(Click images for larger)
February 21, 2010
February 11, 2010
ROLLAND S. “TACK” NAIL
The Indianapolis Aero Club has lost one of it’s most faithful members. Rolland “Tack” Nail died this week following surgery to help him swallow. Tack was President of The Indianapolis Aero Club for the years 1987 and 1988. He was an avid and active pilot until vision problems forced him to quit in his early 80s.
Tack’s standard greeting “It’s not my fault, I didn’t do it and I’m not going to do it again” always came with a laugh. Not known to ever speak poorly of anyone, it was always “great guy” or “great gal”. And he always had a smile even when he didn’t feel like it.
Rolland “Tack” Nail will be long and fondly remembered by officers and members of the Indianapolis Aero Club.
January 30, 2010
Dick Curtis to speak Feb 9 at Indianapolis Aero Club
The Indianapolis Aero Club will host Dick Curtis on Feb 9, 2010 at their monthly meeting. Mr. Curtis will be talking to the club about his experiences during World War II. Here is an excerpt from one write up on his book:
Book: Dumb But Lucky!: Confessions Of A P-51 Fighter Pilot In World War II - Second Lieutenant Dick Curtis arrived in Italy in May 1944- twenty years old and part of a shipment of P-51 Mustang fighter pilots so desperately needed that they were rushed into combat with less than thirty hours of flight time in their new high-performance aircraft. Six of the twelve pilots assigned to the 52nd Fighter Group were shot down in the first two weeks. By his ninth mission, Curtis was the only one still flying. A maverick, he barely escaped court-martial with his high-flying antics. Escorting bombers sent to pound heavily defended oil fields was risky enough, but strafing the enemy supply lines, ports, and airfields was even more dangerous. Curtis may chalk up his success to dumb luck, but these missions took exceptional skill and courage. This hair-raising account captures the air war in all its split-second terror and adrenaline-pumping action.
The meeting will take place at the Marten House, 1801 W. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN.
Below is a picture of Dick Curtis meeting Max Moga at the 2008 Indianapolis Air Show. Maj. Moga was the F-22 Raptor pilot at the air show that year.
Below is a picture of Dick Curtis meeting Max Moga at the 2008 Indianapolis Air Show. Maj. Moga was the F-22 Raptor pilot at the air show that year.
January 29, 2010
January 2010 - Meeting Summary
After all the "Happy New Year" greetings were exchanged, our new officers and general board members were introduced and sworn in. Click on the photo below for a slide show - and you'll get to see pictures of all our new officers, and a few pictures while members enjoyed each others company during dinner.
Visitors for our January meeting were Phil Brooks from Brownsburg, who is a former member, and Michael L. Tyra from Indianapolis. Hopefully, we'll be seeing them again soon!
One of the missions of The Indianapolis Aero Club is to help promote Indiana aviation history. Ron Darrah presented "Clipped Wings: Indiana's 181st Fighter Wing Stands Down" where he gave the history of the wing and shared some of his experiences while being a part of the fighter wing for 18 years. If you'd like to review his power point presentation, we've saved it for you. We had to break the presentation into two parts due to size, but it's worth a second look: Part 1, Part 2
Visitors for our January meeting were Phil Brooks from Brownsburg, who is a former member, and Michael L. Tyra from Indianapolis. Hopefully, we'll be seeing them again soon!
One of the missions of The Indianapolis Aero Club is to help promote Indiana aviation history. Ron Darrah presented "Clipped Wings: Indiana's 181st Fighter Wing Stands Down" where he gave the history of the wing and shared some of his experiences while being a part of the fighter wing for 18 years. If you'd like to review his power point presentation, we've saved it for you. We had to break the presentation into two parts due to size, but it's worth a second look: Part 1, Part 2
January 20, 2010
Valentine Hangar Dance Saturday 2-13-2010 6PM to 10 PM
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January 14, 2010
Membership
Our Membership Page is under construction.
In the meantime, if you have questions about membership, please email us and will get back to you shortly!
Or - give Mike Souders a call at 317-341-3444
Thank you!
In the meantime, if you have questions about membership, please email us and will get back to you shortly!
Or - give Mike Souders a call at 317-341-3444
Thank you!
January 4, 2010
Tusakagee Airmen - Rose Bowl Parade
Our local aero club received this slideshow/pdf recently via email. The document is saved in Google Docs and saved/made available here so we have it for future reference. It is far too noteworthy and honorable NOT to share with the rest of the aviation community. We tip our hats to the Tuskagee Airmen. They deserve this and so much more.
