July 2023 – State Aviation Journal

Boeing Plaza Hosts WomenVenture 2023 Group Photo

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – The backdrop for this year’s photo, during EAA’s 75th AirVenture, was the Boeing Dreamlifter operated by Atlas Air. EAA Photo.

Now in its sixteenth year, WomenVenture, a week-long social and networking event for women during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, continues to attract women who are part of the aviation community and who gather to be inspired, to network, and to have fun together at the Oshkosh airshow. Women in Aviation International (WAI) kicked off WomenVenture Wednesday with WAI’s annual WAI Connect Breakfast followed by the WomenVenture annual group photo on Boeing Plaza with thousands of women in attendance.

WAI’s Connect Breakfast, sponsored by Avemco and United Airlines, was attended by over 350 enthusiastic participants, whose passion could not be washed out by strong thunderstorms and rain. Royal Shoen, a general aviation advocate and an aircraft owner with commercial and instrument certificates, shared her inspiring story and encouraged young women to pursue their aviation dreams.

During the week-long #OSH23, WAI hosted a panel discussion on “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Female Aviator” and met with hundreds of new and current members at both WAI booth locations in Hangar B-2041 and the WomenVenture Center.

“It was a very busy and productive week for WAI during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh highlighted by our successful Connect Breakfast and numerous meetups with our members and allies,” WAI Interim CEO Stephanie Kenyon said. “The WAI team and enthusiastic volunteers had a fantastic week connecting with members and encouraging them to join a WAI Chapter near them, get a mentor or be a mentor with WAI’s new Mentor Connect program, apply for WAI’s upcoming round of scholarships (the value of which is nearing $1M), and join in the inspirational Girls in Aviation Day events on September 23, 2023.”

NASAO Announces 2023 Henry Ogrodzinski Scholarship Recipients

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Kim Stevens

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) announced the names of three recipients for the 2023 Henry Ogrodzinski (Henry O.) Scholarship. NASAO congratulates Benjamin Parham of Elizabeth City State University (Surf City, NC), Tanner Bowman of Purdue University (Trafalgar, IN), and John Laing of Purdue University (Milford, OH).

NASAO established the scholarship program in memory of Henry Ogrodzinski, who spent more than 17 years leading NASAO as its President & CEO from 1996 to 2013. Ogrodzinski dedicated his life to higher education and academic achievement in aviation and aerospace. The scholarship program resides under the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education, the non-profit arm of NASAO.

“The three individuals selected for this year’s scholarship share a passion for aviation similar to that of Henry O.,” said Mike McHugh, Chair of the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education and Aviation Education Coordinator of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “The NASAO Center hopes that these scholarships will help the awardees achieve their professional goals and advance the industry through their future accomplishments.”

“The future of aviation depends on a well-educated workforce,” said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President & CEO. “NASAO is proud to honor the memory of its longtime President Henry Ogrodinski by helping to ensure bright young people with a passion for aviation are able to help make that future.”

For more information on the scholarship and application process, please visit NASAO’s website.

Tom Meadows Recognized with 2023 Phillips 66® Aviation’s EAA Young Eagles Leadership Award

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Left to right are, Meghan du Plessis, Director, Phillips 66 Aviation Brand Marketing; Tom Meadows, 2023 Phillips 66 Leadership Award Winner; David Leiting, EAA; Sean D. Tucker, EEA Young Eagles.

Phillips 66® Aviation has announced that the 2023 Phillips 66 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles Leadership Award winner is Tom Meadows, EAA member of Chapter 1073 in Truckee, CA. This award—given every year during EAA’s annual fly-in convention, AirVenture — recognizes exceptional Young Eagles volunteers that have continually supported the future of aviation by exceeding expectations.

“I have so many stories of flying youngsters through the skies and seeing their faces light up with excitement and joy,” Meadows said. “From allowing youth to sit in the pilot’s seat to helping them taxi to the runway, flying with these kids is always an adventure.”

A retired Naval Air Crewman, Tom was the Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 1073 for nearly five years. During those years, his EAA chapter held rallies in the Truckee region at different airports in smaller communities without chapters, to introduce their youth to aviation by giving them free airplane rides.

Meadows has flown to more distant cities to help their chapters hold rallies. His wife, Lynn, a private pilot, gets to fly to and from the rallies, and serves as a ground volunteer while he flies kids. “It is important to us that we make aviation instruction as accessible to young people as possible, so flying from airport to airport is exciting for us.”

