If you have spent time in the military,then you are acutely aware of inter-service rivalry and the pride eachservice takes in their members, theirstate of readiness, and the cutting edgeequipment they have at their disposal.But we also get a good laugh whenoccasionally something simple goesawry and outmaneuvers even our mostsophisticated efforts leaving in its wakea unit with egg on its face. Fortunately,what could have been a disaster ofmonumental proportions, wasn’t. Sosit back and try to imagine what itmust have been like to be on one ofthese crews in their sleek jets, outmaneuvered by an old WWII warhorse.

On the morning of 16 August 1956,Navy personnel at Naval Air Station(NAS) Point Mugu prepared an F6F-5K for its final mission. The aircraft hadbeen painted overall in high-visibilityred. Red and yellow camera pods weremounted on the wingtips. Radio remote

The Battle of PalmdaleWinter 2012 Vol 58, Issue 1

See BattleContinued on page 9

Serving Idaho’s Aviation Community for over 60 Years

Edwards Air Force Base ... 2

Fly like an Airline Pilot ... 3

PRESSURE! .................... 6

Fly It Forward ................. 9

Color of Aviation ............ 10

Young Eagles ................... 14

AERONA U T I C S

rocket pods and no cannon, the Scorpionwas typical of the Cold-War approachto countering the “Red Menace.” Eachpod contained 52 Mighty Mouse, 2.75-inch rockets. Salvo-launched, the MightyMouse did not have to have precisionguidance. Large numbers of rocketswould be fired into approaching Sovietbomber formations to overwhelm themwith sheer numbers. But today, theywould be used against a different kindof red menace.

At Oxnard AFB, 1Lt. Hans Einsteinand his radar observer, 1Lt. C. D. Murray,leapt into their sleek F-89D. Simul-taneously, 1Lt. Richard Hurliman and1Lt. Walter Hale climbed into a second

By: Peter W. Merlin, The X-Hunters,Aerospace Archeology TeamPrinted with Permission

Ahead of the unguided drone laythousands of square miles of ocean intowhich it could crash. Instead, the oldHellcat made a graceful climbing turnto the southeast, toward the city of LosAngeles. With the threat of a runawayaircraft approaching a major metropolitanarea, the Navy called for help.

control systemswere checked, andthe Hellcat took offat 11:34 AM,climbing out overthe Pacific Ocean.As groundcontrollersattempted tomaneuver thedrone toward thetarget area, itbecame apparentthat it was notresponding toradio commands.They had arunaway.

I N S I D E

Five miles north ofNAS Point Mugu, two F-89D Scorpion twin-jetinterceptors of the 437th

Fighter InterceptorSquadron, werescrambled from OxnardAir Force Base (AFB).The crews were orderedto shoot down the roguedrone before it couldcause any harm. Armedwith wingtip-mounted

F6F-5K, Hellcat drone

Photos courtesy of Peter Merlin

Lt. Col Kathy Hughes, MD, cameto Boise about ten years ago as a FlightSurgeon for the Air National guard, andwhile here, she also piloted the A-10Warthog. After graduating from the AirForce Academy, she entered flightschool, then medical school, and later,of course, the Idaho Ninety-Ninesrecruited her. Kathy owns propertynear Council, including a hangar fortheir Beech Debonair, so we know thatsome day she and her family will returnto Idaho—permanently.

Now the 95th Aerospace MedicineSquadron Commander, Kathy lives atEdwards along with her airline pilothusband Paul and two sons. She has

Page 2 Rudder Flutter

often thought of inviting her fellowNinety Nines to visit, so when Edwardsplanned to celebrate the 60th anniversaryof the Air Force Flight Test Center,including a salute to the Space Shuttle,the opportunity finally presented itself.So, Bob and I, Petra and Russ Vawter,and Mary Ann and Steve Richardsaccepted Kathy’s offer and traveled fromIdaho to join the festivities. Bob and Ihad tried to get through the Edwardsgate to visit their museum once beforemany years ago. Bob had hoped that his1943 WWII Army Air Corps ID dating

The Rudder Flutter is published by the Idaho Divisionof Aeronautics, Office of Safety and Education. Articlesappearing in this publication are the opinion of thewriter and do not necessarily represent the views ofthe Staff, the Administrator, or the Department. Allreasonable attempts are made to ensure the accuracyof the articles contained herein. The Rudder Flutter ispublished quarterly. All articles must be submitted tothis office for review.

Idaho Transportation DepartmentGovernor C.L. “Butch” Otter

Director Brian NessAdministrator John “JV” DeThomas

Aeronautics Advisory BoardChairman Rodger Sorensen

Members Chip Kemper, Dan Scott,and Mark Sweeney

Division of Aeronautics3483 Rickenbacker St., Boise, ID 83705

Website: http://www.itd.idaho.gov, Ph: 208.334.8775Rudder Flutter Editor: Frank Lester

Email: frank.lester@itd.idaho.govAssistant Editors: Tammy Schoen

Email: tammy.schoen@itd.idaho.gov; LauraAdams, Email: laura.adams@itd.idaho.gov

Graphic Design: Pauline DavisEmail: pauline.davis@itd.idaho.gov

the sound barrier was on hand for thecelebration. We even saw the loadingpit where his “Glamorous Glennis” X-1rocket plane had been attached to theB-29 mother ship.

Edwards is a flight test centerlocated in California, which includesthe prestigious U.S. Air Force Test PilotSchool and where virtually all militaryairplanes strut their stuff—they’re alsoknown to do some research for generalaviation airplanes as well. The base is481 square miles in size and includesmultiple runways of both hard surfaceand dry lakebed. Base Commander,Brigadier General Nolan, treated us toa display of some of their handiwork.We saw, up close and personal, theT-38, F-16, F-35—of which there aresix on the base, and an F-22 with Col.Dawn Dunlop, the Test WingCommander’s name, painted on theside. (We girls were compelled tocheer.) There was a flyable B-1, anX-47B (a Navy robot intended to fly offaircraft carriers), a KC-135, a GlobalHawk (unmanned reconnaissancevehicle), and a Navy A-3. Over at NASADryden we saw the X-29, F-104 andthe SR-71, as well as other exotic

A Visit to Edwards Air Force BaseBy: Gene Nora Jessen

See EdwardsContinued on page 16

General Yeager (white hat)

back to his B-29 and B-17 days wouldhelp us gain entrance, but no joy. Thistime, though, Kathy was there to see thatthe gate was opened for all of us.

