Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Crop duster-backed tower regs approved in Idaho

From a short distance, guy wires supporting towers in farm fields are virtually invisible to crop dusting pilots, explained Leif Isaacson, owner of Desert Air Ag in Terreton, Idaho.

The towers also tend to blend with their surroundings.

Isaacson believes a law Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed March 27 will go a long way toward protecting his employees from a safety hazard that's becoming increasingly prevalent as farmers look to lease their ground for wind energy projects.

The new legislation, HO 511a, requires owners of rural guyed towers between 50 feet tall and the minimum Federal Aviation Administration regulation threshold of 200 feet tall to be clearly marked for low-flying aircraft. It excludes cell towers and power poles.

Isaacson, vice president of the National Agricultural Aviation Association, said meteorological towers that gather data in fields for siting wind turbines pose one of his industry's greatest challenges.

"Those towers aren't erected with our knowledge. There can be a tower one day, and the next day there can be another one just a half-mile away," Isaacson said, emphasizing he doesn't oppose their use if they're made visible.

Violations of the law are punishable as a misdemeanor. It takes effect July 1. Towers in rural areas covered by the law must be painted in seven alternating bands of orange and white, with a flashing light at the top visible from 2,000 feet by day and detectable with night vision goggles. Guy wires must be marked by two colored balls and 7-foot sleeves at each anchor point.

The law prevents growers from planting within the footprint of towers, requiring a contrasting appearance with any surrounding vegetation up to 6 feet beyond outer tower anchors.

"Hopefully what we do here will impact other states around," said Isaacson, who has worked with Clark County officials to relocate towers in fly zones.

George J. Parker III, past president of the Idaho Agricultural Aviation Association, said the bill would cost tower owners between $3,500 and $4,000 in supplies and labor.

Crop dusters can spray as low as 3 feet off the ground. Parker determined 17 users in Idaho -- including military, power line inspection, predator control and medical helicopters -- also fly below 200 feet. Parker, whose organization estimates the state has 400-500 meteorological towers in use, said the bill will also protect pilots from towers used to assist with global positioning systems in farm equipment.

Rep. Marc Gibbs, a Grace farmer and rancher, was among the few lawmakers to vote against the bill, which he views as over-regulation. Gibbs, a pilot, reasoned the FAA would have imposed the rules if they were needed.

"I understand the concern for the crop dusters," Gibbs said, adding they know their terrain well. "Anyone else that's flying that low, they're flying too low anyway."

Parker, who has lobbied for pilot safety since having a near-hit with a meteorological tower a few years ago, said most low-altitude pilots tell of their own close calls with towers, and other states have enacted similar laws.

Source:  http://www.capitalpress.com

Bajan government moves to put REDjet back in air

 A senior Barbados government minister has said efforts are being made to have low-fares carrier REDjet resume operations within a two-month period.

Transport Minister Devant Maharaj on March 30 announced that the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority revoked the licence granted to the Barbados-based carrier which last month suspended its services to a number of regional destinations.

But Barbados' International Transport Minister George Hutson told the Barbados Nation newspaper on Monday that the country is examining new strategies to get the airline back into the air.

"We are working on a solution...to give the airline a provisional licence under the act if they can have the airline up and running in 60 days," Hutson said.

He said, "The licence will also be valid for a year," and that the Barbados government is being cautious since it would not want to be seen as making "a big injection into REDjet without knowing what is likely to happen down the line".

Billed as a low-cost, no-frills carrier initially offering fares as low as US$9.99, the privately-owned REDjet airline did not give specific reasons for the shutdown last month, but suggested that it was expecting state assistance to continue operations and blamed "subsidised" competitors for its troubles.

A voice message on REDjet chairman Ian Burns's phone yesterday indicated that he was travelling and could be reached by e-mail.

He did not immediately respond yesterday to an e-mail enquiry about REDjet's future.

Improvements Lead Discussion at Russellville Regional Airport

The Airport Commission held their monthly meeting on March 28 at the Russellville Regional Airport.  The meeting started at 6 p.m. and agenda items included fuel sales, truck storage and maintenance building plans, the runway crack seal project and ramp fees.

Airport Manager Bobby Day opened the meeting presenting the fuel sales numbers. He explained that while they are down from the norm this time of year, sales are picking up.  Currently the airport is averaging 50 operations daily, and Day is optimistic that fuel sales and operations are recovering from the lull seen during the winter months.  Commission Member Phil Cowger explained that aviation fuel sales help to fund airport projects across the state as there is an additional 6% sales tax tacked onto aviation fuel above federal tax.  The tax revenue goes to the state and is placed in an account designated for airport use only, which goes to help the state uphold the FAA policy of the state providing 5% of the funds for FAA approved airport projects.

The commission also discussed the revised plan for the new storage and maintenance building.  The new plans include more detail than the initial plans contained.  Updated for code compliance and convenience, the new plans lay out where extra doors, vents, heaters, and other amenities would be placed, as well as measurements for maintenance “pits”. The building will serve to store and service the maintenance vehicles at the airport.

The big-ticket item discussed was this year’s project of sealing the cracks in the runway.  The initial estimate was well under the surveyed estimate acquired this month.  The airport is now proposing that a whopping 58,000 feet of cracks will need to be cleaned and filled.  The majority of the cracks run along the seams in the asphalt, with other cracks running perpendicularly. Day said, "It’s important to seal the cracks because water seeps in and softens the ground, then with the weight of planes and jets the runway decays even more rapidly.”  The rough estimate is that this will cost $2 per linear foot, so the crack sealing will likely be the only project for the airport this fiscal year.  Funding for the project mostly comes from the FAA, from which the airport has $150,000 accessible to it without competing with any other airport for priority.  The main conflict the commission foresees is shutting down the runway for one month while the repair work is being completed.  They plan on holding off until October when funds are available and the weather is cool.

Manager Day also proposed establishing a ramp fee for pilots that use the ramp and facilities but do not purchase fuel.  He stated that “it seems most other airports have a ramp fee." "In the last year I’ve had three or four pilots ask to pay a ramp fee,” he added. The fee would be waived with the purchase of fuel in an amount yet to be determined.  The commission agreed to postpone voting until next month’s meeting since a few members were absent.



Utah: Passenger service ahead for Ogden airport?

OGDEN -- Imagine being able to avoid the long lines, the drive and the overall rush of a busy international airport when you fly out on your next vacation.

Well, the idea may someday become a reality.

Although details are sparse and the process is still in the early stages, Ogden city is trying to bring commercial jet service that would provide regular commercial passenger flights at the Ogden-Hinckley Airport.

"We are definitely pursuing it," said Royal Eccles, airport manager.

Eccles said few people realize that Ogden-Hinckley already has the capability of handling commercial flights.

The airport currently serves general aviation aircraft, consisting of private and business charters, sightseeing, air ambulance and flight training, but it also serves as a weather diversion alternative for Salt Lake City International Airport.

In the event the Salt Lake City airport closes or has to turn away aircraft because of weather, Ogden-Hinckley is capable of accepting the diverted commercial flights.

"We can already handle those kinds of flights, when that scenario (bad weather) occurs," Eccles said.

That scenario occurred in summer 2010. Salt Lake City International was experiencing lightning and heavy crosswinds, so about half a dozen commercial airliners from SkyWest, Southwest and several other airlines diverted to Ogden.

Ogden City Chief Administrative Officer Mark Johnson said plans to bring commercial flights to Ogden date back to the Matthew Godfrey administration.

"We are working on it, and we have been for some time," Johnson said of bringing the flights to Ogden.

"The potential is there for it to happen, but it's tough to land that kind of thing, and we don't want to put the cart before the horse."

Godfrey served 12 years in office and elected not to run for another term. Mike Caldwell was elected and took his place earlier this year.

The airport has had some recent upgrades, and more are coming.

In August 2011, a $4.3 million runway improvement project was completed, and there is a project in Ogden city's 2013-17 Capital Improvement Plan that will put basic infrastructure in place in an area of the airport that could accommodate 50 new hangars.


San Jose will consider more corporate jets on airport's west side

A divided San Jose City Council on Tuesday agreed to move ahead with a plan that could help cash-strapped Mineta San Jose International Airport increase its revenue by opening up the west side of the airport to more corporate jet business.

After almost two hours of discussion, the council voted 6-5 not only to approve minimum requirements for new general aviation business on 44 acres of available land, but also is seeking feedback on whether to allow a second full-service corporate jet center operator on 15.5 acres.

