It's not New Year's Day, but as a pilot, you should make a resolution that from this day forward you will always sign the airport log at whatever destination you travel to.  If every pilot kept their resolution, general aviation airports could transform with improvements within the next several years.  Better runways, security fences, taxiways, lighting systems, instrument approaches, etc. would all improve our flying facilities.   So how would this work, you ask?

     The airport log is there to tell a story.  The airport log is all about "ECONOMIC IMPACT".  It tells a story to the airport owners.  In our case the City of Wausau owns the airport.  Airport owners need to know the information which helps them understand how the airport assists their community. 

     Next time you arrive at your destination, take the time to fill out the log, but really put some effort into your description.  Under the column "Who are you?", which would be more helpful:  your name or your company's name?  Under the column "Who Are You Visiting?", which would be more descriptive: "friends" or "2510 Restaurant/Holiday Inn/Enterprise Rental Car".  Providing the number of passengers on your flight helps consultants calculate figures which are useful for economic impact studies.  Just signing the airport log helps airport managers calculate operations for their airport.  If every pilot tells their story on each flight, general aviation airports and their communities will prosper.  All because you took 30 extra seconds out of your flight to help out.  And it won't cost you a thing!

     So what does this have to do with a bunch of pictures of masked workers hanging out the side of a Hughes helicopter?  Well here is another reason why you should sign the airport log!  Every aircraft has a story that needs to be told.  Ever wonder about some of the landings an old Cessna C-150 or Piper J3 has experienced?  Or how about the weather a freight dog Shorts 330 has seen?  What about the exotic destinations of an airliner?  This Hughes helicopter looks just like a normal helicopter until you hear the story about what it does for a living!

     This helicopter is operated by the Haverfield Corporation.  They were based at the Wausau Airport for a couple weeks while performing their duties in Northern Wisconsin.  Haverfield Corporation is the leading provider of aerial power line inspection and maintenance services to electric power industry both in the United States and abroad.

"Incorporated in 1981, Haverfield has been an innovative influence over the past 21 years in the expanding field of helicopter applications to the electric power industry. What was previously used only as an emergency response to line outages (in the form of aerial patrol) has emerged into an operation of significant value. Our experienced pilots and linemen, using our patented helicopter work platform, enable Haverfield to provide detailed inspection, live line maintenance and construction support for transmission lines and structures at production rates that far surpass conventional methods. In addition, the helicopter is able to access environmentally critical areas as well as rugged terrain and other topographically challenged areas. These inspection methods result in vastly improved maintenance and construction efficiency while offering large cost savings for Haverfield customers. Capabilities include work on overhead electric power transmission and sub-transmission lines with voltages from 34kV to 765kV." 

     In a nutshell, they work on live transmission wires while hovering next to them!!!!  Now if that's not enough about their story, check out their website at www.haverfield.com.

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!!!
 
 

     Wausau Flying Service, Inc. has another Skyhawk for the summer.  It's a 1976 Cessna C-172 with a 180 h.p. conversion.  Fresh paint tops off the exterior and the IFR panel has the Gold Crown King radio package, including DME.  The price is $85/hour.  Come on in and check it out. 

The 2005 Wausau Balloon Rally will take place at the Wausau Downtown Airport July 8 - 10.  This is the 3rd annual event and every year it keeps getting better.  We had over 20 balloons last year and we're hoping for even more this year.  If you want to be a part of this great event, read this letter from Jeff Dix and let me know ASAP.  For the latest information on Wausau Balloon Rally 2005 check out www.wausauballoonrally.com

Just a reminder request to solicit volunteers for the 2005 Wausau Balloon Rally in the next newsletter.

We are looking for balloon crew and safety volunteers. If you could have any interested people contact you at the airport with name & phone no. I will check with you weekly for any names and we’ll contact them from there.

Thanks again.  Jeff  Dix

On Friday, April 8, my cousin Brad Ringer and I left Wausau at about 7:30 am in my Ercoupe, NC94196.  Rob Flannery, whose hangar is across from mine, flew along with us in his Luscombe.  I had thought that Rob’s Luscombe would be faster than my ‘Coupe, but we were quite a bit faster.  I had to throttle back about 150 RPM from my normal cruise so Rob could keep up with us. 

