Pilots,
We are redesigning our website, in order to make room for some new projects we are kicking off, and honestly, because we're tired of lavender. :)
Please let me know if there are any things you would like this new site to incorporate -- we have our ideas, of course, but are always looking for more interesting and fun things we can do, knowledge we can post, or tools that we all can use.
Blue Skies,
- Mike
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Corona Traffic, Cessna 20U orbiting the field 2200 feet, test flight
Pilots!
Cessna 20U has completed her test flight series on Saturday, and has been made available on a limited basis for XC flights. We have logged 2 hours of test flying with no incidents, and will now be performing the engine break-in procedures for the next 8 hours.
Break-in procedures require us to run the engine at as steady an RPM as possible, and under the highest power setting possible, at full rich mixture. This means XC flights only, no touch-n-goes or slow-flight manuevers. We expect 20U to return to flightline duty on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Cessna 08V has had her beacon repaired. Yes, we'll paint the new beacon fairing as time allows.
We're on a squawk hunt again. I removed the squawk link from the homepage, but it is still accessible at The Squawk Page.
I've noticed we've been having problems with doors that are difficult to latch, particularly the CFI side. Also, Gyros are in for overhaul, and we are considering a new interior for 20U.
Please let us know about any other things that are not quite right with the planes.
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Cessna 20U has completed her test flight series on Saturday, and has been made available on a limited basis for XC flights. We have logged 2 hours of test flying with no incidents, and will now be performing the engine break-in procedures for the next 8 hours.
Break-in procedures require us to run the engine at as steady an RPM as possible, and under the highest power setting possible, at full rich mixture. This means XC flights only, no touch-n-goes or slow-flight manuevers. We expect 20U to return to flightline duty on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Cessna 08V has had her beacon repaired. Yes, we'll paint the new beacon fairing as time allows.
We're on a squawk hunt again. I removed the squawk link from the homepage, but it is still accessible at The Squawk Page.
I've noticed we've been having problems with doors that are difficult to latch, particularly the CFI side. Also, Gyros are in for overhaul, and we are considering a new interior for 20U.
Please let us know about any other things that are not quite right with the planes.
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Friday, October 27, 2006
Shiny Metal & Midnight Oil
Pilots,
Some squawks around the school lately have kept our mechanics up past their bedtime:
Cessna 08V has a cracked beacon fairing, which, sadly, prevents the tail beacon from remaining on the tail of the aircraft. While we're reasonable sure nobody backed 08V into a parked car (or anything else for that matter, owing to the lack of a reverse) -- we're simply stumped as to how this happened.
Also, our local Cessna parts distributor is stumped as to where these parts can be found. I believe our replacement fairing is shipping from Wichita, and will be installed as soon as we receive it. With luck, this will be today.
Apparently Cessna 68U has a wonky turn coordinator. This will be removed and sent for overhaul as soon as we can get 68U on the ground for the mechanics.
Cessna 04H's DG is precessing just enough to warrant overhaul. We'll be sending it in for overhaul in the same batch
Cessna 17J's main wheel pants are back on. The nosewheel pant takes more time than we had last night. The improvement is dramatic. :)
Cessna 20U's engine arrived last night from our friends at Corona Cylinder. Installation has progressed very well, thanks to our maintenance crew Scott D, Mike A, and Kamau K. Work progressed until 10pm last night, and is set to continue. Then we will perform flight testing and return 20U to service!
We will continue to work to get these issues corrected ASAP. Many thanks to the maintenace crew for their hard work, amusing taste in music, and willingness to consume pizza and turn wrenches into the wee hours!
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Some squawks around the school lately have kept our mechanics up past their bedtime:
Cessna 08V has a cracked beacon fairing, which, sadly, prevents the tail beacon from remaining on the tail of the aircraft. While we're reasonable sure nobody backed 08V into a parked car (or anything else for that matter, owing to the lack of a reverse) -- we're simply stumped as to how this happened.
Also, our local Cessna parts distributor is stumped as to where these parts can be found. I believe our replacement fairing is shipping from Wichita, and will be installed as soon as we receive it. With luck, this will be today.
Apparently Cessna 68U has a wonky turn coordinator. This will be removed and sent for overhaul as soon as we can get 68U on the ground for the mechanics.
