This month I made a ground breaking medical discovery!  Stop moping (pronounced moh-ping) & start flying!   In the winter, its really easy to fall into the trap of making excuses why you can't fly.  No time, too cold, etc.  Trust me, I've definately been there this winter.  But last week, I got to fly on a couple occassions and now I'm completely rejuvenated. Flying cures cabin fever!

     Some people say airplanes are expensive, but I totally disagree.  Think of the emotional benefits I received from a couple flights last week and compare that to what it would have cost me to get the same benefits from a psycho-therapist/psychologist.  (Now don't get the idea that I feel I need psychological help, although some of you may dissagree!)  I'm thinking the cost of the airplane and its long term intangible benefits well out way the cost of the doctor!  You "flyers" know what I'm trying to say.  As I said last month, as long as you fly responsibly, winter can be some of the best flying of the year. 

      I'm a little dissappointed in the pilot of today.  In the old days (now I'm talking about the  70's and earlier) aviation  was a hobby.  It was fun.  Flyers didn't need a reason to go fly.  They didn't need a place to visit.  Flyers didn't try to justify their investment.  They were involved in aviation because that's what they did with their free time.  Just like bowling, golfing, snowmobiling, fishing.  When was the last time you asked a fisherman to justify his boat & fishing pole, or a hunter to justify his cabin and his guns?  You know they would just laugh at you!  Today's pilot always seems to need a reason.  For a person who loves aviation, that just doesn't make sense to me.  Just remember aviation is where you find it:  building/flying a model airplane, flying a simulator, going for an airplane ride, participating in a fly-in, practicing touch and go's, building an airplane, etc. 

Here's a letter I received from my friend Bob Payzer last week.  He knows what I'm talking about.  There's no justifying here, just flying!  Flight for enjoyment's sake only!

    The Mini Max is on the right and it looks terrific on skis. The wheels for the skis are two roller blade wheels. Steve landed on the asphalt with no problem except it has no brakes. At any rate away we went in the Rans.

Here we are 10 feet above Boulder Lake. I tried to take a photo of my place but we were too fast.

At a little higher altitude I got a nice shot of "The Shores of Robertjohn". The snow was melting fast in the open but hanging on in the woods. Then we went on to see the latest home on Boulder Lake belonging to Ev Elingson right next to the airport.

Ev has built a beautiful place but one bad thing is he raised the property tax on my place. On the way back to Minocqua we flew over Boulder Junction.

Even though it is warm out, many snow mobiles up for the weekend. So back to Lakeland Noble Lee Airport in Minocqua.

Hello all! 

Sunday afternoon was a bit cloudy but the temp wasn't to bad at 22 degrees and very little wind. I grabbed my electric model and walked out the back door. Living on the side of a hill, I can see my potential crash sites very easily. The back yard is about an acre before the woods, perfect for electrics and slow landing gas models. The neighbors house is about 250 ft. to the south.  My son Ross built two identical models from the pull out plans in Fly-RC magazine. We sell this magazine at Pope's, reading it tends to get me hooked on projects every once and a while. This model is called the Race E. It's a knock off of the Hughes racer, mine is the black and orange one.

My intention is to use the plane to check products we sell and offer better advice on what we sell at Pope's. I equipped my plane with an E-flite Park 370 outrunner brushless motor, E-flight speed control and 1400 mah Li-po battery. Ross is installing a Norvel .061 gas engine in his. He ran out of break time so we packed it up and sent it off with him to Colorado. I'll give a report later on the difference in gas and electric on the same model.

Ready to fly the model came in at 13.8 oz. (Two oz. heavier than the plans weight, but what else is new.) I have 3 Hitec HS-55 servos and an electron 6 receiver. The speed control I'm using is the E-flite brushless control. Just for kicks and grins Warren and I tached the motor and then changed to the much higher priced Phoenix 25 brushless control and found it produced 500 more rpm's than the E-flite. Goes to show you get what you pay for.

A quick hand launch into the slight breeze and off we go. (When you look at my stance just remember there is ice under the snow and I was running, skid mark in the snow behind left foot.) The model flew very nice. rolls, loops, inverted flight are all very easy. While this is 
a park flyer it is too fast to fly indoors. As for the economy E-flite speed control, it worked perfect. I am however interested in doing a flight test comparison using the Phoenix 25.  The best part about electrics is after landing, you turn it off and walk back in the house with no fuss! I understand that a lot of flyers enjoy the noise of a gas engine and I am in that group also. HOWEVER electrics sure are nice, a quick recharge and I'll be flying again. Flight time is about 15 min with my set up. I'm hooked! 

Dave from Pope's Hobbyland 
640 S 3rd Ave
Wausau, WI 54401
715-842-4371

In 2005, we'll being going to a once a month format for "CONTACT!"  Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and if you know of someone who may be interested in receiving "Contact!", email me at taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com.  CAVU and wishes for safe flight to you all!!!
 
