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TopNAA Record                                       February 2010
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MuilenburgBoeing's Muilenburg Draws Record Luncheon Crowd
   When Dennis Muilenburg, President & CEO of Boeing's Defense, Space and Security Systems Division, speaks, people listen.
At the January 2010 NAA Luncheon, the people listening included a record crowd of 140 representing a broad cross-section of the aviation and defense industries. Several major media were also there, including The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Reuters, and several defense and aeronautic trade publications.
Muilenburg laid out his division's strategy against the backdrop of an economic and political environment that includes two wars, increased nuclear threats, more security challenges at home, shifting defense priorities, an uncertain economy, and federal budget challenges.
He said Boeing is focusing on mission readiness, recruitment of highly skilled people, maximizing industrial capability, and developing collaborations and partnerships as the foundations to execute a successful strategy.
   As the United States works to address its most pressing military challenges, Muilenburg explained that, "When confronting our worst enemies, we are often our own worst enemy." He cited excessive regulations that have "gone beyond safeguards and hinder the acquisition process" and noted there is a "dangerous spiral of delays and cost growth hindering contracts."
   In an extensive question-and-answer session at the conclusion of his remarks, Muilenburg was asked about the upcoming fuel tanker RFP expected to be released by the Defense Department in February 2010. He provided many thoughts on the process and offered his belief that "fixed-price development will remain in the RFP" because the Administration and Pentagon officials have indicated that such contracts are a key part of acquisition reform.  Muilenburg added that such terms were acceptable to Boeing "as long as the contract is based on mature technology, requirements are very clear and any subsequent requirement changes result in appropriate modifications to the terms."
   Muilenburg also shared that Boeing delivered its fourth and final KC-767 to Japan and that the company is expected to deliver four more KC-767s to Italy during the coming year. He also provided updates on commercial airline projects in an industry where the number of aircraft acquisition programs has shrunk dramatically and is expected to fall even further through 2020.
Collier Trophy Winner to be Announced at
NAA Spring Awards Ceremony and Luncheon
   NAA's Annual Spring Awards Ceremony and Luncheon will be held Wednesday March 3, 2010 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA. This event will recognize the people who set the "Most Memorable Aviation Records of 2009" (see separate story in this newsletter below) and other recent aviation records.  In addition, NAA Chairman Walter Boyne will announce the 2009 winner of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy, which will be honored at the black tie Collier Dinner on May 13, 2009.  The Nominees are:
  • Aircell
  • Ares 1
  • C-5M Super Galaxy
  • International Space Station
  • Kandahar Airfield Operations Team
  • MC-12W Project Liberty Enterprise Team
  • SpaceX Falcon 1 Development Team
  • John Warner and the Excalibur Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
   Click here for details and online reservations to the NAA Spring Awards Ceremony and Luncheon.
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Most Memorable Aviation Records of 2009
   The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), as the official record keeper for United States aviation, each year tracks dozens of world and national record attempts.  New U.S. records are certified and those qualifying as world records are then ratified with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world air sports federation.
   In 2009 NAA certified 124 records and has identified the following seven as the "Most Memorable."

Greatest Payload: 176,450 pounds
(jet engine airplanes weighing 551,155 < 661,386 lbs)
After loading a Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy with stacks of pallets totaling 176,450 pounds, Major Cory Bulris, USAF, and his crew departed Dover AFB, Delaware on September 13, 2009 on a mission to set 41 world records. This was the first of 41 records set during the flight, and it beat the previous record of 161,023 pounds set in 1993.

Largest Freefall Formation: 181 persons
(feminine category)
Jumping from nine aircraft over Perris, California, the women of team "Jump for the Cause" joined together during freefall for a 181-person formation. Their jump on September 26, 2009 beat the previous record of a 151-person formation in 2005.

Speed Around the World, Eastbound: 370 mph
(jet engine airplanes weighing 6,614 < 13,228 lbs)
Departing from Morristown, New Jersey on April 12, Jared Isaacman and Douglas Demko flew a Cessna Citation CJ2 around the world, making 14 stops before returning to Morristown on April 15, 2009.  Their flight averaged 370 mph, beating the previous record of 279 mph set in 1991.

Highest Takeoff: 14,110 feet
(piston engine helicopters weighing 1,102 < 2,205 lbs)
Taking off from Colorado Springs, Colorado in a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter on October 12, 2009, Mark Young landed at the summit of Pikes Peak, an elevation of 14,110 feet. His subsequent takeoff from Pikes Peak set the first record in this class.

Free Three Turnpoint Distance: 623 miles
(ultralight gliders weighing < 485 lbs)
After releasing from tow near Rosamond, California on April 25, 2009, James Payne flew a Windward Performance SparrowHawk ultralight glider a distance of 623 miles. His flight beat the previous record of 497 miles set in 2003.

Speed Over a Commercial Airline Route,
Washington to Paris: 605 mph
(airplanes operated during commercial air service)
Flying a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 from Washington, DC to Paris, France on January 14, 2009, Martin Kemp and his crew made the flight in 6 hours, 23 minutes, averaging 605 mph. Their flight beat the previous record of 574 mph set in 1990.

