Free Flight Planner - Voyager

 DTC DUAT and Seattle Avionics, Inc., announce new DUAT Voyager, a 100% free flight planner that makes it quick and easy to plan flights, obtain weather briefings, and file flight plans. While it downloads weather and TFR information from the Internet, it is not an Internet-based flight planner, and is not subject to the recently publicized FlightPrep patent. It's based on the powerful Voyager Flight Software System that consistently wins Best Flight Planner from Aviation Consumer.

Get it from here: http://www.seattleavionics.com/DUATVoyager.aspx









Greenville Downtown Airport - Lunch Flight 12-24-2010

Bucky Hanna and Bill Como at the restaurant located on the field of Greenville Downtown Airport. 12-24-2010

Had a nice flight over to Greenville Downtown airport this afternoon.  Got to use my new Skymap2 GPS flight bag. Worked real good.  Has all the charts, VFR and IFR in it along with all the IFR approach plates.  Still waiting on the yoke mount for it.  Has a large screen so you can read it easily even with out glasses.  Skypad2 Slate is made by Seattle Avionics, and this one came with lifetime free updates for all charts and plates. All the screens can be move and or re-sized. All charts and plates are Geo-referenced. When you shoot a approach, it places the plane right over the approach plate. Cool factor, is 10.

Great air shot

Four P-38's in flight.

Greenwood Downtown Airport Open House

Doug Mackay and Steve Sanderson flew to Greenville Downtown today and had lunch at the Runway Café.

They are having an open house on Saturday, December 11^th.

See:   http://www.thekathrynreport.com/2010/05/runway-cafe-at-greenville-downtown.html

Whiteplains Calendar December 2010

 Other Dates:

SCBC
December 12  -  Lake City     -  51J
December 26  -  Twin Lakes   - S17

Aircraft Part Found....

Jim wheat found this part on the runway Saturday, now we all know this did not come off a Mooney. but it did come off someone's plane this past week.
It is at my house leaning up against the front.

Call me 803-609-6751

see attachment

thanks

Dennis Perry

Bill Landing on Runway 27

Bill Como landing on RWY27 Whiteplains on Saturday 11-27-2010. Good landing, Bill.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson

I was going to put a Photoshow together for our trip to Dayton, Ohio until I found this link. Already done.  Enjoy.

http://www.cdsg.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=381 

Sights & Sounds Around Whiteplains 11-14-2010

Short video of some of the traffic at Whitepains today. 11-14-2010

Free Dinner @ Golden Corral Monday

Golden Corral has for current and past Vets, a free meal from 5-9 PM this Monday, 11-15-2010.

Steve SCBC 11-14-2010

Steve Sanderson and his grandson Cody were invited to fly with Bob
Gillman in his Cessna 182 on Sunday to the South Carolina Breakfast Club at
Mt. Pleasant. Cody flew right seat and learned a LOT about IFR,
panel mounted GPS, auto pilots, ample horsepower, talking to ATC and engine
monitoring via Bob's excellent teaching. Steve relaxed in the back seat.

The British Car Club from Charleston brought their toys for all of
us to admire and the catered breakfast was excellent. Sadly, none of the
dozen or so Whiteplains pilots in attendance brought home the tax exempt
lottery winnings.

Young Eagle Flight 11-09-2010 at Whiteplains

Pictures from: Steve Sanderson & Don Cook

Whiteplains hosted a Young Eagles flight yesterday morning.  We flew a total of ten cadets from the Lexington HS AF JR. ROTC.  Thanks to the following pilots and ground crew. Jack Fastnaught, Bill Como, Steve Sanderson, Don Cook and Posie Cook.  We managed to only have one cadet get sick, and it was confined to a barf bag. 

Lt. Col. Tucker, head of the Lexington HS ROTC, said that he should have another group of ten in two months. If you would like to help out, let Don Cook know.

Hot Air Balloons over Anderson, SC.

Video of our trip to Anderson, SC. this past Sunday 11-06-2010.  Had a great time.  Balloons cost around 100K.

