Page 1 of 20 Fitchburg Pilots Association, EAA Chapter 1454 December 2012 Volume 4, Number 12 Inside This Issue The President’s Cockpit page 1 Aviation in the News page 2 Editors Notes Page 5 New Members & Member News Page 5 Upcoming Events Page 7 Recent Events / Photos Page 8 Flight Safety Corner Page 13 ATC Corner Page 14 Officer’s Report Page 15 From the Airport Manager page 15 Safety Vectors page 16 Classifieds Page 18 Aviation Humor Page 19 Next FPA Meeting is Tuesday December 11 th at 7:00PM (6:00PM food) Key Organization Links www.fitchburgpilots.org www.meetup.com/fitchburgp ilots www.fitchburgairport.com www.eaa.org The President’s Cockpit Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. Please bring me a new Cirrus SR22 with Garmin Perspective. I have a really big stocking, so… Opps sorry, I got confused as to which letter I was writing there for a minute. Speaking of Santa, in case you haven’t heard, the FPA is teamed up with the US Marines (Toys for Tots program), the FCA, several local community organizations, Pepsi, and Steve Brousseau to put on an event where we flew Santa down from the North Pole to handout presents to needy kids. It took a lot of convincing to get Santa to take some time off during his busy season, but he finally caved, mentioning something about our Sandy Flights or something. A reminder that the FPA Christmas party will be held at Slattery’s again on Dec 15 th . Tickets are for sale at our December meeting and at the FCA. It is always a great night, I look forward to seeing everyone. We have a December meeting this year as well. It will be just a short business meeting followed by some discussion on winter flying and winter airplane maintenance. With some luck, maybe we can get a local maintenance expert to stop by and give us some tips as well. Sincerely, Matt Scales President, Fitchburg Pilots Association EAA Chapter 1454
Transcript
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Fitchburg Pilots Association,
EAA Chapter 1454 December 2012 Volume 4, Number 12
Inside This Issue The President’s Cockpit
page 1
Aviation in the News page 2
Editors Notes Page 5
New Members & Member News Page 5
Upcoming Events Page 7
Recent Events / Photos Page 8
Flight Safety Corner Page 13
ATC Corner Page 14
Officer’s Report Page 15
From the Airport Manager page 15
Safety Vectors page 16
Classifieds Page 18
Aviation Humor Page 19
Next FPA Meeting is Tuesday December 11th at 7:00PM (6:00PM food)
Key Organization Links
www.fitchburgpilots.org
www.meetup.com/fitchburgpilots
www.fitchburgairport.com
www.eaa.org
The President’s Cockpit Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. Please bring me a new Cirrus SR22 with Garmin Perspective. I have a really big stocking, so…
Opps sorry, I got confused as to which letter I was writing there for a minute. Speaking of Santa, in case you haven’t heard, the FPA is teamed up with the US Marines (Toys for Tots program), the FCA, several local community organizations, Pepsi, and Steve Brousseau to put on an event where we flew Santa down from the North Pole to handout presents to needy kids. It took a lot of convincing to get Santa to take some time off during his busy season, but he finally caved, mentioning something about our Sandy Flights or something. A reminder that the FPA Christmas party will be held at Slattery’s again on Dec 15th. Tickets are for sale at our December meeting and at the FCA. It is always a great night, I look forward to seeing everyone. We have a December meeting this year as well. It will be just a short business meeting followed by some discussion on winter flying and winter airplane maintenance. With some luck, maybe we can get a local maintenance expert to stop by and give us some tips as well. Sincerely, Matt Scales President, Fitchburg Pilots Association EAA Chapter 1454
Please contribute directly to this newsletter with useful web links, stories of interesting aviation events, articles on subjects interesting to pilots…even aviation humor! Send any material directly to me at the above email address!
