Saturday, October 09, 2010
Normal Airflow Over a Wing Example
The image above shows how air flows over both the bottom and the top of the airfoil.
You can clearly see how the air flowing over the top of the airfoil is moving faster than the air going underneath.
Its the acceleration of the air flowing over the top that causes its pressure to drop which in turn causes lift to be produced.
It must be understood that this example of how lift is created is only the tip of the iceberg and the there are volumes of material written on this subject that describe the production of lift from different points of view and in great detail.
Understanding the image above will help you at the private pilot level, leave the more complex physics equations to the designers.
Enjoy!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Have the correct manual for the plane
You might wonder why pilots that have flown many type of airplanes have such a large library of manuals.
I bet that if you looked a little closer at the books themselves you would notice that not only does this home library include the obvious subjects like weather, regulations, places to go and so on but that it also has what seems like many copies of the same manuals regarding the type of airplanes that the pilot might fly.
After all who really needs a different manual for a Cessna 172P and a 172N?
Aren't they both Cessnas?
They aren't even that far apart in years produced so why do you need a different manual for each?
You might even find two manuals for the same year and model of plane but one has a packet of papers attached to it. What is the reason for this?
We all can see the need for a separate set of manuals for different types of planes like Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft and so on, but why do we need the rest of them?
The answer is very simple......... No two airplanes are exactly alike.
I fly two Cessnas that are only about 3 years apart in age but one of them has a bigger engine that was installed as an upgrade. Why does this matter you ask.
The answer might not jump out at you until you read the performance data that is included with the pack of papers that is attached to the outside of my manual. These papers are part of the STC or supplemental type certificate that is required when major changes have been made to any aircraft.
The difference between these two almost identical airplanes becomes more apparent as you calculate the amount of weight the plane can carry, how fast it can climb and how much fuel you burn at a given power setting.
As you look closer at what information is included the reason becomes much more clear.
One plane might have the old style of transponder while the other has a new Garmin GTX-330.
I think you would agree that the old style analog transponder with rotary dials is a little different than the fully digital Garmin product with the push buttons and a menu screen.
Guess what? You'll need a manual for those as well. Are you beginning to see how quickly the library can grow?
The next time you are looking for the perfect gift for the pilot in your life you might want to think about a gift certificate to Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobel or your local pilot shop so they can add to their ever growing library of books.
I bet that if you looked a little closer at the books themselves you would notice that not only does this home library include the obvious subjects like weather, regulations, places to go and so on but that it also has what seems like many copies of the same manuals regarding the type of airplanes that the pilot might fly.
After all who really needs a different manual for a Cessna 172P and a 172N?
Aren't they both Cessnas?
They aren't even that far apart in years produced so why do you need a different manual for each?
You might even find two manuals for the same year and model of plane but one has a packet of papers attached to it. What is the reason for this?
We all can see the need for a separate set of manuals for different types of planes like Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft and so on, but why do we need the rest of them?
The answer is very simple......... No two airplanes are exactly alike.
I fly two Cessnas that are only about 3 years apart in age but one of them has a bigger engine that was installed as an upgrade. Why does this matter you ask.
The answer might not jump out at you until you read the performance data that is included with the pack of papers that is attached to the outside of my manual. These papers are part of the STC or supplemental type certificate that is required when major changes have been made to any aircraft.
The difference between these two almost identical airplanes becomes more apparent as you calculate the amount of weight the plane can carry, how fast it can climb and how much fuel you burn at a given power setting.
As you look closer at what information is included the reason becomes much more clear.
One plane might have the old style of transponder while the other has a new Garmin GTX-330.
I think you would agree that the old style analog transponder with rotary dials is a little different than the fully digital Garmin product with the push buttons and a menu screen.
Guess what? You'll need a manual for those as well. Are you beginning to see how quickly the library can grow?
The next time you are looking for the perfect gift for the pilot in your life you might want to think about a gift certificate to Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobel or your local pilot shop so they can add to their ever growing library of books.
Monday, June 07, 2010
MzeroA on blog talk radio - Aviation topics over the net
Listen to internet radio with MzeroA on Blog Talk Radio
This guy has a great radio show that focuses on flight training, safety, planning, aviation news and more.
Check him out and add him to your favorites, you won't be sorry!
Friday, May 28, 2010
The FAA releases guidance on ADS-B
The FAA is now saying that if you want to fly in Class Bravo in the year 2020 that you will need both an ADS-B out transmitter as well as your current Transponder.
Watch the video below from AOPA for more information.
Watch the video below from AOPA for more information.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Space Shuttle Cockpit View of Landing
Ever thought about flying a glider? If you have but weren't sure what it would be like, check out this video from the cockpit of the biggest and fastest glider ever built!!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Apollo 11 close up and personal
This video of Apollo 11 taking off is absolutely amazing!
