JANUARY 2006
CORONA PILOTS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
President Paul Bricker
V. President Shane Reichardt
Secretary Margaret Nunnaly
Treasurer Susan Brunner
Editor John Elwell
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held Sunday January 8 at 5:00 PM on the terrace at Corona Aero Partners. 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. Don’t forget that Sunday is also the show date for our antique aircraft.
LAST MEETING
By Margaret Nunally
The meeting was called to order at 5 pm on December 11 by our Association President Paul Bricker. An amendment was made to clarify that the Corona Pilots Association will join the California Pilots Association, motion was made and carried. Membership
cost for the Corona Pilots Association to join the California Pilots Association will be $50.00 annually.
Nick Nicolary reported on the trip to Yuma to deliver toys for the Wings of Faith, and reminded the club of the Fly-in to French
Valley on December 17th.
Paul Bricker reported on an executive meeting concerning the Airfaire. This year there will be no admission charge, and the net
proceeds from vendors and sponsors will be used for scholarships.
Whether or not to continue the fly-ins as monthly events or change to quarterly functions was discussed. Shane Reichardt
suggested that quarterly fly-ins could be organized by couples or individuals who would make reservations and find great
restaurants and attractions, and even arrange for a seminar type speaker.
Terry Kaiser gave a report on the Education Committee and an update on the CPA scholarship.
Bob Heer spoke about the accident involving his plane and safety on the field.
The meeting was adjourned, followed as always by good food and good fellowship.
FROM THE PREZ
By Paul Bricker
It’s a few days after Christmas, my waistline is suffering from the great food people are forcing me to eat, wiring of my
instrument panel is finally progressing at a good rate, and I’m late (as usual) in getting my column written.
2005 has been a very busy year, to say the least. It all started with the “Great Flood of 2005”. While I’ve only been at AJO for a
few years I grew up in Riverside, and remember the flooding we had in 1968/69. Like many other people I didn’t think I’d ever see
that; I didn’t think it would happen to me. Well, it did and to some extent everyone else on the airport. Even if you didn’t lose an
Aircraft, or parts, tools, etc., or had to try to clean that mud out of your hanger, you were impacted. Our airport was not available
for our use for weeks, and our friends who have businesses on the airport and the surrounding area were hurt. On the other hand,
it also brought out the best in us, and showed the city and county things they didn’t expect from the people who inhabit AJO, and
emphasized the asset we are to the community. We managed to save millions of dollars of aircraft in a manner that surprised the
city, and your generosity helped the businesses survive. We should be proud. Here’s hoping 2006 doesn’t provide us with another
opportunity to excel like this one. In June we hosted an appreciation lunch for the local Civil Air Patrol Squadron 20 on the Corona
Aero Partners patio. It gave us the opportunity to express our appreciation of the great work the CAP cadets and their adult leaders
have provided over the years to AJO and our members. Many of the CAP members were here on the airport during clean up, and
the CAP hand-swept the runway TWICE. All of the cadets were recognized for their contributions, and all were given the
opportunity to go flying with one of our members. As expected, Stearman rides were at a premium, but everyone was
accommodated, thanks to the generosity of you, the members of the CPA.
The AirFaire in October was our big push this year, and by most measures it was a great success. Several groups brought their
special aircraft to the Air Faire. This included the only flying H-21 in existence and a just restored Huey, complete with Viet Nam
war era marking and equipment. Tethered Hot Air Balloon rides were quite the hit, and the Planes of Fame Museum from Chino did
fly-bys with their Vought F4U-1A Corsair, their one of a kind restored Northrop N9MB Flying Wing. This was topped off by flight
demonstrations of several of the aircraft from AJO, covering quite a range of size and performance. All in all, we had an
interesting collection of aircraft flying over Corona this year.
This year we accomplished several things that had been in the works for several years. We introduced the CPA scholarship
program to help young people start their life as a pilot, and the CPA web site is now up and running, and growing every month. I
urge you to check it out at www.coronapilots.org if you haven’t lately.
