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Volume 7, Number 4
OCTOBER
From the Airport
Manager
~ Royce Rankin
As I prepare my message for the newsletter, I realize the
horrible events of September 11th are only two days away, and how
our lives have changed in the past year. This past year has seen a
fencing and new gate access system that will help in securing our
airport. The new access system will be in place when you receive
this newsletter. I am sure there will be bugs to be worked out, but
hopefully most users will have received the card reader and will
find no difference in getting onto the airport. It is not the intent
to restrict those authorized users from the airport, but to limit
the access to those individuals that own an airplane, hangar, or
work on the airport. I realize this may limit some individuals that
have driven on the airport in the past, but hopefully they will
understand the world is a different place today and we are taking
these measures to protect everyone.
The perimeter-fencing project has completely encompassed the
airport with security fencing. The project had been in the capital
projects for the past few years, but got priority, as did many other
security projects throughout America.
The second airport improvement program project is the design and
engineering on the new ramp that will add 52 parking spaces. This
design project is nearly 80%, and hopefully, funding will be
available next year for the construction of the parking ramp.
Many of you probably noticed that the land has been cleared and a
new fence installed in the approach zone for runway 32. This was a
result of relocating the localizer out to 883' from the threshold
when the new ILS is installed. Speaking of the new ILS, it is still
the front burner for this year, but the exact start date has not
been determined. The replacement ILS is the newest system available
and will replace the system that has served the airport well for
many years. As with most equipment, it becomes outdated and
difficult to support with parts. The existing system was over 30
years old, and technology has changed many times over.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for our new building
expansion on October 4, 2002. This is open to the public, and I hope
as many of you that can, will attend.
Betty Cepaitis ended her ten years of service as a member, and
most recently as the Chairman of the Nashua Airport Authority. It
has been my pleasure to work with Betty and I will surely miss here
expertise in many areas, most notably in finance. It takes a special
person to dedicate their time and energy to serve in a non-paid
position for the good of the community. Betty, thanks for all your
hard work.
Alan Fuller has been nominated as the new member of the Nashua
Airport Authority. Alan is an aircraft owner and experienced IFR
pilot. He has maintained his aircraft and hangar on this airport for
many years and is looking forward to serving on the Authority.
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| Announcements
The Nashua Airport Authority Newsletter is published quarterly,
available in January, April, July, and October. Copies are mailed to
customers of the Authority and made available at the Midfield Café,
Wings Pilot Shop, and FBOs. If you would like to be added to the
mailing list, please contact Shirley at the Authority office,
603-882-0661.
Monthly business meetings of the Authority are held on the 3rd
Tuesday of each calendar month. The time and location for the
meetings is posted at the Midfield Café and at GFW and Keyson
Airways. Additional information can be obtained by calling the
office. Minutes of the monthly meetings are always available for
review at the Airport Manager’s office.
Summer Schedule
•
Tuesday, October 16, 2002
• Tuesday, November 19, 2002
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Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Please be sure to include your
account number (lease or plane identification) on your payment check
to insure proper credit. Payments are due by noon of the last
business day of the month. Mail delivery has become somewhat
erratic. Please allow extra time if you mail your payment to avoid
finance charges.
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| Young Eagles - October
5th
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| The fall
Young Eagles rally will be held Saturday, October 5, l0AM - 3PM at
GFW. Pilots will give free airplane rides to kids ages 8-17 to
stimulate an interest in aviation. These kids will be part of the
"next generation" of pilots that will keep general aviation alive.
This is a great way to share your love of flying with a group of
very appreciative passengers.
Nashua pilots have flown as many as 250 kids in one day in
airplanes ranging from Cessna. 150's to Beech Barons and a Cessna
414. It's great fun! If you'd like to fly or just help out, contact
Chris Landry at 603-880-6303 for more information.
Program sponsorship (and insurance) is by EAA - pilots do have to
be a member of that group or one of the partner organizations listed
on their web site. (www.eaa.org) Other sponsors include GFW
Aeroservices (generous use of their facilities), the Midfield Cafe
(lunch for Young Eagles pilots), and Phillips 66 (fuel rebates for
Young Eagles flights).
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| A Message from Keyson
Airways
We are writing you just at the time of the first anniversary of
September 11, 2001. A lot has happened since then but also a lot has
not happened that would have represented excessive regulation,
bureaucracy, and unnecessary restrictions on the precious freedoms
of flight and personal liberty.
We, at the Nashua Airport, can be particularly grateful when we
visit other airports around the country and experience some of the
extreme and sometimes meaningless measures being employed elsewhere.
