November Bloomsburg Municipal Airport

BJ Teichman, Airport Coordinator - TOB Dave Ruckle, Pilot [email protected] [email protected]

Bloomsburg Flying Club Memberships available! www.flybloomsburg.com Contact: [email protected]

Bring a friend who is interested in joining the club!

Flight Instructors:

▪ Phil Polstra – CFII (Parlor City Flying Club Member / Bloomsburg Flying Club) [email protected] 570-854-5653 ▪ Rob Staib – (Independent) [email protected] 570-850-5274 ▪ Hans Lawrence – CFII / MEI / RI [email protected] 570-898-8868 ▪ Eric Cipcic, CFI [email protected] 412-496-9954 (Based at KIPT – willing to travel to other airports)

On the Horizon / Save the Date(s):

What: N13 EAA Chapter 1641 Meeting Date and Time: 15 Nov, 5:00 PM Guest Speaker: Ron Andress / Gyro-Copter Location: Bloomsburg Fire Hall **************************************** What: N13 Bloomsburg Flying Club Meeting Date: 15 Nov. 2020 and Time: 6:30 PM Location: Bloomsburg Fire Hall – Park in the lot in the back of the Fire Hall 2 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

ON the Horizon / Save the Date

What: Fly IN Luncheon Date and Time: 07 Nov., 11:00 – 14:00 Location: Sunbury on the Island Sponsored by: EAA Chapter 769 Hearty Soup on the menu *********************************************************** ACCOMPLISHMENTS: CFII – Dave !

Bloomsburg Flying Club Member, Dave L. Earns his CFII!!!

Two more Solos At N13!

Bloomsburg Flying Club Members, Dr. Vishnu and Ty both soloed in October.

Photo not available for Ty.

Congratulations

Well DONE Above Vishnu on left and Phil on right 3 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

Our “Meeley”

When an airport has been around as long as N13, nearly 80 years, there is bound to be a lot of history surrounding it, stories about people and events that created the heritage the airport is known for. One way these stories get past down from one airport generation to the next is verbally, in a manner often called “hangar flying.” It’s an acquired skill that takes years of refinement and repeated practice. Its educational value is often dubious; however, it’s found to be very effective on younger pilots in the airport community. It is the easiest way of keeping historical matters, whether factual or not, alive. Often, hangar flying is as entertaining as it is educational. Perhaps the most undisputable way of passing on historical information is by means of photographs. Like the old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And, some pictures speak volumes. So, it was on September 22nd when Joanne “Jo” Wright and her daughter, Lisa, paid a visit to N13, the airport where over the years, she and her late husband, Dr. William “Bill” Wright along with their son Law, had created many fond flying memories. (Above, (L) Lisa Wright Hummer and (R) Joanne Wright) One reason for her visit was to see the many changes that have taken place here since she moved to the Philadelphia area. The other was to donate a photo album entitled Columbia Airways Bloomsburg Airport 1933. When 4 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter asked about the origin of the album, she explained that it was a gift to her husband from Harry Magee, founder of the Bloomsburg airport. In it are intriguing pictures of the airport in its infancy, photos of classic bi- winged aircraft and repair shops that are still used today by Columbia Aircraft Services. But this article is not just about Jo’s gift, a photo album that depicts a small portion of the airport’s history from the early 1930’s. No, it’s a story about a family whose lives were immersed in aviation and their love for it based here at the Bloomsburg airport. The best place to start would be with an episode from a local news station recorded more than 40 years ago. Click on the link below to view a six-minute story that will give you an overview of the Wright family passion for aviation. It’s an amazing story.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AlSfCmNWqcIAhlVW5harE-SzoW9m?e=EgOGuU

Joanne’s storied connection to N13 began when women, especially local women, were not commonly found flying airplanes. One story Jo likes to recall occurred while she was making an approach into the Harrisburg airport with two other planes already prepared to enter the pattern ahead of her. After she made initial contact with the tower, one of the other pilots, a male, instructed the controller, “Let the lady go first. “I’ve never been sure if he was just being a gentleman or if he didn’t trust me behind him,” laughed Jo. Over the years, Jo enjoyed an extensive flying career, racking up numerous endorsements and ratings, including: a commercial pilot’s license for airplane single engine land & sea, multi-engine land, instrument, helicopter and glider. To this day, she maintains her certified flight instructor rating for single and multi-engine aircraft.

