The ONZ "Tetrahedron" 

The 2004 Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza on June 19 and 20, Father’s Day weekend, will include legacy flights, aerobatic acts, flight experiences, as well as static and other flying displays.  The show, produced by the Yankee Air Museum (YAM) at Willow Run Airport, will be a great one!  Buy advance tickets through the Airport Office and save up to $3 per ticket vs. gate prices: $12 Adult (16+), Youth $4 (7-15), Kids (0-6) free.

A Legacy Flight each day will honor the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Naval Air Station (NAS) and the people who served here.  The flights will include a TBF/TBM, Corsair, T-6 Texan, and other NAS-era aircraft.

Jim LeRoy of Bulldog Air shows, a top solo act in North America, is scheduled to perform a heart stopping, aerobatic show. "People want to see low, wild, and seemingly out of control, but at the same time they want discipline, precision, and complete control," says Jim.  Photo (right) credit: Richard Vander Meule.

Reflecting the nation's military pride, the "Texan Flight" pairs the T-6A Texan II aerial demonstration aircraft with a vintage T-6 Texan that was actually stationed and operated at the Grosse Ile NAS. Flying side-by-side in a series of photo passes, the audience will enjoy a very rare & patriotic look at the United States Air Force's past and present airpower. Photo (center) credit: USAF.

"Flight Experience" rides by the YAM's combat-veteran B-25  (pictured above, left; photo credit: Eric Dumigan) will be available throughout the Air Show weekend for only $360 (special Father's Day weekend price).  Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to re-live history through the sights and sounds of an actual WWII bomber flight.  (See the article inside this issue for details.)

Visit  www.greatlakesairshows.com for the list of aircraft scheduled to appear, aircraft histories, and events.  Promote your business—air show sponsorship opportunities are available now!  Corporate entertainment chalets and bulk ticket packages are also available!  For more information contact Kevin Walsh, Air Show Producer, at airshows@msn.com or call the Airport.  Additional event information including aircraft rides and displays during Island Fest (June 4,5, 6) are at www.grosseileairport.com/events.htm

Air Show Frequently Asked Questions:

What time does the pre-show start?  When does flying start?  When are the stealth aircraft coming? What aircraft are scheduled?  What about the pancake breakfast and rides?  Can we bring lawn chairs, coolers, and beverages?  Can we see aircraft from the road or parking lot?

Public gates open 9 AM daily with static displays & vendors.  Pre-show A-10A Thunderbolt(s) II fly-by scheduled daily at 11:35 AM.  Flying show starts at noon to continue through 4 or 5 o'clock.  F-117 Stealth Fighter fly-by Saturday afternoon.  B-2 Stealth Bomber fly-by Sunday afternoon.  C-130T Hercules added to program.  For a complete list of aircraft, visit www.GreatLakesAirShows.com.  Pancake and sausage breakfast in hangar one on Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM.  B-25D Mitchell Rides - $360 for 45 minutes.  Lawn chairs are recommended.  Non-glass beverage containers and coolers are allowed but not recommended.  No glass allowed.  For the safety and security of the spectators and participants of the 2004 Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza, please be advised that all persons and personal property are subject to search before entrance onto the air show grounds.  Some items may not be allowed.  Parking fees are built into the price of tickets.  Vehicle and pedestrian traffic on roadways surrounding the Airport and in parking lots will be strictly enforced by local and county police.  Standing, stopping, or parking on these roadways will be subject to municipal fines and/or removal of vehicles by law enforcement.

The Air Show is Looking For A Few Good…

…volunteers!  The Yankee Air Museum (YAM) air show staff is looking for volunteers to help with the show.  They need help with everything (parking, security, admissions, you name it).  Benefits include a t-shirt, lunch, and (best of all) the opportunity to help make the show a success!

You must be a member of the YAM to be a volunteer.  See membership details at www.yankeeairmuseum.org or call 734-483-4030.  The YAM will be holding a volunteers’ meeting at 1 PM on Saturday, May 15, in the YAM facility at Willow Run Airport.  Questions should be directed to Kevin Walsh (show producer) at airshows@msn.com or John Lawson (Airport Manager) at 734-675-0155 or jlawson@grosseileairport.com.

   Let’s Celebrate Spring…

By Ted Finney

…by going flying!  Grosse Ile Airport, on Sunday mornings—remember how we all gathered and just flew to some airport for breakfast? Well, we still have Sunday mornings, and we still have airplanes...

Why not revive that tradition? Let’s just start showing up around 8:00 to 8:30 AM or so and go do it again. Breakfast is served!!

