Executive Flyers January 2003 Newsletter
Congratulations to:
John Allen, 
Brendon Schmitt and 
Paul Vohland for soloing; Bryan Bila and Jennifer Martin for passing their commercial checkrides; Scott Foster and Gustavo Ramirez for getting their private pilot licenses; Karl Schwendinger for passing his multi-engine checkride; Scott Foster for passing his private pilot knowledge test and Bill Lagrassa, Sr. and Ed Wallace for winning the monthly drawing of an hour of instruction or a month’s dues.
Happy New Year!
To all of you - our members, students, friends and associates – we wish a happy new year. May your takeoffs all be uneventful and your landings all be enjoyable. We wish you smooth air and blue skies whenever you go out to fly.
Ground schools
Private pilot ground school starts this month. If you know of anyone who would be interested, please give them our telephone number or email address. The private course will cost $150 for members and $200 for non-members, plus supplies. You may audit for half price if you already have the license or rating. This is a great time of year to brush up on your aeronautical knowledge. Call the office for details.
Good news and bad news
The good news is that we have a lot of supplies for sale. The bad news is that our suppliers cut our discounts and we have to reduce the member discount back to 5%.
Winter Flying
Weather is probably the major hazard when flying in the winter. It can change rapidly and go from clear weather to below minimums – both VFR and IFR – in minutes. If you are flying over the mountains, be sure to take survival clothing, food and water. It may be 50 degrees in Sacramento, but if you land off-airport in three feet of snow wearing light clothing, it will not be fun. Check the Airport and Facility Directory for your destination airport as many mountain fields are closed by NOTAM in the winter. Ducks and geese fly just along the tops of the fog, so the instrument pilots need to watch closely when climbing out of or descending into the deck. VFR pilots should also keep a close watch for birds and try to go above them they are close and you are able to. Watch for carburetor ice just after engine start up and when running at low power settings. Use full carburetor heat if you get a rough engine or the RPM seems to be decreasing without any input from you. File a flight plan for any flight away from the local area and get a good weather briefing from the local FSS (1-800-WXBRIEF) or DUAT. Watch the weather channel for the radar pictures and remember the golden rule – don’t fly toward weather that is getting worse. Fly after it passes by.
New Year’s resolution
We try to stock at least one thing that you can’t possibly live without! Make a new year’s resolution to buy it for yourself. Whether it is a headset or a GPS or just one of those hats that you like, we have it in stock or can order it for you. If you are still in the gift giving mood, get something for you spouse or a friend. If you do not know exactly what they would like, we have gift certificates good for flying, instruction or supplies. Call Deena during the week to see if we have what you want. She may be able to order it for you if it is not in stock.
Are you current?
This is good time to take out your logbook and medical certificate and see if you are current. Don’t fly without a current BFR (or WINGS program) or medical. Also don’t forget to have your takeoffs and landings if you are carrying passengers.
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last modified January 11, 2003 by
callaway@execflyers.com