AE S RONAUTIC

Winter 2012 Serving Idaho’s Community for over 60 Years Vol 58, Issue 1 The Battle of Palmdale By: Peter W. Merlin, The X-Hunters, control systems Aerospace Archeology Team were checked, and Printed with Permission the Hellcat took off at 11:34 AM, If you have spent time in the military, climbing out over then you are acutely aware of inter- service rivalry and the pride each the Pacific Ocean. service takes in their members, their As ground state of readiness, and the cutting edge controllers equipment they have at their disposal. attempted to But we also get a good laugh when maneuver the occasionally something simple goes drone toward the awry and outmaneuvers even our most target area, it sophisticated efforts leaving in its wake became apparent a unit with egg on its face. Fortunately, that it was not what could have been a disaster of responding to monumental proportions, wasn’t. So sit back and try to imagine what it radio commands. must have been like to be on one of They had a these crews in their sleek jets, out runaway. Photos courtesy of Peter Merlin maneuvered by an old WWII warhorse. Ahead of the unguided drone lay pods and no cannon, the Scorpion On the morning of 16 August 1956, thousands of square miles of ocean into was typical of the Cold-War approach Navy personnel at Naval Air Station which it could crash. Instead, the old to countering the “Red Menace.” Each (NAS) Point Mugu prepared an F6F- Hellcat made a graceful climbing turn pod contained 52 Mighty Mouse, 2.75- 5K for its final mission. The had to the southeast, toward the city of Los inch . Salvo-launched, the Mighty been painted overall in high-visibility Angeles. With the threat of a runaway Mouse did not have to have precision red. Red and yellow camera pods were aircraft approaching a major metropolitan guidance. Large numbers of rockets mounted on the wingtips. Radio remote area, the Navy called for help. would be fired into approaching Soviet formations to overwhelm them F6F-5K, Hellcat drone Five miles north of with sheer numbers. But today, they NAS Point Mugu, two F- would be used against a different kind 89D Scorpion twin-jet of red menace. interceptors of the 437th Fighter Interceptor At Oxnard AFB, 1Lt. Hans Einstein Squadron, were and his radar observer, 1Lt. C. D. Murray, scrambled from Oxnard leapt into their sleek F-89D. Simul- Air Force Base (AFB). taneously, 1Lt. Richard Hurliman and The crews were ordered 1Lt. Walter Hale climbed into a second to shoot down the rogue drone before it could See Battle cause any harm. Armed with wingtip-mounted Continued on page 9 INSIDE

Edwards Air Force Base ... 2 PRESSURE! ...... 6 Color of Aviation ...... 10 Fly like an Airline Pilot ... 3 Fly It Forward ...... 9 Young Eagles...... 14 A Visit to Edwards Air Force Base By: Gene Nora Jessen the sound barrier was on hand for the celebration. We even saw the loading Lt. Col Kathy Hughes, MD, came pit where his “Glamorous Glennis” X-1 to Boise about ten years ago as a Flight rocket plane had been attached to the Surgeon for the Air National guard, and B-29 mother . while here, she also piloted the A-10 Warthog. After graduating from the Air Edwards is a flight test center Force Academy, she entered flight located in California, which includes school, then medical school, and later, the prestigious U.S. Air Force Test Pilot of course, the Idaho Ninety-Nines School and where virtually all military recruited her. Kathy owns property strut their stuff—they’re also near Council, including a hangar for known to do some research for general their Beech Debonair, so we know that aviation airplanes as well. The base is some day she and her family will return 481 square miles in size and includes to Idaho—permanently. multiple runways of both hard surface General Yeager (white hat) and dry lakebed. Base Commander, Now the 95th Aerospace Medicine Brigadier General Nolan, treated us to Squadron Commander, Kathy lives at often thought of inviting her fellow a display of some of their handiwork. Edwards along with her airline pilot Ninety Nines to visit, so when Edwards We saw, up close and personal, the husband Paul and two sons. She has planned to celebrate the 60th anniversary T-38, F-16, F-35—of which there are of the Air Force Flight Test Center, six on the base, and an F-22 with Col. The Rudder Flutter is published by the Idaho Division including a salute to the , of Aeronautics, Office of Safety and Education. Articles Dawn Dunlop, the Test Wing appearing in this publication are the opinion of the the opportunity finally presented itself. Commander’s name, painted on the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Staff, the Administrator, or the Department. All So, Bob and I, Petra and Russ Vawter, side. (We girls were compelled to reasonable attempts are made to ensure the accuracy and Mary Ann and Steve Richards cheer.) There was a flyable B-1, an of the articles contained herein. The Rudder Flutter is published quarterly. All articles must be submitted to accepted Kathy’s offer and traveled from X-47B (a Navy robot intended to fly off this office for review. Idaho to join the festivities. Bob and I aircraft carriers), a KC-135, a Global had tried to get through the Edwards Hawk (unmanned reconnaissance gate to visit their museum once before ), and a Navy A-3. Over at NASA many years ago. Bob had hoped that his Dryden we saw the X-29, F-104 and Idaho Transportation Department 1943 WWII Army Air Corps ID dating the SR-71, as well as other exotic Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter airplanes. We Director Brian Ness Administrator John “JV” DeThomas were in overload. We also made it Aeronautics Advisory Board over to Mojave Chairman Rodger Sorensen Air and Space Members Chip Kemper, Dan Scott, Port for the “Just and Mark Sweeney Plane Crazy” fly- Division of Aeronautics in on Saturday 3483 Rickenbacker St., Boise, ID 83705 morning. After a Website: http://www.itd.idaho.gov, Ph: 208.334.8775 very tasty Rudder Flutter Editor: Frank Lester Email: [email protected] breakfast at the Assistant Editors: Tammy Schoen airport café, we Email: [email protected]; Laura had the pleasure Adams, Email: [email protected] of seeing more Graphic Design: Pauline Davis Kathy and her A-10 Email: [email protected] one-of-a-kind back to his B-29 and B-17 days would airplanes, and we also ran into some help us gain entrance, but no joy. This local Ninety-Nines. time, though, Kathy was there to see that the gate was opened for all of us. A side trip into history, away from marvels of modern flight, but very Enthusiasts and gawkers alike special to us Ninety-Nines, was our crowded the base in hopes of rubbing elbows with a real aviation legend. Chuck Yeager, the 89-year-old icon of See Edwards the first X-1 flight that broke through Continued on page 16

