SpaceX Get's FAA Clearance ~ 

11-27-10: A company called SpaceX has been given the "First re-entry license issued to a private firm by the FAA, which oversees commercial space activity and grants approval for corporate rocket launches and landings. The license is valid for one year from the date of issue, according to SpaceX." Is the space industry about to go private? According to Wiki, the SpaceX company was founded in June 2002 by PayPal co-founder Elon Musk who had invested US$100 million of his own money. "On December 23, 2008, SpaceX announced that it had won a Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, for at least 12 missions for US$1.6 billion to carry supplies and cargo to and from the International Space Station, after the Space Shuttle retires." In June 2010, SpaceX was awarded the largest ever commercial space launch contract (US$492 million) to launch Iridium satellites using Falcon 9 rockets. Although NASA is investing heavily in private companies to transport people and freight to the space station it still appears that Russia is the primary source of transportation until that happens.

Blown-Wing Design For Commercial Jets (Cestol)~ 11-23-10: The researchers at Georgia Tech are working on different ways to increase lift to allow jets to land and take-off on shorter runways and smaller airports. The new concept uses some unique ways of manipulating the flow of air across the wing. Most of us remember the Bernoulli effect and how air is affected when it travels across an aerodynamic surface. There's another feature of how air behaves call the Coanda effect. It looks like the researchers at Georgia Tech are trying to supercharge these two principles to increase the lift on a wing by a factor of 10x. "Airplanes of this type — called cruise-efficient, short take-off and landing (CESTOL) aircraft — could use runways at much smaller airports, allowing expansion of commercial jet service to many more locations."

Photo Pilot Certificate with Biometrics? ~ 11-20-10: All the various aviation related organizations are telling us we need to buy protection. So how much is it going to cost us to replace our pilot certificates (again)? Some editorials are saying we need to get a picture on our certificate but the bio stuff won't be required. A new type if ID card that is spreading like wildfire in companies and industrial facilities these days has a special electronic chip built into the card called RFID. RF stands for "Radio Frequency" which means you don't even have to take it out of your pocket and the scanners will read your card by just getting near it. The chip is disposable and can be put on goods and items in stores. You might be asking, "What's next?" How about this... A person I talked to at a seminar I attended told me he was working on a project where an infrared scanner could scan your retina at a distance of 10 feet while you're walking. The project was military, but he guessed it would go public in a few years. If (when) that happens, you won't need any cards. You go to the store, pick up your items, go to the exit, the RFID scans your items, infrared scans your eyes, and the receipt comes out if you want one... and a voice says, "Have a good day Mr. Smith!"

New Hampshire CFI Wins AOPA'S Remos LSA! 11-13-10: AvWeb reports a New Hampshire CFI is the winner of AOPA's sweepstakes aircraft, a new Remos GX light sport aircraft. Yorke Brown was notified last week and will get his airplane after it comes off display at AOPA Summit in Long Beach, Calif. Brown flies out of Lebanon Airport and got a demo ride in a loaner Remos courtesy of Mid Island Air Service in New York. A computer generated voice gave Brown the news. "Congratulations Yorke Brown, you are the winner of the 2010 AOPA Sweepstakes Remos!" The Remos was a departure from the traditional AOPA giveaway where they take an old vintage Piper or Cessna and make it like new inside and out. However, in 2011 they go back to tradition and are reworking a Cessna Skylane with state-of-the-art goodies. I wonder if the Skylane winner will be invited to receive the keys on stage at the AOPA Summit or by a computer voice? Here's a website with some nice pics of the Remos http://www.fitaviation.com/fleet/remos/remos.html

Electric Cessna 172 ~ 11-12-10: A lot of talk is going on about the "Electric Skyhawk" that Cessna and Bye Energy are working on. Some of the details are starting to come out but it's still sketchy. It sounds like they've come up with a 210 hp electric motor to power the plane with a whole stack of batteries in place of the back seat. I'm assuming that they're probably lithium batteries. With the advent of hybrid electric motors made from rare earth materials like neodymium, dysprosium and terbium (95% of which comes from China), and the lithium-ion battery technology (over 50% of the lithium comes from Chile), scientist have been able to shrink the size of electric motors. The results of these technological break throughs is now starting to show up in the general aviation industry. I just read an article that said that Chile and Argentina have plenty of lithium (produced from salt brine mined several hundred feet under large salt lakes). However, China recently cut back supplies of rare earth material by 70% that created a world shortage. (That wasn't very nice...)

