July/August - Salinas Owners and Pilots Association

As the Prop Tur ns
Bi-Monthly Newsletter
S NS —To wer
Sa lin as , CA
11 9 .4 — Gr ou nd 1 2 1. 7— AT IS
12 4 .8 5
From the Prez — Arrow N3972X
Hello SOPA Family,
As far as flying weather goes, it doesn’t get
much better than what we have been experiencing this year. I flew to Columbia (O22)
On Friday June 14th to meet some other pilot
friends for camping and to attend the Columbia Airport Appreciation Day. Columbia airport is a fantastic place to camp near
your plane. The weather was hot, the evening was pleasant and it made for some nice
camping. The airport had a barbeque dinner
for the pilots on Friday night and a pancake,
ham and eggs breakfast the next morning.
I will be flying to Arlington, Washington
for the annual fly-in July 10-15. This is the
3rd largest fly-in behind Oshkosh and Sun N
Fun. SOPA members John Gianelli, Mark
Burwick and Bob and Jane Brahm will be
flying in as well. We will be camping by our
airplanes with an action packed week in
store for us. I have a Mystery Trip planned
for the fly-in, sponsored by Spencer Aircraft, we will be going to Whidbey Naval
Air Station where we will be flying the
Navy’s P-3 simulators, flying to the beautiful islands, attending a hangar party, many
seminars, This will be my 5th year flying to
Washington and it is always a blast!
The Salinas Airport Tenant Appreciation
day was a lot of fun this year. The weather
was perfect with hardly any wind for our
flour bomb participants to contend with.
Congratulates to Juan Solorio for being honored this year. Well deserved!
Salinas Owners & Pilots Association Meetings:
Second Tuesday every month 7 p.m. at The Landing
Zone Restaurant, Salinas Airport Terminal. Come
early 6 p.m. for dinner.
SOPA Mystery Trip 2013: On May 3-4, 8
teams participated in an overnight Mystery
Trip into the unknown. After breakfast and a
pilots briefing in the Landing Zone Restaurant, each team received 10 clue envelopes,
numbered 1 through 10 – some were empty
decoys just in case they opened the wrong
envelope. The order in which to open them
was unknown to the teams. It was 9:30
a.m. when the teams started figuring out
their clues and the first teams left Salinas at
10 a.m. The clues were difficult and the
teams were spread out pretty far. As the
teams landed at an airport (not all teams
went to the correct airports), another clue
directed teams to something at the airport
which then instructed them what numbered
envelope to open next for the clue to the
next airport. They all made their way to
various airports until the lunch stop in
Georgetown. John Gianelli, Linda Soares
and I had a barbeque going in the forest near
the runway. It was so nice there that we all
stayed until about 5pm and there were still
more airports to fly to. The destination airport for the night was Harris Ranch. There
was a severe 90 degree crosswind challenging pilots. I reserved the Jockey Club for a
group dinner. The next day was another
story with the winds being much worse! All
but two of the planes were able to depart for
home. Later, I flew one of the pilots back to
Harris Ranch to pick up his plane. Except
for the wind, this was a Mystery Trip for the
record books
Fly Safe and fly often
July/August 2013
SOPA Prez Jeff
Soares
Inside this issue:
Around The Air2
port, Brett Godown
At the Pump
Layne Lisser, aeroTenant Appreciation Day
3
Do Not Consent to
Searches
4
Sopa Member at a
Glance, John
Decuir
5
Kay Harmon
6
Meeting Minutes
7
Special thanks to
contributors: Lori
Atkinson, Sue Purvis, John Decuir,
John Gianelli,
Larry Shaw, Layne
Lisser, Alice Talnack, Kay Harmon.
Jeff Soares, SOPA Prez…
Annual Membership: Family/Single $15
Sponsor dues $45.
Applications: www:salinaspilots.com
SOPA Officers:
President Jeff Soares—VP/Membership Ray Jackson—Secretary Lori Atkinson—Treasurer Sue Purvis
Directors: Dennis King, Claudia Contreras (webmaster), Jim Shumaker
Contribute to the
Newsletter:
Paula Gail.
