"Tillamook pilots are just plane people with a special air about them."
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"Tillamook pilots are just plane people with a special air about them." |
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Monthly Meetings are held in the dining area of the Cheese Factory, or as more formally known, the dining area of the Tillamook County Creamery Association, located at 4175 Highway 101 North, Tillamook, OR 97141. Hot breakfasts made to order available during meetings. Next meeting is Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 8:30 A.M. THE FLIGHT PLAN The official newsletter of the Tillamook Pilots Association May, 2007 The May, 2007, meeting of the TPA was called to order by President Georgine Beveridge. The minutes were reviewed and Harold moved they be approved without modification. Steve Kershaw 2nd’d and the motion passed. TREASURERS REPORT: Harold advised there was $4,650.92 in the aircraft account ($1,288 of which is in prepaid credits). The Pilot’s Account has a balance of $909.21. There are no outstanding debts. No new members have paid dues as of this time. MAINTENANCE REPORT: There are no "new" squawks on 70F though there is still the issue with the fuel gauges. Pilots are still using flight and engine run times to determine fuel consumption and range. There was also discussion regarding updating the navigational equipment (reads "LORAN") to something more modern. It was requested Mr. Stephenson inquire of avionics facilities if the LORAN is still being supported logistically and, if so, what it would cost to update the data card. Harold moved a pre-approved expenditure of $100 be established to update the equipment if that can be accomplished. Bill Goodman 2nd’d and the motion passed. OPA MEETING INFORMATION: Reno Air Races Trip - Georgine reported that OPA member Milt Kingsland is still trying to organize a membershipwide group trip to the Reno Air Races.There are several options being offered, one of which is a charter flight in a single airliner for all attending and would cost between $630-650 / person and would include air fare, lodging and transportation to and from the races. Departure would be September 14th and returning on September 17th. There are several options available for those who would chose to fly / drive themselves but still wish to attend with the group. Presently there are 54 signed up to go, 48 of whom are flying the charter. You need not be a member of OPA / TPA to participate.You may use the following methods of contact for additional information: Milt Kingland @503-263-8787 or email him at < jenlee@canby.com>*ed.note - a proposed deadline was May 15th so this opportunity may no longer be valid. Independence Airport Restaurant - Is open once again. They are serving breakfast and lunch only and the hours are 6A-3P. Pireps indicate a fine bill-o-fare...and good, too.Back Country Airports - There was a presentation on back country airports given at the meeting. Significant issues include keeping these resources open and a program of continuing maintenance. The information was forwarded to Glen "Tail in the Dirt" Linscheid who would be glad, I’m sure, to regale you with said information if it is of interest to you.OLD BUSINESS: Refueling of 70F - Apparently the fuel tanks of 70F have NOT been refilled in accordance with the prescribed method published earlier. Formerly this was of limited consequence to follow-on pilots other than an inconvenience of needing to top off the tanks before flying if your mission called for a higher fuel load. While rude and inconsiderate, it was nothing more than an inconvenience IF the subsequent pilot conducted a pre-flight as they should. However, with the advent of the card-lock system requiring individual pilots to pay for their fuel (rather than a single billing to TPA) discrepancies have arisen over whether or not the plane was properly refueled to the prescribed levels (bottom of the filler neck) by the prior pilot. A variance of a gallon or two is understandable; 5 or more gallons per side as is alleged is not. At $4.00+/gallon the "fly friendly" mantra applies to more than residents near the airport. As a result, a motion was made by Steve Kershaw, 2nd’ed by Harold and approved by the membership to modify and institute the following procedures with respect to use of the club aircraft; Pilots are required to physically inspect each tank for fuel quantity during the pre-flight inspection. (Failure to do so is not only a safety violation but makes you liable for compensating any prior lack of fuel.) As cited earlier, the fuel quantity should be at the bottom of the filler neck. If there is a significant discrepancy, the current pilot should refuel the plane to the prescribed level prior to initiating their flight and retain the time/date stamped fuel receipt to be presented to the Association to be reimbursed. If available, a witness (who has visually inspected the previous fuel levels) should be identified as well as any information pertaining to the preceding pilot. That pilot will then be contacted by the Association and advised of their outstanding debt for reimbursement to the Association. Continued abuse of the policy would be cause for loss of flight privileges in the Association aircraft. Pilots are reminded that the P.O.H. recommends moving the fuel selector valve to either a right or left tank during refueling to prevent "cross feeding" of fuel from one tank to another and may result in a fuel load discrepancy. The Board also recommends that, as time permits, the Secretary is to revise the Rental Agreements to reflect the current changes in aircraft usage and associated expenses, methods of payment and related procedures. The TPA-FBO Computer - It has been brought to the attention of Board Members that the TPA’s internet computer at the FBO is being used for other than aviation related activities. While that specific computer and related soft ware is the property of the TPA, the internet link is NOT.It is recalled that the internet link was provided by the POTB at our request (as a courtesy and without cost) to enhance access to the data available to pilots to promote safe flight. It was not intended to be an avenue of public access to the world wide web. For that we have a Public Library. Steve Kershaw (a member of both the TPA as well as the POTB Board) points out that the TPA / FBO computer is networked with all of the business computers of the Port. The issue is, of course, internet security and making the entire system susceptible and vulnerable to the multitude of "worms", "Virus", "Trojan Horse" and "phishing" being conducted by thieves and other internet information raiders. Steve reminds all concerned that the Port’s position is the computer access is provided for aviation related topics and NOT for personal use. Members are admonished to comply with this policy lest we lose this valuable and convenient resource. NEW BUSINESS: **To ensure easier access to and promote clarification of the Association’s "mission" and "vision", President Beveridge requested the updated By Laws be made available to the membership, some of whom have never read the by laws. Following discussion, it was requested a copy be forwarded to David Winter for posting, on the TPA web page and therefore accessible to every member. She also requested a hard copy. [Click here for By Laws.] **As part of the continuing training necessary for pilot proficiency, Terry Spath would like to determine the interest of the Members in earning their instrument certificate. If there is sufficient interest, Ed Storo would consider renewing his CFII ticket to provide the instruction. Members may wish to give considerable consideration to this local resource. **There was discussion regarding promotion of the TPA through participation in the June Dairy Parade. Consensus of those present was (for them at least), other commitments precluded participation this year. President Beveridge said she would contact Larry Scheible to determine if TPA might partner with them if they are planning on parade participation. Results to be reported at the next meeting. Respectfully submitted, M.D.S. |
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