NEWSLETTER - Western Sport Pilot Association
Transcription
NEWSLETTER - Western Sport Pilot Association
NEWSLETTER FALL/WINTER ISSUE Volume II Issue I IN THIS ISSUE Keeping the Sport Alive…………..1 EAA UL Chapter 127 News………..2 Training Center Updates……4 Training Corner ………..….…7 Stay Connected……………..…12 Western Sport Pilot Association LLC 360 771-4047 www.westernppa.org westernppa@comcast.net KEEPING THE SPORT ALIVE! We have been writing quite routinely about all of the changes (transitions) occurring in Light Sport Aviation in the Pacific Northwest. For the most part these have all been planned for some time, but are not beginning to actually happen. The entire leadership (Executive Board) of EAA UL Chapter 127 has now officially changed. Paul Beam, a CFI and sport pilot out of the Arlington Washington area is now the elected President of the chapter. We have new owners/leaders in among our training affiliates with the biggest news being the purchase of Seattle Powerchutes LLC by Mark Martin, as Rick Gutierrez announced his intention to move on to other interests. Doug and Lynn Maas continue to transition towards retirement and managing Six Chuter International LLC. So while it is sad to see some of the “ole guard” move on, it is also encouraging to see the new leaders step up and the sport continue to thrive. Western Sport Pilot Association will continue to carry out our mission of supporting and advocating for light sport aviation in the West. Issue Highlights The EAA UL Chapter 127 leadership has changed. Read the newsletter in this issue to learn who the new Board is and how to stay connected with the club. The Flight Center reports highlight the activity around the west at our most active training locations. And enjoy more news about the newest leaders in the sport. Our training corner is an article on how to make the correct decisions on equipment, training and other issues if you are just getting into the sport. Learn how to stay connected with the sport pilot community in the Pacific Northwest. “The concept of transition implies change. And change means that you must give up something to get something else, or somewhere else. This is what makes transition a difficult process.” – Doug Maas, President Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 1 THE EAA CHAPTER 127, IS A REGIONAL CLUB ORGANIZED TO SUPPORT THE LIGHT SPORT AVIATION COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. JOINING THE CLUB IS THE BEST WAY TO STAY WELL INFORMED ABOUT THE SPORT AND TO PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. MEMBERSHIP IS $35 A YEAR AND THE ONLY PREREQUISITE IS THAT YOU ARE A CURRENT EAA MEMBER. To join the EAA Ultralight Chapter 127, contact Paul Beam paul@hereNthere.net The official website for the coalition is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nwpower edparachutecoalition/ EAA ULTRALIGHT CHAPTER #127 EAA UL Chapter 127 was organized in about 2004 as a small powered parachute club. The original members numbered 5 powered parachute pilots. The club has grown to a regional EAA Chapter with over 100 members who fly all categories of aircraft. Art Smith was the original President of the club and unfortunately we lost Art to cancer a couple of years ago. With Doug Maas, Clyde Poser and Jim Groebner stepping down from leadership and the new board elections of 2014 the transition is complete. Paul Beam, Lydia Stout, Steve Cooper and Denny Homer are to be congratulated for volunteering to keep the club moving. They can’t do it on their own so we hope that we can count on membership to support with volunteer efforts to lead flight rallies and other activities. EAA UL Chapter 127 is a Western U.S. regionally organized light sport aviation chapter of the EAA. We have members in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana and a variety of other locations. This chapter has grown to 125 members. Contact Paul Beam, Membership Coordinator at (paul@hereNthere.net) The chapter offers first year memberships for only $35 and the ongoing annual due is $25. Chapter membership offers: Free registration at all chapter fly in rallies during the year Access to the group forum that allows you to connect with other light sport and prospective light sport pilots throughout the region Discounts on various products and services Liability insurance when participating in club rallies (requires EAA membership in addition to chapter membership) Paul Beam (right) CFI Seattle Powerchutes EAA UL 127 President Membership in the chapter requires an application and approval. If you would like to join go to the EAA 127 GROUP FORUM and fill out the "join" message. Our membership