Jeff Soares
Salinas Owners and Pilots Association
2
AROUND THE AIRPORT
From the Airport Manager’s Desk Brett Godown
an in-depth documentary on the
last flight of the Red Baron. Juan
and Connie Solorio of T&P
Aero Refinishers were the recipients of the “Tenant of the
Year Award.” Good food and
great people accompanied by
memorable stories provides for
an unforgettable occasion; we
hope you will join us next year.
If you have flown over the airport lately, you might have noticed the 99’s handy-work. The
99’s recently painted “Salinas
119.4” south of Taxiway Delta
on the large green painted island. They did a wonderful job
and we are grateful for their
willingness to make such improvements to the airport.
This month I will leave you this
quote:
“When once you have tasted
flight, you will forever walk the
earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,
and there you will always long
to return (unknown)."
(Photo Tenant Appreciation Day
On June 22, the airport tenants
view of Airmarking)
came together to celebrate the
11th annual Tenant Appreciation
Day. In addition to the usual
spot landing and flour bombardier drop, J.R. Williams, President of the League of WWI
Aviation Historians, presented
SOPA member Layne Lisser
flew in the
Intermediate
division of
IAC Chapter
38 aerobatic
competition
at New Coalinga in early June, moving up a
division from Sportsmen.
finished 10th of 12 overall after
the “Unknown” — program
made known to the contestants
only about 12 hours before the
competition. The pilots must not
practice before flying the unknown sequence.
The award was a generous acknowledgement by his peers for
attempting his first “Avalanche” Out of 12 competing pilots, he - snap roll at the top of a loop – at
managed a 5th place after the
a contest and in front of judges.
“Known” flight. — everyone flies His next contest is Delano, CA
the same sequence published at
over the Labor Day weekend.
the beginning of the year.
Video can be seen on YouTube:
th
He slipped to 7 after the Free
flight in which he designed his
own sequence. Although he did
win a rather covetous award, he
2013 Calendar
July
3rd- Safety Meeting
8:30am at The Landing Zone Restaurant
9th - SOPA Meeting
7:00pm at The Landing Zone Restaurant
13th - Historic Aircraft Display
10:00am-2:00pm at SNS
25th - Salinas Airport Commission Mtg
7:00pm at the City Hall Rotunda
August
7th- Safety Meeting
8:30am at The Landing Zone Restaurant
10th - Historic Aircraft Display
10:00am-2:00pm at SNS
13th - SOPA Meeting
7:00pm at The Landing Zone Restaurant
29th - Salinas Airport Commission Mtg
7:00pm at the City Hall Rotunda
Monthly Meetings/Events:
Safety meeting
1st Wednesday of every month,
8:30am at The Landing Zone Restaurant
SOPA meeting
2nd Tuesday of every month,
7:00pm at The Landing Zone Restaurant
Historic Aircraft Display
2nd Saturday of every month
10:00am-2:00pm, SNS
Salinas Airport Commission meeting
4th Thursday of every month,
7:00pm at the City Hall Rotunda
At The Pump
KSNS Salinas . . . . . . .SS $5.64 . . FS $6.19
KOAR Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.55
KCVH Hollister. . . . . SS $5.69 . . FS $5.99
KWVI Watsonville. . . SS $5.75 . . FS $6.05
KLSN Los Banos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.31
3O1 Gustine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.31
KMRY Monterey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.28
http://youtu.be/Eo9bfRzcurA
SS=Self Serve; FS=Full Serve
Or if link doesn’t work, Google
“New Coalinga 2013.”
Source: AirNav.com 7/1/2013
Salinas Owners and Pilots Association
3
Tenant Appreciation Day June 22, 2013
Bomb Drop Winners:
1st Place: Erick Teeters, 29’4”
2nd Place: Jack Noe, 33’11”
3rd Place: Jerry Hitchcock, 40’7”
Spot Landing Winners:
1st Place: Kevin Catt 20’
2nd Place: Jim O’Dell 54’
3rd Place: Jim Shumaker
A special thanks to the sponsors of giving generously
to the raffle. Advancetech Aircraft Maintenance,
Airplane Co of Salinas, Cal Pacific Airmotive, Gold
Coast Aviation, Airmotive Specialties, Serv Aero
Engineering, Aerodynamic Aviation, Jet West, T& P
Aero Refinishers, Aircraft Spruce, Dr. James Vawter,
Tom Long, and Team Tutima.
