Bryan Brotheridge gave the AOPA Safety Foundation program
"Fuel Awareness" at the September 22nd. 2004 meeting.
We lose more than one aircraft a week to fuel related accidents. It doesn't always happen to the other pilot. Almost all of these accident could have been prevented with better preflight planning, diligent monitoring of fuel consumption and increased knowledge of aircraft fuel systems. This interactive seminar will help prevent a fuel mismanagement accident statistic. Carburetor and injection systems were discussed along with an introduction to auxiliary fuel tanks. Also discussed was proper leaning to help conserve fuel in these times of high fuel prices.
This program counted as a WINGS seminar, as Bryan is a Safety Counselor.
Thanks to Bobbi Lasher for setting up this presentation.

 

Photograph by Roger Scruggs

 

Charlie Gray reported on Sun 'n' Fun. He said that we have been involved in the "Sun 100" race for 23 years. This year there were approximately 30 airplanes. The winning speed was 261.47 knots by a Lance Air Legacy. There were no accidents, and everyone came across the finish line.

Paul Gaukel the Head Controller at TIX was the speaker for the March 24, 2004 meeting.

Paul "The TICO Tower Boss" gave a briefing on things that have changed over the years. He has been on site since 1981. In 1985 the tower went under county funding, and in July, 1995 the FAA put them under the Federal Contract Program. Paul believes this program is great because it provides safe, knowledgeable and experienced controllers while taking the financial burden off the county.

The tower provides controllers 7am to 9pm daily. In 2001, the helicopter school began, and annual traffic for 12 months is about 175,000 operations. They are one of the busiest contract towers in general aviation. Contrary to some reports, the contract towers are statistically safer than other towers. This past month they averaged 577 operations per day (primarily helicopter). With the growth of helicopter operations, they added a controller just for helicopters. They have their own ATIS and frequency. Fixed wing tower is still 118.9. The helicopter traffic stays in a corridor SW where I95 crosses the power lines and Rockwell 7, which leads into the Bee Line. They stay under 600 feet. Since fixed wing stays at 1000 ft, there isn't a problem.

The NDB is operable but not in operation at the present time. They are working very hard to get it back on line, but the Enchanted Forrest obstructions are still a problem. They are working with the property owner to "top" the trees just enough to eliminate the obstruction. Until this obstruction is cleared, the NDB is not safe and cannot be turned on.

Around July 1 TICO will have radar (STARS). It will operate on a ten-mile range. This, of course, will add considerable to the safety aspect.

Paul wanted to express the phrase "land - hold short". Their plan is to issue this command at the earliest possibility and it must be read back by the pilot. This is used whenever you have crossing runways and is needed to prevent runway incursions and wash by the corporate jets landing/taking off.

Ken Demmer asked if 911 caused any problems. Paul said the main problem involves permitting any visitor to the tower who is a foreign national without going a long investigative process. This hurts all of us because they like to have pilots visit the tower to see what is involved in the controlling processes.

Catherine Hall addressing the Association

Paul Gaukel briefing the group on tower operations at TIX

Fred Watts the new Executive Director of the Airport Authority
addressed the Brevard Aviation Association February 25, 2004.

By Sharon Martin

Catherine Hall introduced Fred Watts, the new Director of the Airport Authority. Fred came from Lee County in November 2003. He has been a private pilot since 1976. In the few months he's been with the Authority, he's found a lot of areas needing improvement. He is wanting to "partnership" with the owners and businesses to make the three airports under his directorship successful and safe. It is Fred's opinion that each airport should be its own profit-and-loss center. He is in the process of reviewing financial documents to identify the revenues and expenses which must be shared among the three airports and which ones are airport specific. Previous Authority management has told COI tenants that financials cannot be separated between the airports, and as a result Titusville was taking most of the revenues from COI and Arthur Dunn. Fred responded that, should one of the airports have a need for additional funds, he will divert funds from the other airports to help fulfill that need-however, his plan is to keep the airports as self-sufficient as possible. He iterated that the Board might not share this position because he has not discussed this opinion with the Board.