representative will get you the application and will approve your entrance to the group forum. You can also find information on club events at www.westernppa.org or by emailing maas0755@comcast.net The club had super events at the Memorial Day Rally at Deer Park Airport, Spokane Washington, The Arlington Fly In and the Brownsville Rally, Brownsville Oregon. If our rallies and club is to continue to thrive we need more volunteers willing to step into leadership Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 2 CHAPTER OFFICERS 2014 EXCUTIVE BOARD President Paul Beam 425-686-9899 paul@hereNthere.net 1st Vice-President West Lydia Stout (stoutlydia@yahoo.com) Secretary Steve Cooper cooper.inspections@comcast.net Treasurer/Membership Denny Homer (dr-dwhomer@ncidata.com) COORDINATOR VOLUNTEERS Membership Coordinator Paul Beam 425-686-9899 paul@hereNthere.net Newsletter OPEN Website OPEN Education & Training OPEN Event Coordinator OPEN Flight Operations OPEN EAA Technical Advisor Clyde Poser (253) 447-4398 cposer@comcast.net DIVISION LEADS Weight Shift Lead OPEN Fixed Wing Lead Ray Deforge 503-739-6045 cessna6642t@yahoo.com Parawing Lead Jim Groebner 360 402-0167 jgroebner@hotmail.com Central Washington Lead OPEN Eastern Washington Lead OPEN Western Oregon Lead Frank Kelly captweirdo@aol.com Eastern Oregon Lead OPEN Puget Sound Lead OPEN Grant Bierer gkb143@yahoo.com positions and more who are willing to take the lead in hosting a rally or more formal event. Please email us if you are ready to help! paul@hereNthere.net Reports Membership Report We have 122 official members as of January 1,2014. The full membership roster is available to view in the "files" section of the club forum http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eaaulchapter127/ FINANCE REPORT (January 2014) Notes: Income was $2,520.95 vs expenses of $2371. Our bank account is healthy and we are in great position to start an active season EAA 127 Budget Version: 3/5/2014 2013 Adopted INCOME Member Dues Contributions Event Fees $3,125.00 125 Members X $25 $0.00 -Memorial Day -Brownsville -Trike Events -Other Events Raffles and Other Products Reserve Income Cost of Goods Total Income EXPENSES Accounting Banking Contributions Discounts Dues Insurance License and Permits Marketing Meeting Expenses Reserves Supplies Miscellaneous New Member Subtotal Administrative Event Support Supplies Facility Food % Entertainment Services/Reimbursements Subtotal Event Summary Other Support Event Other Other Education Field Improvement Subtotal Other Total Expenses Net Income Minus Expense Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Comments $500.00 $0.00 $350.00 $0.00 $0.00 $500.00 pilot wings sale $10 X 50 $0.00 ($250.00) Wings Cost $4,225.00 $0.00 $50.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50.00 $230.00 $75.00 $150.00 $100.00 $500.00 $125.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,280.00 EAA Annual Corporate Member Drive Permanent Reserves 2013 Actual % of Budget $2,210.00 $0.00 70.72% $265.00 53.00% 0.00% $109.50 21.90% ($63.55) $2,520.95 25.42% 59.67% $89.14 $0.00 $0.00 $185.00 $230.00 $10.00 178.28% $0.00 $0.00 $10.00 370.00% 100.00% 13.33% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% $524.14 40.95% $130.00 $1,000.00 $1,350.00 $115.00 $2,595.00 $728.60 $550.00 $221.11 $250.00 $1,749.71 560.46% 55.00% 16.38% 217.39% 67.43% $350.00 Club Sponsored Classes $0.00 $350.00 $4,225.00 $0.00 $97.15 $0.00 $97.15 $2,371.00 $149.95 27.76% 27.76% 56.12% Page 3 TRAINING CENTER NEWS Seattle Powered Parachutes (Arlington, Washington) Mark Martin (Left) , CFI Seattle Powerchutes Paul Beam (right) CFI Seattle Powerchutes Rick Gutierrez, founder of Seattle Powered Parachutes has announced his intention to move on to other interests. Rick has been a bit of a “Pied Piper” for powered parachutes in the Puget Sound area for many years so it is sad for us to see him leave the sport. He is coordinating with Mark Martin and Paul Beam to transition his organization to these new guys. Mark Martin earned his CFI and is also working on airplane and weight shift categories so will be a real work-horse in the coming years. Mark is also an applicant for Light Sport Examiner and plans to replace Doug Maas in this capacity. Paul Beam is our newest CFI having earned that credential earlier this year. Paul was intantly kept busy as early as the Memorial Day club fly in, and has been steadily training all summer. Seattle Powered Parachutes based at the Arlington Airport, north of Seattle has developed to become one of the most active light sport centers in the U.S. Rick has classroom space, hangars full of aircraft including