The Leading Edge in ’s Sport Aviation

Newsletter Issue 10 December 2010

Format, Layout & Articles:...... Terry Hockenhull Articles:...... Erwin Dematera, Mike Schemm Chickee Banzon, Terry Hockenhull

Important Information Office number:...... (045) 8022101 GM & Administration (cell):...... (0918) 9203039 Office & Admin email:... [email protected]

Contents Club News 1-3 16th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 3 New Members & First Solos 4-5 Maintenance - Important Notification 5 Our November Flying Festival 6-9 In Memoriam - Nestor De Castro 10-11 Our Office Staff - Jona 11 Marketing Efforts 12-13 Around the World in a Gyrocopter 14-15 Flight Safety and Air Incidents 16-17 Club News Radio Control Aircraft Group 17 Terry Hockenhull, President The Stearman Comes Alive 18 Bits & Pieces 18-19 What a year! Apologies to all for the late release of this newsletter but Photo Credits John Chua, Tim Maceren, Terry Hockenhull, ACFC, there have been so many other Tony Willis, Monet Henson pressing issues to deal with, there just hasn’t been time to put pen to paper Facebook Site (or fingers to keyboard) to give you Angelesflying Club all the latest updates. Angeles City Flying Club I guess the most important news for the year is that www.angelesflying.com/ our lease on the Flying Club is due to expire at the Aero Club end of this year. It is early days yet but we think we www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Aero_Club/ have a plan in place that will allow the smooth Yahoo Groups ACFC transition of the flying club to ownership by our www.groups.yahoo.com/group/acflyingclub/ members. We have taken steps to let everyone know Al Malcolm’s Yankin’ and Bankin’ what is going on in the last newsletter and also by www.yankinandbankin.com sending out a brief note asking interested members

ACFC Newsletter Page 1 to request the formal prospectus (if interested in but should be a pleasant and easy aircraft for our S- putting funds into the Club). It is inappropriate to go 12 pilots to quickly transition to. Also, we are into the plans in this newsletter other than to say that recovering the Drifter (that’s putting new sails on the our initial offering appears to be reasonably well aircraft; not recovering it from a field where Gangolf subscribed. However, there is still room for those of or Mark Obrowski might have left it!!!) and giving it a you who would like a place in the country, an thoroughly good inspection (and a new paint job) in opportunity to participate in the future of the club and the expectation that will become an aircraft which is the chance to be part of a bigger development over not the sole preserve time that might provide a very good return on your of forementioned two!. initial investment. We have also repainted the Rans S- 12 and the Quicksilver (RP-S1457) into our Philippine colors and over the next year, will endeavor to get all of RP-S 1291 our club aircraft in the Club Rans S-12 same livery. Peter Heilveil has finally got his white Drifter flying again. A few teething problems with the engine but from all accounts, it is flying well and we look If you haven’t responded to the letter we sent out last forward to seeing a lot month, but you would like to know more details, more of Peter at the Peter Heilveil’s please get in touch with Tony (GM) or me and we will Club in the coming White Drifter make sure that you get a copy of the prospectus. months. Not to put too fine a point on it, the offer that we have It seems that in every newsletter, I have to extend come up is for a limited time only and we will not be our thanks to Jay Cook for the sterling work he does in a position to entertain other investors on the same on behalf of the club (and individual members). Jay attractive terms after our cut-off date. has been unofficially In general, things at the club are proceeding well. titled, ‘Aircraft Inspector We have had a couple of mishaps with aircraft this General’. As an year; most of them caused by carelessness of the additional safety check, pilots (two aircraft flown into power lines) and the we asked Jay to do a unfortunate demise of Hideki Noguchi’s GT500 on thorough inspection on its maiden flight after a complete rebuild. (See later the last three airframes article on Aircraft Incidents.) Nonetheless, we are and engines released still on track for finishing up the year with a healthy by maintenance. For balance in the bank and plans to move forward next the mechanics, it must year to even better things. have been a bit like looking over the We are rebuilding the Rans Jay Cook conducting shoulder of your math’s Coyote and since we now engine checks on teacher while he marks have all of the parts and the Paul Norrie’s X-Air your assignment! assembly manual, we are However, I am delighted to report that Jay’s fast moving into final assessment of the engineering skills of Chris T and assembly. The Coyote will team has secured high marks! I flew Quicksilver 1457 Rans S-6 Coyote probably have a Rotax 503 on its first flight after complete rebuild (and Jay’s

ACFC Newsletter Page 2 you are on your way back to Field’s Avenue or heading for Manila. We want to maintain our safety record and avoid any further incidents. What may seem to be a harmless bit of low flying or flying extreme maneuvers may lead to impact with obstacles (power lines) or an overstressed airframe which may fail when someone else is flying. Without going into ‘been there - done that’ stories, a sage reminder is that when I had done 50 hours flying, I used to fly at 50 feet; at 100 hours, I considered 100 feet an acceptably safe altitude. At 300 hours, 300 feet seemed like a much better idea! With RP-S 1457 in her new livery experience come both wisdom and ability to deal with inspection) and the difference in performance and emergencies! handling from previous flights was truly amazing. We There is a section later in the newsletter that details can’t afford for mistakes to be made in the hangar some of the incidents that we have had over the last and having Jay there to double-check our work is a 6 months. We have a good safety record but very important and appreciated service. occasionally, mistakes are made or conditions and Keeping club aircraft in a serviceable state is pilot experience are such that accidents do occur. It expensive. While I don’t want to preach, please fly is worth reading the section on ‘Air Incidents’ to learn all of our aircraft (and your own) with care. from the situations that prevailed at the time and Remembers, someone will be renting the aircraft after perhaps make better preparation for future flights.

16th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

As of writing this newsletter, the 16th PIHABF is set to go ahead on 10-13 February, 2011. I think I will be involved on the organizing committee again this year and we have already had a few meeting to discuss the events, venue and arrangements. We are to have our usual tented area to display our aircraft (static). Tony is busy having a second tent manufactured which, like the usual green tent, will serve us well, not only for the Balloon Fiesta but also for other club events and shows.

