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Fitchburg Pilots Association,

EAA Chapter 1454 January 2010 Volume 2, Number 1

Inside This Issue • The President’s Cockpit

• Aviation News

• Editor’s Notes

• Upcoming Events

• Pilot Safety Tip of the Month

• CFI Corner

• Book Review

• Recent Events / Photos

• 2009 Flyout Summary

• The Treasurers Report

• Aviation Humor

Events Calendar • Next Meeting January 12th

Please pay your Annual Dues of $25 now for 2010. Bring $$ to the January 12th meeting, or mail to Toby (address is in the Treasurer’s Report)

The Presidents Cockpit Hi All, Well, January brings bad metars but time to plan for 2010. Here's a few things we have on our plate: World Champion Aerobatic Performer and Champion Racer Michael Goulian has confirmed either a May

or June meeting with us. I requested May. Are we doing an Oshkosh raffle this year? Let's talk about it as well as discuss who is planning on going. It would be great to have Michael pick the winner! An FPA-AOPA-EAA update will also be available at the meeting, as I should hear back from AOPA on their meeting with EAA in time for an update at our meeting. There have also been ongoing discussions with Andrew Broom of AOPA GAServes America since December 24th. FPA now has FREE license plate frames for all members. They are durable and have our logo and website address on them. They were given out at the Christmas party and more will be on hand at our meetings. All members will get one free. Shall we ask $4.00 for a second? Dues are due! The Dues are currently at $25.00 per year. Shall we talk about raising it to $35.00 for 2011? This is still the best aviation money you can spend. The cost of a plotter, E6B, flight timer or a flashlight is all about the same cost as our membership. Please remember to RSVP for our Fly Outs. For those that haven't come to any, you really don't know what you are missing. It's one of the great benefits of the FPA. Fly Often and Fly Safe, Charley

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Key Organization Links

www.fitchburgpilots.org

www.meetup.com/fitchburgpilots

www.fitchburgairport.com

www.eaa.org

www.aopa.org

Key Weather Links

www.aviationweather.gov

www.usairnet.com

Key Reference Links

www.duats.com

www.fltplan.com

www.airnav.com

www.flightaware.com

www.pilotgeek.com

www.usairnet.com

www.fltplan.com

Monthly Featured Links

www.faasafety.gov

The place to go for the WINGS program and where you’ll find the Washington ADIZ and NY Corridor training, required for entering into both airspaces.

www.medexpress.faa.gov

Electronically complete form 8500-8 to expedite your Medical Review.

www.pilotworkshop.com

Site for pilot education that includes pilot tips of the week, and feature Bob Martens, Bob Adelizzi, and

Aviation News ADS-B Standards Approved

The FAA has approved operational and technical standards for ADS-B. This will now allow wider adoption of the technology that enables more precise tracking of aircraft. A final rule is expected by April 2010. ADS-B should be mandated by 2020. ADS-B stands for Automated Dependent Surveillance Broadcast. (see notes at end of the news letter for an explanation of ADS-B)

No More Polished Frost, says FAA

The FAA has published a final rule that changes preflight procedures for flights affected by frost. Effective Feb. 1, 2010, pilots flying under FAR Part 91 subpart F, Part 25 and Part 135 operations may no longer polish frost accumulations before takeoff. Frost-polishing is accomplished by scraping or buffing frost accumulations so as to obtain a smooth surface.

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/FROST120109.xml&headline=FAA%20Expands%20Polished-Frost%20Takeoff%20Ban&channel=busav

Aviation Safety Videos

Aviation Safety Videos is a charitable nonprofit organization, that is providing videos on its Web site to help improve safety. Three of the group’s videos, which are shot from the pilot’s perspective, focus on the Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area: What to do, what not to do, and how to fly in the Leesburg, Va. maneuvering area. Check it out….

http://aviationsafetyvideos.com/dcsfravideos.html

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others.

News

The FCA is always looking to do a leaseback with someone with a 4 seater. Talk with Dick at the FCA about this if you are interested.

