Sol's version of the
Corona Airport Flood [beginning Jan 10, 2005]
Updates below.......
Are ya ready for some good news ?
Corona Airport is -Open- !!!
(See below....)
Please see "Disaster Donation Notes" at the bottom
Boilerplate information -- this info will remain in-effect til further notice : |
Bulletin -- Sat. Feb 5, 2005 8:00pm --
Jan 10 to Feb 03. I count 25 days of troubles.
This will probably be the final progress report. My thanks to all who commented on this page. I was happy to provide my side of the story. Turns out, it was mostly correct. And what wasn't correct got corrected quickly.
This was almost a normal day at Corona Airport. There were many landings and takeoffs to watch. A fellow came out and sat on the Bench with his little daughter. And they dreamed of flying. The Lunch Bunch flew away as usual to someplace and came back quickly to watch the airplanes come and go. Bob's Restaurant had a bang-up day, and so did Patrick's gas station. One gal went around asking to see the "pink slip" permit to be on the field. Everybody she met had an old one to show. They're like Battle Ribbons now.
Cleaning up is going quite well. Still no electricity at ProCraft and westward, but electricians are working feverishly. It will take a while yet.
There were a few muddy tracks being made on taxiways, so please avoid the mud for a while longer.
If this web-page service is needed in the future, I will try to start sooner, and have a shorter "address".
Thanks for tuning-in....
Bulletin -- Fri. Feb 4, 2005 10:00pm --
This working for a livin is getting in the road of posting important information. Regrets the late update tonight.
At 2pm there was still no power to ProCraft westward. Edison is standing by. There's some details that contractors are supposed to finish...Edison crews probably discussed plugging-in meters and blinding light...(if it's not ready). This will be hopefully solved on Saturday.
CAP (Peters') is ready for you to return your airplanes from "City Parking" or elsewhere. Home is ready for your return. Dorothy, this includes you. Barney has already moved his Stearman back. Kissing is optional, but hugging is not. Barney is waiting for you to fly home.
The KFI-Eye-In-the-Sky airplane sure got a big homecoming on Thursday. Good thing Corona is on UNICOM and not a fussy 'tower' freq. I bet there were 10 voices "talkin him down." __Wow, talk about PAR guidance. KFI didn't even call for a "CBA" landing (Corona "Bench" Approach.)
In the eyes of the Corona Airport, Security and Safety are still in the forefront. Be sure to read the "Boilerplate" above if you're coming out to the airport.
And then come out to Corona Airport.
Grab lunch at Bob's, see ProCraft about those damp plugs, and gas-up with Patrick. If you've been holding off on that engine overhaul, please go see Joe at Corona Cylnder. George...'Has-Gun-Will-Paint'.
These past pages have been about the Corona Airport Community. I'm stayin. 'Cause I like my airport. It's my home airport. These past pages show we look out for each other, especially in an emergency. These past pages show welcome for the interested, and suspicion for the suspect. And I bet you agree with me.
And to those in Flabob, Chino, Riverside...you took us in with generosity and understanding. We won't forget. Thank you.
When the time comes, take a drive all the way down west on Corona Airport's 'Aviation Drive'. You will meet a guy with voice like gravel and a fat cigar. Pat him on the butt. And tell him 'Thanks' from the Corona Airport. He will understand. If you say 'Thanks' fast enough, you probably won't get socked in the eye. (no guarantees).
Bulletin -- Thu. Feb 3, 2005 8:00pm --
Yes, the Corona Airport is open. This includes Landings ! With limits, please come out. For those of you parked remotely, it's OK to come home. The fuel station is open for business.
The "first flight" was a Cherokee at 8:30am
As noted on the Feb 02 bulletin below, there are still secured areas (on the west-end).
Lights are still out at ProCraft and westward. Edison promised to come on Friday. There's still no word on how much they can powerup.
In recognition of this emergency, "The "Bench Bunch" will not be posting landing critiques for the balance of this week. After that, the "Olympic Scorecards" will come out again.
Also, it's OK to hug a City Painter if you want. They did a super-duper job. If you can't find the painter, any City of Corona employee will do. Many departments helped, and they should get recognition too. Im sure a hugs-at-the-airport story will get around uptown.
Bulletin -- Wed. Feb 2, 2005 8:00pm --
Are ya ready for some good news ?
Corona Airport will reopen on Thursday !!!
This means the newly-painted runway will be open to landings !!
Due to the way this information was rec'd, there was no indication of an exact "hour" of the opening. At this writing, I can only say "sometime tomorrow" was the official word.
This is not an "all clear" posting. There are still security issues. It won't be surprising if you still need a "permit" to pass the security hold-line(s) on Aviation Drive. However, it sure sounds like many can resume normal life at Corona Airport.
Same as last night, there's still no electricity at ProCraft and westward. However, at 4pm tonight, Edison was being called to restore the power to more area. Unfortunately, I don't know "how much more".
I looked at Peters' areas today, and they appear OK for travel. I don't think you will suffer any barriers to "do not cross".
As you will see, areas and hangars in the "West End Properties" are still a little "challenged". Generally...due to expensive heavy equipment, a LOT of hard work, Santa Ana drying winds, and persistence, these areas have improved SIGNIFICANTLY in only the past 2 days. Volunteer operators paved the way so this "finishup" is going quickly. Sure, there's a little way to go. If it doesn't rain, then normal wear and the wind will carry the dirt back where it came from.
The Manager of "West End Properties" CAUTIONS those of you going to there to look for traffic cones and barriers. Much of the asphalt was damaged. There are "sink holes" to avoid. Some of these are bushel-basket sized. Before you zip off driving, it might be good to look for these. Please be a good neighbor and place a "cone" on these spots if you find one un-marked. If you see a cone blown over by the wind, please set it back up.
Driving to the "West End Properties" to just survey the damage will be discouraged. Probably, there will be another security hold-line to see if you really need to go there.
Runway painting was underway from about 8am. I didn't look specifically, but probably EVERYTHING has new paint...centerline, numbers, hold-short, even the CORONA logo on the taxiway at about mid-field. They worked on painting till at least 3pm, and maybe after.
As details become available, this page will be updated -- possibly noon tomorrow. Check back and see.
Bulletin -- Tue. Feb 1, 2005 8:00pm --
Two words for tonight -- Security and Volunteers.
At a meeting today, Master Lease Holders commented that the high-level of security needs to be held. As you open this web-page daily, you see "boilerplate" first. It tells you the condition of security. This has reflected the Managers' concern all along during this crisis. For security, it has pretty much stayed the same.
"Limited Entry" has been controlled by volunteer gate-guards during the day, and by paid-security during the night. We need more volunteers for security and other jobs. The crisis is still here upon us. Sure, the dry winds are making it easier to cleanup, but we gotta struggle along for a few more days. If you can afford to come help for a few hours, please come out. An incentive...it is said that a "tire-washer-person" is probably no longer needed.
Addressing a promise made last night, I asked about the electric service. The lights are still out from about ProCraft on westward. The hope is to restore service in the rest of Peters' area by Wednesday night. It is not clear, there is no firm promise-date, when power will be restored in hangars at Heliflight's office (hangar row) and westward. Not fulfilled...I will checkout the condition of Peters' taxiways tomorrow. They are surely looking pretty good by now, but I didn't see them myself (I forgot to ask for a permit for that area).
Again, this isn't clear, but I think the runway painting has been moved up to Thursday. CFD "prisoner" helpers were helping to sweep the west-end runway this afternoon. They will also help to clear off the grass areas beside the runway.
This has been in-force for a while, but I am asked to remind all...You will probably be denied entry to the airport starting at 4pm. There have been many who ask to "go to work" late, and then need escorted out at 5pm.
