Happy New Year!

From all of us at the Fly Corona family, we wish you and yours a happy 2008! Thanks for flying with us in 2007.

==

Belatedly, Congrats are in order for newly-minted IFR Pilot Curtis H, who earned his blindfolded wings in Cessna 1ES with DPE Ken Earl. Nice work, Curtis!

==



Fly Corona will be closed tomorrow for New Years. After-hours procedures apply for flights.

Be safe up there, see you in 2008!

- Mike

New Charts!

Pilots,

The latest major cycle of charts, starting Dec 20, have arrived! Update TAC Sectional and Approach charts in the office to have the latest information at your fingertips.



==

Cessna 20U is back from her alternator upgrade.

Cessna 04H has a new PTT switch

Piper 85Y has a new generator bracket on her left engine

A selection of brakes tires and landing lights have been distributed amongst all the fliers.

==

Super clear, Super breezy. Grab some airborne holiday cheer!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Temporary Tower at Corona!

Pilots,

Much like when we have the Corona Air Faire, there will be a Temporary Tower in effect for the next 3 months at Corona Airport.

My interpretation of this is that the tower is to provide advisories only, and is not a control tower, meaning we remain a class G airport, and NORDO ops are permitted. That being said, please treat the folks with the same respect as you would a class D tower, because they are still FAA Employees.



Our temporary tower is here to facilitate an additional 75-100 operations per day for re-seeding of the fire-damaged mountains nearby. You'll see 6 of these impressive Air Tractor 802's, which are powered by large turboprops. WAKE TURBULENCE SEPARATION APPLIES, please allow at least 1 minute after one of these aircraft takes off before beginning your own ground roll!




The folks are friendly and the planes are awesome, definitely feel free to swing over and strike up a conversation about their re-seeding efforts. It's interesting stuff.

==

In other news,

Cessna 20U is down today (and this past weekend) for an Alternator replacement.

Cessna 68U has a new altimeter.

==

If you're looking for the perfect gift to get for yourself this holiday season, we have an AVMap IV EKP GPS for sale-- this is "the big screen" one with a 7" LCD (vs Garmin x96's 3.6"), which shows terrain, victor air routes, all airspace, and is highly customizable. More information is available here and here. We paid $1500 for it 8 months ago, and we also purchased the RAM mounting plate, articulating arm, and large suction cup mount (~$100). It's an awesome tool for situational awareness, we just aren't using it anymore. Our loss is your gain.



We're asking $1250 or best offer. Inquire with the office for more details or for a demonstration.

===

The haze is back, but the weather remains clear and nice up high. Grab some sky!

- Mike

Your next autopilot will be squishy?

Found at panther house this morning, it gives me the heebie-jeebies:



Three years ago, Florida scientists have grown a brain in a petri dish and taught it to pilot an F-22 jet simulator.

The brain-in-a-dish is the idea of Thomas DeMarse, 37, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Florida. His work has been praised as a significant insight into the brain by leading US academics and scientific journals.

The 25,000 neurons were suspended in a specialised liquid to keep them alive and then laid across a grid of 60 electrodes in a small glass dish.

Under the microscope they looked at first like grains of sand, but soon the cells begin to connect to form what scientists are calling a “live computation device” (a brain). The electrodes measure and stimulate neural activity in the network, allowing researchers to study how the brain processes, transforms and stores information.

In the most striking experiment, the brain was linked to the jet simulator. Manipulated by the electrodes and a desktop computer, it was taught to control the flight path, even in mock hurricane-strength winds.



To control the simulated aircraft, the neurons first receive information from the computer about flight conditions: whether the plane is flying straight and level or is tilted to the left or to the right. The neurons then analyze the data and respond by sending signals to the plane’s controls. Those signals alter the flight path and new information is sent to the neurons, creating a feedback system.

“Initially when we hook up this brain to a flight simulator, it doesn’t know how to control the aircraft,” DeMarse said. “So you hook it up and the aircraft simply drifts randomly. And as the data comes in, it slowly modifies the (neural) network so over time, the network gradually learns to fly the aircraft.”

Although the brain currently is able to control the pitch and roll of the simulated aircraft in weather conditions ranging from blue skies to stormy, hurricane-force winds, the underlying goal is a more fundamental understanding of how neurons interact as a network, DeMarse said.

“There’s a lot of data out there that will tell you that the computation that’s going on here isn’t based on just one neuron. The computational property is actually an emergent property of hundreds or thousands of neurons cooperating to produce the amazing processing power of the brain.”

A clean bill of health

Pilots,

We have completed our teardown and test flight of Cessna 20U's engine, and we have discovered that there was no damage to her engine internals as a result of her oil filter failure. Another round of thanks & kudos to the pilot who caught this in time, saving himself some undue excitement :)

We have discovered that the oil filter did not burst, but actually cracked due to vibration stress -- even though the filter was only appx 30 hours old. We have switched to the "short" style filter, and upgraded to a stronger walled filter, which we believe will prevent this problem from recurring. Additionally, we have bypassed the oil cooler to reduce pressure strain on the filter, "just in case"

20U Pilots: please use extra vigilance in monitoring oil pressure, both on taxi, run-up, and in flight. Good thing you were already doing that, right?



