CJAA

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Arnie Epikimo and Chris Barger with the Classic Jets Aircraft Association stand in front of their Aero L-39 Albatros March 6, 2010, at the 2010 CJAA annual convention. The mission of the Classic Jet Aircraft Association is to assist in the preservation of the right to fly their aircraft with the least amount of regulation and restrictions commensurate with the safe operation of their aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

CJAA

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Mike Peterson with the Classic Jets Aircraft Association shows off his Dornier Alpha Jet March 6, 2010, at the 2010 CJAA annual convention. The CJAA's stay at Holloman consisted of two days of briefings and presentations on the 49th Fighter Wing's mission and activities including a look at the F-22 Raptor by 49th Operations Group personnel. The association started in 1989 and is an organization of pilots who restore, own and operate classic jets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

Class Jet Aircraft Association visits for annual convention

Published March 11, 2010
By Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss
49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The biggest annual event for classic jet owners, operators and aficionados, the 2010 Classic Jet Aircraft Association convention, took place at the Officers Club, March 4 through 7.

The CJAA, which was started in 1989, is an organization of pilots who restore, own and operate classic jets. Their mission is to assist in the preservation of the right to fly their aircraft with the least amount of regulation and restrictions commensurate with the safe operation of the aircraft.

In order to do this, the CJAA interacts regularly with government agencies at every level, as well as with other flying organizations and with the general public, to ensure their voice is heard and they are part of any process that might affect their ability to fly their aircraft, according to the CJAA official Web site.

The association was hosted by the 49th Operations Group, and their stay consisted of two days of briefings and presentations on the 49th Fighter Wing's mission and activities.

"The group was extremely impressed with the F-22, MQ-1, and Tornado tours. They were especially impressed with the level of protection and advanced notification of enemy personnel the MQ-9 and MQ-1 provides for troops," said Capt. Robert Phillips, 49th Operations Support Squadron.

The tour culminated in a static display of two classic aircraft flown in by the CJAA and the base populous was invited to the flight line to view the classic jets -- a Dornier Alpha Jet and Aero L-39 Albatros.

"It was fantastic, great hospitality, great base and good people, I really had fun,'' said Mark Peterson, three year member of the CJAA.

The CJAA conducts demonstrations and attends air shows on a regular basis. For more information on the CJAA, visit their official Web site at www.classicjets.org.