minister of aviation and aerospace

Spent a week in central California, discussing general aviation issues with the Pilot/Minister of Aviation. Apparently, general aviation has continued its slide during these slow economic times. However, some bright spots.
A solar powered aircraft competition was held at Charles Schultz Airport in Sonoma County last week(4th). A winner was declared among the three finalists. This ingenious design will demonstrate that solar/electric powered aircraft are here to stay. Much excitement surrounds the awarding of the $1.3 million dollar prize money to a Slovakian entry that completed the flying/weight requirement with plenty of margin.
Where will this lead us? To more competition, more research, and more exciting results. The advent of unmanned aircraft is past, and now the next generation will design larger more sophisticated aircraft. Watch the skies, they're coming to an airport near you.

Ready for Winter

Well, children, here's Mr. Winter, a little early-yes. Weather forecasters predict about a foot of the white stuff tonight and tomorrow. Be prepared as you drive for the first time since May on snow covered Highway 89.

Monumental Monuments

What do you see in Washington,DC? Monuments, and more monuments. The recent earthquake has left some big problems for the caretakers of our national icons, in particular, the Washington Monument: the 500'+ white marble covered obelisk, the first major monument in the capitol city.
Inspectors found puddles of water on the upper portions of the interior staircase and discovered cracks in part of the facade. Access by the public was terminated as an inspection by engineers was scheduled for last week. Four able bodied engineers descended each of the four faces of the obelisk on lifelines, looking at each and everyone of the numbered pieces.
The information gathered will be analyzed and a repair plan will be forthcoming. In the meantime, visitors will be able to view the monument from the exterior only, and from a safe distance.(the ellipse road). National Park staff held a press conference to announce their plans to the media. Appropriate photos graced the NYT and the Washington Post.

The Bureau of Printing and Engraving
One of the Mayor's favorite sites to visit in DC is the B. of P & Eng.- where the money comes from. Tours walk visitors over the presses and machines that operate daily, printing those bills we need to make our economy hum right along. One can also "buy" various newly printed bills of any denomination, from $1's to $50's, in uncut sheets, 4 per to 32 per sheet. They make great gifts and conversation pieces, given all the serial numbers are sequential on each uncut sheet. More often than not, the store is out of $2 sheets.
Hours are posted from the 17th St side of the building, which is located just east of the Washington Monument.
The Air & Space Museum
Another perennial favorite, the Smithsonian's collection of aviation and space related technology is fantastic. One can touch a Moon rock, a space 'capsule', a rocket, and the Wright Brothers 'Flyer". The Spirit of St. Louis is also a crowd pleaser. A recent addition is the Extra 200 flown by Ms. Wagstaff, the 2 time aerobatic national champion in '91 and '92. It's a beauty.
Many of the aircraft on exhibit will be moved to the new facility under construction at Dulles Airport, 50 miles west of the Mall.
more visits, more museums-stay tuned