November 2009

This is a regular informational bulletin published by the Western Powered Parachute Association, LLC, devoted to promoting the sport of powered parachuting through education, communications and participation.  If you would like to be removed from the mailing list go directly to the distribution site email maas0755@comcast.net   

“The mission of the Western Powered Parachute Association is to promote the sport of powered parachuting in the Western United States through Education, Participation and Resources.”

 In This Issue:

•        The Few, The Proud, The Cold!
•        Scanning the Horizon (Calendar)
•        Training Corner- -Seeking a Few Good Aviators (CFIs) Again!
•        Resources

Published by Western Powered Parachute Association LLC westernppa@comcast.net Doug Maas 360 771-4047Maas0755@comcast.net

Website: http://westernppa.org Newsletter Distribution Group Site: http://sixchuterwest.com 

Sign up to receive this monthly bulletin at www.sixchuterwest.com Just fill out the news request form on the front page. While you are on the Six Chuter West website, explore the many other “articles” in several categories.  These articles are published weekly and are archived in the various categories.

 THE FEW, THE PROUD, ….THE COLD!

 As the cold and wet weather set in during the month of November I came to realize that all powered parachute aviators are not equal.  There seem to be three distinct types in the Pacific Northwest.

•  The most common are those who simply park their aircraft and will wait until the rain stops.  This is usually in the late spring.
•  The second category is those who are posting those messages on our club site about how great the flying is in Arizona and other areas of the winter sun belt!  Honestly I wish I were solidly in this category of snow bird at this point in my life!
•  The third category are the very few, I think proud and I know cold pilots who will fly every chance the weather allows during the winter.  This category includes a very few students who are gritting their teeth and trying to get training done now so that when the Spring indeed comes they will be ready to enjoy the sport.

 The pilots who are watching the weather on nearly a daily basis for the chance of capturing a cool, clear, windless day will be those who enjoy some of the most awesome flights of the year. Here is a great post on the PPC Coalition club website:

 “I love this time of year. A good heavy overcast but the air is still warm and no turbulence. The leaves are changing colors, and the dust is settled so you can see forever it seems.I have never understood why so many people pack their machines up for the winter. I fly year round and tend to still my average days of fight per week up pretty good in the winter months.

 It is also this category of pilot who is in training that I encourage to hang in there and train if and when they can during the winter months.  Beyond the fact that indeed this can result in some of the best flights of the year, the training schedule is much more open than in the spring.  When you read our training report monthly you will continue to see nearly sixty students waiting in line for attention from about five active Certified Flight Instructors.  And inevitably what occurs in the spring is that EVERYONE wants to schedule time, at the same time!  And that occurs when our events begin that makes access to CFIs even more difficult. (See Training Corner on Seeking a Few Good Aviators)

 Those who coordinate closely with instructors and get as much flight training and ground school done during the winter will indeed be the winners in the spring of 2010.

 Scanning the Horizon

 Just a few things that we are working on or at least thinking about for the year ahead:

1. More Discover Powered Parachuting courses will be schedule this coming season.  These are full half day sessions to supplement the brief discovery flight experience.  Our first session sponsored by Central Washington Powered Parachutes in Quincy this season brought 12 prospective pilots to us and resulted in several who signed on to advanced training.
2. Six Chuter Inc. celebrates 20 Years in 2010 and will sponsor the “20^th Annual Memorial Day Rally” this year.  Based on current planning we will be back at twin firs turf farm in May 2010.
3. Another Western Regional PPC Competition is being discussed.  WPPA sponsored and hosted the 2004 western Regionals and it seems time for another.  There is a lot to consider, but we are serious about putting it together.
4. Fractional Ownership Clubs are being discussed among a few business partners.  These would be clubs in three locations around the Pacific N.W., that would allow an entrance point for prospective pilots and owners who aren’t quite ready to step up to owning their own ppc.  We are in very early planning for clubs with two ppcs at each location in the Portland-Vancouver, Arlington and Quincy areas.
5. A full season of rallies is of course being planned by the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition.  Partly based on this year’s success in Madras, the club is considering adding a Central Oregon rally to the already packed schedule.
6. Sport Pilot Academy continues to evolve with more and more resources and training available on line. http://sportpilotu.com/

 Needless to say, many of us will be busy trying to keep the activity rolling and to plan for yet another banner year in 2010. 

The Training Corner “Seeking A Few Good Aviators (CFIs)..Again!

 This is a reprint from about a year ago.  The reason for updating it and distributing it again is that despite the growth in our instructor ranks we continue to be pressed to keep up with the student load.  I continue to profess that the biggest inhibitor to growth in light sport aviation is simply the lack of instructors. That continues to seem curious to many who think our N.W. network of ppc instructors is one of the largest anywhere.  I encourage anyone with even a passing notion to instruct in powered parachutes, to read the article and give it some consideration.  We’d love to help you get started down this path.

 “Yah right”, is the response I get from most folks when I make the pitch for becoming involved in the world of Powered Parachute flight instruction.  Their natural question is, “if it is such a great job or opportunity why don’t you have enough of you?  Well they caught me there.  So I have pretty much quit sugar coating my recruitment efforts and am frankly more devoted to finding a very few, very good folks and spending considerably more time to make them successful.  Let’s start with a description of the current condition.  Then I will try to honestly provide you with the upside and downside of this glamorous job.  Oops, there I go again!

 THE CURRENT SITUATION

 In the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington), we now have eight FAA Certified Flight Instructors, powered parachute qualified.  Seven are actually in Washington with Perry Robertson, P-3 sports being the sole ppc qualified flight instructor in Oregon.  In addition to our eight instructors we have three FAA designated flight examiners, and one designated instructor flight examiner.  Four of us can even provide private pilot powered parachute level training. If you look around the remainder of the U.S. you will discover that we really seem to be in quite an enviable position, which is better off than most anywhere else. So what’s the problem? Reality is the problem.

 More than half our instructors actually have real jobs (doesn’t currently include me)!  Thus their availability for full time instruction is limited by the reality of making family wages.  And those of us who have more time to exercise our instructor privilege actually have other things happening in our lives that detract from “instructing time”.  I spend a great deal of my time, as an example, managing a couple of businesses on the side and trying to be a good grandpa. Add to that the reality of the weather, the fact our students have lives and schedules too, and the shear numbers of interested parties and you can quickly calculate the basic problem.

Another issue in “current situation” is geographic.  We have only one CFI in Eastern Washington and only one in Oregon.  We are all concentrated in Western Washington.  Again, compared to many areas of the United States where instructors are thousands of miles away this shouldn’t be much of an issue to whine about.  But we have set the bar higher for ourselves in the Pacific Northwest.  Unless you have the means to sign into one of our 12-day courses and travel to us, the normal reality of trying to schedule a routine of lessons that will lead you to your sport pilot license is daunting. Thus the problem is an acute shortage of willing, and able instructors to keep up with the demand. On various scales I challenge that this is the fundamental inhibitor of the sport throughout the entire United States.

 WHY NOT?

 Now let me outline the “challenges” of becoming a qualified instructor.  I will warn you ahead of time that this list is not for the faint of heart! All of this is offered to help you “weigh the scales” and decide if this is for you.

 Meeting The Basic Requirements 

Getting to the starting line is the first challenge.  The following table displays the basic requirements.  The average powered parachute pilot probably logs only 50 hours a year.  Several of our best candidates in the northwest are simply trying to get to the starting line. 