Our first fuel stop was at Aurora, IL, where Rob washed(!) his airplane to make it faster.  It wasn’t faster.  The next stop was at Owensboro, KY.  They said that we would get a 75-cent a gallon discount if we stopped for fuel on the way back.  We made a note of that.  Next stop was Russellville, KY, so that Rob could adjust his ailerons to make his plane faster.  It still wasn’t faster. We landed at Tullahoma, TN, and asked if we could stay overnight in the FBO, and they were happy to have us. 

The next day we headed out at about 9 am due to morning fog and flew to Cedartown, GA, and planned to fly to Albany, GA for the next fuel stop.  As we flew along Rob asked me for the Albany identifier so he could put it into his GPS.  I told him A-B-Y.  We were communicating on 122.75.  Another pilot came onto the frequency and told us NOT to buy fuel at Albany, because their fuel price was $4.40 per gallon.  We then headed for Camilla, GA, just a little farther, and found that their fuel was only $2.75 a gallon. 

After lunch at Camilla we headed for Crystal River, FL, then along the Gulf coast to St. Petersburg, FL, where we stayed with Dale Boettcher, one of my former students from Mosinee, WI and his family.  On Sunday we rode around the bays and channels of the St. Petersburg area in his boat, and then we flew around the same area, and on Monday Rob, Brad and I flew to Lakeland for Sun N’ Fun.  We parked in the Vintage Airplane Camping area and set up our tents next to our airplanes. 

People started flocking around my airplane immediately, and for the whole week I pretty much stayed by my plane and explained all about Ercoupes.  About 150 people came by each day.  There was no Ercoupe Table in the Type Club Tent this year, so I guess I was the Ercoupe Table.  I handed out about 40 applications for the EOC, told them how we land in crosswinds, why we had two rudders, etc.  The weather was wonderful the whole time, we saw lots of EOC friends including Gene Gagliardi, Harry Francis and many others.  I gave out vinyl “I FLEW THE COUPE” bumper stickers to those who said they had an Ercoupe.  Two teams of judges stopped by and went over my airplane twice.  I was interviewed by Jack Cox from Sportsman Pilot magazine, and by Sparky Barnes from Private Pilot magazine, and then Meg Godlewski from General Aviation News and Flyer, who also writes for Sun N’ Fun Today.  Her interview and a large picture of my plane was on page 1 of the Thursday issue of Sun N’ Fun Today.  (The P-38 Glacier Girl was on page 8.)
One of the EOC members parked nearby told me that an Ercoupe maintenance forum was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, to be put on by Joe B. McCauley. I told everyone who stopped by my airplane about the forum, and about 20 of us went to it.  Joe didn’t show up, so I was nominated to lead it.  Not being an A & P, I just moderated the discussion.  It went very well.

We decided to hold an unofficial Ercoupe banquet that evening at the Red Barn Restaurant, and I made arrangements for the Red Barn shuttle van to pick us up.  12 Ercoupers and one Luscombeite joined us for the wonderful food. Those in attendance who flew in were: James and Linda McDaniel from Hernando, MS in N86997, a 415-D; John Miller from Raeford, NC in N5685F, an Alon; William McNiel from Raeford, NC in N5640F, an Alon; J. D. Still from Greenwood, SC in N3353, a 415-C; Rob Flannery from Wausau, WI in N2953K, a Luscombe 8E; and Brad Ringer from St. Paul, MN and me, from Wausau, WI in NC94196, a 415-D.  Those who drove in were: Jim Palmer from Parkersburg, WV who owns N9513V, a Mooney M-10; Harry Francis from Elliston, VA who owns N93530, a 415-C; Ron Black from Valley enter, KS who owns N93394, a 415-C; Jack Levering from Ocean City MD who owns N2338H, a 415-CD; and David Bennear from Lakeland, FL. 

My cousin Brad and I went through the Florida Aviation Museum on the Sun N’ Fun grounds, and saw the great Fred E. Weick display, and the Ercoupe in the museum.  I noticed that the restorers had installed the nose-gear scissors and Fend-Air upside down, and asked the museum people if they would allow me to correct this mistake.  They said yes, so I got my tool kit, and in about 15 minutes we had the problem fixed. 
 We departed on Saturday, April 16, flew to Cross City, FL, where the FBO was grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, so we had lunch.  We then flew to Americus, GA, where Charles Lindbergh bought his first airplane, and then back to Cedartown, GA, then to Tullahoma, TN, for our overnight stop, again sleeping in the FBO.  On Sunday we flew to Owensboro, KY, where we got our fuel discount, then to Schaumburg, IL to have lunch with fellow Ercouper Dennis Spiegel and his son Darren in Pilot Pete’s Restaurant. Off again to Wautoma, WI, then back to Wausau.  We had great weather all the way back.  We met lots of friendly, interesting people, and had lots of fun.