For pilots of our other aircraft, wondering if this could happen to you -- the answer is "of course - keep an eye out", but 20U is the only plane which uses a "remote oil filter" -- meaning the filter is attached to the firewall, under the battery box, and connected via oil hoses. The other planes in the fleet use a "spin-on" filter attached directly to the engine.



Remote oil filters save mechanic knuckles -- compare with the spin-on below.



==

In other news,

Cessna 20U has a repaired pilot's seat cushion. We were unable to determine if this was related to the oil pressure situation. :)

==

Chilly and breezy about -- bundle up, but the skies are awesome lately with the rains!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Clear skies!

Pilots,

It has been heavenly lately with total visibility all around the southland... it's like we're in Montana. Nice flying.

==

Kudos to the pilot of 20U who noticed a low oil pressure indication at run-up yesterday!

Apparently 20U had a bad oil filter which cracked at a seam and leaked oil everywhere. We are bypassing the oil filter system entirely for now, checking the engine to make sure there was no damage, and will return her to service soon. We will strike up a lively conversation with the oil filter manufacturer in the meantime to figure out what happened there.



This is a problem which could have been VERY SERIOUS if the flight was attempted -- pilots, include engine vitals into your scan. With no oil pressure, you will, eventually, have no engine, and oil pressure below the green arc is a concern! Oil temp, EGT, all are "hints", but oil pressure is a very direct indication of engine health.

==

Cessna 04H completed her 100hr recently, however, a test flight seems to have sucked a bug into the pitot tube. Expect her back on the line tomorrow.

Quiet otherwise, good flying abounds!

Blue Skies!

- Mike

The latest pilot in the world!

All,

Please join me in congratulating U.S. Private Pilot Asa C. who earned his wings in Cessna 20U with DPE Tom Hamm -- nice job, Asa!



Blue Skies!

- Mike

Nice Weather, Full Fleet

Pilots,

Please join me in welcoming back our friend Piper 85Y, who spent a month and numerous vendor trips getting both of her aux fuel pumps replaced. Word on the street is that certain CFIs who have been flying Cessnas had almost forgotten what a fast plane lands like. :)



==

Office hours have been adjusted to coincide with the dark, now operating from 9am-5pm.

==

Cessna 1ES will be down this week for her Annual inspection.

A few tires have been installed on assorted planes, as is our habit. There were some impressive bald patches -- easy on those brakes, all! :)



==

10 and CLR everywhere, even to the coast -- THIS is the flying we expected of SoCal!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Flying in the muck

Pilots!


While we languish on the ground every morning, throwing a scowl skyward, Instrument Pilots are laughing at us and enjoying sunshine and blue skies on top -- the nerve of these guys!

The forecasts have been calling for 10am burn-off of this soup, and so far it's been hit or miss -- but it's definitely not normal for Corona. We would enjoy it staying at the coast where it belongs -- and like all things, it is only temporary, so hang in there!



===

We have a new CFI around the FlyC ranch, CFI Will! -- flying daily, Will comes to us from Santa Monica's American Flyers school, and will be armed with local knowledge and a desire to fly -- available for bookings now!

===

While we do not do this in soupy weather, we do an IFR Demo for those who are interested in learning what an Instrument ticket can do for you. The demo lasts 1 hour, and while flying blind, you will fly to Lake Matthews, then Paradise VOR, then via radar vectors, you will intercept and fly the KCNO ILS approach down to a whopping 200' AGL on 1/2 mile final -- when you look up and realize that your VOR radio got you home safe in the simulated soup, you can appreciate the added flexibility of knowing how to fly instruments.



==

Piper 85Y will return to service this week, after the third attempt at a pump overhaul resulted in fuel flow (imagine that). The pump is installed, and we are only awaiting the interior to be replaced, and everything cinched up nicely.

Cessna 20U is down for 100hr. We expect her to return to service this week, as long as nothing bizarre is discovered.

Cessna 1ES will be down next week for Annual.



Good flying, trashy weather -- join me in casting a dark look skyward, and wait for that inevitable burn-off.

- Mike

Aviation vendors, rejoice!

Pilots,

Please join me in sending a universal jeer to all of Fly Corona's external aviation vendors, who have all decided that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing at least twice.



Cessna 08V has parts on order for her copilot door

Cessna 68U is back from the transponder shop, however, more parts are on order, and she will be going back next week (this will be visit #4 for her brand new transponder)

Cessna 20U has had her brakes redone

Cessna 04H is being pulled back from the avionics gurus at John Wayne, since they have no time to un-bungle their work this week. Expect her to return next week for more waiting. (visit #2)

Cessna 1ES will be down for Annual next week.

