The Newsletter of your Cessna Pilot's Society

Volume VIII issue 4.0, April 2020

CPS Newsletter : 

April 2020 Issue

April 1, 2020.....   April Fools Day, but no one is laughing or playing jokes.  
We stand, side by side
Community Strong
Able
Willing
and dedicated.

This brings out either your best, or less.  An opportunity to shine for most everyone reading along here.

We salute those who are able to assist in their communities, and thank them for thinking beyond themselves.

The LEAD Stories:
Special Thanks go out to Willis Robinson for his selfless reporting of a wake turbulence encounter in his 310.  Subjects like this are exceptional opportunities for learning for everyone.  An excellent discussion.
Wake Turbulence Encounter in my 310.

Skeleton ATC: The Realities of ATC-0 (ATC Naught)
 

 

Destinations:
It may seem crazy to speak about Destinations these days, but it is not crazy to plan for the return of normalcy.  In that vein, we again encourage you to consider attending the CPS fly-in currently STILL ON SCHEDULE for Cody Wyoming. 

We all recognize that this event will require a return to normalcy in the wake of the Corona Virus Pandemic.  Indicators are that April/May should see this event 'peaking' before scaling down.  While nothing is assured, we are keeping CPS 2020 on the front burner and on-schedule thus far. 

As the -19 virus situation evolves, we have each come to recognize that we need to remain flexible, and understanding about event schedules.  Changes if needed will be announced well in advance so reservations can be changed if necessary.

We all need a reason to look forward to the coming days. The incessant doom and gloom that is so pervasive needs to be countered with hope and optimism.  Few things are as hopeful as a destination event worthy of your attendance.

NOTHING is as much fun as gathering with your fellow CPS Members under a common roof, and taking in sights reserved for those that 'dare' to ply the sky.    Make your 2020 Destination for your Family and Friends the CPS Cody WY event.
 

Destinations!  Cody WY.     Tuesday 08-04-2020 thru Saturday 08-08-2020

Check it out:  http://www.gtg2020.com/      or click on this LINK

2020 Gathering Discussion

CPS Gathering Sign Up Sheet

NOTICE:  Forum Board Elections
Nominations and acceptances are open. The folks you select and elect will be helping guide us through the next few years.

Discussions on our Forums:

Never Again:

Collings Shut Down

172/Skyhawk
Working on a '66 172. Restoration Thread

182/Skylane
Broke my Step

TR182 vs 182 Q/R

GTN750 + KAP140 + GPSS. On Steam Gauges

Insured Value Increase? NO!

Panel Clean Up

Nose Wheel Steering

Brake Linings for 182

Removing Skylane Emblem from Yoke

206/ Stationair
Cargo Doors (Safety of Flight Issue: Must-Read for 206 Operators)

210 Forum
Bent Landing Gear

210 Spar is TOUGH

210/177 Spar Carry Through Discussion

210 Spar AD TIME (not hours) Extension
Paul New Contribution

210 Eddy Current Inspection Discussion

Vitatoe Gross Weight Increase Discussion

Voltage Regulator Settings

Other Aircraft:
Projects (good fabrication thread)

Pilot Skill
Report When Established

FAA Common Sense Prevails (O2 mask Use in Transport Cat Aircraft)

Vortex Generators Explained: Member Video Link:
Video Link
Discussion

Maintenance
Tempest Filter Torque Wrench

Compression Gage



Engine Mount Corrosion

210 Nose Gear Turning Issue

WasteGate Problem

Slick Magneto SB (Must Read for Slick Operators) SEL-74-06

Lycoming Anti-Scuff Additive/Camguard

More Common Sense from the FAA? We can now change our oil 'legally'.

Avionics
Avidyne Training Videos

Anyone using iPAD Stylus/Pencil?

Learning G.A. Electrical Wiring

 

Editor's Corner: (long, apologies in advance)

Note: This is strictly a personal opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the Forum Board. 
Replies and Counterpoints are welcome, and will be published (less any profanity) in follow up issues.  Your POV is welcome.  Our No Politics rules apply always. newsletter@PROTECTED.

