Author Archives: skysmith

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft

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Wide range of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft coming to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021

Flying demonstrations and ground displays featured July 28-August 1

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 7, 2021) — The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will bring a wide spectrum of its aircraft designed for unique missions as part of its presence at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which takes place July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“As we’ve solidified the roster of aircraft from AFSOC this year, the variety of aircraft coming to Oshkosh is truly impressive,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Each of these aircraft have a distinct mission and role within AFSOC, and those stories will be told at AirVenture 2021.”

AFSOC is comprised of highly trained, rapidly deployable Airmen, who conduct special operations missions worldwide. Airmen who undertake Special Operations careers specialize in unique skills such as parachuting, scuba diving, rappelling, motorcycling, survival skills, and more. Aircraft in the command include specialized mobility aircraft such as the MC-130, CV-22 and C-146, Strike aircraft such as the AC-130 gunship, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft such as the MQ-9 and U-28.

The AFSOC aircraft are scheduled to arrive on Thursday, July 28, and remain through Sunday, August 1. There may be more than one of some models at Oshkosh. The aircraft roster includes (subject to change):

  • AC-130J Ghostrider
  • MC-130J Commando II
  • EC-130J Commando Solo
  • CV-22 Osprey
  • U-28A Draco
  • C-145A Combat Coyote
  • C-146A Wolfhound
  • MQ-9 Reaper
  • MC-12W Liberty

The AFSOC aircraft will be on ground display with several participating in air show flying demonstrations. In addition, AFSOC personnel will participate in an evening program at EAA’s Theater in the Woods on Saturday, July 31, to highlight the activities and mission of the Special Operations Command.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates. Free youth admission for ages 18 and under is supported in part by The Boeing Company. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

Sun N Fun 21

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I attended #SNF21 and had a great time.  I gave 13 seminars while I was there and they were very well attended. Way better than I expected.

As far as the vendors, I was very pleased to see a lot of aircraft manufacturers supporting the show and the aviation industry.

I did walk through the building and while vendors numbers were lower than before, I was very surprise at the number of people and vendors.

Interestingly, a few vendors opted for what I would say was big “Billboard” instead of a “manned” booth. Personably, I didn’t stop and look at the billboard or the videos they were playing. I am guessing neither did many of the other attendees.  Probably should have had a real person in the booth, just saying.

Anyway, here are a few of the pictures I took.

 

Another limited rental question.

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Recent question about limited rental.

I have read your book and got to say a brief hello to you at Oshkosh a couple years back. (I was sitting in front of you at the author’s session) I wonder if I might trouble you for some advice.

I have just completed my Private and have 60+ hours in a 172. (Currently working on my instrument) I would like to move up to a 182 Skylane because it is a better instrument platform and can carry 4 real people.  The challenge is finding a 182 to rent.  (It’s the basic Catch 22.  To move up to a performance airplane you need experience, but getting it is difficult.) The rental companies here rent them, but they require 100 hours total time and 10 hours in type and require you to use THEIR CFI if you want to get the hours.  (I want to use my CFI because he has 4000 hours (4 times the hours of the most experienced CFI at the rental companies). One of my friends owns a Skylane and wants it flown more.  He also uses my CFI (his neighbor at the airpark) and would let him do my hours for time in type (I will do total in the 172).  The concern is over insurance.  I want to be able to pay him for the use of his plane, he doesn’t want profit, just coverage of the per hour costs. 

My basic questions:

  1. Can I pay him per hour costs without violating the FAR’s?
  2. Could I become a minor partner and then pay him for the expenses?
  3. Should I try to get named on his insurance policy?
  4. Any advice on how best to handle this?

Thanks for any help you can provide.  I thought the book was great.  One more side question:  How do you feel about the Cessna 206 as a plane for someone like me, wanting it for family of four for basic travel.

Thanks for the note. The 182’s are a great aircraft and probably one of the best IFR platforms available. I do understand the rental problems.  The same problems will occur if you want to fly your neighbor’s aircraft. The underwriters will put on some sort of minimum hour requirement and or training.

So, in answer to your questions.

    1. Can I pay him per hour costs without violating the FAR’s?  The FAA allows reimbursement of expenses, but basically the owner cannot make a profit. Most insurance policies say the same type of thing.  BUT… I have had people set up limited rental agreements and have them approved by the underwriters so that there is no question as to coverage.
    2. Could I become a minor partner and then pay him for the expenses? I suppose but you do not need to. You would still need to be named on his policy if you do not meet the policy open pilot requirements. Or see the above answer.
    3. Should I try to get named on his insurance policy? Definitely.  Typically the policy language will not permit you to fly unless you are named and approved OR meet the open pilot warranty.  Which you probably will not because of the aircraft model and your hours. You will not be covered for training or flying on his policy unless you are named, and the policy is amended to include you and your training.  This will more than likely increase his premium, but it will also make sure he has coverage.
    4. Any advice on how best to handle this? I think I would ask to be named on the policy (unless he wants you to be a partner) and plan on paying just for the reimbursement of expenses to the owner.  You would also want to split the cost of the basic insurance and then you would pay for the additional cost of adding you to the policy.  Another option would be, add you to the policy and ask the underwriters for a limited rental endorsement.  There would be a charge for this, but it would allow him to charge you “rent” for the use of the aircraft and still be covered on the insurance. You need to make sure the local FAA is in agreement with this. Some FSDO offices will not bellow a rental agreement for a private owner.