Kathryn's Report: 10/17/11

Oct 17, 2011

FedEx package of drugs prompts arrest of Kingsport commercial pilot

A Kingsport pilot employed by US Airways has been arrested after allegedly receiving drugs illegally in a FedEx package.

Though an affidavit in Sullivan County court lists the suspect as working for the company, US Airways media relations personnel have declined to confirm or deny his employment. Meanwhile, a Federal Aviation Administration database lists a man by the same name as a certified airline transport and commercial pilot, while the suspect's Facebook page says he's an Airbus 330 captain.

The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office reports Christopher Alan Rumley, 60, of 5701 Cochise Trail, Kingsport, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and arraigned on Thursday. He has been charged with possession of schedule III drugs for resale and bonded out of the Sullivan County jail on Saturday.

An affidavit filed in Sullivan County court states an employee of FedEx, 2165 Highway 75, Blountville, called the Sheriff's Office on Wednesday. The employee advised he had obtained information that Rumley, "was receiving illegally diverted prescription medication through Fed-ex packages."

A search of the package, according to the affidavit, found it contained a jacket and a ziplock baggie, filled with 36 yellow pills. It was reportedly shipped from a freight and cargo company in Greensboro, N.C., with the affidavit naming an individual alleged to have sent it. The pills were later identified as hydrocodone.

The parcel was resealed when Rumley called to report he was coming to pick it up, while a Sullivan County officer responded to wait in the parking lot. When Rumley obtained his package and drove away a deputy conducted a traffic stop.

Police say the officer asked if the package contained pills. Rumley allegedly claimed it contained a jacket, which he had left a friend's house and they had shipped back to him. Consent to search the package was granted, according to police, with the jacket, pills and a note found inside.

The affidavit says the note reads, "you owe $120, I gave you 20 or 25 last time for $40. Don't worry about the fed ex bill just send some 'Tussipax.'"

Vice officers at both Sullivan County and Kingsport police report being unfamiliar with the drug. A web search indicates it's a tablet containing codeine, available over-the-counter in some European countries.

In an April column from Times-News columnist Trease Carpenter, Rumley claimed to fly the route from Charlotte, N.C., to Madrid, Spain. His Facebook page says he's originally from Greensboro, N.C., and captains flights to Western Europe.

Along with the drug charge Rumley was charged with a seatbelt violation in the traffic stop. He has a court date set for Nov. 29.

http://www.timesnews.net

Editorial: Jets - Point Mugu Naval Station, California.

Re: Leon Helfret’s Oct. 14 letter, “Military flights”:

Please do not consider closing our base. Yes, Camarillo has had flights over Santa Rosa Valley recently, but I must point out that this is the price of freedom! Point Mugu Naval Air Station existed long before any of the homes in the Mission Oaks area.

I used to go to Point Mugu with my mother to visit my brother in the hospital there when he returned from Vietnam in the 1960s. I have lived here in Camarillo since 1978 and at no time have I ever wished to close the base. The base protects us. Does Mr. Helfet want Al Qaeda attacking us? We need this base.

I do not think Mr. Helfet realizes that the pilots need to practice maneuvers to stay current. Yes, those jets are loud, but it is better than being dead. I will take the protection of those men and women who work at that base any day of the week rather than complain that some jet is loud. Bring on the jets!

- Denise Gartner Gamboa,

Camarillo

http://www.vcstar.com

Editorial: Silencing jets - Point Mugu Naval Station, California.

Re: Leon Helfret’s Oct. 14 letter, “Military flights”:

I have been a resident on the Point Mugu Naval Station for four years. There have been many days and nights where the sounds of the planes have woken my babies from their naps, caused my dogs to bark uncontrollably or disrupted my concentration during an important study session.

Each time this happens, it is easy to look at it as a negative, but I see it differently. The sounds of these planes serves as a reminder that we are lucky enough to live in the United States of America and have a strong military that allows us the freedoms that we have each day.

Whats next? Will the sounds of an ambulance or police sirens be the next nuisance to the community that should be silenced as well? Next time you hear these planes fly overhead, please consider that these pilots are in training to keep you and the rest of this country safe.

- Amy Hammer,

Point Mugu

http://www.vcstar.com

Scrapped aircraft parts theft: Air India staffers held, released on bail

NEW DELHI: Two Air India staffers, including an assistant manager were arrested for the theft of three tons of scrapped aircraft parts, on Saturday. The accused have been identified as Gyan Chand Garg and Kishan Kumar. However, the duo were released on interim bail on the same day.

"Garg is an assistant manager in the material management department while Kishan is a supervisor. They were granted interim bail on humanitarian grounds because of Karva Chauth on Saturday. However, on Monday, they were bailed out on a bond of Rs four lakh with instructions to assist the police in the probe. We are investigating the matter," said a senior police officer from IGI district.

Around 3000 kg of aircraft parts were found missing in June. An internal inquiry was initiated but when no headway could be made, airline officials contacted the police in September end. The stolen parts were worth one crore, said sources.

Cops have demanded relevant documents of last six months from the duo and have asked for their full co-operation during investigations. Earlier, police suspected the role of insiders in the theft.

