Monday, February 26, 2018

In Memory of David Diaz



Throughout a long lifetime of service to his community, county and country, David Diaz knew how to make an impression, be that on the ground or in the air.

Diaz died on Saturday, February 24, at the age of 94, right where he was born, lived and served, in Hurley, N.M. Diaz’s son Pedro Diaz — one of 11 children — said his father loved his town to his core, never wanting to live elsewhere. But, his heart was also devoted to public service and led him through what Pedro called “a life of adventure.”

A World War II veteran, Diaz served under Gen. George S. Patton at the infamous Battle of the Bulge in Germany. He returned home a decorated veteran following the war and devoted himself to family, and a love of planes, trains and automobiles.

Pedro said that Diaz earned his pilot license soon upon returning from the war and began a lifelong love of flying. He learned to fly first in an open-cockpit biplane and flew for his own pleasure. Over the years, though, he wanted to share his skills and joy.

“He soon got good at aerial acrobatics and began putting on stunt shows on the Fourth of July,” Pedro said. “And at Christmas he would have a friend dress as Santa Claus and land him in Hurley for the children. Oh, did he love that!”

Diaz also flew slurry flights fighting forest fires in the Gila National Forest.

While on the ground, he gave 44 years to the Santa Fe Railroad Company, working his way up from laborer to master mechanic superintendent in the Hurley maintenance shop.

He gave just as many years as a civil servant. He served on the Hurley Town Council for 10 years before being elected mayor. And there he remained for 34 consecutive years, making him the longest-serving mayor in Hurley of course, but also the longest-running consecutive mayor in New Mexico state history.

It is telling that the lifelong public servant’s name is all over the Mining District. From the David Diaz Terminal at the Grant County Airport, to Hurley’s landmark Diaz Avenue, running the length of town, the man left a great impression on the county he served for so long.

Even to the town of Hurley’s current mayor, Fernando Martinez, when he thinks of a Hurley mayor, he thinks of Diaz.

“He was highly respected by everybody,” Martinez said. “I know I had the utmost respect for him. He is the only mayor I had really known. I was a young kid when he first became mayor, so from then through the time I grew up I saw him do so much.”

Martinez said Diaz helped make Hurley feel like a full town, rebuilding town hall and the town’s maintenance building, even the community’s roads.

“Before him our streets were in terrible shape,” he said. “He saw to getting the money to rebuild those streets for us, he gave us our curbs and our gutters. His administrations also allocated funds for tennis courts, basketball courts and lighting. He just did so much.”

Mayor Martinez also said Diaz was an expert at using his relationships, especially with the various companies which owned the county’s copper mines during his tenure at the town, to the benefit of his community.

“He was the people’s person,” Martinez said. “Everyone respected him. And the companies respected him and so they helped him and Hurley when he needed them.”

In addition to Diaz’s decades at Hurley’s helm, he was elected to the County Commission in the 1980s. A pilot and flight instructor himself, Diaz’s time with the county has been especially noted by his work improving the Grant County Airport, for which the county named the airport’s terminal after Diaz.

“He was awfully effective in getting the airport out there,” said former County Commissioner Henry Torres. “He taught a lot of people how to fly. He was effective and loyal as a mayor. He was a true public servant and will be sorely missed.”

Grandchildren remembered Diaz for his sense of humor and loving more than anything to show them the sky in his beloved airplanes.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.scdailypress.com

JetBlue talks pick up with planemakers over replacing jets

MONTREAL/NEW YORK (Reuters) - JetBlue Airways Corporation met with Canadian planemaker Bombardier Inc and also had plans to meet with Brazil’s Embraer SA this month, according to an internal email reviewed by Reuters, in a signal that talks are picking up for the U.S. airline’s closely watched sales campaign.

Low-cost carrier JetBlue has previously said it is weighing whether to replace its fleet of about 60, 100-seater E-190 jets, in a campaign pitting Bombardier’s CSeries against its Brazilian rival’s latest model, the E190-E2.

JetBlue officials also met Bombardier Chief Executive Alain Bellemare at the company’s Montreal-area plant on Monday, said an industry source, confirming earlier media reports. The source said JetBlue had not finalized a deal with either planemaker.

A spokeswoman for Bombardier declined to comment on a sales campaign.

