By: Technical Counselor Dave VanDenburg
EAA Chapter 439 (Michigan)
(email: WA8DOF@yahoo.com)
www.eaa.439.org
This month I would like to discuss cold weather operations by discussing some in-flight hazards and tips applicable in the winter months.
Probably the first in-flight hazard that comes to mind when we think about winter is icing. I have flown combat aircraft in a lot of areas of the world, and short of actual combat, only two things scare me in an aircraft. One is thunderstorms (which we don’t see much of in the winter) and icing, which we do. If you see ice build up on your windshield or wings, change altitude or find clear air quickly. Don’t be afraid to use the “E” word (emergency) to get whatever help is available from ARTCC.
If you experience a reduction in RPM (fixed pitch prop) or a reduction in manifold pressure (constant speed prop) suspect induction system icing. This could be carb ice or impact ice on your air filter. If you think you are experiencing induction system icing, apply full carb heat or select alternate air. If you have carb ice, the engine will probably run rougher (as the ice melts) but will clear up soon. I do not recommend using partial carb heat unless you have a carb air temp gauge. Partial heat may increase the carb ice problems.
If you are flying behind a constant speed prop, cycle it every 30 minutes or so to keep warm oil in the dome. A sluggish pitch change mechanism could be slow to react and result in an engine overspeed during a rapid power application. This could be real expensive (and dangerous).
Switch fuel tanks with plenty of fuel remaining in the tank. If you have a frozen valve and cannot select the full tank, you will still have enough fuel to land safely. If you wait until the engine coughs, and then find you cannot move the selector valve, you will probably call yourself a few bad names and join the ranks of those called “Glider Pilots.”
Avoid power off letdowns. A high speed, idle, descent can result in very rapid cooling of your engine (shock cooling) and cracked cylinder heads. Lycoming recommends a maximum temperature change of 50 degrees F per minute. Keeping the engine leaned until you are approaching pattern altitude can also help keep your engine temps up.
After landing, run your engine at a low power setting for several minutes prior to shutdown. This also promotes slow cooling and will reduce oil cooking if you are turbo supercharged.
Lastly, I highly recommend you carry some form of survival kit. It would really stink to survive an off airport landing and then freeze to death before someone found you. Some of the things I recommend are space blankets, some duct tape, matches, an aluminum cup, knife, freeze dried coffee, tea, signaling mirror (a CD works great) and warm clothing to include a hat and gloves. Also carry a hand held radio.
These have been just a few ideas to consider when flying during the winter months. Lycoming has some cold weather tips in their book “Key Reprints.” This book is available free online at www.lycoming.textron.com. Your POH is also a great source of cold weather operating tips.
Winter flying is fun and can be just as safe and enjoyable as summer, if we take a few precautions.
EAA SHARED ARTICLE
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
A Statement From Our Chapter President Vic Johnston
I talked to Kathy Hakem tonight and that poor lady is in desperate need of help. She returned from Cleveland Clinic where they sent her home and declared they could find nothing wrong with her. Any one who has seen or talked to Kathy in the last six months would realize her condition has spiraled to the point that she can not even type on her computer anymore. In talking with her, I am also concerned with the emotional state this illness has rendered her. But not only is her health and emotional conditions reached bottom shelf, Kathy is also financialy destitute with medical bills...and still is left the responsibility of caring for her mother.
I know there is not much any of us can do to relieve her health issues. But we can contribute to help out her financial problems, which might also help a little in the emotional area. I would like to suggest / recommend we make a donation from our EAA treasury, and also take up a collection from individuals who can contribute whatever they can.
I dont need to remind anyone how much this lady has contributed in time and favors to the rest of us and to the airport over the last five years or so. This is a good opportunity for some of us to give back to her. Thank you on Kathy’s behalf, and you can also brighten her day with an email message.
-Vic
I know there is not much any of us can do to relieve her health issues. But we can contribute to help out her financial problems, which might also help a little in the emotional area. I would like to suggest / recommend we make a donation from our EAA treasury, and also take up a collection from individuals who can contribute whatever they can.