Much work goes into the Fiesta; if you haven’t been to one, it is well worth the effort. We get to fly a couple of times per day and our stand always generates a lot of interest in ACFC and what we do. Gary Gerome and Boy Guevarra manned the fort back at Woodland last year and did not participate in the flying events at Clark. Hopefully, someone else will volunteer to fly the TIF’s at Woodland and allow these two senior pilots to participate in our event activities. We need more people to help us man the stand and participate in the flying activities; so please volunteer your time and effort to make this year a great success for us and to contribute to the great spectacle of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

ACFC Newsletter Page 3 New Members 2010 has been a great year for the club in terms of increasing our membership. This year, we have over 30 new members. On more than one occasion, I have said that to sustain our club, we need more new members who are not only going to do the training program and get their wings, but stay with the club for years to come either buying their own aircraft (or a share in one) or flying our club aircraft and participating in club activities. This year particularly, we have added a real international mix of folks from around the globe.

We welcome Adrian Halley from New Zealand and Stephen Clemenson from Essex, U.K. Stephen is a Hong Kong stockbroker who has been coming to the club for five months. He is the last person to have soloed this year taking the controls of RP-S1457 on Sunday 5th December, 2010. Another Brit, Mark Groundsell is an engineer with 63 hours on his PPL and some previous ultralight experience.

As many of you already know, we have a great website that is creating a lot of interest. Einar Tor Risa from Manila found us through our website and has recently joined the club. Much as I appreciate all Stephen Clemenson - First of the new members, it Solo is nice to have a few members of the fairer sex! We welcome Amparo Rio who works in Vietnam and is Rosette Tuboro currently undergoing basic flight training and Rosette Tuboro One of our two new lady members (from Bicol) who also learned of our activities on the internet.

Tonet Rivera and his son Carlo are both well known in the Philippine aviation community so it is with delight that we have finally managed to get them to join the club. Tonet is the proud owner of a Cessna 150 which now occupies a space in Hangar 3. Carlo has over 200 hours of flying (in Cessnas and the like). I’m not sure we have prevailed on the Riveras enough to get them to give up flying ‘tin-can’s and take up sports aviation but we do know they are both sorely tempted! Tonette and Carlo are also well-known for their efforts on the Organizing Committee of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Tonet Rivera Ken Hempton, an engineer, hails from Connecticut, USA. He Over the wing of his Cessna 150 has 45 years experience the aircraft field. Another of our friends from the USA is Eric Stevens, a retired American railroad engineer who lives in Angeles City. His home state is Idaho, the place where all the McDonald’s french fries come from!

Peter Matthews from Down-Under is an marine engineer. He is company director of a local business. William Lambertus is a Canadian and comes to us with over 2,700 hours of flying both fixed wing and helicopters.

ACFC Newsletter Page 4 Oddvar Lerbrekk is Norwegian. A professional designer, he also has flight experience in ultralights. Lech Skorski from Denmark has 160 hours on his PPL. He enjoys flying in the Philippines and is looking forward to returning to the Club and building his hours on ultralights. Peter Mannaerts is a lawyer from Holland who first heard about the club seven years ago and has been itching to join the club.

We have always been aware that there is a large Korean community in the Philippines and it is with delight that we welcome our first Korean member, Min Sikh Park.

John Corpuz and Jimmy Chua are both local businessmen. Hilary De Leon is also Filipino and holds a private pilot’s license so it should be a fairly straightforward job in getting him transitioned to sport aircraft. Oddvar Lerbrekk Joseph Babb is a heavy metal jockey (747 commercial pilot) who has recently transitioned to our ultralights flying solo on 12 November. Captain Babb is from the southern USA and also has an A&P. I’m sure he finds the delights of flying ultralights every bit as exciting as hefting three quarters of a million pounds of tin through the skies!

Abdullah Al Shabdani soloed on June 4. Abdullah hails from Saudia Arabia and is the purchasing manager of a large sugar company. He Joseph Babb’s first solo in an ultralight managed to get through the whole training program in 15 days. He is hoping to buy an X-Air and fly in and out of Jeddah but I have no doubt we will see him back at the club from time to time.

The Radio Control Modelers Group seem to be an ever present fixture at Abdullah Al Shabdani from the club nowadays. Storing their planes in Hangar 3, these aficionados Saudia Arabia are quick to get airborne as soon as the airspace above Woodland park is vacated by our Quicksilvers, S-12’s and other planes. More about this group a little later in the newsletter however, Toti Alberto, Dax Ayson and Alvin Guzman are the latest members to join this group.

Fuel & Maintenance – Important Notifications The number of Privately Owned Aircraft (POA) based at ACFC continues to grow. Many POA owners/operators obtain fuel from club stocks. However, tracking fuel use and collecting money from users is becoming an increasing problem. Before getting fuel from club stocks, POA owners/operators must complete a fuel/oil issue voucher in the office. A mechanic will accompany you to the fuel storage facility and will ask you to sign for fuel or oil received. Furthermore, with effect on 1 Dec 2010, members requiring work on their aircraft must first get a Work Order Form from the office and receive a quote for the labor cost and spares. Once the quote has been accepted, a work number will be raised and work will be started on the first come-first serve basis. NO WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON A PRIVATE AIRCRAFT WITHOUT A WORK ORDER Tony Willis General Manager

ACFC Newsletter Page 5 We’ve talked about it for a long time. Indeed, we have had plans in place for at least two years; and it has been nearly three years since we had the last annual get together at the club for members and invited guests. Finally, Tony and the team made it all happen. November 13 and 14 were the planned days for our fly-in festival. Hard work by Tony, Jona and Monette ensured a turnout of over 100 people who came to

Photo courtesy John Chua watch or participate in the events on Saturday. We kicked off at about 8:30 am on Saturday morning giving our pilots the opportunity of registering for five separate events; flour bombing, balloon bursting, spot landing, ribbon cutting and an aerial treasure hunt. Not only were many of our POA pilots out in force (to prove they actually know how to fly) but the club aircraft seemed to be airborne for most of the day. Boy Guevarra even managed to fly TIFs throughout the day. November is always a dodgy month to hold an event. One never knows whether we are going to encounter high winds (usually from the east right down the middle of the runway), late showers or a full blown tropical depression launching in from the South China Sea! Well, we were lucky! Apart from a brief 20 minutes of rain during lunch, the weather remained calm and balmy all day. Not too hot and very little wind; something that contributed to lots of safe flying. So to the competitions; we kicked off with the flour bombing and ribbon cutting events. Flour bombing had rules (not that too many of our pilots actually adhered to them as can be seen by the photo on the left)!