Speed Over a Triangular Course of 100 Kilometers: 31 mph
(rigid wing, weight shift hang gliders)
After being towed to 1,500 feet over Zapata, Texas, Dustin Martin flew a Wills Wing T2C hang glider around a 62-mile triangular course in 2 hours, 2 minutes, for an average speed of 31 mph. His flight on July 26, 2009 beat the previous record of 27 mph set in 2002.
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President's Message
Why Does NAA Have A Credit Card?
   In a million years, I never thought I would be soliciting people for a credit card, but I am - for a very good reason.
   The National Aeronautic Association - in partnership with AVEMCO Insurance - started a credit card more than a decade ago. Over the years, it became very popular amongst aviation profe
Small Jonathanssionals due primarily to the access it provided to insurance.
   Of course, as it grew, it provided a very important source of revenue for NAA.
   In 2008, we were informed that the NAA Credit Card, which had grown to approximately 15,000 cardholders, was bei
ng discontinued by Chase in a seemingly wholesale closure of small affinity credit card programs.
   In discussions with the Board of NAA at that time, we decided that it would be worth the effort to try to find another partner for the program in an attempt to convert former Chase holders to a new NAA credit card and continue an even more important revenue stream.
   We were very fortunate to have joined forces last summer with PartnersFirst, a first-rate affinity card company located in Wilmington, Delaware. They offer a card that has a world of rewards and benefits while also supporting the work of NAA.  For every account that is opened and for every charge made a contribution is made to NAA-at no additional cost to the cardholder.
   Our immediate goal is to get our former Chase NAA cardholders to transfer to a card that "directly benefits NAA" and to offer the opportunity to all NAA Members. We are extremely pleased with the initial success to date, and look forward to working with PartnersFirst in 2010 to continue to grow this program.
   We think it is a good deal for NAA Members and certainly for the future of NAA. For more information and to sign up, click here.

Jonathan Gaffney
NAA President
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Two Active-Duty Air Force Colonels
To Receive NAA Stinson Award

   NAA has selected Lieutenant Colonel Jean E. Havens, USAF, and Lieutenant Colonel Jeannie Leavitt, USAF, to receive the 2009 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Award.
   "With the largest group of nominees in memory for this great award, it was a unanimous decision of the Selection Committee to present two awards this year," noted NAA President Jonathan Gaffney. "We have two very worthy winners and we are extremely proud of them."
   The Stinson Award was created in 1997 by the National Aviation Club (now part of NAA) to honor the accomplishments of two sisters - Katherine and Marjorie Stinson. These sisters were among the first 11 American women to be certified as airplane pilots through the Aero Club of America (the predecessor of NAA). Their flying school helped numerous U.S. and international pilots earn their Aero Club licenses, the precursor to Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates. The award recognizes a living woman for an outstanding and enduring contribution, a meritorious flight, or a singular technical development in the field of aviation, aeronautics, space, or related sciences.
   In 1993, Leavitt blazed a path as America's first female fighter pilot. She rose to the position of squadron commander, training tomorrow's warriors, and has paved the way for women in military flight through groundbreaking achievements during her remarkable and continuing Air Force career.
   Havens' enduring contributions during her 18-year Air Force career began in the Reserve Officer Training Corps. After she earned her pilot's license, she began flying F-16s. One of only a few female instructor pilots, she made significant impacts in training. Her duties as an air advisor helping to rebuild and revitalize the Iraqi Air Force from 2006-2009 demonstrated her outstanding leadership capabilities.
   In a new partnership, NAA will award the Stinson Trophy at the Pioneer Hall of Fame Banquet at the International Women in Aviation Annual Conference to be held at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, on February 27, 2010.
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Air Sport Organization News

USPA Collegiate Championships Battle Weather
   Fighting high winds, low clouds, and rain to the bitter end, 103 college students from around the country wrapped up the 2009 United States Parachute Association (USPA) National Collegiate Parachuting Championships at Skydive Spaceland in Rosharon, TX, on January 2, 2010.
   With status and medals at stake in seven disciplines the competition was fierce.  While the majority of skydivers come from three military academies - Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and West Point - the competition was not completely dominated by the military. Virginia Tech's 4-way formation skydiving team, VTSD, bested the rest by a large margin, and Jeremy Foster and Cody Edgeworth, from the University of Houston and University of Chicago, took home the gold in 2-way vertical formation skydiving. The Sport Accuracy first place novice winner was Brad Carrender from Kansas State. The Most Competitive Collegiate Competitor medal went to Alicia Bouges, a senior cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
   In other news, USPA reports that 2009 ended with the fewest civilian fatalities (16) in more than four decades.The reduction in fatalities can be attributed to a number of factors, including safer equipment and better training.

