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HK Aviation Club

Club News February 2013

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT

B-LUR

Yes. Finally, B-LUR’s first Certificate of Airworthiness was issued on

Friday 1 February 2013, after months of toing and froing with the CAD.

We had less than two days’ notice to accept members’ bookings for the

weekend and B-LUR flew five sorties on the first day out. With the

Chinese New Year break, the next available day at Shek Kong is 17

February. So, book with Flight Ops.

A FAQ is how many hours it will take for the conversion. There is no

prescribed legal minimum. It all depends on pilot ability. At this stage,

Hogan Loh and I are familiar enough on type to give the training. I have

already agreed with Hogan that we will follow the factory course, which

covers the following:

General handling, including steep turns, slow flight followed by stalling

with zero flap, takeoff flap and full flap.

Circuits – Normal, flapless, glide approaches.

Emergency – Mainly practice forced landing.

Spinning.

I expect 3 to 5 hours dual.

NEW HANGAR

The General Committee has been considering building a new hangar for our

fixed wing aircraft at Shek Kong. The best location is behind the Area “W”

hangar in Area “X”. This will allow all our aircraft to be under cover during

the many days when we are not flying.

The need became apparent when the PLA were unable to accommodate us

during typhoons last year. Three of our Cessnas had to be left out in the open

during typhoon signal No. 10. Fortunately, there was no damage; Shek Kong

being reasonably well sheltered.

In the past three years, the Club has generated healthy surpluses with even

better operating cash flows. In 2012, we were able to repay the last instalment

of members’ debentures and also to pay for the new Zlin without much

depletion of our cash balances. Our current resources are adequate to cover

the cost of construction estimated at HK$4.5 to 5 million.

We will shortly be engaging a consultant to test the soil for the foundation.

The next step is to draw up a design for submission to the PLA for approval.

So stay tuned.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

KUNG HEY FAT CHOY

Happy New Year. Although this is a little late and we are already 10 percent

into 2013, I still want to wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.

May you and your family members and friends continue to enjoy good health.

On 9 January, we held our annual New Year cocktail at Kai Tak, graced by the

presence of the Director-General of CAD, Senior Colonel Li of the PLA and

many other members of the Aviation community. First solo and new PPL

presentations were made and we had an excellent turn out. Those who came

enjoyed themselves tremendously. If you missed it this year, try to come next

year.

Chinese New Year is nigh. So, Kung Hey Fat Choy. Remember, the Lion

Dance dinner is on Saturday 16 February.

Happy Flying.

John.

MESSAGE FROM CFI You may already know that B-HWE was recently damaged. The pilot was backtracking Runway 11 at Shek Kong in a hover taxi, when the helicopter was caught by a gust of wind causing her to flick into a 360 degree turn. The PIC was able to stop the rotation but, then, decided to land immediately lest he should be caught by the swirling winds again. However, instead of lowering the helicopter to the ground gently, he simply dumped the collective. The impact was enough to cause significant damage to the whole airframe. Fortunately, he and his passenger remained unhurt. An incident such as this would be wasted if we do not share the experience and learn from it. So how do we reduce the chance of recurrence? It is easy to jump to the conclusion of Loss of Tailrotor Effectiveness (“LTE”). However, in this case, if there was LTE the PIC would not have been able to recover and stop the rotation. I would attribute the cause of the uncommanded rotation to poor footwork. The Robinson helicopters seem to be acquiring a reputation of poor tailrotor control which I think is unjustified. A few years ago, in New Zealand, I discussed this with a very experienced pilot. He responded by having me hover taxi a R-22 forward, sideways and backward at up to 40 knots. Accidents caused by loss of control of heading is therefore due more to pilots being caught by surprise wind gusts. The Robinson helicopters are very light and it takes little energy for the tail to flick, but there is plenty of tailrotor authority to control then in a steady heading. As much as instructors try to encourage pilots to be active with the pedals by making short, “nibbling” movements, many pilots somehow seem to consider this as “elementary stuff” and soon start to slow down on pedal movements after they have gained their licences. This seems to work well for them, especially when, to them, a 20 to 30 degree heading fluctuation is acceptable. Then they do not realize that they only fly on calm days. Pilots who have flown in other countries will agree how gentle wind conditions are in Hong Kong. On the West Coast of the U.S.A. or in England, where I have done some flying, winds of 15 to 20 knots are the norm. Lazy footwork will definitely get the pilot into trouble. So what to do?

Stay in shape. Fly frequently and regularly. If you fly infrequently enough to barely stay recent, fly with an instructor.

Practise your footwork. Spot turns will do the job. But I mean slow, controlled spot turns. If you can make a smooth 360 degree spot in more than 30 seconds, you will know what I mean.

