arizona aviation journal

ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January February 2012

Arizona Aviation JournalIssue #6January/February 2012

Rolle FieldAll Dressed Up...

Aviation in Yuma

7th Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol

Girls Can Fly

YCAA’s Gen Grosse

Promotes Aviation as Career Choice

Defense Industry Focus

ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January/February 2012ArizonA AviAtion JournAlPage 2

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ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January February 2012 ArizonA AviAtion JournAl Page 3

Contents On the Cover

Page 8

Page 6

Publisher/Editor/ Kim J. StevensGraphic Design/ Andrew StevensLayout Design/ Andrew StevensAdvertising Director/ VacantPhotography/ Carol Groff Kim Stevens Contributing Writers Claire Stern Hall Lewallen

Published by the State Aviation Journal9866 W Lone Cactus Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382. 623-326-1125

Page 20

Page 14

Page 11

Girls Can Fly Page 4

Ready to Lead Arizona CAP

CAF Salutes Arizona Tuskegee Airmen

Aviation at Yuma International

Aviation Day at the Capitol

Willett Earns Master Aerobatic Accreditation

Gen Grosse, Corporate Account Manager for theYuma International Airport, on the runway at Rolle Field near San Luis. The airport was re-opened last September after a massive construc-tion project whic included the re-construction of the runway. (Photo by Kim Stevens)

ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January/February 2012ArizonA AviAtion JournAlPage 4

14 years ago Stacy Howard decided to create an outlet to introduce girls to aviation as a career choice and a pathway to personal accomplishment. A licensed pilot herself, she wanted to open girls’ eyes to the aviation industry, considered by many to be a non-traditional career path for women. In collaboration with friend and educator Sherlyn Halloran and in partnership with the Girl Scouts, they developed Girls Can Fly Discover Aviation Camp - a weeklong summer camp in Prescott. Both Stacy and Sherlyn are members of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots and have deep roots in the aviation industry themselves. Stacy is the past Western Pacific Region representative of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and is currently the president of the Aviation Safety Advisory Group of Arizona (ASAG). Sherlyn spent a decade as a pilot at the Grand Canyon and then taught ground classes at Glendale Community College. Through their network of contacts, Girls Can Fly is able to offer a compre-hensive camp curriculum that exposes girls to aerodynamics, air traffic control, aircraft construction, flight planning, naviga-tion and airline operations. Throughout the weeklong camp guest speakers discuss their own experiences with the girls and answer their many questions. Most of the speakers are women themselves and the girls are able to relate to them very well.

Over the years Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has be-come a close partner and provides the Discover Aviation Camp with access to its crash lab and flight simulators. In fact, the camp culminates with each girl taking a flight with an Embry Riddle instructor and each girl comes away with her own log of the flight. Since its inception, approximately 250 girls from ages 13-18 have attended the camp. The Discover Aviation Camp has been held each of the past 14 summers, except for last year when the bad economy com-

By Claire Stern

Partnerships Propel ‘Girls Can Fly’ to SuccessCampers pose in front of the Embry-Riddle sign on the Prescott, Arizona campus.

EAA Chapter 658 members provided hands-on training.

ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January February 2012 ArizonA AviAtion JournAl Page 5

bined with a lack of marketing proved too much to overcome. This year, Stacy and Sherlyn are hoping that a newly de-signed and more user-friendly website as well as additional marketing within the Girl Scouts will help boost interest in the camp to the level of previous years. Girls Can Fly Discover Aviation Camp is always looking for additional guest speakers, new business partners and do-nors to help provide scholarships to girls whose families have financial need. As Stacy and Sherlyn describe it, the Girls Can Fly Discover Aviation Camp is the only camp like it in the world. Limited to just 20 attendees each year, the camp strives to keep the ratio of educators to students very low. Stacy says that, “every girl comes away with a higher understanding of aviation and the aviation industry.” Sherlyn enjoys seeing the “light bulbs come on” as the girls progress through the week of activities and classes.

Although the camp is held in partnership with the Girl Scouts at the organization’s Willow Springs Camp location in Prescott, girls do not need to be members of the Girl Scouts to register. The 2012 camp will be held from June 17 – June 22. The cost is $345 which includes meals, board-ing, all of the programming and the flight on the last day. Girls who are not already members of the Girl Scouts pay an addi-

tional $12. Scholarships are available and, as Stacy explains, “no girl will ever be turned away for lack of money.” In addition to the weeklong Discover Aviation Camp, Girls Can Fly Day is held on the first Saturday of March. It is meant to be a “taste of camp” to pique girls’ in-terest and show them what they can expect at camp. Many years ago when Sherlyn decided to become a pilot her father told her, “you are stepping into a man’s world, expect opposition.” Girls Can Fly is working to ensure that step by step, year by year that opposition finally becomes a thing of the past. If you would like more information on the Discover Aviation Camp or Girls Can Fly Day please visit www.girlscanfly.org or call Stacy Howard at 480-987-9165. Information on the camp can also be found on the Girl Scouts’ website www.girlscoutsaz.org.

Stacy Howard

Learning to plot a course.

Suzie Lewis in a Pitts Special.

Aviation campers learn about air service from a Great Lakes pilot.

ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January/February 2012ArizonA AviAtion JournAlPage 6 January/February 2012

A Change of Command Ceremony for the Arizona Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) took place on Saturday, January 7th in the CAP’s hanger at Glendale Municipal Airport. Colonel John M. Eggen relinquished command to Colonel (Select) Brian N. Ready, who has served as Vice Commander since January of 2010. Ready said he is looking forward to his new role and the op-portunity to lead the best group of volunteers he has ever had the honor to be associated with. He is also excited to have the opportunity to support the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow. “In my opinion,” said Ready, “the Arizona Wing has the best members in the Civil Air Patrol.” Statistics show that Civil Air Patrol cadets make up more than

10% of the graduates from our service academies and Ready is quick to promote that. “The CAP cadet program is awesome,” said Ready. “It provides structure and discipline and has helped many young people who need direction.” The training the cadets receive in leadership and aerospace education, according to Ready, gives them an advantage in any future endeavor, but especially if they pursue a military career. Ready said that working with the youth of today is our future. “If we don’t inspire them to enter the aviation field, there will be no one to continue the industry,” said Ready. “We are seeing this in the maintenance field.” Ready said there is a shortage of aviation mechanics and maintenance schools are having dif-ficulties staying in business. Ready’s first exposure to the CAP was in California. He at-tended an air show and there was a CAP T-34 on display. “I

went to a few meetings, joined, got checked out in the T-34,” said Ready, “and the rest is history.” When asked what 2012 holds for the CAP in Arizona, Ready said that one of the biggest chal-lenges will be funding. “The economy and tough financial times in Arizona has hit all volunteer or-ganizations.” Ready said that in the past they have received limited funding for the state, but that was cut in half four years ago and cut off entirely three years ago. Another issue, according to Ready, is aircraft parking and meeting locations. Many of the CAP units meet at local airports. “We are fortunate to have 14 aircraft assigned to the Arizona Wing,” said Ready, “but we have to find parking loca-tions.” With revenues down, many airports are reluctant

to allow CAP aircraft to park or hangar at reduced

By Kim Stevens

Ready to Lead CAPArizona Wing

A gathering of Blue. Attendees included Brig. Gen. JD Harris, 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB.

Col. Brian Ready addresses attendees in the CAP hangar. Inset - Col. Brian


rates. Ready said they are lucky that a few airports have offered them hangars, a building or meet-ing locations. “We are not as fortunate at other airports,” said Ready, who hopes not to have to relocate some units. Ready was first exposed to aviation by his father. “My father was a private pilot and I started out flying sitting in his lap,” said Ready. “We would take family trips in general aviation aircraft and I got hooked.” When Ready turned 16 he was asked if he wanted to learn to fly or drive. “My response was - could you drive me to the airport!” Ready received his private certificate one month after his 17th birthday. Ready, who has been very active in other aviation organizations in Arizona, will wear the insignia of Colonel, but it will not be made permanent until the end of his service as Wing Commander. Ready is a qualified Check Pilot and Emergency Service Incident Commander and earned a Bachelor of Sci-ence in Aeronautical Engineering Technology from Arizona State University.

Ready accepting command. Attendees Nancy Benscoter, left and Barbara Harper.

Col. Ready, left, is congratulated by Col. John Eggen.

In a pinning ceremony Colornel Ready is flanked by his wife Sindy and his father, Norris Ready.

Col. John Varljen, Southwest Region Vice Commander, left and Col. Ready. Dee Holm is in the background.

ArizonA AviAtion JournAl January/February 2012

CAF Salutes Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) held a tribute on Saturday, January 14th celebrating the legacy of Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen. The event, held in advance of the release of “Red Tails,” the George Lucas produced movie based on the same, took place at the CAF’s museum, and brought together an appreciative audience, some of which knew

very well the contributions made by Tuskegee Airmen and oth-ers, who would learn for the first time what tremendous feats these men accomplished, both in the skies over Europe and on the battlefield at home in America. “We first conceived the event when last July, we saw the Red Tails poster in a local theater,” said Herb Zinn, “Red Tails” Event Project Coordinator for the CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, located at Falcon Field in Mesa.

Article and Photos By Kim Stevens

Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen

A P-51 on the ramp of the CAF Museum. Tuskegee Airman Rudolph Silas talks to attendees.


When you look at the movie trailer, the first thing you see is a flight of B-17 bombers being attacked by Mess-erschmitts. As a Museum Docent, Zinn said it is common nowadays to encounter visitors who have no knowl-edge of these aircraft whatsoever or of their history, and in a way, that lack of awareness diminishes the value of our Museum as a place of learning. “What I mean is that many people have no ap-preciation for the true significance of the aircraft and therefore their history and the history of the men and women who flew them,” said Zinn - “something the Museum is very dedicated to perpetuat-ing.” Certainly, according to Zinn, their aircraft and memorabilia collection are unusual and interesting to look at but its value is symbolic and reaches more deeply than that. “So a movie about the subject was a tangible asset to refer to when explaining B-17s and such,” said Zinn, who noted that it has been a very long time since movies like 12 O’clock High, Command Decision, The War Lover and

even Memphis Belle have been made. B-17s and their role in the war, are no longer common “house” knowledge, “so we jumped on the path created by the Lucasfilm movie,” said Zinn. But, according to Zinn, as they proceeded to develop the event, three separate themes converged and those finally de-

fined the production: The Red Tails film and the vivid images of air combat in Europe it would provide; the fact that Arizona has had significant ties with the Tuskegee Airmen and their crusade for equality, given the population of the 14 honor-ees that called Arizona their home; and the fact of the Arizona Centennial, which propelled the span of the social background to the Tuskegee Airmen well back into the State’s history to the close of the Civil War, when Black troops who were veter-

CAF B-17 “Sentimental Journey” on the ramp of the museum at Falcon Field.

