Download - Midwest Flyer Magazine

Wisconsin FBO ReceivesNational Flying Farmers Award(L/R) Phil Peterson and Jeff Baum.CALGARY, ALBERTA – TheInternational Flying FarmersAssociation named Jeff Baum, Presidentof Wisconsin Aviation, Inc., the2012 “Airport Operator of the Year”during the organization’s 67th AnnualConvention, July 17-21, 2012, inCalgary, Alberta, Canada.Unlike many large fixed baseoperators in major metropolitan areas,Wisconsin Aviation does not chargeramp fees, and goes out of their wayto serve pilots and aircraft owners,regardless of aircraft size. “That altitudebegins at the top with Jeff Baum,” saysWisconsin Flying Farmer PresidentPhil Peterson of Oregon, Wis., whonominated Baum for the award. Earlierthis year, Wisconsin Aviation, Inc. wasnamed “Wisconsin Airport Operatorof the Year” by the Wisconsin FlyingFarmers.Not only is Wisconsin Aviation, Inc.a full-service fixed base operator, butits modern facilities on Dane CountyRegional Airport has an “airportrestaurant.”Wisconsin Aviation has locationsin Madison, Juneau and Watertown,Wisconsin (www.WisconsinAviation.com).qPoberezny, Christensen & Klapmeier Join AKIA Advisory BoardAURORA, OREGON – The AircraftKit Industry Association (AKIA) wasformed this past summer at EAAAirVenture to provide corporationswith a vested interest in homebuildingan opportunity to speak with a unifiedvoice on issues of safety and industrygrowth. To broaden their resources,the group has invited three prominentfigures in aviation to provide guidanceand counsel in select key issues affectingthe industry through an advisory board.These people include Tom Poberezny,former President of EAA and Chairmanof AirVenture; Frank Christensen ofChristen Industries, who revolutionizedthe kit aircraft business with theintroduction of the Eagle aerobaticaircraft kit in 1977; and Dale Klapmeier,CEO of Cirrus Aircraft, who got hisstart in aircraft kit manufacturing withMADISON, WIS. – Robert O’Brien,A.A.E., was appointed executivedirector of the Wisconsin AirportManagement Association (WAMA).O’Brien succeeds former Pete Drahn,A.A.E., who is retiring. O’Brien mostrecently served as executive directorof Chicago Rockford InternationalAirport.qthe VK-30 and transitioned to certifiedaircraft manufacturing with the CirrusSR20 and SR22.“In accepting our invitation toparticipate on an advisory board,these men bring a level of credibility,knowledge and experience that notonly contributes instant recognitionto AKIA, but which will be invaluablein addressing the issues currentlyconfronting all of us in the EABmovement,” said Dick VanGrunsven,President of AKIA and Van’s Aircraft.“We’re pleased to have them with usand believe they add significant powerto the voice of AKIA.”AKIA’s mission is to representaircraft kit manufacturers, designers,suppliers and supporters with a unifiedvoice in the promotion and safety of theaircraft kit industry.qFormer Rockford Manager AppointedWisconsin Airport Management Association Executive DirectorRobert O’BrienOCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 51