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Sunday - June 7, 2009: "What Can't Be Lost" - Special Report: Washington Post Magazine Section
For the past several years professional photographer Cameron Davidson has been working on a book of images highlighting the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries. The Washington Post featured a selection of the aerial images Cameron has captured of the watershed for the past 10 years, these images appeared in the weekly Washington Post Magazine, along with an essay written by David Fahrenthold.
"The bay has been around for more than 10,000 years, formed when melting glaciers drowned a long stretch of the Susquehanna River Valley. The Chesapeake watershed stretches over 64,000 square miles -- its arms are big rivers such as the Susquehanna, the Potomac and the James, and its spider web fingers extend into sweaty tidal swamps, out to the hard-rock folds of Appalachia and up to the cold woods near Cooperstown, N.Y."
Naturally, Cameron turned to Steve Bussmann of Heloflights to provide the aerial helicopter platform to capture these images. "Steve is the best, a pilots' pilot" remarked Cameron in recent blog posting in response to some commentary on the article. To review the essay and see a slide show of some of these spectacular photos please click here or on the image below..

Look for Cameron's Chesapeake book to be released sometime in 2010.
Wednesday - May 20, 2009: HD aerial video shoot over Baltimore, MD
Martin Hamburger of Hamburger Company selected Steve Bussmann of Bussmann Aviation and Pete Roof of Alt Gobo Media Works to capture stunning HD air-to-ground aerial images of P. Flanigan & Sons, Inc facilities and work project sites in the Baltimore metro area. Founded in 1885, P. Flanigan & Sons, Inc is one of the regions leaders in the construction of transportation infrastructure in the mid-Atlantic area. Featuring an innovative process, P. Flanigan & Sons is able to recycle the removed concrete from the work site and create sustainable aggregate products vital to new construction. The aerial imaging captured during this flight will be used by the creative folks at Hamburger Company to create a DVD production highlighting the capabilities and work product of P. Flanigan & Sons during their 125th anniversary celebrations during 2010.

Sunday - May 10, 2009: USS Freedom Departs Alexandria, VA
Commissioned on November 8th, 2008 in Milwaukee the USS Freedom is the US Navy's first LCS (littoral combat ship) "LCS 1". Operating with a crew of 50 seaman the USS Freedom is designed to patrol in the near-shore environment yet is capable of open-ocean cruising. It's primary mission is defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The vessel is 380 ft long, displaces 3100 tons fully loaded, and is powered by a pair of Rolls Royce MT-30 gas turbines which can drive the Freedom up to 45 kts.
The USS Freedom departed the Alexandria VA waterfront this morning and steamed under the open span of the brand new Woodrow Wilson bridge at 8:45a. On scene to capture the moment was Patrick Hendrickson of Highcamera Aerial Photographic Service. Patrick selected the MD 500 helicopter operated by Bussmann Aviation as the platform of choice for this demanding photo assignment. "The rock steady flying characteristics of this helicopter coupled with the pilot's ability to precisely position the aircraft just where I need it, exactly when I need it is the reason why I depend on Heloflights for the tough jobs that have to be done right" commented Patrick at the conclusion of the flight.

Tuesday - April 21, 2009: Frontline Investigation "Poisoned Waters"
More than three decades after the Clean Water Act, iconic American waterways like the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound are in perilous condition and facing new sources of contamination. With polluted runoff still flowing in from industry, agriculture and massive suburban development, scientists note that many new pollutants and toxins from modern everyday life are already being found in the drinking water of millions of people across the country and pose a threat to fish, wildlife and, potentially, human health. In Poisoned Waters, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith examines the growing hazards to human health and the ecosystem.

Aerial footage of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas for the program was gathered by Bussmann Aviation using their rock stable MD500 helicopter as the aerial platform of choice.

Through interviews with scientists, environmental activists, corporate executives and average citizens impacted by the burgeoning pollution problem, Smith reveals startling new evidence that today's growing environmental threat comes not from the giant industrial polluters of old, but from chemicals in consumers' face creams, deodorants, prescription medicines and household cleaners that find their way into sewers, storm drains and eventually into America's waterways and drinking water.

"The environment has slipped off our radar screen because it's not a hot crisis like the financial meltdown, war or terrorism," Smith says. "But pollution is a ticking time bomb. It's a chronic cancer that is slowly eating away the natural resources that are vital to our very lives."

In Poisoned Waters, Smith speaks with researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), who report finding genetically mutated marine life in the Potomac River. In addition to finding frogs with six legs and other mutations, the researchers have found male amphibians with ovaries and female frogs with male genitalia. Scientists tell FRONTLINE that the mutations are likely caused by exposure to "endocrine disruptors," chemical compounds that mimic the body's natural hormones.click here

The Washington Post reviewed the documentary, click here to see the commentary.

The USGS research on the Potomac River poses some troubling questions for the 2 million people who rely on the Washington Aqueduct for their drinking water.

"The endocrine system of fish is very similar to the endocrine system of humans," USGS fish pathologist Vicki Blazer says. "They pretty much have all the same hormone systems as humans, which is why we use them as sort of indicator species. ... We can't help but make that jump to ask the question, 'How are these things influencing people?'"

Wednesday - June 25, 2008: Living History - Civil War Landmarks From The Air

Blue Ridge PBS has been tasked to produce a series of 40 minute DVD based secondary school teacher vignettes highlighting major geographic landmarks of the civil war era. When classroom study reaches a certain timeframe or geography the instructor can supplement classroom materials with this series of educational DVD's that includes view of the present day location from both the air and the ground. The first set of aerials was shot early this summer and included Manassas, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Fredericksburg, Guinea Station, Chatham Hall, Fort Monroe, City Point, Tredegar Iron Works and Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond VA. Producer Jim Hammerstrom is expecting the series will be completed within 1 year.

Monday - March 24, 2008: The Circus Is Coming To Town!
The History Channel is planning to air a new documentary series this fall entitled "Great Trains". Videographer Pete Roof and pilot Steve Bussmann were up in the air over Baltimore in the wee hours this Monday morning grabbing some crucial air-to-ground footage of the famed Barnum & Bailey Circus Train as it wended it's way from the Montclair rail yard in Baltimore down to Washington DC. As this train is privately owned and contains a very precious cargo it typically makes its move around congested metropolitan areas very early in the morning as not not disrupt normal freight and passenger traffic in the crowded northeast rail corridor. "Shooting at night over a congested area presents its own unique set of challenges" said Associate Producer Josh Vinitz, "Pete and Steve work well together and were able to get the in tight and close point-of-view and passing shots we needed to make this story."

