INSIDE - Idaho Transportation DepartmentSales for Western Aircraft, which is one of the West’s largest corporate aviation service providers and is located at Boise’s Gowen Field.

President Barack ObamaThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NWWashington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, I write to ask for your support in recognizing the vital importance of general aviation. It has afundamental role in our nation’s economy – especially to rural and lightly populated states like Idaho.General aviation supports more than 1 million jobs nationwide, and needs your help now. As one of the few manufacturing sectors that contribute to the balance of trade, general aviation hasbeen hit hard by the economic downturn with the loss of more than 20,000 aviation-sector employees. For all states, including Idaho, general aviation represents a critical connection to economic opportunityand global markets. What’s more, general aviation plays a crucial public role every day through cropprotection, disaster response, law enforcement, or critically needed services such as blood, organ orpatient transportation. The bottom line is that raising taxes on critical sectors of our economy will do us more harm thangood by putting more jobs at risk. I encourage you to join me in opposing the new “user fee” taxesthat will be placed on general aviation operators. Thank you for keeping our concerns and the concerns of our citizens and businesses in mind, andfor your positive consideration of this issue.

As Always – Idaho, “Esto Perpetua”

C.L. “Butch” OtterGovernor of Idaho

Spring 2012 Vol 58, Issue 2Serving Idaho’s Aviation Community for over 65 Years

Colleen Back..................... 2

Color of Aviation.............. 3

Radio Chatter .................. 4

Air Worthy ...................... 5

“New” Medical Exam...... 6

Calendar of Events.......... 12

AERONA U T I C S

I N S I D E

Governor Otter, with the Senate’sapproval, recently selected Colleen Backas the newest member of the AeronauticsAdvisory Board (AAB). She willrepresent Districts 3 and 4.

Colleen moved to Idaho seven yearsago to become Vice President (VP) ofSales for Western Aircraft, which is oneof the West’s largest corporate aviationservice providers and is located at Boise’sGowen Field. A graduate of XavierUniversity in Cincinnati with a degreein business, she spent 15 years at Procter

Page 2 Rudder Flutter

VP of National Sales for WesternAircraft’s parent company, GreenwichAeroGroup, and is currently managingthe sales team for Western Aircraft, aswell as other companies within theGreenwich network.The Rudder Flutter is published by the Idaho Division

of 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.

been so positive and supportive in mycareer. I look forward to working withthe Aeronautics Advisory Board andAeronautics, and to doing somethinggood for Idaho aviation.”

Colleen is already making good onher goal of giving back to thecommunity and being a positiveinfluence. She is currently VicePresident of the Idaho AviationFoundation, which routinely workswith state and other governmentagencies to preserve and promoteIdaho’s backcountry aviation heritage.She has also served as Director of theIdaho Business Aviation Associationand is active in the Idaho AviationAssociation, the Aircraft Owners and

Governor Selects Western AircraftVP for Aeronautics Advisory Board

in her professional career, she waslooking for somewhere to settle downand Idaho with its pristine beauty fitperfectly within her plan. Becoming amember of the AAB would fulfill herdesire to learn more about the state’slegislative process and how it interfaceswith aviation.

“Business aviation and airports areimportant economic engines for thecommunity,” she told me. “Preservingairports, growing commerce, andbuilding solid relationships within thestate, and between state and federalagencies is the key to supercharging thiseconomic engine. By working towardthis goal, I would like to be a positiveinfluence for the community that has

I had a few moments to speakwith her recently and asked herabout her selection: why sheapplied for the position, what shehoped to gain from theappointment, and what shewanted to do as an AAB member.

An avid aviator and backcountry enthusiast, Colleen’s loveaffair with aviation is rooted inher childhood where she grew uparound small, piston-poweredaircraft. Having moved frequently

Pilots Association, and the NationalBusiness Aviation Association. She ownsa 1960 C-182, which she uses to accessIdaho’s wilderness and follow her otherloves of backpacking and hiking. Aspart of this pursuit, Colleen foundedIdaho Mountain Recreation to helphikers safely and responsibly enjoyIdaho’s outdoors.

Very personable and always quickwith a friendly smile, we welcomeColleen to Aeronautics, congratulatingand wishing her every success duringher tenure.

Photos courtesy of Colleen Back

Colleen with her parents and Ally theWondermutt at Upper Loon

By: Frank LesterSafety/Education Coordinator

and Gamblein bothFinancialManagementand SalesManagementbeforemoving toColoradoand then onto Idaho. In2010, shewas named

Spring 2012 Page 3

See EllisonContinued on

page 9

Remembering Warren EllisonThe Color of Aviation:

Finally, a bone was removed and theankle fused, causing a pronounced limpand weakening his leg, a condition hewould be self-conscious of for the restof his life. Although the ankle remaineda problem, he could still fly, just not inthe military.

All flying was restricted near thecoast during WW II, and since he was

Warren Ellison’s first exposure toaviation was in 1925 when his fatherpurchased a surplus Curtiss Jenny. Hisdad added extensions to the rudder bar,so his young boys could reach it. Therewas always someone at the house fromthe airport; being surrounded byaviation pioneers, the likes of HapRoundtree, Howard Maish (ATP 68)and George De Beeson (autopilotinventor), made the decision to fly easy.At 16 years old, he began working onhis pilot ratings and a career was born.

