---

April, 1996

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Capt. James Kratzer, USAF
AFFSA/XOFW

Just when you thought you could decipher the weather strip, the United States and Canada will implement the "International Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and Meteorological Aviation Routine (METAR)" weather codes by early summer 1996. After the implementation date, there will no longer be the familiar "airways" weather code used in observations. This sweeping change will affect all users of weather information pilots, controllers, and weather folks. So, you ask, "What is a METAR and a SPECI, and why should I learn the stuff?"

A METAR is a weather report which will replace the familiar "hourly" airways report. The METAR observation format will present more information than the current hourly report, but in a different entry order. A SPECI is an unscheduled weather report which replaces the current "special obs." Since the METAR and SPECI are new observation codes for CONUS) fliers, there will be a learning curve associated with the changes.

The conversion from the airways system to METARs and TAFs has been brewing for a long time (the rest of the World uses METAR and TAF codes). To standardize the codes across the aviation world, the United States and Canada agreed to use METAR codes beginning in 1996. The weather code conversion is a monumental task affecting 17 different National Weather Service, FAA, and military communications systems and the Automated Surface Observation Stations (ASOS). It's not just pilots who will have to learn new codes. Air traffic controllers, meteorologists, flight service specialist, and many other users will have to learn the new system, as well.

Civilian aviation forecast will also use the TAF code. Since Air Force weather has been using the TAF code for several years, this shouldn't be a big deal for Air Force fliers.

The hourly METAR report contains information on winds, visibility, runway visual range (RVR), present weather, sky condition, temperature and dewpoint in Celsius, altimeter setting, and REMARKS. A SPECI (special weather report) is an unscheduled weather report taken for basically the same reasons as current airways special reports. One difference in the report is that SPECIs will contain all data elements found in a METAR plus additional plain language information in the REMARKS section.

Notice the format changes in figure 1. It depicts both the current airways type surface aviation observations (SAOs) and the new U.S. METAR code. Visually the biggest change is the larger volume of information contained in a METAR observation. Figure 1 shows a Dulles IAP, Andrews AFB, and Scott AFB observation in both SAO and METAR format.

Notice that the METAR code starts with the four-letter international identifier and date/time/group followed by:

1. wind information,
2. prevailing visibility in statute miles,
3. longline RVR information,
4. the cloud layer(s) with the layer descriptor (FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC) followed by layer heights in three digits,
5. temperature and dewpoint reported in Celsius,
6. four-digit altimeter readings prefaced with the letter "A," i.e., A3005, and,
7. remarks section prefaced with the acronym "RMK" and followed by additional and amplifying data, and sea level pressure are just a few examples of "RMK" data .

This article is just a primer to give you a heads-up on the fundamentals of the METAR code. Just like all changes, METARs and TAFs will take time to master. Don't be caught with your fist full of weather strips on 1 Jun 96, asking your fellow flier, "What is this?"

Reprinted from November 1995 issue Flying Safety, a U.S. Air Force publication

1. IAD SA 1055 11 SCT E15 OVC 1/2S-F 045/33/29/2119G27/945/R04VR30
2. ADW SA 1055 5 SCT M20V OVC 2RW-F 045/58/53/3412G20/945/CIG 15V25
3. BLV SA 1055-X3 SCT M8 OVC 3/4ZR-F 045/30/28/0414G22/945/F2 TWR VSBY 2 IR08

1. METAR HIAD 081055 A 21019G27KT 1/2SM R04/3000FT-SN BR SCT011 OVC015 01/,03 A2945 RMK SLP045
2. METAR KADW 081055Z 3401220KT 2SM-SHRA BR SCT005 OVC020 14/12 A2945 RMK SLP045 CIC

TAF

KPIT 091720Z 091818 22020G25KT 5HZ FEW020 SCT040

FM1930 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PRO840 2022 1/2SM TRSA OVC008CB

FM2300 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO 0407 00000KT 1SM-RAFG

FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020 BECMG 1315 20010KT P6SM NSW SKC

METAR

KPIT 091955Z AUTO022015G25 3/4SM R28L/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992

FORECAST    EXPLANATION                           REPORT
TAF         Message Type:  TAF-routine and        METAR
            TAF AMD-amended forecast   
            METAR-hourly and SPECI-special 
            report

KPIT        ICAO location indicator               KPIT

091720Z     Issuance time: ALL times in UTC "7",  091955Z
            2-digit date, 4-digit time   