A question was asked regarding increased hangar rental rates at COI. Fred said rents should be set in order to meet expenses for operating maintenance and expenses. A statement was made that we strongly suspect our hangar rental rates were raised to subsidize the terminal at TICO. Fred said that there are funds coming from numerous areas to fund the terminal-not only hangar rentals. He said a lot of other projects had been cut or altered to divert funding to the terminal. It was suggested by one of the attendees that proper surveys and demographic studies were not prepared, rather the terminal was an arbitrary decision by the Board-and they have ignored requests to substantiate the need for this terminal at TICO. Fred responded that we are the aviation conduit for the space coast and the Airport Authority is responsible for providing adequate facilities to commercial jets of all sizes, helicopters, general and corporate aviation, etc. He defended the terminal at TICO as a good business decision for the future of aviation in this area and invited anyone in the room to come to his office to review the documentation.

Bill Baer asked about the AWOS schedule: Scott Carr said the AWOS study has been turned over for final review and approval. It is scheduled to go in for testing in April, and on line by the end of the summer.

Fred discussed that grant money to help fund airport projects is a serious business. This year there are 130 public-use airports vying for $91 million. Fred said we are never going to get enough grant money to do the projects we need, so he is working to provide new revenue streams. We need to have a good relationship with the community in order to do this. To help in this, Fred asked that we please be community minded when we are flying over populated areas. He has gotten several complaints already from homeowners near the airports who complain about low-flying aircraft and noise.

Bobbi Lasher asked about the trash barrel situation. She explained that all our trash barrels were taken away and replaced with two dumpsters. Fred said that the barrels were removed primarily because OSHA violations (illegal fluids being dumped), overflowing barrels attracting insects, etc, the number of them and frequency with which they needed to be dumped, etc. He said although it is a bit inconvenient, it is cleaner, safer, and better to have the dumpsters than the barrels.

Finally, Fred requested we all be concerned with security and safety on the airport. Please make sure the gate closes behind you when entering/exiting the airport grounds. If you see anyone wandering around, stop and query them. He thanked everyone for his or her time and offered to come back another time to answer more questions.

Fred Watts the new Executive Director of the Airport Authority one on one after his address to the Brevard Aviation Association February 25, 2004.

Bill Baer, left, Scott Carr and Tony Yacono

Helen was a member of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP's). She showed us a short film on the history of the WASPs, and gave an interesting talk on her specific job duties as a member of this elite group. In September 1942, the Army/Air Force decided to recruit women to fill the void for pilots. There were two squadrons - The Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, responsible for ferrying planes to bases around the United States, and the WASPS. These two squadrons trained in Sweetwater, Texas. The WASPS were responsible for testing different aircraft to see how it responded in combat and emergency situations. Helen was part of the "buzz bomb" testing group, which involved a "mother ship" and a remote-controlled "satellite" plane. She served as safety pilot in the satellite plane-which involved taking over the controls if the remote controlled operation went haywire. One of Helen's more hazardous duties involved towing a target for live ammunition shooting practice. Fortunately, Helen was never hit, but the ferry command lost several pilots. By the end of 1943, both groups were combined into one - the WASPS - they were given uniforms and their own military "wings" designation. The squadrons were disbanded in 1944 when men started returning as the war was winding down, and all the pilot positions were going to the men.

The WASPS and WAFS were considered military units, subject to all military rules and regulations. They followed all traditions, attended Officers Training School, etc., they were considered Civil Service and received no benefits or expenses paid for.

From left to right: Catherine Hall, Helen Snapp and Bobbi Lasher.

Roger Scruggs, our photographer, is to the far left, recording Helen Snapp's presentation.

NIFA - National Intercollegiate Flying Association-

From November 12 through November 15, 2003, five schools, Auburn University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, Jacksonville University and Miami-Dade Community College, met at Melbourne Airport for the annual regional competition called Safecon, meaning Safety Contest. The event consists of 4 flying events; power off landings, short field landings, message drop and a navigation route flown using dead reckoning only, and 5 classroom events. A total of 91 contestants and their coaches represented their respective schools. These young people are the future of aviation and the future of aviation looks very bright.

Several members of BAA and EAA 724 volunteered as judges. Tony Yacono had the toughest job - he was the Safety Judge and had to select the team who were the safest on the ground and in the air. Two points separated the first and last teams. These young people are very good!

Saturday evening is the Awards Banquet, which the judges are invited to attend. There are ribbons for those who place in slots 4 through 10, plaques for 2nd and 3rd place and a big trophy for First Place in each event. There are also trophies for the Top Male Pilot and the Top Female Pilot, the top Ground Events school, the top Flying events school and the top Overall School. The first and second place schools were Embry-Riddle and Florida Tech, who will go on to compete in the National competition in the Spring. The competition is fierce, but good sportsmanship is everywhere. These are fine young people and will serve aviation well.

