2021 – February Bloomsburg Municipal Airport

BJ Teichman, Airport Coordinator - TOB Dave Ruckle, Pilot [email protected] [email protected]

Bloomsburg Flying Club Memberships available! www.flybloomsburg.com Contact: [email protected]

Bring a friend who is interested in joining the club!

Flight Instructors:

▪ Phil Polstra – CFII (Parlor City Flying Club Member / Bloomsburg Flying Club) [email protected] 570-854-5653 ▪ Rob Staib – (Independent) [email protected] 570-850-5274 ▪ Hans Lawrence – CFII / MEI / RI [email protected] 570-898-8868 ▪ Eric Cipcic, CFI [email protected] 412-496-9954 (Based at KIPT – willing to travel to other airports)

On the Horizon / Save the Date(s):

What: N13 EAA Chapter 1641 Meeting Date and Time: 21 March 5:00 PM Location: TBA ****************************************

What: N13 Bloomsburg Flying Club Meeting Date: 21 March 6:30 PM For BOTH EAA AND FLYING CLUB MEETINGS Location: TBA, contact [email protected] for location during COVID

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History of the Bloomsburg Airport By: Dave Ruckle The birth of the Bloomsburg airport, like so many innovations in the 1920s, was born out of necessity. Even though no airport existed in Bloomsburg at the time, the first commercial flight for business purposes here was made on March 17, 1929 when two Philadelphia carpet designers landed in a farm field to meet with executives from the Magee Carpet Company. After concluding business, the pair were back in the air for a one-hour flight home to Philly. Clearly, a transaction that could have taken days was accomplished within a few hours thanks to aviation. It was obvious to an enterprising Harry Magee that an airport would be an economic benefit to the town of Bloomsburg. In the 89 years since, the Bloomsburg airport has proven time and again to be an asset not just to the town but to communities far and wide as well as the nation. Since space does not allow for a detailed accounting of all the historical facts about the airport, this brief review will highlight the most significant historical points.

Above Harry Magee with “Maggie” 3 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

The Golden Age of Aviation

* The Golden Age of Aviation is predominantly ear marked by the transatlantic flight of Charles Lindberg and the historical aviation feats of Amelia Earhart. * In the fall of 1929, like-minded, aviation proponents like Harry Magee began developing plans to construct an airport in Bloomsburg. * By the summer of 1931, after making extensive test landings, Magee formed the Bloomsburg Flying Club along with seven other prominent, aviation enthusiasts, mostly members of the Rotary Club. These two organizations along with the support of the Morning Press (today’s Press-Enterprise newspaper) led the drive to build an airport. * The Bloomsburg airport, at its present location, opened in April 1932. More than 6,000 enthusiastic, aviation-minded and curious spectators toured the new airport during its first week of operation. For a dollar, the Bloomsburg Flying Club treated hundreds of first-time flyers to sightseeing rides; weekend spectators were captivated watching parachute jumping and airplanes making continuous daylong take offs and landings. * Charter flights were also available to nearby cities, such as Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport. * The Bloomsburg Flying Club, organized under the name Columbia Airways, began expanded charter service to New York City and Pittsburgh in 1934. * In 1937, Harry Magee was appointed by Governor George H. Earl III to the newly formed State Aviation Council. * Sadly, in 1938, Harry Magee closed the airport, sighting the increasing competition from municipally owned airfields whose operating expenses, especially insurance costs, were much lower than for a privately owned airport like Bloomsburg. 4 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* Town council president, Nathan Krauss, not wanting to see the airport shut down, officially declared the town’s interest in retaining the airport. The Golden Age of Aviation

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The War Years

* At the same time, Harvey Andruss of Bloomsburg State Teachers College, sensing that war was on the horizon, organized the Civil Aeronautics Authority’s Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPT) as part of the school’s curriculum. Working with Magee and the college, the Town Council entered an agreement to lease the airport with the option to purchase it at a later date. * Soon after, the town subleased the airport to Sam Bigony. Bigony, along with the State Teachers College, held a CPT contract to train civilians for later placement in navy and army flying programs. Over one hundred students took ground school classes at the college and flight training at the airport. * With the increasing need for more officers and pilots because of World War II, the college initiated two very significant aviation courses; the Navy V-5 which trained over 500 aviation cadets between 1943 and 1944, and the Navy-12 program, which from July 1943 to October 1945, trained more than 500 officer candidates. * These programs proved vital to Bloomsburg’s war time economic health, pumping $2 million a year into the community and helping keep the college open during a time when many colleges were closed for the lack of students. * In 1942, Fred Vietig, an ex-Army Air Corp member becomes owner of Columbia Aircraft Services (CAS), a repair shop that was established in the 30s. CAS also offers charter flights. Vietig became a sales agent for Piper Cub and Republic Seabee Aircraft Company. * World War II in Europe ended on May 7, 1945 with the surrender of Nazi Germany and the next day, May 8, 1945, the town of Bloomsburg purchases the airport from Harry Magee.

