© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 1 Downwind Chase
IN THIS ISSUE:
From the Board & Meeting Schedule 1-2 PCA Safety Seminar Info & Registration 3-4 January Club Meeting Minutes / Welcome! 5-6 Passages—Steve Turner 7 Junior Balloonist Camp News 8 ADS-B is Here! 9 Tracy Airport - Important Info 10 A Chase to Remember 11 CA Hot Air Balloon Fest 12 Havasu! 13 BFA Long Jump Challenge 14 Upcoming Events / Balloon Needs Home! 15 For Sale: Three Aircraft 16-18 PCA Awards 19 Pilot Resources 20 Club and Membership Information 21
The Official Newsletter for the Pacific Coast Aeronauts
PCA Club Award Nominations
Awards are presented annually at the PCA Safety
Seminar. Have you nominated anyone for an award?
Please take a look at award categories on page 19 and give serious consideration to those people in your ballooning circle whom you’d want to acknowledge.
Send nominations to Bob Locklin at [email protected].
Deadline for submissions is February 21st.
Registration Form &
More Details Herein
View from the Board by Linda Walton, Treasurer
The PCA is making plans for 2020. First, I want to ask if you have paid your
membership dues? Many members paid their dues at WHAMOBASS, and
can ignore the reminders. You can also pay your 2020 dues on
memberplanet.com. You should have received an email with instructions
for logging into memberplanet.com. This is an easy way to use your credit
or debit card to pay your annual dues. If you need another email with
instructions, please email [email protected].
The annual PCA election for the Board of Directors was completed in
December. Board members returning for 2 more years are, Dave
Wakefield, Jeff Downs and Suzanne Seiler. Many thanks to them for their
contributions to the PCA.
continued on page 2
Wed. 3/4 7pm Club Meeting*
Sat. 3/28 8am - 4pm Safety Seminar in Lodi, CA
Tues. 4/21 7pm Board of Directors Meeting (all may attend)
Members receive an email with information to join in the
FREE conference call for the club and board meetings.
* Club meetings are held every odd-numbered month on the first Wednesday (with rare exceptions).
If you haven't already, please …
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 2 Downwind Chase
View, continued
January events include Lake Havasu and Mesquite balloon festivals. Following shortly thereafter,
is the PCA-sponsored safety seminar scheduled for March 28. Do you realize the PCA has been
hosting and sponsoring safety seminars since 1985? We are finalizing the list of speakers and at
this time, we are expecting Pam Purdue from PG&E, Brann Smith to make a presentation on
tethering, Larry Seiler will lead a group discussion on sectionals and charts, Pat Moore will lead a
group discussion on weather tools and briefings, Dana Thornton will give a review of the recent
balloon accidents, Gary Michelek will discuss the Tracy Airport Protocol and Alan Sanderson will
give a talk about maintenance and repair. You do not need to be a PCA member to attend but
club members receive a discount. Lunch, coffee and snacks are included. A list of attendees will be
sent to the BFA a week after the seminar date. The registration form is included in this newsletter.
If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected].
As you walk around your house or go through your drawers and closets, please consider what
balloon treasures you might decide to ‘recycle’ (read ‘donate’) to the PCA. Every year at our Safety
Seminar (and at WHAMOBASS) there is space for displaying and selling your donations. Proceeds
are deposited to the PCA account to help keep the budget balanced. If you are not able to attend
the Safety Seminar on March 28th, contact me at [email protected] and we can make
other arrangements.
Publishing this newsletter is a group effort and we need your help. The committee is comprised
of Jeanne Anson, Suzanne Seiler and me, Linda Walton (and President David Wakefield holds the
power of uploading the newsletter to the PCA website). We are limited to the events we can
personally attend and therefore count on PCA members to cover and share those events we are
unable to go to. Can you take a few minutes to email a few pictures and a brief description of a
2020 event? What made it special? Did something happen
that you’ll remember for the remainder of your ballooning
future? We are also interested in hearing about how you were
introduced to ballooning. Just spare a few minutes to write it
down. Your newsletter team is available to help you as well!
Just contact us via the PCA club email at [email protected].
As I wrap up this letter, I want to remind you that we don’t
always hear about the events you are invited to. If you don’t
see it listed on the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter,
please send an email to that PCA club email so we can post it
for the benefit of others who may wish to attend those events
as well.
Many thanks for reading this letter to the end!
Sincerely,
Linda Walton
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 3 Downwind Chase
When: Saturday, March 28, 2020
• Breakfast and On-site Registration begins at 8:00am. • Presentations start at 8:30am. • Pre-register with the attached form or register the day of the event.
