Monday, August 9, 2010

In Sympathy



We lost two "brothers" in the pilot comunity on Saturday near Latrobe, PA. My (and I speak for the other pilots) condolences to the families of Ed Sobota and Ted Kokolis. I hope this piece from Ashley brings some peace to this tragedy.

When somebody dies, a cloud turns into
an angel, and flies up to God
to put another flower on a pillow.
A bird gives the message back to
the world, and sings a silent prayer
that makes the rain cry. People disappear,
but they never really go away.
The spirits up there put the sun to
bed, wake up grass, and spin the
earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you
can see them dancing in a cloud during
the day-time, when they're supposed
to be sleeping. They paint the rainbow
and also the sunsets and make
waves splash and tug at the tide.
They toss shooting stars and listen to
wishes. And when they sing wind songs,
they whisper to us, don't miss me too much.
The view is nice and I'm doing just fine.
 - Ashley

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

FAA website - revamped



When was the last time you visited the FAA.gov website? If you haven't visited it lately, check it out. They've revamped it and it looks pretty good. It has lots of information for your perusal.

Reminder to Aircraft Owners & Maintenance Providers - AD Delivery



By now, no doubt, Aircraft owners received a little card from the FAA (that's Federal Aviation Administration for those who get confused with all these alphabet names) encouraging you to sign up online to receive your Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIBs). As of March 2010, the FAA will no longer mail paper copies. While the FAA will continue to mail paper copies of Emergency ADs for the foreseeable future, aircraft owners and other interested persons will need to sign up to receive e-mail notifications for all other ADs through this free subscription service.

It's quick and easy.

Go to http://rgl.faa.gov  (note: there is no "www" needed). Click on the link "Subscribe for e-mail delivery of ADs and SAIBs" then select your specific aircraft, engine and propeller make and model information. Make sure you include all three so you're sure to get these updates specific to you.

You can also contact the FAA via email 9-AMC-FAA-Information-Products@faa.gov  (note: by clicking this link you will either open up Outlook, if you use that venue for emails; or you will be asked to set it up. The alternative is to copy and paste the email address and use your email service). Be sure to give detailed model numbers for your aircraft, engine and propeller in the email.

Or you can contact the FAA by telephone (405) 954-4103 and they will gladly register you.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Airport security and our responsibility as pilots



Well, you knew it had to happen. With the fascination of the news media regarding the escapades of Colton Harris-Moore aka "Barefoot Bandit", the scrutiny of General Aviation once again comes into play.

My fellow pilots please take heed to what I say. If we don't start being more prudent regarding the security of our airports and airplanes, the Government will surely come in and mandate that we do things that would drive us out of the picture. Fortunately, General Aviation does have allies in Congress but we must help them defend our freedom to fly by not making it easy for people to steal planes; though nothing is foolproof when it comes to criminals and their deeds. Criminals or people who have ill-intent have the desire and means to circumnavigate the means that the law-abiding citizens use to prevent this.

I just read, with interest, the news article written regarding the concern of terrorists stealing our airplanes and doing harm within this country. I agree with Chris Dancy of AOPA that small aircraft certainly do not make good weapons yet the news media feels they have to sensationalize and provoke this idea over and over again.

I know, you're saying "ahhhhh, it's not that big of a deal". Apathy on this drives me crazy. I'm not worried about the terrorists. I'm more worried about the guys who make the rules yet do not play the game!

Here are some steps that AOPA, in partnering with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has recommended:

Lock Up

  • Utilize aircraft door locks at all times when the aircraft is unattended.
  • Consider the use of auxiliary locks to further protect aircraft from unauthorized use.
  • Consistently lock hangar doors and close security gates. 

Look Out

  • Look for anyone trying to access an aircraft through force.
  • Anyone who misuses aviation lingo.
  • Out-of-the-ordinary videotaping of aircraft or hangars. 
Let's be diligent out there, okay?  Protect our freedoms!

Monday, June 28, 2010

New Runway Procedure Issued from the FAA



This past winter, we attended a seminar on the new procedures that the FAA is going to slowly start implementing beginning in 2010. There will be changes to the terminology and airport ground movement that will  make these procedures standard, in cooperation with the ICAO, International Civil Aviation Organization. The first of the changes will be effective June 30, 2010 and it announces a change in Runway Crossing procedure.

