Venice Municipal Airport Newsletter
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From construction equipment working on new aprons and large T-hangars, to Warbirds flying in, a Ford Tri-Motor visiting and a T-Hangar open house, the Venice Municipal Airport is energized with activity and anticipation.
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Warbirds, "Wings of Freedom Tour"
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Coastal communities, such as Venice, Florida are filled with the sounds of seagulls flying in perfect blue skies, hypnotic ocean waves that lull a person to sleep and what seems like an endless supply of sunshine. Annually, the roaring engines of World War II aircraft fill the coastal air with anticipation and memories of historic flights.
This year, the Collings Foundation, "Wings of Freedom Tour" ran from February 8-11. The Warbirds have been visiting the Venice Municipal Airport for approximately 15 years. EAA members and volunteers work with the Foundation to provide a 4-day event filled with memorable aircraft tours and flight experiences. Suncoast Air Center faithfully hosts and provides the facilities, along with staff support, for the annual event.
According to the Collings Foundation, sixty years after their use, the Warbirds honor our veterans of World War II, promote education of future generations and preserve American aviation history.
The Collings Foundation further mentions that the star attractions of the “Wings of Freedom Tour” are 3 fully restored bomber aircraft; a B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-25 Mitchell. A World War II P-51 D Mustang fighter aircraft is the newest addition to the showcase. With over 3000 visits to airports across the continental United States and Alaska, the “Wings of Freedom Tour,” along with the Foundation encourage people to tour the airplanes, talk to veterans visiting the airplanes, and participate in a “flight experience.” Annually, approximately 4 million people view these historic and fully restored aircraft.
For more information about the Collings Foundation, please
click here
Photos provided by Lorraine Anderson
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Special Visitor to the "Wings of Freedom Tour"
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On February 9, 2018 Venice resident Dorothy Herb, 93 1/2, a fighter pilot trainer during World War II, visited the "Wings of Freedom Tour," speaking with other World War II veterans and meeting event visitors. Col. "Bomber" Herb's trip was organized by City Manager Ed Lavallee.
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Photos provided by Lorraine Anderson
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Venice Municipal Airport | Airport Director: Mark Cervasio |941-486-2711|941-483-5942
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The Golden Age of Aviation
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Sponsored by Sarasota Avionics & Maintenance, the Ford Tri-Motor event took place at the Venice Municipal Airport, March 1-4. Rides were offered for a fee in the first luxury commercial airliner from the 1920's. EAA members and volunteers, along with Sarasota Avionics & Maintenance, coordinated the event. For additional information about Sarasota Avionics and Maintenance,
click here. If you are interested in learning more about the local EAA Chapter 1285 visit the
organization page
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"Tin Goose" takes to the sky in Venice
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It was a beautiful day for a ride in all metal history. Sponsored by Sarasota Avionics and with the help of many dedicated EAA volunteers, the Ford Tri-Motor event allowed visitors and aviation enthusiasts from all age groups to not only fly in the 1920s first commercial airliner, but to take photos of the restored wood interior, massive engines, and record it's robust engine sounds.
Watch your head! The cabin area was low and entering the aircraft was a bit of a climb, but with excitement and nostalgia, everyone boarded the Tri-Motor with ease. Once you enter the aircraft, you notice the gold toned curtains and woodwork. All seats on the Ford Trimotor are window seats. The aisles maybe narrow, but the leg room seemed a bit more plentiful than today's airliner. A ride in the Ford Tri-Motor took passengers over the beach, the Jetty, and Sharky's on the Pier. Take off and landing in the Ford Tri-Motor was smooth and the ride was peaceful.
According to the EAA website, Liberty Aviation Museum’s 1928 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B, serial No. 8, flew its first flight on December 1, 1928. In 1929, it was sold to Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT, the logo that graces the aircraft’s fuselage today). Ownership of the aircraft was transferred to Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA). At Transcontinental and Western Air, the aircraft helped in the development of TWA’s route system.
