7-29-07 ~  AOPA is advising all pilots to support H.R.2881 in order to stop a proposal to impose users fees on GA. It was the message readily endorsed by thousands of pilots walking around Oshkosh sporting AOPA "Stop User Fees—Support H.R.2881" stickers on their chests. That was the essential message presented by AOPA President Phil Boyer, EAA President Tom Poberezny, NBAA President Ed Bolen, and GAMA President Pete Bunce to several hundred pilots during a panel discussion at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 25. AOPA says our flying freedom is at stake. They say the user fee system in Europe is driving GA out of the sky except for wealthy millionaires and don't want that to happen to the United States. Keeping our land and air free (accessible) is a lot of hard work...

Cessna 162 Skycatcher is here!~7-27-07- At Oshkosh this year, Cessna rolled out it's new two seater aircraft, the Cessna 162 Skycatcher. Some pilots doubted whether or not Cessna would ever make a two seater again. The last 152 two seater that Cessna made was in 1985. Following the recession of hard times during the Carter administration, the middle class took an economic hit and Cessna stopped making the 152. The 152 may be gone out of production but the 162 is here as an LSA (Light Sport Aircraft). Click on the 162 to enlarge and see it next to a Cessna 140, hmmm... CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SKYCATCHER WEBSITE

Congratulations!7-25-07 - Congratulations to Paul Nixon on making his first solo flight. Thanks to our flight instructor Mike McMahon. Although we don't know which airplane Paul soloed in, I do know one thing that Paul has a wide selection of aircraft to choose from. Perhaps he soloed in our Cessna 150. Then again, some of our students are flying in our Cherokee 180. Whether you like the gentle glide of the 150, or the heavier control of the 180, you still get to look at things from the same perspective as eagles, hawks, and seagulls. Good Luck to Paul as he continues his studies towards his private pilot license.

TRICKS AND TRAPS! ~ 7-24-07 -  AOPA has sent out some information on TFR's. One of the items in an envelope of stuff is a 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" card that has four areas of reference called; "SOURCES FOR INFORMATION ON CURRENT TFRs", "TRICKS AND TRAPS IN COPING WITH TFRs" with Do's & Don'ts, a flow diagram titled, "THE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS",  and another "BASIC INTERCEPT PROCEDURE..." chart... I wonder what Sgt. Schultz (from the "F" troop) would have to say about all this?
One piece of information that came from this card is a new source of TFR information. I have added this new site to our right column along with the AOPA & FAA TFR links. CLICK ON THE MAP ICON TO CHECK IT OUT!

7-17-07 -  Check out our latest update of our scenic and photo flights. We have a list of different packages to choose from. How about a local flight around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes. On a clear day you can see the ocean on one side and the White Mountains on the other. If that's not enough how about seeing Mt. Washington up close and personal. Click on the "Scenic and Photo Flights" icon for more information.

Congratulations!7-11-07 -  Congratulations to Walt Cheslock on making his first solo flight in our newly restored Cessna 150. Thanks to our CFI Jon Riebau, Walt is now on his way to becoming a private pilot. All that studying about aircraft performance, weather, FAA regulations take on a whole new meaning when you're flying to your destination and there is no one else in the plane except you. Another goal in Walt's training will be his first solo cross country flight. There's no gps in the Cessna 150 but the VOR will give him all the information he needs. Good luck to Walt as he continues his studies towards his private pilot license! Be sure to click on the 150 to read more information about this great aircraft.

CHEES BURGER & COKE ~ 7-8-07 - How about some fries with that... Wondering what's being served at the new Mustang Grille located right in front at the Ossipee Valley Aviation office? Take a look at the menu and you'll see a nice variety of food to fill the gap. In addition to the regular menu you will notice that there's some nice specials that will take care of your lunch or late afternoon meal. For more information, click on the "Mustang Grille" icon.

