Montgomery Aviation

Sky Simpson, son of Steve Simpson, is 8 years old and has Down Syndrome. Sky was this year’s grand marshal at the Montgomery Aviation 2010 Down Syndrome Indiana fund raising event.   You’ll enjoy viewing this video.

American Huey 369 donated $1,000 to the Indiana Down Syndrome fund raiser at Indianapolis Executive Airport on Saturday August 21st.

They were interviewed by Dick Wolfsie this morning. You can watch our video of the interview.  Please excuse the poor quality of this video, but it's an interesting interview in spite of the quality.
 

John Walker explains the unique history of Huey 369 role in the Viet Nam war.  The copilot, Don Nelson who actually flew this Huey in Viet Nam describes his emotions in the restoration and operation of 369.

1968 - On March 8, 1968, crash landed in a burning LZ, skids ripped off, a.c. shut down, restarted and flown 45 minutes back to Soc Trang and landed on sand bags Click here to view photos. Later that month 803/Warrior 11 would be shipped back to ARADMAC, N.A.S., Corpus Christie, Texas, for complete overhaul repairs and inspections (completed September 13, 1968).

Indianapolis Executive Airport, the regional airport serving Hamilton Boone & Marion counties, is proud to support Military flight organizations like the American Huey 369.

Launching into the air show circuit at the age of 50 in a one-of-a-kind aircraft certainly qualifies Jacquie Warda as an extraordinary pilot. As a newborn, her first outing was to the Los Angeles County Airport Air Show. Her father’s love of airplanes and flying inspired her to want to fly and air shows captured Jacquie’s interest from an early age. She was introduced to aerobatics in 1986, when she received her private pilot’s license and was convinced that aerobatic flying was her destiny.

She entered the International Aerobatic Club sanctioned competition in August 2000 and rapidly progressed to the Advanced category. She continues to hone her skills through coaching from award winning Russian coaches as well as other competition and air show coaches.

During the 100^th anniversary of powered, flight in 2003, she retired from the legal profession and realized her dream of becoming an air show pilot. She holds the distinction of being the first female pilot to enter this business at 50 years young. In the last seven years, she has flown more than 80 air shows from coast to coast, entertaining over 5 million air show fans. She has also earned six marketing awards from the International Council of Air Shows.

Aerobatics is her passion but not her only flying interest. Inspired by over 20 years of watching the Reno Air Races, Jacquie trained to compete in the 2001 races in the bi-plane class. In her inaugural year, she brought in an impressive 6^th place showing in the Bronze class. The following year, she advanced to the Silver class and again finished 6^th. Jacquie continued to race at Reno in 2003 and 2004 finishing in the middle of the Silver class. Her Reno results yielded feature articles in several publications including an article in Pacific Flyer.

Jacquie has logged over 2,100 accident-free hours in the 24 years she has been flying in a variety of aircraft including a Stearman, AT-6, T-28, Beechcraft King Air, Baron & Bonanza, Aeronca Champ,

Citabria, Decathalon, Lancair, Sukhoi, Yak 52, Nanchang CJ-6 and the Extra 300. Her favorite aircraft is her unique Pitts S-1T. Her “Red Eagle” is one of three Pitts built to fly an air show around the Statue of Liberty during the 1986 centennial celebration, which followed Ms. Liberty’s refurbishing. The paint motif is both beautiful and patriotic. She currently holds a Commercial certificate in land-based aircraft as well as a seaplane rating and holds an unrestricted, Level 1 A.C.E. card.

Jacquie has been featured in publications such as Smithsonian Air & Space, World Airshow News, Sport Aerobatics, Atlantic Flyer, Fly-Low, Pacific Flyer and In-Flight USA.

When she is not flying, she shares her love of aviation with kids of all ages by speaking in classrooms across the country. She says “It’s vital to share the passion to bring along the next generation of pilots through mentoring”. Additionally, she shares her expertise by speaking at seminars and conventions for pilots, including the Ninety-Nines, and Women in Aviation, International.

