Billionaire Dreamer, Aviation Pioneer Aim For Earth Orbit

Billionaire Dreamer, Aviation Pioneer Aim For Earth Orbit

Lauren Scruggs, Model, Walks Into Plane Propeller, Survives

Lauren Scruggs, Model, Walks Into Plane Propeller, Survives

DUI fallout: FAA must regroup after chief resigns

DUI fallout: FAA must regroup after chief resigns

Lockheed Martin Celebrates Opening of NextGen Technology Test Bed

by Staff Writers Daytona Beach, FL (SPX) Nov 14, 2011

Lockheed Martin's Transportation Solutions is part of the corporation's Information Systems and Global Solutions-Civil business. IS and GS-Civil is responsible for a wide array of information technology systems and services in areas such as energy, health care, transportation, information and cyber security, citizen protection and space exploration.Lockheed Martin , the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and a consortium of industry partners have opened the Florida NextGen Test Bed, a laboratory where new and emerging Next Generation Air Transportation (NextGen) concepts and technologies can be demonstrated and validated.
The FAA's NextGen initiative is designed to improve travel through an integrated, adaptable air transportation system, enabling aircraft to adjust to factors such as weather, traffic congestion, flight patterns and security issues.
The NextGen Test Bed, located at Daytona Beach International Airport (DBIA), was established by the Integrated Airport Initiative (IAI), comprised of aviation industry leaders who wanted to share their expertise to advance NextGen. Lockheed Martin and ERAU created the IAI in 2006.
Today, its membership has grown to 15 partners, including DBIA, Barco, Boeing, CSC, ENSCO, Frequentis, GE, Harris, Mosaic ATM, NATS, Sensis and Volpe.
"The NextGen Test Bed enables real world validation of concepts that will enhance safety, capacity, efficiency and security at airports nationwide," said Sandy Samuel, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Transportation Solutions.
"Lockheed Martin is proud to support the FAA in transforming our national airspace, and making travel easier than ever before."
As the prime contractor for the FAA's En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) program, Lockheed Martin is building and deploying the platform for NextGen air traffic control initiatives that will enable the FAA to transition to future concepts and functions.
ERAM is a replacement for the FAA automation systems and infrastructure used by controllers to manage airspace above 10,000 feet. It will process more than double the number of flight plans and utilize nearly triple the number of surveillance sources used by the current system.
Lockheed Martin is a member of the NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC), which is working with the FAA to develop a common understanding of priorities for NextGen capabilities and implementation constraints. Lockheed Martin will host the NAC's next public meeting at ERAU on Feb. 2.
"Lockheed Martin's leadership in helping develop the Test Bed has been very valuable," said Christina Frederick-Recascino, executive vice president for academics and research at ERAU. "From the beginning Lockheed and Embry-Riddle have worked together to make this facility a success."
Lockheed Martin's Transportation Solutions is part of the corporation's Information Systems and Global Solutions-Civil business. IS and GS-Civil is responsible for a wide array of information technology systems and services in areas such as energy, health care, transportation, information and cyber security, citizen protection and space exploration.

Team Eagle MAO Sponor

Team Eagle www.team-eagle.ca is a global leader in the advancement of safe airfield operations including Part 139 electronic airfield inspections and reporting, vehicle tracking, navigation and incursion management solutions, as well as ARFF and snow and ice control equipment.  With over thirty years of industry presence and offices in both United States and Canada, Team Eagle tackles challenges faced by a wide variety of North American airports.  Our staff spend a lot of time at airports, working side-by side with our airport partners to offer a wide variety solutions to assist in day-to-day operations, providing safety and situational awareness tools, and facilitating purchasing and maintenance of a variety of airfield equipment.  Our Research and Development projects, such as the Braking Availability Tester (BAT) http://www.team-eagle.ca/downloads/BAT.pdf, are always pushing technology to its limits to make airports safer for all stakeholders.



Put our SmartAirport Product Suite http://www.team-eagle.ca/downloads/EIS_suite.pdf to work for your airport.   Consisting of a number of applications that can be built modularly over time, SmartAirport Product Suite http://www.team-eagle.ca/software/  is tailored to the needs and processes of each individual airport, allowing users to have all the necessary information at their fingertips at their desk and out on the airfield.