After high school, when he beganworking for Northwest Airlines inSeattle, he purchased his first airplane.In early 1941, the war was alreadyraging in Europe and his ambition tofly fighters in that conflict sent him toCanada as a volunteer in the CanadianAir Force. He returned home to obtainhis parents approval and to sell hisairplane. But the sale never happened.While delivering his aircraft to the newowner, gale force winds from a fast-moving Pacific storm caught him ontakeoff, destroying the airplane andbreaking his ankle in the ensuing crash.

now classified 4F and unable to join themilitary, he moved inland and took aflying job in Coeur d’Alene with Buroker-Hicks Flying Service. Bob Fogg, aJohnson Flying Service pilot, was passingthrough and asked him what he wasdoing there. Fogg told Warren of theneed for pilots in Missoula, and in 1943he followed Bob’s advice and joinedJohnson Flying Service as an instructor

By: Dennis EllisonNot to be distractedfrom his goal, he wasback in the cockpitwithin two months,annotating in hislogbook, “…with splintand all.”

However, whatappeared to be a simplebroken bone became asource of trouble and thecause of repeated staysin the hospital over thenext year. A severeinfection turned lifethreatening and onlyintervention by hisfamily doctor preventedamputation of his leg.

Warren Ellison conferring with other Johnson Pilots(Penn Storr, third from left, Ellison to his immediateleft, Bob Johnson, far right)

Warren’s first logbook and certificates

for the US ArmyAir Corps cadetprogram.Although hisinjury preventedhim fromentering the war,he instructedmore than 180cadets for theArmy and Navy,logging over1,500 hours insupport of thewar effort.

Bob Johnsonand his crews atJohnson FlyingService wereinstrumental in


Radio ChatterBy: Frank LesterSafety/Education Coordinator

Throughout our lives we continuallymake adjustments, adapting to the changeswe must inevitably face. They can besimple, such as the cancellation of aplanned visit or vacation; they can besignificant like marriage, children, changingjobs or moving to a new town; and theycan be devastating like the loss of a lovedone. Regardless of how they affect us orhow much we hate them, they will alwaysbe there. We can’t ignore them.

Retirement is no different, in spiteof what we say. No matter how anxiouswe are about the new life that awaits us,the thought of leaving behind friends,of leaving behind the satisfaction we findin our work, and the realization that lifewill continue on without us, lurks silentlyin the shadows of our minds, adding ashade of melancholy to our impendingdeparture.

Most of us can look back at onemoment in our lives that was indeed the“best of times.” It is that one momentwhere everything fell into place; amoment when the stars were perfectlyaligned; a moment that we would neverforget. “That was the one,” we’d say.“Yeah, that one was the best.”

My moment began the day I signedon at Aeronautics. I liked being herebecause it reminded me of my days in aflying squadron; it just felt good. But asI think a little harder, it was also in thecards. I had a small detachment of T-37smany years ago that was actually a linkto my future here. Really! Our call signwas Bart, and the mission (named bysome unknown military genius deep inthe bowels of command headquarterstasked with coming up with suchattention-grabbing and monumentalnames) was deemed Accelerated CopilotEnrichment—ACE for short. Then Icame to Aeronautics; the administratorwho hired me was a gentleman namedBart, and I was in charge of a programcalled Aviation Career Exploration—ACE. Wow! Oh well, probably notworthy of Oscar consideration, but itsounded good to me.

The last 15years have beentruly challenging,but immenselysatisfying, especiallyas editor of theRudder Flutter. Mygoal has alwaysbeen to produce apublication to beproud of, thatwould be a voicewhere one couldshare their personalnarration. Theanecdotes, thestories, the

However, thetime has come, asit always does, tomove on to otherthings. From thedeepest cornersof my heart Ithank you for allyou have givenme: yourcompliments,your concerns,your criticisms,and yourencouragement. Ihave grownimmensely inspirit andappreciation overthe years justhaving knownyou. Each andevery success Ihave experienced

accomplishments, the history that formsthe rich and colorful tapestry of Idahoaviation, is the sustenance and vitalityof this publication. I have met manyalong the way: those who have sharedtheir thoughts and regaled me with theirstories; those I have had the good fortuneto work for and with, all who havebecome good friends, each of you havemade an indelible imprint on my life,something I will always carry with me.I can honestly say that every day, I cameto work with a smile on my face. It hasbeen great fun, an absolute hoot, andwhen I look back, I can say, “Yeah…thatwas the time; the best of times.”

would never have been possible withoutyour participation and support. It hasdefinitely been an honor to serve you.

Well, the old bird is safely tuckedaway in the hangar and our flight planis closed. It is time for our final adios.I wish each of you fair weather andcalm winds on every flight. Please, flysafe; fly smart, and until we meet again,“Vaya con dios.”

This is Radio Chatter…over…and out.

— 30 —

The Bottom Line.Photo courtesy of Mark Hall

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 !

andPASS IT ON…IMMEDIATELY!!!

of the phrase “Fair Winds andFollowing Seas” is unknown. Researchtells me it is a combination of twophrases that, over the last century, haveevolved, by usage, into a single phrasewhich is often used as a nauticalblessing or a traditional naval farewell.

