Executive Flyers February 2008 Newsletter
(916) 427-1888
Congratulations to:
Joseph Denton 
for soloing; David Gall and Jason Kuhn for passing their multi-engine CFI flight checks; Karim Watson for getting his instrument rating; Paramjit Sandhu for passing his private pilot checkride and Steven Price and John Vacek for winning the monthly drawing of a month's dues or an hour of instruction.
Introductory flight
Executive Flyers was featured in a "Weekend Adventure" news segment on channel 3 news earlier in the month. Ed took the newsman, Brian Hickey, on an introductory flight with a cameraman in the back seat. Here are the article and video:
KCRA Weekend Adventure article. If you know someone who might be interested in learning to fly, recommend them to Executive Flyers. If they join and start flying and list you as their reference on their membership application form, we'll put $60 on your account.
New WAAS capable GPS installed in Warrior
The owner of N44996 has upgraded the Garmin GPS in his airplane so that it is now accurate to within 2 to 3 meters in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This allows the plane to fly instrument approaches at many airports to close to ILS minimums (currently 250 feet and 3/4 mile) using only the GPS. The OBS connected to the GPS will display glide slope as well as lateral information just like an ILS approach. (VFR pilots please pardon the jargon). IFR pilots NOTE WELL: In order to use the glide slope portion safely, the approach must be published as one that allows vertical guidance (LPV, LNAV+V,etc). The GPS will show a glide slope on many lateral navigation only (LNAV) approaches, but this will not take into consideration possible step down fixes on the approach. Don't use the glide slope that is displayed if the procedure is only charted as LNAV AND you are in instrument conditions. One other difference between this WAAS upgrade and the standard GPS is that if you have selected an approach and chosen the "Vectors to final" option, the "SUSP" indication will appear above the "OBS" button until you are within 45 degrees either side of the inbound course to the final approach fix. The "SUSP" indication will automatically go out when you reach that area. DO NOT press the "OBS" button to turn out the "SUSP" indication in this case. You will fubar your approach and have to reselect and reactivate it if you do.
AOPA town meeting with Phil Boyer
There will be a free AOPA town meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM. The location will be at the:
Marriott Sacramento Rancho Cordova
11211 Point East Drive
Rancho Cordova, California 95742
which is located Just off US-50 at the Sunrise Boulevard exit. Four miles from Sacramento Mather Airport.
It will include a 7:45 p.m. "Invitation to Fly" breakout session. These are always well attended, so arrive early.
Pilots wanted for local 135 operation flying Cirrus aircraft
FlyIndigo is looking for well qualified pilots to fly Cirrus aircraft in a 135 charter operation between Sacramento and the bay area and central valley. If you might be interested, click here to see the details.
Birds vs. airplanes
Keep a sharp eye out for ducks and geese around Executive Airport and especially in the flyway between Sacramento and Davis. There are some very large flocks this year and a bird strike is no fun for either participant. If you are on a collision course with any birds, go over them if possible as they tend to dive when threatened. Keep your taxi or landing light on when in areas where there are birds and curtail your night flying in those areas. If you are acting as a safety pilot for an instrument pilot who is under the hood in VFR conditions, make sure to keep you outside scan going and don't get too involved with the instruments. If you have a bird strike remember to fly the plane first and do everything else you need to do second.
Capitol Air show coming in March
The following is from the December issue of "Airmail," the Sacramento County Airport newsletter:
"The California Capital Air show at Mather Airport March 15-16 is the first civilian show on the 2008 schedule for the United States Navy Blue Angels. The renowned flight demonstration team last performed at the inaugural California Capital Air show in 2006, thrilling crowds with formation and solo high-performance maneuvers in addition to ground ceremonies.
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