ATIMS™ Asset Tracking and Incursion Management System provides tracking of all management selected airfield assets. More importantly, ATIMS™ allows airport operations to quarterback vehicle movement by assigning rules, restricted area reminders and incursion warnings in real time to airside vehicle operators.
http://www.team-eagle.ca/software/atims/

EagleEye™ (DEVS) provides a vehicle operator the tools to navigate in low visibility situtations such as fog, heavy rain or snow. EagleEye™ combines a moving map display with visual and audio feedback to help guide operators along their intended route.  http://www.team-eagle.ca/software/eagleeye/

AIROps™ Digital Inspections is designed to make FAR Part 139, TP312 and other airport inspection and reporting paperless, consistent and more efficient.

http://www.team-eagle.ca/software/airops/

ElectricalOps™ Pro Inspection and Maintenance software makes locating, marking and repairing defective lights and signs a simple and effective process within the highly complex airport environment.

http://www.team-eagle.ca/software/airops/ 

WinterOps™ Pro gives you situational awareness on the airfield, crucial in a stressful environment. WinterOps Pro™ can help you keep the airfield open longer, reduce disruptions and decrease chemical

usage while improving overall effeciency and safety. http://www.team-eagle.ca/software/airops/

 Please let our team know how we may be able to assist your airport.  We are always happy to provide an on-site demonstration and a technology consultation at no charge and without any obligation.

Team Eagle www.team-eagle.ca - Your Airfield Solutions Partner.

My Airport Operations

Just wanted to share this with everyone. 

By Betsy Hudson
    If you are one of over 400 million people who have a profile on Facebook, you will understand my excitement when I stumbled upon a new website "created by airport operators for airport operators" - My Airport Operations.
    After recently being introduced to Facebook by my teenage boys, I created a profile and suddenly I am overwhelmed with friends! Many are from my high school graduating class of '85! OMG! I enjoyed catching up with old friends and sharing real life stories on Facebook, so when I found this professional networking group focused on airports, I had to join.
    My Airport Operations is a place where you will discover a wealth of information at your fingertips through the online community. It is a convenient way to find assistance with compliance and maintenance issues, share ideas, training, concerns, or just boast about your airport. The purpose of the MAO online community is for members to assist each other with operations issues by exchanging experiences and knowledge. Essentially, it's Facebook designed for aviation professionals.
    So, whether if you are looking to network, share ideas, find solutions, seek training, etc., you can find it online at www.myairportoperations.com. My handle is BHudson - be sure to network with me!

FAR Part 77 Objections Affecting Navigable Airspace

FAR Part 77 is one of the most important aspects that must be considered when operating an airport. A duty of airport operations is to keep a close eye on what is happening around the field. It is very common to see unauthorized cranes just boom up. They must have an airspace study performed. If construction is planned within 20,000 ft of an airport or exceeds 200 ft in height, a study must be performed. The form a contractor is required to fill out for this study, FAA form 7460-1 can be downloaded here.

For those interested in how the primary and transitional surfaces around an airport are designated and defined I have provided two videos. For more information please go to www.myairportoperations.com

 

Air Race Fans, Despite Crash, Remain Steadfast

By JENNIFER MEDINA

RENO, Nev. — The fans come here each year looking for, even craving, the thrill they say they get only from seeing planes race at speeds of more than 400 miles per hour. At a small airport at the edge of the city, they tilt their heads skyward for hours, relishing each roar overhead. 
And as fans trickled in Monday to line up at the memorial that had cropped along the fence along the airport, a tribute to those who died after a plane crashed into the crowd Friday, they said they were determined to make sure that air races would go on again here next year.
Hospital officials said Monday that a 10th person had died from the crash in which a P-51 Mustang nosedived into the crowd at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show at Reno-Stead Airport. Four other patients were in critical condition at local hospitals.
But the crash did not deter the fans, who came to the memorial with a steely somberness. It was a freakish accident, they said, a one-in-a-million thing. Attending these races is dangerous, sure, they said, but so is driving. What should change? For the most part, they replied, absolutely nothing.
“The show must go on, even with something this tragic,” said Anna Marie Murphy, 44, who has come to the races since she was a child, when her family had a passion for building and flying small planes. She knew eight people who died in plane accidents, including her aunt and uncle, she said.
 “I know that people die in this,” she said. “I don’t want it to happen, but I know I have to accept it might. And anyone who comes here better know it, too.”
Each year some 200,000 people attend the event, in which planes race around an eight-mile course. With a combination of air acrobatics and high speeds, the race is far more adrenaline pumping than air shows and car races. Many of the most ardent fans are pilots themselves, who know well the dangers.
“You are open to a certain kind of experience if you come here,” said Ross Kallenberger, a private pilot in Bakersfield, Calif., who saw the crash. He motioned to the vintage planes taking off at that moment. “Can you feel them? How often do you come to an event that you can actually physically feel through your body? There’s nothing like it.”
For the last 17 years, Bob Johnson and Scott Koerner, retired pilots, have come to the event with their wives. The couples, who also witnessed the accident, wore their custom-made polo shirts, with stitching in the back declaring them air race “junkies.” This year, the Koerners paid for their daughter and her husband to fly from Nashville to see the show for the first time. Their son-in-law, Ben Cissell, photographed scenes of the crash that were shown on the “Today” show on Monday.
They thought about the risks now and then, especially when an accident in 2007 scattered debris through the field, in one of three accidents that killed pilots that year.
“You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to realize that there are risks to coming here,” Mr. Johnson said.
His wife, Jan Johnson, believes strongly that the races should continue, and she said she was certain she would return to watch them. “This is a completely one-of-a-kind event, and we love every minute of it,” she said.
The fans were already anticipating new regulations. Would officials try to move the race to a less populated area? Would they place the course farther away from the stands?
But they dismissed those options. Moving a course a mile or two away would hardly matter given the speed of the planes, they reasoned. And being farther away from the city would only increase the risk of spectators getting into car accidents, they said.

