What To Do If Your Engine Fails On Take-Off

Presentation sponsored by Redwood Coast Chapter of 99's.

Speaker: Ann Elsbach.

Location: Northern Air

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

7:00 p.m.

Dessert and coffee available.

Rob and Bill in the Teatons

R & B in the Teatons

Busting out over FOT VOR


All the way to Winemucca, NV. Smoke tops FL 150

Finally a break, Jackson Hole, R&B Rock!

Ok, Rob's 50th Bday.
We took the old girl to flight level 210, got the turbo really screaming, puffed the better side of two O2 bottles and had one hell of a GOOD time coming and going. And there we have it.

Rob and "My Old Buddy" son #2 Ryan


Jackson Hole, WY. waiting for Dick Cheney to show up and buy a few beers, THX Dick for the bottle of Knob Creek, it was EX.

Dad and Ryan subdue a wild Bison on the streets of Jackson.

Bill and Rob after drinking the bottle of "Knob Creek" with Dick Cheney ( and the secret secret service dudes watching)

Bill takes Bison picture, Rob stays in the car


One more picture after the bottle of "Knob", hold the camera straight Dick!

Heading Back Home, Somewhere??

And there we have it.....

See you soon.

Hangar List

By Ace CFI

Are you aware other county airports post their Hangar List? I’ve seen them posted in airport lobbies, and on web sites. For your convenience, a link has been provided to see how other airport managers are taking care of business.

If you would like to see the Humboldt County Hangar List posted, call or write the airport manager and voice your opinion.

http://www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/airport/documents/Hanger_wait_list_02-19-08.pdf

Super Sunset, Humboldt Style

Another excellent week of Hot weather in the county and undoubtedly ACE will have another mighty fine adventure to tell us about next week.  Actually I already know the story but I can't tell.

99's BBQ

Wow friends, for those that were unable to attend the 99's BBQ at Rohnerville airport your really missed something excellent.  The weather was hot and so was the event.  Special thanks to Dr. Jutila and his tireless efforts to support the aviation activities in the county and the 99's.

We are happy to report that there was not a scrap left (much to the disappointment of Daisy the airport dog) and everyone seemed truly pleased with the event.  Thanks ladies, we can't wait till next time. hopefully soon.

Airport Advisory Committee Meeting

The next Humboldt County Airport Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 27, 2008 at ACV.

After the excellent turn out at KFOT last month, it would be great if the number of attendees at the regular airport meetings were to increase significantly as well.  I believe that we will get things done if the "proper" interest is shown by those of us that really matter, Aircraft owners and pilots.

Around The Airports

It is time for all to talk to your supervisor in the county, find out their stand on the airports and aviation in general.  Ask them if they believe that transparency is good for the county.  Remember that we are all big people and answers that are BS are unacceptable.THEN GO OUT AND VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE!

I have been following up with AOPA and FAA and the aviation attorney that we have retained regarding our situation here in the county, and the process is as follows:  

The next step in the process is to contact the FAA's Western Pacific Regional Airports Division Office, located in LA. and ask the FAA "to implement an investigation under FAR Part 13.1."

This will satisfy the requirement under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 13 (Part 13), that "a person directly and substantially affected by the alleged noncompliance shall initiate and engage in good faith efforts to resolve the disputed matter informally with those individuals or entities believed responsible for the noncompliance."

Then in the event we still in a stall, we can have the aviation attorney file the necessary paperwork to implement a formal complaint with the FAA under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 16.

It would be much easier to engage in honest and friendly dialogue than to call the Feds as suggested by the county... Think about it.

AWOS at KEKA, KFOT and 016

I think that the sooner we get this done the better.  I am told that these projects are a year out at the earliest. 

The other day I was listening on the radio to the life flight aircraft diverting to KACV from KFOT due to weather, no weather reporting no Part 135 operations.  The patient being transported was at Redwood Memorial in Fortuna and had to be driven an extra 30 minutes to KACV.

Just for ACE, CFII

Oh by the way ACE, here is that picture of my x-life I told you about.  She said that she is interested in a few lessons but wants to know something about "maximum endurance" at 95% power.  Good luck man! And NO I am not willing to pay for her instruction as well!

 

When Authority Kills, No Choice, No Chance!

CYA/IFR

  Scott Crossfield 1921-2006
Click the image for the NASA Story.
Read the NTSB Fatality report Here

By ACE CFII

As pilots (under federal law) we accept the ultimate responsibility for the safety of our flight and all involved in the mission.

