the airport news — september 2014

The Airport News w P.O. Box 73 w Cromwell, CT 06416-0073 www.theairportnews.com September 2014

FREECelebrating 20 Years!

A crew in Bradley International Airport’s maintenance department paints lines to indicate to a pilot where to park the nose of an aircraft.

(Photo by Robin Lee Michel)

Bradley’s maintenance crews have a lot of ground to coverStory and Photos By Robin Lee Michel For The Airport News

During winters past, intense storms have essentially closed parts of New England, including Connecticut and Massachusetts. However, maintenance department employees at Bradley International Airport didn’t always know that. It didn’t matter — at the airport, it’s business as usual regardless of conditions beyond its boundaries.

When storms hit, generators powered up and snow removal teams tackled the runways and roads. “Airlines might stop but it’s very unusual if the airport closes,” said Trent Wright, manager of maintenance.

“People are in the buildings 365/24/7. You still have to take care of operations,” said Gregory Jefferson, transportation general supervisor in the maintenance department.

There are 43 full-time employees

in the department, 23 on the grounds and 20 on buildings, all members of the Connecticut State Employees Association/SEIU Local 2001. More than half have worked at the airport for more than 20 years, including Wright, who has logged 27 years, having started in the electrical shop. Secretary Kathy Calsetta helps keep the department running smoothly.

“We maintain all systems at the airport,” Wright said. These include buildings, grounds and airfield maintenance, plumbing, electricity, painting and carpentry, indoors and out, wherever needed. The department also oversees 15 to 20 miles of security fences and 30 miles of roads. “Anything you could ever think of, we take care of,” Wright said.

With about 2,400 acres, Bradley has a lot of ground — figuratively and literally — for the department to cover.

Passenger trafficrises 10 percent; BDL optimisticBy The Airport News

Passenger traffic was up more than 10 percent at Bradley International Airport in the first half of 2014, thanks to an improving economy in Connecticut and additional airline service. Airport officials are optimistic about continuing progress.

Bradley traffic was up 9 percent in May and 9.3 percent in June, the latest numbers available when Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, gave his monthly report to the CAA board of directors in August. The year-to-date traffic increase at Bradley was 10.6 percent through June. The report compares 2014 totals to totals from similar periods a year earlier.

Dillon described the trends as “continued very good success.” He compared Bradley’s first-half gains to numbers from T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode island (down 6.8 percent), Manchester-Boston Regional

InsideDemolition gets underway at Terminal B ... Page 3

Air museum’s executive director retiring ... Page 5

Bradley above average in passenger survey ... Page 9

Calendar of local events for September ... 0

Footnote in history for Flying Yankees ... Page 15

w See Maintenance, Page 6

w See Traffic, Page 8

2 w THE AIRPORT NEWS w SEPTEMBER 2014

THE AIRPORT NEWSwww.theairportnews.com

P.O. Box 73, Cromwell, CT 06416-0073 w 860-681-5871Michael F. Killian, President

The Airport News is published monthly by M R Media LLC and is distributed free of charge in and around Bradley International Airport. It has served the airport community for 20 years. The Airport News provides news and information to the nearly 18,000 full-time employees directly or indirectly related to the services of the airport. In addition, it serves an additional 19,000 travelers on about 300 daily flights. FOR ADVERTISING: Richard A. “Rick” Diego, 860-681-5871 [email protected] OR: Joan Hornbuckle, 860-805-1310 [email protected] NEWS ITEMS / PRESS RELEASES: [email protected] PUBLISHER: Richard A. “Rick” Diego, 860-681-5871 [email protected]

Diego joins The Airport NewsRichard A. “Rick” Diego has been

named publisher of The Airport News, the independent news publication serving the Bradley International Airport community.

Diego’s appointment comes as The Airport News celebrates its 20th year and is increasing its publication frequency from quarterly to monthly.

Diego came to The Airport News from the U.S. Postal Service marketing department. He was the periodicals expert on the Connecticut Valley District staff as the mailing standards specialist.

He grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts; served in the U.S. Coast Guard in New London; and is a 1979 graduate of the University of Hartford.

Diego started with Ther Airport News working to increase distribution and advertiser support. During a recent change of management, he was asked to also assume the role of publisher. We welcome him to The Airport News.

Diego

1-844-5-VALLEY (825539)

Welcome to WashingtonPresident and Mrs. Washington were on hand June 19 when JetBlue Airways’ inaugural flight from Bradley International Airport arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. (Photo courtesy of JetBlue Airways)

Rubber Duck Derby comingEAST GRANBY — The East Granby Lions Club is hosting the

second annual Rubber Duck Derby and Pig Roast at Granbrook Park. Hundreds of little rubber ducks will be released from the Bike Path Bridge and swim down Salmon Brook toward the Granbrook Park beach. The ducks that are among the first to cross the finish line will win prizes for the people who adopted those ducks for the race.

Derby Day is Saturday, Sept. 6. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. The duck race will be held at 1:30 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided by Still Kickin’, the popular oldies band. Food will include a pig roast as well as burgers and hot dogs, kettle corn and ice cream.

Ducks are available for adoption at the East Granby Farmers Market on Wednesdays or at Granbrook Park on Sept. 6 until 1 p.m. They are also available from any Lions Club member.

SEPTEMBER 2014 w THE AIRPORT NEWS w 3

106 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Windsor Locks • 860-623-9296 Route 75 Near Bradley International Airport www.skylinerestaurantct.com

STEAK & SEAFOODAuthentic Italian Cuisine

Banquet facility up to 225 peopleOutdoor Dining • Entertainment

Sports Bar with Full Menu Full Menu Served till Midnight

10% OFF Entire Meal with this ad.

Skyline Restaurant& B A N Q U E T FA C I L I T Y

By The Airport News

Demolition of Bradley International Airport’s Terminal B is getting underway, 62 years after it opened and four years after its last flight left for Chicago.

When it closed it April 2010, it was the oldest operating airline terminal in the country. After American Airlines and Air Canada moved to Terminal A, it housed offices of the Transportation Security Administration and Connecticut State Police Troop W.

Troop W’s move to the new airport security building in mid-July and the TSA’s move to Terminal A in mid-August cleared the way for demolition to begin, said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority.

The demolition contract was awarded to S & R Corp., of Lowell, Massachusetts, on July 30. S&R bid $12,572,622 for the project, which is expected to take 18 months.

“It was a very good bid,” Dillon said. “There will be other expenses allocated to the project … but we will be well below our $19 million budget,” he said.

The demolition project is beginning inside with the removal of hazardous substances, such as asbestos and lead. Some sections of the building might start to come down by the end of the year.

Other matters that preceded the go-ahead for demolition were the relocation of the airfield lighting vault, an agreement with the Connecticut Army National Guard to provide a holding area for international flight diversions, and an agreement with the owner of WFSB-TV to move its Doppler radar equipment to another site.

