Looking back on 2013, there were no really overwhelming events. We had our monthly Meet ‘N Greets; Safety Seminars; Classes; FAA Doctor; summer tours. These continued whether the weather was good or bad. Airport improvements included a Cloud Height Sensor, working PAPI, and of course, the new fuel tanks installation. New staff has come aboard while others have moved on to better their careers.
We welcomed 65 new students; 15 solos; and 20 completions. Some of you have moved to 39N as renters and/or with your aircraft. We hope your stay at 39N is rewarding.
Let’s hope your New Year’s resolutions for 2014 will come true and that you will have many safe, fun flying experiences.
The Nierenbergs
ANNUAL SANTA FLY=IN
WOW – You Helped & Contributed
Our 38th Santa Fly-In was a rousing success. There has never been an official count, however the hangar was packed with families and the gift laden large leaf bags were plentiful. You were very generous with your donations as shown in the picture of County personnel gathering the bags for the Needy. You also donated checks to the Foodbank of Somerset County and there were boxes of food to bring to the food banks. Thanks.
On Christmas Eve day the weather was crisp and clear – perfect for Santa.
People started arriving very early with the assisting elves. Inside the hangar everyone was in a holiday mood with the music and cookies and cocoa.
The Martin Griff from The Times of Trenton captured the event beautifully.
In the New York Times obituary page on Sunday, December 22, 2013 was the story of Kenneth A. Schechter. Mr. Schechter died on Dec. 11 at the age of 83. The photo accompanying the column showed a young Navy Ensign Schechter shaking the hand of another Naval officer, Lt J.G. Howard Thayer on board the carrier Valley Forge in 1952.
The obituary described how Ensign Schechter flew his damaged A 1 Skyraider, while wounded and blinded, guided by the instructions provided by Lt Thayer. An anti aircraft shell had exploded in the cockpit, blowing off the canopy and severely wounding
Schechter. Thayer, hearing the call for help broadcast by Schechter, responded by intercepting him before entering the thick overcast where rescue would have been impossible. Although Schechter was in pain and passing in and out of consciousness, Thayer guided him away from the combat zone to a dirt strip beyond the front where Schechter could be guided to a landing. Schechter responded to Thayer’s calm instructions and made a perfect wheels up landing.
Meet ‘N Greet – Saturday, January 4th – 10:00 am – noon
Brought to you by the Princeton Airport Flying Tigers.
We are resuming our Meet ‘n Greet on the first Saturday of the month. Pilots, student pilots, and wanna-be-pilots are invited to share their love of flying while drinking coffee and having a bagel.
We have heard many wonderful flying stories over the years – share yours.
THE PAPI lights are now operational.
Thanks, Bob Seidel, for your expertise.
FUEL TANKS
The installation of the tanks have gone very smoothly and we had no interruption of service with either avgas or jet fuel. Lots of pre-planning have assured you the needed services. We had extra fuel tanks for both fuels and they kept the service going. We expect the project to be completed in the next two week. Thanks for your cooperation.
2014 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Princeton Airport’s Flying Tigers. Special recognition to Founding Member Steve Anasiewicz and Charter Members Ralph Baron, Dan Bellware and Dick Nierenberg.
January will be busy: a dinner meeting in Hopewell onJanuary 8th, a mystery destination fly-in on January 19th and then we’ll close out the month with a behind-the-scenes tour of Philadelphia International Airport’s radar room and tower cab on Friday, January 24th.
PAFT is a social organization of aviation enthusiasts with membership open to pilots, student pilots and non-pilots; are all welcome. For more information and PAFT and upcoming events visit www.paft-nj.org or join us at the January dinner meeting and see what PAFT is all about (dues are just $25 per year per family).
There has never been an official count, however the hangar was packed with families and the gift laden large leaf bags were plentiful. You were very generous with your donations as shown in the picture of County personnel gathering the bags for the Needy. You also donated checks to the Foodbank of Somerset County and there were boxes of food to bring to the food banks. Thanks.
THE PAPI lights are now operational.
Safety Seminar:
PRINCETON AIRPORT ~ Learn To Fly Here! 41 Airpark Road Princeton, NJ 08540 Tel: 609-921-3100 Email: info@princetonairport.com