TFR IS GONE!7-2-07 -  Now you see it, now you don't! That's how it is with TFR's. At least the confusion caused by the white NSA around Kennebunkport has been removed from the New York Sectionals. I've heard some people say that when the next president is elected we may see a more reasonable presidential air space system. So now you have no excuse to get out there and do some flying. I'd like to take the cover off of this baby sitting in the grass. By the looks of that propeller, I think it means business. I wonder if I could catch him with the Cherokee 180? ... probably not...

FAA SafetySeminar ~ 6-30-07 -  Here's an update of the latest search on the FAA Safety Seminar search webpage. Click on the FAAST logo to check it out. There's some interesting meeting coming up. One of them will be at Sanderson's Airfield. If you've been wondering about Sport Pilot information this looks like the place the get all the detail.

TFR ALERT June 28-July 2: Kennebunkport, Maine  6--25-07 A massive double TFR has been announced for June 28 to July 2. Many pilots are discouraged from flying during the TFR but you can fly out and in (or in and out) with the correct procedure. 
Here's the INFO from AOPA:
Size and location:
Centered on 43-04-24 degrees N and 70-50-01 degrees W
PSM 202 Radial 0.7 nm 30-nm-radius TFR up to 17,999 ft MSL with inner 10-nm-radius no-fly zone up to 17,999 ft MSL Effective times: 1510 local until 1615 local June 28 1405 local until 1510 local July 2 Requirements for flight 10-30 nm area: Limited to arriving or departing local airfields Must be on active VFR or IFR flight plan Squawk discrete code obtained from ATC
Two-way communication with ATC No loitering 
------
Size and location: Centered on 43-20-40 degrees N and 70-27-34 degrees W ENE 143 Radial 8.3 nm 30-nm-radius TFR up to 17,999 ft MSL with inner 10-nm-radius no-fly zone up to  17,999 ft MSL Effective time: 1535 local June 28 until 1445 local July 2 Requirements for flight 10-30 nm area: Limited to arriving or departing local airfields Must be on active VFR or IFR flight plan Squawk discrete code obtained from ATC Two-way communication with ATC No loitering

TFR June 28 Newport, Rhode Island6--25-07 
The AOPA website has reported a TFR to be in Newport Rhode Island. Be sure to checkout the notice and map depictions. The graphic on the left is from AOPA, the one on the right is the FAA. This TFR like others, has a double inner 10 nm radius zones. Kennebunkport is still posted as anticipated as of this evening. I wonder if Biddeford will have a special VFR special "egress" and "ingress" corridor if it becomes active? They say to be sure and check with FSS and/or DUATS. I've tried DUATS, and it's pretty powerful.  Tip: If you use "Print Selection" you can print just the stuff you want without dumping the whole output on your printer. CLICK HERE FOR AOPA TFR DESCRIPTION
 

Anticipated TFR June 28-July 4; Kennebunkport, Maine

6-24-07 -  AOPA has posted an "anticipated TFR" notice for a Kennebunkport TFR. Although AOPA has objected in the past to the large TFR's that disrupt businesses and communities in a 60 nautical mile diameter, they still follow the president around. That's the bad news. The good news is that you can still fly in and out of the TFR's with a special flight plan with a special transponder code. Don't cancel your flights until you've talked to your instructor. This could be a good opportunity to add a special entry in your log book of flying out (egress) and in (ingress) of a live TFR. 

Mustang Grille Now Open! 6--20-07  It's official! It looks like we're in for some tasty treats. I just received an email from Jeff and Roy Allen who run the new Mustang Grille. According to Roy, "They are open Tuesdays thru Saturday and Sundays and Monday when the weather smiles…Always 11:30am till 4:30pm, though we often open sooner and stay later." Click on the Mustang pic for more information.
 

Night Flight ~6-18-07 - Thinking about taking a night flight? Flying under the stars overlooking the southeast corner of New Hampshire is an awesome sight. Reading some articles about night flying can be a little spooky, but with a good preflight and some careful planning you are ready for the city lights. It's a good idea to refresh yourself on some FAR's like 61.57 for requirements for taking passengers and 91.151 on fuel requirements, and 91.205 on lighting requirements. The pic in this article was taken next to 50J after a night flight looking north towards the hangers. For an update on night flying give us a call and have one of our instructors bring you up to date and current with FAR 61.57.