Someone mentioned a Grand-Reopening ceremony on Saturday morning if all goes well. This is not to say Corona Airport might be open on Friday, just a ceremony. A lot of people are working hard to make this a reality.
Many businesses are (re)starting from square-one. They could use the press coverage.
Bulletin -- Mon. Jan 31, 2005 8:00pm --
Things are getting better. The Santa Ana winds are drying up areas. It is getting easier to sweep and vacuum the dried mud. The wind looked like maybe 12-kts and variable from the East. Reports say the wind is a bit stronger in North Corona housing areas. For some reason, the airport isn't getting the full force of these winds.
There were no big events today.
Possibly, the runway lines will be re-painted.
Check the "boilerplate" above. Security is still tight. To go past the check-line west of Bob's Cafe, you need a permit. This is even if you're walking-in.
The North-South taxiways are still barricaded to vehicle traffic. At this writing, you still aren't allowed to drive to your hangars at SVS nor CAV. I expect this limitation will be easing soon, since the "mud" at the West End is drying, and there's not so much danger of tracking the mud eastward.
Peters' hangars are probably looking pretty good now. I didn't have the opportunity to actually look at these areas today...will confirm tomorrow. One written update stated there's no electric power to raise the doors on the "Big" hangars. I will try to find out how much power is missing and report tommorrow. If Peters' area is still non-electric, then I would assume hangars further west are also without electric.
The front gate still needs some work to make our "gate-cards" operational. Until then, there will be a guard.
Volunteers are needed to man the security check-line and other jobs. If you are free, please come down to the airport and volunteer to help. We're almost thru this...we just gotta push-on for a little bit longer.
The final word tonight -- we hear the hoped-for opening of the runway for landings is moved to Friday. This is probably because they hope to paint the runway lines while we are still closed, rather than the inconvenience later.
Bulletin -- Sun. Jan 30, 2005 8:00pm --
The management of Corona Airport thanks all of you who read this newsletter. Perhaps it was some other factors, but today went acceptably smooth. I told them it was because all -interested- people probably read this newsletter every night, during this Natural Disaster.
Same as yesterday, security is tight. 95% of todays visitors were either prepared or agreeable. A couple of the gals who worked the "airport-limit-line" were actually put in fear by unreasonable visitors.
Here it is in print, YOU NEED A PASS TO ENTER ONTO THE AIRPORT. THERE IS A REASON FOR THIS, AND WE WANT TO HELP YOU....GO TO THE AIRPORT MANAGERS OFFICE AND GET A PERMIT.
(You ruffians wil be remembered.)
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Todays cleaning finished up CAV. They have been working on Peters' areas. OK, now starts the tough cleanup. A sweeper arrived to the West End, but had to give up until more scoop-work was done. He will be back tomorrow to try again.
We are limited by the "opinion" of City engineers as to when the runway can open. At this time, there is no data, only guesses. Would you like Thursday? Call your bookie in 'Vegas.
Security is tight.
Full-time Volunteers are looking out for your stuff. "Hug a retired person" is in-vogue at Corona Airport.
s/s
Bulletin -- Sat. Jan 29, 2005 8:00pm --
Please do not come to the airport without good reason. And here is why....
Today, people were coming onto the airport for no reason other than to look. This included people who had no particular business on the airport, and had no reason to offer for being there. Some people just wanted to take a walk after breakfast. The Airport Manager found MANY people without explanations.
As a result, the airport security level was raised much higher. At about 9am, it was declared ALL people wanting onto the airport needed a permit issued by the Airport Manager's office.
At this writing, you'd better have a pretty valid reason, and sell it to the Aiport Manager, or you won't be allowed onto the airport. "I need to go assume my position on the bench" won't get you in. I have two names in mind, shame on you.
The cleaning made good progress today. I think SVS and CAV will be pronounced "clear" tomorrow. There are barricades blocking entry to SVS and CAV from Aviation Drive. This is to prevent "remudding" the areas by lookie-loos who drive from the uncleaned areas. Well, if you can't get off Aviation drive, then where will you park ? Answer...there ain't no place to park on Aviation. So don't think of trying this ploy.
Traffic returning from the uncleaned areas will have their tires pressure washed (at about mid-field on Aviation.) This takes about 5 minutes per car. The washing is being done by volunteers. I am not confident the brand-new sports car with dealer plates actually needed to go to his hangar (twice) today, and have his tires washed TWICE in the process. Another man insistently waited to have his push-broom pressure cleaned, and held up a SBC phone-truck in the process. There's necessary, and there's stupid. All this weighs in on the access permits.
The weather predicts warm and sunny for the near future. Sweepers are opening up areas. If we can prevent inefficiency, it sure will help us all.
A helicopter landed today. I regret to tell it was a student pilot. I sure hope his Instructor pays attention in the future. That's assuming he will still BE an instructor. The Notams are pretty clear -- Corona is closed to ALL flight operations. This includes the Police helicopter (who is minding his Notams). Lesser beings should take a hint.
Stay tuned.
Bulletin -- Fri. Jan 28, 2005 8:00pm --
When you come to the airport tomorrow, please park across the street in Butterfield Park.
There was much progress made today. The sweepers cleared much of SVS and CAV. Thinking ahead, the Master Lease Holders have barricaded most of the areas that have been cleaned.
Here's the reason these areas are barricaded -- so people won't drive there with muddy tires. If we can maintain "clean areas", then we won't need to re-clean them.
When you come to the airport tomorrow, you will receive a handout telling of the "Prohibited Drive-space". This is an unfortunate by-product of cleaning.
Feel free to park in Butterfield Park and walk to your hangar.
My projection -- if the weather clears, and the cleared areas remain "clean", then those west of CAV will be allowed to park in the extra tiedown tie-down spaces (and walk to your hangar).
If we can keep clean areas "clean", and Aviation Drive "clean" and Butterfield road "clean", then we will be allowed to park closer to the "problem areas".
Tomorrow, all vehicles are prohibited beyond Bob's Cafe,,, Unless they have a "Permit" issued at the Airport Manager's office. At this writing, Businesses have designated a few independent contractors who need "Permits". These people include electricians and cleanup help. All these people (24 people at this moment), will have "Permits". They were required to listen to a Safety Briefing, and a "sign-in-blood" agreement to wash their tires in front of George's Paint Booth (at the barricade about mid-field on Aviation Drive).
So, if you see trucks driving west on Aviation, consider these brave souls, "legally" bound to following the rules. A salute "Onward to Victory" is optional.
Then again, if you'd like to volunteer as a wheel-washer at this barricade, it sure would expedite things.
The "daily window" for takeoffs is open. Goto the Airport Manager's office and get cleared. Please be prepared to offer -- who you are, where you're located, the airplane "type" (Cherokee, Centurion, ...Lear), and your location on the field ("CAV-transient") and your destination (CNO...RAL.) Two CFI's are required to supervise your T.O. It's not reasonable to keep (2) CFI's "on-station" for three hours waiting for a "Cancel-IFR" after 2.5hrs
Corona Airport (limited areas) will be back to normal operations by Wed-Thu ?
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Update -- Fri. Jan 28, 2005 11:00am --
Right now, a super-sweeper is operating in the area of SVS. There is hope the sweeper can finish-up/open-up SVS and CAV today. At this moment, it is like the past two days -- NO VEHICLE TRAFFIC anywhere on the airport except for Bob's Cafe. If at all possible, please park across the street in Butterfield Park.
