June 2015 The Ultralight Squadron of America Newsletter Published monthly by the Ultralight Squadron of America, Perris Valley Airpark, Perris, California. USA OFFICERS Mike Porter President (714) 692-0525 Bryan Harmon Vice President (714) 315-1555 Larry Preston Secretary (951) 834-3022 Mike King Treasurer (951) 265-8169 Make checks out to: EVUPA Mail dues to: 9175 Bonita Drive Cherry Valley, CA 92223 Paul Curley Sergeant-At-Arms (310) 754-9033 LES SEYMOUR Ultralog Editor (760) 731-9629 skyranger4les@sbcglobal.net President s Message Good day club members, I do not have a lot to say. It looks like everything is running fine, the cameras are staying on and the field looks great. We just need more flying members, of course that's getting to be old hat. Remember this club meeting Saturday June 6 we need everybody there, we are voting in new officers to run this club for the next year. Fly Safe and Have Fun
THE ULTRALOG June 2015 Secretary s Report for May 2, 2015 Meeting was called to order at 10:06 am. Officers present are President Mike Porter, Vice-President Bryan Harmon, Treasurer Mike King, Secretary Larry Preston, and Paul Curley Sgt.-at-Arms. President: Vice-President: Secretary: Treasurer: Sgt.-at-Arms: President Porter called the meeting to order and conducted self-introductions. Vice-President Harmon announced his wedding would be in six weeks at Yosemite Park. Minutes for April 4, 2015 was accepted by the membership. Treasurer King reviewed the financial status of the club. The report was accepted by the membership. Sgt.-at-Arms Curley stated the runway was in excellent condition and the airpark was in good shape. Tie down space is available and a few aircraft are for sale. NEW VISITORS: No new visitors at the meeting. OLD BUSINESS: Vice-President Harmon is continuing his inventory of club T-shirts. Airpark security/night lights have been repaired or replaced. Walt Snyder s fly-in at Landers was a success however more member attendance would have been appreciated. When a new member is accepted into the club, a mentor will be selected to provide an orientation of the club and to monitor the new members flying skills. The mentor will give updates to the general membership during the new members 90-day probation period. NEW BUSINESS: Because of the past storms some of the members hangers have been damaged. Owners of hangers are encouraged to inspect their hanger and make any necessary repairs especially the sunscreens attached to the back of the hangers which may have come loose or torn. Brian Ranch is hosting The World s Smallest Air Show on May 22, - 24 th. All club members are encouraged to support the air show that features Ultralights and other aviation activities. The next breakfast fly-in will be on May 9 th at Lake Wolford. Pilots briefing will be at 08:00 hrs. with wheels up by 09:00 hrs. Page 2
June 2015 THE ULTRALOG John Mock told the membership he is continuing to repair/replace the cable for the DSL. In the interest of safety and to prevent people from driving on the active runway, traffic cones will be placed at the end of the runway. Mike King volunteered to purchase the cones and will be reimbursed for the expense. Nominations for up coming club officer positions were received. Members will vote at the June meeting. A list of nominees at attached to this report. OTHER REPORTS: Competition: The competition results are as follows. Many thanks to those who help make this a safe and successful event. 1 st place. Gary Pittman 11 pts. 2 nd place. Bryan Harmon 9 pts. 3 rd place. Curley and Porter 7 pts. Safety: Bob Chase encouraged each other to openly share their experiences with each other. Everyone can learn a valuable lesson and may avoid any future mishap. Bob also expressed the importance of making a plan before you implement a maneuver. Always be aware of your surroundings and be ready to take evasive action if necessary. MEETING ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 11:09 Page 3