Aviation in the News
Mass. airport is set to begin milling runway Pittsfield Municipal Airport in Massachusetts is set to begin milling the new runway extension that was paved in August. Officials warned neighbors to expect "unusual" construction noise this week while the airport continues its $22.5 million expansion. The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.) (11/6)
Rockwell Collins launches HGS app A free application for the Apple iPad allows users to play with the features of Rockwell Collins' head-up guidance system. "This app is meant for anyone, including current or future pilots, aircraft owners, passengers and any aviation enthusiast who wants to see what it's like to fly with HGS," said Colin Mahoney, vice president for commercial systems at Rockwell Collins. Flying online (11/13) AOPA eBrief
NTSB Targets GA Safety For Improvement In its annual list of "most wanted safety improvements," the NTSB on Wednesday said general aviation pilots and their passengers too often are "dying due to human error and inadequate training." The safety board investigates about 1,500 GA accidents per year, with about 400 fatalities, and sees "similar accident circumstances time after time." Improved education and training, and screening for risky behavior, are critical to improving GA safety, the board said. GA maintenance workers also should be required to undergo recurrent training, the board said, to keep them current with the best practices for inspecting and maintaining electrical systems, circuit breakers, and aged wiring. The NTSB noted that GA has the highest accident rate within civil aviation -- six times higher than for Part 135 operators and about 40 times higher than for transport-category operators. Moreover, while the overall GA accident rate has remained about the same over the last 10 years, the fatal accident rate has increased by 25 percent. Pilots should be trained to use all available sources for weather information, the NTSB said, including the internet and satellites. Also, they should train on flight simulators that are specific to the avionics they will be flying. Also, the NTSB said FAA tests should cover the use of weather, use of instruments, and use of glass cockpits.
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172 HITS TRUCK: THREE KILLED Three people aboard a Cessna 172 were killed after the aircraft hit a pickup truck on the runway of Knox County Regional Airport near Rockland, Maine, Friday. Airport Manager Jeffrey Northgraves told Bangor Daily News the 172 was taking off just before 5 p.m. when it hit the front of the truck, which was crossing the runway. The aircraft crashed in bush about 300 yards beyond the runway and caught fire. Bystanders reached the crash site and tried to pull occupants from the aircraft but the fire was too intense. The aircraft was consumed and the registration marks destroyed, complicating identification of the occupants. It was not a local aircraft, Northgraves said. Avnews Brief 11/19/12
Historic hangar to be restored by Conn. museum Members of the Connecticut Air & Space Center museum are restoring the historic Curtiss Hangar at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. The hangar once hosted aviation greats Charles Lindbergh, Igor Sikorsky, Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes. Patch.com/Stratford, CT, AOPA eBrief (11/19)
PICTURES TELL TALE OF CESSNA BIRSDSTRIKE A Cape Air Cessna 402C out of Barnstable Municipal Airport Wednesday for Nantucket returned to the airport after a red-throated loon crashed through the right windscreen, sending blood and bird fragments into the cabin and slightly injuring the flight's co-pilot. The flight's captain and four passengers were uninjured, but "they all got a little bit bloody from the bird splatter," airport manager Roland Breault told CapeCodOnline. The co-pilot suffered abrasions from the broken windscreen. The flight usually lasts less than 20 minutes. Impact with the loon occurred roughly five minutes into the flight when the aircraft had reached the coast. The bird was identified from remains left in the cabin after the impact. Average weight for the red-throated loon is about four pounds. AvWebFLASH 11/26/12
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FPA/EAA Officers, Committee Members and Key Contributors Officers
Editors Notes By Mark Estabrook, Newsletter Editor General New Editor for 2013 - This is my last month as your editor of the newsletter. It has truly been a pleasure to work on the newsletter from one month to the next, and I appreciate the opportunity to have had so much fun at your expense! My hope is to spend time on the facebook page in the coming months and test whether social media with focus on facebook is a good medium for us to connect with our members and local community who are interested in general aviation. I really appreciate all the support and encouragement you have given me on the newsletter over the past 3 years. We’ve had many contributions from members in the form of stories and pilot profiles, ATC and CFI questions and answers, and many other fantastic contributions. I