Executive Flyers December 2004 Newsletter
Congratulations to:
Tom King
and Travis Lundin 
for soloing; Neal Davis for passing his instrument instructor check ride; Shaun Campbell and Dan Phippen for passing their private pilot check rides; Ryan Callaway for passing his ATP written exam and Christopher Andres and Richard Johnson for winning the monthly drawing of an hour of instruction or a month’s dues.
Wind and Fog
We're into the season now where if it isn't windy, it’s foggy and if it isn't foggy…you get the picture. If you haven't been able to do enough cross wind landing practice this summer, please pick a day with some (!) wind and go out with an instructor. There is nothing genetic about doing a good cross wind landing, it just takes practice.
The fog can come and go within a few minutes, so if the temperature and dew point are within a degree or two, make sure you've checked the weather for Auburn or one of the other foothill fields in case you get locked out by the fog. If you are a private pilot or better, read up on the special VFR clearance and what you can and can't do when you get one. One thing that you can't do is to fly through clouds where your visibility is less than one mile. Check the weather before each flight and monitor the ATIS if you are close by to anticipate fog.
Holiday season
The staff at Executive Flyers wishes all of you Happy Holidays, or Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – take your choice.
The office will be closed all day Christmas Eve through Christmas day and all day New Year’s Eve through New Years day. If you wish to fly during those times, make sure that you schedule ahead so that we can put the keys out for you.
We have really stocked up with aviation gifts and supplies. Remember that you get a 5% discount on most of the gifts and supplies (charts and other NOS products and aircraft handbooks are exceptions). We also have gift certificates for flight time or supplies and a good supply of aviation related Christmas cards.Avoid runway incursions
There have been many disastrous accidents in past years when one aircraft has taxied onto a runway by mistake and been hit by another aircraft either taking off or landing. AOPA, in coordination with the FAA has an interactive program on the Internet to increase your awareness of how to avoid a runway incursion. Click on the name for Runway Safety. Successful completion of this program satisfies the ground school requirement for two hours of the Wings program. The program is well constructed and you will benefit from it.
Paperwork
If you haven't recently, check your medical certificate, pilot’s license and log book now to make sure that your medical is current and that you've had a flight review within the last two years. If you plan on carrying passengers, make sure you've had 3 takeoffs and landings within the last 90 days. If you are instrument rated, you have to have had six approaches and done holding procedures and tracked electronic radials within the last six months to act as PIC under IFR or in IMC.
If you have moved lately, make sure that you send a change of address form (available in the office) to the FAA. If you can't find your license, you can request a replacement on line now at FAA Airmen Services.
If you are a student pilot under 40 years old, remember that, although your 3rd class medical is good for three years, your student pilot license is only good for two. If you're coming up on two years, get another student pilot license from a designated pilot examiner or the FAA office.
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last modified November 4, 2004 by Ed Callaway