June 2004
Newsletter for June 1, 2004
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held Sunday June 13th at 5:00 PM on the terrace at Corona Aero Partners. This will be our official inauguration Sunday for the officers for the coming year. As in the past this calls for the cooking of turkeys in the Weber kettle by the editor and friends. There will turkey for all to celebrate the joy of having people willing to provide leadership for our organization. Thus the main dish will be provided and every one should bring a vegetable, a salad or a desert After our meeting we will share our food and have an evening of fellowship. Don’t forget to leave something in the drink kitty if you take liquid from the refrigerator. Woody Anselen will present another safety video for our enjoyment and for learning. We certainly thank Woody for his effort.
LAST MEETING
Rich Broduer the new airport manager was introduced by Bill Cobb. Rich will officially assume his duties after Bill leaves on June 11th. Rich is the former assistant Manager of Brakett and has worked for American Airlines for 18 years. Rich said he is looking forward to working here and to keep this airport a safe and fun place to be. Pat Bruner led a discussion on cockpit communications. He led the discussion by relating his own communications problems during a recent emergency. While returning from Wisconsin in his Lancair IVP at 22,000 feet, the pilot’s side window blew out. Pat followed the number one safety rule and FLEW THE AIRPLANE, then assessed the damage, his flying partner handled communications while Susan handled getting everyone on oxygen. It was noisy and everyone got cold but everything turned out well. Brad Borneman, the CPA projects director, discussed sponsoring a clean up party on an upcoming Saturday morning. No date has been set but stay tuned.
FROM THE PREZ --
By Shawnie Querner Installation of officers will be at the next meeting on June 13th. John Elwell and Bob Heer will be grilling a turkey, so everyone else should bring a side dish. I look forward to seeing all of you at the meeting! I am pleased to announce that Harry Ruscigno is home from the hospital after 22 days! He is doing much better and still looks forward to cards from everyone. Statements will be going out for dues, along with return envelopes, in the near future. If you have paid in the last six months, you don’t have to pay 2004 dues, but it would certainly help the bank account as we look forward to the Airfaire, if you would be willing to volunteer to pay 2004 dues anyway. If any of you belong to other flying clubs, don’t forget to mention to them that they are welcome to join us on October 2 at our AirFare. Let’s get the word out and make some money! We can also use new members. As you all know, we have had quite a year. We lost our leader, Dave Kula; we have started the new safety program; we have trips planned throughout the year; and have the CERT program in September, which is offered through the Corona Fire Department, for those who wish to participate. Remember, if you participate in this program you are on call for the Fire Department in the event of disaster. The information gleaned from this program will be helpful should we have a crash or other incident at the airport. You can register for this class on-line at <www.discovercorona.com> and click on the links. Let’s keep our airport as safe as we can! Our trip to Kernville was a great success! About 19 people ended up going. We are thankful to Nick for his work in putting together these trips. He has plenty more where that came from and I hope you all make plans to join us. Columbia is the next trip on the schedule, so mark your calendars. More info will be provided at the meeting.
MERCHANDISE CORNER
CPA has a variety of Merchandise on hand and others that can be ordered. Items such as caps, shirts, and jackets. For info contact Mike Havlick at 909 279 8085 or e-mail mikesr49@aol.com <mailto:mikesr49@aol.com>
SWAP CORNER
This is a new feature for our members. If you have an item to sell or to swap or if you are in need of an item you think another member might be willing to part with notify the editor and we will include it in the newsletter. (none this issue....)
AIRPORT MANAGER
Now it is time to write my final monthly newsletter column and bid you all farewell. I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the last five plus years and see where we have been here at the Corona Airport.
When I first arrived back in October 1998, the Army was here conducting a week long hangar inspection, and we had many many write-ups. From the write-ups, I derived the airport guidelines and we now do hangar inspections once each year, and overall we are in pretty good shape. I think we have convinced the Army Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that we are trying to abide by their rules and do things right here at the Corona Airport. Overall, I would say we have established a very good rapport with both the Army and the F&W Service. And I think that the endangered birds are actually friends of the Corona Airport now. By that I mean, the Army Corps will not let the Corona Airport expand because of the endangered birds, so that means this airport will stay just like it is, and that is a little non-towered general aviation airport with no business/corporate jets. And that is a good thing!!
When I arrived, we were averaging about seven aircraft breakins per year with the complete radio stacks being stolen. By the combination of the security gate card reader in and out, security cameras, getting the police to use the airport office as a zone substation, and the police helicopter stationed here, we now have not had any aircraft breakins or radios stolen in over two years. And we have not hampered your ability to go anywhere on this airport.
When I arrived, Corona Airport had no airfaire at all. Now, planning is well under way for the Fourth Annual Airfaire, and it is and continues to be centered around aviation, not motorcycles and not cars. And a special thanks to my good friend, the late Dave Kula, and the Corona Pilots’ Association.
When I arrived, Joe Moreland told me that the runway and taxiway lights were hanging on by a thread. He was right and the lights failed several times, which is not a good thing when you are about to touch down at night. We now have brand new lighting and all the cables are in conduit, and we have a backup emergency generator.
When I arrived, we were having daily violations of the EPA’s storm water rules. Now, most of you know that “Only Rain in the Drain” applies throughout this airport and the aircraft wash rack drains into an oil-water separator and then to the sanitary sewer.
When I arrived, we had no aircraft database and many aircraft did not have aircraft insurance as required by the Corona Municipal Code since 1995. Now we have an aircraft database and most aircraft have the proper insurance. So if FAA calls up about an overdue aircraft, I can look it up in the database, find out if it’s a Corona aircraft, and go right to the tiedown or hangar and see if the aircraft is here and maybe just forgot to close their flight plan.
