A Publication of the South Carolina Aviation Association

PAPalmetto Aviation Fall 2011

How will you promote Aviation in 2012?pictured here is the SC Aeronautics Commission’s King Air 350 on display at the

recent Southeast Aviation Expo.

2 • Palmetto Aviation

President’s LetterIs it just me or are the tailwinds getting stronger? Whatever the reason, time sure seems to fly by and with 2011 coming to an end, it seems like yesterday that it began. Your association has been busy this year taking off with a successful conference, cruising with the legislative breakfast and its new legislative videos, being on downwind for our first and very successful Southeast Aviation Show and turning final for the upcoming conference to a smooth landing. It is your membership that helps your association deliver these programs. If you have not renewed your membership, please do so today and if you have, thank you for your continual support.

You will notice changes with this issue of Palmetto Aviation that I think you’ll appreciate. More news and articles to keep you informed and tips to make South Carolina aviation even more enjoyable. Let us know how you like it.

As I mentioned above, the recently held Southeast Aviation Expo was a tremendous success, and we’ll be back next year. But before then, I look forward to seeing you at our flagship event, the Annual Conference to be held in Myrtle Beach, February 8 – 10, 2012. Mark your calendar to attend and follow the association’s web site for registration details.

One final thought – as we close out 2011, I encourage you to make time for family and friends. Relax and enjoy yourself as we get ready for another flight around the pattern in 2012.

May you have a healthy and prosperous 2012.

Eric Ramsdell

Book Your Hotel Room at the Marriott Grande Dunes

Myrtle Beach for the February 8-10 SCAA Annual Conference.

Room rate of $115 is available until

December 29Call 800-644-2881.

Mark Your Calendar

2012 DatesFebruary 8-10 SCAA Annual Conference

March 23 SCASC Safety Fly In

28 SCAA Legislative Breakfast

AprilTBA SCAA Education Seminar

May21-25 Aviation Week23 Scholarship Golf Tournament24 Aircraft Maintenance Technician Luncheon

July15-20 Aviation Summer Camp

September 1 Deadline for Journalism entries

28-29 Southerast Aviation Expo

February 13-15, 2013SCAA Annual Conference - Myrtle Beach

Be On The Lookout...Information will be provided in the next issue of Palmetto Aviation on SCAA’s new Scholarship Program and its Scholarship Golf Tournament to be held during Aviation Week on May 23 in Columbia.

The Association plans to award three $500 scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation.

Fall 2011 • 3

May 12, 2010

June 16, 2011

By: Christopher S. Eversmann, PE, CM, Director, Jim Hamilton – LB Owens Airport (CUB)

For many who have a background that includes military aviation experience, prevention of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to aircraft, most especially aircraft engines, is a common, recognized, standard way of doing business. Any veteran of a military aviation organization can tell you about frequent, regular “FOD walks” in which all hands, from the newest private to the most senior officer, form a line, shoulder-to-shoulder, and walk the pavement in order to see and pick up any foreign object on the pavement. The objective of this effort is to ensure that pave-ment is clean and free of anything that could be ingested into an engine or blown by prop wash and cause aircraft damage or injury to personnel on the apron.

The military system supports this approach which, if properly conducted, is highly effective in protecting the costly aircraft that comprise the military fleet. However, most civilian airports lack the manpower and time to employ this method. As such, an alternative approach should be found and employed. I use the word “should” because FOD prevention is not necessarily recognized as a concern in civilian airport settings: and, if recognized as a priority, not to the degree that it is aggressively attacked in the military setting.

Do you have a FOD problem? Yes, every airport (even an airfield with a grass strip) has a FOD problem. A more appropriate question is, “do you have an effective, ongoing program by which you eliminate this problem?” Factors which cause FOD to be a problem include:

• Ineffective or no FOD prevention program• Pavement deterioration• Un-vegetated, rocky, sandy soil• Infrequent pavement inspections• Poor housekeeping• Unrestricted airside ground vehicle traffic

These factors are pretty straightforward and can be easily addressed. Among the solutions to problems with FOD are:

• Develop and implement a prevention program of inspec-tion and maintenance / housekeeping that is is formal (i.e. - written down), involves multipleairport stakeholders (tenants and FBOs), and is continuous.• Inspect, maintain, and program your aging pavement for improvement.• Mitigate bare ground that is a source for sand and grit.• Inspect your pavement frequently.• Implement good housekeeping procedures such as quar-terly pavement sweeps.• Control and channelize airside ground vehicle traffic.