Young Eagles Flight - JR AF ROTC

If anyone is interested in flying Lexington JR. ROTC cadets next Tuesday (11-09-2010), starting at 8:45 AM let me know. We are expecting around ten cadets. You need to be a member of the National EAA.

Thanks,

Don Cook
Whiteplains Young Eagle Flight Leader

Welcome - Ava Elizabeth Froese

Newest member of Whiteplains Plantation, Ava Elizabeth Froese, born 11-01-2010. Parents Micah and Debbie, as well as sisters Jordan and Jenna are all doing very well. Girls win big in the Micah household. Congratulations!

Whiteplains Calendar November 2010

Other Dates:

November 2, 2010 - Vote!

SCBC Dates:

November 14 - East Cooper (LRO)
November 28 - Winnnsboro (FDW)

Whiteplains Pilots Trash Pickup 10-30-2010.avi

Short Photoshow from todays Trash Pickup.

SCBC Sumter Flight of Two

Come join us on a trip to Sumter and back, for the SCBC that was held this past Sunday on 10/17/2010. We are traveling in a Cessna 172, piloted by John Gardner and Bill Como. We are flying as a flight of two, a second Cessna 172, piloted by Steve Sanderson is in trail.  Columbia approach cleared us to go direct from Whiteplains to Sumter. Buckle up, we are ready to go.

 

Video by Don Cook.

New Indoor Shooting Range

Ray and Tracy Hill’s indoor shooting range is now open for business.  For more information
click on this link.  www.defenderrange.com

Pilots Without Pants - The Making Of The 2011 AACGNY Calendar

Is this something we could do right here at Whiteplains?

Ragtop trip to Newberry Oktoberfest

Video by: Don Cook

Short video of the "Rag-top" trip from Whiteplains Plantation to Newberry to see the Oktoberfest that was held this past Saturday.

Whiteplains Calendar October 2010

Click on picture to see full size

Other Dates:

SCBC

October  03  -  Camden (CND)
October  17  -  Sumter (SMS)
October  31  -  Orangeburg (OGB)



Breakfast at Willem and Alice Meiners

Photos by: Don and Posie Cook

In case you missed this mornings breakfast that was held at the Meiners hanger, here is a short Photoshow.

Thanks again to Willem and Alice for putting this all together.  We really enjoyed it.

(Whiteplains Plantation Announcement

Hello neighbors:

 

We're serving a Welcome Autumn! breakfast for the neighborhood in our hangar this Saturday morning, October 2. There'll be the whole nine yards of breakfast favorites that include eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee, juice, etc.

 

Walk in at any time between 8 - 10AM. Bring your relatives, bring your friends. The more, the merrier.

RSVPs (email, or 803 808 3568) are encouraged, but last-minute deciders are of course just as welcome. Be careful crossing the runway if you're parking off the taxiway.

 

We're looking forward to seeing and feeding y'all on Saturday so that South Carolina's best can wish each other a happy and healthy post-summer!--

Alice & Willem Meiners

Whiteplains Pilots Meeting 9-27-2010

Photo and Video by: Don Cook

Todd Clamp was our guest speaker last night, on Aviation Safety. We also heard from Jeff Cargile about tree cutting at the end of Runway 9.  Dennis Perry reported on grass cutting and information about the South Carolina B25 bomber.

Thanks again to our guest speaker, Todd Clamp, also to our host for tonight's event, Jim Wheat.

Whiteplains Pilots Meeting Date Set

 

NOTICE

 

Please mark you calendars for the below meeing.

 

DATE:  9/27/10

PLACE:   JIM WHEAT'S HANGAR

TIME:    7:00 PM

 

Plan to attend this very special meeting.  Many things to be discussed.  Special guest,

Todd Clamp, will be giving out some very interesting information on aviation in South Carolina.

Bring your questions for Todd.  He will be glad to answer them for you.

 

Look forward to seeing each and everyone of you there.

