Q - American Bonanza Society
Transcription
Q - American Bonanza Society
, ' I ' " I ' _ lt1yowned Our professional staff has decades of experience in aviation insurance, and we are uniquely qualified to provide ASS members a little "plane talk" about their individual insurance requirements. The ABS Program is one of the most comprehensive insurance programs available in the industry today and features expanded coverages, access to a variety of underwriters and competitive rates. The professional Falcon staff is dedicated to serving ABS members with an insurance program that is setting the standard for the industry. Call today for same day quotes and coverage. Falcon lnsurdIlce Agency is the Insurance Program Manager for the ABS INSURANCE PROGRAM 1-800-2S9-4ABS (4227) w\\ n .fal con i nsu ra nee.co m Fax: 5 12-89 1-8483 P.O. Box 92409 • Austin. Texas 78735 "I am a partner in a local CPA firm and we luckily have many clients situated in cities with airports, so I can use 72CW for business as well as pleasure: -Terry Toole Terry ond Mory Toole with Iheir 1966 C33A Oebonoir. Debonair 01 the month N72CW Terry Toole Shawnee, Oklahoma 19&& C33A I became a private pilot in January 1990 and got my in strument rating in August 1993. I owned two Pipers before buying nCw. I always thought, "Wow, I'd sure like 10 have a Bonanza! They' re the prettiest airplanes I've ever seen." I remember pilOl friends would say, "There's nothing like the performance of a Beechcraft. " After some research, I became interested in the C33A Debonair since it was the fIrst straight tail with the 10-520-B, 285-HP engine, and it offered essentially the same performance as later F models at a lower purchase price. I began looking in the summer of 1995 and in October I located 72CW in Traverse City, Michigan. This 1966 C33A, SIN CE-69 rolled off the assembly line July 5. 1966, and was ferried to Banff, Canada. The plane received its United States registration number in August 1987. ncw was well equipped, had a total time of 2,200 and 800 SMOH. However, during the fIrst annual, a cracked case was discovered, requiring a major overhauLl have upgraded certain equipment, installed a new interior (February 1999) and had the plane pai nted (March 1998). Total time is now 2,600. I am a partner in a local CPA fIrm and we luckily have many clients situated in cities with airports, so I can use ncw for business as well as pleasure. My wife has about 75 flight hours and is a great map reader and navigator. Our pleasure trips are generally to New Mexico or Colorado since we love the mountains. Our favorite destination is Precision PAI-700 verticat cord magnetic compass Gormin GMA 340 audio panel and intercom Garmin 155XL GPS (IFR approach certified) Two McCoy MAC 1700 conversions of KX 170B nov/cams KT 76A transponder Crested Butte, Colorado. It takes approximately three hours to reach the 9,400-foot runway in Gunnison, Colorado, elevation 7,700 feet. Crested Butte is approximately 30 miles notth of Gunnison. Our longest pleasure tri p was to Mackinac Island, Michigao. We high ly recommend this trip and a stay at the Grand Hotel. The only access to Mackinac Island is by plane or boat. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. The cab 10 and from the airport is a horse-drawn carriage, as is all the transportation on the island. Terry Toole, Shawnee, Oklahoma KCS 55A HSI (with KA 51A slaving accessory) S-Tec 60-2 autopilot Insight graphic engine monitor Insight SF2000 StriKeflllder Alcor fuel flowllotalizer indicator FE BRUARY 200 1 • VO L U M E 0 1 • N U M BE R 2 CO V E R 6596 (ISS:-.: 1524-5438) Published by AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY Organized January 1967 ~ DEBONAIR OF THE MONTH: Terry and Mary Toole's 1966 C33A in a simulated aerial p hoto, FEATURES 6599 316-945-1 700 CRUISING THE WORLD WIDE BONANZA AND BARON WEB By George Wilhelmsen ASS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDITOR IN CHiEF Nancy Johnson PUBLICATION OFACE 1922 Midfield Road P.O. Box 12888 Wichita, KS 67277 316-945-1700 Fax 316-945-1710 ABS websile: htlp:flwww.bonanza.org ABS c·mai1: [email protected] 6608 Send articles/letters to the above address/fax/e-mail. 6612 EDITOR BellY Rowley ART DI RECTOR Jim Simpson EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Palric Rowley 6616 NOMINATING COMMITIEE REPORT By Dave Richards, Cha irmall 6609 6611 ABS BY THE NUMBERS: MEMBERSHIP DISTRIBUTION BPPP: WHY I ENJOY BEING PART OF THE BPPP By Kent Ewing BPPP: HOW CAN WE FLY MORE SAFELY? By Ron Zasadzinski TESTING DURING WWII: COLUMBIA-GRUMMAN XJL-l By John Miller 6621 BARON ENGINES By Peter Lane DISPLAY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR John Shoemaker 2779 Aero Park Drive, P.O. Box 968 Tra\'erse City, MJ 49684 6625 1·800·773·7798, exl. 3317 6630 ANGEL FLIGHT WEST By Charles Finkel BONANZA GETAWAY: FLORIDA By Bill Hog/all PRI~TER Village Press, Trave~ Cily, Michigan AMERICA.." BONA.."<LA SOCIETY MAGAZINE i§ pubhshed monthly by the AmeriClU:l Booanu Sodelr II lhe \\'Ichita MidCOOUDcnl Airport. 1922 Midficld Road. Wichita. KS 67209. The priceofa ytlU"ly subscription is iJl(:luded In tile annual dues ($45) of Socict~ member$. Periodical postage paid II WIChita, KlJu,a" and additIOnal milling offices. DEPARTMENTS 6598 PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS "Ille Society and PIIhIis/a annoI axepI responsibilily for the"'"'" IMJIeS.'I or IICCIJI"IC\ oflbemanm pinta! hmiD or For anyOlD- 8601 Ions expressed. OpflllOlls of the Edil0r or eontributon do no! neees5arily re~nt1he position of the Society. ?u.blisller reserves lhe righll0 re)Cct any malenal ~ubOllned For publication. 6607 NEIL'S NOTES 6614 FORUM Copy and pbotogn ph5Mlbmilttd for publication Wli btc-. Ibt proptl1f or the ~y and mau DOC be rtWmed. Anidc:t submincd With pi= recci\'e publiallion preFerence A.,~:-IUAL DUES: US--S45. Canada & Me.0c0---.S4S (US). Foteign-.S7S (US ) by Jon Roadfeldt COLVIN'S CORNER by Neil Pobanz. and Arky Foulk by John Hastings, M.D. POSTM AS T ER: Send add relS changCi 10 AMERICAN 6627 CURRENTS AD SECTION 8815A by Lew Gage 6633 REGIONAL NEWS 6635 INSURANCE BPPP SCHEDULE by John Allen, Falcon Insurance 6623 ABS MEDICAL PANEL Life membenbip-SI.OCO. Contael ASS Headquarkr.! for details. 6631 6838 GROUND CONTROL by Nancy Johnson 6637 8813 CALENDAR SERVICE CLINIC SCHEDULE 8832 AVIONICS BONANZA SOC/tTY MAGAlJNE. P.O. Sox 12888, "'"lChill, KSI ...._ _ _ _ by _ Jim_ Hughes 672n-2888. C Cop}1"i hl200 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, -_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ g Boord of Directors JON ROADFELDT, Pl"tilident (Area 4) 1548 W. Sextant, Roseville. MN 55 113 Phone 651 4 88-9385, fax 651488·9475 e-mail JonRoadfeldt@ aol.com HAROLD BOST, V.P. (Area 3) 760 Birkdale Drive, Fayeuevillc, GA 30215 Phone 770-719·0638, fax 770-7 19-9826 e-mail bostmai [email protected] JACK THREADGlLL Trea'lurer (Area 5) 1602 Brook Hollow Drive, Bryan, TX 77802 Phone 979-779-7 155, fax: 979-775-7432 e-mail [email protected] Page 6597 Term expires Term expires 2001 JOHN D, HASTIJIiGS, M.D, Secretary (At-Large) 2002 1432 S. Newport Ave. Tu lsa, OK 74120 Phone 918-747-7517, fax 918-742-7947 e-mail [email protected]{Jm 2003 :\fJCHAEL HOEfFLER, (Arta 1) 2001 43 Old Sugar Road, Bolton. MA 01740 Phone 508-351-9080. fax 508-351-9081 e·mail [email protected] 2002 WILLIAM C, CARTER (Area 2) 2001 7131 Driftwood Dri\'e, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Phone 616-974-0016, fax 616-676-0346 e-mail [email protected] Term JACK CRO"'lN (Area 6) expires 2003 261 Vine Street, Denver, CO 80206 Phone 303·333·3000, fax 303-333-2000 e-mail [email protected] TILDEN D. RICHARDS, (Area 7) PO Box 1047. Sutler Creek, CA 95685 Phone 209-267-0640, fax 209-267· 1546 e-mail [email protected] RON DAVIS (Area 8) 2522 Vista Baya, Newpon Beach, CA 92660-3636 Phone 949-548-2522, e-mail [email protected] 2002 2003 ABS February 2001 President's Comments the phone or e-mail ABS Technical Manager Frank Evanega at ABS Headquarters in Wichita. Believe me. he would like to hear from you. Can JON ROADFELDT you help? We have remodeled, res huffled and compacted the staff operat ions in Wichita. The building is as close to being 100 percent utilized as I think it can be. If. as expected, we continue to grow in ast month I wrote about some items that the areas of merchandising and staffing, we will might call for action or consideration in the need more space. near future for ABS. Along that line, I will We have additional land under lease and [ do add a couple more thoughts. not think it is too early to start thinking about the Our "Library" has been a paper clutter interneeds of the future. The ASF (Air Safety Founspersed with gems of information about various dation). which rents our present building on Beech piston products. The library area had been a Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, would be the comer in the back of the office. Visualize small. .. ve hicle we would use to build any future A good deal of the library content consists of additions. Given the makeup and structure of the copious copies of Aviatioll COllsulIler Maga zille, ASS organization. it takes a bit of lead time to old AOPA and NTSB accident reports, BPPP get things done. records, oldABS News/etters, FARs, travel guides The RAPID parts discount for ABS members and many other miscellaneous pilot information is a reality. All you need is the ABS MasterCard and you can buy your Beechcraft part directl y materials. Much ofthe above information is availfrom RAPID 's parts headquarters in Andover. able elsewhere and much of it is not germane to Kansas. The average discount is 12 '12 percent, the purpose of the library. with about 94 percent of Beech parts featuring With the introduction of our handy-dandy CDso me leve l of discount in the ABS/RAPID ROM that contains all of the back issues of the program. ABS Magazines. the ABS history and the FARs Another area we are exploring is out-of-proalld the A[M alld ADs alld a summary of STCs to duction parts or parts that are out date, a lot of the stored paper is reof stock because there are not dundant. Now, with the ATP enough orders to warrant maintenance CD-ROM for a production run. What your Bonanza or Baron resources would it available from ou r COMING SOON! take ? [s there a office in Wichita. need ? Let Frank even more paper third Edition of ASS Evanega know. can be elimi nated. CD-ROM containing all And finally. Removing dupliback issues tile magazine Raytheon is now cate information building jets usfil ed under differand otherexcellent in g carbon fiber ent topics wi ll also technical databases. epoxy material s help. spun on a mandrel We are hoping to Watc;h for the for the fuselage ofthe have most of the cullannouncement! airplane. New aircraft ing done this sum mer are becoming available and can then begin the orfrom startup companies usganizing. We may eventually ing mostly synthetic materials. Do be able to put some of this informayou suppose this technology will ever get routine tion on our website. and efficient enough to apply to the piston line of I want to repeat the plea made at the ABS Conaircraft at Raytheon? vention for copies of STCs, 337s and any Beech It all starts with the dream . kit drawings you might have. If you have any doubt about its value to the ABS Library, pick up -Onward alld upward, Jail L ABS February 2001 FEBRUARY 2007 Special days for this month are the BPPP weekend in Arizona, Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day. I hope you al/ had the opportunity to celebrate or partiCipate in the above as you feel would be appropriate. Presidents' Day has some additional significance to me, since it was so hard to get one this last time around. PAST PRESIDENTS ,"", , ." .... Gb~ Ru ....·!1 W R nL ,47\.. 97~ H~poIlI~ 191'- 19~/l 1 1..aDdty J, Cal • B f I \to. PhD CIPlb.et D~"d r har! IdrIlC 8arn.. f~A On U. 1916- !91 ". l 'YU_ 979 980 1mI '9111 fM"'~.Jl ''''I 1983 ()')Il;Ild I. \1. l<)gl 1911.1 ) lI~r'1 G Hlid.h:'r J.ohr.i r", n ....1tJi R {"hk "t..'1.UD.1lI Vo, ... H a".JI I'IM 1911~ I ~\ I""'" l'lll6 II,IH7 198 ,... 19&8 l'lS'- 1990 RJyLI~ lWO 1991 IM1InC C_ L HI w. ,,~n ~., It '''''' 199: J"hn 11 ",,1I1<1U1llC" m H R \I(Uty \\ HJ",l ( , IQ<I~_1991 1'I'I.l-lW-l ''''' "" "" .,.. " 1995- 999 D R","", Page 6598 Cruising the WorLd Wide Bonanza and Baron Web BY GEORGE WILHELMSEN The Internet has opened up a host of new places to go for both used and new Beachcraft parts. Over the course of the past few years, I have run into several places that have proven to be reputable sources for parts for my Debonair, as well as a good place to sell extra parts. F or those Beech owners who still eschew computers-and do not have access to the Internet-we offer our regrets. There is currently no sintilar nOllcomputer-based service available apan from the bulletin board at your local airport or Trade-A-Plane's classified ads. For those of you who do have computers and access to the World Wide Web, however, these sites may help you do everything from asking questions about your airplane, to finding parts to fix it up. Heck, on occasion, you can even find an airplane for sale. This listing does not attempt to cover every website that has Bonanza, Baron, Travel Air or Debonair pans. To be honest, we saw several others, but the boards were either dead (no posts since 1998) or suffering from dropping a few Bonanza entries in with a whole lot of other junk, mainly Cessna and Piper information. Such boards took more work than they are worth in fmding the gold nuggets in and antidst the tons of non-gold; they are not mentioned here. The American Bonanza Society Web Page Of course, theABS Web Page (www. bonanza.org) contains a virtual plethora of information on the Bonanza, Baron and Travel Air, along with the Debonair models. From inside the "Members Only" section, you can find an area to Page 6599 ABS February 2001 request information from "Colvin's Corner," Lew Gage's "Currents," and even Lynn Jenkin 's "Shop Talk" monthly columns. You can search the ABS member database, browse through the ABS e-mail directory or look over the ABS Event Calendar. Of course, my favorite place to go is to the classified ad seclion. Here you will find a good variety of products and services, ranging from aircraft and parts for sale to instructors who are available to provide you with training. Ads can be placed for a small fee, concurrent with placement in the ABS Maga:ille by both members and nonmembers. While several sections of the website are available to nonmembers, a good part of this site requires membership in ABS. Oneofthe best "members only" parts of the site has a somewhat miSleading name. Called "Hangar Flying," it covers a wide variety of topics in a discussion forum type of format. For those of you who aren't fami liar with the term "discussion forum;' the jist of the thing is that you post a message and someone replies if they are interested. The parts section in particular had some interesting entries-and no junk. The Maintenance Section had good traffic and was full oflife experience that might help you when you need it most. The Bonanza swap page The Bonanza Parts Page. which resides at http://madaket.netwizards. netl vtail/swapbook.html. On this page, you will find a listing of various parts that are either wanted or for sale. The page is word searchable, which means you can pull down your ED IT menu, and use the FIND command to look for specific items. There is a fair amount of breadth to this page. You can find anything from a dual yoke to autopilots, cowl covers and accessories. Pilots are allowed to post at no charge wanted and for sale items that pertain to aircraft only. Businesses are asked in the header fiJe at the top of the page to contact the webmaster for advertising rates. ABS February 2001 The site is well-visited and supported, with about two or three new items posted per day on average. If you wish to post something on the board, you are asked to provide contact information such as your e-mail address and, if you like, your phone number. The plusses for this board include no ads or pop-up windows, no junk mail from people visiting the board, and generall y good responses to the posts. However, the board does not allow the posting of images to help people see what you have. Finally, the board is well policed, with nonapplicable informatio n removed on a routi ne basis, with a note that items will be removed after 90 days (not strictly enforced). You are welcome to re-post applicable information if it happens to scroll off the board. The webmaster requests that all posts apply to the Beech line. While some avionics are allowed to be posted, such postings are not encouraged. AJI the information is pointed toward the Bonanza line, which means there is no information on the Debonair or Baron. Overall , the site appears to be a little under visited, but still worth yo ur while if you are looking for historical informati on or restoration tips on vintage Bonanzas. The guestbook Another interesting but less acti ve Bonanza site can be found at <www. aspenleaf.com/bonanza/guestbook. html>. This site has similar rules as our first site, but has about a third of the activity. Still, some gems turn up on occasion, which is why I check this board about once a week for new posts. In the last 30 days, there have been around five posts, which, resulted in slim pickings. However, for plusses, the board has no ads or pop-up windows-and no junk mail from k-- If you are handling an expensive piece of equipment, and don't know the buyer or seller, consider working with an escrow agent. An escrow agent will receive the cash and assure that the equipment gets shipped. VintageBonanza.com Here is a somewhat hidden site in that it does not tum up on many of the search engine's hit screens when you search for the word "Bonanza." Dubbed Vintage Bonanza.com, this page contains information on the various models that were part of the first generation of Bonanzas, running from 1947 through 1956. The listings include a performance compari· son chart, a listing of model improve· ments and new features-and even engine performance data for various models. It includes Adobe Acrobat copies of various type certificates to help you when yo u need it. The site contains a wealth of maintenance information on the Bonanza line, including a scheduled service list, a listing of preventive maintenance, a listing of applicable Service Bulletins and ADs for the Bonanza line. ~ ='=--- people visiting the board. However, the board does not allow posting of photos or images to help people "see" what you have. Auctions Of course, everyone in the world knows aboUl <www.ebay.com>.oreBay. the electronic auction service. On eBay at any time, you can find anything from dozens to nearly no Beech items up for auction. The software system on eBay is professional. It allows you to set "reserve" or a minimum acceptable price for an item. This can help you avoid losing your shirt on an expensive part. With eBay comes the ads, which automatically appear at the top of each page of your auction search . To help you find what you are looking for on this huge site, comilllled 011 page 6610 Page 6600 A36 information Ed Dahlberg Manassas, Virginia Q: Do you know where [ can order an information manual? I have the POH but [ am looking for something more infonnative about the aircraft and its systems. I'm also looking for a maintenance manual on CD-ROM if possible. convening A36 Bonanzas using a 420-shaft horsepower Allison turboprop engine. Page 3384 of the January 1994 ABS Magazille contains a member's comments concerning the operation of his Allison turbine-powered A36.- P G35 fuel caps Paul Kingsland Phoen ix Arizona A: The ABS now markets through the Com- Q: I am the owner of 035.0-4739. Fuel is sipany Store (316-945-1700), ATP CD-ROM for either Bonanzas or Barons that contain the shop manual, parts manual , wiring diagrams, Service Bulletins and other valuable information.-NP Aileron trimmer mchard Oruschel Novi, Michigan Q: No problem with my aircraft' I'm he lping a friend find a Bonanza (and getting him to joinABS). We've located a high ly modified C35. This aircraft does not have aileron trim. Is there a way to put one on this model? A: The ai leron trimmer located on the center of the yoke was an aftennarket option that Beech did offer. Air Mech (580-431-2333), Crossroads Aviation (972-239-0263) or other sources advertising in the ABS Magazille may be able to help you by trading yokes for one with the trimmer option.-NP Bonanza engine conversions Robert Fehlandf Antofagasta. Chile Q: While searching for different engine options for my aircraft within the ABS CD-ROM. I ran into a 1972 column about converting to a turboprop by W.E. Stinson, president of the Westinair Division, Stinson Aircraft, Inc. I have not been ab le to locate this company with the information supplied in the disk. [ recognize that this information is 28 years old, but could you please help me contact this company? A: In that 1972 article, Mr.Stinson reported that he was attempting to obtain an STC to install a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop engine flat-rated to 350 shaft horsepower for use in all Bonanza models-from the straight Model 35 through the V35B-using his E35 as a prototype. He was going to call this conversion the 'lurbonanza." We have no knowledge as to whether a prototype was ever completed. [f it was, it was never marketed. No r do we have any information as to the fate of the company. However, for several years, Tradewinds Turbine (806-376-5203) in Amarillo, Texas, has been phoning in flight from the auxiliary fuel cap on the left wing. My parts book only calls out the fuel cap. Is there a replaceab le seal fo r this cap? A.The cap should be identified by manufacturer and it will be either a Shaw or a Oibb. In either case, it has a large outer O-ring and small inner on the shaft. The Shaw caps are MS295 13-1 0 and -338 ; the Oibb caps are MS295 13-110 and 339. The O-rings are available from Performance Aero (800-200-3141) and many FBOs.-NP A36 standby alternator AI LaVenue Edmond, Oklahoma Q: In the last ABS Magazille, I read about a 25-amp standby a lternator. I have an A36 with the [0-550 engine. [s one available for my plane and how much is it? Where can I buy it? A: B&C Specialty Prod ucLs (316-283-8000) manufactures the alternator which is currently being used on new Raytheon Model 36 aircraft and it is available as an STC for your and other model Bonanzas. The tota l installed cost will vary by location and aircraft model.-NP A36 seats and 72-volt vs. 24-volt Art Brock Rancho Palos Verdes, California Q: In what year did the A36s have the center seats changeable from forward facing to club seating? I know there are many that are 1101 changeable and [know that fealUre was added in the '80s (84?) but [ am told that the earlier ones were also changeable. Also, what year did the A36 voltage change from 12V to 24V? A: Beginning in 1970, SN E-221 and after had the optional seating. Beginning in 1978, SN E- II I I and E- 1241 and after were 24-voll aircraft.-NP Turn coordinator overhaul Kevin Carson Phoenix. Arizona Q: Can you point me to a good place to have a 28-volt tum coordinator from a B36TC overhauled? A: Century Instruments (316-683-7571 or 800733-0116) has been good. Elliott Aviation (309- ASS February 2001 799-3183) has a good instrument shop. There are many good shops capable of doing this work.-NP D55 heat shield sealant Don Lawrenz ~ss, Texas ~: What sealant is used on the stainless steel panel (heat shield) on the bottom of the engine nacelle/wing surface above the exhaust pipes? I find no reference to which sealant in the consumables list is applicable. It appears to be some type of nonhardening caulking compound. A: PS700 is a Pro Seal material. While Spruce and Specialty (877-477-7823) doesn't list it in their catalog, they are a Pro Seal distributor and shou ld be able to supply it. I've tried to cross-reference it to a Mil Spec as I'm sure there are other manufacturers of equivalent material. So far. I have been unsuccessful.