SOCAL ~ Aviation Safety Review ~ NOVEMBER 1998

HIGH DESERT-see Van Nuys	LONG BEACH FSDO	LOS ANGELES	RIVERSIDE
VAN NUYS	SAN DIEGO	WINGS PROFICIENCY AWARD PROGRAM
PRIOR ISSUES  BACK TO EVENTS		What’s in this Issue: Winter is Here! You’ll need more than the Weather Channel to make it through. San Diego Review

Winter is Here! Time for Changes to Your Preflight  Winter weather can take its toll on you and your aircraft. If you are going to fly in anything less than good weather you should check to be sure you and your aircraft are up to the trip. Are you dressed warm enough for the trip? Have you made changes to your survival kit for Winter? Dose your Pitot heat work? Has your aircraft been sitting for a while? Check your fuel for water. Is the carburetor heat working? When did you last check your de-ice boots? Is there slush or ice in your wheel wells or wheel pants? You’ll need more than the Weather Channel to make it through. Those of us who love to watch the weather channel marvel at nature’s spectacular shows. Our relatively calm Southern California climate can lull us into a false sense of security. That same old weather channel can also lull us into thinking we have the information we need to take a safe flight. This is not the case. Weather channel reports and forecasts are not for flying. They are of a more general nature and do not address some of the specific issues that can mean the difference between an adventure and a disaster. A single-engine Piper aircraft with only the pilot on board, departed on a night cross country flight from Hayward, CA to Bermuda Dunes, CA. The pilot never arrived at his destination. The aircraft was found with the wings and empennage separated from the fuselage where it had crashed at an off airport site in Lost Hills, CA. The pilot was killed in the crash. The NTSB concluded the probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s continued visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument conditions. He had no recent instrument training or experience and there was no record of his obtaining a preflight or in-flight weather briefing. A pilot in a Beech V35B intended a day/IFR cross country flight from Smith Ranch to Truckee, CA. He was advised of moderate turbulence below 18,000 feet. The freezing level was reported at 9,300 feet with expected rime icing. The single-engine Beech crashed and was destroyed. The pilot, the only person on board, was killed in the accident. The investigation concluded that the probable cause of this accident was the pilot’s intentional flight into adverse weather conditions, his improper flight planning and decision making. In Pensacola, FL, a Beech A36 pilot attempted an instrument approach but low clouds prevented him from landing. He requested a second instrument approach. While on a five mile final, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. The plane collided with trees, was substantially damaged and the two people on board died. Here, the post accident investigation revealed no fuel in the left wing tank with the fuel selector set on the left tank. A factor cited in the NTSB report was the low ceiling that existed at the time. The pilot of a twin engine Cessna 414 filed an IFR flight plan prior to departing from an uncontrolled airport. Weather at the time was day, IFR, with a 600 foot ceiling and visibility 6 miles. Shortly after takeoff the pilot contacted approach control for his clearance. He was instructed to maintain VFR while the controller coordinated with air route traffic control center, ARTCC. Within minutes, the controller lost radar contact. The aircraft collided with upslope terrain in weather conditions of fog, sleet and snow. The accident site was about 14 miles from the departure airport. The airplane was destroyed and the two people on board were killed. Probable cause of this accident was the pilot’s VFR flight into instrument conditions, inadequate in-flight decision making and failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. The low ceiling that existed at the time was named as a factor as well.The weather channel is a great place to begin planning for a winter flight. You can get an overview of the large weather picture and even some interesting trend information. Maps will show the placement, movement and types of fronts out there. All this is a great beginning, but only a beginning. The FAA and the National Weather Service provide a wide range of weather information. This data is more specific to our needs as pilots. The information you will get from a DUATS or AFSS briefing has to be compiled to give you the best possible base for your decisions concerning weather and your flying plans. Those of us who are shy can call 1 800 992-7433 (1 800 Wx Brief) and get great weather information transcribed at regular intervals by selecting the automated menu. These recorded reports and forecasts let us repeat whatever we missed or didn’t quite pick up. We can select from wide area forecasts and outlooks, route based weather forecasts or surface observations less than a hour old.The AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual) has good, easy to read explanations and descriptions of the weather products available. It’s a great overview of the information out there. There are some wonderful books available on weather and meteorology for pilots. The Internet has sites for aviation weather. This winter, enjoy the weather channel and along with that, visit the Flight Service Station in Hawthorne or Riverside. Read one of those new books on weather for pilots. And everytime, get a real weather briefing from someone who speaks your language, the language of flying. by Kathleen O’Brien, SPM, LGB FSDO

FAA FSDO WEB PAGES

LGB FSDO http://www.awp.faa.gov/fsdo/long_beach/default.htm RAL FSDOhttp://www.awp.faa.gov/fsdo/riverside/default.htm VNY FSDOhttp://www.awp.faa.gov/fsdo/van_nuys/default.htm