Book Reviews

- Yeager - an autobiography

- Roger Ball!: The odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith Navy Fighter Pilot

Contact Us

Mestabr@gmail.com

Please feel free to contribute directly to this newsletter with useful web links, book recommendations; stories of interesting aviation events, articles on subjects interesting to pilots…even aviation humor!

Air Camping Association Launches

Don Abbott’s fond memories of aerial camping trips with his daughter long ago have led the Florida-based entrepreneur to launch a new venture: the American Air Campers Association. Abbott, a 46-year AOPA member, said few pilots realize that 900 U.S. airports and 160 seaplane bases allow camping, and 1,500 state, local, and national parks are in close proximity to general aviation airports. He has started a Web site, which he plans to make a clearinghouse for air camping information around the country. http://www.americanaircampers.com

FAA to Preserve Needed Ground-Based Approaches The FAA recently announced that it will defer canceling 22 instrument ground-based approaches based on comments from AOPA and pilots. AOPA's Pilot Information Center gathered input from pilots on 154 instrument approaches that were on the chopping block, analyzed each, and recommended that the FAA keep 22 of the approaches based on pilot’s inputs.

Plastic Licenses The FAA deadline for pilots to replace their paper certificates with plastic is March 31, 2010. It is only a $2 charge, unless your current certificate number is your SSN, in which case you can get a free replacement with a new certificate number. For information on a replacement certificate, visit www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/certificate_replacement/

Editors Notes Most of you know my N79818 partner Brett Cline. He is an avid smartphone user, and I have successfully twisted his arm enough to write an occasional update on aviation applications available for smartphones. He’d like a little information from you first, so he can bring the best information to all of us. Please support him by taking a quick on-line survey if you are a smart phone user. From Brett: Smartphones, apps, and information Anyone that knows me knows that I would have a hard time without my iPhone. For me it’s the perfect technology giving me access to a phone, email, music, and even TV and movies while I’m traveling. And, while it’s a good entertainment and travel tool while I’m enduring a 13 hour flight to Japan, I’ve also found it to be a great planning companion when

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I’m preparing to fly at 5,500 feet to SFM. Over the last couple of years so called smart phones have grown in popularity. The phones improve the overall user experience by bringing email, text messaging, web browsing, and even applications designed for specific purposes right to your pocket. Using one of the specific applications, known as apps, allows the user to get targeted tools and even realtime data right at their fingertips. Some of these apps are also available as web pages formatted specially for smart phone use. Remember this one? FAR 91.103 “Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight.” Several applications and mobile websites are available for today’s connected pilots regardless of your type of smartphone or service provider. Over the next 12 months we’ll review a number of different applications, mobile websites, and general data sources for making the most of your mobile device and making it easier to become familiar with all available information concerning your flight regardless of where you are. In the meantime, I’m collecting information about which phones people are carrying to give me some guidance... http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M6BR579

Upcoming Events (further detail is available at meetup.com/fitchburgpilots) .

MORE EVENTS BEING PLANNED ALL THE TIME. CHECK OUT OUR MEETUP SITE OFTEN:

www.meetup.com/fitchburgpilots

Regular FPA Meeting – January 12th, 2010, come join us to welcome in the new year with the FPA meeting!

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Pilot Safety Tip of the Month (courtesy of pilotworkshops.com, reprinted with permission, Copyright © 2007 1 PilotWorkshops.com 12 Golden Rules of Aviation)