I dont need to remind anyone how much this lady has contributed in time and favors to the rest of us and to the airport over the last five years or so. This is a good opportunity for some of us to give back to her. Thank you on Kathy’s behalf, and you can also brighten her day with an email message.
-Vic
A Message to Chapter 704 Members
Hello Vic and EAA 704,
I am helping a fellow (Jerry Yagen)
http://www.fighterfactory.com/ locate World-War-One era engines/airframes or replicas. Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes, Hall-Scott, Liberty, OX-5, Siemens-Halske, Oberursel, Clerget, LeRhone, Gnome, other rotaries, etc. If you know of anything for sale or trade I’d appreciate any information.
I also do aircraft construction/restoration (tube-and-fabric, wood, aluminum etc.) if I can be of service to anyone.
A mention of the engines in your newsletter or website would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Russ Lassetter
EAA# 0448996
Cleveland, Georgia
706-348-7514
rblassett@alltel.net
I am helping a fellow (Jerry Yagen)
http://www.fighterfactory.com/ locate World-War-One era engines/airframes or replicas. Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes, Hall-Scott, Liberty, OX-5, Siemens-Halske, Oberursel, Clerget, LeRhone, Gnome, other rotaries, etc. If you know of anything for sale or trade I’d appreciate any information.
I also do aircraft construction/restoration (tube-and-fabric, wood, aluminum etc.) if I can be of service to anyone.
A mention of the engines in your newsletter or website would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Russ Lassetter
EAA# 0448996
Cleveland, Georgia
706-348-7514
rblassett@alltel.net
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
President’s Message (October 2007)
Hey Flyboys (and girls, too), The colors are brilliant! There are still a few good days left to enjoy the seasonal array. We could still use some more pictures to put in the calendar, so if you would like to submit a picture of your plane, bring it to the meeting on the 8th. If you don’t have a pic, call me and we may be able to schedule a photo shoot with Dave Meinke, especially while we have such a colorful backdrop.We had a good meeting last month with Tom Kraschen from MDOT-AERO speaking on LSA certification. He even gave us a choice of topics. This month's meeting will feature a gentleman who is working on the project of compiling a directory of all the airports in Mich that are not listed on the chart or in the Mich directory. He is always looking for new ones that he has not represented yet, so if you know of some obscure strip somewhere, bring all you know about it so he can include it.
We had a nice flyout to Double JJ Saturday, with 7 planes leaving......but only 6 returning. A total of 15 people enjoyed a fine breakfast. Dave Meinke was a "late show" so he missed the meal, but not the beautiful flight. Oh, I would like to thank my good friends, Larry and Kevin for helping me retrieve my plane the next day, and thank Tom, Dennis, and John for hauling me and my passengers back home. See you at the meeting.
-Vic Johnston
September (2007) Meeting Minutes
EAA Chapter 704 held it regular monthly meeting on September 10, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s lounge with 20 members and guests present.
The meeting began with a presentation by Thomas Krashen from Michigan D. O. T. Aviation Division. He showed slides and held and spoke generally on the subject of Sport Pilot license and Light Sport Airplanes. It was of particular interest because several of our group are now flying in that category.
The minutes of previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. There is $1979.09 in the check book with all bills paid.
President Johnston reported on the recent “Pork on the Hoof’ program held at our airport recently. Paul Zimmer reported that 71 Young Eagles were flown that day with around 130 people in total received airplane rides thanks to several pilots who participated--there were 7 airplanes being used that day. Paul announced that there were still 13 applications for Young Eagle flights to be given rides as soon as possible.
Our thanks to Scott Richmond who ramrodded the event to the benefit of the Big Brothers/Sisters of Grand Rapids program.
President Johnston announced that several of our group participated in a Fly-out to the Double JJ Ranch a few days ago.
