First flight day

[Petr Folwarczny]

Hello everyone. Yesterday, after a long winter break, we started flying again. Quite a few of us showed up, no wonder, the weather was just perfect for it. When we fly again next weekend, I also would like to see at the airfield those who contributed to assembling gliders and other work done during the winter break. Yesterday we had only 4 flights, the reason there weren’t more is a malfunction in the Pawnee’s towing release equipment. We’ve fixed the problem, it just needs to be checked by a technician. If the weather is suitable next weekend, the Pawnee should be back in operation. Have a nice Sunday, Petr.

[Rich Walenda]

Hello:

Petr is right.  Work and then fly.  And if you worked, come fly.

For student pilots or the add on rating one task is the assembly and disassembly of a glider.  The opportunity to conduct that task takes place each spring and fall.  Therefore, if you miss those you can possibly delay your check ride.  So, show up, help assemble a glider and then fly. One of the FAA Wings tasks is the assembly of a glider which most of the members have done every season.

From the Sport Pilot Glider PTS:  (I am a fan of the sport pilot certificate)

A. TASK: ASSEMBLY

NOTE: If, in the judgment of the evaluator, the demonstration of the glider assembly is impractical, competency may be determined by oral testing. REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual/POH. Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to assembly procedures.

2. Selects a suitable assembly area, and provides sufficient crewmembers for assembly.

3. Follows an appropriate checklist.

4. Uses proper tools.

5. Handles components properly.

6. Cleans and lubricates parts, as appropriate.

7. Accounts for all tools and parts at the completion of assembly.

8. Performs post-assembly inspection, including a positive flight control check.

If you have not ever helped assemble or disassemble a glider how can you honestly talk about it?  Also, if you land out and you and your fellow pilots never disassembled a glider you will be in for a harsh learning experience.  (Do you know which trailer goes with the glider?  Does your car have a trailer hitch?  Since you will be out in a farmer’s field, does your friend’s car have a trailer hitch to bring the trailer to you?  How do you know if the trailer is street legal and ready to bring back the glider?  Do you know where the tools are kept?  Do you know who to call for help?  Did you bring your cellphone so you can call for help?   Do you have enough steak and beverage money to cover the dinner for your helpers? What will you tell the police, fire department and/or the farmer?) Come out and work with us to assemble a glider and get those questions answered.  New members are the future of the club and need to be involved in learning and helping. Plenty of war stories of land outs are discussed during these times.

We will have a few more assembly opportunities soon.  I am looking forward to helping out more and then flying.  See you Saturday.

Regards,

Rich

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