-NP Auxiliary fuel pump operation l.orry Yelick Menahga, Minnesota Q: The POH for my Baron makes no reference to using the auxiliary fuel pump on takeoff, or any other time until the OAT is over 90 degrees. Apparently, then only to avoid or overcome a vapor lock situation. It is my understanding that an engine-driven fuel pump failu re wou ld cause an immediate engine fai lure during any stage of flight. Why not use the boost pumps in the " Low" position for each takeoff to overcome this potential accident, at least until the first power reduction at a safe altitude? A: The TCM constant-flow fuel injection system is dependent upon a certain range of fuel press ures for each engine rpm condition. The auxi li ary pump operating in the " Low" position will not support takeoff power if the engine-driven pump fails. If the auxiliary pump is operated in the " High" position while the enginedriven fuel pump is operating normally, it will usually create an overly rich mixture with a result ing loss of power. In fact, if the engine-driven pump fails, and you operate the auxiliary pump in the "High" position, you may have to manually lean the mixture for best power as you make power reductions. Operating the pump in the "Low" ABS Fe bruary 2001 position during takeoff and climb probably won't hun, but will only help to avoid a vapor-lock situation as stated in your POH .-NP Radair VOR/LOC/G5 indicators Paul Beale Boulder, Colorodo Q: I have two Radair240 VOR/LOC/ GS indicators with built-in glideslope receivers interfaced to an MX 170 and an KX 170B. Both glideslopes are now inoperative. OUf avionics technician says the company folded 20 years ago and he couldn't fix the problem, although he isolated it to the GS receivers. Do you know where I co uld get yellow-tagged replacements that I could slide in? Eastern Avionics had some relative ly recen tl y acco rd ing to t heir website, but no longer stocks them. The alternative seems to be rewiring for a King KI209 and KN75 which is rather eiPensive. Advice? A: I don't know of any sources, but most avionics shops have access to a list of avai lable used eq uipment throughout the industry. However, I believe your avionics tech is probably correct. I wou ld bite the bullet and get some c urrent indicators that are both reliable and supportable. -NP 535 spinner bulkhead cracks Tad Vaughn Greenland, New Hampshire Q: I just noticed cracks around the bolts on the spinner bulkhead where they attach to the crank flange in my S35. Is there any weld repair possible or do I need to replace the bulkhead? Are used units a consideration? What are the possible causes for the cracks? Over-tightened bolts? A: The most common cause of cracks is due to spinner wobble from improper fit or improper shimming of the front support. A Slight "preload" to be able to ali gn the mounti ng screw ho les is required to properly mount the spinner. This means when the spinner is in position, but not yet secured and without any rearward pressure on it, the mounting screw holes should be misaligned with the spinner about one-half hole too far forward. A moderate amount of rearward hand pressure on the nose of the spinner will cause the spinner to seat properly on the front suppon and the mounting screw holes at the rear of the spinner to align properly. Normally, welding is not a good solution on the bulkhead although it is an approved repair, depending on the extent and location of the area to be repaired. An ABS member informs us he got a good price on a new bulkhead from Hanco Enterprises (319-456-6028, fax: 319-456-6319), P.O. Box 206, 30847 323rd Avenue, Richland, Iowa 52585. A good used bulkhead would be OK. Try a propeller shop or salvage yards such as Dodson (800-255-003) or White (800821-7733).-NP V35 engine compression andCHT Robert Orr Son Clemente, California Q: A Continental factory remanufactured IO-520BA was installed in my V35 in 1995. Now, with 685 hours, #2 cylinder shows 40/80 and #3 60/80 on the compression test. The other cylinders are all at or above 70 Ibs. #2 cylinder is clearly an exhaust valve or guide problem, while #3 looks like rings. Shouldn't these cylinders last longer? Also, what is your recommendation regarding Cerminil or Cermichrome cylinders? I can't find the ECI source for Cerminil. Can you direct me? The CHT is a single probe on #2. Is that the best location? I replaced the old probe-an AC ceramic-looking unitwith a new probe from Beech (PIN 35380141-49). The new probe is all brass. It is a thermistor and not a thermocouple. Is that correct? A standard plated copper electrical ring con nector was installed. Now the CHT gauge warm s up and goes to red line during run up. (I'm sure that I either got the wrong probe or connected it incorrectly.) With the low compression, I would expect it to run a lot colder. The large aluminum baffle at the rear of the engine is getting pretty tired. Can you direct me to a used one, or should I expect a used baffle to be a repaired unit and have to put even more repairs on it than the one I have? A: Your vintage of Continental cylinders has a history of valve guide problems. However, it's not necessary to re- Page 6602 place cylinders, they can be reworked by a good cylinder shop and you should expect good life after repair. Cermichrome hasn' t worked out well with the big-bore Continentals as it wore too fast in the upper bore. ECI (800-3242359) offers repairs and also offers PMA replacements. The AC probe and its gauge are not directly compatible in value with the new Raytheon probe and will not read cor- 797-9633) or Lynn Jenkins (775-3314905 or e-mail Iynnjenkins@worldnet .att.net) who are well-qualified inspectors and can travel. Try BPPP's George Tatalovich (757-482-5245 or e-mail [email protected])forapossible recommendation on a flight instructor either in Europe or possibly in the United States which might be another practical option for you.-NP rectly without a resistor connected in series. Instrument Technologies (800-2299078) sells the correct setup to keep from having to change the instrument cluster. The CHT is not usually installed on the #2 cylinder but probably should be as it tends to run the hottest. The factory installations vary, but #5 cylinder is correct for a V35A. Poor baffle condition can greatly reduce effective cylinder cooling, resulting in premature cylinder wear and other problems-as can improper fuel pressure settings. The TCM SID 97-3 check on fuel pressures should be done annually. The condition of used baffles or other used parts can vary widely and you need to confirm condition as best you can wilh the vendor prior to purchasing and get an agreement to return if not satisfied. In addition to new factory baffles, Beryl D' Shannon offers a very nice baffle kit. Salvage yards include White Industries (800-821-7783) or Dodson (800-255 (034).-NP Paint thickness Baron prebuy inspection and training in Europe Miguel Escudero Los Pa/mas de G.G., Spain Q: Do you know where I might get Baron training in Europe, or if there is a CFI in Europe who can travel to my home airport in the Canary Islands to give some training? Also, is there somebody in Europe who can do a prepurchase check to a 1981 E55 that might be available soon at my home airport? If it is in reasonably good condition, I might be interested in buying it. A: Beechcraft Sales and Service (49821-70030), Augsburg, Germany, or Air Hanson Limited (44- 125-890089) in England are Raytheon Service Centers you might consider for a prepurchase check. Another possibility is to fly someone to the airplane such as Bob Olson (309- Gory Weeks Winmalee. New South Wales, Australia Q: My question has to do with repainting an aircraft. Is there any industry specifications or standards 10 state the minimum or optimum thickness of the paint as far as appl ication to the airframe wings, etc.? A: The Raytheon factory looks for a 3 mil final finish thickness with about the same maximum for the various combinations of primer systems. As light a coat as practical is advisable for the elevators and ruddervators to facilitate balancing these control surfaces, which should be painted when suspended from the trailing edge.-NP A36 baggage extension Randy Borson Whitehall. Pennsylvania Q: Tam looki ng for information on an STC for a larger luggage area for a 1977 A36. A: Contact Beryl D' Shannon (800328-4629) for an STC that extends the rear baggage area in the earlier Model A36s .-NP 535 Eagle fuel cell drain valves Robert Brown Amarillo. Texas Q: 1 am considering installing a set of stainless steel fuel cell drain valves in my S35 . They are advertised in the ABS Maga zine by Eagle Fuel Cells of B95A nose cone Dole Gross Danvers. Massachusetts Q: I have seen a few Travel Airs with Baron nose cones on them.! have found a nose cone. Can it be just put on or do I need to do a 337? A: The 1963 D95ATravei Air had the extended nose cone as did the later models. TD-615 and beyond had the latest style air scoops. You can install the later nose cones making use of the Form 337 for approval.- NP F33A larger fires Jim Nielsen Farm ington. Minnesota Q: Can 1 install larger tires on my F33A CD-1236? The flight manual says 600 x 6, but l have noticed Bonanzas with 650 x 6 and also 700 x 6. A: Tire sizes vary by model aircraft and by serial number within a particular model. The F33A Maintenance Manua! for your serial number, CD- 1236, lists the main tire size as 700x6-see page I , 32.40.00, "Wheels and Brakes." Parker Hannifin (Cleveland) has an STC for installing the larger 700 x 6 wheels and tires on some of the earlier model s which came with the smaller sizes as standard equipment. Your serial number is included in the group of aircraft after CD-I035 plus CE90 that list the 600 x 6 as optional. The type certificate data sheet is the FAA's definitive so urce fo r the original approved wheels and tires.-NP B58 tire pressure Jack Fox Boca Raton, Florida Eagle Ri ver, Wisconsin, and seem like a Q: worthwhile mod. Can these be installed and signed off by an A&P or do they require an STC? J don't want 10 open a pressure for new Goodyear Flight Custom II tires installed on a 1972 B58 Baron, TH-248? can of worms concerning the latest FAA rules and STCs. A: These valves do have an STC, so they are fully approved and will not be a Page 6603 problem for you . Keep in mind that installation of this or another STC' d modification does require that your mechanic make a logbook entry and submit a Form 337 10 the FAA as pan of the process . - NP What is the recommended air A: Main tire pressure is 52 to 56 psi and the nose tire requires 55 to 60 psi per the Beechcraft mechanics handbook. This information is also avai lable in each ABS February 2001 model aircraft's POH under the "Handling, Service and Maintenance' section. With all the recent press coverage on auto accide nt s due to possibly underinfl ated tires, we need to emphasize proper rire inflati on on our ai rcraft. Underinflated aircraft tires can result in excessive wear and possible failure leading to more extensive damage. Aircraft tires telld to lose pressure more quickly t/Jall auto tires and should be checked Jor proper illflatioll {II least evelY two weeks. You may notice that the sma ller nose tire tends to lose pressure even more quickly than the mains.-NP D55 propeller alcohol anti-ice Don Lawrenz Houston, Texas Q: The alcohol filter for my prop anti-ice system is completely plugged, crumbling and unusable . The parts manual does not specify a replacement filter but does specify a screen for the same pan-number pump that is used for the cabin heater. This is a screen, PIN 475634, rather than a matrix-type filter actu all y used in the alcohol system. Are the screens acceptable to use as a replacement for the filter? A: We concur that the screen you reference is the proper pan for the propeller alcohol system.- P P35 starting problem Kurt Klein Johnson, New York Q: My P35 with an l0-470 recently experienced a starting problem last week due to the following conditi ons: After a 30-minute night, we landed and parked on a sloped ramp with the tail down. About 40 minutes later, we attempted to start. Usi ng our regular stan procedure, we failed to start. After a few more attempts we still had no succes . We let her rest 20 minutes and then tried and failed again. By now the battery was almost drained and, as we attached the tow bar to the nose, we noti ced fuel dripping out of a Jl8-inch diameter drain tube on the lower nose cowling. Upon pulling the plane off the sloped ramp, approximately one-third gallon of fuel came out this tube. After letting it sit for another 10 minutes and after the fuel stopped dripping, we attempted to ABS Fe bruary 2001 stan again. Within two prop rotations, it fired off. Any answers to this? A: The purpose of the fuel drain is to expel excessive fuel that can collect in the intake mani fold, usually during startup or at shutdown. With the tail in an unusuall y low position, fuel apparently pooled in the intake manifold resulling in a flooded condition when priming for starting. The drains are positioned to operate in a fairly level attitude.- NP M35 landing gear Denny 8eaugureou Sierra Vista, Arizono Q: I took my M35 to the ABS Service Clinic at Albuquerque, ew Mexico, in September. It wa a great experience that my mechanic and I both found enligh teni ng. Bob Olson did an abso lutely superb job! He rea lly knows hi s stuff. One of the very few discrepancies Bob found relates to AD 72-22-0 I. I didn ' t have the Tygon tubing on the main landing gear lock release cable. I' ve looked at SI 0448-211 Revision I in the ATP CD-ROM that I just bought from ABS . It gives the part numbers, etc. However, the AD itself does not refer to the tubing, only the zerk fittings. If I have the zerk fitting on the rollers, do I still need to have the tubing? A: (503-33 1- 42(0) in Portland. Oregon. is capable as well as Biggs (405-258-2965) and Cro sroads (972-239-0263).-NP Model 35 shoulder harness Virgil Johnson Wel/ingfon, Ohio Q: I have a very early production straight 35, D-178. I am installing a new interior and windows. While I have it tom apart. I wou ld like to install front seat shou lder harnesses. Is there a kit! STC ava ilable and if so, from whom? Thanks again for your continued suppon. It has been invaluable in my restoration of this magnificent old bird. A: Wag Aero (800-558-6868) has an STC for the Model 35 . A through G. With th e new policy letter from the FAA Small Airplane Cenification Office concerning shoulder harness installation in older aircraft, you should be able to use this installation.- P F35 control surtace reskinning Terry Quinn Redwood City. California Q: I ow n an F35 that is in need of new ailero ns and ruddervator . I would like to either get mine exchanged or reskinned. Can you recommend any places to get this done? Yes. The tubing is required as the AD refers to the Service Instruction for the method of compliance. The purpose of the tubing is to keep the cable from catching on the zerk fitting.-NP A: Possible sources include Princeton P35 wing leading edge repair H35 magneto switch John F. Dobson Mill Creek, Washington Larned. Kansas to the left side leading edge of my 1962 P35 with the 40-gallon fuel cell. Of the three sections that make up the leading edge, the center panel must be replaced. We are also considering the replacement of th e inboard panel. What is the recommended procedure? Should ajig be used for one or both skins? Do you have any recommendations for repair shops in the WaShington - Oregon area? anicle about modifying the maglbattery switch so the battery portion was no longer in the loop to elimi nate the voltage spiking on magneto checks. I failed to make a copy of the anicle and it's been long enough that the notes I made are gone. Can you point me in the ri ght direction for this info? Aviation (6 12-389-2 134), Stebbins (800852-8155), Che lcraft (612-389-55 15), Biggs (405-258-2965) and Crossroads (972-239-0263).- P Blo ;r McPherson A few years ago I did an an nu al Q: Hangar rash necessitates repairs onQ:an H35. The owner had a magazi ne A: Normally the entire leading edge wing section would be removed for repair and then be reinstalled. Flightcraft A: There is no factory kit for chang- ing the magnetolbattery switch, but several people have updated the earli er aircraft by obtaining a 337 field approval with the basis for approval being the Page 6604 similarity to later model airplanes on the same type certificate. Updating the mag switch is easy, as the wire from the subpanel master switch uses the mag switch in series to ground to provide the ground for the master relay. Transferring the ground wire that goes between the two switches (mag and master switches) so that it runs from the master switch directly to a good ground takes care of the "spiking" problem. Moving the starter wires to the start position of a new mag switch is also easy and protects the radios from spikes during mag checks. The "wafer-style" Mallory ignition switch YB-6532 was originally chosen so the Bonanza's ignition would work similarto the ignition key in a 1946 car. Before the days of turning the key to start the car, you actually had to press a floor button with your foot to engage the starter. We have to press a starter button on the dash. Turning the key to the "off' position would also turn off both mags, and you could stop the engine and get out without having to turn off the master and generator switches. The undesirable feature of this arrangement is in the switch design and construction. As the stacked rotary wafer-type switch rotates from one position to the next, the wiper rides on the nonconductive wafer between the switch contacts, momentarily breaking the circuit. This wasn't a problem during the vacuum tube days but modern-day integrated circuitry, like GPSs, just hate it and reset themselves. A real pain to have to re-enter your flight plan into your GPS or dial in the radio frequencies. As the original Mallory switch became unavailable, Beech came up with kit 35-30 19, which was a new Bendix ignition switch 35-364177- 1, some other bits and an installation drawing. The new switch also cured the "spiking" problem of the old one. However, if you want to modify your existing switch to avoid losing voltage to the dashboard equipment during your mag check, it's a simple change. The spiking problem is taken care of by transferring the ground wire that goes between the two switches (mag and master switches) so that it runs from the master switch directly to a good ground.-NP Page 6605 Magnesium painting Gerald Dutcher Longwood, Florida Q: I am trying to find either DOW19 or an acceptable alternative for mag- nesium preparatjon to allow priming and painting of magnesium parts. Can you help or suggest anything? A: Aircraft Spruce and Specialty (877-477-7823) and other supply houses sell a product called Magnadyne E 2390 (Mil-M-3 l7 1) PIN 09-40610 that replaces the Dow 19 used prior to applying the primer coat. Remember that after the wash-off rinse, it's very important to have the magnesium surface very, very dry prior to priming. Some painters place control surfaces in a box containing heat lamps to thoroughly dry the magnesium. If the surface "blushes" when hot air is applied. it isn' t really dry enough and can cause corrosion to reappear as a result of moisture being trapped between the metal and the primer coat.- NP B55 cracked step Jeffrey Kyff Port Huron. Michigan Q: My step is cracked and I need to find a new or good condition replacement. Any recommendations on who might have the part? ton, about one-third of the circumference. A: If it's pitted, it's probably betteno replace. CPI (316-241-2120) can strip and replate or Metro Plating (602-9691724).- P J35 performance specifications Jim Collins Valencia, California Q: I just purchased a 135 Bonanza. Is there a publication on accepted procedures for it? I am looking for takeoff, approach, landing speeds, engi ne operation (I0-470-C), leaning procedures, etc. A: An updated POH and AFM is available from Raytheon 's TMDC (800796-2665). The combined Beechcraft POH and Airplane Flight Manual is one of the airplane documents required by the FAA to be available to the pilot during f1ight.-NP Baron boots and hot propellers Dick Druschel Novi, MiChigan Q: I am considering upgrading to a Baron and have one in mind. Unfortunately, it does not have boots or hot props. Who would you recommend to do this conversion and what do you think it would cost? IS..: Possible sources include Arrell A: Hartzell (937-778-4201) is a (805-604-0439), Crossroads Aviation source of hot propellers. Boots West (972-239-0263) , Dodson (800-2550034) or White (800-821-7733) . The step can also be repaired by welding with a doubler added to the crack area and then painted or chromed .-NP V35B corroded main gear James Fordyce Q Aviation (800-220-7254) or Goodrich (330-374-3600) are sources for wing/tail de-ice boots. Prices vary by propeller and aircraft model, but you can be certain this will be an expensive conversion. You might want to consider an aircraft with these options already installed.-NP uth, Michigan : My 1972 Y35B, SIN 9354, has developed corrosion on the left main gear shock strut piston. I know that if the chrome becomes thin it can be stripped and replated, but can the piston be reworked if corrosion appears? I cannot find anything in the old logs regarding this piston being rechromed in the past. Do you know of a shop that can strip and replate the piston, or would it be wiser to replace the piston with another piston or a new piston? The corrosion involves the upper half of the exposed pis- 535 10-550 conversion Gary Street Waquoit. Massachusetts Q: I am considering having my engine rebuilt. I currently have a 10-520. Is there any advantage to having an !O550 in my model? Would 1 get better short-field performance at a higher gross weight? Would there be any speed increase? What would you recommend for cylinders seeing that there are so many options? Finally, who would you take your plane to for an overhaul? ABS February 2001 A: The 10-550 would certainly im- prove your short-field capability by decreasing the takeoff roll and increasing the climb performance. It will also increase cruise speeds by several knots but doesn 't increase your gross weight or operating speed. However. adding tip tanks will allow a gross weight increase. Concerning the brand of cylinders, you have several choices. I would listen to the shop you choose for the overhaul as they will be the source of any warranty work, should it be necessary. Given your location, you might consider Mattituck (631-298-8330) for an overhaul.- P F33A stiff mixture control Gerry Schwam Q:0te. Pennsytvanio : The mixture control of my Bo- nanza has gradually stiffened up to the point that on a cold day you can hardly move it. My mechanic has lubricated the assembly and has loosened it up, but not completely. Is there some special way to lubricate this cable? Should I be looking for a new assembly and, if so, who can supply same? Are there any back issues referring to the operation of the mixture control that I can look at? A: C33A control rigging Stiff engine throttle and mixture controls can be freed up by disconnecting the controls at the engine end, measure the current position of the rod end and remo ve it. Connect a heavy wall Tygon or rubber tube, about a foot long, over the end of the control cable with a clamp. Fill the tube with your favorite lubricant (a mixture of very light oil and graphite is good). Then install a tire valve stem in the tube and apply light air pressure while working the mixture/throttle control. This will force the oil up the control cable. Remove the tube and reassemble the rod end in its prior position. The May 1988 ABS Magazille, page 2071; June 1993, page 3240; and June 1994, page 3508 all discuss this problem. New cables are available from PerformanceAero (800-200-3 141), RAPID (888-727-4344) and other aircraft supply houses.-NP John D. Murray Morristown. New Jersey A36 fuel quantity indicator A36 club seating conversion Robert Krueger Lonsing. Michigan Q: I am in the process of buying a 1971 A36. SIN E-27 I. The current seating arrangement in the back is all four rear seats face forward. What is involved in converting to the popular club seati~ arrangement? A: On E-221 and after, the structure should be there for club seating. You'll need to make sure your curren( seats are approved for the aft facing position, be aware of any weight restrictions and make appropriate changes to your weight and balance data reflecting the change in seat position.