Saturday - February 16, 2008: Car Strikes Crowd At Illegal Car Race
Once again the Washington Post has tapped Bussmann Aviation to get their breaking news team in position to grab the cover page photos - this time of a horrific illegal late night multi-vehicle car crash in Accokeek, MD.

The eight victims ranged in age from their 20s to 61, all men gathered in the dark of night for the thrill of watching cars race on a flat stretch of Indian Head Highway.Witnesses and police described a grisly scene, with people flying up to 15 feet in the air and body parts laying strewn about the road. Shoes and pieces of clothing were scattered along the road's grassy median for 200 yards. The Ford Crown Victoria that struck the spectators around 3 a.m. had not taken part in the race. The driver told police that he was blinded by a cloud of white smoke and debris kicked up by the spinning wheels of two vehicles that had just taken off to race.

Monday - December 17, 2007: Hopkins" Aerial Shoot Over Baltimore
Stunning nighttime aerial sequences of Baltimore are captured by pilot Steve Bussmann and cinematographer Richard Chisolm for the new ABC News 6 part documentary "Hopkins" set to broadcast in 2008.
"Nearly eight years after the critically acclaimed series, Hopkins 24/7, ABC News returns to Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital for a new six-part documentary entitled Hopkins, which delves even deeper into the world of caregivers at this hospital. Hopkins offers a rare look at the impact this high pressure profession can have on doctors' personal lives. For four months ABC News' high definition cameras had unparalleled access to this legendary hospital and to more than a hundred caregivers and patients who gave their consent to be filmed. Hopkins captures astounding scenes of medical crisis, with young doctors forced to make life and death decisions on the fly. The result is a stunningly intimate portrait of the men and women who call this hospital home. Hopkins premieres THURSDAY, JUNE 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), and will continue for five subsequent Thursdays through July on the ABC Television Network."

Wednesday - October 31, 2007: Captain John Smith Once Again Sails the Chesapeake

Maryland Public TV hired Bussmann Aviation to position MPT videographer Tim Pugh down low over a reproduction of a shallop as it was put through its paces by its crew south of Chestertown on the Southeast Creek. Shooting HD video, Tim was able to get both point-of-view as well as orbiting shots of the vessel utilizing the 3 axis, 4 gyro stabilized middle camera mount positioned by pilot Steve Bussmann in the rear cabin. "By locating the camera mount on the starboard side of the aircraft we can both orbit the subject matter in a clockwise pattern and use the tail rotor of the helicopter to fly the aircraft sideways up to 40 kts for point of view shots, all without having to re-rig the mount in between takes" commented Steve.
When the first English explorers came to the New World in the late 1500s and early 1600s, they quickly
discovered a need for small, versatile, heavily constructed workboats that would enable them to safely
explore the coastline and conduct trade with the American Indian tribes of the region. The vessel they
designed specifically for this purpose was known as a shallop. Shallops played an essential role in the survival of the first settlements in the New World. They were used to explore and map the coast line, transport people from one location to another, and deliver trade goods that were exchanged with local Indian tribes for food and other critical supplies.
In the summer of 2007 a crew of modern-day explorers, historians, naturalists and educators will endeavor to retrace Captain John Smith's incredible 1608 expedition. Traveling in a 28-foot reproduction of Smith's shallop, and living much as Smith and his men did 400 years ago, the shallop and her crew will spend 121-days voyaging to the headwaters of almost every tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. At more than 20 points along the route, the shallop and her crew will stop for public exhibitions so that people from all around the region can learn about this important episode in the history of the Chesapeake. For more information, please go to the John Smith 400 website at www.johnsmith400.org or the Sultana website at www.sultanaprojects.org

Sunday - October 28, 2007: Open Eye Pictures Documentary "Under Our Skin"
Andy Wilson of Open Eye Pictures came to northern Virginia to shoot some HD video of fall foliage for his upcoming documentary on Lyme disaese called "Under Our Skin" and selected Pete Roof of Creative Video and Steve Bussmann of Bussmann Aviation to provide the aerial footage he was looking for. Using our gyro stabilized middle mount, Pete and Steve worked together to capture the aerial scenery Andy was looking for to complete the production, due to be released by the end of 2007.
In the early 1970's, a mysterious new ailment was discovered among a group of children living around the town of Lyme, CT. What was first diagnosed as isolated cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, eventually became known as Lyme disease, a potentially serious illness triggered by spiral-shaped bacteria, similar to the organisms that cause syphilis. Today, cases of Lyme disease have been reported in all states. According to CDC estimates, over 200,000 people may acquire the disease per year--more than cases of AIDS, West Nile Virus, and Avian Flu combined. Many of those untreated will suffer chronic debilitating illness. Some unknowingly will pass the disease on to their unborn children. Many will lose their livelihoods, and still others will lose their lives.

Tuesday - October 16, 2007: Pursuit Boats S310 on the Eastern Shore
Ronnie Constantino of Atlantic Photo Tech was hired by Pursuit Boats to capture some aerial video and still digital images of this center console runabout over the Wye River on Maryland's eastern shore. Flying low level in concert with a power boat underway is a demanding flying job, photographers specializing in this type of work are very particular about the pilots and machines they choose for this type of work. Bussmann Aviation is proud to continue to be selected as the mid-Atlantic platform of choice for this type of challenging flying.
The Pursuit S310 is the perfect family boat as it combines the ease and accessibility of a center console with the luxury and amenities of a cruiser. It feature deep, comfortable seating, varnished teak tables and accents, dry and wet storage. Anglers will appreciate the richly varnished teak rod holders under the gunwale, along with storage port and starboard to ice down the catch of the day and additional rod and equipment storage under the forward cushions. Cruisers will love all the comforts of a cabin cruiser thoughtfully built into the boat, including a full standup electric head with sink, custom non-skid areas, an extended custom hardtop with storage, lighting and speakers built in, varnished teak accents, ice chest with sandwich tray, seating for everyone both fore and aft, including a custom teak dining table that can be removed to install the padded insert for sunbathing, fresh water supply and a stainless pull-out refrigerator!

Friday - October 5, 2007: Tiara Yachts 3500 Sovran at the Annapolis Boat Show
World renown boat photographer Forest Johnson was in Annapolis today to grab some early morning aerials of the 3500 Sovran by Tiara Yachts using a helicopter provided by Bussmann Aviation. Skimming low over the Chesapeake Bay shortly after dawn pilot Steve Bussmann maneuvered the aircraft to provide Forest the best possible angle. Shots from this project will appear in the January 2008 issue of Motorboating Magazine.
This all-new Sovran continues the Tiara tradition of uncompromising quality and seaworthiness. Like the 3900 and 4300, the 3500 Sovran is engineered to take full advantage of the latest Volvo IPS technology for superior handling, noise and fume reduction, and fuel efficiency. The 3500 Sovran is ideal for a cruising couple that likes to entertain family and friends for the day, or may occasionally host overnight guests. Its intelligent floor plan, advanced drive train technology and characteristic Tiara attention to fit and finish will make the 3500 Sovran a source of cruising pleasure and lasting value.