Supposedly our ‘flour Photo courtesy John Chua Photo courtesy John Chua bombs’ were to be Art Azcuna & passenger dropped from a minimum Leonard Chicco & Chris Gehrig flour-bombing in RP-S 1461 altitude of 50 feet. A few ribbon cutting in the KitFox of the Quicksilver pilots were seen skimming over the target at five feet and almost placing the bombs on the target. Nonetheless, we ended up with an eventual winner, Colin Velasco & Gary Jerome in Ben Mason’s Quicksilver! (Colin is our youngest student pilot.) On to the Ribbon cutting. The objective of this activity was to fly through a gate (bamboo poles) about 10’ wide and cut (with wheels; not propellers!) a strip of crepe paper ribbon suspended two-and-a-half feet above the

ACFC Newsletter Page 6 ground. Touching wheels on the ground either before or after passing through the gate led to disqualification. We started with about 12 participants and this was gradually reduced as the ribbon was reduced in height by six inches at the end of each round. By the time we were down to twelve inches above the runway, only Leonard Chicco and I were still in the running for the trophy. We again reduced the ribbon height to 6" and Chicco in his Kitfox and me in RP-S 1257 flew the last round. I’m not too sure who really won this one since I failed to cut the ribbon (I did touch it with my wheels) and Leonard managed to break the ribbon but touched his wheels on the ground immediately afterwards. Balloon bursting proved to be a fun activity. Actually none of us were too sure if a pusher configuration would allow us to burst the balloons. (On Friday, in preparation, we had a trial and I actually managed to burst the balloon. It went off with a hell of a bang heard clearly over the engine noise and through my headset!) Notwithstanding, we determined we would award 5 points for a burst and 3 points for a hit. Leonard Chicco (with of his experience from balloon bursting at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (where he always wins) was odds-on favorite to win and eventually walked away with the Photo courtesy John Chua title. I managed to hit all 3 balloons but burst none which put me in Peter Heilveil balloon bursting in second place. his MaxAir Drifter RP-S 1451 The Treasure Hunt was set up with a course designed by Al Malcolm and me a couple of months earlier. Participants had to fly around the area looking for predetermined landmarks on specific headings or distances. Gary Gerome piloted Ben Mason’s Quicksilver with Colin Velasco, to win this competition. The spot landing competition involved touching wheels down on a white ‘chalk’ line across the runway. I expected to come close to the mark but was delighted to find, more by luck than judgment, that I put my wheels down on the chalk mark and walking off with the trophy. It was a delight to have the Dutch boys back in town and able to participate in the events. Pilots of no mean ability, both Laurens and Gerrit Meijer spent every available moment in the Club Drifter and S- 12 participating in most of the competitions. Peter Heilveil finally managed to get his White Drifter in the air on the Friday before the Photo courtesy John Chua event and was another keen participant. Quite a shakedown for an aircraft that has sat in the hangar for 3 years, has an overhauled A low pass from Rolf Dunder in engine (618), a completely rebuilt airframe, and locally made sails! his Fascination Dave Harris made the trip down from San Fernando in his Hawk and enjoyed the day’ activities with his wife Jean before setting off early Monday for the 2 hour flight back north. It was also nice to see Albert Mendoza in attendance flying his ‘Trike’ delighting his passengers and the spectators. We were also thrilled to have Darius Hizon arrive in his Photo courtesy John Chua Robinson R44 helicopter Photo courtesy John Chua Albert Mendoza in his Trike and Rolf Dunder in his Darius Hizon’s Robinson R44

ACFC Newsletter Page 7 Fascination performing a number of low passes over the field. Harold outdid himself catering the buffet lunch upstairs. In a addition to our barbecued hotdogs, chicken and soft-drinks, Harold catered for over 65 people with a very appetizing lunch which was enjoyed by all. The pool was full of kids all day. We had lots of members turn up who we haven’t seen for a while and many of the attendees brought guests to introduce them to the club. Throughout the day, I heard comments from so many of our guest about how much they were enjoying the events and the camaraderie. So we will be doing this again and hopefully we can get a few more people to attend. We wrapped up the flying activities at about 6 pm and most of us were ready to sit down with a nice cool beer. Of course there were those who weren’t flying who had been partaking of the amber Chef Harold and Eva who nectar much earlier in the day. But it was good to relax after most put on a great lunch of the crowds had left and enjoy a few beers while reminiscing about the success of the day. I have to say a very big thank you to Chris T, Jervie, Juan, Eden and Bert who spent all day marshalling aircraft, refuelling and dealing with the myriad of small problems that might otherwise have kept our planes on the ground. Also to Arnel, Dolfo, Turo and Olie who manned the barbeque stand all day selling literally hundreds of drinks, hotdogs and other snacks. Tony spent the day organizing targets, adjudicating the events, meeting and greeting our guests and generally ensuring the day went smoothly. Monette and Jona also handled the many requests from members and guests alike as well as keeping a close watch on our income for the day and helping organize participation in the events. Harold and Eva both kept the kitchen upstairs running well and as I have already said, put much thought and effort into preparing a splendid lunch. Everyone looked completely exhausted by the end of the day; but all were happy with the way the event turned out. The following morning, Al Malcolm and myself charted our course back to Woodland via the FOBS office where we filed a flight plan for nine participating aircraft on our planned cross country to Binalonan. The Meijer’s took the club S-12 (1291) and Grey Drifter (1458). Peter Heilveil (with Alistair in the back) was in the White Drifter. Paulo Maceren flew with me in 1257. Tim Maceren (Paulo’s dad) flew with Tonet Rivera in his Cessna 152. Leonard Chicco and Christian Gehrig were ready for departure from Woodland in the Steve and son Jet preparing for Kitfox but an engine departure in RP-S 1463 problem kept them firmly on the ground. Steve Brigance together with son Jet arrived at the club on time and Photo courtesy Tim Maceren ready to depart with us all. Brian Pines (together with girlfriend) were Tonet Rivera’s Cessna on in the Challenger and Rolf Dunder flew his Fascination. the ramp in Binalonan