Safety Seminars

Save these announcements and post them for handy reference

VAN NUYS AREA Safety Program Mgrs. (818) 904-6291 Ops Karla Towe Ext. 246 - karla.j.towe@faa.dot.gov A/W Bruce Borden Ext 342 - bruce.a.borden@faa.dot.gov

VAN NUYS

EDWARDS AFB 2nd Sat, November 14 *“Operation Raincheck” High Desert Tracon Pilot Familiarization Contact: (805) 258-6300	PALMDALE 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.3rd Sat, November 21 *“Operation Raincheck” LA ARTC Center Pilot Familiarization Contact: (805) 538-2402	*SANTA MARIA Wednesday, November 4 On Landings, Part I Location: Santa Maria Public Airport District Board Room Speakers: Rich Jenson & Staff Sponsor: Aviation Unlimited Contact: (805) 922-5006
BURBANK Thursday, November 5 Review of Numerous Recent FAR 61 Changes Location: Ameriflight’s Classroom A, Hangar 2, 4561 Empire Avenue. Continue past the "Not a Through Street" sign at Empire and Clybourn on the south side of BUR. Park in the Hangar 2 lot in spaces marked AMF. Follow signs from the Hangar 2 parking lot entrance. Speaker: Ameriflight’s John Hazlet Sponsor: Ameriflight & J.G. Boswell Co. Contact: (818) 841-7103	VAN NUYS The following 7 Seminars are located at AV8, Inc. - 16431 Vanowen St. Contact: Richard Mend (818) 994-9770  9:00 - 11:00AM Saturday, November 7 Flight Characteristics of the A320 Airbus Speaker: Gary Schal Northwest Airlines  9:00 - 11:00AM Saturday, November 14 Avoiding Wire Strikes Speaker: Gary Cost, Mercy Air  Wednesday, November 11 Flight Instructor Seminar: Checkrides Speaker: Mark Boss, FAA DPE  9:00 - 11:00AM Saturday, November 21 Time in Your Tanks - Fuel Management Speaker: Richard Mend, CFI-AIM ATP

*Reservations Required

TORRANCE 6:30-8:30PM Wed Nov 4 *IFR X-C TOA-BFL-SBA-TOA Location: Rolling Hills Aviation, 3115 Airport Dr. Torrance Airport Speaker: Hank Smith, CFII & Master CFI Sponsor: The Aviation Law Firm of Chevalier, Allen & Lichman Contact: Hank Smith (310) 324-1800	LONG BEACH 7-9 PM Wed Nov 4 What You Should Know About I.L.S. Location: LGB FSDO, 5001 Airport Plaza Dr, Ste 100 Speaker: Richard Mend Sponsor: Mend Aviation of Van Nuys Contact: LGB FSDO (562) 420-1755	ORANGE COUNTY JOHN WAYNE Thurs. Nov 12 *Making Sense of Winter Weather Reports and Forecasts. Location: John Wayne Airport 3160 Airway Avenue, Costa Mesa Space Limited-Reserve Early Speaker: Kathleen O’Brien Sponsor: Manager of LGB FSDO Contact: LGB FSDO 9562)420-1755
TORRANCE 6:30-8:30PM Thus Nov12 Pilot Prerogatives with Rolling Hills Instructor Team Location: Rolling Hills Aviation, 3115 Airport Dr. Torrance Airport Hosted by: Hank Smith, CFII & Master CFI Speakers: Rolling Hills Aviation Instructors Sponsor: Rolling Hills Aviation & Aviation Systems Associates, Inc. Contact: Hank Smith (310) 324-1800 Contact: Hank Smith (310) 324-1800	CYPRESS 9AM to 4:30PM Sat Nov 14 *"Preventing and Handling In-flight Emergencies" Location: Cypress College Speaker: Rod Machado Sponsor: Aviation Dept & Flying Team of Cypress College Contact: (714) 687-1418 Must call for reservation information	TORRANCE 6:30-8:30PM Tue Nov 17 Flying Start (The EAA Program) Location: Rolling Hills Aviation Host: Bill Wood, CFI EAA-IAC Speakers: Shinji Kurashige, Andy Angelo & others Sponsor: Rolling Hills Aviation Contact: Hank Smith (310) 324-1800
LONG BEACH Thur Nov 19th Aircraft Icing- What You Should Know Location: LGB FSDO, 5001 Airport Plaza Dr, Ste 100 Speaker:Geoerge Mahurin & Kathleen O’Brien Sponsor: Manager of LGB FSDO Contact: LGB FSDO (562) 420-1755	ORANGE COUNTY John Wayne 7:00-9:00 Tues Nov 17 I.F.R. Procedures Location: Orange County Flight Center, 19711 Campus Dr. Ste 150 Speaker: Al German Sponsor: Orange County Flight Center Contact: Annie (714) 756-1300	TORRANCE 10AM-12PM Sat Nov 28 *How to Get a Job and Make a Living as a Safe CFI Location: Rolling Hills Aviation, 3115 Airport Drive, Torrance Airport Speaker: Hank Smith, CFI Sponsor: Rolling Hills Aviation Contact: Hank Smith (310) 324-1800

*Reservations Required

In addition, San Diego area seminars can be found by calling the SAN AFSS at 1-800-WX BRIEF, extension #*320. Last minutes changes will be updated through the Flight Service Station recording.

