Aviation and War Machine

The EAA Warbirds of America created a new display area at last summer’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh highlighting the WWII training aircraft that prepared combat pilots for their frontline cockpits. World War II Training Command was an instant hit with attendees and returns in 2007, but with a different name: It’s now called simply The Training Command.

“The name change better reflects the variety of aircraft on display,” said Rick Siegfried, Warbirds of America president. “The Training Command will have a wider variety of aircraft, including Bill Hirzel’s N3N, a prewar Consolidated PT-3, several Beechcraft trainers including a T-34, and others yet to be confirmed.”

The Beech airplanes will be a part of 75th anniversary celebrations for the company’s many contributions to military aviation.

Plans are to have all the aircraft on display and featured in individual presentations with their owners throughout the week. More information will be available at www.airventure.org as it’s confirmed.

Navy N3N

Bill Hirzel’s restored Naval Aircraft Factory N3N, featured in the April 2007 issue of Warbirds magazine, is one of the confirmed aircraft scheduled to appear at The Training Command. It will be displayed along with a set of floats, skis, and other original equipment included with each aircraft as it left the factory.

Other biplanes of the era were built from steel tubes and wood, but the N3N is all aluminum. It was also the last aircraft designed and built at the government-operated Naval Aircraft Factory in Philadelphia.

The Navy built 995 N3Ns–all were delivered between 1936 and 1938–for use as primary trainers along with the Stearman N2S. Since government-built N3Ns cost twice as much to build as the Stearmans, far more Naval pilots were trained in the N2S than the N3N.

Bill’s N3N was originally stationed at the NAS in Pensacola, Florida. After the war it was sold by the military as surplus and became a heavily used crop duster until the 1970s when it was worn out and put in storage. Hirzel purchased the aircraft in 1984 and restored it to its original, virtually stock condition.

Hirzel and his friends enjoy explaining the history and construction of this unique biplane trainer. Don’t miss your chance to see it at The Training Command, located in the Warbirds area adjacent to Warbirds in Review.

Richard Koehler, of Burke, Va. has been selected as the 2007 recipient of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Tony Bingelis Award, recognizing his involvement as an active volunteer Technical Counselor and aircraft builder.

Koehler (EAA #161427) has shared his knowledge of aircraft and provided thousands of hours of advice to builders as a Technical Counselor for more than 17 years. Koehler, the 2005 recipient of the Bax Seat Trophy from FLYING magazine for his aviation writing, also teaches an electrical systems class as a volunteer EAA SportAir workshop instructor.

Koehler has built a KR-2 and restored two Mooneys and a Swift. He also has many published articles in EAA’s Sport Aviation magazine and in chapter newsletters. Koehler continues to give presentation forums to educate and guide aircraft builders and instructs the sheet metal and composite workshops at AirVenture.

Koehler will receive his award at the EAA Homebuilder’s Dinner on Thursday, July 26, 2007, held during the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention in Oshkosh, Wis.

The Tony Bingelis Award, created in 2002, recognizes those who give significant encouragement of aircraft projects, promotion of air safety, and maintaining the values of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Bingelis wrote over 300 how-to articles and four homebuilding books before his death in 2001. Bingelis was also a founding member of Chapter 187 in Austin, Texas, in 1963, and helped organize the EAA Southwest Regional Fly-In in 1965.

Warbirds in Review became part of the EAA AirVenture scene in 2003, bringing a close-up look at some of the most storied military aircraft to ever darken the skies. An instant classic, the program immediately expanded from one to two daily presentations, and this year the program has grown again; a total of 19 presentations are scheduled as Warbirds in Review enters its fifth year at Oshkosh. Chairperson Connie Bowlin has arranged another stellar line-up of aircraft and aviators, with two presentations (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) set for opening and closing days,

July 23 and July 29, then three per day Tuesday through Saturday (10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.). Warbirds in Review sessions will be held in two locations; just south of the Warbirds Café near the EAA Ford Tri-Motor base of operations, and on AeroShell Square. Returning, as program moderators will be Dan Bowlin and Sam Bass.

Monday, July 23 10 a.m. - Vietnam combat veteran pilots John Roxbury, Jack McCormick and Huey helicopter Gunner Wayne Boggs open the schedule with Roxbury’s OH-6 Loach. “We hope to have a UH-1 Huey as well, but that has yet to be confirmed,” Bowlin said.

1 p.m. - A panel of Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) is scheduled to appear with an airplane to be announced. “As in years past, we’re happy to pay tribute to the WASPs,” Bowlin commented. “These women flew everything from the B-29 all the way down to the BT-13. I don’t know the airplane yet, so we have an opportunity to pick one when they get here.”