Cessna 04H's DG is precessing just enough to warrant overhaul. We'll be sending it in for overhaul in the same batch
Cessna 17J's main wheel pants are back on. The nosewheel pant takes more time than we had last night. The improvement is dramatic. :)
Cessna 20U's engine arrived last night from our friends at Corona Cylinder. Installation has progressed very well, thanks to our maintenance crew Scott D, Mike A, and Kamau K. Work progressed until 10pm last night, and is set to continue. Then we will perform flight testing and return 20U to service!
We will continue to work to get these issues corrected ASAP. Many thanks to the maintenace crew for their hard work, amusing taste in music, and willingness to consume pizza and turn wrenches into the wee hours!
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Monday, October 23, 2006
No Shoes, No Service
Pilots,
Please welcome a new member of our flightline, Cessna 74U - who went on the line on Saturday morning, and who is helping us alleviate the schedule crunch left in 20U's wake.
Additionally, I understand that 20U's new engine is being run-in currently, and will undergo flight testing possibly this week, with an intended return to service next week some time -- stay tuned.
Also, those of you may have noticed that we removed the wheel pants from Cessna 17J - we did this in order to change out the brake pads, which were beginning to fade, and we left them off, since it is our habit to have full visibility of the tire/brake condition on our aircraft.
However...
After seeing her myself this weekend, shoeless on the ramp, I can attest that Julie looks completely stupid without wheel pants. So dramatic is the change, that I am considering returning the wheelpants to the remainder of our 172s. Wow. What a difference 18lbs of fiberglass makes.
We'll be putting her boots back on sometime this week. Sorry for the fashion faux pas!
Blue Skies,
- Mike
Please welcome a new member of our flightline, Cessna 74U - who went on the line on Saturday morning, and who is helping us alleviate the schedule crunch left in 20U's wake.
Additionally, I understand that 20U's new engine is being run-in currently, and will undergo flight testing possibly this week, with an intended return to service next week some time -- stay tuned.
Also, those of you may have noticed that we removed the wheel pants from Cessna 17J - we did this in order to change out the brake pads, which were beginning to fade, and we left them off, since it is our habit to have full visibility of the tire/brake condition on our aircraft.
However...
After seeing her myself this weekend, shoeless on the ramp, I can attest that Julie looks completely stupid without wheel pants. So dramatic is the change, that I am considering returning the wheelpants to the remainder of our 172s. Wow. What a difference 18lbs of fiberglass makes.
We'll be putting her boots back on sometime this week. Sorry for the fashion faux pas!
Blue Skies,
- Mike
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
And another successful checkride...
Pilots!
Please join me in congratulating Kevin W. on the earning of his private pilot wings!
Kevin completed his PP-ASEL checkride yesterday evening in Cessna 68U, at John Wayne Airport! Look for Kevin to be sharing the skies with you at Corona soon!
While every pilot's license is a huge personal achievement on the part of any aspiring pilot, it is worth noting that Kevin's case is unique, because Kevin is bilaterally deaf. Kevin's story is known around the office, and we're all very proud of his accomplishments - and I'd like to take this happy opportunity to discuss the various technical points of flying without hearing. I hope that you can share our respect for what Kevin has accomplished this week, because he is truly in a unique echelon of pilots.
First of all, many thanks to the Deaf Pilot's Association (www.deafpilots.com) for their thoughtful, well-researched, and informative website and personnel, who have answered many of our questions, and made the entire office smarter about the FAA regs on this topic. We literally could not have helped Kevin without their knowledge, trailblazing, and support. Please consider a membership to DPA, even if you are hearing, to support this excellent aviation organization.
Many of the common questions we field are answered in detail at the DPA FAQ, but here are the big ones that everyone asks me (copied from the DPA FAQ):
How can you fly if you cannot hear on the radio?
Airports (and airspace) can be of two kinds: controlled or uncontrolled. Pilots operating at controlled airports or in controlled airspace are required to be in radio contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). At uncontrolled airports, however, pilots are only encouraged, but not required, to use their radio to directly advise other pilots in the area of their positions and intentions. Thus, deaf pilots are able to fly into and out of uncontrolled airports without using the radio. (Uncontrolled airports are also called nontowered airports.)