JetBlue said in a statement it is “exploring a full range of options from maintaining the current fleet to a full replacement with an alternative aircraft type.”

Embraer is determined to keep JetBlue as a key customer, while Bombardier wants to grow sales in the United States after a trade agency ruled the Canadian plane-and-train-maker could sell its 110-to-130 seat CSeries to American carriers duty-free following a dispute with Boeing Co.

The Feb. 17 email says “the Bombardier team was in to discuss product support and maintenance for its C Series. And later this month, we’ll have a chance to take a close-up look at the Embraer E2.”

It was not clear whether JetBlue already saw the E2 and a spokesman for Embraer could not immediately answer Monday night.

In January, JetBlue said it would prolong an internal review over the future of its fleet at a time of an evolving landscape for commercial aviation. Embraer is now holding tie-up talks with Boeing and Bombardier is working to complete a deal giving a majority stake in the CSeries to Airbus SE. 

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.reuters.com

Stowaways killed on takeoff at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, Guayaquil, Ecuador




Dos personas cayeron de un avión en Guayaquil en vuelo que iba a Nueva York 

La caída de tres bultos desde un avión comercial a la pista del aeropuerto Joaquín de Olmedo de Guayaquil causó la paralización de sus operaciones. La aeronave venía desde Perú, hizo una escala en el Puerto Principal y luego se dirigía hacia New York (Estados Unidos). El hecho se produjo a las 09:20 de este lunes 26 de febrero del 2018, -inicialmente los objetos estaban inidentificados. 

Pero un trabajador de la Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) se acercó para ver qué tipo de objetos cayeron, según contó el fiscal de turno, Carlos Bustamante. “Al acercarse observó a dos ciudadanos, uno en la pista y otro en la zona vegetal. El primero tenía pulso, se llamó al médico de la Aviación Civil pero a los minutos falleció. El otro ciudadano ya estaba muerto”, refirió el fiscal.

El tercer objeto que se vio caer de la aeronave era una maleta. Los fallecidos vestían blue jean y camisetas. También se encontró una maleta con aproximadamente USD 20 y ropa. No se halló documentos de identificación de los occisos. La DGAC informó que el sitio del incidente fue la cabecera 21 de la pista, autorizada para operaciones de helicópteros. La terminal aérea suspendió sus actividades entre las 09:23 y las 10:55. Un testigo que observó el percance comentó que el avión había despegado y se encontraba a varios metros sobre el piso. Entonces, los cuerpos cayeron desde el tren de aterrizaje.

Unos minutos después de la emergencia el lugar estaba acordonado por personal policial mientras una ambulancia con paramédicos arribó para comprobar el estado de las víctimas. Un vehículo de Criminalística también llegó a la pista para hacer el levantamiento de los cadáveres, acción que se concretó a las 10:23. 

Bustamante informó que estaba previsto el retorno del avión como parte de las investigaciones. Presume que podría tratarse de personas vinculadas al tráfico de drogas y se verificará si hay más personas relacionadas a la actividad. La DGAC mantiene una reunión con representantes de las instituciones de socorro e investigaciones para averiguar más detalles del accidente.

Mientras el comandante de Policía de la zona 8 (Guayaquil, Durán y Samborondón), Marcelo Tobar, ratificó que se realizan las investigaciones para determinar las causas que motivaron las muertes. “El hecho es que tenemos dos cadáveres producto de haber caído o haberse lanzado del avión en un hipotético arrepentimiento de continuar con su viaje ilegal en el tren de aterrizaje del avión”, dijo Tobar.

http://www.elcomercio.com



QUITO, Feb 27 — Two stowaways fell to their death yesterday from an airplane as it took off from an airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador on a flight to New York, authorities told local media.

Details of the incident were sketchy with authorities not saying whether a commercial airline was involved.

Officials said the bodies of two men, between 25 and 30 years of age, were found on the southern end of the runway of the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil.

“Two people got into the landing gear and as the plane took off the system either ejected them or they lost heart” and let go, General Marcelo Tobar was quoted as telling local media.

Prosecutor Carlos Bustamante said the plane, which returned to Guayaquil, had come from Peru and was on its way to New York.

Airport operations were closed for an hour after the incident, the Civil Aviation Office said.