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* During the early post-war years, Andy Perugino, a former Army Air Corp flight instructor, succeeds Howard Ailor to become the new manager at the Bloomsburg airport and continued to promote private, commercial and instrument flight training to countless civilian student pilots under the provisions of the GI Bill. The War Years

In the winter the fuel and oil were drained from these cubs and the props were removed and stacked on their noses in order to accommodate the maximum number of planes in the hangar to get them out of the weather. 7 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Dick Viets

(L) Grumman Avenger TBF -Torpedo Bomber Fighter Visited the Bloomsburg Airport 1948

General Aviation Soars Again

* Along with an existing Civil Air Patrol squadron, the 9548th. Volunteer Reserve Air Training Squadron was established in Bloomsburg in 1949. 8 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* The Bloomsburg airport celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in 1957.

*The current Bloomsburg Flying Club was founded in 1964 as the Parlor City Flying Club by a group of local gentlemen who wanted to foster an interest in general aviation and make flying affordable. Those first meetings were held nearby at the old Parlor City Café and it became the club’s namesake. The original Bloomsburg Flying Club was founded in 1931.

(L) Telegram from the Parlor City Flying Club wishing Amelia Earhart well on her transatlantic flight. Circa June 19, 1932. Permission given by Purdue University Library

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* The runway was paved in 1965. Prior to that it was a multi-directional grass strip and in the 1940s the runway was lit with lanterns for night landings. * By the 60s, both a need and a desire brought several aircraft owners together to construct a six bay T-hangar just east of the airport terminal building. * Over the years, numerous “Bloomsburg Airport Bums,” pilots that earned their wings at the Bloomsburg airport or called N13 home, moved on to become professional pilots. Names that have become almost legendary among the ranks of N13 pilots are Bruce Beckner who flew for Northwest Airlines, Orey Garin a WWII pilot that flew for American Airlines, Jim McCutchin, a corporate pilot for Loomis Insurance Company, Lou Defacio with Continental Airlines, Dave Briner a pilot for U.S. Airways, Rich Laubach who flew for NetJet, and Dick Sharrow, an instructor who long ago lost count of the hours he has flown and the number of pilots he taught to fly. Columbia Aircraft Services Shines meeting both the needs of our military and general aviation

* On average, per year, from 1966 through 1983, Columbia Aircraft Services overhauled 150 GO-480 engines used by the U.S. Army in Queen Airs, Helo Curriers, Twin Beechcraft and Bonanza D-50s. In that same 17- year period, CAS employed 22 personnel, working a two-shift day. 10 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* Columbia Aircraft Services also had contracts with Lycoming and Continental Engine Companies, overhauling alternators, magnetos and carburetors, averaging 150 starters per month. * Through the 1960s and 70s, CAS also had civilian contracts, overhauling engines for companies like Henry Webber Aviation, Mid-West Aircraft Company in Ohio, Dulles Aviation in Washington D.C., Ag-Rotors and Helicopter Aviators and Middlesex Helicopter Company of New Jersey. * The Bloomsburg airport was also a Seaplane base until 1972. Planes would land on the Susquehanna River and tie-up at mooring alongside the concrete boat house, built by Harry Magee in 1932 that still stands today. 11 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* During the Agnes Flood in 1972, 52 Army engine containers washed downstream. The farthest made it to the Chesapeake Bay, meaning it went over the Conawingo Damn. Columbia Aircraft recovered every container. * On the subject of floods, there have been a total of 28 floods in Bloomsburg since records started in 1850. Since the Bloomsburg airport opened in 1932 there have been 23 in excess of flood stage at 19 feet. The first one to affect the airport was March 20, 1936 at 27.8 feet. The most severe occurred on June 5, 1972 (31.2’); June 28, 2006 (28.64’) and September 9, 2011 (32.75’) respectively. Most floods were considered minor or moderate with many not affecting the airport operations.

(L) 1972 Flood

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* In 1978, Mobil Oil Company selected Columbia Aircraft Service’s engine test cell to perform a required 500-hour continuous engine run for the approval of one of its engine oils used in airplanes. Columbia is only one of a handful of approved engine repair stations on the east coast that has an FAA approved aircraft engine test cell.