Most importantly, know your own limits. On what you consider a windy day, minimize the need to backtrack downwind. On the last approach of your sortie at Shek Kong, when cleared of fixed wing traffic, aim for the Runway 11 threshold.

Fly safely, John.

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE 2012-13

PRESIDENT LI, John

VICE PRESIDENT

MEMBERSHIP SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

LAND GRANT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN CHAK, Simon

HONORARY SECRETARY FENN, Lily

HONORARY TREASURER SAUNDERS, John

AVIATION LIBERAL EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN CHAN, Wai Kin

FOOD & BEVERAGE SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

HR SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN CHAO, Gigi

PILOT SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN LI, Philippe

ENGINEERING SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN LOH, Hogan

OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS

CHAN, Edmond HO, Clarence POON, Robert

WONG, Sai Kee YAN, Andrew

蛇年醒獅燒烤自助餐聚會

Chinese New Year Lion Dance & BBQ Buffet Party

To celebrate our joyful Chinese New Year and to share the spirit of the Hong Kong Aviation

Club, We will be serving a BBQ Buffet Dinner with a thrilling Lion Dance.

DATE: Saturday, 16 February 2013 (年初七)

TIME: 6:30pm - 7:00pm Welcome Cocktail

7:00pm LION DANCE Ceremony (周漢興龍師總會)

7:30pm BBQ Buffet

VENUE: Kai Tak Bistro

PRICE: HK$420 per head (adult) / HK$240 per head (children 5-12)

Please find the details and menu attached.

For reservation, please call the Aero Bar at 2712-0221 or email to:- admin@aviationclub.hk

The Management

Hong Kong Aviation Club

Chinese New Year - Club Holiday Hours

10-12 February 2013

Kai Tak Bistro will be closed from Sunday 10 - Tuesday 12 February 2013 (年初一至初三)

inclusive for the Chinese New Year Holidays. The Aero Bar will remain open from 9:00am to

6:00pm (without kitchen service).

Our service at Kai Tak Bistro & Aero Bar will resume normal from Wednesday 13

February 2013. (初四啟市)

26 February 2013

Due to the Staff Annual Dinner (春茗), the Club will be closed at 6:00pm on 26 February

2013 (Tuesday), last order at the Aero Bar will be at 5:30pm.

Please be reminded that all vehicles must be removed from the parking lot by 6:00pm

and no dinner service on that evening.

恭賀新禧

Enjoy a drink at the newly renovated Aero Bar

Aero Bar's renovation is completed now. Please drop by and enjoy a drink in a relaxed and warm welcoming atmosphere! The newly renovated Aero Bar is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day. You can savor an impressive range of beers, wines, liqueurs and a variety of coffee types, milkshakes, cocktails and other beverages. Tea set and delicious snacks from a menu of Asian and Western favorites are also offered. For reservation, please call 2712 0221

Relocation of Club entrance and car park Please be informed that starting from 8 November 2012 (Thursday), the existing Club entrance

and parking area will no longer be available. The new entrances for pedestrians and vehicles are

shown below.

Vehicles without HKAC parking labels will not be allowed to park at the Club's area. Members

MUST register information of their guests' vehicles at the Aero Bar counter.

All members must apply for the Club’s

parking labels in order to park at our parking

lot. You may apply for the 2013 parking

labels immediately at a cost of $300 per

annum, and you may use the 2013 parking

labels for the rest of 2012.

FOR MEMBERS INTEREST ONLY

iPhone and iPad Apps in Aviation

In the following article, Mr. Ronald.Maurer would like to give you an overview which useful iPhone/iPad apps he has found so far for helicopter pilots. Some will apply to fixed wing flying as well.

iBal iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibal/id567642367?mt=8 Excellent for helicopter weight and balance calculations. Sample templates for the most common helicopter types. If you use the app, remember to enter the longitudinal and lateral arm for the particular aircraft you are flying. You will find it in the POH for your aircraft . HeliCalc iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/helicalc/id458889467?mt=8 Weight and balance calculation for the Robinson R44 Raven I and II helicopter. Additional information like HIGE, HOGE, MCP, calculators, limits, checklist etc. A very good app with an appealing graphical display. Also, remember to enter the longitudinal and lateral arm for the particular R44 you are flying. HeliCheck iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/app/helicheck/id500541769?mt=8 Complete checklist for the R44. Preflight, startup, shutdown, shutdown timer, flashlight. Written by the author of HeliCalc. max Power iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/max-power-r22-r44/id501674229?mt=8 Simple visual power calculator for the R22 and R44. MCP, MTP, Vne based on OAT, Elevation, QNH Also displays the placards for MCP and Vne. LogTen Pro iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/logten-pro-universal-pilot/id493426275?mt=8

