Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Rockstars

Pilots!

Please join me in high-fiving two excellent pilots who knocked out some checkride goodness today!

First, the newest Private Pilot in the world! One US Private Pilot Ryan D scored his wings with DPE Mark D in Cessna 739!

Way to go, Ryan!



And... the nastiest checkride there is... one which, at one point, had a 25% initial pass rate...

...was just decimated by our own Nick K -- the newest FAA Certified Flight Instructor in the world! And on the first try, awww yeah! Nice work Nick!

Nick flew with the Riverside FSDO using both Cessna 739 and Bonanza 11N.

So awesome. Way to go Nick!

Nick may be joining our CFI roster shortly! After the celebrations wear off anyway...



Not much else going on:

Cessna 61Q is cruising.

Cessna 68U isn't bothering anyone.

Cessna 739's LED landing light is very stylish.

Cessna 94M owns the sky

Cessna 63B is in for Annual.

Cessna 17J is being repaired.

Bonanaza 11N makes CFIs all day like it was nothin.



It's warm out! The fridge is well stocked -- please make hydration part of your pre- and post- flight briefings! It's pilot-making weather!

Blue Skies!

- Mike

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Progress!

Pilots!

Sorry for the long delay in updating, but we have been very busy behind the scenes. Here are some things I know:



First, in maintenanceland;

Cessna 526 has rejoined us after completing her annual. She is available for large blocks of time-building to relieve 61Q's schedule, and rents at competitive dry rates.

Cessna 61Q has started her 100hr inspection.

Cessna 68U has completed her 100hr inspection.

Cessna 739 is not bothering anyone. Her LED light has even shipped! We'll believe it when we see it.

Cessna 94M is cruising along.

Cessna 63B goes in for her annual next week.

Cessna 17J will be rejoining the fleet! She is due in 5-6 weeks.

Bonanza 11N will be going down for annual next week also.



Woof.

So we have completed our insurance renewal, and we have come to a compromise on our policies, after much hand-wringing.

First, since we hate surprises, there are no changes coming until August 31.

As discussed, our deductible is increasing to $10,000. This is effective immediately.

Solo students will be asked to carry $10,000 in renters coverage prior to solo. We will offer two flavors of coverage: Avemco (which covers you nationally) at appx $240, and a local option through our carrier in the neighborhood of $199. This will be per year.

Renters who we have an existing relationship with (and that relationship has not bent any metal) will also be asked to carry $10,000 in renters coverage. The rates will be the same, however, if you are not a FlyC alumnus, there may be an insurance form required for the $199 option.

Foreign renters who are new to the school will be required to carry full coverage for the aircraft of their choosing.

==

I know this all sounds like bad news, but the alternative option was to hike aircraft rates by $10/hr, and keep the $5,000 deductible, which we disagree with. Instead, we have chosen to personally absorb the increased insurance rates we will have this year, and hope that we have a smooth 2011/2012 flying season. At that time, we expect things to go back to normal. (except for the foreign insurance requirement -- that stays!)

Under our scheme, if you do have a real bad day of flying, your deductible is covered. We think $0 is better than $5,000, and much better than $10,000. As 17J shows, flying is not getting any cheaper. (her current tally is appx $125,000, and we're not done yet!)

We also expect to offer a package deal where we will cover your insurance costs with a block time purchase. We are working the spreadsheets to make it work out.

==

We will have finalized rates and whatnot shortly. Feel free to contact the office or myself with questions or concerns.



In other news...

We may be adding a 182T to the flightline to fill in where 073 abruptly left off.

==

We are on the hunt to add a General Manager to the Fly Corona staff. As my own time is increasingly and unusually being taken with other things, we have decided to increase our "power" in the office with some fresh talent and ideas. This will allow me to meddle without being distracted while at the airport. Additionally, it will give you a new steward to ensure your flying with us is the best anywhere.

There is no job description for this position, as this job is like nothing you could ever describe. It is, however, an absolute blast. If you or someone you know might want to play airplanes with us, drop me a line at mike@flycorona.com. Please be, at a minimum, a pilot, someone interesting, full of energy, and not mean. The rest we'll figure out as we go -- but we'll be picky and will want a truly unique individual.

==

We are hosting a tire/brake change FAA Safety Seminar this Saturday at 10am. Donuts and coffee and hangar wrenching -- what could be finer? Join us if you like -- the course is eligible for FAA Wings credit!

==

Summer! Be sure to stay cool -- don't forget to add a cold water bottle to your preflight!

More as I know it...

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tropically Fun Times!

Pilots!

Thanks to those who joined us on a fun adventure to Oceano for snacks and sand at Pismo Beach! The following BBQ was also a great time, thanks to grillmaster Cris!

It was nice to sit and tell hangar lies on a gorgeous California Sunday, and with such a great crew. It was also nice to hear some pro comms, see some sweet short-field techniques, and even dodge a few unlucky skydivers, who misunderstood that airports are for airplanes, not for things tied to napkins and thrown out of a Cessna. Goofballs. :)



I hope we can do a similar get-together soon!

==

In other news,

Word on the street is that Julie will return to the fleet after some physical therapy handed down by the maestros at Tom's Aircraft in Long Beach. We had Julie shipped to Toms, since we bought her there, and have asked their sheet metal masters to see what they can do. We will know more shortly.

==

Mostly quiet in maintenanceland. 68U has had some spark plugs cleaned.



We are not done with our insurance fisticuffs yet, but will know by the end of the week what is in store. Things are looking decent.

==

Please join me in welcoming our newest CFI to the fold -- one Cooper Lee! Cooper joins us with significant aviation experience, a calm teaching demeanour, great pilot chops, and -- for now -- an open schedule! Cooper is available Sunday through Thursday for now while we ramp him up. If you bump into him, give him a hello or stylish fist bump, and welcome him to our Eyrie!



Morning fog, afternoon haze, 80 degree weather. Summer is upon us! Good times!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

A Tropical getaway?

Pilots!

It's too hot lately. If only we had time machines that could whisk us away...

Oh, wait!

This Sunday, July 10, join us for a summer fun trip to Oceano near Pismo Beach! We are taking the entire flotilla, plus some friends of the school, and cruising to the beach! There is talk of goofing around at the airport, telling lies, or even quads and paintball -- then a leisure cruise back to Corona for a BBQ and a movie!

Dress code is hawaiian, flights are pro-rata, and fun is guaranteed! We are briefing at 8:30am on Sunday, and will plan to have a safe adventure while our grounded friends bake! Ha!

There are still a few spots -- contact Carlos in the office to swipe a spot! Hope to see you there!

I suspect our BBQ will be at 6 or 7pm -- if you can't get away for some flying, swing down for some burgers and chat with the coolest pilots in the southland!



Carlos has more information on our Facebook Page!

Calm around the ranch otherwise. Grab some air!

Blue Skies,

- Mike