091818      Valid period: 2-digit date, 2-digit 
            beginning, 2-digit ending times

            AUTOmated observation: AUTO           AUTO
            indicated fully automated report; 
            no human intervention: omitted when 
            observer signs on

22020KT     Wind: 3-digit true-north direction,   220115G25KT
            nearest 10 degrees, (or VaRiaBle)    

5SM         Prevailing Visibility: in U.S.,       3/4SM
            Statute Miles & fractions; 
            above 6 miles in TAF Plus6SM.  
            (Or, 4-digit minimum visibility 
            in meters and as required, lowest 
            value with direction)

            Runway Visual Range: R:               R22L2600FT
            2-digit runway designator Left, 
            Center, or Right as needed; 
            "/", Minus or Plus in U.U.,
            4-digit value, FeeT in U.S.,
            (usually meters elsewhere); 
            4-digit value Variability 4-digit 
            value (and tendency Down, Up, 
            or No change)

HZ          Significant present, forecast         TRSA
            and recent  weather: see table   

FEW020      Cloud amount, height and type:        OVC010CB
            SKy Clear 0/8, FEW-1/8-2/8, ScaTtered   
            3/8-4/8, BroKeN 5/8-7/8, OVerCast 8/8; 
            3-digit value, FeeT in hundreds
            of feet; and only Towering CUmulus 
            or CumulonimBus.  Or 
            Vertical Visibility for 
            obscured sky and height "VV004", 
            or unknown height "///".  
            More than one layer may be forecast or 
            reported. CLeaR for "clear
            below 12,000 feet; for automated 
            observations.

            Temperature:  degrees Celsius; first   18/16
            2 digits, temperature "/" 
            last 2 digits, dewpoint temperature, 
            Minus for below zero, e.g. M06

            Altimeter setting, indicator and       A2992
            4-digits; in U.S., A-inches and      
            hundredths; 
            (Q-hectoPascals, e.g.,Q1013)

            Supplementary information report; (Wind Shear 
            in lower layers (METAR), and 2-digit RunWaY 
            designator of ALL runways; REcent weather 
            of operational significance.) ReMarK 
            indicator and domestic remarks stripped before 
            international dissemination.  

FM1930      FroM and 2-digit hour and 2-digit minute: 
            indicates significant change.  Each FM group
            starts on a separate line, indented five spaces.

PROB40      PROBability and 2-digit percent: probable 
2022        condition during 2-digit beginning and
            2-digit ending time period.

TEMPO       TEMPOrary: changes expected for less than 1 
0407        hour and in total, less than half of
            2-digit beginning and 2-digit ending time period.

BECMG       BECoMinG: change expected during 
            2-digit beginning and 2-digit ending time period

Table of Significant Present, Forecast and Recent Weather Grouped in categories and used in the order listed below, or as needed in TAF, No Significant Weather.

QUALIFIER
Intensity or Proximity
-Light "No Sign" Moderate + Heavy
VC Vicinity: but not at aerodrome; in U.S., 5-10SM from the center of runway complex (elsewhere within 8000m)

Descriptor
     MI Shallow      BC Patches      PR Partial     TS Thunderstorm
     BL Blowing      SH Showers      DR Drifting    FZ Freezing

WEATHER PHENOMENA
Precipitation
     DZ Drizzle      RA Rain         SN Snow        SG Snow grains
     IC Ice crystals PE Ice pellets  GR Hail        GS Small hail/snow pellets
     UP Unknown precipitation in automated observations

Obscuration
     BR Mist         FG Fog          FU Smoke       VA Volcanic ash
     SA Sand         HZ Haze         PY Spray       DU widespread dust

Other
     SQ Squal        SS Sandstorm    DS Duststorm   PO Well-developed
     FC Funnel Cloud/tornado/waterspout             dust/sand whirls

DRAFT              UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
August 1995              National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                         National Weather Service

Join us for a day of fun and companionship with fellow co-pilots and passengers.

COSTA MESA
DATE: Sat., Apr. 20, 8 A.M.
Location: Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa -
Technology Building #160
Sponsor: Orange County Chapter, Ninety-Nines, Inc.
Contact: Chris Stulik (714) 644-6828, Eleanor Todd (714) 548-7890
You Must call for Information and Reservations!