especially want to say thanks to Charley, Matt, Louise, Heidi, Glen, Steve B. Dave D., Gene Benson, and Bob A. for their tremendous support month in and month out. The newsletter is all about consistent quality content and I think we’ve achieved that due to the continued support of these folks and others. And now – introducing Mike Slattery... Mike, one of our newest members will be the newsletter editor starting in January. Mike is really excited about the opportunity and the challenge. Please give him the same support you generously given me as he brings his unique skills and experience to the newsletter to make it an even more effective and fun communication vehicle for the FPA! Super Storm Sandy – I can’t say much about the incredible efforts made here that hasn’t been said already. I will note that the an article by Charley on this subject was featured in the MASSDOT Fall 2012 newsletter – cool beans. I’m hoping we get some facebook ‘likes’ from it! You can find the newsletter here if you haven’t seen it already: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/portals/7/docs/Vol3_Issue4.pdf Featured URL There has been a lot of discussion lately on the mini iPads in particular. This month’s featured URL is a convenient reference for the latest in tip, tricks and what’s available for the iPad, sponsored by Sporty’s. http://ipadpilotnews.com/
New Members & Member News By Louise Anderson, Membership Coordinator Hurricane Sandy blew in before Halloween for an unwelcome visit and we now know the devastating damage she left in her wake in the NYC area. By the following weekend a plan developed within our group in coordination with relief foundation AERObridge.org for members to fly supplies to Republic Airport in Farmingdale, Long Island for hurricane victims in NYC and surrounding areas. FPA members marshaled a total of 36 aircraft and flew supplies on two
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weekend “Compassion” flights to Long Island and northern New Jersey. I have a friend outside of aviation who heard from a relative on Long Island (an EMT). He reported seeing many small aircraft flying supplies into Republic Airport on Veterans Day and commented on what an impressive sight they were. What an awesome group! This is the third reminder that 2013 dues are payable by January 1. They remain at $30 per year and can be paid so-o-o easily by credit card on the membership tab at www.fitchburgpilots.org. Or bring them to the meeting Tuesday December 11th. Contact me with questions about membership or dues options. If you’re a new (or not so new) member and really want to know what’s happening, please consider signing up at Meetup.com/Fitchburgpilots. It’s FPA’s scheduling site and you’ll find all our activities listed there and receive timely news about what we’re doing. It’s a benefit of FPA membership, but takes action on your part. So if you’ve just joined FPA, check it out and sign up! New FPA members in September:
Richard Gersh: A long-time friend of FPA and Fitchburg Airport, Dick finally joined us as a member. He’s also closely associated with the Transition Roadable Aircraft from Terrafugia. Dick has flown on a few flyouts with us, most recently as co-pilot with me on the Veterans Day Compassion flight to Republic. Good to have you with us Dick!
Andrea Wasik: from Boston, Andrea is an instrument pilot who owns a share of the gorgeous Cessna Cardinal 177 N18738. We hope to see you at the next meeting Andrea. And welcome to FPA!
Chris Borowicz, Graham Budd, Greg Fall and Frank Lazgin all signed up recently for trial memberships on Meetup. Chris is from Groton, and just received his license. You may have seen him working at FCA Flight Center on weekends. He flew both weekends on the relief flights! Graham, from Fitchburg, was also active during the Veterans Day relief flights, wants to be back flying again and maybe get his ticket next year. Greg, from Hanson, flies a C310, is an ATP and found out about us during the relief flights to Long Island and New Jersey. Frank is a pilot from Bolton and looking for a group of pilots. I hope you all consider joining the FPA and attending our next meeting December 11th. Please contact me about membership options. We’re showing 126 current members in the FPA, and most of those are registered on the Meetup web site. All of us are involved in aviation on some level and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know most of you. See you Tuesday! Our somewhat flexible policy about Meetup: FPA uses Meetup to schedule its activities and is a benefit open to FPA members only. However, a three-month trial membership on Meetup is offered to new people who are interested in aviation but not sure about joining FPA. It provides an opportunity to learn what kinds of events and activities FPA has to offer. Our future, as well as the future of aviation, lies in the participation and creative action of all members. We welcome area pilots, student pilots, pilot wannabes, their families and others interested in aviation. We especially welcome the new ideas that come in the door with every one of you.
