The Newsletter of your Cessna Pilot’s Society                      Volume II issue 3.0, October 2014

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Welcome back to “NOTAMS”.  This periodic newsletter is sent to Members of the Cessna Pilots Society to keep everyone informed of Society News, Gatherings, and interesting threads under discussion on our forums. 

Whether we’re addressing a maintenance challenge, encouraging those seeking an enhanced rating, or planning that next big trip, the camaraderie and enthusiasm for flight that come from a participation on the forums adds to your enjoyment of aviation. We welcome you to join in. Registered members need just click on the links.

"Official"  Business:

1. Please pay a moment to welcome Phil Sprang as he returns to the Board of Directors. Phil will serve an initial term through May of 2015.

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Flying & Fly-Ins:

Our 2014 Fly-In “Charlottesville VA”  Review:   Special thanks to Pat and Greg Wright for hosting another terrific CPS Annual Gathering. We were welcomed and felt at home amongst our friends and colleagues. The FBO treated us like we were burning kerosene.

From the tours of Monticello and Udvar-Hazy (via chauffeured bus no less), to the unofficial fly-outs, we had a terrific time. Our fellowship was reinforced dining alongside our friends where one great meal followed on the heels of the last. We dined in historic inns, and terrific restaurants. We had some moments with old friends and all too soon those moments were gone. Sunday morning we started scattering to the four winds once again but with memories that will take us to our next gathering, and through a lifetime.

The First Flight casual fly-out proved to be quite entertaining as winds gusted across the runway at FFA making for some sporty arrivals and the good natured self-critique that follows. Everyone had their hands and feet busy. The fly-out down the Shenandoah Valley was picture perfect and after some pre-briefing, we had a collection of very professional air-to-air photos to our credit. Lots of fun.

Some took advantage of the location for some close-by mountain hiking, others toured the local towns for some shopping, we had a bit of a birthday for Pat Wright, and the boys from Canada Keith Dorken and Daryl Medd put on a very well-considered ‘get your ass across the border legally’ seminar that answered a lot of questions.

“After -hours debriefings” were held nightly. Some soldiers fell.

Forum discussion: HERE

Montauk Fly-In:
Bob Vila came up with a plan for a ‘regional’ fly-in to Long Island’s Montauk Point. A stunning Sunday, warm water, an almost private beach at the approach end of the runway and a great little café at the departure end made for a lot of fun and a great turn out. We had a blast of a time, Pictures and dialogue here: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=270504

CPS w/ an Official Presence at AOPA Regional Fly-Ins:

We have been very fortunate to have been connected to AOPA’s Regional Fly-In efforts. Stemming from an initial contact at Triple Tree 2013 by Rich Largent and Doug Oakley, CPS was invited to be a displaying entity at all the 2014 AOPA fly-ins! These have ‘upped’ our profile substantially, but only because our Membership has taken on the task of working these events with solid support and commitment. Display aircraft detailed to a fault, an overhead canopy complete w/ our banner, membership applications and business cards coupled with a ‘uniformed staff’ are giving CPS a polished professional look. All this on a volunteer basis remember! It is remarkable what can be accomplished with dedication.

Membership applications taken have included some notables such as Mark Baker, Jeff Skiles, and of course Chris Eads from AOPA.

So far we’ve had boots on the ground at San Marcos, Indianapolis, Plymouth, Spokane, Chino and Frederick. CPS will also have a booth and display at the St. Simons Island, GA AOPA Regional finale. Notable leaders include: Rich Largent, Steve Wolf, Dan Downing, Bruce Cohen, Dan Barley, Judy Parrish-Totman and Don Totman, David Hertz, John Matthews, Don Tedrow, Brock Boss, Nina Marousek and husband Frank, Abbott de Rham, Doug Oakley, Bob Vila, Mike Jesch, Doug Latch, Ed Abrams, and Harry Clarke. Great work folks!

You can read up on some of these efforts at the links below.

San Marcos: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=265242

Indianapolis: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=265184

Plymouth: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=269384

Spokane: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=270250

Chino: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=274808

Frederick: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=276138

 

CPS w/ an Official Presence at the Rocky Mountain Fly-In:

Steve Wolf took this idea, made it his own, and just stomped it hard on our behalf. Dan Downing joined in to carry half the load and between the two of them, gave our group another substantial rise in recognition. Nice work from both Dan and Steve, and we are sincerely thankful for that effort.