Original article  ➤ http://www.themalaymailonline.com

Dr. Andy Jones honored by Cleveland Municipal Airport (KRNV)

Recently, Dr. Andy Jones was honored by the Cleveland Airport Commission for serving for 35 years on the Cleveland Municipal Board.

Dr. Jones was a professor at Delta State University from 1969 until 1990.

For the first five years he taught speech, and his last 15 years he taught School Administration Supervision.

He was appointed to the airport commission in 1982.

He said the airport commission was formed around the time that Mr. Pete Jones moved Air Repair, Inc. to the Cleveland Municipal Airport. He also said that he had seen a lot of change and growth in the airport over the years here.

"He is by far the longest serving member of the airport commission," said Clint Johnson, airport manager.

Jones said, "I've been there through all of the changes, the runway has been lengthened twice since I've been there. We bought additional land several times and most of the hangars have been built. The terminal building has been built. We keep growing and I don’t know that we will ever have enough of a demand to justify going that much further with the length of the runway so we could have larger jets. I don’t think we have a demand for that any time soon but we have been successful.

Jones said he hopes to see more business at the airport.

"I would hope that we would have additional fixed space operators there in addition to Pete and the one that Scott Brown had. There's plenty of business for additional businesses of that sort.

"I've enjoyed my time very much. David Work was instrumental in my coming on the board. I didn’t anticipate staying 35 years at the time and it worked out real well," he said.

Original article ➤ http://www.bolivarcommercial.com

Eastern Slope Regional Airport (KIZG) strikes back against board member Bender



FRYEBURG, Maine — Eastern Slope Regional Airport Authority's leadership has responded to accusations regarding lack of transparency and mismanagement levied by former airport board member Steve Bender of Lovell.

The airport authority's executive committee — Don Thibodeau of Fryeburg, Carl Thibodeau of Conway, Ed Bergeron of Conway and Gene Bergoffen of Fryeburg — and Brian Smith, an engineer with McFarland-Johnson, met with selectmen on Feb. 22 to "set the record straight."

They are scheduled to meet with Conway selectmen today.

Bender resigned from the authority last month after publicizing the executive committee for what he termed excessive secrecy and its attempts to muzzle him.

Shortly after his resignation, Lovell selectmen decided that they would withdraw from the authority. Carroll County's Board of Commissioners also withdrew, citing concerns about transparency.

The executive board's decision to break their silence comes as they prepare to ask both towns for donations and Fryeburg voters to OK a 40-year lease. 

The airport generally asks the town of Fryeburg each June for a $15,000 donation. It also makes an annual request of $10,000 from Conway voters. 

"We're here tonight to answer any questions that may have arisen from all the noise that's been in the paper," Airport Executive Committee Chairman Don Thibodeau told Fryeburg selectmen last Thursday.

The selectmen's top concern seemed to be that if the authority failed and the airport closed, the town, which owns the land the airport sits on, would be be responsible for paying back Federal Aviation Administration funds that have gone toward maintaining the airport.

Smith said the town could conceivably owe the FAA $10 million or more.

"What bothers me is the withdrawal of support of towns (from the authority) who think it's an option," said Selectman Kimberly Clarke. "It's not an option for us."

Bergoffen said the airport board's structure gives Fryeburg four representatives and Conway three. Surrounding towns in Maine and New Hampshire each get one representative, as do Carroll and Oxford County. Bergeron represents the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Executive committee members said the board of directors was created to give smaller towns "skin in the game." The biggest benefactor to the airport is Conway, they said, as it's the destination of many airport users.

But the governance model isn't working as intended because they aren't getting the buy-in (participation and/or donations) from the small towns, the committee members said. They said they have created a task force with representatives from Oxford County, Fryeburg, Conway, Albany and Eaton to examine the issue.

According to Bergeron, the other members of the authority as of Jan. 25 are: Rick Hiland of Albany; John Allen of Jackson; Connie Harte of Brownfield, Maine; Bob Mahanor of Sweden, Maine; Ken Richardson of Denmark, Maine; Tom Holmes, Conway Town Manager; Scott Cole, Oxford County, Maine, administrator; Lilli Gilligan, Conway Finance Director; E.A. Russell, Fryeburg; Davis Sorensen, Eaton; and (now resigned) Mark Hounsell, Carroll County commissioner. There are currently vacancies in Madison and Fryeburg, Hiram, Porter and Stow, Maine.