The Dictionary of AmericanRegional English defines “Fair Wind”as “safe journey; good fortune.” Anearly example of the phrase’s use is inHerman Melville’s Moby Dick,published in 1851, where, near the endof the book, Melville writes “Let mesquare the yards, while we may, oldman, and make a fair wind of ithomeward.” In other words, let mesquare the yards (add on all sail) andmake a safe journey home.

Bowditch’s American PracticalNavigator defines “Following Sea” as“A sea in which the waves move in thegeneral direction of the heading.” Putanother way, if the waves of the bodyof water are heading in the samedirection as the sailor, then the wateris “following” the sailor’s boat - thewater is helping the boat along, notimpeding its progress.

So, combining these two phrasesand wishing a departing voyager “FairWinds and Following Seas” wishesthem a safe journey with noimpediments. To that end, I would liketo wish Frank Lester “Fair Winds andFollowing Seas” upon his retirementthis June.

Frank has been at the Division ofAeronautics since 1997. Gainingvaluable experience helping Melvilleedit Moby Dick, Frank became theeditor of the Rudder Flutter soon after

Spring 2012 Page 5

See Air WorthyContinued on page 9

By: John Lorbeck he started in Aeronautics, and has madethe Rudder Flutter what it is today. Frankgreatly expanded the Rudder Fluttermoving it from a monthly, six-pagenewsletter to a quarterly, twenty-pagemagazine. Frank spiced up the magazineby adding color print, color picturesand his series “Color of Aviation,”covering local aviation celebrities andheroes.

In addition to these many changes,Frank added an editorial column called“Radio Chatter.” In this column, Frankcommented on all things aviationincluding safety matters and upcomingevents. As the new editor of the RudderFlutter, I will continue to comment onaviation related topics. However, out ofprofessional courtesy to Frank, I willretire his column Radio Chatter andstart a new column.

Airworthiness is defined in FAR§91.7 (b), “The pilot in command of acivil aircraft is responsible fordetermining whether that aircraft is incondition for safe flight.” As a play onthe word “airworthiness,” I will becalling my column “Air Worthy.” I willuse the column to keep pilots informedabout aviation related mattersthroughout Idaho and to talk to pilotsabout keeping aircraft (and pilots) incondition for safe flight. I welcome allfeedback to the Rudder Flutter and tothe Air Worthy column. Please sendinput to [email protected].

Frank and his column Radio Chatterwill be sorely missed, and it will be hardto fill his shoes. However, I look forwardto working with all of you in the futureand thank you in advance for yoursupport. Cheers.

A Blast From the Past

Aeronautics is currently scanningall of the old copies of the Rudder Flutterin their archives, and uploading themto the Aeronautics website. The projectshould be completed by June 29.

Unfortunately, our archives are notcomplete. The first issues of the RudderFlutter were printed in early 1947, butthe earliest we have in our files is 1954.

Air WorthyFair Winds andFollowing Seas

In the UnitedStates Navy, acommon farewellto a retiring sailoris “Fair Windsand FollowingSeas.” The origin

If you find copies that predate 1954,please send us a copy or bring it by,and we will scan it in.

This should be an exciting opportunityto revisit a little of Idaho’s past.

SP Aircraft

I recently spoke with Andy Patrickat SP Aircraft in Boise. Andy would liketo thank folks for their prayers andsupport after the unfortunate passingof his Dad, Scott, last September. Scottwill be missed terribly. Andy would alsolike you to know that after a shortinterruption in operations, SP Aircraftis up and running and looks forwardto continuing to meet your executivetravel and backcountry flying needs. SPAircraft has all of their single engineaircraft in operation and will be addingpressurized twins in the very near future.Andy says “We plan to keep our pricesabout the same as last year and, in anyevent, you can expect to receive qualityservice at a reasonable price.” ContactSP Aviation at 208-383-3323 or 800-842-6153, fax 208-383-9969.


finalized one – you and your doctor canreview it before it is sent to the FAA.This could be very important!! Again,look at the “TIP” on page 3 of the“Medxpress program for pilots” page -FAA MedXPress Program for Pilots- Your Express Lane to MedicalCertification. This is on the FAAwebsite – Pilot Safety Brochures. It saysyou can click on the “Save Now” button,a great recommendation.

Here is what the FAA recommendsin their review;1. Connect to MedXPress at

https://medxpress.faa.gov2. Create an account or login using

your existing account3. Enter your medical application data4. Submit the application (recommend

SAVE until you see your doctor,then SUBMIT)

5. Print a summary sheet6. Give summary sheet with the

confirmation number to your AME

If you cannot complete the 8500online, work with your physician. Heor she wants you to get it correct andcan help you do that. It is actually veryeasy if you are accustomed to computersand such, so don’t sweat it! We – oryour grandkids – will help you!

Be Well,Paul Collins & Mike Weiss

Progress can be defined as “positivedevelopment toward achieving a goalor reaching a higher standard.” The FAAis making progress in reducingpaperwork by requiring you to fill outyour flight physical 8500 form online.After October 1, 2012, you will berequired to have the 8500 formcompleted online before you see thedoctor.

There are good and bad aspectsregarding this change. If you do nothave computer access, or you just needmore time to adjust to the idea of onlineforms, get a flight physical beforeOctober 2012. However, if you are likemost of us and moving forward withthe change, please accept our guidancethrough the process.

First, learn more about the FAA,pilot safety, and medical issues byreading the articles offered athttp://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/.