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Upcoming Events For the latest details including new additions visit the FPA Calendar at meetup.com/fitchburgpilots
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Recent Events / Photos By Glen Reinhardt On October 29 the northern east coast of the US braced for hurricane Sandy. The result was
widespread devastation in NY City, Long Island, and New Jersey. Many in the Fitchburg Pilot’s Association area were without power – but we had our homes. As the weather cleared and our power was restored, we heard of the need to our south. Charlie contacted Aerobridge, who coordinates air response to disasters. Then Charlie sent out the word and both FPA and FCA responded with two airlift sorties over two weekends. Below are some of the pictures that tell the tale.
The residents of Fitchburg and the surrounding area quickly responded with donations.
Members and spouses packaged the clothing in vacuum bags while others weighed each piece so pilots could calculate weight and balance.
Then it was load up the trucks and trailers for delivery to the flight line.
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Pilots were briefed, especially for the first sortie as there was a presidential TFR over the area. Bob Adelizzi cleared the way with ATC. We would be known as Compassion Flight xxx.
Planes were loaded and fueled for the flights to Republic on Long Island and Toms River in New Jersey.
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Many planes were at gross on takeoff.
The weather cooperated
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A special moment when Compassion flights are cleared through New York’s Class Bravo and right over JFK
Then Arrival!
And some of the volunteers!
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Our monthly FPA meeting was well attended in November. It was probably because this was election of new officers and the competition would be fierce! The newly elected officers pose below. Thanks for your time and talents.
The news went out that FPA member, Tom Charpentier, would be in town visiting from his position at EAA. Well that called for a fly-out. So off for breakfast at KIJD in Willimantic, CT.
But first – where is Willimantic, CT???? Okay, we’ll all just follow Tom So we walked to Willimantic. Breakfast and the company was worth the walk
Watch out when you see this many pilots with their hands out!
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Flight Safety Corner
The Best Gift -
Gene Benson
This is the season when lots of folks are frantically trying to find the perfect gifts for the ever-expanding list of designated recipients. I will risk criticism of sexism with the observation that the female segment of the population peaks on the frantic scale about four weeks earlier than the male segment. I have also noticed that the male segment does not reach the same ultra high peak, possibly because the male peak is delayed until at least December 23 and typically does not involve the extra burden of five hundred dozen cookies and the planning of thirty-nine social events.
Score on the frantic scale aside and regardless of gender, we all want to deliver a gift that will be favorably received by our loved ones. The teenager might be happier with a gift card from a hip clothing retailer than with a handmade sweater. Teenagers aside, a gift that comes truly from the heart is usually appreciated much more than one that looks like the fulfillment of an obligation.
Are you ready to hear an idea for the ultimate gift? Do you want something that will endear you to a spouse, significant other, and/or adult children? Here it is! (Drum roll please!) Give the gift of a safer you!
I’m serious. Anyone who cares about us pilots will appreciate it if we are a little safer. It doesn’t matter whether that special person is a spouse, offspring, or just someone who would be sad if we weren’t around. Both pilots and non-pilots alike will appreciate this gift.
Now let’s make sure that this gift is properly expressed. It’s very important to make sure that the recipient appreciates our thoughtfulness and doesn’t think this is just something that we thought up because we forgot to go shopping.
First, decide on a plan that will actually have some benefit to safety. Perhaps vowing to complete an advanced or master phase of the FAA Wings Program might do the trick. How about vowing to finish that instrument rating or get current on instruments if already rated
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but rusty? Or maybe it’s the airplane rather than the pilot that needs to be safer. Getting those deferred maintenance items taken care of might make for safer flying.
Whatever it takes to improve safety, if only by a small increment, should be appreciated. Packaging is everything so make up a nice certificate stating exactly what you are going to do, how it will make your flying safer, and that you are doing this out of love. Present it with a smile and a hug and watch what happens.