THE ULTRALOG June 2015 NOMINATIONS FOR CLUB OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: PRESIDENT: GARY PITTMAN PAUL CURLEY JOHN KAREVOLL LARRY PRESTON VICE-PRESIDENT: BRYAN HARMON DAVE OLSON JOHN MOCK FRANK MAMONE RAY EICHLER SECRETARY: LARRY PRESTON JIM FARTHING MIKE PORTER RON KILDEBECK TREASURER: MIKE KING JOHN MOCK LEO MINNIE SGT.-AT-ARMS: FRANK MAMONE JIM SHEPHERD BOB BAKER PAUL CURLEY BRYAN HARMON Page 4
June 2015 THE ULTRALOG Brian Ranch Fly-In It was obvious several days before the Memorial Day weekend that there would be no flying from Perris up to Brian Ranch. And, indeed, just driving up on the Saturday morning up over the Cajon Pass put us in the soup at 3,000 ft. But five miles before we hit the "World's Smallest Airshow", the cloud bank was behind us and once we were parked, we were part of the action. Fly-bys, skydivers, music, fruit picking, displays, it was all good. Especially wandering around, kicking tires, inspecting projects and planes, chatting and telling or listening to tall tales. A couple of our own Perris guys were making the rounds. Bob Comperini was going up and down like a yoyo, giving 15-minute rides in his Eurofox for $40, giving 15minute rides in his Eurofox to raffle winners, taking the skydivers up in a very utilitarian Cessna. I asked him (again) if he couldn't start giving lessons again in a 2-seat Ultralight trainer, and he (again) muttered something about those changes in the regulations a few years ago, the 2-hour drive to Perris and his day-job in Lancaster. Jack Brian puttered around in a golf cart, saying hi to everybody. Don't know why he always wears a tie and coat. Must be some weird remnant of that British background. His wife Felice, who seems to have a handle on everything, kept an eye on everything while selling t-shirts. We went home mid-afternoon, visiting Crystal, the glider airfield nearby, on the way home. I called Felice on Tuesday and she said there were a lot more people in attendance on Sunday. The weather was better, she said, they had the competition too. The Camarillo people put on a great BBQ. As usual she ended the conversation with a "Come on up! You're always welcome!" - John Karevoll Page 5
THE ULTRALOG June 2015 SKYCOP (And his amazing stories!) It Flies! It Flies! Boy, does it fly! It was a bright early morning as SKYCOP felt the cool salty breeze on his face. SKYCOP felt the gentle spray of the waves as they crashed over the bow. OH! Wait! Wrong story Sorry. There he was, standing at the end of the runway at Hemet-Ryan airport as the new day began. It was early in the morning as SKYCOP looked around and noted the freshness of the air and how calm it was. Feeling nervous with some anxiety, SKYCOP walked toward his plane, gazing at it with loving eyes. Five years, thought SKYCOP. It took me five years to finish this plane, but now it s ready, SKY- COP said to himself. SKYCOP took the time to reflect over the past five years as he began the arduous task of restoring his airplane. The plane had served him well during the past years, obeying every command without hesitation, and at times reminding SKYCOP of the importance of having the right amount of fuel, or not to cross the controls. (That s another story) Now it was time to restore the plane to its glory days. SKYCOP made the commitment to make his plane better than new. SKYCOP remembered dismantling the plane with such care as to not scratch, dent or break any parts. Each part was removed in such a delicate manner that even the best medical surgeons around would have been impressed. This wasn t just a restoration; this was a love affair with the builder and his plane. Many experimental aircraft builders would understand what SKYCOP was feeling. Each part was reconnected with precision. The wing covers were installed with loving care, making sure it fit precisely. All the hours of planning and checking and rechecking to insure that every part was installed exactly where it was supposed to be was now finished. As SKYCOP made his walk around his fully restored, better than new airplane, he wondered, did he forget anything? Was there something crucial that he may have forgotten? HEY! QUIT STARING AT IT AND LET S GO FLYING! shouted Mike King. SKYCOP had asked