Princeton Airport News – January 2019

As we enter 2019, our first newsletter is full of news. 39N is never quiet as it should be.  Please go through the whole newsletter so you will get the most out of basing. here.

2018 had its many challenges with the weather and the many TFRs, so when we look back over the year, we accomplished a lot, despite the obstacles.  Students became pilots; some pilots bought airplanes; events at the airport went well except for the Montgomery FunFest which was rained out; and the facilities look better than ever.

Many thanks to you, our base of support throughout the year..  It’s been a pleasure serving you.  All the best for 2019.

The Nierenbergs

     Awakening to marginal weather, Santa, a.k.a wasn’t sure of the mode of transportation on the morning of December 24th.  But by 9:30 am, the skies were opening up, so the support of the helicopter pilots was necessary and Santa planned to fly a Beech Bonanza.

   The day began early with the setup in the hangar, and people started arriving much earlier than planned.  Just as Santa was to take flight, someone noticed water leaking out of the bathrooms.

     Santa started trying to find the problem, as more and more folks showed up.  But the water started to spread.  In our 33 years at 39N, we’ve never had a sewerage blockage – but of course, one of the busiest days of the year, it did indeed happened.  Our guests walked through the water, undeterred from  their mission to have the kids see Santa fly in.

     So Santa took off late in uniform, but had to hide so the kids didn’t see him.  Quick right turn.  Meanwhile, cocoa and cookies were being served by the elves in the hangar.  While waiting, the children were able to climb aboard a 1932 fire engine from Rocky Hill and also, get into a Cessna 172.  So we kept them entertained until Santa’s arrival.  Everyone walked out to the tarmac and lined up to wait for Santa.

     For a comprehensive review of this event, a special thanks to Mike Mancuso of NJ Advance/ The Star Ledger, who documented this year’s event spectacularly.

Over thirty of these bags were collected by the Mercer County Board of Social Services to be distributed to the needy in time for the holiday.

Chris Ramus and Kim Delmonico picked them up on December 17th.

Every year people continue to want to participate, so although we set a closure date, we continue to accept both gifts for Santa and the needy.  The  many, many late gifts will be taken to shelters and other support groups.  Thank you all.

Please be aware that there will be men and equipment in and about the facilities as the installation of new LED runway, taxiway, beacon, and PAPI lights are taking place during the month of January.  As pilots, you pay into the New Jersey Aviation Safety Fund through a fuel tax.  The expense for this project is coming from this fund and our contribution.

There will be NOTAMS posted, so please cooperate as we improve 39N.

Do you have the right stuff to TEACH flying?

If you have ever thought about becoming a Certified Flight Instructor, now is the perfect time to pursue your dream.  We are starting up a CFI ground class in January that will be a comprehensive review of material on an airplane flight instructor oral.

Join fellow students in your journey to what many believe is both the most difficult, and the most satisfying checkride in aviation.

Date:  Starting January 8th, 2019

Instructor:  Chief Pilot Jeff Slutsky
Duration:  12 sessions twice a week.

Cost:  $75.00/session or prepay $700 for all 12 session.

For more information, contact will be starting a 12 session class for CFI ground training.  The classes are expected to be twice a week, starting January 8, 2019.  Cost is $75/session or pre-payment of $700 for all 12 sessions. Please should be directed to either Jeff Slutsky or Steve Nierenberg: steve@princetonairport.com
Jeff Slutsky:  tomokojeff@att.net

Background:  As the airlines have peaks and valleys, their hiring practices have a great impact upon the general aviation community.  There were years when the airlines were not hiring, and the results were our flight instructors instructed for 3-5 years.  (Those CFIs now have great seniority in various airlines.) Currently, airlines are recruiting pilots and mechanics, as there is a shortage – not many military pilots available, so the majority come from general aviation.  For people who want to become commercial pilots, it is a costly, long road.

 WINTER OPERATIONS

Make sure that your aircraft has the correct oil appropriate for winter weather.  If you have a question, ask Ken for advice.

Also, in case we have snow – and you are planning to fly, please contact Steve for help to get your airplane airborne.  If you are not flying, we will get to your airplane as we continue snow removal, unless you need it sooner. Thanks.

  1st:  Happy New Year – Safe flights.

          Self-service is open.

  7th:  Certified Flight Instructor Class begins.

  9th:  PAFT Dinner Meeting 7:00 pm.

19th:  FAA Medical Doctor – 8:00 – noon.  Call 609-921-3100 for              appointment.

21st:  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

FAA Medical Doctor – to be announced.

Branka Brnovic’s last day was 11/30/18. Branka enjoyed teaching all students, especially teaching an increasing number of female student pilots.  We will miss her. While she accumulated the 1000 hours, she provided quality instruction to her students. Before she goes to the airlines, she’s going to visit her parents in Croatia for a month. We wish her well pursuing her dream.

AFTER SITTING ON THE TARMAC FOR A FEW MONTHS- DC-3 REVS UP!

As you probably are aware, the pilot shortage of the airlines filters down to the local level through the flight schools, charters, etc.  At the same time there is more interest in becoming a professional pilot, which we all know is costly.  Pilot Finance, Inc, does provide financing for flight training.  For information contact pilotfinance.com .

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