-NP Q: My plane flies right wing heavy. This situation presents itself when I depart with full fuel. The right aileron actually extends about one inch down in level flight as compared to the right flap , while the left aileron seems level with the left flap in level fli ght. Also, the ball in my slip indicator is one-fourth inch off to the right in level flight. Does the plane need to be properly rigged, or could the right wing need an adjustment? Who can I contact in the Jersey area who is an expert rigger? A: It certain ly appears that rigging needs to be carefu lly checked by an ex- perienced maintenance person with the propertools. Ronson Aviation (609-7719500) in Trenton, ew Jersey, should be able to help you. Also, Edmunds at 603598-4740.-NP ABS February 2001 Robb S. Porter. Jr Mooresville, North Carolina Q: I own an A36 that I am lovingly restoring. I bought the airplane several years ago and went to work adding seats, headliner, fuel cells, overhauling the main landing gear, etc. Today's problem is the left side fuel quantity indicator has ceased to function. The gauge is OK, because when I wire it to the right side's wiring, it works. The operational gauge produces 70 millivolts. The left side wiring yields only 7 mv. I checked the resistance and continuity of the two sending units (I have the optional package). I got continuity through the transminers. The manual says I should read 76 ohms +/- 2 at the inboard and 34 ohms +/- 2 at the outboard. Both transminers read 6 ohms when read from wire input to wire terminal, in place with the master switch on. Resident voltage in the wire is only a few millivolts. I find it difficult to accept that the transminers are both defective, and I have begun to suspect the printed circuit board which operates the left fuel quantity indicators. There seems to be a shonage of affordable complete circuit boards, so how do I repair/check what I have? A: Don Birks of Birks Aviation Prod- ucts (651 -690-4143) tests and repairs circuit boards or will send an exchange unit for $250. See their advertisement in the ABS c1assifieds under "Services." To troubleshoot these circuit boards, which are frequently the problem, I swap boards from side to side to see if the problem follows. The ohms values given are for the individual senders when disconnected. Also, if the inboard sender is grounded, it can cause a problem.-NP Travel Air generator bracket failure Jere Fountain Richlands. North Carolina Q: I have a 1964 Travel Air, TD-573. It has 40-amp generators that are con- tinually breaking mounting bolts and brackets. I seldom get 100 hours without a problem. Is there a cure? A: Possible considerations include improper pulley alignment, propellers out of balance and whether the hardware fits the holes in the bracket properly. Some time ago there was a Lycoming Service Bulletin to install a strap between the starter and the generator bracket.-NP Maintenance log Rodger Barkoff Los Altos Hills. California Q: My large aircraft maintenance log binder is in bad shape. Where can I obtain a new one? A: Raytheon's TMDC (800-7%-2665) should be able to provide a replacement. -NP Neil Pobanz. ABS technical consultant. is a retired U.S. Army civilian pilot and maintenance manager. Neif has been an A&P and fA for 40 years. Glen J\rky. Foulk. whose business is Della Strut is an ASS assistant teclJnirol consuf/ont since 1968 who also I'r'OS a part·lime A8S Service Clinic inspector. Page 6606 NEIL'S NOTES E-series engine exhaust port sleeves We continue to get requests for information on how to make the sleeves or bushings that the late Norm Colvin described in hi s Colvin's Clillie book. These sleeves are inserted into the Eseries engine exhaust port, extending into the exhaust manifold to reduce pressure on the exhaust gasket, thus preventing gasket failure. Although effective, an approval was never attained for installing this sleeve. Since the time that Norm wrote his book, a vendor, O.R. Perry of Spokane, Washington (509-448-8852), has received an approval for a slip joint to be used in the center exhaust riser. This product- used in conjunction with surface plating the flanges, surface grinding ports as necessary and using blow proof gaskets-should take care of E-series exhaust leaks. V-tail ruddervator control arms The magnesium control arms on the 35 ruddervators have a Mandatory AD 89-05-02 that requires repetitive inspection every 100 hours. If these control arms are only painted with chromate and are not epoxy painted, they can be inspected without removal. A rag with paint thinner will remove the chromate coating enough to do the check while installed on the airplane. After a little careful washing, the arms can then be recoated with chromate. If the decision is made to replace the magnesium arms with the later aluminum versions, we recommend the work be done by a specialist as the new arms come without the holes being located or indexed and positioning can affect the flight control rigging effort. Cold weather operation With the winter weather to-date looking like we will be living with it and its residue for several months, I felt it worth commenting on some concerns. • A propeller striking a snow bank or ice is still a prop strike. In fact, towing a non-running prop into a snow bank can do damage. • Be alert for slush as it can freeze brakes or even freeze the landing gear in the "up" position. Dry cold snow of two inches or less is less of a problem but can increase take-off and landing distances. Page 6607 • A careful preflight using an adequately slow engine preheat and removal of frost , snow, etc. is very important. This removal includes gear wells and brakes, control hinges and the underside of fuselage, as well as the top as necessary. Beware of using fast, very hot engine preheating equipment which can result in blistered paint and very hot front cylinders and alternator without properly warming the oil and other engine parts. • Deicing with hot water, if not properly dried, can result in water refreezing inside the airframe or inside control surfaces and can result in frozen trim tab controls. Raytheon Airworthiness Directives for 2000 Last year saw the usual issuance of many new ADs across all aircraft makes and models, including Bonanzas and Barons. Although owners of record should have received copies of these ADs, here they are again just as a reminder. B58-AD 2000-22-18-Correct the wrong use of screws and consequent wear in the pilot/copilot pedal interconnect tube. A36, B36TC and B58-AD 2000-24-I4--Misrouted rudder control cable. • A36 and B36TC- 2000-20-I4--Lack of a firewall seal. • 95-A55. 95-855, 95-C55, D55, E55, 56TC, A56TC, 58, 58P, 58TC and 95-B55B (T42A)-2000-18-02-Potential elevator skin separation. Each of these ADs applies to specific aircraft serial numbers requiring review of the complete AD to determine whether it applies to your particular aircraft. ADs are also issued against aircraft "accessories" such as engines, propellers, magnetos, avionics, door seal pumps, etc. Since aircraft differ in what "accessories" may be installed, your maintenance provider must develop an inventory of these components and research the applicable ADs to see which, if any, apply to your aircraft and what, if any, action is required. Some ADs require "one-time" compliance while others are repetitive in nature, requiring recurring action at specific operating time or calendar intervals. ADs for 1999 and 2000 may be found at the FAA website, hup:/Iav-infoJaa.gov/adlAD.htmJ. The ABS CD-ROM Reference Library contains a complete database of all Bonanza, Baron and Travel Air ADs beginning in 1947 with current updates available on the Summit Aviation website at, http:// www.sumrnitaviation.comf. ASS Fe b ruary 2001 CANDIDATES FOR NoMINATIDN TO ABS BOARD STEVEN W. OXMAN, Area 2 nominee, soloed on his 16th birth- Dr. John Hastings, ABS Secretary: As Chairman of the A BS Nominating Committee, which also includes Dr. Richard Strickland (Little Rock, Arkansas) and Ron Vickrey (Daytona Beach, Florida), I am pleased to provide the following candidates for nomination to the ABS Board of Directors. The vacancies to be filled are due to term expirations in October 2001. Directors serve three-year terms and may be reelected for one additional three-year term. Area J - First Term - James E. Sok, Lakeville, Con- day and went on to earn commer- necticut. Representing Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. Area 2 - First Term - Steven W. Oxman, Riva, Maryland. Representing Indiana. Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Washington , D.C., West Virginia, Canada and all foreign countries except Mexico. Area" - First Term - Craig R. Bailey, Lindenhurst. Illinois. Representing Illinois. Iowa, Missouri, Minne- sota, Wisconsin In addition to the above nominees, names of other eligible members may be submitted by general membership petition in accordance with Article II (7) of the ABS Bylaws. Respectfully submitted, Dave Richards, Chairman :2 $ $ cial, single engine land, multi-engine land and hot air balloon ratings. He is the owner of OXKO Corporation, an information technology company, whose clients include Dupont, Bethlehem Steel, the U.S. Navy and NASA. His company has provided some computer software development for remotely piloted vehicles for Israeli Aircraft Industries and the U.S. Air Force. Steve's professional and technical experience include computer systems, computer controls, computer simulation and piloting aircraft. His education includes a BS s: :2 in math, computer science and business administration and an MS in computer science and management. He has written two textbooks and numerous articles in the computer science field. He has also authored several articles on aviation subjects. Ste\'e is president of the North East Bonanza Group and spends as much time as possible flying and caring for his "fantastic" K35 . He lives in Riva, Maryland (next door to Annapolis). He and his wife Judith have three sons. a lifelong one. Beginning with flyable model airplanes as a child, Jim progressed to a commercial CRAIG R. BAILEY, Area 4 nominee, has been a pilot since 1972 and currently holds a multiengine ATP certificate. He is a Gold Seal flight instructor for airplane, instrument and multiengine, He also holds both an advanced and instrument ground pilot'S license, an instrument rat- instructor certificate. ing and more than 1,200 flight hours. He has been a pilot since 1970 and an aircraft owner for the last 15 years. His most recent airplane was a 1993 A36. He is currently searching for an F33A. Jim has been a member of ABS since owning his first Bonanza, an F33A. Since joining the Society, he has enthusiastically participated in ABS activities, including annual conventions, service clinics, BPPP and the ABS tent at Oshkosh. Jim has a degree in pharmacy, a masters in health care management and an MBA. He served for 12 years as president and CEO of a hospital that was part of an integrated health system. Later he was an executive with a national architectural/engineering firm which specialized in hospital and medical building design and construction. Presently, he is a senior vice president of an integrated health care system in northeastern Pennsylvania. Jim is a director of a number of corporate and community service boards. He and his wife Debra live in Lakeville, Connecticut. Craig is an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor, has been affiliated with BPPP since 1990 and conducted several clinics annually. With one year out of BPPP service because of scheduling conflicts, he plans to resume his relationship with the BPPP in the coming year. At present, Craig is based in Chicago where he serves as the retirement benefit manager of Kraft Foods. He is also active as a flight instructor in the Chicago area where he provides about 200 hours of dual instruction annually. He only instructs in Beech airplanes, most frequently providing recurrent training. Even so, he completed several certificates and ratings in Bonanzas last year. Craig currently owns an S35 and has previously owned a C35 and an H35. He has logged in excess of 7,000 hours of flight time, with about 2.300 hours flown in Beech airplanes. He is IFR rated. Craig serves as vice president of the Midwest Bonanza Society. His formal education includes a BS in industrial education and an MBA in labor relations. He and his wife Connie reside in Lindenhurst, Illinois. -@- JAMES E. SOK, Area I nominee, describes his interest in aviation as ABS February 2001 ~ :2 &III» I»$ s: s: = Page 6608 ThiS mop shows the geographical distribution of ASS members in the United Stales, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In additIOn, there are 74 members in Australia, 20 in South Africa. 25 in Germany. 19 in Belgium. 26 in the United Kingdom and smaller numbers in 29 ather countries. If you are aware of a Bonanza, Baron, Travel Air, Debonair or T-34 pilot who is not a member, please let AB5 Headquarters know. The person will receive a complimentary copy of the ABS Magazine, along with information about the 50ciety and an application for membership. Call 316-9451700, or e-mail <bonanza2@ bonanza.org>. i::i~~1~~ Page 6609 ~~~::> here are almost 16,000 Bonanzas, Barons, Travel Airs, Debonairs and T-34s registered in the United States. There are also approximately 400 members who reside elsewhere in the world. You do not need to be an owner of a Bonanza-specific type of airplane-or even the owner of a Beech airplane-to be a member of the American Bonanza Society. Actually, you don't have to have an airplane at all. Many of our members are mechanics and FBO operators, and others are members just because of their interest in airplanes and perhaps plan to purchase an "ABS" airplane in the fu ture and want to learn more about them. Our Society makes a strong, concerted and continuous effort to increase ABS membership. We send letters to member prospects outlining the many benefits of membership and invite them to join. Each new member that the Society attracts adds to the power and the energy and the information available to the rest of the members. ABS February 2001 CRUISING THE WEB, contilllled from page 6600 eBay has its own search engine, which allows you to constrain your search on "aircralt pans" and even search for Beech or pan numbers. However, most of what we found on eBay was avionics. On the day we happened to search, we turned up a 28-voh turn coordinator, a gear motor, an antenna and an ADFalong with a bunch of models and original advertisements being sold by various individuals. In general, we would give eBay a C- forthe quantity of Beech materials available, with an A+ for the general handling of cash, due to eBay's extensive experience in handling auctions. Buyer beware! As with any mail-order business, buying parts over the Internet comes with a modicum of risk. There is always the chance that someone is out to commit fraud, and by doing so, cause you to part with your money. No maller who the seller or buyer is, insist on talking with them on the phone. If you are unfamiliar with them, get a reference, such as a local FBO. If you are handling an expensive piece of equipment and don't know the buyer or seller, consider working with an escrow agent. An escrow age nt will receive the cash and assure that the equipment gets shipped. While this wi ll cost you a percentage of the cost of the work, the protection it offers both the seller and the buyer can be welcome when the dollar value starts to reach around $5,000. If you are buying anything online, you need to ask the seller the basic questions. These include why the seller is selling the pan, whether the pan came from a plane that was involved in an accident, fire or flood and whether the part is tagged as airworthy_Be sure to ask what warranty the part seller is offering. Remember, if the pan isn't what they have represented it to be, you need to know what, if anything, they will do to make it right. ABS February 2001 Finally, think reasonably about such sales. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably really is too good to be true. Don't let the lure of an astoni shingly low price for a part that you need take your conscience for a ride. By keeping these simp le tips in mind-and keeping you r common sense tuned in-you will be ready to embark on your journey into the Internet and find the exact parts yo u need to keep your plane flying. ABS member George Wilhelmsen. Morris, !mnois. is the Balance of Planf SupeNisor af Exe/on LaSafie County Generating StatiOn. He is a lOG-hour Commercia/Instrument-rated pilof, is the avionics editor for Private Pilof. the avionics editor for CUstom Planes and is a contributing editor for Piiol and Avionics News. s BE A PILOT enters fifth year BE A PILOT is a nonprofit organization STOP DREAMING. START FLYING ~ formed to educate the public about the benefits of general aviation and flight training. It is supported by aviation companies and organizations dedicated to revitalizing the general aviation industry and creating new student pilots. After four years and a string of accomplishments, and with Drew Steketee as its new president and chief executive, BEA PILOT heads into its flfth year armed with research and data to continue this success. Responses 10 BE A PILOT's marketing message were up 25 percent over 1999. This includes responses to the program's cable television advertising, print ads and articles about learning to fly that appeared in the general media. Its five-month cable television campaign finished in September last year with II percent more responses than in 1999 and 15 percent less cost. Responses to Be A PILOT's website increased 66 percent by October of 2000. With a new web-based database management system, BE A PILOT is able 10 track the demographics of respondents in real time. BE A PILOT began surveying respondents monthly via e-mail questionnaires. These surveys are launched 90 days after the request for the $35 Introductory Flight Certificate. Survey responses from the first half of the year re vealed that 34 percent of the individuals are motivated to learn 10 tly for fun, while 33 percent are motivated by the challenge, 25 percent by the adventure and nine percent by the freedom. Forty-nine percent said it was their first time in a small airplane. At the time they were contacted-90 days after requesting a Certificate-31 percent had taken an intro flight and 21 percent had begun fl ying lessons' Of the individuals who took an introductory flight, 95 percent said they were satisfied wilh the customer service provided by the flight school. A computerized kiosk has been developed areas areas with high concentrations of people interested in learning to fly, such as museums and trade shows. Both AOPA and Honeywell have also purchased kiosks. The interactive computer program asks the prospective student pilot questions about his or her interest in learning to fly and guides the prospect through a brief informational video. For more information about BE A PILOT, see their website at <www.beapilot.com>. [email protected] Sf APilOt Page 6610 BPPP: ASAFE PILOT IS ALWAYS LEARNING Why I enjoy being part of the BPPP BY KENT EWING VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA W e comple[ed our Bonanza/Baron Pilo[ Profi ciency Program fiscal year on September 24, 2000, wrapping up [he final clinic a[ Linle Rock, Arkansas . Besides comple[ing abolll 50 par[icipan[s, some of us were able [0 visit [he famous Excelsior Ho[el just down [he s[ree!. This story is all about why BPPP instructors (me, especially) enjoy being away from home 12 weekends a year. This story is about pi loIS who show up with their fabu lous Beechcraft flying machines a[ BPPP. I['s about their lives, backgrounds, experiences and fl ying careers. The session in lillie Rock rumed up two fa ntast ic se ni or ci tizens , Rh ys Stanger and Cap!. John Olson-World War II veterans. who had both Bonanza and Liberator flight lime in common. Rhys (pronounced Reece) came [0 us from Amelia Island, Florida, flying his F33, N3 122K. He was an initial BPPP Page 6611 trainee who has been flyin g his Bonanza for nearly 5,000 hours since he re-s[aned flying a[ age 50. When I learned he was a WWlT ve[eran. I [actfully suggested he must be approaChing 80 and his immediate response was, "Yes, but I'm nO! approaching 80 any faster [han you are!" Righ[ then, I knew I was in for an interesti ng discussion. In January 1944, Rh ys arrived in [he European Thea[er and was assigned [0 a bomber wing in Foggia, Italy (15[h AF). He flew 10 missions in [he B-224 Libera[or into [he "sof[ underbelly" of Europe before [he Nazi regime collapsed. He came home, was successful in manufacturing and real estate financing businesses, raised a family and, after a 30year hiatus from flying, he sold his boat and bought a Bonanza. When I asked abolll his experience at BPPP, he said [hal for 26 years he had been flying his Bonanza pretty well and could not even comprehend all thi s "flying by the numbers" stuff. Bu[ after completing the BPPP flying, he said i[ was very helpful to standardize the power settings, and he thoroughly enjoyed the training. [ just hope when I'm 78 [hat I can even re- member the numbers, le[ alone fly them. On Sunday morning, while wailing for good weather, I had [he good fortune [0 spend a few minutes with Cap!. John Olson and his wife Dolores, who joined our session, flying in from Georgetown, Texas, in an F33, N943 I Q. John was with us for his second BPPP, having anended at Little Rock the year before. John got [0 Foggia, I[al y, a few months earlier than Rhys and completed 50 B-24 missions. For most of them, he was [he youngest aircraft commander in [he European [healer at age 19-20 until, he says, "some younger snolly-nosed kid showed up'" John recalled how [he boys from England were gelling all [he press on their missions [0 Berlin, and he related that some of his squadro n's missions were flown into much more heavily defended targets. On e repeated target was Moosebierbaum oi l refinery where a piece of shrapn el shaltered John 's wi ndscreen and lodged in hi s pi lo[ seal just above his shoulder; he still has i!. A[ war's end, a[ age 20, he was too young for any of [he airlines to hire (age 23 was their requirement). So he got ABS February 2001 some schooling at the Univers ity of Michigan and then began with TACA, a subsidi ary of TWA. He flew Lockheed Lodestars, Avro Lancers and DC3s out of Costa Rica. John was ultimately hired on wi th Braniff in the Dallas area, married Delores (a Braniff hostess) and started flying the "heavy metar' of the dayDC4s and DC6s. Over hi s lengthy career with Braniff (1948-1984) John worked his way from the Lock heed Electra (Navy P-3 Orion) to the jet-age Boeing 707,720, Bac III , and anything else with a B in front of it. John once again flew combat missions as a civilian in the 707300 into Danang, Vietnam. Then around 1978, he was pretty senior and also pretty lucky. He was one of 10 Americans picked to go to Toulouse, France, 10 check out in the Concorde! He got his training and 10 hours of flight time wilh Ihe famous John Pinet as his instructor. Then he new the Concorde for Braniff between Dallas and Dulles. He logged over 400 subsonic hours at Mach .95 and one supersonic hour over West Virginia, fini shing up hi s air transport career at age 60 fly ing the B747. When he showed me his flying li cense. I saw he had at least 20 type ratingsl Did you know that Concorde is the only airplane without a number designator? It is Concorde. Period. According to Capt. Olson, the Concorde is an entity unto itsel f. It is Concorde, not even the Concorde. Now here's why I chose to lell you this story: John loves his 1989 F33 in which he now has about 800 hours (and 36,000 hours in Ihe other mundane stuff) and he told me that Ihe BPPP is the best of all the recurrent lraining he has ever taken, including the Iwice-a-year recurrent stuff with Braniff. Wow! How many type rati ngs do you have? See Ihe next page for the BPPP 200 I schedule. Kent W Ewing is the former Commanding Officer of the USS America (eV 66) during Operation Desert Storm.A test pilof with 8000 hours in over 150 types including over 1000 ;n Borons/BonanzasIMenfors/ Turbo-Mentors. Kent enjoys instructmg with BPPP and sharing his aviation expertise with BarorVBonanza