Relocation of the airfield lighting vault involved moving equipment and controls, rewiring lighting systems and cabling to the air traffic control tower, and installing new power feeds and emergency generators, according to

Urban Engineers, a design firm based in Philadelphia.

The holding area for flight diversions is needed in case space is needed to house passengers of international flights that might be rerouted to Bradley temporarily. Dillon said the airport reached an understanding with the Guard and U.S. Customs to use the Army readiness center, if necessary.

At its August meeting, the Connecticut Airport Authority board of directors authorized Dillon to enter into an agreement with Meredith Corp., owner of WFSB, for leasing an airport site for its Doppler radar equipment. WFSB had planned to move its radar system from Terminal B to Avon Mountain, but those plans have hit a snag in Avon.

Terminal B, which opened in 1952, was first known as the Francis S. Murphy Terminal, named for the editor

and publisher of The Hartford Times who was also.the chairman of the state aeronautics commission. He was referred to as the “father of Bradley Field.”

The demolition of the old terminal and the elevated road in front of it will make space for a new ground transportation center with a consolidated rental car facility, an enclosed connection to Terminal A, and more parking. A new Terminal B is contemplated, but is not likely until 2025, provided passenger traffic justifies it.

Demolition getting underway at Bradley Terminal B

Bradley International Airport’s Terminal B, also known as the Murphy Terminal, opened in 1952 and had its last flight in 2010. The Transportation Security Administration and Connecticut State Police Troop W have moved out, and demolition is getting underway. (Photo by Robin Lee Michel)

Need an extra copy?Need an extra copy of The Airport

News? See Page 4 for a list of our distribution partners.


Airport Shell 80 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksBert’s Spirit Shoppe 329 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksBradley Bowl 129 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksBradley International Airport Schoephoester Road Windsor LocksBradley Teletheater 11 Schoephoester Road Windsor LocksCandlewood Suites 149 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksCasey’s Market 496 Spring Street Windsor LocksCorky’s Auto Carquest 430 Spring Street Windsor LocksThe Deli 329B Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksDoubleTree by Hilton 16 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksEast Granby Public Library 24 Center Street East Granby

East Granby Town Hall 9 Center Street East GranbyEcono Lodge 34 Old County Road Windsor LocksElla Grasso Mobil 107 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksFairfield Inn & Suites 2 Loten Drive Windsor LocksFirst National Bank - Suffield 6 National Drive Windsor LocksGathering Ground Restaurant 482 Spring Street Windsor LocksHampton Inn 2168 Poquonock Avenue WindsorHoliday Inn Express 600 Spring Street Windsor LocksHomewood Suites by Hilton 65 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksKent Memorial Library 50 North Main Street SuffieldLa Quinta Inn 64 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor Locks

Pickleworks Restaurant 541 Spring Street Windsor LocksQuality Inn 5 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksScata’s Auto & Truck Repairs 535 Spring Street Windsor LocksSheraton Hartford Hotel Bradley International Airport Windsor LocksSkooter’s Restaurant 50 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksSkyline Restaurant 106 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksSpringHill Suites 225 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor LocksSuffield Town Hall 53 Mountain Road SuffieldWindsor Locks Public Library 28 Main Street Windsor LocksWindsor Locks Town Hall 50 Church Street Windsor Locks

Want an extra copy? Visit our partners to get The Airport News

To request copies to distribute at your location, call Publisher Richard A. “Rick” Diego at 860-681-5871

Digital copies online at http://issuu.com/

bdlairportnews

State’s first aerospace summit coming to Groton in SeptemberBy Lee Howard The Day of New London

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney has announced that Connecticut’s first-ever aerospace summit will be held in September in Groton.

The Aerospace and Defense International Trade Summit will invite manufacturers from all over the world to attend the event Sept. 21-23 at the Mystic Marriott. Nations expected to be represented include the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Spain and Canada.

General Dynamics’ Electric Boat division is one of the industrial partners involved in the summit, but the emphasis will be on aeronautics rather than submarines, Courtney, D-2nd District, said. More than 200 small- to medium-sized manufacturers are expected to attend, and Courtney will offer welcoming remarks Sept. 22.

“It’s kind of like a trade mission but we’re bringing it to southeastern Connecticut,” Courtney said in a phone interview after making the announcement in Hartford.

According to HartfordBusiness.com, organizers “hope to have a Pentagon official give attendees an update on the F-35 joint strike fighter program” during the summit. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., will be part of the F-35 update,

according to the summit program.The idea of the summit, said Courtney, is to forge

partnerships between smaller Connecticut firms such as Westminster Tool in Plainfield and other defense-related companies around the world.

Aircraft-engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and helicopter maker Sikorsky will be among the participants. Panel sessions will feature defense officials from Australia, Canada and Europe as well as academicians including officials from the University of Connecticut who will discuss partnership opportunities.

George Mathanool, chairman of the Economic Development Commission in Groton, praised Courtney for bringing the aerospace summit to southeastern Connecticut. The town, which is in the process of applying for an airport development zone for a wide swath of land in the vicinity of Groton-New London Airport, could use the summit to highlight business opportunities here and throughout the state, Mathanool said.

“It’s an opportunity for diversification,” he said. “When you have an aerospace event it always has a residual benefit that lasts for years.”

This article was reprinted with permission from The Day of New London.


Let Summit Handling Systems help you with all your material handling needs.

Authorized Dealers for:ToyoTa •Taylor • Drexel • UniTeD Tow TracTor

North Haven, CT203-239-5351

Agawam, MA413-789-4537

Is your Cargo weighing you down?

By Madeleine Moreau For The Airport News

Ask Michael P. Speciale what the worst day was in his 29 years at the New England Air Museum and he pauses just a moment.

There really wasn’t one, he says.“I love coming to work every day. That’s why I stayed that

long.”After 29½ years, Speciale, 68, will retire Dec. 1 as executive

director of the largest aviation museum in the Northeast. An executive committee is searching for his replacement.

The museum was in tough shape when the Middletown native started working here in 1985. The 1979 tornado had destroyed 20 of its vintage aircraft, with many more damaged.

When Speciale arrived, there was just one hangar and it was 100 percent mortgaged.

“I thought I would only be here for a couple of years — just to get things stabilized,” he says.

That one building has grown to seven buildings. And, unusual for any nonprofit nowadays, the museum today has a healthy budget with substantial cash reserves.

That’s a matter of pride to Speciale. “All this took a long time to do, of course. We’ve been growing

nonstop. … And we’re still growing,” he says.Sure, those open cockpit days are still popular, attracting

thousands every year. Visitors of all ages eagerly climb into the cockpits of vintage aircraft, such as a World War II Republic P-47D Thunderbolt or a Lockheed F-104C Starfighter.

