Fall 2013 Serving Idaho’S Aviation Community for Over 65 Years Vol 59, Issue 4 It’S a Bird, It’S a Plane, It’S A

AE S RONAUTIC

Fall 2013 Serving Idaho’s Aviation Community for over 65 Years Vol 59, Issue 4 It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a . . . By Rebecca Burghy heavy loads create unique challenges, Most pilots in the Northwest are and crop-friendly accustomed to seeing agricultural aircraft critters such as going about their daily work, flying low bees, necessitate passes over crops and fields to spread night application seed and crop protection products to flights to ensure maximize our food, fiber and biofuel they are not supplies. Non-pilots, however, often are harmed by applied startled by what looks like daring or substances. dangerous flying without realizing those activities are necessary to keep our Today’s herbicides, grocery stores and restaurants supplied fertilizers and with a wide variety of quality, fresh and fungicides are healthy foods. Our ample food crops much less toxic Photograph courtesy of Katie Baker rely upon the tireless efforts of farmers and much more effective than they once pilots and engineers at McCook Field and the invaluable services of crop were, requiring less of each while in Ohio fashioned a crude metal dusters, or agricultural aviators, as they increasing crop yields. Superior pilot hopper, attached it to a Curtiss Jenny, are known today. technique and improved aircraft and loaded it with powdered lead equipment and avionics have vastly arsenic. Lt. John Macready spread it Idaho’s agricultural aviators are improved a pilot’s ability to apply the over a nearby fruit grove infested with professional pilots and businessmen exact quantity of material when and Catalpa sphinx moths. who make sizeable investments in high- where needed, thus minimizing waste performance aircraft, equipment and and runoff. The experiment was a complete training to support high-yield success, and farmers were soon agriculture, protect forests, rehabilitate Agricultural aviation plays a significant clamoring to have their cotton fields, wild-lands, and protect the public from role in large-scale farming and ever- corn fields and fruit groves “dusted” disease-carrying pests. increasing crop yields in the United to kill pests and increase plant growth States. Our farms not only feed the U.S., and yield. Pilots of that era rushed to Pilots devote countless hours to the but a good portion of the world, and convert aircraft to meet agricultural science and practice of precise aerial ag pilots take their part of that demand, often flying as both crop applications. The high elevations and responsibility very seriously. dusters and air mail pilots. As the industry evolved and farm size Looking back in increased, those aircraft gave way to history, airplanes the surplus Cubs and Stearman Kaydets played an of WWII. Soon after, Grumman, Leland integral military Snow and others began designing and role in World building aircraft for the sole purpose War I, but the of aerial application. aviation industry was still a novelty to most civilians See Plane Photograph courtesy of Katie Baker in 1921 when Continued on page 2 INSIDE Crop Dusting: An Agricultural Ballet By Jim Freeman begins loading the plane with Any traveler in Idaho farm country has material and fuel seen them – crop duster planes that for the first job, seem to rise out of the earth as they while Ken reach the end of a field and pirouette carefully checks for another pass. Their vital service to wind, weather, agriculture begins in the early spring field locations and with the application of dry fertilizer. As field dimensions the crops become established, the planes for the day. He return with herbicide. Later on, they plans on a fuel spray fungicide to crops that need it. burn of Jet A at 37 Next, they apply insecticide. In the to 40 gal/hr. By 5 winter, they sometimes seed grass on a.m. near spring top of the snow. solstice, the sound of the big Garrett Courtesy of Jeff Zenner Photography, www.jeffzenner.com Some farmers use ground applicators on the strip in the heart of town awakens Ken grins about his greatest pucker with their enormous booms. Those who the sleeping residents. factor moments and says, “Oh, I broke favor aerial application say it avoids a prop bolt and one prop blade went crushing the crops and compacting the As he ferries to his first job, Ken flat while the other stayed at pitch, and wet soil, as often happens with the use programs his GPS for the field he plans I broke an elevator servo, and I had of ground rigs. Farmers make their to spray. A triangular field of 40 acres two cylinders bust, and a turbine individual choices based on cost, time takes about as much time as a plenum split … but that’s about it.” and convenience. rectangular field of 80 acres because of the turnaround About the future of aerial crop dusting, time. His ferry speed Ken says the challenges constantly is around 130 mph, change. Endless judgment calls: and his application Balancing the farmer’s urgency against speed varies from the pilot’s safety, protecting peonies from 100 to 115 mph. He drift at a dream home built on the edge eats small frequent of wheat fields, dodging the new cell meals and drinks tower erected under the minimum height coffee to remain alert for FAA-required lighting, keeping up through a flying day with the latest chemicals. Fuel costs rise. that extends to 9 Improved equipment must be p.m. during the purchased. Aircraft repairs must be made. Courtesy of Jeff Zenner Photography, www.jeffzenner.com peak of the season. He pauses, and quietly says, “But I love He takes advantage my job. Flying’s my life.” A Camas Prairie farm boy who dreamed of windy days by working on an exercise of flying, Ken Kuther hung around routine to combat the endless hours of legendary Grangeville airman, Frank sitting in the cockpit. Hill, until he earned his private pilot’s Plane license under the tutelage of Tom Ken cites weather and natural- and man- Gehring of Cottonwood. He watched made obstructions as his biggest Continued from page 1 Frank’s crop dusting technique and headaches. Unlighted cell towers and eventually purchased a Cessna 188 Ag meteorological test towers are especially Today’s Air Tractors and Thrushes are Wagon. He progressed to a radial- hazardous. He says Nez Perce Tribe rugged and dependable, with large powered Ag Cat and finally to his officials have been great to work with, engines and hoppers, and modern present plane. Ken now makes his living in regard to their towers. He praises avionics to accurately apply the required flying the rolling wheat fields of the local chemical representatives for crop protections and enhancements, Camas Prairie in his Super Ag Cat with keeping him abreast of the characteristics seeding and weed control. Many of a Garrett-1 turbine. of the newest materials. His list of “don’t those substances now are in liquid form miss” events is annual seminars and rather than powder (or dust), and the In the spring, his ritual begins at 4 a.m. conventions with PAASS (Personal Aerial moniker has evolved to better reflect with the essential preparation of a pot Applicator Support System), PNWAAA not only the items applied, but also the of coffee for himself, his helper, Dave (Pacific Northwest Aerial Applicator level of professionalism of the men and Denson, and their frequent visitors. Alliance) and IAAA (Idaho Agricultural women involved in this small, but vital Dave consults the day’s schedule and Applicator Association). segment of aviation.