Continued on next page.

An attendee sports a shirt in support of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Left to right are D Jones, Goya Johnson and Peggy Toliver.

This figurine was given to each honoree.


ans of the Union Army were assigned to the Arizona Territory to protect the local population and expansion westward. “The significance of the Tuskegee Airmen was centrally this,” said Zinn. “That after gaining freedom, a people’s century-long struggle to gain equality was finally realized by the excel-lence displayed by these men. Each and every time the Nation called upon Blacks to shed their blood in defense of the Nation (Spanish-American War, the expedition to deal with Pancho Villa, World War I and finally World War II), Blacks returned

to the same social status they occupied previously- the denial of equal rights as Americans.” But, according to Zinn, it all changed after World War II because of the Tuskegee Airmen. So, according to Zinn, the final roll-out of the event embodied those three themes. The honorees got it; “Some were genuinely tearful at the experience,” said Zinn, “and the attendees did, too.” It was evident from the applause, the laughter and their standing ovations. It was an outpouring of community pride for what these men did to make America a better place in which to live. “That is a huge achievement for our Museum,” said Zinn, “an achievement we are very proud of.”

Continued from previous page.

TuskegeeThe Commemorative Air Force Hangar was the backdrop for the salute to Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen.

The ceremony honored fourteen original Tuskegee Airmen, five of whom are now deceased, with these plaques and statuettes.


Valley Pilot Awarded Elite Accreditation Upset Prevention and Recovery Specialist

Brian Willett, a retired Air Force instructor pilot, specializing in aerobatic, upset recovery and spin training, has been award-ed Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation. Willett, an instructor with Aviation Performance Solutions, LLC, (APS) a Part 141 flight school at Mesa’s Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), is one of only 26 Master CFI-Aerobatic instructors in the world today. The Master CFI-Aerobatics designation is awarded to aerobat-ic flight instructors who meet established criteria that enhance safety and promote training in aerobatics. The two-year Master Instructor status is earned and renewed through a rigorous process of continuing education, professional development and involvement in the aviation community. The program allows flight instructors to enhance their abilities as both pilots and educators. “I was very pleased and excited to join this elite group,” said Willett. Initiated by the National Association of Flight Instruc-tors (NAFI) in partnership with the International Aerobatic Club (IAC), the Master CFI- Aerobatic program requires the completion of 32 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) chosen from a schedule of activities that meet credit requirements. To earn the Aerobatics designation, at least half of those CEUs must be in aerobatics-related activities. It should be noted, that of those 26 Master CFI-Aerobatic instructors, three of them work for APS at Phoenix-Mesa Gate-way Airport. Willett first became aware of APS as President of R&W Aviation Consultants, Inc., a company formed to provide sales and marketing support to aerospace companies that do not have the resources to deploy their own internal Sales & Mar-keting organization. “Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) was one of the first organizations I approached,” said Wil-lett. “During my marketing research on APS, I dis-covered their very unique services and that they had a need for instructors with a special background (military fighter pilot instructor, plus a commercial background, plus a “civilian” aerobatic experience) -- a background that I had.” Willett started with them as a con-tract instructor pilot last year and came on full time in the fall. “I have fully enjoyed the experience ever since.” Despite advances in technology, improved aircraft design and a more thorough certification process over the years, pilots, according to Willett, are still crashing flyable aircraft. Today in both General Aviation and Commercial Aviation flying, the

Willett flew the F-111F.

Willett is only one of 26, awarded Master CFI-Aerobatic ac-creditation.


By Kim Stevens


Brian Willett and Ashleigh Hutchison after completing an Air Combat ride.

leading cause of accidents and fatalities is LOC-I, or Loss of Control – Inflight. “One only has to look at the Colgan Air 3407 accident in Buffalo New York, or Air France 447 accident off the coast of Brazil,” said Willett, “to see examples where the pilots were presented an air-craft upset situation, and failed to recog-nize what was happening and executed improper control inputs and lost control of the aircraft (they stalled); killing ev-eryone onboard.” Willett said we can’t fully blame the pilots in these situations. “Our training system let them down.” Over the last 30+ years the global aviation certification au-thorities have changed and reduced the pilot licensing require-ments. Instead of teaching pilots what happens in aggravated stall conditions (slip/skidding turn, or cross-controlled stalls) and spins, responsibility was placed on the aircraft manufactur-ers to design and develop “Spin Resistant” aircraft. “We just haven’t reached that point yet,” said Willett. “We have a situation now where the vast majority of pilots have never experienced a full cross-control stall (skidding/slipping stalls), have never been over 60 degrees of bank in an aircraft, or have never been in an aircraft experiencing a fully devel-oped spin.” Willett said that in his experience, even most CFI’s training (who are required to demonstrate instructional ability in spins) was lacking in that they only experienced incipient spins in training and were short-changed in their CFI program — prohibiting them from developing a full understanding of the aerodynamic factors at play in a fully developed spin. In 2009, according to Willett, The Royal Aeronautical Society sponsored a group to study the issue -- the International Com-mittee for Aviation Training in Extended Envelopes (ICATEE). Currently over 80 members strong, ICATEE includes major aircraft manufacturers, airlines, national aviation authorities, national safety boards, simulator manufacturers, training pro-viders, and pilot representatives. ICATEE is developing a new Manual for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training that will outline “best practices” and recommendations for training that will mitigate the LOC-I threat. ICATEE has already briefed ICAO, and ICAO has stated that they will implement ICA-TEE’s findings into global pilot certification requirements. “I expect that within the next few years, on-aircraft Upset Preven-tion and Recovery Training (UPRT) will be required for anyone going for a Commercial Pilot’s Certification or above,” said Willett. More information on ICATEE can be found on their website: http://icatee.org. The co-founder and President of APS, Paul “BJ” Ransbury, over the last 10+ years has developed what Willett considers to be, the world’s leading training program in UPRT. Using very