The only opening for change may have to come from pilots themselves, said Dennis Gleason, 70, a retired plane mechanic who spent years working for Boeing. The pilot of the plane that crashed, Jimmy Leeward, was 74 and an experienced stunt pilot. Still, Mr. Gleason said, pilots should consider creating a self-imposed age limit.
“You can lose some of your sharpness, some of your reflexes,” Mr. Gleason said. “Those maneuvers are sharp and precise. I’m sure he was an excellent pilot, but you can’t help but wonder if he was alert enough to notice the smallest mistake.”
Ike Shim, 63, traveled from Tokyo for the last seven years to watch the race. The way he sees it, changing the race would be akin to a philosophical defeat.
“Any kind of endeavor that is about human progress is going to have some risk,” Mr. Shim said. “That’s how we move forward and advance. If we stop taking risks, we stop living.”
At least one message left at the memorial seemed to echo Mr. Shim’s sentiment.
“Jimmy’s flying with the best of ’em now,” the card read. It ended with the motto of the Reno races. “Let’s honor him the best way we can: fly low, fly fast and turn left.”

Airport Security

In the world of Airport Operations, we tend to spend a great deal of time focused on airfield and airside issues. This is as it should be, since we are to be the Subject Matter Experts on such matters, capable of providing sound guidance and information to those relying upon us for both maintaining safety as well as decision-making. However, most of us are also involved in the security aspects at our respective airports, whether it is in formalized roles as Airport Security Coordinators or merely remaining vigilant and coordinating with local Law Enforcement.

Since that is the case, it might be extremely beneficial to spend a few minutes considering the concept of Terminal Security. We usually focus on the Secure Areas and keeping them sterile, but what about the public side? Most of our time is spent on the possibility of explosive devices – unattended or suspicious bags and vehicles located near the terminal. While these are the tried and true methods generally used by terrorists around the world, there is another, even harder to detect, threat that we should be aware of and seriously consider: an Active Shooter.

Consider the following:

• On May 22, 2002, a man dining in a Denny’s restaurant across from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) felt that a Southwest employee had been ridiculing his attire, specifically a turban. He followed her back into the Ticket Lobby, and shot her once in the stomach with a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun. An airport employee (!) wrestled the weapon from him and the man was placed under arrest. The Southwest employee later recovered from her wounds

• On July 4, 2002 a man opened fire in the ticket lobby area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), near the El Al counter, killing two and wounding three others before being shot dead.

• On March 2, 2011 a gunman opened fire on a bus containing US Air Force service members at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, killing two and wounding two more. After the incident, the gunman fled into the terminal of the airport where he was arrested by authorities.

• In the hit video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a pivotal scene is where a group of Russian terrorists conduct a massacre at a fictional Moscow airport, with the intent to begin a “false flag” operation against the United States. The player participates in the incident, and graphic examples of violence against unarmed civilians and security personnel ensue (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKqD3jHflOU)

• Just last week, a man armed with an AK-47 variant walked into an IHOP restaurant in Carson City, NV and opened fire. The assailant killed four, wounded seven, and then took his own life.

