April 13, 2010 Meeting Speaker: Billy Werth

The Indianapolis Aero Club welcomes Billy Werth as it's speaker for the April 13th meeting.

Location:  Marten House, 1801 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Date: April 13, 2010
Cocktails: 6:00 pm - Dinner: 6:30 pm - Speaker:  7:00 pm

Advance or Reservations - $20.00  At Door - $22.00
1st time guest - $10.00
16 or under $10.00

Please RSVP to: John Brill
H: 317-877-7777  C: 317-501-8610
Mail to:  107-A Knoll Ct,  Noblesville, IN 46062
email:  jwbrillsr@aol.com

Video from last years air show
Photo credit - Ryan Sundheimer - AirShowStuff.com

Pilot Bio:
Billy Werth:  Growing up in an Air Force family, Billy has been around some sort airplane his whole life.  He started flying in 1988 and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Professional Aviation Technology from Indiana State University in 1994.  In 1992 he started teaching aerobatics and has been hooked ever since. 
In 1997 he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and started flying for the Air Force Reserves out of Grissom Air Reserve Base, IN where he is an Instructor Pilot on the KC-135R Aerial Refueler.  He is a veteran of Operation Northern and Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.  He was part of the initial bomber strike on the opening of the Iraqi war staged out of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.  He was hired by Chautauqua Airlines in 2001 and is a Captain on the Embraer 145, based in Indianapolis.  Billy has over 8000 hours of flight time in 20 different aircraft, with 900 of it teaching folks how to fly upside down.
 
Here's a great article about Billy from year's Indianapolis Air Show:

Air-to-Air in a Pitts S-2C with Billy Werth

Company Info:
Grayout Aerosports LLC provides solo airshow performances, aerobatic thrill rides, and offers aerobatic and emergency upset training all over the Midwest.  We’re based at Hendrick’s Co airport near Indianapolis, IN.
In addition to airshow performances we also give airshow coordinators the useful option of offering aerobatic rides to their spectators.  Many attendees are thrilled to be able to experience some of the things they’ve spent all day watching.  From mild to wild, we have the convenient option of offering anything in between.  Arrangements can also be made for media and press rides as well as school and sponsor visits prior to, or during the show weekend.

Members in the News: John Brill

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. John Brill, dressed as U.S. Army General George Patton, was one of a group of World War II and Koran War veterans talking to over 400 North Central High School social studies students in the library at the school Thursday March 18.  Another session will feature veterans of the Vietnam and later wars.  The event, in its seventh year, is sponsored by the Forum at the Crossing.  (Joe Vitti/Indianapolis Star)

March 2010 - Meeting Summary

March's meeting found us listening intently to Rob Reider tell us about the "Good, the Bad and the Ugly" of the air show business.  Some stories were sad as we remembered some performers who have graced the skies.  Rob presents well and he also had us laughing real hard at times.  Rob showed us videos of his flights with the Blue Angels and was even humble enough to let us see the part where the G's were just a bit much and he, um, .... "went a little blank" on us. 

We also learned there is a difference between the cadence that a "The Boss" of the US demo teams and that of the United Kingdom team, the Red Arrows, uses during an air show.
Blue Angels:  "A little more power....a ....little ... more..."  Then Rob stepped back from the mic and .....
Red Arrows:  "MORE POWER NOW"

Well, it doesn't work as well in print.  If you were there, then you are at least chuckling again with the memory.

Once again, thank you Rob Reider for carving a night out of your busy schedule and coming to visit us in Indianapolis!

We recognized our visitors at the meeting, but we'd like to acknowledge them once more, and thank them for visiting us this month: Jack Hansen of Clermont, Jim Leslie of Indianapolis, and Colin and Michael Oberthur of Indianapolis.  Michael was kind enough to send an email thanking the club for the hospitality showed to him and Colin.  Rob was kind enough to spend some time with Michael and Colin after the presentation, and even took time out take a picture with Colin. 

WASPs were honored today in Washington

Here's a page on the Indy Transponder with a lot of the coverage in one place.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

March 9, 2010 Meeting Speaker: Rob Reider

We are happy to announce that Rob Reider will be our speaker for the March 9, 2010 meeting of the Indianapolis Aero Club.