"This is not a planning decision... or a leasing decision,'' Mayor Chuck Reed told the council regarding the city's need to determine how much interest exists in developing more corporate jet traffic beyond the major fixed-based operator that exists.

"It's just a chance to test the market. All of that has to come back, and we can decide then what direction we need to go.''

Atlantic Aviation is the airport's sole full-service corporate jet center, but an executive with Signature Flight Support on Tuesday again told the council that his company has been aggressively seeking to establish a center at the airport, and is committed to doing so if given the opportunity.

Timing on a decision is crucial, according to Airport Director Bill Sherry, who told the council that the airport's finances continue to worsen because of three factors: the renovation of Terminal B, which made it tough for airlines to operate during construction;

the recession of 2008, which reduced the numbers of passengers; and the "Virgin Effect,'' or the number of major airlines "throwing enormous capacity'' into San Francisco International Airport to compete with Virgin Airlines' booming business there.

While airport officials had hoped that Mineta San Jose's passenger numbers would grow by 2 percent in fiscal year 2011-12 because the renovation was completed, the valley was beginning its economic recovery, and San Francisco's capacity to add flights should have subsided, that has not happened, he said.

"We have actually continued to see erosion, and we are updating our budget to reflect not a 2 percent growth, but a 1.5 percent decline in passenger activity,'' said Sherry, adding that the airport is now projecting no growth in 2012-13.

Developing the west side of the airport, he said, "is really the last item we have to generate new revenue at the airport.'' Without it, Sherry said, "the council will face difficult choices, particularly with outsourcing police and fire.''

A cost-savings plan last year to outsource police and firefighter at the airport was put on hold after other savings were identified. But the council could be forced to reconsider that, he warned.

However, Councilmembers Xavier Campos, Kansen Chu, Ash Kalra and Don Rocha opposed the idea of issuing a request for a proposal to develop the land before all studies and environmental review processes are approved. They said it is better to wait a little longer to ensure the project would be feasible, rather than hoping that a new jet center could be opened by summer of 2014.

"I'm concerned that moving forward on this may preclude other options,'' Rocha told the council. "If growth continues not to happen, then we have moved on a land-use decision that did not bear fruit as expected.''

Meanwhile, Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio voted against the proposal saying he would prefer to choose between a "known cost savings'' of outsourcing public safety at the airport to adding flights that would impact residents with noise.

General aviation planes are exempt from the curfew hours of 11:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. because the noise they generate does not exceed 89 decibels. The council also agreed with a memo by Councilman Sam Liccardo ensuring that any new aviation operator that leases the land would meet the noise requirements or follow the curfew.

But residents such as Terri Balandra who are concerned about the noise as well as what she believes is the airport's hurried planning efforts, urged the council not to adopt the item.

"This is about an assumption of short-term gains versus long-term growth,'' she said. "It's like saying it's better to buy a lottery ticket because sooner or later, I will win. Are we basing our future success on a future lottery ticket?''

Wagin airstrip gets a facelift


SUB BASE: The cement stabilization machine mixes the cement and gravel for the sub base, overseen by one of the contractors. 


WORK has started on the $580,000 upgrade to the Wagin Airport, which will see the sealing of the East West runway.

Shire chief executive Len Calneggia said there had been a lot of work done in the past week, with all of the sub base having been completed and the top base having been transported to site.

“The shire is trying to get this done as soon as possible,” Mr Calneggia said.

The works are expected to be completed by April 25.

Due to the location of the airstrip next to a salt lake, the sub base stabilization needs to be spot on to ensure that the bitumen does not lift off.

The sub base is prepared by mixing cement into the gravel with a cement stabilization machine, with some areas vulnerable to water having quick lime added as well.

Then 150 millimetres of gravel is laid down, with 150 millimetres of cement on top of that.

The surface is finished off with three coats of bitumen, the final one containing sand to create a smooth surface.

“With the infrastructure already in place, we want to ensure that Wagin has an all-weather strip,” Mr Calneggia said.

Mr Calneggia said he considered the project a high priority.

The upgrade has been funded through the Regional Airports Development Scheme, which contributed $411,000 in grant money towards the project.

Source:  http://www.waginargus.com.au

MOVIE NEWS: Liam Neeson is Taking to the Skies for More 'Non-Stop' Ass-Kicking


Just last August we heard about a new mile high thriller from Dark Castle in the form of Non-Stop, a new project from a spec script written by John Richardson and Chris Roach with Never Back Down and Cry_Wolf director Jeff Wadlow attached to direct. At the time, the project was just beginning development, but now a big update comes from Variety who says that Taken and Unknown ass-kicker Liam Neeson has signed on to take the lead role in the film following a worn-out air marshal who faces a threat while traveling on an international flight. If only he'd fight a pack of ravenous wolves on the flight, we'd be set.
 
Again, since this is the first screenplay sale for the writers, and Wadlow's work behind the camera has left something to be desired, I can't say that this sounds like the most promising project. Dark Castle is the same company that put Neeson in Unknown, a film with a solid concept, but felt like a generic action thriller looking to capitalize on the success Neeson had as an aged bad-ass with a very special set of skills in Taken. Hopefully this turns out to be something more than a cash grab for Neeson and Warner Bros. who is distributing the film. The actor has had a mixed bag of the good (The Grey) and the bad (Wrath of the Titans), so we'll see how this one pans out with mostly untested and unproven talent behind the camera.

Source:  http://www.firstshowing.net

Luscombe Silvaire 8, N71479: Accident occurred April 03, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Comment:   "Paul L. Taylor purchased property from my dad's estate. He hasn't made a single payment on his note, which were supposed to begin June 1, 2014. All correspondence has been ignored or refused. Please comment or email jsuperstar@hotmail.com if you can help me track him down."

NTSB Identification: ERA12CA269
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, April 03, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/13/2012
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8A, registration: N71479
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a cross-country flight. He reported that he applied the left brake during the landing roll, and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and traveled down an embankment, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and right elevator. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.


WEST DEER — A 90-year-old pilot was able to walk away from the rough landing of his small plane Tuesday evening at Rock Airport.  West Deer police Chief Jon Lape said Paul L. Taylor of West Deer was landing his 56-year-old, single-engine plane about 7:30 p.m. when something went wrong.

Lape said Taylor had flown from Hickory, N.C., about 450 miles south in central North Carolina. Rock Airport was Taylor's destination.   The chief said Taylor was about halfway down the runway, traveling at a relatively low speed, when he veered off the paved landing strip and went over a small grass embankment overlooking the township's Russellton neighborhood.  Lape said emergency responders helped Taylor from his plane and walked him up to the runway where he was examined by paramedics. Taylor declined further medical treatment, Lape said.

Taylor was driven home before a reporter arrived and could not be reached for comment.   Lape said Taylor told police the crash was his fault and was the result of unspecified human error.  The plane remained upright and looked largely undamaged at the bottom of the hill last night. Lape said only the landing gear appeared damaged.  Police will secure the plane until representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration arrive today to investigate.

The plane is a 1946 Model 8A Luscombe that last was certified in 2011 and is owned by Taylor, according to online FAA records. The plane's certification does not expire until 2014.  It was the second time a plane has veered off a runway at Rock Airport in the past year. Two Burrell middle school students, their teacher and a pilot were injured in May when their small plane went off the runway during a takeoff at the opposite end of the runway from Tuesday's crash.

http://registry.faa.gov/N71479
 .

Hickory Regional Airport (KHKY) is in Hickory, NC. Pittsburgh International (KPIT), in Pittsburgh, PA, is a straight line distance of 290 nautical miles. 

Taylor has a new best friend in his 1946 Luscombe.
Credit: Hickory Daily Record
 
This is the 1946 Luscombe Silvaire 8 that landed in Hickory 


Paul Taylor, 90, talks about his vintage airplane and his solo trip from Camden, SC, to Pittsburgh, PA, via Hickory.




By: Larry Clark | Hickory Daily Record
Published: April 03, 2012
Updated: April 03, 2012 - 7:24 PM


HICKORY -  You never know who’s going to drop in at Hickory Municipal Airport, but Paul Taylor surprised everyone when he landed Tuesday afternoon.

Taylor is from Gibsonia, Pa. That’s near Pittsburgh. He was flying a vintage 1946 Luscombe Silvaire 8. It seems like an appropriate airplane for Taylor. You see, he just celebrated his 90th birthday.

“I started flying in 1933,” Taylor said. “I flew solo the first time in 1938.” President Franklin Roosevelt was in the middle of his second term back then.

And Taylor is still flying solo.