owners. ABS Feb ruary 2001 How can we fly more safely? BY RON ZASADZINSKI FORT COLLI NS, COLORADO A s pilots. we are interested in making our flying as safe as possible. To do that, it is important to understand what the greatest risk factors are. This allows our decisions to be made from an informed perspecti ve. o o What are the more common things that get pilots into trouble? What can we do to minimize our risk of having an accident? Profiled here are two accidents in 2000 involving controlled flight into terrain. These are excerpts from NTSB preliminary reports. On Jul y 15 at 1830 central daylight lime, a Beech Model 35, N947V, pi loted by a private pilot was deslroyed after impacling power lines and lerrain near Columbus, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. Witnesses to the accident reported thaI the aircrafl was nying al a low altitude when it hit the power lines. One witness Slated that he had seen the aircraft " ... flying low one time before down ri ver." (Examination of the wreckage showed no apparent malfunctions of fuel , engine or flight control systems.) On June 19 about 1215 hours Pacific daylight time, a Beech G35, 580 1, collided with the ground while maneuvering in the traffic patlern at the Byron, California, ai rport. The airplane was destroyed in the ground collision sequence. The commercial pilotlowner died as a result of injuries sustained in the acci- dent. The commercial pilotltlight inslrUc- tor recei ved serious injuries. Visual me- teorological conditions prevailed for the instructional fli ght. The flight originated al Hayward, California, and was destined for Modesto with practice instrument approaches at various airports. Witnesses reported observing the airplane passing over the airport abou t 1,200 feet AGL and it appeared at firsl that it was going to land on Runway 5. The ai rplane Ihen continued around in a circle to Runway 30 and subsequently collided with the terrain about 150 feet northeast of the Runway 30 approach end. What was the common factor in these two accidents? Both aircrafl were under control al low altitude, yet flown into the ground. According 10 the 1998 AOPA Air Safety Foundation NaB Report, maneuvering at low altitude is the primary cause of 27 percent of falal pi lot-related accidents, Each of these accidents points to a different factor we would be wise to consider. The first accident is an unfortunate example of the most common type of maneuvering fatality. According to the 1998 Nall Report, about 50 percent of fatal maneuvering accidents involve buzzing and low-level flight. When I firsl encountered this statistic, I was quite surprised to find that it lVas so common. The good news is thaI this kind of accident is preventable by choosing to not engage in buzzing or low-level flight. I have done my share Page 6612 of that in times past, but I chose to stop my occasional low-level flight a few years ago when I realized I could lower my chances of killing myself in an airplane by up to 37 percent just by making that choice! There can be a lot of power in a simple but informed decision. The second accident, a crash during a circle-to-Iand maneuver after an instrument approach, is a poignant reminder of just how demanding circling-to-Iand can be, even in VFR weather conditions. This is a very challenging phase of flight as the pilot is making the transition from instrument to visual flight (this is true whether just exiting the clouds or from a hood); trying to fmd a runway, possibly in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in poor visibility; and trying to ascertain where the aircraft is in relation to the airport. The latter will determine how the pilot will enter the traffic pattern for the desired runway. At the same time, final checks for proper landing configuration and passenger security need to be attended to. The aircraft may be slowing down at this point, which always increases the risk of an unintended descent unless frequent attention is given to altitude control. Any additional distraction or confusion could lead to an unmanageable situation. Often the reason to circle is due to a strong wind that can cause the ground track to be significantly different from what is expected. If the pilot subconsciously maneuvers to make the ground track appear "normal," he may invite an accelerated stalUspin close to the ground. How can a circle-to-Iand maneuver be made as safe as possible? The most important factors are attention to power and altitude management, and positional awareness. Know your power settings. Upon leveling out at MDA for the circling maneuver, promptly set the power settings you previously determined will allow you to maintain pattern airspeed and altitude. Divide your attention between visual references outside the aircraft and in; frePage 6613 quently scan your altimeter. Stay at or above MDA until you are at a position in the pattern where you would normally descend below that altitude. The lowest circling minimums encountered are around 400 feet AGL. Normally, you would not be below that altitude until turning onto final approach. The use of visual approach slope indicators are my favorite cue before beginning a descent on final. Check the approach chart for presence of approach slope indicators -PAPI , VASI, etc. As far as positional awareness is concerned, the more familiar you are with the environment before the approach the better. Review the runway layout where you expect to be when you exit the clouds or hood, how you will be oriented to the landing runway at that point in time and how crab angle due to wind may alter all of those factors. If things go awry at an y point, a missed approach is always an option. Remember to make an immediate climb, your first turn toward the landing runway, and then follow the missed approach procedure. 2001 BPPP Recent experience is important as well. When is the last time you practiced a circling approach to a landing? How about beginning the circling maneuver and then flying the missed approach? Was it by yourself, with a safety pilot, or in actual conditions When someone asks me, "How safe is flying?" [ li ke to respond that flying is as safe as the pilot chooses to make it. We can make our flying safer by choosing to not engage in low-level flight and buzzing, and by regularly practicing the maneuvers necessary for safely completing a circling approach. Ron Zasodzinski. secretary of the BonanzaIBoron Pilot Proficiency Program Boord of Directors, is 0 ground and ffight instructor with more than 5, SOO hours of !fight time in general aviation aircraft. He works as a flight instructor and a computer consultant. Ron formerly worked as 0 nuclear physicist for the Department of Energy 01 lawrence Livermore National Lob. You con e-moiJ Ron at <ronz@ flyron.com>. If YOLI desire more dOlO from Ihe NTSB, check <IV\Vw.lllsb.govlAvia I iOlllmOl11hs .hlln>. Olher stalislics are available from < IV IV IV. a opo . a rgla sfJp 1I bl i co I ion sl 98nall,hlmi>. INC. SCHEDULE Initial/Recurrent Phase at all locations. Bonanzas/Barons/Travel Airs at all locations. Subject to change . DATE LOCATION PHASE March 2-4 San Antonio, Texas Initial/Recurrent March 23-25 Greensboro. North Carolina Initial/Recurrent Fresno, California Initial/Recurrent April 27-29 Columbus. Ohio Initial/Recurrent May 18-20 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Initial/Recurrent June 1-3 Spokane, WaShington Initial/Recurrent June 22-24 Colorado Springs, Colorado Mountain Flying September 21-23 Little Rock. Arkansas Initial/Recurrent October 5-7 Fresno. California Initial/Recurrent October 19-21 Nashua, New Hampshire Initial/Recurrent November 2-4 Norfolk. Virginia Initial/Recurrent April ~8 Cockpit Companion course available at all locations except Colorado Springs. CAll THE BPPP. INC. REGISTRATION OFFICE to make arrangements: 970-377-1877 or fax 970-377-1512. ABS February 2001 Engine fuel starvation with Osborne tip tanks ASS IDEA AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE I experienced the same fuel starvation problems as described by Salvatore Dina (November 2000 Forum, page 6480) on my turbo Bonanza with Osborne tip tanks, luckily while taxiing. I usually test all tanks during warm-up and taxiing, checki ng all the positions of the fuel selec- day morning I called Raytheon Aircraft Services at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport and talked to Roger Mohling, supervisor of piston maintenance. I explained that I was in a jam. The airplane was across town at Jabara Airport and I needed it repaired by Tuesday afternoon for a Wednesday morning trai nin g flight. Roger told me that if I co uld bring the plane to Mid-Conti- tor valve. nent over the lunch hour, he would get to work I have discovered that this fuel starvation happens every time I completely empty the tip tanks on it right away and have it fi nished by Tuesday afternoon. I was ecstatic, realizing that all of his technicians were probably already assigned to jobs. After I got out of ground school on Monday afternoon, I dro ve to Mid-Continent to check on the progress. To my surprise, Roger himself was working on the leak! Rather than wait for one of his mechanics to finish ajob, Roger dug right in and fixed the leak himself. By Tuesday afternoon, in flight or on the ground. I think some air gets trapped in the empty fuel lines and blocks fuel flow. It happened once in flight, always for the same reason, but immediately after turning on the low pressure fuel pump (turbos have high and low pressure auxiliary fuel pump settings), the engine restarted after a few seconds-although very long seconds--even without chang- ing tanks. One time, in flight , I felt the engine slow down and the fuel flow decrease while using the right hand tank with the cross-feed switch on. Changing tanks brought all back to normal, even on the left tip tank. What happened was that the cross-feed solenoid did not work and an insect had made its nest in the right tank fuel vent. Af- ter cleaning the vent, it all went back to normal. I recommend two things: AJways test every position of the fuel selector before takeoff, remembering that at low fuel flow it may take a few minutes for the engine to use the fuel in the lines between the selector valve and the injectors. Frequently check the fuel quantity in fl ight, because what happened to me was that the crossfeed solenoid did not open, and I was using fuel only from one tank instead of both. Tip: When flying over long stretches of sea, I mark the position of ships I meet by ARNAV or GPS to be able to return toward the nearest one in case of trouble. I must say I enjoy very much having a very long range on my Bonanza! - Giuseppe Munafo Milan. Italy Raytheon Aircraft Services I recently took delivery of Baron TH-1955, which I am pleased to report was virtually squawk-free the day it rolled out the door at the factory. One month after delivery. on my way to Wichita, Kansas, for FlightSafety recurrent training, Tbegan to notice oil on the left engine cowl- ing adjacent to the air conditioning compressor "bump." At our fuel stop in HUF, we determined that the oil was leaking from the through-bolts that support the compressor mounting bracket. The problem appeared to be more of a seep than a leak so we decided to continue the flight. We arrived Sunday night and first thing Mon- everything was repaired to my satisfaction and away I went. I know many fellow ABS members travel to Wichita, and I want you to know you don't have to be one of Roger Mohling's best customers to get red carpet treatment at RAS. Without Roger 's concern for customer satisfaction, J truly believe I wou ld have been unable to stick to my original sc hedule and return home Wednesday afternoon. I know you receive many letters of recommendation, but Roger tru ly went above and beyond for me. Keep up the great work with the magazine! - Timothy R. Tate York, Pennsylvania Door prize a winner! I would like to thank the ABS , Dick Delagrange of Global Aviation Tires and Goodyear for the fantastic door prize at the ABS Convention in San Antonio last year. I purchased a new set of Goodyear Custom lis for my F33A so I could make the trip from Stuart, Florida, to Stinson Field in San Antonio, Texas for the ASS Convention. We spoke with Dick at the Goodyear booth to confirm that I had made a good choice for tires. I had no idea that the next day my name woul d be on the board for the door prize for a new set of Goodyear Custom lIs. What a happy day! When it rai ns, it pours. -Bill Hinsley. Jr. Stuart, Florida McCreery Aviation This is to pass on my highest praise for the outstanding job Tony Prats did in handling my recent service needs at McCreery Aviation in McAllen, Texas. He did what a true professional does- he made a difficult task appear easy. Tony drew not only from his training and background, Page 6614 but also used creative ingenuity in solving the problem(s) at hand. Throughout the repair process. he remained most attentive to the needs of his customer (me). McCreery is most fortunate to have Tony heading its maintenance operation. Furthermore, I found the entire staff to be most accommodating and pleasant. Over the years, this FBO has been only a fuel stop for me; but whenever I have the opportunity to make recommendations for service or fuel in the Valley, McCreery will get my vote. -Bob Edmondson Houston. Texas More on TVIVeRs As for the TV NCR in the plane. I have a cheapie $200 "Broksonic" CTSGT-2799C from Circuit City combo IO-inch TV and built-in VHS VCR that has a 12-volt option. It's a bit bulky, but it plays all of our daughter 's Disney tapes without any trouble. I put it in the back seat beside her and hook up a pair of inthe-ear earplug style headphones that I put inside the airplane's headphones so she can hear the TV just fine. She's one happy little camper. Of course, if you can get one of those flat panel DVD players, all your space problems will go away. -Ron Davis, ASS Director Newport Beach, California Help from Falcon Every once in a while, one runs into people who go out of their way to be helpful and I wish to go on record extending my gratitude to the ASS and to Nick Papinicalau at Falcon Insurance. I had planned a family trip from Toledo, Ohio, to White Plains, New York, with subsequent vacationing plans in South Carolina on October 27. As it ended up, after spending the night of the 27th in New York, I recei ved an urgent call from our daughter in Iowa which required a change of plans and flying from White Plains to the Quad Cities. The complication that arose was that on Friday the 27th, [received word from my partner that the company insuring our G33 was insolvent and that we no longer had coverage. [ called the ABS and was referred to Falcon. Not only did Nick at Falcon solve my Amerlcan~;i Bonanza' ~ Soclett~~~~ Page 66 15 insurance problem, save our trip to New York (and more importantly our urgent trip to Iowa), but he did so in a four-hour span oftime. He increased our coverage limits for less money than we had paid the year before. I am grateful to Falcon Insurance and the service they provided to me and am writing this letter to commend them publicl y and congratulate the ABS on their choice of endorsements. -John H. Robinson, M.D. Maumee, Ohio User fee fallacy We just received a bill for $49.22 from Nav Canada for two trips from the United States to Brookville, Ontario, only 10 miles from the U.S. border. The switch to user fees, we were led to believe, would replace the fuel tax. Well. I' m here to tell you that the fuel prices are still higher than those in the U.S., and certainly do not reflect a $49 reduction in tax, no matter how much fuel you purchase. Do not be fooled by the user fee crowd 's explanation that it's a more fair system. An efficient fuel tax system can't be replaced by a cumbersome method of tracking, billing, collecting and enforcing a user fee system that charges $1.25 per mile. Upon closer inspection, the bill is in Canadian dollars. I've had to call my bank ( 15 minutes) to figure out the exchange rate. After this, [ suppose Twill stand in line at the post office to affix proper international postage! -Bil/Bedell Olney; Maryland Valuable article I just read the December ABS Maga- zine article "The Mystique of Autopilot Accidents." [ thought, how scary; I've been flying for 32 years-with a KFC200 the last 16 years-and I never knew this information. I will be having a light and horn installed that will activate any time the electric trim is running. Please pass on my thanks to Mr. Lipscomb and Mr. Bray. The cost of my ABS membership has paid for itself. Member feedback appreciated A couple of months ago I posted a question in the "Forum" asking whether anyone with an Elite simulator had the same problem I did, i.e. it was all over the sky and almost not flyable. I got two calls. The first said he had the s;me problem whi Ie the second said he owned an IFR training center in Texas that used Elite with great success. He suggested I change from the cheap Flight Stick Pro to the better Flight Sim Yoke ($ 125). Wow, what a difference! The problem all the time was the cheap stick 1 was using. Elite now flies great. I hope the first gentleman who called reads this so he knows it's not the Elite program. Also, I must say Elite has the best support I' ve seen. They really bent over backwards to help me. I also owe thanks to the many calls I got about a TV in the plane to entertain the kids, especially the dentist in New York for his suggestion to look at the SONY GV-A500 (a small TV with Hi8 tape player built in). Copying movies to the tape is a little bit of work but worth it. Call me if you have a question (704892-730 I Eastern). The ability to submit questions to the "Forum" and get answers from all over the country is a very powerful tool. -Ray Brown Cornelius. North Carolina Headliner replacement The headliner in my '92 F33A started sagging and badly needed replacement. I asked my maintenance shop during the last annual about fixing it and was told that Raytheon was picking up most of the tab for this as a warranty issue! What a relief! The job was going to cost over $3,OOO! Evidently, any aircraft under 10 years old is covered. What a nice surprise! Tguess that every once in a while we get a break. Woodland Aviation in California did a wonderful job. My machine looks new again--{)n the inside, anyway. -Jim Posner Menlo Park. California -FronkGeib Portage. Michigan The ABS IS the most complete member-service coverage in the industry. Your support and participallon have made this possible. Thanks. A BS Februa ry 2001 TESTING DURING COLUMBIA-GRUMMAN XJL-l AMPHIBIAN BY JOHN M. MILLER. POUGH KEEPSIE, NEW YORK IN 1942 45 1 was a Captain on Eastern Air Lines, flying DC-3s out of LaGuardia and Newark, on a two-day-on, two-day-off schedule. I did not wish to waste those two days between my flights during wartime, so J contacted a small aircraft factory at Valley Stream, Long Island, Columbia Aircraft Corp., not far from my home in Little Neck, and obtained a contract to make special small screws on the little lathe in my basement. They were high precision screws but in such small quantities that the factory had found it difficult to get subcontractors to take them on. I had to make special tools to make the screws- right on the same lathesi nce it was the only machine tool 1 had. It took me some time to start maki ng the actual screws, because it took some trickery to make the tools on the lathe only. I finally started making the screws in small batches, which rdel ivered for inspection before proceeding further. The factory was satisfied with my work and with the delivery times, for no actual planes had yet been delivered and suffi cient numbers of my screws were on hand. On a Saturday evening, I arrived home, however, to find my wife upset because a factory representative, known as an expeditor, had come to the door asking for the location of the Miller Machine Works. He said he could not seem to locate the shop in this residential section. He was puzzled when she affirmed that our home-not a big brick factory-was in fact the Miller Machine Works. She said she took him to the basement and showed him the one little lone lathe and the work in progress and he explained what an expeditor was and left, scratching his head in a quandary. ABS Februa ry 2001 My wife had formed the impression that the man was dissatisfied with late deliveries of the screws. I had not been given any indication that the factory was in a hurry for them. But [ worked all the next day and evening getting screws made and ready for delivery. I called the factory the next day to explain that 1 would speed up production. The president of the company came on the line and said, "Forget the screws! We want you to be our test pilot. We are ready to test the prototype airplane. Bring the screws and tools to us- along with your helmet and goggles- to test the first J2F-6 Navy amphibian." I had not had any forewarning of such an assignment. The J2F-6 was a descendant of the J2F-5 made before the war by Grumman. A biplane with fabric-covered wings, it was used largely for air/sea rescue flying. These airplanes were urgently needed for that work, but Grumman was unable to produce them due to the rush of fighter orders. The result was that I became the chief test pilot for Columbia. Two other pilots came later to help me after my initial engineering testing due to our changes. We produced 330 of them to the end of the war. Actually, it was not even legal for me to do that extra flying beyond my airline flying, but it was wartime and I felt the testing was important enough to ignore regulations. Both the airline and the Page 6616 factory needed me, and test pilots with engineering training were in very short suppl y. The airline found out about it, but no one said anything to me. Flying was my rec reation as well as my profession. In the middle of the production run of the J2F-6 biplane amphibian, the Navy requested that a larger and more modern amphibian be produced for airlsea rescue work. It happened that Grumman had the preliminary design of such an aircraft on the drawing board which they turned over to Columbia for finishing and production. This was started and I observed the design work and made suggestions. Three airfra mes were built, one for testing to destruction and the other two for flight. The test airframe was Shipped to the government laboratory for test. As the two prototypes progressed, I spent a lot of time in and around them to completely familiarize myself with all of their controls, fuel and electrical systems, landing gear systems, etc. One had a hydraulically operated landing gear. The other was a very unique type of mechanical system with electrically dri ven screws which had recirculating bearing balls. These aircraft had nose wheels instead of the old tail wheels as used on previous airplanes, a great safety improvement. The wings, outboard of the landing gear struts, folded upward by hydraulic actuation so that their tips almost touched together over the cockpit canopy to red uce congestion on a flight deck. Of course, the aircraft had equipment for catapult launching and an arrest~ ing hook. A fairl y large cabin was provided by the hull and there were four fold-down litters on each sidewall for rescued men. On outbound flights, a collapsible neoprene fuel bag in the cabin could be filled , and it would collapse as the fuel was used. With that outbound fuel, the range was 1700 nm. Preparing for a first test flight in newly designed aircraft--especially a complex, complicated type, such as the XJLI, and a rather radical type at that- requires very careful planning and thorough study of all of its intricate systems, emergency equipment, etc. In the case of this aircraft, it was not only a land plane but also a seaplane, so two separate test flight programs were necessary, each with its own type of dangers. The seaplane's water performance characteristics can be not only complicated but dangerous if unexpected idiosyncrasies show up. The unusual combination of land-type fu selage and watertype flying boat hull was originated between the wars by Grover Page 6617 Loening who manufactured them for the Army and Navy, such as the OL-8, with modified Liberty engines. (I happened to know Loening. who had been engineer for the Wright