Ms. Warda’s love of excitement is evident in her hobbies as well. When she’s not flying, she likes to skydive, golf, play tennis, fitness/weight lifting train, and ride her Harley Davidson motorcycle in Danville, California, where she resides with her husband. Before she discovered that she would “rather fly than eat”, she also surfed, was a runner, took 14 years of ballet training and learned several languages.

But why does Jacquie Warda call her business Jacquie B Airshows?

Because she’s Jacquie BABY!!

... [B]y far the best experience I have had with an FBO in my 18 years of flying. They are very courteous, helpful and responsive. I have been part of Eagle Flyers, their local flying club, for the past two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. Very well-maintained aircraft, reasonable prices, good availability and excellent service — this is the type of FBO that inspires current and future general aviation pilots.

Montgomery Aviation, at Hamilton County's Airport has done it again. The fourth annual Airport Fly-In/Open House has raised a record $15,375 for Down Syndrome Indiana. Since 2007 the airport event has raised a total of $45,626.

The on-going efforts of Montgomery Aviation have not gone unnoticed. Half time at the Indianapolis Colts pre-season game on August 15th, a Colts Golden Horseshoe award was presented to Montgomery Aviation in recognition of their continuing efforts in behalf of Down Syndrome Indiana.

Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana added, “We are so grateful. “The money raised will help many Down Syndrome families here in Indiana.”

Pictured above, left to right, are Montgomery Aviation’s president Dan Montgomery, Michelle Dannells Open House event coordinator at Indianapolis Executive Airport, Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez and Andrea Montgomery.

I just completed my bi-annual Fire Extinguisher, CPR and AED training.  Nearly every employee at Montgomery Aviation, Eagle Flyer's, Solutions Air Charter and Indianapolis Executive Airport has been trained on the use of fire and life saving equipment.  We retrain and practice every two years.  Thus we might be the safest reliever airport in the Indianapolis area.

Having a good, working knowledge of the difference between aircraft operated under Part 91 and Part 135 is critical for at least two reasons:

First (important to flight crew services), if a private pilot is unknowingly engaging in Part 135 operations, that conduct could result in a suspension or revocation of the airman’s privileges.

Second (important for corporate aircraft charter), in the event of an aircraft incident or accident, involving either personal injury or property damage, if it turns out that a private pilot was, in fact, involved in a Part 135 operation, the liability insurance company will have a legal right to deny coverage. From the insurance company’s point of view, they were insuring the risks attendant to a private, not commercial or business jet rental operation.

A few points are worth keeping in mind.

First, just because a pilot has a commercial certificate, and a Class II medical, this does not mean that it is legal for the pilot to fly passengers or cargo “for compensation or hire.” If the operation is later deemed to be governed by Part 135 (commercial, charter or air taxi operations), it is also necessary for the operation to be certified under Part 135. Part 135 operations have very detailed and strict operational requirements and legal aspects. This is probably one of the most common misconceptions: that just because a pilot has a commercial certificate and Class II medical, they can fly people “for compensation or hire” They clearly may not.

A little-known fact is this: a pilot with a commercial certificate, and/or Class II medical, who does not have a flight operation licensed with a Part 135 certificate, is at all times, exercising the rights and privileges of a private pilot under Part 91.

Second, any time a pilot is flying an airplane “for compensation or hire,” that brings the specter of a Part 135 or commercial operation into play. There are a few very narrow exceptions to this rule:

A) If the flying “is only incidental to the pilot’s business or employment,” and the aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire;

B) The compensation involves “sharing of expenses” (discussed in more detail below);

C) The flying involves a charitable airlift that has been pre-approved by the FAA;

D) The “compensation” involves mere reimbursement for operating expenses directly related to search and rescue operations;

E) An aircraft salesman may, under certain circumstances, demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a

prospective buyer; and

F) A private pilot with certain qualifications may act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider.

