Many years ago my friend Dan Ellingson and I were relaxing on a hot summer day by the lake pondering some of life's perplexing questions.  Being pilots, one of the questions we pondered was; "Why do we love to fly?"  I think if you ask most pilots why they love flying, their initial responses will provide you with the common answers:  the view, freedom, relaxation, fulfilling a dream, the challenge.  These are all common answers to this question.  And they are all true.  But I think if you really search inside, there are deeper answers.

     Most pilots are passionate about flying.  We are in a special group.  Not that pilots are superior in any way to non flyers.  It's just that flying gives us the opportunity to experience things that non flyers rarely experience.  This provides us with a sense of camaraderie that others don't get.  It is a similar feeling for sailors, fire fighters, law enforcement officers, doctors, and race car drivers.  The thing that I always think about when I am appreciating a moment in flight  is the fact that I am able to experience this special opportunity that few people who have ever lived on this earth were able to experience.  Flight is a very common, every day occurrence in our society.  But, less than 100 years ago, flying was not so common.  Think of all the people that have existed on earth prior to our time that never experienced flight.  Yes, there were balloons and blimps.  But, few people were able to fly these machines.  Remembering this gives me a greater appreciation of aviation and flight.

    My friend Dan gave me the best answer to this question that I have ever heard.  At the time, Dan had done everything an FBO pilot can do.  Freight dog, fire patrol, and people charter were his common missions throughout the year.  He flew our fleet which consisted of many different makes/models.   My point is that he was experienced.  His solo pilot experience must have given him time to ponder the question many times before it arose within this day's conversation.  He was ready with his answer and it went something like this: 

     "When I fly, all I am focused on is the flight.  How do the engines sound?  Are all the gauges telling the truth?  What's the weather on my route and at my destination?  Where am I right now?  What would I do if the engine failed?  Is there a better cruising altitude?  Nothing else enters my mind except what pertains to the flight.  I don't think about my girl friend.  I don't think about my bills.  I don't think about what I'm going to do after the flight, or my plans for this weekend.  The flight is my focus.  No other activity in my life gives me that kind of focus. "

     "Many times when I go on a trip, there are problems in my life that I am trying to resolve.  Non flying issues and questions that are difficult to solve and answer.  These issues take a lot of my thinking time.  But I fly and forget them on my flight.  Then the flight is over and I have returned to earth.  But suddenly, the problems that were so difficult to address before the flight have easy answers.  Where are my keys?  Oh yeah, on my dresser.  Which stock should I buy?  Oh yeah, Microsoft.  (just examples)

     "I think this process takes place because while I am in flight, my conscious mind is focusing on the moment.  This total concentration of my conscious mind frees up my sub-conscious mind to solve my problems.  When I get back from the flight, everything is different.  I have a different perspective.  And, life is good!"

     I have never forgotten this conversation.  Being a pilot, I could completely relate to his analogy and agree with it.  The more I fly, the more I agree with Dan.  Any answer you get to the question, "Why do you love to fly?" is right.  It means different things to different pilots. 

     Herein lies your homework.  Test "Dan's Theory" for yourself.  Decide on a flight.  Give yourself a mission.  Make it something really simple.  It could be a flight from Wausau to Merrill and back.  Strive for perfection in every way.  Start with the briefing from FSS, to the pre-flight, taxi and take-off.  Work to perfect.  Pretend you're on a check-ride, or that someone is grading your every move.  Be aware of what you are doing.  Loose yourself in time.  Block out everything except the flight.  Set high standards and demand total focus and concentration.  Don't be distracted.  When you are done,  see how you feel, and ask yourself the question:  "Why do I love to fly?"

     Then help me out.  Execute the mission.  Snap a picture and email me with your reflections.  I'd like to post them in the next issues of "CONTACT!"

I wanted to update you on the Barnstorming Tour.  We are part of a group that is organizing a vintage biplane “Air Tour” this summer that will include around 15 vintage biplanes all manufactured prior to 1931.  Aircraft manufactured by Laird, Travel Air, Waco, New Standard and Fleet are just a few of the aircraft that are planning on going along this summer.  It promises to be a great experience for the pilots and local folks who come out to the airports along the way to view and fly in these rare aircraft.  We are interested in making Wausau Downtown Airport one of our 8 overnight stops before making our final arrival at Oshkosh scheduled for July 25th. 