Tom and Lynn both received their pilot licenses in 1978, however Tom’s passion was ignited at a young age, as he would sometimes accompany his father to work at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

“My dad would drop me off at the Air Force Museum on the base, and no matter how many times I walked through that museum I never grew tired of it,” Tom said. “Later in life, my dad told me that when I was two years old, he had put me on his lap and gave me my first airplane ride.”

Tom holds several other licenses including his Instrument, Commercial, CFI and MEL certificates. While he stepped down as a Young Eagle coordinator in 2020, Tom and Lynn still serve as ground and flight volunteers at rallies near and far.”

“We have flown our Cessna 172 Sky Hawk to Ohio five times to attend my high school reunions, and we stop to visit friends and family members. If any of our hosts have age-eligible kids, I take them flying as Young Eagles,” Tom said. “We are always looking for new families to share our spirit of aviation.”

In the fall, Tom plans to fly his 2,000th Young Eagle mission. By then he will have donated 1,500 flight hours of their Cessna 172, along with countless hours of volunteering on the ground.

“I am always mining for more Young Eagles. You never know when you are going to find a gem,” Tom said. “The future of aviation is in the hands of these kids, and I am proud to be a part of their journey.”

To learn more about the EAA Young Eagles program, visit eaa.org.

To learn more about how Phillips 66 supports the Young Eagles program, visit Phillips66Aviation.com.

Colorado Division of Aeronautics Awards Program Recognizes Airport and Aviation Professional of the Year

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Kim Stevens

Each year the Colorado Division of Aeronautics recognizes a Colorado airport and aviation professional who has made outstanding contributions to the Colorado Aviation System. Additionally, the Aeronautics Division Director presents the 2023 Director’s Award. This year’s awards presentation took place at the 2023 Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Spring Conference held in Colorado Springs, CO June 21-23.

This year’s Colorado Airport of the Year was awarded to Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the busiest airports in the world with over 69 million passengers traveling through the airport in 2022. “We are honored to be recognized as the 2023 Colorado Airport of the Year,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of more than 37,000 airport employees and our partners.”

“For decades, DEN has been a stalwart supporter of our Division of Aeronautics and Colorado’s entire statewide aviation system. Their collaboration with us on a number of impactful statewide initiatives has made all of our airports safer, more efficient, and more accessible, and we are proud to recognize them as our 2023 Airport of the Year”, said David Ulane

The Colorado Airport of the Year Award is presented annually by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics to recognize Colorado public-use airports that exhibit outstanding contributions to the Colorado Aviation System. Airports distinguished with this recognition demonstrate values that fall in line with the CDOT Division of Aeronautics’ mission to advance a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment, and advocacy.

According to the 2020 Economic Impact Study of Colorado Airports, DEN is responsible for supporting 259,084 jobs, producing over $11.1 billion in annual payroll, while generating $33.5 billion in overall business revenue.

*Grand County Airports Manager Josh Schroeder (right) is presented with the 2023 Colorado Aviation Professional of the Year Award by Aeronautics Division Director David Ulane.*

The Division presented the Colorado Aviation Professional of the Year Award to Grand County Airports Manager Josh Schroeder. Josh is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Grand County’s two airports: Grand County Airport/Emily Howell Warner Field (GNB) and Kremmling-McElroy Field (20V). This award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Colorado Aviation System. Individuals distinguished with this award demonstrate values that fall in line with the CDOT Division of Aeronautics’ mission to advance a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment, and advocacy.

“I certainly did not earn this award by myself”, said Grand County Airports Manager Josh Schroeder. “In order to keep an airport running smoothly, it takes a great deal of collaboration between airport staff, County administration, airport stakeholders, volunteers, consultants, FAA and Division of Aeronautics. I am deeply honored to receive this award and so very grateful to the countless people who have supported me in my role as airport manager.”

Josh began his aviation career in 2005 as a technician with Adam Aircraft. Josh went on to study Aviation Management at the Metropolitan State University of Denver Department of Aviation & Aerospace Science. In 2017, Josh became an Airport Maintenance Technician for Grand County, Colorado. In 2019, Josh was promoted to the County’s Airports Manager for GNB and 20V.

Todd Green Aeronautics Division Program Manager Recipient of Director’s Award

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Kim Stevens

*Colorado Division of Aeronautics’ Program Manager Todd Green (right) is presented with the 2023 Director’s Award by Aeronautics Division Director David Ulane.*

The Colorado Division of Aeronautics Program Manager Todd Green was presented the 2023 Director’s Award by Division Director David Ulane. The award was presented to Todd in recognition of his longstanding commitment and dedication to the Division’s mission and vision, steadfast support of the Division Director, and outstanding leadership of the Division’s planning team.