Prior to Fryeburg town vote to OK selling airport land to Poland Spring (the question failed), Bender had accused the airport authority’s executive committee of conducting secret negotiations on the proposed land sale and violating the airport's bylaws in the process. He also said putting a bottling plant on airport land could constitute an aviation hazard.

At Thursday's meeting, the airport executive committee distributed a written response to Bender's accusations, which said in part:

"The executive committee was approached by Poland Spring to explore a potential bottling plant site on the airport property. The town of Fryeburg encouraged the EC to consider this possibility. The EC immediately contacted FAA to determine what its responsibilities were and the process that FAA would follow to determine whether a plant would be compatible with airport safety and whether the site could be considered 'nonessential to safe airport operations.' The EC took no action to prepare a recommendation to the full board given that the town needed voter authority to sell or lease a site on the airport, and that no process would be undertaken until that vote took place. The meetings were held in the regular course of Executive Committee meetings and between regular board meetings where any potential action would need to be approved by a vote of the full board."

The executive committee's statement also said: "An informal review of areas on the airport property non-essential for operations indicated that there could be a consideration of some sites. However, the final safety determination would be made by the FAA, in a rigorous, and formal review process."

The committee also said Bender had misrepresented the state of the authority's finances in letters to the editor, in which he stated that the airport's budget reflects a "slim 2018 operating margin of $3,600 and a year-to-date loss of $29,659 as of November 2017."


Eastern Slope Regional Airport chairman Don Thibodeau meets with Fryeburg selectmen on February 22, 2018. In the background is Selectman Rick Eastman.


Bender also said that when Carl Thibodeau quoted a favorable audit, it dated from 2016, not 2017 "and was completed a year late in January 2018."

Bergoffen told selectmen that the airport has a rainy day fund of about $160,000 in cash and low debt. He said it has been getting clean audits and the 2017 audit will be underway soon.

"From a balance statement standpoint, we are in no trouble," said Bergoffen.

Bender had said he resigned when he was asked to sign documents pertaining to confidentiality, but in their statement, authority members said his resignation came after he was confronted with evidence that he had contacted an attorney for Pike Industries in an effort to aid Pike in a lawsuit against the authority and town, among other parties. 

Bender said he and other members of the authority board called Pike to find out what the lawsuit was about because the executive committee wasn't sharing information.

The committee members said they expect to be reimbursed by the FAA for expenses related to a hangar they are planning to build.

Their total budget is about $270,000, of which about 10 percent comes from donations from the towns and the bulk comes from hangar leases, fuel sales and grants.

They explained that the airport is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization incorporated under Maine law and is not a municipal organization subject to municipal law.

In addition to being used by local pilots and business executives, the airport is also used for life flights that help get patients to distant medical facilities.

Original article  ➤ https://www.conwaydailysun.com

Stolp Starduster Too, N5606T: Accident occurred February 26, 2018 at Ryan Field Airport (KRYN), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


http://registry.faa.gov/N5606T

Location: Tucson, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA180
Date & Time: 03/26/2018, 1030 MST
Registration: N5606T
Aircraft: ANDERSON DARRELL L STARDUSTER TOO
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot in the experimental amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that this was his third test flight. During the landing roll, he heard a loud noise, and the left side of the airplane dropped. The airplane veered to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The left side of the airplane dug into the ground and the airplane nosed over.

The FAA Aviation Safety Inspector that examined the airplane reported that the left main landing gear axle weld had failed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder and right upper wing spar.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 83, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/07/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/19/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 9166 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ANDERSON DARRELL L
Registration: N5606T
Model/Series: STARDUSTER TOO NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 001
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/23/2018, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1700 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-360-AED
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRYN, 2418 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1745 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 39°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / -6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tucson, AZ (RYN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tucson, AZ (RYN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1010 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: RYAN FIELD (RYN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2418 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 06L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4900 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 32.142222, -111.174444 (est)



TUCSON -  Emergency responders are working a plane crash on a runway at Ryan Airfield, according to the Tucson Airport Authority. 