Tuesday, July 24 The B-25, Special Delivery The B-25, Special Delivery Photo: Tom Griffith 10 a.m. - The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) sponsor this visit of a unique B-25. “The Lonestar Flight Museum recently painted their airplane in the Doolittle Raiders paint scheme,” Bowlin said. “They (DAV) will be taking part in the presentation and we hope to have a Doolittle Raider veteran as well.”

11:30 a.m. - Jim Read’s F4U5 Corsair and Vintage Wings of Canada’s F4U4 will appear side-by side in the Warbirds presentation site. (Doug Mathews flies the Vintage Wings airplane.) “The Corsair is such a unique airplane, a favorite for many people,” Bowlin said. “We’re happy to be able to present these planes together.”

1 p.m. - Warbirds in Review will honor Beechcraft’s 75th anniversary with a special program. “Beech is well known for its general aviation contributions, but they’ve done a lot for military aircraft as well,” Bowlin said. Rick Siegfried will moderate this presentation, which will feature the Staggerwing, T-34, C-45, and the New T-6. Wednesday,

July 25 10 a.m. - See WWII Triple Ace Col. C.E. “Bud” Anderson, and Jack Roush, NASCAR team owner and warbird enthusiast who plans to have his P-51B ready for display. Back-up airplane is the P-51D Old Crow. “Any time you have an opportunity to hear Bud Anderson or Jack Roush speak it will be something special, especially when they are together,” Bowlin said.

11:30 a.m. (AeroShell Square) - Texas’ Cavanaugh Museum brings its D-Day-schemed C-47 to Oshkosh. “Frank Moynahan and Jim Gorman both were combat C-47 pilots in the Pacific,” Bowlin said. Interestingly, EAA’s C-47 located at the end of Pioneer Airport is done up in the same scheme as the plane Frank flew in World War II.

1 p.m. – Gunther Rall, the Luftwaffe pilot who is the third leading ace of all time, is scheduled to appear. “I called him to say, ‘You need to come to Oshkosh and visit with all of us,’ and he accepted the invitation.” Bowlin said. The featured plane is the last North American T-6 built (which Rall actually flew in 1956 when with the “new” Luftwaffe). In 1971 Rall became the commander of the entire Luftwaffe and was later chosen as Germany’s representative to NATO.

Thursday, July 26 10 a.m. - When it was time for Ron Fagen to paint his newly restored P-38, he decided to use the scheme of WWII combat pilot Norb Ruff’s Ruff Stuff. Bowlin noted, “Ron ended up painting it like Norb’s airplane saying, ‘I think Ruff Stuff will fly again!’” Along with Fagen and Ruff, Roy Easterwood, who flew P-38s in the Pacific, will be introduced at this presentation.

11:30 a.m. (AeroShell Square) - Former U.S. Sen. George McGovern, who flew B-24s in World War II, will be a very special guest with the Commemorative Air Force’s Ol’ 927. “Gary Austin was the ring leader on the restoration of the airplane and will be flying in for the day to appear at the presentation,” Bowlin added.

1 p.m. - WWII Ace Bob “Shorty” Rankin was flying with the storied 56th Fighter Group when Gunther Rall was shot down, and he’ll appear with Butch Schroeder’s restored P-47 Thunderbolt. “Shorty and Gunther are good friends now and he’s really excited to appear this year,” Bowlin said. “We plan to introduce Gunther during Shorty’s presentation.”

Friday, July 27 10 a.m. - David Lee “Tex” Hill appears with Jerry Yagen’s P-40 in Tex’s Flying Tiger paint scheme. “What can you say about Tex Hill, except that he was everybody’s hero - Bud Anderson, Chuck Yeager and all those guys said ‘boy, he was our hero when we got in the war.’”

11:30 a.m. (AeroShell Square) - Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, most well known for his role as navigator on the Enola Gay, also flew with the 97th Bomb Group, which was the first operational B-17 unit in England. Dutch will appear with the Yankee Air Museum’s B-17G Yankee Lady. 1 p.m. - In a special departure from the military aspect of WIR, Astronaut and Shuttle Commander Joe Engle will appear with a T-38. “We are going to have either an Air Force T-38 or a NASA T-38,” Bowlin said. Joe also flew the CAF’s P-40 for several years. Saturday,