We have all seen the video of rockets and the space shuttle taking off over and over again but this video is taken of the engines at an amazing 500 frames per second.
What this means is that the video is in slow motion so you can clearly see everything from the first moment of ignition to the launch vehicle clearing the tower.
The event recorded only lasted about 30 seconds but because it is shown in slow motion it will last for about 8 minutes.
Listen to a moment by moment description of everything that is happening.
We have all seen the video of rockets and the space shuttle taking off over and over again but this video is taken of the engines at an amazing 500 frames per second.
What this means is that the video is in slow motion so you can clearly see everything from the first moment of ignition to the launch vehicle clearing the tower.
The event recorded only lasted about 30 seconds but because it is shown in slow motion it will last for about 8 minutes.
Listen to a moment by moment description of everything that is happening.
Apollo 11 Saturn V Launch (HD) Camera E-8 from Mark Gray on Vimeo.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
1960 Cessna 175A For Sale
1959 Cessna 175A
General characteristics
Crew: one pilot
Capacity: three passengers
Length: 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
Height: 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)
Empty weight: 1,339 lb (607 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 2,350 lb (1,066 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Continental GO-300C six cylinder engine, 175 hp (130 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 148 mph (236 km/h)
Range: 598 miles (957 km)
Rate of climb: 850 ft/min (259 m/min)
MOGAS STC
More information and photos to be posted soon.
E-mail me for more information until then.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Washington Tax Increase Could Be History
The Washington State House voted on a revised version of the tax bill that does not include the aircraft excise tax increase.
The 0.5 percent excise tax would have cause many private pilots and small companies to flee from the once strong aviation scene that has existed in Washington State since Bill Boeing and family founded their small company.
Aviation in the state is, in my opinion, a shadow of its former self. Every airport that I visit appears to be home to rotting hangers and under used General Aviation aircraft.
Years ago you could park at even the smallest of public use airports and watch the flight training or see the family airplanes being loaded for a vacation.
There are many reasons for the quiet airfields fields today. Every part of the country has hit hard times and are just now starting to recover but what I have a problem with is when the government fails to remember that their income is tied directly to the people.
How much tax revenue did the state lose when Boeing moved jobs out of state because of disagreements with the state?
How much would they lose if boaters, pilots and others stopped using their pleasure craft?
In the short term they would increase their revenue but as time went by, registrations would fall and the world of aviation would continue its decline.
Thank the people that spoke up against this last attempt to raise the excise tax.
AOPA, WPA, NBAA and the thousands of people that called and wrote their representatives.
By the time you read this, the April 12th vote on this bill proposal should be finished. I hope that our state will make the right choice for all involved and that they have listened to the people.
If we are allowed to keep more of our money, we will in turn spend more of that money and as a result, the State will collect more in taxes that are already in place.
Everybody wins and everybody is happy.
Fly safe and fly a lot!
The 0.5 percent excise tax would have cause many private pilots and small companies to flee from the once strong aviation scene that has existed in Washington State since Bill Boeing and family founded their small company.
Aviation in the state is, in my opinion, a shadow of its former self. Every airport that I visit appears to be home to rotting hangers and under used General Aviation aircraft.
Years ago you could park at even the smallest of public use airports and watch the flight training or see the family airplanes being loaded for a vacation.
There are many reasons for the quiet airfields fields today. Every part of the country has hit hard times and are just now starting to recover but what I have a problem with is when the government fails to remember that their income is tied directly to the people.
How much tax revenue did the state lose when Boeing moved jobs out of state because of disagreements with the state?
How much would they lose if boaters, pilots and others stopped using their pleasure craft?
In the short term they would increase their revenue but as time went by, registrations would fall and the world of aviation would continue its decline.
Thank the people that spoke up against this last attempt to raise the excise tax.
AOPA, WPA, NBAA and the thousands of people that called and wrote their representatives.
By the time you read this, the April 12th vote on this bill proposal should be finished. I hope that our state will make the right choice for all involved and that they have listened to the people.
If we are allowed to keep more of our money, we will in turn spend more of that money and as a result, the State will collect more in taxes that are already in place.
Everybody wins and everybody is happy.
Fly safe and fly a lot!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Flying the VFR transition over Sea-Tac Airport - KSEA
Well, after months of fighting the weather, mx issues and scheduling.... I finally made the trip. My route was OLM-PWT-SEA-S36-PAE on the way up and on the way back it was PAE to OLM direct.
