Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport

I attended the first annual Charlottesville PieDown yesterday.  Yes, the first annual Cville Piedown, held at Mudhouse on the downtown mall.  This event, a competition for the title of Charlottesville Pie Master, was phenomenal.  Not just because it was fun, or the pies pretty and delicious, or the company wonderful, but because this all came about as the result of Twitter.  Unbelievable I assert, that over 30 people filled Mudhouse to standing room only on the Sunday of a holiday weekend, just to watch 5 people eat pie (and get a tiny taste if patient).  Mayor Norris was there, participating as a judge (lucky!) and before it ended Congressman Tom Perriello stopped by as well.  The event was well covered  by both The Daily Progress and NBC 29.  All because they follow social media darling Twitter. 

Count me among them. 

What does twitter mean to me?  A FAST, let me repeat, FAST and easy way to find and communicate with corporate customers, colleagues (local and otherwise), and friends or family in 140 words or less.  Already a person of few words, I confess I love it.  I might even receive complaints, but that is encouraged.  I want to be trusted and available, and want the opportunity to tackle a problem if at all possible.  In addition, Twitter allows all followers to see the post and response, promoting sharing and creativity in a new and improved way.  Following peers in aviation, I am able to network more than before; and, following news (or anyone!), the opportunity to hear it first on Twitter.

Most importantly, I have met the most congenial, helpful, friendly, bright, intelligent group of people imaginable.  During my initial Twitter days, it was pretty obvious who the original tweeters of Charlottesville included, and while significantly more techno-intelligent than me, they were gracious and accommodating, helpful and encouraging. 

Turning to park at the back of the Omni, I voiced a moment of trepidation to my daughter who eagerly accompanied me to the Piedown.  However, it turned to excitement when I saw Joe Meade & family as I parked my car.  No, I had not yet met Joe, but already recognized him as I pointed him out to my daughter.  It was a bit unique, finding familiar faces that I had never met.  Try explaining that one to your great aunt! 

And I think that's what I found most unique and intriguing yesterday, recognizing that this group of online commuicators understands that it's not just about the technology, but the relationship as well.

Oh, and in case you are interested, it's all documented-be sure and visit the website for pictures, recipes and the people who made it possible.

Stay tuned to Fall 2009 - First Annual Crozet Piedown to come!

A small gesture can make a huge difference to someone in need. Employees and friends of CHO made a difference in the lives of many in our community by taking time out of their busy schedules to donate blood. It will mean a lot to the people who need it. CHO sponsored a blood drive with Virginia Blood Services and it was a big success! Thanks to all the donors and everyone who helped make it happen! A special thanks to Virginia Blood Services! They do a great job and are vital in keeping our local hospitals supplied with the huge demand for blood. CHO hopes to have another drive later this year and we invite everyone to participate.

PLEASE be sure and check your id BEFORE you purchase airline tickets or make reservations.  Effective May 15, 2009, TSA requires that the name on the ticket MATCH the name on the id.  For example, if the name on your id is SPICEY BEAR CVILLAIN, but you purchased your ticket as SPICY CVILLAIN, you WILL NOT be allowed to complete the screening process and board the aircraft.  This new requirement comes from a 911 Commission recommendation.  The second phase, which will be effective August 15, 2009, will require a ticket purchaser to include date of birth and gender.  Why?  TSA is taking over the comparison of passenger name against the "no fly list" and this will enhance the process by reducing the likelihood of a passenger being mistakenly identified as someone legitimately on the list. 

TSA states that eventually they will allow small discrepancies (such as use of middle initial on one and not on the other), but in the meantime, BE CAREFUL!  Check http://www.TSA.gov for the full story.

Central Virginia was host to a F/A-18 Hornet this morning, flying by the tower and tipping its wing several times in greeting to those on the ground.  This is the same aircraft utilized by the Navy's Blue Angels.  This $57 million aircraft has an airspeed of Mach 1.8+.

All of the interest in bird strikes "strikes" me as ironic.  Not that people shouldn't be concerned about aviation safety, but that as far as CHO goes, and most airports for that matter, safety has ALWAYS been and ALWAYS will be our first priority.  Bird strikes happen everywhere-it's inevitable.  Fortunately for us, it is infrequent.  The public may download bird strike statistics from the FAA website, a right which has been affirmed by the Secretary of Transportation.  While not all bird strikes are reported by pilots, most are and the statistics for CHO are few.  3 in 1990, 2 in 1993, 2 in 1995, 2 in 1996, 3 in 1997, 1 in 1998, 1 in 2000, 1 in 2002, 1 in 2003, 4 in 2007, all with no or minor damage, and no strikes to our knowledge in 2008 or 2009.  The culprits?  Generally small unkown species, a barn swallow, one goose, and sea gulls.  Yes sea gulls!  Those beautiful birds end up here from time to time and initially stay because the large paved surface of the airport appears as water to them (or so we have been told by the wildlife experts).  It usually doesn't take much to get them on their way because they are usually loners and not in a flock.

Birds aren't the only wildlife we see-deer, foxes, groundhogs, skunks, and one bear have or do attempt to call CHO home.  However, our operations staff, led by Deputy Executive Director Bill Pahuta, manages an active and serious wildlife mitigation program that keeps them moving on.  The fence around the airport isn't just to keep people from wandering into a secure area, it is to keep deer out!  CHO is inspected for wildlife hazards by the United States Department of Agriculture each year, and has always implemented their recommendations.  Borrowing from the last communication from USDA in October 2008, "Overall, CHO appears to be in excellent standing when it comes to wildlife hazards at the airport.  Airport personnel are well trained and are genuinely interested in mitigating any and all wildlife hazards at CHO.  Also, the airfield is well maintained, grass is mowed to the correct length, and the fence is well maintained."

Wildlife mitigation and public relations are sometimes at odds, but safety always trumps.  While we sometime clear and/or top trees because they have become an obstruction in the airspace, CHO also works with the state biologist who helps identify wildlife habitat that should be eliminated nearby or on the airfield.  Unfortunately this includes cutting down trees and "grubbing" or removing shrubs.  In the end, it's easy to justify - the safety of aircraft and persons is in very goods hands, ALWAYS.