The results are worthwhile. The two pictures shown hereare of a tenant aircraft propeller before and after implemen-tation of an airport FOD prevention program.

These images are of the same aircraft. The pilot is very thankful of the airport’s FOD prevention program.

For more information on FOD prevention and the efforts of the South Carolina Aviation Safety Council to make South Carolina a FOD free state, please join us for a breakout session on this subject at the 2012 South Carolina Aviation Association Conference in Myrtle Beach this February.

4 • Palmetto Aviation

An Update from the Aeronautics Commissionby Paul Werts, Executive Director, SC Aeronautics Commission

At last year’s SCAA Annual Conference, I challenged every-one to promote aviation and the aviation business in South Carolina. I can truly say, the challenge did not fall on deaf ears. I cannot recall a time where so many individuals took the challenge to promote

aviation in South Carolina, and I want to personally thank each of you for participating and promoting the aviation cause this past year. Just to name a few signifi-cant events:

Nearly a thousand individuals participated in the Southeast Aviation Expo in Greenville, kindling a great deal of interest and desire to fly, acquiring an aircraft, or adding to your shopping list aircraft or pilot acces-sories.

Triple Tree, a private airport held two large aviation events again this past year, sparking pilots to gather and display their labor of love skills for rehabilitating aircraft and showcasing their flying skills.

One of the more spectacular events held at Triple Tree was the remote control model aircraft association gathering. These “ground base pilots” harness remote control flying skills, even though many of them do not fly powered aircraft. Educating and promoting the basic flying skills and the science of flight is leading a growing future industry in unmanned aircraft vehicles.

Governor Haley promoted the aerospace industry at the Paris Air Show, and the Power Team continues to promote aviation alliance industries to South Carolina. Boeing, the crown jewel of South Carolina, has complet-ed the first assembled 787 at Charleston International Airport. I continue to believe those individuals who are building and developing the 787 will have an inner desire to take an interest in flying.

The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) has promoted aviation in numerous ways in 2011, Mr. Merrill Donahoo, Aeronautics General Aviation Ambas-sador has attended more than 50 civic organization meetings in the past six months educating captive audi-ences on the reasons for learning to fly or giving ideas to those who have never considered aircraft partner-ship with a friend or business associate. Surprisingly, many individuals have inquired about information on aircraft chartering. Based on feedback from attendees, the outreach program audiences have been very recep-tive.

Air shows and military performances were held at McEntire Air National Guard, Charleston International and the Beaufort Marine Corp Air Station giving every-one a chance to see the graceful skills of the Thunder-bird and Blue Angels along with many civil and military aircraft flying components. Get out and promote avia-tion and reap the benefits.

As we move forward into 2012, many exciting aero-nautical events are in store, beginning with the State’s Legislative Session addressing the updated Title 55 aeronautics laws. Redistricting the congressional districts will also provide another commissioner to speak on aviation matters important to South Carolina. The most exciting events will center on Aviation Week in May and in aviation summer camp in July. SCAC has provided sponsorship for an aviation summer camp, enabling 50 high school students a chance to learn the basics of flying, offering an introductory flight, build-ing an aircraft component, observing and understand-ing aviation weather systems, visiting the National Weather Service and Air traffic control tower facilities , and learning leadership skills while staying on the USC aerospace campus.

One of the most challenging and disappointing events which continue to plague the aviation infrastructure is Congress and the President’s Administration not reach-ing an agreement on FAA reauthorization. FAA has operated under 23 AIP resolutions over the past four years which has hampered their ability for long range planning and efficient performance within the organization. Unreliable administrative planning has led to two FAA shutdowns this past year. This along with user fees continue to challenge the overall aviation community, and reauthorization is critical for Washington leaders to press forward.