SANTA MARIA
Program Limited to 20 Flying Companions!
DATE: Sat., Apr. 20, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Location: Santa Maria Airport Board Room
Sponsor: Santa Maria Valley 99's
Contact: Diane Pirman (805) 937-9538
FEE is $45.00 Fly in and stay at the Hilton on the Airport!
Reservations Required!

MODESTO
DATE: Sat., Apr. 20
Registration at 8:30 A.M.
Location: Modesto Flight Center, Modesto Airport
Sponsor: San Joaquin Valley 99's and Modesto Flight Center
Contact: Jennifer Russell, (209) 544-0277 by April 13, for reservations.

CHICO AREA
DATE: Sat., Apr. 13, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Location: Chico Airport, Airport Terminal Building, Chico, CA.
Sponsor: Pacific Flight Services, Mt. Shasta 99's
Contact: Diane Schneeweis (916) 893-6727

SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DATE: Sat., Apr. 13, 8 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
Location: San Jose State University, Department of
Aviation, 1120 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110, San Jose International Airport
Sponsor: The Ninety Nines - Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Contact: Martha Schriner (415) 961-7700 (Work), Marcie Smith (415) 903-9260
ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Airborne Firefighters take to the Air

"Dan!", I wailed, Dan being Dan Ward, Air Attack Officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). "Danny, don't talk to me about forest fire season. I'm still drenched from the winter rains. There's enough green in my Tony Lama's to re-foliate the Sahara. My wash cloth is hanging from a toadstool and I've leased my back yard, as is, to Universal for the remake of `Creature From The Black Lagoon.'"

"Dick", he replied, "Granted, you're still soggy. It's only February and the cloud cover is keeping the moisture in the ground. Overnight low of 37 with an expected high of 38. But, follow me through on this: the monsoons that put grins on the faces of powder skiers has to go somewhere. And it's going to the root structure of our trees and shrubs. The foliage, bigger and healthier than it has been in years, will dry out. And when it does, you've got yourself hillsides covered with sap-laden sticks of dynamite ready to blow. So, yeah, while the face of your watch is still the color of Kermit The Frog's backside, the fires are coming, Dick. And when they arrive, they'll come with a vengeance. And, some mighty fine pilots will be fighting them. And they need your help."

Now, imagine yourself in the seat of a C-130 or P-2: You are listening to three radios and an intercom. At tree-top height. At maximum gross weight. You're focused upon flying through a smoke-filled canyon or up a ridge to the Drop Zone. Turbulence is moderate to severe. A few hundred feet below are fire fighters whose lives depend upon your precision. The noise and heat are terrible.

When you release, the aircraft becomes tons lighter and the control forces change dramatically. It takes a moment to become accustomed to the different feel, during which time, you must pull up and turn away from the fire, always remaining aware of the other fire-fighting aircraft ahead of and behind you: their types, speeds and climb capabilities. It isn't that you don't want to scan for traffic; you simply don't dare shift your attention from the aircraft or the mission.

CDF Pilots flew over 12,000 accident-free hours last year, but they did experience some near mid-air collisions. So our pals at CDF have asked us to remind you of a single, simple strategy that can, more than anything else, reduce the risk of an accident: when you see smoke, report it and, since fire-fighting aircraft are most probably on scene or on the way, avoid the area. When you plan your flight, ask your FSS Briefer which areas to avoid. There may be Temporary Flight Restrictions. The Briefer will know and FAR Part 91.137 will tell you even more.

Airborne fire fighters land and re-load at about 20 California airports, most of them uncontrolled. While it's not a requirement that they have priority, who among us would deny these pilots every possible courtesy and consideration?

The Fire Fighter's bases are: Chester, Chico, Columbia, Fox Field, Fresno Air Terminal, Grass Valley, Hemet Ryan, Hollister, Paso Robles, Porterville, Ramona, Redding, Rohnerville, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara, Siskiyou County, Stockton, and Ukiah.

When you operate at or near one of these airports, please remember these simple common-sense procedures:

• Exercise extreme caution.

• Keep your head outside the cockpit.

• Be aware of wake turbulence.

• Use UniCom. Announce your intentions and position at each point in the traffic pattern. Tankers frequently approach straight-in or fly a non-standard pattern. Listen and watch for them.

• If you can do so safely, defer to them whenever you can.

