October Bloomsburg Municipal Airport
BJ Teichman, Airport Coordinator - TOB Dave Ruckle, Pilot [email protected] [email protected]
Join us for three days dedicated to aviation industry and an opportunity to influence the future of aviation in the commonwealth. If you want to hear how others in the aviation industry are responding to the current challenges, reprioritizing their capital improvement plans, and moving projects forward, you'll want to attend. Join government and industry nationwide. Stay connected and informed. Discover new opportunities. Join us to diversify your network by interacting with government officials, enterprise users, consultants, contractors and public safety personnel. This year's event features the opportunity to have 1 on 1's meetings with sponsors and virtual networking. Interface by video with all attending! REGISTER NOW The Virtual Program: How It Works Conference Auditorium Attendees will have access to over 27 session over three days. Watch all sessions live or on demand. Virtual Exhibition and Networking Hall The Networking Hall is where you can connect with presenters, setup private & group meetings, and conference attendees can meet industry experts. Learn more about new projects, best practices, and services while connecting and talking live with sponsors. VIEW SCHEDULE 2 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
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: 18 Oct. 2020, 5:00 PM Guest Speaker: Aaron Hartley / Eagle Sport Location: Bloomsburg Municipal Airport ****************************************
What: N13 Bloomsburg Flying Club Meeting Date: 18 Oct. 2020 and Time: 6:30 PM
Guest Speaker: Mr. Joe Miller – Mr. Miller is a retired USAF pilot who currently works with the TSA in airspace security around the National Capital Region at the TSA operations center near Dulles Airport in northern Virginia. Location: Bloomsburg Municipal Airport
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS Aaron, on left, holds his certificate of completion for the Experimental Inspection course he recently attended. Completing this course enables him to do his own annual inspections on his Light Sport Eagle!
On Right from Left, newlyweds, Jeff and Audra, with Angel Flight Pilot, Dave. Congratulations!
Dave, thank you, and all the other Angel Flight pilots for donating your time and talent!
4 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
Change in Command in CAP Squadron 522
(Left. to Rt.) Lt. DePalma, Commander Williams, Deputy Lapetina, Cadet Doty.
A change of command ceremony for Squadron 522 will take place during the regularly scheduled Civil Air Patrol (CAP) meeting at N13 on 22 October.
Commander Williams will be stepping down and Lt. DePalma will be taking over as the new commander. Cpt. Williams has served as commander for NER PA-522 for almost six years. He will remain a member of the squadron, and while he has accepted other responsibilities at the group level, he reports his heart will always be with this squadron. The group commander (Lt. Col. McBride) will be the official member in charge of the ceremony. There will be some light refreshments afterwards. Cpt. Williams reports that this is a MANDATORY meeting for all cadets! ALL Covid precautions will be in effect! N13 Civil Air Patrol Earns 3 Awards 1.Phoenix Award -Our 522 Squadron formerly based at Selinsgrove and now based at N13 rose from the ashes and have become the most improved squadron in PA wing. 2. Aerospace Excellence Award – Our 522 Squadron earned this award by meeting all the educational criteria expected of the National Program and the quality of the Aerospace Program. Congrats to all those leaders and mentors who taught this program at N13! 3. Commander of the Year Award Our very own Commander, Cpt. Dale Williams earned the Commander of the Year award for the PA Wing out of all 46 Commanders throughout the state. Congratulations Cpt. Williams! - So well deserved! 5 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
This Month in Aviation History
On October 3, 1967 Major William J. “Pete” Knight set a world record for manned aircraft that still stands today. Wow, that was 53 years ago this month! Hard to believe, isn’t it, that any aeronautical record has lasted that long. No, he wasn’t the first to break the sound barrier. That was Captain Chuck Yeager on October 14, 1947 when he flew “Glamorous Glennis” a Bell X-1 rocket powered aircraft at Mach 1.015 or 670 mph at Muroc Dry Lake, California to an altitude of 45,000 feet. No, he wasn’t the first American to hold a FAI airplane certificate either. That was Glenn Curtiss way back on October 7, 1909. Could it be Major Knight was the first to land a R4D-5 “Skytrain” at the South Pole? Nope, that was accomplished by Rear Admiral George Dufek on October 31, 1956. So just who is this guy and what did he do that no one since has ever done again? He was an American aeronautical engineer, Vietnam War combat pilot, test pilot, astronaut and if that wasn’t enough, a politician. He was one of twelve pilots who flew the North American X-15, an experimental space- plane jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA.