An experimental bi-wing aircraft crashed during take-off, according to Tucson Airport Authority spokeswoman Jesse Butler.

One pilot was on board and walked away with minor injuries, Butler said. 

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.kvoa.com




TUCSON, Ariz. - A pilot suffered non-life threatening injuries in a small plane crash at Ryan Airfield Monday. 

According to Jesse Butler of Tucson Airport Authority, the experimental bi-wing aircraft crashed at the field west of Tucson.

The pilot walked away from the wreck without the assistance of the crews, Butler said.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.kgun9.com




TUCSON, AZ -  One person was injured in a plane crash southwest of Tucson on Monday, Feb. 26.

The person was piloting an experimental bi-wing plane when the crash happened upon takeoff.

The pilot suffered minor injuries.

Original article  ➤ http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com

Beechcraft A100 King Air, Strait Air: Accident occurred February 26, 2018 at Havre Saint-Pierre Airport, Quebec, Canada

DORVAL, QC, Feb. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - The Transportation Safety Board is deploying a team of investigators following an aircraft accident at the Havre-Saint-Pierre Airport, Quebec. The Transportation Safety Board will gather information and assess the occurrence.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.newswire.ca 


Un avion bimoteur Beechcraft King Air A100 de la compagnie Strait Air a connu des difficultés lors de son atterrissage, lundi, à l’aéroport de Havre-Saint-Pierre, sur la Côte-Nord.

Pour une raison qu’on ignore, l’appareil a dépassé le seuil de la piste. L'avion ne semblait toutefois pas avoir été endommagé.

Huit personnes, six passagers et deux membres d'équipage, se trouvait dans le Beech A-100 au moment de l'événement. Quatre personnes ont été transportées à l'hôpital par mesure préventive, possiblement pour traiter des chocs nerveux.

De la neige tombait à Havre-Saint-Pierre lors de l’atterrissage. Il est possible que les conditions météorologiques puissent expliquer en partie cet incident.

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.tvanouvelles.ca

Concorde Battery Corporation donates to Cumberland County High School aviation program

Chris Holder of Concorde Battery Corporation presents a check for the Cumberland County High School aviation program to Orville Hale, aviation instructor, accepting on behalf of the school.


Concorde Battery Corporation, one of the world’s leading aviation battery manufacturers, has donated $1,000 to Cumberland County High School’s new Aviation Career Training Education program.

“Today’s high school students will be the pilots and technicians that keep the aircraft of tomorrow in the air” stated Chris Holder, Concorde’s Eastern US Sales Manager. “As a company that is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of aircraft worldwide, we recognize the need to support programs like the one Cumberland County High School is trying to build. The upcoming projected shortage of personnel to pilot and maintain our aircraft is an industry problem and Concorde wants to be a leader in addressing this issue.”

According to a study published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - Global and Regional 20-year Forecasts – Pilots, Maintenance Personnel and Air Traffic Controllers, ICAO estimates the number of commercially-operated aircraft will have jumped from 61,833 in 2010 to 151,565 between 2010 and 2030, and the number of departures from around 26 million to almost 52 million. This would more than double the current number of pilots, maintenance personnel and air traffic controllers worldwide.

More than two million jobs are projected for pilots, maintenance personnel and air traffic controllers as a result of the retirement of qualified professionals and the anticipated growth of commercial air transport to the year 2030.

Concorde Battery Corporation supplies over 100 models of original equipment and direct replacement valve regulated sealed lead acid batteries for fixed wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aircraft. Concorde batteries are installed as original equipment by the majority of aircraft manufacturers and adopted by military aircraft operators worldwide. 

Original article ➤ http://www.crossville-chronicle.com

Georgia Lawmakers Pass Bill Without Delta Tax Break After National Rifle Association Move: Republican-led senate yanks benefit for carrier in response to its withdrawal of some flight discounts for gun-group members



ATLANTA—Georgia’s senate Thursday passed a bill promising large tax cuts for state residents but only after stripping out a provision that would have benefited Delta Air Lines Inc., punishing the carrier for ending some discounts for National Rifle Association members. 

The bill, having now passed both chambers of Georgia’s Republican-dominated legislature, heads to Republican Gov. Nathan Deal. He has said he would sign the bill, despite its lacking the jet-fuel tax break he supported benefiting Delta, Atlanta’s biggest employer.