April 1, 1996, the National Weather Service (NWS) commissioned the fifth Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) in California on top of Bald Mountain, 2 Nautical Miles(NM) south of Quail Lake airport. The facility, known as the Sandberg ASOS, is located at the 4513 foot level, approximately 7.5 NM ESE of the Gorman VOR.

The National Weather Service is currently planning to install ASOS equipment at 1300 airports and remote sites nationwide. ASOS provides automated aviation weather observations 24hours-a-day, updating every minute or when significant weather changes occur.

Observations are transmitted in three ways: via voice broadcast on a VHF ground to air radio (120.625 MHZ), through dial-in voice telephone and NWS communications circuits as hourly and special observations.

Because of rapidly changing ceilings and visibilities in the Gorman and Tejon Pass area, Sandberg ASOS will be a valuable tool forboth IFR and VFR pilots.

Technical specifications:

SANDBERG ASOS -- SDB
VHF Freq: 120.625 MHZ
Loc.: Approx. 7.5 NM ESE GMN VOR
Alt: 4513 above MSL
LAT: 34 Deg 44 Min 37 Sec
Long: 118 Deg 43 Min 27 Sec
Voice Phone: (805)248-2329

PALMDALE
LOS ANGELES ARTCC ATC
FAMILIARIZATION FOR PILOTS "OPERATION RAINCHECK"
DATE: Third Saturday 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. Monthly
Location: Los Angeles ARTC Center, Palmdale Free TransportationFly into AF Plant 42 (3-day notice required)
Speaker: Various FAA Controllers
Contact: Los Angeles ARTCC, ATTN: Todd Whitman, 2555 E. Ave. "P", Palmdale, CA 93550 or (805) 538-2420
E-Mail Address: twhitman@hidesert.com
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
LIGHTNING - WEAPON OF THE GODS
DATE: Sat., Apr. 6, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SEMINAR: PRE-SOLO WRITTEN EXAMS
DATE: Wed., Apr. 10, 7- 9 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
NDB APPROACHES SIMPLIFIED
DATE: Wed., Apr 10, 7 P.M.
Location: Simulator & Instrument Training Center, 16501 Sherman Way, Suite 225, Van Nuys**
Speaker: Bob Crystal CFI-AIM, Director of Training Simulator & Instrument Training Center
Sponser: VNY FSDO and Instrument Training Center
Contact: Simulator & Instrument Training Center (818) 988-7224
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
FLYING SINGLE ENGINE AIRPLANES ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
DATE: Sat., Apr. 13, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Lynn Carlson CFII
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
PILOT EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR: PREPARING FOR THE SIMULATOR RIDE
DATE: Tue., Apr. 16, 5:30-7 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Wilie Coler - Delta Airlines Pilot
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
BUILDING YOUR OWN AIRCRAFT
DATE: Wed., Apr. 17, 7-9 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Charley Ducat - President of EAA Chapter 40
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
AVIATION TECHNICIAN SEMINAR: WEAK AREAS ON THE ORAL
& PRACTICAL
DATE: Thur., Apr. 18, 5:30-7 P.M.
Location: AV8, Inc., 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Craig Wilder FAA - DME
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818) 994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
HELICOPTER AND FIXED-WING METAR/TAF (New Weather
Reporting Format)
DATE: Sat., Apr 20, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc. 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Briefers from HHR AFSS
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend - ASC (818)994-9770
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A CHECKRIDE
DATE: Wed., Apr 24, 7:00P.M.
Location: Simulator & Instrument Training Center, 16501 Sherman Way, Suite 225, Van Nuys**
Speaker: Bob Crystal CFI-AIM, Director of Training Simulator & Instrument Training Center
Sponser: VNY FSDO and Instrument Training Center
Contact: Simulator & Instrument Training Center (818) 988-7224
Reservations Required!

VAN NUYS
VAN NUYS AIRPORT FIFTH
ANNUAL HELICOPTER SAFETY SEMINAR
"Reducing Human Errors in Helicopter Operations"
DATE: Wed., Apr 24, 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Avenue at VNY Airport!
Speaker: Jim Symanski, Bell Helicopter
Sponsor: Professional Helicopter Pilots Association of California
Contact: Professional Helicopter Pilots AssocationBruce Speirs (818) 238-3310, Tom Jeffers (818) 988-2931
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED -- FREE LUNCH INCLUDED!