his SLSA certified Six Chuter Paragon, and there are maintenance personnel on the Arlington field. Seattle Powered Parachutes is also the base for the accelerated courses and also for the FAA designee Private Pilot powered parachute course where FAA inspectors earn their powered parachute wings. RULE Aviation (Buckley, Washington) Clyde Poser is the owner of RULE aviation based out of Buckley Washington. Clyde is the EAA Chapter 127 President, is an FAA Repairman, a CFI in weight shift and powered parachutes, an FAA examiner in weight shift category and now one of the few Private Pilot powered parachute examiners in the U.S. Clyde’s main issue is that there is only one of him! He is doing as much as he possibly can to help keep the students of weight shift flying moving, after the untimely death of weight shift CFI Rob Lyons. Clyde Poser (left) CFI/DPE California Powered Parachutes (Tracy, California) Stephen Brandon is the lone wolf in Central and Northern California, holding some distinction as the only FAA certified flight instructor in that region. Steve has reported his busiest year ever and there is an ever increasing number of inquiries as his “flock” grows. Steve has a nice set up with classroom, hangars available, and a light sport friendly airport at Tracy California municipal airport. Steve’s strategy, like mine, is keeping his eyes open and efforts focused on adding a couple of instructors to his team and stepping up to the examiner. And there is some rumor of the possibility of another EAA light sport oriented club in his area of operation. Steve is also a new applicant for light sport examiner and that will greatly increase capacity for training in this area. Stephen Brandon, CFI, California Powered Parachutes Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 4 P-3 Sports (Lendhardt Airfield, Hubbard Oregon) Perry Robertson would describe his operation right now as “keeping as busy as I want to be”. Perry is fully rotax certified, an FAA repairman and a CFI for powered parachutes. The maintenance side of Perry’s operation keeps him constantly busy thus his time for taking on new students has been limited. Because I am in the same situation, for slightly different reasons, Perry and I plan to partner with an SLSA trainer based at Lendhardt, and do our best to take on new students carefully. We say carefully because our capacity given our other duties will still limit availability for initial training. Perry Robertson (Left), CFI P3 Sport Wolfe Edmonds I'm happy to report that we are going strong down here in beautiful Southern Oregon. Over the past year we have overhauled our Flight lodge and our airplane. We now offer light sport training in our beautifully restored 1946 415-C model Ercoupe "Delta Victor”. I'd like to invite you to view our newly updated website www.captaindrakesfaa.com or to stop in for a visit, tour, and introductory flight in Delta Victor. Wolfe Edmonds Book a room at our flight lodge and make a weekend with the wife out of it! Also please help us out by liking us on Facebook! I'd also like to inform you all that Wolf Emonds is now a featured Author on the Aviation Website “Tally One" check it out it is an exciting site! Our future is looking bright and we hope to expand with additional aircraft and more rooms at the lodge. Wolf will be working towards earning his FAA designated pilot examiner ticket so that we will be able to offer one stop shopping in-house pilot certifications along with our already amazing fixed rate pricing! If you need a push to get going on your aviation goals this is the time! Let's do this. Our program is proven successful. We have graduated many student into the ranks of certified pilots. We still have a 100% pass rate. We have completed sport pilot training from zero time to finished check ride in less than three weeks! Don't forget that we offer that beautiful lodge so you may relax in comfort when you are not actually in the airplane. Come Fly with us! Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 5 Robby Denning (Idaho Falls, Idaho) Speaking of lone wolves! Robby is another “sole” legal FAA instructor for powered parachutes in a region that seems to be “ripe” with pilots who aren’t necessarily up to following the sport pilot requirements. The impact on his training operation has been a significant downturn from ultralight days. However, he is hanging in there and available for anyone in Idaho who wants to fly legal, fly safe, fly right. Robby Denning WeScout4u Inc. www.rokslide.com/easyblog Scratch Gravel Aviation, Bill Dotter (Helena, Montana) While we are on the “lone wolf” trend, Bill Dotter, based out of Helena Montana is another “all by himself” CFI in Montana guy. He is FAA CFI and a Designated Flight Examiner. Bill has a Six Chuter SLSA and is a routine visitor to the Pacific N.W. club events where he is available to conduct training, flight reviews and practical tests. And we continue to encourage potential Montana students to do this right with legal equipment and a legal, professional and general all around great guy. Bill Dotter, CFI/DPE Arizona Powered Parachutes, Randy Long (Scottsdale Arizona) Randy operates in one of the best areas in the U.S. for light sport flying. Randy is a commercial hot air balloon pilot, as well as CFI in powered parachutes. Here is feedback from one of his 2013 students: Hi Randy and Doug, Well, I just returned from Durango, Colorado. I completed and passed my oral exam (grueling) and the check ride (straight forward) With Chuck Wales. Thanks Randy for the wonderful education and thanks Doug for the great product support. Now, time to fly often!!! In a little time, who knows, maybe my CFI. Best Regards, Brendon Baerg Randy Long, CFI, Arizona Powered Parachutes Bonneville Skybase Dennis Stanley (Salt Lake City, Utah) Dennis Stanley holds down our S.E. corner (loosely interpreting “Pacific Northwest”). Dennis announced retirement of his CFI Partner Lew Ershler. Dennis is an authorized examiner and one of the few Private Pilot Examiners authorized for powered parachutes in the United States. Dennis and has been challenged with a lot of issues (real life stuff) over the past couple of years, but is still our go to team in the Utah region. Dennis Stanley (Left), CFI/DPIE Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 6 TRAINING CORNER “EXPLORING LIGHT SPORT AVIATION” Approaching with Due Diligence by Doug Maas, FAA Flight Instructor and Designated Flight Examiner, President Western LLC, Co-Owner Six Chuter MISSION The mission of the Western Sport Flying Association, LLC is to promote the light sport flying in the Western centered around powered parachutes, but is totally relevant to other categories of light United States, through Education, Participation and Resources. EDUCATION the Training Corner this month due to the high about the sport in the Northwest. Even those of you who are already in the sport may The Western Sport Pilot Association offers Ultralight, Sport Pilot and Private Pilot (LSA) courses from discovery flight lessons through the instructor certificate. We have certified FAA Flight Instructors and So you have been bit by the flying bug! This may have been a life long dream to fly, a midlife goal, or you may have had flying experience and now decided that flying, low and slow in a powered parachute is exactly what you need. You may have taken some preliminary Examiners available. The WSPA maintains a directory of active qualified FAA instructors. PARTICIPATION manufacturers seem more internet and found dozens of what seem to be have been told by somebody that learning to fly a powered parachute is a piece of cake ! Now what? The Western Sport Pilot Association organizes and manages various events or offers support to organizations that are managing events in the Pacific Northwest. I can that many jump right in and live to regret their impulse decision for a variety of reasons. I RESOURCES also know dozens who spend years over analyzing and never making a decision to take a The Western Sport Pilot Association provides affiliates, contacts and a of the primary decisions that you should make before you make an inves variety of resources to enhance your money and other resources: education, experience and safety in What type of flying are you most interested in? the sport. Check us out on line at passengers? What is involved in learning to fly? Do you want to purchase a new airc www.westernppa.org or email us at westernppa@comcast.net you mainly want to just fly? What other expenses are involved in owning a powered parachute? Do you have support available including instructors, flight examiners, qualified maintenance personnel and factory resources? Do you have places to fly and people to fly with? Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 7 WHAT TYPE OF FLYING ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN? the costs and requirements to ty of great and even balloons. The powered parachute is a good choice for those who don t mind travelling at only 30 mph and wandering not more than about 75 miles on a typical local flight. And the powered parachute remains one of the safer ways to fly since it is not a resistant to stalls, rolls, loops and other maneuvers that might be possible in an airplane. The powered parachute is easier to learn to quired to train, then the powered parachute might not be for you and th desires. WOULD YOU PREFER TO FLY A SIMPLE SINGLE SEAT POWERED PARACHUTE OR DO YOU ENVISION CARRYING PASSENGERS? owered parachute pilots that I meet are convinced that they need a twoare to launch into the atmosphere and indeed spend 90% of alone in their two seaters. The real decision here has more to do with costs and training. If you purchase what is termed a true part 103 ultralight powered parachute you avoid powered parachute as a vehicle weighing no more than 254 pounds without pilot, having only one seat and having no more than 5 gallons of gas capacity. If the powered parachute you purchase meets these criteria then the FAA says that there are no age requirements, about training. Nonetheless the ultralight is cheaper to purchase, cheaper to learn to fly and cheaper to maintain. on with the FA WHAT IS INVOLVED IN LEARNING TO FLY? As previously reported, legally there is NO training requirement whatsoever if you purchase a legal Part 103 ultralight powered parachute. And you will find manufacturers and individuals who will sell you one without being a bit more truthful. While there are indeed end up crashing early and a reputable, experienced powered parachute flight instructor you will always learn that you should enroll an example offers a seven lesson ultralightbe competent and feel proficient, and be If you have headed down the path to a two seat powered parachute then you may start with the solo course that leads to a student pilot license. That will allow you to fly your two- ficate. That uctor in a Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 8 must be accomplished instructor who is rated in powered parachutes. n it end with the earning of an FAA sport pilot license. Cost needs to be a part of your decision here too. Solo training courses in an ultralight usually range from $750 to nearly $2000 d of training and the method of ground school. Achieving a Sport Pilot license is an investment ranging from $1500 to over $4000, again dependent on many factors. Some h sizable discounts on the training program that goes with it. DO YOU WANT TO PURCHASE A USED AIRCRAFT OR A NEW AIRCRAFT? lot of i ly reat deals on rthiness re the pilot to have a Sport Pilot License to operate them legally. The next step of legal requirements relate to the two seaters. These are considered light sport , must be issued an N number by the searching the internet and sadly even requirements. fact a lot of very good deals on the used market for legal single and twoknow that you will e very few powered e reputable manufacturers are all usually in about the same price range. All powered parachute manufacturers who sell legal light sport powered parachutes use the same engines, the same electronics and the same canopies. The differences are usually found in design differences of the airframe. Purchasing new should only be done when you know that the manufacturer is approved by the FAA to build and distribute legal light e nearly 40 powered parachute manufacturers, today there are only about half a dozen who have invested and earned the approval of the FAA. Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 9 egories is he FAA before it leaves the factory. That typically comes with a higher cost associated with it due to assembly and paperwork required by the FAA. Special Light conduct sport pilot training, so if you are an instructor or hav if it is do all maintenance and even repairs. ARE YOU A BUILDER OR DO YOU MAINLY JUST WANT TO FLY? If you enjoy the prospect of building your own powered parachute from an FAA approved kit you can save thousands of dollars. But if you decide to build from a kit you need to find out from the manufacturer how complicated it will be, what skills and what tools are it. The fact is Six Chuter Inte d owners. While the many customers who indeed enjoy the process of building and the thrill of flying something that they have put together with their own hands. WHAT OTHER EXPENSES ARE INVOLVED IN OWNING A POWERED PARACHUTE? There are a lot of very cool products out there to supplement your flying experience and many owners spend literally thousands, Transport Basic transport can be with a simple enjoy flying in various areas of the country then a covered trailer is nearly mandatory. A covered trailer protects your investment Training. This was discussed earlier Flight reviews usually range from $150 to $400 and require a minimum of one hour of ground and one hour of flight training. The flight review is designed to keep you safe, legal and proficient. Helmets and Intercom. Some pilots fly