Where: Emanuel Lutheran Church
1540 W. Lodi Ave.
Lodi, CA 95242
(209) 403-6208 (Larry Seiler)
What: 7 hours of classroom study and presentations. The speaker list will be available on http://www.pcaballoons.org after February 15.
Who: Pilots, crew, observers and junior balloonists. Lunch will be provided. Handout information provided by the presenters will be available after the event.
To Register: Complete the registration form on the next page (one form per person), include a check payable to the PCA, and mail form(s) and check to:
PCA – Safety Seminar
Linda Walton
14938 Camden Ave., Suite 76
San Jose, CA. 95124
You are invited to attend the 2020 Safety Seminar
Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Aeronauts
http://www.pcaballoons.org
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 4 Downwind Chase
2020 Safety Seminar Registration Please complete one page per person - Thank you
Name: Address: City: State: ______ Zip: Phone: (h) ________________________ (c) Email Address:
Please Check One:
Commercial Pilot _____ Private Pilot _____ Student Pilot _____
Crew: _____ Observer: _____ BFA#: _______________________________
Seminar Costs (per person):
PCA Members: Pilots $40 each _____________
Crew Members $15 each _____________
Non-Members: Pilots $50 each _____________
Crew Members $20 _____________
PCA Membership Dues for 2020:
Single Person Membership $20 _____________ Family Membership $30 _____________ Total Amount Paid : _____________
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 5 Downwind Chase
Attendance:
Officers: [x] President -- David Wakefield [x]Treasurer - Linda Walton
Secretaries - [x]David Wakefield & [x]Suzanne Seiler
Members: Katrina Lomas, Ken Wendall, Jeff Downs, Melanee Scarborough, Joe Lamberti
Guests:
Meeting Called to Order: 7:10pm PST by Linda Walton
1. Treasurer’s Report – as of date 1/8/2020, the current balance is $10,045.23.
2. Old Business:
A. Safety Seminar Update: Please see important updates in the Committee Reports section below.
3. New Business: none at this time
4. Flight / Event Reports:
Kim Lomax & Ken Wendell have been crewing for balloons in Tracy.
DW: had extra ReMax flying credits to use up for 2019. A Valley Springs ReMax agent worked with Dave to make it happen in on New Year’s Eve day at the juncture of Highways 12 & 26 in Valley Springs (the busiest intersection in the area). They tethered for almost 2 hours. There are 2 competing real estate offices across the street, but the small ReMax balloon dominated the scene. Firefighters, employees of local businesses and passersby helped as crew. The weather was kind of funky weather but was okay for the duration of the event.
Katrina, Ken, Dave Lester and Gary Michalek and a few other people gathered to fly Gary’s and Dave’s balloons in Tracy on January 1st. Kim has been crewing for 6 years but has never flown due to crew shortage. She got to fly with Gary that day, went east & returned to the airport. Did a hop & changed out passengers with foreign exchange student Katrina and Ken were hosting.
Katrina and Ken also crewed for Andrew Holly from the UK at an event in Palm Springs. They had beautiful weather. They noted a problem with the refueling site. It wasn’t in a secure area but rather behind an abandoned strip mall and often there were about 5 people in each vehicle (all other events restrict the refueling area to the pilot or crew chief and one other crew member. At one point, they went to eat at Denny’s. While enjoying their meal, they noticed a man jumping out of a truck with a balloon basket in back that was on fire. The guys went out while Katrina did crowd control. The man jumped out when he saw them but they detained him until police arrived. Fire fighters waited for tanks to blow (3 of them did blow). Apparently the man wanted to kill himself & set the basket on fire. Locked zipper basket cover required as a result of this situation for all systems not secured in covered unit/trailer.
Jeff D: He and Magic Bob have had several flights in recent weeks. A 90-minute flight New Year’s Eve day included a marriage proposal (she said “yes”). An afternoon flight New Year’s day in Clovis and a flight on December 16. Another proposal scheduled for Friday 1/10 will likely be a tether flight.
5. Upcoming Events:
Katrina would like to invite Andrew to come fly with a club member, maybe get a couple flights in during February or March.
Joe Lamberti & Jeff Downs are going to the Albuquerque Fiesta grounds on February 21-23 to attend a 2½ day ground school to prep for the exam. Beth Wright Smith, coordinator of a 141 school there , will be presenting Friday evening and then the course on Saturday and Sunday. They’ll take the written exam on the Monday immediately following. (Melanee is staying home!).