Bulletin -- Thu. Jan 27, 2005 8:00pm --
Yes. The airport is still closed to all vehicle traffic (except up to Bob's Cafe.) Yes, there are select exceptions being made by the Airport Manager for busineses and their helpers. I notice these people are all strictly adhereing to washing off their tires when departing the airport areas. "Permit-papers" are required to pass the barricades.
If you're not stopping briefly at Bob's, you are asked to park across the street in Butterfield Park's Parking and walk-in.
What's next? Well it's supposed to rain a little more tomorrow. Patience is a virtue, but it seems to take so long.
Today was actually a "drying out" day.
It is quite amazing how the "rules" are being followed. Managers thank you all.
"Depending on the weather", professional cleanup equipment might be coming on Friday. Sweeping will start on the east, and progress to the west. Areas will start opening.
Bulletin -- Wed. Jan 26, 2005 8:00pm --
"Can't we all just get along?"
There was the expected amount of grousing among those who arrived at the airport today. As noted here, last evening, all vehicle traffic was stopped. Most people courteously parked across the street. A few people parked at the restaurant. Conspicuously missing were valets.
Here's the grumble. YOU CLOSED THE AIRPORT (AGAIN!) AND I WASNT NOTIFIED. WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY MANAGERS DOING !!!??? _____ There. I said it for everybody.
However, here's the facts discussed last night. Tenant/owners/businesses have been able to get onto the airport for a few days. (This was due to some fast-moving volunteers, some leadership and delegation from the Airport Manager, and quickly delivered loaders and trucks.) A contributing factor was clear weather.
Last night, the weatherman gave some warning. The City of Corona's departments cautioned what "could" happen. A tough decision hadda be made. Read last nights notes. The Master Lease Holders 'unanimously' decided the only alternative was a closure. Or the "what-if" situation could close the airport for an indefinite time.
Today, quotations were being accepted for a "Professional" cleanup of the remains. This might take a few days, and possibly extending over the weekend.
Today, there was a private Registered Engineer that "appraised" our situation, and made recommendations. Part of these recommendations might be to open the parts of the airport after light cleanup, since that's all that's needed. Maybe an easy one or two day job. Thereafter, more severely affected areas will be cordoned off, and the contractor will work progressively on the 'next' area. And so forth. The critical thought is to keep the truck tires clean, and keep Butterfield clean, so there's reduced danger of us getting shutout.
So what I'm saying is -- the volunteer work was necessary (and appreciated) as a necessary step to get us to this point. Thanks to them, we had a window of opportunity to get into the hangars and move our stuff. Also thanks to the volunteers, the "pros" will have a significantly smaller ( $ ) job.
The only people responsible for shutting the airport today was the Rain-Gods.
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There are some 'official' notes issued today --
One says the airport will be open every day for TAKEOFFs ONLY, from 1pm to 4pm -every- day. It sure would help if you go the the Airport Manager's office and get your "release" before 1pm. Volunteer CFI's are required to supervise your takeoff, and it is unproductive to have them On-Station for 3 hrs waiting for only 8 airplanes. No, we're not taking appointments, but asking that you let us know you are taking off, and approximately what time.
A "contact" list was made. It delegates "names" to "jobs". If you have a question, it tells you who to find. Hopefully, this list will be posted on a bulleting board. For example, if you need advice on the re-opening of airport areas, go find Mr. Nanda. If you're wondering about security, go ask for Rich Brodeur....
If you are having difficulties, come to the airport and ask for your Master Lease Holder. The Airport Manager is accommodating, but your Master Lease Holder is your "final word" on any matter.
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Bulletin and Caution -- Wed. Jan 26, 2005 8:00am --
It had not yet rained by 7am. Some people had arrived. However, the on-site observer noted "It feels like rain." By 8am, sprinkles were felt. It is possible that workers will be asked to leave the airport, or at least bring their cars off the airport grounds.
Bulletin and Caution -- Tue. Jan 25, 2005 9:00pm --
Soothing Summary :
As noted in this morning's note, a tiny bit of rain demonstrated that the bottom layer of muck is the slippery stuff. The skiploaders have basically removed all but about a quarter-inch of mud covering most of the airport. Due to the rain, like water on linoleum, the result is quite slippery. The area covered by the hazard is most of the airport ("Cleanup on aisle 4" times a few thousand.)
One of our volunteer security guards, and later a police car, demonstrated the slipperyness (sp?) this morning. As a result, Aviation Drive was closed to vehicles today. Additionally, the gate at the airport office was closed.
As the airport started to dry out, businesses and a few tenant/owners were allowed to drive behind Bob's Cafe, thru city airplane parking, then westward down the "cement highway", then enter their hangar row as needed. At the entry, our volunteer security helper recited a speech. It generically asked for those headed west of mid-field to please choose not to go there. A few vehicles went all the way to the west end, and unavoidably got mud on their tires.
When this person left the airport, this mud was then tracked all the way from the west end, all the way across city tiedowns, and all the way up Butterfield (where the speed limit is higher). I noticed that 4X4's with deep tread hold a lot of mud till they go 40mph eastward on Butterfield.)
Here's the result. Much of the "waxy muck" was tracked up onto Butterfield. If it rains tomorrow, somebody will be deciding if the public might slip on Butterfield and accidently dive down the embankment and cause a problem. If one car causes a problem, it causes the city a problem, and you can imagine what sort of closure will be enforceed thereafter.
So here's the word for tonight. It might rain. You might be turned back at Butterfield, or you might be asked to park in Butterfield Park and walk to the airport, or you might be allowed to park in Bob's Cafe Parking.
At any rate, you will -NOT- be allowed to drive any vehicle beyond Bobs Cafe.
(OK, I know some of you are not "soothed" any more. Here's the thinking.)
The weather is predicted to be Unpredictable for the next several days.
The only acceptable method to continue the cleanup of the mud on the airport is to (a.) Hire a contractor to sweep all the mud into specialized street-cleaners, and (b.) close the whole airport [to vehicles] to allow him to sweep it.
Master Lease Holders met this evening, were advised by the "Public Works Director" of Corona, and (I was there....) 'unanimously' elected to close the Corona airport to -ALL- vehicular traffic.
Here's my extrapolation of the details coming :
Foot-traffic only from where-ever you park your car. No golf-carts nor anything that might "track mud" and make the situation worse. This includes moving airplanes thru the mud. You will not be denied access to your hangar nor business, but you'll be walking from somewhere on the east end.
Since rain washes away mud, but only dry-dirt can be swept, you may say your prayers either way tonight.
(Read the new bulletin below about take-offs...). You will not be allowed to taxi your airplane thru the mud to take off in the new "expanded" take-off windows unless (a.) your airplane is already in the "City Parking" areas, or (b.) you goto the wash-rack and de-mud your tires. Think 'slippery runway or taxiway'.
And for the future ? Well, if it doesn't rain 'off and on' for the next few days, they say a professional contractor (Yet to bid and be selected agreeably by the Master Lease Holders), it will only take 2 days to start and finish the job. If it does rain ? Well, you were the one saying the prayers.
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This morning, this was BIG GOOD NEWS. But sorry, it is now "Page 2 News".
Here is the official word on 'extended' opportunities to take off from Corona Airport :
(Written on the "City of Corona" letterhead....)
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CORONA AIRPORT LIMITED RUNWAY REOPENING
Effective Wednesday, January 26, 2005 the Corona Municipal Airport will open daily, for departures only, between 13:00 - 16:00 hours. The Airport Manager has received clearance that 1,600 feet of Runway 25 has been released for use at the individual pilot's discretion. Pilots are required to have current insurance which needs to be verified prior to departure.
The following are reasons for making the recommendation to allow a limited window for departures only:
1. Allows pilots to relocate to another airport until after the rainy season. This would reduce the number of aircraft located at the airport should the flooding return.