He took a Delta flight down to Columbia, S.C., to pick up his new-old plane. Tuesday, he left Camden, S.C., all by himself, and decided to stop over in Hickory. The silver craft and Taylor were the talk of the airport.

Like Taylor, it’s lean. There’s just enough room in the cockpit for two people – two not-so-big people. You put one foot on the stirrup, sit down backwards and sort of swing yourself into the seat.

The Luscombe has twin sticks and is loaded with the basic gauges – altimeter, airspeed indicator, attitude, oil pressure and the like. Taylor happily points out what does what, including the throttle, magneto switch and the new GPS mounted under the center strut of the windshield.

“It’s been rebuilt from the ground up,” Taylor said. “They did a wonderful job. Everything has been checked and overhauled. It has a lot of new stuff like the GPS.”

Taylor, who in spite of his years doesn’t wear eyeglasses or a hearing aid, has no trouble keeping up with the technology. His most demanding task is manipulating the rudder and the brakes with the foot pedals. You use your toes and your heels and on landing, it’s almost like they have to move in opposite directions.

“It’s not like a brake pedal in a car,” Taylor said. “You have to do two jobs with each foot.”

He’s quite capable of doing that while keeping his eyes on the horizon and the gauges, plus working the stick.

Taylor brags about the Luscombe’s engine. It’s a four-cylinder Continental. The original Silvaire 8s had a 65-hp engine. This one has 90 horses, and the diminutive plane cruises at about 120 mph.

It’s a tail-dragger, a setup with which Taylor is familiar. He beams about his new acquisition.

“I’ve flown thousands of hours in different aircraft, but this one is a real beauty. I was lucky to get it.”

Taylor was back at the airport Wednesday morning, waiting for the remainder of the overcast to clear. He likes to fly in clear weather these days. He had plenty of company, as several people stopped by to take photos and chat. Taylor loves to chat. Standing straight, he gestures with hands that seem a bit large for his sparse frame. He’ll talk about the Silvaire and flying with anyone. Some of his visitors are pilots, some are not. Everyone gets the same smile and rundown on the plane.

If he wasn’t heading home, he likely would give everybody a spin, or at least a short taxi ride.

But his tanks are topped off, and he’s looking to get airborne as soon as he’s comfortable with the weather.

“I’ll keep flying as long as I can,” he said. “I love it.”

Does he have qualms about flying alone to Pennsylvania?

“No, I’ve never been afraid to take off by myself. I like flying solo. Doesn’t bother me a bit.”

Well, at 90, he is the most experienced pilot he knows.

About the plane
Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 passenger
Length: 20 feet
Wingspan: 35 feet
Height: 6 feet, 3 inches
Wing area: 140 square feet
Empty weight: 870 pounds
Gross weight: 1,400 pounds
Fuel capacity: 25 gallons
Engine: Continental air-cooled flat four, 90 hp
Propellers: 2-bladed metal fixed pitch, 5 feet, 11 inches
Maximum speed: 128 mph
Cruise speed: 120 mph
Range: 500 statute miles
Top altitude: 17,000 feet

NOTE: These are the specifications of the Silvaire 8E. Paul Taylor’s plane may deviate in some instances (his has wing tanks, many Silvaires had fuselage tanks), but this is the same configuration.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com



A single engine plane went off the side of a runway and down a hill at the Rock Airport of Pittsburgh earlier this evening.

Airport manager George Hollibaugh said no one was injured in the crash that happened around 8 p.m. at the airport at 1000 Rock Point Boulevard in Tarentum. It wasn't clear how many people were in the plane.

"We don't know what happened yet," Mr. Hollibaugh said.

Harwick resident Bill Edel said he saw the plane circling the area when he went to Shop and Save in Russelton.

Moments later he saw a cop car and drove his ATV to a wooded area parallel with the runway. He saw the plane resting about halfway down a steep hill off the side of the runway.

Train tracks and Little Deer Creek lie a the bottom of the hill, he said.

"It probably went at least 100 feet or so over the hill," he said. "I was surprised how good of shape the plane was in."

Despite the drop, he said only the left wing appeared to be broken.

South Carolina: Plane crash lands in Dale backyard

A 76-year-old Lady's Island man sustained only scrapes and bruises after crashing his ultralight plane Monday in a backyard in Dale, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Bob Gamble told deputies he took off from a small, grass air strip on Wimbee Farm Road near Coosaw Plantation and was soaring over Coakley Drive at about 6:30 p.m. when he began experiencing engine trouble, according to a Sheriff's Office incident report.

Gamble told deputies that when the engine sputtered then stalled, he had no choice but to put the plane down in the backyard of a home owned by Abraham Coakley, the report said.

Coakley, who owns a local pressure-washing business, said he didn't see the crash but heard the aircraft smash into a barbed-wire fence in his yard.

"It wasn't too loud of a noise," Coakley said. "He couldn't have been that high. I've seen a lot of things, but that's not something I expected to see. He tore that plane up. The wheels were broken off, and the underside of the plane was all smashed up. It didn't do any damage to my house."

Gamble declined to be interviewed Tuesday. Damage to the plane was estimated at about $500, the incident report said.

Abraham said Gamble appeared to have only superficial injuries when he emerged from the wreckage of the small plane and began walking toward Coosaw Plantation after promising to remove the aircraft from Abraham's yard.

By Tuesday night, the plane had been moved.

The Sheriff's Office has closed the case, and charges are not likely to be filed, according to Sgt. Robin McIntosh, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.

"The case has not been assigned for investigation," McIntosh said. "My understanding is that the (Federal Aviation Administration) was contacted but that the incident did not meet protocol for their involvement ... due to the type of aircraft, the estimated height it flies, and the circumstances of the landing."

The FAA typically does not investigate ultralight plane accidents, according to its regulations.

The incident report identified the plane only as a Kolb ultralight plane but did not specify which model.

The planes are produced by Kolb Aircraft, a Kentucky-based manufacturer of one- and two-passenger, kit-built airplanes.

Source:  http://www.islandpacket.com

Separating fact from fiction in Wisconsin emergency landing: Cessna 414A, N53WT


 

The story of the woman who landed a plane in Wisconsin after her husband died sounds a little more dramatic if you ignore the fact the woman clearly knew what she was doing.

But no embellishment was needed in the story of what happened after 81-year-old John Collins lost consciousness. His wife, Helen, who was a passenger, began to fly the plane around the Sturgeon Bay area.

She's not a pilot, but her son today revealed she knew how to take off and land a plane because her now-late husband taught her how 30 years ago just in case something happened to him.

It's an assessment another son didn't give to MSNBC:
Somehow, in what Richard describes as "a miracle," Helen managed to touch down safely at Cherryland. "She didn't even know how to drop the landing gear," Richard said. "I can't even tell my mom how to run a computer!"
Amazingly, Helen didn't suffer any major injuries, Richard said. While the plane landed nose-first, and Helen got some bruises in the process, she is expected to be OK.
That's a different sort of story than another son offered to the Associated Press today
Collins' son James said his mother knew her husband had died after he fell unconscious, yet she remained calm. He said his mother had learned to take off and land about 30 years ago at her husband's urging, in case something happened to him. She has flown hundreds of hours by his side. Talking to the Associated Press exclusively in a telephone interview Tuesday, James Collins said he's also a pilot and that he helped his mother Collins via radio from the ground as the other pilot helped her out in the air.
"At one point she didn't even want the wingman to go up," he said. "She said, `Don't you guys think I could do this on my own? Don't you have confidence in me?' She was calmer than everybody on the ground. She had it totally under control."

That's a much more intriguing story than the one originally told.

Read more:  http://minnesota.publicradio.org

FAA IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 53WT        Make/Model: C414      Description: 414, Chancellor
  Date: 04/02/2012     Time: 2247

  Event Type: Incident   Highest Injury: None     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Unknown

LOCATION
  City: STURGEON BAY                State: WI   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  AIRCRAFT GEAR COLLAPSED ON LANDING, STURGEON BAY, WI

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   0
                 # Crew:   2     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:    
                 # Pass:   0     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:    
                 # Grnd:         Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:    


OTHER DATA
  Activity: Unknown      Phase: Landing      Operation: OTHER


  FAA FSDO: MILWAUKEE, WI  (GL13)                 Entry date: 04/03/2012 

The Eagle has landed: Airport welcomes new airline

WATERLOO, Iowa --- A crowd that gathered to greet the first American Airlines flight from Chicago to Waterloo Tuesday got a bonus thrill when the flight landed.