Cessna 17J is running just fine. Thanks, Julie!

Piper 85Y's aux fuel pump has been returned to its overhauler, who apparently did not understand that we require fuel pumps to not just make noise, but to also pump fuel. (visit 2) -- this one is particularly annoying since installation or removal of the pump is appx 6 hours of labor.

===

My apologies for the continued irritating downtime we are plagued with, to all affected Pilots.

===



In other, quasi-related news, since we have spent a large amount of time ferrying aircraft, the strain on the schedule has been redoubled, since our first choice is to send CFIs to do our dirty work. We are updating our rolodex of ferry pilots -- if you would like to help us ferry and reposition aircraft, and enjoy:

1. Free flight time
2. Possible free CFI time
3. New and interesting flights
4. The prospect of helping get our planes on the line faster, for great justice.

And you:

1. Hold at least a private pilot's license
2. Can fly on relatively short notice (< 2 hours)
3. Don't mind oddball flights (flights of two, short-hops to SNA, CCB, RAL, SMO or LGB airports, the occasional NORDO operation)

Then we'd love to get you in our list! Please drop an email to fly@flycorona.com with your information, and we'll add you to the list.

The latest Pilot in the world

Pilots,

Please join me in congratulating the latest Private Pilot, Elias A., who earned his wings yesterday in Cessna 1ES with DPE Tom Hamm. Way to go, Elias!



Gorgeous weather abounds -- grab some sky!

Cheers,

- Mike

The return of nice weather and working planes

Pilots,

Blue Skies have returned, after an unusually long and gray week - woof! What absolutely gorgeous flying today.

==

Cessna 08V returned from her annual, and is in top fighting form.

Cessna 68U returned from her annual, and enjoys many fixes. She is at Cable Airport to bless the new Mode C functionality. We expect her return early next week.

Cessna 20U has had new brake pads installed.

Cessna 04H has new navs, but will return to John Wayne next week for a tweak for a sticky nav1.

Cessna 1ES has returned from the engine shop to fix an oil seep.

Cessna 17J has returned from Long Beach with a new tach sending unit.

Piper 85Y has her aux pump reinstalled, and we are awaiting final proving to get her back on the line. We expect her back sometime next week.



Holy cow, thanks to everyone for your patience during the resultant schedule crunch. Sometimes, the planes just like to gang up on us.

==

CFI Alex has earned some stripes, and will be flying commercially out of New York. His last day with us is Wednesday, and his shoes will be filled by CFI Adam. Farewell, Alex, we hardly knew ye!

==

TFRs have been cancelled across Orange and San Diego counties. The El Toro TFR remains, as well as the one northeast of San Bernardino.

==

Not much else to report -- it's quiet around the ranch. Everyone is gearing up for the holiday mania, I suspect.



I don't know what's up with this picture -- I can't stop staring at it. I had no choice but to pay it forward. To quote from Futurama -- "you watched it, you can't unwatch it!!" :)

Best,

- Mike

TFRs, FDCs, and Maintenance (oh my)

Pilots,

As you are no doubt aware, TFRs are lurking for firefighting activity, the big one being directly northeast of El Toro. Please remain well clear, and it is best to consider El Toro Practice area off-limits for the foreseeable future.

(TFR is the red/green hatch - red/red hatch is the Disneyland TFR)



===

FDC NOTAMs have been rolled out for IFR Pilots which affects numerous approaches in the LA Basin. It's more than someone just screwing up the printing in this batch -- minimums are being tweaked all across the southland, procedures are being discontinued, and all sorts of changes abound. Here are the ones that may affect local pilots, including the biggie, Corona's MDA and Missed altitudes have been raised a whopping 200' for the local altimeter and 550' (!!) for KONT altimeter. Something strange is going on, so pay attention to that preflight briefing for a bit!



FLIGHT DATA CENTER NOTAMS
FDC 7/0111 AJO FI/T CORONA MUNI, CORONA, CA.
VOR OR GPS A, AMDT 4...
CIRCLING CAT A/B MDA 1680/ HAA 1147. VIS CAT A 1 1/4, CAT B 1
1/2.
ONTARIO ALTIMETER SETTING MINIMA: CIRCLING CAT A/B MDA 2100/
HAA 1587. VIS CAT A 1 1/4, CAT B 1 1/2.
MISSED APPROACH: CLIMBING RIGHT TURN TO 3100 DIRECT PDZ VORTAC
AND HOLD.

FDC 5/1807 CNO FI/T CHINO, CHINO, CA
ILS RWY 26R, AMDT 6...
S-ILS 26R DA 886/HAT 250 ALL CATS. VIS 1 ALL CAT.
FDC 6/3170 CNO FI/T CHINO, CHINO, CA.
VOR OR GPS B, AMDT 3C...
PROCEDURE NA.