Thank you Salinas Airport.
Salinas Owners and Pilots Association
4
DO NOT CONSENT TO SEARCHES
By Dave Hook, president Planehook Aviation Services, Texas, expert on general aviation security Article
submitted by Larry Shaw
Over the past year, there have been numerous reports
of searches of private aircraft without warrants. The
accounts described by the pilots also suggest that insufficient cause was given by the law enforcement
agencies conducting the searches. This is a disturbing
trend.
...What’s even more interesting is how investigating
officials get people to voluntarily waive their rights
against search and seizure without a warrant or probable cause.
cates, authorizations, and photo identification by law
enforcement comes from 14 CFR Part 61.3 (l). The
ASI should present an identification card, called a
FAA Form 110A.
If the person saying they are performing a ramp check
doesn’t show it, you should ask to see the FAA Form
110A to confirm that you are undergoing a ramp
check by a FAA inspector.
Finally, the most important response to give above all
others:
Here are some lines you might hear when a member
“I DO NOT CONSENT TO SEARCHES.”
of the law enforcement community wants to search
your aircraft without a warrant or clearly articulated
Remember: Anonymous tips and hearsay do not conprobable cause:
stitute probable cause.
“I’d like to search your aircraft.”
Why is that distinction important? Probable cause is
“Mind if I look inside?”
the legal doctrine that allows law enforcement offi“If you have nothing to hide, then this shouldn’t take cials to conduct searches without a warrant. A warmore than a minute.”
rantless search conducted without probable cause creates a basis for suppression of any evidence found
“The last guy didn’t make a fuss. Are we going to
during the search, sometimes called the fruit of the
have trouble with you?”
poisonous tree doctrine.
“A law-abiding citizen such as you should have
nothing to fear.”
This is a situation in which you may be wise to have a
“Okay, we won’t search your airplane. But we want lawyer you can call or avail yourself of the Aircraft
our dog to sniff outside and around your airplane, Owners and Pilots Association’s Pilot Protection Services.
okay?”
“We are conducting a ramp check. Please open up
your aircraft.”
Here are some responses you may wish to consider:
“Do you have a warrant to search my aircraft?” If
they have a properly executed warrant, stand
aside.
“Am I under arrest? If so, what are the charges?”
Unless you are clearing U.S. Customs after having
arrived from outside of the United States, there is no
authority bestowed upon law enforcement that allows
for a warrantless search without probable cause. But
when you cross the border into the United States, the
Customs agent does not require probable cause to
conduct a search of you, your passengers, or your aircraft.
“I want to leave. Am I being detained or am I free to Also important to know: Consenting to allowing a
go?”
trained dog to sniff around your aircraft is just as
“If this is a ramp check, then who is the FAA inspec- much a search as if you opened the aircraft door and
invited them in. The dogs use their noses like humans
tor?”
Remember, there is a big difference in Part 91 opera- use their eyes to peer into your aircraft.
tions between a ramp check conducted by an Aviation
Also, do not hesitate in saying, “I do not consent to
Safety Inspector (ASI) of the FAA and an inspection
searches.” Hesitation has been used as a basis for imof your airman’s certificate by law enforcement.
plying consent. You do not want to voluntarily create
a conversation with law enforcement in this situation.
The authority for the ASI comes from FAA Order
8900.1, Volume 6, Chapter 1, Section 4. The authority
for inspection of an airman’s licenses, medical certifi-
Consent Search (Continued on page 6)
Salinas Owners and Pilots Association
5
SOPA Member at a Glance — John Decuir
If you’re wondering just who John Decuir is, he’s the
one who zips around the airfield on a motorcycle. He
has eleven of them, motorcycles, that is. Six are in his
garage and another five are in his hangar. He claims
they aren’t all his, sharing them with his oldest son, J.P.
The motorcycles share hangar space with his RV-4,
N204CP. John purchased the experimental, tandem
seat tailwheel aircraft built by former SOPA and EAA
204 member, Carl Potter.
