In This Issue

Memories from 2013

Where have you flown lately?

Tyler and Gavin Singh flew to Lock Haven, PA to visit the Piper Aircraft Museum

Ron Slaton, is flying around the countryside building flight hours. He has recently flown to Cambridge, Salisbury, Easton, and Martin State Airports in Maryland. Ron may wonder how we knew about his trips. Fuel slips are a great resourse of information.

Bob McCabe and Deb Cunningham flew to Newport R.I. and toured the Newport Mansions in the area.
Next month's newsletter will include more details of their adventure and provide hints of making this trip yourselves.

Matthew Horan and Matt Horan's flight to Hammonton in October

Brian Robbins and Danny Ferry flew N129DK to the Bahamas.
We are waiting to see their phototgraphs.

Al Nugent, Bob Sanso, Steve Hart, and Chuck Clause, attended the Massey Fly In

Massey 2013

Video by Al Nugent

Links of Interest

(Click in the underline areas

to learn more.)

Check out the

Online Manual for our Preheat

The preheater on the flight line is just a little bit different then the one we had in the past.

Taking them for a Ride
The First Timer and
The Family Trip.

Taking non-pilots up for their first flight in a light plane is one of the rites of passage

for pilots.....

We thank our flight instructor Don Eck for suggesting this article for our new pilots.

For the new student pilot,

a video from the EAA

on making proper tie down knots.

Online Courses

Every year, pilots nationwide make a dangerous gamble in the cold, wet weather of winter, where icing reigns. Ill-equipped to combat the conditions, they pay a high price for their lack of preparation and underestimation of their foe. Learn more about hazards of flying in and around rain and snow, and avoid such dangers.

Take the Air Safety Institute's Weather Wise: Precipitation and Icing online course.

Let us know what courses you have completed.

FAA AOPA NTSB Videos

Flying W Airport Monthly FAA Safety Seminar

Jan 9th :See the FAA Safety Seminar Webpage for additional upcoming seminar information.

A flight to
Greenwood Lake!

On Saturday November 30, Gene Wentzel and I (Ron Papasso, flew to Greenwood Lake airport (4N1) for my check ride in the Archer. We chose Greenwood Lake as the

destination for lunch and to see the Lockheed Constellation

that has been converted in to a pilot's lounge. Flight time is just under an hour.

The Constellation is pretty much intact with the cockpit area preserved and the passenger compartment converted into the pilot's lounge. In the rear of the Constellation is an opening that is the entrance to the airport's banquet room on the second floor. The restaurant is on the first floor and is quite nice with good food for a good price.

Gene in the Connie

The terrain gets quite hilly as you get North of N14 but a pleasant view compared to the relatively flatlands in the southern part of the state.

It was a nice day, great check ride, good food and an opportunity to see the last of the piston powered passenger planes. Definitely a must see.

More Memories

Here's a video that brings back memories for me as I used to fly a machine like this many years ago in Ireland. While the scenery was not as spectacular it is a form of flying that is very enjoyable...some of the members might enjoy watching this gentleman's adventures...enjoy !!
Al Nugent

Spirits at Lake Powell (Ultralight Trike flying over)

Shannon Wea's Ground School Class is over, but we caught
the memory.

More Memories

McGuire AFB Tour w/Instructor Brian Robbins

Rob Burn's Daugther Sophia's 1st Birthday Party

Fly It Forward - Brian Burke gives aLori her first flight.

Oshkosh 2013 - Jan ?

Oshkosh Dinner

Ron Papasso's Celebration

Student Solos

Stop by our pilot shop for last minute stocking stuffers or pilot gift ideas.

One of our Ladies Love Taildraggers .. Marianna

Marianna -One of our Ladies' Love Taildraggers - A Christmas Video

Our Annual Holiday Party

Did you miss our Annual Christmas Party last Saturday and the music by "The Class Action Band"? You will just have to wait until next year's newsletter to learn about the great time we all had.

Happy Holidays to all and
to all a Good Night!

We Believe in Building Better Relationships For Pilots Through A Community

and Network of Flyers
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

December 2013

Tracking Santa

For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa's flight.