ACFC Newsletter Page 8 So eight aircraft were off the ground before 9 am for the 60 minute hop to Binalonan. GPS assured us all that we would reach our destination however, there really wasn’t much more to do than set a northerly course, fly for an hour and start looking for the Photo courtesy Tim Maceren field (N16/02/48.8 E120/35/ Binalonan Airport 16.2) Binalonan can be Two Drifters and two S-12’s busy during the week with Ruperto’s Resort lots of Indian pilots buzzing around the circuit in some of the 25 odd Cessnas they have hangared there. However, our approach showed we were alone in the sky (apart from the other members of our flight). We approached upwind at 1500’ above the runway, descended to 100’ to fly downwind and touched down safely. After parking, refuelling and paying the obligatory P300 landing fee, we headed off the Rupertos. Having heard much about this mini resort I was looking forward to a plate of bacon and eggs. This wasn’t to be. Apparently, our arrival a few minutes after 10 denied us the right to choose items off the breakfast menu! Besides, the service was inexorably slow. Fortunately, Brian Pines had ordered food for himself before we arrived in the second tricycle about 15 minutes later and when the food finally arrived, proved to be generous enough for us all to share. Clouds seemed to be gathering to the South so it Photo courtesy Tim Maceren made sense to get in a trike, hot foot it back to the Some of our intrepid pilots! Al Malcolm, Terry H, airfield and get airborne. Tonet Rivera, Peter Heilveil and Paulo Maceren Peter Heilveil and Al had bit of a problem with a flat battery and it took them a while to get the engine cranked. The rest of us took off for the uneventful flight back to Woodland. Well, uneventful for most of us! I decided it might be fun to put into Rolf’s field at Nampicuan. (N14/05/50.6 E121/06/59.6.) The field looked fine until the plane slowed to 20 m.p.h. on my roll out. Then we hit mud spraying the back of the aircraft, wings and interior with copious quantities of mud. Paulo Maceren ended up looking like the Wild Man of Borneo! I was airborne after a few minutes on the ground (using a short take off procedure to make sure the wheels were off the ground before the muddy patch) and the rest of the flight was doddle all the way back to ACFC. The rest of the afternoon saw me cleaning the mud off the aircraft, talking to the few remaining guests at the club and then setting off back to Manila after a very gratifying and fun-filled 3 days at the club. Photo courtesy Tim Maceren Thank you for coming and making this the best attended, most successful event in our club’s history. Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch at Ruperto’s?

ACFC Newsletter Page 9 In Memoriam - Nestor De Castro A few things about my Dad Nestor was one of our longest standing members Chickee Banzon (Daughter) having joined the club back in the days when we were located in Mabiga (1995). Nestor was our oldest pilot My Dad had many passions in life. He was still flying his Genesis at 76 years of age. An architect passionate about his building, Kristine Apartelle; by profession, Nestor was active in shooting (rifle and one of his pride of joys and fondly named after my trap), flying radio control modes (helicopters and youngest sister. planes) and of course, flying his plane at ACFC. His first love was shooting. He was pistol shooting Nestor was born on September 8, 1933 and passed as far back as I can remember. He qualified for away on October, 27, 2010. He will be missed by all the Olympics (Olympian) but he opted not to go as who knew him. We at the club extend our his father-in-law (my Lolo, who was Speaker of the condolences to his family and friends. House at the time) invited him to go to . Russia (at the time) was behind the Iron Curtain and therefore only diplomats were allowed in. My Nestor De Castro dad felt he was still young enough to make the Erwin Dematera Olympics but this might be his last chance to see Russia. Sadly, he never got to compete in the All of us who knew Architect Nestor De Casto fondly Olympics. remember our times with him. I got to know ‘Mang Also, when we were young, he got into remote Nestor’ over ten years ago when Darius Hizon control cars. I remember going to Greenhills every (whom I introduced to radio controlled aircraft Saturday where we would spend the whole day flying) told me that ‘Mang Nestor’ was offering to watching little cars go around and around. He also sell his ultralight. Darius mentioned that Nestor had remote control planes that he hung from the was a good friend and fellow afficianado of trap ceiling when he wasn’t flying them. and rifle shooting. When Darius led me to Nestor’s Genesis, and said this was the aircraft he was He then got into trap shooting. I remember him talking about, I said with a silly grin on my face, sitting on his desk re-loading shells and seeing “Oh the pushcart!”. Yup, the Genesis looked just those orange disks. He also loved archery. We like a pushcart with the empennage held on by four watched him one time in UP. My Son Gab was so tubes that went around the world to meet at the fascinated and impressed with his Lolo that he trailing edge of the wing and lower portion of the wanted to learn. cabin. The Genesis; overall a good ultralight but it My father loved to hunt! He would come home still looks like a pushcart to me! with loads of snipe that we would eat at our next Some years later, I was at the club and finally got Saturday dinner in his penthouse. He even went to put a face to the name. I saw the ‘pushcart’ on an African Safari where he shot so many strange landing. After taxiing in and shutting down, an old animals and even had the skin and heads shipped chap in teener, ‘jeprox’ attire of shorts, sports shirt home! He loved adventure and he loved to travel! and sandals lithely alighted from the aircraft (yep, Then a few years ago he got into flying. I remember just like a teenager!) I introduced myself as a friend him saying that he bought a plane! We were all of Darius and that was the start of many long very shocked and excited for him. He loved his conversations about his shooting activities and of plane! He would take to the flying club and invite course, flying! us to fly. I was always too scared and would not A few years later, Nestor became very interested go up when he proudly removed the doors of the in radio control airplanes and helicopters. During plane ready for flight! It is sad that when I finally the last few months of his life, he remained involved got to fly, My father was not the one at the controls. with our aviation community coming to the club to His most recent hobby was radio-controlled planes fly friends and family. and helicopters. A re-visit from the past, I guess. I I know Nestor will be sorely missed by his friends don’t think he ever really stopped loving RCs. He in the shooting, RC and flying communities. was just on a break!