“It’s a lot of fun — people love it,” he says. “But we’ve added a tremendous variety of other special events,” he says.

He points to two. There’s the museum’s annual Space Expo in March, which

this year attracted more than 15 exhibitors from across New England.

This year’s event also included a visit from NASA astronaut and Connecticut native Capt. Daniel Burbank. He shared his experiences on two Space Shuttle missions.

Then there’s the popular Women Take Flight Day, held in the fall. The day features a star-studded cast of women in aviation and aerospace engineering.

“It’s very inspirational to young women,” he says.The museum, he says, plays two key roles. First, of course,

its mission is to preserve history. “What we do here — the tangible results you can see and

touch and feel. We have a lot of historical aircraft restorations … rare or unique.”

And the second role: to excite and interest children to pursue careers in aviation.

The days are long gone when the New England Air Museum was a place for “males to come and look at a bunch of hardware.”

Most people who visit today are young people who visit with their families, he says.

Does he see challenges ahead for his successor?Fundraising, he says.“So many organizations are chasing the same amount of

money. It’s positioning yourself so you can spark the interest of industry and corporate donors. It gets harder and harder.”

As for retirement, Speciale says he’s keeping his options open. Maybe volunteer work or teaching.

“The door’s open; I am just not sure,” he says.He is confident, though, that the museum will continue to

thrive.“We have a great board of directors, great staff — we’re in

really great shape.”His colleagues at the museum will miss him.

Scott Ashton, president of the New England Air Museum, said. “Mike has been an enthusiastic and dedicated leader of the museum for nearly 30 years. We are very grateful for Mike’s leadership and dedication to the mission of the New England Air Museum.”

Speciale “led the museum’s transformation from a small one-hangar museum recovering from the effects of a tornado in 1969, to a major cultural, educational, and historical institution serving a world-wide audience,” Ashton said.

Air museum executive director retiring after 29 years

Michael P. Speciale, executive director of the New England Air Museum, plans to retire Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of New England Air Museum)

Its $18 million annual budget covers operating costs, personnel, utilities, contract services and commodities, Wright said.

The department operates in three shifts except during winter storms, and then the men do whatever it takes. Snow removal vehicles make up the majority of the 180 pieces of equipment in the fleet. These include snowplows with blades up to 36 feet wide, loaders, snowblowers, snow brooms, snow pushers and 4,000-gallon de-icer trucks.

Before a storm arrives, all equipment is checked and readied to roll out. “Everything has to be ready at any time,” Jefferson said.

When the snow begins falling, staffers are called out to keep all surfaces clear. “Winter operations are a big component. It takes everybody we have to keep the taxiways and runways clean,” Wright said. “Snow removal here is 24 hours.” Because of the scope of the snow operations, contractors keep the terminal gates open.

However, ice and sleet can sometimes be even more challenging if the surface temperature drops below zero. Sections of the runways will be temporarily closed while being cleared but usually reopened within half an hour. “The object is to keep the airport open,” Wright said.

Maintenance crews are responsible for de-icing the aircrafts, and collecting and processing the used glycol, in compliance with state laws. Sand is spread, and it’s not just any sand; it must meet Federal Aviation Administration specifications.

Safety is always the top priority, regardless of the season, and the coordination of the teams is essential. So is “situational awareness,” which means employees outside must know their exact location at any time. “These are active runways,” Wright said.

Communication is ongoing with several radios to keep in contact with the tower, operations, maintenance headquarters and one another. Colored lights and signs that are coded with colors and letters keep the drivers (and pilots) on the right track even when the visibility is minimal.


A sign painted on a snowplow blade marks Building 85-168, the maintenance department headquarters.

The primary maintenance garage houses dozens of vehicles used for snow removal at the airport. They’re repaired and maintained during the summer in preparation for winter snowstorms.

Bobby Stoughton at work with a snowblower on Feb. 14, 2014. (Photo by Rollin S. Tebbetts, Bradley airport operations manager)

Continued from Page 1

w Maintenance

Maintenance department chiefsTrent Wright, manager of

maintenanceMilo Mazurick, transportation garage

supervisorJames Carew, maintenance

supervisor 1, carpentryEric Chapman, building

superintendent 2William Gorry, maintenance

supervisor, electricalGregory Jefferson, transportation

general supervisorRobert Carpe, materials storage

supervisorStephan Brown, maintenance

supervisor 2, electricalRobert Stoughton Jr., transportation

maintenance crew leaderTom Ahrens, transportation

maintenance crew leaderWayne O’Neill, maintenance

supervisor 1, HVACKathy Calsetta, secretary 2


Heads of the Bradley International Airport maintenance department divisions gather outside Building 85-168, maintenance headquarters. Kathy Calsetta, secretary 2, is the only woman among 43 employees.

“We have to be sure where all the equipment is all the time. It requires intricate operations,” Wright said. Some new employees must hold a commercial driver’s license and undergo six months of training to ensure they can safely navigate the airfield, understand the coded signs and lights, and master radio communications. Being unaware could result in disaster.

“It’s like a chess match,” said John Wallace, CAA manager of communications. “It’s an amazing operation.”

Runway maintenance is ongoing, weather permitting. There are always markings to be painted and minor paving jobs. “From spring to early November, we are out painting every day,” Wright said.

The annual paint budget alone is $114,500 for 3,800 gallons of paint and 12 tons of glass beads, which are added as the paint is applied. The glass beads not only enhance the reflectivity of the markings but add traction to the surface. White is the most widely used color, followed by yellow on the taxiways and black for borders. All must be FAA standard paint colors. Each year, a contractor scrapes off the tire rubber that accumulates on the runways, including runway 6/24, the longest at 9,600 feet and 200 feet wide.

In addition to painting, “lighting is the other critical element,” according to Wright. There are hundreds of miles of underground electrical cables and 1,650 runway lights to maintain, which can prove to be a challenge to repair when they malfunction. The five-man electrical crew takes care of every light bulb, not only on the field but within the buildings, as well as all other electrical systems.

There are also plumbing/heating, carpentry/painting, vehicle repair, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning divisions of the Maintenance Department. There are hundreds of acres of grass to be regularly mowed. “There are a lot of aspects to maintenance. A lot goes on behind closed doors that people never see,” Wright said.

“There’s constant activity and everything has to be maintained,” Jefferson said.

The operations hub is the 27,000-square-foot maintenance facility and the similarly sized, adjoining cold storage equipment building, which houses most of the vehicles. Designated as Building 85-168, it was built about eight years ago on Light Lane. There are separate smaller shops for the adjunct divisions. Depending on the season, equipment can be stored indoors or out.

Milo Mazurick, the transportation garage supervisor and employee of more than 25 years, said some of the vehicles date

to 1997. However, because they are so carefully maintained, most are still in top condition, he said. Mazurick is looking forward to receiving new equipment during the next few years, a result of CAA’s large investment in the department.