Republican Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, the senate president and a candidate to replace Mr. Deal, said Monday he backed dropping the jet-fuel tax break. “We should never be forced to choose between our values and growing our economy,” tweeted Mr. Cagle, an NRA supporter.

A Delta spokeswoman didn’t reply to a request for comment.

In a statement last weekend, Delta said it supported the Second Amendment but decided to cut the discounts to reflect “the airline’s neutral status in the current national debate over gun control amid recent school shootings.”

Delta was one of several corporation to sever ties with the NRA after the mass shooting at a Florida high school two weeks ago that killed 17 students and adults. A wave of calls for more gun control came in the wake of the massacre, and retailers including Walmart Inc. and Dicks Sporting Goods Inc. this week said they would stop selling firearms to shoppers under 21 years old.

In remarks Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Deal, who has prided himself on being a pro-business governor, urged people to discuss the “emotionally charged issue” with more civility and decried “the types of antics that tend to plague election years.” The NRA endorsed Mr. Deal for his 2014 re-election.

Despite the bill’s passage, Mr. Deal said he would work to secure the jet- fuel tax break at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest by passenger traffic and Delta’s main hub. Delta employees about 31,000 people in metropolitan Atlanta.

Appeared in the March 2, 2018, print edition as 'State Stings Delta Over NRA Move.'

Original article can be found here ➤  https://www.wsj.com

Conservatives in Georgia's Senate have a message for Delta Air Lines: Renew your relationship with the National Rifle Association or you will pay the price.

The state House had approved a tax break that could provide a $40 million benefit to the airline, but members of the Senate vowed to fight the deal after Delta dropped its discounted fares Saturday for members of the NRA.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a Republican, vowed Monday to kill any tax break for Delta, which is headquartered in Atlanta, unless the airline revived its discount program.

“Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back,” Cagle said.

State Sen. Rick Jeffares, a Republican, said that the break was worth $40 million but that he would lead the charge against it "to let Delta know their attack on the NRA and our 2nd Amendment is unacceptable."

Delta announced Saturday that it was joining at least 10 companies in ending its discount arrangement with the NRA, and asked the gun rights group to remove its logo from the group's website. Other groups that cut ties include MetLife and Hertz.

The airline decided at its annual meeting to end the contract to reflect its neutral position in the national debate over gun control and notified the NRA on Saturday. The decision came after the shooting rampage Feb. 14 at a Florida high school that left 17 people dead.

“Out of respect for our customers and employees on both sides, Delta has taken this action to refrain from entering this debate and focus on its business,” the airline said in a statement. “Delta continues to support the 2nd Amendment.”

The announcement came just after a once-in-a-generation overhaul of federal tax law. The direct benefit from the reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% was hit-and-miss because several airlines don’t pay income taxes.

Delta took a one-time charge of $150 million in the fourth quarter because of new tax treatment for foreign earnings and the re-evaluation of deferred tax assets. But executives said during an earnings call last month that the company projects a future all-in book tax rate of 22% to 24%.

“We obviously are not going to see any cash savings in 2018 from tax reform since we weren't anticipating paying any taxes, and we still don't anticipate paying taxes in '18,” said Paul Jacobson, Delta’s chief financial officer.

But as the company anticipates becoming a taxpayer in 2019 and 2020, it would use the benefits to more fully fund its employee pension fund, he said.

“We expect the benefit will probably be about $800 million a year at our current earnings level,” CEO Ed Bastian said. “So it'll be a significant benefit for Delta and our owners.”

The less tangible benefit is whether corporations will boost travel spending spurred by the lower payroll deductions for consumers and greater corporate investment.

“We haven't yet seen the evidence that there's going to be stimulated travel demand given that it's so early with the law just coming out over the last couple of weeks,” Bastian said.

Delta's president, Glen Hauenstein, said the company is “very excited” about the potential for business demand.

“We haven't seen that materialize yet, but we expect that to materialize in the first quarter,” he said.

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.king5.com



NEW YORK (Reuters) - The lieutenant governor of Georgia on Monday threatened to block legislation that includes lucrative tax benefits for Delta Air Lines Inc because the Atlanta-based airline dropped a partnership with the National Rifle Association after a public backlash in the wake of the recent Florida school shooting.