Page 2 Rudder Flutter How can GA pilots reach safer skies? Fly like an airline pilot. By: Mike Pape hyperventilates over a gallon of $6 gas. 4. Fly boring—flying a commercial Director of Flight Operations But beyond the initial comparison, I jet from one major airport to another have identified five ways a GA pilot can can reach a level of mind-numbing It has never been a better time to improve their level of safety by simply routine. But routine or not, that’s the fly on an airline. emulating the airline pilot. passenger seat we want our family members sitting in. An airliner is flown Ok, let’s briefly forget the baggage 1. Increase your proficiency—while in the rock solid center of the flight fees, cramped seats, and poor service. an airline pilot expects to fly nearly 100 envelope 99% of the time. Approaching Those complaints aside, there is no hours a month, too many GA pilots fly aircraft limitations, steep banks and denying one significant fact: there has less than that in a year. The skills of high speeds should be left to the air never been a safer mode of piloting any , large or small, are racers, not to airliners and not to GA transportation in the history of the world complex and require plenty of repetition pilots. than that of a major U.S. airline. to master. Practice makes perfect. 5. Think, act, and work like a real Airlines in 2011 achieved a new 2. Schedule a flight with a CFI—an professional—this may be the most record low rate of passenger fatalities, airline pilot will be highly tested at least important attribute we can steal from only two deaths for every 100 million annually. Why not set a similar goal of the airline pilot. Eight-five percent of passengers. A related MIT study reported adding a rating, receiving a flight review GA accidents are caused by the failure that commercial flying is now 65 times or completing a phase of the FAA’s to manage risk. A simple change in safer than driving a car. WINGS program as often? Commit attitude can make the greatest difference yourself to constant improvement so of all. On the other side of the airport you will remain sharp. ramp, however, the trend is not as When the airline pilot puts on a impressive. The general aviation accident 3. Inventory your own resources— uniform, he or she realizes the rate remains 50 times that of the airlines; a single airline flight is a choreographed importance of what’s in store. It’s seven times that of an automobile; and effort performed by a cast of hundreds, gameday. Time to get serious, because equal to that of…motorcycles!* This all working toward a safe, successful what they are about to do impacts lives. noteworthy statistic has not eluded the outcome. A sharp GA pilot could Critical thinking is a natural part of a NTSB, which recently included probably identify a dozen resources of pilot’s DNA whether they fly a Boeing improving General Aviation (GA) safety his own. Each of us has an internet full or a Bellanca. Your passengers and the as one of their top 10 most wanted. of weather information, instructors, entire GA community depend on you mechanics and pilot-mentors available to meet that challenge without fail. How can GA pilots make an impact to help us meet these challenges. Earn your wings…every single day. in such a glaring disparity? Simple. We Consider calling your favorite CFI to can steal success from the pros. ride as copilot, help interpret a weather Think, act and fly like an airline forecast or discuss a performance issue. pilot. A few small steps in that direction Yes, I understand that American When you invest the time inventorying and our GA safety record will begin to Airlines can buy million dollar your own resources, I bet you will find blossom. equipment while a GA pilot plenty who are willing to watch * Accident rate per miles traveled. your back.

April 13-14, 2012 New Caldwell Airport Terminal

For more information, contact Frank Lester at 208-334-8775 / 800-426-4587 or [email protected]

