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2009 GALA & INDUCTION CEREMONY NOVEMBER 14, 2009    STATEWIDE AVIATION NEWS SHORT WING PIPER GROUP LANDS IN KNOXVILLE July 1, 2009 Knoxville, TN Over 200 pilots, family and friends are attending the 2009 National Short Wing Piper Convention being held this week in Knoxville. Downtown Island Airport has been transformed into a showplace of vintage aircraft flown in by Short Wing Piper member pilots from all over the country. A member from Ireland even made the trip but he came by commercial airline. Visiting aviators are lavishing kudos on Downtown Island Airport Manager Craig Davis and his crew for being such excellent hosts. Convention activities include tours of the Museum of Science & Industry, the Museum of Appalachia, the Gardens of the University of Tennessee and a luncheon at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Seminars being conducted at the Crown Plaza Hotel include aircraft restoration and rigging and how to keep your airman's medical. Evening activities include a dinner cruise on the river. Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Founder and AOPA Southeast Regional Representative Bob Minter delivered the keynote luncheon address on Tuesday. Following his address to a packed kick-off luncheon held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Kenny Brown of Lawrenceburg presented Minter with a plaque which read: "For your many years of dedication and devotion to general aviation, for your guidance and expertise in bringing new pilots into the realm of flight, for ensuring that the rich history of Tennessee aviation will forever be appreciated and preserved, on behalf of the Tennessee Chapter of the Short Wing Piper Club, we extend our thanks." Prior to departures on Friday, Short Wingers will enjoy a Thursday evening Awards Banquet. Their guest speaker will be short wing pilot Sparky Barnes Sargent who has restored her own aircraft, a 1948 Piper PA-17 Vagabond, which took her seven years to complete. Among her many talents, Sparky is an accomplished writer and author. In 2008 she published "A Hunger For The Sky", biographies of women pilots and their extraordinary contributions to aviation. Special thanks to the Tennessee Chapter of SWP for bringing and hosting their National Convention here in Tennessee. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2009 AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES NAMED June 19, 2009 The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame has named the 2009 class of inductees who will be honored and enshrined on November 14, 2009 at the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame's Annual Gala held at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Jennifer C. Baker of Nashville has been a staunch advocate of the aviation maintenance professional for more than 30 years. She was named the Federal Aviation Administration's Tennessee Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year in 1999 and serves on many aviation industry advisory committees. Nashville's Baker's School of Aeronautics enrolls over 1,100 students annually who travel to Tennessee from more than 125 countries around the world. Jim D. Ethridge of Cordova is a former member and chairman of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission and currently serves on the Board of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. Ethridge was elected Chairman of the Airports Council International – North American Commissioners Committee in 2008. Kingsport entrepreneur E. Ward King (1896-1977), will be posthumously inducted. King founded Southeast Airlines in 1956. The airline provided service from Memphis to Tri-Cities and included stops at Jackson, Dyersburg & Union City, Clarksville, Nashville, Tullahoma, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Murfreesboro resident William H. Pickron completed pilot training in 1942 at age 19, the youngest pilot in the Army Air Corps. After a distinguished 26-year career in the United State Air Force, Lt. Col. Pickron became the Chief Pilot for the State of Tennessee where for 12 –years he flew Tennessee Governors, Cabinet members and staff. Aviation legend and Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame member (2002), Evelyn Bryan Johnson of Morristown will be honored at this year's Gala. Mrs. Johnson will celebrate her 100th birthday on November 4th. Plans are being made to encourage a "Reunion" of her friends and former flight students during the TAHF Gala. Downloadable invitation and reservation forms will soon be available at: DOWNLOAD INVITATION & RESERVATION CLICK FOR EMAIL INQUIRY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TENNESSEE AIRPORTS CONFERENCE AGENDA & REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE Click on EVENTS in the header above and go to Tennessee Airports Conference date, click on form and print. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TENNESSEE 4TH GRADER WINS INTERNATIONAL AVIATION ART CONTEST Two Knoxville Students Place in National Aviation Art Contest Awards NASHVILLE — Governor Phil Bredesen congratulated two Knoxville, Tennessee elementary students at the state Capitol May 7th for placing first and second in their age group in a national aviation arts contest. The Governor recognized 4th grader Zeth Akins for placing second in the International Aviation Arts Contest. Student Chihye Kim was recognized for winning her age bracket in the National competition. Both children are students in Ms. Jeanne Hardin's class at Cedar Bluff Elementary School. SEE COMPLETE STORY AND PICTURES BY CLICKING ABOVE ON: CAREERS & EDUCATION * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HOUSE PASSES COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BILL May 22, 2009 Thanks to Tennessee airports, the Aeronautics Division, Aeronautics Commission and the AOPA, proposed legislation that was not good for general aviation airports is now an entirely different Bill. From the beginning, Tennessee's aviation leaders have believed that HB 1122 should have been a local Bill and that any measure destined to become law should contain proper due process. On Thursday, HB 1122 was voted on in the Tennessee House of Representatives. It came to the floor with 15 amendments, most of which exempted general aviation airports from the measure if it passed as originally written. A combined total of 28 amendments had been filed in both houses to date. Last week the AOPA sent members of the General Assembly an email supporting amended language after TDOT/Aeronautics and Aeronautics Commission negotiations with the Bill sponsor completely removed any provisions enabling closure of a general aviation airport. The email also voiced support for a later amendment by Rep. Curtiss. of Sparta, that added much needed due process necessary to eliminate knee-jerk, politically driven motives and provide just cause by establishing an open process in an action taken against a municipal or regional airport authority member or members. After the email was sent to legislators, House Transportation Committee Chairman, Rep. Bill Harmon, of Dunlap, filed an amendment that re-wrote the Bill making it a general bill with local application; application intended in this case only for Sumner County and one of its airports, the Sumner County Regional Airport. Rep. Curtiss' amendment to add due process and Rep. Harmon's re-write amendment were both adopted by the House and all others were then appropriately withdrawn. The Bill now bears no resemblance to the Bill originally filed. Clearly, the opposition voiced by Tennessee's airports, TDOT/Aero, the TAC and the AOPA was heard loud and clear, evidenced by the surviving language now headed to the Senate floor and scheduled for a vote on May 27th. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOPA SENDS MESSAGE TO TENNESSEE LEGISLATORS May 15, 2009 - Amid persistent concerns about HB 1122 / SB 0857 the AOPA sent this message to members of the Tennessee General Assembly today: Dear Member off the Tennessee General Assembly, On behalf of our more than 7,200 members in Tennessee, AOPA has been closely monitoring HB 1122 and SB 0857 since they were originally filed. Although Rep. Maggart has thankfully recognized the detriment of the airport closure language and has agreed to remove it, we still have concerns about this measure due to our belief that there is inadequate and insufficient due process regarding the reorganization and/or dissolution of an airport authority. If it is ultimately the will of the Tennessee General Assembly to adopt HB 1122 / SB 0857, we strongly encourage your support for amendments HA 0498 and HA 0499 along with HA 0439. We commend Rep. Curtiss for his carefully considered and well thought out amendments. This combination of amendments eliminates the airport closure language and, importantly, incorporates much needed due process into the potential reorganization of an airport authority. The technology, Federal regulatory environment, funding and proper management of an airport is very complex. We believe that you will agree that there must be a sound and deliberative process in any well conceived rule of law. Since 1939, AOPA has been committed to ensuring the safety, future viability, and development of general aviation airports as an integral part of Tennessee's multi-modal transportation system – and we will continue working to this end. If we may be of any further assistance now or in the future, we would welcome that opportunity. Sincerely, Bob Minter AOPA Regional Representative * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CROSSVILLE AIRPORT WILL CELEBRATE 75th YEAR The City of Crossville will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Crossville Memorial Airport on Saturday, June 27, with a celebration honoring those who made significant contributions. Starting from a clearing in the woods in 1931, Crossville's airport has a rich history. WPA workers cleared the underbrush from the woodland to make way for runways. It was one of the biggest news stories in the state at the time. The dedication was held in June of 1934, with a crowd estimated at 10,000, representing every county in the Upper Cumberland. Congressman Gordon Browning was the featured speaker. He became Governor of Tennessee two years later. He was a WWI veteran and promoted aviation in Tennessee during his three terms as Governor. The 75th Anniversary promises to be a special event, DON'T MISS IT! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HB1122 – PROGRESS - COMPROMISE REACHED May 6, 2009 Rep. Debra Maggart, sponsor of HB 1122 has graciously agreed to amend this Bill to remove the seriously undesirable language that would have potentially facilitated the closure of general aviation airports in Tennessee. The amendment will further clarify that if a municipality or county decides to dissolve their airport authority, they will also assume all legal obligations belonging to that airport. Division of Aeronautics Director Gen. Bob Woods and Aeronautics Commissioner Fred Dettwiller worked diligently to affect acceptable amendment language and along with Rep. Maggart. It was statewide response to a call-to-action by Tennessee's aviation interests that made a very significant difference as well. If these Bills pass the Senate tomorrow and the House on Monday, they will likely go to Conference Committee afterward to reconcile any differences. The Senate version SB 0857 was amended to allow airports to Opt-Out of this legislation as it came through the Senate Transportation Committee. Rep. Maggart's amendment will be incorporated into the Senate version prior to tomorrows floor vote if possible and if not can be handled in Conference Committee afterward. AOPA Southeast Regional Representative Bob Minter said, "I believe this is an acceptable compromise and Bob Woods and Fred Dettwiller do as well." Tennessee's AOPA members, airports and aviation interests have never failed to protect and defend our marvelous system of airports. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ACTION ALERT - BAD LEGISLATION FOR AIRPORTS IN TENNESSEE May 5, 2009 - -Sumner County legislators have introduced legislation that could put Tennessee's system of airports in turmoil. House Bill 1122 and its companion Senate Bill 0857 are headed to the floor of both houses for a vote in just days. The House Bill is scheduled for a vote on Monday, May 11th, so opposition must be strongly voiced immediately. Tennessee airports, the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, the TDOT – Division of Aeronautics, the Tennessee Aviation Association and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association are mustering opposition to hopefully defeat both these Bills as they come up for a vote in the House and Senate. AOPA Regional Representative Bob Minter said, "Sumner County should resolve its problems at home and not use the legislature in a way that affects other airports in Tennessee." "This is bad legislation, and for the first time, would place in the Tennessee Code Annotated a provision to close an airport… I believe that is unconscionable!" If HB1122 and SB 0857 pass and become law, this legislation will facilitate the dissolution of a municipal or regional airport authority and/or closure and of an airport without sufficient process or accountability, nor proper consideration of the complexities or the ultimate consequences of such an action. For more than 70 years Tennessee has enjoyed extraordinary support for aviation and airports from the General Assembly, the result of which is a first-class statewide system of airports. Tennessee's airports are economic engines for the communities they serve and are a cornerstone of our state's transportation infrastructure. Much of our competitive edge in economic and community development is accountable to our general aviation airports. Tennessee pilots, aircraft owners and aviation advocates statewide are urged to contact their legislators now to defeat these measures. Time is short. Act NOW! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 44th ANNUAL TENNESSEE MID-SOUTH AVIATION MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE - March 1-3, 2010 – Nashville – Radisson Hotel Opryland This nationally acclaimed aviation maintenance conference begins March 2nd with two-days of technology updates for the aviation maintenance professional. This is also an accredited program for IA renewal under the recently revised FAA regulations. Admission is FREE . Click here to register: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * RECYCLING NUMBERS SKY HIGH AT NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NASHVILLE – April 21, 2008 - The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) has successfully recycled of 334 Curby containers of office paper, newspapers and magazines. In addition to filling Curby containers with recyclable goods, MNAA tenants and employees have also recycled 223,300 pounds of cardboard. April 