Among the first of about 25 passengers they watched stroll through Gate 1 in the terminal at Waterloo Regional Airport were former University of Northern Iowa and three-time Super Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife, Brenda.

It was pure happenstance, Warner said, when informed he was on the inaugural flight between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Waterloo.

“I did not know that until we got on that flight,” said Warner, who had returned to the Cedar Valley for a family funeral. “It was just one of those unexpected things.”

Representatives from the local business and political establishments were on hand to present certificates to arriving passengers.

The flight was supposed to be greeted by twin water cannons as it approached the terminal, but that didn’t happen because the plane landed about 15 minutes ahead of its scheduled 3:33 p.m. arrival.

So went the start of the newest arrangement between the Cedar Valley and a new airline.

American replaced Delta Airlines, whose last flight from Waterloo to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport departed Monday afternoon.

“It’s sort of a bittersweet day because Delta and, previously, Northwest, had been serving the Cedar Valley for many years and they were a great partner,” said Brad Hagen, the airport’s general manager. “On the other hand, we’re excited to see American come in, and we think they have some advantages that Delta didn’t.”

Dale Morris, regional director with Dallas-based American, said the airline is looking ahead to more than serving the community.

“We’re going to be part of this community,” he said. “We’re going to be at some business after-hours expos to talk about the service to promote it.”

A less-than-full flight for the first arrival came as no surprise, Hagen said.

The community wants to build its new relationship, Waterloo Mayor Buck Clark said.

“We’re looking forward to the promises they have made to be competitive in this market and to be a part of the community,” he said. “Chicago has so much more connectability than Minneapolis does, and we’re looking forward to that, and we’re hoping when the dust settles from this and we’ve got American here, American will follow through with what they have said they will do, which is have competitive fares and better, at times, to have some fare sales.”

Starting today, daily Waterloo-to-Chicago flights are scheduled at 6:40 a.m. and 4 p.m., with return flights scheduled to arrive at 3:33 and 8:25 p.m.

Beauty in the East: what it takes to be a female flight attendant in Asia

 Photos of applicants for flight attendant stacked at an interview room of an Asian airline company 
(Courtesy of Kyle Burton)

SEOUL, April 4 (Yonhap) -- "Crooked chin. Elf shape. Pimple spots." These are the words imprinted on Jessica's job application photo. The 28-year-old South Korean hopeful, who asked to be identified only by her first name, returned for her second stage in an intensive job application process for a popular Japanese airline. It is Jessica's dream to become a flight attendant, but she understands the competitive nature of the industry and is realistic about her chances.

It is not easy to become a female flight attendant in Asia. In South Korea, for example, new flight attendants should hold a university degree and speak fluent English. But one thing that sets this job apart from others is the emphasis on physical appearance. Priority is placed on physically attractive women and a face can often be a deal-breaker in the airline industry. Negative marks for female applicants for the Japanese airline include "uneven teeth," "no chest," "long torso," "acne scars" and "poor frame."

   Once chosen, flight attendants have to adhere to strict codes in physical appearance. First-time Korean Air flight attendants, for example, should be below the age of 27 and have a "healthy complexion" and "straight, white teeth." Asiana Airlines flight attendants can only wear skirts, are restricted from wearing glasses while in uniform and keep their nails manicured and about 3 millimeters long.

   There are weight restrictions placed on flight attendants at China Southern Airlines. Women must also be single and younger than 25.

   At Singapore Airlines, the color of lipstick, eye shadow and nail polish are all regulated by the company. The "Singapore Girl" is the face of the airline and a global icon -- she had once been immortalized as a wax figure at London's Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

   Many airlines in Asia are unmatched when it comes to in-flight customer service. Asiana Airlines won the World's Best Cabin Staff Award at the 2011 World Airline Awards, followed by Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines. Four of the top five World's Best Airline awards went to carriers in Asia.

This winning streak could be influenced by strict regulations placed on female flight attendants who are considered highly desirable for their etiquette, glamor and style. Uniformity is key when it comes to branding. They appear to have the same dress, style, and movements.

   Looking identical is no accident. Many women spend years perfecting the art of being what some call a "trolley dolly." Asiana Airlines flight attendants go through rigorous training to become top-notch in their field. The Head of Image Making teaches employees how to act, how to smile, and even how to apply their make-up "correctly." And that perfectly pulled-back hair is a non-negotiable.


The strict guidelines are not only a reflection of the homogeneous culture but also an homage to the etiquette and loyalty of Confucianism. The glamor, grace and delicacy of the flight attendants stem from traditional values and contributes to a memorable in-flight experience.

   But the women, and their advocacy groups, are now speaking out and criticizing the airlines for outdated regulations. The current regulations placed on women crew are sexist, discriminatory and a thing of the past, they say, adding in the West, such strict aesthetic requirements would be considered discriminatory and most likely illegal.

   Kweon Soo-jeong, a union representative at Asiana, says the female attendants agree they have to look tidy and neat. "But it is excessive that the company is crossing over the boundaries of a job requirement to dictate rules (on appearance) from one's head to toe," Kweon said. One of the strongest grievances is that the women are not allowed to wear pants for the uniform.

   Apparently due to continual business success, decision makers at the airlines appear reluctant to institute any changes. However, some companies are experimenting with alternative branding methods to get noticed. Hong Kong Airlines, for example, trains all flight attendants to learn kung fu while Cebu Pacific Air crew have been known to dance through their safety demo.
Some flight attendants accept the rules as inevitable.

   "It was part of the job description when they got hired, so they knew what they were getting themselves into," says a former employee of Asiana Airlines named Jade.

   "People look at (Asiana Airlines) and say that they should conform to Western standards because there is so much pressure on appearance. But people who fly with these airlines love the stewardesses and they enjoy the service they are getting. It's a unique experience that some people are less accustomed to in the West."

Source:    http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr

One dead in high-sea chase: Palau, Coast Guard search for three from missing plane

A Chinese fisherman was killed and 25 more are in custody after a gun battle in Palau waters, but two Palau police officers and an American pilot have been missing since a spotter plane attempted an emergency water landing on Sunday.

The missing men are Palau police officers Earl Decherong and Willy Mays Towai, and the pilot is Frank Ohlinger, Palau President Johnson Toribiong said in a statement released on Facebook.

"Today is a sad day for Palau," Toribiong said in the statement. "Two of our finest and bravest police officers ... are missing."

The plane went down after Palau authorities discovered what they believe was an illegal Chinese fishing operation. A police boat confronted a smaller fishing vessel on Sunday, and the spotter plane was searching for the Chinese "mother ship," Toribiong said in his statement.

When the navigation system failed and the plane ran low on fuel, the officers radioed that they were gliding into a water landing, although they could see no light or land, Toribiong said. A search effort continues today, but no signs of the three men or their missing plane have been found.

A search team of military and civilian boats and planes continued to scan the waters all day yesterday, said Coast Guard spokesman Lt. j.g. Richard Russell. As of last night they had searched an area of 6,500 square miles, which is larger than the entire state of Connecticut.

"We will continue to search until sundown, and once again (today) at morning's first light we will be resuming the search," Russell said.

The plane that went down was a Cessna from ABA Sky Inc., a rental company in Palau, according to the Aviation Safety Network, an online database. Ohlinger was assisting police with their operation, according to the Palau government.

The dramatic turn of events that led to the missing plane began at dawn Saturday when a Palau government boat apprehended a green Chinese fishing vessel, which was suspected of fishing illegally in a conservation area.

Officers from Palau's Fish and Wildlife Division pleaded with the boat to stop before firing warning shots, according to Palau court documents acquired by Agence France-Presse.

At some point during the exchange, the fishing boat allegedly tried to ram the government boat, said Fermin Meriang, a spokesman for the Palau president, so officers fired at the engines of the fishing vessel. One of the Chinese fishermen was shot, he said.

"No one aimed directly at the man, so one of the bullets must have ricocheted off the engine and struck him in the thigh," Meriang said.

Once the fishing boat was disabled, Palau authorities arrested five fishermen and rushed the injured fisherman to Kayangel -- the northernmost state in Palau -- Meriang said. However, Kayangel does not have an extensive medical facility, and the fisherman bled to death before he could be moved to a hospital in Koror, Meriang said.

With the other fisherman in custody, it was clear this smaller fishing vessel was only an offshoot of a larger operation, Meriang said, so Palau authorities then set off in search of the "mother ship."

They found it in nearby waters on Monday, he said.

