May 19, 2012 - The numbers are astounding - 14 jets, 20+ pilots, 49 sorties, two 61.58 proficiency rides and six new or recurrent FAST rides. Our examiners and instructors have been busy. And we still have another half day to go!

The three line boys have been working double-time to keep the jets fueled and the weather has cooperated - One flight group had to raise their floor 1,000 feet, but other than that the weather has been flawless.

For those that missed it, the first pictures have been posted in the CJAA gallery.

May 19, 2012 - 19 pilots representing 11 aircraft (so far) attended range, flight, weather and safety briefings at 0730 this morning. Hosted by Steve Kirik and complemented by others, they lasted an hour followed by individual group briefings. Before flight ops began, we assembled for a quick group photo.

May 18, 2012 - The 2012 DeKalb Jet Blast kicked off earlier today and by 4PM, nine L-39s, two MiG-21s and a T-33 were already in attendance. And we're expecting a couple more tomorrow. The planning put into the event by DeKalb Municipal Airport employees and our Jet Blast host, Paul van den Heuvel, really showed off as pilots were flying two and three times during the afternoon.

May 12, 2012 - With less than a week to go before the DeKalb Jet Blast, everything is falling into place - The weather is cooperating, the TFR won't be an impact, the airport staff are anticipating our arrival, and we already have nine (9) confirmed aircraft! (And several more maybes.) We'll have two designated examiners, a couple instructors and some FAST personnel so if you need a 61.58 Proficiency Ride, a FAST card or just some flight experience, DeKalb is a great place to be the May 18-20 weekend.

Confirmed aircraft include:

May 2, 2012 - As anticipated, the FAA has issued a flight advisory alerting pilots that a temporary flight restriction (TFR) will be in effect May 19 through 21 over Chicago for a NATO Summit. The 30-nautical-mile-radius TFR will have an inner 10-nm-radius no-fly zone, both extending from the surface up to 17,999 feet msl.

The FAA has not yet released the exact location of the TFR, but it is expected to be over central Chicago.

Apr. 29, 2012 - Scheduled the days before Pylon Racing School (PRS), the CJAA Reno Jet Formation Clinic provides opportunities to participate in both events more cost effectively. The Reno Stead airport is National Air Race airport and features excellent airspace and ground facilities.

Details and planned events include:

Apr 27, 2012 - “Long story short, I think we’ve beat this thing back as good as we can.  For a few reasons, I think we can back off and claim victory.“

- Mike Matousek, Legislative Director, Rep. Sam Grave’s office

Apr 24, 2012 - There is some better news on the "Title 10 Amendment" front - Rep. Sam Graves' (R-MO) office has just been informed that Congressman Turner will not offer an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would impact warbirds or jets. This result is no doubt due to concerted effort of warbird owners and warbird organizations, the skilled negotiating efforts of Sam Graves and his staff, and very important, a coalition* of aviation organizations.

Apr 23, 2012 - Afterburner reader (and Starfighters.net President Rick Svetkoff) submitted this unique picture taken Apr 16 at the Kennedy Space Center. The jet in the front is obviously a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, one of the Century Series of aircraft that served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969.

The 4-engine jet in the rear is N905NA, a modified Boeing 747-100 built in 1970 and now used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters.

Apr 22, 2012 - CJAA is asking all members to join EAA Warbirds of America, CAF and others opposing the "Title 10 Amendment" to the House National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310). The amendment, proposed by Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH), would bar the Department of Defense (DoD) from loaning US military aircraft unless the aircraft is put on static display.