With regard to “sharing expenses,” this exception is very narrow. Under this provision a private pilot may not share more than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided that the expenses only involve fuel, oil, airport expenditures (such as landing fees or tie down fees), or rental fees.

Thus as a passenger in a non Part 135 flight you may only share in your pro rata share of fuel, oil, airport expenditures (such as landing fees or tie down fees), or rental fees. You should get the appropriate receipts for these expenses, before paying.

Third, any time a pilot is providing both pilot service and an aircraft to a customer, that means the pilot has “operational control” and a Part 135 operation is likely involved.

Fourth, some pilots believe that they may fly passengers or cargo “for compensation or hire” so long as they do not “hold themselves out to the public” for doing this kind of service. But this is not true. This is the basis for the distinction between “private” and “common carriage,” and does not define an operation governed by Part 135.

Fifth, the terms “for compensation or hire” are construed by the FAA very broadly. For example, even if no charge is made for pilot service, but the cost of renting the aircraft is passed onto the customer, that constitutes “for compensation or hire.” Also, even if no money or

remuneration changes hands, say, as for example, a pilot provides an aircraft and pilot for a customer simply so the pilot “can get more flying experience,” that will be considered by the FAA as flying “for compensation or hire” and will be deemed a Part 135 operation.

All airmen should know that the FAA views an unlicensed Part 135 operation very harshly.

The agency uses a “Sanctions Guidance Table” when assessing discipline against pilots for various infractions. This table is used by FAA attorneys and other personnel in fashioning appropriate punishment. Under the violation described as “Operation for

compensation or hire without commercial pilot certificate” the “Sanction per violation” is listed as: “180 day suspension to revocation.” So, please take notice and govern yourself accordingly!

Finally, perhaps the most severe consequence of engaging in an impermissible Part 135 operation is the voiding or total loss of your insurance coverage. This will occur even though you may have paid thousands of dollars in premium to bind coverage. In every jurisdiction, and not just Indiana, aircraft incidents or accidents that occur as part of a Part 135 operation are not insured by liability coverage for a private pilot who is supposed to use his or her aircraft solely in Part 91 operations. This makes sense: an insurance company charges a premium based on the risk inherent in a particular operation, and if a pilot has misrepresented the nature of the risk

being undertaken, then the carrier has a legal right to deny coverage, and this denial will be upheld in the courts.

These are just a few of the “rules of the road” governing the important differences between Part 91 (private) and Part 135 (commercial or charter) operations. All airmen and passengers should be mindful of this distinction in order to keep themselves out of trouble with the FAA and to avoid the potential, critical loss of insurance coverage.

Persons illegally conducting commercial flights adversely affect the safety of the entire air charter industry.  These so called "Part 134 & 1/2 operators may seem to be legitimate charter operators to the unaware public, but they have not met any of the safety standards required by the FAA for the on-demand 135 certificate holder.  Often the illegitimate 134 & 1/2 operator will attempt to operate as a aircraft lease or the recent popular ploy as a fractional share owner arrangement.

I just received this request to report, "Suspicious Charter Activity" that I've pasted below.  There may be some of this 134 & 1/2 activity in the Indianapolis area.  As the Airport Manager of Indianapolis Executive Airport, serving as the Hamilton County Airport, Carmel Airport, Boone County and Zionsville Airport, I have maintained the standards for 135 operations Indianapolis Executive. 

We are often asked about the Airports Zoning issue with Zionsville and Boone County.
 
Several articles have been published in the Zionsville Times Sentinel that explain the issue.  I have included the these articles below. 

February 10, 2010
Airport authority wants zoning control
By Nick McLain/Times Sentinel writer
The Hamilton County Airport Authority has filed a lawsuit against Zionsville and Boone County to affirm a legal basis for control of zoning and land use at the site of the Indianapolis Executive Airport, 11329 E. Ind. 32.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, Feb. 3, in Hamilton County Superior Court I, names the Town of Zionsville, Zionsville Plan Commission, Boone County Commissioners and Boone County Area Plan Commission as defendants.