Sonoma Balloon Event: Melanee reported the Classic is confirmed to return this year on June 26-28 at a new site, the
Sonoma County Fairgrounds. It will be the 30th anniversary. Plans are for 30-plus balloons and they are already receiving a very good response from interested pilots. Exciting special shapes and other “exciting and different stuff” are planned for the event. Volunteers will begin their work at the end of January. The event website will be up and running in a couple of weeks.
Action Item: Linda requested that the PCA be given new event artwork for publication in the PCA newsletter.
continued on page 6
PACIFIC COAST AERONAUTS
CLUB MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 8, 2020 Minutes submitted by Suzanne Seiler
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 6 Downwind Chase
6. Committee Reports:
A. Awards: DW wondered whether BL and JD have discussed any pilot award submissions. Need to get prepared for presentations at Safety Seminar
B. Bylaws: nothing at this time.
C. Email/Internet Account: nothing at this time.
D. Facebook: David has been posting virtually every day. There have been almost 200 new likes in the past 4 days. (Thank you Dave!)
E. Financial: no report at this time.
F. Jr. Balloonists: no report at this time.
G. Newsletter: Linda & Suzanne – People who post pictures and comments on Facebook can contribute the same towards our club newsletter. And if contributors look for the article writing template that’s always in the newsletter, they can add additional information about their experiences – for everyone’s reading enjoyment!
H. Safety Seminar: Suzanne confirmed the date is Saturday, March 28 with set-up on Friday, March 27 at about 4pm. Seminar location is again at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Lodi. Willamette’s seminar is scheduled 2 weeks prior, on March 14. List of prospective speakers is being currently being developed.
Please note: Safety seminar committee will hold its first formal conference call meeting to further develop seminar plans on Wednesday, January 15 at 7pm. Please use the same phone number and conference code as that which is used for our club and board meetings.
I. Web Site: Dave has updated the PCA website regarding copyright info and most of the data. If he didn’t have info, he left respective items as they were. Joe Lamberti requested that the name and ownership of his “new” Technicolor Green balloon be updated. Joe bought it June 8 and had its first flight December 16.
J. WHAMOBASS: no report at this time.
K. Winter Party: Those who attended the party hosted by the Coffman’s in Fresno had a great time.
7. Closing Round-Robin:
Jeff Downs: Happy New Year!
Melanee S: Ditto.
Joe Lamberti: HNY. Looking to get in more flights in near future.
Linda Walton: Everyone be sure to put date of March 28 on your calendars for the safety seminar, and have a prosperous New Year.
Dave Wakefield: Many thanks to Linda for running tonight’s meeting.
Suzanne Seiler: Many thanks to Jeanne Anson, who has handled the club newsletter for the last few months and doing a fantastic job!
8. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.
Katrina Lomax --
Welcome back!
Jeff Johnson --
Arroyo Grande
Club Meeting, con’t.
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 7 Downwind Chase
It’s been a week. All the official bits are complete. Now I just have to get used to
not getting your daily (or sometimes more) phone call.
You could be frustrating, you were often silly, and you were always my go-to guy
for answers. 1-800-ASK-DAD is closed. Steve isn’t available to pick up the phone.
I never would have become a pilot if it wasn’t for you. I wouldn’t know how to fix
an engine if it wasn’t for you. You taught me how to drive (and back up!) a
trailer, enabling me to show horses anywhere. You bought me my first computer,
launching the career that provides for my family. You were so excited to take
Ryan for his first balloon ride at three years old. You delighted in finding him
flying toys during your travels, plus the teddy bears you
would bring back from places like Alaska and Wales. You
attended all the school plays and supported Ryan’s class at
school auctions.
You were a good grandpa, and you were a great dad.
It’s the little things that will be hard. Fuji apples make me
cry. I’ll no longer buy Costco muffins in bulk. Picking up a
wrench reminds me of when you first showed me how to
use one. (I was five). I’m not looking forward to my next
birthday - it’s the first time in my life I won’t have to share
it.
The last couple years have been hard with your mobility
becoming more challenging. You stole my office chair because it was
on wheels �. The engineering department had four different walkers.
I’m glad I stayed last Sunday, and spent your last day with you. We
didn’t know. Maybe if we did there would have been more talk and
less television. I miss you.
Our flying club has
graciously set up a
scholarship fund for Junior
Balloonist camp in dad’s
name at https://
www.pcaballoons.org/
turner-memorial.htm He
loved any chance to share
his favorite sport.
Seventies Steve -- Left, in front of the fountain in Justin Herman Plaza at the
embarcadero (long before we moved) and right, at home in Chicago.
