Executive Flyers May 2002 Newsletter
Congratulations to:
Chris Martinez for passing his instrument-instructor checkride;
James Pappoe for getting his commercial multi-engine license;
Derek Bergin and 
Kevin Kirshner for soloing;
Mark Shaffer for passing his private pilot written exam and
Kurt Slapnik and Tom Spivey for winning the monthly drawing of an hour of instruction or a month's dues.
Spring flying
This spring has been a mix of clouds, rain, blue skies and wind. The rain appears to be on the way out, but the weather is unsettled and just because the skies are blue in the morning doesn't mean they'll be that way all day. Make sure that you get a weather briefing even if you are only flying locally - the winds in Davis may be 180 degrees different from those at Sacramento. Check the engine compartment for birds' nests and watch out for the hawks and vultures in flight. A larger bird hazard in the Sacramento area is the white pelicans. They have a wingspan of from 8 1/2 to 9 feet (!) and soar in groups of 3 to 10 or more. Hitting a flock of them would ruin your whole day. If you haven't worked on your crosswind landing technique lately, take an instructor up for an hour and get some practice. Remember to keep the wheel into the wind even after you are on the ground.
Private Ground School
The private ground school will start in mid May. It will be taught from 6:30 to 8:30 each Tuesday and Thursday. It will cost $200 for non-members and $150 for members, plus books and supplies. 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.
AOPA Safety Seminar
For all of the instrument rated pilots and anyone interested in the instrument rating, the AOPA safety seminar, "Single Pilot IFR" will be given on May 7 at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Northeast, 5321 Date Ave., at 7:00 p.m. (916) 338-5800. This program will discuss how to safely fly single pilot IFR and offer tips and techniques to improve your instrument flying. AOPA always puts on a good show and you will benefit from attending the seminar.
Flight Reviews and Medical
Time to break out your wallet or purse and check your medical. The third class is good for three years if you are under 40 years old and two if not. The second class is good for one year and the first class for six months. Check your logbook to make sure that you have had a flight review in the last two years. Stay current.
The "Wings" program
If you would like a way to stay more current in your training than flying with an instructor for one hour every two years, check out the pilot proficiency or Wings program. In order to complete one stage of the program you must attend a FAA sponsored safety meeting and get three hours of instruction. You may do this over a 12 month period, so your training can be done in a continuous program. The three hours of instruction include one hour of takeoffs and landings, one hour of instrument practice and one hour of basic aircraft control including stalls, turns, slow flight, etc. When you have completed all the requirements, you can call the FAA for an appointment and then get a set of wings to show that you have completed the program. Your instructor can then sign you off for a flight review, as the Wings program substitutes for the biennial flight review.
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last modified May 2, 2002 by
callaway@execflyers.com