Eagle Flyers February 2012 Newsletter

HOLIDAY SPECIALS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED ONE WEEK UNTIL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST

HURRY - DON'T MISS OUT!

EAGLE FLYERS

2011/2012 HOLIDAY SPECIALS

 (Valid until February 21, 2012) 

 NEW STUDENTS

FREE Cessna Private Pilot Kit ($329 value) with membership enrollment of $399!

 5 free hours on a Stationary Simulator ($200 value) with purchase of a Cessna Instrument Pilot Kit at $329.

FAA Authorization - AAI Needs Your Help NOW

As you are aware, Congress has finally passed the FAA re-authorization bill after four (4) years and 23 extensions with a funding level at $3.35 billion for this year.  While all this is great news, there is a problem as the bill lowers the FAA match from 95% to 90% for all new grants.  There is a provision in the bill for distressed communities.  Based on the amount of funds that INDOT Office of Aviation was given in the last budget (2011), AAI believes that INDOT's match will remain at the current 2.5% level because they do not have extra funds available at this time without legislative action.   As a result, the airport's match requirement will triple to 7.5%

AAI strongly urges you to contact your legislator ASAP to let them know that your airport has already passed its budget for the current year and you do not know how you will find the extra money that is required to meet the increased match percentage.  If your airport cannot meet its match obligation, the airport will NOT receive funding from the FAA and the lost grant money will be distributed by the FAA on the national level and the grant money will leave Indiana.  It is important to remind legislators that the FAA grants mean jobs at the local level.  Please let them know that your project will employ local businesses who will complete the project (excavation, trucking, laborers, engineers, asphalt/concrete, carpenters, etc.).  It is also important to tell them why the project is needed.  AAI encourages you to contact the companies who will bid on these projects and have them contact their legislators.  If you don't have the grant, they lose out on the work.

On a statewide basis, AAI believes that an additional $2.4 million will be required so that we do not lose any federal funds because of the increased match requirement.  These funds will only be used if there is a federal grant.  While the FAA now will only fund 90% of the cost, the state is still receiving a great return on its 7.5% investment.  For every $1 the state puts in, the FAA is putting in $12.  

The calls need to happen NOW as the legislature adjourns in one (1) month. 

The following is a link to find your legislators: CLICK HERE The link will give you your legislator and their email address. 

Please forward your emails and your legislator's replies to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that AAI can follow up with your legislators.

February 18 - Eagle Flyers Fly-out to the Dixie Chopper in Greencastle

Our January fly-out to Kacy J's in Muncie didn't lead to a flight to Muncie (1700' ceilings) - but was a great time at the local Cracker Barrel. We'll try again in February - still keeping it close - and head to Dixie Chopper down in Greencastle (Putnam County).

As always - we'd like to get rolling from TYQ at 10:00AM - so please meet before then so we can match up rides and people.  If you are going and have extra spots, or need a spot - please contact Pat Gaston and we'll pair you up.

If there is bad weather, come to TYQ anyway, and we'll drive somewhere for lunch and hangar talk.

Date & Time: Saturday, February 18, 2012  | 10:00AM

Location: Indianapolis Executive Airport | 11329 East State Road 32

Email Pat Gaston for more information

In March we will plan to keep it close just in case we still have to deal with the winter weather.  We are planning to head down to Blackerbys Hangar 5 at BAK in Columbus, IN.  This one has always been a good stop for the group.

Date & Time: Saturday, March 17, 2012  | 10:00AM

Location: Indianapolis Executive Airport | 11329 East State Road 32

Email Pat Gaston for more information

Also, please email Pat Gaston if you would have interest in traveling to the Chanute Air Museum in Rantoul, IL (KTIP) on a Saturday this Spring / Summer.  It's not a long flight and the museum has some great Air Force history there.  Just checking now for interest before setting a date.

August 4 - Save the Date - 6th Annual Fly-In, Open House, and Fundraiser for Down Syndrome Indiana 

Montgomery Aviation is hosting the 6th Annual Fly-In for DSI!  

Admission is free and all proceeds benefit Down Syndrome Indiana! 

For more info please call: 

Date & Time: Saturday, August 4, 2012 | 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Location: Indianapolis Executive Airport | 11329 East State Road 32

Hamilton County Airport Authority - Monthly Meetings

The Hamilton County Airport Authority oversees the continued improvement, operation and maintenance of Hamilton County's existing public use airports. View meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes from the meetings by going to their website.  

 
Date & Time:  Second Wednesday of the Month | 6:30 PM
Location: Commissioners Courtroom @ Hamilton County Government Center | One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville, Indiana