EAA Calendars are now available at $7.50 each when purchased in quantities of25. There was a discussion of photographing some of our own airplanes and creating our own calendar as we had a couple of times before. If this were to be done the pictures would have to be taken soon. Paul Meinke has agreed to work with this.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
The meeting began with a presentation by Thomas Krashen from Michigan D. O. T. Aviation Division. He showed slides and held and spoke generally on the subject of Sport Pilot license and Light Sport Airplanes. It was of particular interest because several of our group are now flying in that category.
The minutes of previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. There is $1979.09 in the check book with all bills paid.
President Johnston reported on the recent “Pork on the Hoof’ program held at our airport recently. Paul Zimmer reported that 71 Young Eagles were flown that day with around 130 people in total received airplane rides thanks to several pilots who participated--there were 7 airplanes being used that day. Paul announced that there were still 13 applications for Young Eagle flights to be given rides as soon as possible.
Our thanks to Scott Richmond who ramrodded the event to the benefit of the Big Brothers/Sisters of Grand Rapids program.
President Johnston announced that several of our group participated in a Fly-out to the Double JJ Ranch a few days ago.
EAA Calendars are now available at $7.50 each when purchased in quantities of25. There was a discussion of photographing some of our own airplanes and creating our own calendar as we had a couple of times before. If this were to be done the pictures would have to be taken soon. Paul Meinke has agreed to work with this.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
President’s Message (September 2007)
Good meeting!..... We heard some interesting and exciting Oshkosh episodes, project updates, and a look at John Gill's new top secret method of doing rolls from outside the airplane! Also P.J. was not present to bask in the "sitting ovation" he and Doc Dean received for the fine jobs they do.....maybe we'll to reenact that one.The "Pork on the Hoof" event went very well, thanks to all of you who helped with the event. I know "ol' wot's his name Freetz hauled, setup and took down a lot of tables and chairs. Also, the Young Eagles portion was kept busy all day, so Paul Z may give us an update in the totals and suggestions to streamline this activity in the future.
Coming up on Sat. Sept. 8, I am planning a flyout to Double JJ Ranch for breakfast or lunch (pending weather), so call or email me if you are interested. Let me know if you prefer a breakfast or lunch event so I can make arrangements with Double JJ.
On the 10th, our meeting will feature Tom Krashen from MDOT-AERO with a presentation on either "10 things every VFR pilot should know", or " Making Sense of FAA Regs." Either one will be great, as Tom Krashen is very comprehensive and dynamic in all his presentations. Lets have a good attendance for him.
Until the 10th,...Vic Johnston
August (2007) Meeting Minutes
EAA Chapter 704 met at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2007 for it's regular monthly meeting . President Vic Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The treasurer's report showed $1566.04 in the check book and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.
President Johnston reported on the success of the recent fly-in pancake breakfast and stated we had received a check for $600.00 from the Lion's club for our share of the proceeds. It was voted to give $150.00 to the Boy Scout Troop 704 for their help in the project.
President Johnston called attention to and asked chapter appreciation for the work of the newsletter editor, P.J. Bevelacqua and Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer.
Paul Kovalak reported his work on the tail section of his RV-7 project and said he is getting ready to start on the wings.
Dan Bauman has the canopy pretty well fitted in place on his RV-9. The engine is all ready.
Dave DuPerron took his beautiful yellow Super Cub project go Oshkosh and was given an award for outstanding workmanship.
The group shared several stories about their experiences at Oshkosh.
President Johnston spoke of the upcoming "Pork on the Hoof' event scheduled for Saturday August 18. There are a number of different sorts of activities on tap in addition to the pig roast dinner. Among the events are a classic auto show, a motorcycle riding demonstration,
racing car display, helicopter rides, and a Young Eagles program providing rides to youngsters ages 8-18. The proceeds from this program are to benefit the Big Brother/Big Sisters of Grand Rapids
program.
Visitor John Grimer from Wayland was introduced to the group.
Ken Mosley showed pictures of a device he had welded together and attached to John Gills RV project allowing it to be rotated for ease of accessing the under side of the fuselage.