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A S Administrator: ERONAUTIC The Drones are Our group developed a foundation that The national UAS industry will see an Coming! could prove pivotal in building a economic impact of $82 billion between UAS/Aerospace industry in Idaho. We 2015 and 2025 creating more than Aviation worked around the clock, identifying 100,000 high paying jobs. A Texas study entrepreneurs are the advantages of locating an FAA test determined that a single FAA test site looking to hire site in our state. The advantages would have an economic value of $802 employees who identified include: available airspace, million and more than 8,000 jobs. will fly without favorable weather, a strong military pay, can stare presence, UAS experience at Idaho Buckle up and hang on, we’re in for an ahead for 30 National Laboratory and a wealth of exciting flight … with or without a pilot! straight hours without blinking, never retired military personnel with the utter a complaint and are easily replaced knowledge and skill in UAS technology. Tailwinds- if they crash. That, my friends, is a pilotless aircraft – one that likely will be Also, combining all the engineering Mike Pape sharing airspace with you soon. research under way at our state universities will result in a synergy of ITD Aeronautics Administrator Over the past ten years, military UAS aerospace excellence. (unmanned aircraft system) use has grown from a few experimental aircraft In May 2013, Idaho was one of 24 states to more than 10,000 flights annually. that applied to become a coveted FAA They are currently training more UAS UAS test site. We flew to Washington pilots than traditional ones. The same D.C. to promote Idaho to the FAA and technology explosion the military has the industry at the annual Association seen is about to transform the civil for Unmanned Vehicle Systems aviation industry to support agriculture, International (AUVSI) conference. law enforcement, forest fire management, pipeline patrols, search and rescue, and We emphasized Idaho’s favorable hundreds of other applications. business climate, our history of promoting a strong aviation industry The 2012 Congressional reauthorization and the fact that we currently house of the FAA budget tasked the FAA with the largest UAS test area in operation. safely integrating drones into the U.S. However, what I really believe could airspace by 2015. To study this process, win them over is the “can-do” attitude the FAA will select and monitor six and teamwork displayed by the aviation national test sites to provide the data business professionals in Idaho; one required to accommodate both manned that is poised to stand out nationally. and unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system. I am happy to announce When I hear pilots communicate how that Idaho is on its way to becoming a threatened they feel by UAS presence, player in this inevitable UAS industry. I remind them of the two ways we can react to technology; we can either Last year, the governor’s office asked the embrace and integrate it, or we get run Idaho Department of Commerce to lead over by it. a task force that would ensure our state is given serious consideration. Director It’s encouraging that once again, Idaho of Commerce, Jeff Sayer commissioned aviation is preparing for the future. a working group comprised of We proudly hosted the nation’s first representatives from the Division of commercial airmail flight in 1926; Aeronautics, private UAS businesses, the and likewise, I believe we have a good state universities, and local aviation and shot at hosting the first UAS test flights aerospace companies. next year.