On that early October day more than half a century ago, he piloted X-15A-2, flight 188, the second of three planes in the X-15 fleet, to a speed of Mack 6.70 or 4,520 mph, setting a new speed record for flight in a winged, powered aircraft that has never been beaten. 6 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
Two weeks later, on October 17, Knight flew X-15 Flight 190 to an altitude of 280,500 feet or 50 miles. This qualified him as an astronaut according to the United States definition of the boundary of space. He was one of only five pilots to earn this distinction by flying an airplane into space. It was the last successful flight, though, of the X-15-3, the fleet’s third plane. Sadly, on November 15, X-15 Flight 191 ended in disaster, killing pilot Michael Adams and destroying the X-15-3.
Knight was born in Noblesville, Indiana on November 18, 1929. Following high school, he attended Butler University and Purdue University. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and earned his commission and pilot wings through the Aviation Cadet Program in 1953. Knight accomplished the first of many achievements while, as a second lieutenant, flying an F-89D for the 438th Fighter- Interceptor Squadron, he won the prestigious Allison Jet Trophy for his racing performance while flying in the Dayton National Air Show, September 1954..
In 1958, Knight earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology. That same year he also served as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, California, becoming a project test pilot for the F-100, F-101 Voodoo, F-104 Starfighter and later, the T-38 and F-5 test programs.
In 1960, he was one of six test pilots selected to fly the X-20 Dyna-Soar. This program was slated to become the first winged orbital space vehicle capable of lift-offs, reentries and conventional landings, a predecessor to the future Space Shuttle Program. But, the X-20 program was scrubbed in 1963. That’s when Knight completed astronaut training at Edwards AFB and was selected for the North American X-15 program.
As you might have already guessed, flying the X-15 had its “white-knuckle” moments. For instance, on June 29, 1967 while climbing through 107,000 feet at Mach 7 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
4.17, Knight experienced a total electrical failure. All onboard systems shut down. After the thrust of the X-15 carried the aircraft to an altitude of 173,000 feet, Knight calmly set up a visual approach. Resorting to good, old fashion “seat-of-the-pants” flying, he glided to a safe emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada. In fact, during his record setting flight, the aircraft surface temperature exceeded 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in serious structural problem. Despite the life-threatening conditions, he successfully maneuvered the X-15 to a flawless landing. For his remarkable feats of airmanship, he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross.
On October 19, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Knight with the Harmon International Aviator’s Trophy, described by the Clifford B. Harmon Trust as: “An American award for the most outstanding international achievement in the arts and/or science of aeronautics for the preceding year, with the art of flying receiving first consideration.”
Also, in 1968, after a ten-year career as a test pilot at Edwards, he transferred to Phan Rang Air Base in Southeast Asia where he completed a total of 253 combat missions in the F-100. Following his combat tour in Vietnam, he shipped back to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio to serve as director of development for the F-15 Eagle. Also, while at Wright Patterson, he was the Program Director for the International Fighter (F-5) program. He then returned to Edwards in 1979 where he served as the Air Force Flight Center Vice Commander and test pilot in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In 1982, after 32 years of service and more than 6,000 hours in the cockpits of more than 100 different aircraft, Knight retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Colonel. During his distinguish aviation career, Knight earned numerous awards and honors including: * The Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster * The Distinguished Flying Cross with Two Oak Leaf Clusters * The Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters * The Harmon International Trophy 8 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
* Octave Chanute Award * The Air Force Association Citation Honor * Enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988 * Inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor in 1990 * Inducted in the International Space Hall of Fame in 1998
Still only 53 years old, a different duty called. In 1984, he was elected to the city council of Palmdale, California. Four years later he became the city’s first elected mayor. Then, in 1992, he was elected to serve in the California State Assembly, representing the 36th District. He then served in the State Senate representing the 17th District from 1996 until his death on May 7, 2004.
Senator Knight was a strong conservative, known for his pro-family, pro-job and anti-tax voting record. He was a tireless advocate for Veterans and a leading voice in California’s ongoing military base retention efforts.
The City of Palmdale, California commemorated the Pete Knight High School in school year 2003-2004 to honor Knight and celebrated its first graduating class in 2007.
There’s an old saying that records are made to be broken. True most are, eventually. But its likely Pete Knight’s winged, powered aircraft speed record never will. Heck, it has stood the test of time and man’s never-ending desire to do everything bigger and better. Until hypersonic global travel becomes a routine means of transportation, Knight’s record remains safely tucked away in aviation history. 9 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
Help solve this mystery
A few years ago, a dear friend purchased this license plate style advertisement (see photo) at a local auction and gave it to me. Knowing I was an aviation addict, he believed I would appreciate this relic and thought I would know all about it. He was only half right. Indeed, I was glad to receive it, but sadly I knew absolutely nothing about this airport. Right away, all kinds of what, who, when and where questions leaped in my head… Center Airport?...Lime Ridge, PA?…Flying School?...Charter Service?
Since that day, I’ve only been able to obtain a few uncertain answers to all my questions. It seems there was an airport in the vicinity of where the Central Columbia Elementary School now stands, but when was it build and who built it? What was its identifier?