2. Reduces aircraft in the tie down areas which will allow for a more effective and efficient clean up effort.
3. Reduces number of tenants who will be allowed airport access until the airport is fully operational; thereby, enhancing security.
The runway will have a complete Foreign Object Damage (FOD) inspection prior to each limited opening window. Two certified flight instructors (CFI) will be positioned to monitor and control the departure process. FAA Flight Services will be issued a NOTAM of this limited runway opening.
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My interpretation of the above....
We are advised to take our planes elsewhere for a while. And stop standing around asking "How long will the airport be closed."
It's anybodys' guess, but will this take 2 weeks or a month ? If you only come to the airport for socializing, then these takeoff opportunities aren't meaningful. If you use your airplane for business or transportation, then you should seriously consider the advisory. And then shut up.
From an economic point of view.... Do you want a Hangar when you return, or do you want to get on a waiting list. ....Consult your Master Lease Holder....(who didn't ask for this Natural Disaster, and I wasn't paid to say that....)
Personally, put me on the list with Barney, Cliff, and Chris. We're hangin'
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Update and caution -- Tue. Jan 25, 2005 7:00am --
Overnight Security at the airport says the morning was foggy and light sprinkles. At 2-3mph, his car went sideways in the mud at Heliflight. Corona Public works have temporarily barricaded the street (Aviation Drive) west of Bob's Cafe.
If you're going to the airport today, check the weather to see if it's going to dry out. We don't need somebody to skid their car into a parked airplane or a hangar door.
Bulletin -- Mon. Jan 24, 2005 8:00pm --
Today's headline is the commencement of an official "relief fund" to help those most hurt by this Natural Disaster.
Please send donations to help the Corona Airport people. In large part, these funds will help our businesses (Airport Community) survive. All the busineses lost tools, equipment, and fixtures. They were busy saving airplanes from the rising water, rather than moving their own stuff. Please make a Large Donation -- make your check payable to "Corona Pilots Association". These specific funds are being tallied by the Treasurer of CPA. Details and mailing address to follow.
Today was a little less harried. Of course, there are the people working 10-hr-days to cleanup at the west end. Bob's Cafe is open for business. CAV Fuel is open. If you're parked outside, remeber that a non-full tank condensates water. Maybe it would be good to fillup the airplane. Many locations have electric. Regrets, I hadda work today, so details are brief.
Master Lease Holders are busy tallying the losses for on-field businesses to turn-in forms (FEMA ? SBA ?) by 8am tomorrow.
The airport is becoming dusty. And there's a LOT of airplanes not yet moved back into hangars. PLEASE come to the airport and appraise your situation.
Sorry about this negative: On Sunday, a man in a van was seen "salvaging" in the piles of trash. We watched for a while. When he didn't move along, we went up and talked to him. It turns out he had been cleaning up a hangar for his "boss". Unfortunately, his "boss" left. Unfortunately, this left the worker "unsupervised". Our comment to the "boss"-- 'What part of supervised-help do you not understand ? "
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Lost and Found -- I will start a category for this. But meanwhile:
Found -- RED gascap near the runup area. It appears to fit a Piper Cherokee.
Lost -- Keyring with a Mercedez and a GMC key, between Georges Painting and the airport Manager's office. If you find it, I'm sure the owner will let you test-drive the Mercedez.
We will take your picture smilin' in the car. This may be your only opportunity to drive a Mercedez. Please look for the keys.
Bulletin -- Sun. Jan 23, 2005 8:00pm --
The lead-story for today is an impromptu "Call to Meeting" by the Corona Airport Manager. At about 9:30am, he asked the "runners" to announce a gathering of the owners and tenants at 10:30am. Bravely, he stood on the stairs outside his office, made a few short statements. Then he asked for questions. I was close to the stairs, and ducked. But you know what? There were only about 10 valid questions and comments.
One owner asked why he wasn't allowed onto the airport grounds during a critial time. The Manager's answer was "urgency". To begin an organized evacuation, it was necessary to turn away "inbound traffic". Swallowing hard, the owner whispered, "I understand. I just wanted to know."
Another question -- "We need fuel for the skip-loaders. Is there somewhere to get donations?" (Well, that guy left the meeting with a lot of "credit card holders" in-tow.)
'Nuff said.
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Today's flock of 17 escapees took off for alternative airports. No problems at all.
Manning a radio today, I notice a -LOT- of pilots don't call for NOTAMS. --NO, YOU CAN"T LAND AT CORONA TODAY, PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTAMS. ".........1 800 992 7433.... On the other hand, I noticed -all- passers-by did self-announce to let others know they were in the vicinity.
One particular tenant caught my eye. She had two "Kids swimming pools" in the back of a pickup. She was mopping her hangar into a mop-bucket, and dumping the "remains" into the swimming pools. She asked for direction to dump the "remains" into the ponds at the east end. If you need an example to follow, here it is. duh.
Bulletin -- Sat. Jan 22, 2005 8:00pm --
As you all know, neighboring airports are offering to house refugee Corona airplanes. Today, Flabob representatives came to Corona and personally delivered a stack of invitational flyers. They were handed out to those passing thru the security gate. While it's not easy to present the flyer on this web-page, I liked the headline "You are invited to...Flabob/Corona Friendship day." Additionally, we rec'd a personal email with some details (which I will print below). Wow, in these days of MacDonalds, it sure feels good to get some personal attention. PLEASE come to Corona, checkout your airplane, and BE SURE to grab one of these flyers!!!
- - - - - - - - - (Text of Flabob's email follows) - - - >>>
I am glad to see that there is a limited flyout window today and tomorrow. [More dates are coming--Ed] Flabob wants to help while Corona pilots get things straightened out and will provide free tiedown, up to six months, for Corona refugees. If the office is closed, as is usual on weekends, just pick an empty tiedown (all along the parallel taxiway) and call the office (Leo Doiron, manager) during the week, 951 683-2309. Any questions, or help with ground transport or other arrangements, you can call me, 310 650-5305 (mobile). We also have a very limited number of hangar spaces to share for vintage a/c which are normally hangared. Hope this will help a few people.
John Lyon, Secretary, Flabob Airport
- - - - - - - - -
For today's news, first, the good stuff :
--- Bob's Cafe is open
--- 30 airplanes soared over the sissy 1600ft end-of-runway marker.
--- Again, we thank the Civil Air Patrol. They cleared the runway prior to and during the limited takeoff window provided today. Also, the provided security entry and let some volunteers of the past 2 weeks sit down for a while.
Now, the bad stuff (which will become part of the boilerplate messages):
--- You are NOT allowed to use washdown/pressure washers unless you reclaim the water. To reclaim the water, you can use something as simple as a wet-dry vacuum. If only you catch this water, then it's OK to dump it in the "ponds" at the east of the field. Master Lease Holders are desperately trying to communicate this to tenants one-and-all. If people would pour all their "catchings" into a barrel and get it trucked to the ponds, this would be super. If you know of anybody with barrels, bring them -and- the barrels to help.
Today, one unfortunate pilot asked me "How can I preserve my waterlogged logbooks?" As a guru-in-training, I would suggest a photograph with your digital camera. He mentioned that simply putting the logs into a freezer and letting the logs "freeze-dry" would work. I'm telling you that using that new "3.2megapixel giz-bang camera" takes a nice (awful big file-size) picture. When printed on a laser-printer, you can enjoy the pic quality that you paid for. Choose your poison.