We commend our Airport Management and Authority for increasing
security but in a solid, common sense fashion. We will be secure but
we also will be free!
On October 16th, 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm Keyson Airways will be hosting
an FAA Safety Seminar, "How to Preflight your Aircraft." Our very
own Byron Danforth will be discussing and providing hands-on
demonstration of a good thorough preflight on an aircraft in our
hangar. Byron was the 2001 New England Region Aviation Safety
Counselor of the year and is an active flight instructor and
airframe and power plant technician with inspection authorization.
He is knowledgeable and entertaining. Come one, come all; there will
be light refreshments and door prizes.
Anyone interested in a Maule? We expect delivery early November
of a M-7-235. There is an opportunity for someone to purchase this
aircraft at a favorable price and have a lease-back/rental
arrangement with Keyson Airways for the purpose of giving demo
flights to prospective customers. This particular airplane is a
235HP, tailwheel STOL, and is a real blast to fly. See Ritts Howard
for details.
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| Fly
Friendly
We are fortunate to have a well run and maintained airport in
Boire Field. For the most part we enjoy good relations with
neighbors and the greater community surrounding the airport.
However, there are always some people who object to the sound of
airplanes passing overhead, and some of these can be quite vocal.
When such groups organize and take political action, restrictions
on our freedom of flight are sometimes the result. Education through
the media and at events like the annual open house is one avenue to
mitigate potential problems. Another is for us all to fly friendly.
We as pilots play an important role in keeping good relations
with our neighbors by "Flying Friendly." The AOPA has
produced a 20 minute video with this title, which is available to
any groups or individuals who would like to borrow it. Just give me
a call or send me an email, and I'll arrange it.
A few of the key points in the video are:
- Be sure to fly at (or preferably above) the legal altitude for
your flight. The terrain west and north of ASH slopes up to over
1000', so you need to be at 2000' MSL or above over some of the
towns west of the field.
- Use the lowest safe and practical RPM when at lower altitudes
(most of the sound generated by an airplane comes from the prop,
not the engine).
- If you are practicing flight maneuvers vary your practice
area, and fly at a higher altitude for safety as well as noise
reduction. The two largest flight schools at ASH have established
4000' as the floor of their practice area for stalls, aerobatic
maneuvers, etc.
- And of course we all need to observe the noise abatement
procedures in effect at ASH and climb to 1000' before turning
crosswind.
When you fly
friendly it makes you a good neighbor and helps to preserve our
privilege of flight.
Graham V. Smith
g.v.s@ix.netcom.com
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| U.S. Aerobatic Team
One of the best-kept secrets in Nashua and indeed in all of
American aviation is that there is an U.S. Aerobatic Team. The
intention is not to keep it a secret, rather just the opposite. The
corporate headquarters for the US Aerobatic Foundation is located on
Boire Field at 85 Perimeter Road. Since 1960 when the legendary
Texan Frank Price traveled behind the infamous "Iron Curtain" to
Bratislava, Czechoslovakia for the very first World Aerobatic
Championship (WAC), America has been represented at this
"Olympic-style", international event.
Competition Aerobatics
The WAC, as it is commonly
referred to, is convened every other year (now on the odd year) with
representatives from twenty or more nations and 80 pilots all vying
for the bragging rights that go to the victor. Aerobatics are not
stunts, nor are the pilots that fly aerobatics stunt pilots!
Aerobatic flying is the epitome of "stick & rudder" flight.
Flight control and power use is precise, as is the management of
energy, throughout an aerobatic sequence. Each flight is
choreographed to challenge the pilot, impress the judges and to push
the envelope of aerobatic excellence. Competition aerobatics is
flown in an imagery cube of airspace known as the box. The box, 1000
meters cubed with a floor of 100 meters (328 feet agl) has marker
for pilot reference. Each pilot in international competition will
fly four flights. The "Programme Q" is referred to at home as the
Known. The Known is a 10 figure sequence published a year in
advance. It is used to warm up the judges, pilots and to establish
the order of flight for the second flight which is the Freestyle.
These sequences, designed by the individual pilot within the rules
established by CIVA, range for 6 to 10 figures and include bonus
points for those with fewer but more difficult creations. The last
two flights are the Unknowns. These are sequences designed by a jury
of judges from figures submitted by the pilots and jury members. The
pilots do not see the sequence until 12 hours before the flight
begins and they are not permitted to practice or fly these routines
prior to entering the box for the competition flight. Each pilot
does walk the flight through several times, in what's called the
"Dance" or "Chicken Walk." In the Dance the pilot creates a visual
image of the flight and memorizes each maneuver to his or her
satisfaction. The UNKNOWNS separate the "wheat from the chafe" in
competitive aerobatics. Those that can fly unknowns well usually
wind up near the top of the heap.