On Tuesday night, Feb. 2, the authority adopted its own zoning ordinance for the IEA site. A public hearing will be set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, in the Commissioners Courtroom in the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville.

Airport Authority President Don Silvey said the lawsuit is an effort for them to assure that they have exclusive control of zoning and land use at the airport. They are represented by the law firm Bose McKinney & Evans.

“What we’re doing is, we hired Bose to tell us where we were legally,” Silvey said. “They told us, the way they read the law, I understand them to say that we have zoning authority in our property in the form of the airport authority itself.”

Although the Hamilton County Airport Authority owns the site, it is actually located in the new Zionsville, in the area of the former Union Township. Prior to Zionsville’s consolidation, Boone County’s zoning ordinance was used in the area, which Zionsville adopted without change into its zoning for the rural districts in the new town on Jan. 4.

However, because of the county’s past involvement, it is also included as defendants.

“Our attorneys told us, effective three years ago when we became an authority, whether we passed the ordinance or not, we were the proper people to have authority,” Silvey said.

Engineers from the airport, along with Zionsville town officials and County Surveyor Ken Hedge, met last week to discuss drainage at the airport.

“Comments made during that meeting were interpreted that we’d have to get various permits that we didn’t think we had to get,” Silvey said.

The lawsuit states: “Zionsville and the Zionsville Plan Commission attempted to exercise drainage control over the lands of the airport and purported to order the Airport Authority and its engineers to desist from making drainage or other land use improvements on airport lands without obtaining approval from Zionsville and the Zionsville Plan Commission.”

The authority also disputes Section 3-2B in the Rural Special Regulations section of Zionsville’s zoning ordinance, which states: “If a runway is extended, or direction of a runway is changed, the owners shall petition in the Town of Zionsville Plan Commission for approval.”

That language is nearly identical to the Boone County zoning ordinance from 2004, with “Town of Zionsville Plan Commission” replacing “Boone County Area Plan Commission.”

Despite it technically being a lawsuit, Silvey didn’t want the situation envisioned as adversarial.

“Unfortunately, in our legal system, it is filed as a lawsuit,” he said. “So it’s reported as suing. But we have one issue and one issue only. We’re asking a judge if we are interpreting correctly. There is no fight if everyone agrees on that. We regret that we’ve undoubtedly upset some people, but we’re just trying to interpret the law correctly.”

He added that there was nothing Zionsville did that precipitated the suit; rather, it was something the authority felt they needed to do.

“It made us realize that we had not done our job and that we needed to do our job and have our own zoning,” Silvey said.

Silvey continued by saying the authority has appreciated working with town council members Michelle Barrett and Candace Ulmer in the past and looked forward to continued good relations.

“No one is trying to beat anybody up or take advantage of anybody,” Silvey said.

Ulmer agreed.

“The authority has control, and they supersede any previous county ordinance,” she said. “This has to get clarified, and I think, in this litigious world, having a judge enter an opinion is the right way to go.”

She also lauded the relationship with the airport, calling it an “asset for the county.”

Zionsville Town Council President Matt Price admitted being caught a bit off-guard by the authority’s filing.

“I’m surprised by the approach of the authority, in making no effort to talk with the town prior to filing,” Price said. “So I was a bit surprised. But we’ll see what their issue is.”

The court’s decision could have an effect on future improvements the airport has in store.

On Dec. 16, IEA had an open house for the 10-year master plan for the airport, which was OK’d by the Federal Aviation Administration.

One of the major elements of that plan includes extending the runway from 5,500 to 7,000 feet to accommodate aircraft taking off fully loaded. The extension will extend further south. According to the Zionsville zoning ordinance, that will require approval from the plan commission, though the authority disputes that.

