December 2000

Safety Articles:

Conclusion of the Year 2000 seminar season

SIC SAC - Significant Information for Pilots
Winter Flying

Safety Seminars:

For San Jose Area

For Salinas/Watsonville
For San Carlos
For Palo Alto
For San Luis Obispo
For San Jose
For Reid-Hillview

For Fresno Area
For Oakland Area
For Sacramento Area

Wings Awards:

For Fresno FSDO; also AMT Awards
For Sacramento FSDO
For San Jose FSDO

Conclusion of the Year 2000 seminar season

From the Central Valley Aviation News

I wish to personally thank each and every participate in this most important program. Your participation signifies the devotion and interest you all have concerning aviation safety. Keep up the good work and tell your fellow pilots to attend the seminars! The life you save may be your own.

In recognition of your achievement, I wish to again honor the individuals who have taken the time to become active in the FAA's "Wings" program. Remember, also, that according to FAR 61.56(e), by receiving your Wings you have satisfied the requirements of your requisite flight review.

SIC SAC

Significant Information for Sacramento Pilots

Gordon Campbell

WINTER FLYING

An Aircraft is a delicate piece of equipment. I know that statement seems a little false when we see them still fly after thousands of hours of use and abuse. But looking at it from the perspective of what makes it fly and what forces of nature cause it to remain in the air could cause one to think of an aircraft as very delicate.

Take the shape of the wings, on an airplane, for instance. They seem simple enough. A design that allows for the 'relative wind' to pass farther over the top of the wing, than the bottom, causing the wings to be lifted aloft, consequently dragging the fuselage, engine, passengers and cargo along with them. The manufacturer has computed the formula and used whatever magic and tests, to determine just how much weight the wings will bear and what airspeeds are necessary, to keep the wings flying. Very simple really. But change the shape of those wings just a little bit, say by covering them with ice, snow, or frost, and all bets are off. The air passing over the wings must remain in close proximity to the surface. Break up that airflow by having uneven frost, on the wings, and no one knows what the wing will do or how it will perform. Perhaps the wing will stall at a higher airspeed, or one wing would stall sooner than the other. The airspeed that these things will occur is a mystery. How about putting a load of ice on the bottom of the wing. That could cause the air to flow over the bottom of the wing further than the top, giving you lift in a downward direction. Good if your airplane has wheels on the top, and if you are very proficient at aerobatics, willing to land upside down. But for most of us this situation would cause stark terror

Other problems that occur with winter weather are Precipitation and Fog. Fog generally moves into the Sacramento Valley, during November and December, and stays until late January or February. If you have an instrument rating this may not present an insurmountable problem (if you are current and proficient on instruments). However if you do not have an instrument rating flying into areas that are prone to fog can be a harrowing experience. Limiting your flying to the warmest parts of day may help a bit. A few hours of clearing weather is not uncommon during the winter months. Having a good rapport with the folks at the Automated Flight Service Stations will allow you to keep abreast of the current weather situation. Giving up some of your pilot's ego to confess a problem could also help if you run into bad weather. It would also help to have an alternate handy, preferably out of the fog area. Precipitation problems come in the form of low visibility, hail, and snow adhering to the aircraft on the runway. Rain can cause standing water on runways causing hydroplaning, a nasty p henomenon where the wheels ride above the pavement, on a film of water, causing loss of all traction. Snow, water, or melting snow, on the runway or taxiway can freeze and cause very embarrassing moments on landing or even run-up.

Think about these things as winter approaches and come to a seminar this month or next.

NorCal Aviation Safety Seminars

December 2000

Note for all Seminars:

Times are from 7:00 to 9:00 PM unless otherwise noted. No reservations are required unless noted by  *. Never a fee. For more information contact the Safety Program Manager listed in the FSDO area heading containing the event in question. All FAA Safety Seminars satisfy the requirements of AC-61.91H; the Pilot Proficiency Awards Program (Wings) and /or the Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards Program; AC-65-25A.

Veterans Memorial Building
801 Grand Ave.