 Passing the Tests

 Assuming you build the minimum time required then you get to prepare for the tests.  These include two FAA written tests, the dreaded fundamentals of instruction, and the instructor pilot knowledge tests.  Let me warn you neither is easy and if the sport pilot written intimidated you then these two will certainly challenge you. There is simply too much material to play the memorization game.  You actually need to know all this stuff! And, unlike the powered parachute specific test you experience at the sport pilot level, you are studying for tests that require you to know the information for all categories of aircraft because you can teach in any aircraft you are qualified in, once you have the certificate. And once you are successful in passing (after paying of course) both these written tests then you get to have another FAA flight examiner in your back seat.  Actually in this case you may find the examiner in your front seat playing the role of student.  If you have really prepared and are truly ready the practical test flight portion is really kind of fun.  On the other hand the ground portion of the practical test is rather grueling.  The average time for ground portion of the sport pilot practical test is one and a half hours.  Compare that to the average time for the same portion of the instructor exam of three and a half hours! You REALLY need to know it by the time you get to this level.  The examiner will pass you only when they can sincerely report that you meet the practical test standards and have a personal comfort that you will indeed have the “right stuff” to be an instructor.

 Positioning Yourself to Actually Instruct

 Congratulations you have your certificate!  Now you get to face the operational realities of instructing.  These might include some of the following:

 Liability.  Most of us have been operating without benefit of credible and affordable liability insurance.  That is now available, at a cost of course, yet understanding and managing liability will hover over you so long as you instruct.

Equipment=SLSA. Here is a challenge.  Assuming you were able to meet all the qualifications and pass the tests, you have until January 2010 to purchase and operate a Special Light Sport powered parachute!  That is, if you want to train others in your[1] aircraft.  If you are shopping you will quickly discover that it is unlikely you will find a special light sport powered parachute for under $20,000.  Currently, there are only Three “SLSA” powered parachutes in the Pacific Northwest.  One is in Arlington, WA, the other Quincy, WA and third in the Portland-Vancouver region. And once you have your “SLSA” you will quickly discover that you can’t do anything but preventative maintenance.  Annual inspections are preceded by 100 Hour inspections, all of which need to be done by A & P qualified or persons with specific repairman certificates.

Operations.  Then of course you need to be in actual position to have students show up, study with you and fly.  Access to equipment, airfields and all the training resources is required. My simple learned lesson on this one is that it is a rare individual who will be able to do all this on his or her own.  If you are blessed with owning your own perfect powered parachute airfield, have the equipment, classroom, and access to training resources you are among the rare.

The Work. Being a flight instructor may at first glance be a very appealing goal.  When the reality of the daily schedule hits, it may be entirely different.  Don’t forget that we need to be up most days before the sun is up.  And an “hour” long lesson in a powered parachute usually turns into a four-hour “logistics” exercise due to staging of equipment.  And of course we expect you to do this while actually working for a living elsewhere! More on this later.

 Being Successful.

 This is for me the big deal.  This is the reality that being a great powered parachute pilot does not equate with being even a good powered parachute instructor. My experience is that there are nearly two totally different, yet compatible, skill sets here.  Yes you need to know how to fly a powered parachute.  Yet being a good instructor requires an incredible additional array of skills in communications, people skills and pure teaching ability. I will never encourage you to go through this gauntlet unless you first inventory your knowledge, skills and abilities and can honestly say that it is your love of teaching others to fly that is leading your forward.

 And I want you to really think about what the nature of instructing is.  Imagine strapping yourself in the back seat of the powered parachute and giving up control at several points during your aerial adventure to a person who doesn’t initially have the appropriate experience to do what you are asking them to do!  In many ways I think instructing in powered parachutes is a job for a younger person (Younger than I anyway).  Yet the catch 22 is that by the time most have all the assets required to be an instructor we have exceeded that ideal requirement.

 Keeping It.

 Assuming you made it through the gauntlet congratulations!  Did I forget to mention that unlike your sport pilot certificate that is good for life, your instructor privilege expires every 24 months?  Yes there is an expectation that you are actually going to instruct and that requires proof of ongoing activity, and knowledge.

 WHY?

 Whew!  After all that what incentive is left to step up? Well actually a lot.

 The Sport Needs You.

 If indeed you have the right stuff and have some interest in seeing the sport survive and thrive then one reason to consider stepping up is simply because we need you.  If you ask most of the current instructors in the Pacific Northwest why they bothered their response will likely include, “somebody had to.”  This reason, in and of itself, of course is insufficient.  Nonetheless this needs to be a consideration.

 You Can Make Money.

 I don’t know of any powered parachute flight instructor who is making a living simply by flight instruction.  Nearly all the top-notch ppc instructors I know are retired or have other supplemental businesses or income.  However, if you have realistic goals you can indeed make money through professional flight instruction.  You might pay for your own flying gas, your own flying machine, or actually supplement other income with money from your instructing.

 You Don’t Need to Do It All.

 Being a Certified Flight Instructor does not imply that you need to participate at all levels of flight instruction.  A CFI certificate means that you can actually charge for “discovery flights”, the practice of taking somebody up for a one-time flight.  In the Pacific Northwest these flights usually are $75 for an hour of your time.  All Sport Pilots need a biennial flight review.  This means that you could decide simply to provide the minimum one-hour ground and one hour flight time to pilots who line up at our flight rallies to stay current.  We have a strong team approach to instructing in the Pacific Northwest and having CFIs taking care of these two activities frees time for others to do the more challenging work of soloing new students.  And our network provides you with access to all the resources you need and support to help you get started.

 Building Time and Experience.

 Historically the main reason for instructing in the general aviation arena was to build time and experience that counted towards higher ratings and ultimately to qualify you for a job in commercial aviation.  That isn’t all practical in powered parachuting, but indeed much of your flight time can be used to earn higher pilot ratings.  So if you are working upwards towards a career in general aviation the experience of instructing is valuable.

 You Got to Love It.

 All of the reasons cited so far likely will not outweigh the considerable challenges I have written about.  But one will.  That is a fundamental love of flying and teaching others to fly.  I have often said that I love flying, but my closest second is helping a person realize a lifelong dream of flying and leading them through their first solo flight.  I have seen grown ups nearly in tears with so much joy upon landing after their first solo flight. And back to being successful.  That is very unlikely to happen without this attribute.  No matter how well positioned you are to flight instruct and no matter how well you did on the tests, you are unlikely to become a truly good flight instructor if you don’t just love it!

 ACCELERATED FLIGHT TRAINING

Our 4 day student pilot or ultralight pilot course has been our most popular this year.  We have graduated over a dozen thus far and continue to have folks sign up.  This course is made more popular because we are hosting it with the help of Central Washington Powered Parachutes in Quincy, Washington, as well as at our primary accelerated training location at Arlington.  As the training season nears end of summer we will increasingly be “stretched” to accommodate the training load in this class.  If you have folks who are interested in signing up for the course have them contact Doug at maas0755@comcast.net ASAP. Keep an eye on the training schedule at http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=259

 Road Map to Staying Connected

 WPPA BULLETIN If you want to receive regular information about the sport, events, training and news on the West Coast, you will receive this bulletin.  If you have someone who would like to join this bulletin list steer him or her directly to http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=259.  You will find a page to download the most current training catalogue and a “news” form on the lower right hand side of the page.  Fill that out to automatically receive the monthly news.

 EAA ULTRALIGHT CHAPTER 127 If you want to network directly with other PPC enthusiasts in the Northwest, check out the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nwpoweredparachutecoalition/

 SIX CHUTER OWNERS If you own a Six Chuter powered parachute join the Six Chuter Owner’s Website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sixchuterowners/ Just go to the site and “request to join”.  This site provides an exclusive site where Six Chuter owners can access resources specific to their powered parachutes, and exchange ideas among other owners.