July 28 The P-38, Glacier Girl The P-38, Glacier Girl C-54E Skymaster, Spirit of Freedom C-54E Skymaster, Spirit of Freedom 10 a.m. - Glacier Girl, the meticulously restored P-38 that was dug out from under nearly 300 feet of ice in Greenland, leads off Saturday’s program with Steve Hinton, Rod Lewis, and Bob Cardin. Before AirVenture, Lewis plans to recreate and complete the ill-fated 1942 mission, “Operation Bolero,” that resulted in the ditching of several airplanes in Greenland. “We were out at Rod’s ranch the day he accepted the keys for the P-38,” Bowlin recalls. “I asked, ‘Can you bring it back to Oshkosh this year?’ and he replied, ‘Yeah, as long as we can get back from Europe in time.’” The Glacier Girl presentation is being held near the end of convention to allow for some wiggle room in case there are unforeseen delays. 11:30 a.m. (AeroShell Square) - Col. Gail Halvorsen, C-54 pilot during the Berlin Air Lift of 1948-49, became known as the Candy Bomber when he started a special program dropping candy to German children during the Berlin airlift of 1948-49. Col. Halvorsen and the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54E Skymaster, Spirit of Freedom, is featured during this Warbird in Review presentation. The airplane will also be on display throughout the week on AeroShell Square.

1 p.m. - The legendary Bob Hoover appears along with a Lockheed P-80 (F-80), the first operational jet fighter used by the United States Army Air Forces. “I asked Bob what kind of airplane do you want to talk about this year, and he said, “Well, how about the P-80 or something?’” Bowlin explained. “With Bob, it’s like, pick an airplane, he can do any of them.” The featured airplane is EAA’s Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. Sunday,

July 29 CAF’s Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver CAF’s Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver 10 a.m. - The Commemorative Air Force brings the world’s only flying Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver. “This is obviously a very rare airplane,” Bowlin said. “CAF may or may not bring a veteran pilot, but the airplane speaks for itself.”

11:30 a.m. (AeroShell Square) - The Lone Star Museum brings its Hawker Hurricane, one of six airworthy in the world. “It’s not a large airplane, but we decided to do this program at AeroShell Square because we’re concerned a little bit about towing it. It’s an unusual airplane.” Many thanks to all the aircraft owners, veterans, and volunteers who make Warbirds in Review happen. Schedule is subject to change - look for the definitive schedule in the daily EAA AirVenture Today newspaper.

The votes are in! Thousands of aviation enthusiasts have made their choices in EAA’s "Greatest Aviation Movie of All Time" poll, and the winning film combines adventure, romance and lots of high-performance flying.

The champion is "Top Gun," the 1986 blockbuster that starred Tom Cruise (an EAA member), Kelly McGillis, Tom Skerritt, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and several other stars in a drama based at the U.S. Navy’s "Top Gun" fighter training school. The movie, which was the biggest grossing film in the U.S. that year, will be shown during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007 at the event’s Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company and Eclipse Aviation.

"There’s no doubt regarding the popular appeal of ‘Top Gun,’ even 20 years after its initial release," said Tom Benenson, FLYING Magazine senior editor, who created many of the introductions for the Fly-In Theater at EAA AirVenture 2006. "Many aviation fans have this film as part of their video collection or regularly search for the movie’s airings on television. Knowing the flying sequences are based on actual U.S. military training makes the film even more appealing to pilots."

"Top Gun" was one of 10 finalists in the online poll at www.airventure.org. It collected more than 20.5 percent of the more than 10,000 votes cast, ahead of the classic 1949 film "Twelve O’Clock High" (17.7 percent) and more recent World War II epic "Memphis Belle" from 1990 (12.2 percent).

The finalists were the 10 most-nominated films by EAA members earlier this year, who submitted more than 140 aviation movies. Others in the final poll included "Battle of Britain" (1969) with 11.8 percent; "Spirit of St. Louis" (1957) and "The Great Waldo Pepper" (1975), each with 8.6 percent; "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" (1965) 7.1 percent; "The Flight of the Phoenix" (1965) 5.2 percent; "The High and the Mighty" (1954) with 4.0 percent and "The Blue Max" (1966) with 4.0 percent.

"We thank the thousands of people who participated in this online poll over the past two months," Benenson said. "We heard from many EAA members and others who are passionate about their particular favorites when it comes to aviation movies. Their voting and input has assured a long list of future feature possibilities as EAA continues to develop the Fly-In Theater with the support of Ford and Eclipse."

The viewing date of "Top Gun" at the Fly-In Theater during EAA AirVenture 2007 will be announced when it is finalized in the coming weeks. This film will join the previously announced "Apollo 13" on the schedule, a movie that will be shown on Friday, July 27 and introduced by actual Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell. Additional films and presenters will be announced as they are confirmed, but all promise to be movies of special interest for aviation enthusiasts.