without helmets but you will find that our pilot culture encourages helmets as basic safety equipment. The helmets and intercom systems used for light sport are really quite specialized and available from only a couple of reputable vendors. Radio. If you will always fly alone, never with another powered parachute in the sky with you, and in remote areas away from airports and more complicated airspace you might not need a radio. Most of the powered parachute pilots we equip d intercom system. Maintenance. The typical powered parachute pilot carries a nice small set of personal tools so that they can conduct t Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 10 cost of cost associated wit that is only a $5 pr to check on sales tax requirements. DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT AVAILABLE INCLUDING INSTRUCTORS, FLIGHT EXAMINERS, QUALIFIED MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL AND FACTORY RESOURCES? As you conduct your due diligence in the areas detailed above you will soon discover whether or not the support resources are available. Unfortunately there are many areas of the country where these are far and few between. If you will be earning a sport not only in the training, but also the travel to get there. The same issue needs to be considered in each of the other areas. Who will be available if you need parts and factory support, how available is that? DO YOU HAVE PLACES TO FLY AND PEOPLE TO FLY WITH? fly your powered parachute. And if you are a social person at all you may discover that you are indeed all by yourself in a wilderness e you will need to learn from an instructor and perhaps the airport managers whether you will be able to operate from the airport and within the more complicated airspace that surrounds more rural airports, or from open private fields. apters are focused on Ultralights or light sport. And this may be a great place locally. Of course if you are located in the more rural areas that comprise most of America you are likely to find more flyin THE END OR THE BEGINNING? it is rock the achievement. arachute pilot with a full save you Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 11 STAY CONNECTED The Western Sport Pilot Association is one of the strongest sport pilot training organizations in the United States. This strength comes from an affiliation of professionals who agree to share the same goals, objectives, training materials and ethics. We have also spent considerable time developing a variety of ways for you to stay connected with us. We don’t believe you will find any better location and any better association to train with, anywhere. Start Here (Ctrl Click on Links to Activate) WSPA Website http://westernppa.org/ The place to start your search for information on our company, our products and the sport of powered parachuting Catalogue Request Fill out this simple form and we will forward you a full color .pdf 2014 Catalogue. Stay Connected with our new Face Book Page Check out our Photos and Videos Page at Shutterfly Catalogue Request Form Request Western Sport Flying Association Catalogue General Inquiries westernppa@comcast.net Contact Request WSPA is now offering various media and training materials on the Powered Parachute Store. http://sixchuter.mybigcommerce.com/shopmedia-training-and-information/ The winter doesn't provide us with a lot of opportunity for flying but is a great time of the year to study up to pass written tests, or to order and read up on the sport with FAA handbooks. If you don't find something that you are looking for in the store, email me at maas0755@comcast.net http://wppa.shutterfly.com/ Powered Sport Flying Magazine is the only newsstand-quality magazine published in the United States that covers powered paragliders, powered parachutes, ultralights, light sport aircraft, weight-shift control trikes, and personal rotorcraft in every issue. Our goal is to spread the word about the joy of flight through aviation news, flying stories, adventures and education. Check them out and subscribe at http://www.psfmagazine.com/about/ Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 12 Contact Us Western Sport Pilot Association westernppa@comcast.net www.westernppa.org WESTERN SPORT PILOT ASSOCIATION LLC The Western Sport Pilot Association is one of the strongest and most professional sport pilot training organizations anywhere. If you want to fly legally, Fly Safely, and Fly Fun…for Life. Check us out. WESTERN SPORT PILOT ASSOCIATION 5700 N.E. 82nd Ave #7 Vancouver, WA 98662 [Recipient Name] [Street Address] [City, ST ZIP Code] Western Sport Pilot Association News Volume I Issue 2 Page 13