Winter 2012 Page 3 Radio Chatter By: Frank Lester New Bulk Rate for Idaho Take a Moment and Invest in Spin Safety/Education Coordinator Aeronautical Charts and Airport Training—It’s Worth the Cost Facility Directories John Lorbeck to At an Idaho Aeronautics’ CFI Take Reins of Aeronautics has been queried for Refresher Course last year, Clint Tate, the Rudder some time about discount pricing for a non-CFI, listened to Scotty Flutter bulk sales of aeronautical charts and Crandlemire talk about stalls and spin directories. As a result, we have adopted recovery. He wondered if he was truly Beginning the following pricing: prepared to recover from a spin. After with the May issue, John Chart or Directory Amount Price Each Lorbeck will take over the duties as One to nine copies (individual, we mail out) $10.00 editor of the Rudder Flutter. John joined One copy with individual registration $8.00 Aeronautics in September when Gene Bannister left for a new job with the (either pilot, aircraft, or dealer - we mail out) Forest Service. John is an ex-Navy rotary 10 to 49 copies (we would mail) $8.00 wing and fixed wing aviator, and is very excited about assuming his new duties. 50 or more copies (buyer to pick up at Aero or pay mailing) $5.00 John has a strong writing and editing background, and brings new perspective Boise Pilot Shop Relocates some thought, he decided to find out to our state aviation publication. and contacted Scotty. The Boise Pilot Shop has relocated I hope you will give John the same to 3591 Rickenbacker Street, two On a beautiful October morning, support you have given me over the buildings east of Jacksons Jet Center. he got his spin recovery training and years and take every opportunity to The shop will be extending its hours, much more. The time in Scotty’s Pitts promote aviation throughout Idaho. including weekends. A grand opening focused on spin recovery and some Articles for the May issue are due April was held on February 1st. Stop in the aerobatics, but when it was over he 17; please forward your inputs to John next time you get to Boise and say hello knew that you can’t compare a anytime at [email protected]. to the new owners, William Foote and conversation on the ground discussing the Ponderosa Aero Club, and while spin recovery without the experience Idaho Aviation Trade Show you’re at it, check out their inventory. of doing it in the airplane. For more information, give them a call The Aero Mark FBO in Idaho Falls at 208-340-6074. “The flight gave me absolute (KIDA) will be hosting the 2nd Annual confidence in a flying environment in Idaho Aviation Trade Show on Friday Third Annual Pocatello Airport which I am not accustomed,” Clint and Saturday May 18-19, 2012. The Appreciation Day Scheduled observed. “I encourage others to break trade show will be held in conjunction for June with the Idaho Aviation Association’s See Radio Chatter Annual Conference and Convention. According to Pete Stewart, Pocatello Last year’s show featured 27 vendors, Airport Appreciation Committee, the Continued on page 5 including Aviat, Beechcraft, Cessna and Third Annual Pocatello Pilatus, many displaying their aircraft. Airport Appreciation Most of the same vendors plan to return Day is scheduled for to Aero Mark’s 30,000 square-foot XL Saturday, June 23, from WORRIED? hangar along with other General 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Aviation recreational and professional Free parking, free Aircraft late? organizations. A program of workshops, admission, discovery Didn’t call as planned? guest speakers and social events pack flights, displays, Young Did not arrive at their planned destination? the two-day schedule. Eagle flights and fun for the entire family; it will Call Idaho State Communications While the speaker slate and all be there. Come out workshop topics are not yet complete, and enjoy a day of fun, 208-846-7600 or 800-632-8000 you can visit Aero Mark at food and entertainment, 1. Ask for Aeronautics. www.aeromark.com or contact Thomas, and show your Robert or Karen at 1-208-524-1202, 1- appreciation for a great 2. Tell Dispatcher: “I wish to report an 208- 524-8924 (fax), or and important regional overdue aircraft.” [email protected]. airport. You won’t be 3. Leave your contact information. disappointed.

Page 4 Rudder Flutter Ontario Airport Upgraded Originally reported by Larry Meyer of The Argus Observer On November 1, 2011, Ontario Municipal Airport (KONO) Manager Alan Daniels and others celebrated the completion of a major airport renovation. The renovation included extending the runway to 5011 feet, repaving the runway and taxiways with a rubberized asphalt specifically designed for runways, significantly enlarging the parking apron and adding a new Jet Parking apron, replacing the runway lights, and adding a LPV approach, new PAPI lights and new REILs. Daniels assures us the runway is still 100 feet wide but said, “It looks narrow because the paved shoulders were eliminated and replaced with gravel to enhance drainage.” The project used 21,547 tons of asphalt, 2.76 miles of storm drain pipe, 3.95 miles of pavement under drain pipe, 56 manholes and inlets, 3.26 miles of and required the removal of 20,000 electrical conduit, 96 runway lights, yards of dirt. Job well done Mr. Daniels!

There is a website that attempts to Radio Chatter keep track of the stations that sell Continued from page 4 ethanol-free gas. Go to www.pure- gas.org to see the list. It is kept updated out of their flying routine and try by inputs from users, so the information something new, exciting, and may not be complete or exactly correct. informative. You won’t be disappointed!” Aeronautics Selects Caretakers for Johnson Creek Listen to Clint. Training of this sort truly makes us better pilots. It helps us Phil and Roxie Pryor have been think “outside the box” and anticipate selected as the new caretakers at Johnson those not-so-normal circumstances. Creek Airport. Long-time residents of Look around your airport, maybe there McCall, Phil and Roxie have an extensive is someone who can provide you this background in managing campgrounds type of training or…call Scotty. You and customer service. Please take a can reach him at: 208-371-7530. moment to welcome them during your next visit after they arrive in mid-May. Ethanol-free fuel update and website Did You Know

The Treasure Valley EAA has been …that the Idaho Division of Aeronautics notified, and it has been verified, that registered Evel Knievel’s skycycle as an the Phillips 66 station on Garrity in aircraft in 1974? Darrell Manning was Nampa no longer has ethanol-free fuel the Director, the useful load of the for your aircraft. Both the 66 station skycycle was 250 pounds, and the fee on Overland, and Baird oil on Executive was $6.25 at $.025 per pound. and Five mile, still sell ethanol-free fuel.