Splendor In The Sky ~ 11-5-10: In the November issue of AOPA the cover featured a Waco  with an article about flying around Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor Maine. The site of a classic biplane is always and attention getter. How about if you're standing on the front lawn at someone's house and you begin to hear the roar of a radial engine. You look out over the grass and around some trees and the noise starts to get louder and louder until you finally realize that the grass isn't for playing golf or croquette, and then a biplane appears as it just starts to leave the ground. As you turn, you notice that the garage has an airplane in it instead of an SUV. That's because you're at a private airport were you can taxi your plane into your own garage. Check out the video sent in by Jim by clicking on the the biplane icon.

TFR's For Saturday from Maryland to Conn.~ 10-29-10: TFR's are everywhere up and down the east coast. Flying a single engine VFR flight to Virginia could be an interesting flight plan if you were planning on leaving on Saturday the 30th. TFR's will be popping up and down from Virginia to Conn. Here's the AOPA highlight:FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR OVER NEW YORK, NY ON SATURDAY President Obama's planned visit. Within the lateral limits of the New York Class B Airspace Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL October 30, 2010.  8 nm radius no-fly zone Location: Centered over the KENNEDY VOR/DME(JFK) Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL October 30, 2010.

Tripple TFR Over Rhode Island (Southeastern New England)~ 10-23-10: Here's a TFR notice that just came in. The icon is a composite Google Earth overlayed with a 3D depiction of the TFR. It also shows the Class B & C airspace. 
Here's the TFR info: 
"TFR OVER PROVIDENCE, RI ON MONDAY A notam for President Obama's planned visit. 
==> 30 nm radius TFR <==Location: Centered over the 
PROVIDENCE VORTAC(PVD) Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL  Times: 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010.  8:00 PM until 9:00 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010 
==> 10 nm radius no-fly zone <== Location: Centered over the 
PROVIDENCE VORTAC(PVD) Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL Times: 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010 8:00 PM until 9:00 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010 
==> 30 nm radius TFR <== Location:On the 
PUTNAM VOR/DME (PUT) 094 degree radial at 16.3 nautical miles Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL Times: 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010 
==> 10 nm radius no-fly zone <== Location: On the 
PUTNAM VOR/DME (PUT) 094 degree radial at 16.3 nautical miles Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL Times: 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010 
==> 30 nm radius TFR <== Location: On the 
**PROVIDENCE VORTAC (PVD) 032 degree radial at 6.5 nautical miles Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL Times: 5:15 PM until 8:30 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010 
==> 10 nm radius no-fly zone <== Location: On the 
PROVIDENCE VORTAC (PVD) 032 degree radial at 6.5 nautical miles Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL Times: 5:15 PM until 8:30 PM local Monday, October 25, 2010."

Aerobatic Aircraft At Skyhaven ~ 10-22-10: Last sunday was a nice day to go flying and the aerobatic aircraft club showed up with around 17 aircraft. Having the airport next to the highway gives people a chance to take advantage of seeing special aircraft gathered at the airport for various activities. Once in a while you might get a free show just by watching the local club pratice their skills. Click on the black Pitts icon and see some pictures sent in by Peter Bruckner.

A Morning With ATC, FAA Safety Seminar ~ 10-20-10: Looks like another great seminar coming up at Pease Saturday, October 30, 2010 , starting at 9:00 am. "Greg Lyon from Portsmouth ATCT and Bob Adelizzi from Boston TRACON will discuss how to conduct safe and efficient flight operations in Portsmouth Class D and Boston Class B Airspace. Lt Col James Ramsey and Maj Christopher Dillman from the 157th Air Refueling Wing will make a special presentation on KC-135 operations in the Pease area. Bill Hopper (Airport Manager) and Andrew Pomeroy (Airport Operations Supervisor) from the Pease Development Authority will present a briefing regarding upcoming events at the Portsmouth International Airport. This is the perfect opportunity to become confident in utilizing ATC services and flying safely in controlled airspace, especially with military aircraft." Click on the icon for more information. 

