Skydive New England Workhorse 8-1-12 Check out this Cessna workhorse! It's a 1957 Cessna 182A. That's right, 1957. If you've had a car for 10 years and you have 180,000 miles on it, someone is going to say that you better get rid of that thing before it breaks down and leaves you stranded. Not so with airplanes. LIke the Eveready batteries, they just keep going and going. As I was walking across the ramp, I noticed this vintage machine taxi up to the pumps. The pilot had just flown down from Millanocket Maine and was headed to Skydive New England in Lebanon Maine. He said it's not to pretty but it gets the job done. With 230 hp and a half a ton carrying capacity it looks like this machine earns its living. Click on the 182 icon to see the instrument panel.

Learn To Fly At Rochester Aviation  7-29-12 Here's some updates for Rochester Aviation sent in by Nohea. Rochester Aviation not only has four aircraft in their training fleet but has some major events happening at the airport this summer. Be sure to check out the "Wings And Wheels" event and the "Rochester Aviation Air Race" happening this August. Click on the picture to see the updates.

NY TFR is Back! 7-28-12 Here's an email notice just came in recently on the presidential TFR in New York. President Obama's planned visit. WITHIN THE LATERAL LIMITS OF THE NEW YORK CLASS B AIRSPACE from the surface up to but not including 18000 feet MSL Monday, July 30, 2012

On The Way To Oshkosh 7-24-12 Have you ever been to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh? Well, if you could fly non-stop at around 100 kts you would get there in a about 8 hours. But if you're flying a plane like a Skyhawk or a Piper or Grumman, you will probably be making a few stops along the way. And, you probably won't be flying a great circle route, which would put you over quite a few miles of water in the Great Lakes area. Peter flew his Grumman Tiger their and when he passed by Chicago at 2000 feet he snapped a pretty interesting picture. Click Here to enlarge. I wonder if he'll see George Lucas talking on the five story outdoor movie screen...

First Annual 2012 Rochester Aviation Air Race  7-18-12 Hello All, At Rochester Aviation we believe that it is our obligation to grow the future generation of GA pilots.  We have decided to create a flight training Scholarship that will benefit one student.  The student will be chosen based on a application which should including flying history and aviation aspirations portrayed in the form of a written proposal.  In an attempt to raise funds for the scholarship we will be hosting an Aviation Event throughout the month of August.  We would like to introduce to you the 2012 Rochester Aviation Air Race.  Please see the attached flyer (already posted in the terminal building) and don't hesitate to post it in other locations for more pilots to have the opportunity to be involved. Looking forward to Aviation filled Summer, Kelby Ferwerda, Nohea Nichols, Rochester Aviation

Model Rockets up to 100,000 feet!  7-15-12 You might have seen the notams or heard of the model rocket club that launches model rockets out by the sod farm in Lebanon Maine. Someone said they are like paper model rockets that go several hundred feet in the air. I've heard of some model rockets going 1000 feet in the air. In class G airspace that's in the same area that small airplanes like Cessna's and Piper Cubs fly. But what about model rockets that go beyond 1000 feet? As it turns out, a man by the name of John Carmack, developer of the popular video games Doom and Quake has offered a prize of $5,000 to the first rocket team to launch a rocket to 100,000 feet! An engineer who designs real rocket engines and builds model rockets for a hobby decided to take on the challenge. The event is sponsored by the Tripoli Rocket Association. The Association got an FAA waiver for the event held at the Black Rock Desert, clearing it for rockets to fly up to 150,000 feet. What? The engineers rocket is 8 inches in diameter, 167.5 in. tall, weights 320 lbs, exerts 4000 lbs of thrust for 8 sec, reaching 121,000 feet in 92 seconds a top speed of about 2,200 mph. Calling this a "model rocket" sounds like a misnomer to me. At 2200 mph (3226 fps) it would take .003 seconds for the rocket to punch a hole in a wing. I would think this event would require something more than a "NOTAM." How about a TFR?

