Executive Flyers January 2001 Newsletter
Congratulations to:
Michael Millman for passing his instrument rating checkride;
Nate Keller and Jeff Sly for passing their private pilot checkrides;
John Killian, 
Josh Miner and 
Ryan Schneider for soloing, and Jeff Sly and Danton Gipson for winning the drawing of an hour's instruction or a month's dues.
Happy Holidays
The staff at Executive Flyers wishes you all very happy holidays and a great 2001. I wanted to remind you again that the combination to the lock box has changed, so please be sure you get the new combination before you go out to fly or return from flying after office hours.
Another GPS
We have installed a portable Garmin 195 VFR only GPS in N739GY. The mount is attached to the pilot's yoke and should be left in the airplane. The GPS and antenna (and instruction book) can be checked out when you fly the airplane. The GPS snaps into the yoke mount and there is a cigarette lighter plug for power. You can download the owner's manual for the 195 from the Garmin home page at http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap195/manual.html. It would be a good idea to study this information before trying to use the GPS in the air, as it is easy to forget your visual scan when trying to set the GPS.
GPS course in February
Due to the complexity of the new Garmin 430 IFR GPS in our 172, I'll hold a three-hour course on Saturday, February 3rd from 9 AM-noon. The cost will be $20. We have a simulator for it in the office and you'll be able to practice on it during and after the course. Please call the office to sign up. Download a simulator at http://www.garmin.com/products/gns430/.
Insurance costs
As you may know, the insurance companies have raised their rates considerably this past year. Our rate increase was about 7%, and the deductible on the aircraft went from $500 in motion (flying or taxiing) / $100 not in motion for all the planes to $1000/$250 for the 152s and 172s, $2500/$250 for the 172RG and $5000/$250 for the Seminole. We set up the "self-insurance" fund by charging $1 per hour additional on each flight. This has proven to be inadequate, so it will be increased to $2 per hour. This will cover the single engine deductibles. If you fly the twin, you will be responsible for the first $2500 of the deductible. This requirement will take effect on February 1, 2001. It would be advisable for those pilots flying the twin to have "renters insurance" to cover the $2500. Check with the office for sources of renter's insurance. Any pilot who has renters insurance will not be required to pay the additional hourly fee. Tell the person writing your invoice that you're insured.
Please check the weather before flying as the fog can come in rapidly and close the airport to VFR flights. Brush up on your special VFR procedures. If there is frost or ice on the aircraft, be sure to remove it before you take off. It acts as a "stall fence" on the wings and tail and can dramatically decrease your lift. Scraping damages the paint, so get a white rag to wipe off the frost or use some warm water on the rag to melt it off.
Rates in flux
The fuel prices have started to decrease, but not very much. I've lowered the price on the twin, and if the fuel continues down, will do so on the other aircraft. OPEC is talking about decreasing production though, so this may be a momentary decline. Our costs of doing business continue to increase, so I've had to raise the instruction rates.
Fueling
When fueling the aircraft at the pump, please do not rest the fuel nozzle on or inside the fuel filler opening in the wing.
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last modified January 3, 2001 by Ed Callaway