Pop-Up TFR in Boston !10-14-10: Effective: 10/16/10 17:30 Z (1:30 PM) Min alt: 0 AGL Expires:  23:00 Z (7:00 PM) Max alt: 17999 MSL. The President is said to be visiting Boston Friday to help with the polical campaigning. FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR OVER BOSTON, MA ON SATURDAY A notam has been issued that will restrict flight in the area during President Obama's planned visit. ==> 30 nm radius TFR <==Location: On the BOSTON VOR/DME (BOS) 277 degree radial at 7.5 nautical miles Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL Times: 1:30 PM until 7:00 PM local Saturday, October 16, 2010 ==> 12 nm radius no-fly zone <== Location: On the BOSTON VOR/DME (BOS) 277 degree radial at 7.5 nautical miles Surface to 17,999-ft-MSL  Times: 1:30 PM until 7:00 PM local Saturday, October 16, 2010

October 22 Airport Community Meeting notice~10-12-10: Mark your Calendar for October 22nd, as the Skyhaven Airport Community and the general public are invited to join the Skyhaven Airport Advisory Council and Pease Development Authority for an evening get-together at Skyhaven Airports’ Aeroworks LLCs Hangar 5. Food prepared by EAA 225 members. FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

First Runway Status Lights System At Logan ~10-11-10: There is a new runway system that is being used for the first time at Logan Airport. A recent article said, "At Logan, Boston was chosen as the first airport to use the system because the FAA wanted to see how it worked in a city with high traffic and bad weather. Logan has on average about 1,000 flights that take off and land every day. Versions of the system are still undergoing tests at airports in Dallas, San Diego, and Los Angeles." I expect that the fact that the system was "originally developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory under the FAA’s Runway Incursion Reduction Program" might of had something to do with it. Click on the icon to see a Boston dot com graphic of the system. (1000 flights per day = 41.6 per hour = a flight every 1.4 minutes.)

Sanford Airport Runway 7/25 Update ~10-10-10: The construction work on runway 7/25 looks like it is getting near to completion. Airport manager Dana Parry covered a lot of detail in his letter to pilots posted here a few weeks ago and mentioned, "Final work on runway 7-25 will include the installation of new runway lights, installing new PAPIs and directional signage, grooving the runway, and applying all new runway markings. The runway 7-25 project remains on schedule with a late October or early November completion date." So, you might be asking what is going to be different from the old 7/25 runway. Here's a picture taken Oct 5 compared against a Google Earth rendering with the old version still intact with a yellow "X" on it. The Taxiway hasn't moved but it looks like the numbers will be closer to the taxiway, with the runway extending beyond the taxiway. Click on the picture icon to see the comparison.

The Skyhawk Is Here at Rochester Aviation ~10-2-10: The recently acquired Skyhawk at Rochester Aviation is clocking up some time with both student and private pilots. The ups and downs of the economy can make it difficult for some FBO's to maintain the bottom line. Thanks to the durability of the Cessna 150's and 172's, many vintage aircraft are still in service providing access to aviation at a reasonable cost. At Rochester Aviation, you can get a private pilot certificate for a cost that probably can't be beat. Stop in and talk to Kelby and find out what everyone is talking about. CLICK HERE to see THE RENTAL RATES.

9-26-10: The show is over and the crowds are gone but the excitement still lingers on. I've heard stories from people sitting in the parking lot at WalMart to others taking a boat ride out in Great Bay. Some folks in Stratham and Greenland say that when the Blue Angels flew over their homes, the planes were so close that they could see the pilots faces. I'd say they were pretty excited about seeing the Blue Angels flying low over their homes. Pictures and movies are showing up on the net and it looks like everyone had a great time. Click on the icon to see an airshow picture sent in by Peter Bruckner.

