Flying Aces Inc. Newsletter vol.32 #6 June 2001
The Leading Edge
GENERAL MEETING: FRIDAY the 8th at San Jose Jet Center at 7:30pm
PROGRAM Carried over Ace Skip Forster on "Business in Moscow"
INSTRUCTOR MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 5TH 7PM at INBOUND.
BOARD MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 25th. 6PM at GOULD'S
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO: Tom Clark on the 2nd; Amir Moghul on the 17th; and Mark Smith on the 25th
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2001/2
Pres, John Gould; Activities, Edmond Yuen; Program, Todd Whitmer;
Auditor, Christoph Bohmann; Secretary, John Nogatch
AN EVEN BIGGER CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Our newest Private Pilot, Yuri Litvinov and
a rare graduate and new Airframe & Powerplant mechanic Todd Whitmer
FROM THE MANAGER
My heartfelt thanks to the new board of directors for volenteering to take on the big responsibility ahead of reshaping the Aces to deal with our new situation. After a nice get
aquainted dinner at Apple Lane on May 19th discussion ranged far and wide on stratagies and items to follow up. Some of the possibilities:
* Make no immediate changes and continue long term scouting to replace Squadon II access
* Reduce instructor rates
* Cut dues/subsidy/meeting tickets by %50
* Purchase and operation of older/clean/low time C172 (Insurance is fast becoming a major obstacle)
* Emphasizing what we still have instead of the current lack of AC access. a large percentage of members don't currently use AC
* Any other bright ideas the membership can come up with.
Obviously there are pros and cons for any of these actions to be carefully weighed. It is gratifying that there has been only one resignation so far. Although more may follow, it
appears that most members are willing to give the new board some time to sort things out. Over the last 35 years we have gone down many roads and have always been there for
the dawn. Maybe if we all spent some time with Christoph in the following High Altitude Chamber we might come up with some novel solutions
HIGH ALTITUDE CHAMBER VISIT
As seeing is believing, here is your chance to meet hypoxia. Blue fingernails on tingling trembling fingers, fatigue, lack of clear thinking 1+1=3, air hunger and may be some
euphoria can all be experienced in the secure environment of an altitude chamber. The FAA medical division offers together with the Air Force an all-day training about aviation
physiology specific for FL 250 and above. They even throw in some spatial disorientation exercises. Besides the first-hand experience, you'll earn a certificate for the §61.31
(g)(2)(i) imposed high altitude operation training.
When, where and how? A few days ago the summer schedule for Beale AFB, CA became available. By the way, the next closest altitude chamber under this program is in New
Mexico. So Beale suddenly seems to be pretty close. As of May 24th the following dates and slots are available:
June 26 - 3 slots
July 3 - 6 slots
August 2 - 12 slots
September 5 - 12 slots
The registration is simple. But hurry, slots fill rapidly! The training is high in demand. Just call the FAA medical division in Oklahoma under (405) 954-4837 and provide the
following information:
1. Pilot certificate # or social security #
2. Last name
3. First name
4. Middle initial
5. Date of Birth
6. Mailing address
7. Daytime phone #
8. Date of FAA medical
9. The class of the medical the day it was issued
Your slot will be reserved right away, an application mailed or faxed to you (pre-filled with the information you just provided) and a deadline given to return the signed
application and waiver along with a non-refundable $35 check.
Yes, a current medical is needed. But even non-pilots can attend, as long as they get a medical. If you feature facial hair (also known as beard) bring along some cream and a
razor - the oxygen mask needs to tightly seal! Of course you also can change your "personality" beforehand - in anticipation.
For those who still want more information, try the webpage of the "FAA Aeromedical Training Programs for Civil Aviation Pilots"
http://www.cami.jccbi.gov/AAM-400/asemphys.html. Or if you get the "AOPA Flight Training" magazine have a look at the recent May 2001 issue: "Going Up: The Elevator to
the 2,500th Floor", on page 34.
I got myself a slot for July 3. Anticipating an early start time (we talk Army here) I plan to drive or fly-in the night before and stay at a motel. Throw me a line or ring the bell if
you are interested in car/plane-pooling.