 

Regards,

Jim Wheat

GutterGuardian

If anyone is in the need of gutters, high energy windows or many other home improvement items check with Jim Saville at Dixie Home Crafters.  They have first class products and a company that stands behind them.

After our meeting I managed to get Jim in our plane for a ride around the lake.  Jim did a really good job of keeping the plane right side up. He said he would remember this day all his life.

New Biker at Whiteplains

 

Jim Causey on his new Honda 250CC bike

 

Steve Sanderson, "Only in his dreams" biker.

Whiteplains BOD Meeting

The scheduled Whiteplains Board of Directors meeting for third quarter, scheduled for September 21, 2010 is cancelled.


Thank you,

Terry Yon, President

Whiteplains Association

Traffic at Whiteplains

Short video of two planes, one from Whiteplains and another close by.  First, Republic RC-3 made in 1947.  Other owned by Homer Keisler, 1946 Aeronca 7AC Champion with Cont. AC65 hp motor. It is fully restored to like new condition inside and out.

Video and Photos by: Don Cook

Trip suggestion from Steve Crimm

Rough River Dam Lodge

I vote we go here Rough River State Park. Link: http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/rr/
The identifier is 2I3 - 319 degrees for 382 statute miles

Bobbi and I went there a few years ago and it is a great place, airport is a short walk to the cabins and rooms.

Steve  Crimm

Fall is Coming - Yes it is.

This would make a great trip for us at Whiteplains. What would be better than a train ride through the mountains to view the fall colors.  Click on "Book Now" below for more information.

Maybe we can get a caravan set up. What do you think?

Fall Foliage

Take an unforgettable journey through the Smoky Mountains as the landscape transforms into a beautiful canvas of colors!
Adult tickets start at $53         Book Now

October Leaf Season
10/1/2010 - 10/30/2010
Western North Carolina mountains are ablaze with brilliant fall foliage. View these spectacular fall leaves from the train – Nantahala Gorge Excursions depart at 10:30 am until Oct. 8th, when trains depart at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm daily. Tuckasegee River Excursions depart at 12:00 pm from October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 25-29.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 1-800-872-4681

Triple Tree Fly-In 9-11-2010

Club house - Very Nice In Deed!

Bill Como - Don Cook

Pilot Bill Como - Copilot John Gardner

This is the first part (Video) of our trip out to Triple Tree for the fly-in on Saturday.  Several planes from Whiteplains attended.  This was my first time, and was impressed with the organization and the size of the place. Plane is leaving...jump aboard.

Click on picture to see full size.  

Back seat pilot - Don Cook

Ron Ackerman - John & Bill

           Part II - Return to Whiteplains

Photo & Video by: Don Cook

Whiteplains Get Together 9-10-2010

Slide show from last nights get together.  Had a great time, and the food was good.
Thanks to Jim Wheat for hosting this event.
Pictures by: Steve Sanderson and Don Cook

AOPA review of Five Online Flight Planners

http://www.aopa.org/aopalive/?watch=ZkdzlvMTpr32sxcjCYpVUfxMVKt1SuYQ#ooid=ZkdzlvMTpr32sxcjCYpVUfxMVKt1SuYQ

Click link above to see a review of five different online Flight Planners. Some I didn't even knew excised.

Newberry Airport (EOE)- Gas Price Drop

Few over to Newberry Airport with Jim Causey this morning and found that the price of 100LL is now $3.59.Just the other day it was $3.89.  Could this be a trend?  Hope so.

Jim wanted to see a WASS approach, so I took him with me and we shot the GPS4 approach.  While it is not listed as WASS on the plate, it is in fact a WASS approach.  Could be that they are testing it before it is published.  Worked good.   If you have a WASS GPS, go over and give it a try.

SCBC KCUB

A short Photoshow of the South Carolina Breakfast Club fly-in that was held this past Sunday at Owens Downtown Airport. (KCUB) No, we did not win the $$$$, but it was still a nice trip.