Enthusiasts and gawkers alikecrowded the base in hopes of rubbingelbows with a real aviation legend.Chuck Yeager, the 89-year-old icon ofthe first X-1 flight that broke through

airplanes. Wewere in overload.We also made itover to MojaveAir and SpacePort for the “JustPlane Crazy” fly-in on Saturdaymorning. After avery tastybreakfast at theairport café, wehad the pleasureof seeing moreone-of-a-kind

airplanes, and we also ran into somelocal Ninety-Nines.

A side trip into history, away frommarvels of modern flight, but veryspecial to us Ninety-Nines, was our

Kathy and her A-10

It has never been a better time tofly on an airline.

Ok, let’s briefly forget the baggagefees, cramped seats, and poor service.Those complaints aside, there is nodenying one significant fact: there hasnever been a safer mode oftransportation in the history of the worldthan that of a major U.S. airline.

Airlines in 2011 achieved a newrecord low rate of passenger fatalities,only two deaths for every 100 millionpassengers. A related MIT study reportedthat commercial flying is now 65 timessafer than driving a car.

On the other side of the airportramp, however, the trend is not asimpressive. The general aviation accidentrate remains 50 times that of the airlines;seven times that of an automobile; andequal to that of…motorcycles!* Thisnoteworthy statistic has not eluded theNTSB, which recently includedimproving General Aviation (GA) safetyas one of their top 10 most wanted.

How can GA pilots make an impactin such a glaring disparity? Simple. Wecan steal success from the pros.

Yes, I understand that AmericanAirlines can buy million dollarequipment while a GA pilot

hyperventilates over a gallon of $6 gas.But beyond the initial comparison, Ihave identified five ways a GA pilot canimprove their level of safety by simplyemulating the airline pilot.

1. Increase your proficiency—whilean airline pilot expects to fly nearly 100hours a month, too many GA pilots flyless than that in a year. The skills ofpiloting any airplane, large or small, arecomplex and require plenty of repetitionto master. Practice makes perfect.

2. Schedule a flight with a CFI—anairline pilot will be highly tested at leastannually. Why not set a similar goal ofadding a rating, receiving a flight reviewor completing a phase of the FAA’sWINGS program as often? Commityourself to constant improvement soyou will remain sharp.

3. Inventory your own resources—a single airline flight is a choreographedeffort performed by a cast of hundreds,all working toward a safe, successfuloutcome. A sharp GA pilot couldprobably identify a dozen resources ofhis own. Each of us has an internet fullof weather information, instructors,mechanics and pilot-mentors availableto help us meet these challenges.Consider calling your favorite CFI toride as copilot, help interpret a weatherforecast or discuss a performance issue.When you invest the time inventoryingyour own resources, I bet you will find

How can GA pilots reach saferskies? Fly like an airline pilot.By: Mike PapeDirector of Flight Operations

Winter 2012 Page 3

For more information, contact Frank Lesterat 208-334-8775 / 800-426-4587 or

frank.lester@itd.idaho.gov

April 13-14, 2012New Caldwell Airport Terminal

* Accident rate per miles traveled.

4. Fly boring—flying a commercialjet from one major airport to anothercan reach a level of mind-numbingroutine. But routine or not, that’s thepassenger seat we want our familymembers sitting in. An airliner is flownin the rock solid center of the flightenvelope 99% of the time. Approachingaircraft limitations, steep banks andhigh speeds should be left to the airracers, not to airliners and not to GApilots.

5. Think, act, and work like a realprofessional—this may be the mostimportant attribute we can steal fromthe airline pilot. Eight-five percent ofGA accidents are caused by the failureto manage risk. A simple change inattitude can make the greatest differenceof all.

When the airline pilot puts on auniform, he or she realizes theimportance of what’s in store. It’sgameday. Time to get serious, becausewhat they are about to do impacts lives.Critical thinking is a natural part of apilot’s DNA whether they fly a Boeingor a Bellanca. Your passengers and theentire GA community depend on youto meet that challenge without fail.Earn your wings…every single day.

Think, act and fly like an airlinepilot. A few small steps in that directionand our GA safety record will begin toblossom.

plenty who arewilling to watchyour back.

Aircraft late?Didn’t call as planned?Did not arrive at their planned destination?

Call Idaho State Communications208-846-7600 or 800-632-8000

1. Ask for Aeronautics.

2. Tell Dispatcher: “I wish to report anoverdue aircraft.”

3. Leave your contact information.

WORRIED?

Page 4 Rudder Flutter

editor of the Rudder Flutter. John joinedAeronautics in September when GeneBannister left for a new job with theForest Service. John is an ex-Navy rotarywing and fixed wing aviator, and is veryexcited about assuming his new duties.John has a strong writing and editingbackground, and brings new perspectiveto our state aviation publication.

I hope you will give John the samesupport you have given me over theyears and take every opportunity topromote aviation throughout Idaho.Articles for the May issue are due April17; please forward your inputs to Johnanytime at john.lorbeck@itd.idaho.gov.

Idaho Aviation Trade Show

The Aero Mark FBO in Idaho Falls(KIDA) will be hosting the 2nd AnnualIdaho Aviation Trade Show on Fridayand Saturday May 18-19, 2012. Thetrade show will be held in conjunctionwith the Idaho Aviation Association’sAnnual Conference and Convention.Last year’s show featured 27 vendors,including Aviat, Beechcraft, Cessna andPilatus, many displaying their aircraft.Most of the same vendors plan to returnto Aero Mark’s 30,000 square-foot XLhangar along with other GeneralAviation recreational and professionalorganizations. A program of workshops,guest speakers and social events packthe two-day schedule.