By the way, I wound up winning the award for Best Restored Classic 0 to 100 hp.  That was quite an honor.  I really enjoyed the trip.
 
 

We're trying to keep the kid to adult ratio at Youth Flight Camp to 4 to 1.  I think we could have close to 40 junior aviators this year!  Ah, I think that means we need at least 10 adults.  If you can help out please email me at:  taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com

Youth Flight Camp Does your child have an interest in airplanes?  Every time an airplane flies over do they feel the need to see what kind it is?  Was the "Wings Channel" their favorite TV station? Youth Flight Camp  is a program organized by Wausau Flying Service through the Marathon County Parks Summer Activity Program.  The Flight Camp program will take place at the Wausau Downtown Airport.  Activities include:  balsa model airplane building, model airplane flying, R/C model flying, Young Eagles Flights (in a real airplane), and an airport tour.  Adult volunteer mentors will help the kids with model building and flying.  If your kids have any interest in aviation, they'll love our Youth Flight Camp programs!

What:  Youth Flight Camp Where:  Wausau Flying Service Wausau Downtown Airport When:  June 20th - June 24th Time:  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Who:  All Kids Between the Ages of  8 - 13 Why:  Its a Fun Way For Your Kids To Learn About Aviation and Airplanes How Much:  $39 Includes the cost of the model airplanes and Young Eagles Flights We are looking for adult volunteers to keep the adult to kid ratio at 4 to 1.  This determines how many kids we can have.  Call 845-3400 if you can help

Sign Up List 1.  Ben Beckel 2.  Cooper Lingford 3.  Wyatt Chmiel 4.  Zach Halfman 5.  John Senski 6.  John Kochevar 7.  Christopher Colon 8.  Andrew Colon 9.  Alex Colon 10. Jake Kusmarksi 11. Mitchell Kazmar  12. Jake Kuzmarski 13. Sam Schefler 14. Bradley Magrecke 15. Rowan Flynn 16. Bryce Widmark 17. Troy Ergish 18. Derek Pauls 19. Haley Pauls 20.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

 

Just a quick note to say that Putt-Putt Patrol has turned out to be one of the funnest activities of my aviation career!  You don't have to fly formation to participate.  You don't have to fly a slow airplane.  Everyone can be accommodated.  Non-formation flyers get one altitude, "putt-putt" (slow airplane) formation flyers get another, "vroom-vroom" (faster airplane) formation flyers get another altitude.  This is all briefed prior to the flight.  We've grown with experience and now each patrol includes a pre-flight briefing which includes:

• designated altitudes for non-formation, putt-putt, & vroom-vroom altitudes
• flight leader for each group
• each flight leader briefs the formation on the procedure for that flight
• weather briefing for the trip
• airport briefing for the trip
• debriefing after the flight in Syd Cohen's hangar

Dear Supreme Commander,

Putt Putt patrol Tuesday May 17th, 2006

 Our group gathered at Wausau Downtown Airport at 6:00 pm. everyone prepared their craft for a 6:30 pm departure. weather was high overcast with an occasional sprinkle as planes and pilots readied for the evening activity. By 6:25 we were all securely seated in the cockpits of our planes. The group was lead by John Chmiel and son Wyatt flying their Aeronca Chief. Rob Flannery and Syd Cohen were flying Rob’s Luscombe and I flew my Hatz Biplane. Bob Mohr, our scout pilot of past patrols was in his Super Cub. Bob took off just ahead of us but had a different destination in mind departing to the northwest. A new member to the patrol was Joe Kamenick flying the local flying clubs Warrior. He had two passengers, Vern Syring and Bob. The four planes taxied to runway 12 for departure to the south, destination Steven’s Point.  The Chief, Luscombe, and the Hatz departed and formed up in echelon formation as we headed south toward Weston power plant. The Warrior stayed off to the east of us. All formed up we switched to CWA tower and informed them of our flight of 4 aircraft overflying their airspace on a southerly heading. Our formation was held very close. Several times I felt we would have been wing tip to wing tip had we moved along side each other. We flew directly over CWA tower at 2500 ft msl. My personal thoughts as we flew over wondered what it all looked like to those on the ground.