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And, as the video highlights, Jo taught her son, Law, how to fly before he was old enough to drive.

Above, Joanne cuts son Law’s shirt off. It was a tradition then too!

But Jo’s involvement in aviation was more far reaching than that. In 1969, she competed in the 23rd Annual All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race (AWTAR) more commonly called the Powder Puff Derby. That year, from July 4th to the 7th, the race was flown from , to Washington, D.C. It was a 2,515-mile event, hosting 95 aircraft and 172 pilots and co-pilots. Jo’s friend, Eleanor Stilli, sat in the right seat of the Cherokee 180, N7987W, which later became part of the Parlor City Flying Club fleet. The 1969 Derby winner was Mara Culp, flying a Piper Comanche

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On Rt. Pilot Jo Wright, with Co-Pilot Eleanor Stilli, who participated in the cross- country Powder-Puff Derby. July 1969

(L) Cherokee 180 N7987W, later became one of the Parlor City Flying Club aircraft

Women’s Air Race” for more about this historical event See side story” 7 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

With her helicopter rating, Jo also became a member of the Whirly-Girls, a non-profit, charitable and educational organization that aims to advance women in helicopter aviation. See the additional side story “Whirly- Girls” for more information regarding this organization.

Jo is also a member of the world-wide organization of female pilots known as The Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots that provides networking, mentoring and flight scholarship opportunities to recreational and professional female pilots. For more details about this organization, see “The 99s” another side story in this newsletter edition. 8 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

Jo’s passion for flying is only equaled by her love of pets. She and Law are active participants in Animal Rescue Flights, a volunteer program where pilots use their aircraft to rescue and deliver dogs and cats to their “forever homes” throughout the country. Jo was also instrumental in establishing the local PA Pets, Inc, an organization dedicated toward solving the problem of pet overpopulation by means of spaying and neutering homeless or unwanted pets.

Joanne, Law, and Law’s wife Susan also a pilot, following a rescue flight. The Wright family love affair with aviation actually started with Bill Wright’s father, Bill Sr., a pilot in the First World War. If you haven’t watched the video story yet, be sure to see the interesting interview with him. As you might have guessed, Joanne’s son, Law, went on to earn advanced ratings, too. He is now an accomplished commercial single and multi-engine, instrument rated pilot. And then there is Shane Wright, a grandson, who is a helicopter mechanic and the Maintenance Manager for the Geisinger Life Flight fleet. He is currently in the process of acquiring his private pilot certificate, too. Imagine…four generations of aviators that has been a part of aviation throughout most of it’s history. Well, definitely, as long as history has been made at the Bloomsburg airport. 9 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

By the way, in case you were wondering, Meeley was ’s nickname.

Pilot Joanne Wright.

