"Experimenting with your life is not the way to test your medical judgment"

"But Doc, It's Only Aspirin!"


by Major Andrew C. Marchiando, USAF MC SFS
Chief, Flight Medicine
Office of the Combat Surgeon
HQ Air Combat Command
Langley AFB, VA

There I was, in the middle of a busy sick call, flu patients everywhere, and one more patient walks in saying, "Doc, I think I've got the flu."

It seem this 5,000-hour former fighter pilot, current C-12 driver, was so sick he could barely stand up and was as pale as the proverbial sheet. He wasn't throwing up, but he had stomach pain and had almost GLOC'd getting up from the couch. Then came his answer to my question, and it locked on the probable diagnosis. "Yes, my stool is black."

A quick exam, including the dreaded finger wave, and my suspicions were confirmed. It wasn't the flu it was gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, probably a stomach ulcer. A blood count revealed his hemacrit to be 19 (42 is normal for males). He had lost over half his red blood cells.

Naturally, he was DNIF'd (Duty Not Involving Flight) and admitted to the hospital. The surgeon performed an esophagastroduodenoscopy a boroscope of the GI tract and he did, indeed, have a bleeding ulcer. After four units of blood and some medication, he felt much better.

What was the cause of this ulcer? Our pilot had been having sinus headaches for several years and was taking aspirin to makes his headaches go away usually 20-30 aspirin a day! Well, aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, erodes the stomach nicely and is a common cause of ulcers.

What about his headaches? The pilot had diagnosed himself with sinus headaches. Aspirin helped a lot, so he took a lot. After a while, his headaches seemed to come when the aspirin wore off. So he took more aspirin, and the headaches would go away. He had been doing this for a couple of years. No big deal, right? It was now it had caused an ulcer, and he was physically addicted to aspirin. Yeah, a lieutenant colonel aspirin junkie!

Had our hero been flying? No, he hadn't been flying. He had the engine off his Pitts Special as was putting in a bigger one so he could really twist his tail. I was glad the guy who had nearly blacked out getting out of his chair had enough sense not to fly. His plane was broken, so he couldn't fly anyway.

After a couple of months, he was completely recovered, his blood levels were back to normal, a scope showed no ulcers, and he was off all medication. He had no problems stopping the aspirin, and his headaches went away. He received a waiver and was returned to flying duty.

And now for the rest of the story. Who showed up in my office a couple of years later? The same pilot. (By the way, I'd flown with him several times, and he was one of the best pilots I'd ever seen.) It seems he had been under a lot of pressure lately. He was retiring, trying to sell a house, and was going to move to Florida to his new house by the airport. (Tough life, right?) His wife was already in Florida, and he didn't have another job lined up.

The pilot had felt that familiar pain in his stomach and had those black stools again. The antacids didn't stop it, so he came to sick call. A quick blood count showed him to be just as low as the first time. We admitted him to the hospital for awhile and tuned him up a little before letting him go back out. We didn't transfuse him any blood this time as he was not quite as symptomatic, and there was more concern about transmitting an infectious disease.

Of course, he was DNIF'd and admonished not to fly at all. He went home and showed up every couple of weeks for a blood count. A month went by, and his blood count was up to 23.5. He hadn't been flying but he was very anxious to get his (by now) three airplanes down to his new home in Florida.

I told him his blood count was way to low to be flying and not to try it. Two weeks later, he returned. His count was 26. Asked directly if he had been flying, he said he'd gone around the pattern a few times in another guy's plane and had done okay. He really needed to get his planes to Florida and wanted up again. Again, I told him he wasn't ready to fly.

Two weeks later, he showed up in my office for his next blood count. It was better now above 30 but no, he still wasn't ready to fly. He agreed sheepishly. I questioned him on any recent flying and he admitted he had flown one of his planes to Florida.

I asked him if he had any problems and at what altitude he had flown. He said 7,000 feet, and he took a portable supplemental oxygen unit and used it. He said he had no problems flying down there. He added he hadn't any problems on the first airliner coming back. But he said on the second airliner he became hypoxic and passed out. He recovered later at a lower altitude. After the flight, he asked to captain what the cabin altitude was and was told around 7,000 feet.

