Spared! ... for now...

Pilots!

Good news -- the petroleum gods have smiled... or at least, frowned less upon us than expected. AvGas prices will remain the same this week, as will fuel surcharges at $3 and $5/hr. We crave the day when these will disappear, but with world events as they are, and with the petroleum companies beset on all sides by ... (shakes "magic excuse" 8-ball) ... increased springtime demand... it may be some time, if ever, before we see relief.

Riverside Airport (KRAL) is having an Air Show this coming Saturday. Since Fly Corona! is heavily involved in Corona's Air Show (well, ours is a "Faire") this year (in October), we will be there to take notes and meet our fellow aviators to the east. The airport is only open for flight ops until 9:30am, and you may be able to hitch a ride with one of us! A 10-minute flight sure beats a 30-minute drive, and it just looks darn cool. Regardless, Admission is free! (car parking: $5). More information can be found here.

Students, check NOTAMs to learn about airport closures like this. Imagine sharing the pattern with an air force high-speed demonstration... just long enough for tower to give you an exciting lecture.. or perhaps a less exciting phone number.


There is a TFR north of Banning Airport (see image, click to expand - TFR is the red circle, UFN = "Until Further Notice"), which showed up today. Cheeky Pilots doing XC work to Vegas, Laughlin, or other party points east involving the Banning Pass -- be sure to stay well clear. Nobody at the blackjack table wants to hear about how you lost your license because you busted a TFR restriction.

I just noticed that there is an IFR intersection called MORON on that map. I've never seen it before on my charts. Someone at the NACO/NOAA Charting Office has a cruel sense of humor! Sorry Banning Pilots! (we're not sorry, however, to certain Shady A&P Friends from that area! :) )


There are impressive clouds and winds tormenting us lately on the periphery. So far, but for a few raindrops, Corona remains the "cylinder of great weather" this week. Let's hope for continued lovely weather and blue skies, and marvel at vertically-developed cumulus from afar.

- Mike

Rainy weather...

Hi gang,

Not much to update in the past week. Cessna 04H completed her 100hr last night. We were able to field a squadron of people in the hangar from about 4pm to 10pm and knock the thing out. 04H is back on the line and feeling strong, with no cancellations! (a record for us)

Cherokee 08F will be receiving a new propeller this week. She was having trouble making static run-up (about 25 RPMs shy), and after some deliberation, we chose to blame the prop.

We will be adding a set of Jeppesen DVDs to the lending library for Private, Instrument, and Commercial. We find the Jeppesen videos to be a little dry, but the information is well presented and thorough. Run-time is about 10 hours for Private, and 10 hours for IFR/Commercial. Please let the office staff know if you are interested in borrowing a set.

As you know, we normally bill your account for the full value of a book, then credit it in full on its return -- since DVDs are prone to being scratched over time, we will be loaning out copies only, not originals. These copies will incur only a $30 refundable deposit to your account, credited on their return. (far better than the $300 retail it would incur otherwise)

In my own opinion, I find the Jepp DVDs better than the King or the Sporty's sets. We may make copies of the others in time, though, so look for those eventually.

Fuel prices are sneaking up again.. which may spell trouble for everyone. This time last year, 100LL AvGas was $2.29/gal. We are currently at $3.49 and likely on our way to $3.69 soon, with no end in sight. This $0.20/gal increase represents an increase in $1.20/hr to operate the C150s, and $1.60/hr to operate the C172s and PA-28. As a result, fuel surcharges may go to $4/$7 soon (from the current 3/5). We will post this event in the office if it occurs, so there will be no surprises. As soon as prices change, we will drop the surcharges promptly. (we hate them too!)


There is a rumor that Fly Corona! may be getting a Cirrus. More when I know it. :)

Blue Skies!

- Mike

2 down, one to go

Hi Gang,

Cessna 20U completed her 100hr in record time on Sunday. Especial thanks to Kamau K and Scott D for their work during, and Mike W and Chris F for their preparatory work to get 20U checked out and back on the ramp in a hurry!

Cessna 68U completed her 100hr today. Mike W and Chris F were solely responsible for the quick inspection and return to flight for 68U.

We are in the market for another Cessna 172. if you are interested in leaseback information, please consult with me or the staff, or email mike@flycorona.com for more details on a unique aircraft ownership opportunity with some income potential.