 NAA Record April 2010
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Under Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter
Discusses Defense Acquisition Programs
Under Secretary of Defense for ATL Dr. Ashton Carter  |
Dr. Ashton B. Carter, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics, delivered a wide-ranging assessment of U.S. defense acquisition programs at the NAA March Luncheon.
He began by documenting the extensive growth in unmanned aerial vehicles, while noting that the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support for the troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere is still not as high as it could be.
To add to this capability, he outlined innovations such as tethered airships and unmanned aerial surveillance aircraft that can monitor troop movements and warn of approaching enemies as just two of the aeronautic programs under development. Carter also said the Department of Defense (DOD) is experimenting with unmanned rotary aircraft that can deliver routine cargo shipments to troops in the field, eliminating the need to traverse dangerous roads where improvised explosive devices may be hidden.
When commenting on the future of the next-generation bomber program, he remarked that it will become part of a study he termed DOD "family of systems" that include components such as long-range systems, enhanced ISR capabilities, electronic attack capabilities, and more.
Carter added that "we also have a family in industry that works in this space, and we have a responsibility to them" as defense programs are developed.
He also touched on the sensitive topic of "acquisition reform," (which Carter said was "not his favorite term") due to the fact the phrase has largely lost its meaning after countless studies, panels, commissions, etc., and acknowledged that "we can do a lot better than we are doing." He cited the restructuring of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft contract as "important to the nation as the cornerstone of our airstrike capability in the future."
Carter recounted the projected JSF cost increases and discussed how DOD has taken steps to reduce costs, including buying a second test aircraft to shorten the testing cycle, withholding an "award fee" to mitigate government costs, and adjusting the rollout schedule.
He pointed to the JSF program as one example of many DOD acquisition programs that are not performing as well as they could, and pledged that these programs would improve.
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Leavitt and Havens of USAF
Receive 2009 Stinson AwardColonel Jeannie Leavitt (second from left) and Lieutenant Colonel Jean Havens (second from right) received NAA Stinson Awards from Colonel Peggy Phillips (far left) and NAA President Jonathan Gaffney (far right).  |
Colonel Jeannie Leavitt, USAF, and Lieutenant Colonel Jean E. Havens, USAF, received 2009 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Awards from NAA President Jonathan Gaffney at the Pioneer Hall of Fame Banquet at the International Women in Aviation Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, on February 27, 2010.
Leavitt blazed a path as America's first female fighter pilot. She rose to the position of squadron commander and paved the way for women in military flight. Havens flew F-16s and was one of only a few female instructor pilots. Her duties as an air advisor helping to rebuild and revitalize the Iraqi Air Force from 2006-2009 demonstrated her outstanding leadership capabilities.
"It was truly an honor to receive this award," Leavitt said. "I am thrilled to be recognized among the many distinguished aviators who have received the Stinson Award over the years."
"It was a great honor to receive the Stinson Award from NAA along with Colonel Leavitt this year," Havens added. "It was truly inspiring to be part of the Women in Aviation International conference and to be in the presence of so many women and men with such passion for all things flying."
The Stinson 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. The 2010 field of candidates for this award was so impressive that the Selection Committee decided to recognize two outstanding women.
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Collier Trophy Banquet to Honor
International Space Station
On March 3, 2010, a distinguished panel of 30 aviation and aerospace leaders met to select the recipient of the 2009 the Robert J. Collier Trophy, "The Greatest Award in Aviation," and selected the International Space Station (ISS) Team of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Boeing, Draper Laboratory, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance, and United Technologies as the winning team. The culmination of the process will be the awarding of the trophy at the annual Robert J. Collier Trophy
The Collier Trophy
 | Presentation Banquet to be held on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.
The historic Collier Trophy (all 7 feet, 500 plus pounds of it) is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, but it makes a road trip once each year to the Collier Dinner, where it plays a central role in the presentation ceremony. The Honorable Charles Bolden, Administrator of NASA, along with the ISS Team, will receive the trophy in front of an audience of international aviation and aerospace leaders in industry and government.
The presentation banquet, a formal, black-tie event, is both ceremonial and stimulating in its history and precedence. The Collier Dinner has been one of the premier aviation and aerospace events in the United States for 99 years and this year's event will reflect its illustrious history.
Invitations will be emailed April 13, 2010. To ensure you receive an invitation, send an e-mail to collierdinner@naa.aero. For more information http://www.naa.aero/html/events/index.cfm?cmsid=264
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NAA is "On Station"
In the world of advertising, there are perhaps many more misses than hits. But few advertisements have ever struck such a perfect note as the recent full-page portrayal made by Boeing on behalf of the teams responsible for the International Space Station. The advertisement shows the International Space Station (ISS), in all its shimmering majesty, in orbit. It reads simply "The Collier Trophy Is on Station."
And nothing could be more accurate. The Collier Trophy is indeed "on station" as a very select committee analyzes the great air and space events of the year and makes a decision to honor the very most worthy with this magnificent award, the most prestigious in the industry. This year a group of top aerospace professionals reviewed several excellent nominees for the honor, and after intensive analysis, selected the International Space Station as the winner of the Collier Trophy.
