 Aerobatic helicopter daredevil Chuck Aaron in front of his Red Bull chopper. Aaron is retiring from a long successful career. Photo courtesy Bob Crum. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
Story and photos by Bob Crum
 Chuck Aaron In any given aeronautical period, there's a pilot that performs extraordinary feats with his flying machine. Chuck Aaron is such a pilot. An aerobatic helicopter daredevil. As such, he's thrilled crowds with his incredible aeronautical maneuvers in the one-of-a-kind Red Bull chopper. No one else does backflips and 360 degree barrel rolls in a chopper. His signature 'Chuckcilvak' free fall is breath stopping. Aaron is the first and only civilian pilot licensed to do what he does with a helicopter. He's also the first helicopter pilot to achieve the Art Scholl Showmanship award for outstanding air show performances. In 2011 Aaron was inducted to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and in 2013 officially honored as a Living Legend in Aviation. After 10 strenuous years of performing at air shows, Captain Chuck Aaron is retiring. I had the opportunity to chat briefly with Aaron at the Camarillo airport prior to his recent Wings Over Camarillo air show performance. Chuck, you're retiring, why? Aaron began: “I've started doing this actually at this very air show back in 2005. I've done air shows all across the United States from Los Angeles, to Key West, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Hawaii twice and back to here. I usually do about 35 air shows a year which means I'm gone from home. So it's really about family. I love to fly, and I'll still always fly but I'm just going to stop the air show routine because it takes me away from home so much. Ten years of it is plenty... I think I've set a standard and set the bar up so the kids that see me will recognize, look he's thought outside the box and do what he does at air shows and I want them to at least also think outside of the box in anything they're doing. I don't care what it is. I don't care if they're cutting grass, or if they're engineers. I want them to think what can I do to change this world to make it a better environment to make it better for everyone else. And what I really want the kids to do is to change aviation and particularly change helicopters and make them so they're faster and more effective and more useful. So I just want to be an inspiration to kids to dream up ideas... they're the ones with the computer brains. I almost missed that whole part of life... I'm right in the middle of it at my age and I just hang onto what little computer work I know. My grandkids are here and they can whip through computers 10 times faster than me. I was born a little too early for the computer age but early enough to where I can do what I'm doing in aviation. But there's still a lot more to do and that's what I want. I want these smart kids to come up and do well and think outside of the box like I did and dream up new aviation opportunities.” Do you know of anyone following in your footsteps, close to doing what you're doing, I asked? No, but Sikorsky has a program where any child can come up with a better idea... an annual program where a kid can submit an idea... a drawing or an idea of some kind... of a new type of design. If they like your idea, they'll award a scholarship. After college, maybe bring them aboard the Sikorsky team. There are programs out there... we just need thinkers, we need doers, people thinking outside of the box.” Who made the Red Bull helicopter that you fly, I asked? “This aircraft was made by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm.* I took it here to my hanger and did some secret modifications to it that I can't tell you about. All we did was make it a little more beefy, a little stronger, changed the center of gravity on it and some other little tricks so we could do air shows with it. “I'm sure they have, of course,” Aaron said “Quadcopters have come out since then and I think that's where technology is going to go. I think, for an idea, is go with quadcopters. Try to make that scenario Is Sikorsky the premier helicopter company? I asked. “Them and Bell. I like both companies. Both companies are great... great American companies. Sikorsky is super innovative. They came out with the Sikorsky X2 which is a one of a kind prototype which has my rotor system on it, two of them, stacked on top of each other and counter-rotate. And they added a propeller that we call a pusher prop on the tail that pushes the aircraft. They don't have a tail rotor blade like I have to counter torque. The main rotor blades are used for liftoff and fly away like a helicopter and they add power to the pusher prop to push it faster. That type of idea, or something like it in the future is going to be the quadcopter type of effect. But they have that one (X2) doing 270 knots... almost 300 miles/hour. So we can go faster now