ACFC Newsletter Page 10 A Memorial to Nestor A Memorial RC Fly-in was held on December 5 at ACFC Woodland Airpark in memory of Architecture Nestor de Castro who has been a member of the club since 1995. The event was well attended by family, friends, members of the RC flying community and ACFC members. It was a great Sunday morning; clear blue skies and good weather. Altogether a perfect day for a Fun Fly-in and ourt memorial to Nestor De Castro! The opening prayer was led by Fritzi Batterina and opening remarks were given by Terry Hockenhull, President of Angeles City Flying Club and Erwin Dematera. We were honored by the presence of Architect Nestor’s family and friends. After the ceremony, all in attendance released white ‘remembrance’ balloons into a beutiful clear blue sky. Lunch was served in the Airpark Cafe catered by ACFC. We even got to eat Mang Nestor’s favorite kalderetang kambing and the famous pancit from ACFC. For the RC fliers, it was such a successful event, all have expressed hope that such a fun Fly-in can be held again in the near future.

Our Office Staff - Jona Hi there! I’m Jona, the other petite girl at the office aside from Ms. Monette. I’m at your service if ever you need anything! Terry asked me to write a few lines introducing myself. There’s not too much I can say other than I’m a typical girl who loves music, movies, anime, adventures, SPONGEBOB and a lot of JELLY ACE! It was the 10th of May (Election Day) this year when I received an email from Tony asking me to come to the club for a job interview. It was just few days after my college graduation I really wanted to find a job. Upon hearing about Angeles City Flying Club, I was terribly excited and curious because it was my first time to hear about an ultralight club in the Philippines. Thanks to my navigation skills, I was almost an hour late for my interview! The first time I set foot in the club; I was mesmerized and amazed how such a huge place is managed. And I fell in love with the place; really hard. After several minutes of the interview, the only thing I knew was Tony offering me an office assistant position. I was deeply grateful but I was having second thoughts. Can I handle the responsibilities he’s giving me? After all, I was just a fresh graduate and I knew that theory is very different from practice. But to make the long story short, I accepted the job and up to this day I don’t regret anything. I’m enjoying what I’m doing and I’m learning a lot (thanks to Ms. Monette, Tony and all the staff)!

ACFC Newsletter Page 11 Marketing Efforts

After hiring Angie Estacio earlier this year, we finally determined we were not getting the results we had been hoping for. Presented with a clear marketing plan to implement, Angie decided to resign and move on to other activities. While I am still in favor of finding someone suitable to fill the position, both Monette and Jona have stepped in to fill the void and have done a lot of work behind the scenes to help promote the Club.

In early November, Al Malcolm together with his ‘Honies’ dressed in flight uniforms, handled a travel trade fair at SM Clark. Unfortunately, this event coincided with the annual flying event at Woodland and we were not as well prepared as we could have been. Nonetheless, there was a significant amount of interest and perhaps our marketing budget is better spent on these types of activities where we can interact with large number of people from the travel and tours industry. Certainly, the results we got from this trade fair were very encouraging. Thank you Alistair for you time and effort.

On the marketing side, Pierre Remus, one of our Hong Kong Members (working with Cathay Pacific Airways) and his girlfriend, Mandy Chu, have both been very proactive putting together short vacation packages for Hong Kong Al Malcolm & Honies at tourists. We have a brochure detailing the activities and SM Travel & Tours Trade Fair the first group visited the club in May together with both Pierre and Mandy. Another group arrived at the Club in the first week of December and we were encouraged by the participation of the many members who helped organize and facilitate the flying activities. Thanks to both Pierre (and Mandy) for taking the time to market this activity in Hong Kong. Word of mouth is one of our best marketing tools and we know that this will pay dividends in the long term.

We have also prepared letters to corporations inviting them to consider ACFC as a suitable venue to hold Christmas parties, events and other activities. Recently, we have had two groups from call centers expressing interest in organizing team building activities for their staff. Again, once we can tap into this market, we are guaranteed a significant income.

We have still to get to grips with how to best market our club in the bars and hotels in Angeles. It is a tough assignment for anyone and in truth, we are always going to be constrained by the amount of money we have to devote to marketing. Before we start on expensive advertising campaigns, we need to explore marketing opportunities which cost Hong Kong Brochure us virtually nothing but will bring in additional customers to the club.

ACFC Newsletter Page 12 We have tried to develop effective fliers, brochures, leaflets and handouts. However, we still need some degree of consistency in what we put out. Amateur design makes us look like an amateur outfit. So if there any of you out there who have the skills to do this for us, please volunteer your time.

There are thousands of tourists in Angeles City at any one time. Although many of these folks are probably here for cheap beer and girls, a sizeable proportion want to see and do other things in the Philippines. We also have a number of long-term residents living in Angeles City. And let’s not forget the locators situated within Clark itself. The local (Angeles City & Clark) area must be a targeted group for our marketing efforts and initiatives. I had a chat some time back with one of the owners of the Clarkton and he said he would be happy to have a ‘tourist’ opportunity like flying at the club to offer his patrons.

Chris Gehrig and Mark Obrowski have both done a lot of work ensuring our website has high ‘visibility’. Type in ‘Ultralight Flying’ in Google and the first three search results are all for Angeles City Flying Club. So thanks to both of you!

We are looking at reciprocal membership arrangements with an number of flying clubs in the region. We might lose a little on membership (since this will be waived for members of other accredited clubs) but it should increase the numbers of people who come and fly with us. Additionally, it will present opportunities for you to visit other flying clubs when overseas.

We seem to be getting quite a lot of coverage from local TV companies who want to use our facilities for their shows. This increases our visibility no end and we do get a lot of additional trade from visitors who have seen us on T.V. I have it on reliable authority that ‘By Any Means II with Charlie Boorman’ will be shown in the Philippines on National Geographic Channel in the first quarter of next year. This is a very good show and our opportunity of being part of the Philippine leg will certainly create a lot of interest.