Call a buddy, call a friend, and meet at the airport and take off!

Airport manager’s note: these fly-outs are not officially sponsored by the airport, but we encourage them nevertheless!  And why not try Saturday mornings as well?

Here is the ultimate Father's Day gift! The Yankee Air Museum will be offering rides in their extremely rare B-25D Mitchell bomber throughout the Air Show weekend. For only $360 (special Father's Day weekend price), jump on board the Yankee Air Museum's B-25 bomber, thunder down the runway and soar through the skies over Grosse Ile. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to re-live history though the sights and sounds of an actual WWII bomber flight. With the purchase of a B-25 flight, each rider will also receive a free one-year Associate's Membership to the Yankee Air Museum!  Limited seats available.  To pre-book a B-25 flight, please call Mary Aileen Medlock at 734-945-5369.

Historic WW II Officers Club

Overnight and Long Term Lodging

734-671-2295 Art Cortis

Gary Pratt, airport tenant, stated claim to a personalized, Michigan license plate with the airport identifier “KONZ”.

EAA 457 Activities

The chapter has had some interesting programs lately.  The April meeting featured an expert on automated weather observation systems.  The March meeting saw a presentation by a husband and wife who are both balloon pilots!

Norm Donaldson is organizing a fly-in of RV aircraft ( www.vansaircraft.com) on May 8, 2004, at the Airport.  It should be interesting!  See the article on the next page or contact him for more details.

Go to http://www.geocities.com/eaa457/  to see the Chapter newsletter, get the latest news, and see what the next meeting’s program will be, or call Norm Donaldson at 734-676-7366.  The May meeting will be held at 7 PM on Thursday, May 13, in the Township Hall Board Room, 2nd floor.

Michigan Wing Van’s Air Force Flyin

By Norm Donaldson

You are invited to Michigan Wing Van’s Air Force Flyin at the Grosse Ile Airport (KONZ) on Saturday, May 8, 2004.  If we are unable to hold it on the 8th due to unacceptable weather conditions, the Flyin will be held on the following Saturday, May 15th.

In the morning, we will have coffee and donuts available, and we will be able to use the Township Board Room for our hanger flying and RV discussions.  Please bring pictures of your RV building projects.  For lunch, we will have transportation to the local restaurants on the Island.  Our local EAA Chapter 457 will be assisting with this event.

We will be using the Township Hall Facilities, which are attached to the large hangar at the airport, for our gathering place. For those not familiar with this airport, when landing to the south we use a left hand pattern over the Detroit River, and landing to the North we use a right hand pattern again over the river.  We also ask that you avoid flying over the island located at the southeast end of the airport.  This airport was the Grosse Ile Naval Air Station during World War II and was used for basic training.  One of the most famous students was President George Bush Senior.

For maps, directions, or pilot information, you may contact the Airport.

You may e-mail any questions to normanjd@aol.com.

Congratulations to y’all!

First Solo 4-15-2004

Flying Brooklynair’s Cessna 172, Denise Strong performed her first three solo take offs and landings.  Look out Dick, you may have to schedule time in the Meyer.

First Solo X-Country 4-15-2004

Chad Carmack, a 16 years old student at Grosse Ile High and Island resident for about 12 years, performed his 1st x-country solo, after training at Seaway Aviation.  “I’m hoping to eventually become a commercial pilot after I finish school,” he says.

First Solo X-Country 4-15-2004

Mike Kostovski, a phys-ed teacher at Dearborn Fordson High School, successfully completed his x-country solo flight.  He’s always had a passion to fly and began training at Seaway Aviation in Jan. 2003.  He’s also working on a Master degree in Sport Administration.

Glasair IRG Homebuilt -Maiden Flight

By Dr. Craig Sawka

On Saturday, March 27, 2004, N19PC, a homebuilt Glasair IRG, made its first flight at Grosse Ile Airport.  Craig Sawka purchased the aircraft in the spring of 2003, when the project had almost six years of work completed on it.  The plane spent  the last year in the garage on the north end of the Island where final construction proceeded at a rapid rate—thirty to forty hours each week.  Gary Soloway joined the project mid-winter and became a partial partner.  Gary proved to be a great source of construction information.

Since the airplane wings are not removable, the trip to the airport was interesting.  One Saturday morning about 4 AM, the plane was pulled out of the garage, and its tow bar attached to a tow vehicle.  With help from the Grosse Ile Police Department, the Glasair was towed down the street to the airport.  All went well with only a few, rather surprised motorists to watch the trip.  The hardest part was trying to get the plane through the gate at the airport.