The right as the pilot in command, to question the ultimate authority and make the final decision assures we can prevent loss of life and property or pay the ultimate price.

Don't forget that Jacque. You work for us, we the people!

Today’s IFR ground lesson included Jill.  You remember Jill from a previous Blog Post?  If you have to toggle down and have another look (she is hot in that bikini) it’s OK.  Just report  back on frequency when your done….. 

I just finished writing on the blackboard, “CYA /IFR.”  I handed Jill and my other students the Oct. 2006 NTSB issued Safety Alert SA-11, entitled “Thunderstorm Encounters.”  Class, I think the catalyst that gave birth to this Alert comes form the death of  Scott Crossfield. 

As one of The United States top test pilots, he flew some of the most exotic and dangerous high performance aircraft (X-1, XF-92, X-4, X-5 to name a few) ever built.  It’s very unfortunate that his skill, and experience wasn’t enough to keep his Cessna 210 from coming apart in a thunderstorm near Ludville, Georgia on 4-19-2006.  He needed one more thing, a little CYA (cover your ass) IFR.

Scott’s death is a wake up call to the rest of us.  In my opinion, Scott made the mistake of counting on air traffic controllers to COVER HIS ASS.  In that, ATC would advise him  (a review of Atlanta ARTCC communications with the accident airplane confirmed that the pilot was not provided any severe weather advisories nor was he advised of the radar-depicted weather displayed on the sector 38 radar controller's scope) about areas of severe weather ahead. 

That ATC training and briefings to controllers were sufficient to ensure that pilots would receive the weather advisories needed to support good in-flight weather avoidance decisions. 

After all, that’s what one reads in FAA Order 7110.65, the Controllers Bible.  By not issuing weather reports to Scott (one of two IFR aircraft in sector 38 at that time) the controller violated several paragraphs in that Order.  While Scott was fighting for his life, entrapped in a Thunderstorm (Imagery from Geostationary Operations Environmental Satellite number 12 depicted cumulonimbus clouds associated with the squall line.

These clouds extended from extreme northeastern Alabama,across northern Georgia, southern Tennessee, and into western North and South Carolina. The accident site was located on the southern side of the system where cloud tops were near 37,000 feet. Higher cloud tops of 46,000 feet were observed to the west of the accident site and were associated with the observed squall line.

According to aircraft radar track data, the accidentairplane's last radar return was located under the anvil of a cumulonimbus cloud) the controller was thinking:  “Look at my screen, adverse weather (moderate, heavy, and extreme) all over.  I believe pilots have a better idea of where adverse weather is then I do!  I expect pilots to inform me on what actions they need to take to avoid the weather.  After all, my equipment is not reliable, my displayed weather can be between 6 to 15 minutes old.” I know, it sounds ludicrous, but that’s what the controller said in his report to the NTSB.  I wonder if he still has a job. 

Jill looked up and pointed to the blackboard, and asked, Ace, how do we CYA in IFR?  Well, said one of the other students, your not going to be able to do it with that small bikini you wore last week.  OK, let’s get back on track!  It would be a tribute to Scott, if we were to learn something from his death.  Here’s a little CYA  info for all of us.

Don’t assume ATC is watching the weather for you.

• Radar detects precipitation not clouds or turbulence.
• Radar doesn’t tell controllers when you’re in IMC.
• Don’t be shy about asking for deviations.
• If there’s weather ahead, ask for deviations early.
• If you don’t have weather detection equipment, tell ATC.
• If you’re in IMC and can’t visually avoid weather, tell ATC.
• If you encounter weather ATC hasn’t mentioned, tell ATC.
• When you are handed off to another sector, make sure the new controller fully understands you weather situation, and what you expect from ATC. 
• If there’s a convective sigmet for the area, seriously consider staying on the ground.
• Data link radar can be several minutes old, don’t use it to thread your way through fast developing weather.
• Plan fights for the morning, most thunderstorms develop in the afternoon or evening.
• Avoid large cells by at least 20 miles.  If you’re flying between two cells, you’ll need a 40 mile gap.
• When deviating, try to stay on the upwind side of thunderstorms.
• Don’t fly under the anvil of a thunderstorm.
• Slow the airplane to VA as soon as possible.
• Maintain a general attitude, don’t worry about altitude.
• Extend the landing gear, leave the flaps up.
• Turn the cockpit lighting as high as it will go.
• Approach and center controllers use different radar systems.
• Do look at the links provided on the Safety Alert and NTSB accident file on Scott.

