6-23-10: With all the talk about the proliferation of UAV's it comes to no surprise that the Air Force has decided to put them in space and,  "Use the X-37 to develop space-based UAVs capable of firing weapons at satellites or sites on Earth. Some believe the X-37 will test cameras and new tracking capabilities, and possibly serve as a reusable space-based spy platform that can be quickly deployed and recovered." I wonder if they will use high speed cameras to scan the borders? "The 11,000-lb spacecraft measures 27.5-ft long with a wingspan of 15 ft. Propulsion comes from a Rocketdyne AR-2/3 rocket engine. The spaceplane can remain in orbits ranging from 125 to 575 miles above Earth for a maximum of 270 days."

FCC BANS 121.5 ELTS ~  6-23-10: "The Federal Communications Commission said it will prohibit the sale or use of 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters, effective in August. However, the 121.5 ELTs are allowed under FAA rules. The FCC says that if the 121.5 units are no longer available, aircraft owners and operators will "migrate" to the newer 406.0-406.1 MHz ELTs, which are monitored by satellite, while the 121.5 frequency is not. "Were we to permit continued marketing and use of 121.5 MHz ELTs ... it would engender the risk that aircraft owners and operators would mistakenly rely on those ELTs for the relay of distress alerts," the FCC says. AOPA said today it is opposed to the rule change." The committee that's in charge of coordinating efforts between the FAA and the FCC must be on vacation.

A Replacement For 100LL ~6-23-10: More controversy about 100LL continues with no apparent solution in site. Announcements continue about terminating 100LL but there appears to be no equivalent substitutions. With all the advances in business planning techniques and talk about "Due Diligence," you would think that 100LL wouldn't be taken off the market until a viable alternative has been established. AOPA says, "The association is actively working to build consensus and evaluating potential solutions, although no definitive avgas replacement has yet been found. 

Scooter On The Loose... 6-16-1 If you're looking for Jim's white truck to see if he's on duty at the office you may not see it but he's still there. That's because he's been getting around on his littler red scooter. I don't think he'll be riding to Laconia for motorcycle weekend, but it looks like he gets around town just fine... and the gas mileage can't be beat. Hangar 5 will be a busy place this Friday June 18th with the public meeting being hosted by the Skyhaven Airport Advisory Council. Stop in and meet the new tenants and the SAAC members to find out what's going on and what kind of plans and services that are being worked on.
 

6-8-1:  "FAASTeam Representative and Portland Air Traffic Controller Cheryl Readio will discuss ATC procedures, communication techniques, and surface safety." Also, a Garmin representative Mike Kerrigan will speak about using Garmin navigation products effectively and efficiently to reduce pilot workload. Did you get your postcard invitation from Maine Aviation? Don't forget to get you Garmin Seminar bucks. Looking at Google maps, the Embassy should be within walking distance of the ramp. Don't forget the Seaplane Flyin at Naples!

Activity In Hangar 5! 6-8-1 Hangar 5 is a busy spot lately.With the arrival of Aeroworks LLC and Kelby Ferwerda it's not unusual to see a bunch of cars parked by the hanger. Stop in and say hello and see what kind of services that will help you out in your aviation needs. And if you're new to aviation, that's ok too. Ask for Kelby and get some information on learning how to fly a Cessna 150 for a cost that's designed to meet the tightest budget. While you're there, stop in at the main office and check out the bulletin board to see who's selling their plane. Maybe yours is sitting on the ramp someplace...