Category Archives: aircraft

Using the FAA B4UFLY drone app

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B4Uflyscreen

Using the FAA B4UFLY drone app.

First off, if you are not using the FAA B4UFLY drone app (https://www.faa.gov/uas/b4ufly/) on your smart phone or tablet, go download it. I understand that the app is not definitive answer to where you can fly, but it is a nice way to get a quick reference.

A friend of ours asked if we could take aerial video of a small gathering of people she is organizing. Since we do not have our 333 Exemption yet (should be soon…), we can’t do anything for hire but thought it would be a great way to get more experience.

In our case I entered the address of the field our friend wanted the video taken and let the system pick out the location and overlaid the nearest airports.  In this case we were outside the five-mile radius for a commercial airport but inside the five miles for a small private field, although, that small field doesn’t exist anymore. So the data might be a bit behind, but at least it reminded us where we should be concerned.

FYI, I looked at a couple other airports that I knew were gone and they were still on the map, so it is important to know your area. Don’t rely just on this application.

The next step was to get permission from the facility owner and potentially the city.  I called the city and they informed me that they are relatively unprepared for drone activity, but they have attended a few conventions and training programs where drones have been discussed. At this time the city has a few model aircraft rules in place which will cover the operation of drones for the time being.  Those rules do not allow models on public city land or parks.

But since we were flying on private ground we would need to talk to the owners. Will let you know how the whole thing goes, weather permitting.

Take a look at the screen short for the B4UFLY app. The purple pin is where the address put us compared the two airports. Kind of cool

SUN ‘n FUN Planning 2015 annual event

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Presented by Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the 41st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will be held April 21-26, 2015 in Lakeland, Florida.  An anticipated crowd of 200,000 people during the event will include more than 500 credentialed media, 500 exhibitors and guests from 80 different countries. 
An International Jet Team, U.S. Military Jet Team and Warbirds will keep attendees entertained and educated.  CEO & President John R. “Lites” Leenhouts is directing staff and volunteers to design this event as one that offers exciting ‘finds’ on the grounds and in the air that have been suggested by the aviation community.  Themes used each day will combine Florida Day, World Aerobatics, Education, International Hospitality, Warbirds, Formations, Aviation Potpourri, Military, Florida Resident Day and more.  “Dinner with Legends” (a fund-raising event for year-round education programs and scholarships), will feature big names from the sporting community who are also pilots.  Lectures, workshops, continuing education credits for teachers, international food vendors, youth activities, and rides on aircraft like the Ford Tri-Motor round out the week for all attendees.
In 2015, there will be a mid-week twilight illuminated aviation airshow as well as a Saturday spectacular include fireworks.  The 40th anniversary for Air America will be celebrated in the Veterans Plaza.   Celebrating “A Brighter Future through Aviation”, there will be an unveiling of a new “Piedmont Education Experience” as the only fully-functional aircraft classroom on a high school campus in the world.  The Boeing 727 will also have a Bernie Little Memorial community meeting space.
For further information about how to become involved at SUN ‘n FUN as a volunteer, sponsor, partner, exhibitor, vendor or advertiser, visit www.sun-n-fun.org or call 863-644-2431.
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Aviation education experiences are offered year-round for students of all ages on the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus.  Proceeds from any event at SUN ‘n FUN, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, are returned to STEM-based education programs and activities.  Take time to visit Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum with your family.  

Quick winter reminder – DON’T LEAVE YOUR AIRCRAFT!

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You might have read this here or in one of the magazines I write for already, but i feel it is very important to remind owners to not ignore their aircraft. 

Don’t stop exercising your aircraft…anytime of the year!  Winter is the hardest for the northern states.  But no use is bad anytime.   The worst thing you can do is just let it sit!    The following tips are a few basics to get you started.  Talk to your mechanic for more details and further recommendations.
Most mechanics will tell you the not to let your aircraft sit without running.  If you can’t fly the aircraft at least 30 minutes to an hour a month, at least ground run it.   
But don’t just run it for a couple of minutes and put it away.  You need to run it long enough to bring the oil temperature and cylinder head temperature up to the green arcs.  This will keep the upper part of the engine lubricated and free of moisture and corrosion.  It’s also important to change your oil at least every six months.  Oils can develop acids and other contaminants that are hard on the engine.  Another benefit of running the aircraft is it will allow the gyros to spin up and keep the bearings from pitting.
Fuel systems need special attention.  Make sure that you keep the fuel tanks full!  If there is very little room for air, there will be less moisture and less chance of water in the fuel system.  And for those owners with bladder tanks, it helps to keep the bladders from drying out.
What happens if you have water in your tanks?  Some mechanics rule of thumb is to add about 10 ounces of isopropyl alcohol to every 20 gallons of fuel.    Don’t get carried away with the alcohol.  More is not always better.  Too much alcohol will attack the rubber parts in the fuel system.  Why use isopropyl alcohol?  Methanol only mixes with the water and keeps it from freezing, while isopropyl combines with the water making it light enough to move through and out of the fuel system. 
Another thing you need to do is keep your batteries charged or remove them from the aircraft.  When a battery goes low it can freeze and break.  Not a problem if you live where it stays warm all year.  Of course, a dead battery it is still a problem, wherever you live. 
Many owners forget that the brakes and wheel bearings draw a tremendous amount of moisture.  If you leave an aircraft parked, the lowest most humid location is around the wheels.  If you have a tail wheel aircraft it is especially important to check these areas before flying.  Cleaning and repacking is essential on a regular basis.  The grease or lubrication is the only thing that is going to keep the moisture out of the bearings. 

Other areas that need to be worked and lubricated regularly are radios, doors and controls.  When you think about all the things that might need repaired or replaced because you didn’t “work” your aircraft, it can get pretty expensive.  In fact, it usually ends up costing more than if you just went flying!