Without the supplemental oxygen, and with a longer flight than the first one, his blood has desaturated its oxygen and he become hypoxic and unconscience. He was now a believer and knew he was lucky to be able to come back and tell me of his adventure. He waited until he was cleared to fly by his flight surgeon to resume flying.

Self-assessment of medical problems and self-medication should not be done by fliers. They lack to training necessary to make a proper diagnosis, get appropriate medical treatment, and to have an objective medical assessment of their flying status.

Even seemingly minor problems that persist should be evaluated by the flight surgeon. If it's minor, you'll be told that. If not, you'll get the proper evaluation and treatment. Experimenting with your life is not the way to test your medical judgment. Medical assessments, treatments, and determinations of flying status should be left up to the flight surgeon.

SAFETY SEMINARS

Save these announcements and post them
for handy reference

FRESNO AREA

VISALIA
FAR Part 43: Its Privileges and Pitfalls

Date: Thursday, March 7 - 7 P.M.
Location: VIS Airport Building
Speaker: Fresno FSDO
Sponsor: The City of Visalia
Contact:
Richard Hague, ASPM, 209-487-5306; or
call 1-800-WXBRIEF#*315.

Module 2: Pre-Flight Planning Prior to Leaving for the Field:
Physiological and psychological self-assessment;
route selection; required paperwork
checklist; notams; weather; and FSS services.
For further information contact Richard Hague, ASPM, 209-487-5306; or call
1-800-WXBRIEF#/315.

Presentation scheduled for the following locations:

BAKERSFIELD
Date:
Thursday , March 14 - 7 P.M.
Location: Anton's Airport Restaurant at BFL
Sponsor: Anton's Airport Restaurant

MERCED
Date:
Thursday , March 21 - 7 P.M.
Location: Building 411, Castle Airport
Sponsor: The Castle Club

FRESNO
Date:
Thursday, March 28 - 7 P.M.
Location: Fresno Chandler Admin Bldg.
Sponsor: Fresno Dept. of Airports

SACRAMENTO AREA

"Pilot and Aircraft Courtesy Evaluation"
A voluntary , no penalty program promoting safety and trust in aviation.
By appointment only.
Date:
Saturday, March 9
Location: Sacramento Exec.
Sponsor: FAA Aviation Safety Program
Contact: Dan Abdon, ASPM, (916)422-0272 for appointment

"Operation Raincheck" A familiarization with the ATC System
Date:
One Sat. per month, 8 AM.-Noon
Location: SAC TRACON, 5839 22d St., Rio Linda, CA -- off Elkhorn Blvd.
Sponsor: FAA Air Traffic Control
Contact: Asst. Mgr. for Ops, (916)922-9511

"Operation Takeoff" How to use the AFSS sytem to your advantage.
Date:
Sat., Mar. 16, 9 A.M. Noon
Location: Rancho Murieta AFSS, 14670 Cantova Way, Suite 101, Rancho Murieta
Sponsor: Rancho Murieta AFSS
Contact: Randy Colvin (916)354-0161, Ext 138
Reservations Required

"A Spring-Summer Tactical Wx. Workshop"
Date:
Wed., March 27, 7 P.M.
Location: State Capital Bldg.,
California Rm. 4203, 4th Fl. Annex, 12th & L Sts., Sacramento, CA
Sponsor: AOPA's Air Safety Foundation and State Senator Don Rogers.
Contact: Dan Abdon FAA ASPM (916) 422-0272

JACKSON AREA

"Mountain Flying and Survival"
Date: Thur. March 28, 7 P.M.
Location: Senior Citizen's Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA
Sponsor: Jackson Goldust 99's
Contact: Betty Branson (209)296-7328

AUBURN AREA

"Back to Basics -
On Landings Part I"