While the speaker slate andworkshop topics are not yet complete,you can visit Aero Mark atwww.aeromark.com or contact Thomas,Robert or Karen at 1-208-524-1202, 1-208- 524-8924 (fax), orinfo@aeromark.com.

Radio ChatterBy: Frank LesterSafety/Education Coordinator

John Lorbeck toTake Reins ofthe RudderFlutter

Beginningwith the Mayissue, JohnLorbeck will takeover the duties as

See Radio ChatterContinued on page 5

New Bulk Rate for IdahoAeronautical Charts and AirportFacility Directories

Aeronautics has been queried forsome time about discount pricing forbulk sales of aeronautical charts anddirectories. As a result, we have adoptedthe following pricing:

Take a Moment and Invest in SpinTraining—It’s Worth the Cost

At an Idaho Aeronautics’ CFIRefresher Course last year, Clint Tate,a non-CFI, listened to ScottyCrandlemire talk about stalls and spinrecovery. He wondered if he was trulyprepared to recover from a spin. After

Third Annual PocatelloAirport AppreciationDay is scheduled forSaturday, June 23, from9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.Free parking, freeadmission, discoveryflights, displays, YoungEagle flights and fun forthe entire family; it willall be there. Come outand enjoy a day of fun,food and entertainment,and show yourappreciation for a greatand important regionalairport. You won’t bedisappointed.

Chart or Directory Amount Price Each

One to nine copies (individual, we mail out) $10.00

One copy with individual registration $8.00(either pilot, aircraft, or dealer - we mail out)

10 to 49 copies (we would mail) $8.00

50 or more copies (buyer to pick up at Aero or pay mailing) $5.00

Boise Pilot Shop Relocates

The Boise Pilot Shop has relocatedto 3591 Rickenbacker Street, twobuildings east of Jacksons Jet Center.The shop will be extending its hours,including weekends. A grand openingwas held on February 1st. Stop in thenext time you get to Boise and say helloto the new owners, William Foote andthe Ponderosa Aero Club, and whileyou’re at it, check out their inventory.For more information, give them a callat 208-340-6074.

Third Annual Pocatello AirportAppreciation Day Scheduledfor June

According to Pete Stewart, PocatelloAirport Appreciation Committee, the

some thought, he decided to find outand contacted Scotty.

On a beautiful October morning,he got his spin recovery training andmuch more. The time in Scotty’s Pittsfocused on spin recovery and someaerobatics, but when it was over heknew that you can’t compare aconversation on the ground discussingspin recovery without the experienceof doing it in the airplane.

“The flight gave me absoluteconfidence in a flying environment inwhich I am not accustomed,” Clintobserved. “I encourage others to break

Winter 2012 Page 5

On November 1, 2011, OntarioMunicipal Airport (KONO) ManagerAlan Daniels and others celebrated thecompletion of a major airportrenovation. The renovation includedextending the runway to 5011 feet,repaving the runway and taxiways witha rubberized asphalt specificallydesigned for runways, significantlyenlarging the parking apron and addinga new Jet Parking apron, replacing therunway lights, and adding a LPVapproach, new PAPI lights and newREILs. Daniels assures us the runwayis still 100 feet wide but said, “It looksnarrow because the paved shoulderswere eliminated and replaced withgravel to enhance drainage.” The projectused 21,547 tons of asphalt, 2.76 milesof storm drain pipe, 3.95 miles ofpavement under drain pipe, 56manholes and inlets, 3.26 miles ofelectrical conduit, 96 runway lights,

Radio ChatterContinued from page 4

out of their flying routine and trysomething new, exciting, andinformative. You won’t bedisappointed!”

Listen to Clint. Training of this sorttruly makes us better pilots. It helps usthink “outside the box” and anticipatethose not-so-normal circumstances.Look around your airport, maybe thereis someone who can provide you thistype of training or…call Scotty. Youcan reach him at: 208-371-7530.

Ethanol-free fuel update andwebsite

The Treasure Valley EAA has beennotified, and it has been verified, thatthe Phillips 66 station on Garrity inNampa no longer has ethanol-free fuelfor your aircraft. Both the 66 stationon Overland, and Baird oil on Executiveand Five mile, still sell ethanol-free fuel.

There is a website that attempts tokeep track of the stations that sellethanol-free gas. Go to www.pure-gas.org to see the list. It is kept updatedby inputs from users, so the informationmay not be complete or exactly correct.

Aeronautics Selects Caretakersfor Johnson Creek

Phil and Roxie Pryor have beenselected as the new caretakers at JohnsonCreek Airport. Long-time residents ofMcCall, Phil and Roxie have an extensivebackground in managing campgroundsand customer service. Please take amoment to welcome them during yournext visit after they arrive in mid-May.

Did You Know

…that the Idaho Division of Aeronauticsregistered Evel Knievel’s skycycle as anaircraft in 1974? Darrell Manning wasthe Director, the useful load of theskycycle was 250 pounds, and the feewas $6.25 at $.025 per pound.

and required the removal of 20,000yards of dirt. Job well done Mr. Daniels!

Ontario Airport UpgradedOriginally reported by Larry Meyerof The Argus Observer

Page 6 Rudder Flutter

and family history related tohypertension and risk factoranalysis for complications;

2. Statement from treating physiciandescribing the effects of treatmentand any risk factor modificationprogram;

3. Representative blood pressurereadings;

4. Laboratory testing to includeelectrolyte, lipid profile, andglucose;

5. Resting ECG.If the above is acceptable, the AMEmay issue the medical certificate, goodfor its normal duration.

An individual who has alreadyreported high blood pressure andreceived an initial clearance must havefollow-ups annually for first and secondclass medicals and at the time of theirrenewal for third class medicals.