The first flight went nearly perfect.  The gear was left down and speeds were limited to 140 mph.  After a flight of approximately 20 minutes, oil was noticed on the windscreen.  A landing was immediately done, and the plane went to the hangar for inspection.  Oil was running down out of every cowling opening and running back over the fuselage.  After removal of the cowling, we found an oil line connection that had worked loose—a quick and easy fix. The oil was cleaned up, and the next flight took place.  This flight was gear-up and cruise power.  All went as planned.  Cruise speed was an indicated 205 mph.  On landing, the gear operated normally with no additional oil leaks.  We now look forward to many fun filled hours of flying fun.

   Runway Project Update

Great news!  The Michigan Aeronautics Commission approved a $2.1 million grant to resurface Runway 4-22 with concrete, rehabilitate its runway safety areas, replace the runway lights, replace the Runway 4 VASI with a PAPI, replace outdated signage with new signs, and improve airfield drainage systems.  We also anticipate that the displaced threshold for Runway 4 will be eliminated, which will put the threshold back at the end of the pavement and return approximately 477 feet of pavement to use for landings.

Plans for the project have been submitted on a fast-track basis to the State and the FAA.  If all works out, we’ll start construction some time in August and complete it within 45-50 days.  Stay tuned to the newsletter for more details.

Airport Operations During Island Fest

As in prior years, we will be clearing out Hangar 1 in order to accommodate the vendors, displays, and tables that will be placed in the hangar during the festival.  Accordingly, we are planning on having all aircraft out no later than noon on Wednesday, June 2.  We encourage Hangar 1 tenants to move their aircraft themselves, please contact Joe Wierzbicki or John Lawson at 734-675-0155 to find out where the aircraft can be parked.  If tenants choose not to move the aircraft themselves, we will (with tender loving care, of course) move them. 

We will send a letter in mid-May to each Hangar 1 tenant as a reminder.  Also, as a token of appreciation, the Island Fest organizers will provide two tickets to each aircraft owner for the pancake breakfasts that will be held on Saturday and Sunday morning during the festival.  The tickets will accompany the letter.

The hangar will be clear and available for owners to return their aircraft after noon on Monday, June 7.

This year the carnival will be occupying space within the runway protection zone (the approach area) for Runway 17.  Therefore, we will be closing Runway 17-35 from 8 AM Wednesday, June 2, until approximately 3 PM on Monday, June 7.  A NOTAM will be published and announcements made on the AWOS.

The festival will be conducting an aerial fireworks display at the south end of the airport beginning at approximately 10 PM on Saturday, June 5 (rain date Sunday, June 6).  The fireworks will last approximately 15 minutes and will reach a maximum height of 700 feet AGL.  We will close the airport 15 minutes before the fireworks begin and we will be monitoring UNICOM.

   Airport Operations During the Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza

As with last year’s show, we will be removing all aircraft from Hangar 1 to accommodate air show aircraft and displays.  The hangar will also serve as storage for “ragwing” aircraft if we get inclement weather.  We will need to have the hangar clear by 8 AM on Thursday, June 17.  If hangar tenants choose not to move the aircraft themselves, we will (with tender loving care, of course) move them.  Tenants who will move their aircraft themselves should contact Joe Wierzbicki or John Lawson at 734-675-0155 to find out where they can park them. Transient aircraft will be shown to parking areas by air show staff.

In mid-May we will send a letter to each Hangar 1 tenant as a reminder.  Also, as a token of our appreciation, the air show organizers will provide two tickets for the show to each aircraft owner.  The tickets will accompany the letter.

The hangar will be clear and available for tenants to return their aircraft after noon on Monday, June 21.

The airport will be NOTAM’d closed at the following days and times:

Friday 1300-1500 local (practice)

Saturday 1130-1700 local (air show)

Sunday 1130-1700 local (air show)

During those times, a 5-mile radius of airspace around the airport up to 15,000 feet AGL will be closed to all but air show traffic and will be under the control of the Air Boss.  Tenant aircraft owners should plan departures and arrivals accordingly.  The appropriate announcements will be posted on the AWOS.

Due to safety and security considerations, the east end of the ramp from the Seaway hangar to the west end of the T-hangars will be closed to all persons, except to those who are involved in running the air show.  The closure will begin at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday and will end when the air show is finished (no later than 5 PM).  This closure includes tenants who have aircraft hangared in the T-hangars.  There will be non-law enforcement personnel monitoring access points to the ramp to prevent unauthorized entry.  We ask that everyone cooperate with those personnel and remain clear of the area that will be closed.