The EAA article also mentions that in 1951 a major overhaul and repairs occurred for No. 8, including removal of the aircraft’s corrugated skin, which was replaced with flat sheet metal. This change earned the aircraft a nickname, “the smooth-skin Ford." In 1953, the Ford Tri-Motor was sold to another private owner and was damaged in an accident in January 1954, after which it was put into storage. It remained in storage until July 1964, when it was purchased by Nevada’s William F. Harrah of Harrah’s Hotel and Casinos. Harrah began an extensive seven-year renovation, bringing the aircraft back to airworthy status and restoring the corrugated skin. The former smooth-skin Ford had its first post-restoration flight in 1971 and flew in Reno several times before being moved to static display with Harrah’s impressive automobile collection.
After Harrah’s death, portions of his collection were auctioned off to high bidder Gary Norton of Athol, Idaho. Then Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, acquired the aircraft. It remained in storage there until 1996 when another restoration of the aircraft started, which returned it to flying condition once again, according to the EAA website.
In 2014, the aircraft was acquired by Ed Patrick and the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio. Volunteers flew the aircraft across the country to its new home. After further maintenance, to ensure the aircraft was tour-ready, Liberty entered into a lease agreement with EAA, working together to showcase the historic aircraft around the country.
Ford Tri-Motor background history provided by EAA website.
Photos provided by Anna Terpstra
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Peace, Love and Pie in the Sky
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Food, Fellowship and themed Fun
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I can’t believe that this ministry is in my backyard and I didn’t know more,” is a common remark when someone visits the Agape Flights’ hangar for the first time.
More than 350 missionary families rely on Agape Flights to transport mail and much needed supplies to Haiti, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. In addition, Agape Flights delivers humanitarian aid and religious supplies into Cuba via the Cuban Council of Churches, and the organization expedites relief supplies during disasters and emergencies.
Agape Flights' timely deliveries of mail and supplies are vital in sustaining missionary families and their ministries.
In 2014, a brainstorming session yielded an event theme, "Pie in the Sky." As the activity ideas grew, a pie auction was added, in which a dozen pies raised over $10,000. "The event is part of who we are; a family of love, fun and generosity," said Carole Leman, Director of Development at Agape Flights. According to Leman, last year,
600 people participated in the event, including over 200 first time guests to the Agape hangar. In addition, over $54,800 was raised to help continue flying to the mission field. The Sponsors’ pie which included a fishing trip, was the high bid winner of the day at $4,100!
Agape Flights’ "Open Hangar" or "Open House," provides an opportunity for the community to tour the hangar and learn how and why Agape Flights take place. The event not only introduces new people to the mission of Agape Flights, but long-time supporters have the chance to connect with a place they love, and volunteers get to serve in a different capacity.
Leman explained, for the 2018 event, "Our goal is to introduce our community to the life changing work of "God's Love Flights." Once the people connect with us and see how we serve, they usually ask, 'How can we help?'
Through sponsorships, pie auction and donations, Agape Flights' goal is to raise $50,000 to help to replace a leaky hangar roof."
"Agape feels very blessed and thankful to be a part of such a wonderful and generous community. This year's event sponsors, iBusinessSolutions and Caldwell Trust Company, join 13 banner sponsors to support the 'Peace, Love & Pie' themed event. Also, restaurants in the community donate delicious dessert pies, and Benny’s Bada Bing help serve up pizza pies!" said Leman.
On March 3, the 2018 Pie In the Sky event raised $56,0000, 10 pies were auctioned and raised over $18,000.
"Of the 650 attendees; 245 were new visitors to the Agape hangar and 80 volunteers helped make it all happen," said Leman
.
Leman further stated,
"
We are incredibly grateful for the beautiful day, our event sponsors, volunteers, the generosity of many, and God’s bountiful blessings for a successful event!
All good fun – the “pie ladies” served 700+ slices of pie!"
Photos provided by Agape Flights. Information regarding Agape and the event were provided
Carole Leman, Director of Development and Abby Duncan, Communications Manager.
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Planting the Aviation Seed
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Grace Preschoolers Tour Airplanes
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On March 9th, tiny feet and big smiles filled a Suncoast Air Center hangar. Preschoolers from Grace United Methodist Preschool, visited Venice Municipal Airport and had an opportunity to sit in the cockpit of several airplanes. Their visit to the airport coincided with their current classroom topic of Air and Space. Participating aircraft owners eagerly answered the preschoolers' questions about aviation and assisted with aircraft tours. Special thanks to Suncoast Air Center and Alex Landry for donating his time and providing the hangar space for the aircraft; to Dennis King, Drew Gillett and Wayne Connor, for donating their time, and airplanes for the tour.
