World's Only Privately Owned, Operated & Flown Harrier by Lt. Col. Art Nalls, USMC (Ret.)

Silver Wings Over Washington

Officers: Ron David, President; Adm. Whitey Feightner, USN (Ret.), Vice President; Joan Stalk, Treasurer; Ray Kester, CW04 USN (Ret.), Secretary

Board: Col. Randy Brandt, USAF (Ret.); Col. E.P. Deatrick, USAF (Ret.); Steve Craven; Debbie Gallaway; Pete King; Capt. Bud Orr, USN (Ret.); Capt. Zip Rausa, USN (Ret.); Col. Charles Stallworth USAF (Ret.)

Our mission is to provide an educational foundation that inspires, advocates, and fosters a venue for learning through aviation, especially for the younger generation; a forum for networking among members, colleagues and friends with outstanding speakers and camaraderie across the board. "What's Past is Prologue"

The 2013 Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Series

THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

at the stately new Army Navy Country Club

Please join us to welcome our remarkable speaker:

Lt. Col. Art Nalls, USMC (Ret.)

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World's Only Privately Owned Harrier Returning to Oshkosh

Art Nalls' Sea Harrier hovers on the flightline at AirVenture 2010. Art Nalls sits in the cockpit of his BAE Sea Harrier F/A2, the only privately owned Sea Harrier in the world. May 16, 2013 - EAA welcomes back the world's only privately owned flying BAE Sea Harrier F/A2 to AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, as Art Nalls will bring his showstopping VTOL jump jet to Wittman Regional Airport. Nalls, EAA 689513/Warbirds 549224, wowed the crowd when he brought the aircraft to Oshkosh in 2010 and 2011. This year he plans to arrive Saturday or Sunday prior to opening day, then make several flying demonstrations throughout the week before departing Thursday, August 1. Nalls, who flew Harriers while serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Marines, purchased the completely demilitarized aircraft in 2006 from a broker who had obtained it from Britain's Royal Navy surplus. It's the second Sea Harrier ever manufactured, Nalls said, and at 34 years old, the oldest one surviving. Over the years AirVenture attendees have seen their share of American AV-8A and AV-8B Harriers demonstrate the type's unique vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) abilities. But Nalls' was the first British Sea Harrier to appear in Oshkosh, and the differences in the aircraft variants are significant. "The Sea Harrier is a fighter aircraft designed to shoot down enemy aircraft," Nalls said, while the AV-8s were designed for air-to-ground and close air support. "The Sea Harrier has a bigger nose, a raised canopy for better visibility, and shorter wings." It also has a 50,000 foot-per-minute climb rate, much faster that of the AV-8, which Nalls spent most of his military career flying. It's also a very thirsty bird, guzzling a gallon of fuel every six seconds. It uses 50 gallons just moving from its hangar to the runway at St. Mary's County Airport, Maryland, Nalls said. Nalls is the first pilot to be civilian and aerobatic rated in Harriers. His flying partner and fellow test pilot, retired USMC Maj. Gen. Joe Anderson, is the second. Anderson and Nalls flew AV-8A Harriers in the famous Ace of Spades Squadron, VMA-231. Flying demonstration times at Oshkosh have yet to be finalized, so stay tuned. However, it'll be obvious when the Harrier is flying. When Nalls fires up the thunderous Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.106 vectored thrust turbofans, it's almost as if time stands still; everyone's head turns toward the flightline. "It's the most amazing thing," Nalls said. "Merely starting the engine causes people to stop what they're doing." Nalls said this year his airplane has seen a large spike in demand due to the widespread cancellation of U.S. military aircraft at air shows brought about by the federal budget cutbacks. "Our schedule is full with nine scheduled appearances this year," he said. "Many air shows rely on military airplanes, so we do what we can." Watch EAA's video shot in 2011 showing what it takes to preflight the Sea Harrier (Above article and photos courtesy of AirVenture 2013)

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The Silver Wings Fraternity is comprised of a wonderful group of remarkable individuals who have pioneered, excelled and contributed to the world of aviation. We encourage members to bring friends, guests, and introduce young people to the noteworthy exploits and achievements of our distinguished members and speakers. In the past we have hosted prominent speakers who presented both contemporary and historical topics relating to aviation, space, and a variety of military accomplishments.

We invite you to visit our blog: www.silverwingsoverwashington.blogspot.com

Agenda for THURSDAY, September 26th, 2013

Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon

Site:      Army Navy Country Club, 703.521.6800

        East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

            West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204

           Parking: Complimentary Parking

Area:     Arlington Fort Richardson Room

Cost:      $33.00, paid at the entrance  

Date:     THURSDAY, September 26th, 2013

1100:    Doors Open, Networking Time

1150:    Pledge of Allegiance

1155:    Blessings

1200:    Dining: plated courses served complemented by a delicious dessert

1250:    Introduction of our Speaker

1300:    Speaker: Lt. Col. Art Nalls Jr., USMC (Ret.)