Above, Columbia Aircraft Crew with owner on far right, Fred Vietig. * Bill Bartsler, who started working at Columbia Aircraft Services at age 16 in 1949, took over ownership in 1979, retiring in 1991. * Shirley Brobst, who started working at a Columbia Aircraft as a secretary in June of 1966, and Scott Smith, who started as an aircraft mechanic in January

1967, takes over as co-owners in 1991. * With the retirement of Scott Smith in 2008, Karl George partners with Shirley Brobst as co-owner of Columbia Aircraft. Then in April 2013 George and Brobst sell their interest in CAS to Kelly Green. (Above, 46-year A & P veteran Mechanic Karl George 2020) 13 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* Green, on right, began his career at Columbia Aircraft as a participant in his high school’s student co-op program in 1978. * October 2015 saw a major overhauling of the Columbia Aircraft facilities from the maintenance shops to a completely remodeled office complex. * On October 12, 2017, Dave Allen, shown below on left, received the Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the United States Federal Aviation Administration for having work for 50 years as an aircraft mechanic. His entire career was at Columbia Aircraft Services, having started at age 18 on May 18, 1966. Dave is now retired. (L) Dave Allen receives his award from John Sibole, former Harrisburg FSDO Program Manager.

* Today, Columbia Aircraft Services is a global entity, receiving and shipping engines and magnetos from as far away as Germany, England, Italy, Norway, South and Central Americas, Africa, Thailand (Royal Air Force) and Mexico.

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Meeting the Community’s needs

* Convenient to Bloomsburg University, an unknown number of parents over the years have utilized the airport to bring and pick up their sons and daughters who are students at the school. * Over the years, the Bloomsburg Fair has also benefited from the airport as numerous high-profile entertainers took advantage of flying into town to perform at the annual event. Some of the performers included Roy Clark, Pat Benitar, Mickey Gilley, John Denver, Sawyer Brown and bands Alabama and Chicago. Other notables that have traveled to the Bloomsburg airport include former Congressman Dan Flood, Senator John Heinz and golf legend Arnold Palmer. * Once again, as the next bullet point highlights, the increased business use of the Bloomsburg airport created a demand for corporate hangar space. Addressing the need in 1987, Gary Hock, once local owner of Hock Construction Company and a corporate jet, erected “Big Blue,” a two-story business hangar equipped with an office, second story storage space, restroom and kitchen. * Soon after Big Blue, Stanley Oberender built a scaled down corporate hangar for his business use Bonanza. This hangar was later acquired by Sunny Hills Farms for its plane. And, although he recently sold his RV 8, Chris Mazzitti still hangars a meticulously maintain Cessna 140 in this eastern most building at the airport. * As Harry Magee imagined long ago, many companies both local and nationwide have benefited from the Bloomsburg airport. Here’s just a short list of those that have used N13 over nearly nine decades: Region Oil Company, Royal Swan Foods, Catawissa Lumber Company, JDK Management, Gary Hock Construction, Kama Corporation, Labar Trucking, Bercon Industries of Berwick, Custom Air Charters, A-1 Air Services, Rovac Pump Company, Multi Engine Charter Services, Orangeville Manufacturing, Alaska Wood Stoves Company, 15 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Laubach Trucking Company, Ray Hoffman Charter Services, Wise Potato Chips, Hayes, Large, Suckling, Fruth and Wedge Architects, Howard Eckhart Insurance Company, Inducto-Therm, Eyeland and Associates, Pennsylvania State Police, Kimball & Associates, Kawneer, Geisinger Medical Center, Helicopter Applicators, Golden Aviation, Penn Aviation, Triple-F Agricultural Spray Applicators, Emery & Associates, Commercial Construction, Sunny Hill Farms, Hilltop Services, Ag-Rotors Aerial Power Line Inspectors, JLink, Lincoln Investment Planning, Chris Cross Crusades, Paws and Pilots, Press Enterprise, Resilite, Complete Control Systems, Wonderview Water and Sewer Company, Delta Consultants, and Angel Flights.

(L) Kathy Martin, former Harrisburg FSDO Program Manager with Don Brink.

* The summer of 2006 saw a presentation made at the Bloomsburg airport of the most prestigious award the FAA issues to a private pilot, the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Donald Brink qualified having over 50 years as a certified pilot recognized for exhibiting professionalism, skill and aviation expertise piloting aircraft. 16 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* In July 2007, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Bloomsburg airport, Pennsylvania Senator John Gordner and State Representative David Millard each presented from their respective governing body citations to earmark the milestone.