 

 Honors: A reprint From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Albert Scott Crossfield received the Lawrence Sperry Award (1954), Octave Chanute Award (1954), Iven C. Kincheloe Award (1960), American Rocket Society (ARS) Astronautics Award (1960), Harmon International Trophy (1961 at the White House by President John F. Kennedy), Collier Trophy (1961 at the White House by President Kennedy in 1962), NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal (1993), and was named Honorary Fellow by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (1999). Crossfield is the only American to be honored in the White House for his contributions in advancing aeronautical science - or any other discipline - more than once, let alone two consecutive years. He has been inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1983), the International Space Hall of Fame (1988), the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame (1998), Aerospace Walk of Honor (1990) and the National Air and Space Museum Trophy (2000). Posthumously, he has been awarded the Hoyt S. Vandenburg Award, the Paul Tissandier Diploma, the Victor A. Prather Award, and the Donald D. Engen Award. He also had an elementary school named in his honor near his last residence, in Herndon, Virginia (a community just northeast of Dulles International Airport). A ribbon named after him is one of the Aerospace Education Awards in the Civil Air Patrol Senior Members program. He was also most proud of his A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award which is awarded annually at what is known as the "Oscar Night" in aviation, the Annual Enshrinement Ceremony Weekend at the National Aviation Hall of Fame held each year at the end of July in Dayton, Ohio. This year we will select our twenty-second teacher for this prestigious award. Mr. Crossfield received an honorary doctor of science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1982. While he was celebrated as a daring test pilot, he claimed that his actual profession was an engineer. "I am an aeronautical engineer, an aerodynamicist and a designer. My flying was only primarily because I felt that it was essential to designing and building better airplanes for pilots to fly." Even so, Crossfield often performed much of the dangerous initial test flight profiles with a small cadre of other test pilots before active duty Air Force and Navy test pilots were turned loose in the experimental aircraft. Crossfield opined his military, NACA/NASA, and manufacturer flight test job was to prepare military test pilots to earn recognition for aeronautical firsts by giving them solid flight data.

To friends and protegees, Crossfield was incredibly generous with his time and his insights. A morning meet for a cup of coffee could easily turn into a three-hour chat about almost anything. One such chat was about his first meeting with Vice President Nixon and test flight; Nixon remarked about the danger of flying. Crossfield replied, "I think you are in a much more precarious position, sir, as an elected official," then wryly remarked he predicted Watergate fallout well before any other person. To an even smaller group of those who were close, Crossfield discussed distinguishing capabilities of test pilots and who could be counted upon to get recurring reliable data on profile flights and those who were assigned to the chase planes.

Airport Advisory Meeting at KFOT

More excellent weather here on the North Coast and airplanes aplenty command the sky.

Let's Not Forget

We are all saddened by the loss of Supervisor Roger Rodoni a short time ago.  Our thoughts are with his family.

• May 17th, 2008 1st Annual Tri-tip BBQ at Rohnerville Airport
• Crank up them flyin machines your car or feet, but don't miss this excellent feed prepared by those lovely ladies of the 99s.
  Time 12:00 to 14:00 Cost $10.
• There will also be a silent auction for a framed print of the B-36D Peacemaker landing at San Diego.
• Call Nancy (707) 443-0386 or Rita (707) 822-6966 and let them know your coming!  See you there!

Around the Airports

Thanks to all that attended the Advisory meeting at KFOT last Saturday, the official count was 51.

It was excellent to see so many aircraft owners and pilots attend and participate in this important event.

The meeting was called to order and Dr. Jutila presented a video regarding the importance of preserving and maintaining our airports from the threats of development and regulation that threaten airports nationwide daily.

The meeting continued and a number of speakers presented information to the Advisory committee on a number of topics.

As I recall the hit parade went something like this:

• Hangars, Hangars and More Hangars
• The list of Infamy, sent in by numerous sources  (it's on the last post)
• Some Administrative questions directed to Jacque.

I took a pulse of those that attended the meeting over the past week and received a wide range of sentiment. 
On the up side pilots felt that they had the opportunity to express their concerns and complemented Chuck on his excellent attention to detail. Pilots feel that now their concerns have become "official".

There continues to be a feeling that we are engaged in a "fight with city hall" that will go on indefinitely. 