VAN NUYS
FLIGHT OPERATIONS AT CATALINA AIRPORT (AVX)
DATE:Sat., Apr. 27, 9-11 A.M.
Location: AV8, Inc. 16431 Vanowen Street, VNY Airport*
Speaker: Paul Moritz - Airport Manager (AVX)
Sponsors: Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
Contact: Richard Mend ASC-VNY-FSDO (818) 994-9770
Reservations Required!!!

(*NOTE: Between Hayvenhurst and Odessa, behind Schaefer's) (**NOTE: West on Sherman Way from 405 Freeway to Brown Building at the Northwest corner of Sherman Way & Hayvenhurst (across from United Beechcraft). Enter through the west side of the building)

LONG BEACH
THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES
AT THE FSDO
This week's selections include:
Midair Collision Avoidance
Basic Aviation Weather
Single Pilot IFR
DATE: Thurs., Apr. 11, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: LGB FSDO, 5001 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 100, Long Beach*
Speaker: None - This is an all video presentation
Sponsor: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations Required

FULLERTON AIRPORT
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
Hangar Dance, Dinner, Static displays of vintage aircraft.
DATE: Sat., Apr. 20, 6:30 P.M.
Location: Air Combat Hangers
Sponsor: Fullerton 99's and Fullerton Airport Pilots Association
Contact: Denise Jennings (714) 526-1531 or Winnie Houston (714) 523-1002.
You Must Call For a Reservation!

LONG BEACH
THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES AT THE FSDO
United Airlines Flight 232
This is an explanation of the United DC-10 accident in Souix City by the Captain,
Al Haynes. He explains how they handled the emergency and why so many survived.
DATE: Thurs., Apr. 25, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: LGB FSDO, 5001 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 100, Long Beach*
Speaker: None - An all video presentation
Sponsor: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations Required

(*NOTE: From the coroner of Spring & Clark go south on Clark - The FSDO is the first 2 story building on the right)

GILLESPIE FIELD ATCT
OPERATION SUNBREAK
DATE: Call for date and time
Location: Gillespie Tower - 2001 N. Marshall, El Cajon
Contact: Gillespie ATCT for info and reservations - (619) 448-1449
Sponsor: Gillespie Air Traffic Control Tower Specialists

MONTGOMERY FIELD ATCT
OPERATION SUNBREAK
DATE: Call for date and time
Location: Montgomery Tower - 4298 Ponderosa Avenue, San Diego
Contact: Montgomery ATCT for info and reservations - (619) 277-5601
Sponsor: Montgomery Air Traffic Control Tower Specialists

MONTGOMERY FIELD AFSS
OPERATION TAKE OFF
DATE: Sat., Apr. 27, 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Location: San Diego Automated Flight Service Station - 4302 Ponderosa Avenue
Contact: Orrin Kelso at the AFSS for info and reservations - (619) 277-0503
Sponsor: San Diego Automated Flight Service Station Specialists

PALOMAR AIRPORT
FLYING TO ALASKA - A General Aviation Pilot's Perspective
DATE: Thurs., Apr. 11, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Mission West Conference Room
Speaker: Barry Cohen - Aircraft Owner
Sponsor: Four Winds Aviation

GILLESPIE FIELD COLLISION AVOIDANCE & NON-TOWER
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
DATE: Wed., Apr. 17, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Terminal Building
Speaker: Joe Pribilo - FAA Designated Aviation Safety Counselor
Sponsor: San Diego Association of Aviation Safety Counselors

MONTGOMERY FIELD
METAR/TAF
DATE: Tues., Apr. 23, 7-9 P.M.
Location: FAA Flight Standards District Office - (619) 557-5281
Speaker: Lucy Geever-Conroy - FAA Designated Aviation Safety Counselor
Sponsor: San Diego Association of Aviation Safety Counselors

IMPERIAL COUNTY AIRPORT
SAN DIEGO FSDO ACCIDENT TRENDS
DATE: Thurs., Apr. 25, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Terminal Building - 2nd Floor Conference Room
Speaker: Keith Ballenger - FSDO Safety Program Manager
Sponsor: San Diego FSDO Safety Program

CAMARILLO
LINE ORIENTATION FLIGHT TRAINING FOR GENERAL
AVIATION PILOTS
DATE: Thur., Apr. 18, 7 P.M.
Location: Public Assembly Room, 555 Airport Way, Camarillo Airport
Speaker: Bob Crystal, CFI-AIM-CE-500
, Director of Training Simulator &
Instrument Training Center of Van Nuys
Sponsor: Sun-Air Aviation, Inc. of Camarillo
Contact: Sun-Air Aviation (805) 987-8464
Reservations Required!