The outdoor theater, located adjacent to EAA’s Camp Scholler camping area, will be open each evening (weather permitting) from Sunday, July 22 through Saturday, July 28. The walk-in theater is reminiscent of the famous drive-in theaters of the past, complete with popcorn! There is no admission charge for the theater, which is open to all AirVenture guests. Each evening’s show begins at approximately 8:30 p.m., with an introduction by a celebrity presenter, followed by a classic aviation film at about 9 p.m., shown on a projection screen measuring five stories high.

For some 400 young people, Air Cadet Activity Day (ACAD) 2007 was an awesome event. Ask cadets what they thought, and they would probably say something like, "It’s great!" or "It’s a chance to meet cadets from many squadrons, renew old friendships and make new ones, and have a lot of fun!"

Saturday, May 26, 2007, was the 27th ACAD, an event hosted annually since 1981 on the last weekend in May by 16 Wing Borden and the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, assisted by various units and individuals in and around Borden.

The Air Command Academy, and notably 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, among others, made the day the screaming success it was. The efforts of Captain Steve Jefferys and the organizing committee ensured that the day was packed full of activities, both challenging and enjoyable.

ACAD originated as a small effort by Borden Air Cadet Liaison Officers to provide an entertaining venue for their particular squadrons. It was organized to meet all three aims of the Cadet Program: develop leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the Canadian Forces. ACAD has evolved into a day that covers all those aims in full!

This year, the leadership and physical fitness events included a drill competition, an air rifle target competition, a sports skills medley, a tug of war, and a confidence course challenge, with all events graded for team spirit.

The attempt to stimulate an interest in the CF included contact with many CF members, both as organizers and as technical advisors, in the large number of CF air occupation displays in CFSATE’s Stedman Building and, last but not least, a ride in a CH-146 Griffon helicopter.

164 Shelburne Squadron took the overall trophy this year, but everyone had fun, so everyone was a winner. Some squadrons came from over 160 kilometres away, some from as close as 30 kilometres, but in all 18 squadrons attended. With CF members, cadet staff and cadets, almost 600 people were on hand for ACAD.

A significant level of effort that makes it all happen, and the organization takes months. However, the day is a blast for all, with the energy from the cadets boosting the efforts of the base volunteers. Mr. Jim Gale, Area Vice Chair for the Grey / Bruce / Simcoe Counties - Ontario Provincial Committee, Air Cadet League of Canada put it very succinctly: "[ACAD] is the most motivational and interesting day that the cadets spend in the whole year, and you can tell by the smiles on their face how much they are enjoying it."

Porter Airlines has received official clearance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide scheduled and charter service. The first planned destination is New York through Newark Liberty International Airport, with plans to ultimately serve as many as nine U.S. destinations, including New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati and Cleveland.

In its disposition, the DOT states that the approval is consistent with the terms of the U.S.-Canada Air Transport Agreement and in the public interest. In addition, the DOT found that Porter is operationally and financially qualified to conduct its proposed operations.

“This is a significant day for Porter,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “We will now be able to offer true competition and superior service on a number of U.S. routes. Regular service to New York will begin later this year and not later than the early part of 2008. This is great news for business and leisure travellers, for the city of Toronto and the downtown economy.”

Porter’s primary focus is on short-haul Canadian and U.S. destinations within 500 nm of its base at Toronto City Centre Airport, only a few kilometers from the city’s financial and entertainment districts.

The airline’s emphasis on speed, convenience and service has changed how people fly to and from Toronto. Since launching its first scheduled service to Ottawa in October, Porter has added Montreal to its schedule and will begin flying to Halifax on June 29.

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines Inc. is a regional passenger carrier based at Toronto City Centre Airport. The airline currently serves Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, and will add Halifax on June 29, 2007. Porter plans to fly to at least 17 short-haul Canadian and U.S. destinations. Visit www.flyporter.com or call (416) 619-8622 or (888) 619-8622 for more information.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) (WestJet) is proud to announce its recent selection by the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) as recipient of the National Award for Most Supportive Employer in Ontario. The National Employer Support Awards recognize employers who demonstrate outstanding support of their employee reservists’ military service.

Captain Edie Tomaso of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command Headquarters nominated WestJet for this year’s award. For the past year, Captain Tomaso has balanced her career as a WestJet Customer Service Agent in Ottawa and reservist. Reservist support is critical to the military since between 15 and 30 per cent of all Canadian Forces members on overseas operational missions are reservists.