Another pilot said he lost his keys. There is no formality for this, but don't forget to check Patrick's center desk drawer. This is the "honesty system lost and found" for many items at Corona. Found items are dropped into the drawer. Patrick can't keep inventory, so don't ask him. If you don't know where this is, ask "where is Patrick's desk". If you find your keys, please buy some gas. (hint-hint)
Rich Brodeur, Corona Airport Manager, has asked for [dated] photos of this natural Disaster. They will play a part in the Emergency Relief for the airport. PLEASE ! Don't email the photos to him [or me !!]. Provide them on a CD or disk. Photos should be time-stamped, and/or filed in a folder with the date. If you have digital photos, and need help, please say-so with a note to Rich.
Update -- Sat. Jan 22, 2005 6:00am --
--- 6:00am Bob's Cafe is starting up.
REVISED T.O. information
for Sat and Sun and other days
Corona airport is closed to all landings for the near future. This includes helicopters.
......... HOWEVER ! .........
And here's the only catch: There will be security at the "hold-short" line, and they will need to see your Takeoff Permit. Do not lineup on the taxiway (and holdup others taking off) if you don't have your "T.O. Permit" in-hand. [Certain] City employees went way out on a limb for us to get this early permission. Hot-rodding is not a good idea. We have water behind the dam, and HBO has instructed us all on how to apply "cement shoes". If the rest of us are shutdown because of one hotrodder pilot, you will be remembered -- posthumously, probably. Don't wait til the last minute. We are assertively assured the cutoff is 4:00. If you don't make it out today, taxi back and wait for tomorrow. ** No Twin Takeoffs without special permission. See your Master Lease Holder. Since there's only one guy writing this, here's some advice : If you want your plane out, and there's any question about 1600ft in your mind -- please allow a qualified pilot to fly the plane for you. You will hurt chances of other pilots if your skills fail you in these times. The temp will be about 70degrees. Today, the wind was 0 to 3 kt. Check your POH and see if you can liftoff before 1600ft. To get to Chino may not require full fuel and 3 fat friends. You hadda demostrate Short Field takeoffs when you got your license. If there was any time to demonstrate you still know how to do this -- now is the time. If you have a smaller plane, and the Short-field technique is not necesssary, then please don't push the envelope. The City of Corona insists "Safety First" |
Bulletin -- Fri. Jan 21, 2005 9:00pm --
(See Notices above, and "boilerplate" below, plus....)
Trash dumpsters have become a problem. Expeditors at our airport have been trying to get more dumpsters. Private services have been considered. For the present, we are asked to take trash home and do self-disposal if at all possible. Also, we are reminded there are rules about hauling trash on the highway -- it must be completely covered or you could get stopped by the CHP and fined.
Unfortunately, Utilities weren't fully available tonight to promise Bobs Cafe will be open at 7am. It is still possible Bob will be able to open tonorrow. Flip a coin and checkin. I personally recommend the "Breakfast Sandwich". Lining up for the re-opening is optional. We all sure hope Bob and Meta are back in business tomorrow.
Additional and continued help is coming to people on the West End. All Master Lease Holders are sharing responsibility to keep cleaning with equipment. There is a small problem developing that some tenents are not coming out to determine their needs. If you know these tenants, please notify them, let them know help is available, and PLEASE check in at the airport.
Having restored electric, Edison is standing by to restore more power. Many "meters" got drowned and will need replaced.
As soon as the pumps and water are restored (tomorrow?), Corona's DWP will be stepping back waiting for customers to request help.
As you can tell, things are heading back to normal. However, there are still people hurting badly and they need help. If you are OK, go help a neighbor. Planes still need to be moved (as possible) back into hangars. If you haven't come out this week to check on your plane, DON'T CALL, come to the airport. Help is waiting from neighbors and friends.
If you decide to fly out and wait a while, we hear Chino, Riverside, and other airports are offering free tiedowns for a limited time. Putting your plane back in the hangar, or flying your plane off-field makes more room to continue the process of re-opening Corona.
[ The boilerplate message was included here. ]
Bulletin -- Thurs. Jan 20, 2005 9:00pm --
Electric has been restored to some locations. The Edison Appraisal team called for help at about noon. Several Edison trucks started arriving at 1pm. Tomorrow, the Corona DWP will be trying to resore the lift pump down by ChrisAire. If the pump starts working, then they will turn on the water. Bob's Cafe needs these utilities to open up for business. Bob and Meta are hopeful they can get going soon. Saturday -- business as usual ?
There is -so- much cleanup left to do. Today brought more contributed tractors and trucks (and coffee-can $money).
Please be assured contributions are noted. In this crisis, some people donated time to move airplanes. Some donated time to tie-down airplanes. {eople donated time for Security and Concession-stand-attendance. Go-Fers scurried around in carts to deliver food and information. There are at least 2 gals who will be known hereafter as the airport "tele-marketers" and begged for handouts, free food, and $money. So many have contributed according to their assignments, knowledge, or ability to twist arms on the phone.
When the engine is running smoothly, everythings OK. It might not always seem so, but we pilots, tenants, and owners -do- appreciate that the City of Corona pulled-out-the-stops and instantly allocated resources for us. Budgets are made for "running smoothly", not emergencies. The City of Corona sent police to shutoff streets, and put probably -all- their emergency resources on-duty or on-call to help us in the crisis. The Corona Airport's budget is likely trailing flames. A crisis costs money. Thank you to the agencies who stepped up to the plate and asked no questions except "What can we do? This is a contribution also.
At this time, frustration and disappointment abound. Let's not forget the GOD caused this Natural Disaster, not your Master Lease Holder. (No, I was -not- paid to say that.) Be patient, volunteers are working to help you. (Today, one person asked about the "Guy who is supposed to help tenants drag wet, heavy carpets out of the hangar." I assure you, there ain't no such job assignment.)
One Machine "Operator" today was bragging about the squeegee on the bucket of his tractor. "A few passes and a hangar is pretty clean." Sounds like we should know where to get these fancy machines for next time.
(see "boilerplate" above...)
Bulletin -- Wed. Jan 19, 2005 6:00pm --
The un-official word is that utilities will be restored by Friday.
$$$ Donations are appearing. If you see a coffee-can, please poke a $20+ into it. A list of helpers and contributors is being made in the Airport Manager's office. If you know someone who should be mentioned on this list of Corona Airport Thanks You, please get their name into the office.
The runway was tested more thoroghly today, and the un-official word is "Not-Yet". Continued testing gives a baseline for analysis. As mentioned before, some sort of "official" word should be coming on Thursday. When the runway's condition is known, then they will know how much weight it can support and how much length is available.
The runway is closed -- for the near future.
A helicopter low-pass was made today by [The Undersecretary of the Army?]. While the stated purpose was inspection of the dam, we bet he noticed the airport was closed. He couldn't land, then ride in a car over to the dam. This might be "tongue-in-cheek" good news. Corona Airport thanks -a pilot- who chose this 'approach' to landing on the dam.
(Repeat...) Yes, there is a security guard Outside the gate, and (2) volunteer security guards locked Inside the gate from 5pm to 7am. No admittance to anyone until 7am. You need a hang-tag, or some kind of ID to get in. If that doesn't work, you will need a Volunteer Security guy (a fellow pilot) to eyeball you and tell the guard you are a tenant/owner. Only Tenants/owners can get in, but you may bring (supervised) friends to help. This will continue -at least- till the weekend is over. Make sure you bail out, including your supervised helpers, before 5pm or you will be escorted. Security guys can get assertive.
(Repeat...) Please bring brooms, shovels, wash tubs, and mops to cleanout the mud from your hangar. This would be -especially- helpful if you are east of ChrisAire, and could put your plane back in the hangar....before things start to get dusty.
Again we were lucky today. I didn't feel any wind more than about 5-7 mph from the east, Noon to 3pm.