Terminal Security

We generally think of security in terms of checkpoints and fencing--all attempts to prevent the introduction of hazardous or lethal objects on board an aircraft. While the events of the September 11^th terrorist attacks certainly justify such an approach, we should also give brief thought to the concept of preventing a mass-casualty incident at terminal facilities.

One particular cause for concern is the possibility of either single or multiple armed persons entering the public side of an airport terminal in order to cause casualties. The term “Active Shooter” has been developed by Law Enforcement agencies to define this type of incident. The term was developed after studying the Columbine High School shootings in the mid 1990s, and those fitting the term pose a difficult, and lethal, threat to large gatherings of people.

Methodology

The Active Shooter represents a paradigm shift in the intent and methodology of hostile acts against civilians; in the mid-1970s and 1980s, terrorists would take hostages in order to gain a form of public leverage in order to accomplish a goal, be it the release of imprisoned colleagues or gain notoriety for their cause. As such, Law Enforcement adapted over time to face such a threat, resulting in the Hostage Rescue Teams we see today. A crucial element of hostage incidents is that of time; where the aggressor usually holes up in a place and waits for their demands to be made. This gives the responding agencies time to either meet the demands or plan for a less diplomatic way to end the situation.

With the Active Shooter, the element of time disappears. According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, an Active Shooter is “…an armed person who has used deadly physical force on other persons and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims.” In short, the person is heavily armed, walks in, and continues killing others until they are killed or disabled themselves. There is no time to gather negotiators, argue over demands, or deploy specialized teams. As such, it is imperative that police immediately pursue and engage such a threat as soon as possible.

This methodology has been conducted by those that are criminally insane, such as Jared Loughner, the mentally-disturbed man charged with the Tucson AZ shooting in which six were killed and fourteen wounded, as well as the gunman in the IHOP situation mentioned earlier. However, this method may well prove to be especially attractive to those with terrorist ties; again, while most of our focus is upon foiling rather complicated attempts to turn an aircraft into a flying Weapon of Mass Destruction, the simple, low-technology approach of so-called “Lone Wolf” attacks may not receive the same attention. These methods have seen some growth in popularity among terrorist groups overseas due to their lack of necessary planning, simple equipment needs, and disturbingly effective results; one thinks of the Fort Hood shooting, in which a single man with two handguns killed 13 and wounded 30 more.

Prevention

Naturally, the purpose of an airport terminal is to provide efficient and pleasurable service to passengers seeking to board an aircraft; as such, it cannot become an armed camp in order to prevent an attack. Short of installing metal detectors at all entrances, there are few if any scientific methods of preventing such an attack before it begins. With that being said, there are some skills that Operators can develop and teach that may help with detection:

• A person wearing heavy clothing, such as a coat, in warmer weather is usually a sure sign of something concealed, be it a weapon or explosive device.
• Suspicious behavior may be noted prior to the beginning of the assault, such as pacing back and forth, profuse sweating, fidgeting, and talking to themselves.
• If a person is concealing a weapon in their clothing, there are certain visual cues and behaviors that can be noted by the trained eye; as they approach a crowd of people, they tend to turn the side with the weapon away from the crowd, lest someone bump into them and note that they are concealing a large metal object. If it is not secured in a holster, they will generally place their hand on it to keep it from shifting as they move, or they may constantly reach to the area to reposition the weapon. If they run, they may also keep their hand on the weapon to keep it from falling out or shifting in their clothing.

Unfortunately, while these methods may help detect a hostile act before it begins, it is more likely that the first real indication of an incident will be the sound of shots fired. As such, it is crucial that LEOs are trained to respond quickly to such an incident; in most Active Shooter cases, the assault did not stop until the assailant was disabled or they ran out of ammunition. While such an incident is not required by the FAA to be a part of our AEP (or ASP, for that matter), it would be an excellent idea to bring up the concept of response methods with the Lieutenant or Sergeant that oversees the LEO force at your airport. Remember: none of the airports, or restaurants, or schools, mentioned here ever considered that it could happen at their location either.

While the subject of this article is not a pleasant one (in fact the concept can be downright disturbing) I certainly hope that the possibility of these incidents has stimulated thought within our fairly small community. The few hours’ consideration of such a threat, and contingency plans to deal with it, may well save a number of lives in the future, though one hopes it remains a conjectural exercise.