brothers, and had visited his factory on the lower east side of Manhattan while I was studying at Pratt Institute.) MODEL TESTING PROGRAM While work was goi ng on in the engineering department and in the manufacturing shop on the airframe parts, a very complicated model test program was being conducted. An exact scale model was built and tested in a wind tunnel to obtain aerodynamic data about performance, etc. Another exact but larger model was built and powered by electric motors. It was built to actually fly under captive control in the Navy's testing canal. There was a long canal inside a special test building, used mainly for testing ship hulls, submarines, torpedoes, etc. A short traveling bridge rode on rails alongside each side of the canal. A set of controls and a pilot's seat was on the bridge so a model could be flown via remote mechanical controls with bridge following. The model actually flies but is held captive within limits. In that way, the water characteristics can be quite well-determined in safety before the aircraft is actually built. This can be done with various loads and CG locations and in artificially induced waves. I suppose that in these days of electronic radio control, the testing of such a model could be done in actual free-flight under radio control. Such free- flight testing could possibly include spin and di ve tests to avoid endangering a pilot in a fu llscale aircraft. Finally, the first prototype was completed and ready. After engi ne run-up tests were completed, the day came for taxi tests on the ground. They were made at gradually increased speeds and proved satisfactory, including steering control. High-speed ABS February 2001 runs were made on the 3,ooo-foot runways, none too long, even with low takeoff weight. Finally. the day came for an actual flight after careful check of CG location and engine run-up. An exciting moment ' Fire engines and an ambulance were located at the far end of the runway and the first takeoff was made. The airplane new beautifully. The landing gear retracted and extended properly and the first landing was normal. The employees of the fac tory were outside to see the test night and they celebrated by cheering and went back to work. A tense day that ended OK. FLIGHT EVALUATION The serious work of flight evaluation then began. That started with speed runs while calibrating the airspeed indicator over a measured course out over the water, and watching for signs of control surface nuller. At gradually increased speeds (including with the landing gear down). no f1uller occurred. All that careful laboratory testing had paid off. There were no problems whatever. Engine cooling was satisfactory and the propeller worked normally. Numerous tests followed. It was an excellent land plane. On one of the test flights, I had two engineers riding down in the cabin to take numerous readings of strain gauges on the structures and temperature gauges in the engine area. They were wearing detachable parachute harnesses, but their parachutes were hanging on a side wall ready for use. Immediately after liftoff, without distance left for an emergency landing straight ahead, an enormous fire erupted from the engine cowling and blew back over the windshield and down into the cockpit on which I had the sliding canopy open for takeoff. I momentarily reduced power and the names reduced somewhat while I slid the canopy closed to keep the tire out. The engine seemed to be running OK so I increased power. I did not wish to crash straight ahead with a burning airplane or to ABS Fe b ruary 2001 bailout with those two engineers aboard. So quickly made the decision to use the power to make a power-slipping turn to keep the names off to the side while I made the tight turn to land on the other runway, which crossed the takeoff runway. I kept the plane turning and slipping almost to the ground. then quickly landed downwind and fast but was able to top. I had not tried to activate the fire extinguisher because that would be useless with the engine still under power. After we were on the ground, the fire engine was chasing me down the runway. I turned to taxi back to meet it, then shut the engine down and nipped the extinguisher switch. othing happened! The firemen squirted foam allover the engine and all was secured. The two engineers exited the plane, choking and gasping from the dense smoke that had filled the cabin. They were more scared than I was, but thankful. I doubt they ever went aloft again. I have a photo of a large bole in the exbaust manifold. which allowed the hot exhaust flames to burn through the pressuri zed aluminum oi l lines used for the experimental readings and cause the intense fire. That night confirmed one of my suggestions for changes. In the cockpit there was a long row of identical switches that controlled numerous items, such as lights, engine cowling, fuel pumps, radios, wing folding, flaps and landing gear operation. Each switch had a tiny identification label. diffi cult to read, especially in the dark or in rough air. It was necessary to look carefully to identify a switch before acting, to avoid a dangerous mistake. One of those switches controlled the fire extinguisher for the engine. After I landed, I had tried to quickly identify the extinguisher switch among that long row of identical levers, then decided to waste no more time and get back to meet the fire engines, posthaste. Afterwards, when I had time to look, it took me several seconds to identify the switch, only to find that it didn 't work. It was later determined that someone had removed the fuse! I had uggested that such important sw itches as those for the landing gear and the wing naps be enBurst exhaust manifold, wh ich allowed the hoI exhaust flames 10 burn through the pressurized aluminum oil lines and cause an intense fire . Page 6618 tirely different from the others and easily identified by feel instead of sight. Those suggestions were deferred until later to be included on production aircraft. Much later, after the end of the war, when I was checking out anolher pilot to replace me, he accidentally retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps after rolling almost to a stop afler landing. I was sitting in Ihe rear cockpit with no controls, simply lalking to him on the interphone. The switches were the cause of this accident that damaged the keel and one wingtip float only slightly. That and the fi re were the only damages sustained during the entire test program! The thorough laboratory work certainly did payoff. OTHER TESTS A series of tests was conducted, too long to describe here, such as speeds and rates of climb at different altitudes, and stall speeds with different weights, with gear extended and retracted, and with different power settings. No problems were encountered. It was an excellent airplane right from the start, most unusual for a new design. I entered spins and recovered at gradually increased angles of turns until I was sure that the plane could be recovered up to one turn . Beyond that I did not take a chance but left further spin tests until a proper anti-spin chute could be installed, or else for the Navy to conduct them. Di ves were made to a little short of the calculated safe maximum speed, leaving faster di ves to the Navy instead of taking a chance on losi ng an airplane which had cost several million dollars to build. I was falli ng in love with that plane. After the tests of the plane as a land plane were well along, the tests of the aircraft as a seaplane began. Fast taxiing on the water showed no inclination to porpoise, smooth or choppy water, straight line or curved, fast or slow. It was the best-behaved seaplane I had ever flown, by far. Finally, the time came to fly off the water which was done with a light load and a light chop on the surface of Long Island Sound and with Navy speedboats alongside. As a seaplane, it was a dream with all loads and CG locations. I found that if I adjusted the power, trim and flaps for a speed of 60 knots and rate of descent of 500 feet per minute, with my hands off the stick but keeping the airplane flying straight with the turn indicator, by the rudder, I could let it splash down into the water, hands off. The plane would immediately come up on its step and with my hands still off the stick I would chop the throttle. It would drop down off of the step and slow down with no porpoising or other bad behavior. This was done with only a light load. I did not have the opportunity to test that performance with heavier loads, but am confident that it would perform perfectly. After all , such an emergency would likely be with a light fuel load. One day, I was demonstrating that hands-off splashdown with a Marine Corps officer on board. After the flight , he did not say anything to me, but I later learned he had put me on Page 6619 report with the Marine Corps for reckless flying. I was a Marine Reserve officer and Naval aviator. When news of that report got back to the company, it was quite a joke. The matter did not ever go any further. A Navy officer, Naval aviator. when with me on the same type demonstration, was highly complimentary of the aircraft. That type of approach to a splashdown in Ihe water had wonderful possibilities in military airlsea reScue operations which often required flying in foggy conditions. It made it possible to get the amphibian down safely in dense fog, glassy water, coalblack darkness or a combination of all three, in a dire emergency. However. since the war is long over, the helicopter has taken over the task of airlsea rescue missions. (I am glad to say thaI I had a hand in the development of rotary-wing aircraft. too.) Finall y, rough-water tests had to be made to satisfy avy requirements. SplaShdowns and takeoffs had to be demonstrated across four-foot waves. That was the only exciting operation of the entire fli ght-testing program. The Navy had some special optical equipment to measure the height of the waves and had rescue speedboats alongside the plane. That was a rough test. The avy inspectors told me later that some of the waves were over five feet high . I had green water coming out of the rear of the engine cowling on some of them. If you think that five-foot waVeS are not much to cope with, the big four-engined fl ying boats that used to fly across the Atlantic and Pacific Were limited to waves of only 18 inches. This was the tamest test flight program I have ever experienced with an absolutely wonderful , doci le amphibious aircraft-proof of wonderful mathematical engineering. THE SAD PART OF THIS STORY When the contract was completed, after the end of the war, the two prototype aircraft were delivered to the Navy Test Center at Patuxent, Maryland. After their tests, the airplanes were stripped of engines, etc. and offered for sale as bare airframes. They were bought for a total of only $400 by a test pilot for the Martin Aircraft Co. in Maryland. He intended to re-equip and fl y them, but he was killed on a test flight of a large Martin flying boat. One was put back in flying condition with a bigger engine from a B-25. It is now in the Pima Air Museum at Tucson, Arizona. [ visited it again in September 2000 when I was fl ying my Bonanza. The other has also been restored. It is flown in California by its private owner. If the Navy ever needs a really good and usefu l amphibian. all they need to do is dig out the blueprints, and those two 55year-old prototypes are still in ex istence. [ can just imagine how they wou ld perform with one of the new turboprop engines, especially a twin-pack as used in some helicopters. During the past 76 years, A8S member John M. Miller hos flown just about everything from Jennys fa jets. He owns 0 V35A Bonanzo and a 56TC Baron hotrod. John has mony more great stories to relote./f you enjoy reading them, let him know with a note to 41 Jangwood Pork. Poughkeepsie, NY 1260 I. ABS Fe b ruary 2001 MILLER MAIL ... John Miller shared with the ABS Magazine staff a huge stack of "Dear John mail he has received and enjoyed from ABS members. So we are sharing snippets from some of them. John is keeping us weI/-supplied with future material using a new PC and sending to us on a disk. Who said you can 't teach an old dog new tricks? -Editor N • My hu sband and I own and operate a small airport on theeastem fringe of Melbourne. We own 11 aircraft including two A36s, a V·tail and a much-loved Travel Air. Roger has always been a believer in Beech and we enjoy your articles in the ABS Magazine. -Neroli Merridew • • Lilydale, Victoria, Australia I have many thousand s of hours in the air and my 12-year-old son is a flight nut as well. I am sharing and sav ing your articl e. Flyillg ill the '20s, as a great pan of our aviation history. As I read your article, I reali ze how Iiule nying lime I have done in the last 20 years-wi lh all th ese gadgets. I only thought I was flying. I can't imagine the courage it look to challenge the clouds with o instruments. - Paul Iv. Brillkop/ Bonita Springs. Florida • Eac h month when J receive the ABS Ma gazille, I immediately read you r article first! I very much enjoy your wri ting and the incredible stories you ha ve to tell. Please keep on wri ting them. I' ve actually seen a "Jenny" fl y arou nd the pattern at my local airstrip-Eve rgreen Field. -David Beauchaire Vancouver, Washington J just fini shed reading your article about Howard Slark in the lanuary issue of the ABS Maga zine. It is amazing to me that I had never heard of Stark. What a great storyand what a terrific job of telling it! - Michael D. Nolall. New York. New York Yes, indeed, I enjoy your stories via theA BS Magazine-keep 'em up! I am also a retired VAL pilol-33 years from 194610 1979. - Ralph Wright. Deli ver, Colorado Just read your story on the Autogiro in theA BS Ma gazine. It was a great story. I' m 66 and look forward to many more years of flying . You give us young ' uns an inspiration and a goal. My dad built and new his first airplane in 1907. He was killed in one of his biplanes in 1937. but our mother encouraged her six boys and three girls to flyseven did, five military pilots and two GA pilots. My claim (0 fame is 35 years as an FBO and pulling the P-38 from 265 feel below the Greenl and icecap. ing days in aviatio n and I feel as though I am tran spo.rted back into time as I read of you r expenences. J am a claims manager for an aviation insurance company and am in volved primaril y in aircraft accident investi gations. I receive an overw helmi ng amount of aviation publications, but I can honestly say that your articles are my fa vo rite avia ti on reading material. Please keep up the good work. - Ken Steiner, Scm Francisco, Califomia I just finished read ing your excellent and most informati ve articl e in the ABS Magazine on the J2F-6 Amphibian. Wow! Your courageousness and accomplishments are always uplifting and inspiring to me as a lowtime (225 hours) privale pilot. I am a student and admirer of the early years of aviation. We are quite fortunate to have you as a living aviation historian. onstrate the practicality of fl ying machines in destroyi ng the image of the pilot as a combination Einstein/Superman in an inherently dangerous occupation. I have been flying for 45 years, starting as a fighler pilol in Ihe Navy aboard USS lmrepid in the North Atlantic and have continued to use an A36 in my busi ness to this day, and while safety is a prime concern , terrorizing people with tales of bizarre mi shaps doe s much to misinform the nonfl ying public about the usefulness of an airplane. Your stories do not do that and I very mu ch appreciate it. -William J. Quinll West CheSler, Pemlsyll'Clnia Keep on writing the interesting letters. They make me feel young since I did not start nying until 1942. Still enjoy il and have a V35A Bonanza also. - Wayne White. Loyalton, Callfomia - B.M. Orban, BrandelllOn, Florida sure enjoy yo ur stories in the ABS Magazine. We were real happy to see you in J find your stories precious components of our aviat ion history. Your firsthand experience with aircraft pictured in the books I pored over as a child born in 1930 is a source of delighl 10 me. our tent at Oshkosh (OX5 Aviation Pioneers, Wisconsi n Wing). -Larry Barrell, Waukesha, Wisconsin -Bill Mossop, retired United Airlines alld I have enj oyed your articles in the ABS Maga~ille. especially "A Vi vid Memory" in the October 2000 issue. When I read the name Speed Holman, J had my own personal flashback. I grew up in Minneapolis and in 193 1, al age II. I attended Douglas Elemenlary School. One day I heard Ihal Speed Holman 's body was on view at the Scottish Rite Temple across the street from Douglas. and at lunch break. J joined the line of viewers. That is my most vivid recollection of my years in elementary school. - Dick WilSOIl , Rancho Palos Verdes, California I enjoy your stories in the ABS Magazine immensely. They are not on ly entertaining and informative, but they do much to dem- USAF, Boulder CiIY. Nevada I ve ry muc h enjoyed your flying stories thai appeared in Ihe ABS August issue. I hope I can celebrate my 94th birthday one day and still be nying a high-perfonnance airplane. -Carl Lindros, Carpillleria, California Just a short note to infonn you that you make reading the ABS Maga:,ille very enjoyable. I am Ihe wife of a pilol and when the mail brings the magazine, my husband doesn't get to read it before I finis h the stories you and several others write. My favorite one of yours is your latest about the Dool ittle incident. - Ma rje Stampfl, Ja ckson, California - Pat £pps, ArlalHa, Georgia I am just writing to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your arti cles in the ABS Magazin e. The detail and clarity of your writing brings alive those pioneer- ABS Fe bruary 2001 Page 6620 Y may have read my two earlier articles (December 1993 and January 1998) on buying and then keeping an older Baron. Those weren 't meant to be sour grapes, just eye-openers for anyone thinking about moving up to bigger and faster, though not necessarily better. After all, how can you really beat allY Bonanza? 1 know; 1 had one. Like it or not, all of our Beech airplanes come equipped with Continental engines of one model or another; many of them are 10-520s. Somewhere back in the late '60s or early '70s, Continentalleft out some of the alumi num in the 520 engine cases. Aftcr being in service for who knows how long, some of those engi nes must have begun developing cracks on a wholesale basis, prompting AD 77-13-22 for recurrent case in pections and a go/no-go criteria for accepting cracks in the case. When we bought N54552, one of the attractions of the airplane was the "lowOU time" engines. OUf logbooks were sketchy, but in doing my research on the lifetime of the airplane and analyzing the times, we were able to deduce that the engines were new in 1972; installed on Page 6621 the airplane in 1978 as a pair of overhauled engines; and between 1978 and 1992 flew about 400 hours. Our prepurchase annual discovered two "legal" cracks in one engine and one on the other. They were duly noted in the logbooks and identified for ongoing inspection. ow. fast forward a few years. Between 1992 and 1999, we flew the airplane about 800 hour, all straight and level, always at the same cruise power and always with the same power on heatsaving arrivals. We worked really hard at not shock-cooling these engines, because we knew that if we abused them, they wou ld roll over and die. We did the case inspections religiously and, despite having to do some top work, we figured we might actually get them closer to TBO. We scheduled our annual for May I, 1999, and planned to do a few things if the annual went cleanly. And it did until we got to the engines. The left engine had a couple of low cylinders with oil on the plugs, and the right engine had a huge crack in a new place not previously under observation. The crack went almost all the way around the cylinder base on the o. 3 cylinder. Clearly. we were going to have to exchange the engine because it also had a non-VAR crankshaft and a mixture of cylinders that we wou ld not want to use on an overhaul. We did take off three of the cylinders which had been newly overhauled 200 hours previously [0 put on the left engine. Since we had [0 do the whole bank anyway, because of two out of three low cylinders, it made sense to just swap them to see if we could make the left engine go another year or two. We ordered an engine from Airpower, which had a stock one in production, and set the airplane aside with most of the work done until the factory reman arrived. When it arrived about three weeks later, we installed it and went to complete the left engine. For some rea on, we pulled the left mag and under it was a new hairline crack just about a quarter-inch longer than legal. To make matters worse, deli very on another reman was about three months! We petitioned our FSDO for a remedy so we could keep running the engine until the next new one arrived. They agreed [0 a plan that called for inspection by the pilot before every trip and at ABS February 2001 10 hours by a mechanic. We stop-drilled the crack, filled it with epoxy and kept going. In specti on was easy: Open the cowl and with a flashlight , look at the crack. Check for oil leaking, and if no Lessons to live by ... ASS member Phil Pearl of langley Washington, passed along these little pearls of Wisdom for your enjoyment change, go on. We flew the airplane about 15 hours in June, July and August. In earl y August, Airpower called and said "Send money." A few days later the engine arrived and we fl ew the airplane to aUf repair shop about 15 miles from home base. When I arrived, I opened the cowling to show the old crack and, 10 and behold! It had grown an inch and staned leaking oil in that short ferry flight. Talk about timing; ours sure worked out on that one. After changi ng the engines and doing the postmonem before sending them back to Continental, we learned some things that might be useful to those of you who are nursing along an old "Iight case" engine waiting for the case to crack. The first indication that something was wrong with the right engine was vibration. That engine always seemed to run a little funny compared with the left one. When we pulled it apan, we found that one of the pistons was completely different from the others. It was a steelbelted style that someone had installed before we got the airplane. It must have been several ounces heavier than the others, wh ich could explain the cracked oil pan and cracked propeller hub that we experienced between purchase and replacement of the engine. As that engine aged, it seemed to be just a little bit off. Manifold pressure, rpm and smoothness never really matched the other one, despite the fact they were sequentially numbered- son of a matched pair. When the crack on the left engine staned, it came at about the same time as the low cylinders. Perhaps the power imbalance from side to side contributed to that earl y death. I could classify the earl y demise of the left engine as "sudden death" because, for the entire time we had the airplane, that engine only needed to have maintenance like plugs and oil. Now, after seven years of nursing old ASS February 2001 Slay ouf of clouds.The silver lining everyone keeps talking about might be another airplane going in the opposite direction. Reliable sources also report thol mountains hove been known to hide out in clouds. ~----.