FDC 6/3172 RAL FI/T RIVERSIDE MUNI, RIVERSIDE, CA.
VOR OR GPS RWY 9, AMDT 9B...
VOR OR GPS A, AMDT 5B...
VOR OR GPS B, ORIG-B...
PROCEDURE NA.

FDC 7/9271 RAL FI/T RIVERSIDE MUNI, RIVERSIDE, CA.
ILS RWY 9, AMDT 7A...
COUPLED APPROACHES NA BELOW 1440 MSL.

FDC 7/7000 CCB FI/T CABLE, UPLAND, CA.
VOR RWY 6, AMDT 7A...
MINIMUM HOLDING AT POMONA VORTAC 3700 FEET.
COVIN TO POMONA VORTAC 3700 FEET.
S-6: MINIMUMS NA
CIRCLING CAT A MDA 2080/HAA 636, CAT B MDA 2160/HAA 716, CAT C
MDA 2200/HAA 756 VIS 2 1/4.
AIRPORT ELEVATION: 1444
VGSI AND DESCENT ANGLES NOT COINCIDENT NOTE NA.
VISUAL DESCENT ANGLE AND TCH NA.

FDC 6/7348 POC FI/T BRACKETT FIELD, LA VERNE, CA.
ILS RWY 26L, AMDT 2C.
S-ILS 26L CATS A/B DA 1342/HAT 340.

FDC 5/0156 FUL FI/T FULLERTON MUNI, FULLERTON, CA.
TAKE-OFF MINIMUMS AND (OBSTACLE) DEPARTURE PROCEDURES....
NOTE:
RWY 24, CHANGE: TOWER 1.3 NM FROM DEPARTURE END OF RWY,
485 FEET RIGHT OF CENTERLINE, 795 FEET AGL/820 FEET
MSL, TO READ: TOWER 1.3 NM FROM DEPARTURE END OF RWY,
5042 FEET RIGHT OF CENTERLINE 759 FEET AGL/ 820 FEET
MSL.
ALL OTHER DATA REMAINS AS PUBLISHED.

FDC 7/2384 SNA FI/T JOHN WAYNE-ORANGE COUNTY, SANTA ANA, CA.
ILS RWY 19R, AMDT 11A...
S-ILS 19R DECISION ALTITUDE 267/HAT 212 ALL CATS.
DYERS FIX MINIMUMS:
CIRCLING MDA 720/HAA 664 ALL CATS.
TEMP CRANE 6204 FEET NORTH OF RWY 19R THLD, 315 AGL/359 MSL.
TREE 1429 FEET NORTH OF RWY 19R, 112 MSL.

FDC 7/2386 SNA FI/T JOHN WAYNE-ORANGE COUNTY, SANTA ANA, CA.
RNAV (GPS) RWY 19R, AMDT 1...
LNAV/VNAV DA 757/HAT 702 ALL CATS. VIS 2 ALL CATS.
LNAV MDA 660/HAT 605 ALL CATS. VIS CAT C RVR 6000, CAT D 1
1/2.
CIRCLING MDA 720/HAA 664.
ALTERNATE MINIMUMS: 800-2 1/2 ALL CATS.
VDP NA.
TEMP CRANE 6204 FEET NORTH OF RWY 19R THLD, 315 AGL/359 MSL.

FDC 7/2390 SNA FI/T JOHN WAYNE-ORANGE COUNTY, SANTA ANA, CA.
LOC BC RWY 1L, AMDT 10B...
CIRCLING MDA 720/HAA 666.
VDP NA.
TEMP CRANE 6204 FEET NORTH OF RWY 19R THLD, 315 AGL/359 MSL.

FDC 7/2391 SNA FI/T JOHN WAYNE-ORANGE COUNTY, SANTA ANA, CA.
LDA RWY 19R, AMDT 1C...
GAUER FIX MINIMUMS:
CIRCLING MDA 720/HAA 666 ALL CATS.
TEMP CRANE 6204 FEET NORTH OF RWY 19R THLD, 315 AGL/359 MSL.

FDC 7/2149 LGB FI/T LONG BEACH/DAUGHERTY FIELD, LONG BEACH, CA.
TAKE-OFF MINIMUMS AND (OBSTACLE) DEPARTURE PROCEDURES ...
TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: RWY 25L, 400-1 1/2 OR STANDARD WITH MINIMUM
CLIMB OF 387 FEET PER NM TO 600. TEMPORARY CRANE 7236 FEET FROM
DEPARTURE END OF RWY, 2102 FEET LEFT OF CENTERLINE, 300 AGL/349
MSL.
ALL OTHER DATA REMAINS AS PUBLISHED.

FDC 7/0653 HMT FI/T HEMET-RYAN, HEMET, CA.
RNAV (GPS) RWY 5, ORIG-A...
MISSED APPROACH: CLIMB TO 2500, THEN CLIMBING LEFT TURN TO
7100 DIRECT SETER WP AND HOLD, CONTINUE CLIMB-IN-HOLD TO 7100.