Bobbi Lasher 11/20/03

GROUND EVENTS These are timed events.

Computer Accuracy Contestant solves problems using an E6B (Whiz wheel).

Aircraft Recognition A series of 30 slides will be shown on a screen for 3 seconds each. Pilots then have 15 seconds to select manufacturer, number designation and official name on the answer sheet. (Only small parts of each plane are shown)

SCAN (Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation) Each contestant is given a complete packet with at least 40 questions and all pertinent information concerning a hypothetical flight

Judges hand out necessary paperwork, monitor against cheating, note time each contestant finishes and marks that time on top of answer sheet, time total event and collect all materials at the end. Each of the above events happen only once during the 3 day event.

Ground Trainer (Simulator) Pilot is given a copy of the pattern to be flown the evening before the competition. The simulator keeps track of the scoring, which is very strict tolerances.

Judge watches pilot. Each school enters several contestants in this event, so this will take a long time

Aircraft Preflight A single engine plane will be "bugged" with at least 30 discrepancies. Plane is kept hidden from view until contestant is ready to start. Contestant has 15 minutes for inspection. Each contest works by themselves.

Judges have a list of discrepancies. Pilot calls out what he/she finds and judge marks it on the sheet. Judge also times the event. Each school enters several contestants in this event, so this will take a long time.

Flying Events

Power off landing Each pilot will make 3 power off landings.

Short Field Landing Each pilot will make 3 landings.

Judges are stationed along the runway to observe where plane ACTUALLY touches down and at points to observe strategic parts of the flight pattern. You will have a score sheet to record your observations on. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Don't forget sunscreen!

Message Drop Each pilot makes a pass over the runway while co-pilot drops 2 balsa boxes, aimed at a target at each end of the runway.

Same as above plus judges measure distance from target to landing point of each box.

Navigation This is a cross county flight over a 3 to 5 leg course between 70 and 120 miles in length, using pilotage and dead reckoning ONLY. Contestant must make a flight plan from the lat long coordinates given and submit before taking off. Must also calculate time for each leg, estimated total elapsed time, estimated fuel consumption.

There will be judges in the room while pilots do their flight planning and will look at their plan to ensure that they are headed in the right direction.
Turn point judges will get themselves to their post, set out a letter made with large strips of plastic or canvas (supplied to you). Have a hand held radio with you and turned on. You will be listening for the pilots - they must announce their approach and passing over the point. You also will note the time they fly over head. You will also need binoculars. You will be given a box lunch to take with you. Don't forget the sunscreen!

This is a BRIEF explanation of the events and judges responsibilities. You will be given more detailed instruction before your event.

Thanks for volunteering to help. If you know anyone else who might volunteer, please let me know.

Bobbi Lasher
09/25/03

The October 22, 2003 BAA presentation was the
Tuskegee Airmen...(read more)

Ron Felie, was the BAA speaker September 24, 2003.

Mr. Ron Feile, head controller at the NASA tower on Kennedy Space Center, told us about the changes in the airspace under his control, the types of operations taking place at the Shuttle Landing Facility and how his job has changed since 9/11/2001. A new tower is being built and should be operational before the end of thee year.

The August 27, 2003 BAA presentation was given by John Murphy and Duane Balkema who spoke about Oshkosh, 2003. Additionally, John told us about his exciting flight to the show.

Duane Balkema gave an interesting presentation about his week at Oshkosh. He said there was emphasis on military aircraft this year. France had their "guppie" on display. The DC10 hospital plane was also on hand.

Century of Flight Celebration -On December 17 there will be a reenactment of the Wright Brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk. An exact replica of their plane has been built and will be flown just the same distance as when the Wright Brothers flew, so as not to break their record. FAA said they're going to certificate the Wright's flyer. The Wright Brothers were very innovative and precise, and several of their ideas are still in use today.

Duane said various auto engines being fitted for experimental aircraft. He looked at Ford V6, Suzuki, Corvair, and Mazda. Prices range approximately $15,000-$16,000. He also looked at 2-3 diesels. Toyota has paired up with Continental to develop a new engine. John said he's going up to Daytona to see the Corvair maker.