Winter 2012 Page 5 Aviation Medical Matters

and family history related to hypertension and risk factor PRESSURE! analysis for complications; By: Mike Weiss, MD, MPG, AME, CFII heartbeats (heart muscle resting between 2. Statement from treating physician and Paul Collins, MD, AME beats and refilling with blood). The describing the effects of treatment American Heart Association and any risk factor modification recommends you keep your blood program; pressure below 120/80. 3. Representative blood pressure readings; What does the FAA say about blood 4. Laboratory testing to include pressure? For FAA medicals, the upper electrolyte, lipid profile, and level is 155/95. A medical assessment glucose; above that level will result in a deferral 5. Resting ECG. of your license. The FAA requires treatment only if your blood pressure If the above is acceptable, the AME is above 155/95, but in reality, that is may issue the medical certificate, good too high. Generally, treatment is started for its normal duration. in almost all cases where the average Tire pressure ...... Check! blood pressure is above 140/90 because An individual who has already Oil pressure...... Check! the risk of complications is just too high. reported high blood pressure and Fuel pressure...... Check! You may feel fine but the impacts of received an initial clearance must have Blood pressure...... ? high blood pressure are very serious follow-ups annually for first and second Um, well, ah, but, sort of, that was over time. Heart attacks, strokes, kidney class medicals and at the time of their yesterday or last week or last month!! failure, and bleeding in the eyes are just renewal for third class medicals. a few of the problems associated with The fact is, blood pressure is THE high blood pressure. The information required at each MOST IMPORTANT PRESSURE hypertension (high blood pressure) YOU CAN MONITOR. High blood If you are like many pilots who’s follow-up is as follows: pressure is an easy to correct condition blood pressure is higher than 120/80, 1. A statement (current status report) that can become a very serious problem what should you do? The short answer from the treating physician if not treated. – get treated by your doctor; don’t wait describing at a minimum the until you have complications. There are medication(s) used and the How do you check your blood a variety of medications that are well dosage(s); the adequacy of blood pressure? Well, it is very easy. Reliable tolerated, effective, and, most pressure control; the presence or blood pressure devices can be purchased importantly for pilots, approved by the absence of medication side effects; at many stores in your neighborhood. FAA. Discuss treatment with your and, the presence or absence of Since blood pressure measurements Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) if any “end organ” hypertension vary from day to day, follow the you are concerned that the medicine complications (that is, in the heart, directions in the package and, for the your family doctor prescribed for you blood vessels, brain, eyes and best results, do a series of checks over may not be allowed by the FAA. There kidneys). A one-sentence, “no a couple of weeks or even a month. Just are a few medications that are not problems” report will not suffice like checking your oil pressure or tire allowed, but these are rarely used today. and will delay certification; pressure, checking your blood pressure Diuretics are usually approved. 2. The results of any appropriate too many times is not a problem. tests or studies deemed necessary If you begin treatment for high by the treating physician; OK, now you have taken your blood blood pressure, what do you need to 3. A serum potassium level if the pressure, what does it mean? If you do for the FAA? Tell them. airman is taking a diuretic followed the instructions, you will have The above evaluation may also be two numbers, a systolic pressure and a When the FAA is notified for the performed by the AME if the AME can diastolic pressure which is read as “120 first time about an aviator who has attest to the accuracy of the above over 80.” The 120 is your systolic initiated treatment for high blood information. pressure, which measures the pressure pressure, the following items will need in the arteries when the heart beats to be reviewed and cleared by an AME: (heart muscle contracts). The 80 is your 1. Complete review of pertinent See Pressure diastolic pressure, which measures the history including personal, social, pressure in the arteries between Continued on page 8

Page 6 Rudder Flutter Winter 2012 Page 7 Three More Earn Their Wings at the Blackfoot Airport By: Nola Orr Congratulations to L.G. Bumgarner, Steve Gilger and Matt Bigler, some of Idaho’s newest aviators.

L.G. Bumgarner of Blackfoot became a private pilot on November 2, 2011. L.G. has been working on this license for over a year and hopes to obtain an instrument rating and commercial privileges in the near future. L.G. said he wanted to learn to fly because, “When I was growing up I would see planes flying around and I would want to fly them. Just like when you see a nice Steve Gilger with plane reacts to all of the input, and how aware Day. Matt, who has an Airframe and you are of everything that is going on.” Power Plant (A&P) Certification, says L.G. thought learning to fly was a great the A&P helped him understand the experience and looks forward to taking airplane a lot better. Matt plans on his wife and two girls for a flight. becoming an instructor and would like to own his own plane some day. When Steve Gilger of Dubois also earned asked why he loves to fly, Matt his wings on November 2, 2011. Steve has been working on his license since February 2000 with several different instructors, which he feels has given L.G. Bumgarner him a well-rounded experience. Steve sports car go by, you want to drive it is continuing his instruction to get a yourself rather than just looking at it or tail-dragger endorsement so he can fly riding in it. It is similar with planes; the plane he already owns. When asked you just want to be the pilot of that if anything about flying scared him, plane. It is as much fun as I thought it Steve replied, “Not enough to cause me would be, that and more.” When asked to quit.” if anything about flying scared him, L.G. replied, “No, there have been Matt Bigler, a native of Riverside, exciting moments, like how your body became a private pilot on Thanksgiving Matt Bigler responded, “I have wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid. Not only does the science behind airplanes intrigue me, but when I am flying, I get to explore Pressure a totally different world.” Continued from page 6 benign, well tolerated, and can save your life. Discuss treatment with your A special thanks to Tom Kuhlman, family doctor or your AME if you have an instructor and pilot examiner from For more information on any questions. “Aviation Standards” in Salt Lake City, hypertension treatment please check for coming to Blackfoot to administer http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificate Tire pressure...... Check! examinations for all three of these s/medical_certification/specialissuanc Oil pressure...... Check! gentleman. Tom, I hope you made it e/hypertension/ Fuel pressure...... Check! home in time for some Thanksgiving Blood Pressure...... Checked; turkey and pumpkin pie. Checking your own blood pressure NOW you’re ready to go flying. is easy. Hypertension treatment is

Page 8 Rudder Flutter Battle Fly It Forward Continued from page 1 By: William Foote, General Manager, aircraft. The interceptors roared south Ponderosa Aero Club after their target. The hunt was on.

