The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Mexico is not in compliance with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following an assessment of the country’s civil aviation authority. As a result, the United States is downgrading Mexico from a Category 1 to Category 2 rating.
 

Two of aviation’s best known names, air show ace Sean D. Tucker (right) and aircraft collection icon Kermit Weeks (below) have joined the board of The Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation to further its long-standing efforts to better the environment.  Both say they were drawn to the Foundation by its substantial programs within the aviation community to further Charles and Anne Lindbergh’s strong interest in applying technology to solve environmental problems.  

“It is a special honor to have individuals with this level of creativity and commitment join with the rest of us on the Lindbergh board at this time of unusual opportunity,” said Lindbergh Chairman and CEO Larry Williams.  Weeks, who has been a friend of the Foundation for a number of years, said he was, “looking forward to being associated with such a great group of people supporting a great cause!” Tucker responded that he, “resonated strongly with the Foundation’s Aviation Green program and wanted to help make a difference in this world.”  The Lindbergh Aviation Green program is a forward-looking, multifaceted effort that targets the aviation community.   It encourages innovative solutions through providing research grants and facilitating significant industry initiatives, acknowledges the progress of those who have made substantial contributions through its annual awards, and communicates new and important ideas through its education programs.

There was an extensive list of events held this week comprising a "Salute to Veterans" at the EAA's 2010 AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,  including a Parade of Veterans on Friday.
All veterans in attendance were able to participate in the procession, which began at Scotts Warbird Alley and concluded in AeroShell Square. (Pictured)

Rod Hightower, veteran pilot, EAA member and business executive was introduced Monday as the next CEO and President of EAA.

Hightower, a Texas native, is a vintage aircraft enthusiast, having restored his own Stearman biplane, which he flies out of the Creve Coeur, Missouri airport. Hightower is a director of the National Stearman Foundation and has helped organize the annual Stearman National Fly-in.

His business career spans more than 25 years in management for manufacturing and industrial companies. His duties as EAA president will begin September 7 and include the day-to-day operations as well as direction of EAA programs and strategy. He is only the third president in EAA history and the first outside the Poberezny family.

(Photo by Shahn Sederberg)

Arizona’s local and state government officials, as well as the Arizona congressional delegation, are delighted with today’s decision that the Air Force has selected Luke Air Force Base as the preferred location for the new F-35 Pilot Training Center.
With today’s decision by the Air Force, Luke is poised to transition from its current F-16 training mission to become the Air Force’s F-35 “school house,” subject to completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process that is currently underway.“Today’s announcement is great news for our region and our state and represents a major milestone and the most critical stage in the F-35 site selection process,” said Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs.

“Although we realize there is more work ahead of us, we are extremely grateful to our state’s congressional delegation, the Arizona Legislature, Governor Jan Brewer, Attorney General Terry Goddard, and citizens and businesses for working closely with us to champion and support the F-35 coming to Luke Air Force Base through our Luke Forward campaign,” Scruggs said.