columbia air Archives - Columbia Aircraft Sales & Service

Devon Young Takes over as Service Manager for Columbia at KGON location.

Columbia Air Services, Inc is pleased to announce Devon Young as its new Service Manager at KGON. Devon’s has been in aviation for nine years, including the last 3.5 years at Columbia working as an A&P technician and crew chief. Devon’s hands-on maintenance expertise and operational insight made his promotion to Service Manager a natural progression.

Adam Stino, Director of Maintenance, has this to say regarding Devon’s new appointment;

“When we committed to our expansion project at MRB, I knew I was losing my Service Manager, Andrew Benoff to lead that project. Having a quality candidate for such an import role as Service Manager here at GONwas a necessity. Luckily for me, I did not even have to think about it. I also didn’t have to look far. I knew who I needed, and who had the knowledge, talent, and leadership skills to jump right in. Devon was the clear choice. He totes nearly 4 years’ experience and goes on the books as the earliest tech to achieve inspection status that our shop has seen. Devon clearly has natural mechanical talent. Now it’s time for Devon to hone those management skills and help me run this incredibly fast passed shop in Groton. I can’t wait to see him grow in his new position.”

Devon is well-positioned to support the company’s commitment to exceptional Daher TBM and Kodiak factory authorized maintenance services. We look forward to his continued success in all his endeavors.

Andrew Benoff to lead the team at Columbia Air Services – South

Columbia Air Services, Inc. appoints Andrew Benoff as Regional Director of Maintenance to head up Martinsburg, WV operations.

Columbia Air Services is proud to announce that Andrew Benoff, former Service Manager at Groton, has accepted the appointment of Regional Director of Maintenance at Columbia Air Services, new location at KMRB in West Virginia.

Andrew graduated from CT Aerotech in 2013 with his Airframe and Powerplant license. He joined the Columbia maintenance team in April of 2014. Andrew progressed quickly on the floor and when Adam Stino transitioned to Director of Maintenance, he was the just the right choice to step up. He became Columbia’s Service Manager in October of 2021. Andrew excelled in his new role as Service Manager, becoming an IA, and contributing to the company’s recruitment and retention efforts to foster the next generation of Columbia Air technicians.

When Columbia Air Services began planning the service expansion, Andrew established himself very early on the natural choice to lead the team in West Virginia. Over the last year, he has been instrumental in all stages of planning, recruitment and training of our WV staff.

“Andrew became my Service Manager in 2021, and I knew immediately it was the right choice. As I grew in my DOM role, Andrew grew as Service Manager, and together we became our own safety nets. We made sure no customers fell between the cracks together. He became my right-hand-man. It’s tough to lose someone you work with so well, and closely with, but it’s for the greater good. We needed someone with his skillset and customer experience to head up the new shop at KMRB. Customers know him and respect him, and that will ultimately be the reason Columbia KMRB will be a huge success. We wish him the best of luck and he will forever have the support from Columbia KGON.” Adam Stino, Director of Maintenance, Columbia Air Services.

Andrew’s presence in Martinsburg assures that our customers can expect the same level of dedicated service, trust and commitment to quality that they have always associated with the Columbia brand.

Columbia Air Services announces expansion into WV.

Columbia Air Services, an FAA certified repair station and Daher TBM Distributor, is excited to announce a new expansion to support their growing fleet of TBM owners and operators. After more than a year of due diligence and hard work, they are announcing a new expansion bringing their factory authorized Daher service and sales to the beautiful state of West Virginia. Columbia’s new sister shop will be housed in an updated and modern 24,000 square foot office and hangar complex at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, KMRB, in Martinsburg, WV.

“We’ve spent a lot of time working on our 3 to 5-year plan at Columbia. We examined a lot of potential locations before discovering the ideal scenario at MRB. We believe this expansion will allow us to better serve owners and operators to our south and west and provide more maintenance accessibility to a larger portion of the TBM fleet of aircraft overall,” says Director of Maintenance, Adam Stino.

In addition to a beautiful executive hangar, the new service site at MRB boasts an over 16,000 sq foot apron, a fantastic FBO offering CAA fuel pricing, a top-notch staff, and a wonderful on-field eatery, the Crosswinds Cafe. The new location is widely accessible to the Metro DC area and lies in the southern half of their extensive TBM sales territory. It has proximity to both Dulles and Baltimore international airports for customer convenience.