safe, fully certified aerobatic aircraft and highly experienced instructors, APS blends a well rounded program that includes a strong foundation of classroom Aerodynamics coupled with in-flight instruction that exposes the pilot to realistic scenarios and situations that they may find themselves in if their aircraft experiences an “upset.” APS currently provides instruction to major airline, corporate, military and general aviation pilots from all over the world. Willett said that pilots with only 100 hours to those with over 10,000 hours of flight experience — all benefit from the train-ing. “I have yet to have a pilot complete the course and not become an enthusiastic endorser of the training,” said Willett. “Pilots come away with a better understanding on what is in-volved in upset situations, but also feel confident that they now have the skills necessary to mitigate the LOC-I threat. I know I felt that way after I completed the course, and I had been flying for over 30 years.” Willett said he was exposed to aviation at a very early age. “My Dad was an Aerospace Engineer and a Private Pilot,” said Willett. “I decided on a pilot career in my early teens and believed that becoming a USAF pilot would give me the best foundation — and not having a lot of funds, be the most economical way of becoming a pilot.” Since the Air Force re-quired a Bachelor’s degree to enter their pilot program, and still lacking funds, Willett enlisted for the G.I. Bill. His goal was to do his three years, get out and take ROTC while earning his degree, then go back into the service for flight school. “I ended up enlisting in the US Army, very unexpectedly, be-cause they had the Warrant Officer program which did not have the degree requirement for flight school,” said Willett. “I en-listed in 1975, spent 9 months in a line Tank Company — just long enough to complete my Flight School application — and was accepted into the US Army Rotary Wing Aviator Course.” Willett completed the course and spent the next 6 years flying Helicopters in the Army and ended up teaching at the Army Aviation Center in the Aeroscout (OH-58) program in Ft.

Master CFIContinued from previous page.


Rucker, AL. While at Ft. Rucker he completed his first degree, resigned his Warrant on a Thursday, enlisted in the Air Force on a Friday and reported to Lackland AFB the following Monday for Officer Training School (OTS). Mostly because he was already a military rated aviator, Willett was selected for a special NATO flight school (Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, or ENJJPT, Shepard AFB, TX). He was selected for the F-111 after Flight School and flew the F-111A, E, D and F models as both a Instructor Pilot and Flight Exam-iner. It was the F-111F that Willett few during the later stages of DESERT STORM. As the F-111 was reaching the end of its service life, he was selected for the F-117A Stealth Fighter program. “I ended my military career as an Instructor Pilot in the F-117 and as Chief of Wing Weapons and Tactics for the only Stealth Fighter Wing.” Willett says he enjoys all aspects of flying — planning, train-ing, maintenance, program management, etc. “What I really enjoy doing is passing along to other pilots the skills and information that will make them a better — and most impor-tantly — a more safer pilot,” said Willett. “I get the greatest personal satisfaction when I see the ‘light go on’ as pilots grasp the serious implications of certain maneuvers/situations and they develop the knowledge and skill set to safely recover from these situations.” A lot of times, according to Willett, people assume that since pilots perform aerobatics in the military, that they are very pro-ficient in civilian aerobatics. “They really are two very differ-ent events,” explains Willett. “Military aerobatics is designed with an end goal in mind — weapons on target — and is almost always with positive “G’s” and in an aircraft with a lot (a lot!) of thrust. Civilian aerobatics are much more precise (to do them well) and you often are at negative “G’s” in an aircraft that doesn’t have that “1-to-1” thrust ratio. It is a lot more chal-lenging to do civilian aerobatics!” Willett says that flying is the great equalizer. He’s never had an airplane ask him how many hours he had, what school did he go to, what sex he was , what color his skin is, or what church he goes to. “It is all about the individual’s knowledge and skill,” said Willett. “Developing that knowledge and skill is not a destination, but a continuing path of improvement.” Willett said that students teach him something new everyday either through a question he had not thought of, or flying the aircraft in a “different” way. “It never gets old!”

Willett was an instructor pilot in the F-117.

NASA Engineers Host Students to Discuss Orion

Yuma International Airport

High school students pose in front of the Jacobs/NASA facility, at Yuma International Airport.