Two pictures here are from the Great Reno
Balloon Race. The earliest, where he’s wearing
an Apple shirt is from the christening party for
‘Espirit de Pauvrete.’
A recent photo in Half Moon Bay
https://www.pcaballoons.org/turner-memorial.htm?fbclid=IwAR3AZQ3t0-jLpxUPM4pTPiiw9JtDn-EXuQX1pfCS7ucR23thFpmX-8YKK_whttps://www.pcaballoons.org/turner-memorial.htm?fbclid=IwAR3AZQ3t0-jLpxUPM4pTPiiw9JtDn-EXuQX1pfCS7ucR23thFpmX-8YKK_whttps://www.pcaballoons.org/turner-memorial.htm?fbclid=IwAR3AZQ3t0-jLpxUPM4pTPiiw9JtDn-EXuQX1pfCS7ucR23thFpmX-8YKK_w
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 8 Downwind Chase
Junior Balloon Camps... … are coming! This year there will be two balloon camps. Both camps will take up to 20 campers each,
ages 13-17. Dawn Chase, BFA Youth Coordinator, is looking for volunteers for each camp as well.
WHY IS THE JUNIOR BALLOONIST PROGRAM SO IMPORTANT ?
IT BENEFITS THE YOUTH OF BALLOONING AND ENSURES THE FUTURE OF BALLOONING!
The Summer Camps are the ultimate experience for teens aged 13-17 who want to learn more about hot air ballooning. No previous experience with balloons needed! Balloon tethers are scheduled throughout the camp (weather permitting) under the leadership of certified pilots. As part of the event, visitations to balloon and aviation related sites are scheduled as well as plenty of hands-on activities. In years past, topic presentations and discussions have included: Crew Safety, Balloon Systems, Basic First Aid, Power Line Safety, Weather, Pilot Training, FAR/AIM, Mapping and GPS, and much more!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Look at your calendars to see which of these two camps will work for you:
• Southeastern Balloon Camp Gafney, SC June 14th-19th
• Rio Grande Balloon Camp Albuquerque, NM July 11th - 16th
Registration opens on March 1st at https://bfa.net/divisions/junior-balloonists.
Camp cost this year is $575 and a $75 deposit is required at registration.
Interested in Volunteering (pilots, counselors or other roles)? Please go to https://bfa.net/register-to-volunteer.
Like/Follow the camps at https://www.facebook.com/RGBC2016/ AND at https://www.facebook.com/SEBalloonCamp/.
Interested in Sponsoring a Junior Balloonist? Please contact the Pacific Coast Aeronauts at [email protected] OR go to https://bfa.net/index.php/information/bfa-temp-store2/category/19-donations. Sponsors can specify the Junior Balloonist they wish to sponsor. In addition, donations in any amount can be made via the link.
The PCA is looking for a camper to sponsor!!! Do you have a crew or relative or friend
who has a teenager who would like to go? No experience necessary!
Have the camper send info & essay to [email protected]
ESSAY TOPIC: Why do you want to go to Balloon Camp & what do you hope to learn?
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 9 Downwind Chase
ADS-B Is here!
And It Applies to Hot Air Balloons
The Balloon Training Academy Facebook page has a blog which explains it all. Take a look!
The PCA will be covering this ruling at the Safety Seminar March 28th.
NEW YEAR, NEW RULE?
ARE YOU ADS-B READY?
At 12:01 am on January 2nd, aircraft must comply with ADS-B.
What the heck is ADS-B and why am I just now hearing about it? To learn more about ADS-B
aircraft requirements and how it applies to hot air balloons, visit our blog!
https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/blog/
https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/blog/?fbclid=IwAR2WZI3fQmSSh4d0i_SiAv9ajiwVqL2BSWHnHOGolnuKdsl9z-Yt8x2hYbg
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 10 Downwind Chase
PROTOCOL FOR OPERATING BALLOONS AT THE TRACY AIRPORT (KTCY) The manager of the Tracy Airport, Paula Jessup, has made some changes in the protocols for operating balloons at KTCY and in discussions with Gary Michalek and David Robinson, has developed the following protocols which must be adhered to.
> Please see attached airport diagram (below). > Please see informational supplement after #5 below.