Tue, Jan 9, 6:30 PM

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT "JEP" CHARTS

PRESENTED BY: Jim Terpstra, V.P. Jeppesen Sanderson Inc.
CONTACT: Patrick Duncan (805) 466-9725 or Alan Yecny 541-1038
NOTE: If flying in, call one of the above contacts for transportation from the airport to Vet's Hall

Salinas Airport Conference Room, upstairs, Airport Terminal Building

Fri, Dec 1, 8:30 AM

AIRCRAFT ICING - and how to avoid it

CONTACT: Debbie Bayless at (831) 758-7214

Salinas Airport Conference Room, upstairs, Airport Terminal Building

Fri, Jan 5, 8:30 AM

EVALUATING INFLIGHT WEATHER

Watsonville Aviation Education Center (WAEC), 60 Aviation Way

Wed, Dec 27, 7:00 PM

THE STALL/SPIN AND EVENTS THEREAFTER

CONTACT: Airport attendant or Don French at (831) 728-6075

Diamond Aviation, 620 Apt. Dr., #1, San Carlos Airport

Sat, Dec 2, 10:00 AM

EMERGENCIES AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM

CONTACT: Diamond Aviation dispatcher or U.J Emetarom at (650) 591-7611 or (800) 573-8177
*Seating is limited. Reservations are required.

Diamond Aviation, 620 Apt. Dr., #1, San Carlos Airport

Sat, Jan 6, 10:00 AM

THE STALL/SPIN AND EVENTS THEREAFTER

Bel-Air International, 795 Skyway, San Carlos Apt.

Thu, Dec 7, 7 - 8:30 PM

GPS and IFR, Part 2 of 2 part series

Bel-Air International, 795 Skyway, San Carlos Apt.

Thu, Jan 4, 7 - 8:30 PM

MAKING A SAFE FLIGHT - INTO THE NIGHT

West Valley Flying Club, 701 Skyway Blvd., San Carlos Apt.

Wed, Dec 20, 7 - 8:30 PM

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND ATC PROCEDURES

West Valley Flying Club, 1901 Embarcadero Rd., Suite 100

Wed, Dec 13, 7- 8:30 PM

DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

CONTACT: West Valley Flying Club dispatcher or George Kebbe at (650) 856-2030

West Valley Flying Club, 1901 Embarcadero Rd., Suite 100

Wed, Jan 10, 7- 8:30 PM

MEET (PAO) TOWER FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MANY HAPPY TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS

American Academy of Aeronautics, 1144 Coleman Ave

Wed, Dec 13 & 27, 11 AM-1:00 PM

WEDNESDAY LUNCH AT THE AVIATION MOVIES

CONTACT: American Academy dispatcher, or Ehab Elsonbati (408) 288-9270 or (1-800) 814-9104

Squadron #2 Flying Club, San Jose Jet Center, A. C. Markkula Conference Room

Thu, Dec 21, 7:00 PM

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE - What can a pilot do?

Inbound Aviation, 2655 Robert Fowler Way, RHV Apt.

Tue, Dec 5, 7 - 9:00 P.M

FLIGHT PLANNING FOR WINTER WEATHER AND PILOT LIMITATIONS

CONTACT: Inbound dispatcher, Jonathan Page or Stephen Harms at (408) 272-0518

Inbound Aviation, 2655 Robert Fowler Way, RHV Apt.

Tue, Jan 2, 7 - 9:00 P.M

GO/NO GO WEATHER DECISIONS

Trade Winds Aviation 2505 Cunningham Ave, RHV Apt.

Thu, Dec 14, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

HOW TO MAKE A BAD DAY BETTER - strategies for runway incursion avoidance

Trade Winds Aviation 2505 Cunningham Ave, RHV Apt.

Thu, Jan 11, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

ON THE PATH FOR A STABILIZED APPROACH TO A LANDING

Nice Air, 2575 Robert Fowler Way, RHV Apt.