FDC 7/1831 HHR FI/T JACK NORTHROP FIELD/HAWTHORNE MUNI, HAWTHORNE,
CA.
VOR OR GPS RWY 25, AMDT 15A...
S-25 MDA 680/HAT 620 ALL CATS. VIS CATS A/B 1, CAT C 1 3/4,
CAT D 2. VDP NA.
CIRCLING MDA 680/HAA 614 ALL CATS. VIS CAT C 1 3/4.
MSA FROM LAX VORTAC 345-090 7700, 090-230 2900, 230-345 5300.
ADD NOTE: INOPERATIVE TABLE DOES NOT APPLY.
ADD NOTE: VISIBILITY REDUCTION BY HELICOPTERS NA.

FDC 7/6162 HHR FI/T JACK NORTHROP FIELD/HAWTHORNE MUNI,
HAWTHORNE, CA.
LOC RWY 25, AMDT 10A...
DISREGARD ALL REFERENCES TO DEMON INT/LAX 7.8 DME.
S-LOC 25 MDA 740/HAT 680 ALL CATS, VIS CATS A/B 1 1/4,
CAT C 2,CAT D 2 1/4.
CIRCLING MDA 740/HAA 674 ALL CATS, VIS CATS A/B 1 1/4,
CAT C 2, CAT D 2 1/4.
MSA FROM LAX VORTAC 345-090 7700, 090-230 2900, 230-345 5300.
ADD NOTES: INOPERATIVE TABLE DOES NOT APPLY. VISIBILITY
REDUCTION BY HELICOPTERS NA.
MISSED APPROACH: CLIMBING LEFT TURN TO 3000 VIA HEADING 210
DEGREES AND LAX R-170 TO LIMBO INT AND HOLD.

FDC 7/1435 TOA FI/T ZAMPERINI FIELD, TORRANCE, CA.
TAKE-OFF MINIMUMS AND (OBSTACLE) DEPARTURE PROCEDURES...
TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: RWY 29R, 200-1 1/2 OR STANDARD WITH MINIMUM
CLIMB OF 277 FEET PER NM TO 400. TEMPORARY CRANE 7018 FEET FROM
DEPARTURE END OF RWY, 2103 FEET LEFT OF CENTERLINE, 160 AGL/273
MSL.
ALL OTHER DATA REMAINS AS PUBLISHED.

FDC 7/2945 TOA FI/T ZAMPERINI FIELD, TORRANCE, CA.
ILS RWY 29R, AMDT 2...
S-ILS 29R DECISION ALTITUDE 381/HAT 284 ALL CATS. VISIBILITY
3/4 ALL CATS.
LOS ANGELES ALTIMETER SETTING MINIMUMS
S-ILS 29R DECISION ALTITUDE 405/HAT 308 ALL CATS. VISIBILITY 1
ALL CATS.
INOPERATIVE TABLE DOES NOT APPLY TO S-ILS 29R, S-LOC 29R, AND
LOS ANGELES ALTIMETER SETTING MINIMUMS.
TDZ ELEVATION: 97
AIRPORT ELEVATION: 103.

FDC 7/9928 ZLA CA.. FI/T AIRWAY ZLA.
V27-V208-V458 SANTA CATALINA (SXC) VORTAC, CA TO OCEANSIDE
(OCN) VORTAC, CA CHANGE OVER POINT OCN R-264 20 NM.

===



We are suffering a Mutiny of aircraft this week, and many students and CFIs are walking the plank while we sort it out. Here is what I know:

Cessna 08V continues her thorough Annual. At this rate, we expect her to emerge as a 172, or possibly a LearJet. Apologies for continued delays.

Cessna 68U will be down for Annual next week, and we will fix the Mode C Transponder at that time.

Cessna 20U has undergone an Alternator conversion and has a new Battery.

Cessna 04H is at Western Avionics for an Radio/Nav tune-up. Expect her back on the line early next week with new radio superpowers.

Cessna 1ES is running just fine. Thanks, 1ES!

Cessna 17J has her on-board tach sender acting up. We have installed a backup tach until we can get her to Long Beach for warranty repairs (likely Mon/Tue)

Piper 85Y is down to investigate an inop Left Aux Fuel Pump.

===

We are drawing heavily on our 3 mechanics, both shops on the field, and shops at 2 other airports to get through this mess. We hope to emerge soon and in good shape for Winter. Apologies for the rocky schedule.. but better safe than sorry, for everyone involved!




Blue Skies, no TFR busts!

- Mike

A new set of wings...

Pilots,

Please join me in congratulating the newest Pilot in the world, U.S. Private Pilot Ryan F., who earned his wings with DPE Tom Hamm in Cessna 1ES.



Nice work, Ryan!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Presidential TFR in San Diego

It's that time -- if ever there is a regulation that the FAA has zero sympathy over your violating, this is it - the presidential TFR. Pilots enforcing this no-fly-zone have authority to shoot you out of the sky if you are deemed a threat.