Working at Bradley or any airport is unlike working a similar job —for the Department of Transportation or town highway department, for instance. “It’s completely different working on ‘the inside’ rather than ‘the outside,’ ” Wright said. “We use specialized equipment in a specialized environment.”

Most of the employees are experienced in certain trades, for example in mechanics or electrical, yet learn primarily on the job once they are hired at Bradley. “This is an airport environment and it’s very unique,” Wright said.

Because of the necessity of working closely together in ever-changing situations, camaraderie is essential. “This is your life here,” Jefferson said. “It is a city in itself.”

“This is a great place to work. It’s like a family,” Mazurick said. “It’s a different world.”

Trent Wright, left, manager of maintenance, and Milo Mazurick, transportation garage supervisor, discuss the upkeep of some of the vehicles inside the main building.


Passenger traffic comparedChanges in Bradley International Airport (BDL)

passenger traffic, compared with similar periods a year earlier, and changes at T.F. Green (PVD), Manchester (MHT), and Logan (BOS) airports:

BDL PVD MHT BOS

May 2014 + 9.0% – 7.8% – 9.5% + 7.5%June 2014 + 9.3% – 7.3% –14.6% + 4.1%Year to date + 10.6% – 6.8% – 13.0% + 4.4%

— Connecticut Airport Authority

w Traffic

Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire (down 13 percent), and Logan International Airport in Boston (up 4.4 percent).

He attributed the declines at Providence and Manchester to reduced flights by Southwest Airlines, which has added flights at Boston. Bradley has its own market, Dillon explained, while the other regional airports rely on “bleedback” from Boston.

“The success here is really as a result of an improving economy,” Dillon said at the Aug. 11 board meeting, “as well as our continued focus on adding additional capacity.” He said he’s working with all of the airlines serving Bradley — “as well as some carriers that aren’t operating here today” — to try to increase service levels.

JetBlue Airways launched service in June between Bradley and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. United Airlines will begin daily nonstop service in October between Bradley and Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Not mentioned in the public portion of the CAA board meeting was American Airlines’ decision to end nonstop service between Bradley and Los Angeles. The daily flights launched with a big celebration in August 2013 and were Bradley’s only nonstop West Coast destination. Service ended in mid-August.

“They weren’t making any money on the flight,” said John Wallace, the CAA’s manager of communications, even though the planes “were pretty full — almost 80 percent.” He added: “We’re hoping they come back with a new pricing scheme.”

There has been speculation in online passenger bulletin boards that American may resume Bradley-Los Angeles flights as seasonal service next summer.

Meanwhile, Bradley continues its focus on international traffic. Dillon told the CAA board that returning trans-Atlantic flights is one of the airport’s top goals. There’s strong trans-Atlantic travel in Connecticut, but much of that comes from Fairfield County, with some from southeastern Connecticut, he said.

Bradley is looking to those areas to boost traffic. The CAA is beginning a new advertising program in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the state, pitching the ease of using Bradley, compared with the New York airports. “JFK: great president, tough airport — come home to Bradley” could be the message, Dillon said.

Dillon also reported good numbers on airport finances to the CAA board in August: Year-to-date operating income was $4.7 million higher than expected, he said. Efforts to control expenses, as well as the increased passenger traffic, were a big help, he said.

“We hope for a mild winter to hang on to some of that money,” said Mary Ellen Jones, chairwoman of the CAA board.


World War II aircraft B-17, B-24, B-25 and P-51 flying in formation. (Photo courtesy of the Collings Foundation)

‘Wings of Freedom Tour’ coming to state on Sept. 5

OXFORD —The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine,” the Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft,” and a P-51 Mustang fighter will fly into Waterbury-Oxford Airport on Friday, Sept. 5, for a three-day visit during the Collings Foundation’s “Wings of Freedom Tour” of 110 cities.

The foundation says this is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of eight in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world.

The tour will arrive at Waterbury-Oxford Airport at 2 p.m. Sept. 5 and will be on display until the aircraft depart Sept. 7 after 5 p.m. Hours of ground tours and display are 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out. The requested donation is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. World War II veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half-hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations, call 800-568-8924.

The Collings Foundation is a nonprofit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events.

‘Passport to Connecticut Libraries’WINDSOR LOCKS — The Windsor Locks Public Library

invites you to join “Passport to Connecticut Libraries,” a statewide program sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association. The program encourages everyone to visit as many participating public libraries as possible during National Library Card Month, Sept. 2 to 30.

Visit the library, at 28 Main St., to obtain your “passport”and list of participating libraries, then visit different libraries to have your passport stamped and receive a small gift.

Passport to Connecticut Libraries is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/passporttoctlibraries. To learn more, call the library at 860-627-1495 or visit www.windsorlockslibrary.org.


Air Force Two at BradleyAir Force Two touched down at Bradley International Airport shortly after noon on Aug. 20, carrying Vice President Joe Biden to Connecticut for a visit to Goodwin College in East Hartford and evening events in Fairfield Country. Air Force Two, the designation of any aircraft with the vice president on board, was a Boeing C-32, a modified Boeing 757, this time.

(Photo by Andrew Doba, governor’s office)

New eSavvy store in Terminal ABradley International Airport welcomes eSavvy by Paradies in the PeachMac family of stores. This eSavvy location at Bradley features cases and chargers, accessories, and the the MacBook Air and iPad. This location does not provide on-site technical support, service or training. It’s across from D’Angelos in Terminal A and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Bradley International Airport)

By The Airport News

Bradley International Airport ranks better than average in the first two quarters of a customer satisfaction survey that aims to help participating airports improve their passenger experience.

Bradley placed seventh among 17 airports in its “airport panel,” Executive Director Kevin Dillon told the Connecicut Airport Authority board of directors in August. The overall satisfaction rating was 4.20 in the first quarter and 4.29 in the second quarter, on a scale of 1 to 5.

Dillon called the ratings a “B-plus,” but added: “We still have a lot of work to get to the top rankings.” He noted, however, that the best score in the “airport panel” was 4.50.

“We’re doing OK — we want to do better,” said Mary Ellen Jones, chairwoman of the CAA board.

The Airports Council International’s “Airport Service Quality” survey, referred to as ACI-ASW, is conducted by market research firm DKMA. Bradley contracted for one year at a cost of $39,840. Each quarter, 350 airport customers — both business and leisure passengers — are surveyed.

The “airport panel” is a selection of “peer airports” used for benchmark comparisons. The selections were made based largely on other airports that passengers would be comparing Bradley with. Besides Bradley, the panel comprises Austin, Baltimore, Calgary, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Edmonton, Jacksonville, Memphis, Montreal, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, St. Louis and Tampa.

Tampa had the highest score in the first two quarters, Dillon said, and Cleveland had the lowest, though the point spread was not wide.