 If you want to receive free regular information on Six Chuter Inc. powered parachutes you may receive a monthly free E-bulletin from Six Chuter.  If you are not receiving this bulletin already go to this site and sign the “news” form on lower right hand side of the page. http://sixchuterwest.com/  

 PPC SALES If you are in the market for a new or used powered parachute and would like to review monthly classifieds and other information about aircraft and support services check out http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=8 

 PPC ACCESSORIES If you are shopping for powered parachute accessories up to and including canopies, go to https://1spa.infusionsoft.com/cart/store.jsp  

MAINTENANCE If you need service on your Rotax engine there are three authorized Rotax service stations in the region:

• Portland-Vancouver Vancouver Ultralight Services, Rolando Santiago 360 904 8766 http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=294
• Eastern Washington-Oregon Freedom Aerosports LLC, Steve Camp, sbcamp@wildblue.net 5095493321 www.freedomaerosports.com
• Puget Sound- http://www.rainierultralightengines.com/ Clyde Poser Phone: 253-447-4398 Tech support: tech@rainierultralightengines.com Information: info@rainierultralightengines.com
• Portland-Vancouver Perry Robertson, CFI, Repairman, Troutdale, OR 503 913-8536 perrobertson@comcast.net HTTP://www.p3-sports.com

 SPORT PILOT TRAINING AND TESTING

If you are not receiving the monthly Student-Testing supplement from WPPA and would like to, email Doug Maas at westernppa@comcast.net  this report tracks our students, our testing schedule and instructor assignments. If you would like to receive a copy of “Sport Pilot Maneuvers” you can request a copy from the same email address or download from the “files” section of the club website.  Go to the WPPA website www.westernppa.org to download the current year training catalogue and find other resources

 [1] FAA recently adopted a process to extend your ability to use your ELSA to train others if it has been previously certified for that.

New Student Larry Miner Bundled for Lesson in 34 degree Weather

The 2010 Western Powered Parachute Training Catalogue is available as a free download. Just click on the link to go to the training page and fill out the form to receive your complimentary copy.

You will find much valuable information in this catalogue including:

-    Why the sport of powered parachuting is considered one of the safest and most economical ways to experience aviation.
-    Why the Western Powered Parachute Association is among the most extensive and professional powered parachute networks anywhere!
-    A description of our complete training programs from discovery flights through instructor training.
-    Information on locations of our training affiliates.

We encourage you to connect directly with the training affiliate nearest you but want you to also feel free to contact us directly with any question you might have regarding our aircraft, or the sport in general.  

We look forward to meeting you and helping you to realize your dream of flying!

Click Here to Download the Training Catalogue.

 Doug Maas, President
Western Powered Parachute Association LLC
Maas0755@comcast.net
360 771-4047

This monthly bulletin is designed for instructors and students affiliated with the Western Powered Parachute Association LLC.

If you wish to be removed from the distribution list, email Doug at maas0755@comcast.net

CONGRATULATIONS!

We had a flurry of activity towards regular season end that resulted in four more folks successfully passing their sport pilot practical test.  Hans Behrens gained the distinction of being the 100^th person who completed a practical or proficiency test in our network, since the adoption of Sport Pilot.

 THE TRAINING SEASON

For many the month of October and November signals the end of the regular flying season.  The monsoon usually sets in this time of the year west of the cascades and the eastern side just gets darned cold.  Nonetheless there are a hearty few who will hang in there to enjoy some of the best flights of the year and get a real head start on their training, through the winter.  Larry Miner out of Chehalis just started his training course this past month, as an example.  This is a smart thing to do.  When you look at our training load per instructor you can easily see what happens in the Spring.  That is EVERYONE wants training attention at the same time.  And that is usually at the time that events start and getting the attention of instructors becomes increasingly difficult.  Being successful with training in the winter months requires patience and flexibility with schedules.  But it can pay off.  We encourage you to stay closely connected with your instructor now and not let your training come to a halt.

 STUDY UP

 This is also an excellent time of the year to “read up” and “study up”.  If you have not taken your sport pilot written test yet you can go to www.sportpilotu.com and sign up for on line ground school.  Mike Lersbak has started publication of The Powered Parachuter.  Subscribing to this training oriented monthly magazine is another good way to keep your mind sharp during any part of the season.  You can go to https://1spa.infusionsoft.com/cart/store.jsp?view=1&i=13&navicat=13 for a variety of subscription options.

 ON THE HORIZON

 A number of us have begun discussions and early planning of “fractional ownership” clubs in three to four locations around the region including Portland-Vancouver, Quincy, Arlington and Bend.  These clubs would divide the ownership of one or more ppcs to make it more affordable and to allow owners to be trained in their “own” ELSA.  And these clubs would allow a prospective pilot to get into the sport for a “fraction” of what it would cost them to own their own ppc by themselves. We should have an initial plan and prospectus out for these clubs before the end of the year. If you might be interested in joining and buying into one of these clubs please email me at maas0755@comcast.net so I can keep you “in the loop”.

 Mike Bird and Doug Maas will be “resettling” their Vancouver operation into Groves Field near Camas, Washington.  The more recent location of Brush Prairie has just not worked out well for training purposes and the Camas folks, at least to this point, have been wonderful in accomodating powered parachutes and our operation.

DOWN TO BUSINESS

This is the latest training data I have for instructors and students.

 Instructors!

1. I am missing contact emails for many of your students.  Please forward me current email addresses for the students you have listed so that we can keep them informed.
2. Please take the time (things are slow so no excuses!)…to send me edits and updates to your student list.  Continuing to contribute to the effort helps us to maintain accurate data on our training load and to help each other in the process

Students

1.  Please check our listing for you to insure that your status is correct.  If it is not, email me at maas0755@comcast.net
2. Otherwise, stay in direct contact with your listed instructor for continued scheduling
3. If for some reason your circumstance has changed and you require a different instructor, please contact me to discuss.

TESTING

This is our “short list” of students we have “in the que” for testing.  Please provide me with updates as necessary

Instructors…if you have a student or a number of students that you are working with to prepare for the practical test, please let us know your plans.  We’d like to get blocks of time on the calendar and locations tied down, particularly for multiple tests.

 Doug Maas
maas0755@comcast.net  
360 771-4047

An exciting new powered parachute publication specifically designed and written for current and prospective ppc pilots hits the “stands” today.  Subscribe today The Powered Parachuter

Mike Lersbak, Sport Pilot Academy creator, has designed, and published the new “journal” style publication. Mike launched the publication with several goals in mind, including:

• Provide a publication that is all about powered parachute flying and not mixed with or competing with other forms of aviation.
• Use the journal to enhance education, training and ongoing proficiency in powered parachutes.
• Make the publication fun!
• Provide the journal in a traditional printed subscription form as well as a less expensive and downloadable format.

While the Powered Parachuter will no doubt have a national and even international appeal you will find that it has a distinctive “Western Flavor”.  You will not find a ppc publication anywhre with this much information specifically relevant to the sport that you are involved in, or considering becoming involved in.

Mike is providing opportunities for our N.W. businesses to support this effort through “article style” and traditional advertising.  Contact Mike directly at mikel@sportpilotu.com for a copy of the Powered Parachute Media Guide.

We encourage everyone to support the sport and the publication by getting your subscrption today.  You won’t be sorry! Subscribe to the Powered Parachuter.

The Experimental Exhibition Alternative

“An Alternative to Flying Illegally”

There may have been some aircraft owners that missed the deadline of January 31, 2008 to receive an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft registration.  And now you are thinking you have (1) a spare parts supply for your friends, (2) an illegal aircraft if you choose to fly it, or (c) something you maybe can sell to someone in Mexico or Canada.  Not so fast, think again.

You may be able to get your former vehicle into the Experimental Exhibition category provided you do a little extra paperwork. The following are some of the restrictions to Exhibition category:

1.    The pilot needs to hold an appropriate certificate.

2.    The aircraft must be inspected each year in accordance with the scope and detail of FAR 43 appendix-D (Annual inspection) The inspection must be carried out by an A&P, possibly you can talk your FSDO into letting you do the condition inspection if you have a Light Sport Repairman/Maintenance certificate .