These tips are provided as part of an interview with Bob Martens, a well known Safety Expert in aviation, in discussion with Mark Robidoux of Pilotworkshops.com Bob: Golden rule number two is to know your airplane. It sounds simple enough but let’s see if we can answer a few fundamental questions. Is the aircraft airworthy? The regulations require that we only operate an aircraft that is airworthy. But do we know what that means? There are two parts to the airworthiness issue and both must be met. First the aircraft must conform to its type design, and second, it must be in condition for safe flight. We determine its condition with a thorough preflight but ensuring conformance to type design requires a little bit more effort. Every year on the annual inspection, the holder of an inspection authorization ensures that the aircraft conforms to its type design. That is, they validate that the aircraft is in compliance with the conditions under which it was certified. Are all required components installed and functioning and have all required airworthiness directives and inspections been complied with? They also ensure that modifications to the aircraft have been done in compliance with applicable tech data and signed off in an appropriate manner. Let me ask you again. Is the airplane you are flying airworthy? Several years ago, we did a program with the FAA where people voluntarily brought their airplanes in for a spot check on their airplane. These are people that knew we were going to go over them with a fine-toothed comb. Three out of four did not comply with the airworthiness definition. A few more questions need to be answered before we can move on. When was the last time it flew? Who maintains this aircraft? How are discrepancies recorded and repaired? Am I comfortable with my knowledge of the aircraft systems and components on this aircraft? If any of these questions give you cause for concern, you might have a little bit of work to do before you fly. Mark: This isn’t sounding like back-to-basics anymore, Bob. Let us move on to rule number three. …. Next month!

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CFI Corner …by Gary Rabidou, CFI This time I decided to do a Q and A column on some commonly asked questions. I have answered the questions below with a somewhat short answer, so if you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me or your CFI to discuss. Q. Do I need an ATC clearance to get through a Class B airspace if I'm getting radar services? GR. Yes! Even though you are getting Radar Services/Flight Following through ATC, you still need to hear you are “CLEARED” through Class Bravo airspace. They will also give you a clearance limit including heading and/or altitude, this may not happen all the time, but keep an ear out for it. For Class Charlie and Delta, remember that you only need two way communications to enter the boundaries of those airspaces. Q. During BFR's, what do you find to be the most consistent lack the pilot has? GR. One thing that I find is that pilots start to lack chart and navigation skills. I see pilots depending too much on a GPS, and not looking outside the airplane to navigate. Another thing that comes to mind is the inability to navigate a device quickly which means pilots are spending too much time with their heads in the cockpit and again not focusing on the outside. This is definitely a safety hazard for yourself and other traffic in the area. I would suggest getting to know your device by simulating certain situations on the ground. Also, pick up a chart now and then and turn off your GPS. Q. I fly only about 25 hours a year. Seems things like anything over 10 kts of winds bothers me. Will that ever go away? How many hours a year would you say is good for a somewhat "Safe" pilot? GR. This is definitely based on the individual pilot. I find the more often you fly and practice the more proficient you become in the airplane. If there is something you don’t feel comfortable with, or want to overcome, work with your CFI. Q. How can I get more comfortable using the radio? Should I carry a handheld in my car? Give PIREPS in the air? GR. One thing that helps students and pilots is to listen to ATC Communications and radios. When you’re out flying around, listen to ATC or a busy tower and follow along with what’s being said. This doesn’t mean that you have to contact them, just listen! Listen to a live feed from Live ATC, a handheld radio when driving (you may be able to pick up a frequency at home), or pick up an ATC Communications CD/DVD. You can work with an instructor on areas that you don’t feel

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comfortable (i.e. Bravo Clearances, Flight Following, Towered operations). Another good thing for both learning how to talk in the system, and safety is to work on your Instrument Rating. Happy Flying, Gary

Editors note: The website where you can listen in on live Air Traffic Control communications is: www.liveatc.net

Book Reviews

Yeager, an autobiography

People who know nothing else about aviation know that it was Chuck Yeager who broke the sound barrier. Those who have read Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff also know he did it with broken ribs from a nocturnal horse race. Readers of this engrossing work will find these circumstances typical of the way Yeager has always done things. In matter-of-fact language that covers both suspenseful flying descriptions and high times with drunken flying buddies, Yeager holds one's attention with the same ease that he brought to research and test flying. There is understatement in his descriptions of combat flying over Europe, of family life and his displeasure over having to be gone so long, of the years in the California desert; and his confident tone enhances these and other reminiscences in what has to be the aviation literature event of the year, and a bonus for general readers, too. BOMC main selection. Mel D. Lane, Sacramento, Cal; reprinted from amazon.com Editors rating: ****- (it’s a classic must read!)

