Grumpy enjoys all the attention of the crowds at the 2012 Vintage Aircraft Weekend.

Labor Day Weekend delivered beautiful weather and, with it, a very successful Vintage Aircraft Weekend. This was the fifth year for this much anticipated event and that helped Historic Flight Foundation (HFF), along with its Paine Field Partners to deliver a stellar event. Pilots and guests were arriving throughout the first day in anticipation of the Big Band Dinner Dance. Nearly 300 lucky guests enjoyed numerous choices of tapas style gourmet food. Many guests attended in military and civilian attire from the period. This made the dance lessons, given by a pair of dance professionals, even more entertaining. Watching these couples dance to the 15 member, tuxedo-clad "Kings of Swing", while surrounded by shining examples of the HFF aircraft collection was cause for a blurring of decades.

The second day had strong participation by vintage aircraft owners from around the area. Lines were forming even before the gates opened as families anticipated this event's creative blending of aviation and inspiration throughout the day. The food vendors were busy with a crowd that was hungry while participating in all the day had to offer. There was live music, two flying sessions of vintage aircraft, vintage automobiles and military vehicles, as well as bicycles, clothing and uniforms from a bygone era. Kids and parents enjoyed a host of opportunities to interact with displays and vendors. A first class speaker's bureau was headlined by Jessica Cox, whose keynote presentation focused on how she turned "impossible" into "accomplishment." Born without arms, Jessica now flies airplanes, drives cars and otherwise lives a normal life using her feet as others use their hands.

An event like this can only succeed with the support of a cadre of talented, inspired volunteers. At the conclusion of the day, a volunteer BBQ dinner provided recognition and thank you for a successful day.

This year's event included a broader marketing effort than years past. The support of the Snohomish County Tourism Promotion Area allowed promotions and marketing to reach locations as far away as Vancouver, BC and the Portland area. A post event survey by Historic Flight Foundation showed the promotions were successful in bringing visitors from farther afield and the associated hotel stays supported the local economy.

Mark your calendars (and brush up on your swing step) - next year's dates have already been set for August 30 - 31, 2013. See you then!

The FAA Office of Safety and Operations and the FAA Runway Safety Office have noted a slow but steady increase in the numbers of Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations and Runway Incursions during the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2012. These increasing numbers have resulted in serious Runway Incursions that in some instances narrowly averted catastrophic consequences. Whether the increase is a result of increased reporting, a longer construction season, or airport congestion, this trend needs to be addressed by all the stakeholders in the airport environment. Because of this trend, the FAA has issued a CertAlert to all airports which hold Part 139 certificates.  The CertAlert makes a number of suggestions to the airport operator and vehicle drivers to assist in improving situational awareness and lowering the risk of incursions.  Additional information, current news, important messages and training aids can be found at the FAA's website:  http://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/

 

5,144 sq. ft. of mixed office/ manufacturing/ warehouse space:  Suite S of the IAC Building

3,742 sq. ft. of office space (mountain views) with ability to subdivide:  Second Floor of the C-3 Building

Wright Brothers First Flight

Historic Flight Foundation (HFF) is pleased to announce a fall/winter seminar series chaired by noted aviation historian and author Mike Lavelle. Join HFF for an historic journey covering 500 years of aeronautical efforts. Intended for anyone with an interest in aviation, the seminars will benefit those who wish to pursue their own historical aviation research, writing and presentations.

The series consists of three consecutive Saturday sessions and two December workshops. The first session was held on September 29.  During the workshops, students will prepare presentations on historical topics drawn from the subject matter of the first three sessions. On December 8, HFF will identify several student presenters to share their knowledge of aviation history with local schools as "outreach ambassadors."

The first session featured Leonardo da Vinci and the first balloons and early airships, then the fixed-wing pioneers, early aeronautical concepts, and the accomplishments of those who nearly achieved powered flight. The session  finished with a look at the Wright Brothers.

The second session (October 6) will examine the evolution of aviation during WWI and how the industry sustained itself between WWI and WWII as the aviation manufacturers came of age. This session will also address the US Air Mail system, early airlines, and business aviation.

The third session (October 13) will focus on the years from 1939 to 1946. The primary emphasis will be on the strategies and tactics of air power. The Battle of Britain, the Boeing B-17, and home front manufacturing of the B-29 will be discussed.

The remaining Saturday sessions on  October 6 and 13 will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at noon with a no-host lunch afterward. The workshops on December 1 and 8 also will begin at 8 a.m. Student presentations will highlight the workshop on December 8. The cost of the entire seminar series is $100 per person with a $25 discount for HFF members. The class is limited to 20 participants.

For more information or to sign up please go to the Historic Flight Foundation's website at http://historicflight.org/hf/.

National Fire Prevention Week is October 7 - 13, 2012 and attention is focused on promoting fire safety and prevention. However fire safety should be practiced all year long. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people do not take steps to fireproof their home.

Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed, and children playing with matches and lighters. Most potential hazards can be addressed with a little common sense. For example, be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles, and never smoke in bed. Also, items like appliances or electric blankets should not be operated if they have frayed power cords, and electrical outlets should never be overloaded.

Fire Safety Checklist: 

• Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.  Usually the best time to remind yourself is at Daylights Savings Time changes in the fall and the spring. 
• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
• Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire.
• Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
• Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches. Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.

Let's all do our part to promote fire safety.