As of this article, eight fatalities have occurred in SC in air related accidents in 2011. We all need to strive to bring this number to zero. If you see an unsafe aero-nautical practice, report it to the appropriate authori-ties. In all likelihood, the pilot needs remedial training and who knows, you may indirectly save his life some-day.

I look forward to seeing you at the February SCAA Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach or at any of the upcoming aviation events including the oldest South Carolina event – South Carolina Breakfast Club. Have a happy holiday, safe flying and thanks for participating in aviation events in South Carolina.

Fall 2011 • 5

Coloring Page Created for AirportsThe association is currently coordinating with general aviation airports to have a coloring page created for each airport. The coloring page will include information and pictures about that specific airport. The purpose of the coloring page is for airports to give out to students when schools visit the airport as a take away. SCAA encourages all GA airports to coordinate with a school to have a class visit the airport during Aviation Week, May 21-25. The pages will be accessible to airports through the SCAA website in a pdf format.

During May 21-25, the South Carolina Aviation Association will celebrate SC Aviation Week. This week will be dedicated to educating the public on the importance of aviation in South Carolina. During the week aviation manufacturers, pilot safety, general aviation, commercial aviation and aircraft maintenance technicians will be recognized.

In an effort to advance the understanding of aviation in South Carolina, the South Carolina Aviation As-sociation (SCAA) will provide a $1,000 award to a reporter who best

portrays aviation in a fair, accurate and insightful man-ner in either print form or broadcast form. The entry must be published or broadcast between September 1, 2011 and September 1, 2012. The deadline to enter the contest is September 15, 2012.

Entries should be mailed to the SCAA at PO Box 12067, Columbia SC 29211. The entries will be judged after the September 15, 2012 deadline. A committee comprised of three SCAA board members will judge each entry based on the board member’s interpretation of the writ-er/reporter’s intention to portray aviation fairly and accurately, as well as providing an insight to aviation.

The intent is to make the award annually, however, if the committee does not have an entry they feel is de-serving, there will be no award given for that year.

For more informaation or if you have questions, call SCAA headquarters at 1-877-359-7222.

$1,000 Award For Journalism Contest

Need a Speaker at Your Next Civic or Rotary Meeting?

Merrill Donahoo is the General Aviation Ambassador for SC. If you belong to a rotary or civic organization that needs a speaker, Merrill is available and would like to speak on the importance of aviation in SC. You can contact Merrill Donahoo at merrillcd@yahoo.com.

Surveillance and Broadcast Services Come To South Carolina ITT Corporation, under contract with the FAA, is moving forward with the installation of 13 SBS towers throughout the Palmetto State. These towers represent the FAA’s first major step in the next generation of air traffic control and are part of 800 installations nationwide. Safety improvements, increased airport capabilities and accurate aircraft positional data are some of the ben-efits, according to ITT.

Pictured is the installation at the Rock Hill-York County Airport.

6 • Palmetto Aviation

Around

SCAA Member and Aviation Hall of Famer Robert Sumwalt to be Nominated for Obama Key Administration

President Obama announced in October his intent to nominate Robert Sumwalt to a key Admin-istration post. Currently Sumwalt is scheduled to complete his term on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Decem-ber 31, 2011.

Sumwalt has served as a Mem-ber of the NTSB since 2006. He served as Vice Chairman of the

NTSB from 2006 to 2008. Prior to his appointment to the NTSB, Sumwalt managed the aviation department for SCANA Corporation from 2004 to 2006. Sumwalt also flew as an airline pilot for US Airways for 24 years, where he ac-cumulated over 14,000 flight hours. For his contributions in aviation safety, Sumwalt received the Flight Safety Founda-tion’s Laura Tabor Barbour Air Safety Award, the Air Line Pilots Association’s Air Safety Award, and he is an inductee into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame.