* On August 6, 2008, Joe Reilly, owner and president of WHLM radio conducted his station’s first ever live broadcast from a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Billed as “On the air in the Air,” Joe teamed up with Golden Aviation instructor Dick Sharrow on a sightseeing tour of Bloomsburg and the (L) Joe Reilly WHLM, (Rt) Dick Sharrow, Golden Aviation 17 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter immediate area from 3,000 feet. At one-point Joe proclaimed, “Bloomsburg can boast of having the Bloomsburg Fair, the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Bloomsburg University and a Norman Rockwell downtown, but let’s add to that list the Bloomsburg airport, rich in history and community potential.”

Above Dick Sharrow congratulating student after completing solo flight.

(L) D. Sharrow, (Rt) D. Ruckle. Owners, Golden Aviation

From Left. Doc Carlson, Steve Walters, Paul Gilbert, Dave Ruckle, Dick Sharrow and Jim Lewellyn.

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Prosperity at the airport

* As activity and the number of planes at N13 continued to grow, the demand for hangar space remained strong too. To answer the call, John Yohey and Dave Ruckle teamed up in the summer of 2008 to construct a 10- bay hangar with individually partitioned units complete with concrete floors throughout, electric hoist bi-fold doors, interior and exterior lighting and multiple outdoor water faucets. It also included a heated and completely finished pilot lounge. Father and son, Roland and Ryan Sharrow of R.L. Sharrow & Associates constructed the new, fully equipped facility.

(L) to (Rt) Roland and Ryan Sharrow, Dave Ruckle, John Yohey, and former Mayor Dan Knorr. * The long-awaited re-alignment and lengthening of the runway was completed in 2013. Going from 2,800 to 3,200 feet x 60 ft., the runway elevation was also increased to be above flood level and the headings were changed from 8 and 26 to 9 and 27.

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* For many years, in addition to operating an aircraft engine repair shop, Columbia Aircraft Services also served as the FBO for the Bloomsburg airport. It was decided, however, following the 2011 flood and the renegotiation of their lease with the town, CAS wanted to focus more on their business. On October 4, 2016, BJ Teichman was named the town’s first official Airport Coordinator at N13. – *After years of repeated flood damage and deterioration, the old airport terminal building was demolished and replaced with a modern building constructed well above the highest flood levels. It opened on November 21, 2016 featuring a pilot’s lounge for flight planning, simulator room, kitchenette, and conference room complete with built in projector and WIFI. Frequently the conference room is rented by businesses and community organizations. With 6 movable tables, the room can be arranged in any fashion to meet the needs of its guests.

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* On December 5, 2018, BJ Teichman was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to serve a three-year term on the State Aviation Advisory Board. That same year, BJ was appointed to the Board of Directors for the State Aviation Council of Pennsylvania. And, in October 2019, she joined the Columbia County Emergency Management Committee where she drafted the first emergency response plan specifically for the Bloomsburg airport. * In additional to her unwavering drive to make Bloomsburg the best general aviation airport in Pennsylvania, BJ introduced everyone to Ms. Peyton, a friendly, tail-wagging Golden Retriever that quickly became known as the airport’s first official greeter. In just four short years on the job, BJ built a team of equally enthusiastic aviators and airport supporters that has shined an aviation spotlight on the Bloomsburg airport. Here is a partial list of those achievements: - Teams up annually with the FAA to schedule and conduct FAAST Team workshops and safety seminars at the airport that qualify for insurance credits with the Wings Program. BJ and N13 become an FAA Service Provider.

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(L) John spotting George in the Barany Chair in a Spatial Disorientation Exercise. No, the photo is not out of focus. Above, Dan, showing the fire Fighters where the ballistic rocket Is located in the Cirrus.

Above, John Sibole, FAASTeam program Mgr. facilitated on average 7 Safety Seminars per Year between 2017and 2019. He also served on the committee which created the Emergency Response Plan for N13. John’s time, talent, and love of aviation and N13 helped put N13 back on the map! John has flown for the Air Force, Major Airlines, and National Guard as a helicopter pilot and is also a certified A & P mechanic as well as a fixed and rotorcraft flight instructor. We thank John, and his FAASTeam colleagues for their commitment to N13. 22 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

-Coordinates the annual Dream Machine car show at the Bloomsburg airport held each year on the second Sunday in June.

Above and left Dream Machine Car Show.

- Facilitates the annual Community Day event conducted at the airport co-sponsored with the Scouts of America.