Comment -- Wed. Jan 19, 2005 11:00am --
OK, OK. So the Link you rec'd last nite didn't work. Apologies. The link will always remain the same, so you can simply keep it in your browser's "favorites" for the near future.
Please check back here whenever you want. Unless there's something BIG, you won't recv any further "email notifications."
Rumor "HALT" line : |
If you have some hazardous waste, and are wondering what to do with it : DONT toss it into the dumpsters. Information is forthcoming on a nearby location to take your BadStuff on Friday and Saturday. Ask around...you will need a a friend (with a water-bill from) the City of Corona.
Dumpsters have been tough to get. Seems like it rained everywhere, and not only the airport is requesting dumpsters. Several started arriving, and old ones were carried off on Tuesday night. The requests were made last Sunday.
Patience is a keyword for us. I can personally tell you issues are recognized, and help has been called (Sewer/water/electric). The slowness of the response is not due to a "lack of trying" on the part of any Master Leaseholder nor the City of Corona.
I hadda take a day off and work this morning. I'm now headed to the airport. Check back for more news, as it is available, this evening.
Update -- Tue. Jan 18, 2005 7:00pm --
Tonight's report is what you want/need to know in a summary. Fuller comments as possible later tonight or on Wed morning.
The runway is closed -- for the near future.
Yes, there is a security guard Outside the gate, and (2) volunteer security guards locked Inside the gate from 5pm to 7am. No admittance to anyone until 7am. You need a hang-tag, or some kind of ID to get in. If that doesn't work, you will need a Volunteer Security guy (a fellow pilot) to eyeball you and tell the guard you are a tenant/owner. Only Tenants/owners can get in, but you may bring (supervised) friends to help. This will continue -at least- till the weekend is over. Make sure you bail out, including your supervised helpers, before 5pm or you will be escorted. Security guys can get assertive.
The water/sewer/electric are not yet operational. Port-a-Potties are in-vogue. Hand-washing supplies are B.Y.O. please.
From what I understand, there might be hope that Bob's Cafe might open late tomorrow, but this would be luck. Thursday morning would be a better bet.
Yes, please bring brooms, shovels, and wash tubs and cleanout the mud from your hangar. This would be -especially- helpful if your are east of ChrisAire, and could put your plane back in the hangar....before things start to get dusty.
Again we were lucky today. I didn't feel any wind more than about 5-7 mph from the east, 10am to 5pm.
I spied George and his crew looking at an airplane already primered some days ago. (Cash job I bet...did I mention you should pay cash to these guys?). Procraft was looking shipshape, and almost ready... there was too much happening, I couldn't tell if they were mopping mud or re-setting their machinerey. The Cylinder shop had a lot of activity. Things are happening here. Eastman is answering phones and re-arranging. HeliFlight has challenges yet to scoop. Businesses are coming together. Did I mention cash jobs would be appreciated ? If you know who saved your airplane, have you remembered to drive past and toss a C-note into their hangar? These guys saved your airplane. If you don't know which one saved you, toss a C-note into EACH hangar.
I hear there are people contributing time and equipment, and they aren't from Corona Airport. We want to thank these people for their contributions. Please get their names and/or the companies they own/represent. Please get these names onto Corona's Thank you list.
Come back for more info later......
Update -- Tue. Jan 18, 2005 9:00am --
Just now (with a 36hr delay), I rec'd the text of the "flyer" you will recieve at the gate. Please scroll down and read the "official" version of the status of the airport. (look for a big bold -RED- box as you scroll down....)
While this was actually written for use on Monday, Jan 17, it is the "official" version, and worth the reading....
Bulletin Mon. Jan 17, 2005 7:00PM --
Addressing one FAQ (Frequently Asked Question), the wind was reported to be pretty snappy at Chino and Riverside today. That was not the case at Corona. I was there all day, and I don't think I felt more than maybe 5-7 mph from the east. Even if your plane isn't tied down, it is at least sandbagged on the tires, and I don't think anything moved airplane-wise. Occasional airplanes are starting to move from the tiedowns into hangars. Tomorrow will surrender more tiedowns. And probably you need to come down and move your airplane into a tiedown if you find it in a less-secure situation. Don't "call somebody" -- come to the airport. Volunteers sure could use your help.
Among other things, a pilot values airspeed, fuel, and a runway. Cross your fingers we might get a couple of these soon. The fuel station only needs electricity. And apparently we are on-schedule to have the runway evaluated soon. In conversation with other non-experts, this might take more than 24 hours. Stay tuned.
Bob's Cafe would be operational right now, but they don't have water. And you know this is only a turn of the valve. There is also the problem of sewers for the dirty dishwater. The city pumps got drowned (down past ChrisAire). So while it sounds simple, it's not simple. If Bob and Meta had their way, we'd be able to use paper plates. But there's probably some "code" against that. All the workers enjoyed complimentary hotdogs and coffee today. Thank you Bob and Meta.
Yes, the gate is back up (was cut down to get airpanes out.) Yes, there is an Armed Security Guard in-place tonight in front of the gate. Additionally, your friendly (volunteer) security guard is locked inside the airport, and will make rounds in the dark. This is the continued attempt to protect your stuff. From what I see, this will probably continue in some form for a while.
The airport is open to tenants/owners 7am to 5pm. There is a "lockdown" at 5pm. You still need your hang-tag or something to identify yourself to get in. Looks like this procedure will remain in effect for a while.
West-End properties got a lot of machinery-help today. There were skip-loaders shoving mud from about noon to the 5pm lockdown. Operators varied from professional, to Dave Stevenson, to Teri Carr. Seems like everyone likes to play in the mud. Yes, even Rich Brodeur couldn't resist "operating" for a while.
If it ain't one problem agency, it's another. We are not allowed to use hoses (nor water-trucks) to washdown anything. Don't plan on bringing or using anything that resembles a hose. Several water-bearing trailers were turned away today. If you wanna wash something, plan on using a wash-tub, and plan on taking the wastewater home with you. And of course remember to bring something to wash your hands. One acceptable method is the "2-bucket". The first bucket is for dirty hands, the 2nd is for rinse. And plan on taking the water home with you. It goes without saying that the restrooms are locked. Are these rules conflicting to common sense? Sure. But the airport will get the "Citation" anyway. (But that's another story.)
And in summary today...I saw Procraft hauling equipment on trailers, going outside the airport, and bringing it back after washing it. The Cylinder Shop was the same story. Eastman continued pushing mud out of his hangar (for about the 5th time...he has less-than-good elevation compared to the taxiway.) Let's not think that Georges Painting is only on the upper-end. He has prep-booths (hangars) in a lot of other locations on the field. All these businesses have equipment (compressors, grinders, and hand-tools) that got drowned.
I think we could all find something these guys could fix on our airplane. Have I mentioned you should pay cash for your work? Real soon would be good.
Bulletin Sun. Jan 16, 2005 6:00PM --
At 7am on Monday Jan 17, Corona Airport grounds are open to all the tenants.
-------- But not the runway --------
The airport is still officially closed by NOTAM -- no takeoffs or landings, even by helicopter.
The City of Corona has been, and is still, concerned about our Safety, and they are concerned to keep our property Secure in this Natural Disaster.
OK, now that we have that said, here's the scoop :
The Haz-Mat team from "City of Corona" has investigated the airport and approved our return to cleanup the mud.
They still have some rules for us to follow ("Be careful when walking in slippery mud..."). But Generally, we can go to our hangars and cleanup. When you come to the gate, you will recieve a handout with a lot of common sense suggestions and rules. They are not rigid nor nasty rules, just common sense leading us all to the same goal in the cleanup process.