-Brandon Guillot

Small Airports On Terror Alert

Regional Airports Could Be Targeted By Terrorists Because Of Smaller Planes

Don Coleman dcoleman@kjct8.com

POSTED: 9:13 pm MDT September 5, 2011
UPDATED: 10:52 pm MDT September 5, 2011

 

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Small airports are on alert across the country with the ten year anniversary of 9/11 just one week away. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have issued warnings about possible terrorist attacks using small planes.The impact of that warning could be felt across the Western Slope where nearly every airport is home to dozens of single-engine aircraft.We spoke with passengers at Grand Junction Regional Airport about the warning and possibility of another attack on September 11.Ten years ago this month, terrorists brought the Twin Towers down in the largest attack ever on U.S. soil. Separate hijackings and plane crashes in Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania were also part of the plan and left a hole in the Pentagon while taking the lives of thousands of Americans.For one man caught in the middle of that tragedy, the anniversary brings back frightening memories. "Knowing what had happened to the Twin Towers and all of a sudden hearing something that felt to me like a safe landing on top of the floor above me," retired Army Major General Bill Bond said while waiting for a flight home out of Grand Junction. "I was in the Pentagon."Bond was in the "A Ring" and just yards from the "E Ring" that was hit by the plane. "So, I really could feel it," he said. "There was definitely a fire going on, you could see the smoke."Traveling now with his family, Bond always has the thought of those attacks in the back of his mind. But, he's still not convinced there will be another attack this month."I think it will pass... I'm much more likely to probably die from an automobile accident. Those are real concerns that we as Americans ought to have."Federal security officials, on the other hand, are not so sure.They have issued a national warning about Al Qaeda threats of using small planes at regional airports. And, western Colorado is home to dozens of those facilities."The threats are real and the stakes are high, we believe that we face a determined enemy who has not given up," John Pistole with the TSA said.Experts believe Al Qaeda may be shying away from the more massive attacks by planning smaller ones - using single-engine planes - that are less complicated."These planes are small you might not be able to put some huge device aboard them but the other side of that is if you were to put some biological or chemical agent in one of them, clearly that could cause some major damage depending on your target," Brad Garrett, a security consultant and former FBI agent, told ABC's Good Morning America.Federal officials are hoping to notify as many of these airports as possible before the weekend. Still though, Bond remains hopeful that nothing will happen."If we give into those fears, then we give into the terrorists," he said. "That's what they're trying to accomplish with anything."On average, each United States airport is home to 57 general aviation planes. The government admits that the number may be too much for them to monitor alone, but officials are still working to alert pilots all over the country.

Self Service Fueling Nightmare Stories

Here is an article about self-service fueling station. Self-Service Fueling Stations I know many of the members do not deal with the fueling of aircraft but you have tenants (FBO operators) that do. During the Arkansas Airport Operators Association (AAOA) Annual meeting my director is going to give a presentation on the need to conduct daily/monthly/annual inspections. To those that conduct these inspections it would seem unheard of not doing them, but there are a few small operations that purchase these systems, fill them with fuel and forget about them till they are empty.
I need stories of bad self service stations, I will not use your name or airport unless given permission. I will use the stories and information to develop a power point presentation. This power point presentation will educate AAOA members of the dangers of not properly maintaining their fuel systems.
Please send me any pictures or information of a bad/good system.

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is cleared for passenger service

 Certification of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner for commercial service by the FAA is a welcome break in otherwise somber economic news.

 BRIGHT ray of sunshine pierced the economic gloom with the Federal Aviation Administration's certification of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to begin commercial service.
After lengthy production delays, the first airliner to be built primarily out of carbon-fiber plastic composite will be delivered to Japan's All Nippon Airways next month. Regular commercial service would begin Nov. 1.
As The Seattle Times' Dominic Gates has reported over the years, the 787 has been plagued by structural issues and the problems associated with assembling parts and pieces made in many locations. The plane also incorporates technical innovations the FAA cautiously tracked.
FAA clearance Friday to move ahead on a robust list of orders is great news. Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon celebrated the moment and renewed the region's commitment to support increased production via the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center located at Paine Field and similar training sites across the state.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said, "The best airplanes in the world are built right here, and Boeing has just reached a major milestone for future success of this new generation of aircraft."
Boeing has 55 customers for more than 800 planes. Production of those aircraft is no small point of pride for the state. Washington's quality work force, and government and community support are all enlisted to help make the effort succeed.