There were suggestions that we file a complaint with the HC Grand Jury, Attorney General or the FAA in order to speed resolution of some of the more important issues of safety and exclusive privilege.

It would be sad to concede that the Bureaucracy has overwhelmed the democracy and left us without challenge or choice.  At this point I still believe that working with our Supervisors, DPW Director and perhaps the County Council will precipitate positive results.

We can always go the way of the courts, lawyers and all of the hoop la that accompanies such a painful endeavor in the event that the only action is inaction.

We believe that the aviation community is an EXTREMELY important resource in Humboldt County.  In the event of some form of disaster, our aviation community represents 150+ little donkeys that can make trips over the mountain to civilization.

There are very real circumstances were the "big planes" might not be able to come here for a period, the roads closed due to fire, flood or slides. 

At that point YOU would find a local Humboldt County pilot ready to take you or your sick child over the mountain and bring something back for someone else.

As far as we pilots being an "ignorant" bunch, as we are often told that "you just don't understand", I would offer the following;

The requirements to become a private pilot, are more stringent than to become one of the many officials in the county that seem to dictate our destiny.

We operate in a dynamic environment that does not stop until the COMPLETION of the mission.  There is no pulling over to look at the map or take 5 at a rest stop.

Personally, I don't particularly care to be told that I don't understand.
I may not have the experience of operating the airports in Humboldt County, but I do have the experience of being responsible for some simple little things like restoring the power and water systems, for an entire country, in the middle of a war.

Wanna see my scar?

Please don't sell us short or out.

 

Play by my Rules or Else?

My friendly skies!

by Ace CFII

Jill, a student of mine was looking forward to her first, IFR dual cross country to KMRY (monterey peninsula airport) and It looked like most of her planning was done.

I took a casual look over that well turned shoulder and asked, do you have the noise abatement info for Monterey?
Yes I do, but what a mess, it’s four pages including the airport diagram.

Ace, even IFR practice approaches are DISCOURAGED at KMRY. The South Pattern is pretty high as well, 1800 msl/1546 agl.  This information is pretty DISCOUAGING, do you think something like this could happen up here in Humboldt County?

Well Jill, anything is certainly possible.  For example, if the local aviation authority lacks the knowledge or ability to maintain a proper balance between the needs of aviation and the community at large, it could certainly cause consternation for all involved.

Unfortunately, these issues can be complex, let's say that the airport manager is a total "aviation is it" kind of person, but lacks the support of the higher up's, there could be a problem. Conversely, if the airport manager is not, then there could be problems a s well.

Let's take a look at the KMRY graphic below (click the pic please)

Giving the document a good looksie, it is definitely somewhat aircraft unfriendly, but how can that be?  It's an airport!  And interestingly enough the document was developed by our current airport manager here in Humboldt County, Jacquelyn Hulsey!

About two Airport Advisory meetings ago, I was told that a resident who lives near ACV voiced their concerns about future flying lessons taking place when a FBO opens for business.

They had visions of low flying and noisy planes over head. Jackie told the residents, if you have any low flying aircraft near your house, let me know, I’ll TAKE CARE OF IT! I’ve been waiting to see if that statement shows up in the minutes. No postings of minutes for 2008.

Jill, let’s look into my crystal ball, is this our future here in Humboldt County?

There is another meeting, a resident is standing up, and we hear the following proclamation,

“Has the constant noise of low flying STUNT PLANES driven you indoors, interfered with your conversing on your deck or patio, or simply deprived you of the use of your property as you would like to use it."

"My friends, you are not alone. The issue is, NOISE and SAFETY. Who shall set and control the noise levels on your property; you or someone operating his RECREATIONAL VEHICLE?"

"If the vehicle were a ground vehicle we would not even have to ask the question. Yet aircraft operate as though they were exempt form the laws that keep our communities civilized."

"Let’s be committed to ending this abuse of private property rights, assault on our well beings, and reckless harassment of the many by the few. Let’s make it our mission to restore control of your lands to you the property owner.” Look who is standing up and applauding.

Why it’s Jackie, saying, “I’ll TAKE CARE OF IT.”

Jill, Humboldt pilots need to stick together and get involved.
When that happens the crystal ball tells a different story.......

One where our airport manager is a pilot. When hearing complaints from residents, they would answer, “My fellow pilots and I are flying within FAA regulations." They would be able to turn to FAR 91.119 and explain how we are committed to being safe and neighborly.