********** “The Women’s Air rAce”

The first Women’s Air Derby was held on August 13th through the 20th. in 1929. It was part of the in , Ohio that same year. Humorist and aviation enthusiast, Will Rogers, referred to it as the Powder Puff Derby and the name has stuck ever since. At the time there were only 70 licensed women pilots in the country and only 40 that met the race requirement of having 100 hours of solo flight, including 25 hours of solo cross country. Of that group there were 20 entrants in the Derby. It took eight days to fly the route from Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio. Of the 20 planes, 15 completed the race. Navigating the route, pilots only used dead reckoning and road maps. After taking off from Santa Monica 10 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter stops in route to Cleveland included: San Bernardino, California; Yuma, Arizona; Douglas, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; El Paso, Texas; Pecos, Texas, Midland, Texas; Abilene, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and Cincinnati, Ohio. At each stop, the pilots stayed overnight for refueling, repairs, media attention and dinner banquets. Each year, the race course was changed. came in first in the inaugural race. The 14 others included: Amelia Earhart, Ruth Elder, Edith Foltz, Mary Haizlip, Jessie Keith-Miller, Opal Kunz, Blanche Noyes, Gladys O’Donnell, Phoebe Omlie, Neva Paris, Thea Rasche, , Mary von March and Vera Dawn Walker. The annual event continued through the thirties, was suspended during the war and restarted again in 1947, continuing until 1977. Nineteen twenty-nine was also the year the Ninety-Nines women’s aviation organization was established.

********** “The 99s” The organization was founded on November 2, 1929, at Curtiss Field, Steam Valley, New York, by 26 licensed women pilots for the mutual support and advancement of women pilots. Amelia Earhart organized the meeting of women pilots that year following the Women’s Air Derby. All 117 women pilots licensed at the time were invited and the group is named for the 99 of them who attended the meeting or expressed an interest in forming a group. In 2014, the Ninety-Nines were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at San Diego Air & Space Museum. Today, there are over 6,000 members in thirty countries. Their international headquarters building on Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is home to the 99s Museum of Women Pilots. The 99s is also owner/custodian of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas. Charter members of the organization include: Amelia Earhart, Ruth Elder, Viola Gentry, Fay Gillis, Mary Goodrich, Florence Klingensmith, Opal Kunz, Ila 11 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

Loetscher, Ruth Rowland Nichols, Phoebe Omlie, Thea Rasche, Marjorie Stinson, Louise Thaden and Nellie Zabel Willhite. Many of these ladies were pilots in the first Women’s Air Derby. Other notable members include: Florence “Pancho” Lowe Barnes, Jackie Cochran, Sheila Scott, Bobbi Trout, Katharine Stinson, Pamela Milroy, Betty Gillies and Patty Wagstaff.

********** Whirly-Girls

Officially known as the Whirly-Girls International, the organization is a non- profit, charitable and educational group that strives to advance women in helicopter aviation. They are an affiliate member of the Helicopter Association International. The Whirly-Girls and the Ninety-Nines have many members in common.

They were founded by Jean Ross Howard, an American helicopter pilot, in 1955. At the time there were so few women with helicopter ratings that the group started with only 13 charter members representing the United States, Germany and France. The Whirly-Girls provided a community for female helicopter pilots to share a common interest and come together in annual “Hoverings” starting in April 1955. Today the organization has over 1,700 members from 44 different countries.

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“TAke Their Word for iT”

RED BIRD TD2 - TESTIMONIALS

There are countless video games on the market that simulates flying in, well, let’s just say some bizarre and unrealistic situations where the purpose is to score points and beat an opponent. Yes, they are fun and challenging, but not very practical or helpful when it comes to actually flying. For those who have never flown a real airplane, though, this may come as close as they will ever get to the real thing. However, the Bloomsburg airport offers an opportunity to experience real, life- like flying without even leaving the ground. Whether you’re a novice who has never sat in a small aircraft or a seasoned pilot with multiple ratings and hours of flying time in a logbook, the Redbird Flight Simulator, with its feel, sights and sounds, inspires the sense of actual flying. Read what many of the Sim users have to say about why they like the Redbird and the many ways they have benefited from using it.

Charlie Kurian, a student pilot, was encouraged by his instructor to use the simulator before his actual first flight in the instruction aircraft to help get familiar with the instruments and feel of the plane. “It is a great tool. It gave me confidence to get in the instruction plane and I look forward to continuing to use it.” Charlie went on to say, “Definitely down the road I want to incorporate more flying in my life and the simulator will help me in acquiring other ratings.”

