwest Louisiana.

“Today we have roughly 1,500 employees who work out here in Chennault. Within the next several years, the next five years we hope to have another 5,000 people working out here,” Melton said.

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Offshore helicopter specialists Bristow and Era have entered into a definitive merger agreement.

In a joint statement on Friday, Bristow and Era said the combination in an all-stock transaction would create "a financially stronger company with enhanced size and diversification." 

According to the statement, the merged company will have a combined fleet of more than 300 of the "industry’s most modern aircraft with the latest generation of technology and safety features". It will become the world’s largest operator of S92, AW189, and AW139 model helicopters.

The combined company will retain the Bristow name and will provide offshore aviation transportation and search and rescue solutions in the Americas, Nigeria, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia.

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Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is looking forward to the potential job growth that will stem from the launch of a local aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul facility announced Thursday in the presence of local and state elected officials.

Perkins and Advanced Aero Services President Mike Anderson were on hand for the launch of the program held at the Shreveport Regional Airport.

The maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Shreveport will provide aviation maintenance and other services to airlines in North America and internationally.

Advanced Aero Services (AAS) is projected to create more than 60 direct jobs with a $49,600, average annual salary, plus benefits by 2021, with projections near 500 by year four and more than 1,000 by year six.

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The passenger volume at Baton Rouge Metro Airport increased by 2.6% in 2019, a slightly smaller increase than what had recently been seen at the facility.

The airport had 822,425 passengers during 2019, said Jim Caldwell, airport spokesman. Passenger numbers rose by 8% for 2017 and 2018 combined.

The load factor at the airport, which accounts for the percentage of seats filled, rose from 75.7% in 2018 to 78.3%. Caldwell has said the airlines could add more flights or bring in larger planes to call on Baton Rouge if the load factor gets above 80%.

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On December 7, 2019, at 0917 central standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N79LP, went missing in the Gulf of Mexico about 25 nautical miles southeast of Grand Isle, Louisiana. The commercial rated pilot is still missing and the passenger was fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Panther Helicopters Inc., under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area and the flight operated on a company visual flight rules (VFR) fight plan. The flight had departed from oil platform WD109 and was en route to oil platform WD73.

To read more click HERE.

The Port of South of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport (KAPS) will be completely shut down beginning Monday, January 13, 2020 at 6:30 a.m.  This also includes the fuel system.  We will be re-doing the runway lights and repaving the entire runway.  The project is expected to last 75 days.  The terminal office will remain open with normal business hours.  If you have any questions please contact me.

Thanks and have a great day!

Lisa Braud

Airport Director

lbraud@portsl.com

355 Airport Road, Reserve, LA 70084 | P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, LA  70069-0909| 

Office: (985) 652-9278 |Cell: 985-817-1004

www.portsl.com

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

This accident happened almost a year ago on January 20, 2019.  The final NTSB Report has now been issued.  As amazing as it seems, this Navion flew all the way from Patterson to Louisiana Regional and landed in this condition.  The pilot did a remarkable job.  Here is the accident summary….

The pilot reported that, while on a 3-mile base leg, he encountered a flock of large birds. He aborted the base leg and rapidly descended the airplane to avoid the birds, but the birds followed. The pilot continued the dive and saw power lines nearby. He made an "evasive maneuver (dive down)" to avoid the power lines, but the vertical stabilizer struck the power lines, shearing off the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

The pilot maintained airplane control, climbed the airplane, declared "mayday," and requested flight following to an airport without a crosswind for landing. He approached at a higher airspeed to reduce the airplane's left turning tendencies, and during the landing roll, the airplane veered left off the runway into an adjacent field.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

To read more click….HERE

Auric Avionics at New Orleans Lakefront Airport is pleased to announce that we are now the official Avionics provider of the AeroShell Aerobatic Team! We look forward to keeping them going in 2020 and beyond! Check them out here - www.naat.net

A single-engine Cessna 210 crashed Wednesday afternoon at the Pontotoc County Agri-Plex. The aircraft was occupied by two individuals, initially reported to be the pilot and his daughter. Both walked away from the crash, but were transported to Mercy Hospital Ada as a precaution.

The aircraft, which sat upright in a ditch just east of the outdoor rodeo arena at the Agri-Plex, was severely damaged. 

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Alan said, "I have a witness who said he was at the traffic light facing north at Lonnie Abbott and Broadway who saw them flying from west to east." Fortner said the witness saw the wings of the aircraft rocking.

Fortner said the occupants were from the Shreveport, Louisiana area. 

"He said, 'I knew it was going to crash,'" Fortner said. "He witnessed the crash, then went to the aircraft and help them out of the plane."

"It's my understanding," Forner said, "they were trying to land at Ada and get fuel."

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Today NTSB held their final press conference here in Lafayette after receiving new evidence.

NTSB started investigating the accident around 9 pm Saturday night trying to piece together what exactly caused this tragic accident.

The plane left the Lafayette airport at 9:20 and went down after a little more than a minute.