3.    You may not fly over densely populated areas except for the purpose of takeoff and landing .

4.    You may not operate the aircraft for compensation or hire . (ie, no commercial operations)

5.    The aircraft may only be operated for the purpose of exhibition, maintenance and proficiency .

6.    Exhibition is defined as: attending a school or shopping mall exhibition, fly-in, rally, airshow, aerobatic competition or organized practice session .

7.    For flights other than those listed above, the aircraft may only operate within a specified geographical area, usually a circle of 300 NM based on the airport at which the aircraft is based .    NEW or REVISED Operating Limitations eliminate the 300 NM proficiency area .   In other words, NO RESTRICTIONS WHERE YOU CAN FLY, EXCEPT FOR CLASS B AIRSPACE .

8.    At the beginning of each year, the operator must submit a list of the events he/she intends to attend that year (program letter) .

9.    For any flights not listed in the program letter and which lie outside the 300 NM radius, the FAA must be informed in advance by FAX or post card . (Inform, NOT ask permission) .   THIS DOES NOT APPLY IF YOUR OPERATING LIMITATIONS DO NOT STATE A 300 NM PROFICIENCY AREA .

As you can see from the above there really isn’t much restriction.  Let’s go through the points one by one.

1. An appropriate pilot certificate would of course be your Sport Pilot certificate with proper class endorsement.  No problem there.
2. Everyone has to have an annual.  The slight problem is that yours will have to be signed off by and A&P.  Many A&Ps will work with a customer and allow the customer to do the annual with them supervising and for a fee sign the logbook.  This requires some asking around to find a sympathetic A&P wanting to make some easy cash.  IF you attend the Mantenance repairman course you may be able to convince you rlocal FSDO that you are capable of performing the condition inspection.  Since an LSR/M  can do the condition inspection on a certified SLSA this would be a reasonable request.
3. Most of us don’t want to fly over densely populated areas with a two stroke engine anyway.
4. Can’t do that with ELSA either.
5. Ok, here is where things start to get interesting.  And that is answered by:
6. Exhibition defined.  Looks like you can go to most of the events you go to now and that is correct.  The FAA is fairly lenient in the event definitions.  So most any pre-planned event would qualify.
7. Here is another restriction of sorts.  You can only fly a non-stop, out and back from your home field.  That means you can’t take off and go over to a friends field and land.  When you take off from your home field you must land back there.  And you are allowed 300 nautical miles to do that.  I dare say that should be enough area.
8. (Note: All samples available by visiting RULE Aviation Website http://www.ruleaviation.com/experimental%20exhibition.htm )Another part of that paperwork I was talking about.  I have included an example of a program letter here:  Sample program letter    And a fill able program letter form here: Experimental program letter for you to use if you decide to try for a Exhibition certificate.
9. 300 nautical miles should be enough area to have fun.  And if you want to go out of the are at the last minute just “inform” the FAA and you have met your legal requirements.

Here is a sample of what your operating limitations might look like:  Sample operating limitations

So aside from the extra paperwork that is mostly just telling the FAA in advance where you plan to go have fun,  the Experimental Exhibition category is a way to get your aircraft back flying and do it in a legal way and have a unique certificate.  Feel free to email me with any questions.  Here is the link to the process:  Procedure for Exhibition category

Clyde Poser, DAR

Rule Aviation

October 2009

This is a regular informational bulletin published by the Western Powered Parachute Association, LLC, devoted to promoting the sport of powered parachuting through education, communications and participation.  If you would like to be removed from the mailing list go directly to the distribution site email maas0755@comcast.net   

“The mission of the Western Powered Parachute Association is to promote the sport of powered parachuting in the Western United States through Education, Participation and Resources.”

 In This Issue:

• ·          What a Season!
• ·          Scanning the Horizon (Calendar)
• ·          Event Calendar
• ·          Training Corner- -How High (low) Can I Fly?
• ·          Resources

 AFFILIATES

Sport Pilot Academy

www.sportpilotacademy.com  

 Six Chuter West

www.sixchuterwest.com

 Published by Western Powered Parachute Association LLC

westernppa@comcast.net Doug Maas 360 771-4047Maas0755@comcast.net Website: http://westernppa.org Newsletter Distribution Group Site: http://sixchuterwest.com   

Sign up to receive this monthly bulletin at www.sixchuterwest.com Just fill out the news request form on the front page. While you are on the Six Chuter West website, explore the many other “articles” in several categories.  These articles are published weekly and are archived in the various categories.

 WHAT A SEASON!

 It seems like forever since the last bulletin that we distributed, but the reality is that in the midst of the flying season we just get caught up in “outside” activity.  Thus the routine has become much less rhetoric during the summer and more time to read and write during the winter.  This season has been extraordinarily busy with more club members, more flying activities and more new students and pilots than ever (at least in Pacific N.W.).  That seems curious given the economic environment, but I have quit trying to figure it out.  Rather I just spend my time trying to respond to it.

 We started the year with the best turn out ever at our season opener, the “Memorial Day Rally”, at an awesome new location in Central Washington. That was partly made possible due to efforts by Tim Vedder, owner of Central Washington Powered Parachutes. http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=296  Tim connected with owners of the Twin Firs Turf Farm in Quincy Washington who invited us on to their farm at no cost to the club.  As always, great flying, great activities and wonderful people.

 Memorial Day set the stage for constant flying all over the Pacific N.W. In the midst of the recreational flying we added over a dozen new sport pilots, two new instructors (Mike Bird and Perry Robertson), and introduced the sport to well over a hundred people!

 The season seems to usually begin to wind down during the Brownsville rally.  Winding down isn’t the appropriate word for this year’s Brownsville!  This was likely the largest rally ever for the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition with over 60 registered pilots and their families.

 And we got another great report and unbelievable photos from Steve Camp’s rally (last one on the ppc coalition schedule for the year)

 Another great weekend of flying. Here are some pictures from the caravan at LaCrosse and of the regular fly-in. One of my GPS at 0 mph. 30 mph winds high but only about 6 mph down low. Jim Payne

 The coalition helped to host the Powered Parachute Caravan this year.  Here is Bill Vietti (Vie’s) post to us after that event:

 Now that things are back to normal – work, honey do’s, etc. – I thought I’d take a few minutes to jot down some thoughts about our experiences and our trip to the northwest.  

Doug Maas was so kind to invite us to join your NW Coalition and begin the process of setting everything up for us.  Another regret is that he did not get to join us anywhere along the way.  Doug, I sure hope you and your bride enjoyed your 40th anniversary as well as hope her back is 100% again now or soon.  

 And here is the best part.  With Steve Camp’s rally in Lacrosse and some pretty good stretches of weather, it looks like we will continue to “recreate” well into the early winter!  With additional instructors and some other neat things on the horizon this could also be a busy winter (maybe less flying, but more educational activity than ever.)

 In the midst of one of the best seasons ever though we were struck with a real tragedy.  Robbie Whitesell, the FAA supervisor for our Pacific Northwest Examiners was killed in a light sport airplane crash in Alaska.  Robbie had just completed his second “tour” with us at the Arlington Air show where he completed seven re-authorizations of examiner status.  He flew with Doug Maas, Jim Groebner, Mike Lersbak, Bill Dotter, Dennis Stanley and two airplane examiners.  He died during a flight with another examiner just a day after Arlington.  Robbie was known to us a thoroughly professional, hard working, and always…always fun to work with.  He always had a smile on his face.  This is not only a difficult one for all of us who knew him, but also a blow to sport pilot.  Robbie was one of only a couple FAA supervisors qualified in and actively supervising the powered parachute side of sport pilot. We’re not sure how this will impact support from AFS 610, but regardless the personal loss here is just very difficult to deal with.