Mike to test fly the plane because it had been so long since he had flown SKY- COP couldn t tell the difference between any flight problems that may occur with the plane or the nut that was behind the controls (Meaning SKYCOP.) SKYCOP also invited Jim Shepherd and Ron Gonci to witness the inaugural flight of the new and improved airplane (and for moral support.). Looks good to me, said SKYCOP. Want to bet? sneered Mike. After all, Mike knew all about SKYCOP s ability to rebuild the plane. He watched SKYCOP work on the plane and had done some maintenance work himself. It was Mike who installed the electrical system (don t forget the electrical fuel pump). As they gathered together, Mike began to explain how and where he was going to fly the plane. Airport pattern, altitude, airspeed, flight controls and emergency procedures were addressed and agreed upon. The time had come. It was time to fly the plane. Mike started the plane and after a control check taxied the plane to the end of the runway. Mike powered up the engine and after a short distance, the (Continued on page 7) Page 6
June 2015 THE ULTRALOG (Continued from page 6) plane jumped into the air. Once off the ground, Mike cut the power and the plane settled back on the runway. It was just a crow hop, thought SKYCOP. Nothing to worry about. (yet). Returning to the end of the runway, Mike eased the throttle allowing the engine to gain rpm gradually. The plane lifted off effortlessly and soon began to gain altitude. Tears of joy fell from SKYCOP s face as he witnessed his plane fly into the air. Excitement and congratulations came from Jim and Ron as they to watched the little plane fly into the sky. The three of them watched the plane climb higher and higher and go further and further away. Hey! Why isn t Mike turning back? asked SKYCOP. As the three observers looked onward, they witnessed something very strange. Mike was flying the plane farther than was talked about during the pre-flight briefing. In fact, Mike was not returning to the airport at all! What is HE DOING? cried SKYCOP as he watched his plane disappear. SKYCOP, Jim and Ron looked on helplessly as Mike flew the plane beyond their sight. SKYCOP strained his eyes and ears looking and listening for his plane to return. THE HORROR! OH THE HORROR! SKYCOP WAS BESIDE HIMSELF! What happened to Mike and the plane? If there was any time he doubted his ability to build a safe flying airplane, now was the time for SKYCOP. Did the engine quit? Did something break or fall apart? Did Mike use the ballistic parachute? Is Mike OK? IS MIKE INJURED? IS MIKE DEAD?????? It was too much for SKYCOP! Straining to hear anything that sounded like sirens or emergency vehicles rushing to an accident only continued to add to SKY- COP s anxiety. Jim being a strong Christian, prayed; Ron got on his cell phone and tried to call Mike. How can Mike answer the phone if he s seriously injured or dead? yelled SKYCOP. There was nothing Jim, Ron or SKYCOP could do but just stand there waiting to hear some news, any news about Mike. Twenty minutes, Thirty minutes, Forty minutes passed by and no sign of Mike. A dark thunderous cloud hung over SKYCOP as he waited for his friend Mike to somehow miraculously return. I d rather go through a raging gun fight than go through this, said SKYCOP. Ron walked over to his hanger and pushed his plane out. After a quick pre-flight, Ron told Jim and SKY- COP he was going to look for Mike. SKYCOP wanted to think Ron was worried about Mike, but he knew Ron was tired of listening to him moan and just wanted an excuse to leave. Jim and SKYCOP watched Ron take off and head to the last location they had seen Mike. Just as Ron made his turn, a very low noise came from the distant skies. Could it be? Maybe it is? Was Jim s prayer answered? YES! YES! YES! THANK YOU GOD!!! The distant sound of an airplane engine began to get louder and louder. IT S HIM! HE S ALIVE! HE HAS RE- TURNED! Dancing around like a wild man, SKYCOP could not contain his joy and excitement as he watched Mike return to the airport. Ron had seen Mike and was (Continued on page 8) Page 7