I got myself all worked up trying to make sure my calculations and everything were spot on and it all worked out almost perfectly. I was a matter of a couple of minutes off of my ETA, working with ATC was a great experience and made life easy and I learned a lot.
The only complaint that I have is that I only took 2 photos.... I forgot that I had the camera with me and then I dropped it under the seat during an unplanned bump.
The first pic is to the north of SEA and the second is to the south just before I crossed the numbers for the VFR transition.
Today was a very good day. :)
I got myself all worked up trying to make sure my calculations and everything were spot on and it all worked out almost perfectly. I was a matter of a couple of minutes off of my ETA, working with ATC was a great experience and made life easy and I learned a lot.
The only complaint that I have is that I only took 2 photos.... I forgot that I had the camera with me and then I dropped it under the seat during an unplanned bump.
The first pic is to the north of SEA and the second is to the south just before I crossed the numbers for the VFR transition.
Today was a very good day. :)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
FAA Checkride Oral Portion Video
I thought you might like to see this video of a mock checkride.
This is from the late 1990's but covers everything that is presented during the oral portion of the checkride.
I hope you enjoy it!
This is from the late 1990's but covers everything that is presented during the oral portion of the checkride.
I hope you enjoy it!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Where is the Spruce Goose
Ever wonder what happened to the famous Spruce Goose?
The largest airplane of its time is housed at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore.
This huge seaplane was the brain child of Henry Kaiser and with the backing of Howard Hughes became the largest wooden aircraft ever built.
The largest airplane of its time is housed at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore.
This huge seaplane was the brain child of Henry Kaiser and with the backing of Howard Hughes became the largest wooden aircraft ever built.
Monday, March 08, 2010
In The Shadow Of The Blade
Has anyone seen In The Shadow Of The Blade?
I have been talking with some people that I work with that either flew, crewed on or was dropped out of Huey choppers during Viet Nam and they are searching for this video and sound track.
From what I understand it is a heart tugging show full of real stories from the people that truly walked the walk.
Below you'll find a clip I found of the title song, please listen to it and share your story if you have one.
I am trying to get a copy of the documentary and will include a full review.
I have been talking with some people that I work with that either flew, crewed on or was dropped out of Huey choppers during Viet Nam and they are searching for this video and sound track.
From what I understand it is a heart tugging show full of real stories from the people that truly walked the walk.
Below you'll find a clip I found of the title song, please listen to it and share your story if you have one.
I am trying to get a copy of the documentary and will include a full review.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Support Lets Fly Washington
If you like what you read here and you want to help us continue to not only bring you tid bits about my training, but to develop in to the flying club that we so hope to become then please look at our products below.
We are starting to offer mouse pads and mugs with the Sport Cruiser image and will add other airplanes as we collect some good snap shots.
We will also add video of flights to local attractions and city views in the near future.
Join us and get your goodies!
Lets Fly Mugs, Mouse Pads and More.
We are starting to offer mouse pads and mugs with the Sport Cruiser image and will add other airplanes as we collect some good snap shots.
We will also add video of flights to local attractions and city views in the near future.
Join us and get your goodies!
Lets Fly Mugs, Mouse Pads and More.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Avoiding The Balloon - Landing Tips
I'm sure we've all done it, misjudged our speed on final or been a little high and dove for the ground in an attempt to get it down.
What problems can this cause you ask?
Either can cause us to cross the fence at a speed that is higher than appropriate and causing, at best, excessive float and at worst a bounce or balloon that beds metal.
What is the simple answer?
WATCH YOUR SPEED!!!
If you are high a forward slip might be a good tool to use or simply go around and try again.
If you are too fast and have a long runway you might continue the approach and transition to the flare gently to avoid the sudden climb called ballooning.
If you do balloon, the last thing you want to do is push the nose down to stop the climb.
All this will do is cause you to descend quicker than you want and increase your speed.
Both of these things will make life much harder for you and put you at a greater risk of injury and damage to the aircraft.
Your best bet in a balloon is to simply go around and try it again.
If you have the runway and insist on trying to land a little long then you should ease off of the back pressure just enough to arrest the climb and let the plane settle as you would in a normal landing while being careful to not stall the plane while still being too high off the ground.
A stall that happens more than a foot or two off the runway doesn't make for a smooth landing.
The answer to avoiding a bad landing of this type is to watch your airspeed or go around if you are not stable in your approach.
Have fun and fly safe!
What problems can this cause you ask?
Either can cause us to cross the fence at a speed that is higher than appropriate and causing, at best, excessive float and at worst a bounce or balloon that beds metal.
What is the simple answer?
WATCH YOUR SPEED!!!
If you are high a forward slip might be a good tool to use or simply go around and try again.