Onboard were another 20 Chinese fishermen, who allegedly set their own vessel on fire to destroy cargo and evidence of fishing, he said. The fishermen then fled into smaller boats that did not have engines, but were soon rounded up by Palau authorities.

Each fisherman has been charged with illegal fishing and unlawful entry into Palau, Meriang said.

"We have them all," Meriang said. "We have 25 crew in custody in addition to the one who passed away,"

The ongoing search for the three missing men includes a large Coast Guard cutter and an aircraft, but Palau has also offered a "flotilla of local boats" to assist, Meriang said.

Also joining the search is a mega-yacht owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who ventured to Palau after visiting Guam about a week ago. "The Octopus" has a helicopter of its own, and it is assisting with the search, Toribiong said in his Facebook statement.

"I ask for your prayers for the captain and these two fine young police officers," Toribiong said in his Facebook statement.

Source:  http://www.guampdn.com

Coast Guard searches for crew of missing airplane

APRA HARBOR, Guam-The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for three men aboard a Cessna airplane forced to ditch off the coast of Palau after running out of fuel on Sunday.

Coast Guard Sector Guam was notified by authorities in Palau Sunday night that communications were lost with the airplane as it was returning to Palau.

The Cessna pilot reported that the airplane was low on fuel and the crew experienced difficulties with their navigation equipment and were unable to pinpoint their exact location.

The last transmission received from the pilot reported they had run out of fuel and he was attempting a controlled descent.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Guam immediately diverted the Coast Guard cutter Jarvis, which has an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aboard. The cutter was approximately 86 miles away.

A Coast Guard HC-130 from Air Station Barbers Point launched at first light to conduct a search. Palau's Pacific Patrol Boat H.I. Remeliik, numerous Palau Ranger vessels, and several good Samaritan vessels joined the search.

More than 6,500 square miles of ocean have been searched for the missing crew, an area larger than the entire state of Connecticut.

Search and rescue crews will continue to search until sunset and resume at first light Wednesday. (USCG)

Manila to divert flights due to rocket launch

A Chinese fisherman was killed and 25 more are in custody after a gun battle in Palau waters, but two Palau police officers and an American pilot have been missing since a spotter plane attempted an emergency water landing on Sunday.

The missing men are Palau police officers Earl Decherong and Willy Mays Towai, and the pilot is Frank Ohlinger, Palau President Johnson Toribiong said in a statement released on Facebook.

"Today is a sad day for Palau," Toribiong said in the statement. "Two of our finest and bravest police officers ... are missing."

The plane went down after Palau authorities discovered what they believe was an illegal Chinese fishing operation. A police boat confronted a smaller fishing vessel on Sunday, and the spotter plane was searching for the Chinese "mother ship," Toribiong said in his statement.

When the navigation system failed and the plane ran low on fuel, the officers radioed that they were gliding into a water landing, although they could see no light or land, Toribiong said. A search effort continues today, but no signs of the three men or their missing plane have been found.

A search team of military and civilian boats and planes continued to scan the waters all day yesterday, said Coast Guard spokesman Lt. j.g. Richard Russell. As of last night they had searched an area of 6,500 square miles, which is larger than the entire state of Connecticut.

"We will continue to search until sundown, and once again (today) at morning's first light we will be resuming the search," Russell said.

The plane that went down was a Cessna from ABA Sky Inc., a rental company in Palau, according to the Aviation Safety Network, an online database. Ohlinger was assisting police with their operation, according to the Palau government.

The dramatic turn of events that led to the missing plane began at dawn Saturday when a Palau government boat apprehended a green Chinese fishing vessel, which was suspected of fishing illegally in a conservation area.

Officers from Palau's Fish and Wildlife Division pleaded with the boat to stop before firing warning shots, according to Palau court documents acquired by Agence France-Presse.

At some point during the exchange, the fishing boat allegedly tried to ram the government boat, said Fermin Meriang, a spokesman for the Palau president, so officers fired at the engines of the fishing vessel. One of the Chinese fishermen was shot, he said.

"No one aimed directly at the man, so one of the bullets must have ricocheted off the engine and struck him in the thigh," Meriang said.

Once the fishing boat was disabled, Palau authorities arrested five fishermen and rushed the injured fisherman to Kayangel -- the northernmost state in Palau -- Meriang said. However, Kayangel does not have an extensive medical facility, and the fisherman bled to death before he could be moved to a hospital in Koror, Meriang said.

With the other fisherman in custody, it was clear this smaller fishing vessel was only an offshoot of a larger operation, Meriang said, so Palau authorities then set off in search of the "mother ship."

They found it in nearby waters on Monday, he said.

Onboard were another 20 Chinese fishermen, who allegedly set their own vessel on fire to destroy cargo and evidence of fishing, he said. The fishermen then fled into smaller boats that did not have engines, but were soon rounded up by Palau authorities.

Each fisherman has been charged with illegal fishing and unlawful entry into Palau, Meriang said.

"We have them all," Meriang said. "We have 25 crew in custody in addition to the one who passed away,"

The ongoing search for the three missing men includes a large Coast Guard cutter and an aircraft, but Palau has also offered a "flotilla of local boats" to assist, Meriang said.

Also joining the search is a mega-yacht owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who ventured to Palau after visiting Guam about a week ago. "The Octopus" has a helicopter of its own, and it is assisting with the search, Toribiong said in his Facebook statement.

"I ask for your prayers for the captain and these two fine young police officers," Toribiong said in his Facebook statement.

Alleged DUI pilot charged with additional reckless flying offense

KTVU.com and wires

SANTA ROSA, Calif. —

A pilot accused of buzzing cars by drunkenly flying low over state Highway 37 on Jan. 3 was charged Tuesday in Sonoma County Superior Court with reckless flying in another incident 25 days later.

Michael Ferrero, 62, of Penngrove, is charged with a second count of unlawful operation of an aircraft in the air or on the ground in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another on Jan. 28, Chief Deputy District Attorney William Brockley said.

Brockley would not disclose sof another on Jan. 28, Chief Deputy District Attorney William Brockley said.

Brockley would not disclose specifics of the latest alleged offense, but he said Ferrero was flying the plane on Jan. 28.

Attorney Martin Woods entered a not guilty plea to the amended complaint containing the additional reckless flying charge this morning in Sonoma County Superior Court on Ferrero's behalf.

A settlement conference or setting of a trial date is scheduled for April 25. Woods said he thinks the five misdemeanor charges-complaint can still be settled.

Ferrero also is charged with flying under the influence of alcohol, flying with a blood-alcohol  settled.

Ferrero also is charged with flying under the influence of alcohol, flying with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.04 percent, and operating or maintaining an aircraft under the influence.

The level considered intoxicated while flying is 0.04 percent.

Judge Bradford DeMeo told Woods to inform Ferrero he is "not to operate an aircraft whatsoever" including taxiing. The judge said Ferrero is allowed to start the plane's engine under the supervision of an aircraft mechanic but cannot move the plane.

Woods said Ferrero faces a 90-day suspension of his pilot's license.

The California Highway Patrol's air operations unit was on routine patrol along Highway 37 in Sonoma County on Jan. 3 when it spotted a pilot flying recklessly.

CHP officials said the pilot was flying as low as 50 feet above the ground, and within 100 feet of highway traffic.

The plane's tail number was traced to a Penngrove man, the CHP said.

The officers contacted Ferrero when he landed at the Petaluma Municipal Airport and smelled alcohol on his breath, CHP officials said. He was cited for flying under the influence after failing field sobriety tests.

Ferrero worked in the banking industry and is retired, Woods said.

Woods said Ferrero may have to serve a 30-day jail sentence if he is convicted, in addition to any penalties imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The penalty for flying under the influence is 30 days to six months in jail and a fine of up to $250, according to the California Public Utilities Code that applies to aviation offenses.


Marchetti S-205-22R

Luscombe Silvaire 8, N71479: Accident occurred April 03, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Comment:
"Paul L. Taylor purchased property from my dad's estate. He hasn't made a single payment on his note, which were supposed to begin June 1, 2014. All correspondence has been ignored or refused. Please comment or email jsuperstar@hotmail.com if you can help me track him down."

http://registry.faa.gov/N71479

NTSB Identification: ERA12CA269 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, April 03, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/13/2012
Aircraft: LUSCOMBE 8A, registration: N71479
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a cross-country flight. He reported that he applied the left brake during the landing roll, and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and traveled down an embankment, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and right elevator. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.