EAA Chapter 225 07-09-12: From Gerry Peterson: Hello Everyone, Here is the July issue, short, sweet, and to the point.  Enjoy! Regards, Gerry

Rochester Aviation Adds C150 to Flight Line~  7-08-12 In case you haven't noticed, there's a third Cessna 150 on the ramp for Rochester Aviation. I am told this aircraft is IFR certified and that means getting your instrument rating at a cost that will be hard to beat. The reputation of the Cessna 150 as private pilot trainer is also a practical choice for practicing those instrument approaches. According to Wiki, "The Cessna 150 is the fourth most produced civilian plane ever, with 23,839 aircraft produced. The 150 was succeeded in the summer of 1977 by the closely related Cessna 152. Production of the 152 ended in 1985 when manufacturing of all Cessna piston singles was suspended."

Pilatus On The Ramp Update~  7-06-12 Here's an update on the two Pilatus turboprops that were sitting on the ramp. On June 30, two Pilatus PC-12 aircraft from Alpha at PSM were parked at Skyhaven to enable access during the airshow. The last PC-12 departed Skyhaven on July 2. In this case, the additional story is Skyhaven providing cooperation and assistance to Pease-based aircraft. Skyhaven Aviation Services (Eric Obssuth) determined locations on our airfield that could accommodate larger transient aircraft for a short stay. Peter saw the PC-12s when he refueled after returning from the airshow on Saturday.

 Pilatus On The Ramp ~  7-01-12 There's a lot of different aircraft out there and it seems like sooner or later they take there turns finding a reason to land at Skyhaven. But they don't usually come in pairs. Especially when it's a pair of Pilatus turboprops. The Pilatus has a distinct look of a business twin engine aircraft, except that it has one engine on the nose. Although this aircraft has a large distribution center in Colorado it is actually made in Switzerland. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is the world’s leading manufacturer of single-engine turboprop aircraft headquartered in Stans, in the heart of Switzerland. "Based in Broomfield, Colorado, Pilatus Business Aircraft, Ltd. was established in 1996. Sixty percent of all PC-12s which come off the production line in Stans are finished to customer specifications (interior and exterior livery) in Colorado." 

Waco On The Ramp At Sanford ~ 6-29-12 Vintage aircraft are a common occurrence around these parts. I was on the ramp at Sanford airport the other day and saw this big dark blue biplane doing touch-n-go's in the pattern. Hmmm, haven't seen that plane around before. Well, as it turns out, rumor has it that Jim Knowles of Southern Maine Aviation just bought it to add to his collection of aircraft. I suspect they won't be adding it on the flight line with the other aircraft for rent. Ok, so I can't rent it, and no one will let me take it for a ride, but I did sneak of couple of pictures that are worth a gander. As I reported on June 2nd, the Waco company is still in business. The Waco aircraft is unique in many ways. Not only is it made in America back in the 1930's, but it has gone through a revival and is currently being made in Michigan. 

Mountain View Airport BBQ and Fly-in ~ 6-27-12 by Nohea: On June 9th, 2012 Air 
On Saturday June 23, Walter and Suki Faucet held their annual Mountain View Airport BBQ and Fly-in.  The fair weather day presented the opportunity for what would become the biggest Fly-in turnout in the history of Mountain View Airport.  The busy traffic pattern above the 3000 ft private grass strip was controlled by ground based ATC, allowing for approaching and departing traffic to be segmented between Aerial Candy Drops, Short-field Landing Contests, and Flower Bomb Drops.  Over the Fly-in proprietary ATC frequency three Cessna 150’s flying in formation could be heard call signed as the Red, Blue, and Silver Cessna 150’s.  The three Rochester Aviation Cessna 150’s landed in sequence for their arrival piloted by Nohea Nichols, Sam Fagan, and Kelby Ferwerda each accompanied by a Rochester Aviation student.  CLICK HERE for more information.

TFR over Portsmouth & Boston... the president is coming 6-23-12 Here's some TFR information sent in by AOPA:
FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR OVER PORTSMOUTH, NH ON MONDAY, JUNE 25 A NOTAM has been issued that will restrict flight in the area during President Obama's planned visit.  Times: 1:00 PM local until 5:00 PM local Monday, June 25, 2012 AND OVER BOSTON, MA BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 25 Times: 4:00 PM local Monday, June 25, 2012 until 9:30 AM local Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Rochester Aviation BBQ ~ 6-20-12 picture sent in by Peter. Rochester Aviation celebrates a year of flying with friends and students at the Skyhaven terminal. Looks like Kelby is busy with the hamburgers and dogs. Thanks to Rochester Aviation pilots have a choice of several aircraft that are owned and maintained right here at Skyhaven airport. For more information be sure to visit the Rochester Aviation website and their "Facebook" page.

