December 2012 Newsletter

Generations will remember the hurricane of 2012 –  minimizing all of the other activities that occured this year.  However, despite Sandy, or perhaps because of Sandy, this holiday season seems all the more precious.

Last winter was a very mild one, however so far this year, it looks like Mother Nature is making up for lost time, as November has had more snow than many previous years.  Please read about “Winter Operations” so you’ll be prepared if and when we get our next storm.

We hope to see you at the Santa Event and/or the Menorah Event.  Whatever you celebrate, we wish you well.

Every year the Princeton Airport Flying Tigers have helped Santa with this event.  If you can spare some time on December 24, please join in by traffic control; set-up; clean-up; crowd control; and serving cookies and cocoa.  It’s lots of fun.

Let’s break the Guiness World Record! Join The Jewish Center for a historic Chanukah lighting. We are attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most menorahs lit at one time and in one place. In order to set a new world record, over 780 menorahs will need to be lit simultaneously. This exciting Chanukah celebration is open to the congregation and the community. The event will take place on the fourth night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 11, 5:30 p.m. at the Princeton Airport, inside the hangar. There is a $3 per person cover at the door. Advance registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, email ChanukahfortheRecord@thejewishcenter.org. Please see the flyer below for important details.

We plan to run a Private Pilot Ground School after the holidays, when you are refreshed and ready to take on a new challenge.  This class will meet once a week for approximately 13 weeks for three hours.  Each week you will have had to read a chapter and the instructor will discuss the subject in class.  You will take the block quizzes and the final exam together.

Our long time experience has proven this a most productive way to get through the gournd portion.  Everyone loves the flying!

Sign up and we will determine the day of the week that is most convenient for the majority.  Please sign up at the front desk where there will be more information.

Although the calender doesn’t show Winter until December 22, it sure feels like it now.  Our equipment has been oiled and cleaned up, so we’re ready.

Please give us fair warning that you want to fly.  Call the office and we’ll put you on the list to plow out your area.  If you’re not planning to fly for a while, please don’t call and make sure those that have to fly, are able to.

Also, if you need a “pre-heat”, again called to airport and we’ll put you on the pre-heat list.  Please give us advanced notice, as you are among several others and the school planes which will have to fly.

Lastly, let’s all keep our fingers crossed and hope for a milder winter.

As an experienced Flight Instructor, I have prepared and signed off many students for their practical exam. Each and every student has successfully passed their exam on the first try, and the following article will help you do the same.

1. Make sure you are ready

Just because you meet the PTS standards, doesn’t mean you are ready for your checkride.  If you have any doubts, fly with another instructor for a second opinion.  It is always good practice to do this as a matter of course, but if you feel uncertain, ask your instructor for it.  If the 2nd instructor feels you are ready it will boost your confidence and if not, it’s better to review areas the stage check instructor thought needed improvement.  Whatever you do, don’t rush your checkride because of vacation or other reasons.  Make sure you are ready and listen to the little voice inside you, which usually warns you if you are doing something you shouldn’t.