Fall 2013 Page 3 in between. This is particularly Safety Wire noticeable around isolated, sharp peaks, shoulders (abrupt change in terrain Wind and Terrain Analysis relief) or buildings. By Dan Etter The zones expand with an increase ITD Division of Aeronautics of velocity, slope angle or impact Wind flows over and around obstacles angle, and they contract when the in a consistent and predictable manner. aforementioned decrease. The ability to predict the flow of wind is the result of understanding and Knowing this is important for two practicing wind and terrain analysis Wind Zone Diagram 1 reasons. First, if the upper wind’s (WTA) principles, rules and downdraft zones; and the curl, or low direction and velocity are known, pilots methodologies that have been pressure, is created by the wind passing with a little experience can judge the developed through research and over or around an obstacle. The effects of the wind by simply studying experimentation, in both the laboratory demarcation line’s angle and height is a topographical map. To avoid the worst and field. established by three factors: the velocity of the zones, they can plan safe routes. of the wind, steepness of the slope and Second, while en route, the pilot can The first requirement to achieve this angle at which the wind strikes the slope. judge the severity of the zones by how skill is to believe it can be accomplished. It is often considered the extension of far leeward of the obstacle, the dispersal Pilots may dismiss the notion as the slope as it rises above and beyond zone (light turbulence) is encountered. unnecessary or believe it’s far too the obstacle. The demarcation line bends The farther the dispersal zone is from complicated to understand, especially downward and horizontally as it interacts the obstacle, the greater the severity of when it comes to Idaho’s mountainous with winds aloft. Its actual location the turbulence and downdraft zones. terrain. However, airflow responds to becomes important in cross-country the same laws of fluid dynamics as operations (diagram 2). When additional obstacles follow water or any other gas. While we often Diagram 2 immediately after the initial obstacle, cannot see the movement, we can then some zones may be eliminated always detect it directly or indirectly. altogether. This is often the case in a It is this ability that allows us to develop series of peaks or ridgelines the skill to predict, and ultimately, “see” (diagram 3). In this situation, the the wind. Demarcation Lines and Resultant Low Pressure Areas turbulent, dispersal and stable zones The low-pressure area is created on the can be eliminated on the initial and Air flows much like water, and has leeward side of the obstacle by the very middle ridges since most of the characteristics that aviators should note passage of that wind, and it is the “engine” turbulent zones are abbreviated or and test while flying in the backcountry. that drives the ensuing turbulence. The absent. The key is discovering if and Air follows the path of least resistance, wind will attempt, via the path of least where the downdraft zone impacts the just like water in one of our Idaho resistance, to fill the low. The wind must subsequent obstacle. The ensuing streams. Air will always take the shortest come back from the downdraft zone to updraft zones can be compressed due and/or least-obstructed route to fill any attack the low-pressure areas. This initiates to the strength of the downdrafts. lows created by high winds over rugged a pattern of turbulence rotating on a terrain. In canyons and drainages, the horizontal axis, which extends leeward Because of compression, the ensuing wind accelerates in the resultant venturi until frictional interaction with other air updrafts become very powerful. This because of increased pressure molecules slows the swirling pattern, has serious implications for aircraft differentials. In winding turns, the wind allowing the air currents to sort themselves transitioning narrow valleys. In high accelerates to the outside of the turn, out (dispersal zone) and return to a stable winds, there is minimal safe maneuver just like water in a stream, leaving flow/stable zone (diagram 3). room in narrow valleys, except within eddies on the inside of the turns. When the narrow confines of the updraft colliding with an equal and opposing zones, or the “curl,” or low pressure. force, pilots can expect an opposite and Pilots who need to execute or to turbulent flow. This opposite reaction maneuver in this confined airspace can take the shape of the face of a cliff must use great caution and have intimate or another air current. Abbreviated Wind Zones and Strike Zones understanding of the environment and Diagram 3 their airplane’s capabilities. Powerful In order to understand and apply the The updraft and downdraft zones are a rotational patterns are trapped between cornerstone of mountain-wind result of the intervening obstacle. The the downdrafts and the upwind ridges predictions, it’s important to combine remaining three zones are a result of the (diagram 3). the principles above with the creation of low pressure leeward of the characteristics of stability and the obstacle. If the obstacle has sharp drop- In this diagram, the point where the mechanics of prevailing and valley winds. offs on either side, then the movement downdraft descends and impacts to fill the low is lateral, or “wrap-around,” subsequent terrain is known as the The five zones are updraft, downdraft, and the rotational plane of eddies and turbulent, dispersal and stable zones ensuing turbulence changes to reflect See Wind (diagram 1).The demarcation line is the this direction. The rotational axis moves line that separates the updraft and from horizontal to vertical and all points Continued on page 5 Page 4 Rudder Flutter Your Tax Dollars at Work Idaho Airport Aid Program (IAAP) By Bill Statham, matching funds to municipal governments During state fiscal year 2014, which Project for public airport improvements. corresponds to federal FY-13, airports Manager, ITD received the following funding assistance: Division of Allocations must meet high-priority needs • Primary Service airports received Aeronautics and achieve maximum benefit and use of $15,108,607 in FAA grants, which available funds. The allocation program each airport owner matched, for a During the past is designed to provide the greatest and total investment of $16,115,847 year, Idaho best use of limited Idaho Airport Aid funds • General Aviation airports received airports invested and maximize availability of federal funds. $8,852,423 in FAA grants and nearly $26 $467,213 in state grants, which each million to maintain and improve The primary goal of the allocation airport owner matched, for a total facilities. The Division of Aeronautics, program is to further the proper investment of $9,836,026 through the IAAP, contributed to that development of the statewide airport • An additional $7,787 was identified effort. The IAAP provides for the system and facilitate fair distribution of for Small (Emergency) Projects discretionary allocation of grant funds aviation tax money. It is a modest • The total statewide investment is to Idaho airport owners. Only public program with a budget that varies from $25,959,660, of which the state entities are eligible to participate in the year to year. There are five airport types provided $475,000. Idaho Airport Aid Program. where assistance can be provided: • There are insufficient funds to • Primary (Commercial Service) provide State funding to primary The funds are derived from Idaho’s • General Aviation (Federally assisted) and community airports and Aviation fuel tax. The IAAP is a “trustee • General Aviation Community planning studies. and benefit” program that provides • Small (Emergency) Projects • Small Airport Planning Studies

Wind above the strike point, then a pilot Having an understanding of the wind and needs to fly at altitudes equal to the its interaction with terrain can mean the Continued from page 4 ridge tops. When the updraft zone is difference between success and failure. compressed as indicated in the strike point. Because of the lateral previous paragraph, then the pilot Note: The information in this article was resistance of other air molecules, the needs to fly laterally, as close to the presented as part of the HAATs curriculum airflow at this point can only go up or terrain as safety permits, to remain in at the High-Altitude Army Aviation down. In freshly fallen snow, this area the updraft. In these conditions, the Training Site held in Gypsum, Colo. in is visible. If there are no visual route and altitude are dictated by 2003 and 2009. indications and the goal is to remain observed or suspected conditions.