The Ponderosa Aero Club (PAC) is Einstein and Hurliman caught up the first aviation group in Idaho to “Fly with the Hellcat at 30,000 feet, northeast It Forward.” of Los Angeles. It turned southwest, crossing over the city, then headed On Saturday, March 10, 2012, northwest. As the Hellcat circled lazily Ponderosa Aero Club of Boise will be to “See Planes” to highlight the Club’s over Santa Paula, the interceptor crews joining dozens of other aviation new efforts to encourage the public to waited impatiently. As soon as it passed organizations around the globe in a literally “see airplanes” in their over an unpopulated area, they would unique event called “Fly It Forward.” communities and understand the fire their rockets. From 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, weather importance of General Aviation to the permitting, PAC aircraft will be busy American economy, culture and way of The interceptor crews discussed ferrying women and girls, who have life. Fly It Forward is an effort their options. There were two methods never before flown in a small airplane, specifically designed to encourage more of attack using the fire control system, on short sightseeing trips, introducing women and girls to enter the ranks of from a wings level attitude or while in them to the joys of flight. PAC members pilot hood. If you know a woman or a a turn. Since the drone was almost will greet and escort their female girl who has never flown in a small continuously turning, they selected the passengers from the lobby of Jackson aircraft and would like a free airplane second mode of attack. In repeated Jet Center to Cessnas waiting on the ride, you may call Ponderosa Aero Club attempts, the rockets failed to fire during adjacent tarmac. at 344-5401 to register for a 30-minute slot. But hurry - there are only 50 seats See Battle If you have never heard of Fly It available! But even for those on the Forward, don’t feel bad. The event is ground, PAC is working to provide Continued on page 14 less than two years old, inaugurated in aviation-themed March, 2011, by Women In Aviation entertainment, International. Individuals and clubs including the participated from as far away as Canada, chance to meet one France and Ghana. Fredrick Municipal of Idaho’s own Airport, Maryland, won top honors as famous woman “The most female friendly airport in the pilots, and of world.” 185 women and girls were course, expect introduced to flight in a single day. substantial They’re gunning for the honor again refreshments. Men this year, and while PAC won’t be are most welcome challenging them on sheer numbers, to come and we DO plan to have a very enjoyable provide support as and positively memorable event to kick the ladies take to off Idaho’s foray into this most unique the skies. aviation endeavor. For questions or to register, please call Fly it Forward was conceived for William Foote at the purpose of celebrating 100 years of (208) 344-5401, women in aviation. It is held on the day Jennifer Christiano that Raymond da Larouche of France at (208) 860-6077, obtained her pilot’s license in 1910 and or Sharki Kontra at became the world’s first certificated 714-609-4233. female pilot. This year’s theme is “Sea Planes” in honor of Helene Dietriu of Belgium, the first woman to fly a seaplane (1912), and Harriet Quimby, an American and the first woman to pilot an aircraft across the English channel (also 1912). Since we are landlocked, PAC has modified the theme

Winter 2012 Page 9 The Color of Aviation: General Darrell Manning - Visionary By: Frank Lester Transportation Safety/Education Coordinator Department and had a five- Major General Darrell V Manning: member military aviator, Idaho legislator, aeronautics Director of the Idaho Departments of commission with Aeronautics, Transportation, and Health the same and Welfare, Adjutant General of the responsibilities as Idaho National Guard, and until his the Idaho recent retirement, Chairman of the Transportation Idaho Transportation Board. In addition Board. Among his to such an esteemed resume, we must many aviation add—visionary. experiences, he had also been a What impressed me most about an fixed-base already impressive career was General operator at Manning’s vision of aviation in Idaho Pocatello and was and its importance both economically the chief pilot at and as a mode of transportation. an FAA flight Manning (left) as Aeronautics Director school. His In June of 1971, he replaced Chet resume was indeed extensive. He was of transportation, including aviation, Moulton as the director of the State an excellent choice for the position. and the necessity of all Idaho citizens Department of Aeronautics. At that to “broaden their horizons to include time, prior to the reorganization of the Through his signature column in all modes of transportation and plan for state government, Aeronautics was the the Rudder Flutter, “The Final a system which will develop our great equivalent of today’s Idaho Approach,” he extolled the importance potential without a complete destruction of proper, of our environment or reduction in the coordinated quality of life we enjoy.” transportation planning across Regional planning was a top priority the board, as during his tenure. In 1972, the Idaho opposed to the Board of Aeronautics and the fragmented Washington Aeronautics Commission, modal with a federal grant, jointly conducted independent a regional transportation systems study approach used at in the Lewiston-Clarkston and the the time. He Moscow-Pullman areas, one of the first understood the importance of See Manning cooperation among all modes Continued on page 11