Date: Tuesday, March 12, 7 P.M.
Location: The Irene Burns Room
County Education Bldg., 360 Nevada St., Auburn, CA 95603
Sponsor: Auburn Sq., CAP
Contact: Charles Stephen, (916)637-4418 or Larry Adair, (916)878-8409

WOODLAND AREA

"How to Survive if You Crash"
Date:
Wednesday, March 27, 7 P.M.
Location: Woodland Aviation, Yolo County Airport, Woodland, CA
Sponsor: Yolo County Aero Squadron & Woodland Aviation
Contact: Dorthy Flynn (916)666-2992

REDDING AREA

"Back to Basics -- On
Landings Part I"

Date: Wednesday, Mar. 13, 7 P.M.
Location: IASCO Flight Center
Redding Muni. Airport, 3775 Flight Ave., Redding, CA
Sponsor: Redding Area Pilots Assoc., IASCO Flight Center
Contact: IASCO (916)222-0100 or Audrey Schutte, (916)244-2844

SANTA ROSA/PETALUMA/MARIN AREA

TACTICAL WEATHER WORKSHOP
"BE PREPARED IN ANY WEATHER"
DATE: Mon., Mar 18 - 7 P.M.
LOCATION:
Sonoma County Office of Education,
5340 Skylane Blvd, Santa Rosa, Ca
SPONSOR: Av Ed and Santa Rosa 99's and AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CONTACT: ASC Art Hayssen (707)528-4118 or Linda
Hennan (707)996-2141
DOOR PRIZES

LODI/STOCKTON AREA

TACTICAL WEATHER WORKSHOP
"BE PREPARED IN ANY WEATHER"
DATE: Mon., Mar 25 - 7 P.M.
LOCATION:
Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins Street Lodi, Ca 95240
SPONSOR: ASC Rick Tutt and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CONTACT: Rick Tutt(209)478-6075
DOOR PRIZES

UKIAH/WILLITS/FT. BRAGG/CLEAR LAKE AREA

TACTICAL WEATHER WORKSHOP
"BE PREPARED IN ANY WEATHER"
DATE: Tues., Mar 26 - 7 P.M.
LOCATION:
CITY of UKIAH (location will be mailed later)
SPONSOR: City of Ukiah and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CONTACT: ASC Chuck Simon
(707)468-8345 or FAA Howard Manning
DOOR PRIZES

OAKLAND AREA

"SURVIVING AN ENCOUNTER WITH MOUNTAIN WAVE"

Mountain Wave, a powerful and common weather phenomenon
DATE: Tues., Mar 19 - 7 P.M.
LOCATION:
Civil Air Patrol Bldg. Oakland Airport North Field(next to
the Western Aerospace Museum)
SPONSOR: STEVE PHILIPSON, CFI, CAP CAP SQ 188
POC: ASC John Matula 510-538-4475 or FAA Howard Manning 510-273-7155

SALINAS (SNS)/WATSONVILLE

"DON'T TOUCH THAT PROP!"
(Dangers of hand turning a prop)
DATE: Fri., Mar 1 - 8:30 A.M.
LOCATION:
Restaurant Banquet Room, SNS Terminal
SPEAKER: Jim Chappell, SNS Airport Manager, SJC FSDO Aviation
Safety Counselor (ASC)
SPONSOR: Salinas Municipal Airport
CONTACT: Jim Chappell (408) 758-7214 or,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 X113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SALINAS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (SNS)
"HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ANNUAL INSPECTION"

(Airport Safety Committee Meeting and Aviation Safety Seminar)
DATE: Fri., Apr 5 - 8:30 A.M.
LOCATION:
Restaurant Banquet Room, Salinas Municipal Airport Terminal
SPEAKER: Jim Chappell, SNS Manager and San Jose FSDO Aviation
Safety Counselor (ASC)
SPONSOR: Salinas Municipal Airport
CONTACT: Jim Chappell (408) 758-7214 or,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 extn. 113, or 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL
AIRPORT (WVI) "PARTS FOR AIRWORTHY AIRCRAFT"