Sadly, Mark Obrowski is stuck in ‘Curryland’ and we are not too sure when they will release him to eat real food and fly real planes. Mark has written many of the articles for newspapers and periodicals in the past and I am hoping that he is still willing to use his considerable writing skills to pen a few words when required!

John Chua has come up with a plan for us to participate in an activity for people with disabilities (PWD). He has made an initial request for us to have a workshop for special children from Angeles City which will push through on 15 or 16th January. Support will be given by Subic Bay Photography Society and DOT (Regional Office). SM Clark have agreed to provide a Photo Exhibit venue for free as well as space for a static display aircraft. In principle, I am all for this type of activity; not just to promote the club but also I really believe that it is the right thing to do. I have committed to finding qualified pilots and aircraft which we can offer flights and the club or individual POA will (I hope) be willing to cover the cost of the flights. Our staff can help out with the John Chua in Rolf activity in terms of marshaling, safety briefings, getting children in and out of Dunder’s Fascination aircraft, etc. Hopefully this activity could be done in conjunction with the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Although impractical to fly the kids during the Fiesta, we could award special flight certificates, picture taking and flight medals to the children on the Saturday or Sunday of the Balloon Fiesta.

Lastly, for those of you who don’t know, the club now has a facebook page – Angeles FlyingClub. Steve Brigance’s suggestion to put all of our TIF photos on the page is a really good one and I think, in time, this will begin to yield very good results for us. If you are not already a facebook ‘friend’, please log on and request a link to this page. Jona is in charge of the site and will upload your photographs or anything of interest you would like to add.

ACFC Newsletter Page 13 While we pride ourselves that the Angles City Flying Club is the premier sports aviation facility in South East Asia, we can at times be somewhat parochial in our awareness of the world of aviation at large. So it was with delight and amazement that we found Woodland Airpark was stop for Norman Surplus during his record attempt to circumnavigate the globe in his . Norman hails from Larne, County Antrim in and is an accomplished autogyro pilot, sailor and general outdoorsman. At the age of 47, he has accomplished a great deal. He is a Coxwain (captain) on Larne’s Royal National Lifeboat Photo courtesy Terry Hockenhull Institution (RNLI) all weather rescue boat (similar to coastguard rescue) and an experienced mountaineer, skier, cyclist, kayaker, sailor, surfer, scuba diver and spelunker (pot-holer). Norman is married to Celia and has 2 children. Norman set off from Larne in his bright yellow, two-seat MT-03 Autogyro, G- YROX in March of this year. The aircraft is extremely effective for long distance cross-country flights. With its 115 hp Rotax 914 turbo engine together with additional (collapsible) fuel tanks, the range of G-YROX has been extended from 300 miles to 800 miles! During his circumnavigation of the globe, Norman will have to cross some pretty extensive stretches of water including the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, the Bering Straits and the North Atlantic between , and the Faroe Isles north of Scotland. Norman’s initial estimate was that he could accomplish the trip in 115 days flying a total of 27,000 miles/43,000 kilometers stopping in 26 different countries. Unfortunately, (perhaps to our good fortune) Japan proved to be a major bureaucratic obstacle and denial of permission to enter the country in his autogyro has put the whole adventure on hold until the permits can be secured and the weather is fit to fly the northern homeward leg. Autogyro pilot The planned route from Northern Norman Surplus Ireland took Norman through Scotland, , south through France, Italy, and the Greek islands before crossing the Mediterranean sea into the Middle East. His next ports of call were in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and across the gulf of Oman into South Asia flying through Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. From here it was on to Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Malaysia, and to the Philippines. Norman’s homeward route will take him through, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan and Russia before crossing the Bering Straits Norman’s planned route into , Canada, and USA. The final leg takes him through around the world Greenland, Iceland, Faeroes, Hebrides, NW Scotland and finally back home to Larne in Northern Ireland.

ACFC Newsletter Page 14 So how did we get to host not only Norman, but also his Gyrocopter? Well, Norman arrived in the Philippines on August 7th after a 350 mile (560 Km) flight over the Sulu Sea to Puerta Princesa. The Philippines is the 16th new country he’s visited since leaving Larne in March. After an overnight rest, Norman flew over 550 miles (885-965 Km) to Woodland Airpark. Jay Cook kindly offered accommodation to Norman and our own mechanics together with Jay and Norman accomplished a 35 hour airframe check on the Gyrocopter. After a rest day, Norman headed off to Laoag International Airport (RPLI) near the northern tip of Luzon (about 200 miles north) in preparation for his flight to Taiwan. Norman commented Norman with our that the flight was challenging with cloud formations and heavy mechanics at Woodland rainfall to negotiate around. This was a precursor of things to come with Norma stranded in Laoag due to an incoming typhoon and bad weather. After a week of sitting out the weather and waiting (unsuccessfully) for clearances to fly to Taipei and Japan, Norman decided to take up our open invitation and return to ACFC. What impressed me most about Norman was his willingness to spend time with many of our members recanting tales of his flying exploits on the way from Ireland to the Philippines. And many of us got the chance of flying with Norman in G-YROX; a truly unique and amazing experience. As delays mount- ed, the restrictions Photo courtesy Terry Hockenhull on flying to Japan were eating into Up in the clouds overhead Woodland his weather ’win- dow’. So, a dis- appointed Norman stowed his gear, placed G-YROX in Jay Cook’s capable hands and headed back to . He has a busy schedule of T.V. interviews and talks organized but hopefully will be back in the Philippines in early March to resume his record setting Photo courtesy Terry Hockenhull attempt. G-YROX parked at Woodland Photo courtesy Terry Hockenhull If you want further details about Norman’s trip, his Touchdown! Norman and Mike aircraft and his experiences, make a point of checking out his Schemm aboard G-YROX website: http://www. gyroxgoesglobal.com/