 Now that said, Robbie loved what he was doing.  He loved that he was flying in various category light sport aircraft and expressed his enthusiasm in travelling across the U.S. and working with a variety of us.

 This is a tough season to summarize. Maybe I just won’t try and instead just point to the year ahead.

 Scanning the Horizon

 Just a few things that we are working on or at least thinking about for the year ahead:

1. Another round of winter “webinars”, sponsored by the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition.  These webinars will be no cost to club members and will offer an opportunity for a monthly training session hosted by our N.W. PPC instructors and WPPA.  If you are particularly interested in a specific topic email me at maas0755@comcast.net
2. Winter webinar specifically for instructors and prospective instructors who want to affiliate with the Western Powered Parachute Association.  We will talk and plan for how we want to operate this coming year and will invite potential new CFIs to join us.
3. More Discover Powered Parachuting courses will be schedule this coming season.  These are full half day sessions to supplement the brief discovery flight experience.  Our first session sponsored by Central Washington Powered Parachutes in Quincy this season brought 12 prospective pilots to us and resulted in several who signed on to advanced training.
4. Six Chuter Inc. celebrates 20 Years in 2010 and will sponsor the “20^th Annual Memorial Day Rally” this year.  Based on current planning we will be back at twin firs turf farm in May 2010.
5. Another Western Regional PPC Competition is being discussed.  WPPA sponsored and hosted the 2004 western Regionals and it seems time for another.  There is a lot to consider, but we are serious about putting it together.
6. Fractional Ownership Clubs are being discussed among a few business partners.  These would be clubs in three locations around the Pacific N.W., that would allow an entrance point for prospective pilots and owners who aren’t quite ready to step up to owning their own ppc.  We are in very early planning for clubs with two ppcs at each location in the Portland-Vancouver, Arlington and Quincy areas.
7. A full season of rallies is of course being planned by the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition.  Partly based on this year’s success in Madras, the club is considering adding a Central Oregon rally to the already packed schedule.
8. Sport Pilot Academy continues to evolve with more and more resources and training available on line. http://sportpilotu.com/

 Needless to say, many of us will be busy trying to keep the activity rolling and to plan for yet another banner year in 2010.

 The Training Corner How High (low) Can I fly?

 I want to spend a little time this month discussing altitudes for three reasons:

1.  The issue of “minimum altitudes” seems to be one of the most confusing issues for new sport pilot candidates and even for experienced pilots during their flight review.
2. A recent “complaint” was received about low flying over an Oregon State Park.  This spurred a lively discussion about what is legal and what is “right”.
3. And finally, the most serious incident of this year’s ppc season was the result of flying low…and into a power line.

 First let’s just examine what the FARs says.  When we are testing candidates and ask a variety of “how high must you fly” questions many candidates often revert to the answer “500’ “. When prompted “is that your final answer”, I sometimes then get “no it could be 1000’ “.  So in many cases we look this one up.  And the answer is that “it depends” on where you are, e.g. a) “anywhere”, b) congested areas, or c) sparsely populated areas.

§ 91.119   Minimum safe altitudes: General.

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

So indeed out in the “hinterlands” of Steve Camp’s Palouse country and of course many other areas that we fly, it is perfectly legal to skim the land at 10’ or even less.  It may not be totally smart, nonetheless legal.  And when we approach persons, vehicles, vessels or structures while flying nap of the earth we are required legally to skirt that object by 500’.

 The congested area rule requires you to pull out a sectional chart and locate obstacles, usually marked with the upside down blue V indicating tower or obstruction and then looking closely to find the “agl” (above ground level) altitude of an obstacle that is within 2000’ horizontal ft of where you intend to fly and then adding 1000’ to that (at minimum!).  So read that carefully and understand that it is not just an automatic 1000’

 Next with regard to “noise sensitive areas”, we often analyze this requirement by looking for designated wilderness areas on the map and assuming it is only there that we are required to maintain a minimum of 2000’ agl.  This one honestly doesn’t seem to come up often. But we received an email complaint recently from a hiker near Smith Rock State Park in Madras.  The complaint was about an allegedly low flying powered parachute creating noise and disturbing hikers.  We had some lively response about our rights to occupy the air, but regardless of those valid points it is important to know what the requirement is.  Here is some guidance from CFI Jim Groebner (aka Grubby):

 I’m thinking ignoring the 2000 AGL thing and arguing about it is a losing proposition.  And its not just national parks – any noise-sensitive area (below).

 All darned good advice in my instruction book.

 And finally, one of our very experienced pilots had the misfortune of running into a power line on approach to, or flying near the Brownsville rally field.  The result was some minor injuries to pilot and passenger and a severely mangled aircraft. We have written rather extensively about low flying or “nap of the earth” as it is sometimes referred to.  And there is no need to try to beat up on what happened.  So just a reminder of some points to consider: (not all applicable in the case of the Brownsville incident)…

 Regardless of whether you can fly nap of the earth legally, consider what you want to do from a safety perspective.

1. Do not fly nap of the earth unless you are thoroughly familiar with that area, and then only after you have made high passes to insure that nothing has changed.
2. Consider “low level” flying which is a consistent altitude that does not require constant climbing and descending.  “Nap of the earth” implies that you are trying to follow earth contours.  The result of that can be excessive sink rates and “controlled flight into terrain”.
3. If you see poles….assume there are wires between them!  Power lines are nearly impossible to see from the air.
4. Don’t fly over anything that you can’t land on safely.
5. Don’t fly low.  Stay high and safe!

 BEGINNING POWERED PARACHUTING

Our first ever “Beginning Powered Parachuting” Class is scheduled for August 15 at Twin Firs Turf Farm, Quincy Washington on August 15^th. The next one is scheduled this week for October 10^th with follow on solo training course on October 24^th.  Sponsored and organized by Tim Vedder of Central Washington Powered Parachutes, this is a unique approach to recruiting new prospective pilots to the sport.  Class participants will spend a morning with our CFI team of Mike Lersbak and Doug Maas and will participate in a discovery flight lesson, a one-hour classroom session introducing powered parachutes and training requirements, and then join us for a barbecue lunch provided by the Boy Scouts of America.  Participants will also receive a course completion certificate and a “low and slow” T Shirt.  This first session was limited to 12 participants and was full within 48 Hrs. of posting information on the class!  If you know of others who would like to experience a similar class, ask them to read about the course at http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=908  or contact Doug Maas at maas0755@comcast.net .  Based on the success of this session we will plan more in the future at this location and others around the Pacific Northwest.

 ACCELERATED FLIGHT TRAINING

Our 4 day student pilot or ultralight pilot course has been our most popular this year.  We have graduated over a dozen thus far and continue to have folks sign up.  This course is made more popular because we are hosting it with the help of Central Washington Powered Parachutes in Quincy, Washington, as well as at our primary accelerated training location at Arlington.  As the training season nears end of summer we will increasingly be “stretched” to accommodate the training load in this class.  If you have folks who are interested in signing up for the course have them contact Doug at maas0755@comcast.net ASAP.

 Road Map to Staying Connected

 WPPA BULLETIN If you want to receive regular information about the sport, events, training and news on the West Coast, you will receive this bulletin.  If you have someone who would like to join this bulletin list steer him or her directly to http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=259.  You will find a page to download the most current training catalogue and a “news” form on the lower right hand side of the page.  Fill that out to automatically receive the monthly news.

 EAA ULTRALIGHT CHAPTER 127 If you want to network directly with other PPC enthusiasts in the Northwest, check out the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nwpoweredparachutecoalition/

 SIX CHUTER OWNERS If you own a Six Chuter powered parachute join the Six Chuter Owner’s Website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sixchuterowners/ Just go to the site and “request to join”.  This site provides an exclusive site where Six Chuter owners can access resources specific to their powered parachutes, and exchange ideas among other owners.