Fall 2013 Page 5 Page 6 Rudder Flutter requirements on the to the category, class, and type (if a type Cockpit Conversation technical definition of rating is required) of aircraft to be night. Let’s take a flown. Just because you are current in minute and review your multi-engine C-310 does not Night Flight both of these. make you current in your C-182. You must fulfill the night takeoff and By Cade Night currency- FAR 61.57 (b) states, landing requirements in the class of Preston, “…no person may act as pilot in airplane in which you will be carrying ITD Division of command of an aircraft carrying passengers. If you have not flown at Aeronautics passengers during the period beginning night for some time, I recommend 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour contacting your local flight school to Recently, here at before sunrise, unless within the arrange for a night-currency flight with the Division of preceding 90 days that person has made a certified flight instructor. Aeronautics, a co- at least three takeoffs and three landings worker and I were to a full stop during the period Aircraft lighting- The subject of preparing for our next day’s trip by beginning 1 hour after sunset and aircraft lighting is much simpler than reviewing our itinerary and ensuring ending 1 hour before sunrise.” So for currency. FAR 91.209 (a) addresses the all our bases were covered. Airplane the purposes of pilot currency, night requirements for aircraft position lights. fueled…checked. Flight plans flight is from one hour after sunset to Position lights (also called navigation filed…checked. Passengers and one hour before sunrise. Official sunrise or nav lights) are required to be turned destination confirmed…checked. As I and sunset times can be easily looked on from sunset to sunrise. That’s it! reviewed the departure and arrival up online. I suggest sticking to official Easy, right? OK, maybe not so easy if times one more time, I developed a government websites. I like the US you have overcast skies. In that case, funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. Naval Observatory website, use the official sunrise/sunset times for Pilots current for night flight…Oh snap! http://aa.usno.navy.mil/. the location in which you are operating. NOT checked! During overcast conditions, leaving As a pilot, are you allowed to fly at night position lights on past official sunrise “How did I overlook that?” I thought. without being night current? Yes, you or turning them on before official sunset The long days of summer had caught are! The benefit of being night current is good operating practice, as reduced me off-guard. Daylight during Idaho’s is that you are allowed to carry sunlight conditions exist on these days. summer lasts more than 16 hours, passengers during the period starting giving most pilots little opportunity to one hour after sunset and ending one According to FAR 91.209 (b), anytime maintain night currency. Now that we hour before sunrise. Let’s suppose I am (day and night) an aircraft is operating, are in the fall flying season, and rapidly not night current and am on a flight the pilot must turn on the anti-collision approaching winter, let’s review some carrying passengers. Official sunset for lights. Aircraft not equipped with anti- considerations for night flight. my destination is 6:52 p.m. By what collision lights are exempt from this time am I legally required to be on the rule. However, if the pilot determines Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) ground? The answer is 7:51 p.m. that, because of the operating define night as “the time between the conditions, it would be in the interest end of evening civil twilight and the If you are not night current, then you of safety to turn the lights off, he/she beginning of morning civil twilight, as must obtain night currency before may do so. Night taxi operations are a published in the American Air carrying passengers. A solo night flight classic example of an operating Almanac, converted to local time.” that includes three takeoffs and three condition that would justify turning off Umm, okay. How does this help me? full-stop landings will fulfill this Really, it doesn’t. Thankfully for pilots, requirement. These landings can be Night Flight the FARs do not base night-flight stop-and-gos, but not touch-and-gos. currency, or aircraft lighting Another note here; currency is specific Continued on page 8

Medical Matters Continued on page 11

Fall 2013 Page 7 Aviation Medical Matters alternative for most people is pushing Obstructive Sleep Apnea away from the table! By: Paul Collins, MD, AME and Mike Weiss, MD, MPH, AME, CFII Sleep apnea is the equivalent of having The most important thing is a blood alcohol of 0.08! In many states, recognizing the symptoms. The this is the same as being legally drunk! treatments can be very effective, and If you add time zone changes and if the treatment is documented, you perhaps a glass of alcohol in the can maintain your medical certificate. evening, you have a very serious combination. Sleep well.

Usually, we get a “wake-up” call from our brain after we have not breathed We all get tired, and sleep is the only for 10 seconds, but people with sleep real treatment for this. Yes, there are apnea might go 30 seconds before they Night Flight things you can do to prolong the start gasping for breath. Continued from page 7 inevitable, like drinking coffee, but in the end, you have to sleep. For some How do you recognize Obstructive strobe-type, anti-collision lights. Not people, even when they fall asleep, they Sleep Apnea? Here are some things to doing so may present a blinding hazard do not get the rest they need because look for: or distraction to oneself and others. of obstruction to their breathing. • Loud and excessive snoring Just make sure to turn them on when Consider trying to sleep under water • Difficulty concentrating, thinking taxiing on to the runway for takeoff. I and having to wake up to go to the or remembering would also recommend turning all surface to breathe – hard to get real • Daytime sleepiness, fatigue or aircraft lights on when crossing any sleep! This is what happens with frequent naps runway, day or night. obstructive sleep apnea. Up to 7 percent • Headaches of all middle-aged people, 70 percent • Irritability (crankiness) Additional night considerations- of clinically obese people, up to 50 • Short attention span Idaho is a vast and sparsely populated percent of people with heart disease • Large neck circumference (15 inches state. It is amazing how dark it gets in and 60 percent of people who have had or greater) remote areas. If you are not instrument strokes suffer from sleep apnea. rated, I recommend avoiding night What can you do? flight in remote unlit areas. Spatial • If you are overweight, get the So, what actually is sleep apnea? The disorientation has taken the lives of word “apnea” means “being without pounds off. This is very important many VFR pilots operating on a clear respiration.” Obstructive sleep apnea as this can correct the problems in means one suffers repetitive upper the neck. A 10 percent weight loss moonless night. In addition, night flight airway obstruction during sleep as a will decrease Obstructive Sleep over mountainous terrain brings added result of narrow airway passages. In Apnea by 25 percent. risks. I do not recommend night flight most cases, the cause of this is additional • Change sleeping position to the side over mountainous terrain in any single- fatty tissue in the neck and around the or the stomach. engine aircraft. A mechanical failure in airways because of obesity. The added • Change the sleeping environment those conditions spells almost certain fatty tissue blocks the airway enough with perhaps a different mattress, disaster. Risks run higher for multi- to literally close the breathing passages. temperature, etc. engine aircraft as well. The single- This is especially true when overweight • A dental appliance that thrusts the engine service ceiling on many multi- people sleep on their back instead of lower jaw forward can help those engine airplanes is lower than much on their side. Gravity pulls the fatty with mild to moderate Obstructive of Idaho’s terrain. Avoiding that terrain tissue down into the air passages, and Sleep Apnea. This helps about 75 may be impossible in the dark. For breathing is blocked. percent of those affected. these reasons I recommend sticking to • Consider a Continuous Positive night flight over flatter areas, such as A person with obstructive sleep apnea Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. the Snake River Plain. gets partial obstruction (Hypopnea) or The machines are very effective total obstruction (Apnea) hundreds of non-surgical treatments for any level Night flight can be a fun and rewarding times each night. The net effect is that of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and experience. The more knowledge you the brain does not receive enough hold the tissues open by increased have on the subject, the more oxygen. There are multiple problems air pressure. empowered you will be in undertaking that can arise from this condition, it. Take some time to review the including high blood pressure, If none of these work, and the weight aeromedical factors associated with cardiovascular system strain, increased is gone, then consider surgery, but night flight, such as anatomy of the eye risk of heart attack and increased risk understand the surgical results are not and visual illusions associated with of stroke. consistent. The best and easiest night flight. Page 8 Rudder Flutter The Common Thread of Perfect Landings The Fundamentals of Mountain This does not and Canyon Flying - Part 1 mean you need to travel By Lori MacNichol – McCall Mountain to the high and Canyon Flying Seminars LLC country. It Learning to fly, and the thought of mountain would be a flying, may not seem to fit well in the same benefit for you sentence. But, I urge you to think twice. As to experience, the owner and operator of a flight school firsthand, an that teaches both primary flight instruction eye-opening and mountain and canyon flight instruction, “density it has been my privilege to teach and interact altitude effect.” with more than a thousand pilots and The amazing participants. I am here to tell you there is beauty of God’s a common thread that weaves mountain country and and canyon flight training perfectly into the first time your primary flight lessons. you drop below the Lori MacNichol You might be thinking; wait a minute, I mountain rim, descend into the canyon, process is a complicated combination of thought mountain and canyon flying was and negotiate your first dirt-strip landing many small decisions. All this preparation an advanced form of flight training. I am along a lazy mountain steam, is probably is what you focus on in primary instruction. too overloaded with just the tasks and worth the price of admission. Flight- You will always remember your instructor requirements of getting my “Private Pilot’s training enthusiasm and excitement doesn’t saying “A good landing is ninety percent License,” let alone mountain flying! Yes, get much better than this. pattern and approach.” you do have your hands full as a student pilot. But, I encourage you to seek just a A perfect landing is the common thread See Landings few hours of flight instruction with a in all flight training. Never mind that it’s qualified mountain flight instructor. never perfect. Never mind that the landing Continued on page 12