Major strengths of Bradley cited in the first two quarters of survey results were ease of finding the way through the airport, the flight information screens, courtesy and helpfulness of check-in staff, and courtesy and helpfulness of airport staff.

The survey noted improvements from quarter to quarter in check-in efficiency, waiting times at check-in and at passport and ID inspection, and Internet wi-fi access.

“Ongoing initiatives” — where there is room for improvement — included shopping facilities and their value, restaurant facilities and their value, parking and its value for the money, business and executive lounges, speed of baggage delivery, availability of banks and ATMs, Internet wi-fi, and the availability of baggage carts.

Dillon updated the board on developments in several of those areas:

Officials are always working on attracting shopping and restaurant concessions, and one possibility being discussed is a Dairy Queen outlet.

The airport recently completed a “request for proposals” process involving new club space at the airport, and the Sheraton hotel proposal has been selected, Dillon said. Negotiations are underway.

Wi-fi — the wireless network connection to the Internet — has had bandwidth problems at certain times of the day, Dillon said. The airport’s information technology staff is working to add capacity.

Bradley is talking with a vendor for baggage carts, but it was noted that cart operations may no longer be profitable. Most travelers have wheeled luggage these days, board members said.

Bradley does well in Airport Service Quality survey

Global Connections Lunch set Sept. 18The World Affairs Council of Connecticut will host a Global

Connections Lunch with David Neeleman on Thursday, Sept. 18, at noon at the Society Room, 31 Pratt St., Hartford.

Neeleman is the co-founder of JetBlue and the founder of Azul Airlines. From college dropout to global airline entrepreneur, Neeleman created four successful and highly innovative airlines.

The event is presented in conjunction with the consul general of Brazil to Hartford, MetroHartford Alliance, the Hartford Business Journal, and the University of Connecticut’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER).

To learn more, call the World Affairs Council, 860-241-6118.


Local CalendarFriday, Sept. 5u First Friday Networking Group, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Han

Asian Cuisine, 10 Hartford Avenue, Granby. The breakfast group is a business-to-business networking and connections group. Supported by the Granby Chamber of Commerce, Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Suffield Chamber of Commerce and Han Asian Cuisine, this meeting is open to everyone located in the Tobacco Valley region. Info: 860-653-3833.

Saturday, Sept. 6u 5K Run and 10 K Road Race, 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.,

Suffield Middle School, 350 Mountain Road, Suffield. Sponsored by First National Bank of Suffield, directed by Suffield Parks and Recreation Department. Info: www.suffieldtownhall.com.

u Annual Rubber Duck Race, 11 to 1:30 p.m., Granbrook Park, East Granby. The East Granby Lions Club is hosting the second annual Rubber Duck Derby and Pig Roast. Festivities begin at 11 a.m.; duck race at 1:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the popular oldies band, Still Kickin’. Food includes pig roast, burgers and hot dogs, kettle corn and ice cream.

Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 6-7u Suffield on the Green and Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Town Green, intersection of Routes 75 and 168, Suffield. Suffield’s largest event is run by the

Friends of Suffield. Find out about services and organizations in town: scouting, churches, school groups, local businesses, clubs, town emergency services and much more. Enjoy food prepared by town organizations while you listen to bands. Bounce houses and children’s entertainment. Visit the Friends of Suffield booth by the gazebo for bounce house tickets and to take part in our silent auction. The annual crafts fair will take place on the North Green with nearly 50 artists and crafters. Canine Contest at 2 p.m. Sunday (registration begins at 1 p.m.).

u 44th Annual Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on grounds of Kent Memorial Library, 50 N. Main St., Suffield.

Sunday, Sept. 7u Family Day, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial

Park, Southwest Avenue, Windsor Locks. (Rain date Sept. 14.) Our annual Family Day consists of carnival games, hay rides, pony rides, food, entertainment, crafts, caricatures, inflatables

Air museum stages original playConnecticut aviation pioneer Mary Goodrich Jenson was brought to life in “Paper Airplanes,” an original play by Alison Moncrief staged this summer at the New England Air Museum. The character of the first woman licensed pilot in Connecticut was portrayed by Ellie Toy of the Connecticut Storytelling Center. “Paper Airplanes” is the first of a series made possible by a collaborative effort of the museum and the Greater Hartford Arts Council Heritage Advancement Program. (Photo by Mark F. Abraitis for The Airport News; historical photo courtesy of NEAM)

Send us your events listingsThe Airport News invites local organizations in the

Bradley International Airport community to submit listings for this monthly events calendar. Listings are subject to editing and are published on a space-available basis. The deadline for our October issue is Monday, Sept. 15. Please email listings to [email protected] or send U.S. mail to The Airport News, P.O. Box 73, Cromwell, CT 06416-0073.


Young artists display their talentsSpringHill Suites by Marriott in Windsor Locks hosted a reception Aug. 14 to showcase work of young artists from Suffield. From left: Sarah Currier, pastry chef, a sophomore at Johnson & Wales University; Abby Martin-Ryan, illustration and creative writing; and Kristen Currier, animation and illustration, a junior at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Sarah and Kristen are daughters of Gail Currier, sales manager at SpringHill Suites. (Photos by Mark F. Abraitis for The Airport News)

and more. Admission is free and most activities are free of charge. Info: 860-292-8696.

Sunday, Sept. 7u Concerts on Congamond, 2 to 5 p.m., 433 Babbs Road,

West Suffield. The Nelson W. Babb Memorial Music Series and 2 Left Feet Blues Festival present Kats & Jammers Big Band, an 18-piece swing dance band. All concerts presented on our outdoor stage overlooking the lake. Bring a cooler with your choice of refreshments. Profits benefit the Babb’s Restoration Fund. $10 donation at the gate. Info: www.babbspark.org or www.2leftfeetbluesfestival.com.

Monday, Sept. 8u Mark’s Classic Cruise, 5 to 9 p.m., weather permitting, 22

Russell Road, East Granby. Billed as the largest weekly cruise night in New England, it takes place every Monday from May to September. Sept. 8 is Firebird and Camaro Night, with Ottis & the Boomers performing live. Info: www.markscruisenight.com.

Friday, Sept. 12u Friday Night Blues, 8 to 11 p.m., Bobby V’s Restaurant

& Sports Bar, 11 Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks. Performance by Mosiac Blues Band. barbecue specials. Info: 860-627-5808.

Saturday, Sept. 13u East Granby Lions Annual Fall Flea Market, 9 a.m.

to 3:30 p.m., East Granby Plaza, corner of Rainbow Road (Connecticut Route 20) and School Street. No admission charge

for the public. Flea market and food items for sale at the Lions trailer.u Living History Day, 1 to 4 p.m., Phelps-Hathaway House

& Garden, 55 S. Main St., Suffield. Meet the Phelps family. Visit with a wealthy post-Revolutionary household as they go through a day. Admission is $10.

u REAP Street Pop-up Arts Fest, 1 to 4 p.m., Broad Street, downtown Windsor. A pop-up is a store, a restaurant, a collection of shops, or an event that all share one common trait: They aren’t around for very long. Info: reap1.org.

u Annual Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, 4 to 10 p.m., Hilltop Farm, 1608 Mapleton Ave. (Route 159), Suffield. Benefits the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop. Dinner served at 6 p.m., prepared by the Country Diner. Truck Stop Troubadours playing from 7 to 10 p.m. Info: 860-668-5650.