Location:  Marten House, 1801 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Date: March 9, 2010
Cocktails: 6:00 pm - Dinner: 6:30 pm - Speaker:  7:00 pm

Advance or Reservations - $20.00  At Door - $22.00
1st time guest - $10.00
16 or under $10.00

Please RSVP to: John Brill
H: 317-877-7777  C: 317-501-8610
Mail to:  107-A Knoll Ct,  Noblesville, IN 46062
email:  jwbrillsr@aol.com

From Rob's website:

Rob Reider - air show announcer, recipient of the coveted ICAS "Sword of Excellence," entertainer, pilot, Midwest television personality, singer, performer, writer, and winner of 5 Emmy awards has put all his experience into bringing the excitement of air shows “up close and personal” to audiences all over the country. 2010 marks Rob's 32nd year as an announcer and his 5th as a full-time air show announcer.

At the International Council of Air Shows 2007 convention in Las Vegas, Rob became the 34th recipient of the ICAS "Sword of Excellence," the highest award an air show professional can receive.

He's recognized by pilots around the country as the on-camera host for Sporty's Pilot Shops pilot training videos.

While still a college student in Cincinnati, Rob began work as a singer and co-host of a live, daily talk-variety show that was broadcast in 4 cities in the Midwest.

During his 13-year career there he won 5 Emmy awards for his on-air performance and musical compositions. Over the years he appeared as a soloist with the famed Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and has sung both "The Star Spangled Banner" and "O Canada" for many air shows and major league baseball games.

In 1979 his television work took him to the Dayton Air Show and he immediately became a volunteer. By 1990 Rob was the "color announcer," working with award-winning announcers Bill Bordeleau and Danny Clisham. He learned from the best in the business.

Rob began to work on the "air show circuit" and has been a member of ICAS for 15 years. ICAS has also recognized his talent by asking him to be the master of ceremonies for the final night convention "Chairman's Banquet" for nine of the last ten years."

February 2009 - Meeting Summary

Braving the weather for the February meeting was very rewarding as we heard Dick Curtis tell us some of his experiences flying P-51 Mustangs during World War II.  Mr. Curtis had all of our attention as he talked about the strafing runs he was assigned to.  He also shared that the Tusakagee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group were just down the road from where he was stationed in Italy.   While sharing some somber moments that only those who have experienced in WWII can really share, he also had us laughing as he shared his great sense of humor (none of us are convinced the designers of the P-51 meant for the scoop to be used corn harvesting!)

Below are some the pictures Dick Curtis shared during his presentation.  Additionally, links are provided at the bottom of this post for the books Mr. Curtis has authored and offered at our meeting.  To Haley Norwood – thank you for your assistance in making the arrangements for Mr. Curtis to speak to us and transporting to and from our meeting.  Thank you to Mr. Curtis for signing the copies we purchased at our meeting!

The slide show used during the meeting is posted here.


A reminder from the meeting:  Jim Bettner wanted to remind everyone to send in their scholarship nominees as soon as possible.  Have the ability to review as many of the application before the deadline is extremely helpful.  Thank you!

2010 Fly-In Events for greater central Indiana

April 13 – 18 Sun ‘N’ Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), Lakeland, FL

April 16 - 18 Doolittle Raid Reunion, USAF Museum, Dayton, OH http://www.airforcemuseum.com/

April 17 Purdue University Fly-In, Lafayette Airport (LAF), Lafayette, IN

May 2 Fly-In Breakfast, Moraine Airport (I73), Dayton, OH

May 15 Sporty’s Fly-In, 9 – 2 pm, Batavia, Clermont Airport (I69), Batavia, OH

June 5 Fly-In Breakfast, Noblesville Airport, (I80)  9 – noon, Noblesville, IN

June 12 & 13 Indpls Air Show, Mt. Comfort Airport (MQJ), Indianapolis, IN

June 17 & 18 Dayton Air Show, Dayton Int’l Airport (DAY), Dayton, OH

June 20 Mishawaka Pilot’s Club Fathers Day Breakfast, Elkhart, IN.

June 25-27 Annual Gathering at Frasca Field, Urbana, IL

June 26 Wings, Wheels & Cruse-In, Fly-In Breakfast, Sheridan Airport (5I4), Sheridan, IN

June 26 Midwest Taildragger Fly-In, Post Air Airport (7L8), Indianapolis, IN

June 26 – 27 WACO AM Fly-In, Mount Vernon (Wynkoop) Airport (6G4), Wynkoop, OH.