~ The case crock thol killed the left engine. We flew the Baron to our repair shop about 15 miles from home base for installation of the reman engine. Upon arrival, I opened the cowling to show the old crack and, 10 and behold! It had grown an inch and started leaking oil in that short ferry flight. engines, I get to do it with some new ones. The smoothness of two new ones is unbelievable. They stan right up; they don't leak oil, and in 27 hours on the right side, it has used only two quarts of oil. The left one seems to be following the same track. Wish me luck. I have noticed that the right engine uses about one gph more gas than the left one for the same 50 degrees rich of peak. Without buying GAMljectors and a multiprobe engi ne analyzer, does anyone out there have any ideas? The picture of the case crack that killed the left engine is induded here just so you will know what engine death looks like, short of blowing the jug off completely. I guess Continental really knew their stuff on these case cracks. At least, they give full exchange, despite the fact that the engine is probably going to the crusher. Perhaps there is a little corporate remorse there after all. In the ongoing battle between objects made of aluminum going hundreds of miles per hour and the ground going zero miles per hour, the ground has yella lase. Every takeoff is aptJonol. Every landing is mandatory. You start with a bog full of luck and an empty bog of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bog of luck. Always try 10 keep the number of landings you make equal to the number of Landings Takeoffs toke ofts you've mode. There are Ihree simple rules for making a smoolh landing. Unfortunately no one knows whallhey are. ~ ~ Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, the experience usually comes from bad judgment. Keep looking around.There's always something you've missed. The three most useless things to a pilot are the altitude above you. runway behind you, and a tenth of a second ago. Remember, gravity IS not just a good ideo . It's the law. And it's not subject 10 repeal. It's always a good idea to keep the pointy end going forward as much as possible. Page 6622 2001 political landscape BY JOHN D. HASTINGS. M.D. ere we find ourselves in the beginning of2001. December 2000 was a tumultuous month . The presidential election was finally settled after much commotion. Cold weather blanketed much of the nation; here in Tulsa we had a treacherous ice storm and more than our share of snow. Despite the weather, all four of our children came home and we were grateful to share Christmas together. This month we will inaugurate President-Elect Bush, who will begin to work with an uncertain economy and other matters. I have watched with interest as President-Elect Bush made choices for members of his Cabinet, wondering whether or not a Democrat would be appointed as a manifestation of bipartisan spirit. I was very gratified to hear that he chose current Secretary of Commerce Norman Y. Mineta, a Democrat from Califomia, as Secretary of Transportation . Mr. Mineta served California in Congress for over 20 years. He chaired the House subcommittee on aviation from 1981-1988, then moved on to the House Public Works and Transportation Committee. Later he became a senior vice president at Lockheed Manin. Mr. Mineta has been a knowledgeable and supportive friend of aviation. Two of his sons are pilots. Fellow Democrat and FAA Administrator Jane Garvey has expressed her enthusiasm for Bush's choice. In 2001 we may have a unique opportunity to voice the concerns of aviation, including those dealing with aeromedical certification. There are problems facing aeromedical certification that beg for a solution. We must look for solutions that will result in the timely and efficient medical certification of US civil aviators. I am pleased to hear that Jane Garvey plans to finish her term. I am pleased at the appointment of Norman Mineta as Secretary of DOT. I am confident that aviation will benefit from this development and this relationship. 1 hope you are all well and warm and with electrical power, water and gas. Stay the course, for spring is coming. See you next month . H . QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH: Q: I have occasional migraine headaches, perhaps once every two or three months. It starts as a mild headache that builds up over several hours, after which time I have to lie down. 1 have ample warning and would have plenty of time to land if one occurred in flight. When one is coming on, I take a medication called Zomig, which gives me immediate relief. Will migraine ground me? Will Zomig ground me? A: If migraines were frequent or severe, or if they were preceded by a significant visual disrurbance such as loss of half of your vision, they could be a problem. Yours are infrequent, have ample warning and are not incapacitating. So the headache should not ground you. You should have a statement from your doctor documenting their infrequent occurrence and the rare need for medication. You should be approved, but will be advised not to fly after taking Zomig, which may cause lightheadedness and other symptoms. Q: I take a medication called Inderal to prevent migraines, a single long-acting dose of 80 milligrams. It completely controls my migraines. Can I fly with this? A: Yes. Inderal is a beta-blocker drug used to treat hypertension, hean rhythm disturbances, migraines and other ailments. If you have been on it for awhile, and you are free of side effects, you will be able to fly. Obtain a clear statement from your doctor that you are stable on the drug, migraine free and have no side effects. Q: I have recently been diagnosed with open angle glaucoma. Nonetheless, I have 20-20 vision (corrected) and notice no decrease in peripheral vision. notwithstanding the machine indicating lost peripheral vision in the upper left quadrant of the right eye. My pressure is at 19. I have been prescribed alatan drops to be taken at bed- ABS February 2001 time. What effect, if any, will this have when reported at my next physical? Is there anything I can do now to prepare? A: The AME guide states, "An applicant with unilateral or bilateral open angle glaucoma may be certified when a current ophthalmologic report substantiates that pressures are under adequate control, there is little or no visual field loss or other complications, and the person tolerates small to moderate doses of allowable medications." The aviation medical examiner (AME) is instructed to defer certifica- after the surgery. Then you must report this at the time of your next physical. If you have an "immature" cataract in the other eye, or some other abnormality that might cause the FAA concern, it may be wise to have your ophthalmologist complete Form 8500-7 (Report of Eye Evaluation) to avoid any uncertainty at the time of the next flight physical. You can obtain this form from your AME. Take it with you whe n you have your physical, and the AME should have all the information required to give you your ticket. tion when an aviator has a new diagnosis of glaucoma at the time of his flight physical. Obtaining a special issuance may ground you for months while the paperwork is processed. You can circumvent this delay. Obtain Form 8500-14 (Ophthalmologic Evaluation for Glaucoma) from your AME. Have your ophthalmologist co mplete this form, complying with all the specificat ions. Write a short letter explaining that you are reporting this and want to avoid deferral at the time of your next physical. Send the letter and completed form to Aeromedical Certification Division, AAM 300, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, P.O. Box 25080, Oklahoma City. OK 73126-0080. You will get a letter from the FAA that will specify follow-up instructions. The letter will authorize the AME to give you your ticket at your next physical instead of deferring certification, as long as follow up instructions are followed. Q: Due to a cataract, I recently had a lens implanted in my right eye. The lens (not contact) is for distance vision. It is my understanding that it will take about a month for the eye to heal. (I won't be flying during that time.) At the end of the healing time, I will be gelling new glasses. Does this have to be reported to the FAA? My flight physical was this last September and not due again for two years . I will appreciate any information you can provide to me. A: You do have to report this to the FAA, but not until the time of your next physical. If you have a cataract in one eye only and the other is fine, you can resume flying once you are released by your doctor for unrestricted activities ABS Fe b ruary 2001 Q: I take a drug called methotrexate for my psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Can I fly taking this drug? It completely relieves my symptoms. A: You will be able to fly on this drug, a chemotherapy agent. You will need a detailed statement from your doctor stating you are free of side effects and have periodic monitoring for toxic effects (blood coun ~ etc.). The FAA may want an annual report of your status. Q: My daughter got her license some years ago but did not have time for flying. She would no\\ like to resume flying. She was diagnosed several years ago with mitral valve prolapse. It was detected during a regular physical examination and confirmed through an ultrasound. Occasionally (every few months or so). while sitting or resting she feels a "flutter" but nothing otherwise. Her physical activities are in no way affected or restricted. She takes no regular medications. but when she goes to the dentist she is required to take an antibiotic. It is clear she must report this when she takes her flight physical. My questions are: I. Does this present a problem for the third-class medical certificate? 2. Does she need to take any test results, doctor's evaluations; etc. with her to the medical? 3.Will the AME be able to issue the medical or must it be sent to the FAA for evaluation first? in the normal population, depending on criteria for definition, method of identificat.ion , etc. It certai nly is a comlllon finding in asymptomatic indi viduals. It may be associated with atypical chest pain, palpitations and, at times, other symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness. Characteristically it is a benign phenomenon, as it appears to be in your daughter's case. In more severe cases, it can be associated with some risk of complications, such as stroke. Be assured, your daughter'S situation is not in this category. Since mitral valve prolapse can increase the chance of heart valve infection when bacteria enter the bloodstream (e.g. during a dental procedure), antibiotics are often prescribed temporarily as a prec3Ulionary measure. In terms of your daughter obtaining third-class airman medical certification, there should be no problem. What the FAA will req uire is good documentation that she has no di abling symptoms such as dizziness, near-fainting, sign ificant chest pain or sustained bothersome heart palpitations. It should be documented that all she feels is an occasional flutter and that the occasional occurrence does not impair function in any way, even if it were to occur in flight. When she goes for her flight physical. she should take any records from her family physician (and cardiology consultation records if consultation was obtained). The ultrasound report should be included. A strong letter from a cardiologist andlor family physician stating th ere is no impairment and no restric- tion would be helpful. The AME should be able to issue the certi ficate on the spot, or he or she can call the regional flight surgeon if there are any doubts. ABS member John Hostings, M. D., holds board certification in neurology and aerospace medicine. He has been an aviation medical examiner since 1976 and serves as a senior AM£. He holds a commercial pilaf license with mulfiengine and instrument rotings. He is chairman of the EMAeromedical AdvisolY Council, past president of the Civil Aviation Medical Ass~ ciation and on the council of the Aerospace Medlcol Association. He is an ABS Director and heads the Society's Aeromedicol Committee. A: Mitral valve prolapse is common, occurring in 10-20+percent of persons Page 6624 toward the desert. However, the east end of the San Fernando Valley was almost totally covered by dark cumulonimbus clouds. To the west it was clear under a high overcast. While in contact with SOCAL Approach, I deviated around the weather and out over some relatively small mountain ridges toward InyoKern. Crossing Lancaster's Fox Field and then Mojave, it was uncharacteristically smooth, with scattered showers. Visibility was excellent and I could see some fairly heavy precipitation BY CHARLES M. FINKEL. LOS ANGElES, CALIFORNIA in the vicinity of my destination. Wind was not a factor and I could still see the airport. So r proceeded northward, knowing that if the showers precluded a landing at Inyo-Kern, I could or more than 33 years, I have read in various aviation always backtrack to California City, Mojave, or one of several columns about the often brutal lessons learned by piother airports in the area 10 wait out the weather. lots fortunate enough to have escaped their travails and Approaching Inyo-Kern, the smell of humid air replaced brave enough to share their misfortunes with others. Like most what is normally arid. Rain began 10 fall on the bright yellow pilots, I have been on the receiving end of experiences that left wings of my plane, washing away the dust that had accumuindelible impressions on me to be a more cautious and prudent lated since my last flight. avialOr. But there are many lessons 10 be learned from flying, I landed, taxied 10 the ramp and waited in the aircraft until and not just those associated with dire straits or close encou nthe rain let up. As I sat listening to the gyros wind down and ters of the worst kind. watching beaded drops roll down the sloped windshield, I We who are alen derive something new each time wheels thought about the incredible beauty I had just experiencedpart with the ground. On a recent flight, I learned once again and how lucky I was 10 be blessed with such an opportunity. why flying is my passion-and how sharing this love with othBener yet, I could share the return flight with someone truly in ers can perhaps save, or at the very least, prolong lives, while providing me with an incredible sense of fulfillment. need. someone who may only have a umited time left to expeI am proud to be a mission pilot and board member of Angel rience the colorful vistas and billowing cloud formation s we were sure to encounter. Flight West, an organization whose mission is to provide transWhen the patient arrived at the airport with his friend/aid, ponation by privately owned aircraft free of charge 10 those with compelling humanitarian needs. however, it was obvious he would enOn this panicular mission in my joy linle of the flight. He appeared The mission of Angel Flight West, Debonair, r was to pick up a young canweak, was hardly able to speak and was a tax exempt, nonprofit organicer patient at the Inyo-Kern, California, unsteady on his feet. I had flown this airpon for a flight back to Santa Monica zation, is to facilitate access to young man on another flight when he where he would be provided ground transwas stronger and talkative. Unfortuhealth care by arranging free air port to the University of CaliforniaILos nately, the cancer and curative attempts transportation in private airAngeles for follow-up therapy after bone had taken their toll, and it was obvious craft. Angel Flight links volunmarrow surgery. 10 me that he was in great distress. teer private pilots with needy I had heard about this patient from Having been the passenger of many people whose health care proban Angel Flight coordinator who spoke other Angel Fught pilots, he was expelems require travel to and from of him in glowing and courageous rienced at flying in small planes. On this terms. But now, with tears in her eyes, flight , he had no interest in looking outfacilities throughout California she related how his condition was worsside, listening in or talking. He climbed and surrounding western states. ening such that his prognosi s was onto the wing, through the door and fasguarded. He was a favorite with the tened himself in the rear seat, seemingly Angel Flight staff and I was particularly glad to be of help on in a hurry to fall fast asleep. His companion sat up front and monithis mission. tored the flight. The day of the mission brought with it some late summer We departed VFR and the air remained smooth with scatweather, unusual for Southern California. I awoke to the sound tered showers. Approaching the San Fernando Valley, I tuned of rain on my roof, unheard of for months. Although overcast, in the Santa Monica ATIS and learned not only that it was still the Santa Monica area cloud lOps were at only 3,000 feet, so an IFR, but the ceiling had dropped close 10 the approximately IFR climb to VFR conditions on lOp was simple and without 400 feet AGI MDA. I contacted SOCAL Approach, used the any turbulence. "Angel" designation fo r the flight and promptly received an Once above the stratus layer, r canceled IFR and turned north fFR clearance back home. The tops were now abo ut 5,000 feet F Page 6625 ABS February 2001 and considerably bumpier than during the climb out a few hours earlier. The controller asked if I could keep my peed up to precede a King Air to the airport, and I advised I would try. Perhaps if I had not been on an Angel Flight mission, he would have vectored me behind the faster turboprop. As is often the case, we were vectored onto the final leg of the runway 21 VOR-A approach at a higher than optimal speed. In the clouds, I slowed to gear down speed, locked onto the 212 degree radial of SMO VOR and started down. I glanced back at my ill passenger to make certain the fast rate of descent was not hurting his ears. Barely moving his head, he gave a silent nod of approval to the approach. At about 1.5 miles from the runway, I could let down to minimums. I was still in the clouds at 1,000 feel. While a missed approach was looming in my mind, I did not want to prolong the ill passenger's flight any longer than I had to. Down to the MDA I went with gear down, full flaps with the missed approach at hand. Just as I reached the lowest altitude allowed, we skimmed out of the clouds and I saw the runway end identifier lights flashing at us through the mist and fog. "Runway in sight," I advised the tower. "Debonair 330CL cleared to land," came the response. We squeaked onto the runway and turned off toward the terminal building where Angel Flight has its headquarters. After shutting down the engine, we disembarked, unloaded and I walked with the passenger to the office where everyone present gave him a warm welcome. Having done my job, I said my good-byes, wished the young cancer patient my best and headed back to my airplane. Perhaps if I were Ernest Gann or some other great author wellversed in the conveyance of words, I could better express my feelings. Everything about the flight was perfect! The weather, the clouds, the colors of the desert landscape shadowed by rain showers, the thrill of breaking out at minimums all made thi s flight wondrous and complete. But the fulfillment came from helping someone in need, and being able to use my skills as a pilot to do so. Yes, this mission taught me much about flying. I urge all pilots to learn similar lessons. Be it Angel Flight or any other charitable flying organization, we owe it to society and to ourselves to help out. Charitable flying is a painless way to donate time and aircraft to those in need. I guarantee flying such missions will benefit you, perhaps in ways different than those of the passengers, but rewarding beyond words. For 1Il0re in/ormation or to volllnteer: Angel Flight West, 3237 Donald DOllglas Loop SOlltlz, Santa Monica, CA 90405-32 J3. Phone: 3 J0-390-2958. E-mail: in/[email protected]. Website: wlVlV:angeljliglzt.org. -@- ABS Feb ruary 2001 Charles Finkel in his Debonair. ABS Air Safety Foundation ~"'-. Endowment Fund ...~~ ~y __. . This Fund will pro~ rb-~ ~ vide a permanent ~revenue source to "%>J'>----<,,~ carry out and ex'>f~fry FOU"'" pand programs of the ABS Air Safety Foundation. The longterm goal is an endowment fund of five million dollars. c_/'J;l. DIRECT DONATIONS • Hager Harrison, Greenwich, Connecticut • Robert C. Arnold, Madera, California GIFTS IN MEMORY OF • Florence Hanson. mother of ABS President Jon Roadfeldt's wife Ginny • Coach Ed Whiteley- friend of ABS Director Jack Threadgill • Virginia Strickland, mother of past ABS Director Dick Strickland SAFETY BUILDERS (pledged giving) • Jack Threadgill, Bryan, Texas Contributions are tax deductible. In addition to one-time donations, the Safety Builders are donors who have pledged a set annual amount. See the January ABS Magazine, page 6590, for more information or call ABS at 316-945-1700. Page 6626 Traffic at 12 0' clock BY JI M HUGHES Oy. has my "flying life" changed. My previous employer kept me flying mostly around Florida and the Southeast to such thriving citi es as Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Birmingham, Alabama; and Columbus, Georgia. I seldom went into the rarefied air above Flight Level 180, and most trips were not more than an hour long. The saying in the industry for this kind of flying is, "They pay us mostly for waiting; the flying is so easy and so much fun that we'd do it for free. We get our salary for lounging around the FBO's pilot lounge all day." For those of you who think that's backwards (most of our employers do), try it! Just visit any fixed base operator's pilot lounge and watch the actions of the poor souls there who are snoozing. Can ),011 snooze, watch daytime TV and read for nine hours every day? Canyoll pace back and forth while looking at your watch? (Where are they? They said they would be back hours ago!) Now I've been thrust back into the wonderful world of jets and high-density airports! Don't get me wrong, I love flying the "Near Jet." 0, they dOIl't put screens on the engine exhausts to keep birds from catching up with us and flying up our tail pipes. That's a myth perpetrated by Learjet pilots! Yes, we are 100 knots slower than the other jets operating on the jetways above 30.000 feet, but we are also 100 knots faster than most of the turboprops operating up there with us. The other day I had a controller ask us what indicated Mach number we planned to maintain. When I answered "Point six, maybe point six-two later when we've burned off a little fuel. .. ," some gravel.voiced airline captain came up without identifying himself and said, "Does your mother know you are out here playing in the street?" Whatever. The good news is that we are a jet, and we can accept most Standard Instrument Departures. If we load it right and don' t screw it up somehow, our flight manage· ment system will lead us through a complicated STAR procedure onto the Localizer or lLS approach to a busy airport. (Please don't ask my flying partner about the time we were in the middle of a complicated Selected Terntinal Arrival Route into Memphis and [ became curious about how far and how long it would take us to make it to the next fuel stop and managed to make the flight manage· ment system suddenly think it was commencing the pro· cedure from 1,100 miles away !) B Page 6627 Dealing with a lot of traffic Like always, I'm trying to arrive at the gist of my subject via anecdotes and humor. The bad news is, with my new jet seat, I'm noticing that there is a lot more traffic up there than there was last time I looked! Where I used to see an occasional air carrier jet go by maybe twice in a two-hour flight. now I see one about every five minutes! I had noticed an increase in low-altitude traffic (especially in south Florida) lately but had assumed this to be mostly due to an increase in training traffic from all the schools located there who are busy turning out foreign and domestic pilots for the growing air carrier demand for their services. Wrong! Want to hear an interesting quirk to the training situation? My home airport, Sanford, Florida (SFB), was and is still churning out newly minted airline pilots-to-be from both domestic and foreign countries. At the same time, the airport has begun to receive anywhere from five to 10 foreign air charter carriers a day, mostly bringing tourists from Great Britain to Disney World. Would you believe that about a year ago one of the charter carriers (I understand at the demand of their pilots' union) demanded that the carrier move their destination from Sanford to Orlando International Airport (MCO), "Because all those little airplanes are getting in our way." Guess where they were getting some of their newly trained pilot hires? Hypothetical pilot story Oh, well. What's that got to do with the bulk of us BonanzalBaron owners who only fly our airplanes for fun and personal business these days? Unfortunately, a lot. Take the following hypothetical case of a Bonanza/Baron owner who flies mostly in the "hinterlands" of Georgia- never venturing close to the Atlanta Class B airspace. Suddenly, he