On a more somber note, we lost several friends. Steve Johnson, Ron Richardson, Tom Hartley and Richard Barnes left us this
year, and they will be missed. We had a few mishaps on the airport, but the impacts were largely restricted to bent aluminum and
bruised egos, so I guess we were lucky.
2006 is upon us. As I write this the new AWSS is sitting at the East end of the airport, having been delivered a few days before
Christmas (Merry Christmas Rich!), and installation is scheduled to start in January. I’m sure the next AirFaire will be another
struggle, but I’m hoping it won’t live up to the standard set in 2005. I’m sure we are all hoping to have just enough rain to green
things up, but not so much as to wash stuff away. A little quieter year would be nice.
Here’s wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year.
CORONA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
By Rich Brodeur, Airport Manager
Events: What can I say? ... It has been an interesting year! ... Flood of 2005!!!
We started it off with one of the rainiest seasons ever and with luck, we’ll end it on a dry note. As a result, we are better prepared
to deal with this type of disaster in the future and the community spirit of this great little airport is alive and stronger than ever. I
believe that all of you are what makes this airport unique and enjoyable. My thanks and appreciation to all of you who have
supported me at Corona Municipal Airport.
January 8, 2006: I have invited the area TSA Representative (Transportation Security Administration) to speak at the next CPA
meeting. Please pass along the word to all who might be interested. They will be addressing specific guidelines for General
Aviation Airports. If you are a CFI or Flight School you definitely want to attend this meeting.
Safety: As we enter the New Year, I would like to offer a suggestion to all pilots, don’t just talk on the radio; listen and do not take
anything for granted.
Security: Please report any security issues or gate problems to me immediately at (951)736-2289 or email richard.brodeur@ci.
corona.ca.us (If it is after hours, please contact (951) 736-2334 Corona Police Dispatch)
Insurance: Please make sure your insurance is current and up to date and indicates The City of Corona and the Army Corps of
Engineers as additional insured’s. The Master Lease Holders have been issued a copy of all non-insured aircraft and will be taking
corrective action to ensure 100% compliance to this ongoing process. If your aircraft is not operational and does not have
insurance, you must submit a Declaration of Non-Operation Status form. Please contact your Master Lease Holder or the Airport
Manager for this form.
AWSS: The Automated Weather Sensor System was approved by the City Council at the December 7, 2005 meeting. Installation
is planned to begin on January 23, 2006.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Please help me keep our Airport Safe and Neighborly! Thanks!!!!
SPECIAL REPORT
What follows is part of the report by the Stearman pilot in Corona’s midair collision involving a Cessna and a Stearman (which
fortunately did not result in any injuries and both planes are likely to fly again soon)..
I was flying in the pattern at Corona Municipal Airport around 2 pm on 12/11/2005 and was on my third circuit. The weather was
ideal for flying on this Sunday afternoon, so the pattern had been busier than usual, even for a weekend. Traffic was also heavy in
the Santa Ana Canyon, and the frequency was full since it's also used by several other nearby airports. I did not observe any
aircraft in front of me on upwind or crosswind legs. Approximately mid-field downwind, I made a call on the CTAF frequency
indicating that I was on downwind. Shortly thereafter I heard a call from a Cessna who reported that they were "turning final,
number two, at Corona". I replied with another call, "Corona traffic, Stearman 696 downwind abeam, left traffic 25, Corona". I
observed a single engine high wing Cessna crossing the unimproved area (between the threshold and Smith St) on short final. I
also saw another high wing single engine Cessna about 5/8 mile out on final, but did not see any other traffic on downwind or base
legs. I made gentle s-turns on downwind to check for traffic in front of the Stearman (I do this because Corona has an offset final
approach path for noise abatement and aircraft on a long final approach can end up in front of the biplane's nose). I did not
observe any traffic. I extended downwind until the 2nd Cessna had passed my left wing on final. I then extended a few seconds
further before beginning my turn to the base leg. I concurrently made a radio call on the CTAF indicating that I was turning base.