"We are investigating how the goods - including more than 1600 engine parts - were stolen from AI's engine overhaul complex, a high security area. The multi-level checking should have stopped the items from being taken outside the complex. We are probing if a bigger racket was involved in the case," added the source.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Fake pilot stunt court case delayed

The six men charged after a made-for-TV airport stunt went wrong have had their case put off for a month while police consider whether granting diversion would be appropriate.

TV presenter Ben Boyce, The Rock host Bryce Casey, TV producer Andrew Robinson, Daniel Watkins, Craig O'Reilly and Gregory Clarke appeared in Manukau District Court this morning facing a single charge under the Civil Aviation Act of providing false information in an attempt to gain access to a secure area.

If convicted the men face up to 12 months in jail or a fine of up to $10,000.

Lawyer Paul Gruar, who represents four of the men, told Judge Charles Blackie he was seeking to remand the matter for consideration of diversion.

Judge Blackie said as the group had indicted they would plead not guilty, the case would have to come back for another hearing. He remanded the matter until November 15.

To get diversion, the men would need to admit to the charge.

All have pleaded not guilty, and will reappear in court next month.

The skit was to be shown on TV3 show WannaBen.

Boyce, the creator of the comedy show Wanna-Ben told ONE News: "It was meant to be a harmless skit. Obviously it escalated and as soon as we found out the police were investigating we got in touch with them. And we're sorry for all the trouble we've caused."

"This was an attempt at humour which we fully accept was misplaced.

"I cannot say how sorry we all are."

But the authorities did not see the funny side of the incident.

The stunt was widely condemned by the aviation industry which said, if convicted, the men could find it difficult to travel internationally.

Police issued a picture of the fake pilot before arresting the men.

Police say the man who donned the pilot's uniform is 32-year-old Bryce Casey, a radio jock on The Rock which is owned by the same company as TV3 - MediaWorks.

CCTV footage appears to show Casey entering Auckland Airport's domestic terminal where police say he tried to get airside before being turned away and leaving in a van.

Irene King of the Airline Industry Association said the incident could have led to people having their flights delayed.

"It could have ultimately resulted in some very intrusive screening of passengers on regional operations," she said.

Prime Minister John Key said the stunt, in the middle of the Rugby World Cup and close to the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, was "irresponsible from a bunch of clowns that should know better".

"We are in the middle of hosting a Rugby World Cup and if these are people who are just playing games, they need to grow up."

Each week, Wanna-Ben sees Boyce search for a new job.

The series currently receives nearly $600,000 in New Zealand on Air funding.

At the time of the incident, the agency's CEO told ONE News that the pilot prank is an editorial matter.

http://tvnz.co.nz

Fatal hot air balloon crash pair may have blacked out through lack of oxygen, says accident report

TWO hot air balloonists who died when they crashed on to a bowling green may have blacked out through a lack of oxygen, a report revealed yesterday.

Pilot Lee Pibworth, 42, and friend Allan Burnett, 55, reached a record 21,780ft on New Year’s Day but then radio contact was lost.

The balloon hit the ground, just missing houses, and burst into flames at Midsomer Norton, Somerset.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said they had oxygen equipment but may not have used it properly.

http://www.mirror.co.uk

Low-flying Plane Scanning Central Washington for Scientific Clues to Past, Future

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

Citizens and visitors should not be alarmed if they witness a low-flying aircraft scanning central Washington terrain during the fall.

Starting on Monday, Oct. 17, and lasting for about two months, a low-flying airplane under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey will begin collecting and recording geophysical measurements over central Washington for scientific research purposes. The plane will collect measurements from the areas surrounding and including the city of Wenatchee, Stevens Pass, parts of Chelan, Douglas, and Grant Counties, and the towns of Chelan and Entiat.

This scientific analysis is designed to remotely study geologic and hydrologic features that lie below the land surface. It is part of an ongoing USGS federal research program to identify physical occurrences such as changes in rock types. The program’s goal is to provide a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of the region via an aerial perspective.

The plane is operated by Firefly Aviation Ltd., of Calgary, Canada under contract to the USGS and is controlled by experienced pilots who are specially trained for low-level flying. Firefly Aviation is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure flights are in accordance with U.S. law.

http://www.usgs.gov

Plane crashes at Myricks Airport (1M8) Berkley, Massachusetts.

Emergency crews on scene of a plane crash near Myricks Airport in Berkley, Massachusetts Monday, October 17, 2011.

Photo Credit: Steve Nielsen

BERKLEY, Mass. -- Berkley firefighters and first responders were on the scene of a small plane crash at the Myricks Airport in Berkley.

The plane crashed on the tree line and was upside down. It is not known if the plane was attempting to land or if it had just taken off.

A medical helicopter was on the scene and one person was loaded into an ambulance. Injuries are unknown at this time.

BERKLEY - Authorities say a small plane has crashed in Berkley and one person has been taken by medical helicopter to Boston for treatment.

A Berkley fire department dispatcher says additional information was not immediately available because emergency officials were still at the crash scene early Monday evening.

She said the plane crashed at the Myricks airfield at about 5:15 p.m.

Television footage showed a single-engine plane that had apparently crashed into some trees at the private airfield before flipping on its nose, leaving its tail leaning against the trees. Firefighters and police officers were seen standing around the aircraft.