22, Earth Day, marks just over one year of serious recycling efforts at MNAA. In addition to recycling paper products, the effort also includes the recycling of carpet, batteries, fluorescent lamps, HID lamps and lighting ballast (transformers that create a constant current in fluorescent light fixtures). "Our partnership with Metro Public Works Recycling Program not only makes BNA a more environmentally conscious atmosphere, but it also emphasizes our core values of innovation, financial efficiency and customer focus," said Raul Regalado, MNAA president and CEO. MNAA Recycling Numbers: Metro Public Curby Containers: 334 filled with paper goods Cardboard: 223,300 pounds Carpet:32,200 pounds Batteries:130 batteries Florescent lamps: 869 lamps HID lamps: 187 lamps Lighting Ballast: 144 pounds The MNAA employees and tenants alike have responded enthusiastically to the recycling effort. MNAA retail and food tenants contribute to the recycling program, as well as BNA's 15 airlines and MNAA's 380-plus employees and volunteers. Tenants are provided carts for collecting dry paper goods, such as cardboard, which circumvents unnecessary disposal of paper products in the conventional trash. Shiny, silver recycling bins are located throughout the terminal. Recycling bins are also located in administrative offices. SMS (Service Management Systems), the MNAA's Nashville-based custodial contractor, facilitates the collection of the recyclables by consolidating cardboard and the contents of the recycling bins into the Curby receptacles for weekly pickup and sorting by Metro recycling. Once sorted, recyclables evolve into everyday materials. Newspapers for example, are transformed into egg cartons, cereal boxes and insulation material, among other things. White paper is recycled into copier, office or school paper. To further the effectiveness of its program, the Airport Authority recently purchased a 34-yard cardboard compactor, which will aid in consolidating and storing the growing amount of cardboard being recycled at the MNAA. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was established in 1970, and owns and operates the Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). For more information, please visit www.flynashville.com. 2008 AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES NAMED Sevierville - March 31, 2008 The TAHF Board of Directors selected 2008 honorees at its annual meeting in late February and made public those who will be enshrined on November 15th today. Joseph C. Hawkins made aviation history for Tennessee when he was selected Tennessee's first National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year in 2006. Formerly Chief of Aircraft Maintenance at the State of Tennessee's hangar on Berry Field, Hawkins is now an Assistant Professor of Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University, one of our state's premier institutions of higher learning in aviation. Charles Reese Howell III of Lincoln County took his first airplane ride in his uncle's Stinson in the early 50's. He has trained pilots in North America, South America, Africa and Europe. His work teaching pilots in Africa was in support of African Inland Mission Air, a non-denominational Christian mission and humanitarian relief organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. Reece Howell works personally with Franklin Graham, the Founder and President of Samaritans Purse, a worldwide Christian organization, training pilots for its worldwide operations. Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie (1902-1975), Memphis's first lady of aviation was a renowned stunt flier, wing walker and air racer. She became the first woman to earn an aircraft mechanic's license, the first licensed female transport pilot and our nation's first female governmental official in aeronautics. In 1935 Eleanor Roosevelt named her one of the twelve greatest women in the United States. The air traffic control tower at Memphis International Airport was named Omlie Tower in 1982. Major General Fred D. Womack, USAF (Ret.) of Loudon; a distinguished and highly decorated Air Force Officer, served our state and nation as Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Womack is also a retired Airline Captain and was Director of Flight Operations with Piedmont Airlines. A graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College, Fred Womack has held many prestigious leadership positions in the airline industry, the military and in his community. The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame 2008 Gala and Induction Ceremony will be held at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, on the airport in Sevierville, Tennessee November 15, 2008. The public is invited to attend. Advance, pre-paid reservations are necessary. AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTS FOUR MR. CULVER - MR. BROCK - MR. BOMAR Sevierville – November 12, 2007 On November 10th the Tennessee Museum of Aviation hosted