Roger Ball!: The Odyssey of John Monroe ‘Hawk’ Smith Navy Fighter Pilot by Donald Auten

It is all about the thrills, the chills and the challenges of becoming and living the life of a Navy carrier pilot. John Monroe “Hawk” Smith embodies the essence of what it means to be a Navy carrier pilot and commander in the Navy. This books takes us through his 30 year career from Radio Intercept Officer making night traps on a US carrier, through aviation training to become a pilot, and Landing Signal Officer, and finally the executive officer and then Commander of Top Gun – the premier pilot training school in the world. Hawk was an outstanding pilot, introduced the F14 to the Navy, and lead the development of fighter tactics for this and other aircraft. This book takes you through this all from a pilots perspective – Mark Estabrook Editors rating: ***--

What is ADS-B?

From ADS-B.com: In typical applications, the ADS-B capable aircraft uses an ordinary GNSS (GPS,) receiver to derive its precise position from the GNSS constellation, then combines that position with any

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number of aircraft discretes, such as speed, heading, altitude and flight number. This information is then simultaneously broadcast to other ADS-B capable aircraft and to ADS-B ground, or satellite communications transceivers which then relay the aircraft's position and additional information to Air Traffic Control centers in real time.

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Recent Events / Photos December Events (further detail and more pictures are available at meetup.com/fitchburgpilots)

December 5th, Barnes, formerly Nantucket, was scrubbed due to weather.

Louise Anderson…“ An all-day flight to Nantucket turned into a breakfast flight to Barnes due to weather. But what did we care? A flight somewhere is always appreciated. Thanks to Fred Guertin for providing an overnight hangar for two of us and Bob Adelizzi from Boston Approach for standing by if we had gone to Nantucket. We know some neat people... ”

Steve Bortle… “was a snow out... changed the fly out to breakfast at baf instead. as always great company and an awesome flight. even got to land on 02 in kfit, now that is something different! ”

December 8th, FPA Meeting

A thoughtful and informative discussion about weather information and getting the most out of your briefing by Troy and Peter. Officers were elected, thanks to the outgoing; welcome to the new!

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The Christmas Party at Joslin Hill Farm

This was a great Christmas party attended by many of our members and their spouses or significant others. It is a great opportunity to meet the better halves of our FPA friends and pilots.

Charley entertained us with stories of his trip in the Cessna 150 with Gary down to Florida, along with many pictures of past flyouts. I dare say most if not all of us were fairly jealous of Charley’s trip. Matt was clearly exercising his considerable computer skills by messing with the presentation – every other picture was of him!

Matt, you have no shame. The Joslin Hill Farm setting, staff and food was really great. I would guess we’ll be booking them for next year.

Some other comments from our members:

Louise Anderson I was with my favorite group of people tonight. What a great evening; it was notable that Murph refrained from winning anything in the raffle but I think Charley came close to winning a higher notch in the hi-low discussion. Whether he actually did or not, it was fun to hear about his flying to

Florida with Gary. Thanks Peter, for recognizing our leader's contribution to our chapter. I had a wonderful time. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Russ Hume Great time, lots of good people, good food and a nice location... I vote we go back there next year .

Jack Pinder Nice place ,good meal plenty of room could hold a lot more people Peter Kettle A great place with good food and excellent company. Gary Archer We had a wonderful time dining and relaxing with our aviation friends. This was our first time at Apple Hill Farm and we really enjoyed the evening. As always great great food and company. I

think we should plan our party here again next year. Carla and I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

o Steve Bortle Wonderful time, great location, good food. I second Toby's vote to return next year!

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William E Broderick The Party was a very nice gathering of men and women who share a passion for flying. The food was very good and the venue and accommodations were ideal for this type of group. I enjoyed it

very much. Merry Christmas to all, Bill Broderick. Rick M Keisha and I had a great time. The food was great (loved that squash and potatoes!), conversation was interesting, and flying people, (as always) are the best. If it wasn't antarctic out today, my

FPA license plate frame would be already mounted. Did you guys see that back room? Might make a nice venue for special meetings (aka a coctail after a fly-out.)