Second, read the pilot safetybrochure on that website titled “FAAMedXPress Program for Pilots - YourExpress Lane to Medical Certification.”This will explain the new FAA processand provide information on How toCreate an Account, How to Login,Application Forms, ConfirmationNumber, and so forth.

Lastly, go tohttps://medexpress.faa.gov/ to create

The “New” Medical ExamAviation Medical Matters

By: Paul Collins, MD, AME andMike Weiss, MD, MPG, AME, CFII

your account. The first time you loginto MedXPress, you will be requiredto enter three security questions andanswers. You MUST remember all ofthem. Complete the rest of the menu-driven registration. Once you completethis, you will receive an e-mailconfirmation that your account has beencreated. Using the information containedwithin the e-mail, you can enter apermanent password. Do not forget orlose this password; if you do forget orlose your password, you cannotcomplete your 8500. Each pilot MUSThave his or her private FAA medicalaccount.

After you have your personalaccount set up, fill out the 8500 formonline. You will be familiar with thequestions because the online 8500 isexactly the same as the paper 8500 youfilled out at the doctor’s office. Onceyou have the form filled out, we stronglyrecommend that you hit the SAVE NOWbutton on the bottom of the 8500 formand log off! If you do this, your 8500form remains in place and can bereviewed with your AME.

If you hit the “I’m done/Send MyApplication to the FAA” option and thenhit “select,” your 8500 is permanentlyentered! With this, the 8500 remainsunchangeable and is effective for only60 days.

I also suggest that you record theconfirmation number the FAA sendsyou. If you are ready to have your

Leather Seats Are Our Specialty

Boise, IdahoTel (208) 465-5035

physical exam done inthe next 60 days, andyou are comfortablewith the informationyou have provided,bravo! However, werecommend that youdo not finalize the8500 informationuntil you review itwith your doctor. Ifyou are working withyour 8500 as a “saved”document – not a

Spring 2012 Page 7


The Payette County Commissioners,City of Payette, the Payette CountyChamber of Commerce, and the Friendsof the Payette Airport sponsored thePayette Municipal Airport runway

the runway and taxiway were resurfacedand the airport was able to install aself-service fuel station that deliversboth 100LL and autogas toaccommodate planes and other vehiclesinterested in using the airport’s fuel.Construction is planned to extend therunway an additional 500'.

Although Payette Municipal Airportdoes not have an FBO, a courtesy caris available and Mulligan’s, a very nicerestaurant, is just across the field at theScotch Pines Golf Course.

– Editor

The annual Idaho IA RenewalSeminar has moved! For the first timein a number of years, the annual IARenewal Seminar was not held in Boise.Previously, the Idaho Division ofAeronautics hosted this annual event.Last fall, the Division of Aeronauticsasked the ISU Aircraft MaintenanceSchool if we would host future renewalseminars. We were glad to accept thischallenge.

The 2012 IA Renewal Seminar washeld on February 24th at the RamadaInn in Pocatello; fifty-five mechanicswere in attendance. The seminar was acombined effort between the AircraftMaintenance School (which coordinatedthe program certification and presenters)and ISU Workforce Training (whicharranged the logistics, and the Salt Lakeand Boise Flight Standards DistrictOffices (FSDO)).

Presentations were made by RobertMartinez from the Boise FSDO whospoke on human factors associated withmaintenance repair problems; CammiePatch, CEO of Glass Cockpit, who spokeabout Light Sport Aircraft and theirmaintenance-related issues; MichaelEvans who spoke about Human Factorsin Aviation Maintenance Failures; JoeBrown of Western Aircraft, whodiscussed batteries and batterymaintenance; and Mike Schmidt, VicePresident of Emerging LifesavingTechnology (ELT), who discussed thenew 406 ELT’s and related testequipment. We also had a webinarpresentation by Cessna Aircraft on thenew single engine inspection programfor aging Cessna Aircraft.

Idaho State University is lookingforward to hosting next year’s IARenewal Seminar. To make thesemeetings as informative as possible, weneed your input. Please let us knowwhat subjects you would like to havediscussed and what dates work best foryou. As many of our presenters are inhigh demand, please let us know soonso we can book accordingly. Call Peteat 208-232-8485 or email me [email protected]. Hope to see you atnext year’s IA Renewal Seminar.

Inspection Authorization(IA) Renewal SeminarFinds a New HomeBy: Peter Stewart, Idaho State University

Originally reported by Larry Hurrle,Editor of the Argus Observer

Payette Idaho – Airport Runway Dedication

dedication on Saturday, March 10, 2012.The runway and taxiway at the airportwas in dire need of resurfacing. Thanksto funds provided by the City of Payetteand the Idaho Division of Aeronautics,

Spring 2012 Page 9

Air WorthyContinued from page 5

Rigby Airport Upgrades

Rigby Airport recently enlarged theturn-around area at the end of runway19 and added 500' of taxiway and poweron the southeast side of the airportmaking space for many new hangars.There are size and height limitations onthe hangars you can build, but for anaccess fee of $100 per year and $0.10per square foot, it will be hard to finda better deal. For more details, contactthe airport treasurer Dennis Adams at

[email protected] or the airportBoard Chairman John Anderson [email protected].

Did You Ever Wonder?

