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Pilot mistakes road for airport

November 21, 2013 by Meg Godlewski 16 Comments

Aircraft: Cirrus SR20. Injuries: None. Location: Brooksville, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The pilot was not familiar with the area and was using his GPS to find the airport.

He attempted to land on what he thought was the runway. During the landing roll, as the wings hit mailboxes and fences, he realized that he had landed on a residential street and the runway was about 1.5 miles to the west.

Probable cause: The pilot’s incorrect identification of the runway, which resulted in an off-airport landing and subsequent collision with objects.

NTSB Identification: ERA12CA082

This November 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

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Erosion damage by Runway 27

Video of the emergency repair going on by Runway 27 end located on Ed Fishers lot.  Drainage pipes came loose and as a result a lot of erosion damaged.  Drainage pipes fell allowing the water to pool in one area making a large hole.  The are in the process of moving the pipes, installing a catch basin with lid ring and cover. They plan on using 3 loads of fill dirt, one load of Reprap with fabric and stone.  Following up with final grading.  All drainage pipes belong to Whiteplains Plantation and we are required to keep them in good repair.  It is estimated to cost between $5,000 to $5,500.

New FAA Regulation for Fat Pilots

Well-fed Whiteplains pilots take note:

Overweight pilots and air traffic controllers can expect fresh scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration.

That’s addressed in a bulletin from Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton, who says that all pilots and controllers with a body mass index of 40 or more, or a neck circumference of 17 inches or more, will have to be evaluated by doctors to retain their medical certification. The issue, Tilton says, is obstructive sleep apnea, which “is almost universal in obese individuals.”
Anyone who suffers from sleep apnea will undergo evaluation by a “board certified sleep specialist.” Tilton writes that apnea “has significant safety implications because it can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, cardiac dysrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, personality disturbances, and hypertension, to cite just a few.”

As a person with ample girth, perhaps I should nominate a more trim and fit stand-in to present himself for my FAA medical next month. If Rich Mochak is not available…………..I may just need to eat less and start walking!  

Steve Sanderson

The Forgotten Giant Arrows that Guide you Across America

 

In "don't be a tourist" "Nostalgia" on November 15, 2013 at 6:58 pm

If you’re ever really lost on a road trip across America, and I’m talking really lost (let’s say the battery on your smartphone just died along with that compass application you downloaded for situations just like this), perhaps you might be lucky enough to find yourself next to one of the giant 70 foot concrete arrows that point your way across the country, left behind by a forgotten age of US mail delivery.

Photo by Clay Fraser

Certainly a peculiar site to come across in the middle of nowhere, 50 foot, possibly 70 foot long, with weeds crawling through its concrete cracks, abandoned long ago by whoever put it there. This arrow may point your way out of the desert but it’s also pointing to the past.

Photo via Core77

Long before the days of radio (and those convenient little smartphone applications), the US Postal service began a cross-country air mail service using army war surplus planes from World War I, many piloted by former army flyers. To get the planes and everybody’s mail safely across the country by air, the postman was going to need a little help.

In 1924, the federal government funded enormous concrete arrows to be built every 10 miles or so along established airmail routes to help the pilots trace their way across America in bad weather conditions and particularly at night, which was a more efficient time to fly.

Painted in bright yellow, they were each built alongside a 50 foot tall tower with a rotating gas-powered light and a little rest house for the folks that maintained the generators and lights. These airway beacons are said to have been visible from a distance of 10 miles high.

The Air Mail route from New York to San Francisco with beacon locations.

A model of one of the arrows and beacons at the IPMS (International Plastic Modelers Socity) Nationals contest in Loveland, CO, which you a pretty good idea of the layout. Photo via here.

By World War II, radio was king and the airway beacons were obsolete. Taking anything they could get, the government took down the towers and recycled them as scrap metal for the war effort.

It’s unknown exactly how many airway lighthouses remain (project anyone?) but one preservation program called Passport in Time has protected three beacon sites from falling into complete disrepair, saving the generator huts and a neighbouring 1930s cabin that served as a residence for the fire lookout.