THE ULTRALOG June 2015 (Continued from page 7) flying back to the airport as well. With great anticipation, SKYCOP watched Mike make one of the smoothest landings ever seen. Cheering and laughing came from both Jim and SKY- COP as they watched Mike taxi to the tie down area and shut the engine off. By the time Mike exited the plane, Jim, Ron and SKYCOP came to greet him. What happened? Why didn t you come back? asked SKYCOP. I thought you were going to fly in the pattern? At first Mike looked puzzled, but soon realized how worried the others had been. I was only talking about flying in the pattern in case something was wrong with the plane, said Mike. If the plane flew without any problems, I was going to fly to an area and do some control checks and flight maneuvers. Mike went on to explain the plane flew so well, he flew to Lakeview to conduct the flight test. SKY- COP was ecstatic to hear how well his plane flew. Mike told him the plane was very predictable and had no bad flight characteristics. The stalls were mushy and the plane gave plenty of warning before it occurred. All of the controls were light and balanced with only a slight nose heavy attitude. SKYCOP knew how important good communication skills should be. However, it is imperative when conducting a flight test. Knowing who, what, where and when are of the up most importance when planning the flight. This wasn t done, and a lot of anxiety could have been avoided if all of the questions were answered before the flight test. Also, flight-testing is risky business. There is no way to get around it. Although the builder has gone to great lengths to insure everything has been built correctly, it doesn t mean that the plane is completely safe. Always have other knowledgeable builders inspect your work before any flight tests are done. You might be surprised on what you missed or forgot. Thank you, Mike! Glad to have you as a friend. Next month.. Left rudder, Left rudder! About the author: Larry SKYCOP Preston has been a member of USA since the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. His is also the political campaign manager for GARY PITTMAN who is running for club President (Vote for Gary!) As always, all of his stories are 90% true. After making some suggestions on re-trimming and engine tuning, Mike gave a positive flight review of the airplane. SKYCOP couldn t have been more pleased. After securing his plane, SKYCOP took the time to reflect on what had just happened that morning. Although SKYCOP was very proud to see his plane fly after all the hours of restoring it, it was the other incidents that were more important. Page 8
June 2015 THE ULTRALOG JANUARY 3 MEETING FEBRUARY 7 MEETING 21 BREAKFAST FLIGHT 28 LAKE WOHLFORD FLY-OUT MARCH 7 MEETING 14 BREAKFAST FLIGHT 20-22 BORREGO SPRINGS APRIL 4 MEETING 11 BREAKFAST FLIGHT 17-19 LANDERS (PENDING) MAY 2 MEETING-NOMINATE OFFICERS 9 BREAKFAST FLIGHT 22-24 BRIAN RANCH JUNE 6 MEETING / VOTE NEW OFFICERS 13 BREAKFAST FLIGHT JULY 11 MEETING / INSTALL NEW OFFICERS 18 BREAKFAST FLIGHT AUGUST 1 MEETING / PROPOSE BY-LAW CHANGES 8 BREAKFAST FLIGHT SEPTEMBER 5 MEETING / VOTE BY-LAW CHANGES 12 BREAKFAST FLIGHT 25-28 GYRO COPTER FLY-IN AT EL MIRAGE OCTOBER 3 MEETING/NOMINATE STAN HAUXHURST 10 LAKE WOHLFORD OR SAN DIEGO FLY-IN 16-18 LANDERS FLY-IN (PENDING) NOVEMBER 7 MEETING / VOTE STAN HAUXHURST 14 BREAKFAST FLIGHT 20-22 BORREGO SPRINGS DECEMBER 5 CHRISTMAS PARTY/PRESENT STAN HAUXHURST AWARD 12 BREAKFAST FLIGHT Page 9
The Ultralight Squadron of America Newsletter June 2015 Les Seymour 2271 Audrey Court Fallbrook, CA 92028 Competition & Meeting Saturday June 6, 2015 Please submit any information, events, things to brag about, funny anecdotes, etc. to be included in the next issue of the Ultralog by June 15 Send them snail-mail to: Les Seymour, 2271 Audrey Court, Fallbrook, CA 92028 Or email to: skyranger4les@sbcglobal.net and put ULTRALOG in the subject line. LET ME KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE ULTRALOG BY MAIL OR IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO VIEW IT ONLINE AT www.ultralightsquadron.org.