Did you ever wonder about thoseorange balls attached to power lines andother overhead wires? The FAA refersto those balls as spherical markers andthey are used because it is impracticalto make the wires conspicuous bypainting. Markers used on extensivewires across a canyon, a lake, or a river

EllisonContinued from page 3

the early efforts to use aircraft to supportthe U.S. Forest Service. Some operationswere rather crude and consisted of basicallypushing cargo out the door in free fall. The“static line” parachute improved theaccuracy of cargo delivery and in 1939 themethod was employed to drop firefightersexactly where they were needed to fightforest fires. Warren was involved in theearly years of developing and honing theprocedure into what came to be known assmoke jumping. The lessons learned werealso applied to the airborne deploymentof military special operations units andparatroopers. Johnson Flying Serviceprovided the pilots, the airplanes, and theequipment that were unavailable elsewhere.

Aside from training military cadetsand dropping jumpers during WWII,Johnson’s pilots flew charters, hauledfreight and mail, performed aerialwildlife surveys, measured back countrysnow packs and patrolled for fires.Efforts to develop and improve methodsfor the aerial application of insecticidesand for fire suppression were on-goingas well. Johnson’s pilots also flewthousands of hours hauling troops andmaterial. The hours were long, theequipment well used and the airfieldsoften primitive. Working conditionswere often hazardous and the pay waslow, but to be a Johnson pilot was tobe considered as one of the best, andWarren was one of Johnson’s primarypilots well into the 1950s.

To better support his family, Warrendecided it was time to move on.Corporate flying offered opportunityand growth, and he began a new careerin business aviation with Pack RiverLumber in North Idaho. But times weretough for the company and they soonsold their airplane.

From there he moved on to TBMAvengers, flying major timber sprayprojects against the Canadian Budworm,grasshoppers and other pests. He alsoflew aerial fire suppression. At onepoint, he was asked to demonstrate“water bombing” to Canadian officialsusing the TBM. They doubted itsaccuracy. Warren had a water truckparked on the airfield and asked the

driver to “…makesure you leave it inneutral with thebrakes off.” Thefirst pass explodedthe truck’swindows, dentedthe roof, and sentthe truck rollingdown the runway.The company gotthe contract.

In Florida,Warren flew the C-82 “Boxcar” against

aviation organizations. A longtimemember of the Quiet Birdmen, he wasa key in helping establish the Boisehangar. He served as an officer for theOX-5 club, an organization dedicatedto the preservation of aviation history.He assisted Wayne White, then a BoiseState professor, in the compilation ofthe three-volume set “A History ofAviation in Idaho.” Warren’s closeassociation with many of Idaho’s aviationpersonalities enabled Wayne todocument much of the state’s earlyaviation history, which would haveotherwise gone unrecorded. He alsoprovided technical and historicalassistance to Dick Williams for his DVD“Mountain Flying,” to Richard Holm Jr.for his document “The Real Story of theLoon Lake Bomber,” and to Steve Smith,author of “Fly the Biggest Piece Back.”He was inducted into the MontanaMuseum of Mountain Flying in 2002and is a member of the National SmokeJumpers Association. Warren Ellisonpassed away on February 8th, 2008.

Photos courtesy of Dennis Ellison

the Mediterranean fruit fly. This andefforts against other timber threats weresome of the largest aerial applicationprojects to date.

In the end, he returned to corporateflying, and for the next decade workedfor Halvorson Construction Company,and then as Chief Pilot for AlbertsonFood Stores, eventually working directlyfor Joe Albertson. Warren envisionedthe airplane as an importantmanagement tool, where executivescould travel the country, and accomplishtheir work for a fraction of the time andmoney that it would take using theairlines. Real estate, construction sitesand urban areas could all be surveyedfrom the air, including other factors suchas population, access and traffic. In theend, the airplane played a major role inAlbertsons’ growth during its early years.

Warren was a dedicated supporterof aviation. Not only did he help manypursue a career in aviation, but in hislater years he was also active in many

See Air WorthyContinued on page 17


The Train has Left the Stationwill, unfortunately, take much corporateknowledge and skills with him uponhis departure. He has certainly givenhis all toward increasing awareness ofaviation in the State of Idaho and is arespected and influential member of theaviation community.

Throughout my time at Aeronautics,I have learned many things from Frank:• ALWAYS close your flight plan,• Although Frank is a healthy eater, I

know secretly he likes Twinkies,Vienna sausages and Zingers,

• A piece of wood and some plasticglued together is called a Theodoliteand really does have something todo with airplanes,

• Navigation is a skill not everyonepossesses,

• The stall warning going off is notpart of the landing procedure,

• Stand up for what you believe to beright,

• Admit when you are wrong, and• Always be a good friend and

co-worker.

In March, 2008, Frank started acolumn called “The Color of Aviation”in which he dedicated a page or two ofspace in the Rudder Flutter to recognizepioneers and influential people in theIdaho aviation world. He has been thedriving force behind many inductionsinto the Idaho Aviation Hall of Fameand is an advocate for teaching youthabout aviation, as is evidenced throughthe ACE Academy, Teacher Aviationworkshops and many career events hehas done over the years.

Everywhere I went with Frank therewas someone who came up to shake hishand and thank him for one thing oranother. He has truly done his level bestto meet everyone in the aviationcommunity and has become acoordinator, teacher, philosopher, pilot,comedian, writer, motivator and masternetworker. Although he may give youa lot of grief, Frank is always the firstto recognize you for a job well done andis the last to worry about the tiny detailsthat might be messed up.