I also used the turn to scan for traffic below. Nothing was observed. After leveling off on base, I glanced to the right to ensure
the final approach path was clear. I turned final a few seconds later and made a traffic call to that effect. Per the noise abatement
procedures in place at Corona, I flew over the wash to avoid the homes on the bluff east of the field. I was a slightly above the
ideal glide path, so I placed the airplane into a slip to lose altitude, and used the opportunity to check for traffic below and in front
of me. Nothing was observed. I made another radio call just about the time I flew over Smith Street (~150 yards prior to the
threshold) that I was on "short final". At an altitude I would estimate to be approximately 150' AGL, I saw something out of the
corner of my eye. I looked down and saw the right wing of an aircraft rising toward the lower left wing of the Stearman. I
immediate began to move the stick aft and add power to go around. The rate of closure between the two airplanes decreased, but
I was not able to avoid the collision. After the contact, I continued the go-around, and observed the Cessna over my right shoulder
rolling to a stop on the grass next to the runway. I climbed to an altitude 2000' MSL and circled for a few minutes to check my
aircraft for damage. None was observed to any of the wings, flying wires, or other aircraft surfaces I could see from the
cockpit. The engine sounded normal and produced normal power. A Cessna 185 then entered the pattern and offered to check the
bottom of the aircraft for damage. He joined me over the airport and from a safe distance looked at the landing gear and bottom
surfaces of the lower wing. He radioed that there did not appear to be anything wrong with my aircraft, so I re-entered the pattern
and made a normal landing. I did not hear radio calls from N7178T. I'm sure the radio in my aircraft works, because other aircraft
on previous circuits in the pattern had acknowledged my radio, and after the collision, the Cessna 185 and I communicated with no
problems. After the accident, I wondered whether the Cessna which reported in as #2 might have been 78T. However, that
aircraft reported turning final. That when I was downwind, at lease 30 seconds before I even turned base.
NEWS YOU REALLY NEED
By John Elwell
We have another new pilot! Jay Hogancamp passed his check ride and is now a full fledged pilot. Congratulations Jay.
It is that time of year again. We are starting a new year and those that have classic and antique airplanes need to file for an
exemption of the personal property tax on your airplane with Riverside County. Those who are presently exempt should have their
forms for 2005. You must complete the forms and send your certificate of displays with it. If you displayed your aircraft at
Corona Open House and have signed the book, but did not get your certificate signed come to the next meeting and bring it up to
date.
If your aircraft is 35 years old and if you agree to display it twelve times each year you may also file for this exemption. You must
file by February 15th. If you have not done this you have to get the forms from the Riverside County Assessor at the Business
Personal Property Division.
Have you noticed conditions have improved at the restrooms by the center fueling station? Patrick has made major improvements
to the cleanliness but there are still some technical difficulties that will probably require major line work. Thanks Patrick for this
improvement. One note though; we can still help! If you go in with dirty hands, take a minute and a paper towel and wipe the sink
behind yourself. It really will make a difference
Don't forget the PANCAKE BREAKFAST held the first Saturday of each month from 7 to 9 am at Bobs Café. Bob donates a
portion of the proceeds to CPA. The food is great and there is one more chance for fellowship.
THE SOLO
By Margaret Nunally and Katy Maness
It was a perfect morn on that November day
In the clear blue sky she soared
Up there in all that quiet space
Of her small plane she was lord.
She banked the plane and looked below
At the small town she knew so well
She saw the streets where she did know
And thought about its worth
She thought about her family
Her child who grew up to catch the nation’s heart
Up in the silent atmosphere
She could reflect upon her life
She thought about her accomplishments
Of all the things she had done
At times it had seemed very hard
But mostly, it was fun
And here she was – a pilot now
Flying her own small plane
At the pinnacle of a restless year
A year of laughter and of pain
Would the landing be soft or hard?
Would she pass this important test?
Would she bring her in like a graceful bird
Lightly back to earth to rest?
She smiled as she approached the runway now
The landing lights in clear view
The plane glided in as smooth as glass
And she knew her life would too.
EDITORS NOTE:
Let’s not forget that there are still plenty of the Airplanes of Corona Postcards left. You get a set of 16 different postcards for only
$10.00. It would be fun to go around and get each pilot to sign their aircraft’s picture. Contact Susan Brunner, get them at the
Meeting or Aircraft Spruce, or contact any of the officers on the letterhead.