• Prop Wash – The annual

It is time for us to act in support of the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act (GAPPA). Send a customizable message with the EAA’s Rally Congress tool, or you can write, call, or email your Congressional delegation today and ask for their co-sponsorship and support. This legislation would apply medical certification standards similar to the decade-old and successful Sport Pilot rule to most general aviation aircraft when flown for personal flights under visual flight rules at or below 14,000 feet MSL and under 250 knots. The bill is designated S. 2103 in the Senate and H.R. 3708 in the House of Representatives, introduced by Senator John Boozman and Representative Todd Rokita, respectively.

A day trip from Fair Oaks to Solvang starts with the first leg from our home – to the home of the Cessna at Lincoln Airport – and was by far the most challenging. Dealing with drivers that have no idea there are other folks who think they own the same piece of road; and think that by honking the horn that gives them the right to defend it. “Merge” means cut in front as close as you can; and slow traffic now keeps to the left. The use of turn signals is no longer in fashion. The bike lane is now a passing lane for those who wish to turn right in two blocks. The crosswalks are now moved to the middle of the block and are unmarked.

I am so thankful for the rules and guidelines for air traffic. Most pilots follow the rules and use good judgement. There are no traffic lights or signs to guide you. It’s just BEST IF USED BY ALL that keeps us safe. Just following the rules and informing others of your intentions keeps the stress level at a minimum. Pilots are generally friendly and happy. They will politely give way to any traffic. A powered parachute or a Lear jet in the pattern show the same courtesy to each other. Neither your mother or any traffic cop is watching to see that you do the right thing. You were taught the right way to operate an aircraft and we all benefit from that education. It’s a respect for the other pilots no matter what they are in command of that makes the air much safer that the roadways.

Now that we finally got to the airport, we can leave the horn honking and fist shaking behind. Stay tuned for the rest of the story….

First in a series of “What our members are flying” articles, Gary Boothe’s Pietenpol Air Camper.

The December meeting of the EAA 1541 took place at Cattlemens in Roseville. There was very little – but some important – business to reckon with. Ken introduced the new officers and board members. We have had a very successful year, due to the hard work of many, and the excellent leadership. As with any organization, the success or failure is determined by the vision of the leadership. The new leadership is determined to maintain the course and altitude set by the founding members; with a focus on serving the wants and desires of our members. They have many ideas to keep the momentum going but would like to hear suggestions from the members. They have promised to do their part as leaders but we all need to do our part. Pitch in in some way, it will be appreciated.
The main thrust of the meeting was the holiday dinner. The food and the service was second to none. I had a juicy steak that just melted in my mouth delivered on plate dressed with a steaming baked potato and tasty veggies. I did not hear one complaint about the food or service. With fifty meals to serve I think they did a phenomenal job.
The highlight of the evening was a three way tie – Santa made an appearance and delivered candy canes to everyone with a smile on their face. He also helped with the drawing and delivered gifts to the winning guests. We were also treated to an outstanding musical performance by one of our own, Danny Hull, formerly of the Doobie Brothers. He got us all in a festive mood singing along with him. The third and most important was the number of you that took the time to come during this busy time of year. All of us that put this together want to thank you for support, your smiles were all we needed to know that our work of the past year was appreciated. Thank you all and Merry Christmas, Dave.

See the pictures

Words by Dave Harris

The first year of the Lincoln EAA 1541 was very successful. Due to the hard work of founding members and the enthusiasm of the general membership. Our goal of fifty members was surpassed in the first six months and we continue to grow in numbers and in enthusiasm. At the present time we have 83 standing tall members. Each and every member brings something to the organization that strengthens the bond.

Tales of that first solo, first engine out, first ramp check, first outside loop and first VFR on top. We all have a story to share that will widen the eyes of the listener. The monthly meetings are a buzz of stories and useful information. The business part of the meeting is usually short and to the point to leave time for informative presentations.

The December meeting will be the exception. It will an evening of festive cheer, good food and camaraderie with a short business meeting to introduce the new officers. Each guest will receive a gift and a chance to win some great door prizes. If you we’re thinking of not going, you still have time to reconsider, don’t miss out on the fun. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Words by Dave Harris

A long awaited trip to visit the sister in Yerington who cashed in on the real estate boom in Sacramento. She purchased a a fixer upper on main street and put as much in it as she paid for it. We have only seen the house in the fix up condition. Now that the extreme make over is complete, we can’t wait to see the results.

The weather conditions were near perfect for the short flight over the top of the Sierras. Just a slight head wind as we rumbled down the runway past the abandoned crop duster. We passed over Thunder Valley Casino as they were testing the lights for tonight’s out door concert. It looked like Disney Land on the fourth of July. South bound 65 was a parking lot from the 80 all the way to Blue Oaks.

As we gained altitude passing over Auburn, there was the odor of camp fire that replaced that hydrocarbon smell of Sacramento. Donner Lake looked like an artist rendition of a mirror lake. The sun was just about to break over the crest of the mountains, it cast an orange glow and looked like a Jack O’ Lantern. The deep orange color lightened quickly as we rose up to meet the blinding rays. The only visual contact with the earth was out the side windows. The shadows of the tall pines stretched across meadows like the fingers of a rubber glove.