 

     It's 2005 and Sport Pilot is here!  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. wants to be the first airport in the area to support the new Sport Pilot certificate.  We're starting off by offering the first Sport Pilot Ground School in the area.  Here's some answers to some common questions we're getting about the new Sport Pilot license.

These are some new questions for this issue. . . 

If I am a private pilot, what do I need to do to fly as a sport pilot?

1. You must hold a valid driver's license or an FAA medical.
2. You must get a current biennial flight review from a flight instructor

When will WFS has a light sport training aircraft?

We are working on that now.  We hope to have one within the next 12 - 18 months. 

If I take the Sport Pilot Knowledge Exam right away, how long do I have to take my check ride?

The knowledge exam test results are valid for 24 months.  After that, you must re-take the knowledge exam.

If I buy a light sport airplane of my own, will a WFS flight instructor fly with me to get my Sport Pilot License in my airplane?

Yes & no!  WFS instructors are able to flight instruct in "Standard" category aircraft that qualify in the light sport category.  WFS insurance does not allow us to fly in "Experimental" aircraft.  Almost every cast is unique so we will have to evaluate each flying opportunity on an individual basis.  Please contact us for details.

Do I have to do all my flight training in a sport-qualified aircraft?

No.  You may train in an aircraft that is not light sport qualified, but you may not solo any aircarft that is not light sport qualified if you don't have a FAA medical.  You must take your check ride in a light sport aircraft.

Do I need a medical to receive a sport pilot license?

No.  As long as you have not been denied a medical, a valid drivers license is all you need.  Ask for more details about this answer.

Will my ultralight flight time count toward my sport pilot license?

Yes.  Certain time flown as a registered ultralight pilot, with an FAA recognized organization, will count.  Refer to FAR 61.329 for more details.

If I take this ground school with Wausau Flying Service, Inc. do I have to finish the sport pilot's license with Wausau Flying Service, Inc.?

No.  We are providing this ground school to satisfy the sport pilot requirements.  We are working on arrangements for a qualified Light Sport Aircraft to provide sport pilot flight training.

What topics will be covered in the ground school?

Topics reviewed will include regulations, accident reporting, use of FAR/AIM , weather, collision avoidance, performance issues, weight and balance, aerodynamics, power plants, aircarft systems, stall spin awareness, and aeronautical decision making.

Sport Pilot Ground School Additional optional classes cover Recreational & Private Who:  -Ultralight Pilots transitioning to sport pilot - New pilots learning to fly for fun - Pilots getting back into flying When:  Starts Monday February 28th Monday and Thursday nights 6:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Where:  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. conference room How Much:  $200 if paid before 02/21 $225 if paid after 02/21 Class price includes all books and materials! Special Features: Fulfills all ground requirements for Sport Pilot PowerPoint presentation format Guest speakers Light Sport Aircraft tours Introductory flights available This class will satisfy all knowledge requred under FAR 61.309 Sport Pilot.  An endorsement to take the FAA written test will be issued upon completion of the class and an 85% passing grade on the final exam. Sign Up List 1. Bill Markstrum  2. Scott MaCann 3. Leon Oselka 4. Keith Bauer 5. Jake Sonnentag 6. Steve Foley 7. Jim Van Eyck 8. Mike Ford 9. Jim Frings 10.Brad Ryan 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!

Mike Yankaitis had this to say about about the 2004 Canadian Adventure.  "Part 2" refers to the 2nd year we've run this trip to Canada.  This year's trip had 5 airplanes and 13 people.

     This year's Canadian adventure was again a great excuse to get out and fly. Flying formation to a foreign country (Air pig 1 and air pig 2 being our military call signs) was a ball. And the photos! Who knew that a portable air tank is called an "air pig" in Canada. We flew close to "Sluggo" (Larry Markey-You talking to me?) and Jeff Meachan for Robert to get some seemingly very close air to air pictures. 

"Sluggo & Jeff in 51-Juliet"

Train rides, paint ball (yes paintball for us GI Joe wanna-bees who needed a high energy activity after 7 hours on a train), hot tub, sauna, food and finally flying. There was no Cajun food to be found. We will have to fix that next year. 

Sluggo & Jennifer in the cockpit of the water bomber

Bob Beauchene organized a tour of the Bush plane museum and also of the Canadian Water Bomber repair hanger at the airport. Imagine the tour guides surprise when he began telling a story of one pilot's bombing run on some civil dignitary only to have Bob pipe up and say "That was my dad". Needless to say, we had a new tour guide from that point on. 

Another great trip. Thanks again to the gang at WFS for making all the arrangements. And a special thanks to Bob Beauchene, an ex-local who knew all the right places to go and how to get there. And remember, Enterprise will pick you up, but not always drop you off.