PROTOCOL FOR OPERATING BALLOONS AT THE TRACY AIRPORT (KTCY):
The current gate code for KTCY is #2190. Please control its use and do not share it with the public. These are the protocols that Tracy Airport manager Paula Jessup is requiring of balloonists operating at KTCY, as follows: 1. Launch only from the areas indicated on the attached map. 2. Bring only one vehicle per balloon to your launch site. 3. Use only the approved vehicle route, as indicated on the map, when driving beyond the inner gate of the airport. 4. Just before launching, broadcast your intention to launch on the KTCY CTAF/UNICOM frequency 123.075. Include your N number and your location on the airport in your announcement. 5. If you want to do either of the following, contact Paula Jessup IN ADVANCE to talk over protocols:
a. Make a return flight to KTCY; b. Use the field containing the wind tetrahedron as a launch site or any vehicle routes beyond the inner gate
of KTCY.
NEW! Supplement regarding #5: Paula's only additional requirement is that she wants to go over the return flight protocol ONCE and in ADVANCE with all pilots. This CAN be done over the phone, with follow up email exchange of information. Once pilots have that conversation and she is comfortable that they understand everything, there is no further need to speak with her.
Paula is familiar with balloons, is very solicitous of balloon activity and loves seeing us in the air, but wants to speak with each pilot to ensure that they understand the return flight protocols and accept the responsibility for themselves and their crew regarding vehicular retrieval.
Airport Contact Information: Paula Jessup Airport Manager City of Tracy
209-831-6215 - office 530-708-1436 – cell 5749 S. Tracy Blvd. Tracy, CA 95377 [email protected]
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL PCA SAFETY SEMINAR ATTENDEES READ THIS PAGE PRIOR TO THE SEMINAR.
mailto:[email protected]
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 11 Downwind Chase
By Jeanne Anson
January 4th was a picture-perfect day to fly. Two balloons launched from Tuthill and Spencer Parks. These parks are across the street from each other. Tuthill had quite an accumulation of snow and when my chase truck drove into the field, it be-came overwhelmed with the amount of snow. Undaunted, the crew unloaded the balloon and the inflation began. John Parezo arrived, saw our dilemma with the chase truck and quickly moved his launch operation to Spencer Park (all asphalt and not so much snow.) The balloons lifted off at the same time.
With an abundance of crew (hadn’t flown in South Dakota since October), two of the crew, Mark and Rusty, proceeded to free the truck and trailer from the snow so the chase was not delayed.
The winds had a top speed of 15mph, yet there were 4 directions of steering making for a fun flight and knowing there were plenty of options to finding good landing sites.
About half way through the flight Tom radioed to say ”I won’t be able to pick you up, a turkey committed suicide on the windshield!” I looked back and saw him pulled over on the road side. Ah, well. Flying on with confidence that someone
would show up for the deflation, I found a perfect landing site at a middle school in Brandon. As I gently set down, 3 chase vehicles arrived in the parking lot. As we finished up packing the balloon in the trailer, on Keith and Brenda’s Pickup, Tom pulled into the parking lot with our 2nd chase vehicle. What a great morning of cooperation and happy passengers. Hopefully we’ll have some more good weather in the near future.
Oh, and the Turkey ended up going home with crew. After cleaning it was put in a smoker; he was quite tasty!
A Chase to Remember!
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 12 Downwind Chase
By Katrina Lomax
Despite our loss of Puddles, we had another good weekend of ballooning.
California Hot Air Balloon Festival Cathedral City November 22-24, 2019
https://www.hotairballoonfest.com
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 13 Downwind Chase
Havasu Balloon
Festival and Faire 2020 Each January, 80-plus balloons gather
in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Here are a few photos taken from
Peggy Meinke’s facebook page.
Hope you enjoy them!
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 14 Downwind Chase
The 2019-2020 Long Jump season began December 1. For three decades, the Balloon
Federation of America (BFA) has been sponsoring the Long Jump Challenge to encourage
pilots to improve their personal best flight distance while promoting safe flight planning
and execution. For the first 10 years of the event, 232 pilots participated; from 2000 to
2019, 86 pilots logged results; and in the last decade, less than 30 long jump flights were
officially recorded. The distances achieved ranged from 7 to 750 miles [see database
table below]. As we begin our fourth decade of the challenge, the goal for the BFA Long
Jump Committee is to promote awareness of event and improve participation.
As a balloon club president, you have a lot of influence in encouraging club events. Please consider adding a
long jump flight to this winter's schedule. You just need a Saturday or Sunday with skies clear below 10,000
feet, comfortable surface winds, and winds aloft over 25 knots to have a great flight. With most balloons
having at least a two-hour duration capability in colder temperatures, it is pretty easy to log a flight of 50 miles
or more. I have found that there are few thing more exciting to a pilot than improving on a personal best
distance, altitude or duration record. And if your group does go more than a 100 miles, they will be talking
about that adventure for a long time.
