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


 
 Los Angeles Area
Safety Program Mgrs. (310) 215-2150
Ops Michael Marchand - Ext 108 michael.j.marchand@faa.dot.gov
v
A/W
Bob Sissung Ext 130 -robert.j.sissung@faa.dot.gov
Contact: Hank Smith, (310) 324-1800

LOS ANGELES

 HAWTHORNE
9AM-1PM Sat Nov 7
Operation Takeoff:

Orientation to FSS
Location: Hawthorne Flight Service
Sponsor: Hawthorne Flight Service
Contact: HHR FSS (310) 970-0102
 INGLEWOOD
Thu Nov 5
What is Acceptable Wear and Cracks.
Question and answer session.
Location:
Northrop Rice USA Inc. 8911 Aviation Ave.
Sponsor: LAX FSDO Safety Program
Speaker: Cessna Factory Engineer
Contact:
LAX FSDO (310) 215-2150
 EL MONTE
Wed Nov 11
Night Flying
Location:
FAST Inc,. El Monte Airport, 4015 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte (Fly-In)
Sponsor:
FAST Inc.
Contact: FAST Inc. (626) 575-3278
 LAVERN/BRACKETT
Tue
Nov 17
Airport Signs and Markings
Location:
Brackett Airport Admin Bldg.
Speaker: LAX ASC’s
Sponsor: Comarco
Contact: LAX FSDO (310) 215-2150
 HAWTHORNE
Wed
Nov 18
Changes in the LA Sectional Chart
Location:
Hawthorne Flight Service
Speaker: Mireille Goyer, CFII, ASC
Sponsor: Hawthorne Flight Service
Contact: LAX FSDO (310) 215-2150
 COMPTON
9:30-11AM Sat
Nov 28
On Landings Part 1
Location:
Compton Airport Admin Bldg
Speaker: LAX ASC’s
Sponsor: Comarco
Contact: LAX FSDO (310) 215-2150
 SANTA MONICA
Wed Nov 25
FAR’S & Required Documents
Location: Museum of Flying (3rd Floor Theater), Northside of Santa Monica Apt
Speaker: LAX Safety Inspectors
Sponsor: SMO Museum of Flying
Contact: LAX FSDO (310) 215-2150



 
 Long Beach Area
Safety Program Mgrs. (562) 420-1755
Ops Kathleen O'Brien
kathleen.o'brien@faa.dot.gov
A/W George Mahurin Ext 136

 LONG BEACH

 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


 
 RIVERSIDE AREA
Safety Program Mgrs. (909) 276-6701
Ops RC Morton Ext. 37 - r.c.morton@faa.dot.gov
A/W
Dennis Parr Ext 26 denni.l.parr@faa.dot.gov

 RIVERSIDE
 
 RIVERSIDE
7:00 -8:30PM Wed
Nov 4
Avoiding Runway Incursions
Location:
Riverside FSDO
Speaker: Ron Malm, ASC
Sponsor: RAL FSDO Safety Program
Contact: Ron Malm (909) 948-7709
 RIVERSIDE
7:00-8:30PM TuesNov 10
Coping With Engine Failure
Location:
Riverside Air Service at Riverside Airport
Speaker: Dan Ramirez, ASC & CFI
Sponsor: Riverside Air Service
Contact: Dan Ramirez (909) 780-1942
 RIVERSIDE
6:00PM-9:00PM
Every Thurs Nov 5-19
*Sessions #10 - #12 of the 12-Week CFI Workshop
Location:
Riverside FSDO at Riverside Airport
Speaker: R. C. Morton, SPM
Sponsor: Riverside FSDO Safety Program
Contact: R. C. Morton (909) 276-6701 Ext. 37


 

 Aviation Safety Seminars
Published by
The FAA’s San Deigo Flight Standards District Office,
8525 Gibbs Dr. Ste 120 - San Diego, CA 92123

Safety Program Managers:
Ops Mike Harris 619/557-5281 x 237
michael.r.harris@faa.dot.gov
A/W Fred Christlieb 619/557-5281 x 266
fred.w.christlieb@faa.dot.gov

 SAN DIEGO

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 Scho
ol


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,


Coming in February…

SoCal Aviation Maintenance Technician and Pilot’s Symposium

at Buena Park-Sequoia

Conference Center

February 26 & 27, 1999!

AVIALL will be hosting the SoCal symposium. Bill O’Brian will be speaking!! Many other companies with maintenance and flight training programs will be there with a variety of booths and presentations.

Registration will be required.

More on this later!

Attention!

We Need help!

…for the San Diego Aviation Maintenance Technicians & Pilots Symposium.

We are looking for local vendors to display booths and present industry procedures for use of their technology in aviation maintenance. Flight Schools and Flying Clubs, this is also a chance for you to come out and show us your stuff. The symposium will be at Miramar College in February, 1999 (final date pending).

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



Visit us on the World Wide Web:
LGB FSDO http//www.faa.gov/fsdo/lgb/
RAL FSDO http//home.earthlink.net/~phylo123/index.html
Questions on how and when you can log PIC? See the explanatory article by Al German on the LGB FSDO Web Page.

 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\

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