Basically, it goes like this:

Beginning June 30, 2010 , controllers will be required to issue explicit instructions to cross or hold short of each runway that intersects a taxi route.

"Taxi to" will no longer be used when issuing taxi instructions to an assigned take-off runway.
Instructions to cross a runway will be issued one at a time. Instructions to cross multiple runways will not be issued. An aircraft or vehicle must have crossed the previous runway before another runway crossing is issued.

This applies to any runway, including inactive or closed runways.
Changes will also be made to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and AIP to reflect the new procedures.
Never cross a hold line without explicit ATC instructions.

If in doubt ASK!

Reminder: You may not enter a runway unless you have been:
instructed to cross that specific runway;
cleared to take off from that runway; or
instructed to position and hold on that specific runway.

Here's a  link to a brief video on FAASafety.gov that makes this pretty clear.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Jimmy Stewart Airport Festival - IDI



I know, for those of you who have read my accident story Part I, you are waiting for Part II. Rest assured, I am working on it. Good story-telling takes time. 

I just wanted to let folks know about Airport days being held at Indiana, PA (Jimmy Stewart Airport) June 12th - 13th, 2010. Details are on their website www.jimmystewartairport.com

A brief description of what will be there:

Hours are from 8:00am to 5pm
Pancake Breakfast
Static Displays - C-54, Helicopters and various aircraft
Aerial Demonstration by P40
EAA Young Eagles Program 
Airplane rides in various aircraft

There will be charges for some of the displays and rides.

Please try to attend either day. We need to support our General Aviation airports. Unfortunately, too many of them are being closed down. 

Yours truly will be there to help ramp movement - so we should all know the hand signals we all probably take for granted. 

Friday, April 30, 2010

Somewhere, Out There, We are Not Alone



So all day yesterday, I awaited a cool event that was going to happen at 9:12pm last night. The Pittsburgh area was to be able to see the Space Station overhead. As the afternoon wore on, I looked outside and noticed a bank of clouds coming into the Latrobe area. What? Where was THIS forecast. I whispered to myself that the "weatherman" who made the forecast earlier in the morning must have been smoking banana peels. I didn't see a forecast of rain... though I've been known to watch the weather and not really see the weather, if you know what I mean. I get that a lot. "Did you see the weather?" "Yes." "So what's it supposed to do today?" "hmmmm.  I can't remember."

I digress. Last evening, around 8:00pm, I noticed that the bank of clouds was moving to the southeast. I kept looking at the sky and figured that there was a possibility that we may be able to see it!! I sprang into action. I ran upstairs and announced that we were going to drive to Greensburg-Jeannette Regional airport about 8 miles northwest of the house, to see the Space Station. You see, the airport is up on a hill and would have a great vantage point for seeing a big portion of the sky.

As we drove, I kept glancing skyward to make sure the clouds were really dissipating. To my delight, the sky was turning out to be perfect for a spectacular view of the Space Station. While we were standing in the middle of a recently-mowed field, we scoured the heavens looking; my eyes darted in all directions. I just didn't want to miss it. Of course, there were plenty of jets streaking across the sky. Every time I saw a blinking object moving toward us, I said "is that it?" John would just say "no, you'll know it when it arrives."

Then, I spotted a bright light in the southwest sky. There was a thin layer of clouds obscuring the object but it had promise and it was very close to the time the Station was to pass through the area. As it approached us, it became very clear that it was the Space Station. It looked like a big star, moving very quickly across the sky. We watched it disappear to the northeast on its journey through space.

I thought to myself, that was pretty darned cool. I have a huge fascination of space exploration. While most people go through life and don't even have a clue what is out there in space, I hope, someday, they will understand the tremendous benefits we have gained from the progress of these missions. It's a pretty huge accomplishment.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Hey, pass the rubber ducky



John and I headed out to the hangar yesterday to give "Mikey" a bath.  For those newcomers to the blog, "Mikey" is the name I gave my Skyhawk 172XP some 30 years ago. They were calling for rain storms all day so we figured it would be a great day to wash the tops of the wings. Boy, it's surprising how dirty it gets even inside a hangar. And for extra measure, we waxed the wings. "Mikey" sure seemed appreciative to get the attention.