The first day he had flown about 8 hours. He landed,
fueled the Bird Dog, and took off again. He admits to
issues and scary moments like falling asleep across
New Mexico and looking to land in Willcox AZ in the
dark but couldn’t find it because the beacon tower was
leaning over and the beacon was point towards the
ground. He did make it, turning his first solo cross
country into a 20-plus-hour adventure, earning his private pilot license shortly after.
John discharged from the Army in January 1974 and
“I needed the fastest airplane with a single engine I
immediately
was hired on as an air traffic controller in
could find,” John said. “I needed something that would
get me to Sacramento with the least amount of money Palm Springs. He continued his flight training, obtaining his commercial, instrument, multi-engine, as well as
and in the shortest amount of time.”
CFII.
And that’s exactly what the RV-4 did. John used the
airplane to commute to his position as an air traffic con- While working his ATC shift in Palm Springs during
troller with Norcal Tracon in Sacramento. The airplane a nasty weather situation, a Cessna 182 pilot radioed
John saying he was lost and trapped in deteriorating
was fast. SOPA folks have often called John’s airplane a “little rocket.” It cruises at 160 kts and usually weather. He was stuck on top between two layers with
gets to Flight Club destinations long before the rest of about an hour and half of fuel and no VFR destination
within three hours.
the crew have reached altitude. (A little exaggeration
“I’m not sure why I said it but I told him I’d guide
but close.)
him
down right then,” John said. “I felt like I was there
The commute in the RV-4 was about an hour and ten
giving
him a lesson. I kept asking ‘what’s your altiminutes. But often the weather was brutal.
tude, what’s your airspeed.’” Forty-five heart“I had a three hour time limit before I started work
pounding, sweating minutes later, the pilot landed
when I had to decide do I fly or do I drive,” he said.
safely.
“There were times when I was in IFR the whole trip.”
“The local newspaper covered the story,” John said.
After four years at Tracon, John transferred to San
“And I was given an award. Up until then all my PER’s
Jose Airport as an ATC supervisor and retired five
(Personal Evaluation Report) said ‘Needs Seasoning.’”
years later.
Shortly after, he was garnered a transfer to LAX.
John spent 20 years as an FAA air traffic controller.
Then three years later in 1981 he was fired along with
He served a three year stint in the U.S. Army also as a 11,345 other controller by then-President Reagan.
controller, first at Stanton Army Airfield near Munsane,
John married in 1984, had three children — J.P., MarSouth Korea then Fort Hood, Texas, Gray Army Airgaret,
and Adrew. He worked at repairing yachts and in
field.
his uncle’s machine shop. Sixteen-years after being
It was in Texas John started his flight training. It
fired and as the political climate changed in the midcame easy to him, soloing in less than 5 hours in a Bird 90’s, John was rehired as an air traffic controller, reloDog. John is a rebellious sort of person. “I got a little cating to Monterey Airport, with responsibilities in both
tired of flying around the local area,” he said. “One day tower and radar. The rest is history.
I took the airplane’s calendar book and blocked out a
Since his retirement, John spends his days now retwo week period.”
building motorcyles and hanging out at Midway Engine
He then took off from Killeen, Texas with Haw(Continued on page 6 bottom SOPA Member John Decuir)
thorne, California as his final destination.
Salinas Owners and Pilots Association
6
Kay Harmon Honored
Longtime SOPA member Kay Harmon, was honored as a 2013 inductee into the International Forest
of Friendship, in Atchison, Kansas during ceremonies in June. The Forest is a living, growing memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace.
In 1945 Kay would walk to the airport after school
and met Ron Harmon. Ron’s father owned Harmon
Flying Services, where Ron worked to earn enough
money to pay for flying lessons. Ron got his pilot’s
license at age 16.
The International Forest of Friendship was a gift to
America on our country’s 200th birthday (1976) from
the city of Atchison (Amelia Earhart’s birthplace)
and the Ninety-Nines. It is made up of trees representing all of the 50 states and 35 countries around
the world, including a “moon tree” grown from a
seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14.
In 1950 at the age of 18, Ron and Kay were married. In 1971 Ron made an appointment for Kay’s
first flight lesson, which she reluctantly did and 90
days later earned her pilot’s license.