Monday, Sept. 15u Joseph B. Nilsen Memorial Golf Tournament, 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m., Simsbury Farms Golf Course, 100 Old Farms Road, Simsbury. Sponsored by the Granby and Bradley Regional chambers of commerce. Info: [email protected].

u Stamp Camp card-making workshop, 6 to 8 p.m., Windsor Locks Public Library, 28 Main St., Windsor Locks. Presented by Crystal Komora, also known as “Super Stamp Girl.” Attendees will create two cards and a candy-themed 3-D project. The class is free and limited to 12 participants, so registration is required. Info: 860-627-1495, www.windsorlockslibrary.org.

w Continued on next page


Local CalendarWednesday, Sept. 17u TVCA Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Connecticut

Trolley Museum. The Tobacco Valley Chamber Alliance Business After Hours is a great event to network, have fun as well as to see what the hosting chamber has to offer the area. Refreshments and trolley rides will be just part of the evening activities. R.S.V.P. to Jim at 860-292-6776. The TVCA comprises Bloomfield, Bradley Regional, East Windsor, Granby, Suffield and Windsor chambers of commerce. This event is open to TVCA, Metro Hartford and NCCC members.

Friday, Sept. 19u History Group: Tracks in Time, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Windsor

Locks Public Library, community room (side entrance), 28 Main St., Windsor Locks. Free program about the prehistory of the Connecticut River Valley and the environs in which dinosaurs tracked the vast shores, leaving behind “pages” containing their legacy in the strata present along the river’s shore and bottom today. See and touch dinosaur footprints collected from the Windsor Locks-Enfield-Suffield surrounds. To reserve seats: 860-627-1495.

u Third Friday Networking Group, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Bobby V’s, 11 Schoephoester Rd, Windsor Locks. The free group is a business-to-business networking and connections group. It is a great way to meet other local business owners. Supported by the Granby Chamber of Commerce, Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Suffield Chamber of Commerce and Bobby V’s, this meeting is open to everyone in the Tobacco Valley region. Info: 860-653-3833.

Saturday, Sept. 20u President’s Golf Tournament, sponsored by Windsor

Locks Lions Club, 10:30 a.m., Suffield Country Club. Registration at 10:30 a.m., play starts at 12:30 p.m. The event is a four-person, 18-hole scramble. The $125 entry fee includes green fees, cart, prizes, lunch and dinner. Golfers are asked to register before Sept. 13 to assure a place in the tourney. Lion John Boscarino and his committee are looking for assistance from Lions to solicit tee sponsorships and raffle prize donations.

u Antiques Appraisal & Document Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., King House Museum, 232 S. Main St., Suffield. Bring your antiques. Cost is $5 for one item or $10 for three. Please no jewelry. Suffield-related paper ephemera on sale. Info: 860-668-5256.

u 26th Annual East Windsor Community Day, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Main Street, Broad Brook. This year’s theme is “Community & Youth.” Parade at 10 a.m. from Broad Brook Elementary School and Rye Street to the Middle School grounds on Main Street. Followed by a fair-like atmosphere. Spirit award ceremony, chili cook off, games, live entertainment and demos,food, kids activities, community and vendor booths. NFL Punt Pass & Kick with East Windsor Lions, open to boys

and girls 6 to 15 (entry forms at www.nflppk.com or from Mike Kreuzer, 860 623 5425).

Monday, Sept. 22u Laughter Yoga, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Windsor Locks Public

Library, 28 Main St., Windsor Locks. Brian Hickey of Hickey Healing will show how voluntary laughter’s benefits are similar to those of spontaneous laughter. Participants must bring their playfulness to this group laughter program to achieve maximum benefits. To register: 860-627-1495.

Monday-Sunday, Sept. 22-28u Flights and Fantasies Quilt Show, New England

Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road, Bradley International Airport,Windsor Locks. See a spectacular array of quilts among the collection of aircraft. This year’s theme is “Pack Your Troubles” in commemoration of World War I. More than 150 quilts on exhibit, a special exhibit of Sue Reich’s World War I quilts, lectures, trunk shows, raffles, food vendors. Info: 860-623-3305.

Sunday, Sept. 28u East Granby Lions Fall Bird Seed Sale, 9 a.m. to noon,

East Granby Center Firehouse. Annual fall bird seed sale order pickup date.

Monday, Sept. 29u Tibetan Singing Bowls, 6 to 7 p.m., Windsor Locks Public

Library, 28 Main St., Windsor Locks. Brian and Marcey Hickey of Hickey Healing will perform with Tibetan Singing Bowls. Join us to experience this gong bath to enhance your well-being. To register: 860-627-1495.

Looking Ahead

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 3-4u Celebrate Granby, all day at Salmon Brook Park in

Granby. Business expo, local restaurants and organizations selling food and beverages, nonprofits providing information, a beer garden, and family entertainment including live music and a two-day carnival.

Saturday, Oct. 4u Autumn Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Windsor Locks

Public Library, 28 Main St., Windsor Locks. The library’s annual autumn book sale will begin Saturday. Doors open at 10 a.m. There are no previews. The sale will continue through the month of October. Info: 860-627-1495.



Shane Arnold. (Photo by Waterford Hotel Group)

Arnold named executive chef for Sheraton hotel at Bradley

WINDSOR LOCKS — Shane Arnold has been appointed as the executive chef for the 237-room Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport. Arnold’s responsibilities include menu creation and management of all food departments throughout the Sheraton, including the hotel’s restaurant, Concorde’s. Waterford Hotel Group manages the Sheraton Hartford.

Arnold joins the Sheraton team from his most recent position as executive sous chef and assistant restaurant manager for the 409-room Marriott Hartford Downtown, a post he held for nearly 10 years. Arnold had also previously serviced as a task force chef for Waterford Hotel Group, lending his culinary management expertise to several properties in the company’s portfolio including the Gettysburg Hotel and the Andover Inn. In 2011, he was awarded the Outstanding Manager of the Year recognition by the Connecticut Lodging Association.

“We are pleased to welcome Chef Arnold to the Sheraton Hartford,” said Chris Allen, general manager of the hotel. “His culinary experience and familiarity with the day to day operations of a large hotel make him a welcome addition to the Sheraton’s food and beverage team,” he said.

Arnold holds an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University. He resides in Rocky Hill.