While we were inside cleaning, I heard a familiar sound.  "Is that an airplane I hear starting up?"

"hmmm, sounds like it"

"Who's crazy enough to fly in this stuff?"

Eventually, a Diamond DA-40 was seen taking off and flying to the south on his instrument flight to the south. I pulled up radar on my Blackberry.  All I have to say is there were a lot of pretty green, yellow, red and dark red blobs all around the area and lightning to the southwest. We hoped he got home safely.

It was pretty lonely out at the airport. The only other pilot who showed up to tend to his plane was Rick, hangared a few doors down from us. Lots of cleaning going on that day, eh?

We finished up and headed home.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Patient, heal thyself



How many of you going into the doctor's office for your flight medical, hate to fill out Form 8500-8? You know, that pesky form...

They hand it to you - you enter your name, address, flight time, explain whether you have you been arrested, hung out at hospitals getting surgeries, and much much more.



Consider submitting it electronically. It's really easy to do and is actually quicker for the Doctor to get your appointment done sooner.

Just go onto www.faa.gov and find MedXPress under Licenses and Certificates then Medical Certificate. You must register so you can log in and submit the information. The plus side is, when you log in the next medical appointment, your name, birth date, etc. all the normal, constant information about you are already saved and come up on the new form.

Pretty slick, eh?  Don't be afraid.  Just try it!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The new, improved Piper Cub



Hey folks. Behold a new Piper Cub... the new fold-able, take-home-on-a-trailer-model.

Yet another casualty of April 16th's storm. This plane, based at Allegheny County airport, was tethered but the tie-down cables were no match for the strong winds that ripped through the area.

R.I.P. little Cub.

My condolences to the Owner.

Monday, April 19, 2010

The storm and the jet-blast look



While setting things up for the April 17th safety seminar, John and were at the Latrobe Airport terminal building bottom floor.  The weather outside looked ominous and the dark, rolling clouds became more intense while we were setting the room up.  Somewhere in time, we heard a 737 gambling plane from Mississippi touch down and taxi to the area in front of us.

The lineman from Vee Neal was standing there to position the jet to the parking spot. The jet came to a stop and as we stood there watching things happen, we noticed an increase in the winds. All of a sudden, the winds went hyper and the orange cones that were placed on the ramp, to indicate the parking position, flew into the air and headed north, post haste. The lineman started to lose his footing and I worried he would be blown away! (And it wasn't because-a-beautiful-woman-stepped-into-the-room kind of being blown away, either.) He struggled to keep standing and eventually was able to walk over to the protection of the cat-walk.  We watched until the winds subsided. It turns out the winds, at the peak, were 86 MPH.  That's Category 1 hurricane velocity!

There was one casualty on the ramp - an untethered Piper Archer III from out of town got blown into a sign along the fence.


A hangar on the southern ramp of the airport gave up some skin in the game as well.

That was a pretty exciting yet frightening experience. We mused about the possibilities of what would have happened to the Archer had the winds been more from the south; since the Piper was parked in front of the parked 737.

Lesson learned:  never, ever underestimate the wrath of "Mother Nature".  She's still in charge.

After the Seminar



Well, reflecting on my seminar presentation Saturday, I felt it went pretty well. The only problem we had was the room we used at the Terminal Building didn't have heat and the cold winds permeated through the spaces of the glass doors.  I felt bad for the audience, but they were real troopers and hung in there for the presentation.

Thanks, everyone who attended, for coming out and participating in an important safety seminar.

I got a lot of feedback from the folks and will utilize those ideas in future seminars. There are some really cools ideas being hatched for Wings Weekend this September.

Updates coming soon!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Countdown to Safety



Well, gang.  This Saturday, April 17th is coming up quickly.  The Safety Stand Down seminar to be held at Latrobe Airport should be informative as I have lined up those who can answer questions and enlighten us all.



Please, one of the important things that makes these safety programs work is to get pilots, who don't fly regularly and keep pace with the ever-changing rules, regulations and air spaces. Generally, the ones who participate in safety seminars aren't always the ones who are the problem.

The NTSB released preliminary accident statics for 2009 which shows the general accident rate climbing.  We need to encourage fellow pilots, who don't participate in safety seminars, to come along and get involved.