 If you want to receive free regular information on Six Chuter Inc. powered parachutes you may receive a monthly free E-bulletin from Six Chuter.  If you are not receiving this bulletin already go to this site and sign the “news” form on lower right hand side of the page. http://sixchuterwest.com/  

 PPC SALES If you are in the market for a new or used powered parachute and would like to review monthly classifieds and other information about aircraft and support services check out http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=8 

 PPC ACCESSORIES If you are shopping for powered parachute accessories up to and including canopies, go to https://1spa.infusionsoft.com/cart/store.jsp  

• MAINTENANCE If you need service on your Rotax engine there are three authorized Rotax service stations in the region:
  • Portland-Vancouver Vancouver Ultralight Services, Rolando Santiago 360 904 8766 http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=294
  • Eastern Washington-Oregon Freedom Aerosports LLC, Steve Camp, sbcamp@wildblue.net 5095493321 www.freedomaerosports.com  
  • Puget Sound- http://www.rainierultralightengines.com/ Clyde Poser Phone: 253-447-4398 Tech support: tech@rainierultralightengines.com Information: info@rainierultralightengines.com
  • Portland-Vancouver Perry Robertson, CFI, Repairman, Troutdale, OR 503 913-8536 perrobertson@comcast.net HTTP://www.p3-sports.com

 SPORT PILOT TRAINING AND TESTING

If you are not receiving the monthly Student-Testing supplement from WPPA and would like to, email Doug Maas at westernppa@comcast.net  this report tracks our students, our testing schedule and instructor assignments. If you would like to receive a copy of “Sport Pilot Maneuvers” you can request a copy from the same email address or download from the “files” section of the club website.  Go to the WPPA website www.westernppa.org to download the current year training catalogue and find other resources

Parties On the Green Quincy, WA

Discover Powered Parachuting at Twin Firs Turf Farm

Quincy, Washington Saturday August 15^th 6:00 A.M.-Noon

Course Schedule:

• A :20 Introductory Flight with a qualified FAA Flight Instructor
• One-Hour forum with the instructors on the safety of the sport, the training and how to get involved
• A “first flight” certificate suitable for framing
• A souvenir First Flight T Shirt
• Coffee and Pastries in the morning followed by barbecue hamburgers and drinks after the flights are completed.

At the end of this experience you will have enjoyed a thrill of a lifetime and you will understand how to take the next steps if you are interested in becoming a powered parachute pilot.

Learn More at www.sixchuterwest.com

• Flights will be scheduled from 6:00 A.M. on Saturday the 15^th of August until approximately 9:00 A.M.
• Beginning Powered Parachuting Forum 9:00 A.M.-10:30 A.M.
• Coffee and pastries throughout the morning.
• Barbecue from 11:00 A.M.-Noon

Course Cost:

• This course is limited to a maximum of 12 participants (not including your family and friend specatators). $149.95 for course participants. $5 for non participants barbecue

How:  Sign up early by contacting Tim Vedder sixchuterwest@genext.net 509 885-8444

Location:  7737 Road L.5 NW Quincy, WA 98848 

  June 2009

This is a regular informational bulletin published by the Western Powered Parachute Association, LLC, devoted to promoting the sport of powered parachuting through education, communications and participation.  If you would like to be removed from the mailing list go directly to the distribution site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westernppa/

“The mission of the Western Powered Parachute Association is to promote the sport of powered parachuting in the Western United States through Education, Participation and Resources.”

In This Issue:

•·          What’s Next?

•·          Training Corner Recovering from Hovering

•·          SPA Proficiency Program

•·          2009 Calendar

•·          PPC Caravan 2009

•·          Stay Connected

•·          Resources

FEATURE

Sport Pilot Academy www.sportpilotacademy.com

Published by Western Powered Parachute Association LLC westernppa@comcast.net

Doug Maas 360 771-4047 Maas0755@comcast.net Website: http://westernppa.org

Newsletter Distribution Group Site: http://sixchuterwest.com/   While you are on the Six Chuter West website, explore the many other “articles” in several categories.  These articles are published weekly and are archived in the various categories.

WHAT’S NEXT ON THE PLAY CARD?

Wow what a start to the flying season!  The N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition Memorial Day Rally in Quincy Washington was one of the best ever in the eighteen year history of the event.  You can read a full and detailed report of that rally at MEMORIAL DAY 2009 .  This early spring event capped off one of the busiest winter seasons we have ever had. We have successfully “certified” 10 new sport pilots or added category and class ratings to existing pilot licenses. And over the winter-spring quarter we soloed nine new powered parachute pilots!  And the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition had the best attended and most successful rally in an eighteen year event history!  During that rally a handful of pilots conducted 71 “discovery flights”, an all time record for the club and our association.  Ok the proof is in….”sport pilot has not indeed been the “death nail” of the sport of powered parachuting”.  For every pilot who quits the sport they are replaced roughly by five to seven newcomers…at least in the Pacific Northwest.

Congratulations to the following pilots for completing the solo course:

•  1. Tim Vedder
• 2. Tom Connelly
• 3. Bob Paysee
• 4. Chris Lunsford
• 5. Hal Hawley
• 6. Jim Webb
• 7. Keith Cox
• 8. Kevin Cox
• 9. Tom Pratt

 And congratulations to this list of new and totally “street-air” legal powered parachute pilots: 

The Continuing Challenge

The continuing challenge for the Western Powered Parachute Association is recruitment, and maintenance of enough instructors to keep up with the incoming tide.  What a great problem to have actually.  Despite seven core instructors in Oregon and Washington, one affiliate in Tracy California and one WPPA affiliate in Helena Montana I would have to conclude that we are still encouraging a few serious and dedicated folks to step up to the CFI level.  The reality is that most of the CFIs have real and full time jobs and are not able to dedicate near full time to instructing.  Those of us who can are “full to the brim” with students.  Throw in the reality of weather, scheduling, field and equipment availability, and well…you can see the problem. For students we simply encourage you to be patient, on one hand, and on the other be assertive in staying connected with your instructor!

 Our enrollment in accelerated training is increasing with the following new students signed up:

•  Ken Stribling, Lakeview Oregon
• Kelly Field, George Washington
• Hans Behrens, Sister Oregon
• Brendan O’Mara, Albany Oregon

 Much More to Follow

The N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition Calendar is packed with a variety of events to come so take time to check out the calendar and get prepared early for the remainder of the flying season.

Training Corner: Recovering from Hovering

The skill level of our N.W. Powered Parachute pilots was never displayed better than at the 2009 Memorial Day Rally.  On two successive evenings the wind came up suddenly to over 20 knots.  And on both evenings the result was a landing and recovery experience that was handled by pilots and ground crews nearly flawlessly.

Usually early in a training experience a student will ask the question, “What happens if I am in the air and the wind comes up suddenly?”  My quick response has usually been some nearly flippant comment about “just land”.  After watching the “group” experience in Quincy we are able to expand on our training direction for this occurrence.

We had two categories of recovery from the sudden high winds.  The first included a few pilots who were so far from the field that returning was unlikely.  The second category was safely recovering a dozen pilots or so and landing them safely with winds on the ground in excess of 20.  We should comment too that this was indeed a “sudden” experience on both evenings.  In neither case was this wind speed predicted and based on what we had seen on previous days it was totally unexpected.  And it was sudden.  On the first evening we looked up to see one ppc hovering at around 600-700′ over the field.  Within minutes a dozen others at lower altitudes were also hovering over the field.