A medical helicopter took one person to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for treatment.

Plane Diverted To KJAX For Engine Problems: 2nd Plane To Make Emergency Landing In Jacksonville Since Friday. Jacksonville International Airport, Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- An American Airlines flight traveling from Detroit to Miami was diverted to Jacksonville late Monday afternoon.

The plane made an emergency landing at Jacksonville International Airport just after 5 p.m.

There were 149 people on board flight 1011.

Officials said the plane was diverted because an engine was going out.

A Delta plane traveling from Tampa to Detroit was diverted to Jacksonville on Friday for the same reason.

Cherry Point sets up claims center for Havelock Chili Festival incident

A temporary telephone information line will also be available to people seeking claims-related information at (252) 466-4241 beginning Tuesday, October 18th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice.

Cherry Point is setting up a claims center after a Marine Corps helicopter’s take-off Saturday at the Havelock Chili Festival blew down tents, damaged merchandise and sent four people to the hospital.

Those four people reportedly have been released, with one woman suffering a broken leg and shoulder. One man was knocked unconscious during the incident in which wind created by the helicopter’s rotors sent various items flying across the festival area.

The claims center will be for anyone who may have had property damage or was injured during the incident. The center will open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center.

Afterward, claims may be filed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Cherry Point’s Joint Law Center on 2nd Avenue.

Also, a temporary phone information line has been set up at 466-4241 and will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cherry Point officials are investigating the incident in which Marine Corps rescue helicopter Pedro took off Saturday afternoon for its return to the base after it was on static display during the festival.

First Lt. Megan Greathouse, media officer at Cherry Point, said there is no timetable on how long the investigation will take.

“These investigations can take a long time,” she said. “It is not possible to estimate the time as all investigations vary in length, depending on the amount of information being sought and how many witnesses are available to provide information.”

Greathouse said the investigation is a formal process.

“An investigator who is knowledgeable about the type of aircraft involved and the procedures for use of that aircraft will question anyone and everyone who can provide information about the incident,” she said. “He will likely talk to anyone who can shed light on the events.”

She said the names of the pilot and the crew of the helicopter were not being released.

A Cherry Point Pedro rescue helicopter was on static display the previous weekend at the Mumfest in New Bern and has been a regular feature at a number of festivals and events in the area, including Military Family Appreciation Day in Havelock. That event is held at the same location as the Chili Festival. Greathouse said there have not been any similar incidents at any of those events.

The Cherry Point-based HH-46 Pedro helicopter had been on static display throughout Saturday at the festival near the Havelock Police Department and took off about 3:45 p.m., flying over part of the festival grounds at Walter B. Jones Park.

The wind created from the turning rotors overturned vendor tents and sent papers, tables, chairs and merchandise flying through the air as the helicopter lifted off.

Havelock rescue personnel transported four people to CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern for treatment. There were also others with minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises.

Many rescue personnel were already at the festival, and others were at the nearby fire station and quickly attended to those with injuries.

When the helicopter landed around 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the start of the festival, it first circled the area and came in from the direction of Cunningham Boulevard, away from the festival grounds. It landed near the Havelock Police Department facing toward the festival area, and the wind from the rotors did not cause a problem.

When the helicopter took off near the end of the festival, the pilot headed in the direction it was facing, which was right over the festival grounds.

The helicopter took off just as the band The Yams was playing its last song and just before the awards ceremony was about to begin.

http://www.havenews.com

Details on Tulip City Airport plane crash. Brinkerhuff Q-200, N2935R. Accident occurred October 06, 2011 in Holland, Michigan

by WOODTV8 on Oct 17, 2011

More details on a plane crash at Tulip City Airport two weeks ago are becoming available.

http://youtu.be/9jYJYHkqoS0

NTSB Identification: CEN12FA010
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, October 06, 2011 in Holland, MI
Aircraft: BRINKERHUFF GERALD G Q200, registration: N2935R
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On October 6, 2011, at 1835 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Brinkerhuff Q-200, N2935R, collided with an approach light and the terrain while landing at the Tulip City Airport (BIV), Holland, Michigan. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.

Two witnesses, located on the airport, reported seeing the airplane performing touch and go landings prior to the accident. They stated the airplane and engine appeared and sounded normal. Another witness on a road that bordered the airport reported seeing the airplane as it approached the airport. This witness reported the airplane's landing approach appeared to be low.

The airplane was making a landing approach to runway 26 when it contacted the horizontal light mounting beam on top of a medium intensity approach light system (MALSR) pole. The 14-foot 8-inch tall light stanchion that was contacted was the second one from the approach end of the runway. The airplane then contacted the ground and came to rest inverted in the grass approximately 134 feet prior to the approach end of the runway.

Top 2 executives at Piper Aircraft released, Altaire jet program being reviewed

VERO BEACH — Piper Aircraft Inc.'s Altaire business jet program is "under review" and two of the company's top executives have been released.

Piper spokeswoman Jackie Carlon on Monday morning said there have been no layoffs and construction of the jet's manufacturing building is still ongoing.

The company said in a release that it will announce the conclusion of the review to employees and the industry as soon as possible.