SANFORD AIRPORT IS OPEN! 9-25-10: In a recent email from Jim, it included a letter from Dana Parry. He announces that runway 14/32 is open again. It sounds like the major runway renovation of runway 7/25 is on time and on schedule and coming to an end. Although runway 7/25 is still not open yet, runway 14/32 has been reopened after completing work around the intersection with 7/25. According to some hangar talk, the thresholds for 7/25 have also been moved. I've also heard the taxiway to 32 will not longer cross 25. Hmmm, I'll have to check that out. I'll take a ride around the pattern with my camera and report back shortly with a birds eye view of what really happened. CLICK HERE to see Dana Parry's email.

Young Eagles event coming up on the 2nd of October ~9-21-10: YOUNG EAGLES, FLIGHT RALLY, FREE AIRPLANE RIDES, FOR KIDS AGES 8-17, (PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE REQUIRED)
PANCAKE BREAKFAST 8-11 AM & BBQ LUNCH 11-4 PM, SATURDAY OCTOBER 2nd 2010, SKYHAVEN AIRPORT, ROCHESTER NH., YOUNG EAGLE REGISTRATION LOCATED BEHIND, THE FBO, 8:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M., SPONSORED BY EAA 225, VOLUNTEERS FROM EAA 225 & 1210. Additional info about young eagles program available at www.youngeagles.org

Pop-Up TFR's in New York ! 9-21-10: In a recent notification of a TFR in New York, it occured to me that the TFR boundary is essentially the whole Class B airspace that's been extended up to 18,000 feet. Here's an excerp from the email: "FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR OVER NEW YORK, NY TO BEGIN WEDNESDAY A notam has been issued that will restrict flight in the area during President Obama's planned visit.  ==> Within the lateral limits of the New York Class B Airspace <==
 Surface to 18,000-ft-MSL Times: 2:30 PM local Wednesday, September 22 to 8:10 PM local Friday, September 24  Excluding: ==> 3 nm radius <== Location: On the DEER PARK VOR/DME (DPK) 241 degree radial at 5.3 nautical miles Surface to 2,000-ft-MSL Excluding: ==> 3 nm radius <== Location: On the CARMEL VOR/DME (CMK) 215 degree radial at 12.8 nautical miles Surface to 2,000-ft-MSL
Times: 2:30 PM local Wednesday, September 22 to 8:10 PM local Friday, September 24."  Click on the TFR page links for more information.

Sanford Airport CLOSED week of Sept 20th! 9-20-10: "The entire airport will be closed to all fixed wing aircraft starting at 5:00 am on Monday, September 20 for approximately one week (hopefully less) while construction crews work 24 hours a day to remove old pavement in the runway 7-25 and 14-32 intersection and install 9 inches of new base material and 4 inches of new pavement, along with new signage and lighting. The work will extend into taxiway “E” to create a new squared off end to runway 25. To ensure the safety of construction crews, fixed wing aircraft must not land or depart on runway 14-32, on the grass adjacent to 14-32, or anywhere else on the airport." For more information click here to see the email from Dana Parry.

Rochester Aviation News~9-20-10: Here's some news just in from Kelby Ferwerda. "Rochester aviation had its first two check rides yesterday and both Bob Mutch and Joshua Smith passed with flying colors.  We also had our sixth solo on friday night, Jeff Berlin.  We have another checkride in the works for next week, and several more to come before winter." Here's a pic of Kelby's recently acquired Skyhawk getting ready for take-off. Click on the icon to enlarge.