Title:  "The World's Only Civilian Owned and Flown Harrier"

1345:    Q & A

1400:    Conclusion of  Speakers Luncheon

Please RSVP now with me at 202.333.8707, e-mail rondavid@gmail.com; or with Joan Stalk, 703.451.4181 joans.hangar1@verizon.net.

Note: We need a firm count by Monday Noon, September 23rd for the ANCC.  The ANCC charges for each walk-in an additional $4 per person, so save the ANCC fee and RSVP as soon as possible.

Membership dues ($25) may be paid on September 26th, or mail to our Treasurer: Joan Stalk, 6103 Dominican Drive, Springfield, VA 22152.

Let's have a great turn out for Lt.Col.Art Nalls, USMC (Ret.)

The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer

LADEE Launches on Mission to the Moon

Image credit: NASA Wallops/Chris Perry

In an attempt to answer prevailing questions about our moon, NASA launched a probe at 11:27 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 6, from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility at Wallops Island, Va. The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) is a robotic mission, managed by NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., that will orbit the moon to gather detailed information about the structure and composition of the thin lunar atmosphere and determine whether dust is being lofted into the lunar sky. A thorough understanding of these characteristics of our nearest celestial neighbor will help researchers understand other bodies in the solar system, such as large asteroids, Mercury, and the moons of outer planets.

Get the latest news from NASA's LADEE website.

From Air to Space... Finding The Sweet Spot

Silver Wings Over Washington

Officers: Ron David, President; Adm. Whitey Feightner, USN (Ret.), Vice President; Joan Stalk, Treasurer; Ray Kester, CW04 USN (Ret.), Secretary

Board: Col. Randy Brandt, USAF (Ret.); Col. E.P. Deatrick USAF (Ret.); Steve Craven; Debbie Gallaway; Pete King; Capt. Bud Orr, USN (Ret.); Capt. Zip Rausa, USN (Ret.); Col. Charles Stallworth USAF (Ret.)

Our mission is to provide an educational foundation that inspires, advocates, and fosters a venue for learning through aviation, especially for the younger generation; a forum for networking among members, colleagues and friends with outstanding speakers and camaraderie across the board. "What's Past is Prologue"

The Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Series

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

at the stately new Army Navy Country Club

Please join us to welcome our distinguished speaker:

Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.)

                                                               

"Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.) headed NASA's Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology Enterprise at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, from May 11, 1998 to December 31, 2002. Ending a career of public service that spans nearly half a century.

Armstrong's extensive career includes experience in flight testing and astronautical engineering as well as command at five different levels within the U.S. Air Force.  He has served as NASA's Associate Administrator for Human Resources and Education since September 1991. Prior to that assignment, Armstrong served as director of program architecture for the Synthesis Group, White House-chartered, from 1990-1991 to develop long-range program architectures for the U.S. human space flight program.

As Associate Administrator, Armstrong was responsible for strategic planning, requirements definition and budgetary formulation of NASA's aeronautics research and space transportation technology activities.  Armstrong's duties included overall responsibility for each of NASA's four aeronautical research centers -- Ames, Moffett Field, CA; Dryden, Edwards Air Force Base, CA; Langley, Hampton, VA; and Lewis, Cleveland, OHIO.

"General Armstrong has served this nation with exceptional distinction during both his military and NASA careers," said Administrator O'Keefe. "In NASA, he has shown a real ability to lead diverse programs, from aerospace technology to workforce and education. The agency will miss his leadership."

Armstrong is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and command pilot with over 4,500 hours (including 100 missions over North Vietnam in the F-105) flying time in 50 different aircraft.  He was Vice Commander of Air Force Systems Command from July 1987 to April 1990, and prior to that was Vice Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command.

From July 1983 to July 1985 he was Chief of the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia.  He also served as Commander, Air Force Military Training Center, San Antonio, TX; Deputy Chief of Staff for Technical Training, Air Training Command; Deputy Director for Space and C3, DCS Research, Development, and Acquisition, Headquarters USAF, the Pentagon; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Air Training Command; Commander, 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX; Base Commander and, later, Deputy for logistics, 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph AFB, TX.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, with a BS in engineering. Armstrong also received master's degrees in both astronautical and instrumentation engineering from the University of Michigan.  He also attended Harvard University's Senior Managers in Government Program; Columbia University's Executive Program in Business Administration; the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA; and the Air War College.