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December 30th to KFOK (Westhampton)

Last flight of the season, and our intrepid group faced rather chilly winds to venture down to Long Island for this terrific flight.

Lots more pictures and details on the www.meetup.com/fitchburgpilots website!

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The following is a a Special Year End Section compiled by Louise Anderson, one of our flyout coordinators (Thank you Louise!)

2009 Flyouts Fitchburg Pilots Association/EAA Chapter 1454 January: -Newport Mansion flight cancelled due to weather February: -Two flyouts cancelled due to weather March: -March 22, KCQX Chatham breakfast flight. Four airplanes, 11 people. April: -April 1, KCGX Meigs Field IL formation flight, no information, rumor only.

-Two flights cancelled due to weather, one cancelled due to April Fool’s Day. -April 29, KGHG Marshfield dinner flight. Seven airplanes, 18 people.

May -May 13, KHFD Hartford CT dinner flight. Four airplanes, 11 people.

-May 16, KFIT Young Eagles Rally. 12 airplanes, one helicopter. Technically not a flyout, but there were lotsa people, lotsa flying.

-May 26, KAFN Jaffrey NH. impromptu lobstah rolls and ice cream. Two airplanes, four people.

-Block Island RI cancelled due to weather -May 30, KEEN Keene NH to help with Young Eagles Rally there. Two airplanes, four

people. -May 31, KSFM Sanford ME light house tour with ATC. Four airplanes, 10 people. June -June 3, KORH Worcester. Flew traffic patterns to help out with WAPA tower tour.

Four airplanes, seven people. -Hudson River Corridor flight cancelled due to weather. -Two flights cancelled due to weather. -June 17, KBAF Westfield/Barnes dinner flight. Three airplanes, seven people. -June 25, KAFN, Jaffrey NH lobstah rolls. Two airplanes, three people. July -Hudson River Corridor flight cancelled due to weather.

-Three other flights cancelled due to weather -July 15, KLCI Laconia second annual boats, planes and autos flight. Four airplanes, nine

people plus Gary, Carla and two others at LCI.

August -August 9, KPVC Provincetown Sunday brunch flight. Two airplanes, six people. -August 14 KGON Groton/Mystic CT dinner flight. Six airplanes, 15 people -Four flights cancelled due to weather. September -September 9, KOXC Waterbury Oxford CT dinner flight. Five airplanes, 10 people -September 2, 4B9 Simsbury CT Fly-in. Two airplanes, four people. October -October 14, KBAF Westfield/Barnes dinner flight. Four aircraft, seven people. -Two flights cancelled due to weather. -October 26, KEWB New Bedford dinner flight. Five airplanes, 10 people. November -Hudson River Corridor flight cancelled due to weather.

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-November 7, KGFL Glens Falls NY breakfast flight. Four airplanes, eight people. -November 21, KPYM Plymouth impromptu breakfast flight. Two airplanes, three people.

December -December 5, KBAF Westfield/Barnes Nantucket Christmas Stroll changed to shorter

breakfast flight due to weather. Four airplanes, nine people. -December 19, KPOU Poughkeepsie, NY breakfast flight. Three airplanes, 10 people. -Newport Mansions flight cancelled due to weather.

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The Treasurers Report

Annual dues are . . . due. . . now! Fees have not been raised this year. Where can you find a better deal for $25.00! With your membership, here are just some of the benefits:

• Regular featured speakers at our meetings that speak on subjects that matter to pilots

• Wings programs at Fitchburg Airport • Organized fly-outs • Access to essential information about our

airport and flying in the Northeast • Support for General Aviation through

programs like Young Eagles and Aviation Scholarships

• An award winning website full of useful information and links

• meetup.com calendar & event organizers, and site of all the photos from our flyouts

• This really cool newsletter

Please plan to provide your check or cash to renew your dues for 2010. You can bring the payment to our next regular meeting on December 8th at KFIT in the form of Cash or Check, or you can mail a check for $25.00 made out to “Fitchburg Pilots Association”, directly to our Treasurer at…