BET Star's Hubby Arrested For Bringing Gun to Airport

 8/22/2011 2:00 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

The husband of Lil Wayne's baby mama #1 Toya Carter -- who co-stars alongside her in the BET reality show "Toya: A Family Affair" -- was arrested today at an airport in Atlanta ... after he allegedly tried to bring a gun onto an airplane.

Law enforcement tells TMZ, Mickey "Memphitz" Wright put his backpack through the X-ray scanner at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport -- and TSA agents quickly discovered the firearm and called the cops.

According to police, Wright had a valid license to carry the weapon ... insisting he had simply forgotten the gun was in his bag -- but it's still illegal to bring it on a plane.

Wright was arrested on the spot and transferred to a nearby jail. He is still in custody.

Found this story and could not believe that people still don't get it! You can't bring weapons in an airport. Hey he's got his own show, I know Lil Wayne is pay serious child support... just charter a private jet! At least he didn't shot his self in the leg. =)  

Non Movement Driving Training

During my annual FAA certification inspection, the subject of Non Movement Driving Training came up. This training will include ANYONE that has access to a ramp, parking lots or any area inside your fence. Here in Hot Springs that will add an additional 300 people that will require the driver training. This will include the owner of the aircraft, all vendors who make deliveries, all employees that duties do not require them to drive in the movement area. I understand the reason; these people have the POTENTIAL of accessing movement areas unrestricted.  My concern is how many airport could comply with this?
With the threat of losing EAS funding looming in congress and a constant increase of part 139 requirements how many small airports will give up their certificates? I know 3 airports in Arkansas that gave back their certificates because of the increased requirements and loss of airlines. These airports have not decreased their aircraft traffic but they are no longer inspected under part 139. So are they safer? Have they stopped conducting daily inspections, training, or safety improvements? I ask, with the FAA increasing the requirements for part 139 in the name of safety are they really just pushing the smaller airports away?



The following is a list of Best Practices, I found on the FAA website. At a non towered airport how and will you comply with these "suggestions" and how will you enforce them when they are a requirement?

Best Practices for
Runway Incursion Prevention

The following Best Practices have been identified to provide an overview of programs and procedures that have proven effective in preventing runway incursions, and which can be adapted for use at other airports. These practices can assist air traffic controllers and airport mangers in their efforts to eliminate or reduce the risk of runway incursions.

Best practices for air traffic control (ATC) personnel:

• Minimize the frequency of runway crossings by aircraft and vehicles where possible.
• Reduce non-standard phraseology; standardize and simplify internal coordination.
• Issue taxi instructions slowly and clearly. This will result in more accurate hear-back/read-back, eliminate expectation bias, and reduce confusion.
• Issue instructions in a procedure referred to as “chunking.” Controllers define this as breaking long and complicated taxi instruction into short, easy-to- understand phrases. Chunking also alleviates the comprehension difficult that may be experienced by foreign air crews.
• Establish standard taxi routes to reduce confusion and reinforce a routine flow of traffic. Local pilots know what to expect. A pilot familiar with the standard taxi routes who hears full route may be primed to listen more closely to taxi instructions.
• Develop standard practices for coordination of unplanned runway closures, and incorporate these practices into existing agreements.
• ATCT managers should regularly participate in airport construction and planning activities. Establish a consistent liaison representative throughout programmed activities to ensure continuity of operations.
• Seek site-specific visual memory aids to act as runway occupancy reminders for local and ground control. These may take the form of strip bay headers, supplemental strip marking, opposite direction reminders, line up and wait new phraseology and visual/aural alarms.
• Maintain a cooperative team environment with a high level of operational integrity, and consider adopting the sterile cockpit practice used by aircrews.
• Work with the airport operator to develop and maintain a “ride along” program for new and newly certified employees. This practice can help new employees become more familiar with the airport from ground level.
• Tower cab simulator. Training selects beneficial learning from operational errors and deviations and then recreates the incident in the tower cab simulator which allows crews to work on group performance and share lessons learned in a safe and controlled environment.