has a client or relative who absolutely must be picked up at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport and taken to Charlotte, North Carolina. He has just spent a lot of money on upgrading his engine(s), including the addition of "turbonormalizing" that will allow him to fly up to 25,000 feet. Our mythical pilot checks the weather carefully and finds that ifhe can get above 20,000 feet, he can capture a howling tailwind,. which will save him or her a bunch of fuel and a bunch of time, and perhaps take as much as 45 minutes off normal flight time for that trip. He (or she) is a very safe methodical pilot who would /lever venture into unknown territory without checking and planning. Our pilot will fly VFR to ATL at low altitude. Fortunately, Atlanta is not yet one of those airports like Washington National (DCA), laGuardia (LGA) or JFK that requires an airport reservation (ARO) to arrive or depart. The procedures to obtain an ARO are contained in ABS February 2001 the AOPA Airport DirectOl}' and in FAA publications. Until you've done it once, it can be both formidable and frustrati ng. Our pilot has already filed his IFR flight plan for both the leg to ATL at 8,000 feet and the outbound leg to CLT at Flight Level 210. Fortunately, the pilot's Bonanza/Baron is fu lly capable of flying at 21 ,000 feet if he wants to with hi s new turbochargers. But, taldng his airplane to those altitudes-particularly from a large, busy air carrier airport-has unfortunately thrust him into a different league of fl ying. First, he now has to have high-altitude charts that depict "jet routes." Just in case ATC cannot accommodate him in the "flight levels," he probably also needs all the low-altitude charts, too-in case he is assigned 17,000 feet instead of "Flight Level 190." That 's a rather large bag of publications that our pilot must have withi n arm's reach, Our pilot has chosen one of the four available "arrivals" for ATL based on the direction he is arriving. He also has at hand all of the instrument approach charts for ATL. Finally, to his di smay, he find s there are not one but three airport diagramsl taxi routes, depending on what the prevailing runway visual range (RVR) will be at the time of arrival. He prays to the airport gods that the controllers will grant him landing on Runway 26R18L, the one closest to the general aviation fixed base operation. Our pilot's prayers were heard, and he gets a visual approach to Runway 26R and turns off at taxiway "Dixie." Whew! The crew van was ready to take him to the terminal to pick up his client. His meeting with the client went without a hitch, and now he's back at his airplane, loading the client's baggage. He is on schedule, so he knows his ATC clearance will be ready when he gets the airplane running and calls for it. The clearance he filed , which he asked for after consulting the High Altitude Preferred Routing, ATL-CLT, was Atlanta Four Departure to EAONE, Direct Greenwood (GRD), UNARM ONE arrival CLT. Unfortunately, what he got was totally different, probably because Air Traffic Control did not want a "slow" airplane in the middle of a busy corridor between two major airline hubs. What our pilot probably got was, "Cleared to Charlotte via radar vectors Athens, Victor 66 Greenwood, flight plan route. Climb and maintain 4,000, expect Flight Level 210 in 10 minutes. Departure control frequency 125.7, squawk 4573, hold in position, contact ground control for taxi." This takes our hero about fi ve minutes to decipher, since it is not the plan he filed and his plan did not include any lowaltitude routing. Finally, he is ready to taxi and calls ground control. He is greeted with "Baron 5464 Whiskey. We had a departure slot for you about two minutes ago off Runway 26R, but we couldn 't get you. Hold there and we' ll get back to you shortly." Finally, with the engines running for about 10 minutes and the lineman patting his foot and shaJdng his watch, ground control says, "Baron 5464 Whiskey, if you're still up, taxi to 26 ABS Februa ry 2001 LEFT via Dixie, left turn on Alpha, hold short of Alpha six for the Airbus coming out of the North Cargo ramp, follow him on Alpha, hold short of26 RIGHT and monitor tower on 125.32." By now, our pilot has charts and diagrams scattered all over himself and his passenger who, although not a pilot himself, is keenly interested in all that is going on. Our pilot has hoped to impress his passenger with the ease and speed of personal air travel. At this point, he is not sure that (a) he is not going to do something stupid and get yelled at, or that (b) he is going to be able to keep up with the barrage of instructions he knows he is going to get--{)nce he gets airborne-from Air Traffic Control. He utters yet another silent prayer and begi ns to taxi. He makes it to the end of Runway 26R rather easily because he had an Airbus to follow most of the way. He switches to the assigned tower frequency just in time to hear, "Baron 5464 Whiskey. Taxi without delay across Runway 26R, turn left on Bravo, hold short of 26L and continue to monitor tower on 125.32." Boy, he's sure glad he switched to the tower in time to hear all that, or he might be sitting in the middle of the taxiway this time tomorrow! Finally, our pilot is cleared for takeoff. Whew' That was nerve-wracldng. After a few vector turns and a series of attitude assignments, he's on his way. After that harrowing experience at Atlanta, our pilot hero is at his fi nal cruise altitude of 17,000. (Why are we not surprised that he did not ever get his requested flight planned altitude of Flight Level 21O?) He folds and refiles about half the charts he had decorating the COCkpit, his lap and the lap of hi s passenger. Now he has to get ready for the STAR, or terminal arri val, into Charlotte. He Page 6628 is actually kind of surprised to get the UNARM 0 E arrival, after being constantly vectored off his planned and filed flight plan. The controller asks him if he can maintain 250 knots in his descent. When he says he cannot, the controller gives him a right turn off the published arrival course to 090, to clear him out of the way, and descent clearance to 12,000 feet. He is very busy trying to get the CLT arrival ATIS when he finally notices it is a different frequency than the Departure ATIS that he had noted at the top of his CLT Approach chart. Out of the corner of his eye, he also notices that his passenger seems to be in painful discomfort, probably from an ear block. No matter. No time to deal with it right now. The actual flying now becomes somewhat easier. All he has to do is follow vector headings and assigned altitudes. He is told he is being vectored for an lLS Runway 18L approach to Charlotte, and he is ahead of the game for probably the first time in the flight. He notices with glee Even airline crews that Run way 18L is the closest to still screw up once in Signarure Flight Support, theFBO awhile with a missed where he wants to go. At this point two things hapaltitude assignment or a runway incur- pen, both bad news: His passension. The pilot in my ger succumbs to the pressure of example was ex- his ear block and throws up on them both; and the controll er tended in his ability says, "Uh, Baron 5464 Whiskey, about as far as he Runway 18L is not goi ng to could stand without work out for you after all. " either hurting himself Change your approach to the or coming to the ILS 23, you are now cleared for attention of the FAA. the TLS 23 Approach, maintain 2500 until LECAR inbound, contact the tower on 11 8. 1. Bye now." Our pilot cannot find the approach chart for the lLS 23 and has no earthly idea where LECAR intersection is or what defines the fi x! Luckil y, about this time he breaks out of the undercast and sees the airport off to his right. He finally spots what he reasonably assumes to be Runway 23 and calls the tower who clears him to land. "Thank you, airplane gods!" Our pilot's fun is not over yet, however, as the tower admonishes, "Baron 5464 Whiskey, keep it rolling past Runway 18L, then turn right at ROMEO and contact ground on 121.9." This he does and ground control tells him, "Continue southwest on ROMEO, hold short of CHARLIE." A landing USAir 757 rolls past his nose and he is immediately given "5464 Whiskey. Cross 18L at CHARUE TEN, hold at DELTA SIX for the Learjet at your 10 0' clock, then follow that aircraft on DELTA to the ramp." Finally, the trip is over! Our pilot shuts down the engines, turns to his important client/passenger and makes the mistake of asking, "Well , how did you Like the trip?" The passenger, still covered with sickl y substance and with some of the pilot'S charts sticking to him, smiles weakly. Page 6629 What's my point How does relating this theoretical but fairly common story have anything todo with avionics? Well. you'll notice I did not at any time introduce the additional distraction of a COMINAV radio not working, a NAVAID going on the blink, or even a summer thunderstorm to contend with. If any of these things had happened at either Atlanta or Charlotte, our pilot would probably not have completed his (or her) trip! Based on my most recent experiences in operating into and out of our nation's busiest airports, I find it higWy improbable that the average pilot, or even most of you above-average pilots can safely operate from them, much less do so and handle a sick passenger, an airplane mechanical problem. a radio or Navaid problem, and watch for traffic. Airlines have two pilots The airlines do thi s with canned, consistent fli ght routings, using two highly qualified aircrewmen. Even airline crews still screw up once in awhile with a missed altitude assignment or a runway incursion. Our pilot in the above exampLe was extended in his ability about as far as he could stand without either hurting himself or coming to the attention of the FAA. Most of you live near a large Class B airport, such as Atlanta or Charlotte, that you can get into or out of proficiently and safely. However, your trips into and out of them usually don' t go very far and don' t then terminate at a big ai rport. Most of you who have turbo-capable airplanes can also handle the mysteries of high-altitude flight. Those who live in the rocky west do so every day they fly without thinking much about it. That is not what I'm warning against. What 1 want all of us to think about is: What happens when our friendly, sLeepy airport turns into one with multiple approaches, Standard Instrument Departures (SIDS). STARS and taxiways running in all directions? Are you ready to mix with wide-body jets? Are all your Navaids and radios in good shape? Are your charts and databases up to date? Are you mentally ready to keep up with rapidly changing ATC instructions? A copilot can help If the answer to anyone of these questions is, "[' m not sure" and a reason you have to take a trip like the one [ just described comes up, for tbe sake of all of us, including yourself, please consider taking along a copilot! A copilot, even a private pilot, can help you Look for traffic. or can help fly the airplane while you sort out the ATC instructions and find the right set of chartS. If you'll do this, I'll see you at the FBO pilot's lounge and buy you lunch. See ya next month. Jim Hughes, Sanford, Florida, holds a BS degree in Aero Engineering, He is a CFII and an A&P mechanic. Jim heads Marketing & Professional Services, a consult- ing and flight test firm involved in both military and civil avionics applications. ABS February 2001 View from fhe beochfront hotel ba lcony. W e were tiring of the Texas beaches and were looking for a new coastal area to enjoy-so we headed to Florida. We had flown over Destin last spring on our way to Sun 'n Fun and liked what we saw. Destin is four and a half hours from Central Texas by Bonanza-about twice the time to South Padre Island. But everything is about the same price, so the only extra cost was the fuel for the added flying time. We stopped at Baton Rouge (BTR), Louisiana, for a break and fuel. (The selfserve is 40 cents cheaper per gallon than the truck; ask tower for directions.) There is supposed to be a place to eat, but we did not look for it. From BTR we flew to Pensacola (PNS), Florida. The BTR ground controller put us into the ATC system for flight following, which turned out to be a good deal : We did not need to take a less direct route, instead were vectored to the beach, given altitudes to fly and traffic all the way. We were handed off to at least a halfdozen very good controllers. Going this route was shorter, avoided afternoon thunderstorms inland and gave us miles of sightseeing. IFR types should find it an easy trip. If you go VFR, I recommend you start flight following well before nearing the restricted areas. You must use controllers to get to Destin. See charts of the ABS Fe bruary 2001 area for instrucrions and frequencies. There were many types of planes at Destin . Jers, twins and si ngles covered the ramp the Sunday we arrived. After you land, someone from the FBO will ask for your type of plane and length of stay, then direct you to parking. A driver and van was at the tiedown spot when we arrived. He secured the ropes, took the family and our luggage to the terminal and then returned for me. Very good service from Miracle Strip Aviarion. We took a taxi to the hotel. I thought it was expen sive for the seven-mile ride-$2 1 plus rip. I recommend a rental car for a short stay. Enterprise is nearby and has a drop at the Destin FBO. There are many condos, houses and hotels on and back from the miles of beach. You just need to decide what suits your needs, taste and budget. The Best Western. Radi sson and Four Poin ts Sheraton are all on the island and on the beachfront. The boardwalk restaurants and family recreation are all within walking distance. There is some limited shopping in the usual tourist stores. Just about any water-related spon is within a few miles drive. The beach is much different than ours in Texas. The sand is very white and the water is usually clear. "Usually" means that when seaweed moves in close to shore, the water looks like a "Texas pond in the summer!" Just pick your swimming time when the weed is out and the water is beautiful. We enjoyed the area, beach and fine food for three days, and we found it to be a very nice place to visit. Even in the summer with the heat and crowds, it was a pleasant stay. A VFR departure can and should be coordinated with departure control by phone. A direct line is in the FBO flight planning room. We asked for a west depanure along the beach as far as possible. This turned out to be Louisiana! We were given flight following all the way to our fuel stop, De Ridder (DRJ) Loui siana. DRI is a very nice airport, with good facilities and a counesy car. An FAA Flight Service Starion, a rare sighr, is on the field. It was an easy VFR trip. The only work was all the frequency changes near Destin. I definitely recommend it as a water-related "Bonanza Getaway."-@-Page 6630 Aircraft engine vs. auto engine rebuilding through bolts or the several, very long standard AN boltswhich are what hold the highly stressed main bearings together-and a sort of blank look or blank sound is the response. Although these items rarely produce a crack indication, they nevertheless need not only a good visual inBY LEW GAGE spection for nicks, gouges, fai ling threads, poor plating and a diameter check, but also require inspection by a means that will reveal defects that are rarely visible even with a ebuilding an aircraft engine requires a few additional magnifying glass. steps co mpared to an automobile engin e. There are several reasons for this requirement. Of Of course, inspection by the best available method does course, reliability is the paramount objective in engines that not guarantee an absolutely fail -proof part. It may contain power aircraft. Five hundred horsepower from a 300-cu- some undetectable flaw or, even if no flaws exist, the part bic-inch engine is of no use whatsoever if we are unsure of may be subject to an overload condition. But at least a thorexpecting uninterrupted power and have an engine that has ough inspection gives a better chance that all is well. an unproven track record. New parts are inspected and tested Yes, I know there are the rare total by these same methods so it is just fai lures of certified aircraft engi nes. common sense that pans which have alHowever, considering the compromise ready been in service and subjected to incorporated in aircraft engines, when the many stresses and strains be excompared to auto or stationary power amined by the most reli able means plants, these failures are rare. The comavai lable. promise that might contribute to a fail Back when I was overhauling a few "E" accessory cases, I did one for my ure is the elimination of weight. which Wyoming hangar neighbor. I know that equates to strength, in order that the all of the gears in the engine were inengine will not exceed weight which -E· starter jaw gear and crankshaft gear.Teeth broke during engine slort. spected by a shop that had a very exwould make it useless as an aircraft logbook showed no record of these perienced Magnaflux operator. Due to engine. ports having been mogneticot~ inspected at losl overhaul. a failure of the gasket between the acAlthough the manufacturing processory caSe and the crankcase, which cesses and material s for our aircraft encaused a massive oil leak at the oil galgines are somewhat similar to an auto lery holes, the engine was removed engine, they are not the same. The mass from the airplane and the accessory production of auto engine parts and its case removed from the engine. A broresultant low cost allows throwing ke n tooth was di scovered on the camaway of many parts during engine overshaft gear (not relative to the oi l leak). haul. Aircraft parts are costly enough That broken tooth part in turn put a that many of the parts are reworked, ingood-sized "dent" and several other spected and fitted for return to service. nicks in the id ler gear which drives the There are very definite procedures to scavenge pump and fuel pump as well accomplish this "retum to service" so the engine will perform as reliably as a brand new engine would, as the Hartzell "T" drive. The point is that the naw in the camshaft gear had not and new is very hard to beat. shown 400+/- hours prior to the discovery of the failure. The blowout of the gasket, causing the massive oi l leak, Inspection of steel parts The reason I'm writing this missive is because I' ve re- just may have prevented a sudden engine failure by the disceived a number of telephone calls from those doing a lo- covery of the partially failed cam gear. "Ya pays your money cal overhaul of an "E" or other engine. In the course of the and takes your chances." I did another accessory case for another Wyoming hanconversations, I discovered there are many folks (both owners and mechanics) who do not know of the need for some gar neighbor that was detailed in the November 1994 ABS inspections which should be performed. Magazine, page 3677. Please read via the Society's CDThe most commonly overlooked area is the need to magROM or your hard copy of the magazine about that engine. netically (Magnaflux) inspect every steel part that will be The gears shown in the photo came from that engine and, reused in bui ldup of the engine. I mean each and everyone as best we could determine, had not been inspected at the of them, no exceptions. Menti on Magnaflu xing of the last major overhaul. The resulting failure of the starter jaw R Page 6631 ABS Feb ruary 2001 Something to ponder ... In this month 's article, I had occasion to calculate the number of times an engine in our Bonanzas or Barons might experience a power impul se during the normal times between overhaul s. A six-cylinder engine turning 2.400 rpm for 1,500 +/- hours fires 650 million times. give or take a few 10 thousand. That would be 7,200 power impulses per minute. Imagine that each time your engine fires it puts a dollar in your bank account. 57,200 per minute for 1,500 hours! To me, that is a considerable sum, even by today's diluted dollar worth. I also visualized that if each of those dollar bills were laid end to end, they would circle the Earth's equator two and one-half times. Additionally, I pictured our elected representatives in Washington fritter- and crankcase gear caused major problems. At least it occurred during engine start so no inflight failure occurred. There is a good possibility that the small imperfection that caused the large imperfections of both gears would bave been discovered before those gears were installed in the engine. There are many other items needing Magnafluxing. The aforementioned bolts and gears are only examples. Remember, every steel pan that is reused needs this process. New approved parts have already been inspected and are manufactured by an approved process using approved materials. Inspection of other parts ing away our hard-earned tax dollars in a realm where 650 million is a drop in a bottomless barrel, a good deal of which is to satisfy the requirement of obtaining a personal "legacy" or a few more votes from their constituency at the next election. I guess I just never realized what a large number 650 million is to a crankshaft and what a small number to a politician. number of "other folk's" fai lures, these shops know the real need for these careful inspections and repair by proven methods. In addition to fo llowing the prescribed overhaul procedures in the manufacturers' manuals, various additional methods have been developed by repair stations that will produce a reliable engine. The final component, however. is the person overseeing and doing the assembly of the engine. In the September 1994 ABS Magazine, page 3607, I had an article detailing a few steps not included in the overhaul manuals which might be additional insurance against future bad luck. I've seen enough broken parts to know that shortchanging the inspection process at engine overhaul time is more than risky. Inspection of aluminum or magnesium pans requires removal of the finish paint or other types of surface. Although lewis C. Gage. ABS memb., ATP mulfiengine land wilh Boeing 70711201147/ powder coating is a very nice-appearing, long-lasting durable Airbus-310 ratings. Commercial single engine land; flight instructor MEI.ISEL airplanes Gnd instruments; ground instructor advanced and instrument; flight navifinish, it may hinder the inspection of the component at the gator; flight engineer; mechanic-airplane and engine: and FAA parts manufacnext overhaul. Dye penetrant inspection as well as dimensional turing authorization. Flight lime: 15,OOO-pfu5 hours. Lew may be contacted at Sunrise Fillers, Inc., 2255 Sunrise, Reno, NV 89509. Phone/Fax: 775·826·7184. inspection should be accomplished after the pan has been thoroughly cleaned of all paint, sludge or other contaminants. 2001 SERVICE CLINIC SCHEDULE Crankcases are under an enormous strain during engine operation and crack- ing (some of which may be repairable) could result. Although crankcases are not made of rubber, they bend, deflect, stretch and yield a considerable amount while the engine is operating. The crankcase and crankshaft, as well as other engine and propeller components, are subjected to 650 million +/- very strong power impulses during the normal TBO times and may produce cracking. A tour of a repair faci lity such as ECI, DIVCO or other large facility can be very enlightening. We humans seem to judge what might go wrong by what has happened to us in the past. By handling a large ABS February 2001 DATES FBO AIRPORT March 9-'2 Windward Aviation lNA lantana, Florida April 20-23 Guernsey Aviation. Inc 3AU Augusto. Kansas May 4-7 Aviation Classics. ltd ASO Reno. Nevada August 10-13 Spokane Airways GEG Spokane. Washington June B-11 PS Air Inc. CIO Cedar Rapids. Iowa July 13-16 Styles Rebuilding 44N lagrangeville. New York October 26-29 Cruiseair Aviation RMN Ramona . California November 16-19 W.H.P.Aviation. ln c. 073 Monroe. Georgia November 30December 3 Chandler Aviation Inc. CHO Chandler. Arizona LOCATION The ABS Service Clinics run Friday through Monday. Call ABS Headquarters (316-945-1700) to make arrangements to attend. or sign up via the ABS websiTe: <www. bonanza.org>.Cost of these excellent onehour Visual inspections is $140 for Bonanzas and $175 for Barons and Travel Airs. Time slots are limited to 32 during each four<lay clinic. Page 6632 REGIONAL NEWS North East Bonanza Group 2000 was a great year for the NEBG ! We had many successful fly-ins; met new friends , saw new places and assisted each other with Beechcraft-related issues. Participation at our fly-ins increased; more people meant more people to meet; more airplanes to see. Our fly-in to Reading, Pennsylvania, on October 14- 15 hosted by Rich and Jeannine Campbell was a great success. The group included Walter Harris, Simon Phipp, Danielle and Robert Mark, Skeet Cronrath, John Anastasi, Larry West, John Horan, Paul Domiano, Kathleen and Clement Zika, Thomas Kerr, Stell Harrison, Bob Gordon, and Everett and Carolyn Williams. We met at the Aviat FBO on the field at II a.m . where Aviat gave us a great break in fuel pricing for which we were all grateful. We had some time to sociali ze over lunch at the Wild Wings Cafe at the new terminal building. Afterwards, we went to the Mid Atlantic Air Museum where we saw many flying condition aircraft such as a B-1 8, B-25 , AT-6, Custer Channel Wing, Martin 404, P2V-7, C-119, Vaneze and many others. One notable airplane under restoration was a P-6 1.