From those of us who have complained endlessly about the weather, we are so grateful for a mild January. We can deal with the rain, but it is sure easier than having to plow in the wee hours of the morning to get the place ready for the morning activity.
Of course it is only February, but that’s only a month away from Spring. Robins have been sited – whether they are coming back or just never left, it is great sign.
Enjoy your flights.
Princeton Airport Flying Tigers is now sponsoring the Meet ‘N Greet -Saturday, February 4, 2012, 10:00 – noon
This month the Tigers will recognize former members who were devoted pilots, devoted to 39N, and great Club members. A plaque will bear their names and placed in the lounge. The plaque honors PAFT co-founder Lou Guazzelli,
Don Macpherson, Larry West and Gus Dreyhaupt.
We will continue the tradition of “hangar flying” in the lounge over Bagels ‘n Coffee. Please join us and bring a friend.
FAA SEMINAR Wednesday, February 29, 2012 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Leap Year Special:
What lessons aviation humor can teach us!?! CFII Stephen Hansell
Come participate, as you’ll have to wait four years for the next one. Attention all you humorist – Have any aviation jokes? Send them to Steve – shansell@rci.rutgers.edu
Safety Corner
by Assistant Chief Pilot Peter Rafle
Slow flight is a procedure that all student pilots need to master during their training. Once the check ride is over and the certificate is in hand, many pilots don’t give slow flight much thought until a Biennial Flight Review is due.
Slow flight is a maneuver performed at speeds below normal cruise speeds. It is designed to acquaint the pilot with the flight characteristics of the aircraft at speeds just above stall. The aircraft is configured to fly at minimum control airspeed (MCA). At this speed, any increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, will result in an immediate stall. The goal is to fly the aircraft in coordinated flight straight and level, turns, climbs and descents.
The sheer majesty of the greatest city on earth, from a point of view that only a select few will ever experience, is one of the experiences that we Tri-State area pilots have to savor.
Undertaking your first trip through this challenging airspace however can be a quite daunting task.
There are two options to navigate down the Hudson today, however I will focus on my preferred choice, now known as the “Skyline Route”.
Private Ground School Class Began January 23, 2012 Monday, 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
There is room in the class, so if you want to catch up and join, please call the office. The cost will be pro-rated. ______________________________________________________ Instrument Class?
As of this date, we only have three people (two staff) signed up for the Instrument Class. We need at least 10 to make it viable. So ask your fellow pilots if they are interested.
16 Years + 1 Day
Congratulations to Timothy Podgalsky who had to wait 24 hours for the weather to cooperate in order to solo on his birthday which was Jan. 23.
Tim enrolled in April of this year and he only needed a bit over 12 hours to be proficient to accomplish this fete. John Bastan oversaw Tim’s training and was very pleased with the results. Well done.
is back with a new engine! Get checked out – Glass Cockpit.
A Few HANGARS STILL AVAILABLE 40′, 42′, and 48′
Call Ken 609-731-4628
News from the
PRINCETON AIRPORT FLYING TIGERS
Louis Vitanza, the new president of PAFT lead the first meeting of the new year at Tusk Restaurant. Over 20 members and guests attended.
A dedication to past PAFT members will be held during on Sat. 2/4/12 at 10:00 am during the 39N Meet & Greet in the pilots lounge. The Pilots Club will take over the Meet N’ Greet on the first Saturday of the month. Please come and make these gatherings an enjoyable time to meet other pilots and wanna-be pilots.
February’s fly-in will be to Bay Bridge (W29) in Stevensville, MD on Sunday, Feb. 18. (This was the first destination when the club was formed.)
The March dInner meeting will be held at Cafe Graziella, in Hillsborough on March 14.he first dinner meeting for 2012 was held Tusk Restaurant,when over 20 members and guests attended.
For more information about PAFT & to sign up for the dinner, www.paft-nj.org
FORGET THE ROSES & CANDY!!!
Get your significant other…
a new headset, kneedboard, cocktail table book on aviation, shirt, clock, model of airplane, and more. If you can’t find something appropriate, how about a gift certificate for fuel, rental, or anything in the shop.