Tonight, there is still heavy security guarding our stuff. Tomorrow (Monday) When you go to the gate, there is still a security guard, and you still need identification that you are a tenent. If you have no paperwork, or a hang-tag, then someone (a fellow pilot, security volunteer) is available to help you get in.
Today, I heard a few petty gripes. Here's my favorite:
[Tenent from the far west-end]: "I didn't give anyone permission to cut my lock and move my airplane."
Well, OK. Next time we won't do that. To help the unpaid volunteers from saving your $65,000 airplane from drowning, please put a sign on your hangar door "In case of flood, do not open this hangar." But for now, please just help your neighbor shovel his 6" of mud and go buy him a new lock.
Do not be in a hurry to move your airplane if your hangar is not inhabitable. All the Master Lease Holders agreed to help each other. You should cleanout the mud, help your neighbor cleanout his mud, and both of you go cleanout a buddy's hangar if you know he's in Japan for a month. The sense of "Community" should rise up for all of us in this Natural Disaster.
Cleaning up-- this needs to be a controlled process. The handout you receive at the gate tells you where to put your mud so it is easiest to skip-load and remove. Please separate trash from mud, and put the trash in the dumpsters provided.
The entry gate will be repaired soon. But being inoperative, this is only to help reduce the manpower to maintain security. At this writing, the airport will be closed 5pm to 7am for the forseeable future.
Here's our mandate -- If you are retired and have nothing to do, please help your neighbor restore his hangar. If you have a few extra days to take off work, please come and help. Bring squeegees and shovels and brooms with you. They are in short supply.
And don't forget -- our on-airport businesses will be needing cash-jobs asap. They took care of our stuff, let's help them too.
A copy of the actual "handout" from the city hasn't yet arrived in my email. When it arrives, I will post it on this site....so feel free to stop back and check later tonight.
A late-contribution : Seems like the bugs 'n mosquitos have discovered us. So you might want to bring bug-repellant.
Sue notes...you should bring boots.
Here's the text of the flyer you will get at the gate:
[Text from The office of the Airport Manager] |
Update Sat. Jan 15, 2005 7:00PM --
First, the bad-good news. I don't know if you know, but you surely -should- know that the airport businesses have been helping the pilots (read we-pilots) FIRST. This is at their own expense, including paying their employees.
These professional airplane people include Georges Painting, Steve from Procraft, the Cylinder shop, HeliFlight and Eastman. Bob's Cafe has been supplying food and coffee. There are MANY other business owners I haven't mentioned who selflessly jumped into action when the water started rising. I am ashamed I don't know all of their names.
I sure hope you are aware that not only were these businesses not doing business and collecting money, but they were in fact SPENDING money by buying gas, and paying employees overtime !!
If you stop and think, these samaritans have been moving airplanes since at least Tuesday when the rising water was apparent. That's FIVE days by my count. FIVE days of total outflow of cash and no income whatsoever. Again I reiterate, if you have any idea who moved that $65,000 airplane of yours to city parking and tied it down--then please give him a tip to equal at least as much as AAA would have charged you to move that old heap car of yours off the freeway.
These tireless people initially took it upon themselves to protect your airplane from the water. Now, they are getting individual requests "please put my airplane back in my hangar." You know what? Today, they were doing just that. To make tie-downs available for non-secure airplanes, they continued MOVING AIRPLANES.
Today, it was said that all airplanes are actually tied down (except in the taxiway behind George's Painting.) If a Santa Ana wind comes up, your airplane is either tied down, in a hangar, or at least chocked and sandbagged and protected from the wind (in the taxiway behind George's Painting.)
Today, all visitors behaved properly, and the "City People" were happy with the visitors to the airport. Nobody "crossed the barrior lines". Congratulations to us.
- - - - - - -
Now the bad-good news. Master Leaseholders have asked that the businesses be allowed to STOP serving the individuals and START helping themselves. All airplanes are safe. But the blood-letting of businesses' money needs to stop. In agreement, all Master Leaseholders have placed a stop on visits to the airport and moving airplanes. The Master Leaseholders have asked the businesses to stop accommodating pilots personal requests, and START taking care of their OWN needs.
At this writing, Corona Airport is closed to individuals. Period.
Businesses are allowed to bring in whatever help they need to get back in operation. Period.
The only exception is if you have "exotic" machinery in your hangar, and you need to save it from long-term damage. I have no suggestions on how you might be allowed on the airport to do this, but it sure sounds like you should contact your Master Leaseholder. PLEASE ! "Exotic" machinery does not include pliers you bought at Home Depot. PLEASE don't make unnecessary phone calls and stupid requests.
- - - - - - -
Now, the good news: Haz-Mat has cleared westward to the taxiiway past the first row of Fred Peter's hangars. Note the specific words here--the hangars facing this taxiway are cleared, including taxiway, and hangars facing east on this taxiway. At 5pm, the barricade had been moved allowing access to this taxiway. The next taxiway will give access to Procraft.
"Cleared" is a relative term. There is still about 1-2" of mudymud in these taxiways. It will be easier to cleanup with a skiploader when it is dry. On westward, you can imagine the problems. One person noted that if you move the mud, what will you do with it? Most likely, containers will be needed to haul it away. And I'm betting it will take a -LOT- of containers.
Several hangars have already been "Red-Tagged" by inspectors due to structural damage. These problems mean you can't move back into your hangar, and your Master Leaseholder will need to make necessary repairs before you do move back in. I don't know specifically which ones, but I venture they are westward beyond Fred Peter's. I wasn't allowed to go there and look (barrier crossing is forbidden.)
- - - - - - -
At this writing, here's how things are supposed to go:
Haz-Mat will continue inspecting until noon on Sunday. [Please take a breath here....] And then all "City" operations will stop until Tuesday. This might not be a bad thing...the mud will dry and make removal easier. It would seem to me that they might clear Procraft and the Cylinder Shop and Heliflight. This way, these business owners can cleanup and try to restart operations.
Electric (Edison?) and the Water and Sewer People (Corona) will be allowed to help asap. If we're lucky, maybe at least Edison doesn't take Monday off as a holiday. If water and electric are restored, then Bob's Cafe can restart. The Corona Air Venture fuel, while not badly effected, need electricity to operate. I hope you can see all the elements that need to come together here.
On Tuesday, there is to be a meeting to schedule testing of the runway.
And so, if all works out, we might be back in action by the following weekend.
Yaa-Yaa, all this is quite hopeful. But I hope you see the persistent effort that's being applied here. And let's don't forget that "The City" has been helpful also. There's a lot of players here. And it's complicated. Let's do our part and be patient as long as there's effort being spent.
- - - - - - -
Bulletin Sat. Jan 15, 2005 1:00PM --
At this writing, Haz-Mat has cleared westward to the taxiiway past the first row of Fred Peter's hangars. Note the specific words here--the hangars facing this taxiway are cleared, but not yet the taxiway, and not the hangars facing east on the 2nd row. At 1pm, the barricade was still up, not allowing access to this taxiway.
There was 2" mushymud in the taxiway. The City crew from Corona is using a "skip-loader" to scoop as much as possible into a waste-trailer. Soon, some of the tenants will be allowed to clean their hangar. When you come to the airport, squeegees and scoop shovels are in short supply, so be sure to bring such stuff with you.
While I think the water is receeded from airport property, there is a layer of mushymud everywhere. As you go westbound, the mud simply gets deeper. Approving "rows" will be getting more difficult as the Haz-Mat teams move further west.