Did the builder also operate the airport? Was it a grass, gravel or asphalt runway? Who ran the charter service? Where did they fly? What kind of planes was used? What was the name of the flying school? Who were the instructors? What did they train students in? And, of course, what happened to it? There is so much to learn and know about an airport that once existed literally in our own backyard, only a few miles east of the Bloomsburg airport. Even a search on the internet has failed to provide any evidence that this airport existed. 10 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
So, here’s a shout out to all you newsletter readers…what do you know about the Center Airport? Even if you are as stumped as me, perhaps you might know someone who is familiar with this airport’s history. Call me at 570-490-1709 or email me at [email protected] and help solve this mystery.
A follow-up article with any information received will be printed in a future addition of the newsletter. Our RECENT GUESTS
Above, please meet Terry (L) Gary (Rt) from Lancaster who flew in to N13 in their Piper Light sport, stayed locally, enjoyed a local Pub and……get this: They ran the courtesy car through the car wash! --- thanks so much for visiting us and for the TLC for our car. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
11 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
FAA Approved Redbird TD2 Flight Simulator-BATD
LOCATED IN THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE BLOOMSBURG AIRPORT-N13 Provided by: Bloomsburg Flyers/ N13 Redbird Sim Group $35/hour
ATTENTION ALL PILOTS, Student PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS The Redbird TD2 is the first table-mounted flight training device, designed with the ergonomics of flight in mind. This simulator, with rudder pedals represents a single engine piston aircraft, equipped with the G1000 glass configuration or a Standard 6 pack. With the TD2 you can choose to fly with or without retractable landing gear, a constant speed propeller, and/or a high-performance engine. This sim is programmed with a complete terrain and airport database and comes equipped with computer, monitor, instrument panel, keyboard, and speakers. https://simulators.redbirdflight.com Thru Dec. 31 - Special $ 150 / 5-hour (2020) block time .
Once received you will receive access instructions to the building, room, and simulator.
*It is our goal to sell a minimum of 50 blocks to cover our costs – Your support is greatly appreciated!
For more information, or to schedule, please call or text • Ty Williams 570-336-1919 • Dan Broadt 570-336-6747 12 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
Thanks to Joe, on right, paramotor pilot, please view our airport using the following link. https://youtu.be/ItyWlUn47Ws
N13 Fuel Prices: Currently $4.10/ Gallon, subject to change.
Hangar News N13: All hangars are full. –
2020 Events:
Safety Community Pink Means Postponed and will be rescheduled Seminars Welcome
Gray background indicates completed events. – Events contingent on COVID restrictions. Presenter/ Month Event Special Event Time Sponsor John 29 Feb AOPA Safety Seminar AOPA Rusty Pilot Seminar 9:00 - Noon McGonagill
N13 Pilots 29 Feb Fly In Lunch! Chili Cook- Off Noon – 2:30 FAA Safety Seminar- Anatomy of a Near Midair 17 - Mar Postponed Collision 7:00 PM H. Paul Schuch Cancelled Dream Machine Car Show – see you in 2021 8:00 – 3:00 Dream Machine FAA Safety Seminar 24 July Postponed TBA 6:00 PM John Sibole EAA Chapter 08 Aug EAA - Virtual Flying Start Rally / Virtual 9:00 AM 1641 FAA Safety Seminar 11 Aug Postponed Crew Resource Management 7:00 H. Paul Schuch Fly in- Drive In Breakfast- Seminar - Community Welcome 8:00 -1:00 Bloom Flyers 29 Aug Postponed Crossing Borders 10:00 AM Michael Bush ATC Discussion w/ Dan TBA Air Traffic Controllers Navigating ATC TBA Campanella www.bloomsburgfair.com 25 Complimentary September Bloomsburg Fair Association Transportation available to and to 3 Bloomsburg Fair See you in 2021 from the Fair! October Cancelled
Oct. Cancelled Night Flying TBA John Sibole 13 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Oct. Newsletter
FOR SALE: / meticulously MAINTAINED CESSNA – 150
KX170B Nav/Com KT76A Transponder Garmin 396 Soft Comm Stereo Intercom Rosen Visors Tax Hours 3939 TSMO 478
Extensive annual in 2019 New exhaust both New ELT Battery Rebuilt Mag Rebuilt fuel shut off valve
Contact Leo 1-717-982-1484
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************************************************************************ FOR SALE ! Must See ! Contact: Charlie 570-889-3438 Or: [email protected] Below: 2013 Fisher Horizon 1 tt 17 hrs. Cont A65-8 65 hr. SMOH
Above: 1994 Challenger 2 TT 398 SMOH 125 Rotax 503 DCDI Photos do not do these two planes justice! – See them in person