Engineers from NASA and Jacobs Engineering hosted stu-dents from Cibola, Yuma and San Luis High School for a tour of their hangar at Yuma International Airport to discuss the space agency’s Orion Program and the work they are conduct-ing in Yuma. The tours occurred on Monday, January 23rd and Tuesday, January 24th. The students are involved in the Univer-sity of Arizona - Yuma High School Engineering Program. The University of Arizona began offering Engineering 102 in an effort to introduce high school students to college-level en-gineering and to give math-and-science savvy students hands-on experience before they commit to a university engineering program. The high school program is based on the Engineering 102 class that freshman engineering students take at the UofA. NASA’s Capsule Parachute Assembly System team has been performing parachute drop tests at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Prov-ing Grounds since 2007 to support the design and development of the capsule descent and landing parachute system to support the Orion flight tests and first human flight. While they’ve been testing in Yuma since 2007, NASA didn’t have a permanent home until the airport built the Pappy Boy-ington hangar in 2009. Since basing themselves in the hangar, the NASA and Jacobs Engineering team are ahead of schedule. “Since the NASA and Jacobs engineers are here for six months out of the year, Yuma is like a second home for them and we’ve built an amazing relationship.” said Gen Grosse, air-port spokesperson. “We also participate in a variety of educa-tional programs within the community. When NASA expressed interest in sharing their knowledge and experience with our local students, we knew it would be an experience of a lifetime. It’s exciting for the students to see what a wide variety of op-tions lies in their future.”


Aviation in Yuma

Teamwork Leads to Solid Growth for 5-Year Period Five years ago, Craig Williams began putting a plan and a team together to implement the new vision of the Board of Directors at Yuma International Airport - drop air cargo and concentrate on the defense industry. “If you look at our accom-plishments in the last five years, you have to admit we’ve got a great team, said Williams.” Those accomplishments include a great deal of infrastructure work, to build an industrial complex to support government and defense related operations, a successful partnership with the Marines and improvements at Rolle field. “A good team can do a lot,” said Williams. The concept of becoming an “Aviation Partner” with the Marines was key to the successful relationship and smooth operations on the joint civilian-military airport that is shared between Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS) and Yuma County Airport Authority. (YCAA) “From the very beginning our approach was to go all in, just like a marriage,” said Wil-liams. “That meant it was not 50-50. We did everything we could to help the Marines and we never looked for payback on a single item.” The philosophy, according to Williams, is that “what’s good for MCAS Yuma is good for the partnership.” As

the relationship grows, Williams said it’s fun to see their delight as they learn more about us. Both sides are constantly finding new ways to benefit from the other. “We help them on local issues and recognize the economic value for our side of the airport.” Back about 2007, to help support the work of MCAS, the airport’s Board of Directors made the decision to create the Defense Contractor Complex, (DCC) which was an effort to promote economic development opportunities to benefit the desert southwest by building infrastructure such as taxiways, aprons and hangars to support the region’s various testing op-erations. Those included the US Army Yuma Proving Grounds, transient military that utilize the Barry M. Goldwater Ranges, as well as aviation giants such as General Electric, Boeing and Gulfstream who perform a variety of testing on some of their latest programs in Yuma. A more recent example of the airport’s support of the region’s military, was the opening of the Military Comfort Center, (MCC) located on the second floor of the airport’s terminal in July of 2010. The Military Comfort Center was created to pro-vide a relaxing atmosphere for members of the military, their

Board of Directors Focus on Defense Industry

Boeing utilized Yuma International Airport’s Defense Contractor Complex for a variety of testing for certification of their 787 Dreamliner program. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)


family members and retired military who travel to and from the airport. The YCAA Board of Directors ordered the conversion of a sel-dom used conference room into the Center, which is outfitted with overstuffed leather furni-ture, flat screen TVs, computers so they can check their email, and a Wii system so they can burn off a little energy and have some fun. The MCC is staffed from 6 am to 6:30 pm by volunteers from the Greater Yuma community. The volunteers make cookies and Kool-aid and keep the troops company. They also keep a keen eye out for troops within the airport who aren’t aware of the MCC and invite them up for some R&R. The Yuma airport lies at the heart of two of the nation’s pre-mier military installations, and sees thousands of troops and their families travel the world through the airports doors each year. The airport felt they deserved a dignified area of their own to relax and recuperate as they head off to their next assign-ment. The Yuma County Airport Authority took another major step forward in its efforts to be a good neighbor to the military side of operations by building its first hangar in 2009, which was immediately leased by NASA. The hangar project is the culmi-nation of a long-term effort to establish an environment where the airport can “add value” to the activity at Marine Crops Air Station Yuma and Yuma Proving Grounds. A team of scientists and engineers from NASA and Jacobs Technology leased the defense contractor’s hangar to base its

testing of parachutes for the newest generation of space travel launch craft. A NASA team travels from Houston to Yuma sev-eral times a year as part of the mission to develop the parachute assembly system for the new Orion Space Capsule.The facility provides a permanent base for the agency which has already been testing the parachutes at Yuma Proving Ground. The 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art hangar was built by a local contractor, LoCoco-Pilkington Construction at a cost of $1.7 million. Very soon afterwards, Customs and Border Protection Air & Marine division officials asked to lease space to build their new $8m maintenance and storage facility, which is near comple-tion. “Over the past three years, since we began building han-gars within the DCC, we have received a variety of calls from aviation/defense site selection companies asking about hangar space for manufacturing facilities for their upcoming projects,” said Gen Grosse, Cor-porate Account Man-ager for the airport. Last year, the Airport worked with Greater Yuma Economic De-velopment Corporation to promote the DCC. They were also able to obtain grant funding because Yuma’s high unemployment ranking is significantly higher than the rest of the nation. “The Airport has a successful business strategy to attract long term tenants and works closely with local educa-tors to promote their qualified workforce,” said Grosse. YCAA was awarded $3.7m to construct a 32,000 square-foot, multi-tenant Aviation Industrial Center which will be built within the Defense Contractor Complex. The new facility will be avail-

Comfort Center volunteer, Rosemarie Pease.