Check with FSS before every flight, EVEN FOR LOCAL TRAINING FLIGHTS, because an F16 in your window is no laughing matter!

==

-------------------------------------------------------------------
AOPA ePilot Special Airspace Bulletin October 24, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------


Special notice: TFR over San Diego for President Bush's visit on Thursday


==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==

FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR OVER SAN DIEGO ON THURSDAY
AOPA is sending this message to advise pilots in and near San Diego,
California, that the FAA is expected to issue a notam restricting
flight in the area during President Bush's planned visit on Thursday,
October 25.

Based on information from the FAA, the president is scheduled to be
in the San Diego area sometime on Thursday to survey the wildfire
damage in California. AOPA anticipates that the notam will establish
a large 30-nautical-mile-radius temporary flight restriction (TFR)
with one or more smaller GA no-fly zones.

The FAA stressed that the TFR is subject to change with little to
no advance notice.

AOPA will post the notam, along with a plain-language explanation
( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html ), as soon as possible after
it is issued. A graphical depiction will also be available.

Also, AOPA reminds pilots that the FAA has issued numerous notams
( http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html ) restricting flight in Southern
California to provide a safe environment for aerial firefighting
operations. See the bottom of the Interagency Airspace Coordination Web
site ( http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/fire/aviation/airspace/web/index.html )
to view a map of fire-related TFRs in California.

Because TFR airspace frequently changes, AOPA strongly encourages
pilots to obtain a briefing and CHECK NOTAMS before every flight.
TFR violators will be intercepted and forced to land.

Avionics Witch-hunt

Pilots,

Some assorted news:

Cessna 68U has a new turn coordinator. Her second navcom is on order. Her mode C will be investigated shortly.

Cessna 04H is at John Wayne for a complete avionics overhaul

Cessna 08V is having her new windshield installed. Her annual, which is taking forever, should be over by next week.

Cessna 20U and Piper 85Y have new VOR indicators on order.

Cessna 1ES completed her 100hr

Cessna 17J is in for her 100hr, we are doing evening inspections for her.



==

Twin Insurance Policy

We've now perfected the oddity of solo in the twin, and it is as follows:

Renter pilots holding a CFI rating or better may solo the aircraft after a checkout.

Renter pilots holding an MEL but not a CFI rating will require an insurance approval. We have done this now with a few students, and it takes between 3-7 days. Fly Corona will absorb any increase in insurance cost. For new renters, we will require a 20 hour block to be prepaid before adding you to insurance, and if you are refused by the underwriter for any reason, the unused portion of this block will be refunded to you on request.

===

Change in CFI Block Rate, effective November 15

Due to the phenomenal uptake in regional airline hiring, we are finding it difficult to retain CFIs. As such, pay rates are going up across the flight training industry, especially within our own instructor ranks.

As such, we will be doing the following:

CFI Block Rates will be eliminated effective November 15, 2007. All CFI time will be at the single rate of $49/hr.

Aircraft Rates will remain unchanged.

Since we do not like surprises, we grandfather old rates whenever there is a change. As such, the following applies:

All money on account as of November 15 will be grandfathered and remain at the CFI Block rate ($39) for a period of 2 months.

All full prepaid accounts as of November 15 will be grandfathered and remain at the CFI Block rate ($39) for a period of 6 months.

--

This new policy will allow us to retain good CFIs, and with luck, hold on to them longer before they pin on some epaulets and a tie and fly jets around.




Blue Skies!

- Mike

Plane shopping...

Pilots,

Like all things, after summer is buying season for all manner of toys, including RVs, boats, and yes, even the humble airplane. (coolest of the lot) Without the summer buyers snapping up winged toys, prices soften just enough to make sense.

We have a number of students who are toying with the idea of ownership for inexpensive flying, and we would like to get them talking amongst themselves. Sometimes partnerships make sense, sometimes someone has inside knowledge or access to a joyride in a certain type -- sometimes it's just nice to shoot the breeze and ponder ownership. We figure we're in the middle of some 200 or so frequent flyers at Corona, so who better to make a bridge?



If you're interested in the idea of plane ownership, and would like to get in touch with others who are currently shopping, drop me a line at mike@flycorona.com, and I'll try to get everyone talking with everyone else. I'm of course always around for individual buying advice, which should be taken along with every other resource out there for aircraft buying -- it's a big step, but it's not complicated when you break it down.

Current shopping that I've heard going on include planes like:

Cessna 172 R/S (like 1ES or 17J)
Cessna 182 Skylane II (Q+ model)
Beech Bonanza 285hp (C33A+ or S35+)



and possibly some others. Partnership can make sense if you want to spread out the fixed expenses. Leaseback *could* make sense under specific scenarios (ask me if you're thinking about it or want more information on aircraft as rental properties)

If you drop me a line, let me know what sort of mission or aircraft you have in mind, and what sort of other buyers you'd like to get in touch with, and I'll play matchmaker. :) The more people talking with one another, the less scary this sort of thing becomes, and the more flying we all get to do! a win-win!