Silvey said property acquisition will be needed to accommodate the master plan.

“We have some property acquisition we need to do, but not because of that (the extension south),” Silvey said. “There is some property that abuts the south end that we really need to acquire for runway protection.”

Other improvements that will be made include refurbishing Hangar B, which Silvey said had become “tired,” and adding more taxiways. Clients may wish to build additional private hangars, Silvey said, and that will require the necessary taxiways to maneuver the planes.

The airport was purchased by the Hamilton County Aviation Commissioners in 2003. The Hamilton County Airport Authority then acquired the IEA in 2006.

IEA was named the 2009 Airport of the Year by the Aviation Association of Indiana. It oversees about 40,000 takeoffs and landings each year.

Dan Montgomery, who manages IEA and owns Montgomery Aviation, referred comment to Silvey. Montgomery said the authority had not consulted with him prior to filing the lawsuit.

Boone County Commissioner Marc Applegate did not wish to comment for the story, as he said their attorney was still reviewing the complaint.

Boone County Area Plan Commission Director Rachel Whittington did not return calls as of press time.
Zionsville Times Sentinel
March 17, 2010
Town, county respond to airport lawsuit

The Town of Zionsville and Boone County will contest a lawsuit filed Feb. 3 by the Hamilton County Airport Authority.

The HCAA is asking a judge to confirm that it has control over land use and zoning at the Indianapolis Executive Airport, 11329 E. Ind. 32. HCAA attorney Bryan Babb of Bose, McKinney & Evans, declined to comment.

HCAA President Don Silvey has insisted the case is not meant as adversarial.

“It’s just to confirm who has jurisdiction,” he said.

The lawsuit named the Town of Zionsville, the Zionsville Plan Commission, the Boone County Commissioners and the Boone County Area Plan Commission as defendants. Zionsville is represented by Town Attorney Andy Buroker, and the county by Bob Clutter of the Lebanon-based firm Kirtley, Sims, Chadd & Minnette.

On March 1, Zionsville and the county filed for a change of venue to Boone County from Hamilton County Superior Court, under Judge Steven Nation. The town also made a motion to dismiss the case, and requested more time to respond to HCAA’s lawsuit.

Judge Nation granted the time, giving the defendants until April 2. The HCAA has said it will respond to the change of venue request by Friday, March 19. There has been no ruling yet on dismissal.

“Our plan is to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the county and defend our zoning ordinance, as we would in any case,” Zionsville Town Council President Matt Price said. “We believe, fundamentally, that the town has some legitimate and protectable interests in seeing development around and upon the airport is done in a manner that does not injure adjoining properties and property owners that live in the vicinity.”

The IEA is surrounded by the former Union Township, although it is owned by Hamilton County. The airport was in Boone County’s jurisdiction prior to Zionsville’s consolidation and now falls in the town.

On Feb. 1, according to HCAA, officials from Zionsville attempted to exercise drainage control over airport property and directed it to stop making drainage or other land use improvement until it received approval from the Zionsville Plan Commission.

At its Feb. 2 meeting, the HCAA adopted its own zoning ordinance for the IEA site. HCAA officials said that when they acquired the IEA from the Hamilton County Aviation Commissioners in December 2006, by Indiana law, it had exclusive jurisdiction over zoning and land use.

Boone County and Zionsville officials disagree.

In 2004, Boone County amended its zoning ordinance to allow the IEA to switch its zoning to airport. As part of that agreement, the airport agreed to certain convenants and restrictions, including no runway extension without approval. Zionsville, when taking over the territory after consolidation, essentially carried over the Boone County stipulations.

As a result of Boone County’s past involvement, however, it too was named as defendants by the HCAA.

“When the airport zoning was allowed by previous commissioners (in 2004), they were promised at that time that any changes in the airport, runway extension, they would come to the county for approval,” County Commissioner Charles Eaton said. “Now the airport is in a new government entity (Zionsville), and I don’t know if the agreement runs with it or not. It will have to be worked out.”