When I arrived the airport commission had just been disbanded. Now, I’m happy to say that we have a wonderful group of master leaseholders who meet monthly with the airport manager and are continuously trying to improve the Corona Airport. To all the MLHs, especially Fred Peters, thank you very much for your support and your cooperation.
So, all in all, a lot of improvements have happened over the last five plus years and I think Corona Airport is in better shape now than when I arrived. I’m certain that the City, the Army, and the Fish & Wildlife Service would agree with that statement. For those of you who might not agree with that, I leave you with the fact that everything I did here at the Corona Airport was with one goal in mind and that was to make sure that when we try to renew our City lease for the Corona Airport with the Army Corps of Engineers, that we haven’t given the Army any reason not to renew our lease for another fifty years.
And finally, I’ve had fun and enjoyed the last five plus years. I wish you all the very best and the very best for the best little airport around. In the meantime, Fly Safe. If you have any questions or suggestions---please stop by the office, call me, or email... Bill Cobb / Airport Manager 909-736-2289 bill.cobb@discovercorona.com <mailto:bill.cobb@discovercorona.com>
PILOT PROFILE
While this is really a section dedicated to a pilot’s background, many of you have been asking how Harry is doing and what we have heard regarding his recovery. I talked with Paula Ruscigno on May 23, 2004 and got a follow up on Harry, which she has stated I could share. The whole episode began when Harry had problems breathing and they did a scan of his lungs and caught the top part of his kidney, which showed a growth. Took kidney out due to cancer on Friday, April 23. He was immediately able to get up after his first surgery. The second time he got up he began fibrillating and they had to begin medications to settle his heart. The pain from his incision was minimal, and the only real pain he had was from a bowel obstruction. The following Wednesday, they had to clear up the bowel obstruction he was encountering. Prior to that surgery, that morning they had to shock him to get his heart in normal rhythm.. They still have to get the fibrosis under control, which was his main complaint before they located the cancer. He is really recuperating from his surgery well. He came home a week ago Friday. He is walking around good now and all is functioning well. While in the hospital, he had seven doctors. He has another two appointments next week for follow ups. Harry came home a week ago Friday. Quite a few of us spotted him at the airport visiting with some folks on May 23, 2004. Let’s all wish him the best. He is taking phone calls so please feel free to call. Some days he is asleep, so Paula may not wake him. Keep up the letters as well. He is really enjoying hearing from you all. Again, his address is P.O. Box 77277, Corona, CA 92877.
NEWS YOU REALLY NEED
Have you noticed? Corona Air Ventures has painted the restrooms at the central fueling station. Congratulations, it looks much better.
Cris Okutobunja at CrisAire has offered his pinch hitter course to spouses who fly. Cris offers this at no cost to CPA members, the user only has to pay for the airplane. See Cris for more details.
EAA Chapter 1279 is participating in the 3rd Annual Hemet/Ryan Air show on Saturday, June 5, 2004. Our chapter will host the Pancake Breakfast from 6:30 to 9:30 AM. Air show organizers have also set aside a portion of the tarmac for Experiment Aircraft Static Display. Contact Steve Williamson, Pres. EAA Chapter 1279 French Valley (909) 699-3078 or email -- thephoebusc@aol.com <mailto:thephoebusc@aol.com>
June 5th is also the date for the GREAT TASTE EVENT at the Corona Airport. Twenty seven Restaurants will be on the airport for this event and you can sample any or all of them. This is a benefit for the Police and fire Departments so let’s support them. Tickets are available at Bobs Café and at the airport office and cost only $20 each.
Don’t forget June 13th is also a show date for vintage aircraft. Be sure to turn out, open your hanger and display your pride and joy.
CPA Fly-INS
By Nick Nicolary
As noted above,19 people had a great day at Kernville. Look at the happy faces of those in attendance, it truly was a fun day. Look at the June outing. We plan to fly to Columbia June Saturday June 12; the rain date is June 13th. (It seldom rains in Southern California in June). Look closely at upcoming travel dates and join in the fun.
June 12 -- Columbia
July 16 -- Durango
Aug 14 -- Santa Monica
Sept 18 -- Fox Field
Oct 16 -- Santa Paula
Nov 13 -- Borrego Springs
Dec 11 -- Santa Inez
You can sign up at the Corona Air Service fueling station or by calling Nick. If you don’t have access to a plane, call Nick and see if there are any empty seats. For any other information call Nick at (909) 317-0725
New invention--BOOKS -not OnLine- !! !! Fred Peters is building a Library of aviation books at the Pilot’s lounge where our meetings are held. CPA Members can check out books for reading. Contact Sue Langham or Susan Bruner Note: Please do not bring your computer mouse, it doesn't help....
Want your newsletter via the Internet ? -41- frugal members have signed up to have their newsletter delivered to their Internet address. This saves your association postage expense. If you would like to join the thrifty 41, send me an e-mail at LJEJWE@dslextreme.com <mailto:LJEJWE@dslextreme.com> and I will be happy to deliver your newsletter faster and cheaper.
Good of the Order:
SHORT FINAL...
(thanks and acknowledgement to AVWEB.com
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While practicing for my commercial license I was in the practice area west of Cleveland Hopkins airport. I had the radio tuned to the tower and heard this...
Controller: Cessna 00L, what is your purpose here on the field ?
Pilot: I'm here for my check ride. (pause)
Controller: Are you a bit nervous ?
Pilot: A bit...
Controller: Because you landed on the taxiway instead of the assigned runway....