Yes Jill, we need someone who will work with us and not against us.

later that day.....

After flying at 5280' for awhile and a few "Missed Approaches" things came together, and a straight in on 10R was the culmination of the perfect approach.

After that Jill and I headed off to the the sunny beaches of Monterey. A lot more friendly than the traffic pattern and noise abatement issues at KMRY.

So many approaches and so little time! That's why they call me ACE!

The April 22, 2008 meeting of the Humboldt County Aviation Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 am and will be held in Fortuna at the Rohnerville Airport. Please attend!!

May 17th, 2008 1st Annual Tri-tip BBQ at Rohnerville Airport

Crank up them flyin machines your car or feet, but don't miss this excellent feed prepared by those lovely ladies of the 99s.
Time 12:00 to 14:00 Cost $10.

There will also be a silent auction for a framed print of the B-36D Peacemaker landing at San Diego.

Call Nancy (707) 443-0386 or Rita (707) 822-6966 and let them know your coming!  See you there!

Posted by ACE CFII

Skyway Patrol Humboldt Style

Hey Mister, are you lost!

Did you know that Sheriff Gary Philip has own Air Force here in Humboldt County to assist with public safety and Search / Rescue?  We are here to serve you!

Born of humble beginnings the Air Auxiliary consisted of about 15 pilots, 7 observers, 10 airplanes and some of the best electronic gadgetry to be found on the North Coast.

Now our numbers have grown and so have our capabilities including some really cool ground stuff that makes coordination of the "eye in the sky" even more efficient.

Want to Join?  Contact Lt. Dave Morey (HCSO). At the McKinleyville substation.

Lets go Experimental!

EAA meeting April 19 2008 at KFOT Around noon.

Lots of things to discuss and Rob will be doing a short blurb on the progress we are hoping to make with the county in regards to a number of issues.  Be there or Be square!

May 17th, 2008 1st Annual Tri-tip BBQ at Rohnerville Airport

Crank up them flyin machines your car or feet, but don't miss this excellent feed prepared by those lovely ladies of the 99s.
Time 12:00 to 14:00 Cost $10.

There will also be a silent auction for a framed print of the B-36D Peacemaker landing at San Diego.

Call Nancy (707) 443-0386 or Rita (707) 822-6966 and let them know your coming!  See you there!

Around the Airports

Have we had some excellent weather lately or what.  It's been nice to see the skies filled with those daring aviators and their flying machines.

The April 22, 2008 meeting of the Humboldt County Aviation Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 am and will be held in Fortuna at the Rohnerville Airport. Please attend!!

We are currently working on the topics for discussion regarding the next Humboldt County Airport Advisory Board meeting.  Below is the "list in motion" that I have compiled based on conversations with fellow aviators here in the county.

At the moment, there is much debate over "issues" that need to be resolved but progress is being made.

Here is the list:

• Issues relating to the allowance of other business to operate on the airports.  (Mechanics, Other FBO’s) what are the requirements?
• Hangar issues.  How many people are really on the list and are they qualified to be on it.  Is HC going to build hangars at KFOT, Murray Field?  If not, why?
• Why is it so hard to get accurate public information from the airport manager?  Accounting, enterprise balance sheets, fuel flowage fees, a line item printout of income and expenses by airport?
• Why is the standard answer “we have to hire a consultant to do that, it costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time.”
• Why is the other standard answer, “Call the Feds if you don’t like what’s going on regarding HC airports?”  Personally we believe calling the Feds (FAA or IG) to assist with local airport issues, is the least acceptable resolution.
• Straight up communication, not defensiveness, not BS about “runway incursions”, or excuses that don’t make sense.
• Make runway daytime runway lighting available at KFOT.
• Make runway lighting available at KACV 1/19.  I believe that the feds paid 95% to replace this lighting in the past few years.
• Minimum standards, I sent a proposal to develop, no answer.

Any additions to the list are welcome send me an email and I will add whatever I receive.  

see you next week,

Girls Gone Wild. In Humboldt County?

By Ace CFII

I was flying along our beautiful West Coast shore line with a student doing some side slips in prep for the x-wind landing that was needed back at EKA.

Just a few people on the beach, so we kept the altitude at 500 feet (per 91.119). As we were enjoying the beautiful day, we heard a call on the radio, “This is Flight Check 101, we would like vectors to the ILS 32 at Arcata.”