(Airport Safety Committee Meeting and Aviation Safety Seminar)
DATE: Wed., Mar 27 - 4 P.M.
LOCATION:
Fire Station #2, 370 Airport Blvd., Watsonville (on airport)
SPEAKER: Don French, WVI Manager and San Jose FSDO Aviation
Safety Counselor (ASC)
SPONSOR: Watsonville Municipal Airport
CONTACT: Don French (408) 728-6075 or,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 extn. 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com/

SAN CARLOS

SAN CARLOS AIRPORT
"COLD WEATHER FLYING"
DATE: Sat., Mar 2, 10 A.M. NOON
LOCATION:
Diamond Aviation, 620 Airport Drive, #1, San Carlos, CA
SPEAKER: Larry Shapiro, Lawrence and Jorgenson Aircraft Sales and San
Jose Aviation Safety Counselor
SPONSORS: Diamond Aviation
CONTACT: Karen Toland, (415) 591-7611,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 extn. 113,or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com
Seating is limited. Reservations required.

SAN CARLOS AIRPORT
"CIVILIAN OPERATIONS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON
MILITARY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS"

DATE: Tues., Mar 5 - 6-8 P.M.
LOCATION:
TransAir, San Carlos, CA
SPEAKER: Dave Morss, airshow pilot and San Jose FSDO Pilot Examiner
SPONSOR: TransAir
CONTACT: Marc Soper, or, Linda Flynn (415) 592-7804,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com
Seating is limited. Reservations required.

SAN CARLOS AIRPORT
"HANG GLIDING SAFELY"
DATE: Wed., Mar 20 - 7-8:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
West Valley Flying Club, 701 Skyway Blvd., San Carlos Airport
SPEAKER: Chris Bolfing, West Valley Flying Club CFI, glider pilot,
instructor and hang glider examiner
SPONSOR: West Valley Flying Club
CONTACT: West Valley Flying Club (Arian Sorkhabi) (415) 595-5912,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com


SAN CARLOS AIRPORT
"SPRING-SUMMER TACTICAL WEATHER WORKSHOP"
DATE: Thurs., Mar 21, 6:30-9:15 P.M.
LOCATION:
San Mateo Elks Club, 229 West 20th Ave., San Mateo
(from Highway 92 go south on El Camino Real to West 20th Ave.,
turn right, approx. 1/8 mile on left side)
SPEAKER: Presented by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and
the FAA Aviation Safety Program
SPONSOR:
San Carlos Airport Pilot's Association (SCAPA),
U.S. Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG)
NorCal Aviation Safety Association,
and AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CONTACT: Bob Leuten (415) 378-4313, Carol Ford (415) 591-8308,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN CARLOS AIRPORT
"ALWAYS LEAVE YOURSELF AN OUT"- (Advantages of a Plan "B")
DATE: Tues., Apr 2 - 6-8 P.M.
LOCATION:
TransAir, San Carlos, CA
SPEAKER: Scott Stauter, CFI
SPONSOR: TransAir
CONTACT: Marc Soper, or, Linda Flynn (415) 592-7804,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com
Seating is limited. Reservations are required.

SAN CARLOS AIRPORT -
"SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND PILOT JUDGMENT"
DATE: Sat., Apr 6 - 10 A.M.-NOON
LOCATION:
Diamond Aviation, 620 Airport Drive, #1, San Carlos, CA
SPEAKER: Gary Vinant-Tang, Diamond Aviation CFI
SPONSORS: Diamond Aviation
CONTACT: Karen Toland (415) 591-7611,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 extn. 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com
Seating is limited. Reservations are required.