After the business meeting we adjourned to John Gill's hangar and look at the apparatus. It was a very clever and professional looking framework housing a jack and post which attached to the propeller flange on the engine. The attachment allowed for rotation of the aircraft with the aft end fitted via a rod through a "hole in a board" arrangement. It can be imagined that John will strap himself into the cockpit and practice snap rolls in the near future.
Meeting Adjourned 9:00 p.m.
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
The treasurer's report showed $1566.04 in the check book and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.
President Johnston reported on the success of the recent fly-in pancake breakfast and stated we had received a check for $600.00 from the Lion's club for our share of the proceeds. It was voted to give $150.00 to the Boy Scout Troop 704 for their help in the project.
President Johnston called attention to and asked chapter appreciation for the work of the newsletter editor, P.J. Bevelacqua and Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer.
Paul Kovalak reported his work on the tail section of his RV-7 project and said he is getting ready to start on the wings.
Dan Bauman has the canopy pretty well fitted in place on his RV-9. The engine is all ready.
Dave DuPerron took his beautiful yellow Super Cub project go Oshkosh and was given an award for outstanding workmanship.
The group shared several stories about their experiences at Oshkosh.
President Johnston spoke of the upcoming "Pork on the Hoof' event scheduled for Saturday August 18. There are a number of different sorts of activities on tap in addition to the pig roast dinner. Among the events are a classic auto show, a motorcycle riding demonstration,
racing car display, helicopter rides, and a Young Eagles program providing rides to youngsters ages 8-18. The proceeds from this program are to benefit the Big Brother/Big Sisters of Grand Rapids
program.
Visitor John Grimer from Wayland was introduced to the group.
Ken Mosley showed pictures of a device he had welded together and attached to John Gills RV project allowing it to be rotated for ease of accessing the under side of the fuselage.
After the business meeting we adjourned to John Gill's hangar and look at the apparatus. It was a very clever and professional looking framework housing a jack and post which attached to the propeller flange on the engine. The attachment allowed for rotation of the aircraft with the aft end fitted via a rod through a "hole in a board" arrangement. It can be imagined that John will strap himself into the cockpit and practice snap rolls in the near future.
Meeting Adjourned 9:00 p.m.
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
Thursday, August 09, 2007
President’s Message (August 2007)
Dear EAAers,Well, the Oshkosh Event is well underway as I am writing this (Jul28), so many of our members will be returning with some exciting AIRPLANE stories......I believe there is one feller with one of them there yeller aeroplanes that may have a special story to tell. With most of summer activities that can seriously interfere with our “plane-talk” behind us, it will seem good to return to normal.
I understand the Paul C. Miller fly-in breakfast event was successful. Thanks to all those who participated in the setup and teardown. I apologize that I had to leave right after the tables and chairs were in place, but I had some family obligations.
Tom Krashen from MDOT-AERO will be joining us perhaps on our September meeting for a special presentation. He always does a great job of informing and entertaining us.
See you Aug 13....bring your stories and a friend.
-Vic Johnston
Pork on the Hoof 'Fly-in, Drive-in, Trailer-in or Walk-in!'
Inaugural Pig Roast to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Grand Rapids on August 18, 2007 from 9:30am to 4:00pm at the Sparta Municipal Airport. Visit the newly renovated Sparta Airport with FREE plane rides for kids and a Car and Motorcycle show!
A family friendly festival with free plane rides for children (ages 8 - 17), helicopter rides, flight simulators, games and treats for children. Meet IHRA funny car driver, Tim Stevens. An opportunity for pilots, car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders to gather together on the grounds of the newly remodeled airport. Proceeds will benefit the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Call 616-887-5744 for details! We will see you then!
August 18th, 2007 - 9:30 am-4pm *
* Rain date August 19th, 2007 with same times.
Location: Sparta Municipal Airport
9100 Vinton Ave, Sparta, MI 49345
A family friendly festival with free plane rides for children (ages 8 - 17), helicopter rides, flight simulators, games and treats for children. Meet IHRA funny car driver, Tim Stevens. An opportunity for pilots, car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders to gather together on the grounds of the newly remodeled airport. Proceeds will benefit the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Call 616-887-5744 for details! We will see you then!August 18th, 2007 - 9:30 am-4pm *
* Rain date August 19th, 2007 with same times.