Fall 2013 Page 9 The Color of Aviation: Go Fast, Turn Left Contributions from: his high school sweetheart, Debra Jean, Lamar and Debbie Harris and started working as an aircraft mechanic, which he did for three years. Gary Hubler could honestly say aviation However, he never stopped talking was his life. about flying.

He logged more than 21,000 hours of He hung out at the airport and flew with flight time, was type-rated in many anyone who would take him along. In different aircraft, raced a number of 1975, he took up skydiving and different warbirds, won five consecutive completed his training for his National Formula One Championships, commercial license. Through hard work, competed in aerobatic competition, and a little help from his dad, Gary jumped out of a perfectly good plane, landed a job flying for Clarks Air Service instructed too many students and pilots as a crop duster. He sprayed his first Gary Hubler to count and helped with countless field on his 21st birthday and worked airplane projects and annual inspections. on his instrument and instructor ratings. wanted to have a third child, hoping for In his off-season he flew a Beech-18, a girl, Gary made her a deal; if she earned Gary always wanted to be a pilot like and eventually a DC-3, hauling the mail. her pilot’s license, he would agree to try his father and mother. With instruction He loved flying the DC-3 and took as for a daughter, to add to the two boys from his father and family friend Dick many friends as possible with him so they already had. She began instruction Miller, Gary soloed at age 16 and got they could also experience a flight in the next day. Eighty hours later, she his private pilot’s license in 1973 at the the airplane. received her private license. Daughter age of 18. That same year, Gary married Rebecca arrived soon afterward. Sharing his love of flying was To sign off on the work he and his dad something Gary were doing installing turbine conversions did whenever on spray planes, Gary pursued his possible, teaching mechanic’s license in 1987 and later friends, his two received his airline transport pilot (ATP) brothers, and his and certified flight instrument instructor two sons. Gary’s ratings. In 1989 he received his multi- middle son, Jon, engine instructor certificate. 16, was working toward his license Emergency procedures, being on the when he was centerline and cross-wind landings, were killed in a plane a focus while receiving instruction from crash with one of Gary. If you were his student, he would Gary’s friends. Of make sure to stop your prop during a the risky flying flight. He wanted to be sure your first Gary did, Debra emergency was a controlled one. If he Jean says, “People heard of a safety issue, he would do all always asked why he could to help correct the problem. I didn’t make him He also was an excellent crop-dusting stop flying. I just instructor and even taught several pilots told them that how to fly a float plane. The last flying is his life, I certificate he earned was his commercial could never take glider rating. that away from him; he lives to In the summer of 1984, Gary was offered fly and share a chance to fly a race plane in the Reno flying with Air Races. It was the start of his 23-year others.”