Lake Tahoe looked like a skating rink just as smooth and flat not a ripple to be seen.

As the sun rose just enough for the pilot to see dead ahead through the propeller we realized the extent of the camp fire. There was a thick blanket of smoke covering the entire East slope of the Sierras. We were at maximum altitude for the Cessna and the smoke looked like it rose all the way to heaven and beyond. The flight commander requested a descending turn. As the morning sun came around to our back side, it pushed us to speeds we rarely see indicated in the 172.

In what seemed like a moment we were on final approach at Auburn. As we taxied to the tie downs in front of Wings restaurant we were greeted by the Ercoupe group we so often had breakfast with at several watering holes in the valley.

We will try another day for Yerington – this was not the first time we started out for Yerington and ended up at Auburn. The food was great and it was good to see friends we have not seen for some time. We made it back to Lincoln just in time to go to Pizza Round up with the braggers and liars for some tall tales over lunch.

It was another fun flight filled with good intentions and good judgement, can’t wait for another adventure.

Keep the props turning and hold that attitude.

Words by Dave Harris

Friday night at the movies could have been better only if you were there. There was plenty of popcorn, hot dogs, soft drinks, and braggin’ and lyin’ going on, just not enough listeners. We thought Robert Redford would be a big draw for some and Waldo Pepper would bring in the aviator crowd. As it turned out most came for the food and drink and camaraderie. We had to blink the lights several times to get the crowd to settle down to enjoy the movie.

We had only one attendee fly in; August and his brave wife flew a Cessna 150 all the way from Executive Airport. They were on their second date, after being married for thirty years. It put some spark in the relationship. Halfway through the movie they got up and moved to the back row. Does a 150 have a backseat? There were other couples that reminded me why we took our dates to the movies. A movie is always more enjoyable when you can sit close and share a popcorn with a soul mate.

The weather was perfect, the sun set just in time to bring on the dark. There were no mosquitoes, just an occasional moth that fluttered through the projector light. There were a few who lingered after the movie to see if their name showed up in the credits as one of the stunt men. As for me, during the movie, just as in real life, there were moments during the stunt flying scenes when I just closed my eyes and thought happy thoughts. Another successful flight, this time not from the right seat, but from the back seat.

Words by Dave Harris

Clear skies and reports of good weather for the next twelve hours seemed like a good time to fly to Yreka to visit our daughter.
We opened the hanger door the propeller cast a shadow in the form of a smile just under the nose.  It reminded me of bird about to take its first flight, clinging to the edge of the nest wings stretched waiting for a rush of air to lift off.
With a fresh annual and new tires it seemed glide over the yellow stripe that guided to run up area.  The pilot did an extensive pre-flight to be sure all the nuts and bolts were secure and proper.  The fresh oil in the engine forced the oil pressure to the upper edge of the green arch as the engine races at ninety percent of full power for a run-up check.  The locked wheels strain to hold the Cessna in place as the vital functions are checked.  The prop wash flattens the tall grass and strips the cat tails behind us as the wings create lift and rock from side to side eager to take flight.  With all the pre-flight checks done and lights all green, we ease up to the hold short line.  After a check of any traffic and a radio call we roll to the runway.  A final check of the instruments and the pilot gently pushes the throttle to the firewall .  The thrust of the engine tries to twist the 172 off the center line. With some cross control we lift off in just seconds.  It felt like a rubber band stretched past it’s limit, and we were free of gravity rocketing skyward.
The Sutter Buttes passed under the right wing and I was able to get some good photographs with my new Go Pro camera mounted on the landing gear.  As we headed north, Mount Shasta directly in the smear of the propeller and Mount Lassen off the right wing tip, the view off the left wing was of more interest.  A huge cloud bank obscuring the Cascade Mountains came as a surprise to both the pilot and the passenger.  We both heard the weather and it was for clear skies all around and all day.  Past experience taught us now to rely completely on the weather service as things can change quickly.  So we made the decision to return to our home port and make the trip to Yreka on another day.
We flew across mid field to check wind and traffic, the wind was favoring runway 33 and there were no aircraft on the ground or in the air.  We came around and flew a left pattern for 33.  By the time we made the turn on final approach the wind had changed to a crosswind from the west.  By the time we touched down the crosswind was severe and I am sure we landed on one wheel with the wingtip nearly touching the pavement.  We made it to the hangar shoved the Cessna in its roost just as the rain began to fall. By the time we got the doors closed, it sounded like bullets hitting the tin roof. Another successful flight due to good judgment.

Words by Dave Harris

The gourmet cook outdid himself in spite of gusty winds and demands from hungry patrons, the hamburgers were cooked to a juicy delight.  Mouthwatering tube steaks and fixings that would delight a king.  There was plenty for all and a few hamburger patties leftover.  Everyone was offered seconds on the food we all enjoyed a fine meal.
Dick Rupe gave a presentation on fasteners and tools used in building airplanes

We greatly appreciate the use of Richard’s hangar thank you.

FROM ALL 1541 MEMBERS

Words by Dave Harris