If you are too fast and have a long runway you might continue the approach and transition to the flare gently to avoid the sudden climb called ballooning.
If you do balloon, the last thing you want to do is push the nose down to stop the climb.
All this will do is cause you to descend quicker than you want and increase your speed.
Both of these things will make life much harder for you and put you at a greater risk of injury and damage to the aircraft.
Your best bet in a balloon is to simply go around and try it again.
If you have the runway and insist on trying to land a little long then you should ease off of the back pressure just enough to arrest the climb and let the plane settle as you would in a normal landing while being careful to not stall the plane while still being too high off the ground.
A stall that happens more than a foot or two off the runway doesn't make for a smooth landing.
The answer to avoiding a bad landing of this type is to watch your airspeed or go around if you are not stable in your approach.
Have fun and fly safe!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Check your fuel tanks every time
A good preflight inspection includes looking at the fuel inside the fuel tanks and not just checking the gauges.
Pilot experience doesn't eliminate the simple mistakes that you might assume would only happen to new or careless pilots.
Read the following excerpt for the NTSB report and see if you can find the mistake.
Pilot Cert: Commercial; Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Instrument Ratings: Airplane
Medical Cert:Class I
Date of Last Med. Exam: 04/2009
Flight Time in Hours
Total: 3015
Total in accident make and model: 50
The commercial pilot was 500 feet above ground level on approach to his destination airport when the single-engine airplane lost power.
The pilot made a forced landing to a rain-soaked field
approximately 8 miles north of the runway.
On touchdown the nose gear sank into the muddy terrain and
collapsed.
According to the pilot the airplane had approximately 15 gallons of fuel on board upon departure.
An on-scene inspection of the fuel tanks indicated 2 1/2 gallons in the left tank and 1 gallon in the right tank.
The aircraft manual states 1 1/2 gallons of fuel is unusable in the tanks.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot and passenger were not injured.
At this point there are no indications of a fuel leak or other reason for the lack of fuel except the failure of the pilot to complete the proper checks.
Aircraft fuel gauges are only required to show the correct quantity when the tanks are empty.
With this being the case, why would anybody fail to look in to the fuel tanks to verify the quantity?
Why would you plan a flight that didn't include ample reserves?
The answer could be very simple.
Some reasons:
Not using a check list
No ladder for a high wing aircraft
Lacking a FuelHawk Universal Fuel Gauge
Distractions
Feeling Rushed
Simply Forgot
Improper Flight Planning
Failure To Keep Track Of Winds Aloft
Failure to Apply Proper Safety Margins
The fact of the matter is that if you have 1 hour or 1000 hours of flight time matters little.
It will always be the simple things that we need to focus on so we don't allow ourselves to be hurt by things that are 100% avoidable.
Fly safe!
Pilot experience doesn't eliminate the simple mistakes that you might assume would only happen to new or careless pilots.
Read the following excerpt for the NTSB report and see if you can find the mistake.
Pilot Cert: Commercial; Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Instrument Ratings: Airplane
Medical Cert:Class I
Date of Last Med. Exam: 04/2009
Flight Time in Hours
Total: 3015
Total in accident make and model: 50
The commercial pilot was 500 feet above ground level on approach to his destination airport when the single-engine airplane lost power.
The pilot made a forced landing to a rain-soaked field
approximately 8 miles north of the runway.
On touchdown the nose gear sank into the muddy terrain and
collapsed.
According to the pilot the airplane had approximately 15 gallons of fuel on board upon departure.
An on-scene inspection of the fuel tanks indicated 2 1/2 gallons in the left tank and 1 gallon in the right tank.
The aircraft manual states 1 1/2 gallons of fuel is unusable in the tanks.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot and passenger were not injured.
At this point there are no indications of a fuel leak or other reason for the lack of fuel except the failure of the pilot to complete the proper checks.
Aircraft fuel gauges are only required to show the correct quantity when the tanks are empty.
With this being the case, why would anybody fail to look in to the fuel tanks to verify the quantity?
Why would you plan a flight that didn't include ample reserves?
The answer could be very simple.
Some reasons:
Not using a check list
No ladder for a high wing aircraft
Lacking a FuelHawk Universal Fuel Gauge
Distractions
Feeling Rushed
Simply Forgot
Improper Flight Planning
Failure To Keep Track Of Winds Aloft
Failure to Apply Proper Safety Margins
The fact of the matter is that if you have 1 hour or 1000 hours of flight time matters little.
It will always be the simple things that we need to focus on so we don't allow ourselves to be hurt by things that are 100% avoidable.
Fly safe!
In Search of Amelia Earhart at Seattle Museum of Flight
In Search Of Amelia Earhart
The museum of flight in Seattle Washington is hosting an exhibit profiling the life and times of the most famous woman pilot of her time.