Young Eagle Flight Rally ~6-15-07 - Here's some information just in from Gerry Peterson about the Young Eagle program. "EAA 225 will be holding its first 3rd Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast with mini Young Eagle Flight Rally on June 16th from 8 a.m.  to 11 a.m. at Skyhaven Airport, Rochester, NH." "We will hold two more similar Pancake Breakfasts in combination with a Young Eagle Flight Rally during the summer, the 2nd one on Saturday, August 18th (Rain Date:  Sunday, the 19th); and a 3rd one on Saturday, September 15th (Rain  Date: Sunday, the 16th) also at our home base at Rochester's Skyhaven  Airport using the same time schedule.  Thanks goes out to Ossipee Valley Aviation for giving us the opportunity to promote aviation through the EAA Young Eagle Program." CLICK HERE to see some pics of a Young Eagle event a few years ago.

MedXPress ~6-12-07 - FRONT - BACK  Have you received your MedXpress notification yet? Here's a pic of what I received in the mail recently from the FAA. Sounds like the FAA is trying to streamline the aviation medical form requirements. There are many articles about problems with the technicalities of that medical and this new system might help out? AOPA has a lot to say about the aviation medical. Click HERE to read an April 2007 commentary. If you're not an AOPA member, click here to see a sample of their "TurboMed" webpage.

The Russian Antonov ~6-6-07 -  The Russian Antonov Biplane is a familiar visitor to Ossipee Valley Aviation. It has made appearances in our past air shows and you just might find it setting on the grass someplace. I saw a YouTube video of an Antonov that was saying it took off in 60 meters. That's around 400 feet. Here's a pic taken by Mike. I understand that the co-pilot is our very own Glen Horne. That radial engine is around 1000 hp.

 FAA SafetySeminar ~ 6-3-07 -  The FAA Safety Seminar search list shows a couple of interesting seminars coming up. How about some information about "Spatial Disorientation and Synthetic Vision Systems."  Mark your calendar for Tuesday June 19th to be at Port City Air if you want to learn more about spatial disorientation and about Synthetic Vision Systems. The seminar info says something about a "vertigo chair" to be used to demonstrate the effects of spatial disorientation. Hmmm, that sounds like a fun ride... I wonder if you can buy one of these chairs for the office? Click on the FAA icon in this article for more info.

Updated Brochure ~ 5-31-07 -  Here's a pdf file to our brochure that will give you information and the requirements for getting a pilot license. Learn about our instructors, training programs, FAA requirements, OVA ground school and more. How about after you get your private pilot license? Feel free to download/print a copy of our brochure and see for yourself that OVA has what it takes to get you on your way to flying in today's modern airspace with confidence and the exhilaration of being the pilot in command of a general aviation aircraft.

Pricing Update ~ 5-30-07 -   Here's the latest update of our cost of fuel and rentals. AOPA has said, "Avgas has become a 'boutique' fuel," said AOPA Manager of Regulatory and Certification Policy Rob Hackman. "Not much of it is produced, so it costs nearly twice as much as unleaded fuel.""
AOPA has said it has successfully lobbied for funding each year so that the FAA's Technical Center can continue research on an acceptable alternative to 100LL avgas that is affordable and would require little or no modification to the existing fleet..... ...... ..... are we there yet?
Will a suitable high-octane unleaded replacement fuel be found? ... if it has, it's being kept a secret. In the meantime we'll have to manage with the "boutique fuel." 
 

