Good news -- the petroleum gods have smiled... or at least, frowned less upon us than expected. AvGas prices will remain the same this week, as will fuel surcharges at $3 and $5/hr. We crave the day when these will disappear, but with world events as they are, and with the petroleum companies beset on all sides by ... (shakes "magic excuse" 8-ball) ... increased springtime demand... it may be some time, if ever, before we see relief.
Riverside Airport (KRAL) is having an Air Show this coming Saturday. Since Fly Corona! is heavily involved in Corona's Air Show (well, ours is a "Faire") this year (in October), we will be there to take notes and meet our fellow aviators to the east. The airport is only open for flight ops until 9:30am, and you may be able to hitch a ride with one of us! A 10-minute flight sure beats a 30-minute drive, and it just looks darn cool. Regardless, Admission is free! (car parking: $5). More information can be found here.
Students, check NOTAMs to learn about airport closures like this. Imagine sharing the pattern with an air force high-speed demonstration... just long enough for tower to give you an exciting lecture.. or perhaps a less exciting phone number.
There is a TFR north of Banning Airport (see image, click to expand - TFR is the red circle, UFN = "Until Further Notice"), which showed up today. Cheeky Pilots doing XC work to Vegas, Laughlin, or other party points east involving the Banning Pass -- be sure to stay well clear. Nobody at the blackjack table wants to hear about how you lost your license because you busted a TFR restriction.
I just noticed that there is an IFR intersection called MORON on that map. I've never seen it before on my charts. Someone at the NACO/NOAA Charting Office has a cruel sense of humor! Sorry Banning Pilots! (we're not sorry, however, to certain Shady A&P Friends from that area! :) )
There are impressive clouds and winds tormenting us lately on the periphery. So far, but for a few raindrops, Corona remains the "cylinder of great weather" this week. Let's hope for continued lovely weather and blue skies, and marvel at vertically-developed cumulus from afar.
- Mike