Spartanburg Downtown Showcases New Terminal BuildingThe Spartanburg Downtown Airport held its grand opening for its new 9,727 square foot terminal building on November 17.

Airport Director Darwin Simpson said he was glad that city leaders took the initiaative to save the shell of the old building after removing asbestos. The new terminal building brings both old and new togeth-er and confirms Spartanburg’s commitment to historic preservation.

Along with the new terminal building, Spartanburg Memorial Airport, a scrapbook containing the airports history from 1910 to now was on display. Production of the book should be com-plete by December 31. All proceeds of the book wiil go to future airport improvements. Ed Hall, author of the book, spent the last year and a half putting together a the 250 page scrapbook with more than 110 illustrations including those of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

SCAA Promotes Aviation In BelgiumThis summer, the association was contacted by an individual in Belgium who gave flying lessons to a disabled child who loves aviation. The man who contacted SCAA said he has on occasion given miscellaneous aviation license plates as a gift to the child. He saw where the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame had an aviation license plate and asked if he could purchase a sample plate.

SCAA worked with the SC Department of Motor Vehicles to send a sample license plate to Belgium.

7 • Fall 2011

the StateBy Warren Wise, The Post And Courier

Fueled by Boeing Co.’s growth, Charleston Inter-national Airport and the region’s aviation industry create a juggernaut of jobs and money for the local economy, according to a study released Thursday.

Boeing Co. began assembling 787s at its Charleston International Airport campus over the summer.The airport, the Air Force base and Boeing’s manu-facturing complex together pump nearly $7 billion into the three-county area and support more than 34,000 jobs locally, or 12 percent of the total, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Business Research reported.

Also, the aviation industry accounts for $2 billion in pay for local workers, the study said.

“When we look at the total impact, we have some pretty outstanding numbers,” said Mary Graham, the chamber’s vice president of business advocacy. “You see the enormous impact.”

The $6.8 billion figure is roughly equal to the State Ports Authority’s importance to jobs and the re-gion’s economy, Graham said. The SPA pumps about $7 billion into the area, she said.

The addition of Boeing, which is building the 787 Dreamliner and parts for the new jet on leased airport land, gave the aviation industry a huge lift, Graham added.

“It’s a great illustration of trying to grow the aero-space cluster,” she said. “And it’s only going to get bigger.”

Boeing employs about 5,000 workers at its cam-pus off International Boulevard, and it created the biggest splash among the aviation sectors that researchers studied.

The company’s local presence sustains more than 17,000 jobs and spurs more than $4.6 billion in economic activity, including spin-off jobs and direct spending by its North Charleston employees, the

report said.

The nearby Air Force base, which owns the run-ways at Charles-ton Inter-national, employs more workers than Boeing -- about 6,400 active-du-ty and civilian workers -- but the spin-off is less than that of a major manufacturer.

Still, the base generates a total of 10,700 jobs and brings more than $1.4 billion to the Charleston economy, Graham said. The study did not include other military facilities.

The airport and its tenants create 2,435 jobs, while air-traveling visitors, who average a three-night stay, account for another 4,290 jobs as they spend $309 million directly each year on hotels, restau-rants, shopping and services, according to the study.

All told, the airport’s economic impact was found to be about $710 million.

The Charleston County Aviation Authority commis-sioned the study ahead of a $150 million makeover planned for Charleston International.

“Since we are getting ready to spend a lot of money on the airport, we thought it was important to quantify the positive economic impact on the com-munity,” said Sue Steven, airports director.

Boeing, Air Base, Airport a Joint Jobs Powerhouse

Provided/Boeing Co.

Boeing Co. began assembling 787s at its Charleston International Airport campus over the summer.

8 • Palmetto Aviation

expoSoutheast

aviation

New Pilot Event Exceeds ExpectationsAt the end of 2010 the SCAA board of directors approved a new program, the Southeast Aviation Expo in an ef-fort to provide a program that would attract pilots both inside and outside of South Carolina. The cost was to be minimal because the goal was to bring in as many people as possible to visit vendors featuring pilot products. The goal was to have 100 pilots attend. As the planning took place during the year the event began to expand from just a trade show to include static displays. In the end, the event far exceeded expectations of those planning the event as well as the exhibitors who participated.