In July, the company said almost 200 engineers and workers had been assigned to the development of the new single-engine business jet. The total workforce at the time was about 840 people.

At one time, Piper said it had about 160 advance orders for the new jet, which it redesigned and renamed the Altaire to much fanfare last October. The company traveled to various events throughout the United States with a mock-up of the model during the past year.

Piper was seen by some industry observers to have a leg up on the competition because of the investment being made into the program by its parent company, Imprimis. The corporate financial and investment management firm, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance of Brunei, acquired Piper in 2009.

Carlon said the review is to determine whether the company should proceed with the business jet based on current and forecast market conditions.

President and Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Berger and Executive Vice President Randy Groom are no longer with the company. Groom joined Piper as executive vice president in June 2010, while Berger joined the company as chief executive officer in July 2010.

Simon Caldecott, vice president of operations, has been named interim president and chief executive officer. Caldecott was named vice president of operations for Piper in November 2010.

In a prepared statement, Caldecott, said "While the company continues to achieve internal financial and delivery targets for the existing turboprop and piston product lines, we have initiated a review of the Altaire business jet development program. This is being undertaken to ensure the company is properly aligning business goals and light jet market forecasts with investment strategies and economic forecasts."

The construction of the PiperJet and the jobs it would produce was a selling point that company supporters used in obtaining government incentives to keep the company in Vero Beach. The county and state came up with a $32 million incentive package to keep the company, successfully competing with several other communities that were trying to lure the company away. The package called for providing $12 million in county money and $20 million from the state if the company met certain benchmarks in investments and employment.

The company used about $4 million of incentive money from the county and $6.7 million from the state in 2008, combining that with its own money to make various capital improvements and repairs to its buildings. The company has not met the numbers needed for additional payments and could have to repay one-seventh of the money it received from the county if it fails to meet certain benchmarks by the end of the year.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

http://www.tcpalm.com

Police: Plane that crash-landed in Williamsburg lost power

A man and woman in a small plane were unharmed when it crash-landed this morning at a parking area on Richmond Road.

The crash was reported about 11 a.m. at the High Street Garage in the 1400 block of Richmond Road, according to Sgt. Michelle Anaya, Virginia State Police spokeswoman.

The single-engine plane was having engine problems when the pilot saw an open field and planned to land there, said Eric Stone, spokesman for the Williamsburg Fire Department. One of the plane's wings clipped the parking garage as it tried to land, then the aircraft ended up in a parking lot behind a strip shopping center.

Virginia State Police said the 1973 Cessna lost power. The pilot, Hans Kopper, 81, of Williamsburg, and his passenger each escaped without injury and no one on the ground was injured.

The plane was heavily damaged, Stone said.

Virginia State Police were still on the scene investigating about 1 p.m.

Pilot writer Lauren King contributed to this story.

http://hamptonroads.com

Rick Huseman Glen Helen Interview. Beechcraft Bonanza E33, N7011N. Aircraft crashed in desert terrain, the 3 persons on board were fatally injured, 5 miles from Daggett, California.

by OFFROADEXIT on Oct 16, 2011

Live on Dirt Interviews Rick Huseman at the 2011 Glen Helen August Lucas Oil Offroad Race. Tragically Huseman was killed on October 16th 2011 in a plane crash along with his brother Jeff and friend Danny.

Rick Huseman 1973-2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpR7KU58-es&feature=colike

Finding into pilot's death due today

Nick Cree, 32, a flight commander at the central training school in Ohakea, died when he crashed near the Raumai weapons range.

The findings of an inquiry into an air force training crash that killed Squadron Leader Nick Cree will be released this afternoon.

The New Zealand Defence Force is releasing the Court of Inquiry findings into the January 2010 crash.

Cree, 32, a flight commander at the central training school in Ohakea, died when he crashed near the Raumai weapons range, west of Bulls, on a training flight for the air force's elite aerobatics team the Red Checkers.

He was survived by a wife and young son.

Cree was practising manoeuvres for the Red Checkers, but at the time was said to be trying one of the safer moves performed by the squad.

The five-plane team of experienced pilots routinely fly in formation just one metre apart but were practising moves separately at the time.

Cree was described by his family as an excellent sportsman, who had completed two Ironman competitions, as well as a skilled pilot and a family man.

The Red Checkers were grounded after the crash while investigations were carried out.

http://www.stuff.co.nz

Beechcraft Bonanza E33, N7011N: Accident occurred October 16, 2011 in Daggett, California

NTSB Identification: WPR12FA012
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, October 16, 2011 in Daggett, CA
Aircraft: BEECH E33, registration: N7011N
Injuries: 3 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On October 16, 2011, at 1256 Pacific daylight time, the pilot of a Beech E33, N7011N, reported experiencing a loss of engine power and the airplane subsequently impacted terrain during the forced landing nine miles northeast of the Daggett-Barstow Airport, Daggett, California. The airplane was operated by Fly Corona! as a rental airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot who had rented the airplane and his two passengers were fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from North Las Vegas, Nevada, about 1200.

