Executive Flyers December 2007 Newsletter
(916) 427-1888
Congratulations to:
Stephen Smith for passing his instrument rating flight check; Jason Cutlip and Cameron Thornbury for passing their private pilot checkrides and Tina Fritchie and John Vacek for winning the monthly drawing of an hour's instruction or one month's dues.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all
The staff of Executive Flyers hopes that your holiday season will be happy and safe and wishes you the best of the new year. The office will be closed at noon on Christmas eve and New Years eve and all day on Christmas and New Years day. If you need a key left out, let us know before those times or you'll be disappointed.
As usual, Deena has stocked up on gifts for the pilot - aviation calendars, books about all kinds of flying, and lots of gizmos to make you flying easier that you can't possibly live without. If you don't see what you want, ask if we can order it. Might even think of giving yourself an instrument rating for the holidays - it's the perfect time for it and your flying time will be increased greatly with your new skills.
GPS course
Ed will teach a course on how to use the Garmin 430, 530 and G-1000 GPS and cover the new WAAS updates on Saturday morning, December 8th from 9-1. The cost will be $40 and the 430, 530 and WAAS will be taught first, finishing up with the G-1000 system. Many of our aircraft have GPS equipment installed and there is a lot more that you can do with them than just go direct to an airport. This course will be for both the VFR and IFR pilot. Call the office at (916) 427-1888 to sign up for the course.
C182 MAY be off line the rest of December
Check with the office after Thursday, December 6th, to see if the 182 will be online for all of December. As of now, it is online through the 9th.
Twin for sale
Our twin engine Piper Seminole, N2882C is for sale. The asking price is $110,000. We would like to keep it on line as a lease back. If you are interested in purchasing the plane, call Sacramento Aviation at (916) 424-1800. If you want some information about leasing the plane to Executive Flyers, call Ed at the office.
Winter weather
Frost on the ground and ice aloft, low visibilities, high winds and rain are all things that we have to contend with in flying in the winter. If you are not instrument rated, make sure that you don't exceed your capabilities or the planes when you fly. As a rule of thumb, don't fly toward weather that is getting worse. Stay on the ground, let the front or whatever pass, and then fly if things look OK. If you are instrument rated, always check the freezing level before flying and use the 180 maneuver if you start to see ice on the plane (with ATC's concurrence, of course). All pilots should be aware that fog may form just after the sun comes up and close an airport in just a few minutes. Make sure that the chocks are in place, the control wheel locked or secured and the aircraft securely tied down after each flight to prevent wind damage. As always in flying, have a plan "B" for any flight, even if it's taking the car!
New Wings Program in effect
The current WINGS program will be terminated at the end of this year. The new program is explained here FAASafety page. There is a tutorial explaining how the new program will work. Things like getting an instrument rating and going to an approved meeting are included as well as flight training. You'll need to enroll in the FAASafety program to use it, but then you can get notices about meetings and other safety related information emailed to you.
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