This year's selection bodes well for the United States, the world, and more particularly, for the National Aeronautic Association. Future selections, some perhaps even more breathtaking than that of the ISS will be made, but only (and this is important enough to repeat-only) with the active guidance and leadership that NAA provides. I think it is not stretching a point to say that, like the International Space Station and the Collier Trophy itself, the National Aeronautic Association is "on station" for now and for the future.
Walter Boyne
NAA Chairman
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Air Sport Organization News
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AMA Offering Scholarships
Individuals who have been members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics for at least three years are eligible to apply for an AMA/Charles H. Grant scholarship. AMA expects to give away about $40,000 in scholarships this year. The application deadline is April 30, 2010. For more information
http://www.modelaircraft.org/education/scholarships.aspx
U.S. Ultralight Association Concerned
About New FAA Rule
The United States Ultralight Association (USUA) is concerned that industry safety is at risk because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not allowing a way for its own certified flight instructors (CFIs) to train in experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSAs). On January 31, 2010, the "final" deadline for transition to the Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rules passed. Until then, flight instructors were able to provide students primary training using E-LSA equipment.
With the passing of the deadline, many CFIs will be forced out of the training business since it will not be financially viable for them to purchase newer S-LSA aircraft as is now demanded by the FAA. The resulting loss of practicing instructors will reduce opportunities for those wanting to learn to fly light sport aircraft as well as ultralight aircraft. For more information
http://www.usua.org/HotNews/Archives/20100209/
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ACONE Hosts 21st Annual Crash Course
Safety Seminar
More than 300 pilots attended the Aero Club of New England (ACONE) 21st Annual Crash Course Safety Seminar, "Things Other Pilots Do Wrong," on March 15, 2010, in Bedford, MA. Bruce Landsberg, President of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, was the lead speaker for an engaging and entertaining discussion of pet peeves when it comes to fellow pilots.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation President Bruce Landsberg is surrounded by ACONE members at the recent seminar where he spoke
 | As in the past, ACONE raffled off more than10 items, including a David Clark headset, T-6 ride, flight simulator instruction, and flight physicals. In addition, Paul Diette, the event chair, reviewed several local aviation accidents with the goal of learning something from the mistakes of others.
In other ACONE news, the aero club's annual awards luncheon will be held at the Somerset Club in Boston, MA on April 23, 2010. Among the individuals to be honored this year is Joseph R. White, recipient of the President's Award honoring him for producing the documentary, Beyond Kitty Hawk: New England's Pioneers of Flight. The documentary was aired on PBS television during the Centennial of Flight Celebration.
Also to be honored during the awards luncheon is Bill Cuccinello, whom ACONE has selected as its Honored Member. A scholarship will be awarded in his name this year. Cuccinello is being recognized for his public relations expertise and dedicated support of ACONE events. In addition, five other recipients from New England states will be recognized for their support and dedication to aviation. For more information www.acone.org
ACSC President Leads Tour to Visit
U.S. Bases Abroad
Aero Club of Southern California (ASCS) President Nissen Davis was co-leader of the morale boosting, "Legends of Aer
USS Eisenhower Captain Dee L. Mewbourne greets Nissen Davis (left) on his arrival on board the USS Eisenhower.
 | ospace Tour" on the USS Eisenhower to U.S. bases in Europe and Southwest Asia from March 3-12, 2010. The tour featured Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Gene Cernan, SR-71 test pilot Bob Gilliland, Vietnam War fighter ace Steve Ritchie, and panel host David Hartman. The tour visited the Landstuhl Medical Center and Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, the aircraft carrier Eisenhower and the Aegis cruiser Hue City at sea, and Royal Air Force Mildenhall station in England. For more information www.aeroclubsocal.org
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April Luncheon
April 8, 2010
Speaker:
The Honorable Randy Babbitt
FAA Administrator
For more information click here
May Luncheon
Tuesday, May 25
Speaker: TBD
Collier Dinner
Thursday, May 13
Honoring
NASA and the
International Space Station
Industry Team
For more information click here
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Call for Nominations
Frank G. Brewer Trophy
Awarded annually to an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States. Nominations are accepted from
May 1 - July 31.
Click here for details and Nomination Guidelines. Public Benefit Flying AwardsThe Public Benefit Flying Awards are a set of five national awards designed to recognize the significant contributions to the Nation of volunteer-based Public Benefit Flying and the outstanding work of the individuals and organizations engaged in this humanitarian activity. Nominations are accepted from March 1 - May 31, 2010. Click here for details and Nomination Guidelines.
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This month's featured member
organizations:
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Records Claimed
February 1 -28, 2010 |
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AEROPLANES
Speed Over a Recognized Course:
Anchorage, AK to Savannah, GA: 497 mph
Brett C. Rundle & Ivo Maia
C-1.h, Group III (Jet)
Gulfstream G200
2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306A
02/11/10
London, UK to Tokyo, Japan:
532 mph
Joseph N. Griffin & Mitchell T. Lowery
C-1.l, Group III (Jet)
Gulfstream G550
2 BMW Rolls-Royce BR710
02/17/10
Speed Over a Recognized Course, Round Trip:
Carlsbad, CA to Phoenix, AZ (and return): 171 mph
Jeffrey R. Acord, Tom Harnish, Arie E. Van Vugt & John S. Mahany
C-1.e, Group I (Internal Combustion)
Beechcraft C-45
2 Pratt & Whitney R-985
02/13/10
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This Month's
Air Sport Link
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