How do you know about other planes in the air?
Under Visual Flying Rules (VFR), under which most general aviation flights are conducted, you are responsible for seeing and avoiding other airplanes, and remaining well clear of clouds. As you learn to fly, you will develop a skill for spotting airplanes and adjusting your route of flight as necessary.
If you have a hearing person on board, you can ask that person to monitor the local traffic frequency and pass on position reports made by other aircraft.
If you have a transponder on board, you can turn it on, which causes your plane’s position and altitude to appear on ATC’s radar screens. Then, ATC can inform other aircraft in the area of your whereabouts.
When you land at an uncontrolled airport, how do you know when it is okay to land? What about the other planes landing and taking off?
Again, Visual Flying Rules apply. Each uncontrolled airport has a standard traffic route that you enter at a specific location. By following a sequence of legs along this route, you have several opportunities to see and avoid other aircraft, both in the air, and on the ground, and when there are no aircraft in front of you, you can land.
Some other interesting information:
Many of our instructors were involved in Kevin's training, but primarily it was CFI/CFII Arthur V who worked with Kevin through to his checkride sign-off.
Training was conducted using a variety of whiteboards, both for ground instruction and a smaller one in-flight. Arty did a tremendous amount of preparation and explanation work prior to each lesson to make sure his time was not consumed on the whiteboard unless necessary.
Kevin uses a sidekick II, which has a very cool application called i711 that allows a TTY operator to relay typed messages to, for instance, tower, flight service, or any other FAA agency that he requires services from.
Kevin has 49.2 hours total time logged, with plenty more forthcoming I'm sure. :)
Well done, Kevin! You inspire us!
- Mike
Please join me in congratulating Kevin W. on the earning of his private pilot wings!
Kevin completed his PP-ASEL checkride yesterday evening in Cessna 68U, at John Wayne Airport! Look for Kevin to be sharing the skies with you at Corona soon!
Kevin sitting in some brand-P plane :) - he actually FLIES Cessnas!
While every pilot's license is a huge personal achievement on the part of any aspiring pilot, it is worth noting that Kevin's case is unique, because Kevin is bilaterally deaf. Kevin's story is known around the office, and we're all very proud of his accomplishments - and I'd like to take this happy opportunity to discuss the various technical points of flying without hearing. I hope that you can share our respect for what Kevin has accomplished this week, because he is truly in a unique echelon of pilots.
First of all, many thanks to the Deaf Pilot's Association (www.deafpilots.com) for their thoughtful, well-researched, and informative website and personnel, who have answered many of our questions, and made the entire office smarter about the FAA regs on this topic. We literally could not have helped Kevin without their knowledge, trailblazing, and support. Please consider a membership to DPA, even if you are hearing, to support this excellent aviation organization.
Many of the common questions we field are answered in detail at the DPA FAQ, but here are the big ones that everyone asks me (copied from the DPA FAQ):
How can you fly if you cannot hear on the radio?
Airports (and airspace) can be of two kinds: controlled or uncontrolled. Pilots operating at controlled airports or in controlled airspace are required to be in radio contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). At uncontrolled airports, however, pilots are only encouraged, but not required, to use their radio to directly advise other pilots in the area of their positions and intentions. Thus, deaf pilots are able to fly into and out of uncontrolled airports without using the radio. (Uncontrolled airports are also called nontowered airports.)
How do you know about other planes in the air?
Under Visual Flying Rules (VFR), under which most general aviation flights are conducted, you are responsible for seeing and avoiding other airplanes, and remaining well clear of clouds. As you learn to fly, you will develop a skill for spotting airplanes and adjusting your route of flight as necessary.
If you have a hearing person on board, you can ask that person to monitor the local traffic frequency and pass on position reports made by other aircraft.
If you have a transponder on board, you can turn it on, which causes your plane’s position and altitude to appear on ATC’s radar screens. Then, ATC can inform other aircraft in the area of your whereabouts.
When you land at an uncontrolled airport, how do you know when it is okay to land? What about the other planes landing and taking off?