Rocky Mountain Fly In: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=264499

 

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Cool Conversations From the Forums:

Maintenance: Mike Busch published ‘Manifesto’ and it got folks attention for multiple reasons. http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=272216

Avionics:

Do you A.O.A.? http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=249438

Never Again:

This issue of CPS NOTAMS confronts some unpleasant realities. We lost one of our own when Babar Suleman and his son Harris off Pago-Pago in what started as a circumnavigation attempt. What started w/ high hopes and good wishes ended in tragedy. We reflect on the two sides of the coin on these threads…

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=268804

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=270848

We all must never forget that this pursuit is dangerous, and can exact the ultimate cost.

A few months later, one of our own lost his airplane to an in-flight fire. Two CPS Members were aboard as a crew and came out without a scratch. As there are many facets to be considered to an in-flight fire and subsequent fallout, a link to each pertinent thread is provided. Lots of stuff to be assimilated here folks.

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=273752

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=273660

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=273580

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=272939

http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=272830

 

Pilot Skills:

Shonda videod her arrival at a nice back country strip: http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=269910

What would you do? http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=273855

Duncan Latta got married and went on a flying honeymoon! http://www.cessna-pilots.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=252937

 

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Quick Peek: “Member Profile”:   Fred Larson…

I am 61. I am a lawyer with a small-town general practice (no litigation). I have three children: John, 33, and lives in Omaha with his wife and 2 year old daughter; Catherine (Carrie) is 30, and lives in Des Moines with her husband and 6 year old son; and Peter is 27. He is single and attending graduate school in San Diego after spending 4 years in China.
 
I lost my wife of 20 years to an automobile accident in 1987 (I am now with a wonderful woman named Jane Jackson, who some of you know). I had always wanted to learn to fly, so I bought a Skyhawk in April 1998 (as a non-pilot) and then I learned how to fly (in my own plane). Ownership makes it harder to not follow through. I have accumulated about 1,700 hours. I liked the CFI and had he not left, I almost certainly would have gone right through my instrument rating. (I’m thinking about it again now).
 
My Skyhawk was tricked out with about every performance upgrade available and a fantastic avionics suite. However, in a moment of temporary insanity, I sold it in 2010 for about 42% of what I had invested. I made do with my 1947 11BC Chief for a while, but in 2012 I got the Cessna bug and purchased a very nice 150J, which I have since upgraded significantly (a character flaw, perhaps - I am a gadget freak and love spending money on my airplane). I find the 150 very fun to fly - light on the controls and extremely easy to land. It is also much easier to get in and out of the hangar! Not much cross-country utility, but it is near perfect for about 90% of my flying (discretionary local pleasure flights of less than an hour).
 
I migrated to CPS as one of the very early members, and have enjoyed my membership very much - almost a life-changing experience. Jane and I have seen so much of the country (via the GTGs) that we would never have otherwise seen, and have made great friends here. I was introduced to the GTGs when Jeff C. graciously offered a total stranger a ride out to Pullman, WA for Judy's event. Since then I have had the honor and privilege of flying or riding in N292LC (now deceased) for many hours and miles. Thanks also to Steve W. for a ride out to Charlottesville this year. Jane and I did fly my Skyhawk to Spearfish, and part of the way to Rutland (standing down in Bradford, PA for weather and completing the trip in a rental car). We are of course looking forward to future GTGs.

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Wrap-Up:

So that’s about it for this issue. 

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‘NOTAMS’ is the newsletter of the Cessna Pilots Society.  “CPS” is an all-volunteer group of aviation enthusiasts who maintain a forum for the unofficial exchange of ideas relating to technical, operational, and functional issues relating specifically to Cessna aircraft.  We provide a venue whereby the members may also choose to discuss destinations, and other subjects that touch on the aviation lifestyle.  No political discussions are permitted. The daily workings of CPS are overseen by a Board of Directors that also moderate the forum if needed. We also welcome members that fly other brands who wish to participate for the friendship, and unique access to a diverse set of good minds.   Dedicated owners, operators, AMT’s and all aviation enthusiasts are welcome at CPS.

The Cessna Pilots Society is not affiliated or endorsed by Cessna/Textron Corporation or its subsidiaries. All Cessna model designations and models are the property/trademark of Cessna/Textron.

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