Todd began his aviation career in 2008 as an Airport Management Intern at Centennial Airport (APA), later becoming the airport’s Noise and Planning Specialist. In 2012, Todd joined the Aeronautics Division team as an Aviation Planner, and in 2017 he was promoted to his current role as the Division’s Program Manager where he oversees the Division’s gamut of aviation funding programs.

Chapman Freeborn appoints Andy Hutchinson as Head of Sales and Commercial – UK

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Kim Stevens

Chapman Freeborn, the global air charter specialist, has appointed Andy Hutchinson as Head of Sales and Commercial – UK within the passenger department.

Hutchinson brings over 22 years of experience with 15 years in aviation and 8 years in chartering, providing extensive and valuable knowledge to Chapman Freeborn.

Hutchinson will be leading and developing a new team in the UK market to establish the commercial passenger division and increasing company growth and expansion. In his role, he will be heading up the new business sales strategy, with the goal of expanding into new markets and elevating Chapman Freeborn’s global profile.

His breadth of aviation insight, and experience, intertwined with a team of skilled brokers will provide passenger services to corporates, traveler services, sports associations, as well as high net worth individuals.

“I’m excited to be heading up the team in this period of expeditious growth. As an experienced sales leader with a proven track record of producing results in a highly competitive market, I will be implementing and delivering a sales strategy, while leading and developing the team to achieve our growth targets. Having a very talented team already in place, I’m looking forward to growing the department further and cementing ourselves as a market leader in the UK.” said Hutchinson.

In his personal life Hutchinson enjoys playing golf, spending time with his family and travelling to new destinations.

Bahrain International Airshow Cements Relationship with Lockheed Martin for 2024

July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 Kim Stevens

Lockheed Martin has announced its participation and sponsorship of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2024. The partnership signifies the global aerospace and defense manufacturer’s longstanding ties with the airshow and the wider Gulf region.

*Pictured L-R: Yousif Mahmoud, Director General of the Bahrain International Airshow Craig Spyhalski, International Air and Show Trade Lead at Lockheed Martin.*

The contract was signed during meeting at the Paris Air Show by Yousif Mahmoud, Director General of the Bahrain International Airshow and Craig Spyhalski, International Air and Show Trade Lead at Lockheed Martin, in the presence of His Excellency Mohamed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication.

A relationship spanning decades, Bahrain was the first country in the region to adopt Lockheed Martin’s F-16 aircraft for the Royal Bahraini Air Force and in early 2023 became the first country in the world to receive delivery of the first ‘F-16 Block 70’ fighter jet from the manufacturer. Lockheed Martin has secured their presence at BIAS 2024 with a stand in the exhibition hall and dedicated chalet.

Organized by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International, BIAS has been designed to reflect aerospace and defense industry demands and will harness global expertise to provide crucial thought leadership and insight. Now in its seventh year, BIAS has cemented itself as a must-attend biennial event in the aerospace and defense industry, renowned for bringing the best and brightest of the aerospace industry in an intimate platform to do business.

Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organizing Committee, BIAS will return to the aerospace calendar 13-15 November 2024 at Sakhir Airbase Bahrain.

For more information about the Bahrain International Airshow 2024, please visit www.bahraininternationalairshow.com.

AOPA Plans National Celebration of GA Flyover of Washington D.C.

July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 Kim Stevens

A wide array of aircraft representing virtually every chapter of general aviation’s storied history will be on full display over the National Mall during a spectacular May 2024 commemoration of the numerous contributions the GA industry has provided to our nation since 1939. The planned celebration, coinciding with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s 85th anniversary, was announced by AOPA at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh.

The flyover will be broadcast live on YouTube with commentary from longtime AOPA Live This Week host Tom Haines and other special guests.

This special event will take place over one of Washington, D.C.’s most restricted flight zones, P-56, something that’s never been done with GA aircraft. Spectators on the ground and online will watch the aircraft fly above the Lincoln Memorial, down Independence Avenue, and past the Washington Monument. The flyover is being closely coordinated with 15 interagency partners, including the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration, the Secret Service, and the Capitol Police, and has the support of Congress.