There is also this fully restored restored tower and its generator shack in New Mexico.
While no one bothered to remove the concrete arrows, many have probably been caught up by development but an outline could still be visible from the air if they were just covered over by a grass lawn. Or maybe you might just come across some concrete remains that seem very out of place in the middle of a field…

Image by Henry Brean for Las Vegas Review

Here’s a link to one of the giant arrows on Google maps as well as a website listing the original locations of Eastern and Western beacons, siting which ones have been found/ destroyed/ preserved etc.
Anyone feel like getting lost on purpose to go on a treasure hunt for these giant arrows to the past?!
Sources: A very welcome tip from a reader! as well as Core77, this forum, The History Mystery Exaxaminer.

Whiteplains Ladies Lunch Club

 

The Ladies of Whiteplains at lunch last week. Photo by Barbara Burchfield.

FAAST Blast Notice Number: NOTC5047

 FAAST Blast — Week of Nov 10 – Nov 23, 2013 

Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News Update 
FAA Issues New Pilot Training Rule            As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety and put the best qualified and trained pilots in the flight decks of U.S. airplanes, the FAA today issued a final rule that will significantly advance the way commercial air carrier pilots are trained.  
The final rule stems in part from the tragic crash of Colgan Air 3407 in February 2009, and addresses a Congressional mandate in the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010 to ensure enhanced pilot training. The new rule is one of several rulemakings required by the Act, including the requirements to prevent pilot fatigue that were finalized in December 2011, and the increased qualification requirements for first officers who fly U.S. passenger and cargo planes that were issued  in July 2013.
The final rule's requirements touch on several areas, including ground and flight training to prevent and recover from stalls and upsets; tracking remedial training for pilots with performance deficiencies; training to improve pilot monitoring; expanded crosswind training, including training for wind gusts; and enhanced runway safety procedures. The rule is available online at http://go.usa.gov/WKdH.
FAA Releases Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap
Forecasts estimate an expected 7,500 small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace in the next five years. For now, almost all of the unmanned aircraft operations that are approved are for public use and research purposes, and on a case by case basis. A new UAS roadmap document, developed with key stakeholders, will outline what is needed to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace.
 
The roadmap, found here http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/, addresses the policies, regulations, technologies, and procedures needed to integrate unmanned aircraft on a routine basis. To accomplish this, there must be a change in the way business is done. Operational goals, as well as safety issues must be considered when planning to expand the use of unmanned aircraft. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta had this to say about the FAA’s role in UAS integration, “As the provider of air traffic services, we must ensure the safety and efficiency of the entire airspace, including all aircraft, people and property – both manned and unmanned – in the air and on the ground.”

Newest Edition of FAA Safety Briefing Coming Soon!             Due to the government shutdown in October, the November/December issue of FAA Safety Briefing has been delayed.  The edition is expected to be released on or about November 22, 2013. We regret the inconvenience of delayed delivery.
 
Produced by the FAA Safety Briefing editors, http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
Address questions or comments to: SafetyBriefing@faa.gov.
Follow us on Twitter @FAASafetyBrief or www.twitter.com/FAASafetyBrief

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FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education

 

"Aviation Trivia!"
Topic: Aviation Trivia Game
On Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Location:
Greenville Jet Center
100 Tower Drive
Jet Center Conference Room
Greenville, SC 29607


Select Number:
SO1352567

Description:
Join Airwolf at the Greenville Downtown Airport for a fun-filled morning of Aviation Trivia! Jarrett Bell will host this game and it will be every-man-for-himself! Questions will range from student pilot level to CFI knowledge level. Don't miss this opportunity to learn something new, or show off your skills in this friendly competition, I mean game(!), of Aviation Trivia. Refreshments provided by Airwolf Aviation, GJC, and the SCASC.

To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here.
The sponsor for this seminar is: SC FAASTeam

The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the 'Contact Information' area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.

The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:

Basic Knowledge 3 - 1 Credit

Click here to view the WINGS help page

Do-Little Field BBQ Fly-In November8-9, 2013

Friday-Saturday, November 8 - 9, 2013

Do-Little Field is again hosting its traditional BBQ Fly-In beginning this coming Friday with BBQ at 6:00 p.m., music and campfire. Camping is invited. Saturday festivities will include lunch served around Noon.

Friday-Saturday, November 8 - 9, 2013

Corvair College at Barnwell Airport - The new kit plane, the Panther, will be on display at the Corvair College. No admission to see it. The Panther is now available as plans and kit with several engine options. For more information, click here to visit the Panther website.

Saturday, November 9, 2013 - 9:00 a.m. til Noon 

Young Eagles Rally at KCUB. Ron Shelton has predicted around 30 kids to show up. Please come out and volunteer for ground crew or fly some young eagles.