On October 29 at the Greenville Downtown Airport 973 people attended the event, 227 were registered pilots. Others in attendance had careers in aviation or enjoy it as a hobby, students and children.

“Several exhibitors said that the Southeast Aviation Expo was a much more productive show for them than other national ones that they have attended lately since so many aviation people were here,” according to Joe Frasher, Airport Director of the Greenville Downtown Airport. “Many exhibitors said that we can count them in for next year,” stated Frasher. “This will help us attract even more vendors for next year’s show!”

The list of exhibitors included: Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co., AirwolfDaher-Socata, Drumm Health Services, DTC DUAT Service, Dugger & Company, Eagle Aviation, a Cessna Dealer, Eastern Aviation Fuels, Embry-Riddle University , Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fibrenew, Flight Design USA, Flight Standards District Office, Hope Aviation In-surance, Greenville/Camden/Donaldson Jet Centers, Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Just Aircraft, LLC, Lancair Interna-tional, Land Rover Carolinas, Liberty University - School of Aeronautics, Med-Trans Corp/GHS Med Trans, Michelin Aircraft Tire, Mint Air, Nationair Aviation Insurance, National Weather Service, P. F. Flyers, Pilots N Paws, Runway Cafe, S.C. Aviation Safety Council, S.C. Aeronautics Commission, Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, Shadowhawk Aviation, Skytech, Special Services Corporation, Stevens Aviation, SWT Aviation / CubCrafters, Tecnam North America, Tempest, Tempus Jets, Trade-A-Plane and Wings Over Greenville.

See related articles and pictures on page 9.

Fall 2011 • 9

Jay Brown and his mom Libba holding Jay’s twins, Alex and Christian five weeks old and committed at the Expo for lifetime SCAA mem-berships for the babies.

Taking Advantage of Technologyby Craig Fuller

I was looking forward to spend-ing Saturday in Greenville, South Carolina, at the Southeast Aviation Expo. Unfortunately, the weather had something different in mind.

Snow, ice, and gusty winds in Fred-erick kept me and N4GA on the ground. But the innovative folks at the South Carolina Aviation Asso-ciation, which sponsored the event, hooked up their Skype system and gave me the opportunity to make a “virtual” trip to the show.

Of course, I would much rather have been there in person, but I was impressed by how quickly and effectively the folks at SCAA pulled it all together on very short notice. I was able to give attendees an update on the big issues of the day as well as AOPA’s key initia-tives. I even had the opportunity to answer audience questions. Not bad, under the circumstances!

This was one day when I was on the ground, and wishing I was in the air. But the old cliché is true—better to be on the ground and wishing I was in the air, than to be in the air and wishing I was on the ground.

southeast Aviation expo continued

Save the date...

2 day event

AOPA President Craig

Fuller to speak

Sept.28-29

Champion Aerospace talks with potential clients at the show.

Attendees spent time with exhibitors inside as well as visiting the static displays outside. Ralph Lacomba with Eagle Aviation prepares

his plane for the static display.

Greenville Downtown Airport and Greenville Jet Center sponsored an exhibit reception on Friday night before the event.

Exhibitors came from all around the country to exhibit at the Southeast Aviation Expo.

Thank you to everyone who helped in the planning process: Hank Brown, Peter Cevallos, Joe Frasher, Ron Hardgrave, Dennis Johnson, Lara Kauff-man, Sonny Massey and James Stephens. Thank you also to everyone who volunteered that day to help.

10 • Palmetto Aviation

Security In Focus Following the events that struck the United States on September 11, 2001, there was much discussion in Washington about whether security was a stand-alone issue or could it be aligned with something else. Safety and security have become like “two peas in a pod,” each having its own impact on the other.