The gold standard for computerized logbooks. Syncs between iPad, iPhone and Macintosh (sorry, no Windows version). Options to show recency, time per aircraft, country, type of flight and everything else you can think of. AeroPad iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aeropad/id410820257?mt=8 Displays any pdf or jpg file on an iPad in an aviation userfriendly way. AeroWeather iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aeroweather-pro/id378120971?mt=8 Shows you METAR and TAF for most airports around the world, including VHHH. Sporty’s E6B iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sportys-e6b/id371817955?mt=8 E6B calculator. Excellent for student pilots to double check their “wheel” navigation calculations. ForeFlight iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/foreflight-mobile/id333252638?mt=8 If you fly in the USA this is the app for flight planning and in flight support. OzRunways iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ozrunways-efb/id404403989?mt=8 The must have app if you are flying down under. Flight planning and navigation. Plan your flight, fly your plan. Includes full ERSA (details about all Australian airports) and much more. NAIPS iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/naips/id323268113?mt=8 File your flight plan to Airservices Australia right from your IOS device.

There might be similar apps available for the same task. However the apps I listed above are in my opinion the most practical and useful ones. Please keep in mind that every software program can contain errors and software bugs. Therefore it is advisable to use any kind of app only as an additional reference for your manual weight & balance and navigation calculation.

New Aircraft Presentation – Zlin Z242L on 15 Oct 2012

HONG KONG AVIATION CLUB & HONG KONG

AVIATION CLUB FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES PHOTOS

Sincerely thanks the following donors, sponsoring pilots, volunteers, company and organization who had contributed to Hong Kong Aviation Club Foundation from Aug12 to Oct 12:

Mr. LI John, Mr. PATTERSON Danny, Mr. YAN Andrew, Scout Association of HK and more.

WELCOME to the following new members who have recently joined us:

FULL MEMBER Mr Chow Kunz Mr Ng Pak Kei Patrick Mr. Wong Man Hong John Mr Ma Wing Ho Billy

Mr. Lam Wai Ming Paul Ms Emily Hopkins

Mr Lee Shek Lun Marty Mr Adam Cowburn

Mr Wong Hoi Pang Kevin Mr Lam Wai Kuen

Mr Yim Cheng Wah Jeffrey Ms Baggaley Inge

Mr Russell Davis Mr Dominique Simonean

NEW/RENEW GENERAL MEMBER

Mr. Yeung Chung Him Mr. Yau Tsz Wing Jimmy Mr Chiu Cheung Sing Mr Chan Wing Fai Rayson Ms So Kit Ying Loletta Mr Lee Man Bun Patrick Ms. Tam May Ho Wendy Mr Li Ping Lun Mr Wong Sai Chuen Ms. Chan Chung Sze Vicky Mr. Ng Chun Chung Ms. Yim Hung Yuk Mr. Wong Fook Ming Richard Mr. Huang Lester Mrs. Yu Wong Sau Yee Flora Mr. Chor Ki Chiu Calvin Mr. Chiu Yat Tung Mr. Hau Chun Bun Ricky Mr. Lau Chun Kai Mr. Li Ching Shan Mr Lam Kai Hong Mr Lam Chi Wai Mr. Wong Chung Bor Mr. Li Kwok Wai Dennis Mr. Wong Kam San Mr. Chan Yuk Choi Peter Mr Ma Chung Wo Cameron Ms. Lam Lai Chun Ms. Lo Yee Tak Ellen Ms. Lee Kathy Kung Yan Mr. Ma Cheuk Hong Kenneth Ms. Chow Yin Han Mr. Lo Chun Chau Jenkins Mr. Chan Yan Choi Mr Lee Shiu Fung Roger Ms Ng Pik Ki Mr. Chan Wa Kwok Kenneth Mr. Suen Chi Kong Danny Mr Jim Kwok Sang Eddie Mr Shie Wai Nin William Mr Cheung Siu Ying Mary Mr. Hui Ying Bun (Clement) Mr. Sze To John Ching Mr. Fong Kong Andy Mr. Wu Bennie Man Wai Mr. Kam Man Kit Peter Mr. Got Chong Key Clevin Mr. Yeung Sai Him John Mr. Tsang Chi Keung Andrew Mr. Cheung Stephen Ping Ms. Leung Fung Yee Mr. Sze Wai Chun Johnny Ms. Yiu Claire Mr. Wong How Man Mr. Tang Tsz Chun Neon Mr. Tsoi Tai Kwan Arthur Mr. To Chi Keung Simon Mr Leung Ho Yin Peter Mr. Chan Chik Kee Mr. Yu Wan Hung Eric Mr. Tong Chun Fai Mr. Wong Po Kei Mrs. Yiu Leung Yuet Ngoi (Rita) Mr. Yam Kong Mr. Ho Wing Kwong Ricky Mr Wong Nai Keung Philco Mr Ng Hin Wai Vincent Mr. Mak Chun Choi Simon