Sam Andrews recently purchased the five-hour block time special and, although he hasn’t started using it yet, he said he’s familiar with the simulator at N13 because he has used one just like it before at another airport to maintain his IFR proficiency. “The Redbird is a pretty nifty tool.” Adding, “It is very realistic.” 13 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

Terry Cornell has found the Redbird simulator extremely helpful in “knocking off the rust” since getting back into flying. Now the proud owner of a 1971 E model Piper Aztec, he’s pursuing a twin engine IFR rating and has found, with over 15 hours already logged on the Redbird, that it is a lot cheaper to practice instrument approaches on the simulator.

The Redbird TD2 is the first table-mounted BATD, Basic Aviation Training Device, designed with the ergonomics of flight in mind. This simulator, with rudder pedals represents a single engine piston aircraft equipped with the G1000 glass configuration or a standard 6-pack of steam gauges. With the TD2 you can choose to fly with or without retractable landing gear, a constant speed propeller and/or a high-performance engine. This simulator is programmed with a complete terrain and airport database and comes equipped with computer, monitor, instrument panel, keyboard and speakers and, to make the experience even more realistic, the Redbird at Bloomsburg has a multi-panel display screen.

Roy Boyd, another new subscriber on the Redbird, said, “I want to use it to check out airports I’ve never visited before but I plan to eventually fly into.” Roy also commented, “I’ll use it to keep my flying skills sharp when bad weather prohibits actual flying.”

Geoff Knauth: “I never had an issue staying IFR current because I flew enough approaches flying for the Civil Air Patrol in the past. I have to remain instrument current to be mission ready.” Continuing, Geoff remarked, “My CAP flying, however, is suffering because of the Covid-19 situation. I could use an instructor/safety pilot, but with the pandemic, it’s hard to find one.” Geoff has 14 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter found the Redbird helps keep him compliant, stating, “It’s an inexpensive way to stay current, using it to practice approaches, holds, missed approaches and go-arounds; all the essential procedures I need.

Shane Wright: “I have one hour on the simulator so far, but with what I’ve done on it already I can see it’s really helpful.” As a student pilot, Shane sees the economic benefit of using the simulator and added, “I’ll continue to use it to practice flying in bad weather. I think it’s a good way to stay fresh and current.”

Tom Hall: “I first signed up for the simulator last February just before the Covid-19 problem reared its ugly head, and due to a skiing accident back then, I’m still unable to fly a real airplane. The Redbird has enabled me to substitute real-time flying and maintain competence. I’ve already re-upped my subscription to continue using it.” Tom continued, “The simulator is conveniently located and easily accessible. N13 is a wonderful airport just full of personality. The simulator is also a good excuse to stop by the airport and sample BJ’s great homemade cookies.”

Now, let’s take a look at the benefits of using the Redbird from the prospective of a flight instructor. Phil Polstra is a CFII with over 19 years of instructing experience. He also teaches advanced ground and instrument courses. In addition, Phil holds a commercial single engine and helicopter rating and is a certified airframe and power plant mechanic along with inspection authorization. With more than 30 years of flying experience and over 4,000 hours logged, Phil has made N13 his home base for the past six years. “The Redbird is definitely useful for instrument students, helping them get familiar with proper instrument scanning technique and having the ability to hit the pause button when flying approaches in a simulated IMC environment.” 15 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter

Although Phil feels the Redbird is primarily an instrument training tool, he believes it is still very useful to help teach basic flying skills and prepare students for flying real aircraft.

“The Redbird is also good for transition training such as from a 172 to a retract or high-performance aircraft,” said Phil, adding, “For example, when do you retract the gear on an approach to land, reduce power and extend flaps? Also, it’s a great transitional training tool when going from a steam gauge equipped aircraft to a glass panel.”

Since Redbird Flight Simulators first hit the market, the company has constantly improved and expanded their product line. The TD2 Model is equipped to offer everything you need, except full motion, to get the “real deal” sensation of flying.

