The traditional weather for January has returned with a fury – snow, winds, and whiteouts. Joshua turned out to be more severe storm than predicted, and 39N received more than its fair share. Airport manager, Ken Nierenberg, has been out for hours on end clearing and moving snow. Initially it was futile as the whiteouts made it impossible to know where the runway lights were when making plowing passes. Now it’s just a problem of where to put it and freezing after a cold night. The airport has been open and ready for business soon after the snow stopped. Be ready for the weather to break and keep current with your air and ground information. Last year when we finally had good weather, suddenly students were soloing and getting their license. 49 days until spring!!! In the interim Presidents’ Day is coming up, so why not schedule a lesson or an airplane with the hope of good weather. |
|
JOSHUA – THE BLIZZARD OF 2016 These whiteout conditions and high winds made it impossible to keep up with the downfall, as Ken & James couldn’t see where they should plow. Once the worst past and visibility improved, snow removal began again and Ken hasn’t stopped since. This was enough for the whole season, we hope |
|
From the Right Seat Peter Rafle, Assistant Chief Pilot One of the most underused instruments in the cockpit is the one usually placed right in the center, above the instrument panel. Yes, it is the lowly magnetic compass. Today, pilots seem to only look at the compass when they align the gyro stabilized Heading Indicator with the heading shown on the magnetic compass before a flight. Here is a little history of the compass that might prompt you to give it more respect. The earliest use of a compass is by the Chinese. Early documents describe their awareness of the properties of magnets. There is ample evidence that the Greeks of the classical period and Arabians were well acquainted with magnets. An early Latin text describes placing magnetized iron needles on straws floating in a bowl of water pointing south.(*) By 1248, Brunetto Latini, in his poem “Tresor”, mentions the use of a round cork, through which a goose quill, filled with lodestone, floating in a tub of water (mariniere) onboard a ship. Over this, was laid a bird skin with a Fleur-de-lis painted upon it. The Fleur-de-lis was the symbol of the King of France. ” As the King is our constant guide on land, so dies the fleur-de-lis upon the Mariniere guide the mariner by constantly pointing to Boreas (north) no matter how the ship may go.”(*)To this day the fleur-de-lis is still used on the North point on practically all compass cards (except airplanes) .READ MORE |
|
Attention Aircraft Owners If we ever get snow, base customers please call the front desk with your request for assistance in cleaning up. If you need to fly, let us know ahead of time so we can help you get out. |
|
! McGuire Airport Safety Fly-In – Heads Up Alert ! The 2016 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Airspace Safety Fly-In has been scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2016. This great event features tours of the RAPCON and control tower, and possible static tours of aircraft on the flight line. Any pilots wishing to participate should send their contact information to Bob Checchio at racpilot@aol.com. Participation is on a first-come, first approved basis. Information about required approval forms will be forthcoming. This fly-in is limited to U.S. citizens. This notice is coming to you as a courtesy from the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Coalition. |
|
FOR SALE – Perfect for you! 1999 Piper Archer Total Time 4045 Engine times 350 Since Factory Remanufacture in 2004 June Annual Current IFR No Damage history Garmin 530W King KX 155A King KT76C trans King KN64 DME S-tec 30 with altitude hold Ryan 9900 traffic ( inop) Electric Trim Strobes ( No wheel Pants) Asking $104,900 See Ken. |
|
 SAFETY SEMINAR
Airplane Systems Kris Hendrickson, CFII, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, 7:00pm |
|
PRINCETON FLYING SCHOOL Congratulations 1st SOLO: Attila Mihalyi/ Steve Hansell, CFII PRIVATE PILOT: Sandeep Saksena/Jeff Slutsky, CFII INSTRUMENT RATING: Chris Treptow/Michael Siniakin, CFII ATP-ME: Tim Pyle/Jeff Slutsky, MEI (Great start for the New Year!!!) |
|
 Arianna Lucarello almost jumped off her father Matt’s shoulder when she realized that Santa was in the helicopter. This was real for this toddler. Later she ran up to Santa and had a great time on his lap. Thanks you Platinum Helicopter for stepping in when the weather was questionable. And thanks to the many volunteers that made this event special to Arianna & many others. |
|
NEWS from the PRINCETON AIRPORT FLYING TIGERS After numerous years of serving as president of PAFT, Ernie Schirmer is really stepping down. Elections were conducted and the following will serve as officers: Vice-president – Steve Hansell Secretary – Josh Koslov Treasurer – Jeanette Voight Fortunately at the January meeting, Andrew Pramer volunteered to be the president. He has been a member since the club began 21 years ago. We wish Andy good luck. PAFT has 43 families as member; holds monthly fly-ins to area airports; has dinner meetings every other month at area restaurants (no meetings in the summer) and members become Santa’s helpers each December 24 when Santa flies into 39N. PAFT is very affordable – dues are $25 per year per family. Want to know more? Just visit www.paft-nj.org. Guests are welcome at all events so come join us to see what PAFt is all about. The next regular meeting will be held on March 9th – mark your calendar and join the fun. |
|
VALENTINE’S DAY Suggestions Introductory Flying Lesson Pinchhitters Course Fly your “love one” to another airport for dinner. Gift certificate for flying, fuel, instruction. One of those favorite avionics that your favorite pilots wants. |
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS – FEBRUARY, 2016 2nd: Groundhog Day  10th: Ash Wednesday 14th: Valentine’s Day 15th: Presidents’ Day 16th: Safety Seminar – Aircraft Systems FAA Medical Doctor – February 27, 2016 |
|
| FAA Medical Doctor Michael Nosko Date – to be determined  8:00 am – noon Walk-ins ’til 11:30 1st, 2nd & 3rd Class medicals. You must bring the confirmation number with you when you come for your medical appointment. No walk-in without a confirmation number. |