Saturday, November 9, 2013 - 5:30 p.m.

Doolittle Raiders' Final Toast Live Cast at Hangar Y-1, KCUB -

 Sixty seven years ago the Doolittle Raiders got together for their 1st anniversary of their famous raid on Tokyo.  They agreed that they would get together every year thereafter until there were only 2 left and that those 2 men would open the bottle of 1896 Hennessy Very Special Cognac and drink a toast to their fellow Raiders who had all gone west.  There are now 4 and they have decided that they will change the Colonel's charge slightly since they are worried that there might not be 2 left who can get together next year.  This ceremony has always been billed as a private affair, which it will be.  But with modern technology they are going to share this memorable moment with a grateful nation.  The toast will be streamed live from the US Air Force's Dayton Museum.  It is fitting that since the Raiders began their historic flight from Columbia that we should vicariously join them under the wing of SCHAF's B-25 at CUB and also toast those men whose courage altered the course of events that were unfolding in the Pacific and paved the way for the hard fought victory.  Please join the Raiders (via live feed) at Hangar Y-1 at 1800 (6:00pm) under the wing of the B-25 to toast those brave men who ensured that we have the freedom to enjoy & celebrate liberty in the greatest country in the world. Link: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 6:30 p.m. 

Birthday Supper at the SAC. Please come join hosts Phyllis and Xen Motsinger as they lead the celebration of November's birthdays. Please bring your spouse and a dish. The more, the merrier!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Pancake Fly-In at KCUB - 9:00 a.m. at the SAC

Annual Business/Election Meeting - 10:00 a.m. at the SAC. If you would like to nominate someone for 2014, please attend. Officers will be elected for 2014.

Executive Committee Meeting - 11:00 a.m. at the SAC

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't foreget Veterans day, November 11th - Free meals for Veterans

2013 Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts

Veterans Day is soon approaching and there are many restaurants and companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, the military community gives a collective thanks!
Two notes before jumping in:

• Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
• Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

2013 Free Veterans Day Meals

Please credit this resource: We are frequently updating this list with new deals and offers for the military community. If you use items in this list, please direct your visitors to this page so they can find the most up to date information: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/ Thanks!

Applebee’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.
Bar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. From open to close Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location near you.
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info.
California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Dine-in only. Find a location near you.
Champps Americana, Nov. 11, 2013. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free hamburger (7 to choose from) and waffle fries from open to close on Monday, November 11, 2013. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). More info, Find a location near you.
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Monday, Nov. 11 2013. Free All-American Burger with fries with purchase of beverage and military ID or proof of service. Available to active military or veterans. Beverages and gratuity not included, dine-in only. Find a location near you.
Chili’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11 2013. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

FAA Safety Team | Safer Skies Through Education

FAA Safety Briefing October 2013 Department Profiles Notice Number: NOTC5016 The September/October 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing, available at (www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/), focuses on aviation citizenship. Articles highlight the shared values, customs, and culture we share as citizens of the general aviation community. The issue’s Jumpseat department (p.1) explains the importance of being a good aviation ambassador, Checklist (p. 30) covers the Airman Testing Standards and Training Work Group’s progress on the “aviation citizenship test” (i.e., the knowledge test standards), and Postflight (p. 32) highlights an important example of professionalism and airmanship every aviation citizen should aspire to emulate. Our Vertically Speaking department (p. 28) covers the new Moral Courage Safety Award, while Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons (p. 26) focuses on the importance of being a good citizen in aviation maintenance. Finally, this issue’s FAA Faces department (p. 33) profiles Lou Volchansky, assistant manager with FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service. Volchansky helps communicates the impact of the FAA’s airspace modernization effort on general aviation and contributed to the latest edition of the NextGen Implementation Program, outlining how operators can take advantage of NextGen capabilities. The link to the online edition is: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter - @FAASafetyBrief **Please Note** - Due to the government shutdown in October, the November/December issue of FAA Safety Briefing has been delayed. A notice will go out when it is available for download. Thank you for your patience. This notice is being sent to you because you selected "FAA Newsletters" in your preferences on FAASafety.gov. If you wish to adjust your selections, log into https://www.faasafety.gov/Users/pub/preferences.aspx where you can update your preferences.

Invite a fellow pilot to the next WINGS Safety Seminar in your area.