PALO ALTO

"FLYING THE BAY TOUR"
DATE:
Wed., Mar 13, 7-8:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
West Valley Flying Club,
1901 Embarcadero Rd., Suite 100, Palo Alto Airport
SPEAKER: Arian Sorkhabi, West Valley Flying Club CFI
and representative from Bay Tracon
SPONSOR: West Valley Flying Club
CONTACT: West Valley Flying Club (Arian Sorkhabi) (415) 856-2030,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

PALO ALTO AIRPORT
"A FLYING COMPANION"
(Assistance from the right seat)
DATE: Wed., Apr 10 - 7-8:30 P.M.
LOCATION
: West Valley Flying Club,
1901 Embarcadero Rd., Suite 100, Palo Alto Airport
SPEAKER: Jeanne McElhatton, CFI and
San Jose FSDO Aviation Safety Counselor (ASC)
SPONSOR: West Valley Flying Club
CONTACT: West Valley Flying Club (415) 856-2030,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO AREA

"THE PROPWATCHER'S GUIDE"
(What every CFI should know about aircraft propellers)(CFI jam session)
DATE:
Mon., Mar 18 - 6:30-8:30 P.M.
LOCATION: American Eagle, Wings West Training Hangar, Room 7,
(3rd Floor), SLO County Airport
SPEAKER: local Pilot Examiners, Chet Waite, Alan Yecny and Jack Hocker,
San Jose FSDO Safety Program Manager
SPONSORS: San Jose FSDO Aviation Safety Program,
SLO-FAA Safety Program Fund
CONTACT: Patrick Duncan (805) 466-9725, Alan Yecny (805) 541-1038 or,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 extn 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO
"SPRING-SUMMER TACTICAL WEATHER WORKSHOP"
DATE:
Tues., Mar 19, 6:30-9 P.M.
LOCATION: Los Ranchos Elementary School Auditorium,
5785 Los Ranchos Road, San Luis Obispo
(1.5 miles south of San Luis Obispo Airport entrance on Highway 227
- Edna Road - to Los Ranchos Road, turn right on
Los Ranchos, approx. 1/10 mile on left side).
Transportation also available from base of control tower to school.
SPEAKERS: Presented by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and
the FAA Aviation Safety Program.
SPONSORS: San Jose FSDO Aviation Safety Program,
SLO-FAA Safety Program Fund, and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CONTACT: Patrick Duncan (805) 466-9725, Alan Yecny (805) 541-1038 or,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 extn 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN JOSE AREA

"NORTH BY NORTHWEST - ALASKA BOUND"
DATE:
Thurs., Mar 14 - 7-9 P.M.
LOCATION: Trade Winds Aviation (West side of airport), 1144 Coleman Ave.
SPEAKER: Alan Elpel, co-owner, Trade Winds Aviation
SPONSOR: Trade Winds Aviation
CONTACT: Rod Thrasher, or, Dave Finn (408) 298-9161, Jack Hocker
(408) 291-7681 x 113, or call 1-800-XBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

"SPRING-SUMMER TACTICAL WEATHER WORKSHOP"
DATE: Wed., Mar 20 - 6:30-9 P.M.
LOCATION:
Sony Electronics, 3300 Zanker Rd., San Jose (North on
Zanker, right at 2nd Street after Montague Expressway - Non-working signal light)
SPEAKERS: Presentation by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and the
FAA Aviation Safety Program
SPONSORS: Sony Flying Club, NorCal Aviation Safety Association,
San Jose FSDO Aviation Safety Program, AOPA Air Safety Foundation
CONTACT: Gary Mandle (408) 955-4140, Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x 113
NOTE: Bring your copy of NorCal Safety Review as your pass through security.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
"SOME INTERESTING THINGS HAPPENED ON MY WAY TO A LANDING"
DATE: Tues., Mar 26, 6:30-8:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
American Flyers ground training facility,
San Jose Jet Center, 1250 Aviation Avenue, Suite #190,
SPEAKER: Tom Fister, Chief Ground Instructor,
American Flyers - San Jose.
SPONSORS:
American Flyers
CONTACT: John Murphy or Fred Abrams (408) 297-2123.,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x113.,or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
"ULTIMATE SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT: LBG - SQL in the NEW GROB"
(How to Plan a Long Cross-Country Flight from the Student Pilot's Perspective)
DATE: Thurs., Mar 28 - 7-9 P.M.
LOCATION:
General Aviation Terminal Building (Southeast end of airport)
SPEAKER: Trina Clickner
SPONSORS: Squadron 2 Flying Club, and Pacific Aero Sales
CONTACT: Mike McIntyre (408) 275-0300, or (408) 925-9680,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
"AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PILOT'S FORUM"
(Bay area ATC specialists will present issues unique to their facility
and answer questions on ATC policy/procedures)
DATE: Thurs., Apr 11 - 7- 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
Trade Winds Aviation (West side of airport), 1144 Coleman Ave.
SPONSOR: Trade Winds Aviation
CONTACT: Rod Thrasher, or, Dave Finn (408) 298-9161,
Jack Hocker (408) 291-7681 x 113, or call 1-800-WXBRIEF-#*315.
Internet: for more information http://www.aero.com