“We are thrilled to have Columbia Air Services at MRB! We have been looking for a highly regarded operator to complement our offerings for many years. Columbia Air Services isn’t just a good fit; they are the perfect fit! Columbia will be a great addition to our airport.” ~ Nicolas Diehl, CEO, Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport

Columbia Air Services has developed an impressive reputation in support of general aviation and multiple OEM representations over the last forty-five years based on their experience and excellence. The goal is to mirror that same dedication and ethos in West Virginia.

“The name Columbia means something in our industry. The trust and loyalty our customers place in us means everything to a legacy company like this ours. I’m so proud of the success we’ve built over these last four decades, and even more proud to watch it grow and expand with this amazing team behind it,” says co-shareholder, Arthur Maurice

The team at MRB will feature a few familiar faces. Andrew Benoff, currently serving as Service Manager at KGON, has signed on to lead the new team In West Virginia. He had this to say about this exciting new evolution for the company.

“We are excited to see this expansion take off. With the easy flight from KGON to KMRB, we are going to be able to facilitate a regular exchange of talent. We will be sending down the veteran techs our customers know well, and bringing up our newer, turbine techs to KGON on a rotating basis. This constant immersive training between our facilities will create a seamless transition for our clients and assure that they receive the same Columbia Air quality and consistency in both our shops.”

Columbia Air Services at KMRB will offer the same FAA Certified, factory-authorized Daher service and avionics work as well as Daher New & Preowned sales with TBM sales specialist, Chris Riley also basing out of the MRB location.

CEO, Melissa Duzguner, weighs in on the company’s plan and the cross-departmental approach to building the future at MRB.

“We are committed to making this expansion a success, which means taking our time and doing it the right way. To us, that means finding the right individuals who understand and appreciate our company values. We want our customers to walk into either location and to know they are with the same trusted team, providing the same world-class service they have come to expect from our people.”

Columbia Air plans to be open and operational at the MRB site in the first quarter of 2026. The company is planning to hold a soft opening/open house in early December for customers, Daher personnel and key representatives from the state of West Virginia who have been most supportive in their expansion efforts.

Columbia Air Services is Pleased to Annouce the Appointment of Andy Scanlon to Avionics Service Manager.

Andy has enjoyed a career in general aviation for over three decades. In 1991, he earned his Airframe and Powerplant license through Teterboro School of Aeronautics, and in 2007, he acquired his FCC General Radio Operators License with the radar endorsement. Andy began his avionics career in 1998 performing flight line avionics maintenance on the U.S. Air Force’s bomber, the B-2 Spirit. Ever since his discharge, he’s been maintaining general aviation avionics. He first joined the Columbia team when the company purchased the KBHB location in Ellsworth, Maine in the summer of 2004. Eight years ago, Andy relocated to Groton and has continued to be a well-respected and valued part of the Columbia team.

“Andy has been a great addition to our team and comes with the experience and knowledge to be successful in his new position.” Says, Chris Bergman, Director of Avionics.

Andy is looking forward to his new role here, and we believe the customers will benefit from and appreciate both the positive attitude and depth of knowledge he brings to his new role.

2018 TBM 930 SN 1216 – New In Inventory

(GROTON, CT – Feb. 13, 2018) Columbia’s first 2018 TBM 930 arrived early January. N930ZD features a pilot door and the Daher Elite Edition seating. Every place it lands the reaction has been the same, “WOW!” The exterior colors of Grey Metal over Black and Blue are striking and give the aircraft incredible ramp appeal.

The fully integrated Garmin G3000 includes the Garmin G710 autopilot, SatPhone, Wx Radar, XM Weather and music, TAWS, Traffic, ADS-B In/Out, Flight Data Recorder, Safe Taxi and Daher’s e-Copilot. e-Copilot adds protection modes in pitch and bank, EDM (emergency descent mode), an Angle of Attack indicator, stick shaker, voice alerts and the Garmin Flight Stream 510. N930ZD is RVSM ready and comes with a one year complimentary Jeppesen subscription.

The interior is the Black Diamond Edition with full leather heated seats, contrasting leather side walls and carbon trim finish on the table and panel insets. Each seat has its own fresh air vent and LED light. The TBM 930 features a dual zone environmental system allowing passengers and crew to independently control their own heat and air-conditioning. Pilot and co-pilot seats are equipped with airbag seat belts.

Every new TBM includes one of the strongest warranty programs in the industry covering all major systems, engine, propeller and avionics for 5 years. In addition, the TBM Care Program covers the costs of scheduled maintenance and annual inspections up to the 5th Annual or 1000 hours. Two training vouchers are included for factory training at Simcom. For a complete set of specifications click the link below to our website.