The main thrust of todays work is securing airplanes. Possibly, Santa Ana winds are coming. While all airplanes are at least held by chocks and/or sandbags, not all refugee airplanes are tied down. Yes, there was a crew tieing all airplanes down when they came back from Smith Street. Where possible, your plane was tied down with ski-rope. Now, crews are trying to hangar all airplanes possible, and move untied airplanes into tiedowns and use ski-rope if necessary to hook your airplane onto a tie-down wire.
Leadership is very thankful many tenants have simply stayed away, or merely stopped by only briefly to checkout their airplane. This is a super help so cars and people don't hinder the trucks and equipment coming and going at the airport. Also, so far, everyone is following the rules "DONT CROSS PAST THE BARRICADE". This simple little yellow police-tape between sawhorses is being respected. A comment was heard-- "The City" congratulating "civilians" on respecting these lines.
Probably, the airport will be locked-down again at 5pm (security stays to guard our stuff). I will try to get a late report on how far the teams have cleared by 5pm. Some of you might be able to go relocate your planes on Sunday.
Addendum Fri. Jan 14, 2005 7:00PM --
Late breaking details per Corona Pilots Association:
The principal reason to keep persons off the airport is to allow Haz-Mat people to examine the facilities for potential hazards to persons on the airport. There were substantial sewer spills and much runoff from Chino dairies. Therefore, no one is allowed to cross barriers until the Haz-Mat people have cleared the area.
Building 1929 ["The Bench" row] and tie-downs located east of that row have been cleared.
At a meeting this afternoon, C.A.V. led the way and has agreed that overtime compensation will be provided for the Haz-Mat Team to continue assessing airport.
The following rules will be in effect January 15 at 7am:
Haz Mat will begin at building 1929 ["The Bench" row] at 7:30 AM
Civil Air Patrol will help by sweeping the area beginning at 8:00 AM
TENANTS will be permitted at 9:00 AM
This means "Tenants only" and their spouse. No Children and no friends and no dogs and especially no children. Security will be guarding the gate. Each person must be identified.
No one will be allowed past barriers. IF ANY ONE IS CAUGHT PAST THE BARRIERS, WE ARE TOLD THE AIRPORT WILL BE VACATED AND NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE AIRPORT UNTIL THE ENTIRE AIRPORT IS CLEARED.
No Takeoffs are approved at this time. The airport is NOTAMd closed, and an offender will be arrested.
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Interpretation of the above information:
Aircraft owners (owners, and owners spouses-only! No children...you get the idea...) will be allowed on the airport to find your aircraft or to return the plane to [some hangars--see below]. At the security checkpoint, your name will be checked against a list of owners.
You must stay in non-restricted areas and you are not to simply wander around and see the sights. Please concentrate on your aircraft and/or your hangar. (See below.) The City's concern is "LIABILITY" that someone gets sick, exposed to some hazardous chemical, or falls down and breaks a leg.
It is true you can return planes to hangars on S.V.S., and much (but not all) of C.A.V. But some SVS hangars are blocked by a few aircraft. Even with juggling, you might not be able to get in there till other planes have moved. They parked about 12-14 airplanes starting (nosed-tailed) against Painter-George's back door and going north. I don't remember the first hangar that's clear to re-enter. Also, planes are parked quite close all the way from Painter-Georges-front-door all the way down to "Rose" parking. Juggling planes for this whole length to move your aircraft out to the taxiway isn't reasonable--and way too much risk.
My suggestion---go look for yourself. There will probably be volunteers if it is reasonable to move your plane. Please don't make unreasonable moves. This is how hangar-rash happens. There's enough of that already.
If you want to loan your hangar to a buddy, this is probably OK "-IF-" you tell the airport manager or your Master Leaseholder what N# is actually in the hangar. There's some heavy-duty tallying going on here to keep account of these expensive machines. Don't upset the bean-counters !!
Whatever you do, please abide by the rules setup by the city. If some "YAA-HOO" takes off walking into the mud down-field, "The City" might just close the airport --TOTALLY-- until they see fit for us to return. This is a very-very-real possibility. [I'm tellin' you they ain't kiddin. There are people uptown that think this is just a over-complicated ball-diamond (recreational area) and they don't think it's bad to keep pilots out for months.] If you see this happening, step up and STOP THE OFFENDER !! PLEASE !!
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Im tryin to keep individual owners informed,
Sol
Bulletin Fri. Jan 14, 2005 2:30PM -- Information published this morning was defective. No one (other than designated security people) is/are allowed on the airport unescourted. You can go to your hangar or your aircraft and survey damage or retrieve items ONLY IF YOU ARE ESCOURTED BY A DESIGNATED SECURITY PERSON !!!!!
If your hangar has been under water, YOU CANNOT GO THERE. And so, at this writing, don't bother to call with this request.
Call your Master Leaseholder if you need something. Obviously, they are being overwhelmed with calls of inconsequence.
The City of Corona is still working with agencies to find the quickest way to open the airport. But at this writing, there is no news whatsoever. -SOME- businesses are being allowed to cleanup and prepare to resume operations. Airport Businesses are helping each other. Unfortunatety, some businesses are limited the same as us, and cannot do anything at this time.
At this writing, because of the "leak" of Prado Dam at 6am, water was allowed out of the reservior at full-rate. The water is now down and covering only the area west of Corona Air Ventures. It is still receding.
Bulletin Fri. Jan 14, 2005 9AM --DELETED !!!
Bulletin Thurs Jan 13, 2005 6PM -- Today was spent moving all airplanes from locations outside the airport onto airport property. The teams were hand selected and included about 24 helpers from Georges Painting, Procraft, Heliflite and other well known people.
All airplanes are now on airport area. Most are parked so they can be taxiid, the taxiways were maintained clear. However, necessary stacking might take a little wait for your parking-neighbor. There are only about 6 airplanes parked actually -ON- the runway, and they could be easily moved.
In a meeting at 4pm, it was suggested some would now choose to fly their airplanes off the field. The details of this are hopefully being discussed.
Corona Airport is apparently a Federal disaster area and many govt agencies are trying to elp. The main problem is that the water is considered polluted (think sewer!!, oil, even refigerator oil and coolant in the flotsam. They are not thinking about floating sticks and leaves) and so one can imagine what kind of wash-down and cleanup is being considered. This doesn't include at least one refrigerator that's in the middle of the runway. They brought in a dumpster and positioned it in the middle of the runway at about the hi-speed exit point. This is probably to contain pickup and sweepup when guys in hazmat-coveralls and boots do the cleanup.
Hazmat people inspected hangars which were not touched by the rising (polluted) water. We heard that people "upward but not including Wayne's office-row" might be allowed to move their planes back into the hangars. Further inspection might allow a few more. But those who suffered water on the floors of the hangar will definitely -not- be allowed back in until some "washdown and/or abatement" has happened. If you know from this writing that you have suffered, don't bother to call anyone but your master leaseholder. Hopefully, they will be issueing you information on when you can expect to return--but even THEY don't know yet, as they haven't been issued a schedule. Please be considerate, understanding and patient.
Bulletin Wed. Jan 12, 2005 2PM....Meetings are being held today to discuss a procedure to open the airport. Many agencies are involved. It is heard Corona Airport may be applying for Federal Emergency Aid. At this writing, it sounds like Tuesday to return airplanes to the airport. There is no precise opinion of when we can return to our hangars to assess damage. Stay tuned to this website.
Please send donations to help the Corona Airport people. In large part, these funds will help our businesses (Airport Community) survive. All the busineses lost tools, equipment, and fixtures. They were busy saving our airplanes from the rising water, rather than moving their own stuff. Please make a Large Donation -- make your check payable to "Corona Pilots Association". These specific funds are being tallied by the Treasurer of CPA. Mail to:
Corona Pilots Association -- PO Box 1212, Corona, CA 92878.