The American Barnstormers Tour was born under the wing of a Travel Air at Antique Airfield in the company of friends and fellow barnstormers.  Surrounded by so much history, we wanted a way to share the stories of these planes and their pilots to help preserve the legacy of heroism, innovation, and personal accomplishment embodied in our aircraft.  By reviving the barnstorming tours of the 1920s we saw an opportunity to give visitors, from all backgrounds, a unique vantage point from which to view the past and connect it to the present. 

This year’s tour is anticipated to be the first of many regional American Barnstormers Tours throughout the US each summer.  A big part of our success depends upon the quality of “the show,” and everyone onboard knows they are a member of the cast. All barnstormers will participate in recreating the era with period costumes, aircraft signage, historical information, and vintage props. 

Currently we are planning for approximately 15 ships and a ground support team.  A few select commercial operators will be selling rides daily but all aircraft are invited to participate in an afternoon “barnstorming air show” for the crowd. 

We have a full time marketing professional on staff to promote the event and we hope to have several thousand people come out to each stop. 

I look forward to hearing back from you!
 
 

Best Regards,

Clay Adams

Nostalgic Wings, LLC

www.nostalgicwings.com

651-423-2804
 
 

Learn about flying safely at one of the most well attended safety seminars in the midwest.  Three of the biggest names in aerobatic aviation will be speaking, and you'll like the price:  It's FREE!  Over 600 pilots attended this seminar last year and they are expecting even more in 2006.  I'm definately attending even if I have to drive.  We are planning a group flight, so if you want to fly over sign up now so we know how many will be in the group.  If weather is forecast VFR we'll drive over the night before.
 
 

What:  6th Annual Telex Aviation Safety Seminar Where:  ASI Jet Center Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) When:  Saturday, February 25, 2006 Time:  9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Why:  Its fun & is qualifies for the ground portion of the Wings Program How Much: FREE!!!

Sign Up List 1.  John P. Chmiel 2. Dave Ladick 3.  4. 5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10.  11. 12.  13.  14.  15.  16.  17. 18. 19. 20. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

The glider fuselage is now in my hangar.  Come see it.  Bob Wylie, Bob Mohr, Merrill McMahan, David "Tiny" Hotzfeld, John Jerovic, Rob Flannery, Jerry Hoganson, Oscar Hoganson, Rick Coe and me unloaded the glider when it came in on Dec. 17 (an appropriate day) and we put it in the back of my hangar. 

Our plan of action on the glider is as follows:

    1.  Photograph everything as is with a digital camera and write down what was in each picture.  A yardstick or similar measuring device should be in each photo.  A white background should be used.
    2.  Disassemble all the parts from the steel tubing, labeling each part.  Sequence the disassemby from top to bottom, front to back.  Make patterns of each part.
    3.  Clean up the steel tubing using wire brushes or by sandblasting.
    4.  Immediately paint the steel tubing with primer to prevent it from re-rusting.
    5.  Replace the bent and missing steel tubes.  This will require welding.
    6.  Replace all wooden parts.  We have some from Greenville and will have to manufacture others.  We can use some of the removed pieces for patterns, but will have to rely on the blueprints for the rest.
    7.  Replace all other missing parts, such as the control wheels, control cables, instrument panel, etc.
    I will keep all records in 3-ring binders for easy reference.  When we get done with step #7 we will be done with our portion and it will be ready to return to Iron Mountain. 

     A work crew of about 14 volunteers has begun to meet on Thursday evenings at 7 pm to work on the glider.  Last evening we disassembled all the small wood parts and hardware from the fuselage, labeling each part.  We even separated the nose section from the rest of the fuselage.  Next Thursday (Feb. 9) we plan to remove the wood floor.  We will use all the removed parts as patterns to restore the glider.  We will soon be cleaning up the steel tubing and welding in the missing pieces.  If you can help, please contact me at 573-7063.  All help will be appreciated. 