WEST DEER — A 90-year-old pilot was able to walk away from the rough landing of his small plane Tuesday evening at Rock Airport.  West Deer police Chief Jon Lape said Paul L. Taylor of West Deer was landing his 56-year-old, single-engine plane about 7:30 p.m. when something went wrong.

Lape said Taylor had flown from Hickory, N.C., about 450 miles south in central North Carolina. Rock Airport was Taylor's destination.   The chief said Taylor was about halfway down the runway, traveling at a relatively low speed, when he veered off the paved landing strip and went over a small grass embankment overlooking the township's Russellton neighborhood.  Lape said emergency responders helped Taylor from his plane and walked him up to the runway where he was examined by paramedics. Taylor declined further medical treatment, Lape said.

Taylor was driven home before a reporter arrived and could not be reached for comment.   Lape said Taylor told police the crash was his fault and was the result of unspecified human error.  The plane remained upright and looked largely undamaged at the bottom of the hill last night. Lape said only the landing gear appeared damaged.  Police will secure the plane until representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration arrive today to investigate.

The plane is a 1946 Model 8A Luscombe that last was certified in 2011 and is owned by Taylor, according to online FAA records. The plane's certification does not expire until 2014.  It was the second time a plane has veered off a runway at Rock Airport in the past year. Two Burrell middle school students, their teacher and a pilot were injured in May when their small plane went off the runway during a takeoff at the opposite end of the runway from Tuesday's crash.



Taylor has a new best friend in his 1946 Luscombe.
Credit: Hickory Daily Record
 
This is the 1946 Luscombe Silvaire 8 that landed in Hickory 


Paul Taylor, 90, talks about his vintage airplane and his solo trip from Camden, SC, to Pittsburgh, PA, via Hickory.




By: Larry Clark | Hickory Daily Record
Published: April 03, 2012
Updated: April 03, 2012 - 7:24 PM


HICKORY -  You never know who’s going to drop in at Hickory Municipal Airport, but Paul Taylor surprised everyone when he landed Tuesday afternoon.

Taylor is from Gibsonia, Pa. That’s near Pittsburgh. He was flying a vintage 1946 Luscombe Silvaire 8. It seems like an appropriate airplane for Taylor. You see, he just celebrated his 90th birthday.

“I started flying in 1933,” Taylor said. “I flew solo the first time in 1938.” President Franklin Roosevelt was in the middle of his second term back then.

And Taylor is still flying solo.

He took a Delta flight down to Columbia, S.C., to pick up his new-old plane. Tuesday, he left Camden, S.C., all by himself, and decided to stop over in Hickory. The silver craft and Taylor were the talk of the airport.

Like Taylor, it’s lean. There’s just enough room in the cockpit for two people – two not-so-big people. You put one foot on the stirrup, sit down backwards and sort of swing yourself into the seat.

The Luscombe has twin sticks and is loaded with the basic gauges – altimeter, airspeed indicator, attitude, oil pressure and the like. Taylor happily points out what does what, including the throttle, magneto switch and the new GPS mounted under the center strut of the windshield.

“It’s been rebuilt from the ground up,” Taylor said. “They did a wonderful job. Everything has been checked and overhauled. It has a lot of new stuff like the GPS.”

Taylor, who in spite of his years doesn’t wear eyeglasses or a hearing aid, has no trouble keeping up with the technology. His most demanding task is manipulating the rudder and the brakes with the foot pedals. You use your toes and your heels and on landing, it’s almost like they have to move in opposite directions.

“It’s not like a brake pedal in a car,” Taylor said. “You have to do two jobs with each foot.”

He’s quite capable of doing that while keeping his eyes on the horizon and the gauges, plus working the stick.

Taylor brags about the Luscombe’s engine. It’s a four-cylinder Continental. The original Silvaire 8s had a 65-hp engine. This one has 90 horses, and the diminutive plane cruises at about 120 mph.

It’s a tail-dragger, a setup with which Taylor is familiar. He beams about his new acquisition.

“I’ve flown thousands of hours in different aircraft, but this one is a real beauty. I was lucky to get it.”

Taylor was back at the airport Wednesday morning, waiting for the remainder of the overcast to clear. He likes to fly in clear weather these days. He had plenty of company, as several people stopped by to take photos and chat. Taylor loves to chat. Standing straight, he gestures with hands that seem a bit large for his sparse frame. He’ll talk about the Silvaire and flying with anyone. Some of his visitors are pilots, some are not. Everyone gets the same smile and rundown on the plane.

If he wasn’t heading home, he likely would give everybody a spin, or at least a short taxi ride.

But his tanks are topped off, and he’s looking to get airborne as soon as he’s comfortable with the weather.

“I’ll keep flying as long as I can,” he said. “I love it.”

Does he have qualms about flying alone to Pennsylvania?

“No, I’ve never been afraid to take off by myself. I like flying solo. Doesn’t bother me a bit.”

Well, at 90, he is the most experienced pilot he knows.

About the plane
Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 passenger
Length: 20 feet
Wingspan: 35 feet
Height: 6 feet, 3 inches
Wing area: 140 square feet
Empty weight: 870 pounds
Gross weight: 1,400 pounds
Fuel capacity: 25 gallons
Engine: Continental air-cooled flat four, 90 hp
Propellers: 2-bladed metal fixed pitch, 5 feet, 11 inches
Maximum speed: 128 mph
Cruise speed: 120 mph
Range: 500 statute miles
Top altitude: 17,000 feet

NOTE:
These are the specifications of the Silvaire 8E. Paul Taylor’s plane may deviate in some instances (his has wing tanks, many Silvaires had fuselage tanks), but this is the same configuration.

Original article and photos:  http://www2.hickoryrecord.com

Texas tornadoes, hail: Damage to planes at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport


DALLAS, TX - More than 110 aircraft at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport sustained hail damage on Tuesday as tornadoes tore through the region, the airport reported. Airlines canceled 400 departures, and 40 incoming flights were diverted to other airports because of the storm, officials said.

American Airlines canceled nearly all its departures from its hub at DFW on Tuesday evening and diverted others to different airports.

DFW spokesman David Magana said there were no reports of damage to the airport itself. Magana said employees pulled passengers in the terminals away from glass windows during the storms and directed them to stairwells, stores and restaurants in the inside area of the airport.

Flights also were canceled at Dallas Love Field, which is a big base for Southwest Airlines. That airline canceled more than 45 flights in and out of the airport by Tuesday evening.

 Tornadoes tore through North Texas on Tuesday, ripping roofs from homes and businesses, tossing trucks into the air and leaving flattened tractor-trailers strewn along highways and parking lots.

The National Weather Service confirmed at least two separate "large and extremely dangerous" tornadoes hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Several other developing twisters were reported as a band of violent storms moved north through the metropolitan area.
- AP

8:07p Arlington Police Department spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard says the city has received reports of seven storm-related injuries, with one person in critical condition. An estimated 150 homes suffered damage ranging from debris in yards to significant destruction. - WFAA

7:40p The severe weather threat has come to an end across North Texas, but severe weather potential remains to the east of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. - Chief Meteorologist Pete Delkus

7:39p The Dallas County Sheriff's Office will provide 15 deputies and squad cars to help the City of Lancaster enforce an overnight curfew to discourage potential looters. - WFAA

7:33p Dallas County has provided the following roundup of storm damage:
  • Coppell: City-wide damage from golf- to baseball-sized hail
  • Dallas - Stage Coach Trail neighborhood: 47 houses damaged (40 uninhabitable, 7 totally destroyed)
  • Dallas - Tioga/Texas College neighborhoods: 7 homes with roof damage
  • Dallas - Bonnie View at Interstate 20: 50 tractor-trailers damaged at Snider Trucking Company
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: 65 aircraft damaged
  • Grand Prairie: Downed power lines at the Bell Helicopter facility
  • Irving: Hail damage in the northern part of the city
  • Lancaster: At least 300 homes damaged
7:31p The American Red Cross has set up shelters for storm victims at three locations:
  • Tommie Allen Recreation Center, 7070 Bonnie View Road, Dallas
  • Kiest Park Recreation Center, 3080 South Hampton Road, Dallas
  • Lancaster Recreration Center, 1700 South Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lancaster
6:54p The American Red Cross has a "Safe and Well" Web site where you can list your name or those of family members known to be okay in the wake of Tuesday's disaster. You can also search for the names of friends and loved ones who you have questions about.
6:21p A disaster area has been declared by local officials in Lancaster, where approximately 300 homes and businesses were damaged by Tuesday's tornado. Almost every home along Pepperidge Drive lost its roof. A 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew has been enacted in the stricken area. "This is just unreal," one neighbor said. "You see it and you hear about it, but when you're actually in it, it's just unbelieveable." Lancaster's recreation center was being opened as a shelter for displaced residents on Tuesday evening.  - Rebecca Lopez in Lancaster