Of all the things I learned fromFrank, the one that stick out the mostis the fact that once you get somethingplanned out, it’s going to happen,regardless of the little issues you mighthave along the way. In the midst of thephone calls, meetings and planning, hewould say, “The train has left thestation….All we have to do is stay offthe tracks.”

So Frank, I give you back the adviceyou gave me. The train has left thestation - only this time, I hope you boardthat train to regions unknown andthoroughly enjoy your adventure!

By Tammy SchoenIn the

Summer, 1997issue of theRudder Flutter,which was Frank’sfirst issue, he says“…I firmly believeit is up to all of usto get ‘the word’out, not only toincrease safetyawareness butalso, to increase interest in aviation asa career. Your thoughts are welcomeand I look forward to the opportunityto work with everyone in the aviationcommunity. …I am looking forsuggestions to spruce up the ole‘Flutter’.”

That issue was all black and whitewith no photos and six-pages long.Frank added the Radio Chatter columnin the Fall of 1999, the new Mastheadin the Summer of 2001, colored photosin the Fall of 2005, The Color ofAviation in Spring of 2008 and now itincludes all of those upgrades and is afull-color publication with plenty ofphotos and is 20-pages long. It hasgrown like a weed under Frank’swatchful eye, careful editing and totaloveruse of the semi-colon.

Frank and I have been co-editingthe Rudder Flutter since the spring 2003issue and we had some pretty greatdebates over punctuation and the properuse and placement of words. It has allpaid off as every issue seems to getbetter and better. It figures; just as wefigure it out and work well together heleaves. He either finally realized I wasright the entire time or he’s getting backat me by making me start all over withanother Editor! Whatever the reason,the process of doing the Rudder Flutterwon’t be the same.

From the beautiful newsletter thatthe Rudder Flutter has become; to theSafe Pilot Seminars and the TeacherAviation workshops; to the ACEAcademy for high school students andthe Aviation Festival and Family Fly-in, Frank has become an irreplaceableasset in the Division of Aeronautics and

In his 15 years of service, Frank hasseen great programs come and go andhas been instrumental in the successesachieved throughout them all. At timeshe would say he was feeling like he was“behind the 8-ball,” but no matter whatFrank was doing at the time, it alwaysended well and lessons were alwayslearned. There is only one project Iknow of that Frank has yet to conquer,and that is the remodel of his house.Perhaps now he will finally have thetime to get that project done.

Spring 2012 Page 11

Frank cruising ina fabulous loanercar from ForrestBird during theweek of the IdahoAviationWorkshops forTeachers.

-Petra Rose

Congratulations Frank!I’m going to miss your smiling face atAeronautics. You’ve touched so manylives with the ACE Academy. Your legacywill go on and on. Enjoy the next chapter

of your life!- Pam Staton

When I think of all the times I came to Idaho to work with Frank, I neverhad more fun. Each trip was unique and I learned more than I couldpossibly give back. Of course, getting Spuds bars was the REAL reason Iwanted to come back!!! What I am going to miss most is the chance to flywith Frank. I am a low time flatlander and he is the professional. We hit itoff perfectly in the cockpit during all of our flights. We could talk for hoursabout flying and other things during our trips. And we would always sayhow the other sucked at the controls. In my case, certainly true. In Frank’scase, a gross exaggeration on my part! Frank, everywhere I look I see a“Flat W”. Thanks buddy!!!! Wishing you the best during your retirementand don’t forget to fix up the house, take care of the lawn, repair the cars,and anything else Alice says!!!! Blue Skies -Rich

One thing Frank always said when he was running the Fly-In in McCall …once the event was underway; he’d always talk about how the “train hasleft the station, just get out of the way” … I’ve actually repeated that somany times when planning and implementing events. Frank knows hisstuff! So true … step out of the way or get run over. :) Sometimes thesethings have a way of taking care of themselves. So happy for Frank(mostly jealous). -Darla Christiansen

Frank, In your retirement years life should go much smoother foryou. In any event, when you decide to take the family on vacation,please remember to actually load them in the car before leaving(unlike attempting to fly off into Never Never land leaving your paxin our lobby). Also, when you arrive at your vacation destination,please try to remember to shut your car off before disembarkingand locking your keys in the vehicle while still idling. Other thanthat, enjoy your retirement. It was truly fun working with you myfriend; keep your chin up regardless of the situation, the wind atyour back, and fair skies ahead. -M1

Frank has helped me/us pilots in so manyways. I don’t have a picture of him at theFlying B, but he flew up there to talk to theHusky pilots about safety in the Frank Church,and it was great! No accidents!! He hadexperience, knowledge, and judgment - weall needed more of it!! -Paul Collins MD

Suzie, Mike, Pete,and Frank in front.

Frank (center) andbrothers in 1971.


Calendar of Events

Email your event information to [email protected] for inclusionin the Rudder Flutter and the Aeronautics website.