- Directed the refurbishing of the original six bay T-hangar in 2018.

- Started the first monthly newsletter to post and promote airport events. Circulation reaches over 900 subscribers in multiple states as well as throughout the region. - N13 hosts the increasingly popular annual Chili Cook Off, with an open invitation to enter the contest and for the public and pilots throughout the region to fly-in or drive-in and judge each year’s entries. 23 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

- May 2018 - The airport obtained its first courtesy car thanks to the generosity of

Dan Broadt and the Bloom Flyers. - Negotiated with the town to relocate the Bloom Fliers Red Bird TD-2 Flight Simulator in the Terminal Building to enhance the group’s membership and simulator usage. - Instrumental in getting Civil Air Patrol Squadron #522 re-established at the Bloomsburg airport where they have already received the Outstanding Achievement in promoting Aerospace Education, the PA Wing Phoenix Award in

2020 and the Outstanding Achievement and Service Award for a PA Wing.

Above, Mayor Kreisher, (center) receives a plaque of Appreciation from Squadron 522

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- Co-facilitated establishing both an Aviation Explorer Post with George Dalius and a new EAA Chapter 1641 with Dr. Phil Polstra, at N13 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. EAA Chapter 1641 received it’s 501C# status enabling it to establish scholarships for young aviation enthusiasts.

Above, George Dalius, and BJ Spearheaded outreach education hosting numerous field trips at N13 and attending Career Fairs at multiple School Campuses. Partnered with Dr. Kim Bolig at Bloomsburg University to host STEM programs for both teachers and students. BJ supervises summer interns and accepts work study students for class credit. .

Above (L) Dr. Kim Bolig, and BJ. Above (R) STEM teachers engage in a wind tunnel exercise. 25 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

- Continuously communicates via NOTAMs and emails with the aviation community about conditions and situations at the airport to ensure the safe operation of the facility. Has given multiple presentations locally and statewide promoting N13. - Provides the critical coordination of Avgas purchases, deliveries and the continuous monitoring of its quality as evidenced by becoming a Branded Phillips 66 customer for everyone based at N13 as well as all transient pilots. In addition to becoming a Branded Phillips 66 customer, for the first time, credit cards are now accepted for fuel and other airport related fees.

Above STEM teachers tour the airport. Some took a flight with Lars C. 4th from right who is based at N13 Below one of the many STEM groups N13 hosted.

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* A sure sign that airport activity is thriving is the participation of its pilot population in attending fly outs and the fly-in events they host. The 2000s saw a hectic schedule of annual fly-ins at Bloomsburg. Although the griddles were well manned at all times, the head pancake flippers were the father/son combo of Stan and Ty Williams. Equally notable, most all fly-outs were commanded by Colonel Denny Stahl, a rank given him for the take charge skills he exhibited. (Above on Rt) – Elise, our photographer who volunteered for every event!

L to Rt. Denny, Dave, Ty, Stanley: our chief cooks, bottle washers, and good hearts. One chief cook and bottle washer absent from this photo – pilot Chris M. On far Rt. Cory and Mr. News filling up their plates!!! – Approximately 200 plus meals were served throughout the day! – Take-out meals too!

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*2016 brought the first Gyro-copter to N13 – 914RB owned by Ron Andress. Ron has graciously given countless pro-bono rides, always culminating in a completely satisfied customer. He averages about 300 hours of flight time annually.

(L) Ron with wife Brenda.

*2017 Brought one of our first celebrity flight students, 11-year NASA veteran mechanical engineer Ms. Grier Wilt. One of Grier’s many responsibilities at NASA was preparing astronauts to safely perform their spacewalks by instructing them in the buoyancy lab. Grier completed her private pilot in 20 days! - then she went on to become the Deputy Director of NASA Space program in Star City Russia. She remains a member of the Bloomsburg Flying Club and we are always happy to see her when she returns home for a visit. 28 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* Supporting the tremendous interest in learning to fly is a host of flight instructors at the Bloomsburg airport, including Rob Staib, CFII; Hans Lawrence, CFII/ MEI/ RI; Eric Cipcic, CFI and Phil Polstra CFII, recipient on March 19, 2019 of the “2019 Flight Instructor of the Year Award” for the FAA Harrisburg District. (L) John Sibole, (Rt) Dr. Phil Polstra

(L) Josh Broadt with Flight Instructor Rob Staib Josh earned a full ride ROTC Naval Scholarship to Penn State Engineering program. Well done, Josh! Josh is a third-generation pilot! * 2020 - Thanks to Steve Savage, Northeastern Technology, WIFI became available in the Town’s hangars making it possible to safely remotely engage the block engine heaters in the winter which saves on electrical costs and is better for the aircraft engines. Thank you, Steve!