(for the record, Fly Corona does not sell aircraft)



Okay, enough soapbox -- on to maintenance updates.

Piper 85Y completed her 100hr earlier this week.

Cessna 1ES is completing her 100hr (not annual) this evening. This means that her Annual will be due on November 30, regardless of hours remaining on the 100. It was the best choice of numerous choices, given that there are checkrides scheduled in her imminently.

Cessna 08V is still awaiting parts. Our ETA is unknown now.

Cessna 17J will likely be in for 100hr next week.



==

CFI Chris has been picked up for charter service, and will be available to his existing students only on a pre-arranged basis. We are looking for another CFI at this time.

==

Nice weather abounds again -- Blue Skies!

- Mike

A fun faire

Pilots,

Despite frumpy weather, the Corona Air Faire was quite fun this year, with a large turnout and some fun displays. We fared much better than Miramar, who had to cancel their show. Many thanks to those who stoped by to say hello, and of course, the FlyC staff who were exceptional this year. (most notably Nick and Carlos -- thanks guys!)



Piper 85Y is nearly done with her 100hr. We discovered a part in the landing gear doors which needs attention. We expect her online by week's end.

Cessna 08V is still awaiting parts. ETA end of week for her also.

Cessna 20U is back in action this week

Cessna 1ES is due for her 100hr/Annual soon. We have checkrides scheduled in her, so we will be taking her down early and in the evening, and hope to sneak the inspection through with minimum downtime. If we find something we don't like, though, there is potential for downtime. Cross fingers.

Cessnas 68U and 17J keep on trucking. Thanks girls!



We are on an avionics witch-hunt this week. We aim to replace indicators and radios and things which have been "inop" over the course of the coming weeks. Our intention is to replace these items during inclement weather. Please alert the office if there are squawks which are bugging you with the planes, so they can be slipped into this scheme.

We expect to begin this work after we wrap up 85Y and 08V, and hopefully end the plane mutiny and move on to the small things which are piling up.

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Maintenance Challenges...

Pilots,

It seems the mechanics we outsource to are backlogged... would've been nice for them to mention that a week ago. Regardless, we're trying to force through the following squawks that have aircraft grounded:



Cessna 08V is awaiting an inspection of her stabilator bearings to complete her Annual. We hope for her to be done by Friday.

Cessna 04H is awaiting a Fuel gauge to complete her 100hr, we expect this today. We hope for her to be back on the line tomorrow.

Cessna 20U is awaiting a seat pawl to repair her broken copilot seat. We hope for her to be back online Thursday.

Piper 85Y is awaiting the rebuild of one of her aux fuel pumps to complete her 100hr. We hope for her to be back online Saturday.

We are tapping our foot impatiently at the various vendors which are holding us up. I apologize for the extended maintenance windows on all of these planes.

More as I know it.

---

Santa Ana winds are here. Morning winds have been favoring Runway 7 -- a nice and turbulent change of pace.

Blue Skies,

- Mike

A windy homecoming!

Pilots!

Please join me in congratulating the world's latest Pilot, newly-minted U.S. Private Pilot John R., who conquered 20kt winds in Cessna 1ES with DPE Tom Hamm today. Nice work, John!



In other news,

Cessna 20U is back in action.

Cessna 08V's annual inspection is taking awhile as we await parts.

Cessna 04H is awaiting a new fuel gauge, which is being shipped ASAP

Piper 85Y is awaiting new main gear door hinges.

Blah. You'd think aviation companies would know how to transport things quickly. :)

Cessna 1ES, 17J, and 68U are flying high this weekend. Apologies to those who got maintenanced in by the FedEx folks.

Nice, if windy, weather -- good time to practice those extra-credit landings! :)

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Schedule glitch...

Pilots,

Apologies for a glitch with the booking system today -- apparently bookings were throwing errors this afternoon -- a result of exceeding 250 emails (our backup) in a day -- and triggering our ISP's spam filtering.

We've worked around this and now enjoy a limit of 500/day. When I get bored enough, I'll bump this to 1000 or so. :)



In other news, Cessna 20U's window hinge was found to be lacking -- we are installing a new one and have grounded her preventatively. Also she has a new starter.

Cessna 04H should emerge from 100hr soon with some new work done to her door frames

Cessna 08V is in for annual.

Piper 85Y is in for 100hr.

--

Business as usual -- thanks to those who emailed me the error message for the heads up. :)

The Corona Air Fair(e) is coming two saturdays from now -- it's always a blast, plan on paying the airport a visit!

Blue Skies!

- Mike

Quiet and gloomy

Pilots,

Not much going on around the ranch lately... and some icky weather is here today. Let's hope it doesn't last.