Wednesday - August 1, 2007: "FETCH!" with Ruff Ruffman Lands in Clinton, MD
Produced by WGBH, the wildly successful PBS reality kids TV show "FETCH!" was in town today to film an episode of the program which is set to air this fall. Bussmann Aviation was tapped to provide aerial platform services for the air-to-ground sequences which were obtained via our in-house gyro stabilized middle mount camera stabilizing system.
Part game show, part reality TV, and part spoof, FETCH! features real kids, real challenges, real science, and an unreal host named Ruff Ruffman. Featuring 20 half-hour episodes, FETCH! mixes live-action with animation and breaks the mold with its educational and comical take on America's newest television genre. Targeting six- to ten-year olds, it is spontaneous, unscripted, and full of twists. FETCH! explores the untapped potential of the hugely popular reality television genre and proves that it can be a great venue for kids to have fun while learning problem-solving skills and teamwork. The series also offers viewers an important perspective on competition by letting them know that the value of an experience isn't just determined by winning or losing, but by what happens along the way. Funded in large part by the National Science Foundation, the series focuses on real world science, featuring kids as they pursue questions, conduct experiments, and actively investigate the world around them. In addition, the series also has an extensive outreach initiative, designed to extend the impact of FETCH!'s science themes and give viewers a chance to play along with the show, even after the TV is turned off.

Ruff Ruffman
Sunday - July 22, 2007: New Wilson Bridge Opens for the First Time
Kent Larson of Aerial Photographers depended on Heloflights to get him in position "low and slow" over the Potomac River this Sunday to document the grand opening of the new Wilson Bridge draw bridge as the Columbian Navy sailing vessel "Gloria" arrived in Washington DC to moor off the town dock in old town Alexandria, VA.

Friday - April 20, 2007: Open Road Films Comes to Town
Bussmann Aviation was asked to provide an aerial platform for Producer Mary Pat Bentel and Director Danielle Lurie who are working on a documentary to record the journey of singer Sheryl Crow and environmentalist Laurie David as they travel across the country on a two-week Stop Global Warming College Tour which will terminate this Sunday, April 22 on the campus of George Washington University. The tour kicked off from the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 9th.
Thursday - April 5, 2007: Early Spring Frosts Wreak Havoc
Bussmann Aviation was called out for four nights by Horton Vineyards of Orange VA to help prevent early morning frost damage to tender buds just starting to emerge. Typically starting at 1am pilot Steve Bussmann and co-pilots Chris Billet and Robert Bussmann would fly slowly at tree top level covering thirty acres of this award winning local vineyard. Frost prevention flights work best during temperature inversions - helicopter rotor wash can push down warmer air and displace the cold air at the surface helping to minimize frost damage on tender spring growth.

Tuesday - February 27, 2007: We Go Green!
Bussmann Aviation / Heloflights is proud to announce that the company has joined the ranks of 1% For The Planet, an alliance of businesses committed to leveraging their resources to create a healthier planet. Members recognize their responsibility to and dependence on a healthy environment and donate at least 1% of their annual net revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. The alliance aims to prove that taking environmental responsibility is good for business. Click on the image below for more details on this fine alliance.

Wednesday - January 10, 2007: Air-to-Air Video Over the Potomac
Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary this April and as part of the occasion have hired American Rogue Films to produce a video documentary highlighting the operations, personnel and equipment of this distinguished outfit. Bussmann Aviation was selected by Director Austin Smithard to provide the necessary aerial platform and gyro stabilized camera mount to capture air-to-air footage of HMX-1 aircraft flying along the Potomac from Quantico all the way to the Tidal Basin and Key Bridge.
HMX-1 was established in December 1947 as an experimental unit to test and evaluate helicopters and tactics and currently provides all helicopter transportation for the President both overseas and within the continental United States. In addition, HMX-1 provides helicopter transportation for the Vice President, members of the President's Cabinet, and foreign dignitaries as directed by the White House Military Office. HMX-1 also provides helicopter emergency evacuation and other support as directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Marine One is the call sign used when the President is on board one of the HMX-1 Marine helicopters. The current primary presidential helicopter is the Sikorsky VH-3D (Sea King). HMX-1 is also tasked with the Operational Test and Evaluation of US Marine Corps assault helicopters and related equipment.
The initial screening of the video production will be held on April 13th at the National Museum of the Marine Corps located in Quantico, VA.

Tuesday - December 5, 2006: Second time is a charm!
Shortly after 8am the lead tug "Christine McAllister" from McAllister Towing was able to wrest the aircraft carrier Intrepid from its home for the past twenty four years at pier 86 on the Hudson river in New York. For the past 4 weeks a dredging contractor working under supervision of the US Navy removed 39,000 cubic yards of sediment to create a trench to allow McAllister tugs to pull the carrier from its berth out into the middle of the Hudson river for the planned 5 mile tow to Bayonne, NJ where the historic vessel will undergo a two year overhaul and refurbishment. Pilot Steve Bussmann was able to position photographer Jonathan Atkin of ShipShooter and videographer Ken Frazier of TVN Video "low and slow" to document the effort. The photo below shows our MD500 helicopter in position and on assignment over the vessel as it is beginning to leave the pier. For a brief YouTube video (shot by TVN Video) of the project, click on the photo below!

Monday - October 2, 2006: "Streets of Gold"
Washingtonian Magazine real estate expert Assistant Editor Mary Clare Fleury decided she needed aerial shots of some key homes in Washington's most exclusive neighborhoods and naturally selected photographer Cameron Davidson and Bussmann Aviation's MD 500 helicopter to get her and Cameron in optimum position for capturing the images she needed for her November 2006 issue. See pages 102 through 109 for the story and photos!

Tuesday - July 17, 2006: Sharks in Silver Spring, Maryland
To help launch the "Shark Week" TV series of programs the folks at Discovery Channel decorated their building in downtown Silver Spring in an unusual fashion. Pilot Steve Bussmann was able to get photographer Cameron Davidson and videographer Bruce Liffiton in low and slow to grab the promo shots they needed to help kickoff the event. Click on the image below for details!

Tuesday - June 6, 2006: "Prince Among Slaves" Video Shoot for PBS
1788 - The slave ship Africa set sail from Gambia, West Africa, its berth laden with a profitable but highly perishable cargo�hundreds of men, women and children bound in chains�headed to American shores. Six months later, a handful of survivors would find themselves for sale in Natchez, Mississippi. One of them, a 26-year-old man named Ibrahima Abdul Rahman would make a most remarkable claim to Thomas Foster, the tobacco farmer who purchased him at auction: As an African prince, highly educated and personable, his father would gladly pay gold for his return.