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The Silver Wings Fraternity is comprised of a wonderful group of remarkable individuals who have pioneered, excelled and contributed to the world of aviation. We encourage members to bring friends, guests, and introduce young people to the noteworthy exploits and achievements of our distinguished members and speakers. In the past we have hosted prominent speakers who presented both contemporary and historical topics relating to aviation, space, and a variety of military accomplishments. 
Visit our web blog: www.silverwingsoverwashington.blogspot.com 

Agenda for THURSDAY, JULY 25th, 2013

Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon  

   

Site:      Army Navy Country Club 703.521.6800
             East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
             West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204
             Parking: Complimentary Parking
Area:      Arlington Fort Richardson Room 
Cost:      $33.00, paid at the entrance
Date:     THURSDAY, JULY 25th, 2013
1100:    Doors Open, Networking Time

1150:    Pledge of Allegiance

1155:    Blessings
1200:    Dining served: gourmet entree,  complemented by a delicious dessert
1250:    Introduction of our Speaker
1300:    Speaker:Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.)
1345:    Q & A

1400:    Conclusion of  Speakers Luncheon

Please RSVP now with me at 202.333.8707, rondavid@gmail.com; or, with Joan Stalk, 703.451.4181 joans.hangar1@verizon.net.

Note: We need a firm count by Monday Noon, July 22nd for the ANCC.  The ANCC charges for each walk-in an additional $4 per person, so save the ANCC fee and RSVP as soon as possible.

Membership dues ($25) may be paid on July 25th, or mail to our Treasurer: Joan Stalk, 6103 Dominican Drive, Springfield, VA 22152.

Let's have a great turn out for Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.)

Ron

Ron David

President, Silver Wings

rondavid@gmail.com
www.rondavid.com

skype: metopower

WDC: 202.333.8707

Cell:   202.907.3241

Spotlight: Become a Pilot Day and Solar Impulse

News Solar Impulse Expected at National Air and Space Museum 2013 "Become A Pilot Day" Prototype Aircraft Flies Day and Night Powered by Solar Power The "Become a Pilot" family day and aviation display, held annually at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., is expected to feature a star attraction this year: Solar Impulse. The innovative aircraft, now on a pioneering tour -- "Solar Impulse Across America" -- is anticipated to land at nearby Washington Dulles International Airport in time to be on public display Saturday, June 15, the day of the event, and the following day,Sunday, June 16. Public viewing will be from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. both days. Due to weather conditions, the aircraft's arrival may be delayed, but updates will be posted on Solar Impulse and the museum's website and through social media.A media advisory will be sent when the plane's arrival is confirmed. Founded in Switzerland by Bertrand Piccard, a psychiatrist, explorer, and aeronaut who made the first non-stop around-the-world balloon flight, and André Borschberg, an engineer by education, entrepreneur, and pilot, the Solar Impulse project focuses on flying without fuel by using renewable solar power to demonstrate the huge potential of clean technologies. The HB-SIA prototype airplane, which has the wingspan of a jumbo jet but is as light as a small car, is the first aircraft to fly day and night powered solely by the sun. It has set five world records, including a historical 26-hour non-stop flight. While it is on public display on the grounds of the Udvar-Hazy Center, members of the Solar Impulse team will be on hand to explain the aircraft and its technology. Full press release

Events and Activities

To plan beyond the current month, see the online calendar.

Spotlight Our spotlight event this month is the Udvar-Hazy Center'sBecome a Pilot Day and Aviation Display on Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. See dozens of visiting recreational, vintage, and homebuilt aircraft, plus Solar Impulse (weather permitting). Talk to pilots and find out what it takes to fly. Bring the kids inside the Center for hands-on activities and story times. New this year are indoor and outdoor kite flying demonstrations. Admission is free; parking is $15.This event is made possible by the generous support of Booz Allen Hamilton; AFCEA International and the Washington Metro Chapters; and these others ponsors.

One Museum, Two Locations

On the National Mall 6th & Independence SW Washington, D.C. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Pkwy. Chantilly, Virginia Both locations are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except December 25. See the schedule for extended summer hours through September 2.   Admission is free. Udvar-Hazy Center parking: $15, free after 4:00 p.m.    For information call (202) 633-1000. Plan a Visit airandspace.si.edu

Captain William Stewart "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.) and co-author Fran E. Orr

Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity

After the successful and well attended event of the March Speakers Luncheon with Capt. "Red" McDaniel, USN (Ret.) as our distinguished  speaker, we have planned a diverse and entertaining address for this upcoming May 23rd event. 

Please join us to welcome our eclectic and entertaining Speakers
Captain William Stewart "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.)
and his charming and beautiful co-author
Fran E. Orr

Bud Orr was born in Grants Pass, Oregon in 1943.  He attended the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Journalism in Public Relations and Advertising graduating in 1965. He was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy in August 1965 and began US Navy Flight training in Pensacola Florida. After receiving his wings in February 1967 he flew A-4 Skyhawks in Viet Nam and later transitioned to the A-7E. He had several tours in the A-7E after which he was selected to be the first US Navy pilot to fly the AV-8 Harrier on exchange duty with the USMC. From there he attended the USAF Command and Staff College in Montgomery AL during which time he concurrently earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Troy State University.