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Finally

* Throughout the spring and summer of 2020, a much-needed reconstruction of the airport apron was completed.

Then, Circa 1940’s Naval Aviator Training Program at N13. Pre July 1943 it was V5 – post July 1943 it was the V12 program. Now, circa 2020 apron post reconstruction shown below. 30 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

* As of January 2021, the Bloomsburg Flying Club is busting at the seams, maxing the number of members allowed by its by-laws with more than a half dozen on its’ waiting list. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just an indicator that aviation is alive and well at the Bloomsburg airport. Even during a period when Covid-19 has brought a lot of activities to a near screeching halt, between the two club planes, almost 700 hours were logged in 2020.

* For more information about the Bloomsburg Flying Club, the Bloomsburg EAA #1641 Chapter, the Bloomsburg Civil Air Patrol Squadron and the Aviation Explorer Post, simply return to the airport’s website www.bloomsburgairport.org and click on each organization’s sub-tab under the main “About Us” tab. 31 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Air Ambulance Service, it is believed established by Dr. Glenn Beckley.

While urgent air ambulance service is not available at N13, Angel Flights, and Pilots and Paws is alive and well in 2020.

Above, Angel Flight Pilot, Dan Broadt. We thank all the Angel Pilots who donate their time and aircraft to this valuable mission of transporting patients for specialized medical care pro bono. 32 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

In the End

Time is like rust, it has a tenancy to fade memories, including historical facts unless someone records them and there are people passionate about keeping them alive. The Bloomsburg airport has a rich history that has created a heritage well worth preserving. It’s the hope of many today that eighty-nine years from now time has only added more memories and that they, too, will be recorded in some way they can be recalled by those with the same passion for the Bloomsburg airport then that we feel today. Submitted by: Dave Ruckle *********************************************************** Many thanks to Joe Hall on top right for creating the Promotional Video for N13 referenced in the link below. https://youtu.be/ItyWlUn47Ws

2020 View from Gyrocopter featured above. Pilots and Paws rescue featured on right. 33 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

A note of thanks and recognition from the Airport Coordinator (BJ Teichman): Nothing happens in isolation. In the spirit of that, I would like to thank the many people and organizations who make N13, educational, fun, productive, safe, and who have helped to promote our airport in such a positive way. The success of any one entity is the sum of the whole; whether it is an agency, organization, or individuals working together toward a common goal. My heartfelt thanks to the following, many of whom have been featured in our monthly newsletters:

• PennDOT Bureau of Aviation – Dir. McCloskey, Tom T., Janet, John M., Robert G., and Matt J. • FAA, and FAASTeam - John Sibole, former Harrisburg FSDO Program Mgr. • Delta Consultants – our Airport Engineers – Dave, Andy, Doug, Vicki, Adam, Brooke, Matt! • Purvis Brothers- Phillips 66 Fuel Supplier – Mark, Dayna, and Laurie, and Allyson. • PA Aviation Council; Deb and Mary and the many others who work behind the scenes. • Bloomsburg Mayor & Town Council – Bill, Fred, Jim, James, Bonnie, Toni, Justin, Vince. • Bloomsburg Flying Club – AKA – Parlor City Flying Club. • Bloom Flyers – All ! • Bloomsburg University – President Hannah, Dan Knorr, Dr. Ken Dunlap. • Columbia Montour Visitor Center – Otto, Linda, Jenn, Donna. • Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce – Fred, Matt. • CFII Instructors based at N13: Rob Staib, Phil Polstra, Dave L. and Dick Sharrow. • Columbia Aircraft Services Inc. Certified FAA, A & P, Shop based on our field. • Bloomsburg: Fire Department, Public Works, and Police Department. • Pennsylvania State Police o And the many organizations who participated in National Night Out. • Geisinger Life Flight and Ground Units. • Guest Speakers; Al Hubler, Paul Schuch, Jess Robinson, ATC Controller’s Dan & Paul & others! • American Red Cross – we exceeded our quota for the blood drive at N13 this year! • Boy Scouts of America – Paul K., Russ, George, Dawn,– and many more! o And the many organizations who participated in Community Day • STEM Program – Dr. Kim Bolig & Dianne Caspersen. • Press Enterprise – Keith D., Julye W, Jimmy M. Thank you for helping to get the word out! • Our transient pilots – hope to see you in 2019! • Our volunteers, community, and neighboring airports – thank you for your support! • Special thanks to the co-editor of our newsletter Dave Ruckle.

