WFC Pilot April2014.Pub

WFC Pilot Volume 2, Issue 4 April 2014 Winter Meetings: Oshkosh Hotspots First Tuesday of the Month 6 p.m. No, this meeting is not about trendy Oshkosh night- Room 138 clubs. CFI John Dorcey will cover “Hotspots on the Fox Valley Tech College Oshkosh Airport,” those irksome intersections and Aviation Campus troublesome taxiways that may put you in harm’s way if 3601 Oregon Street you’re not careful. John will point out areas to watch Oshkosh, Wisconsin. for and suggest ways to avoid conflicts with other aircraft. Next Meeting: Our next meeting is on Tuesday, April 8. We'll Tuesday, April 8 begin at 6 p.m. with a brief business meeting, and then Details here go on to John’s safety presentation. As always, we’ll meet in Room 138 at Fox Valley Technical College's Spanbauer Aviation Center. The center is located on the southeast side of the Oshkosh airport on Oregon Street. Invite a friend and come on down! Flying Wisconsin By Rose Dorcey On Saturday, March 22, about fortable sharing them in front of a large group, but the one-on-one 20 Winnebago Flying Club talks these events provide helps us feel comfortable about asking ques- members attended our annual tions, airing ideas, or suggesting situations from which we can learn. CONTENTS party (see photos on page 3.) It We’re fortunate to have highly experienced CFIs and pilots to bounce was another great opportunity off ideas in a quiet, non-threatening setting, outside of the cockpit. Tim Talks 2 to get to know one another Some of our members act as safety pilots for each other, or simply Flying at Night, Part II better in the relaxed atmos- share flight duties to new destinations (I’ll fly one leg, and someone else By Tim Lemke phere of Mahoney’s Restaurant flies another.) And because of our monthly meetings and other get- in Oshkosh, have some fun, and togethers, we’re able to find joint interests, getting to know one an- WFC “Winter” Party 3 include some aviation safety and other well enough to decide whom we want to ask to share a flight. See the Photos! trivia. Now here’s where I’ll really open up. I’ve met dozens of people As a member of WFC for through aviation in the 23 years I’ve been involved with it, but I can Winter Flying 4 six, maybe seven years (Sara?) I easily say that my favorites are the people I’ve met through Winnebago Photo Contest have never underestimated the Flying Club. Never have I seen such camaraderie, encouragement, giv- Time to Vote! value of gatherings such as ing, and goodness in a group of pilots (and their spouses and friends) these. They’re beneficial on than in WFC members. I’ve seen it in many ways; the respect shown to Touchdowns vs. 6 several levels, in my opinion, our speakers at meetings, the humble attitudes, the generosity of mem- and as important to keeping us bers who gave to the Oshkosh Warming Shelter, the true desire to see Landings flying as the safety seminars we our friends succeed, the numbers who volunteer to help at events, and By Keith Myers attend and briefings our club the dedicated, dependable leadership of Club President Tim Lemke, A Ride in a B-24 6 CFIs present. When we’re con- and those who serve the club in other roles, such as Treasurer Sara By John Dorcey necting with fellow pilots, we’re Strands and Maintenance Officer Eric Abraham. strengthening our ties to avia- I suppose I’m biased, but Winnebago Flying Club is a goldmine; a tion. It doesn’t matter what treasure trove of experiences and friendship. For that I’m grateful. It Aviation Calendar 8 certificates or ratings each one seems likely that you feel the same way. If not, please share with Tim of us has earned, what matters or me how Winnebago Flying Club can better meet your expectations. is that we share our experi- For me though, I am so pleased with my club membership, and I “shout ences and learn from those of it from the mountaintops” on every occasion I get. I hope you feel that others. We may not be com- way, too. Page 2 WFC Pilot IM ALKS T T Flying at Night, Part II (continued from March issue) In last month’s issue of the club newsletter, I reviewed several of the Federal Aviation Regula- tions that relate to night flight. This month, I’d like to review a few more tips and techniques that will make night flight safer and more enjoyable. The lighting of the instru- Club Pres Tim Lemke ment panel and the interior of N7770G is adequate, but not as good as you would