Flight Review A,B,C's ~ 5-27-07 - What happened to the "biennial?" According to FAR 61.56, it's now called the "Flight Review". One of the points emphasized on the flight review is renewing and updating your knowledge about FAR Part 91 [click here] that tells you what you need to know about "Flight Rules". What about D, E, F, & G? The wide open sky's aren't really wide open, at least in populated areas. AOPA says, "The Airspace above the United States can seem as complex and convoluted as a soap opera plot. With a little study, however, it does make sense." You can go to the AOPA site for plenty of downloads or you can take a peek of their  "Airspace Safety Advisor" by [clicking here].   Still not sure of what to do? No problem, just give us a call and one of our CFI's will help you with a flight review that's tailored for your type of flying.

Evening Classes Now In Session! 5-20-07 -  Working around your schedule as much as we can, our CFI's are thinking of ways to help you achieve your goal in becoming a private pilot. Here's some pics of Mike McMahon and his evening class now in session. Evening classes is a great way to give your studies a boost and also an opportunity to meet other student pilots and share your passion for flying. Our aircraft are ready to take you on a journey that's planned and navigated by you! Discover New England like you haven't seen it before. Soaring through the sky is not restricted to hawks and seagulls. Give us a call and get started with an introductory flight and discover New England.

Congratulations! 5-17-07 - Congratulations to Megan Edson and Drew Case on making their first solo flight. It looks like Megan has a pretty good idea how far she wants to take her flying experience by the looks of shirt tail posted on the student pilot solo wall. If Megan has her sights on high performance aircraft, than 43G our Cessna Skyhawk with a moving map GPS and auto-pilot is the aircraft that will prepare her for the next step. Congratulations also to Drew Case and I'm going to guess he made his first solo in our Cessna 150. We may not know which airplane he soloed in, but we do know that he was ready and he landed on runway 15. We also know that if Drew is flying our Cessna 150 he's flying one of the most popular training aircraft on the planet. Good luck to both Drew and Megan on their studies towards their private pilot license.

Going Up!  5-12-07 - In keeping aligned with the crazy gas price changes, we try to hold the line as long as we can but sooner or later we need to make adjustments in order to provide you with the best we can offer to support your general aviation needs. Be sure to check out our latest pricing to help you plan your budget for completing your journey towards your private pilot license.

FEE's, Taxes, and Charges oh my! 5-12-07 - If it's not the petroleum industry wacking away at our wallets it's the FAA. AOPA is currently battling with the government that wants to levy all kinds of fee's and taxes on various forms of flying. Recently, the government has the idea of a $25 per flight user fee for turbine powered aircraft... does that mean I would get charged $25 per touchdown if I do touch & go's with my turbo Lancair (if I had one...)?  AOPA recommends all GA pilots contact their congressmen to express opposition to all the fee's.

CONDOR MOA PROPOSAL ~  5-07-07 - The Condor MOA in Maine has been getting a lot of attention these days because of some FAA proposed changes that will affect GA. AOPA is encouraging users to provide input. "Airspace users can now provide input up until July 15. The original deadline was May 3, and AOPA didn't think it provided enough time for all users to properly analyze the proposal." CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Say Hi To Tobey! ~  4-23-07 - Have you met Tony's new friend and companion? Even if you're not an animal lover, you will definitely enjoy meeting Tobey. The special connection between Tobey and Tony is quite amazing. Tony gave me a little demo of their relationship when he put some dog treats on the floor and Tobey sat anxiously on the floor looking at the treats, but would absolutely not move to touch the treat until Tony gave the OK. I bet he makes a good co-pilot also...

Taxes, Fees and Petitions, oh my! ~ 4-19-07 AOPA is protesting about the FAA's proposal for user fees and increased burden on GA. Pilots are signing petitions at the Sun 'n Fun event in Florida. In the meantime, we'll keep you posted of any price changes, and hopefully they'll be small. Here's a recent avgas posting from the office... for more information, click on the "cost & rental" menu.