the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame's 6th Annual Gala and Induction Ceremony and over 400 attended from across the entire state and even the entire nation. Since it's inception in 2001 the event has drawn a combined total of nearly three thousand people to witness the enshrinement of twenty-five extraordinary individuals who have made history through their achievements or service to aviation and aerospace. This years Gala was dedicated to 98-year old aviation legend Evelyn Bryan Johnson of Morristown. Mrs. Johnson has logged 57,635 hours of flight time and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in July 2007. She was a member of the first class of those enshrined by the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001. Inductees for 2007 were: ROBERT E. "BOB" BOMAR of Shelbyville Shelbyville's "Bomar Field" Airport was literally Bomar's field for years until it was first leased then purchased by the City of Shelbyville. The airport was built and owned by Bob Bomar; begun while he was home on leave as a Navy Pilot in 1944. Prior to enlisting in the Navy, Bob Bomar graduated from Cumberland University's first Civilian Pilot Training Class in 1939. During his service to our country, Bob flew various Navy fighter aircraft in the European and Pacific theatres.. He initially aspired to an airline career but his entire life has been dedicated to general aviation where he earned a reputation as staunch advocate early in his career. Governor Frank Clement sought Bomar's counsel in 1953 which resulted in saving the then floundering Tennessee Bureau of Aeronautics. That same year the Governor appointed a five-member Aeronautics Commission to oversee and manage the Bureau. Fifty airports were constructed across Tennessee between 1953 to 1968 while Bob Bomar served on the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission. From 1968 until 1992 Bob devoted himself to the Shelbyville Airport and upon retirement in 1992, he and his late wife were honored as recipients of Tennessee's "Career Contributions to Aviation" award. STAN BROCK of Knoxville Englishman, now long-time Knoxvillian, Stan Brock is recognized by many as the former co-star of the television series Wild Kingdom, but his true legacy will be indelibly cast as the Founder of the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief effort dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health, dental and eye care as well as veterinary, technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. Brock founded Remote Area Medical in Knoxville in 1985. He and a huge cast of volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians and support workers work without pay as they participate in expeditions to help others, all at their own expense. Stan Brock learned to fly in Georgetown, Guiana many years ago and now has over 8,000 hours of flying time. He is an Air Transport rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor. Remote Area Medical's aircraft include a Douglas DC-3 and Cessna 206. LANNY G. CULVER of Memphis Louisiana native Lanny Culver made an extraordinary mark in aviation in Memphis that began when he became Vice President of world famous Jack Adams Aircraft Sales in 1972. It is said that Lanny Culver's name will always be at the forefront of those who took business aircraft sales from its beginnings to the multi-billion dollar business it is today, and for helping establish Memphis as a hub for business aviation. Culver's visionary ability and talent lead a growing aircraft sales industry in Memphis into a virtually untapped international aircraft marketplace. He successfully reduced a previously complex international business transaction process and made doing business around the world almost seamless. Lanny Culver extended the reach of aircraft sales from Memphis to England, Western Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Australia, Borneo, South America and beyond. Culver was a visionary who developed an extraordinary knowledge of the world market for aircraft. His impeccable integrity, ethics and business acumen earned Lanny a global reputation as the consummate professional in the business and corporate aircraft industry. When the National Aircraft Resale Association was founded to oversee and uphold strict ethical standards among aircraft brokers and agents, the essence of Mr. Culver's ethics and principles were embodied in the association's industry mission and guidelines. A stroke in April 2001 ended a career of leadership and innovation that will always be the legacy of Lanny Culver. WILLIAM S. "BILL" WHITMORE of Nashville (1923 – 2001) Bill Whitmore's aviation career began in 1942 when he became a Marine Aviator. He flew 168 missions in WWII in the F4U Corsair and the AD-4 Skyraider attack bomber in Korea and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Whitmore began what was to become a distinguished 30-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1961. His logbook contains evidence that he conducted