Blog
August 2, 2012
Fifi at EAA
The recently concluded EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is an amazing event. It brings everyone from kids whose interests are just being peaked by building model airplanes to high government officials such as the Federal Aviation Administrator to the same place at the same time to observe–and revel in all things aeronautical. This year, attendance once again topped half a million visitors, transforming the scenic and hospitable little town of Oshkosh (population 67,000 for 50 weeks of the year) into a major metropolis and the control tower at Wittman Airport into the busiest in the world. Keep reading >
July 24, 2012
Things are heating up at Oshkosh … and that’s not just another reference to the 100+ degree temperatures that are being registered daily in what is usually a very temperate, if sometimes humid, part of the country. This year, the humidity is in the air, but the characteristic rains have been AWOL all summer and the crops and conditions are stunted and dry. But, despite the oppressive heat and dry conditions, the annual EAA AirVenture has opened with some significant announcements for Wichita-based companies. Keep reading >
April 19, 2012
With all the Personal Digital Assistants, Tablets, Smart Phones, iPads, iPods, iMacs and “iCan’t keep track of all the devices” out there that process information, it’s amazing but true that we often find ourselves with more content than the Library of Congress–and yet we’re still unaware of important stuff! This is true at the Wichita Aero Club, too. I became acutely aware of that fact–personally, not digitally–recently when I was having an honest-to-goodness, face-to-face conversation with a couple of board members and realized that there’s a lot going on that we hadn’t really shared. I decided that this blog provides at least one medium to share some key information–so here goes! Keep reading >
February 27, 2012
D. Franson
When it comes to business aviation, the Obama Administration is trying. But lest you think I’m giving them credit for putting forth a reasonable effort when it comes to this extremely important segment of the aerospace industry, let me be crystal clear: they’re trying… my patience! I keep waiting for the President, his advisors, and Congressional surrogates to demonstrate that they’re overcoming what has appeared to be a steep learning curve regarding the role and contribution of private aircraft, but their comments and initiatives indicate just the opposite. Now they’re advancing the often-rejected prospect of user fees in the latest Budget proposal. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not ignorance–it’s antipathy! It’s actually an orchestrated attack, driven by polling data that says taking shots at “fat cats in their corporate airplanes” will play well with an potential voters who are ignorant or apathetic about all of the contributions to our economy, way of life and local communities–not to mention all of the jobs–people who fly in business aircraft provide. It frustrates me enough that I’ve drafted an open letter to the President. I’d actually spend the half dollar it now costs to post a letter if I thought he’d actually read it and consider a response, but since I doubt that’s really the case, I’m offering it here on the off-chance someone in the administration or Congress will take notice: Keep reading >
February 7, 2012
Sandor “Alex” Kvassay has crossed the Atlantic Ocean so many times he can’t keep track. He’s circled the globe numerous times, as well. A Hungarian native and naturalized American citizen, he has stamps in his passports from places even veteran travelers have never heard of. At many of those destinations he also managed to sell airplanes. During a career that spanned five decades and included stints working for Bill Lear and Olive Ann Beech, he met an impressive number of world leaders, business moguls, and celebrities. Through it all, he was a consistent chronicler of his experiences, writing down his recollections and taking thousands of pictures. To this day, his accounts of his encounters generate wide interest. His column, ALEX REMEMBERS in the monthly issues of PROFESSIONAL PILOT magazine recently resulted in his being chosen as the publication’s fourth most widely read author…out of a dozen contributors! PRO PILOT Publisher Murray Smith, who plans to attend the luncheon along with his wife, Eleni, will distribute advance copies of the MARCH issue of the magazine, as well. Keep reading >
January 25, 2012
Years ago, while employed at Cessna, I was “checked out” to fly single engine airplanes by one of the most capable and precise pilots I’ve ever seen.
by Former Cessna Pilot Dr. Jerry Robinson
His piloting skills were as good as his jokes were corny and bad, but I learned from him every time we flew together. Perhaps his only mistake as a flyer was to sign me off to terrorize the skies on my own. But, he managed to survive with his reputation in tact and has gone on to a have a noteworthy and productive teaching career.
Dr. Jerry Robinson knows a lot about flying. When I told him I was looking for some guest “bloggers” for the Aero Club website, he willingly accepted my invitation. Here’s the first of what I hope will be numerous offerings from an insightful and capable flight instructor who can also write a little bit, too!
FOREST…OR TREES?
We all know that sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. But I fear that we’re approaching a point in flight training where we can’t see the trees for the forest.
I’ve been a flight instructor since 1963, and a Designated Pilot Examiner for a considerable portion of that time. It’s easy…and natural, I suppose… to look fondly on the “good old days” and argue that aviation has gone to hell in a hand basket, and that we just don’t do it like we did back in the day. Keep reading >
January 5, 2012
Tough news greeted the Wichita Aviation community with the coming of the new year–Boeing will close its Wichita facilities over the next 24 months. After 83 years, the “Air Capital of the World” will be without one of its biggest aviation entities. The decision gives new, and unwelcome, meaning to the terms “movers” and “shakers” as it applies to the corporate giant. Their move definitely shakes things up in Wichita and in Kansas.
The local community feels betrayed–and congressional representatives and the Governor have all voiced a sense of dismay over “broken promises” from Boeing that they would build the KC-46 Tanker in Wichita. While these feelings are understandable and justified, based on impressions Boeing cultivated during the tanker competition, all of the government leaders would agree that a business should NOT be compelled to do something that is economically detrimental because of government perceptions. The crux of this situation is that Boeing utilized the clout and voice of the state of Kansas, its state and federal political leaders and the commitment of its workforce to influence the eventual decision…and now the company is taking another direction. Keep reading >
December 16, 2011
D. Franson
November 10, 2011
D. Franson
Sometimes it’s easy to overlook significant actions, events and even people because we’re too close to the situation to recognize their importance. I think that may often be the case in Wichita…and in Kansas, for that matter, when it comes to aviation. Those of us who live here and get a steady diet of aviation news tend to discount the importance our community and state play in the broader world of flight. But, there are tons of reasons to celebrate “The Air Capital of the World” and the people who consistently contribute to the retention of that title.
Keep reading >
November 10, 2011
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new blog, a platform we’ll use to keep you updated about the happenings in Wichita Aviation. Check back periodically for updates!