Leather Seats Are Our Specialty

Boise, Idaho Tel (208) 465-5035 As a young Air Force Pilot

Page 10 Rudder Flutter Over 95% (in 1972) of all aircraft were Manning GA aircraft and those aircraft were often Continued from page 10 a communities’ only connection to the rest of the world. More than one-half of all inter-city travel at that time was in GA airplanes. “Aviation in Idaho provides the best means to solve our many transportation problems. It will provide transportation to our incomparable wilderness areas with the least impact on the environment, provide inter-city transportation with speed and convenience unmatched by any other means, and provide the fastest available cargo transportation…. The aircraft is not just a recreational vehicle, but the Transportation Board Chairman most viable means of transportation cooperation and mutual aid among the known to man…. We should all do our several states. His stated goal as the part in making them [our closest newly elected vice president was to associates] aware.” “mold the northwestern states into a cohesive, well informed organization Adjutant General Land use planning was another area and to set forth the needs of aviation in cooperative efforts between two states that General Manning realized was an order to provide the best possible air and the Federal Government to solve issue then and would continue to be an transportation for the people of our regional transportation problems. issue through the years. “Land use region.” planning must be accomplished in order The importance of the local airport to provide for all the needs of a In June of 1974, with the to the economic health of the community…. Our transportation needs streamlining of state government, the community did not escape him. It was in all forms of transportation will double Department of Aeronautics became a especially painful for him to witness in the next 10 years; and if it takes the division within the Idaho Transportation the sale of Bradley Field in 1972. “It is public purchase of an airfield to provide Department. General Manning became just as important to Boise,” he wrote, for a protected, well-planned general ITD’s first and longest serving Director, “to provide an airport for air accessibility aviation facility to maintain a link to the a logical step for someone with the to general aviation as it is to maintain Boise area’s commerce, it will cost far foresight and a clear vision for Broadway, Vista Avenue, or Chinden less than it would to allow the airport transportation and who is a strong Boulevard. All four accessways provide to die.” advocate for general aviation. an entrance to the commerce of the greater Boise area.” In 1973, General Manning was Photos courtesy of the elected Regional Vice President of the ITD Transporter Staff The connection between investment National in the airport and the return on that Association of investment in the form of industry, jobs State Aviation and annual payroll, and investment Officials MONITOR GUARD FREQUENCY back into the community was the (NASAO), subject of many conversations and representing columns. He understood that the Alaska, Idaho, 121.5! negative views expressed by airport Montana, Oregon, If you hear a distress signal or radio call: opponents were often the result of Washington and incorrect or incomplete information, Wyoming. Note your altitude, location and time but he was also critical of the aviation NASAO is a state- communities’ lack of effort to dispel government- and those inaccuracies. “They may never sponsored know [the facts] unless we in the organization PASS IT ON…IMMEDIATELY!!! aviation community tell them. The designed to foster future of the aviation industry may very aviation as an •ATC or FSS well depend upon how much all of us industry, as a • FSS: 800-WXBRIEF (800-992-7433) speak out in his behalf.” mode of transportation, to • Idaho State Communications (800-632-8000) He knew then how critical general develop uniform • Local FBO aviation (GA) aircraft were to our aviation laws and transportation system and how regulations, and to • Local County Sheriff important they would continue to be. encourage Winter 2012 Page 11 Calendar of Events MARCH JUNE

10 Payette Municipal Airport Ribbon Cutting, 14-17 Super Cub Fly-in, Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), approximately Payette airport (S75) - Come help celebrate the new runway with a 100 Aircraft and 150 people, Dave Kirsten, 209-333-1100 fly-in and breakfast! 21-24 Backcountry Pilots Fly-in, Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), APRIL approximately 40 Aircraft and 50 people, Bryan Painter, 916-622-2593 13-14 Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic 23 Pocatello Regional Airport’s (PIH) 3rd Annual New Caldwell Airport Terminal, Frank Lester, 208-334-8780, Airport Appreciation Day, 9 AM to 3 PM [email protected] Free parking and admission! Discovery flights, displays, food, entertainment and fun for everyone! Free Young Eagle plane rides for ages 8-17 17 Spring Edition Rudder Flutter Articles due, (9 AM - noon), www.iflypocatello.com John Lorbeck, 208-334-8781, [email protected] 25-27 ACE Academy, Boise (application coming soon), MAY Frank Lester, 208-334-8780, [email protected], or Tammy Schoen, 208-334-8776, [email protected] 18-19 Idaho Aviation Tradeshow, Idaho Falls Airport (IDA), www.aeromark.com 29 Frank Lester officially retires! 26 Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In, Bonners Ferry Airport (65S), 30 Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In, Bonners Ferry Airport (65S), EAA Chapter 757, Carla Dedera, [email protected] EAA Chapter 757, Carla Dedera, [email protected]

Email your event information to [email protected] for inclusion in the Rudder Flutter and the Aeronautics website.