AMA Spotlights Model that Launched Its Museum
Kurwi
   The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has begun to feature pieces from the association's museum in its member newsletter, and the first model to be showcased helped start the museum's collection in 1978.
   The Kurwi, shown here in a photo by Jay Smith of AMA, is a glider-turned-RC sailplane designed by Kurt Wilhelm of Munich, Germany. He conceived the series in 1935, when he was 12 years old, and worked for almost 20 years perfecting it. The Kurwi was donated to the museum by Walt Good.
   As a piggyback glider, the Kurwi rests in a cradle on top of another model before it is launched out of the cradle mid-flight. This airplane became popular in Germany in the 1960s because it could stay airborne in situations with little lift and it was easy to rebuild after a crash. Constructed with a fiberglass fuselage and balsa wings, the Kurwi spans 90 inches.

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Aero Club News
New England Aero Club Hosts Past Presidents Dinner
   The Aero Club of New England's (ACONE) past presidents met for dinner at the Somerset Club in Boston on January 13, 2010. Eleven past presidents, representing over 32 years of ACONE leadership, attended the dinner. ACONE Past Presidents shown here include (left to right in front) DaviACONE Past Presidentsd Graham, David Margolis, Cynthia Bloomquist, Georgia Pappas, Ken Bloomquist, and Dean Edmonds. Shown left to right in back are Dr. Gary Kearney, Dr. Jeff Bauer, John Griffin, Reese Dill, and Mel Dorr.
   Upcoming events include ACONE's Annual Ice Breaker Social, scheduled for February 17, 2010 at the Papa Razi in Burlington, MA. ACONE's Annual Crash Course, dubbed Learning from the Mistakes of Others, is scheduled for March 15th and will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Bedford, MA. The topic for this year's program is "Things Other Pilots Do Wrong." Attendees will have a chance to air grievances and pet peeves about what other pilots do as well as learn a thing or two about safety.

Presidents and Governors Address Wichita Aero Club Gaffney-Wichita
   The Wichita Aero Club (WAC) hosted NAA President Jonathan Gaffney as its guest speaker on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. A crowd of 130 heard Gaffney describe NAA's important role in the certification and achievement of a broad range of aviation records.
   The WAC will host Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson on February 10, 2010 at its monthly luncheon. Jim Coyne, president of National Air Transportation Association, will address the group on March 30, 2010. For more information on these events visit www.WichitaAeroClub.org.

Aero Club of Atlanta Presents
Outstanding Aviation Achievement Award
Huffman   The Aero Club of Atlanta honored Dr. Debi Huffman on January 28, 2010 with the First Annual 2009 Epps Award for Outstanding Aviation Achievement in Georgia. The gala event featured guest speaker Darrell M. Collins, Aviation Historian/Park Ranger at Kitty Hawk National Park.
   Huffman has inspired students who later become astronauts, including two students from Henderson High School, the only known school in the world to graduate two NASA astronauts. Huffman initiated aerospace programs at Fernbank Science Center in 1976 and has taught there ever since. She is the founder of the SEMAA (NASA's Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy) LINKS Engineering team and sponsored the Wild Blue Wonders Team America Rocketry Challenge. She is a founding advisor of the Transportation Education Foundation of Georgia (TEFGA).
   The next upcoming Aero Club of Atlanta luncheon will be held at the Capitol City Club on March 2, 2010. The guest speaker will be Karen Gephart, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation.
   In other club news, Atlanta Aero Cub donated $500 in fuel for Haiti Relief flights led by ACA Member David Lee, President and Founder of Airshares Elite.


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In This Issue
Boeing's Muilenburg Speaks
Spring Awards Ceremony
Most Memorable Records
President's Message
Stinson Award Winners
Air Sport Organization News
Aero Club News
Upcoming Events
Call for Nominations
Featured Member Orgs
Records Claimed
Featured Air Sport Org
NAA Credit Card

Upcoming Events
March Luncheon/
Spring Awards
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
This luncheon will be NAA's annual Spring Awards Ceremony and Luncheon where we will recognize the Most Memorable Aviation Records of 2009 and announce the winner of the 2009 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
Click here for details and to reserve you seat or table.
 
April Luncheon
Thursday
April 8, 2010

Speaker:
The Honorable Randy Babbitt
Administrator,
Federal Aviation Administration

Click here for more information.
Call for
Nominations
Katharine Wright Award
Nominations for the 2010 Katharine Wright Award are open now through March 31, 2010. Named in honor of the Wright Brothers sister, this award was established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation and is made annually to a woman who has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period of time. The first award was made to Moya Lear, wife of Bill Lear. For more information and Nomination Guidelines click here.

This month's featured member
organizations:

Hawker Beechcraft
Jeppeson

Lockheed Martin

Rockwell Collins

GAMA


Records Claimed
December 1-31,  2009
AEROPLANES

Speed Over a Recognized Course:

Boise, ID to Ontario, CA:  151.12 mph
David W. Bensinger
Class C-1.b, Group I (Internal Combustion)
Cessna 177
1 Lycoming O-320
12/23/09

Montreal, Canada to Abu Dhabi, UAE:  554.37 mph
Mitchell T. Lowery & Joseph N. Griffin
Class C-1.l, Group III (Jet)
Gulfstream G550
2 BMW Rolls-Royce BR710
12/21/09

This Month's
Air Sport Link

International Aerobatic Club
NAA Credit Card

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