January 1, 2010
Airports make the case they're worth the state funding
 January 1, 2010 Airports make the case they're worth the state funding Industry leaders hope report of economic impact will help deter planned funding cuts By Bruce C. Smith bruce.smith@indystar.com Would Boone County have landed the Medco pharmaceutical facility without a general aviation airport close by? Or would the distribution centers, hotels and retailing with thousands of jobs have grown in Plainfield and the Ameriplex business parks if Indianapolis International Airport wasn't next door? Maybe. However, aviation industry leaders think the availability of airports is crucial in the mix of reasons why companies chose one site over another for a new business. An economic impact study recently made public by the Aviation Association of Indiana shows the 104 airports open to the public give a multibillion-dollar punch to the state's economy each year. And aviation industry leaders hope the newest report will encourage lawmakers in the coming session of the Indiana General Assembly to spend a little more and match federal grants for airport improvements, ultimately creating local jobs. "I realize that money will be tight with the state. Funding has been cut for the aviation division of the Indiana Department of Transportation, which affects the state money available to match federal grants. But with airport revenues down and property tax limits becoming effective, federal grants are a great way to bring money and jobs to the state," said Bart Giesler, executive director of the state aviation association. "What we're talking about is every dollar from the state can bring $39 in federal funds" for airport construction that ultimately encourages businesses to create jobs, Giesler said. The state aviation association, representing airport operators and others in the industry, estimates Indiana airports had an economic impact in their communities totaling $5.2 billion in 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are compiled. The industry trade group's 12th biennial report estimates the direct and indirect impact of airport economic activity totaled $3.2 billion in 2007. That includes payroll of $640 million for about 17,100 airport workers, plus operating and capital spending on the facilities. The study estimates some of those dollars are circulated locally for an additional impact of $1.4 billion. The study estimates $600 million was saved in transportation costs because travelers and companies had local airports close by and didn't have to drive farther to get to an airport. The total impact of Indiana airports of $5.2 billion in 2007 is up from $4.9 billion in the previous study, based on 2005 figures. Some of the increase is attributed to the impact of dollars spent on construction at Indianapolis International Airport, Giesler said. The next association report might show the recession has dimmed aviation's punch for Indiana. Air passenger travel is down 9.1 percent, and cargo weights are down about 14 percent this year at Indianapolis International. In fiscal year 2009, Giesler said, Indiana's public airports -- not counting the 400 private airfields -- completed almost $80 million in construction projects. About $9.2 million of that total was at Indianapolis International. Federal grants pay for about 95 percent of many projects at local airports. The state has contributed 2.5 percent, and local governments or the airport operators chip in the other 2.5 percent. Planned budget cuts would trim the state's share to about 1.25 percent, meaning less matching money would be available, or approximately half of the $1.38 million spent last year by the state to leverage federal grants. "That's why we say that it would be hard to find a better rate of return for the state's investment," Giesler said. Dan Montgomery, operator of Indianapolis Executive Airport, said that airport has made about $8 million in improvements in the past several years, including a new terminal and a canopy to shelter passengers boarding and leaving their planes. Other improvements were made to the runway and the safety and light systems. All are perks that have made the facility north of Zionsville in Boone County, but owned by Hamilton County, a favorite with business executives. At least 20 private jets are based there, and it is used by companies settling in the region, including the Boston-based planes operated by pharmacy company Medco, Montgomery said. The investment and upgrades at Executive Airport, some of it matched with 2.5 percent funding from the state, created an estimated $87.99 million in annual economic impact, according to the state association's newest estimate. Montgomery, who also manages Frankfort Municipal Airport, said any loss of state funding would ripple through small-town airfields more seriously. "Frankfort is applying for federal funds for a new taxiway next year, but they may have to forgo that project if the state match isn't available. When you're talking $1.6 million for a project, the local match begins to add up, and it becomes very difficult when the cities are strapped." |
December 23, 2009
December 2009 - Meeting Summary
We didn't have a speaker. We didn't have a business meeting. We DID have a good time! While Dave Graf entertained us at the piano we enjoyed each others company, shared holiday plans, and told stories about our loneliest Christmas - to honor those serving our country away from home this Holiday Season.
Silver Certificates were handed out to 39 people/couples to commemorate and thank them for their loyal service to the Indianapolis Aero Club for the past 25 years (or more).
Thank you to those who contributed to the Food Pantry once again. This year there was a tremendous need and thanks to your generosity we were able to do our part.
Silver Certificates were handed out to 39 people/couples to commemorate and thank them for their loyal service to the Indianapolis Aero Club for the past 25 years (or more).