Ibrahima would not return to Africa for another 40 years. In that time he would toil on the plantation to make his owner rich. He would marry and father nine children. He would also become the most famous African in America, attracting the support of such powerful men as President John Quincy Adams and Secretary of State Henry Clay. Later in life, he would travel widely throughout the northern states, speaking to huge audiences in an attempt to raise enough money to buy his children out of slavery. And finally, at the age of 67, he would return to Africa, only to fall ill and die just as word of his return reached his former home. Through it all, Ibrahima would maintain his dignity and hope for the freedom of his people.
Camerman Dennis Boni shot the dramatic sunset scene of Ibrahima landing on the shores of Africa using the gyro stabilized camera mount provided by Bussmann Aviation near historic St. Mary's Maryland. Click on the image below for a trailer and an update on the status of the production!

Thursday - May 25, 2006: Aerial Property Survey - The Nature Conservancy
Early this year The Nature Conservancy was deeded some easement property along the shores of the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers between Fredericksburg and Lignum, VA. Before sending in ground-based survey conservation teams to explore the shores, TNC selected Heloflights to conduct several aerial photo missions over the property with GIS and terrain experts on board. Bussmann Aviation was also able to supply TNC with detailed GPS track log files of both flights with key areas for ground team detailed studies.

Tuesday - May 9, 2006: Volvo Ocean Race Competitors Reach New York
Bussmann Aviation was called upon by business partner Camera Copters of Miami to pilot their MD500 Cineflex HD camera ship over the waters of Chesapeake Bay this past Sunday as the seven boats departed Annapolis southward down the bay towards Virginia Beach, and then again as the racers entered New York harbor. After clearing the bay, the boats turned northward and followed the coastline where they finished leg 6 in New York harbor early Tuesday morning. On board the helicopter for the both the Annapolis start and New York finish segments was Steve Cassidy of AerialHD.com handling the video camera and Oskar Kihlborg in the rear cabin snapping the aerial print shots of both events. Images and video can be seen by clicking the logo below:

Saturday - March 4, 2006: Scouting Shoot for "Breach"
Pilot Steve Bussmann and videographer Pete Roof were recently tapped by the production team for "Breach" to conduct a aerial video location scouting flight for the Universal film currently in production. Starring Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney, Dennis Haysbert, this film is the story of Robert Hanssen and how he was discovered and apprehended by the FBI. This feature film is scheduled to be released February 16, 2007.
Using on-board moving map GPS technology with track logging synched with the time code of the vide tape, Bussmann Aviation was able to provide the production team with the exact coordinates of all of the locations shot over Fairfax County. "We couldn't have done it without you" remarked Patty Hess, "this was exactly what we needed. Many thanks to you and Pete for being so responsive to our needs!"

Thursday - February 2, 2006: Overturned Truck on I-270 Flyover Ramp Ties up Traffic for Hours
A tractor-trailer carrying wooden stockade fences flipped on the Capital Beltway during this morning's rush hour, raining debris onto Interstate 270 below and unfortunately killing a Marriott International executive on his way to work in Bethesda, MD. The Washington Post called Bussmann Aviation to help them get a photographer over the accident to capture the scene for the front page in the next day's paper.

Thursday - December 15, 2005: First Phase of Flight Instruction Completed for PAX NAS TPS
Bussmann Aviation recently completed delivery of 40 hours of ground and flight instruction for 5 naval aviators enrolled in the Test Pilot School at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Maryland. This instruction included both ground school covering aircraft systems, standard and emergency procedures and flight instruction highlighting normal and emergency maneuvers, including full touchdown autorotations. The second phase of the program includes the same instruction for 9 additional aviators and this instruction will be delivered during January 2006. The TPS at Patuxent NAS uses the TH-6 (military version of the MD500) as one of its rotary wing platforms for training test pilot candidates.

Saturday - November 12, 2005: Webelos Den 11 Pack 1195 Visits Helofights
Some 10 scouts, their leaders, siblings and parents enjoyed a presentation on rotary wing flight and participated in a hangar and aircraft tour this past weekend. After spending some time learning the intricacies of helicopters the den next toured the Nextflight FBO, also based at Manassas.
Commented Bill Goldfarb, leader of the den - "A short note of thanks for all the hospitability extended toward my group last Saturday. The presentation was superb - informative, enlightening and the perfect level of "classroom" and hands-on study. You opened our eyes to a world of helicopters most had no idea existed. You very well may have given a young man the inspiration to do great things. A further thanks for connecting is with Owen Williams and the NextFlight crew - they proceeded to further wow us with airplanes, flight operations and personnel functions. He later escorted us back for a full buffet, as well as allowing each scout to take a helicopter ride !!! The day could be described as nothing less than magical and will be remembered by all for a lifetime. You are a true asset in this world and for all the group, I extend our deepest appreciation. Thanks again and if there is anything we can do for you (60 young boys at the ready!!), don't hesitate ask."

Friday - September 15, 2005: "Moving Drawing"
Videographer Jeff Cook of Active Aerials and photographer Kent Larson of Aerial Photographers recently selected Heloflights to get them into position for grabbing some stunning aerial photos and footage of The Moving Drawing of Jheon Soocheon. Sponsored by Hyundai, Samsung, RailCruise America, and Naver among others, artist Jheon Soocheon has created a "moving art" by covering a 15 car passenger train with flowing canvas and then using the vehicle to create a moving drawing from New York to Los Angeles. For more details point your browser to:

Tuesday - September 6, 2005: Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland
"Gorgeous footage!" exclaimed Karen Mintz of Blue Plate Productions as she has spent the past several weeks reviewing and editing the video tape shot recently by Pete Roof of Creative Video in aircraft provided by Bussmann Aviation. "There's no way we could have told the story without the terrific aerial footage you were able to deliver for us, thanks!"
The Telly Awards Bronze Winner video, entitled "The New American Farmer" is for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and it's purpose is to educate people in the area about the region's rich agricultural history so they will (in the face of lots of development) continue to support their local farmers and keep farms in business.
For more details on the TCC, please point your browser to:

Saturday - June 25, 2005: Fox Sports Network
Not since Jacques Cousteau have fish seen this many cameras. Never before have angling fans seen a bass tournament with this much FOX Attitude. Now, that all changes. On Sun., Feb. 6, FSN begins its new weekly show FLW OUTDOORS, with coverage of the FLW national tournament circuit. As the tournament made its way to the east coast, Heloflights was selected to get Fox videographers in tight and close to film all of the action as the pros went to work on the banks of the Potomac.
The one-hour show airs Sundays at 11:00 AM EST, 10:00 AM CST/MTN. Check local listings for PST airings.