Most less-experienced pilots are a little nervous about flying at altitudes of 10,000' MSL or at speeds of more
than 20 knots. However, it is human nature to have strength in numbers, so a group flight will reduce the
apprehension for those who are stepping out of their comfort zone. It is also a lot more fun to make a long
jump with a bunch of friends. For new pilots who would like to fly with someone with a little more experience,
we have a team category with two pilots or a pilot and crewmember.
The military instilled in me the "Six Ps for Mission Success": Proper Planning Prevents P---- Poor Performance.
To help your club members properly plan and equip themselves for their own flights, I have included my
personal long jump checklist for the central USA and an article written by Bill Coninger of Ohio. While both of
these documents are aimed at serious distance endeavors, they will give all long jumpers some things to
consider during their planning phase. I am available by phone or email if someone has any questions about
equipment or procedures. I have also attached detailed information from the BFA website.
This year, I will be writing an article for the May issue of Ballooning telling about all of the long jump activities
of the 2019-2020 season. I would like to include your club's flight(s) in my report, so take a few notes and
pictures and send them to me before April 1. Also, all participants will receive a certificate from BFA.
A long-distance flight can be a real morale-boosting activity for your club, as well as an educational experience
for individuals. Please join in on the fun with us this year and encourage your group to fly a BFA long jump.
Bill Smith
BFA Long Jump Chairman
(502) 338-6397
The Seven Long Jump Participation Categories are
designated as follows:
Balloon Size Team Solo
AX-6 and Smaller AX-6 Team AX-6 Solo AX-7 AX-7 Team AX-7 Solo AX-8 AX-8 Team AX-8 Solo AX-9 and Larger AX-9 Team Not Allowed
1
1Solo flights in large, lightly loaded balloons are considered a safety hazard for landing
mailto:[email protected]
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 15 Downwind Chase
Pahrump Balloon Festival February 21 –23, 2020
Pahrump, Nevada
Pacific Northwest Safety Seminar March 14, 2020
Jefferson Oregon
Tim Gale: HAB [email protected]
PCA Safety Seminar March 28, 2020
Lodi, CA
Sonoma Balloon Event June 26-28, 2020
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, CA
Event information in this newsletter is compiled from several resources, and is not to be considered as an endorsement by the PCA, its respective officers or members. There may be additional events not included here and dates may be subject to change.
Check available links and respective websites for the most current information. Please advise us at [email protected] if you have new or different information than is posted below.
Elise Osner is losing access to the hanger where she keeps her
balloon. If she could find a temporary “enclosed” place to park the
trailer, it would help her out immensely. Otherwise, the alternative is
to sell the balloon and all its supplemental equipment, including the
trailer. Trailer is approximately 6-1/2’ wide by 12’ long including the
tongue. Cargo area is 4’ x 8.’ Only 76 hours on the balloon 77K,
Make an offer!
If you can help with either option, please contact Elise directly at
(cell) 209-988-7883 or (email) [email protected].
Balloon Needs a Home
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 16 Downwind Chase
From Owner, Jeff Haliczer, Pilot/Owner of Empty Pockets Balloon
Team —Reno:
‘High Top Flier’ is for sale as I am not utilizing it enough to warrant keeping it
and need to move on to other projects in my life. The Shoe has been at very
few events and I have only done one ‘free flight’ due to the fact of
transporting the crew, but it does fly well and is fun to see in the air!
About the Balloon: “High Top Flier” (of course you can change the name). 2001 Cameron ‘Shoe 90’, with US
Standard Type Airworthiness Certification (NOT experimental) built in Bristol, England, and accepted
anywhere in the world. It has less than 150 hours (4 previous Cameron ‘Shoe’
balloons went 500+ hours.
• Annual is current until May 2019.
• Clean Title and Registration (NO issues with the ‘N’ number).
• 40,000 Cu. Ft. with the lift of a 90,000.
• Custom Cart (Shoe Box) built on a 1200# garden cart, with solid tires (from Tractor
Supply), easy to load wooden box which is steerable with the attached handle.
Envelope bag included if you wanted to ‘bag’ it. Envelope and cart weigh about
1000 pounds.
The Trailer: 2000 Wells Cargo 6X10 Trailer TW-101 (rear cargo doors) with 30” side
door.
• 8-foot Aluma shield awning on the side, rolls up so the awning is protected by
aluminum slats.
• New tires, bearings recently replaced (preventative).
• Set up to haul this system, with a detachable ramp to move the ‘Shoe Box’ inside.