A US Army helicopter pilot in the area at the time of the accident reported that he heard the pilot state on the Daggett-Barstow airport radio frequency that he had an engine problem and was 10 miles north of Barstow-Daggett airport. He then observed the airplane flying on a southwesterly course about 500 feet above ground level (agl) as it approached a series of power lines. The airplane then pitched up 15 degrees, yawed to the right, and made two 360-degree rotations while in a vertical descent before the airplane impacted terrain. There was no post impact fire.

Examination of the engine revealed a 2-inch hole in the top of the crank case between the number 3 and 4 cylinders. Metal flakes were identified in the folds of the oil filter, and metal flakes were observed distributed on the interior surface of the oil sump. The number 1 piston connecting rod was not attached to the crankshaft and the end cap was bent flat. The connecting rod and end cap were not discolored. The number 4 and 6 connecting rods had separated from the crank shaft and exhibited black discoloration consistent with extreme thermal stress. The number 5 connecting rod was attached to the crankshaft with its end cap attach bolts in place, however, it was discolored brownish-black. The bearing had extruded and deformed between the crankshaft and connecting rod yoke. The number 2 connecting rod was attached to the crankshaft and had dark discolorations. Mechanical damage to the interior of the engine case was evident with the most damage observed by the numbers 1, 2, and 4 cylinders.

Authorities in Southern California say three Riverside men died when their small plane crashed in San Bernardino County.

(CNN/KCAL)

BARSTOW, Calif. (AP) — Off-road racing fans are mourning the death of champion Rick Huseman and two others killed in a Southern California desert plane crash.

Toyota confirms Monday that the 38-year-old Huseman, his brother, Jeff, and a pilot died in Sunday's crash in San Bernardino County.

Coroner's officials said earlier that three Riverside men, ages 26, 35 and 38, died but that their names were being withheld pending official confirmation.

Huseman was a member of Toyota's off-road racing program. He won the 2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Pro-4 championship.

Authorities say a Beech 33 Bonanza was flying from North Las Vegas, Nev., to Corona when the pilot declared an emergency Sunday afternoon. The plane was heading to Barstow-Daggett Airport to land when it went down in Newberry Springs.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

http://www.wlfi.com

http://registry.faa.gov/N7011N

Wyoming commercial air traffic rises slightly

October 17, 2011 --

Commercial air traffic in Wyoming during the first eight months of 2011 increased slightly, 1.3 percent, from 2010 during the same period. Cheyenne Regional Airport showed the biggest gains in total passengers (enplaning and deplaning) at 31,414 for the first eight months, 71.1 percent over last year.

Officials attributed the dramatic rise to American Eagle’s daily flight between Cheyenne and Dallas-Fort Worth. Passenger use of the regional jet service appears to be increasing. The airline started out with two round-trip flights, but cut service back to one daily trip. The service is heavily subsidized by local interests in Cheyenne.

Overall, Wyoming’s 10 commercial airports saw 726,111 passengers through August, according to figures provided by Amber Schlabs at the State Aeronautics Division office in Cheyenne.

Jackson Hole Airport experienced nearly a 3 percent decline compared to last year. The airport still saw 424,447 passengers boarding and arriving. Airlines using Jackson take advantage of subsidies offered by the community. The Sheridan County Airport dropped 7.7 percent with 17,980 passengers. Sheridan competes with Billings for airline passengers, as do some other Wyoming airports

The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport experienced a generous gain of 25.3 percent, with 35,939 passengers in and out. The airport enjoys service to Denver and Salt Lake City, plus a flight from Gillette to Rock Springs to Salt Lake City.

The Gillette-Campbell County Airport showed a healthy 15.7 percent increase over last year with a 41,203 passenger total. The Casper-Natrona County Airport experienced a slight decrease of 1.5 percent through August, with a total to date of 106,576 passengers.

Worland Municipal Airport saw a 12.1 percent increase over last year with 4,011 passengers boarding and deplaning during the first eight months of this year. Worland is one of two Wyoming commercial airports where airlines receive Essential Air Service subsidies per passenger. Laramie, the state’s only other EAS airport, experienced a 3.3 percent increase in passengers in 2011.

Passenger fares play a large role in determining usage of Wyoming commercial airports. According to numbers released by the Aeronautics Division, there were significant increases in walk-up fares in August of this year compared to August of 2010. For instance, Cody walk-up fares increased 38 percent. Fares last year were $744 compared to 2011 fares of $1,024.

Casper fares climbed by 19 percent; Cheyenne 16 percent; Laramie 25 percent, and Rock Springs and Sheridan, both 18 percent. Jackson’s walk-up fare increased 27 percent. Leisure fares at some airports saw increases, but not as severely as the walk-up fares. In one case, the Rock Springs leisure fare dropped 10 percent from $409 to $368. The largest leisure increase was at Jackson, with a 28 percent increase from $525 to $624.

Capacity changes — seats available — also impact airport usage. Casper lost seats when Delta pulled regional jet service in favor of SkyWest’s small propjets to Salt Lake City. Rock Springs added seats to Denver and saw an increase in daily usage.

http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com

Yakima, Washington: Man restores antique and classic airplanes

YAKIMA, Wash.-- Hobbies can come in all shapes and sizes, for one Yakima man, it's airplane sized.

