LOOKING BACK AT 2010 

Perusing back through the monthly newsletter gives a good perspective of what happened during this last year.  The year was memorable in many ways - some of you bought your first plane, someone else might have started flying lessons, and then some others earned their wings. 

The weather was a mix of extremes - lots of snow and then a very hot summer.  Hats off to those of you who flew last summer when the temperature was well over 100 degrees.  The snow removal equipment, with lots of help, was up to the challenge and we remained open.

The long awaited navigational aides finally came to fruition.  From the time of approval to the time of implementation appear to be an eternity - we kept on saying "next month", "in the spring", or whatever we were advise.  So we got out LPV approach, AWOS, and the security system.  During the warm weather we sealed the runway and taxiways to prevent deterioration. 

March marked the 25th anniversary that Naomi, Dick, and Ken Nierenberg purchased Princeton Airport.  It was a quiet country airport waiting for activity.  Over these years the airport has been transformed and in May we celebrated in the maintenance hangar with a wonderful party.

The maintenance hangar has been the venue for wonderful activities with our exclusive caterer, Max Hansen Caterer.  We had a formal black tie banquet for 250; sweet sixteen party; 2 bar mitzvahs, an antique show and a car show.  The guests and employees all enjoyed the facility.   

Private and instrument classes were held as were monthly safety seminars.  The national "Learn to Fly Day" was embraced by our school and numerous people came to find out what is involved to become a pilot.  Our statistics for the school are encouraging.  See next month's news for the totals.

With our centennial coming in 2011, we hope it will be a blockbuster.

From the Right Seat by Peter Rafle

HOLIDAY SPECIALS
20% Discount in Pilot Shop
10% Discount Headsets

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CFII Lawrence R. "Larry" West
1948 - 2010

Friend, fellow pilot, lawyer & flight instructor.  We are all sadden by his sudden death.  Our sympathies to his wife, Jeanette, and his family. Memorial contributions: Angel Flight Northeast, 492 Sutton St., No. Andover, MA 01845.

Read about Larry from our February, 2007 newsletter.

SAFETY CORNER

Instrument scan is basic skill for conducting safe flight in IMC.  In the basic "six pack" panel arrangement, the eyes are trained to move from the Attitude indicator, to the Heading indicator, to the Altimeter, and then back to the Attitude indicator. When tracking a VOR radial (airway), the CDI is added to this continual sweep of the eyes.

Add in the simultaneous stream of aural inputs from ATC, and the frequent responses on the radio, you can understand why you have to have a well established scan that can overcome distractions.

The new glass PFD and MFD panels found in the G1000 and others, challenges those whose scans have been developed on round (analog) instruments.  One problem is that pilots new to the glass panel need to "read" numbers for altitude and airspeed, heading and "bug" setting.  There are no pointers or needles for these items.  Eyes used to seeing pointers on gauges need now to learn to "read" the panel.  I have found that it takes time and effort to develop this new "glass scan".  If you are planning to transition to the glass environment, be prepared to retrain your scan, and to study one of the very good G1000 instructional books and DVD's available.

And yes, there is the matter of learning how to manage the auto pilot, flight planning, vertical navigation, engine management (leaning, etc.).  A challenge, but worth the effort!

News from the                 
PRINCETON AIRPORT FLYING TIGERS

November will be remembered for its dinner meeting, fly-in and the passing of a PAFT icon.  PAFT held its last dinner meeting of the year at the Cranbury Inn and the member passed a motion to move the club's picnic from July to September for 2011.  The destination for the last fly-in of the year was Glens Falls, NY (KGFL),  maybe because it was very close to the (NY) North Pole and Santa's Workshop.

But, in the future, November, 2010 will always be remembered for the passing of Larry West, a long-time PAFT member, past president, flight instructor, Angel Flight pilot and good friend.