Again, Visual Flying Rules apply. Each uncontrolled airport has a standard traffic route that you enter at a specific location. By following a sequence of legs along this route, you have several opportunities to see and avoid other aircraft, both in the air, and on the ground, and when there are no aircraft in front of you, you can land.
Some other interesting information:
Many of our instructors were involved in Kevin's training, but primarily it was CFI/CFII Arthur V who worked with Kevin through to his checkride sign-off.
Training was conducted using a variety of whiteboards, both for ground instruction and a smaller one in-flight. Arty did a tremendous amount of preparation and explanation work prior to each lesson to make sure his time was not consumed on the whiteboard unless necessary.
Kevin uses a sidekick II, which has a very cool application called i711 that allows a TTY operator to relay typed messages to, for instance, tower, flight service, or any other FAA agency that he requires services from.
Kevin has 49.2 hours total time logged, with plenty more forthcoming I'm sure. :)
Well done, Kevin! You inspire us!
- Mike
Monday, October 16, 2006
Freeing up some Schedule Gridlock
Pilots!
After hearing grumbles from pilots and CFIs alike about the extended impact 20U has had on everyone's ability to fly, we have decided to offer the following on a trial basis:
We are going to set this as the official rate for Julie for the following 6 weeks, or until 11/30/2006!
We cannot offer retro-active adjustments (sorry :) ), but we do hope that a few of you will be willing to make the leap at this rate, until we can find a lasting solution to our aircraft crunch. Who knows... if we can keep Julie flying at this rate, we may even make it permanent!
So why not try some glass next time you're set to fly?
Feedback and comments welcome, as always.
Blue Skies!
- Mike
After hearing grumbles from pilots and CFIs alike about the extended impact 20U has had on everyone's ability to fly, we have decided to offer the following on a trial basis:
Our C172SP/G1000, Julie, at $109 block / $129 retail
We are going to set this as the official rate for Julie for the following 6 weeks, or until 11/30/2006!
We cannot offer retro-active adjustments (sorry :) ), but we do hope that a few of you will be willing to make the leap at this rate, until we can find a lasting solution to our aircraft crunch. Who knows... if we can keep Julie flying at this rate, we may even make it permanent!
So why not try some glass next time you're set to fly?
Feedback and comments welcome, as always.
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I'd like to buy a vowel...
Pilots!
Please join me in congratulating our own CFI Arty V. who has completed his CFII checkride! Arty is now able to instruct in the clouds for your instrument rating!
Congratulations Arty!
Please join me in congratulating our own CFI Arty V. who has completed his CFII checkride! Arty is now able to instruct in the clouds for your instrument rating!
Congratulations Arty!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Close-up shots of the cracks we found
I find this interesting, not sure if you guys do, but I wanted to share it for ya.
Pictures are taken of the engine dis-mounting from a few nights ago, sorry about the mess :)
This is the perspective shot. The blue box is where I zoomed in for a closer look.
(larger version here)
And here is a closeup of how minute the cracks were that the Mechanics found.
Pretty cool, eh? Now you know why it takes 2,000 hours of training to become an Aircraft Mechanic! :)
We're all in good mechanical hands. Thanks Scott & Mike!
Blue Skies,
- Mike
Pictures are taken of the engine dis-mounting from a few nights ago, sorry about the mess :)
This is the perspective shot. The blue box is where I zoomed in for a closer look.
(larger version here)
And here is a closeup of how minute the cracks were that the Mechanics found.
Pretty cool, eh? Now you know why it takes 2,000 hours of training to become an Aircraft Mechanic! :)
We're all in good mechanical hands. Thanks Scott & Mike!
Blue Skies,
- Mike
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Sharing the friendly skies!
Please join me in congratulating Jay B. who successfully completed his Private Pilot Checkride yesterday!
Be ready to share the pattern with Jay, who will be speaking with the authority of his earned U.S. Private Pilot wings. Congratulations, Jay!
Be ready to share the pattern with Jay, who will be speaking with the authority of his earned U.S. Private Pilot wings. Congratulations, Jay!
Cessna 20U's broken heart
Pilots!
After many hand-wringings and inspections and opinions, we have a verdict on 20U, and it's not the best.
Our ace mechanics, Scott and Mike, discovered what appeared to be cracks forming in the engine crankcase. These cracks are so miniscule as to be almost impossible to see with the naked eye, but that's why we installed Garmin's latest BionicVision Mechanic edition into our A&Ps.