6:14p Dallas police Chief David Brown said looting is one of the concerns in southern parts of the city that received storm damage on Tuesday. "There's not much lighting since the power's out, so the street lights won't come on tonight," he said. "We're looking for portable lighting that we're trying to get here really quickly before it gets dark so that we can also keep things safe."  Brown said the city is not considering a curfew because of the damage was limited to two or three streets.  "We think we can secure that with extra patrols on a 24/7 basis for this area," the chief said. - Johnathan Betz in Dallas


6:10p A Forney high school student returned to his home in the Diamond Creek subdivision Tuesday afternoon to find a scene of devastation. He went to what was left of his bedroom hoping to recover personal items; everything was gone. A door-to-door search continues, but early indications are there were no serious injuries despite the incredible level of destruction. - Teresa Woodard in Forney

6:05p The Salvation Army Community Center at 712 West Abram Street in Arlington will provide shelter Tuesday night for families who have been displaced by storm damage. -WFAA

6:01p There is damage all around this neighborhood in the Martin High School area north of Interstate 20 in South Arlington. The explosive tornado came from the south, ripping a straight line of destruction that affected about 100 homes, according to city officials, who declared a state of disaster. The storm removed roofs, toppled fences and upended mature trees. - Brad Watson in Arlington
5:59p The severe weather threat for the North Texas area has now ended as storms move into East Texas. The tornado threat is diminishing, but damaging straight-line winds, large hail, very heavy rain and a lot of lightning are all in the forecast. - Chief Meteorologist Pete Delkus

5:56p There was no structural damage at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington when a powerful storm moved through the area Tuesday afternoon, and a planned exhibition game between the Rangers and a team from Mexico is still expected to be played on Tuesday night.  - George Riba at Rangers Ballpark

5:54p More than 100 aircraft at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport have been damaged as a result of large hail and high wind that accompanied violent storms on Tuesday. At least 400 flights have been canceled as a result. - WFAA

5:52p Rockwall County officials tell News 8 they have reports of 20 homes destroyed by a tornado. Several people have been rescued from the debris. - Steve Stoler in Rockwall County

5:40p Arlington Fire Department Assistant Chief Jim Self said a storm preparedness plan was in effect when the tornado struck the Green Oaks Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center Tuesday afternoon. He said two residents suffered minor injuries, and the rest of them are okay. "The facility relocated the residents to other locations within Arlington and in the region," Self said, adding that 25-30 homes in the Waterview neighborhood were affected by the storm. A secondary search and a damage assessment are under way, but no other injuries were reported. He added that around 100 homes have been damaged near Martin High School where a tornado touched down. There was one person who suffered minor injuries at that location. Self said the third Arlington neighborhood touched by the storm was the Chesterfield area along Highway 287 north of Sublett. An apartment complex and 25-30 homes were damaged; no injuries were reported. - Marcus Moore in Arlington
5:29p Hundreds of homes and a school have were damaged when a tornado ripped through Forney on Tuesday afternoon. The Diamond Creek subdivision on the city's north side was devastated, with 20 to 30 homes hit hard. A grandmother and her daughter were watching storm coverage on a notebook computer when they saw Forney in the path. They took shelter in a ground floor closet and survived, but part of their home was ripped away.  Nearby Crosby Elementary School also was damaged. There are reports of several injuries here, none serious. - Teresa Woodard reporting in Forney
5:26p The tornado hit hard along Pepperidge Drive in Lancaster. Ten to 12 homes were demolished and about 50 others suffered significant damage. No one was injured in this neighborhood, and many said they felt lucky to be alive.  "My wife and I was in the bedroom watching the news and we saw that the tornado was in the area, but I'm thinking it's going down Bear Creek," said David Earl Brown, who was getting ready to go to work.  "All of a sudden I looked outside and I saw the real steel and I heard that 'wooo-wooo,' and I said, 'Baby, it's time for us to get in the closet.' And so then we got in the closet and then the tornado hit and I could see the debris flying around as I peeked out the closet door and didn't realize my whole bedroom had been blown up." - Brett Shipp

5:25p Video shows seven-ton trailers being tossed in the air by a tornado near Interstate 20 and I-45 in southern Dallas County Tuesday afternoon. The City of Dallas said at least 50 parked tractor-trailers were damaged or destroyed by the twister. We've heard of no injuries as a result of the storm. - Jason Whitely in Dallas County

5:21p There is devastating damage along Pepperidge Drive in Lancaster. "I just couldn't believe it," said Tina McCrae, whose home was destroyed by the power of the storm. She has been spending the hours following the disaster looking for her two dogs. "We just found Cha-Cha... she just ran out. But I haven't seen Tyson," she said. Firefighters went door-to-door checking to make sure no one was trapped in the debris. A caravan of emergency vehicles moved through the neighborhood to provide security as the evening hours approach.  - Rebecca Lopez in Lancaster
5:17p There are tens of thousands of homes and businesses without power across North Texas as a result of the severe weather outbreak, according to Oncor spokeswoman Catherine Cuellar. She encouraged customers to safely await restoration of service, and to call 888-313-4747 to report outages and to get recorded updates. Information is also available online at stormcenter.oncor.com.

5:15p Only one person suffered minor injuries when a tornado tore into the Green Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Arlington. Police and fire department personnel are helping to assess the damage and to evacuate residents to a safer place.

5:03p Lancaster City Council held an emergency measure and declared the city a disaster area.

5:01p The tornadic storm in Hunt County is merging with the solid line to the west, and this should help to begin to reduce (but not eliminate) tornado potential, but damaging straightline winds will be likely across eastern Hunt County and western Hopkins County. Commerce is in the direct path of the worst part of this storm.

5p A tornado warning remains for Hunt, Delta and Lamar until 5:45 p.m.

4:56p The strong part of the storm is hitting from Greenville to Commerce.

4:52p Strong circulation noted just northeast of downtown Greenville.

4:48p Forney City Manager Brian Brooks says the northern section of the city was hit really hard. At least 20 homes damaged, one destroyed.

4:45p A severe thunderstorm with a history of producing tornadoes hit Greenville, where a large tornado was spotted. The storm is moving northeast at 40 mph. This is a very dangerous storm. If you are in its path, take cover immediately. Campbell and Neylandville are in the direct path of this tornado.

4:40p Rain-wrapped tornado spotted in between Greenville and Dixon.
Golf-ball sized hail sighted, winds about 70 mph.

4:37p There has been a report of a leveled home in Greenville.
4:30p Very large tornado reported in Greenville.

4:29p Tornado reported on the ground just south of Greenville in Caddo Mills area. There is a TORNADO EMERGENCY issued for the area.

4:23p: Storm one will hit Mount Bethel at 4:24p, Concord at 4:30p, Mineral Heights at 4:32p, Greenville at 4:37p, Peniel at 4:39p, Ardis Heights at 4:39p and Reavilon at 4:40p. Take cover in these areas.

4:22p Storm one is to hit Hendrix at 4:22p, Caddo Mills at 4:28p, Clinton at 4:32p and Floyd at 4:36p. Take cover in these areas.

4:16p The tornado is near Union Valley. This tornadic storm is traveling along I-30 toward Caddo Mills and Greenville. Take shelter.

4:14p Tornado Warning for Collin, Hunt,and Rockwall counties until 4:30pm. If you live near Royse City, Caddo Mills, Cash - take shelter.

4:12p Tornado on ground on west side of Sulphur Springs.

4:11p Confirmed tornado near Royse City.

4:09p Tornado warning for Collin, Hunt and Rockwall counties until 4:30 p.m. and Hopkins and Delta counties until 4:10 p.m.

4:08p Tornado reported in Royce City right now.

4:07p 28,000 without power in North Texas.

4:06p The American Red Cross has set up a disaster center in the city of Arlington at the community center located at 712 W. Abram Street. Cots will be set up starting at 4:30 p.m.

3:58p Possible tornado now on FM 550 north of McLendon-Chisholm (5 miles south of Fate) in southern Rockwall County moving NE at 25 mph. The tornado will be near Tira around 4:10 p.m.

3:57p Those in Royce City should take cover. Since it would be a rain-wrapped tornado, you will not see it coming.

3:34p Reports say there is no damage at the new Forney High, but significant damage was reported at Crosby Elementary School and the Diamond Creek neighborhood near 545.