Richard Pingrey collects and restores antique and classic airplanes in his hangar at the Yakima Airport. Pingrey took up his hobby after retiring as a Pan Am pilot several years ago.

He has a plane from 1929 that he takes around to air shows, and he's currently restoring two aircraft from 1927. He says proper restorations can take years.

"Just one way or another kinda came into... focus and existence. And we've got 'em coming along and if I live to be 120 years old I'll be able to get them finished," he says.

Pingrey is actually completely rebuilding one plane all the way up from its frame. If you want to see these planes for yourself, Pingrey says he is in his hangar at the Yakima Airport a few days a week.

http://www.kndo.com

Raw Video: Helicopter Demo Injures Kids

by Associated Press

Police say eight children were injured by flying debris as they watched a helicopter land during a police exercise in Serbia. (October 17)

http://youtu.be/gs_W2QxSPnM

JAGODINA -- Eight spectators were injured at the FC Jagodina football stadium in Jagodina, central Serbia, during a helicopter landing.

The police aircraft was used in an exercise by a counter-terrorist unit.

The helicopter's main rotor lifted up panels used to display advertisements, which were placed beside the pitch, and sent them flying towards the stands.

This resulted in injuries of children - most of them local second and third graders. 20 were examined by doctors, while eight were hospitalized, however, none with serious injuries, according to the doctors.

Reports suggest that one of the children suffered a concussion, while another had a broken collarbone.

The exercise was part of the celebration marking an anniversary of Jagodina's liberation from Nazi German occupation in the Second World War.

Jagodina Mayor Dragan Marković and his grandson escaped injury "by pure chance", according to reports.

Airport worker convicted in case of masked man who flew to Vancouver

The unidentified man who apparently swapped boarding passes with a 55-year-old American citizen in Hong Kong, and donned a disguise, which consisted of a silicone mask that covered his head, neck and part of his chest. He topped it off with a brown cardigan and apple cap, and a pair of spectacles.

Canada Border Services

The Chinese man donned a silicone mask to fool immigration officials

Photo: EPA

An airport worker in Hong Kong has been convicted in the case of a young Chinese man who flew to Canada last year using a mask to disguise himself as an elderly Caucasian.

Radio Television Hong Kong, or RTHK, says a district court has found the airport worker guilty of being part of a conspiracy to smuggle people with false passports and boarding passes.

The government-run broadcaster says the employee worked as an airport ground services agent in Hong Kong.

Sentencing in the case has been adjourned, according to RTHK.

Previous reports said eight people in Hong Kong had been arrested in the case, which attracted widespread attention largely because of the bizarre appearance of the silicon mask used for the disguise.

The identity of the masked man who flew to Vancouver last October is protected by a publication ban.

He was detained in Vancouver for three months but an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator ordered him released in February on condition he post a $5,000 bond and report weekly to the Canada Border Services Agency.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com

Kingfisher Airlines sacks 30 engineers

Cash-strapped Kingfisher Airlines, saddled with huge losses and debts, is learnt to have sacked 30 engineers last month.

The sacking, company sources said, comes at a time when the airline is consolidating operations, and did not rule out the possibility of more technical staff being pink slipped in the coming months.

The Vijay Mallya-led airline hasn’t made a profit since its inception in 2005. “Decisions made in the day-to-day running of the airline are not communicated, shared or discussed externally,” Kingfisher said in an email reply to the questions from HT.

“With the Indian air transport market undergoing upheaval and changes, we shouldn’t be surprised to see more engineers or flight crews leave Kingfisher,” said Saj Ahmad, a London-based aviation analyst. “If, engineers have been asked to leave, one has to ask what is happening to the eventual fleet size at Kingfisher? The real question is whether this new direction Kingfisher heads-in, actually delivers any benefits?”

“There exists some excess technical staff in Kingfisher because of reduction in fleet by 20% in last 2-3 years and since Kingfisher is consolidating operations and not expanding, allowing engineers to leave is in line with their current operational requirements,” said Kapil Kaul, South Asia CEO of Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, an aviation consultancy and research firm.

http://www.hindustantimes.com

Florida: Flooding closes Key West airport for 3 hours

MIAMI -- The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says Key West International Airport was closed for almost three hours Monday morning due to taxiway flooding. Sheriff's spokeswoman Becky Herrin says the airport may close again and most flights have been canceled.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is urging beachgoers to stay out of the water where red flags are posted.

Authorities say 48 accidents were reported on South Florida highways Sunday night after a day of rain. That includes nine hit-and-runs and a fatal accident in the Florida Keys involving a pedestrian.

Forecasters expect the stormy weather to continue through Wednesday.

http://www.miamiherald.com

Factory output rises on truck, airplane demand

U.S. factories produced more goods in September for a third straight month, the latest signal that the economy is rebounding from its summer slump.

They made more airplanes, trucks and home electronics last month to meet rising demand, the Federal Reserve said Monday.

The 0.4 percent increase in factory output followed other promising signs in September. Hiring increased slightly, and retail sales grew by the most in seven months.

Economists say the brighter data suggest the July-September quarter is shaping up to be better than first thought. While few are predicting the kind of steady growth needed to significantly lower the unemployment rate, many are less convinced that the economy is on the verge of another recession.