.. Kay wrote: “The event was fantastic, I was glad
Alice (Talnak) was there and my daughter Dianne
Price, too. (Photo 3 above.) I had no idea what a special place the forest is, 22 acres of walking paths
with honoree's names in stone along the path. Trees
from all states and 30 countries, with names like Art
Scholl, Sally Ride, the Wright Brothers, and also remembrance of the Astronauts from Columbia and
Apollo. I am so honored to have been sponsored by
Monterey Bay 99s”
Kay joined the Women Pilots Organization, The
Ninety-Nines in 1972, serving the Monterey Bay
chapter as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, as well
as many committees over the years. She was also the
Chapter "Pilot of the Year" in 1973.
Kay flew many Direct Relief Foundation (DRF)
flights, ferrying medicines and pharmaceuticals to
Santa Barbara to be distributed to needy free world
countries. Kay conducted many tours of the Salinas
Airport for Lyceum of Monterey, as well as scout
troops and school groups for The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
Over the years Ron and Kay owned five airplanes.
Kay has logged over 2500 hours. The couple conAlso among the more than 1200 honorees are flyers tributed to the beginnings of SOPA. Ron and Kay
as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Eileen
were married for 59 years and have 11 grandchildren,
Collins, and Chuck Yeager. More information about 26 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
the Forest, and points of contact are at www.ifof.org. Ron passed away in November 2009.
Consent Search (Continued from page 4)
Do not try to be polite in conveying your message by
watering down the message with gentle words and
euphemisms. Stand your ground. Look an agent
squarely in the eye and say, “I do not consent to
searches.”
If they continue and search your aircraft, then call
your lawyer at the first opportunity. Continue to re-
mind the searchers that you object to the search, but
be polite and non-aggressive about it.
You don’t stop being a law-abiding citizen by standing up for your rights under the U.S. Constitution.
You don’t have to be nasty or mean in how you give
your message. Be polite, firm, and don’t waiver. You
are the same law-abiding citizen after you stand on
your rights as you were before. They made the decision to challenge you.
SOPA Member John Decuir (Continued from page 5)
Rebuilders. His life has almost come full circle. At
age 13 he got the idea to build a bicycle with a motor.
The next thing he knew he had a Schwinn Stingray
equipped with a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower motor.
“It was pretty scary, no suspension but it did go 40
mph,” he said. No doubt, the motorcycles he builds
now have suspension and go a lot faster.
When asked what advice he’d pass on to local pilots
if the tower closes: “Use good sense. The fast guys –
the jets are professional pilots and do a good job [in
the pattern],” he said. “Common sense says if a King
Air announces he’s 5 miles out for 26 it’s probably
better not to turn base then. The King Air is going to
be right up your tail pipe in no time.
Salinas Owners and Pilots Association
7
SOPA Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes May 14, 2013, 7:00PM, The Landing Zone Restaurant
Call to Order- President Jeff Soares called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM
Approve minutes of April 2013 meeting
Treasurers report: None given
Old Business:
Airport Manager Brett Godown reports the ATC tower will be funded through the fiscal year ending 9-30-2013.
Salinas Airport Tenant Appreciation Day is Saturday June 22, 2013. Honoree this year will bill Juan and Connie
Solorio of T&P Aero Refinishers.
J.R. Williams will give a Tenant’s Day presentation on the last flight of the Red Baron.
Jeff reports on the Mystery trip to Harris Ranch
New Business:
Brett Godown reports on the upcoming Runway Safety Inspection Program & AOPA Small Airplane Revitalization
Act.
The next Young Eagles event at Salinas will be Saturday August 17, 2013.
JoAnn Nissen reports the 99’s will be air marking in Salinas on May 31 & June 1st.
Help the 99’s get the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation Award. The aviation charity with the highest vote will receive
grant money for their education programs. Log onto www.vote99’s.com before October to give your vote.
Kay Harmon will be inducted into the International Forest of Friends in Atchison Kansas. See http://www.ifof.org/
About_The_Forest.html for information about IFOF.
Meeting adjourned: 8:35 pm
Submitted by: Lori Atkinson-Secretary

Meeting Minutes June 11, 2013 7:00PM, The Landing Zone Restaurant
Call to Order- President Jeff Soares called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Treasurers report
Communications: SOPA members wish Ray Jackson a Happy Birthday!