“We think our ordinance is legitimate, defensible and appropriate,” Price said. “It is exactly a continuation of the Boone County zoning ordinance, and not inconsistent, in my view, from zoning ordinances all across that state that regulate, to some extent or another, development in and around airports.”

Both Price and Marc Applegate, Boone County Commissioner, were troubled by the HCAA’s lack of communication prior to the lawsuit.

“It really irks us that they didn’t call us beforehand,” Applegate said. “That’s not being a very good neighbor.”

Silvey said he had approached Zionsville officials in December and January about presenting the details of the airport improvements and master plan, but they weren’t able to find the time.

The court’s decision could affect the airport’s future as it has adopted a 10-year master plan, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The plan calls for several improvements, including extension of the runway from 5,500 to 7,000 feet. Last week, Sen. Richard Lugar said the IEA received $1.4 million in grant money from the FAA for plane ramp expansion.

Public hearing

The HCAA will hold a public hearing on the zoning ordinance at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 19, in the Hamilton County Commissioner’s meeting room, located on the first floor of the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square in Noblesville
April 7, 2010
Airport case likely to change venue
By Nicholas McLain/Times Sentinel reporter CNHI
Attorneys for the Town of Zionsville and the Hamilton County Airport Authority have agreed in principle on a venue change in their battle over land use control on and around the Indianapolis Executive Airport, 11329 E. Ind. 32.
Assuming the agreement receives approval from Judge Steven Nation of Hamilton County Superior Court I, the case will be decided in Marion County Superior Court; specifically, with Judge Michael Keele, in environmental and community court.
“He’s a well-respected judge,” Zionsville attorney Andy Buroker said of Keele. “He used to be a private land use lawyer, so we won’t have to get him up to speed. Both sides know him pretty well. He’s pretty fair, knowledgeable, with a good record on appeal.”
In a telephone conference with Nation March 26, the two parties told the judge they will file a joint agreement on the move.
Zionsville had filed a change of venue request March 1 to bring the case to Boone County. The HCAA’s attorney in this case, Bryan Babb of Bose McKinney & Evans, had until March 26 to file a response.
Buroker said the agreement is beneficial to both sides.
“We like him (Keele), we agree on him, and we short-circuited a lot of money and time that would have been spent debating on (whether to hold the case in) Hamilton County or Boone County,” he said. “We hope to have a quick resolution to this case, so it’s good that it’s in his court.”
Babb agreed.
“He’s a very well-regarded judge and has a background in land use law, which is helpful,” he said. “It makes good sense to not put judges in those counties (Boone and Hamilton) in a position to have to rule on a case like that and instead bring it down to a county that is completely disconnected from the many things going on here.”
Babb also said the agreement represents a good faith effort by both sides.
“It speaks well of the attorneys of both sides that we’re willing to work together to bring this to some sort of conclusion that both sides can live with,” he said. “It remains to be seen (if that will happen), but ultimately, regardless of the legal decision, we have to work together up there as neighbors. It doesn’t make sense not to try to cooperate at every opportunity.”
The HCAA filed the lawsuit on Feb. 3, claiming they had exclusive control over zoning and land use at IEA. They also included Boone County (specifically, the county commissioners and area plan commission) as co-defendants with Zionsville, as the IEA was located within the county (former Union Township) prior to consolidation on Jan. 4.
HCAA President Don Silvey has said the lawsuit is not meant to be adversarial; rather, they just want to confirm jurisdictional control over IEA. On Feb. 1, HCAA claims Zionsville officials attempted to exercise drainage control over airport property, directing it to stop making drainage or land use improvements until it received approval from the Zionsville Plan Commission.
The HCAA believes it has sole authority over such changes, in accordance with state law. Matt Price, Zionsville Town Council president, counters that such changes require town approval.
“We believe, fundamentally, that the town has some legitimate and protectable interests in seeing development around and upon the airport is done in a manner that does not injure adjoining properties and property owners that live in the vicinity,” Price said.