Free admission, free popcorn, free soda, free coffee, free hot apple cider and free hot chocolate will be served!
FEB. 7, 2006 -- BOMBARDIER (1943) STARRING PAT O’BRIAN
FEB. 14, 2006 -- ZEPPELIN (1971) STARRING MICHAEL YORK & ELKE SOMMER
FEB. 21, 2006 -- ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS (1931) STARRING CARY GRANT
FEB. 28, 2006 -- HIGH FLIGHT (1958) STARRING RAY MILLAND
MARCH 7, 2006 -- FLIGHT COMMAND (1941) STARRING ROBERT TAYLOR
MARCH 14, 2006 -- ACE OF ACES (1933) STARRING RICHARD DIX
MARCH 21, 2006 -- FLIGHT AT MIDNIGHT (1939) STARRING ROBERT ARMSTRONG
MARCH 28, 2006 -- FLIGHT LIEUTENANT (1942) STARING PAT O’BRIAN
BREAK FOR SUN N’ FUN (APRIL 4 - 10)
APRIL 11, 2006 -- FLIGHT ANGELS (1940) STARING RALPH BELLAMY
APRIL 18, 2006 -- 30 SECONDS OVER TOKYO (1944) STARRING SPENCER TRACY
APRIL 25, 2006 -- WINGS (SILENT - 1927) STARRING CLARA BOW
PUTT PUTT PATROL BEGINS MAY 2

If you do not have gate access to the hangar area at the Wausau Airport, just park in the parking lot by the hangar fence by the new hangars.  Look for the white sign that says "Push Red Button to Ring Bell in Syd's hangar".  Syd will come out and let you in at the service gate.
 
 

     NTSB aircraft accident reports are very fascinating to me.  There is a lot that you can learn from other pilots mistakes.  The thought that always goes through my head as I read an accident report is that the pilots never had any idea how they were going to end the day.  As they swung their legs out of bed and raised their arms into the air for a good stretch that morning, I'll bet not one of them exclaimed, "Hey you know what I'm going to do today?  I'm gonna crash an airplane and I think I'll take a couple of friends with me!"  If they had known what was going to occur that day, they wouldn't have gone flying.  So why does it happen?

     If you look at the causes of most aircraft accidents, the NTSB says it is still pilot error.  A series of bad decisions usually leads up to the final bad decision that puts the pilot in a position they don't have the skills to get out of.  The FAA has addressed pilot errors through education about ADM (aeronautical decision making), hazardous attitude assessment, CRM (crew resource management) and accident chain analysis.  Poor pilot decision making still takes place.

     Lieutenant Colonel Kern gives clear, practical advice for spotting, dealing with, and preventing the dangerous lapses in judgement and discipline that make a "rogue" aviator. This book is essential for any pilot or aviation manager.  When you begin to read Darker Shades of Blue, the first case studies of the "rogue pilots" given are those of uber-rogues.  These guys were blatant, and it seems that everyone could see them coming a mile away.  We know pilots like these in our own circles.  You know its just matter of time.  So, as you read you begin to say, "I'll never be like that."

     But examine Tony Kern's definition of a "rogue pilot".  A rogue pilot exhibits rogue behavior which Kern defines as, " . . . willingly and unnecessarily failing to comply with existing guidance or taking unwarranted risks."  That's still not you?  Kern goes on to say, "Rogue behaviors are often found in the best of pilots, who for one reason or another, let their guard down and succumb to undisciplined acts in an aircraft . . . . When a pilot intentionally and unnecessarily  strays from the path of compliance, he or she is a rogue.  This is true even if an aviator strays only a single time from the proven path of compliance."  Now this may seem like a pretty tough definition, and hard to swallow for many.  But if you read the book, and you are honest with yourself, it will be difficult not to see the "rogue pilot" in yourself at one time or another.

     Here's what Amazon.com says about Darker Shades of Blue:   " . . . At its heart, this book is a vitally instructive cautionary tale in which the rogue aviator is unmasked, and rogueism is examined for what it is: the dark side of good airmanship. It is meant to serve as a logical starting point for debate and self-analysis among pilots, students, instructors, and others, all in the hope that destructive flight behaviors can one day be eliminated. The book's eye-opening collection of essays and case studies are all true, depicting events as they happened. Each of these studies is designed to chisel out the features of these dangerous risk-takers, while exposing their denial and false sense of glory that lead to needless, shameful tragedy. "

     Read the book.  Then, be honest with yourself and analyze your flying career.  We've all been rogues at one time or another.  The great thing is now you've read the book.  You can put your new knowledge to work, and help to prevent the rogue pilot in you and others from rearing its ugly head again. 

