FEBRUARY 2007
NEXT MEETING
Our next meeting will be held Sunday February 11thth on the terrace of Corona Aero Partners at 5PM. Be sure to bring a dish to share, a happy face and a desire to explore aviation. President Paul plans to show the documentary production "16R" in two sessions, starting this month,
The open house to show Classical Aircraft has a new twist, so be sure to read further in this newsletter. Plan on showing your aircraft.
LAST MEETING
The January meeting was the most interesting meeting that we have had this year. President Paul opened the meeting almost on time and a lively business meeting followed.
Susan Brunner submitted her resignation as treasurer and President Paul stated that his wife Joyce would be willing to finish out the term until a successor was chosen. President Paul then appointed Pat Brunner to head the nominating committee for officers for the following year. Because of the vacancies he wished to have elections in March.
Margaret Nunally reported on the 2007 Airefaire to be held October 8th. Progress is going well and planning is proceeding.
Margaret also urged members to attend the Recovery Party on February 10th. Ticket sales are slow so sales are encouraged.
Jim Nunally reported on the start of the antique and classic aircraft display Which will be starting in February.
The group agreed to sponsor a get-aquatinted BBQ sometime during the summer when we invited everyone on the airport to participate and get to know each other. A donation bucket will be provided but contributions will be voluntary, $200 has been approved to cover expenses for this event.
CORONA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
By Rich Brodeur, Airport Manager
Rich has been away for a few days. As stated elsewhere in this letter Rich lost his daughter and we mourn with him. Please join me in using this space as a memorial to his lovely daughter Melissa. As you can remember she was a part of our fourth of July parade.
FROM THE PREZ
By Paul Bricker
Let me wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year! 2007 has started off cold and a bit dry, but I expect that to change as we roll into February and March. Despite this start please remember we are in the flood plane behind a dam, and if the unthinkable happens again you need to be ready to get out. Clean out any unnecessary stuff in your hangers now if you haven't already, and review the evacuation plan you gave your master leaseholder. Now is the time to do those adult tasks so we can respond responsibly if (when?) something like 2005 happens again.
As most of you are aware we were all shocked when Melissa, the adult daughter of Airport Manager Richard Brodeur, died suddenly on 14 January. This is an incredible loss to the Brodeur family, and Melissa's daughter Gabriella. I know our hearts go out to them. On 19 January, following the funeral, a reception was held on the deck, with many of you attending. Please keep Richard and his family in your thoughts.
In my column two months back I announced the plan to host a monthly Open house at the airport, as part of a community relations program. Jim Nunnaly graciously agreed to ram rod the program and he has done a great job. The first of what I expect to be many Open Houses will be Sunday, 2/11, from 10 am to 2 pm. Jim has coordinated with Rich Brodeur use of the SW corner of the public tie down area for the display. Walkways will be formed using flag lines to allow the public to see the aircraft but still be just outside "touch range". We will also have at least one member there at all times to marshal the area and answer questions. While the initial motivation was to display antique aircraft we have opened it to any aircraft, and Jim is coordinating with the automobile enthusiast clubs in the area, as well as several other groups. While this is primarily an aviation-oriented event we intend to selectively invite other groups to broaden the interest to the general public. If you have an aircraft you feel would be interesting to others, or would just like to display it, get hold of Jim so he can make space. The events will be held on the second Sunday every month, before the general CPA meeting and potluck at 5 pm.
CPA now owns a very nice Stainless Steel gas BBQ. We broke it in earlier in the month and it appears it works if you don't have too many pilots trying to operate it at the same time. It appears to hold about 16 burgers at a time, so it should be much more convenient than the smaller and well-used BBQs that have been around for some time. It's kept in the CPA hanger and available for members use (on the airport) for those big get-togethers. Just contact one of the officers or Pat Brunner to coordinate it, clean it afterwards and replace the propane you use.
We are coming up on the deadline for the Recovery Party at the Phoenix Club on 2/10. While John, Rich, Margaret and Bob have been hawking tickets throughout January they may have missed you. If you don't have yours already just grab one of us NOW and join the fun. I think Margaret said she could handle additions until about a week before, but no tickets could be sold at the door due to lead-time for the kitchen.
Due to personal reasons Susan Brunner, one of our "do everything" people has had to resign her position as Treasurer. My wife Joyce has volunteered to take over temporarily. With this as a motivation, while it's a little earlier than traditional, we started nominations for new officers in January. The election is scheduled for the March meeting, and installment of the new board in April. Of the five officers currently on the board, four of them have served two or more years. It's time to get some new blood on the board. Pat Brunner is in charge of nominations and I encourage you to get involved. I know many of you have opinions on what we could do better, so grab or call Pat and let him know you'd like to serve.
The February meeting will be at the usual time (5 pm on 2/11). I intend to show the documentary production "16R" in two sessions, starting this month, after the business meeting. Come help run your association, hanger fly (and eat) with your friends, and watch a very interesting and entertaining movie about a real world (abet large) general aviation airport.
PILOT PROFILE
By Margaret Nunally
Jon Wells is currently our Publicity/Advertising chairman for the 2007 Airfaire. This is a short history of his life and times.