“I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA,” Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, a Republican, wrote on Twitter. “Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.”

The Feb. 14 massacre of 17 students and educators at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, by a gunman with a legally purchased semiautomatic rifle reignited the nation’s long-running debate over gun rights.

Several U.S. companies are cutting ties with the NRA and gun manufacturers in the wake of the shooting.

On Saturday, Delta and United Airlines Inc said they were no longer offering NRA members discounted rates and they would ask the NRA to remove their information from its website.

Delta said its decision reflected a neutral stance in the heated gun control debate. It said it continues to support the Second Amendment, which grants Americans the right to bear arms.

Delta officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Monday. The airline is one of the largest employers in Georgia.

Cagle’s tweet follows a wave of threats to boycott the carrier after Delta’s Saturday announcement.

Neither Cagle’s office nor the NRA were immediately available for comment.

The Georgia legislature is considering a proposed jet fuel tax exemption designed to benefit Delta, but as of Monday, several state Republicans have threatened to withdraw their support for the provision.

Emory University School of Law Professor Robert Schapiro said that the state has broad discretion in deciding which entities to tax or not tax.

“In terms of legality, the legislature has a broad ability to grant tax exemptions or not grant tax exemptions,” Schapiro said. “So it doesn’t violate any constitutional principle” to pull support over the NRA debate.

Cagle is running for governor of the state in the 2018 race. 

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.reuters.com

Cessna 207, N1658U: Accident occurred February 25, 2018 at Newtok Airport (PAEW), Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N1658U 

Location: Newtok, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA154
Date & Time: 02/25/2018, 1320 AKS
Registration: N1658U
Aircraft: CESSNA 207
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Positioning 

Analysis

The pilot reported that during a return flight, he elected to fly from the right pilot seat, to allow a cargo-handler to sit in the left pilot seat. The taxi to the runway was short and required little rudder input. However, during takeoff, as he added power, he "did not seem" to have full right rudder authority and he was unable to maintain the runway centerline. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a small ridge, and came to rest nose down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left-wing.

The pilot further reported that, after the accident, he realized the airplane had stow-able rudder pedals on the right side, and that they had been placed in the "stowed" position.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly check that the flight controls were correctly configured before takeoff. 

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Attain/maintain not possible (Cause)
Rudder - Inadequate inspection

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Lack of action - Pilot (Factor)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial; Foreign
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/29/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/17/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 21930 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1800 hours (Total, this make and model), 2185 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 70 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N1658U
Model/Series: 207 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 20700258
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 7
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO 520 SERIES
Registered Owner: MICHAEL WADE RENFRO
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: PAKLOOK AIR
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Commuter Air Carrier (135); On-demand Air Taxi (135)
Operator Does Business As: Yute Commuter Service
Operator Designator Code: 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAVA, 75 ft msl
Observation Time: 2226 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 45 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 323°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 600 ft agl
Temperature/Dew Point: -12°C / -13°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 2900 ft agl
Visibility:  3 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 23 knots, 100°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.68 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: Light - Snow; Moderate - Mist
Departure Point: Newtok, AK (EWU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: BETHEL, AK (BET)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1320 AKS
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Airport Information

Airport: NEWTOK (EWU)
Runway Surface Type: Gravel
Airport Elevation: 25 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Snow
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2202 ft / 35 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 60.938333, -164.640278 (est)

Cessna 172M, N5147N: Accident occurred February 23, 2018 at Show Low Regional Airport (KSOW), Navajo County, Arizona

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale


Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


http://registry.faa.gov/N5147N


Location: Show Low, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA141
Date & Time: 02/23/2018, 1015 MST
Registration: N5147N
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

Analysis 

The flight instructor reported that, during approach in a gusting crosswind, he took the flight controls from the student pilot about 500 to 700 ft above ground level. He added that, during the landing roll while decelerating, a wind gust lifted the back of the airplane "from the rear right to the front left, forcing the front wheel onto the ground and lifting the plane onto the left main" landing gear. He applied full left rudder and right aileron to correct, but when it did not improve the situation, he "relaxed the controls slightly back towards neutral." Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the right and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage and empennage.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 26 knots, gusting to 32 knots. The airplane landed on runway 06. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind and tailwind conditions. 