VFR Again ~  4-19-07 - Looks like  Believe it or not, it was VFR today and promises to be a nice weekend, so call now to reserve your favorite airplane to see the sites of New England. On a clear day in the Skyhaven area you can see the White Mountains, the ocean and Boston shortly after take-off. This pic in this article is looking at Washington.  I think I even heard someone report downwind at Hampton. Maybe it was just the excitement of actually seeing blue sky again. Ken Ortmann reports taking around 100 pictures of the flood assessment around the Rochester area. Maybe he'll share some of his pics...
 

Technically Advanced Aircraft ~~ 4-14-07 - Here's an update on searching the Safety Seminar site for an 80 mile radius from Skyhaven. Among the items on the updated list is a seminar at Pease airport about "Glass Cockpits." It sounds like making the transition from the conventional round instruments to the new computer flat screen is not something we'd call plug and play. Click on the FAASTeam logo to see the whole list of events found on that search.

Pilot Lounge Make-Over ~  4-10-07 - Looks like Sarah and Mike are doing some serious thinking about what color to paint the inside of the pilot lounge. I caught a glimpse of the new floor while Sarah and Mike were discussing paint.  I'll keep my camera ready for the finish product...

Winter Wonderland (in April) ~  4-7-07 - I thought April showers meant rain showers not snow showers... but that doesn't stop us from flying. If you wanted to do some flying the day after the storm our airplanes were ready to go. Click on the airplane in this article to see why the power was out for a while in different locations in Rochester (and New Hampshire).

~ 4-4-07 -Here's a last minute email from Gerry Peterson about the movie about flying called "One Six Right". In Gerry's email is information about a free showing of the movie along with a companion disk called "One Six Left". If I read the info correctly, there's a free showing in Bedford on Friday and another showing in Nashua on Saturday. But don't take my word for it, click on the "ONE SIX RIGHT" icon in the article for more information. Thanks for the info Gerry...

Propeller Warmer ~  4-1-07 -Jim Dubois forwarded this interesting email on an innovative way to keep your airplane warm, or part of it anyways. I'm wondering if this picture came from Alaska? It's nice to see that some local varmints gave the supreme sacrifice to help keep this tail dragger in tip top shape and ready to take to the friendly skies (or unfriendly windy and gusty skies) to carry its owner to an unknown destination. Let's see, how would that read on the checklist: Remove critters from propeller blades... check!

The Sweet Escape ~  3-29-07 - Here's an email from Mike and company flying in 43G up in Maine. "Me, Steve and Theiler flying up to Lewiston, Portland and back. We climbed up on top the clouds up to 7500 and it was absolutely beautiful". When you click on the dog a window will open that has javascripts, iframes, streaming videos, and pictures of Mike's flight.
 

~ 3-23-07 - Check out some of the seminars that are lined up! How about a smorgasbord of seminars being held at the "New England Aviation Expo" in Nashua. Click on the FAASTeam logo in this article to see the results of a 80 mile radius search done today. Here's a quick-link to the FAA list of seminar. I think I counted around 26 seminars on the list. Wow! Everything from Aircraft Powerplant to Weather Theory. I also noticed one for Aging Pilots. Is that the same thing as senior citizens? How about the "Ups and Downs of Flying" seminar at Emerson Aviation in Gilford NH (Laconia Airport). Click HERE to see a bunch of take-offs
 

Spring Has Sprung ~  3-21-07 - Yes, it's the first day of spring, but the snow is still with us. If you're flying a Cherokee or a Grumman Tiger, or any other low wing aircraft the snow banks are something you may want to keep an eye on when taxiing around the airport. But once you're in the air, the sky's the limit! Come on down and check out the view for yourself.

Private Pilot Ground School ~  3-20-07 - We are having another private pilot ground school session starting on Wednesday April 5, at 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The classes will be every Wednesday for eight weeks. I've heard the cost of the class will be $160. Here's a chance to give your studying a boost. It's great to share your experiences with other student pilots. Take advantage of working with other students and pick up some tips that you may not have come across working alone. Be sure to click on the icon in this article to visit our student pilot web page to see pictures of some of our past evening classes. For more information about this class call the office at 332-0005.