The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.

A Chuckle from our Flight Instructor, Don Eck

His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight.

He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.

Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.

He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, 'Let's go'.

The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.

Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, 'Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.'

'Why?' asked the pilot. Because I'm a photographer for CNN' , he responded, and I need to get some close up shots.'

The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, 'So, what you're telling me, is . . . You're NOT my flight instructor?'

Lunch 'n' Learn

On Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 10 AM.

Bob McCabe, CFI and FAASafety Team Representative, will provide a presentation on the FAA's Wings Pilot Proficiency Program. The objective of the WINGS Program is to address the primary accident causal factors that continue to plague the general aviation community. It is based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience. In his presentation, Bob will cover the overall structure of the program, how to create a user account on the FAASafety website, how to select activities and tasks to perform individually and with an instructor, and how to log credit in the WINGS Program. Participants who do not have an account will be able to create one on the spot. Note that completion of any Phase of WINGS satisfies the requirement for a flight review. So not only will you complete a review of the most common weak areas that have led others to the accident site, but you end up with a flight review, as well! The seminar should last about 90 minutes. You are invited to join Bob and the FreeFlight Aviation staff for lunch after the seminar. There is no cost for the seminar (unless you want to buy Bob lunch). Lunch is on you. We look forward to seeing you there!

__________________________________________________________

Winter Preflight Lesson Learned from a local pilot

Executive Summary: Preflight drains showed no water.

Postflight showed lots of water.

A little Background first:

A Cessna 172 private owned

Annual in the fall.

Flown every week for about 2 hours since annual.

Starts on first blade when warm and 2nd

when cold.

Time since the Annual - 30 hours.

Have noticed some water in the tanks since this summer after a paint job.

So I always check the water before EVERY flight.

Situation on Wednesday Morning:

Snow previous days Sunday and Tuesday.

Planned flight to N Jersey, projected departure at 10:00 AM.

Arrived early at the airport at 9:00 AM, temp is about 25 degrees.

De-iced for an hour and a half.

Ugh!!

Then preflighted plane and noticed one wing tank drain frozen - no water/gas removed.

Gasculator frozen also.

After some effort some dribble out of the wing drain and nothing out of the gasculator.

Figured I heat up the cowl with engine and warm it all up.

Tried to start engine - fired on 2nd

blade and died 10 seconds later. Primed again same result.

Primer seemed to operate with a lot of air.

Did this three more times, same result with shorter run each time.

Tried again, but eventually engine did not fire at all.

Almost ran battery down.

Go get the preheat!

20 minutes later and before the preheat, I checked the drains again.

Time is 12:00 and temp is now about 35 degrees.

All drains now show negligible water, so I go for heating things up with the engine.

Engine starts on first blade with no preheat.

All good!!

Took off without incident and returned 2 hours later.

Thought I'd recheck the drains to see if any water/ice sloshed around and now in the drains.

Wing tanks clear with no water.

Gasculator required 5 full drain tubes before I saw ANY avgas in the tube.

I looked at first tube with, what looks like a couple of bubbles on the side of the tube and trying to convince myself there is a tint of blue??

No!!, second tube - there should be some gas?!!

Third tube thrown carefully on the apron - doesn't evaporate,

Hummm, do we have a problem here??

4th still no gas!!

Fifth tube; half water half gas.

A couple more tubes and all gas. Conclusion:

Worst case: Problem with engine start due to frozen gas lines/Carb/primer- somewhere in gas system. I might have taken off with a block of ice in the gasculator, and a fair amount of ice in the lines leading from the wing. But, because it was warming up that day, just enough space around the ice for the gas to get by as I checked the drains. How about instead of flying at 2,000', which is what I did that afternoon, I climb to 8,500' and it's 15 degrees F with water in the lines that wants to turn to ice? Not a reassuring thought.

Check the drains when it's warm.

__________________________________________________________

End of the Year notes from the Boss

Removing Snow and Deicing the Aircraft

Treating the Aircraft with Care

Please use a soft broom for removing snow. Absolutely no scrapers allowed on the aircraft surfaces. This can damage not only the paint, but do extreme damage to the windows of the aircraft. Plexiglass is far softer then automotive glass. Contact the hanger/maintenance for advice on how to proceed.