It is truly a cumulative team effort of the many people affiliated with the organizations referenced above who have stepped up and donated their time, talent, or expertise. It is a privilege to work with each and every one of you as we strive to make N13 the best that it can be! Thank you! Sincerest thanks to our service men and women here and abroad! Please remember to thank them! (The TEAM referenced above is what MAKES IT ALL HAPPEN AT N13 – Thank you!) 34 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

An example of the many volunteers who make our events possible. Submitted by: BJ 35 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Photo Gallery – Pgs. 35 thru 50

Then

And

Now

1930’s Columbia Airways Office Above.

- On right Columbia Airways Machine Shop

2016 – Below, Newly renovated Office Columbia Aircraft Services, LLC 36 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Part of the Experimental Fleet at N13

Left, John Yohey his first Glasair III N111BH Below the Long EZ that Dick Sharrow built.

2020 (L) Denny Stahl – AKA Colonel Stahl with is GP 4.

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Getting young people involved is one of N13’s many missions. At Right Flanking Dave are his grandsons: (L) Ryan T. (Rt) Logan T. The art of sausage patty flipping Instructor: Dave, good job start ‘em young!

2020 on Left, Pilots, Denny (L) and Chris (R) doing a little hangar flying with Evan. What a great day for Evan! Thanks Denny and Chris for making his day special

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(Rt) Jim L with his RV-6 based at N13 2008 through 2016 Currently Jim based at N13 with his1976 Beech V-35 B Bonanza.

2012 Hurricane Sandy Mission to Tom’s River New Jersey, Donations from Bloomsburg local businesses like Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties, and Ace Hardware, as well as individuals. Delivered by pilots, John Yohey and co-pilot Dave Ruckle in Yohey’s Beech Baron shown above. Ty Williams also delivered donations in his Cessna 210. 39 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

2008 Eric Sorg with wife Erin, with their 1946 Piper J-3 cub, N98536.

2000 model year EC120b…Made by then Eurocopter. Name change to parent organization AIRBUS today…. Formerly owned by Press Enterprise, currently owned by P. Eyerly. 40 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

3 Generations of Aviators: L to R: Josh, Dan, and Roger Broadt. April 2017

On left, the good old days. The hangar is still in use today. Office Building on far left has been replaced with the new terminal building constructed in 2016.

2017, Above, Chris Mazzitti, with his Italian Stallion RV8, and his Cessna 140

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This figure was based on the amount of FAA and BOA loans the Town has received over the years for the following projects: Runway extension and realignment, terminal building, and apron.

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Above Campus of Bloomsburg State Teachers College, airport at top of photo.

Circa 1943 – 1945 Above, the days of the Naval Training program at Bloomsburg Airport.

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Our full schedule of our completed Community : 2018 –EVENTS Welcome

Safety Community National Night Out – Sponsored by Bloom Police Dept. Seminars Welcome

Presenter/ Month Event Special Event Time Sponsor 3-Mar Col. Stahl's Breakfast Poker Run / Fly IN Breakfast 8:00 - Noon Bloom Flyers 15-Mar FAA Safety Seminar Barany Chair 6:00 PM John Sibole 11-Apr FAA Safety Seminar UAS 6:00 PM H. Paul Shuch 7:00 - 12-May Flea Market & Breakfast 11:00 Bloom Flyers 11:00 - 12-May Flea Market & Pig Roast 3:00 Bloom Flyers 19-May Quiet Birds Private Event all day QB 2-Jun FAA Safety Seminar Survival Stayin' Alive 11:00 John Sibole 10:00- 7-Jun 20 STEM Students Conference Rm & Hangars 11:30 BJ 29-Jun 30 STEM Students Conference Rm & Hangars TBA BJ Dream 10-Jun Dream Machine Car Show 8:00-3:00 Machine 19-Jul 25 STEM Teachers Conference Rm & Hangars TBA BJ 14-Jul FAA Safety Seminar ADSB 11:00 John Sibole 7-Aug National Night Out Bloomsburg Police Dept. 6:00 - 8:00 Bloom PD 25-Aug FAA Safety Seminar Helicopter Safety 11:00 John Sibole 15-Sept. Fly In Breakfast Community WELCOME! 8:00 Bloom Flyers 15-Sept. Fly In Lunch Community WELCOME! Noon Bloom Flyers Scouts Earn Merit Badges 10:00 - 15-Sept. Community Days Community WELCOME! 3:00 Boy Scouts Movie in the Hangar 15-Sept. with Ice Cream Social Aviation Movie for all Youth 4:00 PM Bloom Flyers 13-Oct FAA Safety Seminar Surviving Winter Flying 11:00 John Sibole John Sibole Dan 16-Oct FAA Safety Seminar Pilot/Controller Forum 6:30 PM Campanella 20-Oct Children's Museum Tour of Columbia Aircraft Svcs. 9:00 AM Karl George FAA Seminar- J. Giving Back in Aviation – Public 11:00 – 13-Nov Sibole & More Benefit Flying Organizations 12:00 Multiple 44 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Above, Grier, boarding NASA jet for Russia. We are very proud she earned her wings at N13 in 20 days!