Thank you to those who contributed to the Food Pantry once again. This year there was a tremendous need and thanks to your generosity we were able to do our part.
2010 AVIATION CAMP SCHOLARSHIP
The Indianapolis AERO Club will be awarding one EAA aviation camp scholarship for the summer of 2010. The EAA Air Academy sponsored camp will be held in two sessions (July 20-28, 2010 and July 30-Aug10, 2010) at Oshkosh, WI., which overlap the world’s largest fly-in, the annual Oshkosh EAA “Airventure”. This scholarship includes all food and lodging costs of the aviation camp. Transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the winning candidate’s parents.
At camp the winning candidate can expect to learn:
- Fundamentals of flight
- Flight controls and systems
- Navigation and weather
- Flight training requirements
- Aircraft construction basics
- Hands-on techniques of builders
- Flight history
- Fly simulators
- Visit the EAA museum
The candidate may possibly even fly with an instructor.
Candidates must be 16-18 years old during the 2010 summer. The candidate should not have attended the aviation camp in any prior year. He or she must be in good health. The winning candidate will be selected based on three selection criteria:
- Interest and existing experience in the field of aviation,
- Recommendations from teachers, clergy, EAA members, etc.,
- School course grades for the Aug-Dec 2009 semester and overall GPA.
Interested candidates should fill out the attached application form, be sure to include
- A 1-2 page letter describing your background and interest in aviation,
- At least two letters of recommendation (no family member references please),
- Scholastic grade information.
Mail the requested information to:
James L. Bettner
5990 North County Road 550
Pittsboro, In 46167
If the candidate has any questions, please Email me at jlbettner@att.net.
The deadline for receiving applications is April 1, 2010. Good luck and happy flying.
Indianapolis AERO Club2010 EAA Aviation Camp Application Form
Name_____________________________ Date of Birth______________________
Address__________________________________________ Sex__________
City__________________________ State__________ Zip____________________
School__________________________________________ Grade Level_______
Home Phone____________________ Email Address______________________
Please enclose the following:
Completed application with applicant and parent signatures,
Letter-stating aviation interest and experience and career goals,
Letters of recommendation-at least two from teachers, clergy, flight instructors, EAA members, etc,
Please provide course and grade information for Aug-Dec 2009 school semester.
Course Grade
1.______________ ___________________
2. ______________ ___________________
3._______________ ___________________
4._______________ ___________________
5._______________ ___________________
6_______________ ___________________
Over all GPA ____________
Parent Information
Paerent/Guardian_____________________________Email________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Signatures
“I understand and have completed all requirements to be considered for an aviation camp scholarship”.
Candidate__________________________________ Date_____________________
“We give our son/daughter permission to attend the EAA Aviation camp. Also, we understand the cost of the camp includes food and lodging, but not transportation to and from the camp, which we, as parents, will provide.”
Parent/guardian_______________________________ Date___________________
The deadline for receiving the applications is April 1, 2010.
December 19, 2009
Aviation "television" with ASB.TV
Aviation "television" with ASB.TV: " 
"
Every once in a while something new comes along that makes you sit back and say 'wow!' This is one of those times. With ASB.TV, you get a wide variety of aviation content in a user interface that is like no other I have seen.
First, the content: ASB.TV has a collection of videos that are stunning. This is not low quality amateur stuff - these videos and animations are professional grade in both production quality and subject matter. You'll find airshow and air racing video, historic movies, animations, and more. Here's an example:
The videos are compelling and by themselves could be reason enough for an entire website. But, as they say, there's more. ASB.TV also has photographs, a forum, and a store where you can purchase merchandise. There's lots to see and do here.
Now for the user experience: This site lives within something they developed called Black Box, which is pretty unique. Think of a box or a cube with six sides. By navigating to the right or left, or up or down, you expose different sides of the box which then become your desktop. Within a side of the box, you can have a number panels that hold the content, be it a video player, the forum, or anything else, and these can be rearranged or resized to suit your need. I think of it as little worlds of content that you customize as you go along.
Black Box runs on top of Adobe Air, the same thing powering TweetDeck and other applications. If you don't have it yet, you will after the installation process. That process also involves installing the ASB application on your computer. Now, I know what you're thinking. I also resist installing 'stuff' that just clutters up my PC. Well, this is different. Just do it and you'll see why.
So just who is ASB? Well ASB is Air Show Buzz. They were founded in 2006 to 'deliver the exhilarating aviation lifestyle to millions of consumers worldwide by providing top flight content, thrilling live events, consumer products, social networking and a community that connects a worldwide shared passion for flight and a fearless approach towards life.' Talk about a high bar! Well, I'd say they're rockin' so far.
