SkyCatcher Crashes! 

Flying a Smurf in New Mexico 9-17-08 Every now and then, I have to go to El Paso Texas on assignment to Juarez Mexico. A few years ago, on a trip down there I found a Cessna 152 to fly around the desert. This time, I found a smurf.... well not exactly. Actually, it's a Cessna Skyhawk. It's one of the work horses for Blue Feather Aero at Dona Ana Airport in Santa Teresa New Mexico, and about 6 miles north of the Mexican border. So, I found myself with Suzie Azar, flight instructor for Blue Feather, and off we go in the smurf. After an extensive check ride, (steep turns to the left, right, stalls, slips, touch and go's. wheww...) Suzie finally releases the smurf to me, and we're off to Las Cruces. Click on the icon to see the scenery.

NOAA Recommends Switching To 406-MHz ELT's 9-13-08 According to AOPA, the FAA is not planning to mandate the 406-MHz ELT. However, Canada and Mexico plan to require the unit, although Mexico has agreed to an alternative for U.S.-registered aircraft. AOPA opposes any mandate for the 406-MHz ELT, believing that the option should be left to pilots. Hmmm, I wonder what we are supposed to do with all the 121.5 ELT's? If you own an aircraft you were supposed to have received a postcard from NOAA recommending you switch to 406-MHz ELT. For more info click on the 121.5 icon.

9-9-08 The FAA safety seminars coming up offer quite a list of topics. At the Southern NH University 2500 N. River Road Hooksett, NH 03106 there is one called, "Mastering Takeoffs and Landings".  How about "Traps for the Unwary Pilot!"
That sounds a little scary. This seminar is in Portsmouth, Alpha Flying 115 Flightline Drive 
Portsmouth, NH 03801. It's a fly-in event. Click on the FAA logo for a list.

Goodbye VOR's?  8-31-08 The FAA is talking about starting to shut down VOR's. A few years ago I remember ready an article talking about starting the shutdown in 2008. Now they are talking about starting in 2010. However, it's my understanding that even if you have GPS you still need a VOR as a backup unless your GPS has WAAS, hmmm.... If only 10 to 15% of the GA fleet has GPS, two years doesn't sound like a lot of time to get the rest of the 35+ year old trainers and VFR renters up to date. Here's some typical panels I usually see... CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AOPA article.

Say Hi to "Sir William" ~ 8-27-08 The next time you stop by the office, don't be surprised if you're greeted with a big smile and a wagady tail. No, that's not Mike I'm talking about, it's Sir William, of course. But you can call him Will. Will is the new addition to the Horne family and I believe Sarah said he's a Wheaton mix. Whatever that is, it must mean cute, charming likable, and fun to watch. Ever go in someplace and have a dog run around the corner and jump all over you? Well, that's not Will. Sarah introduced me to Will, and he sat down in front of me and I introduced myself. When I held my hand out for a shake he gave me a lick. I'll take that over a bark any day. Stop in sometime and say hi to Will. Warning! If you stay with him for more that a few minutes, you'll want to give him a hug...

Gas Price Update ~ 8-27-08 Here's the latest update for the fuel prices. The N/A for the jet fuel means it is no longer available at Skyhaven. I read an article not to long ago that the oil companies are thinking of stopping the production of "boutique fuels", which includes avgas. It's called a boutique fuel because it's made by a special process and in relatively small quantities compared to regular gasoline. So, what do we do now? How about this company in Indiana  that's proposing to make "renewable general aviation fuel, made from landfill waste, sorghum, algae and wood chips, among other feedstocks." How about the guy who found a way to make salt water burn... What will they think of next... CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SORGHUM AND ALGAE
 

Congratulation To Matt Kennedy ~8-27-08 Congratulations to Matt Kennedy on making his first solo flight in our Cessna 150. Thanks to our CFII Julie Bruce, Matt is now on his way to getting his private pilot license. Ever wonder just what a solo flight means? AOPA puts it like this: "A common industry definition says "solo is any flight time during which the pilot is the only occupant on board;" the difference is that the regulation specifies student but the term really applies to any certificated pilot. Definitions aside, your first solo flight is an important milestone in your training and a moment worthy of celebration. It's an experience you'll always remember as among the coolest things you've ever done."  Good luck to Matt as he continues his studies.

TAF Format Changes Coming ~ 8-23-08 AOPA advises the National Weather Service is going to be changing the TAF format. However, the way I understand it, is that the change will affect only the date and times. Click here to see the AOPA article.

OVA Pictures From Mike McMahon ~ 8-23-08 Looks like Mike is keeping his new camera exercised with some aviation pics. Taking a pic of our Cessna 150 is giving your camera a treat to one of the nicest looking 150's around. If you would like more information about our newly restored Cessna 150 click on the airplane image on the right. To see Mike's pics, click on the small icon on the left.