Wednesday - May 25 10, 2005: Booze Allen Classic on USA and ABC Networks
Viewers tuning in to the broadcast of the Booze Allen Classic to be aired the week of June 6th will be treated at the beginning of the telecast to a birds eye view tour of the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club. From tee box to green Heloflights was able to get videographer Chris Chanda into position for each hole. All the greats will be in town and playing, be sure to tune in!

Tuesday - May 10 10, 2005: Outdoor Life Network "Ultimate Playground" Series Film Shoot
Recently the folks at OLN asked Heloflights to assist them with the filming of a new episode of the popular Ultimate Playground series called "Secret Training", to be broadcast during the month of June. Flying cinematographer Scott Darharp at treetop level over the Chesapeake Bay pilot Steve Bussmann was able to position the film crew directly above the speeding Zodiac as it raced across the bay towards Execution Island.
"Former Navy Seals take host Laird Macintosh on a weekend training adventure on the Chesapeake Bay. It's a sometime serious, sometimes funny and completely unexpected Ultimate Playground."
For specific dates and airtimes point your browser to the logo below:

Friday - April 1, 2005: Congratulations - Ben Hewlett!
After many weeks of studying and flight preparation Ben Hewlett successfully passed both his commercial and CFI checkrides with flying colors!

Saturday - February 12, 2005: In memoriam: Steve Kotzmoyer
In observance of the memorial service for our friend Steven Lee Kotzmoyer and his daughter Jessica Kotzmoyer, Bussmann Aviation will be closed for business this day.
Steve was born in 1956 in Bangor Maine and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1974. He received an Associate Degree in Computer Science at Northern Virginia Community College. He was employed by Allen Systems Group in Reston Virginia as Principal Architect & Lead Developer for TMON for TCP/IP.

Sunday - January 9, 2005: Carolina says "Yes!"
Marc Garner decided to stack the deck in his favor by adopting a overwhelming offense in his proposal planning for sweetheart Carolina Espinal. Key to his strategy was organizing a champagne helicopter flight over the Blue Ridge foothills during which he delivered his proposal for marriage - which Carolina enthusiastically accepted!
A date has not yet been set, but the ring was very impressive.

Friday - December 31, 2004: In memoriam: John Deardourff
In observance of the memorial service for our friend John Deardourff, Bussmann Aviation will be closed for business this day.
Mr. Deardourff was a board member of the Children's Defense Fund, the League of Conservation Voters, the National Environmental Trust, Public Voice and the Women's Campaign Research Fund. In 1986, the National Women's Political Caucus gave him its "Good Guy Award," which honors men who support women in politics.

Mr. Deardourff was a volunteer at the Phillips Collection, where he served as an adviser to the board of trustees in the 1980s. His other passions were tennis and travel.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Elisabeth Griffith, headmistress of the Madeira School, of McLean; two daughters from his first marriage, Anne Sinsheimer of Charlotte and Katherine Wordsman of Bedford, N.Y.; two children from his second marriage, Megan Deardourff of Washington and John David Deardourff, a student at Davidson College in North Carolina; two brothers; and four grandchildren.

Monday - December 20, 2004: "Battlefield Detectives" Antietam and Gettysburg Segments Airs on the History Channel
As mentioned previously in a July release, Bussmann Aviation was selected back in the summer of this year to assist Granada Television with the production of two part "Battlefield Detectives" series featuring in-depth historical analysis of both the Antietam and Gettysburg Civil War epic battles. Both productions are available on DVD via www.historychannel.com.

Monday - December 6, 2004: Arson Strikes Charles County

Once again the Washington Post tapped Heloflights to get their photographer in place for some front page images of the recent residential arson fires that damaged 12 homes in Indian Head, Maryland. Despite the rainy conditions over 30 homes were damaged in Maryland's worst case of arson in the states history.

Saturday - November 13, 2004: See Think Productions Hi-Definition Video Shoot
Ethan Palmer and Tom Davis spent the day slogging through the mud at the Page farm in Port Deposit Maryland filming castle assaults and open field combat staged by creative anachronists "Darkon". Portions of this production was shot from the air using hi-def video camera gear mounted to Bussmann Aviation's AE GSM mounted in front of the co-pilots seat in the helicopter for outstanding point-of-view perspective of the action below.

Thursday - October 7, 2004: Skunk Films Chesapeake Bay Documentary
Jeff Pohorski of Skunk Films recently spent an entire day along with videographer Pete Roof and pilot Steve Bussmann in a MD 500 helicopter shooting video footage of Baltimore harbor, Annapolis, Tangier & Smith Islands, Patuxent river basin and the lower Chesapeake Bay for a video documentary project entitled "Between Heaven and Earth - The Plight of the Chesapeake Watermen" (Bronze Telly Award Winner). "The ability to quickly re-rig the AE GSM gyro stabilized camera mount from point-of-view to out-the-side configuration while in the field is a real benefit to to assist the client in getting the shots they need" commented Pete Roof.

Sunday - September 5, 2004: Guru Nanak Foundation of America "Petals" Mission
The GNFA recently celebrated their 100th anniversary by releasing thousands of rose petals over their congregation and church from a helicopter provided by Bussmann Aviation. Despite the blustery conditions, the petals were dropped right on target thanks to precision placement by Marc Woolverton. "Thank you very much for making our anniversary celebration such a success" remarked Maninder Singh at the conclusion of the event.

Wednesday - July 21, 2004: History Channel "Battlefield Detectives" Shoot
Granada Television recently selected Heloflights to help them shoot aerial video footage of Gettysburg and Antietam National Battlefields for the popular "Battlefield Detectives" series aired on the History Channel. In addition to aerial footage, the documentary will feature terrain analysis by geomorphologist Judy Ehlen Ph.D who surveyed Antietam from the helicopter - providing a unique perspective on the outcome of the battle based upon the geography on which the conflict took place.

A brief capsule of both upcoming programs:
"General Robert E. Lee's first invasion into the North ended in the Battle of Antietam--the bloodiest single day in the Civil War--and in all U.S. history. Just 12 hours of fighting resulted in nearly 23,000 casualties. On September 17, 1862, two determined armies gathered near Sharpsburg, a quiet backwater near Antietam Creek in western Maryland. Union forces were desperate to repel the South's invasion of their territory. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, its back to the Potomac River, was fighting for its very existence. Much was at stake. But just why was Antietam such a terrible killing field? Now the latest forensic techniques are shedding new light on the question. Experts from the fields of archaeology, geology, weapons technology, and pathology investigate this uniquely horrific moment in American history."
"Over three hot days in July 1863 , Union and Confederate forces clashed in and around a small Pennsylvania town. When the Battle of Gettysburg ended, the two exhausted sides had inflicted more than 50,000 casualties upon one another--the largest battle ever fought on American soil. The third day is considered the Confederacy's "high-water mark"--when General Robert E. Lee lost the decisive battle of the Civil War. But scientific battlefield evidence now suggests that by the time the artillery began firing that day, the Confederate fight was already doomed. And when Pickett's Charge--the famous full frontal attack against Union lines--got underway, the battle effectively was over. Experts in physics, geology, crowd control, and cartography join forces with military historians to better understand this epic battle."
The events will be telecast on the History Channel on December 20, 2004.