Safety Program Arrives for Technicians The Pace Program Is Growing Pilot and Aircraft Courtesy Evaluation Have you earned your AMT Award for training this year? Flight Safety Competition at Ramona Airport SoCal Aviation Maintenance Technician and Pilot’s Symposium ATC & AFSS Seminars, WINGS/AMT Seminars Wings Awards Recipients

Certified Flight Instructor & Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year We’re looking for a special CFI & AMT Do you know a CFI or AMT who deserves specialrecognition? Is there a flight instructor out there who instructor out there who always goes the extra mile for his or her students? Is there a maintenance technician who you can always count on to fix it right the first time? Well, don’t keep it to yourself. Nominate that CFI or AMT for this distinguished award. Local winners go on to compete at the regional level,and if they win there, at the national level. Nominations will be accepted at the San Diego Flight Standards District Office until November 30, 1998. Nominations should consist of a brief history of the airman with emphasis on his or her contributions to the local aviation community. Nominations should focus on the airman’s contributions this past year.

SAFETY PROGRAM ARRIVES FOR TECHNICIANS!!! We can finally develop an official program for the Aviation Maintenance Technicians, IA’s, and Repairmen!! This publication will now include FAA certificated pilot "WINGS" information and Maintenance Technician AMT Awards information. Look for future changes to the Aviation Safety Review.

The Pace Program is Growing Since the first of the year we have experienced increasing interest with the Pilot & Aircraft Courtesy Evaluation (PACE) Program. We initially conducted courtesy evaluations on one aircraft at a time and now schedule evaluations for six aircraft at a time. During our last PACE event inspectors evaluated single and multi-engine aircraft, including Cessna 182s and 172s; a Diamond Katana; a Piper Cherokee and a Piper Aerostar. The PACE Program is an educational non-enforcement experience. PACE participants say their involvement leads to worthwhile safety improvements. The PACE evaluation starts with a review of the maintenance records, STC’s, and Field Approvals. Following the records review FAA airworthiness inspectors will conduct a thorough pre-flight. Aircraft found airworthy can continue the evaluation with a courtesy check ride. The next PACE activity will be on November 17, 1998, at Montgomery Field, at the east end of the transient parking ramp. There will be orange traffic cones to identify the PACE activity area. Work space will be provided for records review. So, come prepared to dig in and learn. We want to encourage Aviation Maintenance Technicians to participate in the PACE Program. Call: Fred W. Christlieb, Safety Program Manager-Airworthiness (619)557-5281 x266. fred.w.christlieb@faa.dot.gov

Have you earned your AMT Award for training this year? Training received between 10-01-97 and 9-30-98 needs to be documented with the number of hours trained and a diploma. Send this information to Fred Christlieb at the San Diego FSDO for your AMT Award. Call Fred if you have any questions: (619) 557-5281 x 266.fred.w.christlieb@faa.dot.gov

Flight Safety Competiion at Ramona Airport

Although the temperature was soaring to 110° -112° , the competitors arrived and entered into the "GATES" of the Safety Competition. The competitors were new Private Pilots, certified within the last 12 months, sponsored by their respective flight schools or flying clubs. The "GATES" or events of the competition included: operations on non-tower controlled airports a written test pre-flight of the airplane starting and ground taxi procedures take off and landing procedures cross country flight planning and execution The hosting school or club will display the awarded "First Place" trophy until the next competition. Jimmy Carter’s Flying School hosted the activity and was kind enough to provide cold drinks, refreshments and a shade cover from the sun. The competition was intense and the scores were so close the winner was in doubt until the conclusion of the final event. Mr. Craig Wiblemo - Pinnacle Aviation Academy finished 1st with 130 points. Ms. Jay Holickova - California Flight Academy finished 2nd with 127 points. Mr. Alex Perry - Flyer’s, Inc. finished 3rd with 125 points. In addition, the following pilots competed: Mr. Jon Carley - American Flyers, Mr. Bill Nelson - Sea Winds, Mr. Ron Escano - San Diego Flight Training International Mr. Patrick Joyce - Jimmy Carter’s Flying School

Congratulations for a great job to all the competitors!