Photos provided by Heather LeDuc
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Airport Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Receives Service Award
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On April 10th, James Eppley, Airport Operations and Maintenance Supervisor received his 5 year longevity award. Jim provides exceptional customer service and dedication to customers, airport commercial tenants and his colleagues. Thank you for your enthusiasm and loyalty to the airport team.
Photo provided by Lorraine Anderson.
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According to a March 13, 2018 article by the National Association of State Aviation Officials, in mid-December a change occurred to the ADS-B ground infrastructure software. The article states that aircraft flagged by the FAA's ADS-B performance monitoring system as not complying with the criteria stated in the ADS-B rule could be placed on a No Services Aircraft List (NSAL). If the aircraft is on the list, it will not receive traffic from FAA radar through the TIS-B uplink, and the aircraft's ADS-B information will not be shown on the air traffic controller's screens.
For detailed information on PAPR and ADS-B Traffic,
click here
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Apron Renovation & Large T-Hangar Construction
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New pavement is here!
The aircraft parking aprons are reconstructed to current FAA standards. Until final markings are in place, please be aware and respect restricted areas on the apron. Midfield tie down and apron completion is projected to be in May 2018.
Construction of large T-Hangars is progressing at a steady pace. Anticipated date of completion is mid-summer 2018.
New tie down parking spot designation signs are in place. The signs indicate which tie downs are under lease and cannot be parked on.
For leasing information, please call the administration office at 941-486-2711.
Please see the below photo of the new tie down designation signs.
Photos provided by Alan Schudel and Bill Ford
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Hurricane season is almost here
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Please include these items in your pre-hurricane checklist:
1- Tie-downs, shade hangars (no doors) and T-hangars (with sliding doors) are not meant to provide protection for your aircraft during a tropical or hurricane-force storm. When severe weather threatens, it is best to relocate your aircraft to an area outside of the storm’s path in order to safeguard it.
2- If you lease a T-hangar, please ensure that your doors are secured with the cane bolt and securely locked, regardless of whether your aircraft remains at VNC or not.
3- We strongly urge you to carry appropriate Aviation and Premises Liability insurance, as well as, Hull (physical damage) insurance, since neither the City of Venice, nor Venice Municipal Airport, provide such coverage.
If you have any questions regarding insurance, the City’s Risk Manager is available to assist you and can be reached at (941) 486-2626.
You may register for automated emergency notifications through the City’s Code Red system (Use 150 Airport Avenue East, Venice, FL 34285 as the address)
Click here for the City of Venice Code Red information and registration.
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Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
The Local EAA 1285 pilots take students 8-17years old flying in real aircraft on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The Young Eagles meet at the Airport Administration office from 9:00am-12:00pm. For additional information about the Local EAA 1285 and meeting times
click here.
Venice Aviation Society , Inc (VASI). For additional information about VASI,
click here.
Venice Flying Club, Inc. President, Carl Traenkner. Contact Carl, evenings and weekends at 941-726-9880 and days at 941-806-1455. Currently, the club owns a 1976 Cessna 182 and future plans include adding a second airplane. For more information about the Venice Flying Club,
click here.
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Furry Flying Friends of VNC
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Dixie is a Basset Beagle (also known as a Bagel). She is 6 1/2 years old. According to her owner, Virginia Jacobson, who is a T-Hangar tenant and Dixie's owner, like any hound her favorite treats are FOOD! She will eat anything. Her favorite activity is going for a walk and sniffing the world around her. She is a 'people dog' and would hang out at the airport with Virginia when she lived in Michigan, too.
Abandoned on the streets of Detroit, Dixie was six months old when she was found and appeared to have been mauled by a larger dog. Her left front paw was broken. A local veterinarian found her tied to a lamp post. The veterinarian did the best he could to set her leg and took care of her until she was about 8 months old.
"When we walked into our vet's office, he handed Dixie over to us and said we had to adopt her. We didn't have a choice. We weren't sure we wanted another dog, but when we laid eyes on her we knew we had to bring her home," said Jacobson.
Information and photo provided by Virginia Jacobson
If you would like your pet to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, please contact the airport administration office at 941-486-2711.
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Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to see in future newsletters.
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