General Aviation News

Because flying is cool

Northwest Aviation Conference attracts crowds, optimism

By · ·

MEMORIES: The Olympic Flight Museum from Olympia, Wash., brought its Huey helicopter for display. The presence of the copter, used extensively in Vietnam, drew strong emotional responses from show attendees who flew them during the war. For more information: OlympicFlightMuseum.com.
MEMORIES: The Olympic Flight Museum from Olympia, Wash., brought its Huey helicopter for display. The presence of the copter, used extensively in Vietnam, drew strong emotional responses from show attendees who flew them during the war.

The Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show, held Feb. 20-21 at the fairgrounds in Puyallup, Washington, south of Seattle, is traditionally an educational smorgasbord with attendees able to get information a2010WAAlogobout everything from organizations that promote flying to weather to how to protect their airports.

While the exact number of attendees was not known as this was posted, several exhibitors reported that attendance was good and, overall, there seemed to be a more optimistic feel to the show this year over last.

For more information: Washington-Aviation.org.

A NEW WAY TO LEARN ABOUT RUNWAY INCURSIONS: The FAA unveiled a new twist, with pilots wearing orange vests with “tail numbers” on them and “flying” the pattern with handheld radios. FAA controller Greg Gleason keeps an eye on everything from the “tower” and provides instruction. Pilots encountered everything from LAHSO operations to a “coyote” on the runway.
A NEW WAY TO LEARN ABOUT RUNWAY INCURSIONS: The FAA unveiled a new twist, with pilots wearing orange vests with “tail numbers” on them and “flying” the pattern with handheld radios. FAA controller Greg Gleason keeps an eye on everything from the “tower” and provides instruction. Pilots encountered everything from LAHSO operations to a “coyote” on the runway.
A HUMOROUS APPROACH TO SERIOUS SUBJECT: American Propeller, part of Ameritech Industries, drew a lot of chuckles with its propeller paint scheme to raise awareness for breast care awareness. For more information: AmericanPropeller.com.
A HUMOROUS APPROACH TO SERIOUS SUBJECT: American Propeller, part of Ameritech Industries, drew a lot of chuckles with its propeller paint scheme to raise awareness for breast care awareness.
A CLOSER LOOK: The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum from Hood River brought several artifacts for display, including a skinless Waco glider. The workmanship of the wooden wings demanded closer inspection. For more information: WAAAMuseum.org.
A CLOSER LOOK: The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum from Hood River brought several artifacts for display, including a skinless Waco glider. The workmanship of the wooden wings demanded closer inspection.
POPULAR GIVEAWAY: The miniature rubber ducks at the Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO) booth were a big hit — and obviously well-trained — as they struck a flying wedge formation. The airport is the home of the Arlington Fly-In, slated for July 7-10 this year.
POPULAR GIVEAWAY: The miniature rubber ducks at the Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO) booth were a big hit — and obviously well-trained — as they struck a flying wedge formation. The airport is the home of the Arlington Fly-In, slated for July 7-10 this year.
THE NEXT GENERATION: Kam Yee, a Seattle-area member of the Ninety-nines, talks to a future pilot. The Ninety-nines were one of several not-for-profit groups with informational displays. Several Ninety-nines report that the recent Amelia Earhart movie has sparked a renewed interest in the group. Earhart was the first president. For more information: Ninety-nines.org
THE NEXT GENERATION: Kam Yee, a Seattle-area member of the Ninety-nines, talks to a future pilot. The Ninety-nines were one of several not-for-profit groups with informational displays. Several Ninety-nines report that the recent Amelia Earhart movie has sparked a renewed interest in the group. Earhart was the first president.

Share this story

Become better informed pilot.

Join 110,000 readers each month and get the latest news and entertainment from the world of general aviation direct to your inbox, daily.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Curious to know what fellow pilots think on random stories on the General Aviation News website? Click on our Recent Comments page to find out. Read our Comment Policy here.