"After taking such an amazing punch to the gut in August, the U.S. economy across the board seems to have rebounded well in September," said Ellen Zentner, an economist with Nomura Securities Inc.

Overall industrial production edged up 0.2 percent last month after being unchanged in August. Utility output decreased sharply, while mines continued to produce more.

Auto output increased for a third straight month, home electronics production for a fifth.

Zentner said Monday's report supports her forecast that economy grew at an annual rate of 2.7 percent in the third quarter. That's well above the 0.9 percent growth in the first half of the year, the weakest since the recession officially ended more than two years ago.

Investors appeared to be more concerned about Europe after the German government played down hopes that a solution to the debt crisis was imminent. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped more than 164 points in midday trading. Broader indexes also declined.

The European debt crisis still threatens the U.S. economy. But Zentner said the U.S. economy is showing "amazing resilience in the face of that uncertainty."

U.S. industrial production has increased 12.8 percent since June 2009. It remains 5.8 percent below its recent peak, reached in September 2007.

A key reason for the factory growth is that businesses are investing more in equipment. Production of business equipment rose 1 percent in September, the third straight increase of 1 percent or more.

Strong demand for business equipment matched other reports that showed companies are sticking with their investment plans, despite slow growth and weak consumer spending. In August, businesses ordered more machinery, computers and communication equipment and shipments of those products also increased, the government said last month.

A separate regional survey from the Fed Monday showed that manufacturing in the northeast region continued to contract. But many economists played down the overall decrease, largely because measures of new orders, shipments and hiring all turned from negative to positive in the October survey.

Manufacturing played a crucial role in the early stages of the recovery. Factories were among the first businesses to start growing after the recession officially ended in June 2009.

However, manufacturing slowed this spring. Consumers cut back on purchases in the face of higher prices for gas and food. And the March earthquake in Japan disrupted supply chains, which slowed U.S. auto production.

Manufacturers cut 13,000 jobs in September and 4,000 in August, according to government data. The average length of a factory worker's week declined as well.

High unemployment threatens President Barack Obama's re-election prospects nearly a year before the 2012 election. On Monday, he pressed Congress to pass pieces of his $447 billion jobs bill, at the start of a three-day bus tour through key electoral states.

Senate Republicans this month blocked the broader legislation. It included an extension of a Social Security tax cut, which put an extra $1,000 to $2,000 in Americans pockets this year. The tax cut expires at the end of this year.

Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economists for Capital Economics, said the expiration of the tax cut is a key reason growth could slow again in 2012.

Capital Economics expects 2.5 percent growth in the third quarter and 2.0 percent growth in the final three months of this year. But it is predicting just 1.5 percent growth for all of 2012. That's not enough to lower the unemployment rate, which was 9.1 percent last month.

"The third quarter turned out to be a lot better than some feared and the economy has a little momentum going into the fourth," Ashworth said in a research note. "Nevertheless, we're still more worried about the first quarter of next year, particularly if the temporary payroll tax reduction is allowed to expire at the end of this year."

http://www.blueridgenow.com

NTSB investigates crash, death of Edmond pilot . Official: Pilot reported running out of fuel before crash. Piper Cherokee PA28-140. N6085W

EDMOND — A 62-year-old Edmond pilot reported running out of fuel before his plane crashed Sunday afternoon near Guthrie east of Interstate 35, officials said.

At about 3:30 p.m. a 1964 fixed-wing single engine Piper Cherokee appeared to be traveling southbound and descended into a power pole before striking the ground, according to information released by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The aircraft then turned 180 degrees before coming to a rest against a tin metal shed at in the zero block of Bogey Drive, troopers said. The pilot and a passenger were pinned for about one hour before being freed by the Guthrie Fire Department, troopers said.

Darrell Allen Smittle, 62, of Edmond, was pronounced dead at the scene by the medical examiner due to injuries sustained in the collision, troopers said.

Passenger Darrell Stewart Smittle, 41, of Edmond, was transported by an air ambulance to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he was admitted in serious condition, troopers said. Monday morning he was listed in critical condition, hospital spokeswoman Natalie Fix said.

Passenger Joshua Smittle, 11, of Norman, was transported by Guthrie EMS to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he was admitted in stable condition, troopers said. He was later released, Fix said.

Monday morning, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation. He said an investigator likely would be at the scene sometime today. Lunsford confirmed that the pilot reported running out of fuel before the crash. At the time, skies were clear, troopers said.

According to the FAA registry, the aircraft’s individual registration was valid through March 2012. It was owned by Darrell Allen Smittle. The plane was a Piper PA-28-140.

http://www.faa.gov/Accident_incident/preliminary

Crews are expected to retrieve a plane that made an emergency landing in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. PA-60 AEROSTAR, N3643D

Sea Tow officials say they expect to remove the plane from the marsh at some point on Monday. Pilot Terry Huenefeld was able to safely land the twin engine piper plane just off Horlbeck Creek on Thursday.

An FAA spokesperson says their investigators will help gather information to provide to the National Transportation Safety Board, and then the NTSB will determine what caused the emergency landing.

Another big concern of authorities on the scene was whether or not the plane was leaking any fuel. The Coast Guard was called out to control any spills.