During this competition valuable information surfaced regarding pre-flight procedures. The judges noticed that some of the competitors did not look for missing or damaged engine components when checking the oil. It was also noticed that aircraft damage was harder to detect if it was on the underside of the airplane. When you pre-flight don’t be afraid to get down on your hands and knees and take a good look around. Remember,

Aviation Safety Seminars -ATC & AFSS SEMINARS

MONTGOMERY FIELD ATC TOWER Operation Sunbreak Contact: Montgomery Field ATCT for dates and times - (619) 277-5601

GILLESPIE FIELD ATC TOWER Operation Sunbreak 3:00 PM Nov 21 Contact: Gillespie Field ATCT- (619) 448-1449

MONTGOMERY FIELD AFSS FLY-IN FLY-IN IF YOU WISH OPERATION TAKEOFF Last Saturday of each month 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: San Diego Automated Flight Service Station - 4302 Ponderosa Avenue Contact: Any Operations Supervisor at the AFSS for information - (619) 277-0503 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

WINGS SEMINARS

BROWN FIELD FLY-IN "Runway Incursions" - "Walk Around Clues" - "Wings and AMT Awards Program" and "Preventive Maintenance" Tuesday, November 10th 7:00P.M. - 9:00 PM Location: Bearden Aviation (619)661-1121 Speaker: Fred Christlieb and Mike Harris Sponsor: Bearden Aviation	PALOMAR AIRPORT FLY-IN "Runway Incursions" - "Walk Around Clues" - "Wings and AMT Awards Program" and "Midair Collision Avoidance" Thursday, November 12th 7:00P.M. - 9:00 PM Location: Mission West Conference Room Speaker: Fred Christlieb and Mike Harris Sponsor: Pinnacle Aviation
GILLESPIE FIELD FLY-IN "Runway Incursions" - "Walk Around Clues" - "Wings and AMT Awards Program" and "Midair Collision Avoidance" Wednesday, November 18th 7:00P.M. - 9:00 PM Location: Terminal Building Speaker: Fred Christlieb Sponsor: County of San Diego - Airports Division	MONTGOMERY FIELD FLY-IN "Runway Incursions" - "Walk Around Clues" - "Wings and AMT Awards Program" and "Midair Collision Avoidance" Tuesday November 24th 7:00P.M. - 9:00 PM Location: San Diego FSDO (619)557-5281 Speaker: Fred Christlieb and Mike Harris Sponsor: Scandinavian Flight Academy
IMPERIAL COUNTY FLY-IN Runway Incursions" - "Walk Around Clues" - "Wings and AMT Awards Program" and "Midair Collision Avoidance" Wednesday, November 25th 7:00P.M. - 9:00 PM Location: Imperial County DE ANZA Hut, West side Imperial County Airport, next door to the Imperial County Fire Station (760)355-2028 Speaker: Fred Christlieb and Mike Harris Sponsor: Imperial County DE ANZA Search and Rescue

Wings Awards - San Diego Get your Wings Join the FAA’s Pilot Proficiency Award Program - Here’s how: 1. Attend an FAA sponsored Safety Seminar. 2. Complete three hours of flight instruction including: · One hour of air work. · One hour of takeoffs and landings. · One hour of instrument work. Record these events on a “Wings Card” available at any FAA Safety Seminar and turn it in to your local FSDO. One year after receiving wings phase one a pilot may repeat the same requirements in order to receive wings phase two, and so on. PHASE I Gwendolyn Campbell Leslie L. Day Kyle Kerekffy   PHASE II James Blasigame Robert C. Dexter A. Frank Himmerich Charles B. Parme Melissa J. Sliffe PHASE III Larry Bierma Matt Dalton Craig Sands   PHASE IV Gordon F. Hughes James S. Santangelo Robert A. Soltis        PHASE VI Kathryn L. Buckman Wilbur Wong  HASE VII Shirley G. Hughes  PHASE VIII Michael S. Moore  PHASE IX Richard Miller PHASE IV Howard Hawkins

SOCAL Aviation Review is published monthly by the Aviation Safety Program of the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Western-Pacific Region. Stories are submitted by the various Flight Standards District Offices listed in the box on this same page, and by individuals in the aviation community, contributing through those FSDOs. Notices are also contributed by the Air Traffic Control branch of the FAA. Your comments and suggestions regarding this newsletter are welcomed. Please send them to: Kevin Clover, FAA Regional Aviation Safety Program Manager, WP-204, P.O. Box 92007, World Way Postal Center, Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007\

 
  The PilotAge Homepage is sponsored by Digital ChoreoGraphics.

LinkExchange Member

PilotAge is a trademark of Digital ChoreoGraphics
Copyright © 1997, Digital ChoreoGraphics