We began 2011 in the midst of a blizzard which almost crippled us – but Ken and Steve worked round to clock to get the airport functional. But that was just the beginning of a year of memorable weather anomalies. Records were broken for snow, rain, heat, and then Hurricane Irene and a “no name” storm a few weeks later. Oh, don’t forget the Halloween snow!
It is no wonder that pilots were unable to fly as frequently as desired. But when we needed good weather, we got it at our Centennial Open House which was a huge success. Thanks to the help of over 70 volunteers, we had an appropriate commemoration to Richard Newhouse, who started this place.
The fragile world economy and fuel prices added to the challenge, but despite all of this, Princeton Airport went “green”. To date we have saved 32,017KG; 407 trees; and 66 barrels of oil. Not bad – let the sun shine on 39N.
Thank you for this past year – here’s to a great 2012.
The Nierenbergs
Santa Success!
Area residents know that Black Friday is the first day to bring Santa’s gifts as well as those for the needy. We were met with a crowd early when we open the office. Well over thirty large construction bags filled with toys, clothing, and book were donated by many from the area.
On Christmas Eve morning hundreds of children and their families gathered in the hangar to await Santa’s arrival, while Pat McKinley sang holiday songs; Chris Maslanka provided the sound system; and the Tigers served cookies and cocoa.
Share your holidays stories and your flying goals for the New Year over a cup of coffee and a bagel. Enjoy some “real hangar flying” with other students, pilots, and aviation lovers. Bring a friend or meet others who share your love of flying.
FAA SEMINAR Landings – How To Do It Right! Wednesday, January 25, 2012 7:00-10:00 pm Assistant Chief Pilot Peter Rafle
Every pilot, whether one who has just soloed or someone who has flown for years, can always use a refresher on improving his/her landings. What better place to take the step to improve your flying than a seminar on this subject.
Safety Corner Assistant Chief Pilot, Peter Rafle
One of the potentially hazardous operations is approaching a non-towered airport. To prevent traffic conflicts the pilot of the approaching aircraft should listen to the Unicom frequency to determine what other aircraft are in the pattern, approaching and departing.
It helps to have researched the field before departing, and to have read the AFD regarding right or left traffic at the destination.
A comment on 39N is in order here. On the sectional chart, below the airport information for 39N is RP*. The star indicates one should refer to the AFD for special notes regarding the pattern traffic direction. In 39N’s case, the * refers to right traffic for helicopters. READ ON
Robert A. Hall
1923 – 2011
The rich history of Princeton Airport is incomplete without acknow-ledgement of Bob Hall. Bob taught back in the ’60 & ’70 at 39N and then later at Van Zandt Airport in PA. He had accumulated 27,000 of flight instruction when he retired.
When we took over, Hall’s name would pop up frequently as so many were his students. We contacted him to include his many students on our Honor Roll. One day he walked in with a legal size pad with each student’s name and date of solos and/or licenses. Bob only taught private pilots as he never wanted to get or fly under instrument conditions.
Bob was truly a “general aviation legacy.”
Flying New Years Resolutions
By Ryan Vinton
-Make a commitment to always stay current.
-Fly to airline standards, see a CFI every 6 months.
-Get an instrument rating.
-Participate in the Wings program
-Attend aviation seminars. Read a couple pilot books.
-Realize that one mistake is all it takes in this business.
-Take a aerobatics course
-Give a friend an introductory flying lesson
-Have your spouse take some pinch hitter courses
-Take someone flying who has never flown in a small airplane.
-Get checked out on the NYC tour and take friends up the Hudson.
-Above all, have a lot of fun and be safe!
GROUND SCHOOL CLASSES
As soon as we decide on the evening and an instructor, we’ll send an email with the details. As of press time, these were still open, but it is our intention to start this month and get your knowledge test done.
Personal Information Security System
We have implemented a new credit card security system to protect your unique information. We will now be able to email receipts directly to you, so please make sure your email and credit card information is accurate.
For those who haven’t supplied this information, please do so immediately. Thanks.
A Few HANGARS STILL AVAILABLE 40′, 42′, and 48′
Call Ken 609-731-4628
Attention Aviation Fuel Buyers AvTrip from Avfuel.
For many years Avfuel, our supplier, has a premium of point system everytime you purchase fuel, you earn points. When you have enough you use to get a US Savings Bond, however there is a new, speedier system. If you don’t have an Avfuel card, we have applications at the front desk.
It isn’t surprising that our school activities and completions were down from a great year prior. Enrollments, first solos, completions were all down about 10-20%. Weather, fuel prices, the economy and uncertainty all contributed to a hear year. Here’s to a better 2012.
News from the
PRINCETON AIRPORT FLYING TIGERS
Members of PAFT ended 2011 by helping Santa’s visit safe and enjoyable. They directed traffic and were very helpful with crowd control.
The first dinner meeting for 2012 will be held at Tusk Restaurant, 1736 Rt. 206, Montgomery, north of the airport on January 11 – 6:00pm cocktail hour begins with the dinner at 7:00 pm.
The next PAFT Fly-in is Sun. 1/15/12 to Smoketown, PA – S37 – 11:00am
For more information about PAFT & to sign up for the dinner, www.paft-nj.org
Greeting from Afghanistan
PRINCETON AIRPORT ~ Learn To Fly Here! 41 Airpark Road Princeton, NJ 08540 Tel: 609-921-3100 Email: info@princetonairport.com