New Business
Airport Manager’s report by Brett Godown.
A new Airport Logo is being designed.
The Runway Safety Action Team met this week.
SOPA made a motion and 2nd to contribute to a gift certificate for retiring Airport Tech Tom Long. He will be leaving
at the end of June.
Jeff reports on Av-news.
Watsonville Airport Open House is June 15th
The Columbia Fly-in is June 15th, Saturday only this year.
Old Business:
11th Annual Airport Tenant Appreciation Day is Saturday June 22nd. Juan and Connie Solorio of T&P Aero Refinishers will be honored.
The 99’s thank everyone that helped with the Air Marking, it looks great!
The next Young Eagles event at Salinas will be August 17th, pilots and volunteers needed.
Larry Shaw reports on the Hollister Airshow.
Meeting adjourned 7:50 pm
Submitted by Lori Atkinson – Secretary
News from Monterey Bay 99s:
Monterey Bay Chapter of the International Women Pilots
Organization, The Ninety-Nines, recently awarded an International Conference Scholarship to Claudia Contreras.
Cluadia (a SOPA member also) will be attending the July
2013 conference in Bozeman, Montana.
Watsonville Airshow
The 49th Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show will be held on
Labor Day Weekend, August 30-September 1, 2013. The
theme is Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
For more information: www.watsonvilleairshow.org
Thank you to the SOPA Sponsors
CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL
AIRSHOW
Bruce Adams, Executive Director
[email protected]
CAL-PACIFIC AIRMOTIVE, INC.
FAA Certified Repair Station
North American P-51 Airframe
Art Teeters, Owner
1330 Mercer Ave, Salinas CA 93905
(831) 422-6860
JET WEST LLC
Aircraft Fuel Service
Leo McIntosh, Owner
280 Mortensen Ave, Salinas CA 93905
(831) 422-9400, (831) 229-0815 cell
www.jetwestsalinas.com
AIRPLANE COMPANY INC
Aircraft Maintenance
Dave Reek, Owner
1585 Moffett St., Salinas CA 93905
(831) 753-1077
www.salinasairplane.com
MONTEREY PRIVATE WEALTH
Kenneth B. Petersen, partner
CFP, EA, MBA, AIFA
2340 Garden Road / Suite 202
Monterey CA 93940
(831) 372-3426 / x114
(800) 500-3426
[email protected]
montereyprivatewealth.com
General Aircraft & Helicopter Service
Larry Lujan, Owner
45 Mortensen Ave, Salinas CA 93905
(831) 424-9218
RUSS WILCOX INSURANCE AGENCY
AIRMOTIVE SPECIALTIES, INC.
Aircraft Services, Structures & Restorations
Dave Teeters, Owner
37 Mortensen Ave, Salinas CA 93905
(831) 757-7154
www.airmotives.com
STATE FARM INSURANCE
Russ Wilcox, Agent
1532 Constitution Blvd, Salinas CA 93905
(831) 443-1001
www.russwilcox.com
NEWSTAR FRESH FOODS, LLC
AERODYNAMIC AVIATION
Mitch Secondo, VP
900 Work Street, Salinas CA 93901
(831) 758-7598
Flight Training
Zdravko Podolski, Owner
70 Mortensen Ave, Salinas CA 93905
(831) 240-0800
www.aerodynamicaviation.com
18 Hitchcock Rd, Salinas CA 93908
(831) 229-0815
Gary Touvinen, CFI
TIERNEY VAWTER MEDICAL CORP.
Jim Vawter, M.D., AME
1st, 2nd or 3rd class FAA Exams
530 Ramona Ave., Monterey CA 93940
(831) 647-8700
www.tvmedicalgroup.com
SOPA — As the Prop Turns, Bi-Monthly-Newsletter
Salinas Owners & Pilots Association
80 Mortensen Avenue
Salinas, CA 93905
GOLD COAST AVIATION SERVICE
ADVANCETECH AIRCRAFT MAINT INC
Bruce Pittenger, CEO
1605 Moffett St., Salinas CA 93905
(831) 422-2167
July/August 2013