WELCOME PILOTS
Despite winds that kept many pilots away, the Halifax – NorthHampton County (KIXA) Fly-in was a great time to re-connect with aviation friends. Special thanks to Dr. Charles Nicholson, his son Michael and Fred Stahl for volunteering their time for the event.
I would also like to thank Ralph Johnson (IXA Airport Manager) for his hospitality and energy in planning this great event. As Ralph knows, the future viability of the airport can be helped significantly by community outreach events like this one.
Ralph Johnson (IXA Airport Manger) making the rounds on his golf cart.
It is always great to see the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) at various fly-in's across the region. There is something about Huey helicopters and their tie to the Vietnam War that tugs on my heart strings. I overheard a Vietnam veteran comment, “Man, I sure spent a lot of time in these things in Vietnam.” He glanced over to the VHPA representative, also a veteran, and didn't have to say anything. You could sense the bond they had as brothers in war.
Vietnam Pilot Association Huey Static Display
If you need a quick refresher on flight planning, this week we finish our discussion by factoring wind into the cross country equation. The great thing about this week's Pilot Safety Minute (PSM) video, when combined with last week’s (#44), is that it can serve as a great Flight Review preparation tool.
Be sure to get out to as many fly-in's as you can to show your support for general aviation.
~TC Freeman
“Keeping the fun in high performance aviation training.”
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NEW PRESENTATION
“PILOT AND AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE"
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Your opportunity to continue the dialog is on Facebook:
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PILOT SAFETY MINUTE VIDEO #45 ~ CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT PLANNING REVIEW, PART II
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Need a Speaker for your Next Event? We Can Help. See the Article;
Need a Speaker for your Next Event? We Can Help. See the Article;
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HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN TODAY? A SALUTE TO CHUCK TAYLOR
By TC FREEMAN
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) come in at all hours of the day and night to fix broken aircraft. They listen to pilots try to describe what is wrong with an aircraft using skills that are part mind reader and part counselor. If you didn't realize it, we are on the verge of a very important date in history, May 24th, Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. This date is the birthday of Chuck Taylor, the grandfather of aviation maintenance. He was responsible for building the engine that allowed the Wright Brothers to make their historic flight. Perhaps being overshadowed by the famous brothers is a metaphor for the plight of the AMT. The question for us all is, “how can we show due appreciation for the hard working AMTs from times past, present and future?” I wouldn’t necessarily go for the hug option as suggested in the title of this article, but perhaps we can explore some “safer” alternatives together.
I just finished a couple of videos commemorating the retirement of two pilots that worked at my office. If you have never seen a pilot’s retirement salute, it consists of the airport rescue fire trucks shooting an arc of water over the aircraft as the pilot returns to home base on his or her final flight. It’s a really cool tradition that made me wonder how we should celebrate the careers of AMTs. Remember, it's these folks that make it possible for pilots to fly, like Chuck Taylor made it possible for the Wright Brothers. The careers of AMTs are just as important and should garner similar appreciation and support. Maybe we should start our own tradition. I’m not sure what this could be, so send me an email with your great ideas that we can share in a future article.
Another way we can show due appreciation is by remembering special AMT’s that we have come across over the years. I remember long time AMT, friend and co-worker Roy Hines. Most known for his many years at the Raleigh East Airport (Wendell, NC) as airport manager and AMT. Roy was a local legend by the time we worked together in the aviation safety section for state government. In addition to enjoying our time “solving world problems” during our travels, it was a pleasure seeing him counseling pilots across North Carolina about aircraft maintenance issues. He had a knack for capturing the full attention of his flock through what can be best described as fatherly wisdom in aircraft airworthiness. Sadly, he passed away several years ago but his memory and stories continue as his positive legacy.
Much to the dismay of the AMTs at my office, I can’t go through an in-house seminar without embarrassing the top-notch crew we have working in our hangar (you know who you are). I’ve never doubted the airworthiness of the aircraft that these professionals have been associated with. Before they become collectively red in the face, I will just give a sincere “thank you.”
Let’s come up with our own tradition to celebrate the careers of AMTs, I look forward to your ideas. If you wisely decide to forgo the suggested hug, take him or her to lunch, you might even learn something. Also, don't forget to do an internet search to learn more about the grandfather of aviation maintenance, Chuck Taylor. The next time you jump into an aircraft; be it privately owned, rented or even an airliner; think about the many hours dedicated to the maintenance of the aircraft to ensure your safety.
About the author:
TC Freeman has been flying since he was a teenager and is now an aviation speaker and author. Being employed as an Aviation Safety Specialist for state government, he has a passion for spreading the thrill of flying just for the fun of it via the website,www.WingsOfun.com.
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OPERATION: FLY NC
OPERATION: FLY NC
“We are excited to donate this segment of the WingsOfun BLOG to this great program that promotes; airport visitation, education and tourism.”
~TC FREEMAN
OPERATION: FLY NC NEWS
Stamp NOTAMS (See the previous stamp NOTAMS)
*June 7, 2014 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame Fly-in, Asheboro Regional Airport (HBI). Community and pilot fly-in event featuring “Angels Playmate” P-51 Mustang, vendors, hot rods, youth activities, museum and more.
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IMPORTANT AUDIO PRESENTATION AVAILABLE:
“OPERATIONS AT NON-TOWERED AIRPORTS”… for pilots flying just for the fun of it.
With the issue of sequestration, the shut-down of many Air Traffic Control Towers is a possibility. Regardless, it is important to know how to safely and efficiently operate at Non-Towered Airports. In this audio book TC Freeman discusses; straight in approaches, dealing with aircraft on extended downwind and traffic pattern entries.
(Run time: 34 minutes)
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NEWS FROM THE WEB
Brought to you by:
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON FLIGHT TRAINING
eBook by WingsOfun Media
*INCLUDES SPECIAL CAREER PILOT SECTION!
*INCLUDES SPECIAL CAREER PILOT SECTION!
FAA promotes new weather initiative.
*WingOfun Call to Action: “Senate Acts On Third-Class Medical Exemption” (AvWeb). A quote from the article from Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, "The FAA has had two years to review this request for an exemption.....Let's get this thing moving."http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Senate-Acts-On-Third-Class-Medical-Exemption221581-1.html
Contact your elected officials in support of the “expansion of the driver’s license medical exemption to more (non-commercial) pilots. To find your senate representatives go to:http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
Sounds like a cool party trick to me!
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Questions? Contact: tom@wingsofun.com
*Aviation Presentations (live)
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*Special Event Announcements
*Operation: Fly NC program
Questions? Contact: tom@wingsofun.com