over 5,000 pilot check rides but his legacy is his extraordinary contributions to aviation safety in Tennessee. In 1990 when he retired from the FAA, the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission awarded Bill Whitmore its highest individual honor for his "Career Contributions to Aviation in Tennessee". Mr. Whitmore passed away in 2001. The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame was established to recognize, honor and enshrine individuals whose leadership in or for aviation has made an enduring contribution to aviation for Tennessee, our nation or the world and was established in 2001 as Tennessee's Official Aviation Hall of Fame by the 102nd General Assembly. Those inducted are recipients of Tennessee's highest honor in aviation or aerospace. The aviation hall of fame records their achievements and perpetuates the memory of those enshrined for all time. The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, Inc., a non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) organization, was also designated by the 103rd General Assembly as the Official State Repository and Archive for Aviation History. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "MAMA BIRD NOW CRUISING "ON TOP" Dayton, Ohio – July 21, 2007 - - The inimitable "Mama Bird" Johnson climbed to the pinnacle of her aviation career last Saturday evening as she was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio at age 97. Miss Evelyn walked to the podium to a standing ovation from the nearly 1,000 that attended the formal ceremony at the Dayton Convention Center. Her walk to the podium to accept the award was, in itself, an example of the tenacity that defines this incredible woman. Less than a year ago, she lost a significant part of her EVELYN JOHNSON left leg in an automobile accident. When she learned that she had been selected for induction into the NAHF in July 2007, she said she would walk across the stage at the ceremony, and she did just that, with only a little help from a walker. Around the huge room, amidst the roaring applause and cheers one could see tears in the eyes of those who know and love her best. It was a powerful moment that warmed hearts and lifted spirits. This is the example Evelyn Bryan Johnson has set for all she has touched. She loves being called a teacher, and she has taught thousands not only how to fly, but how to live. Evelyn was presented for induction by her dear friend Genie Rae O'Kelly, herself a "Tennessee treasure" and flight instructor with over 20,000 hours who too has taught many to fly over the years in East Tennessee. Genie's moving personal presentation was followed by an inspirational video chronicle of Mama Bird's life. In her usual, humble way, Miss Evelyn said that while she really appreciated the award, all that she had been doing all these years as she accumulated well over 57,000 hours of flight time, most of it flight instructing, was that she "just got up every morning and went to work." Adoration for "Mama Bird" was omnipresent during the entire three-day event. She signed countless autographs and drew admirers around her everywhere she went. No other inductee, and there were four other incredible people enshrined along with her, received three standing ovations as did Mama Bird during her enshrinement. An example of Evelyn's marvelous sense of humor, shared with her family, as she completed preparations for Saturday night's big event went something like this: "Well, I put on my glasses, put in my hearing aid and my teeth and got on my "new leg" so I think I'm ready to go!" The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Directors purchased two sponsored tables for the event and invited our own Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame inductees, the Governor, and members of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission to attend. Stowers Machinery Corp. of Knoxville donated air transportation to the event for Miss Evelyn and members of her family. Visit the National Aviation Hall of Fame website at www.nationalaviation.org for more information about those inducted and the event. The NAHF will post additional information and offer for sale a DVD of the ceremony sometime soon. The 2007 TENNESSEE AVIATION HALL OF FAME GALA AND INDUCTION CEREMONY will be held November 10, 2007 at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville. For more information go to www.tnaviationhof.