Mike

"The VFR-Into-IMC Accident" and How To Avoid It Most pilots know the dangers of attempting VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Unfortunately, accident statistics continue to show a large number of VFR-into-IMC accidents — most of them fatal. So it's not enough to simply know that pressing on VFR into worsening weather can be a prescription for disaster.  VFR-only pilots must be prepared to alter course and head for better weather or land  as soon as ceilings or visibilities lower. The ground portion of our clinic will review the procedures which will help you avoid IMC conditions, and will give you the skills to better deal with an inadvertant encounter with low visibilities and ceilings.  Audio, video and our new "On-TOP" PCATD will be used to teach pilots how to fly out of IMC conditions, diversion procedures, how and who to ask for help if you and when you need it. Have you ever been in actual instrument conditions?  If weather conditions permit, you will experience IMC in this part of the program.  The flight portion of the clinic will review (under simulated instrument conditions) maneuvers such as how to turn out of the clouds, how to climb out of IMC, the "trim-up" emergency descent, how to recover from unusual attitudes, diversion techniques and more!  "Whenever safely possible, students will be given the opportunity  to practice these skills in actual instrument conditions!" This course is not designed to give the VFR pilot the confidence to fly VFR-into-IMC.  It is designed to hammer home the point that VFR-into-IMC is a serious mistake and an emergency situation at best!  Pilots who take this course will be better prepared to make the right decisions should they encounter a VFR-into-IMC flight situation.  This course counts as an FAA Safety Program (WINGS).

What:  A course for all  pilots about how to deal with inadvertant flight into instrument conditions! Where:  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. When:  Saturday, March 26th Time:  9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Who:  All Pilots (Instrument & non-instrument) Why:  It will make you a safer pilot! How Much:   $15 for the ground school only.  The ground portion is free to those who fly the 2.5 hour practical  flight portion course!

Sign Up List 1. 2.  3.  4. 5. 6.  7. 8. 9. 10. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

"Tailwheel" Clinic This adventure in flying “conventional gear” airplanes is taught by WFS flight instructor, John Chmiel.  The clinic will discuss the art of flying a tailwheel airplane with specific reference to the Champion Citabria. The $49 cost includes 2.5 hours of ground discussion and 1/2 hour of dual flight instruction in our Citabria. Subjects will include:        Rental Rules/FAR's       Insurance       Pilot Experience Requirements        Aircraft Systems (Citabria)        Weight and Balance (Citabria)        Tailwheel Transition Maneuvers        3-point Landing Technique        Wheel Landing Technique  Inexperienced pilots with no tailwheel experience who would like to earn a tailwheel endorsement are encouraged to attend. Also welcome to attend are experienced tailwheel pilots who may want to try out WFS's newest rental, our Champion Citabria 7ECA.   This course counts as an FAA Safety Program (WINGS).  If you take it now you'll get (2) hours of additional dual for free!

What:  Clinic on How to Fly a Taildragger Where:  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. When:  Saturday, May 21st  Time:  9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Why:  Its fun & is qualifies for the ground portion of the Wings Program How Much: Now Only $49, this is regularly a $160 dollar value!

Sign Up List 1.  2.  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 WFS crew has finally come up with the 2005 Adventure Season.  Here's the tentative line up and schedule.  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!"

     We just received the new brochures and applications for the Archie C. Towle Aviation Scholarship.  The Archie C. Towle Aviation Scholarship is a component fund of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.  This fund is designed to provide scholarships for aviation students to receive flight training.  Applications will be accepted from individuals residing within a 50 mile radius of the Wausau area who are able to demonstrate ability and a strong desire to have a career in aviation.  To be considered, the completed application and a letter of reference must be received in the Community Foundation by the last working day in February (02/28/2005).  For more information on the scholarship email me at taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com and pick up your application at Wausau Flying Service, Inc.

 

"SNOTAM" Answers

Nobody took us up on this offer!  After I came up with the answers in writing, I don't blame anyone.  It was a lot of work for your return on investment.  I'll try something easier next time.  Come on Dave Piehler, I know you can find a mistake here somewhere!  For more info on NOTAMs check out the Aeronautical Information Manual AIM 5-1-3.

Try decoding the following "D" NOTAMs.  Submit your full interpretations (from start to finish for each NOTAM) in writing to a WFS CFI, and define the meaning of a "D" NOTAM. 