The flyover will consist of over 20 different “chapters” telling the story of GA in America starting in the Golden Age with AOPA President Mark Baker’s Beechcraft 17 Staggerwing. Also included will be aircraft representing GA during and after World War II, the GA trainer era, vertical flight, backcountry flying, seaplanes, corporate and business aviation, technically advanced aircraft, experimental homebuilts, airshow performers, and other examples of GA aircraft that support public service missions.

“It’s going to be a special time for AOPA in May of 2024,” Baker said at AirVenture. “What a sight it will be to see the history of general aviation flying over the National Mall as GA has given this nation so much over the past many decades. AOPA is uniquely positioned to be able to plan this complex event and execute it safely and professionally.”

Planning for this celebratory flyover will continue throughout 2023, and pilots have already been identified.

Aero Asset Heli Market Trends Reports Drop in Preowned Single Engine Helicopter Sales and Rising Supply

July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 Kim Stevens

Aero Asset’s 2023 Half Year Heli Market Trends Report, single engine helicopter edition, reveals declining sales volume and rising supply for sale leading to a higher absorption rate compared to the same period in 2022.

“Retail sales of 58 units, valued at $132 million, decreased 60 percent in the first half of 2023 in comparison to the same period in 2022,” said Valerie Pereira, Aero Asset VP Market Research. “Supply for sale ended 70 percent higher year over year at 108 units available on the market, and the absorption rate increased to 8.5 months of supply at current trade levels.”

Prices Up

Interestingly average asking price remained strong, up 11 percent year over year, buoyed by arrival of low time helicopters on the market. Average trading price also remained strong against firm OEM lead time backdrop, increasing 23 percent year over year.

Liquidity Lineup

The most liquid preowned single engine helicopter market during the first half of 2023 was the Bell 407/GX/P/I followed by the Airbus AS350 B3/B3e/H125, and the Airbus EC130 B4/H130. The least liquid preowned market during the first half was the Leonardo AW119K/Ke/Kx, with an absorption rate of 14 months.

North American Demand

During the first half of 2023, there was a robust demand for singles in North America, as buyers there accounted for two-thirds of all preowned single engine helicopter transactions. At the same time, retail sales in Europe dropped 75 percent year over year. Europe and North America together accounted for two thirds of the worldwide supply for sale.

This Heli Market Trends Report covers high end preowned single engine helicopters in production and variants with recent preowned sales activity. Its data does not include sales of new aircraft, leases, sale-leasebacks, early buyouts, sales to government, or part-out. Go to https://www.aeroasset.com/report to download the full report.

Carolyn Forsyth, Heli-One GM of Sales, Commercial & Customer Support

The report also includes a conversation with Carolyn Forsyth of Heli-One. She was previously the regional sales director for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Carolyn came to Heli-One after nearly 15 years with Pratt & Whitney Canada, where she was General Manager of the company’s aftermarket engine sales and leasing division. Carolyn’s previous experience includes commercial positions in helicopter operations and maintenance with CHC, Bond Helicopters and Rotortech. Carolyn holds an MBA from McGill University in Montreal and a BCom from Edinburgh University.

Aero Asset Adds Three Experienced Executives to Team

July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 Kim Stevens

Aero Asset, the global helicopter sales and market intelligence firm has added three executives to positions within the company. Andrea Winning becomes Market Research Director. Shaun Geng becomes VP of Operations and Tristan Sandor as Senior Director – Mission Critical Services.

“These staff additions strengthen Aero Asset’s interaction with clients,” said Aero Asset VP Sales William Sturm. “All three bring strong credentials and experience to our team and we are delighted to welcome them.”

Andrea Winning, Market Research Director

Andrea Winning started her aviation career in 2004 for EADS Deutschland as a project manager. In 2007 she relocated to Airbus Helicopters Inc. in Grand Prairie, Texas, where she held several positions in marketing and customer relations. Winning joined Aero Asset in 2023. Andrea Winning, Texas, U.S.A. Languages: German, English

Shaun Geng, VP Operations

Shaun Geng started his career in business management in 2003. Through the years he held senior positions at InterContinental, Hyatt, Marriott, and Accor, in Europe, North America, and Asia. He joined Aero Asset as Vice President of Operations in 2023. Location: Ontario, Canada. Languages: Mandarin, English

Tristan Sandor, Senior Director – Mission Critical Services

Sandor began his career at Global Medical Response. He was responsible for financial operations, equipment finance, fleet management, procurement, and sales for one of the largest rotor wing fleets in the United States.

Location: Florida, U.S.A. Languages: English, Spanish