Friday - June 25, 2004: Gloria Estefan "Tributo A Nuestros Heroes" Concert Shoot
The coverage of Gloria Estefan performance in late June was enhanced with aerial video shot by pilot Steve Bussmann of Bussmann Aviation and camera operator Peter Roof of Creative Video. Bussmann flew his MD-500C helicopter with Roof running a DigiBeta camera on a new AE Gyro middle mount. The new mount allows nearly any type of camera to be used in the helicopter and get substantial stabilization using three gyroscopes. Prior to getting dynamic aerials over and around the concert during the evening hours the crew shot a dramatic arrival of an F-14 Tomcat which will be used in the opening sequence. The outdoor concert, held in a hangar at the Norfolk Naval Station, was a free event to thank the Hispanic members of the military and their families. The event will be telecast on Telemundo in October.

Sunday - May 16, 2004: AE GSM Camera Mount in Action - 60 Minutes
CBS aired a segment on "60 Minutes" entitled "Alhurrah" this evening featuring footage shot using the 3-axis gyro stabilized AE GSM middle mount. A clip of this segment is posted on the gallery page. This was the first time that videographer Phil Geyelin, has ever used this mount and he commented after reviewing the tape "the stuff looks great and is exactly what the producer was looking for! It was great flying with you and I hope we do it again in the future."

Sunday - March 21, 2004: AE GSM Camera Mount Acquired
Heloflights is pleased to announce that we have added a gyro stabilized AE GSM video/film camera middle mount to our in-house inventory of capabilities. This means that on your next aerial video or film mission you can opt for a new mounting system that can get you in the air that same day without the expense, freight charges, delay, intensive rigging required for rental mounts.

Until now professional aerial camera stabilization from a moving platform has only been achieved through the use of very expensive stabilized mounts that are usually rented. The AE Gyro Stabilized Mount & Platform (�GSM�) is the most affordable stabilized video or film platform that produces professional quality, rock-steady stabilized imagery for both film and video productions. We believe the AE GSM is a breakthrough product in the areas of performance and price. This product will enable those of you without Hollywood-sized budgets to obtain stable, high quality video. The Tyler middle mount is an excellent camera stabilization system, however it is expensive and involves long lead times, costly freight charges, and timely rigging preparation. The AE GSM is a portable system that is quick to set up and will work for many different video applications, we can typically rig a camera system �ready-for-flight� is less than 30 minutes. Since the mount and gyro stabilization package is in-house, there are no freight charges and lead time issues to consider. In addition, the AE GSM can handle cameras from 3 lbs to 70 lbs! The AE GSP stabilization is based on the use of Kenyon Laboratories Gyro Stabilizers. The system uses three high powered gyro KS-8 stabilizers, stabilization is provided in all three axes. KS-8 gyros with tungsten wheels are utilized with each gyro providing stabilization for up to 12 lbs of equipment, for a total of 36 lbs of stabilization.

Friday - January 9, 2004: TSA drops the national threat level back to "yellow", but....
The Homeland Security Department (DHS) this afternoon lowered the national threat level from a "high" to "elevated" (or "code yellow") risk of terrorist attack- but unfortunately "code orange" restrictions remain in place for airports and airspace. The alert status remains "high" for airports, airlines and some cities. DHS is currently evaluating each individual TFR imposed during code orange. There may be decisions late this afternoon or over the weekend on the Chicago and Valdez (Alaska) TFRs, and Washington ADIZ procedures.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for updated & current information for flight restriction inside the DC airspace for any mission you might have.

Sunday - December 21, 2003: TSA raises the national threat level back to "orange"
As a result of increased security concerns, the FAA has issued several notams restricting flight in the Washington metropolitan area. Earlier today the Department of Homeland Security raised the terrorist threat level from "elevated" to "high" (orange level); Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge cited intelligence information from credible sources of imminent terrorist attempts to attack at levels "rivaling or exceeding" the September 11, 2001, attacks. Ridge noted that al Qaeda continues to contemplate using aircraft as weapons. The NTL is expected to remain at "orange" through the end of January.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for updated & current information for flight restriction inside the DC airspace for any mission you might have.

Tuesday - November 11, 2003: Georgetown University Campus Photo Shoot
GU selected Bussmann Aviation to get their video & photo staffers in "low and slow" to update their records of campus buildings and facilities reflecting all of the changes made to school property over the past few years. "We had difficulty finding a helicopter service with clearances to operate in restricted airspace surrounding Washington DC, we are certainly glad that you were available and able to assist us in getting the shots we needed. Thanks a lot!

Friday - September 5, 2003: Dominion High School Gets Ready for the Big Game
Joe Flemming, the athletic director of Dominion High School was under severe pressure to ensure his brand new football field would be ready and dry for the season opener on Saturday night. The Washington DC area has suffered through one of the wettest summers on record, athletic fields all over town have been turned into soggy mudholes. "The thirty foot, four bladed rotor system of the MD500 spinning at 480 rpm was just the fan we need to help us dry out our field in time for the game tomorrow. What a life saver!" commented Joe after Bussmann Aviation had been on scene for 2 hours hovering 1 foot above the flooded turf.

Saturday - August 16, 2003: The SCV taps Bussmann Aviation to Assist Historical Research Project
Recently Red Barber of the Sons of Confederate Veterans selected N9233F to assist his forensic team in searching for civil war era campgrounds, battlefields, and grave sites in nearby Bristow, Virginia. Flying slow racetrack search patterns at 800' using infrared thermal sensing video equipment the crew was able to locate several sites of suspected historical importance. "Aerial thermal overflights is the critical first step to assist the ground teams in conducting subsequent extensive field analysis using ground penetrating radar. The aerial view can help us pinpoint where to focus our ground based efforts" comment Red.

Sunday - June 1, 2003: Cub Scout Den 9 goes flying again!
Back by popular demand, the 10 boys and parents of Den 9, Pack 116 of Vienna Virginia recently traveled to Warrenton, Virginia for an afternoon of rotary wing aviating across the verdant farms of Fauquier county. "What a blast!" reported Kevin Zell, "Even my mom loved it!. At the conclusion of the flying session late in the afternoon Den leader Jim DeClerk made a third reservation for the den's return in 2004.