July 7, 2010
IEA case mediation meeting canceled
By Emily Atwood/Times Sentinel writer CNHI
A mediation meeting for the case regarding who has authority over the Indianapolis Executive Airport on June 22, was canceled.
“We were ready to go, but the Town of Zionsville asked that the date be vacated,” Hamilton County Airport Authority’s attorney Mike Howard of Howard and Associates said.
The purpose of the meeting was to decide if there was any opportunity to discuss the issues and have them resolved rather than having a court decide the issues, Howard said.
Zionsville Town Council President Matt Price said it will be rescheduled to allow parties more time to evaluate a resolution of this matter short of litigation.
“It was mutually agreed to extend the period for mediation, but it was seen as unproductive and a waste of time and money at this time,” Price said.
The IEA, which is owned by Hamilton County, technically lies in Union Township of Zionsville.
“We’re asking the court to decide who has authority over the land use,” Howard said. “It’s a question of if their zoning law applies on our land.”
Howard is hoping that they can use an Indiana statute for local airport authorities’ board powers and duties to their advantage.
It states: To fix and determine exclusively the uses to which the airport lands may be put. All uses must be necessary or desirable to the airport or the aviation industry and must be compatible with the uses of the surrounding lands as far as practicable.
“We believe that when they say exclusive, it means exclusive,” Howard said, in regards to the first line of the statute.
But Price is assured in Zionsville’s side as well.
“We are confident in our legal case and are going to pursuit to protect our citizens,” he said.
Although the meeting does not have a rescheduled date, Price said it will happen in the future.
“We always try to resolve disputes without litigation,” Price said, “However, any resolution must protect property values in Zionsville in the near term and the long term.”

Eagle Flyers Inc., a Cessna Pilot Center,  has been training pilots at the Indianapolis Executive Airport since August 1st 2000. This video was produced by Ray Rice, Marketing Director for Montgomery Aviation. Ray earned his Private Pilot certificate five years ago at Eagle Flyers. We'll publish his video on the Eagle Flyers website within the week.

I wish I had a photo to show you. All I have at this time and for these many years past is a memory, a picture in my mind. It was around 1 in the morning in mid July 1962. I had finished my shift at WTIC-TV in Hartford, Connecticut and followed Hal Schnerr over to a nearby General Aviation Airport Brainard Field. Hal was a TV engineer but he was also a flight instructor and had invited me to go for a ride. I had never been in a small plane before and a Cessna 150 is definitely a small plane. To this day I can recall the sweet smell of that summer night, the sound of the engine and the lights on the panel. As we climbed out over Hartford I looked down to see little pools of light created by the street lamps. When we reached an altitude Hal decided was best for our night excursion he lowered the nose to enter level flight and I saw the world as I had never seen it before. The night was crystal clear. There were lights on downtown office buildings, lights on homes and in small towns in all directions and red flashing lights from the occasional radio or TV tower. The sky was brilliant, the moon bright and I was hooked. It was a truly magical experience which I have never forgotten. If you have never flown up front in a small plane take a discovery flight sometime, check out a flight school or flight training center. If you can see the world as I did that night you might also consider taking flight lessons to achieve your private pilot's license. 

The Hamilton County Airport invites all the Indianapolis Airports to join in the fundraiser on Saturday August 21^st from 10 am to 2 pm.

The event will feature Aircraft displays, Military Aircraft & Vehicles, Skydiving performance, Children’s activities, music, food and much more!

Tour and view the Indianapolis Executive Airport’s many services such as Aircraft Maintenance, Aircraft for Sale, Corporate Aircraft Charter, Private Pilot School, Corporate Jet Hangar and Aircraft Hangars.  Learn about general aviation planes firsthand and up close.