Journey Of Hope ~ 9-16-10: Here's a story sent in by Steve, "About one of our SAAC members that I would like to include on the Skyhavennh.com website." "My name is Bill Richard. I am a businessman in a construction company, a husband and a father who loves the outdoors and have a passion for flying. In the wake of the tragic Haiti earthquake, I completed two mission treks in February and May with my friend Jim Tucker to bring medicine and other aid supplies to some of the hardest-hit area of the country. Jim is a retired police captain and currently head of security at a nuclear facility in New England. Together, we travelled the length of the East Coast in my four-seat Columbia 2541M without the benefit of long term planning. We flew distances that were beyond the published range of my aircraft, and without the weather reporting assistance or the safety net that we are accustomed to. At times, we relied more on instincts than technology, but the greatest test of all was the sweeping deployment of destruction and destitution that we saw. We embarked in this journey knowing that such an adventure would stir some emotions; but we had clearly underestimated our reaction to poverty." CLICK HERE to download the 19 page (269 KB) pdf file of Bill Richards, "Journey Of Hope." You can also visit the nhpr.org web site (http://www.nhpr.org/node/31991) to see an article about Bill Richards called "Seacoast Pilots Plan Aid for Haiti."

2010 135th Rochester Fair September 17th -26th ~ 9-13-10: New this year ALL Mechanical RIDES FREE with Paid admission, Admission Just $10.00 Per person, Parking $ 3.00, Seniors Free on Tuesday September 21st, Children under three admitted free with no rides. The Legendary BIG FOOT will perform at Four Big shows on September 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th. General Admission - $6.00 Box Seats - $8.00 
2010 Exhibitor's Handbook now available Online. Online Entries Now Accepted!! Demolition Derby Information, Directions, Grandstand Entertainment information available at the Rochester Fair web site. Just click on the large black icon to visit the Rochester Fair web site. Also, check out the Coast bus schedule (Weekdays and Saturday) as it provides scheduled bus service from the airport to Rochester. Enterprise Car Rental will schedule a rental car and bring it to the airport for people who call for reservations.  Contact Eric Obssuth for more information about this.

Flying a Robinson R44 Helicopter ~ 9-11-10: On occasion as a GA pilot, you might get asked from time to time if you have ever flown a helicopter. In my particular case, the usual answer was no, but I would if the opportunity came. And then one day, East Coast Aero Club at Hanscom Field came up with an internet special introductory flight lesson offer for a Robinson helicopter for $69. The only catch, is that you have to read two books, one on FAA airport operations and the other about helicopter fundamentals. Then, you have to take a two hour class and pass an exam per SFAR 73 before you can take the controls. So, after completing all the requirements, we found ourselves with Oerstein our CFI, preflighting the R44 and ready to test our new knowledge about the cyclic, tail rotor, and holding the collective and throttle with three fingers...

The 11th Annual Maine Jet Rally  ~ 9-4-10:The model jet aircraft that these club members are flying is nothing but incredible. In the past few years they have been having their Rally at Sanford airport. They used to have it at Biddeford airport before Sanford. Usually Dan McCue shows up with the L-39 or the Collings Foundation Corsair, both machines that command a lot of attention. The event is scheduled to take place on September 10, 11, & 12 according to a small flyer that's being circulated around. The flyer also talks about a noon time demo taking place at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Click on the poster icon to open a pdf printable version of their poster.

New Runway At Sanford Airport ~9-3-10:  Now that the TFR's are gone and the haze is back, we can return to normal flying... after the hurricane/tropical storm/sever weather passes by. Some airports are trying to stay open, some are expanding, and other's are getting a new runway. If you haven't been flying for a while, you'll see quite a different runway 7/25 at Sanford Airport. It's not just a repair, it's a major replacement. As reported in an earlier article, the new runway will be narrower than the original along with changes to the thresholds. Click here to see some runway pics...

Rochester Aviation in Hangar 5 ~ 9-1-10: Hangar 5 is the location for Rochester Aviation. Kelby Ferwerda CFI and owner/operator of Rochester Aviation tells me that business is doing well. Student pilot solo T-shirts are lining up on the wall in his office and Kelby also mentioned that he just bought a Skyhawk that is IFR equipped. His Cessna 150 is busy at work accommodating his student pilots working on their way to a private pilot certificate. Here's a pic on one of his students doing a preflight on the 150. He has 5 hours so far and is excited about the idea of making his first solo flight. If you're thinking of getting your pilot license, be sure to stop by and talk to Kelby.