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

LOS ANGELES ATCT
LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 96-2

ISSUED: January 2, 1996
EFFECTIVE: January 16, 1996

SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF A THIRD GROUND CONTROL POSITION AT LOS ANGELES AIRPORT

CANCELLATION: January 16, 1998

Los Angeles ATCT will implement a third ground control position (GC3) beginning on January 16, 1996. This new position will relieve the frequency congestion and complexity currently experienced during peak demand periods.

The area of jurisdiction of this new position will be all areas south of runway 25L/7R, taxiway 49 (soon to be Sierra), taxiways Kilo and Juliet (Bravo and Charlie) west of taxiway 49 (Sierra), and taxiway 75 (Alfa Alfa) and the west gates area.

The Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) will contain frequency information for aircraft based south of Runway 25L/7R. Otherwise, individual taxiing aircraft may receive a new frequency assignment depending upon their location and gate availability.

Other changes are expected to be transparent except for an improvement in efficiency and quality of service. Initially, the GC3 position will be operational daily from 11:00 lcl - 14:00 lcl with other times based upon need.

John F. O'Leary III
Air Traffic Manager
Los Angeles ATCT


JOHN WAYNE TOWER

LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 96-01

ISSUE: January 1, 1996
EFFECTIVE: January 26, 1996

SUBJECT: "PRE-DEPARTURE CLEARANCE AVAILABILITY AT JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT"

CANCELLATION: JANUARY 1, 1998

Effective January 26, 1996, an automation data link between John Wayne Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and authorized users will be available enabling utilization of Pre-Departure Clearances (PDC). The PDC process allows transmission of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) departure clearances and related local information from the ATCT Flight Data Input/Output system to a participating aircraft via the participant's network computer system by data communication transfer. The PDC process virtually eliminates the need for verbal communication between John Wayne Clearance Delivery and participating aircraft and reduces verbiage and frequency congestion, particularly during peak traffic periods. Additional benefits result from reducing the opportunity for misunderstood clearances by providing participating flight crew with a printed copy.

Those requesting to participate in PDC at John Wayne Airport must contact:
Federal Aviation Administration
Project Lead for Aeronautical
Data Link, AND-310
800 Independence Avenue, SW.
Washington, D.C. 20591

Jeffrey H. Thorstenson
Air Traffic Manager
John Wayne Tower


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Stockton Tower/TRACON
7434 S. Lindbergh Street
Stockton, California 95206-3901

ISSUED: January 3, 1996
EFFECTIVE: February 1, 1996

STOCKTON TOWER/TRACON LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 96-1

SUBJECT: Practice Instrument Approaches

CANCELLATION: February 1, 1998

This letter is issued to inform all users that Stockton TRACON will provide standard IFR separation services to all aircraft conducting practice instrument approaches at the following locations:

LOCATION                 FREQUENCIES
        
Stockton  (SCK)                  125.1/363.2 
Oakdale   (O27)                  125.1/363.2 
Lodi      (1O3)                  125.1/363.2
Tracy     (TCY)                  123.85/278.3 
Livermore (LVK)                  123.85/278.3 
Modesto   (MOD)                  120.95/236.7
Merced    (MCE)                  124.8/263.15
Los Banos (LSN)                  124.8/263.15 
Firebaugh (Q49)                  124.8/263.15
Practice instrument approaches will be provided on a workload and traffic permitting basis. The controller has the prerogative to authorize, withdraw authorization, or refuse to authorize practice instrument approaches. This prerogative will not normally be used to terminate a practice approach in progress.