Aerobatic Aircraft
From Price's 185 HP, Warner powered
Great Lakes to today's aerobatic aircraft, with carbon fiber
construction and 300 plus HP Lycoming engines powering cutting edge
technology like the Zivko Edge or the Cap 232, America's Unlimited
aerobatic pilots continue their pursuit to be known as the "World's
Best".
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's the aircraft that dominated the
sport here at home and abroad was the Pitts Special, designed by
Curtis Pitts. The 1990's saw the development of the mono-wing design
including a variety of experimental, home built aircraft to the
Extra 200 and 300 series from Germany.
Gold Silver & Bronze Medals
These world-class
aerobatic competitions, normally held in Europe, are under the
supervision and sanction of the FAI and CIVA. The first U.S. pilot
to win the title of "World Aerobatic Champion" and the individual
gold medal was the late Charlie Hillard. Hillard, in 1972, along
with Airshow great Gene Soucy #3 and current EAA president Tom
Poberezny #6 captured the Team Gold Medal for America as well.
Florida's Mary Gaffaney won the "Women's title that year too. The
next time for the US to raise to the top of the international
aerobatic world was in 1980 when the WAC was held in Oshkosh, WI.
Here, the late Leo Loudensalger won the coveted title of World
Aerobatic Champion and his mates, Henry Haigh #2 and Kermit Weeks #3
brought home the Team Gold Medal.
Next, in Red Deer, Canada 1988, Henry Haigh, from Michigan,
finally shook his #2 ranking (1980 & 1982) to win the title of
World Aerobatic Champion. Haigh, with Floridians Kermit Weeks #2 and
Clint McHenry won the Team Gold Medal. Since 1988 the individual and
Team World Aerobatic title and Gold Medals have eluded the
Americans.
America's next closest challenge to the Team title would come in
ten years later in Slovakia 1998. The men's Team came home with a
Silver Team Medal. While Matt Chapman, from Pennsylvania, won the
third place Bronze Medal finish in the overall and achieved the
highest individual ranking in a decade. Robert Armstrong, who hails
from Athens, GA won the Silver medal as the # 2 ranked aerobatic
pilot in the world for 2001. This past summer in Burgos, Spain as a
part of the 2nd World Air Games, Armstrong's tenacity, patience and
steady performance paid off. He trailed the winner by a mere 175
points out of a total point tally of 11,000 points.
Three Teams & Big Challenges
The United States
sends 3 distinctly different and unique Teams to world competition.
They are the Unlimited Power described above, an Advanced Power and
a Glider Team. The Advanced Power is a relatively new category on
the international scene and serves as a development program for the
Unlimited Team. This category of aerobatic competition is restricted
to aircraft with 259 HP or less, and of course, the Gliders are
without power and require towing to begin their competitions.
Combined these Teams add up to 23 or more pilots plus a number of
volunteer ground support personnel. The pilots and support team
usually spend upwards to a month away from home and business in
order to represent the USA on the world stage of aviation.
How Does One Become a US Team Member?
Like the adage of
a man on the streets of New York City asking another for directions
to Carnegie Hall and receives the reply, practice, practice,
practice. Likewise, the same notion is true for earning a spot on
the US Aerobatic Team. Pilots that wish to get more from their
pilot's certificate than "boring holes in the sky" can become
involved in aerobatics at the local IAC (International Aerobatic
Club) chapter level. Here they will be guided toward competent
aerobatic instruction, introduced to aerobatic competition, and can
begin the flight path to fulfilling the quiet fantasy of most
pilots, which is to have the skill and aircraft to operate in all
three planes of flight. Once you have looped or flipped an airplane
inverted, you can never go back to straight and level flying with
out the hunger for more aerobatics.
Rising through the various levels of competitive aerobatics
(basic, sportsmen, intermediate, advanced & unlimited) helps to
prepare those pilots interested in serious competition and in
representing their country on the world stage. Every other year, in
the fall, the IAC sanctions a Team Selection contest at the National
Championships and a new Team is formed for the World Aerobatic
Championships the following summer. Once selected, these pilots come
under the supervision and management of the U.S. Aerobatic
Foundation. The management, funding and logistical support for these
Teams are provided by the United States Aerobatic Foundation
headquartered in offices at the airport in Nashua, NH. Oversight for
the not-for-profit, tax-exempt Foundation consists of a volunteer
board of trustees and is currently operated by 3 full-time
employees. The cost to train, transport and manage these Teams are
significant and are borne through the generosity of aerobatic
enthusiasts around the country, corporate sponsors and
specialproject fundraising programs managed by the Foundation.