by taking the next step. And that's how we have to do everything... step by step by step.” Have they been analyzing your helicopter? “Oh yeah they have,” was the immediate response, adding, “I've taken their test pilots up and showed them how it works.” They must have gained a good deal of knowledge from your experience, I said. “I'm sure they have but of course they won't be telling me about it”, said Aaron. I have heard that it took an over abundance of courage to pull off the first back flip with the Red Bull chopper. So I asked. “It's a long story but the short story of that is, after I got the aircraft certified by the FAA... at that time no one in the FAA has ever certified a helicopter to do aerobatics but I got it done. Then it came time for ME to get certified. Now that I've gone this far down the road, I had to teach myself to do a loop. I went out in the middle of nowhere and tried doing loops and couldn't do it. I'd chicken out. I tried it 50 times and every time I'd go up and maybe do one degree more and chicken out. You can't mess it up because if you do you die. Finally one day... it was the perfect clear day like today... I felt good so I went out and took it up and I was pulling up to go to my chicken point... it's been three months of doing this... and I said I'm finally going for it. I pulled it over and did the loop. I was so excited I did ten more in a row, right then, ten in a row because I didn't want to forget what I did and I wanted to remember how I did it. For me, it felt like I'd gone through the speed of sound. That all happened in 2005 and Aaron has been thrilling air show crowds since. His parting comments for future pilots: “Be careful. Practice. Think about what you're doing. Think about how to get out of something if you do something dumb. Make sure you have an escape plan. Always think things out... always talk it out with others, talk with your mentors, figure it all out before you jump off and do something. Don't do it on your own. Don't do it in a wild flash second, you have to plan it. That's what I did and I'm still alive to be here to tell you about it.” If you missed the Wings Over Camarillo air show, the Miramar air show is the last best chance to see Chuck Aaron perform in the Red Bull helicopter. His rolls, flips, and 'Chuckcilvak' free fall are helicopter aerobatics to behold. You too will wonder... did I just see a helicopter do a back flip??? I often resort to pinching myself to be sure I really saw what I think I saw. Aaron's remaining schedule is the Red Bull air race in Dallas, TX September 26-27. Then to the Miramar, CA air show October 2-4, and the last show is his half time performance at the Red Bull air race in Las Vegas NV on October 17-18. Miramar air show info is at http://miramarair show.com/ *Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) was a German aerospace manufacturer formed as the result of several mergers in the late 1960s. Among its best-known products was the MBB Bo 105 light twin helicopter. The company was bought by Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG in 1989, now part of EADS. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
A Fillmore horse has tested positive for the West Nile virus. It has been six years since a horse has tested positive in Ventura County. The non-vaccinated horser tested positive on August 20, 2015. Birds continue to test positive for the virus, the latest in Ojai. West Nile is spread by mosquitos and can infect humans. No human infections have been reported in Ventura Two WNV-related fatalities have been reported in to CDPH from San Bernardino (1) and Nevada (1). 108 human cases from 22 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2015. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
 A three-car accident occured on Old Telegraph Rd. at Grand Avenue on Thursday, September 3rd, 7:05pm. All three cars were heading east on Old Telegraph. It appears the Escalade was making a left-hand turn and was rear-eneded by the Altima, with the Mustang rear-ending the Altima in the chain reaction. No injuries were reported. Enlarge Photo |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
Also Homecoming Parade 2015