"I am proud to work for an organization that supports the men and women who give so much to our country," said Captain Tomaso. "WestJet is a prime example of a Canadian employer who is supportive and dedicated to Canada’s Reserve Force."

Ken McKenzie, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President of Operations, will accept the award on the company’s behalf at the June 9, 2007 awards ceremony in Ottawa.

"While it is an honour to receive this award, it is a greater honour to work alongside WestJetters who are a part of Canada’s Reserve Force," stated McKenzie. "WestJet is a Canadian company that is deeply committed to supporting those proud Canadians who serve our country."

Over 180 employers were nominated for this year’s National Reserve Force Employer Support Awards. This is the seventh awards ceremony sponsored by the CFLC since 1994.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada’s leading low-fare airline offering scheduled service throughout its 38-city North American and Caribbean network. Named Canada’s most admired corporate culture in 2005 and 2006, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada. With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu on the majority of its fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.

A 442 Squadron helicopter responded to an emergency call on Vancouver Island after a 52-year-old man suffered injuries while riding his dirt bike in a remote area near Cowichan Lake. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, June 4, near the top of a hill known as Hill 60. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria received a call by cell phone from a friend of the injured man who reported that there had been three of them riding their dirt bikes when his friend was injured after hitting a broken tree on an old logging road.

The JRCC tasked a Cormorant to the scene in response due to the remote location. The crew flew to the last known position while they awaited further information from the caller. The clouds were rolling in, making the weather an additional concern. The crew searched for the riders until they were able to establish direct contact. Due to the low ceiling, the Cormorant crew landed in a safe area approximately a kilometre down from the three men.

"It would have taken hours for a ground team to get on site," said Master Warrant Officer Mike Vattheuer, search and rescue technician. "Even we had a quite a hike up hill from where we landed. The crew had to shut down the helicopter and assist us in getting the equipment to the site.

"The fellow had been hit quite hard in the chest and was in serious condition, but he was stable. It took our five crewmembers and our patient’s two friends to get the injured biker out by stretcher. Some of us carried the Stokes litter and a couple had to carry IV bags and other equipment."

The injured biker was flown to the Victoria International Airport, only ten minutes away.

Upon returning to 19 Wing, the Cormorant was retasked to assist with a 15-year-old male who was in the water near Nanoose Bay after his vessel overturned. The father of the teenager called JRCC after witnessing his son overturn. The 15-year-old was able to swim to Ada Island, where he was met by a zodiac that had his father on board. The Cormorant stayed on scene until the crew was certain that no medical support was required. Once the teenager’s safety was confirmed, the Cormorant crew returned safely to Comox.

Crews from 442 Squadron also participated in a mission on Saturday, June 2. A Cormorant helicopter and Buffalo aircraft from 442 Squadron were tasked to perform a medical evacuation from a cruise ship that was approximately 10 nautical miles from Cape St. James in the Queen Charlotte Islands. A 64-year-old male passenger was suffering from internal bleeding and required a higher level of medical care. Two SAR Techs hoisted from the Cormorant to the ship to meet the ships medical staff and prepare the patient for hoist to the helicopter, while the Buffalo provided top cover and communications assistance. The 442 Squadron aircraft then returned to 19 Wing Comox, where the patient was transferred to an awaiting ambulance in Comox.

There are some new regulations for air travel today. All air travellers’ names will be checked against Canada’s new "no-fly'’ list before they’re issued boarding passes. The new rules affect flights within Canada as well as flights into and out of the country. And children over the age of 12 will now be required to show id before boarding an aircraft. The new Transport Canada regulations state that anyone 12 years of age or over must show a valid id including their name, birth date and gender, which must match the name shown on the plane ticket. Right now it doesn’t have to be a photo id for travel within Canada. but as of September 18th, a photo id card or two pieces of identification will be needed. The regulations are part of Canada’s new Identity Screening Regulations for air travel.

It’s hard to get anywhere without a plan. That’s why Congress wants the FAA to focus on two areas critical to general aviation: the future of avgas and the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

"Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), chairman of the House space and aeronautics subcommittee, has shown strong leadership by sponsoring this badly needed legislation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We need to address how existing aircraft will be affected by alternatives to leaded avgas, and we need to make sure that UAVs meet the same standards as certified aircraft. It’s about our future as well as our safety."

The bill would provide $750,000 over three years (beginning in fiscal year 2008) for research into modifying existing piston engines so that they can burn unleaded aviation fuel. The bill would also require the FAA to develop a "roadmap" for the program. In other words, it would create a sense of urgency that has been lacking in the past