The Basket: Older (refurbished) Raven/Aerostar Classic basket with all new HDPE
Skids, new reinforced corner brackets and new rope handles.
• Dual HPII burners; 2 lay-down 20-gallon tanks recently certified; new hoses in 2017;
miscellaneous other stuff that goes with the bottom end; drop line; instrument
bracket, etc.
• Have the FMS (Flight Manual Supplement) from Cameron to approve the Aerostar
under the Cameron ‘Shoe 90.’
In Addition: ‘High Top Flier’ web domain through Go Daddy, paid until 2020. I never did
anything with the web site. It goes to the new owner; I assume it is transferable.
Costs: Complete system including all of the above: $35,000. Envelope only: $30,000. Trailer: $3,000. Basket:
$2,000.
• Only serious offers will be entertained.
• E-mail at: [email protected]
• Or call me at (775) 853-4109 home number/land line (please don't text; the
machine is always on).
mailto:[email protected]
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 17 Downwind Chase
We are actively looking
for a buyer for our
thermal airship
system! It is a GEFA
FLUG AS105 GD-4.
The primary envelope
has less than 20 hours on it and the entire system has just 2:40 hours on it since last annual
inspection. It is clean (we always use tarps, even on green grass) as you can see in the included
images, taken September 2017. It is ready to fly on delivery.
The airship comes with
all accessory equipment
necessary to inflate and
fly including the tarps
and trailer. A second
envelope is included; it
needs some work but is
serviceable or a resource for parts.
Included are three 15-gallon Titanium fuel tanks and one 15-gallon Stainless Steel fuel tank. It also comes with 10 airship main banners (used) in their own bags and two unused nose banners. The fuel hose panel seen in the pictures is mounted in the trailer.
The pictured truck is NOT included but can transport the trailer and equipment to a buyer anywhere in the contiguous USA if desired.
Added bonus:
I can teach a new pilot or be available for hire as a pilot.
Please share this with anyone you think may have interest or contact me any time for more information.
Also, more info at: http://www.cheersaerialmedia.com/forsale.htm
Thanks,
David Wakefield [email protected]
Primary envelope (approx. 20 hours) Secondary envelope
Trailer 8.5 feet by 20 feet
Gondola (Car)
Banners & Fuel Adapter Panel
$120,000 Offers Considered
mailto:[email protected]
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 18 Downwind Chase
Custom Built
Triangular Basket with Woven
Rainbow Accent
ENVELOPE: 1993 Balloon Works Firefly 7-15 with 395 Hours
Basket: Triangular with Woven Rainbow Accent
Burner: Mirage
Custom-Built Enclosed Wells Cargo Trailer & Contents: 5 hp Inflator Fan: Mach Zero
Utility & Tool Box
Rug & Blankets
Blankets protect grass on basket and grass under burner from being damaged
Rug under fan keeps rocks, rocks and other debris out of envelope.
Spare Tire
Tether Ropes: 3@ 100 ft.
Tether Harness
Tie-off Ropes: 1 @ 15' & 1 @ 24'
E-Z Squeeze
Helium Tank
Tanks(4) - with Fuel
Large Parachute Tarp: Lightweight, Custom Made, Bagged
1 Aircraft Radio: I-Com IC-A6 Transceiver
3 Hand Held Radios
$8,000
Orval Choate / 714-343-9317 / [email protected]
Balloon with Trailer
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 19 Downwind Chase
PCA Award Categories and Criteria Awards are to be advertised throughout the year and awarded at the Safety Seminar in the Spring
of each year. Not every award will be issued every year unless there are nominations.
Pilot Award
a) Purpose of this award is to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments or extraordinary
contribution to the sport of ballooning by a pilot.
b) Award Type: Trophy award.
c) Criteria: Outstanding personal or national best, such as a long flight or high altitude, etc.
Help with organization or bringing in new crew or enthusiasts to the sport. Sharing the
love of the sport with the community.
Crew of the Year Award
a) Purpose: To acknowledge a crew member who is not a current member and has been an
outstanding crew for area pilots and to expose them to a broader world of ballooning.
b) Award: PCA Membership and BFA membership.
c) Criteria: Person is selected by each pilot submitting a name of a crew person that has
shown to be outstanding crew for them at rallies and flying in their home area.
d) Name is drawn from a hat at the Safety Seminar.
PCA Membership Award
a) Purpose: Awarded to someone (crew or pilot or balloon enthusiast) to introduce them to the
PCA.
b) Award: 1-year PCA membership.
c) Criteria: Each PCA member can submit the name of someone who deserves this award.
d) Name is drawn from a hat.