ACFC Newsletter Page 15 Incidents, Accidents and Attitude! major fault requiring costly repair (at the buyer’s expense)? Our mechanics did check the linkages were Terry Hockenhull - Chief Flight Instructor correct (the ones they could access easily). But what about checking to see if the whole system works As some of you may know, we have had a couple of correctly? Even though the area where the linkages incidents with aircraft during the last 6 months. were crossed was not easily accessible, movement of Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries however, the yoke to confirm the control surfaces were moving in in two cases, the aircraft were very badly damaged. It the right direction would have prevented this incident. is not my intention to critique anyone’s performance but We didn’t have a final sign off maintenance check (which, to use all three incidents as an opportunity to learn from as I have mentioned earlier, we have dragooned Jay others’ mistakes and improve safety. Cook into doing in the future). Our first incident occurred with a totally rebuilt GT-500 The pilot should have conducted a thorough visual check on its maiden test flight. It is rarely a single issue that of the aircraft before removing it from the hangar. When results in an incident or accident; rather a series of minor an aircraft has been undergoing maintenance, crossed- (and sometimes major) mistakes and omissions that controls should be one of the primary things checked in together, result in an incident. The aircraft in question the pre flight check. Similarly, ‘controls’ is part of our was delivered to the flying club and sold to one of our standard pre-takeoff checks. Now I would be the first to members. He was told (as were the mechanics) that agree that if you are flying a Quicksilver which has arrived the aircraft had been flying prior to arriving in Woodland. back from a flight a few minutes before you signed it Our mechanics stripped the aircraft down replacing out, crossed-controls is not going to be a factor and you parts, repainting the aircraft and reassembling it ready should be checking for smooth, unobstructed and for the first test flight. As I understand it, most of the unhindered movement of the controls. But if someone flight controls had been carefully checked and all visible has been working on the aircraft, this must be an linkages were confirmed to be in the right position. essential check. However, as it turned out, the control linkages were crossed in a portion of the airframe that it was very One other factor may have played a part in this incident difficult to access. Hearing the aircraft had been flying was that the aircraft in question has a yoke rather than previously, the assumption was made that the controls a control stick. Since movement of the yoke (up and were correctly connected. down) to execute a right or left turn is different to the (side-to-side) movement of the control column, this may The test pilot did a cursory check of the airframe and have contributed to the failure to observe (during the engine before taxiing out to do a couple of slow taxi pre-takeoff checks) that the controls were connected runs. The engine appeared to be okay and the aircraft incorrectly. Pilots are reminded of a simple and easy well-balanced (no roll or adverse pitch) so the pilot way of checking. If you are turning to the right, make a proceeded with a take off run. Ten feet above the thumbs up signal with your right hand. Check that the runway, as the aircraft started a slow roll to the right, the right aileron is up (and the left is down). Similarly, if you pilot corrected exacerbating the roll. The aircraft are turning to the left, make a thumbs up signal with impacted with the ground essentially reducing it to a your left hand. Check that the left aileron is up (and the pile of aluminum and fabric. The reason for the incident right is down). was that the aileron controls were crossed. The flight test itself should have been more thorough What went wrong here? Well, the provenance of an with fast taxi runs and short hops before committing to aircraft, unless personally known, should never be a full takeoff. The whole incident was unfortunate and assumed to be correct. How many times have you heard couldhave been totally avoided if any of the foregoing of people buying cars and told, “It was running a couple been addressed. Both mechanics and pilot were of weeks ago and just needs a service” only to find a

ACFC Newsletter Page 16 distraught over this incident. Let’s hope we can all learn In this situation, the pilot should have been more aware a lesson from it. of the weather conditions (wind) and adjustments to takeoff procedures made accordingly. At least 5-7 The second incident I will mention involved a commercial m.p.h. should have been added to takeoff speed to pilot who was flying club Drifter, RP-S 1458 on a day compensate for the additional weight on board and the when weather conditions were (at least for a gusty wind conditions. considerably less experienced pilot) marginal. I approached the pilot and gave well-meaning advice on The good news is using Runway 26 for departure (due to the prevailing that the aircraft has westerly wind) and suggested he keep a wary eye for been totally rebuilt the incoming rain showers. Credit to the pilot that and is back in the air discretion played the better part of valor and he aborted with a new engine the flight. But the hysterical tirade I received for daring (582) and sails. to tell such an ‘experienced pilot‘ about weather Weather is fickle and conditions was, to say the least, disturbing! We cannot crosswinds can be be expected to know or remember every pilot’s Photo courtesy ACFC tricky for even the experience. Despite my considerable flight hours, I am Al Malcolm & Roy Vivash’s most experienced of always more than willing to listen to anyone’s advice. I rebuilt GT-500 pilots. It must always know it is well meant and may just mean a saved aircraft be a factor when planning flights. or accident. When you read the next incident report, just consider that if someone had spoken to the pilot As mentioned earlier, we have had our second incident prior to take off, the aircraft might have been saved and this year of an aircraft flying into power lines. All I can we would all have enjoyed a safe flight over to Binalonan. say is that we all need to be aware that low-flying is against our rules and regulations (minimum 200 feet) The incident involved an accident on takeoff of another and can be life threatening to pilot, passenger and people GT-500. Preparing for a cross country, the aircraft had on the ground. It is a sobering thought that at 500 feet, a full fuel load on board, pilot and passenger and was you have under one and a half minutes before your also ferrying additional fuel. Weather was acceptable aircraft is on the ground. So, your choices are limited at for departure however there was an unusually strong 500 feet (where we practice engine out, forced landings crosswind from the south. As the pilot accelerated down and stalls). At under 100 feet, the choice for where you the runway, he lifted off at normal takeoff speed. The land is no longer yours! crosswind, added weight and gusty conditions resulted in the right hand wing losing lift and the aircraft rolling to Fly safe everyone. You never stop learning. Let’s try to the right into the mango orchard. Fortunately, there take something from these incidents and adjust our were no serious injuries but again, an aircraft was very piloting skills accordingly. badly damaged.