"With the amount of fuel on board I don't think it would be very detrimental to marine life, but any fuel can't be good, so the coast guard is here to prevent that," Sea Tow assistant manager Doug Miller said.

http://www.faa.gov/Accident_incident/preliminary

Report: Pilot killed in crash came in too low, struck light pole. Brinkerhuff Q-200, N2935R. Holland, Michigan.

A federal flight investigator has written in an accident report that a man killed in a crash at Tulip City Airport in Holland struck a light pole positioned before the runway starts.

Gerald Brinkerhuff died Oct. 6 as he practiced touch and go landings.

The Grand Rapids Press reports today that Pamela Sullivan of the National Transportation Safety Board discovered that Brinkerhuff's Q-200 aircraft clipped the approach light pole as the 65-year-old Gobles man came in about 6:35 p.m.

His plane was classified as an experimental aircraft because it was amateur-built. It went into the ground and suffered substantial damage.

In her preliminary report, Sullivan wrote that Brinkerhuff and his plane came to a rest 134 feet away from the runway. He was the plane's sole occupant.

NTSB Identification: CEN12FA010
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, October 06, 2011 in Holland, MI
Aircraft: BRINKERHUFF GERALD G Q200, registration: N2935R
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On October 6, 2011, at 1835 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Brinkerhuff Q-200, N2935R, collided with an approach light and the terrain while landing at the Tulip City Airport (BIV), Holland, Michigan. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.

Two witnesses, located on the airport, reported seeing the airplane performing touch and go landings prior to the accident. They stated the airplane and engine appeared and sounded normal. Another witness on a road that bordered the airport reported seeing the airplane as it approached the airport. This witness reported the airplane's landing approach appeared to be low.

The airplane was making a landing approach to runway 26 when it contacted the horizontal light mounting beam on top of a medium intensity approach light system (MALSR) pole. The 14-foot 8-inch tall light stanchion that was contacted was the second one from the approach end of the runway. The airplane then contacted the ground and came to rest inverted in the grass approximately 134 feet prior to the approach end of the runway.
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HOLLAND – Gerald Brinkerhuff, who died in an Oct. 6 plane crash as he practiced touch and go landings at Tulip City Airport, struck a light pole that is positioned before the runway starts, a federal flight investigator wrote in an accident report.

Pamela Sullivan, from the National Transportation Safety Board, discovered that Brinkerhuff's Q-200 aircraft clipped the approach light pole, which stands 14-feet, 8-inches tall, as the 65-year-old Gobles man came in about 6:35 p.m.

His plane, classified as an experimental aircraft because it was amateur built, went into the ground and suffered substantial damage. Brinkerhuff and his plane came to a rest 134 feet away from the runway, Sullivan wrote in a preliminary report. He was the sole occupant of the airplane.

Two witnesses at the airport reported the plane's operation appeared and sounded normal, but a third witness, along a road bordering the airport, told authorities the craft seemed to be coming in too low.

Brinkerhuff was also involved in an August plane crash in Battle Creek.

Authorities investigate fatal plane crash

The Civil Aviation Authority will today be investigating the site where a light-plane crashed in Arrowtown leaving one man dead.

Ian Douglas Sloan, 59, of Tauranga, died after the Cessna nosedived into a golf course, with the tail of the plane breaking in half upon impact.

The plane, which was registered to Sloan, had left from Invercargill and crashed between the 5th and 8th hole of the Arrowtown golf course on Centennial Ave.

Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron says the plane, with three people on board, came down several hundred metres away from a private airstrip.

A man and a woman have been taken to Lakes District Hospital and were in a stable condition last night.

Witnesses to the crash tried to free the victims from the wreckage.

Cameron told The Southland Times the first people at the scene did everything they could to help.

"What they did was all they could do in the circumstances, so I think all we can do is praise their efforts," Mr Cameron said.

Cameron could not say what the cause of the crash was and said that would be determined by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mark Shepherd, an assistant manager at the course, said members on the course heard the crash and took a cart to the scene. He said they called emergency services which arrived quickly.

Shepherd told ONE News club members described the plane as "all torn up, with a wing off and the front shredded up".

From the club house, which is some distance form the crash site, Shepherd said he couldn't see any smoke. But he said he fears it is quite serious because the crash was heard right around the course.

A local resident said it looks as if the aircraft has hit the ground very hard.

Eyewitnesses said it appears the plane may have slammed into a hillside on the golf course.

Wreckage is spread over some distance.

There was some rain and a breeze about at the time of the crash.

Witnesses tried to free plane crash victims

Witnesses to a light-plane crash at Arrowtown tried to free the victims from the wreckage.

One person is dead after the plane crashed at an Arrowtown golf course yesterday afternoon.

Ian Douglas Sloan, 59, of Tauranga, died after the Cessna nosedived into the course, with the tail of the plane breaking in half upon impact.

The plane, which was registered to Sloan, had left from Invercargill and crashed between the 5th and 8th hole of the Arrowtown golf course on Centennial Ave.

Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron says the plane, with three people on board, came down several hundred metres away from a private airstrip.

A man and a woman have been taken to Lakes District Hospital in a serious condition. The two survivors were in a stable condition last night.