January 2020

Well January sure flew by in a hurry.  When the clouds come down to us, we don't have to fly up to them, so it's been a little quiet around here.  We hope everyone has stayed safe in the winds, and enjoyed the winter snow.  A quick trip to Arizona was reassurance that the sun does still exist and it will be back hopefully sooner than later.

Saturday Social
This Saturday is our monthly social at 10 am at The Muk.  Join us this 1st of February for some coffee and breakfast with fellow aviation enthusiasts.   If you can't find us just ask the staff - we have lately had the great fortune of having the stage in the back roasting area.

What's Happening at W10?
The clearing and grading permit for several of our upcoming projects was approved so we are continuing to move forward as best as we can.  We will be minimizing any disruption to the runway and aircraft operations but will let you know by email and NOTAM if anything comes up.

Private Pilot Ground School
We are pleased to announce that we are looking at starting another ground school session on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020.  Classes would be held from 6-8pm on Tuesday and Thursdays for 10 weeks.   If you are interested please let us know so we can start getting a head count.  If you have any questions about ground school please contact Dave Bennett at [email protected] or Tara or Sky Rudolph at W10 via email at [email protected] or call us at 360-321-0510.  
 
Tuesday Talks (Name to change so other days are not excluded)
We had a productive discussion at the Tuesday talk held on January 21st at the W10 classroom.  Geoff Woodard hosted discussion on the importance of flying a heading or tracking the runway centerline after take-off.  He also emphasized the responsibility for pilots to understand ATC clearances and be willing to ask for clarification or even refuse (UNABLE) commands when they may not be in the best interest of safety.  We watched a chilling video re-enactment of an incident that took place in 1999 where both pilots and ATC were confused because of low visibility conditions.  
Geoff received his 1st airplane ride at four and a half from his father.  He has wanted to fly ever since.  He earned his private license at 17 and went on to get his commercial rating at 23, towing gliders.  In 1984 he started flying a charter Twin Otter and went on to fly for seven different airlines.  He has flown 727, 737, 757, 767, A320 and A330 airplanes.  He is presently working on his instructor rating and plans to eventually instruct in sea planes, gliders and tail draggers.  He owns a Piper Super Cub on floats that he keeps in Kenmore, Lake Washington.

Taxiway Talks
Our next Taxiway Talks are in the makings and are just trying to finalize scheduling, so stay tuned and we'll let you know the topic and dates/times as soon as possible.

Career Day at SWHS
We received a request to come speak to some students at SWHS regarding aviation careers.  We had a great variety of backgrounds represented and wanted to thank Rick Ludtke, John Githens, Geoff Woodard, Petek Saracoglu and Sky Rudolph for taking time out of their afternoon to try to open the aviation door to students that may be interested in learning more about aviation careers.

Instructor's Corner
As a non-towered airport, we at W10 are big fans of the FAA Advisory Circular AC 90-66B, “Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations”.  This AC was revised just last year to provide updated information, including discussion of unmanned aircraft (drones).
The full document can be found here https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66B_CHG_1.pdf and is definitely worth a read.  Some of my favorite points include: 

• Section 9.1 – Left traffic, it’s not just a good idea, it’s the law!  Unless otherwise indicated by visual markings, light gun signals, airport publications, or published approach procedures, the standard (left turns) traffic pattern and CTAF procedures by radio equipped aircraft are required for all aircraft at all airports without operating control towers.
• Section 9.2.1 – Unmanned aircraft (drones) are allowed to operate in Class G airspace without specific ATC authorization and without radio communications.  The drone operator must however always yield to manned aircraft and not interfere with manned aircraft operations.  (Drone operation in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspaces do require ATC authorization). 

Instructors Comment: Note that drone operation rules have changed several times in the last few years and will likely continue to change as drone use evolves and is further integrated into the national airspace system.  Although it is the remote pilot’s duty to stay clear of manned aircraft, it would be prudent for all pilots to keep current on drone rules, and to be aware that ready availability of drones may mean that some are operated by pilots that are not appropriately registered, trained, or in observation of FAA limitations.

• Section 9.7 – Two-way radios are generally not a requirement for operation at a non-towered airport.  Pilots of aircraft that are not capable of radio communication should follow appropriate pattern entry procedures, but all pilots should be especially vigilant in watching for other aircraft in the traffic pattern. 

Instructors Comment: Although aircraft without radios are fairly rare, there may be a number of reasons CTAF communications may be missed, including a pilot off frequency while checking on weather, an inadvertently mis-set frequency, other cockpit distractions, radio problems, etc.  A pilot should not rely on radios for their situational awareness, and should remember that blind spots exist that may make it difficult to ‘see and avoid’ such as the classic example of a low wing aircraft descending onto the top of a high wing aircraft.

• Section 10.1 – All traffic within a 10-mile radius of a non-towered airport should continuously monitor and communicate as appropriate on the designated CTAF.  Self announce position and intentions between 8 and 10 miles from the airport upon arrival.  On departure, monitor the CTAF continuously from startup, during taxi, and until 10 miles from the airport.
• Section 10.1.1 
  • Use the correct airport name when providing traffic information to reduce the risk of confusion.  For example, use “Whidbey Airpark Traffic” instead of “Langley Traffic” or “Whidbey Island Traffic”.
  • Limit CTAF communications to safety essential information regarding takeoffs, landings, arrivals, and departures.  The CTAF should not be used for personal conversations.
• Section 10.3.1 – Self-announce transmissions on the CTAF may include aircraft type, style and color, but should not replace the call sign.  And when referring to a runway the phrase “active runway” should not be used because there is no official active runway at a non-towered airport.  Instead pilots should refer to the runway by runway number.  Note: Pilots are reminded that the use of the phrase, “ANY TRAFFIC IN THE AREA, PLEASE ADVISE,” is not a recognized self-announce position and/or intention phrase and should not be used under any condition. Any traffic that is present at the time of your self-announcement that is capable of radio communications should reply without being prompted to do so.
• Section 10.4 - Confusing Language. To avoid misunderstandings, pilots should avoid using the words “to” and “for” whenever possible. These words might be confused with runway numbers or altitudes. The use of “inbound for landing” should also be avoided. For example, instead of saying, “MIDWEST TRAFFIC, EIGHT ONE TANGO FOXTROT TEN MILES TO THE NORTHEAST, INBOUND FOR LANDING RUNWAY TWO TWO MIDWEST,” it is more advisable to say, “MIDWEST TRAFFIC, EIGHT ONE TANGO FOXTROT TEN MILES NORTHEAST OF THE AIRPORT, LANDING STRAIGHT IN RUNWAY TWO TWO, MIDWEST,” so it does not confuse runway 4, runway 22, or the use of an IAP on arrival.
• Section 11.9 – Departing the Pattern. When departing the traffic pattern, airplanes should continue straight out or exit with a 45-degree left turn (right turn for right traffic pattern) beyond the departure end of the runway after reaching pattern altitude. Pilots need to be aware of any traffic entering the traffic pattern prior to commencing a turn.

There is of course lots of other good stuff in there.  Go give it a read, and stay safe out there!

W10 Swag
Currently there are Cinch Bags ($15) and W10 oval vinyl stickers ($5) and now NEW 50 sheet post-it notes ($3) available so you can represent your favorite little airport in the woods.  All proceeds go towards the airport to help with maintenance and improvement projects.  

We got a little peek through the clouds today at some blue sky.  Our hope was renewed!
Tara and Sky Rudolph
Phone 360-321-0510
e-mail: [email protected] ​