Two witnesses told NTSB investigators the plane was in a steep turn, it rolled at about wing’s level before it hit the trees and power lines near an apartment complex on Verot School Road. The plane then continued, hitting a U.S. Post Office’s parking lot and crashing into a field at 9:22 a.m.

The crash debris field stretched about one-quarter of a mile. NTSB investigators have combed the crash site, taking photos of the wreckage and collecting any material that can be taken to a lab for further assessment.

Monday they received surveillance video that is giving them a better idea of what it looked like in the sky.

Officials said the plane was on course until it reached 900 feet in the air. That’s when it took a sharp left turn and started to spiral. There was no distress call from the aircraft that NTSB knows of at this time.

During the official update, officials had stressed that nothing is being ruled out at this point. 

To Read More Click Here

For Kathryn’s Report Coverage…..

Click Here

The Hammond City Council voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance to purchase land for the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport.

The land purchase has been a priority for Mayor Pete Panepinto who knew the land was needed to enhance the safety of runway 13-31 and to provide for the airport's future.

Earlier this year, the City Council denied the purchase because they believed the cost was too high.

Currently, the airport has a displaced threshold on runway 13-31 of 690 feet, meaning planes must take off earlier or land shorter rather than using the entire runway length. The displaced threshold is caused by the height of the trees on the land that the City is seeking to buy.

Louisiana DOTD-Aviation believes in the project and has authorized a $1 million grant for the land purchase. The City of Hammond needed to provide an additional $300,000 to secure the land purchase from its owner since it appraised for $1.3 million. Mayor Panepinto didn't let the price tag deter him. Instead, he raised $230,000 from private and public entities to match the grant. Much of the funds have come from pilots and plane owners who recognize the critical safety aspect of the project. Additional funds have come from economic development entities that realize the value of business owners landing their jets in Hammond and seeing first-hand the opportunities that are here for their business expansions or relocations.

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PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) - KALB has learned that a small plane crashed Monday afternoon at the Pineville Airport near Buhlow Lake.

Rich Dupree, with the City of Pineville, confirmed the crash and said two people suffered injuries. We’ve been told the injuries are not life-threatening. First responders, including Acadian Ambulance, are at the scene.

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Davis Aircraft, the oldest commercial enterprise at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport, is celebrating 40 years in business with some great specials:

• Worried about ADS-B? We are an authorized installation/service center for uAvionix tailBeacons and skyBeacons. This is a very affordable solution to the mandate of January 01, 2020. Purchase a tailBeacon for $1995 or a skyBeacon for $1895 from us and we will install it for $40.00!
• Need an oil change? Purchase oil and filter from us and we will perform your oil change for $40.00 per engine!
• Tired of that old noisy headset? We have both Lightspeed and FARO headsets. Oh, yes they too are only $40.00 above cost!
• Still enjoy flying with paper charts? We have them in stock, just call Lois to check on their expiration dates. If need be we can mail maps directly to you for your convenience. We supply many of our customers with maps on a recurring basis.
• The name has changed from CATS to PSI for FAA testing, and of course they have now raised the testing rates to $160 per test, $150 if you are an AOPA member. Tell your friends we do the Part 107 Drone testing here also along with the other FAA exams.

Come browse around the showroom, we have a large selection of books, pilot supplies, oil, filters (oil, intake and instrument), tires, spark plugs, etc.

We are open on weekdays from 0830 to 1630, sometimes on weekends (if I am not flying).

Question? Call us at (225)356-3565 or email at: daiair@bellsouth.net

Merry Christmas and a safe New Years from all of us at Davis Aircraft.

LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana  — The U.S. Navy’s fabled Blue Angels will headline the Chennault International Airshow in 2021.

The jet team will be the centerpiece of the event, which will take place June 4-6, 2021, at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.

Airshow Executive Director Mary Jo Bayles of DeQuincy made the announcement upon returning from the annual International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas.

“We’re thrilled for our next show in 2021,” Bayles said. “Mark your calendars early for it.”

It’s a return visit to Lake Charles for the Blue Angels after being away for decades — and they’ll be flying in new aircraft for their appearance.

Speaking from Chennault International Airport, where he is executive director, Kevin Melton said, “We are extremely excited and honored to have the Navy’s aerial demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform. The efforts to bring this team of aviation professionals back to Southwest Louisiana has been in the works for years — and that effort has finally paid off.”

Melton added: “We hope that with the Blue Angels’ performance, we’ll also be able to attract other aerial demonstrations that have not come to Chennault in the past.”

Bayles said the Blue Angels will do more than fly their breathtaking precision routines.

“When they visit, they go out in the public and they visit schools,” she said. “”The first thing they asked about was what they can do in the community. They’ve heard so much about the hospitality in Southwest Louisiana. They’re excited to be coming — and so are we.”

The Airshow has been held biennially  — in odd-numbered years — since the longtime local traditional was revived in 2013. There is no show in 2020.

“June 2021 will come fast, as preparation for that airshow began July 2019,” Melton said. “These airshows are a great community event and well worth the time and energy by a great team of volunteers who help plan and execute this dynamic event.”