LOMPOC
HUMAN FACTORS IN
AERONAUTICAL DECISION
MAKING & GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS)
DATE: Wed., Apr 24, 7-9 P.M.
Location: Lompoc Elks Lodge, 905 East Ocean
Speakers: Safety Program Manager Blaise Winter and Geographic Unit Supervisor Lloyd Crumrine - VNY FSDO
Sponsors: Marshall Aviation, Local Chapter EAA & 99's, Lompoc Valley Pilots Association
Contact: Barney Kuhns, ASC (805) 733-2281 or 736-8854

LOS ANGELES
AVIATION MAINTENANCE
TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
PANEL & VIDEO ON SUSPECTED UNAPPROVED PARTS
DATE: Tues., Apr. 2, 7-9 P.M.
Location: LAXFSDO 2240 Imperial Highway, El Segundo Suite 140
Speakers: Panel - Reps from FAA, FSDO & Manufacturing plus Industry
Sponsor: LAXFSDO Aviation Safety Program

EL MONTE
LANDINGS I
DATE: Tues., Apr. 9, 7-9 P.M.
Location: El Monte Community Center, 3130 N. Tyler, El Monte
Speakers: Jim Whitehead & EMT CFI's
Sponsor: San Gabriel Valley Airport Assoc. & San Gabriel Valley 99s
Contact: Jim Whitehead, (310) 215-2150

LAVERNE
LANDINGS II
DATE: Tues., Apr. 16, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Brackett Airport Admin Building
Speakers: Jim Whitehead & POC CFI's
Sponsor: COMARCO
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

EL MONTE
WEIGHT & BALANCE
DATE: Thurs., Apr. 18, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: F.A.S.T. Air ( Fleet Aviation Services & Training)
Speaker: F.A.S.T. Air CFI's
Sponsor: F.A.S.T. Air & LAXFSDO Aviation Safety Program
Contact: F.A.S.T. Air (818) 575-3278

PASADENA
TEACHING YOUR STUDENT HOW TO FLIGHT PLAN AND
UNDERSTAND ITS IMPORTANCE TO SAFETY
DATE: Fri., Apr. 19, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Pasadena City College "V"
Bldg Rm 211 SE of "R" Bldg (tallest on
campus) Park in lots off Hill St.
Speaker: John Hazlet
Sponsor: Ameriflight
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

SANTA MONICA
OLD DOGS AND NEW TRICKS - NAVIGATION COMPLACENCY
DATE: Thurs., Apr. 25, 7-9:30 P.M.
Location: Santa Monica museum of Flying (3rd floor theater) Donald
Douglas Drive North ( north side of airport)
Speaker: Lee Williams LAXFSDO Designated Pilot Examiner &
Aviation Safety Counselor
Sponsor:Justice Aviation (310) 313-6792
Contact: Jim Whitehead (310) 215-2150

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TERMINAL RADAR
APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY

ISSUED: Feb. 5, 1996 EFFECTIVE: Apr. 1, 1996

LETTER TO AIRMEN: No. 96-01

SUBJECT: Establishment of Service: Toll Free line to Southern California TRACON

CANCELLATION: Apr. 2, 1998

A toll free number has been established for pilots within the Southern California area to call for IFR clearances and releases from uncontrolled airports and tower controlled airports when the tower is closed. The following is a list of airports where pilots may call from:

Whiteman             El Monte     Upland, Cable
Brackett                Chino           Corona
Riverside              Fla-Bob        Rialto
San Bernardino     Redlands       Hemet
French Valley        Oceanside     Santa Ana, John Wayne
Fullerton               Long Beach  Los Alamitos
Torrance              Compton        Santa Monica
Hawthorne

Pilots wishing to obtain IFR clearances or releases from these airports should call Southern California TRACON at 1-800-448-3724.

Pilots calling from airports not listed should call the nearest Automated Flight Service Station for clearance and release.