find in a Send your Ideas! modern automobile. A flash- Need a flying question an- light is necessary in order to swered by Tim, Keith, or John? read checklists, charts, and Do you have story ideas? other printed documents. Two Want to write a story or flashlights are kept in N7770G. Photos by Rose Dorcey There is a large Maglite held in share a favorite flying photo? Flying at night presents challenges, such as spotting runways a clip on the floor between the Your ideas, questions, photos, among city lights. Who can spot Runway 9 at KOSH in this photo? and comments are welcome. front seats. A second pocket- Send to [email protected]. size flashlight is kept in the ored lenses. The one I like best cially at a large airport with a Thanks! glove box. I check the condi- is a small flashlight with two complex array of runways and tion of the batteries in both of AAA cells and a medium inten- taxiways (like Wittman Re- these flashlights on a periodic sity white light. I’ve tried lights gional Airport). However, you basis, and replace the batteries with red and even green lenses, can eliminate most of the con- as necessary. If you notice that but those colors tend to make fusion by remembering that the batteries are getting weak, it difficult for me to read some runway edge lights are white please let me know or Eric of the details on the sectional and taxiway edge lights are Abraham, our maintenance chart. A working flashlight (and blue. Remember also that taxi- officer, know, and we will get a backup) should be considered way centerlines are painted those batteries replaced. essential equipment for night yellow and runway centerlines For night flight, I also carry flight. are painted white. Don’t hesi- my own personal small flash- Aircraft position lights are tate to ask the controller for a light attached to a lanyard arranged similar to those of progressive taxi if you’re un- around my neck. I’ve tried boats and ships. There is a red sure of how to get where you several different styles of small light on the left wingtip, a green want to go on the airport. flashlights with different col- light on the right wingtip, and a VASI lights and PAPI lights white light on the tail. This are extremely useful for night- arrangement provides a means time approaches, because when by which pilots can determine they are used correctly they the general direction of move- help to assure that you are on ment of other airplanes at the proper glide path and you night. If you observe both a red will not hit any obstructions on and a green light of another the approach to landing. We’re aircraft, how can you tell if the fortunate that the two long airplane is coming toward you runways at Oshkosh are or moving away from you? equipped with PAPI or VASI Long ago, a sailor taught me lights on each end. For those this short phase as a way of pilots who have made a night making the determination: Red- landing at an airport that is Right-Returning, which means minimally equipped, such as that if the red light is on the Brennand Airport (79C) west right, the airplane is returning, of Neenah, you gain an in- or coming back at you. creased appreciation of the Runway and taxiway lights well equipped airport we have can be confusing at night, espe- available to us at Oshkosh. At night, don’t confuse a city street for a runway. Don’t laugh, it has happened. See: http://generalaviationnews.com/2013/11/21/ pilot-mistakes-road-for-airport Volume 2, Issue 4 Page 3 Annual Party Photos by Rose Dorcey Our members and guests had a great time at our annual “Winter” party, which this year was our “We’re Not Sure What the Heck Season This Is” party. Held on March 22 at Ma- honey’s Restaurant in Oshkosh, several people won prizes as we learned more about Wisconsin airports, and each other, through games we played. Plus a great meal and great camaraderie. Win-win! Page 4 WFC Pilot MEMBERS WFC’s Winter Flying Photo Contest Members: It’s Time for You to Vote! Our second WFC Pilot Photo taken between January 1 and photo con- Contest has ended and it’s time March 31, most of them in test. (And for you to cast your votes. February and one in March. we’re glad While only a handful of mem- Please rank your favorites you got to bers submitted photos for our from 1-5. A first place prize will get out there latest photo contest, those we be awarded to the winner.

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