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FORMER INDUCTEES JOIN AVIATION HALL OF FAME BOARD 2007 Honorees Announced Sevierville - June 1, 2007 Two Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame members have been elected to the TAHF Board of Directors. Hall of Fame Founder & Chairman, Bob Minter, made the announcement. John T. Baugh Jr. of Lebanon and John E. Ellington of Murfreesboro are the newest members of the Aviation Hall of Fame's Board. Baugh was inducted and Enshrined in 2004 and Ellington was Enshrined in 2006. "These are important new additions to our Board", Bob Minter said. "John Baugh brings to our Board an incredible background in general aviation including sport aviation and preserving our aviation heritage and history by keeping warbird aircraft flying. He founded the Tennessee First Squadron – Warbirds of America and has served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Warbirds of America and many other aviation related organizations. John is a former Chairman of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission and was a member of the Commission for over 20 years" A scholarship fund, The John T. Baugh Jr. Aviation Excellence Scholarship Fund, was established to honor Baugh at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation a few years ago. John Ellington comes to the TAHF Board with a marvelous career in the airline industry. Still an active pilot, during his career with Delta Airlines, he earned the airline's top flying position when he became Delta's Chief Pilot in 1988. John has since been the Executive Director of the Smyrna-Rutherford County Airport Authority, Vice President of Flight Operations for American Trans Air and President and COO of World Airways. A graduate of MTSU, John and his wife Barbara founded the John & Barbara Ellington Aerospace Endowed Scholarship Fund at MTSU. Ellington's father, Buford Ellington, was a former Governor of Tennessee. Minter went on to say, "This is an exciting and challenging time for the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame." We are actively engaged in several very important historical, educational and Internet based projects. The TAHF will announce an exciting new partnership with Middle Tennessee University's Department of Aerospace very soon. The TAHF is also a partner in a brand new Internet website venture, The Tennessee Aviation Network (www.tennesseeaviation.net). The goal of the new website is to become the "go-to" point for information and resources for all of aviation in Tennessee. A portion of the revenue from advertising will benefit the Hall of Fame and its projects." Each year the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame honors, inducts and enshrines four exemplary individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to aviation and aerospace benefiting our state, our nation or the world. The 6th Annual Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony will take place this year on November 10th at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville. This years honorees will be Robert E. "Bob" Bomar of Shelbyville, Stan Brock of Knoxville, Lanny G. Culver of Memphis and William S. "Bill" Whitmore (1923-2001) of Nashville. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WHAT IS AN AEROTROPOLIS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO MEMPHIS? From Memphis International Airport "Notes" Newsletter – February 2007 An aerotropolis is a city which has centered its economy around and is greatly dependent upon its airport. John Kasarda, a business professor at the University of North Carolina, coined the phrase, and believes Memphis is the closest thing America has to an aerotropolis. In Memphis, one in four jobs in the community is directly or indirectly dependent on Memphis International Airport. At the Memphis Regional Chamber's annual luncheon on December 14, Kasarda explained the most pressing issue now is how to encourage smart growth around the airport, instead of growth in a spontaneous, haphazard way. One of the reasons Memphis is the closest city in the nation to an aerotropolis is because it is the world cargo leader. The majority of just-in-time manufactured goods such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals travel to their destinations via plane. Kasarda argues that as air transportation grows, so too will the number of cities strategically developed around this hub of activity. According to Kasarda, in order for Memphis to grow as an intelligent aerotropolis, the region needs to consolidate its business, airport and urban planning. He believes the roads leading to and from the Airport need to be improved, well maintained and visually appealing because these roads are the first experience many people will have of Memphis. While the strategic development to become a true aerotropolis is still in the planning stages, one thing is clear; the term aerotropolis is here to stay in Memphis. Web Editor's Note: Memphis International Airport is the #1 Air Cargo Airport in the entire world. See the airport's statistics on their website at: Memphis International Airport * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Through this exciting new website, the TENNESSEE AVIATION NETWORK will publish timely news items from across the state and will also include News about the industry as well as legislative initiatives of importance to aviation interests in our state. Visit this site often, and through email, please provide news and events information we can include here for the benefit of all. THANKS... and HAPPY FLYING!