We find ourselves in the midst of an unique time in the history of the Nation and the World. Coronavirus and Covid-19 are now terms that are part of the daily litany of every American.  Commercial air carriers have cut back or cancelled as much as is possible, and a visit to your local airport shows less traffic than normal.   Most of us involved w/ CPS use both modes and appreciate each for their attributes.  

While the big Airports and Airlines will likely enjoy some support from the Federal and possibly their State agencies, the smaller fields are likely to see less resources brought to bear. As invested stakeholders, we should do what is practical to ensure the GA infrastructure is not left without means. Many of us utilize small (often one-man) shops for repairs and service.  Those small shops might be in need of some business right now.  You do want them around when this mess turns around (and it will eventually).  Upgrades, maintenance, service, and repair work needed?  Now might be a good time to make that call.

We all know that inactivity rots the airplane so it NEEDS to fly.  Our basic skills also need to be kept sharp less they too 'rot'.

You can possibly fly GA and yet be Socially Responsible if proper precautions are taken. True Aviators and Airmen/Women always act responsibly.  Self-Serve Fuel keeps you at a distance, and helps the airport stay viable.   While the $100 hamburger run has been hobbled by restaurants being closed except for take-out, with Spring temperatures you can 'take out' and eat in the sun.  No restaurant?  Pack a lunch and enjoy.  A thorough spray cleaning with disinfectant for the keypad and nozzle touch surfaces at the fuel farm can help mitigate risk during a non-contact flight.  

For the record, the voices of ATC on the radio are as helpful and efficient as always. Working with ATC is always a team effort so be prepared to do your share as the Controllers are a bit stretched and stressed.    Get the airplane out of the hangar or off the tiedown once in a while.  It will do both of you good.

Purposeful Distraction: There is a sense of calm and purpose that descends on every pilot when planning a flight.  Your drive to the airport, the call to check the weather, the attentive pre-flight, taxi, all demand your attention.  Your mind is hard targeted on flight, for you are the PIC.  For many, the requirement to be absolutely focused is part of why we are attracted to aviation, as it means time 'fully away' from our daily concerns.  Now, perhaps more than usual, some focus away from the day-to-day might be a good thing.   Many of us carry responsibilities that go far beyond the care and feeding of self.  We have families, friends, co-workers/employees, neighbors and communities that COUNT on us being able bodied.  Clearing one's head with a flight is not a bad idea if it can be conducted responsibly.

The other thing you can do with an airplane TODAY is to consider a humanitarian (yet non-contact flight) for an Animal Rescue organization.  Those needs are not waiting for Covid-19 to settle down.  If you're healthy and in need of some soul enhancing good feeling, few things beat liberating an animal from a bad situation. It can be done while preserving Social Distancing guidelines.  Few things in life will bring you the peace in heart and satisfaction of helping save a furry critter. 

Break:
Appreciation Time.
The folks running the medical system in the USA are rightly earning accolades for their dedication.  Same goes for the First Responders such as Fire/Police/EMTs.   Public Works folks are on the job daily as your water, sewer, sanitation, gas and electric services are likely still on.  A friendly wave or salute doesn't cost much.  Let them know you're noticing them standing fast.

Small-Stuff: 
You're buying groceries a couple times a week, hopefully taking care of your family and maybe helping another.  Those stores are mostly local, staffed by younger local people, earning wages that by most standards are barely sustaining.  Those stores are busy as hell,  dealing with some shortages, and genuinely nasty clientele at times, but they're open.   The staff is working, and they are quietly helping hold society's respective 'stuff' together.  Next time you're in the market, take a moment to remember these folks are also playing a role in their community at a difficult time.  Might be worth a word of thanks. 

There are a thousand 'small jobs' being done well by folks we may not consider vital players in our lives, till our lives are brought into focus by something as small as a virus.

Individual Concerns:

Leadership and Courage are 'contagious'.  Every time you've taken someone aloft, they've placed their trust in your skill, sense, and discipline.  As such, these are not unfamiliar roles.  This is another chance to show by example and action that trust was well placed. 

No matter what our personal opinion is on the efficacy or logic of the current protocols being emplaced, that does not relieve us of our responsibilities to our community.  Aviators know this because we're part of a community that relies on each other to a great degree.  Our individual strength reinforces the whole.  This CPS community is an example. 