The information required at eachhypertension (high blood pressure)follow-up is as follows:1. A statement (current status report)

from the treating physiciandescribing at a minimum themedication(s) used and thedosage(s); the adequacy of bloodpressure control; the presence orabsence of medication side effects;and, the presence or absence ofany “end organ” hypertensioncomplications (that is, in the heart,blood vessels, brain, eyes andkidneys). A one-sentence, “noproblems” report will not sufficeand will delay certification;

2. The results of any appropriatetests or studies deemed necessaryby the treating physician;

3. A serum potassium level if theairman is taking a diuretic

The above evaluation may also beperformed by the AME if the AME canattest to the accuracy of the aboveinformation.

Tire pressure ............Check!Oil pressure..............Check!Fuel pressure............Check!Blood pressure.......... ? Um, well, ah, but, sort of, that wasyesterday or last week or last month!!

The fact is, blood pressure is THEMOST IMPORTANT PRESSUREYOU CAN MONITOR. High bloodpressure is an easy to correct conditionthat can become a very serious problemif not treated.

How do you check your bloodpressure? Well, it is very easy. Reliableblood pressure devices can be purchasedat many stores in your neighborhood.Since blood pressure measurementsvary from day to day, follow thedirections in the package and, for thebest results, do a series of checks overa couple of weeks or even a month. Justlike checking your oil pressure or tirepressure, checking your blood pressuretoo many times is not a problem.

OK, now you have taken your bloodpressure, what does it mean? If youfollowed the instructions, you will havetwo numbers, a systolic pressure and adiastolic pressure which is read as “120over 80.” The 120 is your systolicpressure, which measures the pressurein the arteries when the heart beats(heart muscle contracts). The 80 is yourdiastolic pressure, which measures thepressure in the arteries between

PRESSURE!Aviation Medical Matters

By: Mike Weiss, MD, MPG, AME, CFIIand Paul Collins, MD, AME

heartbeats (heart muscle resting betweenbeats and refilling with blood). TheAmerican Heart Associationrecommends you keep your bloodpressure below 120/80.

What does the FAA say about bloodpressure? For FAA medicals, the upperlevel is 155/95. A medical assessmentabove that level will result in a deferralof your license. The FAA requirestreatment only if your blood pressureis above 155/95, but in reality, that istoo high. Generally, treatment is startedin almost all cases where the averageblood pressure is above 140/90 becausethe risk of complications is just too high.You may feel fine but the impacts ofhigh blood pressure are very seriousover time. Heart attacks, strokes, kidneyfailure, and bleeding in the eyes are justa few of the problems associated withhigh blood pressure.

If you are like many pilots who’sblood pressure is higher than 120/80,what should you do? The short answer– get treated by your doctor; don’t waituntil you have complications. There area variety of medications that are welltolerated, effective, and, mostimportantly for pilots, approved by theFAA. Discuss treatment with yourAviation Medical Examiner (AME) ifyou are concerned that the medicineyour family doctor prescribed for youmay not be allowed by the FAA. Thereare a few medications that are notallowed, but these are rarely used today.Diuretics are usually approved.

If you begin treatment for highblood pressure, what do you need todo for the FAA? Tell them.

When the FAA is notified for thefirst time about an aviator who hasinitiated treatment for high bloodpressure, the following items will needto be reviewed and cleared by an AME:1. Complete review of pertinent

history including personal, social,See Pressure

Continued on page 8

Winter 2012 Page 7

Page 8 Rudder Flutter

Congratulations to L.G. Bumgarner,Steve Gilger and Matt Bigler, some ofIdaho’s newest aviators.

L.G. Bumgarner of Blackfoot becamea private pilot on November 2, 2011.L.G. has been working on this licensefor over a year and hopes to obtain aninstrument rating and commercialprivileges in the near future. L.G. saidhe wanted to learn to fly because, “WhenI was growing up I would see planesflying around and I would want to flythem. Just like when you see a nice

Three More Earn Their Wingsat the Blackfoot AirportBy: Nola Orr

reacts to all of the input, and how awareyou are of everything that is going on.”L.G. thought learning to fly was a greatexperience and looks forward to takinghis wife and two girls for a flight.

Steve Gilger of Dubois also earnedhis wings on November 2, 2011. Stevehas been working on his license sinceFebruary 2000 with several differentinstructors, which he feels has givenhim a well-rounded experience. Steveis continuing his instruction to get atail-dragger endorsement so he can flythe plane he already owns. When askedif anything about flying scared him,Steve replied, “Not enough to cause meto quit.”

Matt Bigler, a native of Riverside,became a private pilot on Thanksgiving

benign, well tolerated, and can saveyour life. Discuss treatment with yourfamily doctor or your AME if you haveany questions.

Tire pressure..................Check!Oil pressure...................Check!Fuel pressure .................Check!Blood Pressure...............Checked;NOW you’re ready to go flying.

Steve Gilger with plane

PressureContinued from page 6

Matt Bigler

L.G. Bumgarner

For more information onhypertension treatment please checkhttp://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/specialissuance/hypertension/

Checking your own blood pressureis easy. Hypertension treatment is

sports car go by, you want to drive ityourself rather than just looking at it orriding in it. It is similar with planes;you just want to be the pilot of thatplane. It is as much fun as I thought itwould be, that and more.” When askedif anything about flying scared him,L.G. replied, “No, there have beenexciting moments, like how your body

responded, “I have wanted to be a pilotsince I was a kid. Not only does thescience behind airplanes intrigue me,but when I am flying, I get to explorea totally different world.”

A special thanks to Tom Kuhlman,an instructor and pilot examiner from“Aviation Standards” in Salt Lake City,for coming to Blackfoot to administerexaminations for all three of thesegentleman. Tom, I hope you made ithome in time for some Thanksgivingturkey and pumpkin pie.