Cessna 20U needs a new heart!
Stress cracks can form in aluminum crankcases from any number of things, common ones being propeller overspeed, running an engine past TBO, an out-of-balance propeller, or sometimes just age. Nobody knows why 20U's engine was developing a stress crack, and while it would have likely ran fine for another 1,000 hours -- we refuse to take that chance. Structural changes in the engine metallurgy make us all squeamish, and all of our lives can depend on that 300-lb chunk of metal staying together.
TBO? What-choo talkin about Mike?
All aviation engines are rated for a particular time-in-service. After this time in service is reached, the manufacturer "suggests" that you completely rebuild it to service limits. This is known as a "major overhaul". Most general aviation engines have TBOs (Time Between Overhauls) rated from 800 - 2500 hours in service. 20U's is an 1800-hour TBO, or approximately every 200,000 nautical miles. not bad at all.
Of course "suggests" is just that. I have heard a rumor that Mike Nolan's Cessna 182 (based at Corona with us) put 5,000 hours on its engine, and it was still showing strong compressions and power -- the mechanics made him overhaul it anyway, just because they didn't want to certify the engine as airworthy. Can't say I blame them.
For the record, we overhaul our engines at TBO. Our average engine age is around 700 hours "SMOH" or since major overhaul.
Major overhauls are sufficiently expensive that they represent about 1/3 of the value of an aircraft. In fact, 20U's will cost appx $14,000 - $15,000 to moh, and we can expect 2 weeks more downtime.
For perspective's sake, that is 6/1000ths of a cent per revolution of the propeller! What a deal!
Blue Skies!
- Mike
After many hand-wringings and inspections and opinions, we have a verdict on 20U, and it's not the best.
Our ace mechanics, Scott and Mike, discovered what appeared to be cracks forming in the engine crankcase. These cracks are so miniscule as to be almost impossible to see with the naked eye, but that's why we installed Garmin's latest BionicVision Mechanic edition into our A&Ps.
Cessna 20U needs a new heart!
Stress cracks can form in aluminum crankcases from any number of things, common ones being propeller overspeed, running an engine past TBO, an out-of-balance propeller, or sometimes just age. Nobody knows why 20U's engine was developing a stress crack, and while it would have likely ran fine for another 1,000 hours -- we refuse to take that chance. Structural changes in the engine metallurgy make us all squeamish, and all of our lives can depend on that 300-lb chunk of metal staying together.
TBO? What-choo talkin about Mike?
All aviation engines are rated for a particular time-in-service. After this time in service is reached, the manufacturer "suggests" that you completely rebuild it to service limits. This is known as a "major overhaul". Most general aviation engines have TBOs (Time Between Overhauls) rated from 800 - 2500 hours in service. 20U's is an 1800-hour TBO, or approximately every 200,000 nautical miles. not bad at all.
Of course "suggests" is just that. I have heard a rumor that Mike Nolan's Cessna 182 (based at Corona with us) put 5,000 hours on its engine, and it was still showing strong compressions and power -- the mechanics made him overhaul it anyway, just because they didn't want to certify the engine as airworthy. Can't say I blame them.
For the record, we overhaul our engines at TBO. Our average engine age is around 700 hours "SMOH" or since major overhaul.
Major overhauls are sufficiently expensive that they represent about 1/3 of the value of an aircraft. In fact, 20U's will cost appx $14,000 - $15,000 to moh, and we can expect 2 weeks more downtime.
For perspective's sake, that is 6/1000ths of a cent per revolution of the propeller! What a deal!
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Friday, October 06, 2006
Would you like to be a star?
We received this earlier this week -- some of you might be interested :) It actually sounds cool, and I may apply myself.
STRICKMAN-RIPPS RESEARCH is seeking people who have accomplished one of their Life Dreams for a Short Film Series Website sponsored by Amazon.com and Lincoln Mercury to help people realize their dreams.
IF YOU FIT THE BILL - CONTACT STRICKMAN-RIPPS (info below)
We are looking for specific accomplishments. If you fall under any of the following categories, please email us a recent photo with your name, contact #'s, age, occupation and city and state you live in.
