Well, woof...

Pilots!

Mutiny continues around the ranch, despite our wrench floggings. Here is what I know:



Cessna 630 has emerged victorious from her 100hr.

Cessna 68U is not bothering anybody. Thanks, 68U!

Cessna 739, while installing a replacement tach (which had broken), was discovered to have a crease in her firewall, and has been grounded.

This is no small job. We are particularly disappointed that somebody appears to have had a bone-jarringly bad landing on the nosewheel and did not mention it to anybody to verify the plane was okay. From looking at the firewall, we are amazed that the pilot still has his or her teeth! Had the situation been worse, we might have been dispatching a dangerous plane, and endangering other pilots. Not nice. I think our pilots would feel rather silly if they were suddenly without a firewall!

It will be appx 1.5 - 2 weeks to replace the firewall. We are sensitive to the poor timing this represents, and are doing our best schedule shuffle. Please bear with us -- as always, though, we must adopt the "better safe than sorry" policy.

Cessna 1ES is out of commission for the time being.

Cessna 17J is in for 100hr, and will return Friday, assuming her firewall is still attached. :)

Cessna 25R, source of discontent for a few folks, is on her 6th attempt at gear door repairs. We also have a set of molds being shipped from Australia as a form of plan B -- in case we strike out yet again -- and will plan to just make the darn things ourselves, since Cessna has none, and nobody else does either.

Bonanza 11N leaves the hangar tomorrow with a new cowling skin, and will be off to the salon for some paintwork. She will be back with us on Friday. Apologies for the delay.



(739's nose upon closer inspection)


We have selected a 182 for the club! I will have pictures soon, but here is what I know:

Insurance is pending, but we expect the *same* participation rate for either the 182 or the Bonanza. This is a 12-month term of $194 per month, and $59/hr dry with no limits. These are targets, with final numbers being worked out still.

She is nice with the full IFR kit, an excellent autopilot, fresh motor and glass, and some STOL mods as well. A great step-up aircraft. I should have pictures soon.

Existing club members will have full access to the 182, and checkout will be minimal.

That's it for now. More as I know it!

Blue Skies,

- Mike

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