For further information, refer to the Aeronautical Information Manual under "Practice Instrument Approaches", or call Stockton Tower/TRACON at (209) 946-6023.

Kurt W. Cooper
Air Traffic Manager, Stockton Tower/TRACON

Flying the Internet SOCAL and NORCAL Online

Thanks to the support of Aviation Safety Volunteers and friends, we are now online.
The NORCAL can be found at http://www.aero.com or http://www.armory.com/norcal/
The SOCAL can be found at http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~aacit/faa_seminars.html
If you can receive the seminar schedule from the Internet, please let your local Safety Program Manager know at the next safety seminar.

Chuck Hicks, Jr.
Regional Safety Program Manager

AC 43-16 GENERAL AVIATION AIRWORTHINESS ALERTS

ARTICLE EXCERPT


Alert No.208, November Issue page 1
AMERICAN CHAMPION MODEL 7GC & Fuel Shutoff Valve

It was reported that the fuel valve universal joint closest to the valve failed. It failed during preflight. It was reported the part had 2228 hours in service. It was recommended that valve actuation be checked for freedom of movement through the full range of travel. If worn universal joints are found, they should be replaced.

Alert No.208 November Issue page 2
BEECH MODEL F33A Power Loss

The pilot reported a power loss occurred during takeoff. A successful landing was made on a down wind runway. Investigation revealed the flexible fuel hoses had been replaced 30 days prior. The fuel hose from the engine driven fuel pump was found loose. It was established that the proper torque had been applied when the hoses had been replaced.

Alert No.208, November Issue page 4
CESSNA 172 Elevator Torque Tube Attachment

During preflight inspection, the left and right elevators were found to move independently when hand pressure was applied. Investigation revealed the six rivets used to attach torque tube to the flange had sheared. A simple check is to simultaneously, try to move the right and left elevator in opposite directions at the trailing edge. Any movement between them should be cause to investigate further.

Alert No. 208, November Issue page 7
PIPER MODEL PA 22-160 TRI PACER

During an annual inspection, cracks were found at the aft attachment area of wing rib numbers 1, 2, and 3. The inboard wing flap attachment was also cracked.
A review of the maintenance records disclosed the aircraft had suffered extensive wing damage that required replacement of the left wing. An investigation determined the wing used was from a PA 22-135 model aircraft. Although this wing was dimensionally the same as the PA 22-160 wing, it had a larger wing rib spacing, and there was one less rib. In addition, the 160 wing has a Vfe of 95 KIAS compared to a Vfe of 80 KIAS for the 135 wing. It was speculated that using the 135 wing on this aircraft may have subjected it to higher flap extension speeds and caused the damage found.

November Issue Page 15
ALTERED EMERGENCY PARACHUTES

Information for the following article was furnished by the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) located in Jacksonville, Florida.
They found parachutes that have been assembled and sold as emergency escape devises. These parachutes may have been modified from a "chest pack" configuration to a "seat pack" design without proper approval or testing.
The subject parachutes have been sold using a designation of "NS-3," and consist of various surplus military harnesses and parachute containers that were manufactured and marked with an identification of "NC-3." In some cases it was found that an "MC-1" harness was modified to allow the chest mount container to be placed in a seat location.
There is no FAA approval basis for these modifications. It is suggested that any parachute owners in possession of a "seat pack" parachute of military type configuration, consult their rigger for assistance in determining that the equipment is approved and meets the requirements of FAR Parts 91.307 (e), and 105.43(d). Military parachutes, when modified, must meet the military specification.
For additional information on this subject, contact Mr. George Erdel, Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA FSDO located in Jacksonville, Florida. His telephone number is (904) 641-7311.