I’d enjoy the opportunity to provide you with an up close look at the incredible aircraft. I look forward to speaking and flying together soon.

Fly safe.

Ken

http://www.columbiaaironline.com/plane/2018_daher_socata_tbm_930-2/

SUN’ n FUN 2018

Are you going to SUN’ n FUN 2018?

For the longest time it appeared that winter would never end here in the northeast. But as it always does, the snow has finally melted and the temperatures have reached a “toasty” 50 degrees during the day !

Another sure sign of the changing seasons is the annual spring event in Lakeland, FL – the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In Expo. This years @SunnFunFlyIn will take place from Tuesday, April 10th through Sunday, April 15th. In addition to the many seminars, workshops and static aircraft displays, each day will feature an airshow including some of the best of the aerobatic, vintage and military aircraft from around the world. Certainly one of the highlights of this year’s event will be the return to Sun ‘n Fun on Friday and Saturday of the US Air Force Thunderbirds.

As always, I’ll be there with my camera taking photos and delivering a daily blog. When I’m not taking photos, you’ll find me next to the TBM at the Daher Aircraft display.

Hope that you can join me.

Fly safe.

Ken

Sales Manager, Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc.

https://www.flysnf.org/

http://www.columbiaaircraftsales.com

Sun n’ Fun 2018 – Sun, Blue Skies & Airplanes!

That is what it’s supposed to be, yes? After the total wash out of yesterday’s event everyone was eager to make up for lost time. And, what better way to do that than with an F16 “screaming” across the show line to open today’s airshow. No one could possibly have had the mid afternoon sleepies after the first pass.

The F16 above was from the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team. They are one of several performers being sent by the US Air Force to fill the spots left open after the Air Force cancelled the performances by the USAF Thunderbirds. More photos later in the week…

Not long after the F16 landed the crowds were treated to a very different experience, that of silence. Luca Bertossio, winner of many of international glider competitions, demonstrated that an aircraft doesn’t need thousands of pounds of thrust or near supersonic speeds to execute precision aerobatic maneuvers.

Embry Riddle is to aviation as Harvard or Yale are to the Ivy Leagues. Without taking anything away from any of their many graduates (did you know that there are over 20,000 ER graduates currently flying for the airlines?) Mat Chapman is perhaps the most visible representative of that institutions outstanding alumni. His performance never fails to make one ask, how does he do that?

If the thought of pulling G’s in an Extra 300 isn’t for you, then how about a bit more “civilized” aerobatic ride? Gene Koontz makes it look easy as he takes his Super Decathlon through a series of low altitude low g maneuvers. It may look easy, but don’t try this at home…

Quick, name the aircraft that was originally made of wood, was the first jet to cross the Atlantic, the first to be powered by a single jet engine, remained in front line service into the early 1950’s and remained in active service until 1966 after which over 3300 were produced? If you guessed the de Havilland Vampire you are correct. It was an integral part of the Royal Air Force’s move to replace many of the WWII piston powered aircraft and played an active role as an interceptor until 1953. It’s twin booms and fuselage shape give it a very distinctive profile both on the ground and in the air.

As I mentioned in yesterdays blog, choosing which photos to use can be daunting. Today was one of those days where I filled an entire 128GB memory card and started a second! If you think making a selection from a restaurant menu is challenging you should try sorting through a few hundred digital images. Hope you enjoyed my choices… https://www.flysnf.org/

Fly safe.

Sun n’ Fun 2018 – The Goldilocks Effect’ Fun 2018 – The Goldilocks Effect

Sun n’ Fun 2018 – The Goldilocks Effect

Everyone knows that when you go to the theater you don’t want to sit too close to the stage or too far left or right. Depending on the sport you may want to sit at center court or behind the goal. Well, this is all fine and dandy for events that take place on Mother Earth. Events that are, more or less, two dimensional.

But what happens when you go to an airshow like Sun n’ Fun, where the action takes place well above terra firma, that is, we add a third dimension? Is there really a “just right” place to view the event? Should you be on the flight line? How about in a comfortable chair that allows you to lean back to look skyward (holding your favorite beverage of course)? Or maybe somewhere above ground level? Is there really a Goldilocks seat?

I’ll let you decide.

Ground Level

On the Flightline

The view from an observation platform.

Sitting back looking skyward (use your imagination for the beverage). Sun n' Fun 2018

So, where would you choose?

For me, the real advantage of adding that third dimension is that any choice is a good choice. Because the venue is so large and most all of the action takes place overhead, just about every seat is a good seat (even if you’re sitting behind the lady with the big hat).