Spring 2012 Page 13

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McCall Mountain/Canyon FlyingSeminars was recently invited to be theguest of the largest Indonesian airlineand to provide specialized trainingunique to the McCall program. TheOperations team of Susi Air, based outof Pangandaran, Indonesia, contactedLori MacNichol, Owner/Operator ofMountain/Canyon Flying Seminars, inmid-February after reviewing herwebsite and reading her onlinebiography. Susi Airlines employs 170

completion certificate, but also a wealthof life-saving knowledge. The McCall-based company was able to develop acourse curriculum that fit Susi’s aircraft,the Indonesian climate, and its culturalneeds, without compromising theprinciples that have guidedMountain/Canyon Flying Seminars sinceits founding 16 years ago.

After the whirlwind trip, Lori said,“It was truly an amazing experience inthe respect that we were able to touchthe lives of so many young aviators anddeliver the piloting skills, knowledgeand mind-set that will serve them wellinto the future.”

Lori’s small school has receivedinternational recognition for its premierwilderness and backcountry flighttraining, and its strong emphasis onsafety. She hopes to gain as muchknowledge in return through moreexperiences like this one, and is currentlypreparing to visit Indonesia again in lateSeptember to conduct another program.

Photos courtesy of McCall Mountain/Canyon Flying Seminars

McCall Mountain/Canyon FlyingSeminars specializes in advanced aviationsafety and flight training in mountainousand remote regions across the world. Formore information, go to:www.mountaincanyonflying.com

– Editor

By: Madison MacNichol

pilots and conducts commercial flightsto remote areas and out-of-the-wayislands where strips are usually less than1,600' long and not often paved – aperfect fit for Lori and her company.She agreed immediately.

On February 17th, Lori and two ofher instructors, Rich Bush and HolbrookMaslen, headed to the country’s capitalof Jakarta armed with a combined63,000 hours of flight time andexperience, and a tremendous amountof passion for their trade. Upon arrival,they encountered a few surprises; themetric system and unaccustomedaccents on the radio. After only a fewdays, Lori wrote in an email, “Thetrainees were eager to learn, and were

very welcomingand helpful.”

After nearlytwo weeks and155 hours offlight instructionin various types ofaircraft, includingCessna Caravansand PilatusPorters, 68 ofSusi’s pilots hadcompleted thetraining. For theirefforts, they notonly received acourse

The Employees of Susi Air

Lori with local villagers in front of one of Susi’s Caravans

(L-R) Rick Bush, Lori MacNichol,and Holbrook Maslen

Mountain/Canyon Flight Training in Indonesia

Spring 2012 Page 15


from Northeastern Oregon to Idaho andMontana where they would sell the stouthorses to the military and others. In 1877,Chief Joseph crossed the Snake River atDug Bar with his entire tribe of men,women and livestock. This began his epic1600 mile trek to outrun the cavalry. Inthe winter of 1886-87, a group of horsethieves living in a cabin at the nearby DugBasin plotted to kill some local Chinesegold miners and take their gold. This wasthe beginning of what history now callsthe “Chinese Massacre.” Doug Tippett,long time rancher and farmer in WallowaCounty, ran an outfitter business out ofDug Bar in the 1960’s and 70’s.

Wallowa County pilots like LemWilson, Bud Stangel, Ted Grote and BudMaxwell have been flying into Hell’sCanyon and Dug Bar for years. The airportis at an elevation of 1120' and is listed inGalen Hanselman’s Fly Idaho book. Therunway is 1650' x 75' with a newwindsock. Always be cognizant of thewinds and temperatures in the Canyonas they can be very unforgiving. The best

months to fly in the Canyon are fromOctober through April, and a personalrule of thumb is to get your flying donein the Canyon before 10:00 AM.

Other strips located in the Hell’sCanyon are Rogersburg, Cache Creek,Salmon Bar, Pittsburg Landing, Big Bar,Temperance Creek (private) and SluiceCreek (emergency only). Before flying intothe Canyon, talk to a local pilot, take aflight with a flight instructor who is familiarwith canyon flying or better yet, take acourse on mountain/canyon flying.

With the help and support of pilotslike yourself and these private and publicagencies, we hope to provide a saferecreational experience for those whochoose to come and enjoy Dug Bar.

Fly Safe.

Please look at the next edition of theRudder Flutter for more information aboutthe upgrades completed on the airfieldat Dug Bar.

– Editor

Cooperation is the common threadthat is making the Dug Bar Airstrip a littlemore accessible to General Aviation (GA)pilots. The Wallowa County PilotsAssociation, a chapter of Idaho AviationAssociation (IAA), is currently workingwith the United States Forest Service(USFS), the IAA, the Idaho Division ofAeronautics, and the Oregon PilotAssociation to make great things happen.These groups are working to make DugBar an aviation recreational area accessibleand safe for pilots and other campers,while causing little to no impact on theenvironment and wildlife in the area. TheIdaho Division of Aeronautics hasdedicated a tractor with a deck mowerto be kept on site to keep the strip mowed.The Wallowa County Pilots Associationhas volunteered to oversee themaintenance of the strip and coordinatelocal work parties.

Dug Bar, located in Eastern Oregonalong the Snake River in WallowaCounty, is currently accessible by vehicle(some three hours past Enterprise,Oregon), by jet boat (a two to threehour ride from Clarkston, WA orLewiston, ID), or by GA aircraft. TheUSFS is the managing agency of theScenic Snake River Corridor locatedwithin the Hell’s Canyon NationalRecreation Area and maintains anouthouse and boat ramp at the site. AUSFS trailhead begins at Dug Bar andtakes you up onto the benches of theSnake River and down along the river.Year-round fishing is available and youcan catch, Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass,

By: Bill Ables, PresidentWallowa County Pilots Association

Trout, Steelhead,and Chinooksalmon when inseason and withthe properlicenses.

