Cessna CEO Retires May 3, 2011
Posted by Abingdon in Flight, General Ramblings, Politics.Tags: 172, ceo, cessna, donnelly, flight training, jack, pelton, retired, retirement, retires, scott, textron
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Best of luck in retirement, Jack!
One of the greats in aviation has stepped down from his throne. Jack Pelton, who has been with Cessna for 11 years, retired yesterday, May 2nd, and Textron Chairman and CEO, Scott Donnelly will take over in his place. I don’t know much about Donnelly, but Pelton has always been a strong advocate for aviation – not just as a Cessna representative, but also lobbying in DC and promoting general aviation to everyone. There will always be a special place in my heart for Cessna as that was what I learned to fly in and what I got my pilot’s certificate in. In fact, I would venture to guess that over 90% of people who learn to fly have learned in a Cessna. Best of luck, Jack, you did a great job.
Oxford finds solution to cutting airplane emissions February 9, 2010
Posted by Abingdon in California, Flight, Politics.Tags: airplanes, Aviation, C.R.A.A.P., emissions, environment, flight management, Oxford, pollution
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Can we cut emissions down?
For those that live near an airport and for those in the industry, this subject hits home. Emissions from airplanes and how to cut them down. When I was training at Santa Monica airport, I had neighbors who continued to blame every malady on airplanes (or so it seemed. They even started an organization called C.R.A.A.P. which stands for Community Residents Against Airport Pollution). Maybe they could learn something from the Brits at Oxford University. A study completed by the Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and Environment says that we can cut down airplane fumes by better management by air traffic control. It includes more direct flight paths and less waiting to land. You can read the article here. Of course England’s flight rules are much different from America’s, but I like the overall message. Perhaps we can all still fly and make our neighbors happy too.
Obama Honors Historical Women Pilots July 13, 2009
Posted by Abingdon in Flight, Politics.Tags: Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, Jackie Cochran, July 1, military aircraft, Nicole Malachowski, Obama, Rosie the Riveter, S.614, WASP, Women Airforce Service Pilots, World War II
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Almost two weeks ago, on July 1, President Obama signed S.614, a bill to award the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. The WASP, the first group of women to fly military aircraft for the United States, reported for duty more than three decades before women in the United States were allowed to attend military pilot training with full military status. An excellent movie about their story is depicted through the film Fly Girls (1999).
“The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country’s call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since,” Obama said. “Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve.”
To release male pilots for combat duty overseas, the 1,102 WASP flew military aircraft in the United States during World War II. Fewer than 300 are alive today; three of those women joined the president in the Oval Office. Five active duty United States Air Force pilots who followed in their footsteps—including Major Nicole Malachowski (very cool lady, might I add), who was instrumental in promoting the bill—were also present for the signing.
These women were truely pioneers for what we have today and I am glad to hear they are getting the recognition they deserve! I think Jackie Cochran would be proud. And anyone who puts in the word “WASP” in the checkout when ordering an Abingdon Watch will get free shipping and an extended five year warranty.