When Debra Jean See Go Fast came to him and Continued on page 11 told him she

Page 10 Rudder Flutter COMPASS ROSE George Palmer Putnam Award By Sandra Storhok, Bob has been loved and revered by the have passed, inevitably, the time you Eastern Idaho 99 99s as far back as I can remember. He spend with him seems to end too soon. has been the Eastern Idaho 99s’ resident As Amelia Earhart’s publicist, publisher instructor for our annual mountain- It’s hard to believe that this natural- and widower, George Palmer Putnam flying clinic at the Flying B Resort Ranch born teacher didn’t begin his aviation proposed an award as a means of on the Salmon River in central Idaho. career as an instructor. Bob is from the honoring anyone who supports an Backcountry students will do just about World War II era, when transitioning individual member of the group anything to get the opportunity to learn from high school to cadet school with (known as a “49 1/2”), a Chapter or from this war-trained, mountain aviator the Army Air Corps seemed like the Section, or the organization as a whole. because of his reputation for being so thing to do. Commissioned as an officer The George Palmer Putnam 49 1/2 calm and steady. His calm nature in 1944 at the age of 19, Bob learned Award was established by the 99s in promotes self-confidence and makes to fly T-6s at Luke Air Force Base in 2006 to recognize exceptional support learning fun. Arizona. Because the war ended shortly of the 99s. after he enlisted, he never shipped out When we offer our Flying Companion for overseas combat. After the war, he The Eastern Idaho 99s nominated Bob Seminars, Bob is always eager to help returned home to southeast Idaho Jones for the George Palmer Putnam out. We especially appreciate how because he anticipated being able to log Award, which was awarded to him on articulate he is in his presentation on more flight time as a civilian. His busy July 13, 2013. Bob personifies the values “How Airplanes Fly” as he de-mystifies flight schedule as a full-time engineer and contributions of the George Palmer the gift of flight. Even the most white- at the National Engineering Laboratory Putnam Award with the high level of knuckled flying companions are proved this to be the case. support he has given the 99s. Skills, convinced that flying can be both safe the gift of teaching and wisdom – Bob and fun. Bob Jones continues to expand his Jones has them all. Surely, instructing generous contribution to women in more than 1,000 people to fly must be Although Bob is now in his 80s, he still aviation. His contagious love of flight some kind of record! He taught Onita is the same guy many of us knew when is reflected in the countless number of Hoff, a charter member of the Idaho we were younger. Every encounter is pilots he has influenced. Introducing Chapter, how to fly, as he did her son, enjoyment intertwined with teaching so many people to the gift of flight is daughter and grandson. moments. Regardless of how many hours his legacy.

Go Fast Continued from page 10 racing career. In 1988, he decided to build his own race plane. During a test flight, as he reached higher speeds, he experienced elevator flutter severe enough to break the bell crank linkage to the elevator, making the plane completely uncontrollable. Good thing he had a parachute as he bailed out of the plane and made it safely to the ground. The plane was a total loss. The next plane, #95 Mariah, was built by Gary and his father. Mariah still holds the title of “Fastest Formula One ever built,” winning five consecutive National It was a sad day in September 2007 know and a very devoted family man Formula One championships. Gary when Gary was tragically killed in an and good friend. He always said, “Treat absolutely loved racing – “GO FAST, accident at the Reno Air Races. He was people as if this might be the last time TURN LEFT!” one of the best pilots you could ever you will ever see them.”

Fall 2013 Page 11 I was in way over my head. I was not sure fly the aircraft at slow flight in different Landings about the landing, the aim-point, or what configurations and flap settings at level speeds to use. I questioned whether I flight and descending and turning flight. Continued from page 9 could get stopped before the end of the We note power settings, rates of descent runway. I wondered if I could apply what and speeds. We expand this to include I’ll never forget my first solo trip into the my instructors called a “go-around” to imminent and actual stalls. Again, we note backcountry. I didn’t even have 60 hours this landing. And, then I wondered about and record the indicated speeds in theses of total PIC flight time. But, I figured no the departure. Where do I go? The phases of flight. Then we test the stall big deal. I live here. I learned to fly and questions in my mind kept coming. I information while turning, descending and received my private pilot’s certificate in made the best decision considering my climbing. This gives us enough information McCall, Idaho, at a field elevation of 5,020 experience and flew back home. It didn’t to configure the aircraft in a steep stabilized feet and had just purchased a C-182 and take long to find a qualified mountain approach of approximately 4.5 degree glide planned to go fishing in the backcountry, and canyon flight instructor to give me a slope. This is a surprisingly big descent which is the reason I learned to fly, and few hours of dual instruction. rate but it gives excellent energy I was sure I knew everything. (It took management control. All those scribbles me 30 years of flying to realize I’m not The first day’s flight with a basic mountain- and notations of speed and flap settings as smart as I used to be.) I was like a kid flight instructor was a revelation of things became that common thread you explored waiting for Christmas morning. I was I knew and things I thought I knew. It when you first learned to fly. Sometimes filled with excitement and could hardly consisted of getting to know my aircraft we clarified words that seemed to work sleep a wink in anticipation of the early- intimately, in every phase of flight. I used better in the mountains. For example, we morning flight to the Chamberlain Basin that first common thread of airspeed and called our downwind entry speed canyon Airstrip located in the Frank Church attitude to develop a speed and speed. We replaced the go-around point Wilderness. I flew there that crisp early configuration worksheet. This was to on the runway with a more descriptive morning, in a direct line of flight at about become the basis of a good mountain idea called “abort point.” Is this beginning 10,000 feet MSL. I used dead reckoning checkout, which we use every day in my to sound familiar with what you’ve learned? as there was no GPS back then. I school. It’s a form that I developed in the remember being so pleased that I found process of learning about my specific the airstrip. I descended to what seemed airplane. The work goes something like See Landings like a reasonable traffic-pattern altitude this: We take the aircraft to an altitude that and realized after circling multiple times, simulates a density altitude we want. We Continued on page 15