Whiteplains to Greenville Downtown Airport Flight 9-4-2010

Four planes and eight souls flew up to the Greenville Downtown Airport for lunch today at the new Runway Cafe.  The place is really nice, and the food is good. Prices range from $6-$7.  Drink and side included. Kids meals around $4.  You can eat outside or in. Be sure to put your name in the pot for free door prizes.  It was a great day for flying.  Short Photoshow below.

Runway Cafe now open at GMU

Runway Cafe opens at GMU


Posted by Janice Wood · August 31, 2010 .

The Runway Cafe is now ready for take off at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in South Carolina. ‘The cafe officially opens Sept. 1, according to Joe Frasher, airport director. “A short quiet opening has been taking place for the last couple of weeks, just so all systems could be checked,” he added.

A variety of events are planned for the public grand opening, added Lem Winesett, part owner of the Runway Cafe.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m. the GMU Civil Air Patrol Cadets will do a flag raising ceremony at the Runway Cafe. The following Monday, Sept. 6, which is Labor Day, the Western Carolina Radio Control Club and Blue Ridge Radio Control Club will hold an air show at the Runway Cafe.

“Also if you stop by before Sept. 7 you can enter to win a Discovery Airplane Flight Lesson from Greenville Jet Center, a round of golf for four at CrossWinds Golf Club, a GMU T-shirt or baseball cap, all with no purchase necessary,” Winesett added.

“The Runway Cafe serves a variety of food, as well as beer and wine. The aviation themed venue is family friendly, affordable and features a main dining area, outside seating, room for private groups and a large hangar for special events,” said Mike Bliss, managing partner of the Runway Cafe.

Pilots can “park” their planes right in front of the restaurant, airport officials note.

Beside the restaurant is some land where a park is planned. “We are looking for a park sponsor who might like the park named after them or their company. We envision a set up similar to the one at the Peachtree Dekalb Airport (PDK) in Atlanta. It has picnic tables, a viewing stand and playground equipment. We would also love to have a walking exercise path around the space. We have had several park designs made and are just waiting for our future park sponsor to help make the final choice,” said Lara Kaufmann, public relations director for GMU.

The Runway Cafe and proposed park site are located at 21 Airport Road Extension in Greenville, South Carolina. To get there by airplane: After landing at GMU, request taxi instructions to the restaurant on the southwest apron. To get there by land: From Laurens Road, turn by the post office onto Airport Road and follow the road until it dead ends, the site will be in front of you.

GMU is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina and is a self-sufficient entity with financial strength that doesn’t rely on local taxpayers for funding. The airport is home to more than 25 aviation-related businesses creating 453 jobs that annually contribute more than $35.2 million to the Upstate economy.

For more information: 864-242-4777 or GreenvilleDowntownAirport.com

Whiteplains Calendar September 2010

Other Dates:

Sept 27 - Whiteplains Pilots Meeting - Jim Wheats Hanger 7;00pm

SCBC Dates:

Sept  05  -  Owens (CUB)
Sept  19  -  Laurens (LUX)

8-28-2010 Runway Lighting Work

Photo by: Don Cook

Click link for more pictures.            8-28-2010 Runway Lighting Work Saturday morning was runway lighting work day.  A short has developed  between the first light and the control box. Finding the wires is turning out to be harder than we first thought. It was determined that it would be best to run a new wire from the control box to the first light.  Thanks to all the guys that came out this morning to support Ken in this endeavor.

Reported by: Barbara Burchfield

Photos are taken from the observation deck at the Soo Locks at the St. Mary’s River.
This is the major water transportation between Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan.
The locks pass 10,000 ships per year, including the ‘Footers’ (1000 foot cargo ships).
A U.S. Coast Guard Ice Breaker opens the shipping lanes every year at the end of March.



Here is our 70 ft. tour boat in one of the Soo Locks.

Notice the water level starting to recede.

One million gallons per minute is leaving the lock.

It takes 12 minutes for the lock to get to the lake water level (up or down).

It is 21 feet of water vertical change (up or down) to get to lake level.

Then the lock doors open.

And the tour boat is on its way.
The shore you see is the Canadian side.