Poker Run to benefit Homes for Troops ~ 6-19-12 Here's some information sent in by Nohea: On June 9th, 2012 Air Direct Airway’s hosted their first annual Poker Run to benefit Homes for Troops with the help of Skyhaven Airport’s flight school Rochester Aviation. The poker run had card pickups at five aairports including Keene, Concord, Laconia, Lebanon, and our home airport in Rochester. Throughout the day Skyhaven had 37 visitors arriving in 15 aircraft based throughout the New England area. Each participant was greeted by Nohea Nichols of Rochester Aviation and allowed their choice of one overturned card from Nohea’s Deck. That card would then be added to their growing poker hand with the goal of collecting the best playing cards. Participants fueled at Skyhaven and continued on towards their final stop at Nashua to compete for best poker hand. All participants were excited for the unique opportunity to exercise their planes and explore the major GA friendly airports throughout NH. With the success of the all who participated another Poker run is in the works. Keep your eyes on the Rochester Aviation website (www.flyskyhaven.com) for the Fall poker Run. Nohea Nichols, Assistant Manager, Rochester Aviation

Young Eagles Flight Rally at Skyhaven, Sat. June 23^rd6-19-12: by Gerry Peterson - Ever wondered what your neighborhood looks like from the sky? Maybe you’re curious how airplanes even work. You might even dream about being a pilot. If you’re shaking you’re head “yes” and are between the ages of 8 and 17, then there are thousands of EAA member volunteer pilots who would love to take you on a free Young Eagles flight. That’s right – a free flight! Come Join Us on Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm for the time of your life. Rain Date: June 24.CLICK HERE to download the poster.

Texas Flying Legends Museum ~6-13-12 Did you ever hear of the Texas Flying Legends Museum? Looks like some pretty serious dedication towards WWII aircraft. In an email forward: "The Texas Flying Legends will be at the Bangor Maine airport June 17.  The Gates open at 10 am flying will begin at 11 taking to the Sky's will be A Jap zero, B-25, 2 P-51, P-40 Warhawk, This event is FREE" According to the  TFLM website, "Today the entire fleet of warbirds will be at Bangor International Airport (KBGR), for the 5th Armored Division's final reunion. Because these men and women fought for our country, then came home and built this country, we feel they should be honored for all they have done for all of us. Cole Transportation Museum and Bangor International Airport are organizing this all-day event."

New England Aerobatic Club (NEAC) ~ 6-13-12: Last October the aerobatic club was at Skyhaven to practice their stuff. Well they are back and have received permission from the FAA to use Skyhaven to practice their routines on June 16 and/or 17. Be sure to check the NOTAMS to changes in the flight patterns and information about the airport. Click on the black biplane to see pictures from one of their visits. The aerobatics club occasionally uses Skyhaven as a practice airport because of its proximity to wooded areas. According to an article, "Skyhaven has fuel and food locally and a densely wooded area with low population just east of the runway." The rain date was to fly on Sunday. Click here to see more information about the NEAC.

Cessna 320 On The Ramp 6-6-12: Another Cessna that you might see on the ramp is the Cessna 320. That's 320 not 310. It's not uncommon to see a 310, but a 320 is a variant of the 310 you don't see to often. One of the things that catches your eye are the extra windows. According to Wiki, "The 320 Skyknight was developed from the 310F, which featured turbocharged TSIO-470-B engines and a fourth cabin side-window. The Skyknight was in production between 1961 and 1969 (the 320E was named the Executive Skyknight), when it was replaced by the similar Turbo 310." These aircraft are describe in a recent publication from Cessna that features information on the "aging fleet of aircraft," especially the 100 series.