NASA’s Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS)

Million Air’s crew handles a variety of aircraft such as this Alpha Jet that just taxied in, and the British Royal Air Force that is taxiing out. (Photo by Kim Stevens)


able for long or short-term stays to defense contractors testing at Yuma Proving Ground, contractors associated with MCAS’ F-35, or aeronautical companies interested in moving their business to Yuma. For all of this work, the Yuma County Airport Authority’s Board of Directors has been a key ingredient to the growth at the airport and Williams sees an advantage in working with them. “Airport Boards hate bureaucracy and insist on modern business practices,” said Williams. The concept of an Airport Authority, according to Williams, is the most important lesson they can offer other airports. It cre-ates a Board of Directors that draws the best talent a communi-ty can offer. “That’s because aviation itself is both exciting and high tech,” said Williams. “The kind of people who are drawn to public service on an Airport Board love this kind of environ-ment.” The YCAA board is composed of aviators and business professionals and according to Williams, “they love mastering the intricate details of long range airport planning and have the business sense to steer us in the right direction.”

Looking ahead in 2012 the airport hopes to get an FAA grant to rehab taxiway Z. They also expect to get the Aviation Indus-trial Center under construction by late spring and are hopeful for Phase 2 funding for Rolle Air Field. Rolle was re-opened last September, having completed a massive construction project on the airfield which included rebuilding the runway, adding an aircraft parking apron, build-ing a new hangar and installing a new security system with new fencing. “The overall project was made possible through the award of two separate state grants,” said Grosse. ADOT awarded a $225,000 grant for all of the pavement work and in a partner-ship effort with the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, the airport applied for and received a grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery (GOER) for $285,000. “This bought us new security, new fencing and a brand new hangar,” said Grosse. Phase 2, according to Grosse, has two objectives: First, is the installation of a modest solar farm to provide reliable electrical

power to the hangar constructed in Phase 1. Second, is the construction of a second hangar to be used as an aviation related business incubator through a partnership with Northern Arizona University and their successful NACET business incuba-tor program. The airport hopes that Rolle Field will eventually become an adjunct to the airport’s DCC. “We routinely get inquiries from Defense Contractors who need to operate from a location more isolated or with fewer restrictions than our main airport which is normally filled with fighters and airlines,” said Grosse. Rolle

An aerial view of the completed Solar Shaded Parking Structures at Yuma International Airport. The solar panels provide shaded parking for passengers, car rental agencies and employees. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)

Throw the Switch - Former Airport Board President, Bill Gresser Throws The Switch on the newly erected Solar Shaded Parking Structure at Yuma International Airport..

Continued on Page 18.

NASA astronaut Scott Altman opens the Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The hangar is within Yuma International Airport’s Defense Contractor Complex. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)

YumaContinued from previous page.


Million Air Makes Early Impact in Yuma In early December of last year, the Yuma County Airport Authority congratulated Chris Freeman, owner of Million Air Yuma, for selling over four mil-lion gallons of aviation fuel. According to the Yuma Airport Authority, that shattered all previous sales records. Freeman said it signifies the professional relationship that they’ve had with the airport since their first day. CEO Scott Freeman said their corporate motto is to treat everyone like a millionaire - to give world-class service to all of their aviation customers, whether they fly a single engine Cessna or a supersonic F-18. Making sure that strategy and philosophy is imple-mented on a day to day basis for the fixed base op-erator, (FBO) is general manager James Combs. “It is a testament of a successful business relationship that has provided economic prosperity in Yuma,” said Combs. “The foundation of a business success strategy and philosophy are defined through creating the right culture in the way we do business and in the employees who serve our guests.” Combs said the Million Air credo is that foundation, and that leadership builds prosperity from it by nur-turing and growing the successful application of that foundation. “Fortunately for me, I have spent a full previous career’s worth of years living a personal philosophy, that I was pleasantly surprised to see, is very similar to Million Air’s Credo,” said Combs. “It was a natural fit for me because I had been living it for tens of years already.” Maintaining a very positive atmosphere that is rich with excitement, energy, and motivation is important to Combs. “It

really is a rewarding and fulfilling daily experience sharing the working hours with fine people who share and fully breathe in the atmosphere we have in place here. It is easy for a good thing to become contagious with people who are exposed to it.” Combs said it originates with culture - who they are and how


James Combs, General Manager of Million Air, on the ramp in Yuma. (Photo by Kim Stevens)

An aerial view of the new Million Air facility at Yuma Int’l Airport which has become a first-class entrance to the Yuma community. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)


they conduct themselves, as defined in the company’s credo, which every employee carries with them. “Down to the very roots, it defines our service model and facilitates the success we have and enjoy with our clientele,” said Combs. One part in particular sums it up very well for Combs. “We are ladies and gentleman serving ladies and gentleman.” Million Air provides aviation fuel to both the military and civilian customers along with other amenities including mod-ern flight planning areas, a deluxe theater room, comfortable snooze rooms and an in-house restaurant that features trade-mark barbeque lunches that are served daily along with a complete menu. Having served 20 years as a Marine Corps aviator, Combs is still excited in the presence of aircraft. He professes a love for aviation, has lived aviation in service to his country, and has a real appreciation for the historical significance of aviation. “It makes for a fulfilling day at work,” said Combs. For some, having that kind of passion for aviation can be a distraction. Not for Combs. “Instead of experiencing a mo-ment of distraction, I experience a moment of motivation.” In addition to aviation, Combs said another rewarding aspect of his time at Million Air, is creating an extraordinary experience for their clients. “It is very fulfilling and instantly rewarding to meet someone for the first time and provide a level of service that just wows them,” said Combs. “It creates an instant friend-ship with value for both me personally and those guests that I have just met. I am truly having fun.” Million Air is a network of both franchised and corporate owned or managed FBOs in North America and the Caribbean and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

YumaContinued from page 16.