Here are the basics of handling this experience:

1. Keep cool and fly the plane! This is always job one and to a pilot our club members did just this.  Panic leads to poor decisions.  Trying to maintain calm and determine how much control you have usually leads to the revelation that you are still flying safely and in total control…just not as fast as you were before the wind. Ok I know this is easier said that done but all our pilots focused on this task first and the result was “no hits, no runs…and nobody left in the air”. In several cases despite the aircraft being only a mile from the field it took 30-60 minutes of cool and calm to get them to the edge of the field and safely down. 
2. Communicate.  Nearly all our pilots had VHF radios and were able to assist each other with air to air communication and coordinate with ground crews with air to ground communication.  This allowed our ground crews to stage up to support one landing at a time, handle the canopy, clear the field and then call for the next “in line.”  It reminded me of a carrier landing operation and was really something to behold.
3. Decide Early to Land.  For a few pilots who were trapped more than 20 miles from the field they made a decision early to find a safe place to land.  In one case it was in an open field, near road and house.  In another case the pilot “crabbed” sideways for miles to land at the Ephrata airport.  Upon landing they used their cell phones to report back to our pre designated flights ops telephone number.  They and their machines were back on the field in no time.
4. Depend on the Ground Crew. This takes some discussion and planning and thought ahead of time.  If you land, kill your mag switches and reach out and pull your steering lines, as you have been taught, the result will be that you create a drag chute that will send you moving backwards at the velocity of the wind.  The result usually isn’t pretty.  Even with help from the ground, if you use a standard technique to deflate the wing, the result is often a slow speed roll over in the direction that the canopy is being pulled. The technique we use with a lot of success includes coaching the pilot to land, kill the switches, but continue to “fly the wing” overhead.  The ground crew is instructed to pull on the “upwind” steering line only.  The result if executed correctly is that the wing will swing overhead, into the wing and “crash” upside down and into the wind.  We have watched expert pilots like Clyde Poser use this technique with no ground assistance at all.  With proper pilot and ground crew coordination it seems to work every time.

In the end it continues to be a tribute to the safety of the powered parachute that we are able to fly and land safely in nearly any condition.  Of course trying to avoid the “hovering” experience is always the best course, but “stuff happens”.  Thanks again to our pilots and crews for handling things superbly at the Memorial Day Rally.

For more information on pilot proficiency, please visit sport pilot academy’s pilot proficiency program Sport Pilot Academy Proficiency Program

SPORT PILOT ACADEMY

As pilots, no matter how much training or how many hours we have in our logbook, we like to think we are always on the top of our game.  Unfortunately human physiology, psychology and several other “ologies” say that we are not.   We have to guard against this by being as proficient as we can every time we fly.  Being truly proficient will boost your self-confidence and show you are a pilot who understands the aviation environment, and is able to apply the skills and knowledge necessary to not only safely operate the aircraft but also ensure a safe experience for a passenger(s).  Proficiency requires constant learning new and polishing of existing skills.   
The challenge facing most of us as pilots once we finish our training and get our license, we are left on our own.   We finish our training and our instructors yell back as they fly off into the sunset “see you in two years for your BFR”.   What do we do now?   We go fly and if you are typical you fly in areas you are familiar with and you fly the profiles you feel you are good at.   Quickly your flying gets in a rut and you probably aren’t improving your overall pilot skills.   Good enough becomes good enough that is until one-day Murphy strikes and presents you with a challenge that you are not ready for. Hopefully the result is a sigh of relief, with little or no damages to the airplane, you or worst case your passenger.    What is needed is an outline to follow that will guide us through the process of not only maintaining proficiency, but also building true confidence and reliable skills.   That is where the Sport Pilot Academy’s Pilot Proficiency Program comes in.  
The Pilot Proficiency Program will give you a monthly outline you can use to tailor your continued education and flying that will keep your knowledge sharp and challenge your skills and abilities to make you a better pilot and be as good as you can be every time you fly.
When you join the program, every month you will have access to new videos and documents that will take you through an aviation topic (to help you grow your general aviation knowledge), a ground lesson, (to keep your knowledge sharp), and a flight exercise (which is a flight sequence designed to challenge your skills and give you practical scenarios to prepare you for that inevitable bad day).  And by the way, they can be fun to fly. 

Every month you will get a specific plan of action. When you sign up you will get the first module, the next month you will get the second module, each module builds on the previous. Here is a summary of what is available every month.

 4 Videos:

• An Intro to the Month’s Subjects 
• A Monthly Aviation Topic
• A Monthly Ground Lesson
• A Monthly Flight Exercise 

 Supporting documentation as needed each month:

• Checklists
• Procedure Documents
• Exercise outlines

This proficiency system is designed to give you step-by-step monthly training and flight exercises that will effectively build your proficiency and help you be at better pilot at any given time.

 Pricing:  $19/month for online access

                $29/month for online + DVD (monthly videos on a DVD mailed to you)

 There is a FREE introductory DVD available.   This FREE DVD is actually the first module in the Pilot Proficiency Program; it will explain in detail what the program is.   It will also give you a first proficiency exercise, aviation topic and ground lesson.   

To get a FREE Pilot Proficiency Program DVD send and email to info@sportpilotu.com Please put DVD in the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body of the email.  DVDs are shipped at the end of each month.

WHAT’S NEXT 

ARLINGTON N.W. EAA AIRSHOW

The Arlington EAA Northwest Air show is July 8-12^th.  http://www.nweaa.org/  This is touted as the third largest EAA Air show in the United States.  The air show is awesome and the displays and activities will indeed keep you busy for the week.  We have managed to make this a “flying” event too.  Mike Lersbak has a limited number of camping spots for club members in the light sport area, adjacent to the runway that we fly from.  Contact mikel@clayhillproperties.com to make reservations there.  If you aren’t able to secure a camping spot there, there is the large RV camp ground on the airport at the N.E. side of the show.  Contact mike ahead of time and we can arrange for your aircraft to be parked near the flying field.  Contact the specified link on the air show site for the RV campground reservation.

BROWNSVILLE, OREGON CLUB RALLY

> Hello Everyone,
> >
> > Just wanted to remind you of the Brownville fly-in August 26-30th. The field should be in better condition this year. Frank Kelley has volunteered to mow all 160 acres, with scissors if necessary.
> >
> > The golf course will be set up again. Trap shooting with fun and games at Frank’s place. We will be adding a volleyball net this year for those interested. Custom embroidery will be on sight – thank you for the support last year. We’re planning on a food vendor, hopefully the same one as last year, but not confirmed. If you have any contacts, please let us know.
> >
> > Because of the increase in pilots this year, we are planning on at least three port-a-poties. As most of you know the Caravan will be joining us. We expect that to add 10-20 flyers. I have also had contact with a California club that may have as many as 6 pilots join us. Should be a good exciting group.
> >
> > If you have any questions, contact me at:
> GareyJoAnn@aol.com

Location: Go to google map and enter sunset Dr. Brownsville, Oregon. It’s the field to the West of sunset.

Watch the club site for ongoing and additional information http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nwpoweredparachutecoalition/

The Northwest Powered Parachute Coalition, EAA UL Chapter 127 is helping welcome…host, the 2009 Powered Parachute Caravan.  Bill Vietti (Vie) is organizing and leading the trip.  The official website is http://ppcpilot.com/CARAVANS/I/PPCCaravanInfo2.htm. The PPC Coalition is coordinating with Vie to make this one of the best caravans ever.  We have plotted an initial course that starts at Bonneville Skybase (south end of the Great Salt Lake), routes through Northern Nevada and California and joins the coalition at the annual rally at Brownsville, Oregon. The suggested route then stops on the Oregon Coast at Tillamook and continues to the Puget Sound area at the Seattle Powerchutes Flight Center, Arlington, Washington.  The trip will then continue over the Cascade Mountains with a planned stop at the Camp Ranch in Lacrosse, Washington then off towards home through Idaho.  We are hoping that a good number of Coalition members will join us at least for the Oregon and Washington route. Contact Vie (a.k.a. Bill) eyesbydrvie-1@yahoo.com or Mike Bird (Activities Coordinator for EAA UL Chapter 127) at flynlownslo@yahoo.com. All caravanners are encouraged to join the N.W. PPC Coalition and the coalition is offering this membership for 2009 as complimentary.  Contact Doug Maas at maas0755@comcast.net for membership information. 