Above Quilts of Valor Recipients: L to Rt Doug H, John K., John S,. Dave. T and R. Staib.

Left: Dave R. with wife Vanessa, and their Bonanza based at N13 from Sept 2010 to 2018. Ms. Vanessa was the first to win the Chili Cook-Off with her dynamite chili. Dave has devoted endless hours writing feature articles for our Newsletter since it began in 2017. 45 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

(L) Sara B. topping off. She soloed right before taking her driver’s test. With her mother, Heidi below congratulating her.

(L) Flying is a family affair. Tom B. with daughter Sara and their Cherokee 6 joined us in April 2019.

Aaron with his Experimental Eagle. Aaron learned to fly in the Bloomsburg Flying Club, then purchased his own aircraft and is based at N13.

On Right, Drone Demonstration at Community Day in 2019

Flying Club Member, Dave. T gave the demonstration which all of the scouts and children thoroughly enjoyed! 46 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

2019 Above L to (Rt) – Lisa, Jessica, Dr. Bolig, BJ, John Sibole, FSDO Program Mgr.

Jessica Robinson, second from left, guest speaker, at the recent GI-STEM program hosted by Bloomsburg University and coordinated by Dr. Kim Bolig, Director, Education Prep & Training Programs. Along to show our support, on far left, Lisa, Jessica’s sister, far right, John FAASTeam Program Mgr. Jessica Robinson shared her aviation journey with approximately 70 girls 2nd thru 8th grades. Jessica described her path from Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic, Helicopter Pilot and Fixed Wing Pilot, Instructor, to Airline Transport Pilot in the Learjet 60 (ATP). Jessica flies for Venture Jets based in Lancaster. She is an accomplished professional pilot, wife, and mother of two daughters, and an amazing mentor and role model for young women interested in aviation. As Jessica put it “the sky is my office.” Oh, and something about why she likes the jets, “they go really, really fast.” Thank you, Jessica for volunteering your time and talent and traveling all the way from Lancaster to speak with these young women. I think we can all agree you touched their lives in a profound and positive way. The girls asked so many questions at the end and Jessica answered every one until we had to stop them so that they could go on to other sessions. It really showed how interested they were in what she does!

47 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Some Of Our Many Visitors – 2017 - 2020

(L) Beechcraft Duke

(L): Beech BE - 18 Below: Navion

July 2019 Above, Angel flight Pilot Ken far right with his wife Debbie. Audra and jeff on left. Aircraft is a TBM Socata. 48 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Jo Wright, Our “Meeley” (AKA Amelia Earhart )

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On Rt. Pilot Jo Wright, with Co-Pilot Eleanor Stilli, who participated in the cross-country Powder-Puff Derby. July 1969 (R) Cherokee 180 N7987W, later became one of the Parlor City Flying Club aircraft

Jo taught her son, Law, how to fly

before he was old enough to drive. 49 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Just a few of our guests: the airport is for everyone!

2019 – Above Our guests from Suncom, below a family field trip to the airport

(L) Russ Devore, with the Scouts earning their aviation badge at Community Day 2019

50 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2021 -Feb. Newsletter

Although the original N13 Beacon featured in this photo has been decommissioned. Our hope is that it will one day be restored and shine brightly once again as it did for so many land and sea pilots years ago.

Also in the photo is the the seaplane light in lower right of photograph. Below: Ms. Peyton Airport Greeter: 2016 - 2020 Propwash Prayer “Keep them safe in the sky, please ensure they land alive.” Blue skies!

We would like to acknowledge, and thank, the Press Enterprise Newspaper for granting us permission to use the newspaper photographs which appear in this History of the Bloomsburg airport. We would also like to thank the Enterprise’s many skilled photographers and talented journalists who contributed to these photos and articles.