The exhibit includes photos, newreel footage, personal items and the only remaining piece of her Lockheed Electra airplane.
Find out more about this exciting exhibit at the museum's website.
For more information on the Museum or Boeing Field, follow the link below.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Regional Pilots Life
Here is an additional clip of an interview about the life and times of a regional pilot.
Learn about "crash pads" and how to work 16 hours for $20.
I never would have guessed these things happen to people that are trusted with our lives.
Does this make me want to fly less? Not on your life!!!
Even the unhappy pilots explain why they continue to fly in these conditions.
PBS Frontline - Flying Cheap
I am posting the episode of Frontline that talks about the Colgan Airline crash in New York a while back.
I'm not saying that I agree with the views of the regional airlines or disagree with anything that anybody has stated in this video.
I am only posting this for your viewing pleasure and I hope to stir up some comments.
I hope you enjoy the show and that you will share your thoughts with us.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The TSA backs off of general aviation
The TSA announced that it will scrap plans to tighten the restrictions on General Aviation.
An earlier proposal suggested that items such as golf clubs, baseball bats and the various gels like shaving cream, tooth paste and other prohibited items would also be banned from the smaller GA aircraft used in charter operations or even in private aircraft.
As we all know, General Aviation is not the same as a commercial flight.
We know our passengers and even if you were to load a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior to its max gross weight with explosives it would do less damage than my Buick loaded to its max with TNT.
I hope this is the beginning of the education of not only the security agencies but the people in general.
It is up to each of us to provide our own security if we wish to keep the freedoms that we enjoy.
If we are either unwilling or just too lazy and turn all of our personal security over to agencies like the TSA we will then turn in to a country like the Germany of 1939-1945 or the Russia of the Cold War era.
What are we afraid of?
Read the full story over at NPR.
An earlier proposal suggested that items such as golf clubs, baseball bats and the various gels like shaving cream, tooth paste and other prohibited items would also be banned from the smaller GA aircraft used in charter operations or even in private aircraft.
As we all know, General Aviation is not the same as a commercial flight.
We know our passengers and even if you were to load a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior to its max gross weight with explosives it would do less damage than my Buick loaded to its max with TNT.
I hope this is the beginning of the education of not only the security agencies but the people in general.
It is up to each of us to provide our own security if we wish to keep the freedoms that we enjoy.
If we are either unwilling or just too lazy and turn all of our personal security over to agencies like the TSA we will then turn in to a country like the Germany of 1939-1945 or the Russia of the Cold War era.
What are we afraid of?
Read the full story over at NPR.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Finding the right partner to share an airplane with
For the many pilots of the Pacific Northwest either looking for the right airplane or the airplane owner that is looking for the right partners to share their plane with your search can end.
At Letsflywa.com. we bring together both pilots looking to team up for a purchase as well as airplane owners that would like to sell a share or two of their planes.
By shareing an airplane you not only lower the cost of ownership but increases the usage of the airplane and that we all know that a plane that is used is a happy plane.
We don't care what the size or cost of your plane is, we'll help set up co-ownership plans for kit plane owners, basic training aircraft or jets.
We are here to make airplane ownership and usage affordable for all pilots.
Look at our map today and share your information so we can post you on our partners page.
At Letsflywa.com. we bring together both pilots looking to team up for a purchase as well as airplane owners that would like to sell a share or two of their planes.
By shareing an airplane you not only lower the cost of ownership but increases the usage of the airplane and that we all know that a plane that is used is a happy plane.
We don't care what the size or cost of your plane is, we'll help set up co-ownership plans for kit plane owners, basic training aircraft or jets.
We are here to make airplane ownership and usage affordable for all pilots.
Look at our map today and share your information so we can post you on our partners page.
If you send your information to us we will add you to the map but we have changed the way we will add you to only include the town that you are listing and not the full address.
Let us help get you in to the air today!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Washington State will impose excise tax on aircraft
This EAA Legislative Alert is being sent, as a member service, to all EAA members in Washington.
The Washington state House of Representatives just introduced House Bill 3176 that will impose a .005% (1/2 percent) excise tax on all aircraft in the state of Washington.
The bill also states that if you elect to register your aircraft in another state and that state does not have a excise tax or is less than this new WA excise tax you will be required to pay the difference.
This addition to the state of Washington tax law is in Sec. 1002 of this bill and it reads:
Sec. 1002. RCW 82.48.020 and 2000 c 229 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
1.An annual excise tax is imposed for the privilege of using any aircraft in the state. The amount of the tax is five-tenths of one percent of the taxable value of the aircraft, as determined under section 1003 of this act.
