By the end of this week, we will be hitting summer temperatures, so soak it up as we finally are leaving the winter weather. The pulse of the airport increases as the days get longer and the weather gets milder. This is our time!!! Make sure that you are current with your skills and knowledge if you haven’t flown since last year. Whether you’re a fixed wing pilot or rotary wing, book an instructor to make sure you are still safe. New faces are coming, as others are moving on or retiring. We thank all of you for making 39N special. Safe, happy flying. |
CONSTRUCTION COMING SOON!!! Sometime during June or July, through a grant from the State of New Jersey (your fuel taxes) 39N will be upgrading the runway and taxiway lights, beacon and PAPIs. LED lights will replace the existing lighting system. |
PETE RAFLE’S RETIREMENT CELEBRATION The postponement of Pete’s retirement open house was held this past Sunday. And it was a testament to Pete’s long, worthy contributions to 39N that people attended whom we haven’t seen for years. Pete joined our school in the mid-80s when he had completed a stint with the Navy as a pilot. Then due to circumstances, he had left aviation physically, but certainly not mentally. When his wife, Connie, solicited advertisements for US#1, she and Naomi began this long relationship. Naomi placed some ads and Connie bought Pete 2 hours of refresher training as a gift. Pete proceeded to transfer his military experience to FAA standards and requirements to become an extremely wise flight instructor. His stories and training have left many in very positive ways. Pete continues to contribute to the monthly newsletter. |
CONGRATULATIONS, MICHAEL We are proud to announce that Michael Siniakin has been appointed as our new Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. Michael got his initial private license at Princeton, and has been working in various roles here since 2013. Mike is also an ATC and flight sim enthusiast, and if you want to get him talking about something non-aviation related, just ask him about trains. Please stop in and pick his extensive knowledge, or better yet, fly with him while we still have the privilege of his expertise. |
From the Chief Pilot’s Desk Jeff Slutsky ATP, MEI, CFI, CFII, Gold Seal Instructor, CSIP Traffic Patterns at Non-towered Airports The FAA has issued a long overdue update to AC 90-66 this fall containing recommendations for traffic patterns at non-towered airports. Although the advisory circular is regulatory, remember the FAA (and the NTSB) has taken a dim view of failing to follow advisory circulars, and you can be found in violation of 91.13, careless and reckless operation if you don’t have a good reason to do so. Now that the Spring Flying season is upon us, traffic is going to start picking up, and it makes flying safer if we all follow good practices. If you have any questions about the specifics, please plan some time with one of our knowledgeable CFIs. I have highlighted a few of the recommendations below. |
Raritan Valley Air, Raritan Valley Flying School and Princeton Flying School’s is current, thanks to our webmaster. |
WATCH OUT FOR THE BIRDS NESTS!!! If you need help removing one, contact us. |
From the Right Seat – Instructor Emeritus Peter Rafle I recently saw a photograph in the newspaper that showed Tiger Wood’s caddie on the golf course. The caption stated, “Professional golfers have an analog input in addition to digital information” to help them with each shot. This caused me to think about the analog inputs for pilots who have surrounded themselves with so much digital data. Regardless of how well you handle your suite of digital instruments, you need to maintain a balance of real world (human perception) inputs, and those generated by those boxes inserted into the panel. |
HAVING AN EVENT SOON? HOW ABOUT DOING IT IN THE HANGAR? ![]() SAVE Benefit |
PRINCETON FLYING SCHOOL 1st Solo: Dov Medinets/CFI Steve Hansell Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument: Brandon Broadway/CFI Jeff Slutsky Commercial Multi-Engine: Scott Masonis – MEI Jeff Slutsky ****************************** Welcome to 39N Brad Freeman & your Cessna 182.. ****************************** ![]() Well Done, Nir Granot. Presenting Princeton Airport’s first recipient of SR-22 Transition Training to Nir is our Chief Pilot, Jeff Slutsky, CSIP (Cirrus Standardized Instruction Pilot). Congratulations! |
CONGRATULATIONS from 39N To Evan & Alicia Van Gilson of Platinum Helicopters on the birth of their baby girl, Haley Skye Van Gilson. |
We are wishing you all a Happy Spring! The perfect flying weather is upon us where it is not too hot, and not too cold so come learn to fly Helicopters with us or go for a beautiful Spring Helicopter Tour! March & April Accomplishments:
April 1st at 6:49 PM the owners of Platinum Helicopters LLC, Evan and Alicia Van Gilson, welcomed their first baby into the world. A Baby Girl! Her name is Haley Skye Van Gilson. Just a matter of time before you all will see her around the airport. |
NEWS from the PRINCETON AIRPORT FLYING TIGERS The well made plans for the flights to Sun ‘n Fun were for naught – the weather had other plans, so our flights were canceled. Wait until next year. Our next dinner meeting will be held on May 9th at Rocky Hill Inn. Weekday Mini Fly-Ins have been a huge success! In April we did 10 trips to 7 airports for breakfast. There were a total of 28 planes, carrying 33 pilots and crew for a total of 37.8 plane hours. If anyone is interested contact Ben Gazdowicz at bengaz@prodigy.net to be added to the distribution list. Visit http://www.paft-nj.org to register. PAFT welcomes anyone interested in aviation to attend! |
AIRPLANE FOR SALE 2004 American Champion Aircraft Adventurer 7GCAA 600 Total Time Fresh Annual Garmin 430 Trans Garmin 496 Dynon Horizon Wide Rear Seat Speed Fairings Baggage Door Always Hangared Excellent Condition Asking $99,500 Contact Ken Nierenberg at 609-731-4628 for details |
RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, May 5th: 9:00 – 3:00 pm Sunday, May 6th: 10 – 2:00 pm Benefiting Princeton Hospital Great bargains – come one, come all!!! |
PRINCETON PILOT SHOPPE CLEARANCE SALE ALL GIFT ITEMS – 75% off. Great buys. (Does not include pilots supplies, books, and avionics.) |
CALENDAR OF EVENTS – MAY, 2018 1st: May Day 5th & 6th: Rummage Sale benefiting Princeton Hospital 13th: Mother’s Day 15th: Ramadan (start in the evening) 28th: Memorial Day FAA Medical Doctor – TBD |
AVIONICS NEWS – Countdown 20 MONTHS left to FAA Deadline ![]() ADBS Solution is in stock. Install the New GDL 82 which complies with the 2020 FAA Mandate for ADSB out for prices starting at $2495 installed. See or talk to Ken
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GARMIN New ADSB coming out soon. Starting at $2900 installed. It has many new features included. No “WAAS” Receiver required. ______________________________ We have a few slots open in May for your ADSB installation. Might as well enjoy the benefits now. |_____________________________ ALTERNATIVE UPGRADE We have lots of used equipment available for installation. See Ken. |
FAA Medical Doctor Michael Nosko 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. |