Of course, if you don’t agree, you could camp out the night before to get space directly behind the fence close to the flight line next to a porta-potty (which is quite ripe after a day in the sun). Or you could pay big bucks to sit in a “VIP” area (behind the same fence) on uncomfortable plastic folding chairs with 150 other guests who are also asking themselves why they spent money to be herded into an area the size of a third grade classroom in the direct sun with no facilities. Neither of these options has any appeal to me.

I’ll confess that I do have the advantage (I think its an advantage) of being at an airshow for several days. Through incredible mental deduction and complex statistical analysis (watch out Einstein), I’ve figured out that on any given day the format of an airshow or static event is essentially the same. This gives me the opportunity to plan where I think I should be to get the best views. In reality however, I’m often just looking for comfortable place out of the sun and this usually works.

The moral of the story is that you’ll always get the best seat in the house. Because, at an airshow, every seat is a Goldilocks seat.

Fly safe.

Ken

https://www.flysnf.org/

Oshkosh 2018 – Serendipity

ser-en-dip-i-ty (noun) : the occurrence and development of events by chance or in a happy way

Several of us were awaiting the start of the airshow and the topic of our conversation was the lack of any real jet performances up to this point at Oshkosh. Today’s show started, as it does each day, with a performance of the national anthem. However, I noted that there was something missing. The anthem is usually performed during the parachuting of the flag from a jump plane. Today, no jumper and no flag. But as the last notes of the anthem were being sung from behind airshow center (where no one was looking) came the sound we had moments before been missing. To the astonishment and delight of the crowds the US Navy Blue Angels passed low, fast and directly overhead. Even the airshow announcer was not in on the surprise. After two passes they departed with their signature burst maneuver.

Later in the show as an Air Force KC-10 Tanker made several passes it was announced that the tanker had been positioned to refuel the team as it made its way to its next event. According to their schedule the Blue Angels are to perform at the Fargo Airshow in Fargo, ND next Sunday, July 28th. Serendipitous for the crowds at Oshkosh that their flight path allowed for the diversion.

The Running of the Bulls

I’ve been attending airshows for some time. I know that Red Bull Air Races are to aviation what the World Series is to baseball. But I never knew there was a Red Bull Air Force, that is, until today. Consisting of an Edge 540, an MBB 105 Helicopter and wing suit jumpers they put on quite a show. Here are a few photos from their performance today.

Myth Busted

There is a myth that pilots think themselves as being named to a higher calling than the rest of humanity (I know, that was bad. But cut me some slack, its late at night). I’m here to tell you that today that myth was busted. Just look at the friendly waves and happy postures of these two performers. The pilot was so eager to show this that he is standing up and leaning into the back seat of the biplane!!

The afternoon airshow ended with the first of what will be several Heritage Flights. The Heritage Flight was established by the Air Force to honor the men and women who have served and are serving in the US Air Force. Heritage Flights feature aircraft from several eras and are impressive to watch.

Wednesday at Oshkosh is the night airshow and fireworks. Unfortunately, as it did last year, the weather did not cooperate. Mother Nature put on her own show with thunder, lightning, heavy rain with gusty winds. I’m sure that there are many campers who are not happy tonight.

Fly safe.

Ken

http://www.columbiaairservices.com

Oshkosh 2018 – The Classics

After a few Oshkosh’s its not uncommon to see the same aircraft in the spotlight from one year to the next. This happens for two reasons. First, the number of these aircraft is very small. Second, these are aircraft that have won recognition for the restoration and upkeep efforts of their owners. In an era of ADS-B, satphones and flying the magenta GPS course it is easy to lose sight of the path that got us here. This is why a visit to the classics area of Oshkosh is so important. The owners of these aircraft wear many hats. Balancing their real world career (which allows them to pursue their passion) they must also be flexible enough to deal with the unique challenges that restoring an aircraft that could be 80+ years old brings. While fully conversant in 21st Century aviation they speak the “ancient” language of aviation gone by. A conversation with even one of these classic masters is well worth a trip to Oshkosh.

In no particular order of preference here are a few of my favorites. The Fairchild 71 and its panel (above); TravelAir; Cessna C170; Beech Staggerwing; Aeronca; Howard; Spartan; Piper Vagabond and the Fairchild 24.

Choosing what to include is ofter harder than taking the photos. There were many other aircraft that well deserve to be seen. However, let that be my challenge to you. If I can whet your appetite enough to make the journey you will not regret it.

Fly safe.

Ken

http://www.columbiaairservices.com