Board Meeting:
August 14, 2007, at the T-Craft Hangar

Ground Class:
August 16, 2007, Using the GPS, T-Craft Hangar

General Membership Meeting:
September 25, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

FUEL RE-IMBURSEMENT PRICE FOR JULY: $4.15
Members who have purchased fuel "out of pocket" can deduct this price per gallon from bill, or the billing director can credit the amount on next statement. Please include copy of receipt either way.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CLUB? POLICES? OR GETTING A NEW MEMBER APPLICATION? WE HAVE THE ANSWER! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

We are interested in stories and/or pictures of trips from the membership! Please remit to secretary@t-craft.org or call Jeff Vanhoozer (ph: 861-3972).

Insurance forms were due by April 10, 2007. Members without forms on file by April 26, 2007, have been suspended from Flight Status on Schedule Master.  Click here for a copy of the form.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CANCEL YOUR FLIGHT IN SCHEDULE MASTER IF YOU CAN'T FLY. THE BOARD CAN CHARGE ONE HOUR PER DAY AT THE SCHEDULED AIRCRAFT RATE ACCORDING TO T-CRAFT CLUB POLICY #15.

The EPA is cracking down on pilots dumping "sumped" fuel on the ramp. It is a very steep fine if you are caught. We have purchased devices to filter the fuel back into the aircraft. It is a little cumbersome the first time you use it, but it is necessary. Remove the top (strainer) section of the fuel tester, drain fuel, and place fuel strainer on top of tester. Open top of strainer and carefully replace fuel back into fuel tank.

Fires are burning throughout the West.  Make time in your flight planning to call Flight Service.  There could be new TFR's posted in the area you are about to fly, or numerous other items you wouldn't otherwise be aware of.

You can order Apparel from Bulldog Shirt Shop in Nampa on 12th Ave. They have our logo and will put it on any item in there catalog. Click on their name for the map and phone number.

Please keep your contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, postal address) updated in Schedule Master. To check or update your contact information, login to Schedule Master, click the "User" tab at the top, then click the link that says "Click here to edit your user info" which appears just above the list of users.

Gift Certificates are now available.  Contact the Board of Directors for more information.
 

Remember: Monitor 121.5 after landing, and before shutdown, to be sure the ELT in your aircraft hasn't been activated.

Aircraft doors and locks are VERY SENSITIVE.  Insert keys and gently turn.  Slamming doors and forcing keys to operate seriously harms latches and security devices.

375: Nothing to report.

686: Fire Extinguisher replaced.  Brakes replaced.  Broken rudder pedal spring replaced.  Intermittent Mode C issues being monitored.

64L: Monitoring engine start squawks.

91X: Nothing to report.

0YD: Starter replaced.

93S: Rear window seal repaired.

USE TACH TIME  FOR SQUAWKS PLEASE. This helps the maintenance team tremendously!
The sign-out sheets have not changed. Continue to use HOBBS Time for sign out sheets. This will continue to be the way you are billed.

Please check Schedule Master and Squawk Sheets for new Squawks on the aircraft you are about to fly. Also, please call the next pilot scheduled to fly if you Squawk the aircraft. AND DON'T FORGET TO LIST YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER!

by Jeff Beers

FILING A FLIGHT PLAN

     What is a flight plan and why and when should I file one?  These are good questions that I have heard pilots ask.  To answer these questions let's first look at what a flight plan is.
      When you call FSS and file your flight plan you are letting them know your route of flight, the time it should take you to get there, how much fuel you have and how many are on board.  FSS will also give you any NOTAMs or AIRMETs for the route and most importantly any TFRs.  With the fire season here, TFRs can pop up at any time around or near a fire.  Remember it is up to the pilot to be "familiar with all available information".
      Why you should file is simple.  If something happens and you do
not make your destination someone will come looking for you.
      Someone asked the question of when to file during the last ground class.  A good answer we got was if I am flying where there is no one around.  Another answer was for cross country's.  The answer is any time you as PIC feel it is a good idea.  I generally file if I am flying out of the local area, like McCall, Sun Valley or heading into Oregon to John Day.  You can file any time you want and for any trip you want.
      Flight plans are a great safety tool to have and use.  Flying is a lot of fun but it does come with a responsibility.  I recommend using flight plans.
      Also, a reminder about DENSITY ALTITUDE.  I know we always mention it in the newsletter because it is THAT IMPORTANT!  With this hot weather the performance of these aircraft can drastically change and not for the better.  Calculate weight and balance and use the POH to determine your takeoff and landing distances.

Please let Jeff Beers  know when you earn new wings levels, or pass other milestones like first solo, new ratings, etc.