Alert No. 208, November Issue page 7
PIPER MODEL J3 TAIL BRACE WIRE HARDWARE

During restoration of this aircraft, the tail plane external bracing wire nipples (P/N U4101-000) were found badly worn. The defective nipples were made of brass.
The submitter stated this defect was impossible to see without relieving the tension from the bracing wires. The submitter suggested checking the hardware for this type damage during annual inspections. This defect could have resulted in a catastrophic event had the aircraft been operated in a turbulent air environment. Part total time was reported as 2,881 hours.

NOTE: The above situations are not peculiar to just the above makes and models. These occurrences have been found in the past and could occur in the future "Keep'um Flying Safely."

Wings Proficiency Award Program


OAK FSDO
PHASE I

Meru Lavrel Weber
Robert E. Grimes

PHASE II
Alain M. Thillois

PHASE III
Richard Lee Matteoli
Christopher C. Zimmer
David Pastor Cid
Jennifer Smillie

PHASE V
Ken Burns
Susan Angelos
Clifford Ray Jones

PHASE VII
Dave Weavor

PHASE VIII
Dave Weavor

PHASE IX
Richard B. Arriola


SAC FSDO
PHASE I

John Conte
Donald W. Erickson
Robert Mitchell Silva

PHASE II
Lois A. Erickson
Nancy Everett
Susan K. Kerr

PHASE III
Dexter L. Clemens
Galen Gard

PHASE V
David Bell
Sherry A. Sands

PHASE VII
Henrik Lock

PHASE IX
Audrey M. Shutte

PHASE XI
Doris R. Lockness


SJC FSDO
JANUARY '96

PHASE I
Felah Felix Al-Nakash
Joseph G. Beaulaurier
Alf M. Brunsrtom
David A Carlton
Tara Christa
Harlan Chandler Gene Cram
Brian Leonard Donat
Rosalyn France
Ken Houle
Peter Jay Priest
William Bennett Savage
Steven H. Song
Teruaki Tsubota
Christopher J. Vasil
Russell E. Whitaker
Lindsey A. Wild
Jim Zimmer

PHASE II
Armando D. Arias
Gary M. Harris
Davi Howard
Christophe Jacquet
Stephen T. Karkula
Frank A. McHugh, III
Alan Niebel
Laura Pomerleau
David L. Prager
Larry M. Robertson
Lawrence D. Stone
Robert F. Thompson
Teruaki Tsubota

PHASE III
Robert L. Arvidson
Christopher Paul Bolfing
Ken Bouvier
Marc Andra Rochette
Max Trescott

PHASE IV
Richard W. Girard
Fabrice Guerini
Lee J. Silverthorn
Ronald D. Winter

PHASE V
Alan N. Clarke

PHASE IV
William Dickerson


FEBRUARY '96
PHASE I

Angelina Bostwick
Kevin Cousineau
Christopher S. Fitzgerald
Christopher A. Galinis
David J. Gimpelevich
Gerald J. Gleason
Peter Henry
Shapoor A. Irani
Gregory Robert Jacobs
Lance David Kesner
Knud J. B. Kirkegaard
Gilbert Lee
Mary Jo Piramoon
Tom Richert
Quest August Richlife
Jerome J. Szatko
Rodney L. Thrasher
Thierry N. Thys
Lesley Pickford Williams
William R. Wipprecht

PHASE II
Ronald R. Fey
Robert Flynn
Anthony Roldan
James Ellery Wood

PHASE III
A. E. Ormsby
Horst Fritz Raisch

PHASE IV
Daniel Paul Biewener
Peter F. Carpenter
Harold E. (Hal) Stephens

PHASE V
James E. Coombes
Glen E. Viettone

PHASE VII
Michael A. Germano

PHASE IX
William D. Brew

PHASE X
Leigh W. Bradbury
John C. Murphy

NORCAL
Aviation Review

This newsletter is published monthly by the Aviation Safety Program of the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Western- Pacific Region. Notices are also contributed by the Air Traffic Control branch of the FAA.

Your comments and suggestions regarding this newsletter are welcomed. Please send them to: FM Regional Aviation Safety Program Manager, AWP-204,Ro. Box 92007, World way Postal center, Los Angeles, CA 90009


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