Page 12 Rudder Flutter Bonners Ferry, Idaho EAA Chapter 757 Pancake Breakfast and Youth Scholarship For the past several years, EAA Chapter 757 in Bonners All of these students have completed their training and are Ferry has hosted huckleberry pancake breakfasts at the now Private Pilots – except, of course, for our most recent Boundary County Airport (65S). This coming year will be recipient Gavin Flower. See their pictures on the Chapter’s no different. These all-you-can-eat breakfasts are on the website at www.757.eaachapter.org. last Saturday of each month, beginning in May and ending in September, and include hot coffee, orange juice, Pilots and non-pilots alike are cordially invited to the huckleberry pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs. Boundary County Airport for one or two or all of these Saturday breakfasts. If you have not flown to Boundary The proceeds of these breakfasts are used in our chapter’s County recently, you will be pleased with the improvements Youth Flight Scholarship program that has awarded several at the airport: there is a new RNAV instrument approach local high school students up to $2,500 to help them get for you to try, a new AWOS (132.575) that is working started in aviation. nicely, as well as an improved ramp and full-length taxiway. Here is a list of young aviators the chapter was proud to Please support the Youth Flight Scholarship while enjoying support via the Youth Flight Scholarship: a wonderful breakfast. • 2009 scholarships were awarded to Austin Tanner and Thank you in advance, and we look forward to seeing you! Tana Schneider • 2010 scholarship was awarded to Andrew Brubaker Carla Dedera • 2011 scholarship was awarded to Adam Alverez Vice President • 2012 scholarship was awarded to Gavin Flower EAA Chapter 757

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Winter 2012 Page 13 Battle Young Eagles Soar Continued from page 9 By: Nola Orr these maneuvers. This was later traced to a design fault. The Experimental The drone turned northeast, passing Aircraft Association Fillmore and Frazier Park. It appeared (EAA) is an international to be heading toward the sparsely aviation membership populated western end of the Antelope association founded in Valley. Suddenly, it turned southeast 1953 and headquartered toward Los Angeles again. Time seemed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. to be running out. Einstein and Hurliman EAA sponsors many decided to abandon the automatic aviation education modes, and fire manually. Although the programs including the aircraft had been delivered with gun EAA Young Eagles. The sights, they had been removed a month Young Eagles program earlier. After all, why would a pilot need was launched in 1992 to a gun sight to fire unguided rockets with give interested young Young Eagle candidates sign in. an automatic fire control system? people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general pilot who flew them and stated for all The interceptors made their first aviation airplane. To date, the EAA has to read that this intrepid youngster has attack run as the Hellcat crossed the “experienced the true mountains near Castaic. Murray and adventure of flight and Hale set their intervalometers to “ripple has become a Young fire” the rockets in three salvos. The first Eagle.” Their name will crew lined up their target and fired, be permanently entered missing their target completely. The in the World’s Largest second interceptor unleashed a salvo Logbook at the EAA that passed just below the drone. Rockets AirVenture Museum in blazed through the sky and then plunged Oshkosh, Wisconsin. earthward to spark brush fires seven miles north of Castaic. They decimated To learn more about 150 acres above the old Ridge Route the EAA Young Eagles near Bouquet Canyon. program, please see www.youngeagles.org. If A second salvo from the two jets you are interested in a also missed the drone, raining rockets flight for a youngster in near the town of Newhall. One bounced Dale Cresap and his Young Eagle candidate. the Blackfoot area or across the ground, leaving a string of would like to volunteer fires in its wake between the Oak of the provided flights for more than 1.6 your time, please call Natalie Bergiven, Golden Dream Park and the Placerita million Young Eagles around the world. EAA Chapter 407 President, at Canyon oilfield. The fires ignited several 208.684.3411. oil sumps and burned 100 acres of brush. EAA Chapter 407 is the local For a while the blazes raged out of chapter in Blackfoot, control, threatening the nearby Bermite Idaho. On October 8, Powder Company explosives plant. The 2011, Chapter 407 pilots rockets also ignited a fire in the vicinity and volunteers made it of Soledad Canyon, west of Mt. Gleason, possible for 18 burning over 350 acres of heavy brush. youngsters to take airplane rides. Flights Meanwhile, the errant drone were provided by the meandered north toward Palmdale. The pilots at their own Scorpion crews readjusted their expense and sanctioned intervalometers and each fired a final and insured under the salvo, expending their remaining rockets. Young Eagles program Again, the obsolete, unpiloted, unguided, thru the EAA. Each unarmed, propeller-driven drone evaded Young Eagle received a certificate, signed by the Natalie Bergiven, EAA 407 President See Battle assigns students and pilots. Continued on page 18

Page 14 Rudder Flutter Winter 2012 Page 15 U.S. Forest Edwards Continued from page 2 Service to distinct privilege to visit and wander about the historic Fly-Inn Dude Ranch once owned by an outrageous aviation Incorporate eccentric, Pancho Barnes. Pancho, eccentric, yes, but nonetheless a legend Hanselman’s in the aviation community and one of the most respected pilots of the Golden Age of Flight, was one of the first female Backcountry pilots licensed in the United States. Her ranch, built on 380 acres that now rest Flying Info within Edwards’ boundaries, once included an FAA-approved airport, Pancho Barnes Galen championship rodeo arena, well-stocked Hanselman of horse corral, dance hall, bar, restaurant, sounds of Retreat and then the National Q.E.I. and large circular swimming pool. It Anthem. Out of respect, all cars on the Publishing has was home to the renowned “Happy road pulled over and people stopped agreed to allow whatever they were doing. Then at 7:30 the U.S. Forest each morning, Reveille was played; in Service to the evening, Taps. The military traditions incorporate his and dedication were obvious and truly copyrighted impressive. Probably the most Relative Hazard memorable was a ceremony hosted by Index (RHI) rating system Galen Hanselman into their Airport Directory and National See Edwards and Regional Aviation Management Plans. Continued on page 17 Hanselman’s RHI is a unique backcountry The Circular Swimming Pool airstrip hazard rating system based upon Bottom Riding the airport environment, approach/ Club,” which departure environment, and runway claimed more than surface hazards. 9,000 members worldwide at the Clair Mendenhall, USFS Deputy height of its Director, Aviation, Intermountain success. Standing Region noted, “The promotion of safety in the bright desert while flying in the backcountry has and sun, Chuck Yeager will always be a Forest Service goal. I spoke at length do realize the dedication, work, time, about Pancho and and development Hanselman must have about his own put into these flying guides in order to experiences. With provide pilots with a better under- glasses raised, we standing of what to expect when flying toasted General the Backcountry.” Yeager! (Sorry, but I thought it was Hanselman stated, “Pilots need good rot-gut whiskey; a information to make good decisions. I’m happy to share the data with the foul tasting, macho Forest Service.” testimonial to manhood.) Q.E.I. Publishing produces the detailed backcountry flying guide Fly When we first Idaho! A Guide to Adventure in the arrived at Idaho Backcountry, as well as, many Edwards, we other backcountry flying guides and heard loud aeronautical charts. To learn more about speakers all over the RHI and other backcountry flying the base come guides, please visit www.flyidaho.com. alive with the