Spread the word!  See you Saturday.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Pilots, pilots everywhere



Well, I was relaxing last evening getting ready for the Safety Stand Down seminar to be held April 17th. I'd say the AOPA Safety Seminar presented by Andy Miller on Monday evening in Pittsburgh was a success. There were close to 300 attendees. For that, I want to thank those who attended. I know there are quite a few pilots who relish the camaraderie of others as well as the quest to learn more in order to be safe. I also realize that every pilot in the area can't attend due to work, travel, etc. I just hope they can get to some seminars throughout the year.

Andy put together a humorous yet informative seminar on Pilot Pet Peeves. And I know you have had those thoughts about something another pilot has done that made you just shake your head. One of MY pet peeves has been the pilot who feels that it was too time consuming to taxi down to the run up area to do a pre-takeoff run up. They'd rather do their run up on the ramp (soon to be called the 'apron'). I don't know where they learned this habit but if they think about what ugly things could happen, they may come to their senses. Reminds me of America's Funniest Videos. What did they think would happen?

So if you have that urge to do your run up on the 'ramp' at Latrobe Airport don't be surprised if you see me come out and give you dirty looks(and I'll make sure you see me doing it). I know you'll think I'm a kook but you'll know that I'm a disapproving kook.

Okay, enough of my rant. I'll behave.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Wings Program Online

I'm pretty stoked. The FAA Safety people finally put together a comprehensive, user-friendly website for the Wings Program. I hope to get more of my fellow pilots to take part in this program. It's basically a way of getting credit for going out with an instructor and by recording it on the website you get credit and a certificate for each phase of Wings you complete. The general idea is to keep up with a good safety habit and hone your flying skills.

I've been going through training on the site and I have a good understanding on the workings of the site.

Now all I need is for more of you to read my blogs. :/


www.faasafety.gov

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Upcoming Seminar

Okay, folks. Set aside this date - Aprl 17th - it's a Saturday, and the FAA Safety program will be holding a four-part seminar. It's called "Safety Standown Day" and it will cover four areas where a high incidence of accidents are occurring.

Those are Maintenance; Risk Management; Approach to Landings and Surface deviations. In this area the same seminar is being held in New Castle, PA; Latrobe, PA; and Clarksburg, WV.

I'll put up more information as soon as times and locations are finalized.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

News from the FAAsafety.gov World

Hello, to all safety-minded pilots and to those who will be more involved, I bring good news. The FAA Safety people have revamped the website to make it much more user-friendly. I sat through an overview webcast yesterday (yes, even though it was absolutely nice outside), I thought it would be a good thing to do. Bryan Neville of the FAASTeam showed us the new website and little tidbits we need to know as participants in the Wings Program.

I know, in the past, I've had quite a few people balk at participating in the Wings program. I realize a lot of pilots don't think it's important, but I believe that being involved with this aviation safety process is beneficial to the pilots and the reputation of the flying community as well as your wallet; especially when it comes to your aircraft insurance. I've had pilots, as well as instructors, give me all sorts of excuses why they aren't signed up - my dog ate my computer to I don't want to spend hours upon hours on the computer with this stuff.

Check out the website www.faasafety.gov. If you have questions, there's a directory of FAASTeam members in your area who will be happy to explain this program.

Fly safely!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Back from the brink

Well, the "cold from hell" turned into a four-week stint. After a doctor's visit and a diagnosis of a bronchial infection and dispensing a prescription for one of the 'cycline' family members, I'm now starting to feel better. Although, the doctor just confirmed my diagnosis and need for an antibiotic, it's interesting that even though I'm not a doctor and couldn't write up a drug store note to dispense me some healing drugs, I actually made the same diagnosis.

So I just wanted to bring up a few noteworthy items to keep in mind for this summer. Arnold Palmer Regional airport is hosting the Wings Weekend program the next three years. We met recently with the FAA and set up the weekend of September 17th, 18th and 19th, 2010. I'll provide more information in future blogs. I must add that this is a great program for pilots to get current, or proficient with CFIs who graciously volunteer their time in order to make this Program successful.

Also, Arnold Palmer Regional-Latrobe Airport is holding their Open House once again.The dates are August 14th-15th this summer. As soon as I get details on the event, I will definitely pass it on.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

White Out!!