Sunday - May 4, 2003: MWAA Selects Bussmann Aviation to Provide DC Photo Flight
Charlie Grayburn of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority recently chose N9233F to provide a magic carpet ride for two out-of-town VIPS interested in capturing print images of scenic downtown Washington DC by helicopter. "Cruising at 300' above the Potomac River past all of the local monuments is the best way to see DC!" exclaimed Dr. Jason Henneiger.

Tuesday - April 23, 2003: Pride of Baltimore Video Shoot
Heloflights was pleased to be selected by Jerome Bird of the Pride of Baltimore Inc to provide a stable platform for capturing video and print images of the vessel as she sailed out of Annapolis harbor on a test run. Videographer Tom Wolf remarked on the stability of the 500 platform and our ability to drop in low and slow for some outstanding images of the vessel underway.

Monday - February 10, 2003: Washington, DC Airspace Alert
In response to the increased threat level announced Friday by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, the FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are imposing additional restrictions on the airspace in the national capital area. These were announced in a conference call with AOPA and other representatives from the general aviation community conducted by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey and TSA Chief Operating Officer Admiral John Shkor. The specific details are contained in four separate notices to airmen (notams) released late Saturday evening; the restrictions go into effect on Monday morning 0600 local.

The biggest notam establishes an "air defense identification zone" that approximately covers the lateral limits of the Baltimore-Washington Class B airspace and a 30-nm extension to the south of the DCA VOR, from the surface to 18,000 feet msl. Inside of this area, all aircraft will be required to be operating on a flight plan, squawking a discrete transponder code, and in two-way communication with air traffic control. All flight plans should be filed on the ground, although "air-files" will be permitted. General aviation Part 91 operations continue to be prohibited within the Washington special flight rules area (SFAR 94) within 15 nm of DCA. This notam affects operations at 23 public-use airports (and several private airports) home to more than 2,400 based aircraft. There are more than 910,000 annual operations from these airports.

A second notam cancels any current waivers for operations in this area and SFAR 94. The notam requires that new waivers be obtained before resuming operations, including electronic news gathering and international arrival waivers. The only exception is for the waiver holders for operations into and out of the Maryland "DC3" airports (College Park, Hyde Field, and Potomac Airpark).

A third notam to address the current "DC3" waiver holders takes effect on Monday at 6 a.m. and requires that authorized operations in and out of the "DC3" be subject to more onerous security procedures. Aircraft, crew, and passengers will be subject to security screening by TSA prior to departing. Arrivals will be required to first land at Lee Airport (ANP), which is the "gateway" airport outside of the SFAR airspace for screening prior to landing at the "DC3." The details of these procedures are still being worked out.

In addition to the Washington-area airspace restrictions, a fourth notam will take effect Monday that rescinds all waivers to the sporting event notam (2/0199). This means that banner towers may not operate over stadiums that have a seating capacity of 30,000 or more in which a major sporting event is occurring.

Sunday - December 22, 2002: A Proposal
Dave Herbig of Clifton Virginia decided today was the day he would propose to his sweetheart. Under the pretense of traveling to Manassas to go antiquing, Dave lured Erin onto the field for a scenic helicopter flight through northern Virginia. Fifteen minutes into the flight, 1000 ft somewhere over Fairfax, Dave popped the question....and Erin accepted. "The best part of the flight was the tour over Great Falls...that was fantastic" said Erin. The couple plans to settle down in the Clifton area.

Sunday - December 15, 2002: A Big Finish at US Airways Arena
The arena alongside the Washington DC Capital Beltway in Landover came down in a dynamite blast and a cloud of dust to make way for a new shopping center. It was over in less than 20 seconds as 355 pounds placed in 550 holes leveled what was left of the 29-year-old structure. The Washington Post selected Bussmann Aviation to get photographer Ricky Carioti "up close and personal" for this dramatic event. Originally called the Capital Center, it opened in 1973 as the home of the Washington Bullets and Capitals and a venue for countless rock concerts.

Friday - November 8, 2002: Manassas City Crime Solvers Charity Mission
Sgt. Marc Woolverton arranged for Bussmann Aviation to provide a stable aerial platform for the annual "golf ball drop" charity fund raising event held at the Montclair Golf Club in Montclair, VA. The �Golf Ball Drop� is a raffle where people buy chances at a cash prize if their ball is the ball in the hole, or closest to the hole. The balls are dropped from a helicopter at altitude over the course driving range. All proceeds from the event benefited the FOP Charitable Foundation.

Wednesday - September 18, 2002: Bayliner boat shoot in Virginia Beach.

As the sun was setting this evening, Steve Bussmann was flying N9233F low over Broad Bay with several Trophy center console sport fishing boats on another web site and catalog photo mission. A helicopter is the ideal platform to capture both low & high oblique & overhead shots of the stern, side and bow and the boat as it is running along picturesque water at speed.

Friday - August 10, 2002: Foto Flight selects Heloflights to provide a photo platform over Tysons Corner.

Photographer Randy Foulds needed a helicopter platform for a critical real estate photo mission in the northern Virginia area. Bussmann Aviation was able to secure the necessary permissions to conduct this flight inside the current Washington "no fly zone" so Randy could get the early morning shots he needed for his client.

Saturday - July 13, 2002: BBC taps Bussmann Aviation for documentary video shoot.

Steven Kostant of Swim Design recently selected Bussmann Aviation to work with the BBC and their upcoming production of a documentary entitled "Clear the Skies". Director Peter Molloy and photographer Ian Kennedy worked with Steve Bussmann to get several hours worth of video footage over the Shenandoah as well as downtown DC. The team used a Sony 790 PAL betacam on a Tyler nose mount for the job. "Clear the Skies" is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC2 in the UK on September 1, 2002 at 9pm.

Saturday - July 6, 2002: Interface Multimedia selects Bussmann Aviation for Ft. Belvoir video shoot.

Interface Multimedia specializes in developing digital "site plans" and presentations for construction projects in the entire mid-Atlantic region. Mark Burlingson was interested in both still and video photography of the downtown DC metropolitan area as well as the Ft. Belvoir region of the Potomac river. Bussmann Aviation was able to provide photographer Chet Chabuk with the platform he need to check the shots Burlinson required.

Saturday - June 22, 2002: Bussmann Aviation sponsors "The Night Help" Bar-B-Que team in Washington, DC.

The 10th annual Safeway Bar-B-Que battle was held on Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington, DC over the June 22nd weekend. Bussmann Aviation was an official member & proud corporate sponsor of the "The Night Help Barbecue Team" which entered the lamb, whole shoulder, and sauce categories. Andy Stoddard, team head chef, took 5th place overall with his world famous finishing sauce. Friends & family visited the team tent throughout the weekend where daytime temperatures topped 100 degrees. Needless to say the barbecue and beer was excellent!

