Well, now that we have survived another "foggy" and "soggy" winter here in the central valley, we aviators are looking forward to some clearing skies, fresh bellowing clouds and almost unlimited visabilities. What a beautiful day to fly you say, but gee, the last time I flew around the patch was last October. Do you think it would be prudent to at least practice as the British used to say: "a few circuits and bumps"? Well, if you’ve been out of the cockpit since last October (over 90 days) you are required by regulation before carrying passengers, to have at least completed three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in an aircraft of the same category, class and type (if a type rating is required). Also, before carrying passengers, to fly at night, you must have completed the same three takeoffs and landings at night AND each landing must be to a full stop.

"My buddy, owns a Cessna 310 and he lets me fly it once in awhile as PIC alone with my wife to go to lunch at Porterville. If I’m 90 days current in my C-172, doesn’t that meet the requirements for the 310?"...............NOT! Remember a C-172 is a single-engine airplane (class) vs. the C-310 multi-engine airplane (class).

I PROMISE TO GET SOME RECURRENT TRAINING SOON! ...HONEST! Now you can get that recurrent spring training by attending an Aviation Safety Seminar scheduled near your local airport and then setting up some recurrent flight training time with your favorite CFI. Your CFI will have the details or you can E-mail me and request the Advisory Circular 61-91H PILOT PROFICIENCY AWARD PROGRAM. Copies always available at seminars.

According to LAS FSDO SPM, Mr. Richard Hague (formerly of Fresno) the Las Vegas Air Traffic Control (ATC) controllers have been extremely vigilant in "writing up" errant aviators who may have strayed into the Class B airspace that surrounds the city. Many Pilot Deviation reports (PD’s) and subsequent enforcement actions could be averted provided the PIC had properly reviewed the airspace boundaries and the proper procedures to enter this extremely busy airspace. Remember, Las Vegas is no small gambling town anymore, the traffic in their airspace includes major airliners (American, Delta, Continential, etc.), military traffic, F-16’s, F-117’s, KC-135’s (Nellis AFB nearby), Grand Canyon Tours, helicopter sightseeing tours and perhaps every type of corporate jet or turboprop made to date from Lear 60’s to Conquest II’s. Remember, if you can not contact ATC while outside Class B airspace because of radio chatter, HOLD YOUR POSITION, BY CIRCLING. Always remain outside the boundaries of Class B until you hear the magic words from ATC: "November xxxxxx ........Cleared to enter the Class B airspace ........." Then be sure to follow and fly the assigned headings, altitudes and airspeeds required by ATC................... OTHERWISE, expect a certified letter from the LAS FSDO requesting your story as to why ATC "caught" you on radar inside Class B airspace without a clearance and that enforcement proceedings may have to begin.

Were you aware that according to the NTSB’s Comparison of U.S. Transportation Fatalities--Years 1995 vs. 1996, that General Aviation had 733 vs. 631 fatalities. Yet, Recreational Boating had 832 vs. 714 fatalities in the respective years. I guess it’s better to be airborne rather than water logged!

Flying to Baja: See how easy it is to Fly Baja. Learn about U.S. and Mexican customs, also valuable tips on avgas and autogas.(Video courtesy of Skycam Productions ã 1996)

It has been brought to our attention that many pilots flying for the first time into Castle have been entering a left downwind for runway 31. Be advised that I/A/W the Airport/Facility Directory (Pg 39) that Runway 31 is published RIGHT Traffic. Always, always check for a segmented circle and / or check the pubs before you fly!