Come on out to our next to last Flashback Fridays in Fillmore. Summer is winding down, so there will be only this one on September 18th, and possibly one more in October. (Depending on daylight and weather). Come see the beautiful classic cars that use to cruise up and down Central from years gone by. Last month our downtown restaurants were full, and our Vendors, BelAir Cafe, and Hot Dog stand sold out, so come out early and grab a bite to eat and take in the beautiful Cars, and our beautiful downtown scenery. No wonder Downtown Fillmore is in so many commercials. Also on the same night of the 18th, Central Station will be showing the Fillmore High / Santa Paula High Football game. Streaming live on their big Flatscreens TV. (Game is in Santa Paula this year.) Game starts at 7:00pm. Flashes merchandise also available at the Alumni Table outside of Central Station. F.H.S. Homecoming Parade 2015 will be taking place this year on Thursday evening September 24th at 6:30PM. Once the floats make it past Sespe Avenue coming from the High School, the Alumni Association will close the street down, and park the floats right on Central Ave between Sespe Street and Main Street that night along with the classic cars from Fillmore. The Alumni association invites all the communities of Fillmore, Bardsdale, and Piru to come look at the Floats and cars up close that evening on the 24th. We have Small town Americana like no other right here in Beautiful Downtown Fillmore, CA. Let's come out and enjoy it! GO FLASHES!! |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents of established locations throughout the county for persons seeking shelter from the heat. Updated lists are available at http://vcemergency.com/ City of Fillmore City of Moorpark Moorpark Active Adult Center City of Ojai City of Port Hueneme City of Santa Paula City of Simi Valley City of Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks Goebel Adult Community Center Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library Thousand Oaks: The Oaks Mall Newbury Park Branch Library |
 Mountain View Elementary celebrated the launching of a California Condor Cam on August 26th. The assembly included Condor exhibits, a stage production, above, and guests from the US Fish & Wildlife Service and a representative from Congresswoman Julia Brownley’s office. The cam, located at www.allaboutbirds.org, streams live from a CALIFORNIA CONDOR nest. Tucked into a cliffside cavity above the Sespe just north of Fillmore, a 4-month old condor nestling is pondering the world. It was made possible by the folks over at The Condor Cave, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (WFVZ) (Camarillo Bird Museum). The Condor Cam is manned by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015
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 Fillmore Unified School District Board Meeting introduced 14 of the 25 new school teachers to the District at Tuesday night’s meeting. Enlarge Photo By Jean McLeod — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015
2016 FUSD Summer School a Great Success
 The meeting began with recognition of Patriot Day and National Day of Service; and Remembrance by Education Services Director Stefan Cvijanovich. The September 1, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with two recognitions; the new teachers to the district by Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez and recognition of Patriot Day and National Day of Service; and Remembrance by Education Services Director Stefan Cvijanovich. During Information and Discussion, Fillmore Summer School Principal John Wilber gave a presentation on the success of this summer’s classes. Wilber presented the Board the accomplishments of this year's summer school session. The 20 days (June 16-July 14) included a total of 575 students with classes available for students from preschool to high school. There were 75 Special Ed students, 45 math, 120 credit recovery, 58 Migrant Program, 85 English learner, 100 kindergarten and 92 STEM summer. The attendance was excellent with 143 high school students earning a combined 730 credits. The nine Special Education classes included preschoolers to post-secondary students with ages ranging from 3 to 22 years. Wilber stated, "One of the neat things was the high school students helped out." Fillmore High School students served as peer tutors and received units of credits. All four elementary schools participated in the two hour Summer Kinder Boot Camp. The goal, "To get them ready for the first day of school," Wilber told the Board. The two week program had eight teachers serving the 100 students. The English Learner CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015
 Saturday, at approximately 12:15 p.m., a two-vehicle accident occurred at Highway 126 and El Dorado Drive. A 2003 Volkswagen Jetta exited El Dorado and immediately collided with an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup. Major damage was done to both vehicles but, according to the Fillmore Station Twitter Account, the two drivers involved suffered only minor injuries. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015