My student asked, hey what’s a Flight Check? I told her that’s the FAA checking to make sure that the instrument approaches are working correctly at ACV.
I was surprised to here us being called out as traffic, as our position was so far away.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing next. It was the flight check aircraft (the feds) asking for an intercept vector to our position. What the HELL! My student was in shock, and so was I.

Sure enough this King Air pulled up on our left wing, came up on 122.90 and said, "Follow me back to EKA for an enforcement action."
" What’s that", said my student. It’s some kind of joke, I have so many crazy friends, let’s play along, this should be fun,
I said. I couldn't believe what happened, this was not a joke.

I found myself defending our altitude of 500 feet. Hey, we were not in a congested area, I said. They came back, yes you were.
Being a smart pilot, I countered, I know that the legal term is not defined in the regulation, and in practice, is subject to varying interpretations and applied to varying geographical areas.

There were only a few people on the shore line. That may be so, they said, just to let you know we just busted (150 day suspension) an ATP for flying a Gulfstream II in Hawaii to low over the shore line and for a low pass at the airport.

The FAA inspector handed me his copy of AOPA’s April issue, opened to page 50 and took one hell of a long look at my student. Here, you may want to read this, he said. The title of the article was, What is a `congested area’? I was dumbfounded, and glad I bought into AOPA’s Legal Services Plan. Were going to do battle I told my student, maybe I can get John Yodice as my counsel.

I decide to check it out a little further and found the NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD documents regarding the case. This deal turned out to be some serious foolishness performed by the pilot and in my opinion, the 150 day suspension was a walk.

After all the trauma, my student ( below) and I decided a relaxing long cross country to Disneyland was in order, That's why they call me ACE!

Excuse Me Miss, are you the attendant on this flight?

1. The April 22, 2008 meeting of the Humboldt County Aviation Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 am and will be held in Fortuna at the Rohnerville Airport.

2. We have added word verification in the comment section due to the repeated receipt of spam, sorry for the extra step.

Posted by ACE (using Rob's computer)

Tell Me, Why do I fly Tell Me where do I go, Tell me why.

Here is one excellent reason to Fly "Humboldt County Style", the view.  This is ACV on a mighty fine day and I must say the unlimited viability was breathtaking and the photo simply doesn't do it justice.

 

 

This is the link to the photo above.  It is truly awesome full screen, CLICK HERE and download from the photo album.

 

Turn up the sound for this one!!

FLYING MOVIE!

 

 

If you like the video and want to see it full screen, do it here!

 

Flying Movie above was made in memory of a friend, Gary.  A non-aviator but a real friend nevertheless..

 

I am happy that we are making progress here at the home of the Humboldt County Aviators.

The April 22, 2008 meeting of the Humboldt County Aviation dvisory Committee has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 am and will be held in Fortuna at the Rohnerville Airport.

 

See you soon,

Holy Humboldt Batcopter Horrors Batman!

Marvelous Comix

And that was that for our heroes.  Fortunately Alfred arrived the following day and under cover of darkness repaired the Batcopter.

Catwoman and King Tut were really pissed but fell right into line when Commissioner Gordon from the FAA arrived the following month to ask a few questions.

Expect Better from our Airport Authority, let's get Humboldt County Aviation back on the localizer.

See you next week,

Humboldt County Aviation,Cessna,mooney,piper,beech,ACV,EKA,FOT,Public Works Projects,Airport,Humboldt County Airport

C182 vs Deer

Aviation Deer Strikes, coming to an airport near YOU

Click on the link above. You have got to see this 7 1/2 min. video. At the end the pilot shows all of the damage.

This is what you can expect at KEKA without a deer fence. I know, it always happens to the other guy, like our friend Manny that used to fly the FedEx Cessna Caravan into KEKA.

Shortly after touching down, a deer ran across the runway (29) and was struck by the propeller of the aircraft. The deer was split longitudinally from head to tail, made one hell of a mess and thoroughly broke the airplane.

Thank goodness that Manny was OK. And fortunately he didn't have to pay for the repairs to the Caravan that were over $250K.

Get involved with Humboldt County Aviation. Your voice is needed.

The Airport Advisory Committee meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. The meetings are held in the aviation office (The Dave Zebo room is now a TSA office). Humboldt County Aviation Advisory Committee3561 Boeing WayMcKinleyville, CA 95519


Other Deer Strikes.

