Minutes of Delaware Aviation Support (DAS) General Meeting - 14 June 2006

Called to Order 18:45 @ DRBA Cafeteria:

Due to bad weather Liberty Aerospace’s Pete Lehmann (petelehmann@libertyaircraft.com) (1-301-393-3585) was unable to fly their demo XL2 into to ILG and put their aircraft on display.

Richard Horstmann called the meeting fifteen minutes early to accommodate a full program and to ensure a timely end-of-meeting.

In honor of the fact that the meeting was Flag Day Richard reviewed a bit of Flag Day trivia.

Bill Leavens (Eastern AOPA Rep, (bill.leavens@aopa.org) discussed some of the Eastern Aviation issues from AOPA’s viewpoint. Bill also gave a talk on the AOPA training course (http://media.aopa.org/mediatraining/AOPAMediaTraining.html) on “AOPA’s Guide on Talking to Reporters”

• General aviation typically gets a bad rap in the media.
• Answering media questions “off hand” without adequate preparation is typically a bad idea.
• General aviation coverage is typically about unpleasant events. Uneventful flights don’t get media coverage.
• Most journalists are operating under a deadline and aren’t aviation experts. They may not have time to become educated out of their prejudices.
• Stories are heavily edited to shorten and make “puncher”
• Bad news sells “If it bleeds, it leads” is typical.
• Don’t assume a reporter is sympathetic to General Aviation.
• How to prepare for an interview?
• If contacted for an interview Ask for a later appointment so you can prepare for interview.
• Call AOPA media relations (1-301-695-2162 or 1-800-872-2672) for assistance in preparing for and conducting the interview.
• Guidelines for media and GA.
• Help avoid creating negative news by unsafe or annoying practices
• Ensure that any reporter is escorted continuously while on an airport.
• Don’t EVER go “Off the record” what you say can and will be reported.
• Use the 3 N’s when contacted by a reporter
• Name - What is the reporter’s name and the name of the media organization they represent.
• Number - Get the reporters contact information so you can contact them back.
• Next - What’s next?
• When is deadline?
• When & where will the story run?
• Who else has or will the reporter talk to?
• How familiar is the reporter with general aviation issues?
• Set up an interview time and date
• Contact AOPA media relations for help in preparing for the interview.
• If you are ambushed by a reporter (favorite technique of television reporters) with no time to prepare or research the interview. Remember the five C’s
• Calm - Don’t get emotional. Stay calm and try to diffuse the situation. Avoid a shock reaction.
• Courteous - Be courteous and don’t flee or try to block camera. Don’t say “NO COMMENT!” Agree to answer questions but request that the camera be turned off for interview
• Composed - Listen carefully to questions. Repeat or rephrase question to give yourself time to think. Look directly at reporter don’t let your eyes wander, it makes you look shifty.
• Concise - Give a good, short, answer. If you don’t know, admit it and agree to get answer and get back to reporter. Answer the question then stop talking. Don’t ramble.
• Contact the AOPA with the information about the reporter and the situation. They can help answer questions you couldn’t answer and help with any follow up interviews.

Richard Horstmann added a few comments based on his experiences in dealing with the press.

• Don’t rush, think about what you are saying and try to talk about the positive aspects of the issue.
• Stick to the facts. It will help you remain concise and focused.
• Try to get questions in advance so you can research issue, contact AOPA and think about how to answer.
• Challenge reporters if you find them in areas where they shouldn’t be.

Capt. Brian Settles Chairperson of Airway Science Department of Delaware State University

(bsettles@dsu.edu) (1-302-857-6710)

Capt. Settles gave a talk on his career in aviation and the Airways Science program at DSU.

Captain Settles’ career included;

• ROTC training at Ball State University
• Air Force F4 pilot with 199 combat missions in Viet Nam
• Pilot of KC-135 Stratotanker
• Engineer and pilot for Eastern Airlines (727)
• C-141 Starlifter pilot for Air Force Reserve

• L-188 Electra pilot

• Cab driver in Atlanta during a dry spell

• 727 captain for ATA

• Post retirement from the airlines to Chairperson for Airway Science at DSU

Comments on DSU’s Airway Science Program

• DSU’s has a 18 year old program
• Dr. Daniel Coon was the founder previous Chairperson of the Airway Science program at DSU.
• Over 300 graduates of program working in a variety of capacities, Pilots, ATC, Aviation management positions.
• Program is a part 141 program
• Fleet includes 11 aircraft including multi engine and complex aircraft
• Students typically graduate with 800 to 900 hours including 100 hours complex.
• Programs include:
• Aircraft Systems management (Pilot training)
• Private, Commercial, Multi Engine, CFI and CFII certifications typical by graduation.
• Airway Science Management (Corporate aviation management)
• Many of DSU’s instructors are Air Safety employees.
• Airfield just a few miles from campus.
• DSU’s program costs and tuition are very competitive with other 141 programs. Pass the word!

Alex Coles of DRBA and Dave Fisch of Edwards & Kelly Consultants on the ILG Master plan

• Plan is still being developed.
• Looking for a good location for a maintenance facility.
• Looking to expand asphalt tie downs and “T” hangers.
• Runway 9-27 to be reconstructed in next 2 years. This will mean all three runways will have been refurbished in last 10 years.
• Taxi ways “Mike” and “Kilo” are currently being overhauled.
• Added blast shield and berms next to Runway 1
• Currently have three FBOs on field, Atlantic, Aero Taxi and Air Safety.
• Jim Conrad is anxious to participate as a panel member at next meeting.
• Next Master Plan review meeting scheduled for July timeframe.

Richard Horstmann Discussed future DAS programs

September 13^th is the date for the next general meeting at Delaware air guard. For the meeting, plan on a cook out and board member elections. We are looking for candidates! 19:00 at DAG picnic pavilion, weather permitting.

Important future Dates:

Dover AFB Air Show Oct 7-8, 2006

Willow Grove NAS Air Show June 15-17

Millville Air Show June 24-25

Cape May NAS 1940 Swing Dance September 9^th, 2006

Flag Day on the 14^th

Drawing for Door prizes;

Winner - Two tickets to the Phillies - Jim Conrad

Winner - Demo flight in the Liberty XL2 - Bob Armstrong’s daughter.

Chuck Alsop

Secretary, DAS

19 June 2006