 We continued flying our patrol in echelon arriving over the Steven's Point airport and one by one braking to land. Being the last guy in line I witnessed near perfect spacing was achieved. Everyone landed smoothly and taxied in, we parked together and noticed several of the locals watching our arrival. We all had a quick chat and headed over toward a freighter that was ready to load. We were greeted warmly and had a few laughs. I asked to use the restroom. Greg, one of the mechanics readying the freighter told me to make sure I turned on the fan. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that until I walked in the restroom door and found the room had no ceiling!. Ha Ha Ha I thought.  We said our goodbyes and got back in the planes. The trip back was a bit faster having picked up a 15 mph or so tailwind. We spotted an emergency of some type at a farm below. There were so many flashing red lights that it seemed the trees were on fire. What was going on we did 
not know. 

     We continued north passing east of CWA and on to Wausau downtown. Once again we broke our echelon formation and set up a nicely spaced downwind to land. The Luscombe broke off to the north for a few more minutes of smooth spring evening flying, I followed John and Wyatt in the Chief. John touched down and then hit the throttle for a touch and go, I of course had to do the same, pulling up along side him on the downwind leg of the pattern. This time we landed and taxied to our hangars. We all met up for a short chat before going home. Next week Antigo! I shut my hangar door, gave the nose of my plane a pat, turned off the light and prayed for many more evenings of fun like this.

Respectfully, 
Wing Commander Conrad

What is Putt-Putt Patrol?  It’s like Friday Lunch Club.   Except after we eat, we fly!

1. Bring your own food & drink.  We’ll bring the     grill.
2. After dinner, we fly . . . who cares where!
3. It’s informal

I recently received these emails and pics from fellow Putt-Putt Patroller Dave Conrad . . . 

Ross sent me this picture today. I told him last week that if he got a chance to get into the  shuttle and it was ok to take pictures he should send me one. So he did, This is Atlantis, Ross in the pilot seat.  Dave

P.S. they made him dress nice for the picture!

     EAA Chapter 243 has coordinated the visit of the Experimental Aircraft Association's B-17 to Wausau Downtown Airport July 15th - 17th.  The restored World War II heavy bomber will be offering rides and airplane tours. 

Flight experience cost will be $355 per person for current EAA members and their guests, and $395 per person for non-EAA members (which includes $40 for new EAA membership).  EAA/B-17 merchandise will also be available for sale.  You can sign up ahead of time with EAA Membership services for a flight slot at 1 800 843-3612.  Or you can coordinate with Chapter 243 volunteers after the airplane arrives.

     Thank you very much EAA Chapters 243 & 640 and EAA Ultralight Chapter 75 for all your efforts in setting up this B-17 visit to Wausau Downtown Airport.  Profits from the stop will be divided equally between the three chapters.

     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!"

Tailwheel Clinic  May 21st
	Flight Night  May - September  Tuesdays 5:00 p.m. - sunset
Youth Flight Camp  June 20 - 24
	Wausau Balloon Rally  July 8 - 10
EAA B-17 Visit  July 15 -17
	"The Art of Flight" How to Use OVR to fly Safer!  August 13
Wausau Air Rally 2005  September 10th

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!"

Total Time:  3973 
Engines 0-540-A1D5:    Right Engine:  2521 SMOH/compressions 70+
                                        Left Engine:  960/compressions 75+
Props:       95 SPOH
Annual:     10/04
Fuel Capacity:  198 gallons

Comm #1/Nav #1:  King KX155 w/ glide slope 
Comm #2/Nav #2:  King KX155
ADF:   King KR85
XPDR:  Terra AT50A w/Encoder (last pitot/static/trans. inspection 05/16/2003)
Audio/Marker:  King KMA24 Audio Panel/Marker Rec.
Multi Function Display:  ARGUS 5000 
Loran:  ARNAV PFS5000
Autopilot:  Altimatic (inoperative)
Intercom:  2-place

Special Equipment:  Wing Tip/Trail Strobes, 198 gal Fuel (wing tip mod),  oxygen system (inoperative)

Paint:    1998 stock red/white/black paint scheme “9”
Interior: Brown “4” 
Logbooks:  Available

Call 715 845-3400 or email taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com

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

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