• BUU 01/003 BUU THN PSR OVR THN IR 3FT SNBNKS BA POOR WEF 0501071755

• GRB 01/158 82C PTCHY THN RUF IR WEF 0501142222

• GRB 01/161 Y55 11/29 1/2 IN IR BA NIL WEF 0501142050

• CLI 01/006 CLI PTCHY THN SIR BA FAIR WEF 0501121628

• GRB 12/011 C59 AP CLSD TIL 0504010600

• AUW 01/031 AUW 12/30 CLSD EXC 10 MIN PPR CTAF 122.70 SNOW REMOVAL WEF 0501181600

Here's an "L" NOTAM for extra credit*:

• AUW 01/023 AUW 12/30 PAEW 

* Remember that "L" NOTAMS are not listed on DUATS or Meteorlogix weather services.  The NOTAM listed above is extremely important and the only 2 places you can get this info before your flight is from the local FSS or the airport.
Answers to this SNOTAM Knowledge exam will be included in the next "CONTACT".
 

     I receive interesting pics and jokes daily.  Most I don't pass on, but this one was just too cool!  Here is a great optical illusion photo taken of a Lufthansa 747-400 and a United 757-200 that were on simultaneous approaches to runways 28L and 28R at San Francisco (SFO).

The separation requirement for flying parallel and simultaneous approaches is 225 meters (738 feet).  These two aircraft are at a safe distance for the approaches they are each flying.  Due to the 747 being three times larger than the 757, and being slightly behind will
give us this incredible optical illusion.  Someone not familiar with aviation may very well see this and make an assumption that these two aircraft are only inches apart.  Reminder:  Judgement comes from knowledge and experience.  How someone perceives events can be very different from the facts.
 
 

     There are immediate T-hangar opens at Wausau Downtown Airport.  T-hangar #12 has an electric door and rents for $120.12 (includes tax) .  Hangar #12 faces east.  You must have an airplane in the hangar within 60 days of signing the lease.  Please contact me at  taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com or 715 845-3400 if you are interested.
 
 

CLASSIFIEDS

• "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 Pilot Supplies For Sale

Garmin 195 GPS Map (Handheld GPS) 
comes with yoke mount & case

now only $330!

---

Sporty's Electronic E6B

now only $25!

Total Time:  8657 
Engines:    Right Engine:  0 SMOH 10-520-MB   Left Engine:  142 SFREMAN 10-520-MB
Props:       Right Prop:  Due May 2004     Left Prop:  Due March 2005
Annual:    Due September 2004 
Alt. Static TXP:  Due August 2004 
Fuel Capacity:  Standard
Right/Left Prop Govenors:  SMOH: 0/0
Heater:  SMOH: 758
Current Part 135 Status:  MKE FSDO

Comm #1:  KY196 
Nav #1:  King KCS55/KI-525 Compass H.S.I. System 
Nav #2 / RNAV:  Com ARC RT328T
ADF:   King KR87
XPDR:  Encoder 
Audio/Marker:  ARC 300 Audio Panel/Marker Rec.
Radar:  RCA Sperry Weather Scout II
Autopilot:  400B

Special Equipment:  Wing Tip/Trail Strobes, Air door Seal, Electric Prop Heat, 163 gal Fuel, Blade Antennas, Large Baggage Door, Fire Extinguisher, VC KIT W. 150# Increase Gross, Cleveland Brakes, Bracket Air Filters, Alcojol W/S Ice Plates, Boots- Left Wing:  Good Condition, Right Wing:  Fair

Paint:    White with Brown and Orange “6”
Interior: Brown “6” 
Damage History (Major):  No Known Damage
All Logs:  Available

 Total Time: 6908 
 Engines: 1600 T.B.O. by Western Skyways    L1004/R328
 Props: Left - 629, Right - 728 
 IFR. Certificates: 2254 
 Reweighing Due: September 2003 
 Fuel Capacity: 255 (Long Range) 

 Comm #1: King 900A 
 Comm #1: Garmin 250XL 
 Nav #1: King Gold Crown KNR600/GS KGS681 
 Nav #2 / RNAV: KNS80-IFR Certified GS KGS681 
 ADF: KR85
 XPDR: KT76 
 Audio/Marker: KMA20 
 Radar: Bendix RDR160 
 Autopilot: Bendix FCS810 
 HSI: King KCS55A
 Encoder: Yes 
 RMI: King KI226 
 GPS: Garmin 250XL, Moving Map 
 Intercom: Flight Com 

 Cleveland wheels and brakes 
 Copilot instruments 
 Oxygen system 
 Ground power plug 
 Cabin deck divider 
 Part 135 current
 EGT
 Refreshment center 
 Full de-ice
 Flight hour recorder 
 Heater hour recorder 
 Wing & tail strobes 
 JB air conditioner 
 Courtesy lights 
 Executive tables 
 Engine heaters 
 Tail beacon 
 New main and horizontal boots 

 Paint: White / Tan (8 out of 10) 
 Interior: Light brown cloth (6 out of 10) 
 Annual Due: 08/03 
 Damage History (Major): None