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!

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.

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."

January 2010 - Meeting Announcement

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. 

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:

1. Interest and existing experience in the field of aviation,
2. Recommendations from teachers, clergy, EAA members, etc.,
3. 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

1. A 1-2 page letter describing your background and interest in aviation,
2. At least two letters of recommendation (no family member references please),
3. 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 Club

2010 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:

1. 
   
   Completed application with applicant and parent signatures,
2. 
   
   Letter-stating aviation interest and experience and career goals,
3. 
   
   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.

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.

"

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.

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.

December 2009 - Meeting Announcement

November 2009 - Meeting Summary

Aviation Clubs

• Aero Club of B.C. 
• Aero Club of New England  America's oldest aeronautical club is dedicated to the celebration of aviation.  It promotes aviation education in schools, provides a scholarship program keeps abreast of aviation-related legislation, and holds meetings with addresses by leaders in aviation.
• Aero Club of Southern California  Dedicated to the advancement of aviation and aerospace and to honor their outstanding contributors.  Membership in ACSC is open to everyone who has an interest in aviation and space: history, air and space technology, new developments, education, research, manufacturing, military flying, general aviation, commercial air transport and every other aspect of flight.
• Aero Club of Southern Tasmania  Host of the World Powered Parachute Championship each year in Greenville, Illinois, USA.
• The Aviation Club of the UK  Founded with the express aim of providing a forum for discussions on, and to promote the interests of, all aspects of civil aviation.  Membership of the Club is on an individual basis only, and is open to those having a professional interest in the advancement and development of the civil aviation industry.
• Aviation Society of Antwerp  A Belgian organisation for aviation enthousiasts.  Anyone who is interested in aviation in general and the Belgian aviation scene in particular is welcomed as a member.
• The New York Pilots Group  This social group for all metro New York area pilots meets for fly-ins, safety seminars, lunches, and more.  No membership fees.
• Oxfordshire Aviation Group  Regular monthly meetings in Didcot, Oxfordshire,UK, often with a guest speaker, always with a warm welcome to like-minded individuals.
• Scottish Aero Club 
• Silver Wings Fraternity  You are invited to join this social, non-profit, and non-political organization if you logged a solo flight in a powered aircraft at least 25 years ago.  There are a number of local chapters around the U.S.  Silver Wings Over Washington is the official weblog of the Washington, DC Chapter.
• The Wings Club  A mid-Manhattan club for aerospace and aviation professionals.

• Aeroclub Webring  List of aeroclubs in the world, detailed by country and by activity.
• Flying-Club.org  This club support site for MyFBO.com provides an index of nonprofit flying clubs with web sites.

• Cebu Sport Parachute Club, Inc.  The personal website of a skydiving enthusiast from the Philippines who understands design.
• The Classic Jet Aircraft Association The members of the CJAA own, fly, and restore classic jets, and furthers classic jet operations by providing member meetings, swaying government legislation, providing voluntary guidelines, and assisting jet owners.
• Duke of Brabant Air Force Homepage The DBAF operates warbirds from Eindhoven, NL.  Flagship is a B25 Mitchell.  Dedicated to purchase, maintenance, management, financing and operation of aircraft of historical value.
• Exeter Airport X-Air Society  An Exeter International Airport enthusiasts club with monthly meetings and magazine, slide and photo shows, links to other airport enthusiast sites.
• High Peak Model Aero Club Club for anyone interested in flying model planes or helicopters, especially in the Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Areas of the UK.
• Lake Ozark Radio Control Society Remote controlled flying, pictures, comments, and related tips.  Located in Eldon Missouri.
• Lancashire Aero Club - Barton Aerodrome  The Lancashire Aero Club is the oldest established flying school in the U.K.
• Mid Island Pilots Club  Founded in 1996 to provide a venue for pilots in the central Long Island area to meet and organize events and programs related to general aviation.  Monthly meetings and programs, regular trips all over the Northeast, visits to local air traffic control facilities, a monthly newsletter, safety programs and social activities.
• Ohio Valley Aviation Club In Henderson, KY.
• Phillip Island Aeroclub Australian club with online newsletter, discussion forum, for sale, membership form.
• Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association Association of aerial combat veterans who avow patriotism and the defense of the U.S. Constitution.
• Ulster Aviation Society Homepage Homepage of the Ulster Aviation Society, a group of enthusiasts in Northern Ireland almost 500 strong.  Activities, events, links.
• U.S. Association of Flying Clubs  Formed to strengthen the community of pilots flying in organized clubs throughout North America.

November 2009 - Meeting Announcement

Ocotober 2009 - Meeting News

Lt. Col. Todd Lovell with Sam Lazerov. Todd, now Avionics Department Manager for Raytheon Avionics served 21 years on active duty in the U. S. Air Force. His last assignment was commander of the first Osprey squadron. His presentation was rather informal, very informative and very interesting. The questions and answers would have gone on all night if our leader had not put an end to it. A great meeting, Todd! Thank you so much.

Dick Egan (on the left) put together the slate of officers and board members for the next couple of years. You will see a lot of Doug Wagner (on the right) because he will be our president beginning the first of the year. Doug is an experienced meeting manager, having been associated with the Scientech Club for many years.

Roger Bishop (on the left) will be our new Vice President. Roger is with Channel 13 and is the General Manager of the Indianapolis Air Show. He has a wealth of

new and great ideas to help re-invigorate the Indianapolis Aero Club. On Roger’s left is Mike Souders and his wife Debbie. Mike is working with Sam Lazerov developing meeting plans. We are hearing rumors about a full year meeting calendar.

New member, Don Alsop came with Bill King. Don was an Aero Club member in the past and attended when he was not in China or Canada or Oklahoma or some other exotic destination. It will be good to have him back.

USS Indianapolis Radio Room

As one of my hobbies, I help with emergency communications at several local events such as marathons, 500 Festival Parade, etc. I am a ham, and my call is KC9MTL.

One of the local radio clubs I belong to is the oldest in the country, established and meeting continuously since 1914. A group of members of this club have recreated, as close as they can, the radio room of the USS Indianapolis. It has been a labor of love for the folks involved in putting the project together. There have been donations of equipment from all over the United States. Once people found out the needs, it has been amazing to see the kindness people have shown. One transmitter donated was still in the original oak crate from the 1940s, never opened or used. It was in absolute mint condition. Another donated piece of equipment weighing 800 or so pounds was shipped across country at no charge. Check out the website www.ussindyradio.org to see pictures of this fabulous project.

The open house to unveil this newest permanent exhibit at the Indiana War Memorial is November 7th. Anyone in the downtown Indianapolis area are invited to stop by from 2-5 p.m. This is a wonderful tribute to the men of the USS Indy, both the survivors and the the ones who died at sea. If you want to learn more of the story of what has been called the worst naval disaster in US history, the book In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton is a riveting chronicle of what the men endured. I am reading it now, and it is well worth your time.