Oh, just one more thing. Make sure this isn’t misunderstood as a scheme to spend more time and money on flying. In relationships, just like in aviation, the approach is important. Avoid using a phrase such as, “Dear, I love you so much that I’m going to do a complete avionics upgrade on the airplane.” Present the certificate immediately after giving a more traditional gift such as diamond earrings or new golf clubs as the case may be. Having to sleep in the hangar will probably not improve aviation safety.
I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!
ATC Corner By Bob Adelizzi
Question: When programming a GPS/RNAV approach procedure, the choice of "vector" or a specific IAF usually appears on the screen. Is there a suggested way to query ATC ahead of time to determine which ATC routing will be assigned? Answer: I’m not familiar with that programming mode, but just make the request upon initial call to the sector that’s conducting the approach.
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Officer’s Report
From the Airport Manager By Scott Ellis (Interim Manager) This monthly summary report from the desk of the Fitchburg Airport Interim Manager is intended for members of the Fitchburg Pilot’s Association and others in the local aviation community who wish to keep up to date with the planning, development and aviation points of interest associated with Fitchburg Airport. Previously, Commissioner Steve Brousseau formulated the monthly report to the FPA’s newsletter as “From the Airport Commissioners.” Season’s Greetings On behalf of all Airport employees and the Airport Commissioners, I would like to wish everyone in the Fitchburg aviation community and their families a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukah, a joyous Kwanza, a blessed Ramadan, and a Happy Holidays. I have several holiday parties to attend this year and all of them are aviation related. It just goes to show you that we are not only a community of pilots, but a community of friends and family. Introductions Many of you know me from my involvement with the FPA. Commissioner Steve Brousseau was kind enough to introduce me to the FPA members at last month’s meeting. For those of you that I have not met yet my name is Scott Ellis and I was appointed the Interim Airport Manager during the first week in November. I am a private pilot and a lifelong aviation enthusiast. Before my appointment, I was a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force for 24 years, serving both active and reserve in security forces, transportation and logistics, aircraft load planning, aviation maintenance, and aeromedical services. I have three Middle East deployments as well as about a dozen state side deployments ranging from Airbase security after 9/11, working with the border patrol in Arizona, and Hurricane Katrina relief in Mississippi. Since my tenure as interim airport manager I have learned that although my military experience is very beneficial I have a lot of on-the-job training ahead of me. With this in mind my door will
Treasurer: The detailed list of cash in and cash out is in the last month’s Treasurer’s report that can be found at: http://www.meetup.com/fitchburgpilots/files Secretary: The meeting minutes can be found at: http://www.meetup.com/fitchburgpilots/files/
Note: Only FPA members have access to this site
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always be open. Fitchburg Airport is an amazing place to work so I will gladly accept any suggestions or criticisms offered that can improve operations at the Airport. General aviation is constantly evolving and we at Fitchburg Airport need to change with it. Happenings at KFIT As the colder weather and shorter days move into New England, the Airport is entering a slow time of year. Even with this decrease in aircraft operations here a few things going on at KFIT:
1. A new hot water/forced hot air heating system has been installed in the terminal building replacing a 1960’s era steam boiler. Additional zones are being installed to heat the restrooms and the second floor.
2. A pair of new gas heaters is being installed in building ten (Autumn Air Services). It should be operational by the 14th.
3. Repairs are under way to the hanger doors for buildings #2 and #3. The repairs include replacing the steel wheels supporting the doors, straitening the door tracks and replacing the wood supports for the tracks. When complete, the doors will be much easier to open and significantly safer to operate. Eventually, we would also like to replace the sheet metal skin to improve the appearance of the hanger.
4. The ongoing effort to expand our runway capacity took a positive turn recently. I attended a meeting of the Fitchburg conservation commission with members of the Airport commission. Gale associates presented a preliminary proposal to expand the runway 14/32 takeoff distance to over 5000 feet! The project would involve keeping the current runway orientation but moving the runway 25 ft. to the west and paving the RSA to increase the effective takeoff distance while maintaining the current airport foot print. This plan will have minimal impact to wetlands surrounding the airport. This is only a preliminary proposal. However, the conservation commission was receptive to the plan. More information will be made available in the future.