     Last year we planned a group trip to Sun'N Fun.  For whatever reason all but 2 aircraft cancelled.  This year its a done deal and Syd Cohen will be the tour guide.  Here's the itinerary and how its going to work. 

• Everyone will be given a pocket notebook to copy down all pilots’ cell phone numbers before takeoff.  Call other pilots if you have a radio problem.  (Cell phone use while in the air is illegal)
• Slower airplanes will depart each airport first, followed by medium speed planes followed by faster airplanes.
• We won’t try to fly formations, but if airplanes with similar speeds wish to fly together, they may.
• Faster airplanes will pass slower airplanes enroute, either above or on the right.
• As soon as each plane gets to each stop it should refuel as soon as possible (IF NECESSARY) to make room for those following.
• Everyone will wait at that stop until the slower planes take off again.
• Any suggestions to this plan or to the route are welcome.

What:  Group Flight To Sun 'N Fun Where:  Lakeland Florida When:  Saturday, March 31, 2006 through April 12, 2006  Why:  Its full of fun & Adventure! How Much:  If you gotta ask . . . you're missing the point!

Sign Up List 1.  Syd Cohen N94196 Ercoupe 2. Brad Ringer N94196 Ercoupe 3. Keith Kocourek N402EA Bonanza 4. 5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10.  11.  12.  13.  14.  15.  16.  17. 18. 19. 20. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

 
 
 

     The WFS crew is coming up with ideas for the 2006  Adventure Season.  Here's the tentative line up.  Right now, the events that you see specific dates for are set.  We'll have more info and descriptions of each event in future issues of "Contact!"  Please email us with your input on future Adventure ideas.

Chili Ski Fly-In January 28th
	"What's Up With the Cirrus?" Clinic March
Tailwheel Clinic  Saturday, May 13th
	Putt-Putt Patrol  May - September  Tuesdays 5:00 p.m. - sunset
Youth Flight Camp  June
	Wausau Balloon Rally July 7th - July 9th
Stalls & Spins Clinic Saturday, April 15th
	Canadian Adventure
Wausau Air Rally 2006 September
	Sun 'N Fun Adventure (Also known as the "Flight From Cabin Fever") March 30 - April 12
Flying Movie Night November - May Tuesdays 6:30 p.m.

     There are three immediate T-hangar openings at Wausau Downtown Airport. As of January 1st, 2006.

• T-hangar #7 has a manual door and rents for $90.11 (includes tax) & faces west.
• T-hangar #8 has a manual door and rents for $90.11 (includes tax) & faces west.

• "Got some pilot supplies just sitting around gathering dust?  Wanna upgrade your old headset, hand-held radio or GPS?  What should you do with your old one?  We can sell it for you through our consignment program!  You set the price.  We'll display it and advertise it. 
• Want to display your aircraft for sale in "CONTACT!"?  $50 gets you 6 months.  Includes color pictures and spec. list.  We'll include an automatic email link for your ad too.  If you sell your airplane through your "CONTACT!" classified we ask for an additional $50 commission.  "CONTACT!" comes out twice monthly and goes out to 500+ subscribers.  Our subscriber list is growing every day.  Just email us at taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com for details!"

pre-owned David Clark H20-10 Headset Advanced composite material makes this "next-generation" headset extremely strong and light (19 oz.), and David Clark's Custom Comfort System makes it incredibly comfortable. Custom Comfort System includes a patented, supersoft “floating” headpad for maximum cushioning, locking adjustment clips for a perfect fit and extra thick, contoured gel ear seals for a quiet, comfortable seal. Features a fully flexible boom and M-7A electret microphone. Single volume control. NRR 22dB, TSO'd. Made in USA. New Price $329 Our Price Only $200!