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Instructor/check pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tailwind - Effect on operation
Crosswind - Effect on operation
Gusts - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Other weather encounter
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Runway excursion
Nose over/nose down

Flight Instructor Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 28, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/02/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/08/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 803 hours (Total, all aircraft), 533 hours (Total, this make and model), 750 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 65 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 31 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: None
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N5147N
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: 17261417
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/28/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 9442.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: ROBERT C. MACE JR
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: Canyon State Aero LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSOW, 6411 ft msl
Observation Time: 1715 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 96°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -11°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 26 knots/ 32 knots, 210°
Visibility (RVR): 
Altimeter Setting:  30 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: MESA, AZ (FFZ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:  Show Low, AZ (SOW)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0903 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: SHOW LOW RGNL (SOW)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 6415 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 06
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7200 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing:  Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  34.264444, -110.012778 (est)

Preventing Similar Accidents 

Stay Centered: Preventing Loss of Control During Landing

Loss of control during landing is one of the leading causes of general aviation accidents and is often attributed to operational issues. Although most loss of control during landing accidents do not result in serious injuries, they typically require extensive airplane repairs and may involve potential damage to nearby objects such as fences, signs, and lighting.

Often, wind plays a role in these accidents. Landing in a crosswind presents challenges for pilots of all experience levels. Other wind conditions, such as gusting wind, tailwind, variable wind, or wind shifts, can also interfere with pilots’ abilities to land the airplane and maintain directional control.

What can pilots do?

Evaluate your mental and physical fitness before each flight using the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) “I'M SAFE Checklist." Being emotionally and physically ready will help you stay alert and potentially avoid common and preventable loss of control during landing accidents.
Check wind conditions and forecasts often. Take time during every approach briefing to fully understand the wind conditions. Use simple rules of thumb to help (for example, if the wind direction is 30 degrees off the runway heading, the crosswind component will be half of the total wind velocity).
Know your limitations and those of the airplane you are flying. Stay current and practice landings on different runways and during various wind conditions. If possible, practice with a flight instructor on board who can provide useful feedback and techniques for maintaining and improving your landing procedures.

Prepare early to perform a go around if the approach is not stabilized and does not go as planned or if you do not feel comfortable with the landing. Once you are airborne and stable again, you can decide to attempt to land again, reassess your landing runway, or land at an alternate airport. Incorporate go-around procedures into your recurrent training.

During landing, stay aligned with the centerline. Any misalignment reduces the time available to react if an unexpected event such as a wind gust or a tire blowout occurs.

Do not allow the airplane to touch down in a drift or in a crab. For airplanes with tricycle landing gear, do not allow the nosewheel to touch down first.

Maintain positive control of the airplane throughout the landing and be alert for directional control difficulties immediately upon and after touchdown. A loss of directional control can lead to a nose-over or ground loop, which can cause the airplane to tip or lean enough for the wing tip to contact the ground.

Stay mentally focused throughout the landing roll and taxi. During landing, avoid distractions, such as conversations with passengers or setting radio frequencies.

Interested in More Information?

The FAA’s “Airplane Flying Handbook” (FAA-H-8083-3B), chapter 8, “Approaches and Landings,” provides guidance about how to conduct crosswind approaches and landings and discusses maximum safe crosswind velocities. The handbook can be accessed from the FAA’s website (www.faa.gov).

The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) provides access to online training courses, seminars, and webinars as part of the FAA’s “WINGS—Pilot Proficiency Program.” This program includes targeted flight training designed to help pilots develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve flight proficiency and to assess and mitigate the risks associated with the most common causes of accidents, including loss of directional control. The courses listed below can be accessed from the FAASTeam website (www.faasafety.gov).

Avoiding Loss of Control
Maneuvering: Approach and Landing
Normal Approach and Landing
Takeoffs, Landings, and Aircraft Control

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute offers several interactive courses, presentations, publications, and other safety resources that can be accessed from its website (www.aopa.org/asf/).

The NTSB’s Aviation Information Resources web page, www.ntsb.gov/air, provides convenient access to NTSB aviation safety products.


The NTSB presents this information to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. Note that this should not be considered guidance from the regulator, nor does this supersede existing FAA Regulations (FARs).