John Mayrhofer
Air Traffic Manager,
Southern California TRACON

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON

ISSUED: February 9, 1996 EFFECTIVE: March 11, 1996

LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 96-1

SUBJECT: Activation of San Onofre High and Low Military Operations Area (MOA)

CANCELLATION: March 17, 1996

The San Onofre High and Low MOA will be active 1200 - 2000 local daily from March 11, 1996 through March 16, 1996, in support of JTFEX 96-1. This exercise will include intensive but non-hazardous military aviation activity by fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Activity will include ship-to-shore troop transport, ship-to-shore supply/resupply, helicopter escort, reconnaissance and simulated attack missions, In addition, fixed-wing aircraft will conduct ship-to-shore air strike routings through MOA airspace into Camp Pendleton restricted area R-2503 A/B. All exercise operations shall be conducted in VFR conditions.

Pilots transiting the area can obtain status information from LONGRIFLE on frequency 123.2 or 301.9.

B.L. Schimelpfening
ACCS(AW), USN
Navy Representative (AWP-930)
FAA Western-Pacific Region

FULLERTON AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER

ISSUED: Feb. 7, 1996 EFFECTIVE: Dec. 1, 1994

LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 96-1

SUBJECT: NONVISIBILITY AREA

CANCELLATION: December 1, 1996

Due to obstructed vision, Fullerton ATCT is unable to provide airport traffic control service on the South Taxiway between intersections 5 and 6, as a result of hangar construction.

Dayle A. Buschkotter
Air Traffic Manager: Fullerton ATCT

During this past year there has been another wire strike in the Rosamond area,an ultralight hitting a utility wire (440 volts) near 120th Street and Rosamond Blvd.,destroying the aircraft and it's pilot. Unfortunately, a wire strike is a game of "one strike and your're out". To help prevent these types of accidents a pilot should be aware that:

1. Most wire strikes are below 200 ft. AGL, and that 70% of all reported hits are at an altitude of 100 ft. AGL or below.
2. Most strikes occur on a clear day (those near the Skypark did) with three miles visibility or more and a ceiling of 1,000 ft. or more (90%).
3. Wire strikes involve the most experienced more than any other class i.e... ATP, Commercial, CFI's, and among the rotory wing pilots the highest risk group are pilots with more than 10,000 flight hours.
4. Remember the pilot is directly responsible for obstruction avoidance, this has been affirmed by both the FAA and Civil courts.

There are many things that a pilot can do to avoid wires and other obstructions, following are a few thoughts on this subject:
1. Study your aeronautical charts for obstructions in the areas you plan to fly. I remember on my first flight to the east coast in a light aircraft several years ago I started finding lots of tall towers (1500 ft. to 2000 ft. AGL) along my route of flight. These with long multiple guy wires awaiting to snare me if I got too close. It was quite an awakening for me to see and avoid them. I kept a close watch and used by charts to locate them, however most charts do not depict most lines and towers less than 200 ft. AGL.
2. Before descending to a low level flight, conduct a high level pass above the area first, looking for towers, lines and other obstructions.
3. Be vigilant when flying at low levels and (when possible) have an observer fly with you to act as a lookout for obstructions, wires themselves are hard to see, so look for supporting structures, towers, poles, etc.
4. Keep a good scan going while flying low, look 90 degrees to the left and right as you fly along, and note any clear paths or areas that might have wires or poles in them. Also, do a mind switch from "are there any wires near here?", to "where are the wires?"
5. Many wires that cross canyons or gullies have yellow marker balls on them, but not all of them do, so be on the lookout for supporting structures or towers on the side wall which might indicate wires across the canyon.
6. When operating near wires never attempt to fly through them, but cross above the supporting structures, tower or pole. The recent ultralight crash occurred by the pilot trying to cross between the poles and his wheels caught on a thin lighting wire on the top which threw him over into the 440 line.
7. When landing at a strange new airport, survey it from above first if possible, and fly a high approach to clear any unseen wires.

ROBINSON MODEL R-22B (BETA) Magneto 2412

During an engine operational test at the completion of an annual inspection, the engine was hard to start, and an excessive left magneto drop was noted.

During an inspection, it was discovered the left magneto timing was retarded 15 to 20 degrees. The proper setting is 25 degrees before top dead center. When the magneto was removed, it was discovered the magneto drive gear was very loose on the shaft, and the cotter pin was missing. The submitter suspected the cotter pin had not been installed when the magneto was manufactured. The missing cotter pin allowed the nut and gear to loosen during operation. The submitter's opinion was reinforced by a wear pattern matching the gear on the magneto case indicating the gear may have been loose for some time.

Aircraft total time - 73 hours.