While in the Marine Corps, serving at MCAS El Toro, Jon was always interested in flying. He attended an Air show at March AFB back in 1994, where he ran into the Orange County Soaring Association (Glider Club), which is located in Hemet, Ca. Jon joined the club and in 12 days soloed a glider, leading to his Glider Private License in 3 months. He went on to own a High Performance Glider, where he flew multiple Cross Country Flights of over 500 kms and also earned his Commercial Glider License and Certified Flight Instructor-Glider Certificate, flying many hundreds of hours with students.
After retiring from the Marine Corps as a Major in 1998, he met a fellow pilot who he taught to fly gliders and he introduced Jon to power flying. Jon earned his Private Pilot Power add-on prior to moving to Northern California due to work requirements.
While living in Stockton, Ca. Jon went on to earn his Instrument rating and then his Commercial Single Engine Land rating with Instrument. After purchasing a Cessna 182L model, Jon spent many hours flying the family as well as enjoying the Angel Flight West organization. He earned a Commercial Multi-Engine Land with Instrument and became partners in a Cessna 310L. He earned his Commercial Single Seaplane rating, enjoying another aspect of flying.
Since leaving Northern California, he came back to Corona in May 2006, where he became the Area Leader for Angel Flight West, serving San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Flying both his Cessna 182 and other available twin engines, he enjoys flying around 280 hours a year.
Jon's goal over the next year is to add a CFI and CFII to his list of ratings, and hopefully he can help others learn to fly and experience the love of aviation.
NEWS YOU REALLY NEED
CPA has supported Wings of Faith ministries and Nick has reported on their 2006 program as follows:
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Wings of Faith Ministries celebrated a successful 2006, by holding an Appreciation Dinner on Sunday January 28th. Those in attendance represented a cross section of individuals who contributed their time, resources, and labor, which helped WOF achieve its goals. John Elwell accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Corona Pilots Association, CPA members who were recognized included; Susan Brunner, Yolanda & Woodrow Anselen, Miguel Yero, and John Zammit.
2006 was WOF's 30th Christmas Airlift in which 10 aircraft and 18 pilots flew more than eight thousand toys to approximately 80 missionaries located in California, Arizona, and Mexico. In total, more than 44 flights were conducted during 2006, on which clothing, food, Bibles, and hope were carried to American Indian Reservations and villages across the Mexican Border in Yuma. Dale Whinery wishes to thank the CPA and its members for their time, efforts, and support throughout this past year.
Nick Nicolary
Director of Flight Operations., Wings of Faith Ministries
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Looking ahead to March; there is going to be a major event at the airport. The Inland Empire Classic Mustang Club and the Airport is sponsoring a RENDEVOUS WITH EAGLES Sunday March 4th from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Where the Classic Cars Cruise with The Classic Planes .
It is hoped that we will display a number of our planes mixed with the Classic Cars and a chance to win a free airplane ride will be available. This looks like a fun day and it is hoped that we can get some participation of classic planes . For more information call Tom Dye 951-735-6842 or Cliff Gatewood at 951-734-4924.
This is a qualifying show date and you can get a sign off for display purposes.
The time is here for the registration of you classic or antique aircraft. If you plan to claim the personal property tax exemption remember you must file by February 15th.
DO YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR AIRCRAFT?
Beginning this month CPA is initiating a more public display for your proud possession. We want to create a monthly draw for citizens of the area to show them the airport is a thriving and necessary part of this community. We have set aside a specific area for aircraft displays as described in President Paul's column. Please join in on this endeavor to increase the visibility of the airport. Jim Nunally is also authorized to sign your display forms.
Let's use the new CPA "Online Bulletin-Board".
Please go to the new website, read a few suggestions, and Register to the Bulletin-board. Here, we can keep each other advised on the daily happenings at the airport.
Please jump-in and contribute to the "Online-Bench-Talk". Presently, there are no postings about an airport flood. But in the future, this is where you'll find the daily updates. In our own words, to each other. Here are a few tips provided by our dedicated monitor to make your visit easier.
1. Notice there is now a permanent "Click here to goto the BBS" located on the header of the main web-page. As time is passing, the "blurb" is being reduced in the body of the main-page. Also, note the old '.ORG' page has shutdown.
2. Sure is fun to read the BBS when you're outta-town, isn't it. Thanks for the advertising on the newsletter. We got 2 more registrations this week (the 'monikers' aren't very fun, but what the heck). Hopefully, all like what they see and will come back on their own.
3.If you forget your name and/or password on the BBS, not to worry. While we can't retrieve it for you, we can delete it and you can happily re-register. It's very easy. All we need is your REAL email address (and sign-in-name) that you used to register the previous time. If all else fails, we can delete the registration and you can simply start over.
4. For those of you who can read your monthly newsletter online, it's here on CoronaPilots.com. The bulletin board (and the Calendar function) is elsewhere. Please note the Calendar is on the BBS, not here on the "main" CPA webpage. If you want to add birthdays, please do.
5. FYI, on the "RESOURCES" tab of CoronaPilots.com, there is a click-on to download and print the most recent "Application for tax-avoidance on Airplanes of historical nature." In fact, many links on this page have been updated (the actual addresses change occasionally). There's some killer links available. Shane started it, but a few (moving-target) addresses changed, so they're corrected now.