-Sleven Oxman Midwest Bonanza Society ~ March 24 One day luncheon Fly-in at Eagle Creek Airport (Indianapolis) on Saturday. March 24. Arrive at 11 a .m . for lunch at Rick's Boot Pork overlookIng Eagle Creek Reservoir. ff you plan to oHend, you must notify Craig Bailey (84 7-265-9344) or <cbaiJey @kraft.com> no loter than two weeks Prior. May 18-20 - Lake Barkley State Resort Pork. Cadiz. Kentucky. For reservations, call 800-255-PARK and advise them you're with the MBS group. For more information coli Croig Bailey (847-2659344) or [email protected] John Whitehead at <jwhiteheo@earth link.net> . Reservation cUf off date is April 20. I The Rocky Mountain Bonanza Society The society is trying to update its email address database. If you live in the eight-state region of Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota or South Dakota and would like to receive notices pertaining to upcoming events (Monument Valley, Utah, in March and Great Falls, Montana, in May), send an email with your name and phone number to <[email protected]>. We welcome participation from other states as well! - Bill Stol'all, presidelll ASS member earns Master CFI designation The National Association of Flight Instructors ( 'AFI) recently announced a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of ABS member Jeff Edwards. Jeff is an Aviation Safety Counselor for the FAA's St Louis FSDO, an aviation writer and BPPP instructor. Recently. Jeff's designation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by NAFI. To help put thi' achievement in proper perspective, there are approximately 78,000 CFls in the United States. Fewer than 300 have achieved that distinction, The Master [n,tructor designation is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing education and, much like a flight instructor's certificate, it must be renewed biennially. The designation identifies those '"Teachers of Flight:' who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence. professional growth and service to the aviation community. Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors truly represent the creme de fa creme of our industry! To publicly recognize these individuals and their notewonhy accomplishments, NAFI will host its "Meet the Masters" breakfast. to which Jeff wi ll be invited. during the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) AirVenture 2001 in Oshkosh. Wisconsin. [f there are questions regarding the Master Instructor program. conwet Sandy Hall, MCFI, at 303-485-8 136 or [email protected] or visit NAFl's website at www.nafinet.org Page 6633 NORTH EAST BONANZA GROUP 200 1 SCHEDULE A number of us arrived early in Reading to help develop our terrific 200 1 Fly-In Schedule. Please place the following dates and places on your calendar and we hope to see you there. -Everett Williams Feb. 17 - Lancaster, Pennsylvania . Lunch at the Airport Restaurant and a tour of the Amish country in the afternoon . Host: Everett and Carolyn Williams. March 17 - WilliamsburgJomestown. Vlrgmia (JGG) Lunch at the airport restaurant and a tour of Colonial Wilfiamsburg. Host needed. April 21 - Wlfmingfon. Delaware (ILG) . Lunch at the 94th Aero Squadron followed by a tour of 'Old Town~ in New Castle. Host needed. May 19 - Nemacolin Woods Resort. Pennsylvania. in the Allegheny Mountains about 75 miles SSE of Plffsburgh. A weekend special for Friday and Saturday nights as well as a Saturday lUncheon for those who can only play on Saturday. Host. Steve Oxman June 16 - Basin Harbor. Vermont. Another weekend special and a Saturday luncheon. Host· Bob Gordon July 21 - Old RhInebeck. New York. We will view the flying activities of WWI airplanes. We will fly into a neighboring airport and be bussed to Rhinebeck for the demonstration. Host needed. Aug 18 - Blocr Island. Plans are not complete, but probably will be lunch and a tour of the island. Host needed. Sept. 15 - Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Lunch and a tour of railroad museum, Host: SteH Harrison Nov. 17 - Millville, New Jersey. LUnch and a tour of the aViation museum. Host: Clem Zilka ABS February 2001 (As of January, 2001) Rocky Mountain Bonanza Society Serving Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Utah and Wyoming Contact: Bill Stovall, 32675 Woodside Dr., Evergreen. CO 80439. Phone 303-670-2244. fax 303-670-3385. cell 303810-1350 or e-mail <[email protected]>: or Ron Schmidt. PO Box 890, Ogallala. NE 69153. Phone 308-2846090. fax 308-284-63 16 or e-mail <schmidt @lakemac. net> Southwest Bonanza Society. Inc, Serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Contact: Marvi n Polzien. 819 Wood N Creek. Ardmore, OK 7340 1-2941. Home 580-223-39 10 or office 580-223-1234 Midwest Bonanza Society Serving Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio and Kentucky. Contact: John Whitehead. 2079 Glenalden Dr. W, Germantown. TN 38139. Phone 901-756-1166 or e-mail <jwhitehead @earthlink.net>. Website is <http:// home.earthlink.netl-jwhiteheadlindex.html> North East Bonanza Group Serving Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. Contact: Steve Oxman, 385 Westbury Drive. Riva. MD 21 140. Phone 4 10-956-3080 or e-mail <[email protected]> Southeastern Bonanza Society Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi and Tennessee . Contact: John Sell mer, 128 Sea Island Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Phone 770-487-8386, fax 770-631-0501 or e-mail <[email protected]> Pacific Bonanza Society Serving Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, WaShington and Alaska Contact: Steve Walker, 17715 NE 141 st St., Redmond, WA 98052-1234. Phone 425-883-1984. fax 425-4971064 or e-mail <[email protected]> Australian Bonanza Society Serving Australia Contact: Peter Gordon. PO Box 150, Torquay, Victoria, Australia 3228. Fax: +61-3-5261-7016, e-mail <pgord@ozemail .com.au> ABS February 2001 Now is the _ to join the Regional YOII' area! Question: What is the difference between the ABS and the independent Regional Bonanza Soc ieties? The short answer is: While the national convention is a lot of fun. the primary objecti ve of the ABS is to provide technical and educational support and [0 promote air safety. On the other band, the Regional Groups are more social with some education at the many fly-ins to interesting places. Some fl y-ins are for a two or three-day weekend, while others are for just a day with lunch andlor dinner. Some of the interesting places Regional Groups fly to are: Midwest: Rough River State Park in Kentucky and the Telemark Resort in Wisconsin. Northeast: The Amish Country in Pennsylvania, the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, Williamsburg in Virginia and Toronto, Canada. Pacific: Durango, Colorado and Carson City, Nevada-and even a cruise out of Southern California. Rocky Mountain: The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, Monument Valley in Utah and Lewis & Clark Museum in Great Falls, Montana, Southwest: Branson, Missouri. the Bush Library in Texas and occasionally to Mexico. These fly-ins are very interesting and enjoyable. You meet so many interesting people with interests similar [0 your own, and many develop into life-long friendships. One thing you can al ways count on at these fl y-ins is lots of hangar fl ying and tire-kicking. Occasionally, a few flying experience "Iies" may be told. In any event, you are missing out on a broad spectrum of experiences you could be enjoying from flying if you are not a member of one of these Regional Groups. The ABS Board of Directors urge you to join the independent Regional Group in your area so you can gel more enjoy- ment out of yo ur flying. -@- Page 6634 Is your CFI proficient and safe? BY JOHN ALLEN BS members know the importance the aviation in dustry places on recurrent training for pilots. This is based on the fact that both statistics and actual experience have shown that pilots who are current and welltrained are better equipped to handle inflight emergencies. Further. annual training is intended to prevent bad habits from forming which create hazardous situations. The fact is, the instruction you receive is no better than the proficiency of the CFI who is providing it to you. It has become clear to most of us at one time or another that all CFI pilots are not created equal. Most pilots would agree that flight training must include some type of simulated emergencies. However, it is important to keep the simulation from becoming the real thing. In the past few years, there have been 49 deaths attributable to these situations. Such accidents involved inadvertent gear retractions, engine-out maneuvers, carburetor icing, midair collisions, stall spins and many others. It is unfortunate that a flight instructor's rating does not mean the CFI is qualified to teach every aspect of aviation. The FAA does have certain requirements the CFI must maintain, but many times this is just not adequate to ensure the CFI is safe and qualified to teach emergency training. It seems that some CFI It is actually possible to pilots simply flounder their obtain a CFI rating with way through each training as little as 300 hours of flight with only a vague experience.Therefore, idea of what they should be it is your right to know teaching or how to properly the credentials of the demonstrate even the most basic maneuvers. CFI who is providing Spin accidents with a instruction to you. CFI on board the aircraft are three times more fre quent than in a solo situation. Many CFls think that all aircraft are spin-tested and that it is safe to demonstrate spins to students. Aircraft are certified in the normal cat- A Page 6635 egory with only a one-turn spin. An aircraft that is intentionally put into a fully developed spin that has not been tested beyond the requirements of the normal category may not be able to recover from it. It is actually possible to obtain a CFI rating with as little as 300 hours of experience. Therefore, it is your right to know the credentials of the CFI who is providing instruction to you. You should not hesitate to ask questions of your CFI such as: How long have yo u been instructing? • How many students do you train each year? How much total time have you logged? How many hours of instruction have you accumulated in an aircraft like the one I fly? Keep in mind the flight instructor is working for you and any time the training maneuvers compromise the safety of the flight, you should ask questions. If you are not comfortable with the answers, it is acceptable to call an end to the training session until you are given proper assurance that the exercise is within the margin of safety specified by the manufacturer of the aircraft and within the bounds of common sense. It is important to remember that any pilot- including a CFT who is pilot-in-command of an aircraft-should be either named in the policy or meet the minimum openpilot warranty found in the policy. Most underwriters are of the opinion that there is nothing as valuable as experience, and they will insist that the CFI pilot have a substantial number of logged hours in the aircraft model in which the training is being gi ven. There are many CFI pilots who provide quality training to their students. It is each pilot's responsibility to make every effort to find the best CFI for the training that is required. The training offered to ABS members through the BPPP is excellent, with Certified Flight Instructors proficient in Bonanza-specific airplanes. Falcon recommends that you consider this course of instruction for your recurrent training. Falcon Insurance is the agency for Ihe officiol ABS insurance program. John Allen may be reached at 1-800-259-4ABS (4227). Falcons website is <www.fa/coninsurance.com>. ABS February 2001 Share what you know BY NANCY JOHNSON, ABS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR hrou ghout my career, I've enjoyed allending educational conventions and conferences. In the earl y years, I did so for what I could learn as an attendee. Later, as my professional expertise matured, I expanded my participation by serving as a seminar speaker and panelist. My favorite topic was how to deal with the media, since most of my jobs involved getting posi tive press coverage or fending off hostile reporters. The laller was due to the sometimes controversial nature of the businesses I represented, including a landlords' association, an alternative energy association and the largest rent-to-own company in the U.S. I'd estimate r was invol ved in about 2,000 interviews or press conferences in the past 28 years. So I like to think that talking about those experiences and sharing what I learned has been valuable to the listener. I can' t say this has made me a polished public speaker since, lord knows, I' m still nervous as a cat when r step to a lectern or put on a lavaliere mike. But I'm okay as long as I remember a wonderful saying - All speakers have butterflies; good speakers get them to fly in formation. What r didn 't expect when I started spouting tips to audiences was how much more my own knowledge wou ld expand. This is because most of my speaking engagements weren ' t monologues, instead were interactive or fearured extended question-and-answer periods. Getting the participants involved in a discussion was as educational for me as it was for the audience. Thi s is heavy on my mind as the ABS Convention Committee prepares to meet in mid-February to begin planning the 200 I event, October 10-14 in Mobile, Alabama. Of course we will have myriad arrangements to work out - publicity, registration, scheduling, food fu nctions, social events, the trade show and much more. But development of the educational component ranks highest on our todo list since it is the primary reason the American Bonanza Society exists, as stated in the first paragraph of our bylaws: "To promote and encourage interest in the operation and maintenance of Beechcraft Bonanza, Baron and Travel Air aircraft and to collect from and disseminate to the members ideas, experience and data in relation to such aircraft and the safe flying of the same." After the 2000 convention, the commillee and I were delighted that many of the participants felt the roster of seminars was much improVed. Truth be told, we'd gotten sort of complacent about relying on the same speakers and T ABS February 2001 subjects. Regardless of how good they or their topics were, we needed to mix it up more with some fresh faces and perspectives. Last year's call for presenters produced several new seminars, the return of some speakers who hadn 't appeared for a few years, and many revised formats by rerurning speakers. Since the convention needs to be a reasonably priced membership service, we were gratified that most of these folks were coming to the convention anyway and volunteered to speak. Their generosity spoke volumes about their desire to help you and the Society. More good news about the San Antonio convention is that we initially had more speakers than we could use. That allowed us to fill in some last-minute cancellations so there were no blanks in the schedule. This is akin to having enough back-up articles in our magazine file for those times when a feature falls through or a columnist needs to take a break from his or her monthly writing. (An unsubtle hint for you to selld ill those articles!) We want to continue deepening the pool of speakers and subjects this year and in the future. For 200 I, we are getting this going NOW for two reasons. First, to get the seminar publicity out earlier to entice you to ign up as an "early bird." That way you can take advantage of the reduced registration fees . Second, for pl anning purposes, it's tremendously helpful to have an earlier indication of the number of people to expect. If we know how many of you are coming, we can avoid the hassles of too small meeting rooms, too little food , long lines at receptions to buy drink tickets ... So, here's the deal: We'd like you to volunteer as a convention presenter. We' re primarily looking for piloting and aircraft-technical subjects, butABS conventioneers do appreciate the occasional non-aviation topic as well. Most time slots are 50 minutes, but we'll consider longer if the So, here's the deal: subject merits more time. We're We 'd like volunteers as not looking for "sales pitches," al- convention presenters, though we do allow exhibitors to We 're primarily looking tout their own merchandise so long for piloting and aircraffas it's only part of an overall educa- technical subjects, but tional talk about the general catABS conventioneers do egory of their product or service. appreciate the occaAs noted, it works best for convention cost-containment if you sional non-aviation do this as a volunteer rather than topic as well, in a paid capacity. If that puts you off, keep in mind what John Wooden (UCLA coach, 1948-75) said : "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." To volullteer as a cOlivelltioll speaker, selld a sYllopsis of subject mailer alld contact illformatioll to NOllc), at <boIl0Ilzo2@bolloll:a.org>orPOBox 12888, Wichita, KS 67277. Page 6636 FEBRUARY 9-11 - Austra lian Bonanza Society Fly-in. Tyobb. Mornington Peninsula. Victoria. Australia. 10-25 - Australian Bonanza Society Fly-In. Norlh & Soulh islands 01 New Zealand. Contact Edgar Bossinthwoigthe. 07 ·4638-536 7 17 - North East Bonanza Group Fly- in. lancaster. Pennsylvania,lunch and tour of Amish country. Contact Everett Williams, 717-569-9293. MARCH 9-11 - Rocky Mountain Society Fly-In. Gouldings Lodge. Monument Volley. Uloh. Contact Bill Stovall. 303670-2244. ore-moil <[email protected]>. 2-4 - BPPP.lnc" Son Antonio. Texas. Conloct BPPP. lnc" 970-377-1877. 9-12 - ABS Service Clinic Winword Aviation.Airport (LNA). Lantana. Florida. Conloct ABS. 17 - North East Bonanza Group Fly-in. Williamsburg, Virginia. lunch and lour of Colonial Williamsburg . Contact EvereHWillioms, 717-569-9293. CALENDAR 2001 TBA - Rocky Mountain Society Fly-in . Durango, Colorado. Railroad trip to Silverton. Contact Bill Stovall. 303-670-2244, or e-mail <[email protected]>. MAY OCTOBER 5-7 - BPPP, Inc. Fresno. California. Contact BPPP.lnc" 971).377-1877. 4-6- Southwest Bonanza Society Fly-In, BryaniCollege Station, Texas (Including Texas A&M and George Bush library and Museum). Contact Jack Threodglll, 979-779-7155 or e-mail [email protected], 4-7- ABS Service Clinic Aviation Classics Ud .. Airport (ASD), Reno. Nevada, Conloct ABS. 18-20 - 8PPP, Inc. Milwaukee. Wisconsin. Contocl BPPP.lnc .. 971).377-1877. 18-20 - North East Bonanza Group Weekend Fly-in. Nemacolin Woods. Pennsylvania. Contact Steve Oxman, 410-956-3080. 24 - Midwest Bonanza Society Fly-i n. Lake Barkley State Resort Pork. Cadiz, Kentucky. For reser24 - Midwest Bonanza Society vations call 800-255·PARK and Fly-in. Eagle Creek Airport. lndianapo- advise them you're with the MSBS lis, Indiana. Contact Craig Bailey, group. Contact Craig Bailey, 847-265·9344. or e-mail 847-265-9344, ore-moil <cboiley@kraff,corn>. <cboiley@kraft,com>: or John Whitehead 01 APRil <[email protected]>, 6-8 - BPPP, Inc" Fresno. California. TBA - Rocky Mountain Society Contact Bppp,lnc., 970-377-1877. Fly-in. lewis and Clark Museum, 8-14 - Sun 'n Fun. lakeland. Florida. Greot Falls. Montano. Contact Bill Stovall, 303-670·2244, or e-mail 20-23 - ABS Service Clinic <[email protected]:>. Guernsey Aviolion Inc" Airport (3AU). Augusto, Kansas, Contact ABS. JUNE 1-3 - BPPP, Inc. 21 - North East Bonanza Group Spokane, Washington, Fly-in.Wil mington, Delaware. Contocl BPPP.lnc .. 971).377-1 877. Lunch and lour 01 "Old Town" New Castle. Contact Everett Williams, 6-11 - ABS Service Clinic 717-569-9293. PS Air Inc" Airport (CID), Cedor Rapids, Iowa, Contacl ASS. 26-29 - Southeast Bonanza Society Fly-in. Vidalia. Georgia. Vidalia Onion 7-10 - Southeast Bonanzo Society Festival & Air Show. Contact David Fly-in. Branson. Missouri. Shows and Ann Lovins. and sighls of Bronson. Contact Bill 912·537-8380. or e·moil and Jon Jones, 863·676-2775 or <[email protected]:> e-mail <Jackj@gote .net>. 27-29 - BPPP, Inc. Columbus. Ohio. Contact BPPP.lnc" 970-377-1877. 21 -23 - BPPP, Inc. litlle Rock,Arkonsas. Conloct BPPP, Inc.. 970-377- 1877. AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS 1922 Midfield Rd./PO. Box 12B88/Wichita. KS 67277 Phone: 310-945-1700 - Fax: 310-945-1710 Web Site: http://www.bonanzo.org - e-mail: [email protected] 23-25 - BPPP, Inc., Greensboro. North Carolina. Conloct BPPP.lnc" 970-377-1877. 27-29 - Pacific Bonanza Society Fly-In. Sedona, Arizona. Contact Ed Smith. 702-656-8135. 15 - North East Bonanza Group Fly-in. Penns Cove (N74). Pennsylvannia.lunch and tour of cove. Contact Rich Campbell. 610·678-0942. 15-17 - North East Bonanza Group Weekend Fly-in and Saturday luncheon. Basin Harbor. Vermont. Contact Bob Gordon, 716-546·8111 or 631-673-9837. 15-17 - Pacific Bonanza Society Fly-in. Corson City, Nevada. Contocl Roger Murray. 775-971· 0168. 22-24 - BPPP, Inc. (Mountain Flying) Colorado Springs. Colorado, Conloct BPPP, Inc" 970-377-1877. 10-14 - ABS CONVENTION. Mabile,Alabama . JULY 13-16" ABS Service Clinic Styles Refurbish,Airport (44N), lagrangeville. New York, Conlacl ASS. 21 - North East Bonanza Group Fly-in . Old Rhinebock. New York. Flying activities of WWI airplanes, Contact EvereUWillioms, 717-569-9293. AUGUST 3-5 - Pacific Bonanza Society Fly-in. Son luis Obispo,Colifornia. Conloct Poul Boum, 805·461 -3643. 5-19 - Australian Bonanza Society Safari. Alice Springs throughout Kimberly region. 16-19 - Southeast Bonanza Society Fly-in. Huntsville, Alabama. Visit U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Contact Jessie StuMs 256-883-8460 and Ed Zompo 256-971-8973. 18 - North East Bonanza Group Fly-In. Block Island, Massochusetts.lunch and tour of island. Contact Everett Williams, 717-569·9293. SEPTEMBER 13-16 - Southeast Bonanza Society Fly-in. Jefferson, North Carolina. Repeat of a great fly-in in the mountains. Contact John Sellmer. 770-487-8386. or Stu Pigman, 941-731-2352. 14-16 - Pacific Bonanza Society Fly-in. Sun River, Oregon. Contact John Fedrizzi, 541-593-2535. 19-21 - BPPP, Inc. Nashua, New Hampshire, Contact BPPP.lnc" 970-377- 1877. 20 - North East Bonanza Group Fly·in.Wilkes-Borre/Scrantan, Pennsylvania. lunch and tour of railroad museum, Contact Steve Horrison. 26-29- ABS Service Clinic Cruiseair Aviation, Airport (RMN). Romano, Colifornio. Contact ABS. NOVEMBER 2-4 - BPPP, Inc. Nortolk. Virginia. Conloct BPPP, Inc .. 970-377-1877. 16-19- ABS Service Clinic W.H.P.Aviotion Inc" Airport (D73), Monroe, Georgia. Contact ABS. 17 - North East Bonanza Group Fly-in. Millville. New Jersey. lunch and tour of aviation Museum. Contact Clem Zilka, 215-638-8035. 11/30-1213- ABS Service Clinic Chandler Aviation Inc"Airport (CHD). Chandler, Arizona, Contact ASS. 29·12102 - Southeast Bonanzo Society Fly-in. Mystery destination in Ihe Bohomos. Contoct Harvey Kriegsmon. 407-725-9226. ore-moil <[email protected]>. ... Web : www.strikefinder.com E-mail: [email protected] (905) 871-0733 (716) 852-3217 for your FREE GEM Pilot's Guide and Video Fax: (905) 871-5460 ' Box 194' Buffa/o, NY 14205-0194