5. The crack repairs on runway 02/20 will proceed, but unfortunately not for a few more months. The Fitchburg DPW has provided a quote on a per-day basis but with their current schedule they will not be able to complete the job until spring time. This may seem disappointing but in the mean time we still have use of the runway and the sealing will be done in time for the increased flying that comes with the warmer weather!
Have a safe and happy holiday season and I’ll see you all again soon! Scott A Ellis Airport manager (Interim) Fitchburg Municipal Airport
Safety Vectors pilot itemsofinteresttosupport refreshertrainingandflight safety By Dave Dion, FPA Safety Committee Chair
December Topic - Cold Weather Operations
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1. It’s below freezing as you begin to preflight your aircraft. One of the fuel tanks sumps normally; but nothing comes out of the other tank. This is most likely because:
a. The tank is empty b. The o-ring in the sump valve has deformed c. There’s ice in the bottom of the tank
2. During a cold weather start you pump the prime several times and you notice
flames along the side of the cowling. You should: a. Continue cranking b. Stop cranking c. Pump the throttle
3. During the first minute of so following a cold start, you should run the
engine: a. At roughly 1500 rpm b. At roughly 1300 rpm c. At the lowest rpm it will run smoothly
4. In a given area of icing, the worst conditions are often found: a. At the bottom of the cloud layer b. Toward the middle of the cloud layer c. Near the top of the cloud layer
See answers on page 20
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Classifieds This section is available to all FPA members who wish to buy, sell or trade any aviation related items. Please send any classified adverts to [email protected]. Include your contact information for interested parties. Flight Instruction, BFRs IPCs FCA Flight Center is the place to go for your BFRs, IPCs, Instrument Training and Primary Training. We have great CFIIs for weekends and two more during the week. We will work around your schedule with instructors at any level. FCA has aircraft to rent and train in. www.FCAFlightcenter.com Stop by and see us. We have a line of pilot supplies and charts at great prices.
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Aviation Humor From lrn2fly.com..
Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.
There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing: Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
If God meant man to fly, He'd have given him more money. Speed is life, altitude is life insurance. It's best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible. Always remember you fly an airplane with your head, not your hands. Never let an
airplane take you somewhere your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier. You know you've landed with the wheels up when it takes full power to taxi. Any pilot who relies on a terminal forecast can be sold the Brooklyn Bridge. If he relies on
winds-aloft reports he can be sold Niagara Falls. Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment.
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Answers to the Safety Vectors Quiz
Question 1 answer: c - There’s ice in the bottom of the tank The tank could be empty … but in cold weather the most likely explanation is that water made its way into the tank (by leakage and / or condensation), settled into the bottom, then froze. Don’t ignore this problem (obviously) – even if ice is not blocking the fuel line, it is possible for it to thaw in flight and make its way into the engine causing a loss of power. Question 2 answer: a – Continue cranking Over priming is a common cause of fires in cold weather. With a fire and if the engine hasn’t started, continue cranking and pull the throttle to idle cut-off. This will often draw the flames back into the engine and extinguish the fire. If that fails – shut off all fuel sources and get out of the aircraft. BTW – don’t pump the throttle as this forces raw fuel (which doesn’t vaporize easily in cold weather) into the intake system to possibly cause an engine fire. Question 3 answer: c - At the lowest rpm it will run smoothly Generally speaking, the lower the engine speed immediately following a cold start, the better. Oil can be quite viscous at low temperatures; it takes more time to circulate through the engine. So keep the rpm low until the oil has adequate time to circulate. After the oil pressure is in the green – it’s usually OK to do the rest of the warm up at normal rpm. Question 4 answer: c - Near the top of the cloud layer Typically the most moisture – and thus the worst icing – is often found in the upper portion of the cloud layer.
If you have any questions, comments, contributions or suggestions about this Newsletter, contact Mark Estabrook at [email protected]. This is your newsletter, and should reflect your needs and interests!