The Sheraton Hartford Hotel is inside the Bradley International Airport complex, with an elevator from the indoor, underground parking garage providing direct access to the hotel and airport terminals. The 10-story hotel has a concierge floor and lounge, an indoor swimming pool and exercise facility, Internet access, 15 meeting rooms, a full-service restaurant, lounge, Starbucks Cafe and grand ballroom to accommodate meeting and banquet functions up to 400 people.

Park creates economic benefitA new National Park Service report shows that 22,863 visitors

to Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut spent $1.3 million and supported 15 jobs in the state in 2013.

Weir Farm, in Wilton, attracts visitors from across the country, said Mike Caldwell, NPS Northeast regional director. “Whether they are out for an afternoon, a school field trip, or a family vacation, visitors come to have a great experience, and end up spending a little money along the way.”

The NPS report shows that national park tourism returns $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, Caldwell said.

Weir Farm National Historic Site — Connecticut’s only national park —was home to three generations of American artists. Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism, acquired the farm in 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continued by his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young, followed by New England painters Sperry and Doris Andrews. The 60-acre park includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond.

Archaeological study comes firstWINDSOR — The Town Council has approved funding for an

archaeological study as part of its plan to extend the multi-use trail along the Connecticut River.

Town Manager Peter Souza said a section of the trail from the Hartford city line to just short of Windsor town center already has been completed. The newly proposed stretch would be built north from East Barber Street, with preliminary design plans extending the trail to just north of Loomis Chaffee School, Souza said.

The council has received a $200,000 grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the planned extension, which the town matched with a $40,000 contribution. Though the town would be responsible for funding the archeological study, it could be drawn from the $40,000 contribution, Souza said.

The archaeological study was one of the requirements for receiving the DEEP funding. “It’s similar to an environmental remediation,” Souza said. “They’ll just review old records, historical records, to determine what was located along the trail.”

— Journal Inquirer

C-130 celebrates 60th anniversaryMARIETTA, Ga. — The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules

reached a major milestone Aug. 23, marking the 60th anniversary of its first flight at Burbank, California, in 1954.

Lockheed Martin invites members of the worldwide Hercules community to share their C-130 memories, experiences, photos and videos. From Aug. 18 through Sept. 30, stories can be shared through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube. Stories will be collected on a Lockheed Martin-sponsored website and shared with page viewers. The hashtag “#herc60” must be included within each post.

Submissions also can be emailed to Lockheed Martin at [email protected].

STR sold to Chinese companyENFIELD — STR Holdings Inc. has sold 51 percent of its

business to China’s Zhenfa Energy Group Co. Ltd., STR officials said Aug. 12.

STR’s executives will continue to manage the company’s day-to-day operations, and its corporate headquarters and research and development laboratory will remain in Enfield, STR President and CEO Robert S. Yorgensen said.

Zhenfa Energy, which develops solar electric power stations, will pay STR about $21.7 million, Yorgensen said. STR makes solar cell protective films, known as EVA encapsulants.

Also known as Specialized Technology Resources Inc., STR Holdings was founded in Springfield in 1944 as DeBell & Richardson Inc. and moved to Enfield in 1946. In 1976, it became Springborn Laboratories Inc., and in 1995 changed its name to STR.

— Journal Inquirer


98

924 2

93

46

3

61

7

9 8

© 2

011

Syn

dica

ted

Puz

zles

, Inc

.

9 8 4 6 12 1 9

9 34 5 8 1

3 2 7 88 6

9 8 62 6 9 7 4

© 2

011

Syn

dica

ted

Puz

zles

, Inc

.

STR8TSTough

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. Each compartment must form a straight - a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

SUDOKU

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudokuand www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.

If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Easy

4 56 4 5 3 24 5 2 1

4 3 2 13 5 2 1 4

2 1

2 1

6 5

3

Movie trivia1. What was the oldest child’s name in “The Sound of Music”?

a. Brigittab. Louisac. Liesl

2. Who starred with Julie Andrews in “The Americanization of Emily”?

a. Omar Sharifb. James Garnerc. Burt Reynolds

3. In what film was Danny Glover blind?

a. “Places in the Heart”b. “ The Royal

Tenenbaums”c. “A Raisin in the Sun”

4. For what film did Sally Fields receive an Oscar?

a. “Sybil”b. “Forrest Gump”c. “Norma Rae”

Answers on next page

‘Cactus’ at BradleyA US Airways A319 shows its Arizona colors at Bradley International Airport. All US Airways’ flights use the call sign “Cactus.” (Photo by Rollin S. Tebbets, airport operations manager)

NASA awards contract to PraxairDANBURY — NASA has awarded a contract to Praxair Inc.,

of Danbury, Connecticut, to supply liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen to NASA’s Ames Research Center, California, and Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

The contract has a maximum value of $5.3 million with a potential performance period of five years, beginning July 1.

Praxair will supply approximately 175,000 liters of liquid nitrogen and approximately 52,400 tons of liquid oxygen to support operations at the NASA centers and partner facilities. Nitrogen is used by the agency for pneumatic actuation, purging and inerting, pressurization, and for its cooling value. Oxygen is used as an oxidizer in cryogenic rocket engines.

Next generation of Army helicoptersWASHINGTON — Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary

of United Technologies Corp., and Boeing have been selected to build a helicopter for the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator Phase 1 program, paving the way for the next generation of vertical lift aircraft.

The Army selected the Sikorsky-Boeing team to continue the development of the SB>1 Defiant, a medium-lift helicopter configured to Sikorsky’s X2coaxial design, through flight testing. The first flight for the program is expected in 2017.

The Defiant aircraft will feature counter-rotating rigid main rotor blades for vertical and forward flight, a pusher propeller for high-speed acceleration and deceleration, and an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system.

To date, Sikorsky and Boeing collectively have delivered more than 3,000 helicopters to the Army in support of its challenging missions.

Passenger traffic on par with growth trendMONTREAL — Global passenger traffic continued along

the growth path as the number of passengers grew by 4.5 percent for the month of June, according to Airports Council International. This is on par with the average 12-month growth trend of 4.7 percent. International travel continued to maintain momentum by contributing to the upward surge in passenger traffic with an increase of 5 percent in June. Domestic passenger markets moved up by 4.2 percent for the month.

ACI said most regions posted strong gains in passenger traffic, except for Africa, which was almost flat for June as compared to the previous year.

Europe posted the highest growth rate (6.1 percent) since passenger numbers were significantly depressed in 2013 due to the Euro area crisis.

The top 30 busiest airports in Europe all posted gains in passenger traffic.