Page 12 Rudder Flutter Radio Chatter Airport News Reed Ranch airstrip is closed from November 1 to May 31 due to a special use permit for animal habitat. Please do not land there during this time. The weather was severe clear and the Smiley Creek Caretaker position is runway was in excellent condition, the available for next summer. Contact smoothest ever. The restrooms were Gary McElheney at 208-334-8893 or clean and the camp area tidy, kudos [email protected]. to Gordon, the Airport Manager, and the Division of Aeronautics. As we customer experience that supports signed the guest book, it became Ontario, OR student pilots and their entry into all apparent that we weren’t the only ones aspects of the aviation community” said who had traveled to this great Thanks from ONO Shannon Yeager, vice president of mountain getaway. The comments By Tommy Frazier, AOPA’s Center to Advance the Pilot section was full of appreciation for this Frazier Aviation, LLC Community. Glass Cockpit Aviation great location and facility. was the only Idaho school chosen, and Frazier Aviation at the Ontario, Oregon one of only three schools awarded in As coincidence would have it, we were Airport (KONO) would like to thank the Pacific Northwest. greeted by some old acquaintances who everyone for their patronage and flew in from California the last time we announce we now have a very unique Glass Cockpit Aviation has been training were there. GAFA has no shortages of crew and courtesy car, a nice Cadillac students at the Boise Airport since 2005. chefs, and after a delicious evening 6 passenger Limo affectionately called www.glasscockpitaviation.com meal, there’s nothing like hangar flying the AIRPORTER. We also have around the campfire roasting Enterprise Rental Car service available, marshmallows and eating s’mores. making it easy to fly in for breakfast, Gooding Smiley Creek has truly become one of lunch or dinner to enjoy the restaurant GAFA’s favorite overnight destinations. of choice or perhaps spend the night. Fresh Mountain Air There is even a very nice IFR Certified By Randy Quigley, GAFA Cessna 182 for rent to qualified pilots. The next time you are in Ontario, please Kamiah stop in and introduce yourself! Kamiah Airport ‘Hits the spot’ Boise Labor Day Weekend Glass Cockpit Aviation earns spot saw the Kamiah on Flight Training Honor Roll Airport (S73) busy By Cammie Patch, President with activities. Spot Glass Cockpit Aviation landing and flour bombing competitions Glass Cockpit Aviation has been ran all day and a recognized for its high standard of delicious country accomplishment in flight training by breakfast prepared by The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Clearwater Valley Aero Association (AOPA). The flight school Club (CVAC) members has been awarded a spot on the Flight It’s hard to contain one’s enthusiasm Ron Funnemark and his wife Mary Ann. Training Excellence Awards Honor Roll, with an overnight campout on the Young Eagle flights were conducted for a title given to high scoring flight docket for the Smiley Creek Airport. 37 area youngsters, sponsored by the schools from AOPA’s flight training poll. The chance to exchange the valley’s heat Experimental Aircraft Association and for some fresh mountain air was the piloted by veteran pilots Al Betz, George The Flight Training Excellence awards only draw needed for members of the Hunt, Dick Monaghan, Jim Otey, Ed were created to highlight the best the Gooding Airport Flyers Association Radke, Scott Rives, Johnny Stewart and flight training industry has to offer. (GAFA) to depart Gooding airport with Irv Wade. “We feel it’s important to recognize the scenic Sawtooth mountains and flight training providers, like Glass Smiley Creek airport in their sights. See Radio Chatter Cockpit Aviation, who create a quality Continued on page 14

Fall 2013 Page 13 See Ninety-Nines Continued on page 18

Radio Chatter Continued from page 13

Kamiah, continued

In all, eighteen planes attended the fly- in including a 1940’s-era Aeronca Champ, a vee-tailed Sonex Waiex, a

This Sonex Waiex owned by Larry Engert of Coeur d’Alene, ID was one of a number of planes to participate in the Clearwater Valley Aero Club’s annual Fly-In.

This beautiful 1999 Maule M-8-235 on Cubcrafter’s Super Sports replica and pilots and volunteers for making the tundra tires belongs to Paul Nemeth of a home-built 260 horsepower Murphy annual fly-in a great event. Orofino, who together with his daughter Moose. Clearwater Valley Aero Club Katie won both the spot landing and President, Jim Freeman thanked all See Radio Chatter the flour bombing competition. Continued on page 16

Page 14 Rudder Flutter Bookworm Landings The Best of Safety Pilot Continued from page 12 The final key to success in the mountains . is the ability to control your speed. Aim- Landmark Accidents (Vol 1) point on the runway is also an important Publisher: AOPA a wealthy, well-known pilot who took part of the landing. You must be the master Review by Kelly Householder her jet off-roading at an airport through of airspeed control and aim-point. We’re some ditches. Ultimately she ends up expecting control of attitude within two Before my last flying trip, I took the with critical fuel situations and knots of a targeted airspeed. time to read “The Best of Safety Pilot convective weather impacts, as well as Landmark Accidents.” This short and a fatality. After my first day of mountain and canyon simple read definitely made an flight in 1982 with “Idaho Aviation Hall of impact, and I approached my trip Another point that was illustrated with Famer” and mountain flight instructor Lyn with a new mindset. exceptional clarity was why it is critical Clark, I remember thinking, “Why wasn’t to not treat flying our planes with the I taught to fly like this during my primary This book was one of the better case- same attitude as driving vehicles. Flying flight training?” It was apparent how study books that I’ve read, addressing requires much more attention, planning important concepts like the steep stabilized pilot errors and highlighting issues and decision-making. Many of the approach were to controlling the outcome that pilots may encounter during many accidents resulted from pilots who failed of a flight. Picking and holding the aim- types of flights. It also included some to prepare or to take many of the proper point opened a whole new approach to seriously bad aeronautical decision- items into consideration. landings anywhere. making moments. The studies on distractions that can lead to a chain Regardless of how much flying you do, of events ending with death were this book should be moved to the top See Landings particularly fascinating to me. The of your reading list. I promise, it will story that stands out the most depicts make a difference. Continued on page 17