Road Map to Staying Connected

•  WPPA BULLETIN If you want to receive regular information about the sport, events, training and news on the West Coast, you will receive this bulletin.  If you have someone who would like to join this bulletin list steer him or her directly to Western Powered Parachute Association.  You will find a page to download the most current training catalogue and a “news” form on the lower right hand side of the page.  Fill that out to automatically receive the monthly news.
•  EAA ULTRALIGHT CHAPTER 127 If you want to network directly with other PPC enthusiasts in the Northwest, check out the N.W. Powered Parachute Coalition
•  SIX CHUTER OWNERS If you own a Six Chuter powered parachute join the Six Chuter Owner’s Website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sixchuterowners/ Just go to the site and “request to join”.  This site provides an exclusive site where Six Chuter owners can access resources specific to their powered parachutes, and exchange ideas among other owners.
•  If you want to receive free regular information on Six Chuter Inc. powered parachutes you may receive a monthly free E-bulletin from Six Chuter.  If you are not receiving this bulletin already go to this site and sign the “news” form on lower right hand side of the page. http://sixchuterwest.com/
•  PPC SALES If you are in the market for a new or used powered parachute and would like to review monthly classifieds and other information about aircraft and support services check out http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=8 

• PPC ACCESSORIES If you are shopping for powered parachute accessories up to and including canopies, go to http://www.ppcdecals.com/

• MAINTENANCE If you need service on your Rotax engine there are three authorized Rotax service stations in the region:
  • Portland-Vancouver Vancouver Ultralight Services, Rolando Santiago 360 904 8766 http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=294
  • Eastern Washington-Oregon Freedom Aerosports LLC, Steve Camp, sbcamp@wildblue.net 5095493321 www.freedomaerosports.com
  • Puget Sound- http://www.rainierultralightengines.com/ Clyde Poser Phone: 253-447-4398 Tech support: tech@rainierultralightengines.com Information: info@rainierultralightengines.com
  • Portland-Vancouver Perry Robertson, CFI, Repairman, Troutdale, OR 503 913-8536 perrobertson@comcast.net HTTP://www.p3-sports.com

SPORT PILOT TRAINING AND TESTING

If you are not receiving the monthly Student-Testing supplement from WPPA and would like to, email Doug Maas at westernppa@comcast.net  this report tracks our students, our testing schedule and instructor assignments. If you would like to receive a copy of “Sport Pilot Maneuvers” you can request a copy from the same email address or download from the “files” section of the club website.  Go to the WPPA website www.westernppa.org to download the current year training catalogue and find other resources

ALERT: To continue to receive the Western Powered Parachute Newsletter please go to http://sixchuterwest.com/ and fill out the Newsletter form on the lower right hand side of the home page. We remain in the process of consolidating a number of our websites and the method we use to distribute news.  The Six Chuter West website will become our sole location for articles and training bulletins.  This change is being made to increase Internet security on your end and ours and to make the process of production and distribution easier.  If you have any questions or concerns about how to sign up to continue to receive this news, email me at maas0755@comcast.net

Our instructors routinely use a set of “aviation truisms” to help drive home a point during training.  One that we are consistent on is that “there is no such thing as an emergency takeoff”. Or another similar truism “takeoffs are optional, but landing is mandatory”.

The point of these particular teaching points is that we want you to not rush a takeoff and to insure that you have indeed “built your wing” properly before you commit to flight. It still seems, however, that every season we have incidents or near incidents that are directly related to the urge to get airborne regardless of circumstances.

So lets pause and really think about this and some of the “circumstances” I am alluding to.

CIRCUMSTANCE #1 ARE YOU, YOUR AIRCRAFT AND THE WEATHER ready for flight?

Remember that before any flight (preceded by a proper takeoff of course); pause to evaluate how you are feeling (IMSAFE), insure that your aircraft is good to go and that indeed the weather is appropriate.  Recently we had a student after a very long day commit to a takeoff with likely some fatigue and when the wind had turned to a downwind condition.  Rather than just call it quits and come back another day the takeoff was initiated.  In this case he “pulled it off”, but very nearly hit an obstacle on the field.

CIRCUMSTANCE #2 IS YOUR FIELD APPRORIATE AND HAVE YOU WASTED “RUNWAY BEHIND YOU”.

Two incidents over the past two seasons were directly related to flying from a field that was “marginal” or from failing to use the entire available field for the takeoff.  Yes it can be a hassle pushing your ppc back to the very back of the field to maximize the takeoff run.  But in one case failure to do so resulted in the aircraft and pilot through the fence and in the hospital, along with a visit from the FAA.  That was the end of this pilot’s powered parachute flying. A closely related issue is using the field properly to align your takeoff into the wind.  We continue to see “harrowing” takeoff attempts that result from failure to realign after a shift in the wind.  And again this usually results from being reluctant to reset the machine and wing after a shift in the wind.

CIRCUMSTANCE #3 BUILD THE PERFECT WING, OR ABORT!

We are the only form of aviation where we get to build our wing EVERYTIME we fly.  We should develop a clear objective during our takeoffs to do just that.  And if all goes well, then we fly.  Too many times however, a too late attempt to deal with a lock out, closed end cells, line throughs, or an oscillating canopy, resulted in a failed takeoff (not aborted…failed), and damage to aircraft, pilot and occupant.

These are just three possible circumstances among many that can ruin your day…and perhaps entire flying career. I am sure you can visualize others. It’s just not worth it to rush our takeoffs and indeed commit that “emergency”.  We want you to fly safe…and for a lifetime.

For more information on pilot proficiency, please visit sport pilot academy’s pilot proficiency program http://www.sportpilotu.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53:pilotproficiencyprog&catid=1:latest-news

Just to recap all the activity that has occurred during the winter season:

Max Droege, Oakville WA, started working with CFI Jim Groebner just about the time this winter when the rest of us stopped flying.  The pay off was that Max successfully completed his sport pilot practical test a couple of weeks ago.  Holly Barnes, Olympia, WA, another “Grubby” student likewise braved some very cold winter weather to complete her sport pilot license. And we just got a report from Grubby yesterday that Bob Paysee completed his solo course.

Steve Rambo reported that Ed Zumbuhl completed his ultralight solo course in Napavine, Wa.

John Hollis, Manteca California completed his sport pilot practical test, thnx to his patience, long- term hard work and the great assistance from Tracy, CA CFI Stephen Brandon.

CFI Mike Lersbak traveled to the Central Washington Powered Parachutes flight field (Twin Firs Turf Farm) in March. The result was the Kevin and Kyle Cox, Wenatchee, WA completed their solo course.

Mike and I returned to Twin Firs Farm for the entire past week for the first group-accelerated course of the season.  We were challenged with the weather throughout the week, but managed to complete solo flights for Tim Vedder and Tom Connelly, Wenatchee, WA, Jim Webb, Goldendale, WA, Tom Pratt, Moses Lake, WA and Michael Clouse, Pasco, WA.

I am nearly sure I have missed someone in this brief summary.  But you get the idea. We are starting this season with quite the flurry of activity.

Note too how much activity is suddenly occurring in Central Washington.  This is thanks to the leadership of Tim Vedder a new powered parachute pilot, and President of Central Washington Powered Parachutes.  If you would like to learn more about our newest flight center, go to http://sixchuterwest.com/?page_id=296  

Tim Vedder congratulates Tom Connelly (mutual) On First Solo Flights

Left to Right, Jim Webb, Tom Pratt and Michael Clouse-First Soloes!