Deicing the Aircraft

TKS Fluid, available from Freeflight in our pilot shop for $8.00 a spray bottle w/cloth is the only acceptable deicing fluid to be used on our aircraft. Refils are $5.00. Please see the MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet of any hazards associated with this fluid.

David Clark Headsets

Thinking about a David Clark Headset for a gift? Check out their Brochure. Something to keep your ears warmer this winter.

Membership Dues

Membership dues will be $42.00 per month starting January 1, 2014.

Pattie Wagon Cafe Now open at the Flying W Flight
Operating Hours 8 AM - 2:30 PM - Stop by for a Bowl of Hot Soup!

___________________________________________________________________

Memories from 2013

ANDY WILLIAMS - THE WAY WE WERE

Memories from Emily

Maia and Emily Leaf Peeping

Maia and Emily going Leaf Peeping in October

Emily and her family flight to Tangier.
Emily practicing control airspace at PNE with Al Nugent.

Bahama Bob Sanzo

Tying down at Marsh Harbor Int. Abaco Bahamas

Grand Lucayan Resort Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Bahama's Bob's Flying Partner, Don

Traveling Martin Ernst

Bay Bridge Airport and Tangier Island

Spitfire Airport NJ

Andover Airport, NJ

Flight to Maine

Flight to Bar Harbor Maine

Martin

Martin at Tangier Island Returning Home over Boston Logan Airport

Kevin's Baby

His C185

Notable Accomplishments
and News Updates

Welcome!

Freeflight Aviation would like to welcome our newest members to the family!

Private Pilot

Daniel Peltzman, Tony's Student. Daniel is presently attending Emery Riddle in Florida.

Daniel

Online Courses Jan Greenberg completed 2 AOPA Air Safety quizzes: Flying Rogue & Density Altitude. Jan also just recently checked out in the Piper Arrow.

Online Training Courses for Private and Instrument

Freeflight Aviation offer the Jeppesen Online Flight Training courses that are an interaction between the student and flight instructor. Great for our students that travel.

Freeflight Aviation and Other Events

Dec 14

Flying W Airport / Freeflight Aviation Holiday Party. $25.00 for Food and 2 drinks. $40.00 for food and Open Bar. Starting time 7 PM.

Dec 21

New Garden Airport, PA - Holiday Pot Luck Party. Starts 12:30 Santa's Arrival 1:30pm at New Garden Airport - Main Hangar. Fly-In or Drive-In Good food, music, friends and vintage aircraft. Rain, snow or shine. Bring a dish to share.

Dec 24

Come see Santa fly to the Princeton Airport this Christmas eve! That's right, thirty-eight years ago the tradition of Santa Claus flying to the Princeton Airport

Jan 09

Flying W Airport FAA Safety Seminar: Pilot Deviations and The Pilot Bill of Rights

Jan 11

Freeflight Aviation Mini "Wings - The Benefits and More?" Seminar and Brunch at the Runway Cafe. Seminar to be presented by Flight Instructor Bob McCabe.

Jan 18

Northeast Bonanza Group-Shake Off the Frost

Lititz, PA

Feb 01

2nd Annual Cabin Fever Fly-In, Lancaster, PA

For more events visit AOPA or EAA

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Barbara and Frank
Freeflight Aviation

609-265-0399

http://freeflight-aviation.com

Our Home: Flying W Airport

http://flyingwairport.com

Our Neighbor: South Jersey Regional Airport

http://southjerseyairport.com

The sign in one of the South Jersey Hangers

Thanks for thinking of us. Photo by Al Nugent

SAVE $5.00	Bring in this Coupon to SAVE $5.00 on 1 HOUR or More of Flight Time. Coupon cannot be used on Block Time. Must fly one (1) hour to receive discount. Limited one (1) coupon of any type per customer per month. Must staple coupon to your receipt for credit.
Offer Valid: 12/15/13 - 01/14/14