Some may decide to self-isolate 100%, for the common good.  Others may be looking for ways to be of service while maintaining safety. We all feel a need to be useful. Get creative on your own or make a call to a community center to see what needs might be best met with your particular folio of talents.

If you are able bodied and healthy, and have weighed the components, find out what needs your community has unfulfilled and see if you can be part of a solution.  Small stuff counts!  If you can shop for groceries, there are folks at risk that cannot, and not all of them have family that care.   Use clean technique when shopping (you do reach through the plastic bag when checking the produce for ripeness!), and do some good for the folks in your neighborhood. 

I believe 24/7 obsessing about the panic is not doing anyone much good. 

We can huddle, or shine just a bit brighter.  Family, community, aviation, and our country are all things we cherish.  All of them may require a bit of personal sacrifice from time to time.  This may be one of those times.  We must care for the weak of body as well as those weak in will.  Some folks will fall into despair through lack of contact, fright, uncertainty, or other human fragilities. If you know of someone in those straits, a phone call of a few minutes may be all that it takes to keep them from falling.

Right now the common substitute for a civil 'good-bye' is the well intended but semi-cryptic "Be Safe".  Being safe need not mean adopting a lifeboat mentality.  Such thinking is repugnant on its face and embraced only by the most base of society's lowest denominator. 

Personal Responsibility:
With the increased amount of 'time spent at home', many folks are glued to their televisions.  This Beta battle for our brains compounds worry and anxiety.  It is mesmerizing, hollow, and incites real fear.  Side effects are an expanding waist-line, depression, reduced muscle tone (both body and mind), and a tendency to be cowed into a FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) mentality.  Folks are welded to their cell-phones (and when was the last time you disinfected that little hand-held petri dish?), laptops, iPADs, and it isn't necessarily the best strategy.  Do not permit yourself to be ground-under in the seemingly endless assault.

Get some exercise!  That means getting in a goodly walk, dusting off the Nautilus or Nordi-Track, PreCor, Jack LaLane power bands, or barbells and get in some work.  We've got the time.  Make it a family thing if possible and put some good music on in the background.  There is no reason we all have to come out of this needing to lose ANOTHER 20 lbs.  Some modern fitness equipment w/ pay-to-play app-based instruction such as the Peloton and Mirror are options, but other than being able to stare at some young model's beauty, the personal inspiration to do some cardio and lift some weight still must come from within.   Get sweaty and when this is over folks will again see you as an inspiration.

Speaking of Family:  Time spent now is going to be remembered forever, especially if you've children at an impressionable age.  Make this 'together' time something they can point to with pride years from now.  Play a game, read a book, cook a meal; something that brings the group together to accomplish a common goal can be incredibly valuable. YOU are their leader in every way.

Your family will find themselves positioned well both mentally and emotionally with leadership you provide now.  Courage is a virtue as is ambition so long as it does not depend on using one's fellow man as a stepping stool. This is an opportunity to help form a stronger backbone.

Airmen will come out of this better than most, simply because we were better trained in the art of personal discipline going in.  Self reliance, confidence in our abilities, and  integrity are just traits that usually ascribed to Airmen, and this is a good time to allow those traits to guide your path.  An Airman's Checklist-Discipline mentality goes a long way to ensuring that common sense hygiene,  and the practice of clean technique, gives us all a good chance of coming through this mess. 

Alongside others of similar mindset, we will recover, and thrive again.  Your strength is the foundation for all that will follow.

-Editor

 

Newsletter: While we focus on discussions going on in the Forums, we welcome your requests and submissions for inclusion in this Newsletter. Send requests/submissions to: newsletter@PROTECTED.

 

Have an idea for a good flight story?  Jot it down and share it via the Newsletter or in our Forums.  Aviators look forward to hearing about your adventures.

Items for Sale or is it time to donate? Send your stuff on to another purpose.  Click and list (as appropriate) Member Exchange or For Sale/Wanted

 

'Cause the players tried to take the field,
The marching band refused to yield...'

--Don McClean

 

Fly Safely.

----Your CPS Newsletter Editor