pre-owned ASA IP Trainer Software from ASA "... a landmark step forward in IFR procedures training" — Private Pilot Magazine    The only simulator designed to turn instrument students into instruments pilots. IP Trainer is the only IFR simulator with a foundation of artifical intelligence in the form of a virtual instrument flight instructor (CFII), the only interactive courseware designed exclusively for instrument students, and the only program that can compare its knowledge of the Instrument Practical Test Standards against a student's real-time flight simulation performance. Most importantly, while you're using IP Trainer to build a solid foundation of instrument skills, you'll also be saving money. IP Trainer users consistently attain their Instrument Rating with less dual time and with less expense than students who rely on traditional methods alone, saving an average of $1,000 in their total training costs for the rating. With a built-in CFII, spoken ATC guidance, the comprehensive Instrument Flying textbook, and a full complement of IFR lessons, IP Trainer is the single best way to bring instrument training home.  New Price $149 Our Price Only $99!

We now sell . . .
Simple Green for Aircraft
32 oz. bottle now only $9.95!
Extreme Simple Green®, Simple Green’s new aircraft and precision cleaning product, cuts through tough, built up grease, oil, dirt, pollution, insect residue and impact soils. We’ve found no other aircraft-approved product on the market that matches Extreme Simple Green’s cleaning performance. Yet, it causes no harm to aircraft structural metals, plastics, paints, or coatings.  Stop by for a quick demo!

Engines:  Lycoming TIO 540-A2C  SMOH: 717.3 
                     Overhauled by G&N Aircraft (6/1996) TBO: 1800

Props:   Hartzell HC-E3YR-2ATF SMOH: 128.3 
                 Overhauled by Aircraft Propeller Service (07/2004)
                  TBO: 2400 or 72 months

IFR Certificate: 09/2003

Useful Load:  1877.80

Reweighing Due: 07/2007 (135 Only)

Avionics:

• KMA24 Audio Panel
• GNS430 GPS/Nav/Com- IFR approved
• KY196 com
• KNS80 RNav/DME
• KR87 ADF
• KT76A Transponder-Mode C
• KI229 RMI (Dual Pointer)
• KCS55A HIS
• RDR160 Color Radar
• DC-500 Intercom w/ stereo system
• Pioneer CD player through intercom
• KFC 200 Auto Pilot
• Digital Clock
• Digital CHT indicators-JPI
• Digital oil temp/press indicators-EI
• Ground Clearance Switch

• Nayak Nacelle fuel system 244 gallons total
• Recognition Lights 
• New SMR de-ice boots 
• AFT cargo door 
• New Electric windshield
• Composite prop spinners 
• Leather Interior
• Rosen sun visors
• Keith Air Conditioner 
• EZ engine heaters
• Dual cabin heaters 
• New right windshield

Paint:   White with blue and gray  Interior: Gray leather

Annual Due:  03/2006 

Custom Wisconsin Log Home- a ‘10’ thru out! Lo-E glass, Peachtree doors, birch custom cabinets by Showcase Kitchens, oak and Italian quarry tile floors, custom woodwork and real plaster walls, hot tub room w/ air exchanger, guest room/office and work-area over garage, craft room, lockable storage, emergency power circuit and more. Outside a nature lover’s paradise with the headwaters of the Eau Pleine running thru open and forested rolling terrain with bountiful wildlife. Horse facilities and trails including 200x200 v-weaved fencing, shelters, winterized water supply, and training ring. Also 48x24 Pole Building plus workshop area in heat-able garage. Priced at $549,900. 

PITTS S2A

Factory Built  1974,  973 TTSN  A&E,  2 Place aerobatic,  200 hp. Lycoming,  Inverted fuel & oil,  Hooker Harness,  Narco Nav-com,  Fresh Annual with sale!

Now Only $52,900
Call Glen at 715 571-2121

For Sale:
50% Share in 1979 Mooney 201
N4583H
(Mooney Flyers of Wausau)

Cruise 155 kts@ 10 gph
Major Engine Overhaul Completed May 2005
Leather Interior
Full IFR Panel

• Garmin 430 GPS - IFR Approach Certified
• Stormscope Wx500
• HSI, ADF, RNAV
• King KFC 200 Flight Director/Autopilot w/Altitude Hold
• JPI Engine System/Fuel Monitor
• Garmin Audiopanel 4-place intercom
• Garmin Transponder