Please note that these Life Dreams could be your hobbies or extra-curricular activities, not necessarily your profession.
10. A person who has learned how to fly
We will contact you if you qualify to begin the first step of the selection process.
Those selected will participate in a 1 - 2 day filmed interview about their experience and will be compensated for their time.
CONTACT STRICKMAN-RIPPS RESEARCH
EMAIL: research@strickman-ripps.com
PHONE: 888-966-3211
There is also a small questionnaire to fill out, available at http://www.flycorona.com/Questions.doc
Blue skies, hope to see you tomorrow at the Air Faire!
- Mike
STRICKMAN-RIPPS RESEARCH is seeking people who have accomplished one of their Life Dreams for a Short Film Series Website sponsored by Amazon.com and Lincoln Mercury to help people realize their dreams.
IF YOU FIT THE BILL - CONTACT STRICKMAN-RIPPS (info below)
We are looking for specific accomplishments. If you fall under any of the following categories, please email us a recent photo with your name, contact #'s, age, occupation and city and state you live in.
Please note that these Life Dreams could be your hobbies or extra-curricular activities, not necessarily your profession.
10. A person who has learned how to fly
We will contact you if you qualify to begin the first step of the selection process.
Those selected will participate in a 1 - 2 day filmed interview about their experience and will be compensated for their time.
CONTACT STRICKMAN-RIPPS RESEARCH
EMAIL: research@strickman-ripps.com
PHONE: 888-966-3211
There is also a small questionnaire to fill out, available at http://www.flycorona.com/Questions.doc
Blue skies, hope to see you tomorrow at the Air Faire!
- Mike
Thursday, October 05, 2006
The Corona Air Faire!
Pilots!
The Corona Air Faire is back this year! This Saturday, the 7th, come check out planes, demos, food, music, and fun -- and this year it has been coordinated by our own Office Manager, Beth! Beth has worked tremendously hard on this event, and we expect it will pay dividends for everyone on the field!
Admission is cheap ($5 includes parking!) and goes to support the Corona Pilot's Association!
This was a good time last year, and we expect an even better time this year! Come out and see some aviation!
---
Cessna 68U has completed her 100hr inspection.
Cessna 20U is preparing for extended downtime. Stay tuned for more details.
We expect the "lightness of the office" to conclude next week sometime. I want to thank everybody for your patience with us during this time - it has helped a lot!
Cool temperatures - clear skies! Autumn in Corona is the best time to fly.
Blue Skies!
- Mike
The Corona Air Faire is back this year! This Saturday, the 7th, come check out planes, demos, food, music, and fun -- and this year it has been coordinated by our own Office Manager, Beth! Beth has worked tremendously hard on this event, and we expect it will pay dividends for everyone on the field!
Admission is cheap ($5 includes parking!) and goes to support the Corona Pilot's Association!
This was a good time last year, and we expect an even better time this year! Come out and see some aviation!
---
Cessna 68U has completed her 100hr inspection.
Cessna 20U is preparing for extended downtime. Stay tuned for more details.
We expect the "lightness of the office" to conclude next week sometime. I want to thank everybody for your patience with us during this time - it has helped a lot!
Cool temperatures - clear skies! Autumn in Corona is the best time to fly.
Blue Skies!
- Mike
Monday, October 02, 2006
20U down for further inspection
Hi Gang,
A quick jot - As you may have noticed, Cessna 20U is still maintenanced out, pending some inspection and possible repair to her engine. We are waiting for the safety determination, but are making plans for a major repair just in case the news is bad.
The good news is that we caught this VERY early - so we have a number of options. I will report back on what path we decide to walk when the time comes.
Apologies to 172 pilots - the schedule is likely to get squeezed a bit.
More as I know it! Blue Skies!
- Mike
A quick jot - As you may have noticed, Cessna 20U is still maintenanced out, pending some inspection and possible repair to her engine. We are waiting for the safety determination, but are making plans for a major repair just in case the news is bad.
The good news is that we caught this VERY early - so we have a number of options. I will report back on what path we decide to walk when the time comes.
Apologies to 172 pilots - the schedule is likely to get squeezed a bit.
More as I know it! Blue Skies!
- Mike
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