Location: Sparta Municipal Airport
9100 Vinton Ave, Sparta, MI 49345
July (2007) Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes July 9, 2007
EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting on July 9th, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s Lounge with 18 members and guests present.
The treasurers report shows $1641.04 in the checkbook. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.
President Johnston led a discussion on the upcoming pancake breakfast/flyin. There was a very mixed feeling over the location of the event with the final decision to proceed as before in providing the necessary tables and chairs as promised with each individual having the option whether to attend or not.
President Johnston mentioned the upcoming Short Wing Piper Flyin at the Grant Airport on August 4. Brunch is to be held at the Grant Depot Restaurant at 11 am hosted jointly by Vic Johnston and the Koopman’s. He stated you could attend whether you flew in or not.
There is also going to be a “Pork On The Hoof’ pig roast at the Sparta Airport on August 18 to benefit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Grand Rapids program. It will continue from 9:30 am til 4 pm.
After the business meeting we retired to Dave DuPerron’s hangar and viewed his newly completed Piper project. There are not adjectives available to describe this aircraft —It is beautiful beyond imagination. He will take it to Oshkosh with hopes of attracting the judges attention.
Meeting Adjourned
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting on July 9th, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s Lounge with 18 members and guests present.
The treasurers report shows $1641.04 in the checkbook. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.
President Johnston led a discussion on the upcoming pancake breakfast/flyin. There was a very mixed feeling over the location of the event with the final decision to proceed as before in providing the necessary tables and chairs as promised with each individual having the option whether to attend or not.
President Johnston mentioned the upcoming Short Wing Piper Flyin at the Grant Airport on August 4. Brunch is to be held at the Grant Depot Restaurant at 11 am hosted jointly by Vic Johnston and the Koopman’s. He stated you could attend whether you flew in or not.
There is also going to be a “Pork On The Hoof’ pig roast at the Sparta Airport on August 18 to benefit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Grand Rapids program. It will continue from 9:30 am til 4 pm.
After the business meeting we retired to Dave DuPerron’s hangar and viewed his newly completed Piper project. There are not adjectives available to describe this aircraft —It is beautiful beyond imagination. He will take it to Oshkosh with hopes of attracting the judges attention.
Meeting Adjourned
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
Friday, July 06, 2007
2007 Pancake Breakfast/Fly-in
Sparta Paul C. Miller Municipal AirportPancake Breakfast/Fly-in
July 15, 2007
7:30 am - 11:30 am
Pancake Breakfast in conjunction with Sparta Town and Country Days.
Sponsored by EAA Chapter 704, Sparta Lions Club, and Sparta BSA Troop 704.
Questions?
Contact Vic Johnston - 616.696.2895
President’s Message (July 2007)
Dear EAAers,Let’s all thank John and Ken for such a dynamic, interesting, and informative presentation on the progress of John’s RV-7. It was also very pertinent for Jeremy and I, as we were working on JJ’s RV-3 at the time and many of our problems/questions were answered in their presentation. Would you believe that they threw that program together in less than 24 hours!?
For our meeting on the 9th we hope to have a tour of Dave Duperron’s SUPER Cub, and hopefully some dialogue from Dave to share with us some of his expertise. I think we should offer a prize to anyone who can find a flaw in the aircraft. Bet you can’t.
Also we has some unfinished business to cover regarding the Dawn Patrol Breakfast...mainly, which building we will have it in. John’s hangar does not have potable water, which is a concern of the Lions’ Club and the County Health Dept.
I will again have ol’Blue rolled out to give any Olde Eagles who missed the last meeting, an opportunity to sample some airspace before the meeting. If anyone else would like to give rides to some of our “grounded flock” have your plane(s) on the ramp at 6 pm.
Until next time,
-Vic Johnston
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