Air Adventure Tour 2011

This year’s CRUFC Air Adventure Tour will visit Wendover, Utah, a historical site significant for its role in World War II. Participants can choose between two proposed flight routes, both offering opportunities to explore scenic locations. The tour departs on June 13th, with accommodations potentially lower for larger groups.

Oshkosh Primer

As a pilot, I'm excited to return to Oshkosh for the 2011 event after attending multiple times since 1992. Our group plans a similar expedition to 2008's, departing July 22. Despite the complexities of arrival procedures, they are manageable. I invite fellow club members to join for this enjoyable trip, requiring over a week’s vacation.

CAVU Dreams (2011-03)

The author expresses frustration over a harsh winter but continues flying in extreme cold, noting advancements in GPS technology for pilots. They discuss their reliance on GPS for navigation and safety while highlighting various iPhone apps, particularly Air Navigation, as useful tools for flight planning. They ultimately choose the Pro version as their primary navigation aid.

Wood Props and Winter

In summertime, wooden doors can stick due to humidity, while in winter, they shrink from dryness. It's crucial to check wood prop bolts on planes during colder months, as loosened bolts can cause significant damage. Ensuring proper torque can prevent deterioration and ensure safe flying conditions, especially for wood props.

Zenair 250 Upgrades

Carl Forman enlisted help with wiring his RV9, incorporating advanced electronics and an autopilot. The author details upgrades to their Zenair 250, sharing insights on propeller choices, radios, and navigation aids. Valuable additions included a cell/MP3 interface and engine monitor, demonstrating the importance of optimal performance and safety in aviation.

Night Rating

The author shares experiences flying their RV10, highlighting summer trips and the decision to pursue a night rating. They detail the challenges and thrills of night flying, including instrument reliance and overcoming weather issues. The process of acquiring skills is ongoing, with future IFR training planned despite family time constraints, enhancing safety as a priority.

CAVU Dreams (2011-02)

This month discusses "out of phase" maintenance for aircraft, emphasizing inspections like compass swings and altimetry equipment recertification. Training on these tasks includes testing transponders, altimeters, and encoders. Additionally, new ELT options from ACK Technologies and Ameri-King are highlighted, featuring GPS interfaces for enhanced safety at competitive prices.

The S3 Spider

The review of the Spider model S3 highlights its effectiveness for tracking during flights and road trips. It features timely GPS reporting, emergency alerts through SMS and email, and allows users to document their routes. Its tracking accuracy surpasses comparable devices. Plans cater to varying aviation needs, promising ongoing innovation from Spidertracks.