Best practices for airport operators:

•  At general aviation airports, use enhanced marking and additional signage as recommended in the 150 series Advisory Circulars to draw attention to parts of the airport where traffic can create a safety hazard.
• Modify airport geometry to reduce runway crossings and, if necessary, reconfigure airport geometry to eliminate taxiway choke points that confuse pilots and vehicle operators.
• Develop standard practices for coordination of unplanned runway closures. Incorporate these practices into existing agreements.
• Maintain an electronic forum for pilots to receive the latest airport safety-related information and as a means for them to provide direct feedback to the airport operator. Equip airport vehicles with transponders and GPS units.
• Have a two-tier vehicle operator training program, with one for the movement area and the other for the non-movement area. Require all users to make a request through the airport manager to access taxiway and airport areas. This  aids in reducing the number of people who have access to the movement area.
• When training vehicle drivers, supplement classroom and practical training with simulation where possible.
• Consider developing an airport-specific pre-departure presentation for an FBO and make it available to all pilots prior to departing. One location uses an animated PowerPoint presentation on a computer located in the pilot  briefing room. This short (five-minute) presentation outlines past runway incursions with the ATC voice recording. The team noted it as a best practice for extra safety awareness in the prevention of runway incursions.

Regional Jets being Abused

There is a trend in the airline business that needs to be corrected. It's the abuse of Regional Jets (RJ)by their larger co-workers the Jumbo-Jets (JJ). Lately this "accidental" abuse has been blamed on controllers, congested ramp space, or even the pilots. I say it's the Jumbo-Jets fault, they are jealous of the newer, smaller, more agile RJs. Just watch the videos and judge for your self, both time the RJs are minding their own business when they are brutally attacked by the JJ. Lets stop this unnecessary abuse by speaking out against RJ abuse. I think we need a ribbon, any ideas? 

JFK April 12, 2011

BOS July 14, 2011














Lets stop the madness if you see RJ abuse report it.

Thank you!

Remember if you are an airport operational person visit www.myairportoperations.com "Created by Airport Operators for Airport Operators"

Blue Angles and Ford Mustang together at last!

Ford Motor Co. teamed with U.S. Naval Aviation to produce a single-edition "Blue Angels" 2012 Ford Mustang GT, to be auctioned in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Navy's air presence.
The design of the centennial-edition GT was inspired by the F-18 Hornet aircraft used in the Blue Angels aviation team's performance demonstrations. It will cross the auction block at the Gathering of Eagles charity event, held the week of the Experimental Aircraft Association's 2011 AirVenture on July 28 in Oshkosh, Wis.
Auction proceeds will go to the EAA Young Eagles organization to finance education for young pilots. The organization has offered free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million pilots-in-training since 1992.
The Blue Angels Mustang features a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, rated at 624 hp, backed by a performance exhaust system, handling pack and upgraded brakes.
The exterior was custom-painted chrome blue with loud yellow accents used for the Blue Angels script and crest. For added effect, the Blue Angels script is illuminated in the sill plates, and puddle lamps project jet images when the door opens. Matching yellow stitching is used in the interior to outline the leather Recaro seats.
"The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the Blue Angels Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman, "and ensure EAA's ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts."

Remembering the Shuttle: Atlantis' final ride

Has is really been 30 years? I can remember the first time I saw the new space craft that would replace the rocket and the "space" capsule. It was something out of Buck Rodger's. NASA was taking Enterprise up on the back of a 747 and dropping it. Then they launched Columbia, WOW what a sight. As a kids I was excited, with this aircraft looking space vehicle it was just a matter of time before everyone would be traveling through the stars.

Oh course just like every other new technology the shuttle had it's rough moments. I can still remember watching the Challenger breaking apart after launch. Then the years later the Columbia broke apart returning, reminding us all that space travel is still very dangerous.

With the final flight of the Space Shuttle program underway, I wonder what NASA has in store for us for the next 30 years? And if available space travel will be here for my son?

Thanks for all the memories good and bad.

Flying Car George Jetson watch out!

How great would this be for our airports? We would have to change your Airport Security Plan, to allow people to drive on your ramp. Then convert over to an aircraft then access the runway. It could save smaller airports allowing more people to fly in and conduct business in towns across the US.

The first “flying car” of the 21st century is ready for the road.The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted a three-year hardship exemption that will allow the Terrafugia Transition to be driven on public roads, according to its designers. The Transition, which the company often describes as a “roadable aircraft” rather than a flying-car, is a two-seat prop plane that can be transformed into a wheeled vehicle capable of being driven at highway speeds. The unique craft was designed with road use in mind, and incorporates a number of automotive safety features, such as crumple zones and airbags. However, the main hurdles to DOT approval were the use of motorcycle tires that aren’t approved for multi-purpose vehicles and a polycarbonate windshield both of which the company says needed to keep the weight of the 970-pound Transition as low as possible for efficient flight. The Transition, which has completed several successful test flights, is expected to enter  production in late 2012.

