Copperstate Fly-in 2011

Coppersate fly-in is one of two fly-in that are held at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport (KCGZ) each year. With the cooling temperatures of the early fall this has become 4^th largest fly-in in the US and the largest in the western states.  The great variety of aircraft is also a reason this that so many aviation enthusiast come out year after year. This is the 39^th year.

There are many activities for kids of all ages. One that is always fun is to build a rib and also a work shop on “how it works” which bring out the science of aircraft. There are several flying activity going on though out the three day event including the crowd favorite the “showcase “fly-by this give the crowd a chance to see the aircraft in-flight as they should be. 

So this is one to put on the wish list and enjoy some wonderful Arizona weather and flying.  http://www.copperstate.org/

Honda little hotrod in the sky

This past Friday I had the pleasure of seen the HondaJet in Phoenix on it way to the NBAA Annual Meeting & Conference in Las Vegas, NV.  This unique aircraft has many unusual design features. Most notable is the engine arrangement with the engine Over-the-Wing engine mount   (OTWEM) actual achieves a low drag than the fuselage mounted of many of the today Bizjet. This small jet uses Natural-Laminar-Flow Airfoil (NLF) though out the wings and the nose of the fuselage. The two GE Honda Aero Engines HF120 turbofan engines, have a wide-chord swept fan, two-stage low-pressure compressor and counter rotating high-pressure compressor based on a titanium impeller. Allowing for greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions are two of the results of the engine's lightweight design.

Honda Aircraft company’s Greensboro facility is a buzz with activity as work is being completed on three conforming aircraft for the test program, and gearing up for production of aircraft.  Honda test program will have a third conforming aircraft (F2) entering the test program shortly, and F3 and F4 soon to follow. The production facility brings together all aspect of assembly of airframe components, interiors, and interiors exterior finish. Honda has made a commitment to environmentally responsible in creating a exceptional “green footprint” with a simple approach to achieve zero ”waste to landfill” in the assembly operations.

Coolidge Municipal Airport Monthly Fly-in

On the first Saturday of every month (Oct –May) Coolidge Aviation LLC conduct a fly-in breakfast  that is served by Coolidge Lion’s club.  The event usually starts about 8:00AM and ends around 12:00PM and is held in front of the 1940’s hangar with the orange roof. Of the original three runways they still use 17-35 and 5-23. The fly-in normal use 5-23 for both departure and arrivals which provides a nice light during this event.  There is a nice mix of old and new aircraft, both civilians and older warbirds.