Page 16 Rudder Flutter to mention privileged to be in their company. To Edwards members of you, we say, “Salute!” Continued from page 16 industry. This collection of minds Photos courtesy of Gene Nora Jessen General Nolan, where he offered his and patriotism was thanks first to his various commanders absolutely Gene Nora Jessen, past president of the for their service and then for all the awesome. Ninety Nines, Idaho Aviation Hall of Fame “intellectual capital” gathered in the Pancho’s Brand Inductee, and one of the original Mercury room…and there was a whole lot of Departing Edwards, one could only 13 First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs), is the author of two books: The Powder that. On the base, there are some 2,500 feel great appreciation for those folks Puff Derby of 1929 and The Fabulous active-duty Air Force and more than who safeguard The United States of Flight of the Three Musketeers. double that of civilian employees, not America for the rest of us. We were – Editor

Updated Nov. 2011 AIRPORT CONDITION SURVEY Idaho Division of Aeronautics We’re requesting your input to help maintain our State-Operated airstrips. Please fill out the survey below and drop in the survey box, mail to Idaho Division of Aeronautics PO Box 7129 Boise, Idaho 83707-1129 or email to [email protected].

Please circle the airport(s) you are reporting on: All Cavanaugh Bay Johnson Creek New Meadows Twin Bridges Antelope Valley Copper Basin Laidlaw Corrals Porthill Smiley Creek Atlanta Cox Well Magee Pine Stanley Bear Trap Garden Valley Magic Slate Creek Warm Springs Big Creek Grasmere May Smith’s Prairie Big So. Butte Henry’s Lake Midway Reed Ranch Bruce Meadows Hollow Hop Murphy Hot Spr. Thomas Creek Please mark your evaluation with an “X” for each condition.

Condition Very Poor Poor Average Good Very Good Runway (smoothness, marking, rodents, etc) Restroom Condition (if available) Campsite Condition (trees, lawns, walkways) Facilities Condition (fire pits, picnic tables, shelters) Caretakers (helpful, friendly, knowledgeable) Safety concerns (if yes, please amplify below) Yes No Comments:

Name and Phone # (Optional) Thanks for your help, Gary McElheney, Airport Manager, Ph: 208-334-8893

Winter 2012 Page 17 was driving west Battle on Palmdale Continued from page 14 Boulevard with his mother in the the state-of-the-art jet interceptors. In passenger seat all, the jet crews fired 208 rockets when a rocket without scoring a single hit. exploded on the street in front of The afternoon calm was shattered as him. Fragments Mighty Mouse rockets fell on downtown blew out his left Palmdale. Edna Carlson was at home front tire, and put with her six-year-old son William when numerous holes Scorpion firing rockets in ripple. a chunk of shrapnel burst through her in the radiator, front window, bounced off the ceiling, hood, windshield, and even the firewall. Oblivious to the destruction in its pierced a wall, and finally came to rest Miraculously, no one was injured by any wake, the drone passed over the town. in a pantry cupboard. Another fragment of the falling rockets. Explosive Ordnance Its engine sputtered and died as the passed through J. R. Hingle’s garage and Disposal teams later recovered 13 duds fuel supply dwindled. The red Hellcat home, nearly hitting Mrs. Lilly in the vicinity of Palmdale. It took 500 descended in a loose spiral toward an Willingham as she sat on the couch. A firefighters two days to bring the unpopulated patch of desert eight miles Leona Valley teenager, Larry Kempton, brushfires under control. east of Palmdale Airport. Just before

Author, Peter Merlin impact, the drone sliced through a set of three Southern California Edison power lines along an unpaved section of Avenue P. The camera pod on the airplane’s right wingtip dug into the sand while the Hellcat cart-wheeled and disintegrated. There was no fire. Peter Merlin is an aviation enthusiast whose favorite hobby is aviation archeology. Much of his time is spent in the periodical section of the library researching articles for a database of airplane accidents in the vicinity of Edwards AFB. It was during one of these visits that he stumbled on this little-known event and wrote this article. You can find more information about this and other stories of exotic test aircraft, accidents, and the pilots that flew them at www.thexhunters.com. We are sincerely grateful to Mr. Merlin and X-Hunters for granting us permission to print his article. – Editor Winter 2012 Page 19 Register or renew online: www.itd.idaho.gov, click Aeronautics, then ADAM

Winter 2012