Anyone interested in helping the U.S. Aerobatic Teams can do so by
calling 888-678-8723 or checking out our website at
www.usaf-aerobatics.org.
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Aerial Advantage, School Of Aerobatic
Flight and Aviation Services
Aerial Advantage
Aviation opened for business April 1st 2002 at Nashua Airport.
Aerial Advantage specializes in Aerobatic Instruction, Upset/Spin
Recognition and Recovery Training, Tailwheel instruction and
Competition aerobatic instruction. We offer package courses designed
to a specific set of Practical Test Standards. We will also
customize lessons to our customers needs.
Our Mission is to help make safer, higher skilled pilots through
superior education and training. We promote and emphasize safety in
every aspect of our operation. We also strictly abide by all FAR's
and make every effort to be "good neighbors" by flying in areas and
altitudes that minimize the impact of noise on the ground.
Our fleet of aircraft consists of a brand new 2001 Pitts Special
S-2C used for Advanced Aerobatic instruction, Advanced Spin
training, Pitts Special landing training, Single Seat Pitts
transition training, and is also used for our Aerobatic Adventure
Rides (see below).
We also have a 2001 8KCAB Super Decathlon that is used for our
Basic Aerobatics Course, Upset and Spin Recognition and Recovery
Course, Tailwheel Training, and Aerobatic Contest Preparation.
Students can also get checked-out to solo the Decathlon to practice
on their own.
We plan to add more airplanes to our fleet soon for tailwheel
training and rental, and also open an Aircraft Sales Deptartment.
Aerial Advantage Aviation also offers Aerobatic Adventure Ride
Gift Certificates for those who want to experience the adventure of
flight in our Pitts S-2C. These flights are customized to the level
of excitement the customer wants to experience. Aerobatic Adventure
Rides make the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, father's
day, or any occasion. Aerial Advantage Aviation has teamed up with
The United States Aerobatic Foundation (USAF) and will donate a
portion of all proceeds from the Aerobatic Adventure Rides to the
United States World Aerobatic Team through USAF to help support our
team as they represent the United States in World Unlimited
Aerobatic competition.
Staff:
Robert J. Holland Chief Pilot/President
Rob
has been flying since the age of 18 and has accumulated greater than
4300 hours in over 90 types of aircraft. Rob is ATP rated with a CFI
and CFII and also holds a glider rating. Rob specializes in
Aerobatic, Spin, and Tailwheel instruction with over 2300 hours of
tailwheel time and over 900 hours teaching aerobatics to students of
all skill levels. He has taken first and placed in several aerobatic
competitions in the United States and Canada, and is currently on
the road to airshow performance. Rob graduated Daniel Webster
College in 1997 with a B.S. in Aviation Management and a B.S. in
Aviation Flight Operations.
Kathryn Hogan - Operations Manager/Vice President
Kathy
has always had an avid interest in aviation growing up in a family
with a long history in Aviatiori. Kathy helps to run the everyday
operations including, Administrative, Accounting, Marketing, and
Customer Relations. Kathryn graduated from Daniel Webster College in
1996 and earned a B.S. Aviation Management, an A.S. in Business
Management, and an A.S. in Marketing.
Ryan Retelle - Aerobatic Flight Instructor
Ryan,
influenced by his father: an Air Force Test Pilot, began his
aviation Career at age 14, soloing a sailplane and later earning his
glider rating at age 16. Ryan currently has over 1500 hours of
flight time. His ratings include: Commercial in single and
multiengine land and single-engine Seaplanes, instrument airplane
and glider. He is qualified to teach single engine land and sea
aircraft, multi-engine land aircraft, instrument airplanes and
glider. Ryan graduated Daniel Webster College in 2000 with a B.S. in
Aviation Flight Operations.
Jeni Smith - Event & Media Coordinator/Chief Pilot
Assistant
Jeni is responsible for assisting in the needs of
daily operations, coordinating media events and assisting at
performances. She spends much of her time volunteering at IAC
sponsored aerobatic competitions, hopes to soon be competing in
aerobatics herself, and has aspirations of performing in airshows
and following in the footsteps of the great women of aviation.
Aerial Advantage was founded by Rob Holland, Kathy Hogan, and
Chip Drapeau (an avid sport aerobatic enthusiast and President and
CEO of MRO Software, Inc. a publicly traded software company that
helps companies track maintenance on critical assets, including
commercial aircraft!)
Phone 603-598-3180, Fax 603-598-3182, e-mail
aerialadvntage@aol.com
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