Million AirContinued from previous page.

Field is sometimes used as a secure, remote site by Customs and Border Protection and other government agencies. The solar farm will also power the data links that connect the new security system to the DCC data center at Yuma Interna-tional Airport. This will provide real time security updates for access control and security cameras. The off-grid installation will power airport tools, air-handling equipment and other high demand loads. “It will ensure power will be there to meet their tenant’s requirements,” said Grosse. To accommodate the occasional cloudy day the system will also include the ability to store excess solar power in a battery backup system. During normal operation, Solar Power will be used first, and the available battery capacity will be used dur-ing periods of high demand. The battery system will provide eleven hours of operation. “For those rare cases where solar and battery aren’t enough,” said Grosse, “a back-up generator kicks in.” The generator was included in the PHASE 1 project. The overall outcome for Phase 2 will include the final activa-tion of Rolle Field for defense and UAV related activities and their creation of new jobs. The new runway will also support the growing industrial activity in San Luis and offer a safe practice field for local private pilots. Rolle Airfield is located within the City of San Luis and is maintained as a daytime use only, general aviation airport. It is located on land that is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Recla-mation which leases the 640 acres around Rolle Field to the Airport Authority. The current 25-year lease was renewed in October 2009 through October 22, 2034. Rolle Field’s use of solar is not the first application for Yuma International Airport. Last January, a ‘Throw the Switch’ cer-emony was held to celebrate the completion of a solar shade structure project. The project was originally conceived as a way to simply provide shaded parking for their customers but also proved to be an example of the airport’s commitment to envi-ronmental responsibility and their efforts to become a ‘green’ airport. The sunshades are solar panels that are anticipated to provide over 80% of the electricity for the airport’s passenger terminal for the next 20 years. The sunshades are solar panels that are

New hangar at Rolle Field.

Million Air employees, Sandra Schot, Kim Hinkle, Gabriela Raper, Angelica Figueroa and Stephanie Martin.


anticipated to provide over 80% of the electricity for the airport’s passenger terminal for the next 20 years. To keep cost down, the panels are of the fixed angle type, optimized for Yuma’s near constant sunshine. The black photovoltaic panels are the only type authorized for use near airports as they do not reflect sunlight. Other improvements include a new 5,000 square foot Federal Ex-press facility which includes a new package sorting and retail center. Federal Express, which opened the facility in August of 2011, hosted a Grand Opening and tour of their new facility last October. It features modern sorting equipment for packages, additional parking spaces for air freight aircraft and the ability to meet customer’s needs far into the future. Grosse explained, “An added bonus is that the spacious new center makes life much easier for the employees handling all the packages.” Looking to the future, Williams said all of the hard infrastruc-ture work in the last five years was to get ready for this point in time. “And now, I think our growth is going to take-off in the next twelve months. That’s the exciting part,” said Williams. “All of us here today have been part of growing this great startup company. It’s a lot of fun to experience that together and then seeing our dream come to fruition.”

This beautiful aerial view of the general aviation area at Yuma International Airport shows a recently completed AIP project which included the replacement of all of the area’s asphalt. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)

A new $8m Maintenance and Storage Facility is being built within Yuma International Airport’s Defense Contractor Complex for Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Division. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)

A pair of Antonov An-124 aircraft on the ramp at Yuma. (YCAA Photo by Gen Grosse)


Aviation Day Gets Bi-Partisan

Current AzAA President, Jennifer Maples, is supported by past association presidents; from left, Immediate Past President and Event Chairman, Casey Denny, David Gaines, Jeff Tripp, Michael Covalt and Joe Husband.

Phot

o by

Car

ol G

roff

AzAA Leads Collaborative Event

Support


Addressing attendees are from left, Arizona Reprentatives Russ Jones, Chad Campbell and AzAA President Jennifer Maples.

The seventh annual Aviation Day at the Capitol was held Wednesday, January 18, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. on the grounds of the State Capitol. The event is a statewide industry opportunity to promote the variety and vitality of aviation in Arizona and to meet with state legislators personally and indi-vidually. Jennifer Maples, President of the Arizona Airports Associa-

tion, (AzAA) said this is the single most collaborative aviation event held at the state level. “Arizona’s Aviation Day at the Capitol is our industry’s cornerstone event every year,” said Maples. “Having the sponsors, exhibitors, and committee mem-bers represented by such a wide cross-section of aviation is a testament to the significance of what we accomplish at Aviation

By Kim Stevens


An attendee checks out the sail plane.


Aviation DayContinued from previous page.