Fuel Prices

As you may have noticed at fuel stations, fuel prices have risen considerably.  Since our last delivery of fuel in February, prices have risen sixteen cents per gallon.

Our fuel broker works diligently to obtain fuel from dependable, competitively-priced sources.  They have told us that we might see some reductions if OPEC increases production.

Airport Web Site & Newsletter Distribution

Check the Airport web site for lots of updated information.  Airport Commission agendas and meeting minutes are available also, as are fuel prices, tenant info, forms, and rules and operating standards. They are updated regularly, so visit www.grosseileairport.com and be informed.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter, contact the Airport office.  And, thank you for reading this issue of the Grosse Ile Airport newsletter!

Set up Easy Rent Payments

Hangar tenants and commercial operators are eligible to have rent payments debited from any bank account. We can set you up with automatic debit. It’s easy and safe. Just ask the Airport office for an Authorization for Automatic Debit form. We’ll have you set up in no time. Then you won’t have to remember to pay your rent—and no more late fees!

Report Suspicious Activity around Airports and on the Water

Help ensure the security of GA aircraft and airport operations across the country. Call toll-free 1-866-GA SECURE (866-427-3287) to report suspicious activity at any airport. The Airport Watch Program has been established with AOPA. To learn what to watch for, see www.aopa.org/asn/watch.html. Report suspicious activity on the water to River Watch, a Homeland Security Watch Program, at 1-800-537-3200. You may also contact the Airport office during business hours at 734-675-0155 or call the G.I. Police Department at 734-676-7100.

Tenants: Notification of Changes

Is your information up-to-date with the Airport? Let us know of any changes of aircraft, email, addresses, or telephone. Got a cell phone number to give us?

Commercial Office and Industrial Park Space Available for Lease

Know of someone looking for raw land or industrial space to begin or expand a business? The Airport has some space available for lease at very reasonable rates. Email us or give us a call at 734-675-0155 for information or a visit.

Located just 5 miles from major expressways, our Commerce Park is great for light industrial, technical research and development facilities.

Office space is also available in hangar two. Call Horizon Properties at 734-283-4355.

"Working with you to provide the energy that propels aviation"

Arrow Energy, a Nationwide Independent Supplier of Aviation Fuels, and Phillips 66 are sponsors of The ONZ ‘Tetrahedron’ newsletter.

Arrow Energy’s distribution network has grown to over 150 terminals nationwide. Their customers include FBOs, corporate flight departments, specialty airlines, cargo operators, ag-operators, and hospital med-flights.

Grosse Ile Airport thanks them for their support.

For more information, visit www.arrowenergy.com, call 1-800-968-2853, or email info@arrowenergy.com.

Goodyear Blimp Landed 4/8/04.  Sanyo Blimp Expected June 8-17, 26.

Airport Commission  

Chairman	Robert Harris
Vice Chair	Joe Lemanski
Trustee	Les Neal
Commissioners:	Tom Dunne
	Jim Lowlor
	Jim Weaks
	Tom Burkhart

Airport Staff

Administration

 John Lawson – Airport Manager, A.A.E.

Caryn Johnson – Office Coordinator

 Joe Wierzbicki – Acting Assistant Manager  

Stearman Departed ONZ 4/8/04.

Maintenance

Lyle Eastom—Supervisor/Leading Chief

Rodney Eastom

Gerald “Jerry”  Dionne

Jim Farrell

Airport Administration Office

Office – 734-675-0155

Fax – 734-675-0932

Web—www.grosseileairport.com

   The Airport participated in the Business & Lifestyles Expo 4/2-3, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber.

Calendar of Events  

May 8 - Michigan Wing Van’s RV Air Force Flyin at ONZ

May 12 - Airport Commission Mtg 7:30 PM

May 13 - EAA 457 Mtg 7 PM

May 15, 16 - Chesapeake Aviation Training Weather Seminar at ONZ

June 4,5,6 - Island Fest (including Rides & Air Display)

June 9 - Airport Commission Mtg 7:30 PM

June 10 - EAA 457 Mtg 7 PM

June 19 and 20 - Grosse Ile Air Extravaganza (Air show)

July 14 - Brownfield Mtg 7 PM

July 23,24,25 - Michigan Jets (Model jets)

Meetings are held in the Grosse Ile Township Board Room, 9601 Groh Rd., 2nd floor, Grosse Ile, Michigan 48138.

For previous online newsletters, please click here or visit the other Grosse Ile Airport links below.

Newsletter Distribution

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter, contact the Airport office. And, thank you for reading this issue of the Grosse Ile Airport newsletter!

Rights reserved to correct errors or omissions.