Five persons were indicted in May 2015 on grand theft and recycling fraud. The trial date for two of them, Belen Gonzales and Gonzalo Rodriguez, both of Piru, has been continued to November 23, 2015. This week, James Gonzales pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to 14 months in jail, 22 months of supervised release, and $1.3 million restitution. Mendoza pleaded no contest to the felony charges and was sentenced to 10 months in jail, three years probation, and $250,000 restitution to the state. Suspect Adriana Rodriguez, 26 of Sylmar, remains at large. In May the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) announced the indictments of the five Californians on grand theft and recycling fraud charges in Kern County. CalRecycle and the California Department of Justice’s Recycling Fraud Team conducted an investigation spanning nearly two years that revealed a complex scheme involving out-of-state used beverage containers, 24 Southern California recycling centers, and $14 million worth of fraudulent California Redemption Value claims. In September 2013, after a referral from CalRecycle, DOJ Recycling Fraud Team investigators observed Rodriguez Recycling of Los Angeles County importing used beverage containers from Arizona. On April 16, 2014, DOJ Recycling Fraud Team agents traveled to Phoenix and witnessed a semi-truck being loaded with used beverage containers. The semi was followed to a dirt lot in Bakersfield, where the containers were off-loaded into a U-Haul truck and onto a 53-foot trailer. A man later identified as Mario Mendoza of Bakersfield then delivered two loads of containers to Sequoia Resources in Bakersfield. Mendoza was arrested. With assistance from CalRecycle, agents later learned the loads were claimed in the names of S&S Recycling, Ignacio Recycling, and Gonzalez Recycling, operated by James Gonzales of Bakersfield. CalRecycle held and denied payment for approximately $100,000 related to these claims. Evidence obtained through search warrants showed Sequoia Resources loaned more than $20,000 a week to Gonzalez Recycling with the expectation that Gonzales would bring back enough material to cover the cost within three days. Agents also determined that between November 2013 and April 2014, the center fronted roughly $1 million to Gonzales for the redemption of CRV containers. The investigation ultimately determined that Gonzalo Rodriguez of Piru (Ventura County) organized the fraud scheme and relied on his family to either directly operate or form associations with approximately 18 recycling centers in Southern California. Those centers redeemed an estimated $14 million in fraudulent material from the summer of 2012 to the summer of 2014. While the DOJ Recycling Fraud Team was investigating Rodriguez, CalRecycle conducted parallel administrative investigations and took actions on multiple recycling centers related to the criminal referral. As a result, CalRecycle terminated the program certifications of 20 recycling centers, four others voluntarily decertified from the program, and CalRecycle denied payment of $245,495 in handling fees. On March 31, 2015, a Kern County Grand Jury indicted Gonzalo Rodriguez, James Gonzales, Mario Mendoza and family members Belen Gonzales of Piru and Adriana Rodriguez of Sylmar. Source: calrecycle.ca.gov |
 Kate English, newly appointed Executive Director of One Step a la Vez, receives a Proclamation from Mayor Douglas Tucker and the City of Fillmore for the Ventura County El Concilio Latino Leadership Award for outstanding service to youth granted to the One Step a la Vez Program. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 26th, 2015
COMMENDING AND CONGRADULATING WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Fillmore wishes to recognize One Step a la Vez who was presented the 2015 Latino Leadership Award at the 26th Annual Latino Leadership Awards Banquet on June 6, 2015; and WHEREAS, One Step a la Vez was formed in 2004 by 12 Latino youths who also chose the name, blending both languages to respect the dual heritage of the community; and WHEREAS, initially they provided after school mentorship through its relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County; and WHEREAS, the center is a welcoming environment where youth can come after school and meet with friends, play video games, read, complete homework, use the computer lab, make a snack, or just chat; and WHEREAS, participants have the opportunity to participate in educational excursions such as college tours, visit museums and stay busy with the different activities; and WHEREAS, One Step a la Vez also provides activities to youths in juvenile hall and offering classes and support groups for parents, including domestic violence, parenting, mental health, college and career counseling; and WHEREAS, individuals can get help with drug counseling, work experience and training in English-language, cooking and independent living skills; and WHEREAS, for their accomplishment and many other reasons, the City Council of the City of Fillmore, proudly recognizes One Step a la Vez. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Douglas Tucker, Mayor of the City of Fillmore, and on behalf of the Fillmore City Council, do hereby commend ONE STEP A LA VEZ and do hereby ask all those present to recognize their continued contributions to the community, and wish them continued success in future efforts. AUGUST 11, 2015. |