Life Time Award
a) Purpose: Acknowledge a longtime contributor to the sport of Ballooning and the PCA.
b) Award: Lifetime membership to the PCA and a trophy award.
c) Criteria: Given to a member who has supported the sport of ballooning by spreading the
word about ballooning by promoting an event, organizing an event and contributing to the
sport of ballooning.
Above and Beyond Award
a) Purpose: Acknowledge someone who has given outstanding effort to promote ballooning or
the PCA in the last year.
b) Award: Trophy Award.
c) Criteria: To be given to a member of the PCA who has contributed to the growth of the PCA
and/or has contributed to the sport of ballooning.
Something to Think About:
As you go about your typical ballooning activities, are there aeronauts
who deserve your nomination for any award(s)?
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 20 Downwind Chase
“Crew Safety Quick
Reference,” also by Schwontkowski & Murray, available for $3.50 each including
postage.
(Contact the PCA for quantity discounts)
“Crewing Essentials”
Excellent, well-organized book
with great details about all
aspects of crewing, authored
by Gordon Schwontkowski
and Alyson Murray. Copyright
2008, paperback.
$18 each or 2 for $35.
www.pinterest.com
Sunrise Chart for Tracy, Ca. (Morgan Hill will be approximately 1 minute later)
SIX MONTH SUNRISE CALENDAR
Jan 2020 5 7:21 Feb 2020 2 7:09 Mar 2020 1 6:35
12 7:21 9 7:02 8 7:26
19 7:18 16 6:55 15 7:16
26 7:14 23 6:46 21 7:05
29 6:55
Apr 2020 5 6:44 May 2020 3 6:07 Jun 2020 7 5:44
12 6:34 10 6:00 14 5:43
19 6:24 17 5:54 21 5:44
26 6:15 24 5:49 28 5:47
31 5:46
If you’re interested in acquiring these
resources, or have some favorite
ones to share, please contact Linda
Walton at [email protected]
https://www.pinterest.com.mx/pin/340021840593695982/
© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — February 2020 Page 21 Downwind Chase
Please print clearly. You may use this form to update your contact information as well. _____Pilot _____Crew
Name (s): _______________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ (Number) (Street) (Apt) (City) (State) (Zip)
Phone — please check preferred: ❑ (Home) _______________________ ❑ (Mobile) ________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer
The PCA is a non-profit incorporated organization. Information contained
within this issue of the Downwind Chase is the most up-to-date and
correct information available at the time of publication. The PCA, its
Officers and Directors are not responsible for the accuracy of the
material enclosed herein. Opinions expressed in the Downwind Chase
are solely those of the individual authors and should not be perceived to
be those of the PCA, the Editor, Publisher, or its leadership.
Membership & Merchandise: Cost:
• Pilot or Crew: $20.00
• Family Membership: $30.00
• For Postal Delivery of the Newsletter: $5.00
• PCA Pins: 1 for $3.00 or 2 for $5.00
• WHAMOBASS #50 Pins: $10.00
• Shipping for Pins: $1.00
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $____________
Please make checks payable to:
Pacific Coast Aeronauts
Mail to:
Linda Walton—Treasurer
Pacific Coast Aeronauts
14938 Camden Ave., Suite 76
San Jose, CA 95124
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION / RENEWAL
Pilot Briefing:
Tools to Plan Your Flight
Tracy AWOS 209-831-4335
San Martin AWOS 408-918-7724
Flight Service 800-992-7433
If you have a favorite flight planning resource,
send us a note at [email protected] and we’ll
publish it here.
Name Board
Position Year BoD Term Ends
Club Position
Patrick Moore Chairperson,
Secretary 2020
David Wakefield President 2021 President,
Co-Secretary
Tom Sharpee Vice President
Linda Walton Treasurer 2020 Treasurer
Suzanne Seiler Board Member,
Co-Secretary 2021 Co-Secretary
Alta Fernandes Board Member 2020
Bob Locklin Board Member (AL) 2020
Jeff Downs Board Member 2021
Committee Chairperson Assistants
Awards Bob Locklin Jeff Downs
Christmas Party Linda Walton Host:
The Coffman’s
Junior Ballooonists Jeanne Anson
Newsletter Co-Chairs: Jeanne
Anson, Linda Walton & Suzanne Seiler
David Wakefield
And All Members!
Website/Facebook David Wakefield Jeanne Anson, Linda Walton
WHAMOBASS Currently Open
2020 PCA Committees
mailto:[email protected]