ASB's tag line is 'Escape Life's Gravity' and they offer a portfolio of branded businesses beyond ASB.TV: animated and live-action film and television entertainment, The Horsemen acrobatic fleet, and lifestyle branded merchandise. ASB also offers innovative branding and marketing for air shows and top-rated performers.
So go get set up with ASB's Black Box application and I guarantee you'll spend some quality aviation time with their content.
December 17, 2009
Metro Airport stays put
Updated: Dec 17, 2009 7:09 PM EST
Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News
Hamilton County - After four years, the Indianapolis Airport Authority is pulling the plug on a plan for Fishers to relocate Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. It's a major economic disappointment for the town that hoped Metro's prime acreage would attract a billion dollars in re-development.
Rejected by Noblesville and vigorously opposed by Madison County, Fishers spent four years and $150,000 on a feasibility study in an effort to relocate and expand Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. But on Thursday, the town said that that effort is over.
"I think we looked at it as an opportunity that would have been great had it come to fruition. I think it's something you have to accept as the way things are given the current economic state of affairs," said Dan Henke, Fishers Town Council.
Built in 1967 and owned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Metro is considered a reliever airport for Indianapolis International, used mostly by pilots of small single engine planes. The airport authority agreed to move Metro if Fishers could find a suitable new site. The last best hope was 4,000 acres in southwest Madison County, a plan that ran afoul of property owners who formed a group called the No Fly Zone.
"What we need there is a good, economic, tax paying base for all of Madison county and this would not have been it," said Susan Campbell, a member of No Fly Zone.
While it's a victory for opponents, it's a disappointment for Fishers, which envisioned a billion dollars' worth of development on its last, prime piece of real estate.
Fishers says the 445-acre development would have generated millions of dollars in taxes. But with the airport authority now saying that the time has passed, Metro will stay where it is, as it is.
The airport authority meets Friday and will likely reverse a four-year-old agreement with Fishers to move Metro.
Hamilton County - After four years, the Indianapolis Airport Authority is pulling the plug on a plan for Fishers to relocate Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. It's a major economic disappointment for the town that hoped Metro's prime acreage would attract a billion dollars in re-development.
Rejected by Noblesville and vigorously opposed by Madison County, Fishers spent four years and $150,000 on a feasibility study in an effort to relocate and expand Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. But on Thursday, the town said that that effort is over.
"I think we looked at it as an opportunity that would have been great had it come to fruition. I think it's something you have to accept as the way things are given the current economic state of affairs," said Dan Henke, Fishers Town Council.
Built in 1967 and owned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Metro is considered a reliever airport for Indianapolis International, used mostly by pilots of small single engine planes. The airport authority agreed to move Metro if Fishers could find a suitable new site. The last best hope was 4,000 acres in southwest Madison County, a plan that ran afoul of property owners who formed a group called the No Fly Zone.
"What we need there is a good, economic, tax paying base for all of Madison county and this would not have been it," said Susan Campbell, a member of No Fly Zone.
While it's a victory for opponents, it's a disappointment for Fishers, which envisioned a billion dollars' worth of development on its last, prime piece of real estate.
Fishers says the 445-acre development would have generated millions of dollars in taxes. But with the airport authority now saying that the time has passed, Metro will stay where it is, as it is.
The airport authority meets Friday and will likely reverse a four-year-old agreement with Fishers to move Metro.
December 1, 2009
The Magazine, by AirShowsReview.com
The Magazine, by AirShowsReview.com: "
The Magazine, by AirShowsReview.com, is now available for downloading. The Magazine features articles and photos about air shows, pilots, military veterans and more. Your free downloadable copy is waiting for you in a .pdf format. Please use Acrobat 7 or later, which is required.
The Premier December issue features: The Best Air Show in 2009 award, from our staff of professionals who attended North American Air Shows in 2009, The Blue Angels, Viper North's Mig-17 UTI and lots of photos from air shows. Enjoy our first of many issues.
The Magazine, by AirShowsReview.com, is now available for downloading. The Magazine features articles and photos about air shows, pilots, military veterans and more. Your free downloadable copy is waiting for you in a .pdf format. Please use Acrobat 7 or later, which is required. The Premier December issue features: The Best Air Show in 2009 award, from our staff of professionals who attended North American Air Shows in 2009, The Blue Angels, Viper North's Mig-17 UTI and lots of photos from air shows. Enjoy our first of many issues.
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