Day. Matt, who has an Airframe andPower Plant (A&P) Certification, saysthe A&P helped him understand theairplane a lot better. Matt plans onbecoming an instructor and would liketo own his own plane some day. Whenasked why he loves to fly, Matt

Winter 2012 Page 9

BattleContinued from page 1

to “See Planes” to highlight the Club’snew efforts to encourage the public toliterally “see airplanes” in theircommunities and understand theimportance of General Aviation to theAmerican economy, culture and way oflife. Fly It Forward is an effortspecifically designed to encourage morewomen and girls to enter the ranks ofpilot hood. If you know a woman or agirl who has never flown in a smallaircraft and would like a free airplaneride, you may call Ponderosa Aero Clubat 344-5401 to register for a 30-minuteslot. But hurry - there are only 50 seatsavailable! But even for those on theground, PAC is working to provideaviation-themedentertainment,including thechance to meet oneof Idaho’s ownfamous womanpilots, and ofcourse, expectsubstantialrefreshments. Menare most welcometo come andprovide support asthe ladies take tothe skies.For questions or toregister, please callWilliam Foote at(208) 344-5401,Jennifer Christianoat (208) 860-6077,or Sharki Kontra at714-609-4233.

By: William Foote, General Manager,Ponderosa Aero Club

The Ponderosa Aero Club (PAC) isthe first aviation group in Idaho to “FlyIt Forward.”

On Saturday, March 10, 2012,Ponderosa Aero Club of Boise will bejoining dozens of other aviationorganizations around the globe in aunique event called “Fly It Forward.”From 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, weatherpermitting, PAC aircraft will be busyferrying women and girls, who havenever before flown in a small airplane,on short sightseeing trips, introducingthem to the joys of flight. PAC memberswill greet and escort their femalepassengers from the lobby of JacksonJet Center to Cessnas waiting on theadjacent tarmac.

If you have never heard of Fly ItForward, don’t feel bad. The event isless than two years old, inaugurated inMarch, 2011, by Women In AviationInternational. Individuals and clubsparticipated from as far away as Canada,France and Ghana. Fredrick MunicipalAirport, Maryland, won top honors as“The most female friendly airport in theworld.” 185 women and girls wereintroduced to flight in a single day.They’re gunning for the honor againthis year, and while PAC won’t bechallenging them on sheer numbers,we DO plan to have a very enjoyableand positively memorable event to kickoff Idaho’s foray into this most uniqueaviation endeavor.

Fly it Forward was conceived forthe purpose of celebrating 100 years ofwomen in aviation. It is held on the daythat Raymond da Larouche of Franceobtained her pilot’s license in 1910 andbecame the world’s first certificatedfemale pilot. This year’s theme is “SeaPlanes” in honor of Helene Dietriu ofBelgium, the first woman to fly aseaplane (1912), and Harriet Quimby,an American and the first woman topilot an aircraft across the Englishchannel (also 1912). Since we arelandlocked, PAC has modified the theme

aircraft. The interceptors roared southafter their target. The hunt was on.

Einstein and Hurliman caught upwith the Hellcat at 30,000 feet, northeastof Los Angeles. It turned southwest,crossing over the city, then headednorthwest. As the Hellcat circled lazilyover Santa Paula, the interceptor crewswaited impatiently. As soon as it passedover an unpopulated area, they wouldfire their rockets.

The interceptor crews discussedtheir options. There were two methodsof attack using the fire control system,from a wings level attitude or while ina turn. Since the drone was almostcontinuously turning, they selected thesecond mode of attack. In repeatedattempts, the rockets failed to fire during

See BattleContinued on page 14

Fly It Forward

Page 10 Rudder Flutter

See ManningContinued on page 11

General Darrell Manning - VisionaryThe Color of Aviation:

Leather Seats Are Our Specialty

Boise, IdahoTel (208) 465-5035

resume was indeed extensive. He wasan excellent choice for the position.

Through his signature column inthe Rudder Flutter, “The FinalApproach,” he extolled the importance

Major General Darrell V Manning:military aviator, Idaho legislator,Director of the Idaho Departments ofAeronautics, Transportation, and Healthand Welfare, Adjutant General of theIdaho National Guard, and until hisrecent retirement, Chairman of theIdaho Transportation Board. In additionto such an esteemed resume, we mustadd—visionary.

What impressed me most about analready impressive career was GeneralManning’s vision of aviation in Idahoand its importance both economicallyand as a mode of transportation.

In June of 1971, he replaced ChetMoulton as the director of the StateDepartment of Aeronautics. At thattime, prior to the reorganization of thestate government, Aeronautics was theequivalent of today’s Idaho

of transportation, including aviation,and the necessity of all Idaho citizensto “broaden their horizons to includeall modes of transportation and plan fora system which will develop our greatpotential without a complete destructionof our environment or reduction in thequality of life we enjoy.”

Regional planning was a top priorityduring his tenure. In 1972, the IdahoBoard of Aeronautics and theWashington Aeronautics Commission,with a federal grant, jointly conducteda regional transportation systems studyin the Lewiston-Clarkston and theMoscow-Pullman areas, one of the first

By: Frank LesterSafety/Education Coordinator

of proper,coordinatedtransportationplanning acrossthe board, asopposed to thefragmentedmodalindependentapproach used atthe time. Heunderstood theimportance ofcooperationamong all modes

TransportationDepartment andhad a five-memberaeronauticscommission withthe sameresponsibilities asthe IdahoTransportationBoard. Among hismany aviationexperiences, hehad also been afixed-baseoperator atPocatello and wasthe chief pilot atan FAA flightschool. His

Manning (left) as Aeronautics Director

As a young Air Force Pilot

Winter 2012 Page 11

ManningContinued from page 10

If you hear a distress signal or radio call:Note your altitude, location and time

• ATC or FSS• FSS: 800-WXBRIEF (800-992-7433)• Idaho State Communications (800-632-8000)• Local FBO• Local County Sheriff

MONITOR GUARD FREQUENCY1 2 1 . 5 !

and

PASS IT ON…IMMEDIATELY!!!

cooperative efforts between two statesand the Federal Government to solveregional transportation problems.