3 9 7 8 2 4 5 6 16 4 2 3 1 5 9 8 71 8 5 7 6 9 4 2 34 5 8 2 7 3 1 9 67 2 6 1 9 8 3 5 49 1 3 5 4 6 2 7 88 3 4 6 5 2 7 1 95 7 9 4 8 1 6 3 22 6 1 9 3 7 8 4 5

9 8 7 1 26 7 8 5 2 3 4

9 8 3 2 4 58 7 2 5 3 47 5 6 4 2 1 3 9 8

5 3 6 4 8 93 2 5 4 6 72 3 4 1 6 5 7

4 3 7 6 5

3

61

7

9 8

Str8ts Solution Sudoku Solution Trivia answers

1. c2. b3. a4. c

By Maj. Bryon Turner 103rd Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE — The members of the Connecticut Air National Guard have always held true to the old Air Force motto “Aim High,” but none have aimed as high as the late John L. Swigert Jr., who reached for the stars and forever earned the Flying Yankees a footnote in the history books.

Swigert served with the Flying Yankees from 1960 through 1965, flying the F-86 Sabre and the F-100 Super-Sabre aircraft with the 118th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron as a traditional Guardsman while working full time as a test pilot and engineer for Pratt & Whitney, flying the B-45 Tornado and the B-66 Destroyer aircraft.

During that time, NASA was actively recruiting astronaut candidates and Swigert was nominated to the program by the late Brig. Gen. George R. Stanley, who served as the Chief of Staff of the Connecticut Air National Guard. Stanley saw potential in Swigert and NASA saw it too, selecting him to serve as one of the nation’s 19 newest astronauts out of 351 applicants in 1966.

Swigert was chosen to serve as the backup command module pilot for the famed Apollo 13 mission to the moon, but replaced prime crew member Ken Mattingly after he was inadvertently exposed to the German measles just a few days before the launch on April 11, 1970.

With only a few days to prepare for the mission, Swigert had his work cut out for him.

“(Swigert) knew the command module pretty good. He — it is true — he had not trained for the last month and a half because normally the backup crew at that stage are the gofers,” Swigert’s commander on Apollo 13, Jim Lovell, recalled in a 1999 oral interview with NASA.

Swigert used the little preparation time he had wisely, training with the crew and earning accolades from his mission commander.

“Jack proved out to be a very, very competent pilot,” said Lovell.

Those skills, along with his experiences as a military aviator and a test pilot, would come in handy on the fated Apollo 13 mission.

“Houston, we’ve had a problem here,” said Lovell after Swigert saw a warning light and the crew heard a bang.

Just before the mission reached its 56th hour, one of the space craft’s oxygen tanks exploded causing another to fail. The command module Swigert piloted lost its normal supply of electricity, light and water.

The crew of the Apollo 13 mission would never land on the moon; their mission was now to find a safe way home. The command module, designed to bring the crew home, was now no longer a viable option for the crew.

As oxygen vented into space, experts on earth quickly realized the mission’s lunar module would need to play a critical part in the crew’s safe return. The crew would need to huddle in the module to survive the journey home. Moments after the explosion, Jack Lousma, the Capsule Communicator at Mission Control back on earth, spoke to the crew.

“It is slowly going to zero, and we are starting to think about the LM lifeboat,” said Lousma.

“That’s what we have been thinking about too,” replied Swigert.

Experts on earth began to develop plans and procedures for getting the crew home and tested them on simulators. Meanwhile, Swigert remained in the command module to shut

down all of its systems, preserving critical power while the rest of the crew worked to solve a list of issues with their “life boat” solution.

The astronauts worked in concert with specialists on earth, tackling problems ranging from carbon dioxide filters from one module that were incompatible with the life-preserving system in their lunar module ‘life boat,’ to recalibrating the command module’s navigation system to work properly within the lunar module despite the equipment’s inability to sight a star for reference among all of the debris from their ship’s earlier explosion.

Ultimately, they tackled a number of obstacles and hunkered down in the lunar module with every nonessential system powered down as temperatures

rapidly dipped to near freezing and dehydration from water rationing set in. Despite the dangers and general uncomfortable conditions lasting for four days, they made it home in one piece as the world watched.

“There has poured into the White House in these past 24 hours, an unprecedented number of wires and letters and cables,” said the late President Richard Nixon. “There has poured in the kind of messages that have told me over and over again that it is vitally important to convey to the wives, to the astronauts, and to the men and women on the ground NASA the fact that not just Americans but people all over the world, not just people in the free world but people in the Communist world, people of all religions, of all faiths, of all political beliefs, that they also were on that trip with these men.” The crew was presented with the Presidential Freedom Medal by President Richard Nixon on April 18, 1970.

“I think it is important that, out of this mission, we recognize that it was not a failure,” said Nixon. “...The three astronauts did not reach the moon but they reached the hearts of millions of people in America and in the world. They reminded us in these days when we have this magnificent technocracy, that men do count, the individual does count. They reminded us that in these days machines can go wrong and that when machines go wrong, then the man or the woman, as the case may be, really counts.”

The legendary story was the subject of a 1995 Hollywood film titled “Apollo 13” in which Swigert was played by actor Kevin Bacon and Lovell was played by actor Tom Hanks. An Internet search on the topic yields a number of references to Swigert and his role in the Apollo 13 mission that include footnotes and brief mentions of Swigert’s time with the Connecticut Air National Guard, but his story did not end there.

Swigert would later successfully run for Congress, but unfortunately developed a malignant tumor during his campaign in 1982. The cancer had spread to his bone marrow and lungs and would take his life just eight days before Swigert began his congressional term; a tragic ending for a Flying Yankee who truly aimed high throughout his storied life.

— 103rd Airlift Wing website, www.103aw.ang.af.mil

Astronaut earned Flying Yankees footnote in history

Swigert, circa 1965


FE

LC FA

LL SP

EC

IAL 09

Since 1972, we have educated hundreds oflocal children with our academic based learning

programs for three-year and four-year olds.

Childhood is a magical time of discoverythat sets the foundation for a lifetime oflearning and achievement. We believethat nursery school is a joyful place tolearn, where individual differences are

recognized and accepted. We are dedicatedto providing a caring and supportive

environment for each child.

Our curriculum follows the National Association forthe Education of Young Children guidelines and is

designed to assist in all areas of your child’sdevelopment. We believe that young children learn best

by doing. Through our activities, your child will beencouraged to develop good feelings about

themselves, their classmates and school,and will attempt new experiences.

We concentrate on physical development, emotionaldevelopment, social development and cognitivedevelopment. Music, science, math, movement,

field trips, stories and pre-readingconcepts are incorporated

into our daily themes.

Enrollment for our programs isnow being accepted. Call for moreinformation or an appointment to

visit us to see for yourself.

The foundation of thefuture is built today.

CALL TODAY.860-675-0200

WE MAKELEARNING FUN

WE MAKELEARNING FUN

www.farmingtonearlylearningcenter.com315 Plainville Avenue • Route 177 • Unionville, Connecticut 06085

the airport news — september 2014

Documents

green airport

airport closes

airport officials

airport news w

connecticut airport

airport newspassenger

bradley traffic

airport newsduring winters