2.The tax imposed under this section must be collected annually or under a staggered collection schedule as required by the secretary by rule.
3.Persons who are required to register aircraft under chapter 47.68 RCW and who register aircraft in another state or foreign country and avoid the aircraft excise tax imposed under this section are liable for the unpaid excise tax. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor.
4.The department of revenue may, under chapter 82.32 RCW, assess and collect the unpaid excise tax imposed under this section, including the penalties and interest provided in chapter 82.32 RCW.
5.Except as provided under subsection (3) of this section, a violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.
As proposed in the bill, this new excise tax will take the place of the current annual registration fee. So if you own a single-engine fixed wing airplane worth $100,000 your current annual registration fee is $65.00. Under the proposal in the bill that annual fee (excise tax) would jump to $500.00.
For comparison purposes in the state of Washington - non-commercial boats pay an annual excise tax of .005%, but only if the boat is over 16' in length ; and if you own a car you only pay an excise tax of .003% at the time you purchase the car, but not annually. Information from the Washington State Department of Revenue web site.
EAA is urging you to take immediate action.
Contact your state legislators to protest this new and unwarranted excise/property tax on your aircraft.
Washington State House of Representatives - http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/Pages/default.aspx
Washington State Senators - http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/Pages/default.aspx
The time to act is NOW...
Post your feedback or comments on this thread on Oshkosh365.
Randy Hansen, EAA # 590242
Government Relations Director
EAA - The Spirit of Aviation - www.eaa.org
Phone: 920-426-6103 or 6522
Fax: 920-426-4885 or 6560
__________________
I have reposted this from a different source because it is important.
The Washington state House of Representatives just introduced House Bill 3176 that will impose a .005% (1/2 percent) excise tax on all aircraft in the state of Washington.
The bill also states that if you elect to register your aircraft in another state and that state does not have a excise tax or is less than this new WA excise tax you will be required to pay the difference.
This addition to the state of Washington tax law is in Sec. 1002 of this bill and it reads:
Sec. 1002. RCW 82.48.020 and 2000 c 229 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
1.An annual excise tax is imposed for the privilege of using any aircraft in the state. The amount of the tax is five-tenths of one percent of the taxable value of the aircraft, as determined under section 1003 of this act.
2.The tax imposed under this section must be collected annually or under a staggered collection schedule as required by the secretary by rule.
3.Persons who are required to register aircraft under chapter 47.68 RCW and who register aircraft in another state or foreign country and avoid the aircraft excise tax imposed under this section are liable for the unpaid excise tax. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor.
4.The department of revenue may, under chapter 82.32 RCW, assess and collect the unpaid excise tax imposed under this section, including the penalties and interest provided in chapter 82.32 RCW.
5.Except as provided under subsection (3) of this section, a violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.
As proposed in the bill, this new excise tax will take the place of the current annual registration fee. So if you own a single-engine fixed wing airplane worth $100,000 your current annual registration fee is $65.00. Under the proposal in the bill that annual fee (excise tax) would jump to $500.00.
For comparison purposes in the state of Washington - non-commercial boats pay an annual excise tax of .005%, but only if the boat is over 16' in length ; and if you own a car you only pay an excise tax of .003% at the time you purchase the car, but not annually. Information from the Washington State Department of Revenue web site.
EAA is urging you to take immediate action.
Contact your state legislators to protest this new and unwarranted excise/property tax on your aircraft.
Washington State House of Representatives - http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/Pages/default.aspx
Washington State Senators - http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/Pages/default.aspx
The time to act is NOW...
Post your feedback or comments on this thread on Oshkosh365.
Randy Hansen, EAA # 590242
Government Relations Director
EAA - The Spirit of Aviation - www.eaa.org
Phone: 920-426-6103 or 6522
Fax: 920-426-4885 or 6560
__________________
I have reposted this from a different source because it is important.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Forming a Military Flying Club at Lewis and McChord
With the joining of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base I think it's time to try to restart a flying club.
I know that something of this size and scope will require the approval and assistance of people of much higher rank than this Sergeant so I am asking all of you for help.
The old club closed for many different reasons but the reason that is the hardest to overcome is the fact that they weren't making a profit.
The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) manager saw it as a money drain and because of that and other reasons, they shut down this wonderful club.
With the combining of the two installations and the increased number of troops based at the complex, I feel that not only would there be an increased demand for training or ramp space but the increased numbers to support this.
My idea is to keep this separate from the MWR program and require the club to stand on its own without the support from either the Air Force or the Army.
Some ramp space, a building or a location for a trailer, plus a fuel cell would be required but not the DOD owned aircraft or the extra dollars from the MWR program.