The importance of the local airportto the economic health of thecommunity did not escape him. It wasespecially painful for him to witnessthe sale of Bradley Field in 1972. “It isjust as important to Boise,” he wrote,“to provide an airport for air accessibilityto general aviation as it is to maintainBroadway, Vista Avenue, or ChindenBoulevard. All four accessways providean entrance to the commerce of thegreater Boise area.”

The connection between investmentin the airport and the return on thatinvestment in the form of industry, jobsand annual payroll, and investmentback into the community was thesubject of many conversations andcolumns. He understood that thenegative views expressed by airportopponents were often the result ofincorrect or incomplete information,but he was also critical of the aviationcommunities’ lack of effort to dispelthose inaccuracies. “They may neverknow [the facts] unless we in theaviation community tell them. Thefuture of the aviation industry may verywell depend upon how much all of usspeak out in his behalf.”

He knew then how critical generalaviation (GA) aircraft were to ourtransportation system and howimportant they would continue to be.

Over 95% (in 1972) of all aircraft wereGA aircraft and those aircraft were oftena communities’ only connection to therest of the world. More than one-half ofall inter-city travel at that time was inGA airplanes. “Aviation in Idahoprovides the best means to solve ourmany transportation problems. It willprovide transportation to ourincomparable wilderness areas with theleast impact on the environment, provideinter-city transportation with speed andconvenience unmatched by any othermeans, and provide the fastest availablecargo transportation…. The aircraft isnot just a recreational vehicle, but themost viable means of transportationknown to man…. We should all do ourpart in making them [our closestassociates] aware.”

Land use planning was another areathat General Manning realized was anissue then and would continue to be anissue through the years. “Land useplanning must be accomplished in orderto provide for all the needs of acommunity…. Our transportation needsin all forms of transportation will doublein the next 10 years; and if it takes thepublic purchase of an airfield to providefor a protected, well-planned generalaviation facility to maintain a link to theBoise area’s commerce, it will cost farless than it would to allow the airportto die.”

In 1973, General Manning waselected Regional Vice President of the

cooperation and mutual aid among theseveral states. His stated goal as thenewly elected vice president was to“mold the northwestern states into acohesive, well informed organizationand to set forth the needs of aviation inorder to provide the best possible airtransportation for the people of ourregion.”

In June of 1974, with thestreamlining of state government, theDepartment of Aeronautics became adivision within the Idaho TransportationDepartment. General Manning becameITD’s first and longest serving Director,a logical step for someone with theforesight and a clear vision fortransportation and who is a strongadvocate for general aviation.

Photos courtesy of theITD Transporter Staff

NationalAssociation ofState AviationOfficials(NASAO),representingAlaska, Idaho,Montana, Oregon,Washington andWyoming.NASAO is a state-government-sponsoredorganizationdesigned to fosteraviation as anindustry, as amode oftransportation, todevelop uniformaviation laws andregulations, and toencourage

Transportation Board Chairman

Adjutant General

Page 12 Rudder Flutter

Calendar of Events MARCH

10 Payette Municipal Airport Ribbon Cutting,Payette airport (S75) - Come help celebrate the new runway with afly-in and breakfast!

APRIL

13-14 Flight Instructor Refresher ClinicNew Caldwell Airport Terminal, Frank Lester, 208-334-8780,frank.lester@itd.idaho.gov

17 Spring Edition Rudder Flutter Articles due,John Lorbeck, 208-334-8781, john.lorbeck@itd.idaho.gov

MAY

18-19 Idaho Aviation Tradeshow, Idaho Falls Airport (IDA),www.aeromark.com

26 Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In, Bonners Ferry Airport (65S),EAA Chapter 757, Carla Dedera, carla.northernair@gmail.com

JUNE

14-17 Super Cub Fly-in, Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), approximately100 Aircraft and 150 people, Dave Kirsten, 209-333-1100

21-24 Backcountry Pilots Fly-in, Johnson Creek Airport (3U2),approximately 40 Aircraft and 50 people, Bryan Painter, 916-622-2593

23 Pocatello Regional Airport’s (PIH) 3rd AnnualAirport Appreciation Day, 9 AM to 3 PMFree parking and admission! Discovery flights, displays, food, entertainmentand fun for everyone! Free Young Eagle plane rides for ages 8-17(9 AM - noon), www.iflypocatello.com

25-27 ACE Academy, Boise (application coming soon),Frank Lester, 208-334-8780, frank.lester@itd.idaho.gov, or TammySchoen, 208-334-8776, tammy.schoen@itd.idaho.gov

29 Frank Lester officially retires!

30 Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In, Bonners Ferry Airport (65S),EAA Chapter 757, Carla Dedera, carla.northernair@gmail.com

Email your event information to tammy.schoen@itd.idaho.gov for inclusionin the Rudder Flutter and the Aeronautics website.

Winter 2012 Page 13

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800 666- IFLY (4359)www.bwhiteinsurance.com

1972 Cessna 185Owner Bill WhiteChamberlain BasinPayette NationalForest, Idaho

We support the

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For the past several years, EAA Chapter 757 in BonnersFerry has hosted huckleberry pancake breakfasts at theBoundary County Airport (65S). This coming year will beno different. These all-you-can-eat breakfasts are on thelast Saturday of each month, beginning in May and endingin September, and include hot coffee, orange juice,huckleberry pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs.

The proceeds of these breakfasts are used in our chapter’sYouth Flight Scholarship program that has awarded severallocal high school students up to $2,500 to help them getstarted in aviation.