Phoenix, Arizona dust storm, or “haboob”

Watching the news this morning and could not believe my eyes when I saw this a dust storm (Haboob) hit Phoenix, Arizona The storm was well over 5,000 feet tall and 60 - 70 miles wide with winds in excess of 50 MPH. Sky Harbor International Airport was forced to shut down for 45 minutes due to visibilities that fell as low as 1/8 mile. I wonder if they have contiguous plans for these storm and if so what can you do other than hunker down.

Some other cool pictures from the storm:

Please visit www.myairportoperations.com a site where airport personnel come to share ideas, best practices and boast about their airports.

AERODROMEPHOBIA

I LOVE this story now when the boss ask me what wrong with me today I'll tell him I have  "AERODROMEPHOBIA" THE FEAR OF AIRPORTS. In the story it say that travelers experiences stress due to having to follow instructions that are likely to change at the last minute, and unpredictable. That is my day changing at the last minute and always unpredictable. Between TSA and the FAA who has more last minute changes in their process and procedures? Now since we have an ailment could we get extra time off or extra help with the work? 

Have a great safe day, and try to not let your Aerodromephobia get out of hand.

 

 

Do you have airport phobia?

July 1 2011 at 09:03am

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Millions of travelers find airports so stressful that they have given up flying, a report reveals.

While most refuse to give up their holidays, the study shows four in ten Britons who have flown find the airport experience stressful.

More than a third believe it is worse than work, and nearly a quarter think it as stressful as moving house.

Of the 2,000 holidaymakers questioned, nine percent - or almost four million in the wider traveling population - now avoid flying because of airport stress including flight delays, mislaid belongings and getting to the gate on time. Almost half of travelers believe a holiday doesn’t start until they have left the airport.

The research, conducted for the credit-card insurer CPP, found passengers thought Heathrow was Britain’s most stressful airport, followed by Gatwick and Manchester.

Psychologist David Moxon said: “Humans are wired to experience stress in situations where many feel out of control.

“Airports - where you have to follow instructions that are likely to change at the last minute, and procedures that are unpredictable - lead many to react with a stress response.” - Daily Mail 

Turtles Shut Down JFK

Ok finally a funny story, if you haven't heard this story you have to watch it. There were so many turtles crossing runway 4L at JFK they had to close the runway. I can just image being called by the tower to clear FOD on runway and it's moving, slowly but still moving. Just wait PETA will force the airport to install a tunnel system for the turtles to safely cross. Here is your next runway sign.

TSA searches 95 year old lady ?????

I heard this story the other morning and was outraged but not shocked. All I could think about was who would authorize this search and what kind of person would follow that order? Is the economy so bad that you are willing to strip search a 95 year old woman to keep your benefits?  With airports having a hard enough time keeping the public flying do we really need this harassment? So in trying to help I searched and found a training video that should help the TSA gate agent in spotting terrorist. Please pass it along and lets educate our TSA agents.

Safety Management Sytems

Just finished and mailed out my AEP, now I have a break.... not really. The FAA has sent out a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for SMS for Certificated Airports. (FAA SMS for Airports website) 

If you think your AEP was excessively long winded you are not going to like the SMS. Please go to the link and give you comments. The will close out the comments 5 July 2011, so please hurry.

The good news is that like the AEP the FAA should give us plenty of time to complete the SMS. That and with any luck they will make it AIP eligible. That way I can have a consultant firm do it and I can get back to taking care of my airport.

Everyone have a great day and a better weekend.  

Pilot's Rant About Flight Attendants

Ever since those pilots over flew Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport because they were "arguing" about policy.... the pilot jokes just were rolling out.


   






But then the Air Traffic Controllers had their moment in the spot light with their sleeping in the tower.

Now because of an open mic it's the pilots turn again. 








At least us Airport Operators haven't made it to popularity yet.  Oh lord did I just cruse us?

Have a great day

Texas vs TSA one more time

Good morning my fellow airport operators,
I was searching the internet for a light hearted story to write about this morning when I found this . Bill to limit airport searches revived | Texas Legislature  Not log ago on My Airport Operations, I post a story about TSA vs Texas and now Utah » My Airport Operation

Looks to me like Texas is looking to secede from the union?? So what will that do for us traveling to Texas then?? Will it be considered an International Flight? If so just image the TSA screenings then. LOL

Have a great and safe day,
Glen