Waco On The Ramp 6-2-12: Here's a nice pic sent in by Bambi of a red Waco at the fuel pumps. There are many beautiful vintage aircraft that live in the area and can be occasionally seen on the ramp here at Skyhaven. The Waco aircraft is unique in many ways. Not only is it made in America back in the 1930's, but it has gone through a revival and is currently being made in Michigan. "In 1983, the founders of Classic Aircraft Corporation in Battle Creek, Michigan were determined to reincarnate the WACO YMF. In the history of aviation, no company had ever taken a 50-year-old design and manufactured it as a new FAA certified aircraft." For just a little over $400,000 you can have a brand new Waco. CLICK HERE to visit their website. 

TFR OVER NEW YORK, NY ON MONDAY 6-2-12: Accorking to AOPA, "FAA TO ESTABLISH TFR OVER NEW YORK, NY ON MONDAY. A NOTAM has been issued that will restrict flight in the area during President Obama's planned visit. ==> WITHIN THE LATERAL LIMITS OF THE NEW YORK CLASS B AIRSPACE <==  From the surface up to but not including 18000 feet MSL,  Check NOTAMS for latest updates.

FAA report on GA airports  6-2-12: "The FAA’s just-released report on General Aviation Airports. It is the result of an extensive 18-month study to examine the roles that general aviation airports play in the national aviation system. It introduces the FAA’s new system for categorizing airports and documents the many benefits that airports provide to the public." "In cooperation with the greater aviation community, the FAA conducted this groundbreaking 18-month review of 2,952 landing facilities (for the purpose of this report, these landing facilities including mostly airports, but also some heliports and seaplane bases, are grouped together as general aviation airports)." "The new study, in which AOPA and other industry stakeholders participated over an 18-month period, was released May 15 at the Aero Club of Washington, D.C." CLICK HERE to download the PDF file of this report.

Barbara Dove got her license  5-31-12: Information sent in by Bambi: She stepped out of the two seated, Cessna 150 on May 27th at 3 PM a full fledge pilot. James V. Loranger, the FAA Designated Pilot Examiner had first put her through an oral ground test of her knowledge and then a flight test of her piloting skill. She had taken and passed an extensive written exam and her flight physical earlier. She had spent the whole week preparing for the test and her hard work had prevailed. I had seen her out with and without an instructor perfecting her landings and heard her on the radio communicating her location in the pattern. Other times she was sitting at the table poring over the local sectional (map) and working the math of a flight plan or reading the regulations. She came in from a flight one day with a big smile on her face, she had been practicing an engine out procedure and greased her landing onto the runway so she had hardly know she had touched down...  CLICK HERE for the full story. CLICK HERE for more pictures.

KC-135's To Be Replaced by KC-46A ?  5-30-12: According to an article in the Fosters Democrat, Senators Sheehan and Ayotte are working to get the new KC-46A tankers to be stationed at Pease. It sounds like a new Boeing project that's being given the green light to build 12 brand new tankers with I assume to have state-of-the-art everything. "The KC-46A will replace aging KC-135 stratotankers, which were built in the late 1950s and 1960s. Pease houses eight of the tankers, which are the only aircraft that remain at the base." "Boeing received a multibillion dollar contract to produce 179 KC-46A tankers, which are based on the Boeing 767. The first new KC-46As are scheduled to be ready by 2017, and production of the remaining craft will continue for about a decade after that." CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Young Eagles Flight Rally at Skyhaven  5-26-12: Here's some information sent in by Gerry Peterson - Ever wondered what your neighborhood looks like from the sky? Maybe you’re curious how airplanes even work. You might even dream about being a pilot. If you’re shaking you’re head “yes” and are between the ages of 8 and 17, then there are thousands of EAA member volunteer pilots who would love to take you on a free Young Eagles flight. That’s right – a free flight! Come Join Us on Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm for the time of your life. Rain Date: June 24. CLICK HERE to download the poster.

Collings Foundation Corsair & Dan McCue  5-26-12: Here's some information about Dan McCue and the Collings Foundation Corsair sent in by Bambi. "The Collings Foundation’s Vought F4U Corsair is back at Skyhaven airport for the summer. Dan McCue is the pilot of the corsair. He learned to fly at Skyhaven and has spent time at the airport from when he was 13 years old. Dan has flown many different aircraft, but has enjoyed flying the Collings Foundation Corsair in airshows around the county for several years now. If your lucky, you will get a peek of this beautiful aircraft when it is outside on the taxiways or taken off." CLICK HERE to read to full article.