Let me hear your ideas and help me to get this started, Auburn and Olympia (KOLM) are both too far away so even if you suggest a different location, have an airplane that we can use to attract members or happen to be a CFI then jump on board and lets get this club formed.
Please visit our advertisers either by clicking their banners, Google ads or the highlighted text in our posts to help support both this site as well as help finance the formation of this club.
Don't say it can't be done, instead help us find away!
I know that something of this size and scope will require the approval and assistance of people of much higher rank than this Sergeant so I am asking all of you for help.
The old club closed for many different reasons but the reason that is the hardest to overcome is the fact that they weren't making a profit.
The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) manager saw it as a money drain and because of that and other reasons, they shut down this wonderful club.
With the combining of the two installations and the increased number of troops based at the complex, I feel that not only would there be an increased demand for training or ramp space but the increased numbers to support this.
My idea is to keep this separate from the MWR program and require the club to stand on its own without the support from either the Air Force or the Army.
Some ramp space, a building or a location for a trailer, plus a fuel cell would be required but not the DOD owned aircraft or the extra dollars from the MWR program.
Let me hear your ideas and help me to get this started, Auburn and Olympia (KOLM) are both too far away so even if you suggest a different location, have an airplane that we can use to attract members or happen to be a CFI then jump on board and lets get this club formed.
Please visit our advertisers either by clicking their banners, Google ads or the highlighted text in our posts to help support both this site as well as help finance the formation of this club.
Don't say it can't be done, instead help us find away!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Accident video of Cirrus SR22 during BFR
AvWeb safety profiles an accident involving a Cirrus SR22 from 2008.
In this video you will see just how much help the NTSB can receive from the burnt out remains of a glass cockpit and some in-depth testing.
I hope everybody that watches this video can learn something from it and to think that this type of accident could happen during a BFR.
In this video you will see just how much help the NTSB can receive from the burnt out remains of a glass cockpit and some in-depth testing.
I hope everybody that watches this video can learn something from it and to think that this type of accident could happen during a BFR.
Monday, January 18, 2010
FullFlap.Tv - Flying low over water world 29Aug09
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Red Bull Air Race 2010
This is the year for the incredible sight of racing airplanes over the Hudson River in New York.
The 5th race of 2010's schedule has been coordinated by NYC & Company, Jersey City, New Jersey and Liberty State Park to take place with the beautiful NY sky-line as its back drop.
Check out the event web page for more details and the full schedule.
Red Bull Air Race - Race over the Hudson
The 5th race of 2010's schedule has been coordinated by NYC & Company, Jersey City, New Jersey and Liberty State Park to take place with the beautiful NY sky-line as its back drop.
Check out the event web page for more details and the full schedule.
Red Bull Air Race - Race over the Hudson
Sunday, January 10, 2010
US Airways Flight 1549 Video and ATC Recording
There really isn't much that can be said about this video except that it shows you just how quickly things can go wrong when you are in the air.
The crew acted like professionals that knew their airplane as well as their trade.
My hat is off to your entire crew!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
We're the TSA and You Can Count on Us! (to overreact to tiny threats and ignore big ones)
I really can't say anymore than the video says for itself.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Flight: 100 Years of Aviation
I received this book last Christmas while I was stationed in Iraq.
Flight: 100 Years of Aviation doesn't just cover the highlights of the last 100 years but really captures the dream of manned flight from the beginning.
The photos are beautiful and numerous and the history held my interest from start to finish.
I might be in the Army in a combat role but I am kind of a nerd when it comes to history so your mileage may vary.
All in all I found this to be a wonderful addition to my collection and was very thankful to have it to take my mind off of my deployment.
I even carried it in my gun truck.
Enjoy!
Aviation Humor
I know that these are posted in various places around the net but this is the best list that I've seen so far and just had to re-post it here.
Enjoy!
Aircraft Service Requests and Responses
Problem as Reported: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
Service Response: Evidence removed.
Problem as Reported: DME volume unbelievably loud.
Service Response: Volume set to more believable level.
Problem as Reported: Main tire on left inside almost needs replacement.
Service Response: Left inside tire almost replaced.
Problem as Reported: No. 3 engine missing.
Service Response: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
Problem as Reported: Mouse in cockpit.
Service Response: Cat installed.
Problem as Reported: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
Service Response: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
Problem as Reported: Something loose in cockpit.
Service Response: Something tightened in cockpit.
Problem as Reported: Dead bugs on windshield.
Service Response: Live bugs on back-order.
Problem as Reported: Aircraft acting funny.
Service Response: Aircraft warned to "Straighten up, fly right, and be serious."
Problem as Reported: IFF inoperative.