Radio Control Air Activities Erwin Demetera Inviting friends from our home field in Manila has given the ACFC RC community an increase in RC pilots flying at Woodland Airpark. Mind you, our flying time only accounts for one-third on the total time spent on the flying field. Much of our activities focus on socializing and camaraderie. Many of Nestor De Castro’s RC flyer friends have now been to the club and are excited about joining the our group at ACFC. RC flying at Woodland Airpark gives all of our RC friends an Photo courtesy Terry Hockenhull introduction to the wonderful world of full-size aviation. One of the many RC Aircraft hangared at Woodland Airpark

ACFC Newsletter Page 17 The Stearman Comes Alive! Installation of all the new cowlings and fairings is by Mike Schemm proving to be a major job as nothing really fits and there are lots of modifications to be made. This is On the afternoon of Sunday 12th December, a small nothing abnormal for a 60 year old airplane where all crowd gathered in front of Hangar 3 to witness the original parts have to be sourced from old stocks and awakening of the Stearman’s engine for the first time junkyards around world. All the hoses, cables, nuts since Oct 30th 2005. After some preparation and a & bolts are brand-new meeting the ‘certified’ criteria very thorough last minute inspection by Bob, we were as required for a certified aircraft. treated to a cloud of white smoke and the distinct There are the dozens of little adjustments and roar of the 9 cylinders of the big Lycoming R-680 installations that still need to be made. The electrical (225hp) coming alive. The nine-foot diameter system is up and running thanks to Jay Cook who McCauley steel propeller was soon turning at 1200 hand-crafted a completely new system, with not one RPM; music to many ears especially Owen and Mike old wire or splice (he says) in the entire airplane. who have been waiting for this major milestone in Thanks Jay; you’ve earned a million frequent flyer the rebuilding process. miles! Our next milestone will be the first flight, which hopefully will be achieved by end January 2011 so we should be able to attend the Balloon Fiesta. Hopefully I’ll be able to report on the first flight in the next newsletter. Meanwhile watch out for the big yellow bird taking shape. (You can see a video of the engine start and run-up on YouTube. (‘stearman acfc’)

Bits & Pieces Terry Hockenhull

Mike Schemm trying not to get blown into This is just an update on many of the things which have the tail while watching the RPM been going on in the club over the last 6 months. Wolff Heinrichsdorff is finally back from his European The engine performed flawlessly, considering that after home in Hamburg. He having been rebuilt in the US, it had been sitting in a has bought himself a box for almost four years! There were hardly any oil YAK 18T which is leaks (radial engines don’t work if they don’t leak!) and currently in the fuel system didn’t spill a single drop. Quite undergoing a refit and remarkable considering that all fixed fuel lines had to general overhaul. be installed and carefully ‘massaged’ to fit by bending The Yakovlev Yak-18T them into place without breaking them. Timing was is a four-place, fully dead on the mark, magneto drop 50/50 at 1800 RPM Yak 18T aerobatic utility aircraft. and the idle perfectly set at 550-600 RPM. Oil pressures Introduced to train Aeroflot pilots, it has recently gained were all where they should be; in the green. some popularity as a sportplane both inside and outside We will be able to attach the wings fairly soon unless the former USSR. Bob finds a drop of his own perspiration or bird shit While in , Wolff kindly drove (through arctic somewhere and wants to repaint them again! He is snowy conditions), to Muenchenberg to negotiate the one meticulous guy!) Rigging of the wings and tail purchase of an S-12. He subsequently, in sub-zero section along with the trim and rudder cables will take temperatures, disassembled it and had it packed in a place simultaneously and is an art in itself. (Not possible 20’ container for shipment to Woodland. The aircraft without Bob’s ‘ol hand’ experience.) has been bought by Japanese member, Hideki Noguchi.

ACFC Newsletter Page 18 Currently, the Drifter (RP-S 1458) is in pieces on the * * * * * hangar floor. Chris P and Terry H have generously lent Please be mindful that your membership dues and a set of wing sails to expedite the re-painting of the old hangar rentals are payable (for 2011) on or before 31 Grey Drifter. We will have to refer to it as the Red, January, 2011. Please pay on time; it is costly for us to White & Blue Drifter from now on! send out reminders to you all and it will be costly to you * * * * * (if you don’t cough up promptly) as there are interest Our Airfield Operations Manual and Club Rules & charges on late payments! Regulations have both been edited/re-written. They are * * * * * prominently displayed in the office and everyone should Pierre Remus’s group from Hong Kong arrived in the take the opportunity of reading through them particularly Philippines for their flying weekend (see marketing as it relates to flying patterns and circuits. report) on Friday, 10 December. We’ll be giving you a We have made a few changes to regulations relating to write up in the next newsletter but Pierre wrote a note of solo flights by student airmen. Please be advised that thank you (below) to all involved in entertaining his students wishing to fly solo must seek approval for the guests. solo flight from a flight instructor. Instructors may detail specific activities and exercises to be accomplished during the flight. Instructors may prohibit student airmen from flying solo if weather or other conditions so dictate. * * * * * Some of you may have noticed a Cessna 172 and a Cessna 150 in Hangar 3. These GA aircraft belong to Adrian Rathmell (who has rejoined the club after a long absence) and Tonet Rivera. We are getting increasing numbers of GA airmen asking to bring their planes to Woodland. Don’t worry, ultralights still have priority! * * * * * Brant Shockley is back at the club after an extended 5 month absence. Welcome back Brant! * * * * * Paul Norrie’s X-Air is looking pretty sorry for itself at the moment with no wings! Paul has stripped the aircraft which is undergoing a comprehensive rebuild and maintenance check. Paul will be replacing all the sails with Mylar, a light weight synthetic fabric which has some great advantages over traditional sailcloth and Dacron. * * * * * We haven’t seen too much of Christian Gehrig recently. His Fascination is in the process of having the cockpit and instruments replaced. He’s also a new Dad so maybe this is what is keeping him away. * * * * * * * * * * A final word; if anyone is in any doubt as to the contribution Jay Cook makes to the Club, just count Our accounts (in the office) are being migrated to the number of times his name is mentioned in the ‘Quickbooks’. We have talked about automating our newsletter! systems and we are now well on track with this project. This should mean that your bills are more accurate (not * * * * * suggesting they weren’t before!) but regrettably, they Merry Christmas and a Happy New will be sent out on time (and demand prompt payment!). Year

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