Here is a list of young aviators the chapter was proud tosupport via the Youth Flight Scholarship:

• 2009 scholarships were awarded to Austin Tanner andTana Schneider

• 2010 scholarship was awarded to Andrew Brubaker• 2011 scholarship was awarded to Adam Alverez• 2012 scholarship was awarded to Gavin Flower

Bonners Ferry, Idaho

All of these students have completed their training and arenow Private Pilots – except, of course, for our most recentrecipient Gavin Flower. See their pictures on the Chapter’swebsite at www.757.eaachapter.org.

Pilots and non-pilots alike are cordially invited to theBoundary County Airport for one or two or all of theseSaturday breakfasts. If you have not flown to BoundaryCounty recently, you will be pleased with the improvementsat the airport: there is a new RNAV instrument approachfor you to try, a new AWOS (132.575) that is workingnicely, as well as an improved ramp and full-length taxiway.

Please support the Youth Flight Scholarship while enjoyinga wonderful breakfast.

Thank you in advance, and we look forward to seeing you!

Carla DederaVice PresidentEAA Chapter 757

EAA Chapter 757 Pancake Breakfastand Youth Scholarship

Page 14 Rudder Flutter

The ExperimentalAircraft Association(EAA) is an internationalaviation membershipassociation founded in1953 and headquarteredin Oshkosh, Wisconsin.EAA sponsors manyaviation educationprograms including theEAA Young Eagles. TheYoung Eagles programwas launched in 1992 togive interested youngpeople, ages 8 - 17, an

these maneuvers. This was later tracedto a design fault.

The drone turned northeast, passingFillmore and Frazier Park. It appearedto be heading toward the sparselypopulated western end of the AntelopeValley. Suddenly, it turned southeasttoward Los Angeles again. Time seemedto be running out. Einstein and Hurlimandecided to abandon the automaticmodes, and fire manually. Although theaircraft had been delivered with gunsights, they had been removed a monthearlier. After all, why would a pilot needa gun sight to fire unguided rockets withan automatic fire control system?

The interceptors made their firstattack run as the Hellcat crossed themountains near Castaic. Murray andHale set their intervalometers to “ripplefire” the rockets in three salvos. The firstcrew lined up their target and fired,missing their target completely. Thesecond interceptor unleashed a salvothat passed just below the drone. Rocketsblazed through the sky and then plungedearthward to spark brush fires sevenmiles north of Castaic. They decimated150 acres above the old Ridge Routenear Bouquet Canyon.

A second salvo from the two jetsalso missed the drone, raining rocketsnear the town of Newhall. One bouncedacross the ground, leaving a string offires in its wake between the Oak of theGolden Dream Park and the PlaceritaCanyon oilfield. The fires ignited severaloil sumps and burned 100 acres of brush.For a while the blazes raged out ofcontrol, threatening the nearby BermitePowder Company explosives plant. Therockets also ignited a fire in the vicinityof Soledad Canyon, west of Mt. Gleason,burning over 350 acres of heavy brush.

Meanwhile, the errant dronemeandered north toward Palmdale. TheScorpion crews readjusted theirintervalometers and each fired a finalsalvo, expending their remaining rockets.Again, the obsolete, unpiloted, unguided,unarmed, propeller-driven drone evaded

opportunity to go flying in a generalaviation airplane. To date, the EAA has

BattleContinued from page 9

See BattleContinued on page 18

By: Nola Orr

pilot who flew them and stated for allto read that this intrepid youngster has

chapter in Blackfoot,Idaho. On October 8,2011, Chapter 407 pilotsand volunteers made itpossible for 18youngsters to takeairplane rides. Flightswere provided by thepilots at their ownexpense and sanctionedand insured under theYoung Eagles programthru the EAA. EachYoung Eagle received acertificate, signed by the

“experienced the trueadventure of flight andhas become a YoungEagle.” Their name willbe permanently enteredin the World’s LargestLogbook at the EAAAirVenture Museum inOshkosh, Wisconsin.

To learn more aboutthe EAA Young Eaglesprogram, please seewww.youngeagles.org. Ifyou are interested in aflight for a youngster inthe Blackfoot area orwould like to volunteer

provided flights for more than 1.6million Young Eagles around the world.

EAA Chapter 407 is the local

your time, please call Natalie Bergiven,EAA Chapter 407 President, at208.684.3411.

Dale Cresap and his Young Eagle candidate.

Young Eagle candidates sign in.

Natalie Bergiven, EAA 407 Presidentassigns students and pilots.

Young Eagles Soar

Winter 2012 Page 15

Page 16 Rudder Flutter

distinct privilege to visit and wanderabout the historic Fly-Inn Dude Ranchonce owned by an outrageous aviationeccentric, Pancho Barnes. Pancho,eccentric, yes, but nonetheless a legendin the aviation community and one ofthe most respected pilots of the GoldenAge of Flight, was one of the first femalepilots licensed in the United States. Herranch, built on 380 acres that now restwithin Edwards’ boundaries, onceincluded an FAA-approved airport,championship rodeo arena, well-stockedhorse corral, dance hall, bar, restaurant,and large circular swimming pool. Itwas home to the renowned “Happy

EdwardsContinued from page 2

See EdwardsContinued on page 17

Bottom RidingClub,” whichclaimed more than9,000 membersworldwide at theheight of itssuccess. Standingin the bright desertsun, Chuck Yeagerspoke at lengthabout Pancho andabout his ownexperiences. Withglasses raised, wetoasted GeneralYeager! (Sorry, butI thought it wasrot-gut whiskey; afoul tasting, machotestimonial tomanhood.)

When we firstarrived atEdwards, weheard loudspeakers all overthe base comealive with the

sounds of Retreat and then the NationalAnthem. Out of respect, all cars on theroad pulled over and people stoppedwhatever they were doing. Then at 7:30each morning, Reveille was played; inthe evening, Taps. The military traditionsand dedication were obvious and trulyimpressive. Probably the mostmemorable was a ceremony hosted by

into their Airport Directory and Nationaland Regional Aviation Management Plans.Hanselman’s RHI is a unique backcountryairstrip hazard rating system based uponthe airport environment, approach/departure environment, and runwaysurface hazards.