Fall 2013 Page 15 including automobile Radio Chatter and aircraft rental, flight Continued from page 14 instruction, catering, charter flights and fuel. Granite Aviation’s FBO Sandpoint will be open for business in January. Busy Sandpoint Airport Air Idaho Charters is It has been a busy year at Sandpoint based at the airport and Airport (KSZT). provides on-demand charter flights to Quest Aircraft Company has weathered destinations throughout the recent economic downturn and is the lower 48 states. It hiring new employees to support operates pressurized, multi-engine these investments, and airport staff is increasing sales of its KODIAK single- aircraft capable of accommodating up quick to thank the FAA, Bonner County, engine turboprop STOL aircraft. One to five passengers in comfort. Air Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and of the sales contracts includes five Idaho also can arrange jet and private investment for realizing the value KODIAKS sold to a new dealer in China. turboprop charters if a larger aircraft the airport offers to the surrounding suits your needs. community and for supporting the Tamarack Aerospace Group (TAG) is airport as a vital economic engine. ramping up as well and is building a The airport has received some much- 7,000-square-foot hangar next to the needed attention as well. The main If you have questions about the main terminal ramp. TAG designs and terminal ramp was rebuilt this past Sandpoint airport or any of the manufactures winglets and holds a summer. There is an update to the businesses mentioned, please contact patent on its active winglet technology. airport master plan under way, and airport manager Dave Schuck at TAG should be in their new facility new snow removal equipment has been [email protected]. in January. purchased just in time for the coming snow season. Granite Aviation is building a new FBO See Radio Chatter (fixed base operator) facility at the The airport’s $30 million annual airport, offering a full line of services, economic impact is being bolstered by Continued on page 19

Page 16 Rudder Flutter and the ability to pick Landings an aim-point and land MONITOR GUARD FREQUENCY the aircraft where they Continued from page 15 want to, successfully and consistently every time. 121.5! That’s possible in just the I now know my power setting for every first day’s flight lesson If you hear a distress signal or radio call: phase of the flight. I could fly a steep with the right instructor. Note your altitude, location and time approach to a precise aim-point, which If you can take it further also gave me the ability to land closer to and fly a few more times, and my aim-point and took away the float you’re in for the next down the runway. The bottom line is, I flight training treat. We PASS IT ON . . . IMMEDIATELY!! know what my aircraft can do for me and, stretch the common more importantly, I could make my aircraft thread to drainage • ATC or FSS do what I wanted it to do consistently. I navigation, canyon turns • FSS: 800-WXBRIEF (800-992-7433) took my C-182 back to that airstrip with and emergency canyon • Idaho State Communications (800-632-8000) my new tools, new speeds and had not turns. As most pilots only the knowledge, but the confidence, know, there is a pure joy • Local FBO to know the outcome of the landing, takeoff and pleasure in • Local County Sheriff and departure. This training changed my designing approaches flying forever. and departures in the challenging environment of new and landing in the backcountry to meet fellow When we fly with a student pilot or a confined areas. pilots for camping, fishing and flying. certificated pilot here at McCall Mountain You will be confident and comfortable and Canyon Flying Seminars, these are I encourage you to get some mountain that you are equipped to meet the just a few of the tools we give them: a and canyon flight instruction. It will challenges of a very demanding and method and a worksheet that will allow change the way you fly your aircraft and advanced flight environment. them to find the speeds and power settings how you look at an airstrip forever. Next for their aircraft, a steep stabilized approach, thing you know, you will find yourself

Fall 2013 Page 17

The Museum of Radio Chatter Idaho is dedicated to preserving the Continued from page 16 natural and cultural history of Idaho and the Intermountain Idaho Falls West. The museum is located at 200 N. Hearts of Courage Exhibition – Eastern Ave. in Idaho Museum of Idaho Falls. For more information please The Hearts of Courage exhibition is contact Laura Cooley currently on display at the Museum of at 208-522-1400 Idaho to commemorate the 70th ext. 3012. Anniversary of the Gillam plane crash. Hearts of Courage exhibition The Hearts of Courage exhibition is Why Drive when you can Fly! based on a book of the same name 7:00 p.m. Price per seat is $450 one way written by John Tippets, son of Idaho Scheduled flight service began October or $650 round trip. native, Joseph Tippets who was one of 8 from Pocatello and Idaho Falls to the four survivors of the plane crash Nampa. Flights depart Tuesday through Contact AvCenter for additional that happened in Alaska during WWII. Friday from Pocatello AvCenter at 6:30 information: 208-234-2141 or a.m. to Idaho Falls. Then depart Idaho www.avcenter.com Hearts of Courage is not only Tippets’ Falls at 7:00 a.m. and account of his father’s ordeal and land in Nampa at 8:00 ultimate survival against seemingly a.m. Evening return Worried? Aircraft late? insurmountable odds, but is also an departs Nampa at 5:30 inspirational story of courage, p.m. landing in Idaho Call Idaho State Communications determination, and strength of the Falls at 6:30 p.m. and human spirit. back to Pocatello at 208-846-7600 or 800-632-8000

Fall 2013 Page 19 Name This Airfield Contest! And the winner for the last issue The photo was of the first Carey airport, campaign that same year. With true is…..Joe Corlett! We obviously need to lovingly known as Coats Field by the community spirit, this small settlement make this a little easier as we only had locals. Coats Field was built in 1948 of 600 inhabitants declared an “airport two guesses for the last photo, with and dedicated by President Harry S. development day.” A beef-barbecue was only one being correct. Truman during his “whistle-stop” arranged and everyone including the farmer, baker and candlestick-maker turned out. Although the scheduled date, March 25, 1948 was stormy, no less than 36 donated tractors showed up for the leveling job. The next day brought forth clear skies and equally as many tractors with townspeople galore”.

Due to strong frequent crosswinds, a number of accidents, substandard approaches and a narrow runway surface, a new location was proposed in 1951. Once the new Carey airport (U65) was dedicated in May of 1955, Coats Field was officially closed. Do you want a FREE subscription to the Rudder Flutter? Contact the Division of Name This Airfield . . . The first correct response to Aeronautics at [email protected] will receive a prize, and the first five 208-334-8775 or email correct responses will be published with the right answer in the next [email protected] “Rudder Flutter” issue.

Fall 2013