Traffic In The Area Please Advise

My name is Ace, CFI, and this is my story. While climbing out of EKA enroute to CIC I started thinking about recent events. Could I really be going to Chico to conduct a BFR for Harrison Ford, the actor? I made several calls trying to find out. Eventually, I decided no way! But wait a minute, maybe this BFR had to be done on the QT, no leaks, no paparazzi! After checking in with the Chico FBO I noticed a DeHavilland Beaver on the ramp, and decided to take a closer look. I’ve seen the movie Six Days and Seven Nights, staring Harrison Ford. In that movie he was an air taxi operator, and used a Beaver just like this one.

Photo: Harrison found a great clearing for a simulated engine out.














After a short wait, a jet (Gulfstream G550) landed, and taxied up to the Beaver. The first person off the jet started walking towards me. He extended his hand, and said, I’m Harrison, you must be Ace. Looking over my shoulder, he said, I haven’t seen the old girl in months. I had her brought down from Canada so we could use it on my BFR. I’ll give her a good preflight, and then we can discuss our flight. As I watched him I could tell he was in his element.


We departed Chico to the south. Part of the BFR would include flying to small airports in the basin, and Sierra foothills. The com was set to 122.70, 122.80, or 122.90 as needed. The chatter, and squeal on the radio was horrific. Harrison said, sounds like a lot of planes out today, don’t you wish we had a better system for communicating? Yes, but we could make better use of the one we have. Some of the pilots are too long winded, using poor technique, or phraseology. During training, I make the point that safety is compromised when we have a situation like today. Bottom line, there's only so much air time.


We heard a call that ended with, “Any traffic in the area please advise.” Harrison, you don’t need to reply to that call. But Ace, he said, any traffic in the area please advise. I know, but there’s no conflict. That pilot said he was on a 3 mile final. It’s one less call to tie up the frequency. We’ve been using good judgment as to what to say, and when to say it, like our previous transition call. Your right, Harrison said, that was going to be a knee jerk response on my part. Harrison, what’s lacking is a satisfactory knowledge of how to self-announce a position or intention. Over the years I’ve heard pilots using the phrase, “Any traffic in the area, please advise.” I’m sure they would be surprised to find out it’s not recognized as being correct. We’ll review the four pages of the Airman’s Information Manual, “Traffic Advisory Practices at Airports Without Operating Control Towers,” when we get back to Chico.


AIM 4-1-9
g. Self-Announce Position and/or Intentions
1. General. Self-announce is a procedure whereby pilots broadcast their position or intended
flight activity or ground operation on the designated CTAF. This procedure is used primarily at airports which do not have an FSS on the airport. The self-announce procedure should also be used if a pilot is unable to communicate with the FSS on the designated CTAF. Pilots stating, “Traffic in the area, please advise” is not a recognized Self-Announce Position and/or Intention phrase and should not be used under any condition.

IF you like Ace's article, please leave a comment. With a little encouragement he'll make another low pass.

It's the little things that count!

I had what I would call a good experience with the Humboldt County Public Works Department today. Here is an account of that experience. Over this last weekend I noticed the Dinsmore Airport (D63) wind sock was needing replacement. We had a series of storms that ripped through Humboldt County recently, and rendered the wind sock worthless. I placed a call, (707) 839-5401 to Humboldt County Public Works Department today letting them know that the wind sock at Dinsmore was INOP. Within five hours, a Mr. Martin Stock called back letting me know the battered wind sock had been replaced. The wind sock is a little thing that pilots count on being there in working order when they arrive at their destination. So, Thank you Martin, and the crew that had a hand in fixing this little problem.

Lets Get this Thing off the Ground

Hello Fellow Aviators,

Welcome to the first edition of the Humboldt County Aviation Weblog.  This is the place to get together, chew the fat, tell some stories and make GA truly awesome here in Humboldt County.

We started this place because it seems that us aviators here in Humboldt County could use a place to get together, discuss what's on our minds  and perhaps tell the county or anyone else that we choose to talk about what we think about things.

YES YOU CAN COMMENT by clicking on the Post a Comment Link Below.  You can choose to be anonymous, yourself or anybody you want.

Will your comments be edited? NO, they will be exactly as YOU post them.

Will everybody be able to see what you have written? YES, Censorship Sucks, if you have something to say just say it (except bad things about Mooneys or Mooney Pilots, I won't like that).

So why have we started this place? Answer, some of us would like to see a change here in Humboldt County regarding GA.

More to come soon, start leaving comments about anything that has to do with aviation here in the county.  And pass this along to your friends.

See you soon,

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