So, there you have it…testimonies from pilots who have found numerous reasons to take the Redbird Flight Simulator for a ride. Perhaps you’re curious if it can help you with your flying, too. What better ways to find out than to speak with those that have already discovered its benefits? Or, better yet, why not jump on board and try it out for yourself.

Use the Redbird for only $35 an hour or take advantage of the $150 five-hour block time Special through December 31, 2020. To learn more or schedule a flight, please call or text:

Ty Williams 570-336-1919 Or Dan Broadt 570-336-6747

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“What time can I log on the Redbird?”

The question always comes up, “What can I put in my logbook when I fly the Redbird?” Basically, here are the rules: In general, an instructor must be present to count time toward any rating. It doesn’t matter if you are a student, private pilot or instrument rated. When it comes to credit toward a rating, a student can apply none of the simulator time toward the 40 hours, but some of the 3 hours needed on instrument training may be done on the simulator. For instrument students up to 10 of the 40 hours instrument time can be on a BATD, Basic Aviation Training Device. For anyone pursuing commercial up to 50 of the 250 hours can be done on the simulator.

17 Bloomsburg Municipal Airport 2020 – Nov. Newsletter https://youtu.be/ItyWlUn47Ws

N13 Fuel Prices: Currently $4.10/ Gallon, subject to change.

Hangar News N13: All hangars are full. –

2020 Events:

Safety Community Pink Means Postponed and will be rescheduled Seminars Welcome

Gray background indicates completed events. – Events contingent on COVID restrictions. Presenter/ Month Event Special Event Time Sponsor John 29 Feb AOPA Safety Seminar AOPA Rusty Pilot Seminar 9:00 - Noon McGonagill

N13 Pilots 29 Feb Fly In Lunch! Chili Cook- Off Noon – 2:30 FAA Safety Seminar- Anatomy of a Near Midair 17 - Mar Postponed Collision 7:00 PM H. Paul Schuch Cancelled Dream Machine Car Show – see you in 2021 8:00 – 3:00 Dream Machine FAA Safety Seminar 24 July Postponed TBA 6:00 PM John Sibole EAA Chapter 08 Aug EAA - Virtual Flying Start Rally / Virtual 9:00 AM 1641 FAA Safety Seminar 11 Aug Postponed Crew Resource Management 7:00 H. Paul Schuch Fly in- Drive In Breakfast- Seminar - Community Welcome 8:00 -1:00 Bloom Flyers 29 Aug Postponed Crossing Borders 10:00 AM Michael Bush ATC Discussion w/ Dan TBA Air Traffic Controllers Navigating ATC TBA Campanella www.bloomsburgfair.com 25 Complimentary September Bloomsburg Fair Association Transportation available to and to 3 Bloomsburg Fair See you in 2021 from the Fair! October Cancelled

Oct. Cancelled Night Flying TBA John Sibole

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FOR SALE: / meticulously MAINTAINED CESSNA – 150

KX170B Nav/Com KT76A Transponder Garmin 396 Soft Comm Stereo Intercom Rosen Visors Tax Hours 3939 TSMO 478

Extensive annual in 2019 New exhaust both New ELT Battery Rebuilt Mag Rebuilt fuel shut off valve

Contact Leo 1-717-982-1484

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************************************************************************ FOR SALE ! Must See ! Contact: Charlie 570-889-3438 Or: [email protected] Below: 2013 Fisher Horizon 1 tt 17 hrs. Cont A65-8 65 hr. SMOH

Above: 1994 Challenger 2 TT 398 SMOH 125 Rotax 503 DCDI Photos do not do these two planes justice! – See them in person.

(L) Claudia with husband Dr. Montoya, (R) Bloomsburg Flying Club member who recently earned his private license. He plans to continue his advanced instrument training. They had just returned from enjoying a nice cross- country flight! Smiles

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Above, Circa 1940’s Naval Aviator Training Program at N13. Pre July 1943 it was V5 – post July 1943 it was the V12 program. Below, apron post reconstruction Circa 2020.