Malfunction or Defect (M or D) Reports. Some of the reports "zing" right to the defect, probable cause, and recommendation to prevent recurrence.

EXAMPLE:
DEFECT - left main tire flattened on landing.
PROBABLE CAUSE - pilot's feet.
TO PREVENT RECURRENCE - take pilot's feet off brakes.

There are no wasted words in this report, and even considering its brevity, it is usable information which can be added to the SDR data base. It may seem at times, the reports you so diligently prepare and submit go from the post office directly into a black hole never to be heard of again! Not true. Each report, which contains enough information for entry into the SDR data base, is used. These reports are published weekly in the SDR Summary, General Aviation, and are available free of charge by contacting:

Federal Aviation Administration
Attn: Safety Data Analysis Section, AFS-643
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-5029

The Los Angeles Flight Standards District Office Aviation Safety Counselors has initiated an annual award program to recognize outstanding CFI's who operate in the FSDO's five local airports, which include Compton, Brackett, El Monte, Hawthorne and Santa Monica. "Professional" CFI's are among the most important links in establishing the chain of safe, effective flying as well as being a major force in creating the students life long attitude towards flying safety and aviation continuing education.

The goal of this new and continuing program is to identify, recognize and reward up to 2% of the top professional CFI's within the Los Angeles district.

What is professionalism? Does possessing a thick logbook, lots of ratings, graduating from a exceptional flight school or belonging to some organization make a professional? Of course the obvious answer is no, to all of the above.

The Aviation instructors Handbook (AC 60-14) states,"Professionalism is achieved only after extended training and preparation ... is based on study and research... requires the ability to reason logically, accurately and make good judgment decisions... cannot limit their decisions to standard patterns and practice." Professionals are normally expected to rise within the ranks of their peers.

In addition to the items listed above, major factors that this program will consider in the awards selection process, will be the CFI's contribution to aviation continuing education efforts and support of flight safety issues and programs. A side note, there is a method for CFIs to nominate themselves.

The LAXFSDO Aviation Safety Counselors concieved and developed this program to recognize exceptional CFI's with a monetary award.

The following are the awards categories:

• Top CFI - $150.00 plus (1) hour of instruction in a B727 simulator
• Other winners: $100 each

The list of winners will be posted in the Flight Standards District Office, airport administration buildings and in the winners FBO or school. The CFI selected as Number One or Top CFI will be the district's representative to the National Outstanding CFI Program.

Ballots are presently in the field. They can be found at any of the districts five airports and in the district office. Please read the instructions carefully. This is not a popularity contest. The final candidates will be selected by a panel consisting of peers, designated pilot examiners, FAA and from the aviation industry.

Remember, one of the more important factors is "what has the CFI given back to aviation and examples are provided on the ballot

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

PHASE I
Larry Bowen
Dr. Walter Brannan
Arthur Friedman
Mark Kelly
Frederick Schine
William Sellers

PHASE II
Glenn Miller

PHASE III
John Hanisco

PHASE IV
Daryoush Arapour

PHASE X
Dr. H. Ghanimifard

PHASE I
Ron Lamantia
Jeffrey Bialorke
Yoko Twamasa
Jeremy Schuster
Donald Zoillner

PHASE II
Jimmy Kontos
Chris Ballister

PHASE III
Tom Coster

PHASE IV
Rodney Ruegger

PHASE V
Michael Squadrille

PHASE VI
Philip Simpson
Bruce Fitzpatrick

PHASE I
Robert Kauffman

PHASE II
Alan Merha
Maggie Byrne

PHASE III
David Pelham
Laurence Gudde

PHASE IV
James Moltz
Keith Dorham

PHASE V
Robert Daven
Gerald James

PHASE VI
Burleigh Putnam
Arthur Lindars

PHASE I
Cecile Davidson
Martin Sinclaire
Ellyn Williams

PHASE II
Carsten Kooyman
Noel Thomas
LeAnn Silberman

PHASE IV
Nancy Barker

PHASE VI
Charles McGill

PHASE I
Richard Ruskin
Alec Maguire
Curtis Suter
Willam Caefer
David Varnon
James Patterson
Robert Wyckoff

PHASE II
John Large

PHASE IV
Taras Momdjian
Edison Hsu

PHASE V
Leonard Holden, Jr.

PHASE VIII
Jerome Guenther
Sheldon Simonovich

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