Cessna 68U completed her early 100hr.

Piper 85Y is undergoing her 100hr.

Cessna 08V will be down for Annual on monday.

Otherwise, business as usual. The IFR kids are having all the fun! :)

Cheers,

- Mike

Farewell, Shannon!

Pilots,

This is a somber day at the FlyC ranch, for our beloved CFI/CFII/MEI Shannon C. has left us in pursuit of a higher challenge.

Apparently all of his attempts to squeeze between mock red-barons, flights of 5, taxiway and grass landings, nordo, cutoffs, acrobatics, and all the other hullabaloo that is a Saturday morning at Corona - have taken their toll. Yes, CFI Shannon has demanded a cannon on his next set of wings.



A large cannon. Shannon will be destined to fly the A-10 Warthog, a machine designed to convert opposing tanks into confetti, and opposing livestock into a shower of jerky bits, all at the twitch of his finger.

.......oh yeah, let's give THIS guy a gun!

Best wishes, Shannon -- save us some teriyaki style! :)

==

CFI Spencer has expanded his hours to help fill the gap. Roman, Alex, Chris, and Dave also stand ready to keep the flightline going. Please contact the office if you were a Shannon student, and we can pair you up with a worthy replacement.

==

Cessna 04H, we believe, has finally had her electrics figured out. Cross fingers.

Cessna 1ES completed her 100hr.

Piper 85Y has completed an "IFR checkup" to make sure she's in prime form for cloud-busting, also to adjust an odd sidetone on her radios.

==

Rain is expected this weekend. I've noticed that every CFI has taken Saturday off, so it should be quiet around the ranch.

Also, in what I am told is a pure coincidence, the Red Bull Air Races are also going on this weekend in San Diego. Worth a look!



Blue Skies, upright Cessnas (please) !

- Mike

Ninja pilots...

All,

Please join me in congratulating, belatedly, new U.S. Private Pilot Jordan W., who, undaunted by 1ES's 100hr-in-progress, promptly commandeered his own 172R and rode to glory with DPE Tom Hamm this past weekend. Now that's a piloting mindset!

Nice work, Jordan!



In other news,

20U's new cylinder is back, awaiting installation and flight testing.

17J has completed her 100hr inspection.

08V is due next, be ready for some downtime imminently.

--

Wonderful weather abounds.. This is the good flying. :)

Blue Skies,

- Mike

200hr

Pilots,

Some maintenance updates around the aerodrome:

Cessna 20U is down for 100hr, and we discovered low compression on one of her new engine's cylinders. We expect downtime through tuesday or wednesday while we order a replacement.

Cessna 1ES is down for 100hr. We hope to have her back online sometime today.

Cessna 04H is still restricted from night flights while we search for the source of an electrical short, and we anticipate full functionality soon.



The weather is nice again. Grab some air!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

41C !?

Pilots,

Some things even a misty mate cannot fix -- this is a nasty heatwave. Please stay cool, bring water on EVERY flight, and if possible, climb high or go west :)



--

We are troubleshooting an electrical issue in Cessna 04H. She has been grounded from night flight until we pinpoint it.

Piper 85Y has her hobbs meter repaired. Sorry. :)

--



Business as usual around the ranch otherwise. Blue Skies!

- Mike

Starting 1ES

Pilots,

I have seen numerous "failed attempts" to start Cessna 1ES, and to a lesser extent, the same problem applies to Cessna 17J and Piper 85Y - which is, fuel-injected lycoming engines use a weird approach to starting.

For warm weather (read: always), the procedure in the checklist will FLOOD THE ENGINE every time. Here is my procedure:

Master ON
Mixture to idle cut-off
Throttle in 1"
Engage Starter until engine "catches", no more than 10 seconds.
Mixture full

If the engine failed to catch, try the boost pump for 1-2 seconds and repeat.



That's it. Using the primer/fuel boost pump should ONLY be necessary when it is cold out, and even then, do not use the 5-seconds or the "until fuel pressure stabilizes" rule. That is for Continental engines. 1-2 seconds TOPS will suffice.

Starting with the mixture "full rich" like the carbureted planes (68U, 20U, 04H) is a recipe for flooding also.

Give it a shot -- if you have a particular "trick", I'd like to know. At $500 apiece, starters for 1ES are worth sparing. :)

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Wabbit season? No, pilot season!

Pilots,

Please join me in congratulating newly-winged U.S. Private Pilot Patrick C., who soared to victory in Cessna 17J with DPE Tom Hamm. Nice job, Patrick!



Blue Skies,

- Mike

Hiding an Airplane Factory

Some great old WW2 shots of the Lockheed Aircraft Plant in Burbank.

From Think or Thwim:

During World War II the Army Corps of Engineers needed to hide the Lockheed Burbank Aircraft Plant to protect it from a Japanese air attack. They covered it with camouflage netting and trompe l’oeil to make it look like a rural subdivision from the air.

Before:



After: