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Spring was very short lived as the hot weather descended upon us. It is hard to predict from day to day whether a jacket or shorts are in order. But the clear blue skies are a welcome sight. Please stay off the grass with your vehicles - the ground is still very soft.

A note from Dick: The owner of the cell phone lost in the lower lever men's bathroom can claim it in our Lost & Found. Unfortunately, we only have half of it - the other half went down the commode when the plumber helped us unclog the pipe.

Speaking of "Lost & Found", we keep lost items for several months, so if you are missing a pair of glasses, a knee board, etc., check at the front desk.

By prior arrangements the Montgomery area Cub Scouts held a regional meeting one evening and then Pete Rafle gave them a tour. The evening was culminated by the arrival of a Pilatus, flown by Dave Platzer. Boy, we sure do put on a great show.

TOM WEAVER

A STUDENT
"WHO DID GOOD"

Some students are reticent to cut their shirts when they solo-this one took ten years to bring us back the first solo shirt after it traveled around the world. In March Tom Weaver march into the lobby to bring us that momento.

In '99 while the Navy sent him to Princeton University to get his Masters, he approached us for some training prior to military flight school. Obviously, the basics he received here from Pete Rafle and a few other instructors and his passion to fly worked, as he is currently a VX-23 Test Pilot and flies the F18A-G.

Tom has provided us with an assortment of airplanes he has flown. For is bio and pictures, click below.

PICTURES OF PLANES TOM FLEW

From the Right Seat by Pete Rafle

VFR Corridors-New York City, A Unique Experience

Many Class B airspaces have a corridor through which a pilot can fly under the floor of the airspace. In New York this corridor is above the Hudson River. With Manhattan on one side and New Jersey on the other, the ride through the "canyon" can be a very exciting and memorable experience.

VFR CORRIDOR CONTINUED

Monthly MEET N' GREET

When: Saturday, April 4, '09

Where: Pilots' Lounge
Time: 10:00 am - noon

It's Spring - come to the airport to watch or fly. While watching, have a cup of coffee and a bagel. Share your love of aviation with fellow enthusiasts. Everyone is welcome.

PRIVATE GROUND SCHOOL CLASS

Started Monday, April 20, 2009

7:00 - 10:00pm

If you wish to join in, you would have to catch up, however you would only have missed two weeks. We will pro-rate the costs. For information call 609-921-3100.

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT AIRPLANE OWNERSHIP, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!

TUESDAY, MAY 19th 7:00pm MAINTENANCE HANGAR

"ACE" Airplane Specialist -
Ken Nierenberg

This session will cover airplane maintenance costs, storage costs, insurance, and provide the knowledge you will need to make a wise decision. Whether you are ready now or are dreaming to own an airplane, bring your significant other or a friend to come listen & ask questions.

AT THE END WE WILL HAVE A DOORPRIZE FOR A DEMO RIDE!!!

The SAFETY CORNER

Now that the weather is better for those longer cross country flights, you may find yourself flying at night on your return to 39N. There are some pilots who choose not to fly at night. They have real concern about the "what if's": an engine fails, getting lost at night, interpretation of ground lighting, and other genuine challenges of night operations.

On the other hand, the air is generally smoother on a VFR night flight, there is less traffic at night making the radios less frantic, and the sheer beauty of the lights outlining cities, road and airports make it worthwhile doing.

The FAR 91.57 states, a) that no pilot may act as PIC unless in the 90 preceding days, during the period beginning 1 hr after sunset and ending 1 hr before sunrise, he has made 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop. b) that person was the sole manipulator of the controls. c) the required takeoffs and landings were performed in an aircraft of the same category and type.

At night, the preflight inspection needs to be thorough with all lights checked in working order. Refer to the AFD to note what frequencies pilot controlled lighting are operated on. On the chart note if your destination airport has a rotating beacon to help in locating it. Avoid using bright white flashlights during your preflight and flight to help adapt your eyes to night vision. When looking for traffic at night look off center so the rods will be exposed to the image.

Take some flights at night with an instructor to gain confidence in night operations.

News from the
PRINCETON AIRPORT

FLYING TIGERS

In April we had 2 events that collided into each other, the April fly-in to Georgetown, MD and the annual excursion to SunNFun. Due to weather predictions all 5 planes and 10 members flew to Lakeland, FL KLAL on Sunday April 19th and 3 planes and 6 members and guests made it to Georgetown, MD KGED for the monthly fly-in. As always both events were filled with good food, great company and a great flying adventure.

In May we will have a dinner meeting on Wednesday the 13th at O'Connor's Beef and Chowder House hosted by Jeanette Voight and Steve Hansel will lead the club to Cape May KWWD on Sunday May 17th. Go to www.paft_nj.org for more information and signup. If you are interested in joining or want to find out more about the club come to one of these events and meet the members.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CHA YOU HEARD ABOUT "EVOLUTION"

FLIGHT DISPLAY SYSTEM?

The Most Flexible - and Affordable - Glass Cockpit System The acclaimed Evolution EFD1000 Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD) and the EFD1000 Multi-Function Display (MFD) are an unbeatable duo that provide everything you need in a full-featured glass cockpit for your GA aircraft - at an exceptionally affordable price. And these displays feature Aspen's patented retrofit technology for substantially lower installation cost.

PAC is now an AUTHORIZED DEALER for Aspen Avionics, so for more information, call Ken, 609-731-4628. By mid April we will have a demonstration model available.

VFR - starts $7999.
IFR - starts $11,999.

ATTENTION AIRCRAFT OWNERS We now have the new 406MHZ ELT in stock. Call Ken for details & a quote.
Ken Nierenberg - 609-731-4628 or ken@princetonairport.com