July 26 – August 1 Oshkosh Fly-In, Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh, WI

August 7 – 8 Michiana Fly-In, Plymouth, IN

August 28 Down’s Syndrome Fly-In, Executive Airport (TYQ), Indianapolis, IN

September 4 Fly-In / Cruse-In, Marion Mun. Airport (MZZ), Marion, IN

September 10 - 12 EAA Sport Fly-In, Falls of Rough, KY

September 11 - 12 Mid - Eastern Regional Fly-In, Grimes Field (I74), Urbana, OH

September 25 Taildragger Fly-In, Lee Bottom Airport (64I), Hanover, IN

October 10 Hog Roast, Noblesville Airport (I80) 9 - noon, Noblesville, IN

Greenwood Airport Fly – In, Sometime late summer, no date set,

Greenwood Airport (HFY), Greenwood, IN

Also check: www.eaa.org/calendar

By: Don Born

Distance learning

Distance learning: "When I think of distance learning it's the internet that comes to mind. I'm sure there must be some Open University stuff on TV these days, but I never seem to stumble across it, or its seventies style lecturers.

So what's this? This DC-6 was operated by Purdue University, it took off, lowered its TV transmission antenna and loitered while broadcasting educational programs.

I'm told the crew had access to parachutes, just in case the antenna failed to retract for landing!

There's a great Popular Mecahnics article from January 1961 here.

"

Redi Strip Indy

Aircraft Restoration

View Photos




Redi Strip has helped the US Military refurbish parts from the B1 bomber to wing-mounted rocket launch rails used on America’s front line fighters.  We have helped vintage restorers of Aeroncas, Cubs, Cessnas, Mooneys and most experimental aircraft. We can chemically strip the paint from the sheet metal in a aluminum safe stripping bath and we can fine media blast steel parts such as the fuselage frame,wing struts,engine mounts and other 4130 steel components.

Redi Strip was started by a couple of pilots who met at a grassroots airport in Southern Indiana. Over the years, collectively, they have owned and maintained 19 different aircraft.  Parter, General Manager Boyd Birchler is a 5500 hour pilot/A&P/IA.  Partner Joe Ewing is a 2500 hour pilot and is a 2 time runner up and 2 time NMCA National Drag Racing USA Overall Champion.

Phone & Fax  P: (317) 545-2088      f: (317) 545-2090

eMail  info@redistripindy.com

Redi Strip Indy is located at

4020 Millersville Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
3 miles North of Interstate 70

The Reddings take to the air...

(Click images for larger)

Click here for the online edition

A Day in the Life of FedEx Air Traffic Over the United States

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.

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. 

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

Valentine Hangar Dance Saturday 2-13-2010 6PM to 10 PM

The Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) cordially invites you to join us for our Annual Valentine's Day Dinner Dance. On Saturday, February 13, at 6 pm, we will celebrate Valentine's Day in the spirit of a 1940s era USO gala. As always, the hanger promises World War II combat aircraft and military vehicles and many new and old friends interested in aviation history. Sincerely, Col CJ "Wink" Winkler, CAF   Events           The event also includes an era costume contest, dance contest, and silent auction. Uniforms or civilian dress from the era are welcome as is modern cocktail attire or dress military uniforms. The event will be held in a large heated hanger off the main terminal building of Montgomery Aviation at the Indianapolis Executive Airport.   Location               Indianapolis Executive Airport is located at 11329 East State Road 32 in Zionsville, which is 1.5 miles east of Hwy 421 and 6 miles west of Hwy 31. Additional details on the event and the CAF are located online at www.indianawingcaf.org.   Tickets           Tickets are $75/couple or $40/person include a finely catered dinner, cash bar and dancing to the swing and big band music of the 16 piece and vocalist "StarLighters". As always, the hanger promises World War II combat aircraft and military vehicles and many new and old friends interested in aviation history.   Benefit          Proceeds from the event benefit the Indiana wing of the CAF. The Indiana Wing maintains and flies a World War II primary trainer aircraft, a PT-26 Cornell & L-2A Stintson, to airshows around Indiana, educating the public and honoring the men and women of WWII, who built, serviced and flew military aircraft in defense of our great nation. Nationwide, the CAF maintains 150 flying historic combat aircraft, the world's largest collection.     CAF PT 26   flown by Col Gaston & Gibbs Col. G "Bean Counter" Mahler CAF with BT 13     Past Dance Photos   Quick Links... CAF Website Montgomery Aviation   Best Costume 2003 1st Place Dance 2004 2nd Place Dance 2004 Col E.M. "Bomb" Schell CAF 2007 Dance Contest Col. CJ "Wink" Winkler Jan Winkler Col. R."Nav & Abledog" Gibbs

Email Carl Winkler