Dug Bar has arich history worthexploring. In thelate 1800’s, HankVaughn’s horse-rustling crew usedthe Snake Rivercrossing at Dug Barto trail stolen horses

Dug Bar Airstrip Cooperative Effort

Spring 2012 Page 17

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

ConditionRunway (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

should be no less than 36 inches indiameter, but 20 inch markers are usedon less extensive wires or power linesbelow 50' above the ground and within1,500' of an airport runway end. Themarkers should be recognizable from adistance of at least 4000' and visiblefrom all directions from which an aircraftis likely to approach. Markers are equallyspaced along the distance of the wire at200' (or less) intervals. And most

important to aviators, the markers areusually displayed on the highest wire.I would like to say that again - themarkers are usually displayed onthe highest wire. BEWARE! Thereare exceptions.

I recently flew to Dug Bar tovolunteer some time preparing andmarking the new runway. I took offdownstream and quickly discoveredpower lines crossing the canyon aboutthree miles downstream; I would nothave seen the wires if it weren’t for theorange spherical markers. I flew over

the orange markers only to discoverabout six other power lines below themarkers. Avista Utilities says that thesemarkers are about 875' above the riverelevation but this height can changebased on ambient conditions, the powerload through the wires, and the riverlevel. Avista Utilities does not know theheight of the lowest wire and they donot mark the lowest wire, it is notrequired by law.

Please keep this in mind as you areout and about in the backcountry thisseason.

Air WorthyContinued from page 9

Idaho Division of AeronauticsWe’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 [email protected].

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

Fly It Forward (FIF) 2012 – it wasan affair to remember! From the air ofeager anticipation among the ladiesarriving at Jackson Jet Center for theirfirst small aircraft rides, to the happy

Ponderosa Aero Club congratulatesTanis Partee, David Moler, Rick Laythamand Jennifer Christiano for winningvarious mentions and prizes fromWomen of Aviation International, in

already received requests for airplaneseat reservations and offers for volunteerhelp for FIF 2013. Next year, the goalis to expand the airplane seat capacityto 75 women and girls, as well as addseveral more booths and displays. If youwould like to participate next year orhost a FIF event in your community onMarch 9, 2013, PAC would be glad tooffer advice and assistance. ContactJennifer Christiano at (208) 3860-6077or [email protected]

All in all, FIF 2012 showcased whatcan be accomplished when members ofthe Idaho aviation community and theirsupporters pull together. We all lookforward to building on this experienceand expanding further into ourcommunities next year. Will you join us?

recognition of theirvolunteer work inputting together FIFBoise andpromoting aviationto women. PAC alsooffers a HUGE“Thank You” to IAA,Aeronautics, EAA,the Ninety-Nines,Dowdy’sAutomotive, Markand JenniferMichaud, DMALighting, AndyMarosvari from theBoise control tower,William Foote,Idaho Sand andGravel, Doug andKathy Culley, JohnDavis, “Sharki”Konta, Jackson JetCenter, the BoisePilot Shop, GrahamWeatherley, BarneyRedlich and othersfor helping to fundand staff this event.Together, we madeit a success! PAC has

By Jennifer Christiano,Ponderosa Aero Club

smiles breaking out over bubbly toastsafterwards, FIF provided a splashy startto the Idaho aviation year.

Ponderosa Aero Club (PAC), hostof the event, exceeded their goal ofgiving free airplane rides to 50 womenand girls. By the end of the day, thePonderosa volunteer pilots (WilliamFoote, Rick Laytham, Tanis Partee, DavidMoler and Jennifer Christiano) had taken53 female passengers on their first smallaircraft rides ever. And if smiles weremiles, they flew a million!

But the fun didn’t end in the air.The flying women and their guests alsohad a variety of aviation-themed groundactivities to keep them entertained. Astatic display of general aviationairplanes, including a glass-panel Cessna182 owned by the Civil Air Patrol, andtwo demonstrations by a Boise AirRescue and Fire Fighting Unit fire truckkept visitors busy outdoors. Indoors,guests moved among booths for theIdaho Aviation Association, theExperimental Aircraft Association, theDivision of Aeronautics, the Civil AirPatrol, and the Idaho Ninety-Nines. Abuffet of sandwiches, spring rolls, sweetsand sides took care of hunger pangs,while each female passenger was treatedto a sparkling juice toast and a chocolatetruffle after touchdown. The festivitieswere covered by Channels 2 and 7

News; stories aired at 5:00 PM, 6:00PM and 10:00 PM that evening.

To commemorate the occasion, eachpilot signed an AOPA Certificate of FirstFlight for each of his or her passengers.And before she walked out, every flyingwoman was handed a goody bag that

included a new FlightTraining magazine. Todate, two women havefollowed up by reservingDiscovery flights andcommitting to worktoward their private pilotlicenses, proving thatpublicity events such asFIF really do attractbusiness and positiveattention to generalaviation.

An Affair To Remember

Page 19Spring 2012

Spring 2012

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

INSIDE - Idaho Transportation DepartmentSales for Western Aircraft, which is one of the West’s largest corporate aviation service providers and is located at Boise’s Gowen Field.

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