But that can pose a problem-unintended consequences. Can you be safe without being secure and how does taking measures to be secure affect your safety? From an airport perspective, that locked gate enhances your security, but could also prevent emergency responders from getting to the scene of an in-cident. And there may not be anything inher-ently unsafe in keeping the aircraft door open when you are not around, but do you know for a fact that your aircraft hasn’t been tampered with? Even if simply flipping a switch that is not discovered until it is too late?

There is no question that our world has changed since 9/11. And as recent arrests have shown, the job is never done. Why? Be-cause lack of past activity is no guarantee that “it won’t happen here.”

In the coming months, the Transportation Security Administration has indicated a re-vised Large Aircraft Security Program will be released for comment. And with the upcoming Presidential Campaign season, you can expect Temporary Flight Restrictions around the state and country. Be aware of both.

In the meantime, keep it safe while maintain-ing security, mindful of what impact each has on the other. As a TSA staffer suggested to me during a meeting in Washington, “let’s use a common sense approach.”

That makes sense to me.=============================================The author, Eric Ramsdell, is a board member and cur-rent President of the South Carolina Aviation Associa-tion. Previously, he served as Director of International Flight Operations for a corporation based in Charlotte, NC. Immediately prior to assuming his current duties, he served on the professional staff at the National Business Aviation Association, serving on the commit-tee that wrote the TSA Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport.

March 28SCAA Legislative Breakfast

Last year, 38 members attended the SCAA Legislative Breakfast and 50 legislators. Help SCAA double the number of members who attend in 2012.

Save the date for March 28 and plan to attend.

February 8SCAA Community Service Project

Ten members helped SCAA begin a new tradition in 2011, a community service project. Members helped paint an aviation mural at St. James Middle School in Myrtle Beach. Help SCAA double the number of those who par-ticipate in the project in 2012. No art skills needed.

Come Explore Aviation In SCand see what all the hype is about

June ??Columbia SC$150 registraionwww.scaaonline.comsponsored by:

2012 SC Av

iation Sum

mer Camp

July 15-20Aviation Summer Camp

Celebrate Freedom Foundation will host an Aviation Summer Camp July 15-20 in Columbia. The event is sponsored by the SC Aviation Association and the SC Aeronautics Commission.

Fall

South Carolina Aviation AssociationPetition for Nomination of Member to Board of Directors

All nominees must be a member of SCAA for at least one year prior to nomination. This petition is submitted on behalf of:

Nominee __________________________________________________________________________________

Organization/Employer ______________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________ Fax _________________________________________

Nominee agrees to having his/her name entered in the election and to serve a full three year term if elected: (nominee’s signature) ________________________________________________________________________

Members endorsing this nomination (Minimum of three required)

Signature Typed or Printed Name

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Submit this petition directly to: SC Aviation Association, PO Box 12067, Columbia, SC 29211or e-mail to katie@associationsplus.com.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: December 15, 2011

Dear SCAA Member: If you are interested in serving on the SC Aviation Association Board of Directors, now is the time to make that interest known. The association uses a petition process by which any member of at least one year can petition for a board seat.

On December 7, SCAA will hold its board meeting at 10 a.m. in Columbia at the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. If you are interested in serving on the board, we invite you to attend this meeting. Immediately following the meeting, we will hold a brief reception so that you can meet the current board of directors and discuss the responsibilities included in serving on the SCAA Board of Directors.

The petition is shown below.

If you have questions about the process, please feel free to contact SCAA Headquarters toll free at 1-877-359-7222.

Thank you for your continued support of aviation in South Carolina, we look forward to hearing from you.

Katie Koon, CAE SCAA Administrative Manager

PO Box 12067Columbia, SC 29211

1-877-FLY SCAA (359-7222)www.scaaonline.com

2011 Corporate MembersContinental

Aerial Survey

New For Members in 2012

• Members are invited to attend the SCAA Legislative Breakfast for FREE.

• Members are invited to attend the September 28-29 Southeast Aviation Expo for FREE.

• Airport members can have a FREE coloring page created for the airport to be given to students as they visit the airport.

• Members can recomend a student pursuing avia-tion as a career for a $500 scholarship.

Register for SCAAísFebruary 8-10

Annual Conference online at

www.scaaonline.com