Clair Mendenhall, USFS DeputyDirector, Aviation, IntermountainRegion noted, “The promotion of safetywhile flying in the backcountry has andwill always be a Forest Service goal. Ido realize the dedication, work, time,and development Hanselman must haveput into these flying guides in order toprovide pilots with a better under-standing of what to expect when flyingthe Backcountry.”

Hanselman stated, “Pilots need goodinformation to make good decisions.I’m happy to share the data with theForest Service.”

Q.E.I. Publishing produces thedetailed backcountry flying guide FlyIdaho! A Guide to Adventure in theIdaho Backcountry, as well as, manyother backcountry flying guides andaeronautical charts. To learn more aboutthe RHI and other backcountry flyingguides, please visit www.flyidaho.com.

GalenHanselman ofQ.E.I.Publishing hasagreed to allowthe U.S. ForestService toincorporate hiscopyrightedRelative HazardIndex (RHI)rating system Galen Hanselman

Pancho Barnes

The Circular Swimming Pool

U.S. ForestService toIncorporateHanselman’sBackcountryFlying Info

AIRPORT CONDITION SURVEYIdaho Division of Aeronautics

We’re requesting your input to help maintain our State-Operated airstrips. Please fill out the survey below anddrop in the survey box, mail to Idaho Division of Aeronautics PO Box 7129 Boise, Idaho 83707-1129 or email togary.mcelheney@itd.idaho.gov.

Please circle the airport(s) you are reporting on:

Please mark your evaluation with an “X” for each condition.

Comments:

Name and Phone # (Optional)

Thanks for your help,Gary McElheney, Airport Manager, Ph: 208-334-8893

AllAntelope ValleyAtlantaBear TrapBig CreekBig So. ButteBruce Meadows

Cavanaugh BayCopper BasinCox WellGarden ValleyGrasmereHenry’s LakeHollow Hop

Johnson CreekLaidlaw CorralsMageeMagicMayMidwayMurphy Hot Spr.

New MeadowsPorthillPineSlate CreekSmith’s PrairieReed RanchThomas Creek

Twin BridgesSmiley CreekStanleyWarm Springs

Very P

oor

Poor

Average

Good

Very G

ood

Condition

Runway (smoothness, marking, rodents, etc)

Restroom Condition (if available)

Campsite Condition (trees, lawns, walkways)

Facilities Condition (fire pits, picnic tables, shelters)

Caretakers (helpful, friendly, knowledgeable)

Safety concerns (if yes, please amplify below) Yes No

Updated Nov. 2011

Winter 2012 Page 17

EdwardsContinued from page 16

General Nolan, where he offered histhanks first to his various commandersfor their service and then for all the“intellectual capital” gathered in theroom…and there was a whole lot ofthat. On the base, there are some 2,500active-duty Air Force and more thandouble that of civilian employees, not

Departing Edwards, one could onlyfeel great appreciation for those folkswho safeguard The United States ofAmerica for the rest of us. We were

privileged to be in their company. Toyou, we say, “Salute!”

Photos courtesy of Gene Nora Jessen

Gene Nora Jessen, past president of theNinety Nines, Idaho Aviation Hall of FameInductee, and one of the original Mercury13 First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs),is the author of two books: The PowderPuff Derby of 1929 and The FabulousFlight of the Three Musketeers.

– Editor

to mentionmembers ofindustry. Thiscollection of mindsand patriotism wasabsolutelyawesome.

Pancho’s Brand

impact, the drone sliced through a setof three Southern California Edisonpower lines along an unpaved sectionof Avenue P.  The camera pod on theairplane’s right wingtip dug into thesand while the Hellcat cart-wheeledand disintegrated. There was no fire.

Peter Merlin is an aviation enthusiastwhose favorite hobby is aviationarcheology. Much of his time is spentin the periodical section of the libraryresearching articles for a database ofairplane accidents in the vicinity ofEdwards AFB. It was during one ofthese visits that he stumbled on thislittle-known event and wrote this article.You can find more information aboutthis and other stories of exotic testaircraft, accidents, and the pilots thatflew them at www.thexhunters.com.We are sincerely grateful to Mr. Merlinand X-Hunters for granting uspermission to print his article.

– Editor

the state-of-the-art jet interceptors. Inall, the jet crews fired 208 rocketswithout scoring a single hit.

The afternoon calm was shattered asMighty Mouse rockets fell on downtownPalmdale. Edna Carlson was at homewith her six-year-old son William whena chunk of shrapnel burst through herfront window, bounced off the ceiling,pierced a wall, and finally came to restin a pantry cupboard. Another fragmentpassed through J. R. Hingle’s garage andhome, nearly hitting Mrs. LillyWillingham as she sat on the couch. ALeona Valley teenager, Larry Kempton,

hood, windshield, and even the firewall.Miraculously, no one was injured by anyof the falling rockets. Explosive OrdnanceDisposal teams later recovered 13 dudsin the vicinity of Palmdale. It took 500firefighters two days to bring thebrushfires under control.

was driving weston PalmdaleBoulevard withhis mother in thepassenger seatwhen a rocketexploded on thestreet in front ofhim. Fragmentsblew out his leftfront tire, and putnumerous holesin the radiator,

Oblivious to the destruction in itswake, the drone passed over the town.Its engine sputtered and died as thefuel supply dwindled. The red Hellcatdescended in a loose spiral toward anunpopulated patch of desert eight mileseast of Palmdale Airport. Just before

Scorpion firing rockets in ripple.

Author, Peter Merlin

BattleContinued from page 14

Page 19Winter 2012

Winter 2012

Register or renew online: www.itd.idaho.gov, click Aeronautics, then ADAM