News from 39N

Unicom: 122.725     Lights: 123.05                                     July, 2007

Happy Summer

As the lazy, hazy days of summer have finally arrived, we are greeted with longer days - thus better opportunities to fly.  We all have great expectations for the summer when you can finally take those long planned trips.

Making those trips will be a bit less expensive this month as the last load of avfuel went down 28 cents.  So call ahead for service and start your engines.

Independence Day at Princeton Airport

After months of preparations we are ready to greet the participants of the International Air Rally.  The latest count is about 15 planes from several countries.

Join us when they arrive at 39N between 11:00 a.m. - noon and have a "Spot Landing Contest" as part of the challenge.

News from the Flight School

Effective immediately, Peter Rafle will be the chief flight instructor to oversee the students and the flight instructors to assure you efficient, quality training.  Many of you have had the opportunity to fly with Pete for progress checks - now he will be here three days a week to trouble shoot the many issues that arise during your training.

Joining him are several full and many part time instructors, so if you have fallen through the cracks while we were short of staff, let's get you back on the schedule, so you can fulfill your dreams.

By the second week of July we will have another full time CFII, Joel Vosburgh, who hails from Wisconsin.

You can reach Pete at Peterrafle@princetonairport.com.

From the Right Seat...  By, Chief Pilot Peter Rafle

Starting this month, this column will offer some thoughts to make your flying more enjoyable, safer, and hopefully stimulate some comment and discussion.  Please offer any ideas, questions, or subjects that you want me to address.

I want to briefly review radio communications at non-towered airports (including 39N).  The AIM (refer to section 4-1-9) states that "inbound traffic should monitor and communicate on CTAF from 10 miles to landing."  Be particularly aware of operations such as parachute dropping, gliders, and special ops at airports conducting these activities. 

Alexandria, Penn Ridge, Blairstown, and Orange County, NY are examples of these airports.

Listen for traffic indicating the landing runway and the apparent volume in the pattern. If there is an automatic weather reporting system on the field, activate to obtain wind information.   If there is no such equipment listen to a nearby controlled field's AWOS or ATIS.

PLEASE CONTINUE READING

Coolest Airplanes of the Month

It was a quiet morning when we were suddenly visited by two TBMs and a Meridian.  There was a little conjestion by the Jet A pumps, but we had no trouble dealing with it.
P.S.  The unidentified plane from last month is a "Romanian IAR 823", according to Andy Lin - thanks.

Summer Activities Open to the Public

For many years during the months of July and August we have conducted two activities to get the public to understand general aviation.  We have to educate them that flying is not only for the privileged few, but open to those who have a strong desire. 

First, every Tuesday, we have a free open tour starting at 10:30 a.m.  It originates on the ramp where they will find out how, when and why the airport functions.  A walk around will show them the variety of aircraft that use 39N.  A visit to the maintenance shop emphasizes the many safety regulations to assure safety.  At the end the visitors will get to sit in an airplane and touch the control wheel.  (Kids love this!)

On Sunday afternoon between 3-6:00 p.m. we will have 10 cents/pound airplane rides where we will fly them around the pattern - and they should bring a camera.

Both activities are weather dependent.  So spread the word to those who are bored and need something to do.

News from the
PRINCETON AIRPORT

FLYING TIGERS

Unfortunately our June Fly-in to Lake Placid was cancelled due to weather and was not rescheduled due to a conflict with Father's Day.  So let's make it up in July by attending the PAFT picnic on July 4^th as we host a leg of the International Air Rally.  The pilots will be participating in a precision landing contest as they arrive at Princeton Airport between 11:00AM & NOON.    

In addition RP Sandilya will be organizing the July 15^th Fly-in.  Visit our website paft-nj.org to register and see more about these activities.

Log on For More Information

Safety Seminar

"AIRSPACE"

*Parameters  *Operations  *Equipment
*Pilot Skills  & MORE!

THURSDAY, July 19th, 2007
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

CFII  Raj Chakranarayan

Come Students - Come Pilots!

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This & That...

• When Matt Lauer, co-host of the Today Show, had to interview Governor Corzine at the Governor's Mansion, he flew in the night before to 39N - this was documented by Flight Coordinator, Eric Lindberg with live pictures, and a picture of the TV to assure he was wearing the same clothing.
• Bryan Boyle has just completed another successful Intrument Class with all of those who showed up for the final exam, passed!  Well done - instructor & students.
• If you are looking to upgrade your Garmin 430/530 with WASS, do so soon, as we have just been notified of an almost $900 increase for this feature.
• EAA AirVenture, a.k.a. "Oshkosh", starts on July 23rd thru 29th.  Need charts to get there - we are stocked for your trip.  Haven't ever gone to it?  It is great!