Tue, Dec 19, 7 - 9:00 PM

PASSING YOUR FAA CHECKRIDE

Because of the "Tule Fog"

There will not be any safety seminars scheduled for the months of December and January. I could just see the headlines, ….."aviation enthusiasts, sustain major damage to their automobile(s) while enroute in the fog to a FAA safety seminar! Film at 11:00!" Ouch!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The following is a brief synopsis of our upcoming seminar series for the year 2001.

February: Module 1--The Fresno FSDO's "State of the District Presentation"
First Specialized Seminar Feb 1st @ MER: Ag. Pilots Safety Briefing.

March: Module 2-- Flight Planning Basics, VFR & IFR.;Performing Calculations
Second Specialized Seminar: March 1st @ FCH: Helicopter Pilots/Operators Safety Briefing.

April: Module 3-- Evaluating Weather- Preflight & enroute.
Third specialized Seminar: April 5th @ FCH: Professional Pilots (CFI's, Air Carrier, Air Taxi, Corporate) Safety Briefing (with Michael Bakken ATP, World Airlines)

May: Module 4-- Tips on Mountain Flying (FAA Video & Jeppenson Video)

June: Module 5--Flying to Baja: The Pacific Side and the Gulf Side. (Skycam Productions ©1996)

July: Module 6--Update on GPS plus Density Altitude review.

August: Module 7--Understanding your 'Aviation Maintenance Technician' A.K.A. Mechanic.

September: Module 8--The Pilot's guide to Controlled Airspace.

October: Module 9--Avoidance of Runway Incursions.
Fourth specialized Seminar: Oct. 30th (Tuesday) @ BFL: Professional Pilots (CFI's, Air Carrier, Air Taxi, Corporate) Safety Briefing. (with Michael Bakken ATP)

November: Module 10--Approach and Landing Procedures The Black Hole Approach.
Fifth Specialized Seminar: Nov. 27th (Tuesday) @ BFL: Agricultural Pilots Safety Briefing

Bridgeford Flying Service,
Napa Airport

Tue, Dec 5 - 7:00 PM

"LANDINGS."

Sponsor: Bridgeford Flying Service
Contact: Sue Chambers (707) 224-0887

(Fly in if you wish)

Sacramento Executive Apt. Airport Conference Room

Thu, Dec 7 - 7:00 PM

"Suspected Unapproved Parts."

Sponsor: SAC.FSDO
Contact: Gordon Campbell (916) 422-0272 ex:258

(Fly in if you wish)

Jeannes Restaurant, Yuba County Apt.

Mon, Dec 11 - 7:00 PM

"Stalls and Spins and How to Avoid Them."

Sponsor: Sutter Butts 99's and Jeannes Catering
Contact: Carol Andrews (530) 741-1148

(Fly in if you wish)

Airport Admin. Building, Nevada County Airpark

Tue, Dec 12 - 7:00 PM

"How To Make a Good Landing In Almost Any Conditions."

Sponsor: Alta Vista Air/ Chase Air Unlimited
Contact: John Bauer (530) 272-8595

(Fly in if you wish)

Redding Aero Service, Redding Municipal Apt.

Wed, Dec 13 - 7:00 PM

"The How and The Why of Landings and Take-Offs."

Sponsor: Mt Shasta 99's
Redding Aero
Jim & I Aviation
Contact: Jim & I Aviation (530) 221-5300

(Fly in if you wish)

Rancho Murieta AFSS,
14670 Cantova Wy, Ste 101

Call Ahead For Exact Dates
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday

"Operation Takeoff"

A three hour program that covers the services available from an Automated Flight Service Station. You'll learn how the system works and how to obtain the greatest user benefit. A Facility tour is included.
Sponsor: Rancho Murieta AFSS
Contact: Jaime Tilton (916) 354-0161

Sacramento TRACON
5839 22nd Street

One Saturday per month
8:00 am till noon.

"Operation Raincheck"

A program designed to familiarize pilots with the Air Traffic control system.
Sponsor: FAA Air Traffic Control
Contact: Asst. Manager for Operations (916) 922-9511

Contra Costa Water District
1331 Concord Ave, Concord

Mon, Dec 4, 7:00 to 9:00 PM

SURVIVAL: Are You Prepared?
Can you survive?