Service Response: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
Problem as Reported: No. 2 ADF needle runs wild.
Service Response: Caught and tamed No. 2 ADF needle.
Problem as Reported: Suspected crack in windshield.
Service Response: Suspect you're right.
Problem as Reported: Three roaches in cabin.
Service Response: Two roaches killed, one wounded and missing in action.
Problem as Reported: Radar hums.
Service Response: Reprogrammed radar with words.
Problem as Reported: The autopilot doesn't.
Service Response: It does now.
Problem as Reported: Pilot's clock inoperative.
Service Response: Wound clock.
Problem as Reported: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200-fpm descent.
Service Response: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
Problem as Reported: Autopilot tends to drop a wing when fuel imbalance reaches 500 pounds.
Service Response: Flight manual limits maximum fuel imbalance to 300 pounds.
Problem as Reported: Unfamiliar noise coming from No. 2 engine.
Service Response: Ran engine for two hours. Noise now familiar.
Problem as Reported: Noise coming from No. 2 engine. Sounds like a man with a little hammer.
Service Response: Took little hammer away from man in No. 2 engine.
Problem as Reported: Whinney noise coming from No. 2 engine compartment.
Service Response: Returned little hammer to man in No. 2 engine.
Problem as Reported: Weather radar went ape.
Service Response: Opened radar, let ape out.
Problem as Reported: Whinning sound heard on engine shutdown.
Service Response: Pilot removed from aircraft.
Enjoy!
Aircraft Service Requests and Responses
Problem as Reported: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
Service Response: Evidence removed.
Problem as Reported: DME volume unbelievably loud.
Service Response: Volume set to more believable level.
Problem as Reported: Main tire on left inside almost needs replacement.
Service Response: Left inside tire almost replaced.
Problem as Reported: No. 3 engine missing.
Service Response: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
Problem as Reported: Mouse in cockpit.
Service Response: Cat installed.
Problem as Reported: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
Service Response: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
Problem as Reported: Something loose in cockpit.
Service Response: Something tightened in cockpit.
Problem as Reported: Dead bugs on windshield.
Service Response: Live bugs on back-order.
Problem as Reported: Aircraft acting funny.
Service Response: Aircraft warned to "Straighten up, fly right, and be serious."
Problem as Reported: IFF inoperative.
Service Response: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.
Problem as Reported: No. 2 ADF needle runs wild.
Service Response: Caught and tamed No. 2 ADF needle.
Problem as Reported: Suspected crack in windshield.
Service Response: Suspect you're right.
Problem as Reported: Three roaches in cabin.
Service Response: Two roaches killed, one wounded and missing in action.
Problem as Reported: Radar hums.
Service Response: Reprogrammed radar with words.
Problem as Reported: The autopilot doesn't.
Service Response: It does now.
Problem as Reported: Pilot's clock inoperative.
Service Response: Wound clock.
Problem as Reported: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200-fpm descent.
Service Response: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
Problem as Reported: Autopilot tends to drop a wing when fuel imbalance reaches 500 pounds.
Service Response: Flight manual limits maximum fuel imbalance to 300 pounds.
Problem as Reported: Unfamiliar noise coming from No. 2 engine.
Service Response: Ran engine for two hours. Noise now familiar.
Problem as Reported: Noise coming from No. 2 engine. Sounds like a man with a little hammer.
Service Response: Took little hammer away from man in No. 2 engine.
Problem as Reported: Whinney noise coming from No. 2 engine compartment.
Service Response: Returned little hammer to man in No. 2 engine.
Problem as Reported: Weather radar went ape.
Service Response: Opened radar, let ape out.
Problem as Reported: Whinning sound heard on engine shutdown.
Service Response: Pilot removed from aircraft.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Garmin 696 Aviation GPSMAP
| Garmin GPSMAP 696 (Americas) Meet our ultimate portable MFD: the GPSMAP 696, an all-in-one navigator See the Big Picture No Chart? No Problem. Add Weather and Radio Enhance Situational Awareness Like other portable Garmin devices, the 696 includes the following enhanced
Receive Altitude-Sensitive Alerts Expand Your Portable What's in the Box:
List Price: Our Price: $2,999.00
|
- 
Click for a larger/zoom image
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Find your plane or partner today!
We've added a new page that is tied to a map from google that will help bring both current and future aireplane owners and partners together.
Click the link below to be taken to the new page and lets get you flying!!!
If you want your name and airplane request added, simply follow the instructions on the map page.
Friday, January 01, 2010
LetsFlyWA YouTube Channel
Stop on over and visit our YouTube channel.
There are a couple of videos posted and more will be added as they come.
I hope you enjoy and that you'll check back often.
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