AV8A Harrier

Returning to fly the Corsair II, he completed several squadron tours including Squadron Command. He also Commanded the A-7E training squadron where he was selected for Captain and detailed to attend the prestigious National War College in Washington DC. During that tour he was selected to be a Carrier Air Wing Commander in the new “Super CAG” program. During that tour he flew five types of jet aircraft including the F-14 and FA-18 day and night from the carrier as well as three types of helicopters. His last tour in the Navy was in the US Senate as Principal Deputy for Senate Liaison reporting to the Secretary of the Navy.

Upon retirement from the Navy, Captain Orr was selected by President George H.W. Bush to be the Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Women in Combat.

After completing the Commission Report to the President, he joined the Honorable H. Lawrence Garrett, former Secretary of the Navy, as Vice President in the Rolls-Royce Military Engines government affairs office. During the next 14 years he managed three separate English Aerospace and Defense Washington Government Affairs offices, Lucas Aerospace, Smiths Aerospace and Cobham Aerospace, two of which he started from scratch. Mr. Orr’s last position was President of Omega- Air-Refueling Inc. Omega flies civilian aircraft configured as tankers and provides in-flight-refueling to US Navy/Marine fighters and other allies on Navy contract. He retired from Omega in 2012 and presently he is the President of WSO consultants in Washington DC.

Married to Fran E. Orr for 37 years, they have three children and six grandchildren and reside in Alexandria, VA where they have lived for the past 24 years.

About Bud and Fran 

"Bud Orr spent twenty-seven years in the U.S. Navy, flew combat in Vietnam, amassed more than 1,000 carrier landings, and flew numerous aircraft including the AV-8A Harrier, F-14, FA-18, and B-1 Bomber. After retirement he spent more than twenty years managing several Aerospace and Defense Washington Government Affairs offices. His co-author and wife of 37 years, Fran was described by Senator John Warner as the "good Navy wife." Fran was a partner in an exclusive boutique in Virginia Beach and has a successful real estate career. She also is a published author of children's books. Love at First Flight - Adventures, Exploits, Sacrifices, Risks & Rewards is their first book together. Bud and Fran are completing Fran's memoir titled "Dusty Memories," the story of Fran's pilgrimage as a child of the "dust bowl" born into poverty and deprivation." 

About Love at First Flight

Here is a review on amazon.com: "This book is the memoir  by two outstanding Americans: a courageous naval pilot, Bud Orr, whose career spanned twenty-seven years, and his loving wife, Fran. This volume is an honest, beautifully crafted story of Bud and Fran's inspiring relationship, a testament to their deep love and service to their country. It is a page-turning account of a sterling military career, complete with adrenaline-filled descriptions of a daring pilot flying many dangerous missions in advanced warplanes. Love at First Flight is a powerful reminder about the real sacrifices that men and women in the Armed Services must make to preserve a relationship, and the incredible rewards that come with that sacrifice. Like a catapult launch off an aircraft carrier, Bud and Fran's story will propel readers through recent history—from the Vietnam War to current day America." A tender, moving, and inspiring volume, Love at First Flight  will be available for purchase at our luncheon.

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About Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity

The Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity is comprised of a wonderful group of remarkable individuals who have pioneered, excelled and contributed to the world of aviation. We encourage members to bring friends, guests, and introduce young people to the noteworthy exploits and achievements of our distinguished members and speakers. In the past we have hosted prominent speakers who presented both contemporary and historical topics relating to aviation, space, and a variety of military accomplishments. For a list of previous speakers addressing our Speakers Luncheon series, visit our web blog. 

Agenda for Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

     2013 Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Serie

Site:      Army Navy Country Club,  703.521.6800

              East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

              West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204

              Parking: Complimentary Parking

Area:     Arlington Fort Richardson Room 

Cost:     $33.00, paid at the entrance  

Date:    THURSDAY, MAY 23rd, 2013

1100:    Doors Open, Networking Time

1150:    Pledge of Allegiance

1155:    Blessings

1200:    Dining served: a refreshing first course, followed by a gourmet entree,  and

              complemented by a delicious dessert   

1250:    Introduction of our speakers

1300:    Speakers: Capt. William Stewart "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.)and Co-author: Fran E. Orr

1345:    Q and A

1400:    Conclusion of Speakers Luncheon

Please note we need a firm count by May 20, Monday Noon, for the ANCC.  Walk ins are welcome; however, the Army Navy Country Club charges an additional $4 per person.

We are looking forward to your joining us and welcome our speakers,

Ron
Ron David
President, Silver Wings
rondavid@gmail.com
www.rondavid.com
skype: metopower
WDC: 202.333.8707