Day. For AzAA, the event embodies their goal of promoting public recognition of airports and fostering the development of air transportation in Arizona. Final registration numbers are still being tallied, but Casey Denny, Immediate Past President of AzAA and Event Chair-man, said they are estimating that this year’s event was the largest to date, with about 450 people turning out to learn more about and demonstrate their support for aviation in Arizona. Casey said about 75 legislators were pre-registered to attend, with an additional 50 of their key staff members. Each year attendance and participation has increased, and according to

Steve Rao and Sandra Kukla of DWL Architects.

Attendees register for Aviation Day.

Alicia Robertson, with Chris Read, left and Gary Mascaro. ADOT’s Nancy Wiley with Lance McIntosh, center and Charles McDermott.


Maples, legislators actually look forward to Aviation Day. “We have been told by several that our event is the highlight of the season because we have the best displays - no one else brings in a helicopter, hot air balloon, or a glider.” A specific element introduced this year was the desire to have bi-partisan public support of aviation, which, according to Casey was accomplished by having speakers from both parties


Tammy Carr, Howard S. Wright Company and AAED volun-teer with Kent Dibble, Dibble Engineering.

Formal presentations were preceeded by the presenting of the colors.

Photos by Carol Groff and Kim Stevens


publicly acknowledge the need to protect the State Aviation Fund. Speakers at this year’s event included House Minority Leader, Chad Campbell and Representative Russ Jones. With all the different topics and subjects that our legislature disagrees on, Casey thought it was important to remind them and the general public of something they could agree on. “AzAA’s lobbyists, Triadvocates and Racy Associates, were critical to getting that accomplished,” said Casey. Maples, Aviation Superintendent at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said that Representatives Campbell and Jones could not have delivered a better message than if we had written their comments for them. “Their understanding of the issues and commitment to preventing sweeps of the Aviation Fund was the crowning jewel on the day’s activities.” The stated mission of Arizona Aviation Day at the Capitol is to inform the legislative members and staff of the Arizona State Government about the benefits and economic impact of avia-tion within the State of Arizona. The Mission also introduces these individuals to the significant contributions made by the many businesses, organizations, and associations which support aviation in their communities and throughout the State. Casey, who is Deputy Director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Air-port said his experience being the event chair this year was very rewarding. “It was an incredible pleasure to work with such a great group of people from so many different organizations,”

Continued from previous page.


Aviation DayFrom left to right are, Arv Schultz, Rich Schuller, AzBAA Past President and Robert Litlefield, Scottsdale Councilman.

Katy Smith, left and Viki Matthews with the Tucson Airport Authority.

Scott Bell with Morrison Maierley.

Photos by Carol Groff


Pete Feltz, Civil Air Patrol.

Gary Mascaro and Mardell Haskins check out an F-18 model.


said Casey. “I’m simply amazed by the level of cooperation and support that exists in our aviation community.” Casey said the aviation associations, airports, and corporate sponsors do a tre-mendous job of working together to educate and remind elected representatives of the massive economic engine represented by aviation and aerospace. Overall, Casey thought the event went very well. “I can’t say enough about the support we received from all the sponsors and the dedication of our committee members. Rich Schuller with the Arizona Business Aircraft Association, according to Casey, did a great job leading their sponsorship drive this year, with additional help from Michael Hotaling of C&S Companies. Jes-sica Mullen, also with C&S, handled the catering. Stacy Howard and the 99’s volunteered to handle registration. Wes Waddle, Steve Hulland, and Jim Timm took care of aircraft displays. “Derek Rogers has been a mainstay helping with set-up and clean-up each year,” said Casey. The City of Phoenix supported the event by supplying vid-eo, sound, and road closures. “There are many others behind the scenes volunteering their time and talent and I’m just very thankful and impressed by each of them.” Each year, AzAA’s Immediate Past President, is tasked with chairing the annual event. According to Casey, organization of this year’s event built upon what Jeff Tripp, last year’s commit-tee chair, accomplished. “We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but rather, just make a few minor adjustments here and there to improve an efficiency or two,” said Casey. “Jeff did a great job setting the stage for us this year.” For example, Casey said that Tripp, along with Rebecca Timmer of Dibble Engineer-

ing, started the practice of including the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) at the event, and trading booth space with them so AzAA can participate in their legisla-tive luncheon in February. “Rebecca made sure we didn’t miss that opportunity this year,” said Casey. This year’s event, with the help of Steve Hulland and Nancy Benscoter, President of the Arizona Pilots Association, includ-ed a couple of fly-overs. “It’s always great to see a group of people stop whatever they are doing and look to the sky in awe of what’s flying overhead,” said Casey. Casey said that the event has not yet reached its maximum po-tential and while it’s a great event, there is room to improve in regard to the number of strong relationships that exist between airport managers and their legislators. “The event itself, just creates an added opportunity to interact,” said Casey. “We then have to take the step of actually interacting,” said Casey. Next year will be Maples turn at the helm. “I have watched several past presidents before me lead an amazing team to bring this event to fruition,” said Maples, “and I have learned a lot from them on how to prepare.” The best advice Maples has received, is to let the committee do what they do best, and not get in the way. “The amazing event we had this year makes it something to look forward to... if a little daunting, knowing that once again I have big shoes to fill.”

Nancy Benscoter

One of two fly-overs during Aviation Day at the Captitol.

Phil Corbell, left and Eugene Clewley.

arizona aviation journal - january/february 2012

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