Sponsor: Navajo Aviation
Contact: Navajo 925-685-1150

Ahart Aviation, 186 Airport Blvd., Livermore Airport

Tue, Dec 5, 7:00 to 9:00 PM

SURVIVAL: Are You Prepared?
Can you survive?

Sponsor: Ahart Aviation
Contact: Contact Ahart 925-449-2142

Lucchesi Park, 320 N. McDowell, Petaluma

Wed, Dec 6, 7:00 to 9:00 PM

SURVIVAL: Are You Prepared?
Can you survive?

Sponsor: Petaluma Airport
Contact: Manager 707-778-4404

WINGS: An excellent way to gain proficiency

WINGS is the FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program designed to encourage general aviation pilots to continue their training. It provides an opportunity to practice selected maneuvers in a minimum of instruction time.

WINGS is an excellent opportunity for you to re-evaluate your flight proficiency and knowledge.

If You're a Pilot, You're Eligible

WINGS is open to all pilots holding a recreational certificate or higher with a current medical certificate, when required. After you've logged three hours of dual instruction under the program and attend at least one FAA-sanctioned safety seminar you will be eligible to receive and wear a distinctive set of WINGS. You will also receive a certificate of completion.

Pilots: Your attendance at safety seminars fulfills one of the requirements of the Pilot Proficiency Award program (Wings Program). Completion of the requirements of the Wings Program, as outlined in Advisory Circular 61.91g, will qualify you to receive a Wings lapel pin and wall certificate. ADDITIONALLY, if you satisfactorily complete a phase of the Wings Program within the period specified by Section 61.56 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, you need not accomplish a biennial flight review.

More Wings To Work For

Each twelve month interval after earning your first set of WINGS you will be eligible for more WINGS. Each WINGS pin is specially designed to mark your additional progress.

WINGS-The Sign of a Safe Pilot

It's a fact - recurrent training makes a difference. Statistics show that pilots who participate in recurrent training programs such as WINGS, have a much better safety record than the pilots who do not. Earning your WINGS could have a positive impact on your aviation insurance costs. Be sure to inform your insurance agent of your commitment to the WINGS Program

WORK FOR YOUR WINGS.
THEY'RE WORTH A LOT MORE THAN THE
TIME IT TAKES TO GET THEM.

PHASE I

Michael G. Bonomo
Sean W. Clark
Tony Paton
Russ Workman

PHASE II

David Mortimer
Harold Pattenaude

PHASE III

Robert Johnson
Joseph A. Varni

PHASE IV

Robert Barbarick
Robert Stiles
Shirley Stiles

PHASE IX

William Kraft

PHASE I

Dimitar Bojantchev
Larry Joe Butrick
Ronald C. Carmichael
Raymond W. Catlette, Jr.
Richard M. Hamilton
Tzang-Yu
Paul Lee
Walter Millar
James A. Williams

PHASE II

James D. Bennett
Larry Joe Butrick
Xin Li
Elwin Stanley Smith

PHASE III

Ross D. Bowman

PHASE IV

Susan Worster
James A. Young

PHASE V

Michael Biggi
Raymond Guido "Guy" Dellavecchia
Jamie G. Kopf

PHASE VI

Raymond L. Tilton

PHASE VIII

Richard Girard

PHASE IX

James H. Campbell

PHASE XI

Steven Foster

PHASE XIII

Paul Laub

Calendar Year 2000 Wings Awards (as of 10/11/00)

NorCal Aviation Safety Review is published monthly by the F.A.A. Western Pacific Safety Program. Comments, suggestions and news info are invited. NorCal Aviation Safety Review reserves the right to edit all material. Please address all correspondence to your local Safety Program Manager. Edited by Kevin L. Clover - FAA AWP-204 - 5001 Airport Plaza Dr. Ste 100 - Long Beach, CA 90815 - E-Mail kevin.l.clover@faa.gov