Executive Flyers April 2002 Newsletter
Congratulations to:
Adam Soloway for passing his instrument-instructor checkride;
Heather Cortopassi for passing her private pilot checkride and
Lucy Sakakihara and Curtis Stout for winning the monthly drawing of an hour of instruction or a month's dues.
Scholarships for Women
Several aviation scholarships and internships are available for women. The Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines has a $3000 scholarship, which may be used for flight training. You must be at least 17 years old, hold a private license and reside within 100 miles of the Santa Rosa Airport. We have application forms in the office if you are interested. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has paid internships this summer from July 14 to August 25. Applicant must be 16 or older. Applications are due on April 15 and may be obtained from the EAA internship application page or by writing Judy Rice, EAA Aviation Foundation, P.O.Box 3065, Oshkosh WI 54903-3065.
Fuel up, rates up
Due to the increase in the cost of fuel, we have had to increase the rental rates for the aircraft.
Instrument Ground School
The instrument ground school started on April 1. It will be taught from 6:30 to 8:30 each Monday and Wednesday. It will cost $200 for non-members and $150 for members, plus books and supplies. If you are trying to think of a way to make your flying safer, the instrument rating is the way to go. Even if you never fly in the clouds after you get the rating, you will be a more proficient pilot and your radio procedure will put a 747 captain to shame. If you do want to use it in actual weather, it will make leaving or returning when the fog comes in a possibility. If you already have the rating, but would like to brush up on your aeronautical knowledge, you can audit the course for half price. Please call the office to sign up for the course.
Bird nests
The house finches are singing and that means nest building. They often build the nests in the engine compartment between the two rows of cylinders. Check before flight when the engine is cold. You should also check any opening around control surfaces. The nests can be built in less than two hours, so do not assume that there are none just because the plane has flown the previous day. The nests are fire hazards if left on the engine, as the birds use twigs and cloth to make them.
New Restaurant Hours
The Aviator's restaurant has a new full time manager. He was trained as a chef, so we can look forward to many good things at the restaurant. The new hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 9:00 PM. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 11:00 am and dinner from 4:30 to 9:00 PM. I will post their new dinner menu on our home page shortly. Plan to visit the restaurant when you are flying at Executive Flyers, or just come out for dinner to try the new menu.
Hidden Damage
If you have a hard landing or bounce several times when you are trying to get back to earth, be sure to report it to the office. Something may have broken or been bent that is not immediately apparent. That is hidden damage. YOU would not want to fly a plane that has hidden damage and none of us does either. Since the insurance deductible is covered for you by our deductible pool, there is no reason not to let us know about any possible damage that may have occurred while you flew.
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last modified April 10, 2002 by
callaway@execflyers.com