Tuesday - June 11, 2002: Grady White Boats "chopper day" in Swansboro, NC.

Cheryl Goodwin of Grady White Boats recently enlisted the MD500 and services of Steve Bussmann for the companies catalog photo shoot off the North Carolina coast. Bussmann Aviation was able to provide the ideal rock-steady platform for critical cruising, trolling, beach and marina moored shots for the five of Grady White acclaimed line of sport fishing outboards.

Sunday - May 5, 2002: New Media Systems of Richmond, VA taps Bussmann Aviation for critical DC photo shoot.

Richard McDonald of New Media Systems needed to get inside the current Washington DC no-fly zone for some critical aerial photography missions from his key customers. Bussmann Aviation was able to secure the necessary authorizations to conduct this 2 hour mission around the Pentagon, Arlington, McLean, Springfield and Fredericksburg locales. By pre-loading each photo site into the moving map GPS system aboard the helicopter, Chief Pilot Steve Bussmann was able to ensure each location was photographed in the most efficient manner possible.

Wednesday - April 24, 2002: Bussmann Aviation provides local vineyard with frost prevention services.

Jennifer McCloud of Virginia's award-winning Chrysalis Vineyard of Middleburg Virginia recently requested frost prevention services offered by Bussmann Aviation to protect sensitive spring buds in low lying areas. Starting at 11pm, McCloud placed thermometers at the four corners of two key fields totaling about 26 acres. Field hands closely monitored these thermometers and at 2am Bussmann got the word the temperatures were dipping dangerously below the freezing mark. With co-pilot Chris Billet and remote landing zone re-fueling & lighting support provided by Ron Mayer, the Heloflights team was able to successfully prevent frost damage to this key crop. Hovering 40 feet above the vineyard, the MD500 was able displace the colder ground layer of air with warmer air above bringing the surface temperature up from 29 degrees up to 35 degrees with each pass.

UPDATE - Story in Washington Post
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 2, 2002; Page A01

"Historical Harvests for Cultivated Tastes "

Farmers Bring Back 'Heirloom' Produce

Jennifer McCloud grows Norton grapes, which date to the 1800s, at her Middleburg vineyards. �I�d love to see Norton rolling over the Virginia countryside,� she says. Jennifer McCloud wasn't about to watch her budding crop of Norton grapes be destroyed. So one freezing morning in April, she radioed for a jet helicopter to swoop in and save the precious fruit she hopes will lead a retro revolution. The chopper, designed to scout for enemy soldiers in the Vietnam War, hovered 20 feet above the trellises, high enough so the downwash from the whirling rotors would warm, but not snap, the vines. As the sun rose, she could see a crusty layer of deadly frost just beyond the rows of her Middleburg vineyard.

Saturday - April 12, 2002: Bussmann Aviation provides film crew with camera platform for the opening sequence of a major motion picture.

At the request of Andy Edmunds of the Virginia Film Office, Steve Bussmann of Bussmann Aviation provided director Richard Squires and photographer Gary Grieg with an aerial platform to capture the opening sequence of a soon-to-be-released major motion picture entitled "The Goose Creek Story" starring Mary MacDonald (of "Dances with Wolves" fame). Bussmann mounted the Arriflex 35mm film camera to the aircraft using the Tyler nose mount system. Gary sat in the co-pilot seat and using the Tyler control console was able to get the exact shots director Squires was interested in....namely tree top scenic vistas of the Virginia countryside over the Goose Creek stream bed near Middleburg.

Sunday - April 7, 2002: Bussmann Aviation provides local cub scouts with aerial tour of Manassas.

Steve Bussmann, Kate Hillas and Robert Bussmann of Bussmann Aviation spent most of the day today providing nine cub scouts of Den 9, Pack 1116 of Vienna Virginia and their parents with hangar tours and 20 minute sightseeing flights of the surrounding Virginia countryside. Some of the early flights included a brief overflight of Lake Manassas, the Nissan Pavillion as well as a small house fire in the Nokesville which was a big hit with all the boys. In addition to the flights, Chief Pilot Steve Bussmann also provided the scouts with thorough briefing on the workings of an MD500 helicopter and proper pre- and post-flight procedures.

Saturday - March 23, 2002: Bussmann Aviation and Creative Video shoot aerial video of "Miss
Ann" yacht.

Steve Bussmann of Bussmann Aviation and Peter Roof of Creative Video of Washington recently flew to Irvington Virginia to shoot aerial video of the yacht "Miss Ann." The 127-foot motor yacht is used for excursions on the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay for the guests of The Tides Inn resort. The video shot will be included in a package of material about the yacht and resort to be made available. Bussmann is the owner and pilot of the MD-500C helicopter that flew the mission. Roof ran the FSI Ultra Media II gyro-stabilized system. The camera gimbal contains a Sony BVP-570 camera and was mounted on a special bracket under the helicopter's nose for this assignment. The product was recorded on BetacamSP videotape and a DVcam videotape backup was also made. The MD-500C helicopter is a small, but highly capable turbine-powered aircraft. The FSI system delivered extremely smooth and stable pictures. With a fresh coat of paint, the yacht cruised down the Rappahannock River as the aerial crew swept over and around the vessel gathering a wide variety of dynamic beauty shots. The pilot was in constant radio communication with the skipper and they were able to show the beauty and grace of the 76-year-old yacht.

Friday - January 11, 2002: The FAA has issued Bussmann Aviation a waiver to conduct flight operations within the current 15 miles "no fly zone". This waiver allows Bussmann Aviation to now operate within 10 nautical miles of the DCA VOR (see map below). In addition, there is also a new waiver procedure in place to fly within the 10 mile zone, please contact us for details!

Thursday - December 19, 2001: The FAA today issued a notam that removed enhanced Class B airspace from 30 major metropolitan areas, reduced the size of the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) "no fly" zones around New York City and Washington, D.C, and added a small TFR in Boston. That means VFR operations can resume (except for the TFR areas) in those three metropolitan areas, and specialty operations (news and traffic reporting, sight-seeing tours, banner towing, etc.) can resume in Class B airspace everywhere.

For Washington, D.C. area pilots, the even more exciting news is that Freeway, Maryland, and Suburban airports in Maryland may now reopen. Those general aviation airports, home to more than 230 aircraft, have been closed since the September 11th attacks. Unfortunately, three other area airports (College Park, Potomac, and Hyde Field) remain trapped under the reduced-size TFR.

The following diagram illustrates the 15 SM "no fly" airspace remaining in the Washington DC metro area:

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