Fitchburg Pilot's Association c/o Russ Hume 151 Wilder Road Leominster, MA 01453

We depend on your support through these fees for the basic operational expenses of our club. They are not that high and they allow us to continue providing a high quality of service to our members. The December’s Treasurer’s Report can be found on-line at http://www.meetup.com/FitchburgPilots/files/ Note: Only members have access to this site

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Aviation Humor… - SHORT FINAL -

Source: Aviation Humor, Cartoons, Jokes and Books - Home http://www.aviation-humor.com/cms/view.php?id=1

This happened at the small but busy Sarasota Florida airport in 1975. The tower was open from 6am until 10pm and most of the traffic was during daylight hours. There was a National flight in every night about 8:30pm and often had a joker at the wheel.

…On a particular dark night after handoff from Tampa approach the controller hears: "Sarasota tower, National123 with you... (pause) ... guess where?." The controller promptly turned off all the airport lights - there was no other traffic - and replied: "National123 - Sarasota tower - guess where?..." After a silence of about fifteen seconds the chastened National pilot came back: "Sarasota tower this is National Airlines flight 123 from Tampa and we are exactley 10.3 DME on the 300 degree radial inbound for landing.." The controller switched the lights back on and cleared the pilot to land.

Source: http://www.businessballs.com/airtrafficcontrollersfunnyquotes.htm

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FPA Newsletter Feedback

The following is compiled form the results submitted during the December 2009 meeting.

Question Response Did you receive the Newsletter? Y: 11

N: 1 Did you read the Newsletter? Y: 10

N: 1 How much did you read (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%)? 100: 8

90: 1 80: 1

What the Newsletter well organized? Y: 9 N: 0

Do you prefer to receive Newsletter Monthly, or Bi-Monthly

BiMonthly: 7 Monthly: 4

Please rank your interest in these sections (1 through 6, 6 being the best. Only circle a number one time) Presidents Cockpit ..………………………….……. Aviation News …………………………………….. Upcoming Events …………………………….……. CFI Corner ………………………………………… Book Reviews …………………………………..…

Aviation Humor ………………………………..….. Links (added by one member) Recent Events Photos (added by one member

Average of 9 responses: 4.9 4.4 5.2 4.6 4.6 4.8 6 (1 member) 6 (1 member) T&G Blog, will send inputs to me Home Builts Aviation Puzzles

Are there any other Subjects, Topics, or items of interest that you would like to see? Please list.

Would you like to contribute to the newsletter in any way? Y: 1 N: 3

Thank you all for your valued feedback. I will consider the feedback and make appropriate changes. I don’t know who submitted the T&G Blog idea, but please feel free to send me whatever inputs you feel would be useful to our members – THANKS!

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Officers Charley Valera

Matt Scales Russ (Toby) Hume

Rick McEntee

President Vice President, and Chief Cook II Treasurer Secretary

charleyvarlera@aol.com scalesm@middlesex.mass.edu rhume3@comcast.com rikmc007@yahoo.com

Contributors Jim Bisson

Greg Hathaway Ed Murphy

Louise Anderson Gary Archer

Bob Scales Mark Estabrook

Wings Coordinator EAA liaison EAA & Young Eagles Coordinator Fly out coordinator Fly out coordinator Chief Cook I Newsletter

jobisson@aol.com hup@hathawaymemorials.com cessna66@aol.com louise@anderson.com gwarcher@verizon.net bob@scaleswellpump.com mestabr@gmail.com

Note to all readers: Did you ever want to be a famous writer with everyone hanging off of your every word? Well, now is your chance! We're looking for guest writers for our 2010 newsletters. So, if you have an idea for a funny story, memorable event, or other enlightening aviation experience (I'm sure the statue of limitations is up by now) that you'd like to pass on to your fellow FPA members -- send it along to Editor at mestabr@gmail.com!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this Newsletter, contact Mark Estabrook at mestabr@gmail.com. This is your newsletter, and should reflect your needs and interests!