Six Chuter West LLC

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!

Tim and I had a great time in Primm Nevada this past week, both learning how to land sail and picking up an initial inventory.  Check out our Land Sail page for information on the models we now have available.  We will be set up with demo units at the Memorial Day powered parachute rally in Quincy, WA.  This is a safe and fun sport and when the wind kicks up and we can’t fly…we’ll be sailing!