3:53p Rain-wrapped tornado very likely in progress on SR 205 NW of McLendon-Chisholm in south Rockwall County moving NE.

3:51p A tornado has been reported on the ground in Sulphur Springs.
3:50p McLendon-Chisholm is in the direct path of the rotation center that spawned the tornado in Forney.

3:48p Crosby Elementary School in Forney and several homes have been heavily damaged. They have taken a direct hit by the tornado.

3:45p Tornado now passing over the north side of Forney moving NE at 25 mph

3:44p Forney High School has been hit by tornado, according to storm chaser.
3:39p Tornado is on ground in Forney.

3:37p Rotation just west of Forney and golf ball to baseball hail possible from Sunnyvale to Heath.

3:33p Dallas Police South Central Division reports damage at Strawberry and Tioga, west of Bonnie View in the 4100 block of Stage Coach. Some trucks were damaged at the Schnieder Truck Company north of I-20.

No significant injuries have been reported. Ten to 20 homes have been damaged in the 4100 block of Stage Coach.
Trees have been reported down around Skyline High School; a car was thrown into a fence.

Love Field has activated the Terminal Evacuation Plan and all passengers and tenants have been evacuated to the first floor and underground, at the request of the FAA. - City of Dallas

3:31p Another confirmed tornado is located three miles west of Cumby
moving NE at 25 mph. This is 15 mile west of Sulphur Springs.

3:30p A possible tornado was spotted in Hopkins.

3:28p New tornado developing 9 miles SW of Sulphur Springs moving NE at 25 mph.

3:23p Funnel cloud passing over 175 headed directly toward Lawson and Forney and the SE side of Balch Springs.

3:20p Hook echo/possible tornado getting better defined 5 miles WNW of Seagoville moving NE at 30. Lawson and Forney are in the direct path of the storm.

3:19p Developing tornado 6 miles west of Seagoville moving NE 30. 
TORNADO WARNING for Dallas, Kaufman, Rockwall until 4P.M.

3:18p Roofs can be seen ripped off and thrown far away here in Lancaster. - Rebecca Lopez

3:17p Dallas, Collin and Rockwall counties under a tornado warning until 4 p.m.

3:12p Another tight circulation is developing on the SE side of Dallas moving NE. A tornado may form from this area as well.

3:11p Arlington mayor declaring a state of disaster for city to last up to seven days due to widespread damage.

3:10p New rotation rapidly developing in the storm in southern Dallas County near Wilmer.

3:08p Rotation is strengthening again in Collin County seven miles northeast of Wylie moving toward Farmersville. A tornado could form at any moment.
3:07p Grapevine, Irving and Dallas ISDs locked down. Arlington ISD parents can pick up their children now.

3:06p American Airlines: All inbound arrivals canceled until at least 9 p.m.

3:03p Circulation center has weakened rapidly now over Arlington as well as in the storms over Collin County, but this does not mean they won't ramp back up again. Stay alert.

3:01p Dallas ISD holding students.

2:59p Rotation seen near Three Forks restaurant at Trinity Mills in Plano.
2:58p A possible rain-wrapped tornado is developing over Arlington. You may not be able to see it before it hits. Stay in shelter.

2:57p A second and final storm line is passing through North Texas. Keep shelter for at least another hour or two.

2:55p Students are being held in Rockwall ISD. Asking parents to stay where they are to keep shelter.

2:52p There is too much fuel heating up these thunderstorms across North Texas. Stay alert and keep cover.

2:52p Schools across North Texas have canceled after-school activities.

2:50p Only minor injuries have been reported so far in these storms.

2:47p Eastern Hunt, Southwestern Delta and West Central Hopkins counties are under a tornado warning until 3:30p.

2:44p The storm where a tornado was reported on the ground in Addison will be heading to Allen at 3:18p, Fairview at 3:30p, Buckner at 3:35p, 3:37p at Bloomdale and 3:38 at McKinney.

2:43p Rotation can be seen in Addison area between The Colony, Frisco and Farmers Branch. Tornado on ground in Addison.

2:39p The storm with a hook will hit The Colony at 2:42p, Lolaville at 2:50p, Lebanon at 2:52p, Frisco at 2:57p, Collin at 3:04p, Rockhill at 3:06p and Prosper at 3:11p. Take cover in these areas.

2:38p A tornado warning remains in effect for Denton County until 2:45 PM

2:35p Likely tornado on Keller Springs Road in north Carrollton moving NE at 25 mph.

2:32p Strong possibility of a tornado now moving into Carrollton. Seek shelter immediately.

2:28p Circulation center in NW Dallas County is located near Luna Road west of Farmers Branch moving NE at 25 mph. Carrollton and Plano are in the path.
2:26p Rotation seen in Garland-Sachse area.

2:25p Sirens going off in Plano. Take cover.

2:23p Golf-ball sized hail reported in Coppell area.

2:18p Another hook echo/possible tornado in NE Dallas County about 5 miles WNW of Sunnyvale moving NE at 25 mph.

2:08p Possible tornado is approaching the south side of the D/FW Airport near the REMOTE SOUTH PARKING area moving NE at 25 mph.

2:05p A tornado was confirmed on the ground in Garland.

2:04p Denton County under tornado warning until 2:45 p.m.

2:03p A tornado is reported on the ground near Mesquite Rodeo Stadium area.

2:03p Several injuries have been reported in Kennedale in southern Tarrant County.

2:02p Circulation is strengthening over Town East Mall in Mesquite. A tornado could form at any time. Storm is moving NE at 25 mph.

2:01p Dallas and Tarrant counties under tornado warning until 2:20 p.m. SMU has warned students to take shelter.

2p Damage reported at Six Flags in Arlington.

1:58p Irving ISD is going into the emergency precaution plan, sending students into storm shelter mode.

1:55p There is strong rotation with this thunderstorm along 360 and 20. If you live in Irving and Euless on the south end of D/FW, there will be issuing another tornado warning.

1:54p While we have had extensive reports of damage across the area, we have not received any reports of injuries.

1:52p D/FW Airport on ground stop.

1:49p The circulation in the Dallas County storm has weakened, but it could re-fire so stay alert in East Dallas and Mesquite.

1:44p A tornado has been spotted at I-20 just west in Cooper in Arlington. It was on the ground for several minutes.

1:39p Large tornado just south of Pantego and Arlington moving NE. A lot of debris is in the air with this storm. Take shelter immediately!

1:36p TORNADO just west of Hutchins is lifting tractor trailer trucks into the air. This is a very DANGEROUS storm! The storm will be moving into extreme SE Dallas.

1:35p A TORNADO EMERGENCY in Arlington

1:33p Tornado is now approaching Jefferson Street in north Lancaster, just west of Hutchins moving NE at 25 mph.

1:31p Tornado warning for eastern Dallas County. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS CONFIRMED A LARGE AND DANGEROUS TORNADO NEAR HUTCHINS...MOVING NORTH AT 30 MPH. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION...SEEK SHELTER NOW!

1:28p TORNADO ON THE GROUND near Telephone Road in NW Lancaster moving NE at 25 mph. This is a dangerous storm. Roof tops from houses are flying in the air.

1:26p Large Tornado  on the ground in Kennedale moving toward Arlington. A TORNADO EMERGENCY has been issued for Tarrant County.


1:22p THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR.

GLENN HEIGHTS & RED OAK AROUND 105 PM CDT.
DESOTO AROUND 115 PM CDT.
LANCASTER & DUNCANVILLE AROUND 120 PM CDT.
WILMER AROUND 125 PM CDT.
HUTCHINS AROUND 135 PM CDT.
COCKRELL HILL AROUND 140 PM CDT.

1:20p Tornado spotted on ground near Lancaster.

1:15p A tornado on the ground has been spotted looking southeast on I-35E from DeSoto, just south of downtown Dallas.

1:12p A Code Black has been issued at Parkland Hospital, which means keeping all patients away from windows.

1:11p DPD has reported sirens going off in downtown Dallas.

1:10p Damage has been reported in Johnson County, where a tornado was reported to have touched down.

1:05p The storm in which a tornado warning has been issued for the Dallas area is expected to hit Lancaster at 1:08p, Hutchins at 1:18p, Oak Cliff at 1:28p, Dallas at 1:35p, Highland Park at 1:45p and university Park at 1:47p.

1:01p A tornado has been spotted on the ground in Ellis County.

1p Tornado warning have been issued for Dallas, Ellis, Johnson and Tarrant counties.