Mutiny!

Avast, Pilots!

What with rain and thunder on an otherwise fine Saturday, spoiling flying for all -- our planes are all making faces at us as well!

Here's what I know:

Cessna 630 has walked the plank into her 100hr inspection.

Cessna 68U is sailing the seas just fine. Thank ye, 68U!

Cessna 739 decided to fall on her starter not once, but twice! She is flying again now, after some persuadin'.

Cessna 1ES has put in for an extended shore leave, on account of some engine troubles. Downtime TBD but will be significant.

Cessna 17J had her 3rd, 4th, 12th? Transponder installed. We've lost count.

Cessna 25R just awaits Gear doors now.

Bonanza 11N is taking a little longer than anticipated -- hopefully re-emerging this week.



What a scurvy lot. We hope to have them back in ship-shape as soon as we can.

The oil change seminar was a lot of fun, even though I had no voice. We'll do it again soon.

==

That's all I know at the moment.

Blue Skies!

- Mike

Rays of sunshine

Pilots!

Please join me in congratulating the newest US Private Pilot in the world, one Pilot Jim P., who soared to victory yesterday in Cessna 739 with DPE Mark D.

This feat is doubly impressive given a last-minute aircraft change for maintenance, proving that he can fly anything -- bring it on! Way to go, Jim!




In other news,

Cessna 630 is cruising around.

Cessna 68U may be pulled from the bench to alleviate schedule crunch issues. This may happen as soon as tomorrow (Monday). She will have numerous improvements, including interior, glass, and her second navcom reinstalled. We are debating paint too, but will try her as-is for the time being.

Cessna 739 makes pilots and takes names.

Cessna 1ES has made a maintenance face at us, and we have grounded her to investigate. Downtime TBD.

Cessna 17J is partying.

Cessna 25R is still waiting on gear door repair. ETA remains at 2-4 weeks.

Bonanza 11N decided to spend the week in Catalina after an exhaust manifold failure. We expect her back and shiny on Wednesday.

We are pursuing leads on a Baron or Duchess, as well as a 182. All of these would be for club duty.

We are seeking another C150 for flight school duty.



If you have a PAPER pilot certificate, please understand that it turns into a pumpkin on March 31. If you still have one of these, you must exchange it for a plastic one, which will cost you $2. You may register online, and the lead time is 7-10 days.

You may NOT pilot an aircraft on a paper pilot certificate after March 31.

Register here: FAA Airman Registry

There is a separate deadline for paper A&P mechanic certificates -- poke around the FARs or the FAA website to learn when that particular deadline is.



Strange weather -- check freezing levels if you plan to play in the clouds today!

Blue Skies!

- Mike

Such nice weather...

Pilots!

Some updates around the ranch:

Cessna 630 is cruising around.

Cessna 739 completed her 100hr this morning, and is back in the sky -- sorry for the long downtime, we found something in the wing to frump at.

Cessna 1ES completed her 100hr pit-stop style last week.

Cessna 17J is not bothering anybody.

Cessna 25R is in the home-stretch, with an anticipated return in March.



Bonanza 11N had her first spot of bother -- with a broken exhaust manifold. Oops! Good job to pilot Alan S for deciding that a runway is the best place to put a flame-throwing airplane, despite the obvious style-points in re-enacting Halley's comet. :) Bonanza 11N's downtime is forecast at 1 week for some paintwork and arched eyebrows.



Our Preventative Maintenance seminar is now scheduled! Saturday, February 27 at 10am, feel free to join us as we discuss the following:

The important of correct paperwork
The regulations as-written, and their actual use in practice
Logbook entries
Correct technique for changing your engine oil
Tips, tricks, cool ideas

And, as always, we will also perform an *actual* oil change for everyone to watch and participate in! Dress in your grubby clothes!

If you have an airplane and would like to change its oil, we will be on-hand to assist you, and we can do that simultaneously with the group!

It's a lot of fun, and you get to really get a look at the innards of an aircraft engine, chat with the mechanics who keep our airplanes aloft, and see what happens in our evil maintenance lair! (our wrenches don't bite, honest!)

Feel free to RSVP at the FAA Safety Team -- and if there are no spots remaining... you can still show up anyway! (shh, don't tell)

We will have refreshments, you'll get to inhale airplanes for 2-3 hours, and you'll leave with a certificate of training from us! Cool!




Not much else going on... although I've got about as much as I can handle at the moment :)

Blue Skies!

- Mike

Osh Roll Call...

Pilots!

It's a little earlier than we like to announce, but the time is coming soon when we will make our annual Airventure pilgrimage.

For those not in the know, this is a chance to book a little bit of cross-country time (4,000nm worth) by flying to Osh Kosh, WI for the annual Airventure "Aviation Celebration". Every year we rent a giant house across from the airfield (replete with air conditioning), and make the Osh Arrival and Departure procedure, and spend 5 days drinking in everything aviation. It's something every pilot should do once in their lives.



We do a pro-rata split of flight time in an assortment of aircraft, and last year we took a B33 Straight-tail Bonanza and my S35 V-tail Bonanza. 7 pilots pro-rata wound up being appx $430 for the trip, and camping with the aircraft was free! A spot in the house can be had for $500 for the 5 days as well, and it is truly excellent all around. Additionally, you will receive your High-Po and Complex endorsements if you do not already have them, and will be able to log PIC for your legs. If you are training for IFR, you can log Safety Pilot and even file and fly full IFR if you wish.

Expect to log 6-8 hours PIC HP/Complex time, with each leg crossing 2-3 states on average.

This year Airventure is from July 26 - August 1. We would plan to launch from Corona on Friday, July 22, and return by Sunday, August 1. Historically, I have acted the bitter slave driver, and whipped us home on Saturday night, but we allow for weather. I promise that you will spend the week after Osh saturated with aircraft.

It's a good time. It's worth going. We'd love to know if you wish to join us this year!



Drop me a line at mike@flycorona.com if you'd like to be on the "Maybe" list. Please indicate the strength of your "Maybe" so that we may prioritize accordingly and round up the correct aircraft for the journey.

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Catching up...

Pilots!

Sorry for the delay in news. Things have been busy behind the scenes. Here's what I know:

Cessna 17J and 1ES have completed 100hrs.

Cessna 630 also.

Cessna 739 is in for her 100hr, and it is rumored that it may take a week.

Cessna 68U is slowly being put back together.



We have a plane crunch! We are going to be seeking 1 or 2 additional 172s for the lineup this spring. This is in addition to 25R, who is rumored to return in March from her escapades.

This will be in addition to our 182 which we are shopping for currently for the club.

...the Citabria will need to wait this round. Our next plane-shopping window is in fall.




That's all I know at the moment. More as I get it!

Blue Skies,

- Mike