Geez. For those of us here in southwestern Pennsylvania along with the East Coast, I'm sure you feel that this winter will never end. We shoveled 8" of snow this morning; there was a lull in the snowfall but I see it's back; there are more snow showers happening out there. I hear we're only to get 2" more but we shall see.

Are you bored? Go online to University of North Dakota and watch the awesome aviation training videos. Be careful, though, because you may be so engrossed in watching them, Spring may show up and you could miss it.

Enjoy.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Oh Lordy, what now?

Good Lord! It’s happened again. General Aviation has an incident that will forever go down in history as a black mark on its reputation. I’m sure everyone has heard about the Texas pilot with a grudge against the IRS and government and subsequently used his plane to “prove a point”. Although, I can understand his frustrations, he has chosen a path that could, forever, cause us law-abiding pilots to endure heavy restrictions. What irony… he hated the restrictions and frustrating interactions with dealing with the IRS (i.e. government). Then he goes out, using his plane as a weapon, and tries to show that he ultimately has control of the situation; or so he thought.

Did he not think about what would happen after the mayhem he caused? He complained about the loss of freedoms General Aviation went through after 9/11, yet he set forth a path that could force us into further restrictions. As my significant other, John has lamented; we’re probably going to have to file a flight plan any time we want to fly, no matter what. Or worse yet, a protected airspace will be placed around every federal building in the United States. Now that will only serve to inconvenience the pilots who abide by the rules; however, anyone intent on “proving a point”, will not give a rat’s a$$ about any stinkin rules; and therein lies the problem.

Let’s hope the government doesn’t go into their “knee-jerk reaction mode” and make hasty legislation that wouldn’t make sense. That process only adds fuel to the non-flying public perception that small airplanes are dangerous and should be banned.

For those of you who care about our flying freedoms, please keep close watch on AOPA.org to get the latest updates on the situation. Call your Congressman, Senator, or both, and let them know about your concerns about them going on the legislative-restriction bandwagon and make up restrictions that only serve to hurt us. We need to look at issues pertaining to General Aviation with a reasonable thought process.

Geez, it’s hard enough out there jumping through the hoops and hurdles laid out for us to follow.

Okay… that’s my rant for the day.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Still another Webinar presenter - Bob Miller

Below is a sampling of an email I receive from Bob Miller, a flight instructor up in Lancaster, NY (for those of you geographically challenged, it's east of Buffalo, NY) You can get a heck of a lot of valuable tips from this guy's monthly newsletter.  Check his website out and subscribe to his newsletter.  As I have mentioned before:  this guy is like having a personal flight instructor 24/7.


Over the Airwaves -
The Journal for the Proficient Pilot

Dear OTA Readers and Aviation Enthusiasts:


Next Sunday's issue of Over the Airwaves - The Journal for the Proficient Pilot is packed with new, provocative flight safety information. Below is a sample of what is included:

Headline: Pressure to Go!
Of all the many risks associated with aviation, there is none so hazardous as that powerful little voice deep within us that says it is safe to launch . . . when it really isn't.

Traffic Information Systems (TIS) - Enhancing safety!

Mid-air collisions, in the grand scheme of things, do not happen that often thanks, in part, to new technology now becoming commonplace in many late model aircraft. But when they do happen . . . the outcome is nearly all bad.

Air Work - Engine failure in flight

What to do next when the engine quits is easily answered by the proficient pilot. For the less than proficient pilot, his decision could easily kill him.

FAASafety.gov is the place to be!

Admittedly one of its most vocal critics, Over the Airwaves is pleased to enthusiastically support what appears to be happening over at FAASafety.gov

Near Miss - ATC or Pilot Error???

We have a dramatic simulation of a near-tragic collision between an airliner and a GA aircraft that occurred at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport on May 29, 2009. Can you determine who screwed up - Pilot or ATC?
Passenger briefing is more than talking. Checking is also required!
How many times have we pilots said, "Everybody ready?," then launched?

That's standard behavior for most GA pilots. Unfortunately, such behavior can lead to disaster. Why? Because we assume that our passengers, even our frequent passengers, know what pre-flight actions they should be taking.

Bravo . . . the FAA is finally linking errant pilot behavior to who their last instructor was!!!!!

At long last, the FAA is making an effort hold flight instructors accountable for possible gaps or omissions in their teaching skills.

Bob Miller Flight Training, Inc. - The Bold Experiment Continues!

We're doing things at BMFT that have never been done before to improve the face of flight training. Follow along with us as we shake the very foundations of traditional flight training here in the USA. Learn more about what's happening at BMFT by clicking on http://bobmillerflighttraining.com

Quotable:

"My personal standard is, I would not sign off on any applicant that I personally would not want flying with my family in the back of an airplane."
-- Mary Colgan Finnigan, Cogan Air
Flight Training Webinar Coming Soon!

Many of our OTA readers have been encouraging me to broadcast my popular "12 Week Private Pilot/Refresher Ground Course" via Webinar to pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the world. Yes . . . you'll be able to partipate with me in this "live" weekly ground training program from the comfort of your home or office! Details concerning dates and times will be announced soon.

Remember - The current January 2010 OTA issue is still available at http://overtheairwaves.com.

Fly Safe,

Bob Miller, CFII, ATP
Over the Airwaves - The Journal for the Proficient Pilot

You're expired! The latest scoop on photo IDs

Soooooo. Who has recently tried to access the gates of hangar or tarmac paradise, after your birthday, only to find the little gate troll uncooperative? We have new rules for all photo ID's that adorn each pilot who sets foot on the tarmac at Latrobe airport. Previously, when you got your ID updated, they were good for two years. Thanks to those pesky terrorists, we now have to fill out a Threat Assessment form which will be sent to TSA for approval. I'm told the approval takes 3 - 5 days... unless you mention to the friendly security guard that you're thinking about setting up an insurgent camp. They may want to take a long, close look at you.

The photo IDs will only be good for a year. For those who have a 2011 expiration, your pass will be good until then. I'm told they are grandfathered in. Those of you whose ID expires this year, when you get it updated, will now be good for a year. To all new applicants, you get the picture.

You'll be able to get your cards renewed on weekdays and weekends from 6:00AM to 10:00PM; though, the ideal times will be from 6:00AM to 2:00PM. If you're going to travel a far distance to get your ID renewed, especially after 2:00PM, perhaps a phone call would be in order. (They'll probably want a heads up to get the bright lights set up for interrogation). The phone number is 724.640.7234 in case they aren't in the office when you stop by. I would suggest you look at your card and plan to get your card updated ahead of the expiration date.

....I'm off to help shovel even MORE global warming that we got over the weekend.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Modern technology and the safety seminar

I don't know who signed online to Gene Benson's "LIVE WEBINAR: Keeping the Dirty Side Down - Avoiding Surprises While Maneuvering!"
Topic: Avoiding Maneuvering Flight Accidents.

It was held Wednesday evening and it really takes the safety seminar to another level of presentation. As a matter of fact, Gene paid for the expenses of this particular presentation. According to him, there were 371 attendees. That's pretty good. He has a webinar tomorrow, Monday, February 8th at 8:00PM (EST). Why Did They Do That? Human Factors in VFR Accidents (Volume #3: Landing Accidents) There is a $2.00 charge but I think that's a reasonable charge for invaluable information these seminars provide.  The one he held last Wednesday had a lot of interesting points regarding maneuvering accidents.

Check out his website http://www.genebenson.com for more stuff and information.

Holding a webinar is a good way to get the message out to more people. Yes, it's nice to drive to attend a seminar and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow pilots; however, it's a challenge to get off work early enough to get there in time to enjoy the popcorn and presentation.

Attending the webinar was pretty easy. Plus, others can sit alongside you and watch the festivities as well. Almost like attending a local Super Bowl party.

So, for those of you who are not signed up to the Wings Program, haven't you been waiting long enough? It's a good way to keep current with flying safety, as well as help keep costs of aircraft insurance down.

If you didn't get notification of the webinar, you're probably asking "How do I get notified of upcoming events and seminars?" The best way is, if you don't have an account on http://www.faasafety.gov/ by all means, register. Once you log into your account, click on the "My Preferences" link at the top of the home page in the light blue banner. The first tab on this page will be "General and Email Settings." Here you can enter a zip code and change your email preferences. That way you will receive emails of upcoming events for your area.

It's as simple as that.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Wings Program Update



I know there a lot of you who don't participate in the Wings Program. A lot of this comes from the fact that since the FAA has set up the program online many have found the website interaction to be confusing. As I have mentioned before, I felt the FAA was rethinking the issues and were working on creating this to be easier to use and understand. Well, folks, it appears that the new program is going to be rolled out soon. As a Safety Team representative, I hear we will be going through training on the updates... so stay tuned and, hopefully, I'll be able to set up some seminars soon to give you the 'reader's digest' version to help you.

Also, if there is something you'd like me to cover in a future seminar, please feel free to email me at vj_lbe@yahoo.com with some ideas. Otherwise, you'll be forced to listen to what I want to preach (grin).

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Global warming everywhere


Jan from the Pittsburgh Flying Club and me take a break from shovelling




Okay, I'm sure you all are missing the snow so I want to take you back to memory lane... namely, the beginning of this year. As you can see, the maintenance guys were pretty busy for 12 days in a row in order to keep the runway, taxiways and anything that we drive over cleared out. I was beginning to worry that they would run out of places to put that "global warming" stuff. I helped a little. (grin) So "kudos" to the guys in those big machines that kept our passageways opened up. The maintenance guys on the field do a great job.

Also, the guys down at Rostraver Airport(FWQ) worked just as hard and should get a hearty thank you from the folks at that airport!

Reminder - spring is just a little over 2 months away. I keep telling myself that.

The airport neighborhood






So, if you haven't been out to the airport lately, you may be surprised to find something amiss. There's a missing row of t-hangars at the south ramp. Because of a crampy rampy situation, they needed to tear down the front row of t-hangars.



To house the orphaned airplanes located in this row of hangars, the Airport Authority built hangars up on the southeast hill, overlooking the runway and the lowly remaining hangars.







A new flight school, Westmoreland Aviation has landed at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Two local pilots, J.T. Spangler and Dave Castaldo, because of their love of aviation, felt there was a continued need for a dedicated flight school on the airport. Why not check them out for your instruction and rental needs. They have a great attitude and hopefully there will be more to come from these guys.















The Pittsburgh Flying Club has a presence at the airport and will continue to do so. They offer a low-cost solution to aircraft ownership.



And to be fair, there's also the Chestnut Ridge Flying Club over on the East Ramp. Contact information is larry.coulston@kennametal.com

I guess I should also mention Aero Innovations at the top of the hill where the new t-hangars are perched. Owned by Dave Ziegenfus, Aero provides aircraft maintenance on the field.






And if you're in need of fuel, Avitat Vee Neal, the FBO on the field will be happy to top you off.






So there - you have a quick snapshot of who's who on the airfield. I'm sure I've missed someone but I'll make sure I include more in future posts.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Pilot Certificate deadline looming

A year ago, the FAA has set forth a mandate that requires anyone who possesses their original paper pilot certificate and not the plastic card certificate, you should be aware that you must upgrade to the plastic card certificate by March 31, 2010. The link below addresses the change and how to get the new certificate:

AOPA certificate info

Moment of silence

Please pray for the family and fellow Troopers of the Pennsylvania State Trooper killed in the line of duty yesterday in Venango County.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Greetings and Salutations!



A while back I wrote periodic newsletters to keep fellow pilots, at and around Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, informed on the happenings and latest news. Somehow, I got sidelined and haven't kept up with them. Keeping up with changed email addresses was a hassle as well. With technology forging ahead at blazing speeds, it's now time to take advantage of medium that, perhaps, will get out to more people.

For those who don't know who I am, allow me to introduce myself. I am Valetta Mowry, a private pilot of 30 years, based at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport located in Latrobe, PA. I have served as the ASN - Airport Support Network Volunteer at the airport for the past several years and regularly attend the Airport Authority monthly meetings. I also proudly masquerade as an FAASTeam Rep.

I have owned a Cessna 172XP for 30 years... somehow, the plane acquired a name - "Mikey". You know you've entered the world of wacky when you start naming your possessions.

Hopefully, I will be able to be informative yet entertaining through my blogs and for those reading this, thanks for joining me.

coming up... the recent changes at the airport: hangars down, hangars up, new flight school, and lots of changes... film at 11