The Flying Wire
Chapter 124
Experimental Aircraft Association
Volume 52 Number 12
December 4, 2013
Board Meeting - 5:30 pm
Dinner – 6:15 pm ($7 donation)
General Meeting – 7:00 pm
www.EAA124.org
www.CafeFoundation.org
Table of Contents
December Program
Events Calendar
SR-71... How Slow Can it Fly?
Pilot Report - Grass Fire
Fly Mart
News/Notes from the Editor
Trivia
Wing Tips
Board Minutes
General Minutes
Contact Information
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www.EAA.org
EAA Chapter 124
5550 Windsor Road
Windsor, CA 95492
--- Mail --PO Box 6192
Santa Rosa, CA 95406
December 4, 2013 Program
SR-71... How Slow Can it Fly?
(Thanks Mike Tovani for sending this article from Plane and Pilot)
Further Flying Adventures with Steve Smith
Member, Builder, Pilot Steve Smith will share the details of one
of his recent flying tours. Steve's presentations are always a treat,
so be sure to join us!
Events Calendar
Please send info about upcoming events!
We want to keep everyone informed about local and regional
events, so send us information if it comes your way!
Bob Gutteridge: [email protected]
John Palmerlee: [email protected]
December 4: EAA Chapter 124 Meeting and Dinner, 6:15 pm
December 18: 7 PM - PCAM Holiday Potluck Party. Mesa
Beverages on Laughlin Road. Click Here
January 1, 2014: EAA Chapter 124 “First Flight” – Out traditional
fly-out on the first day of the new year (details at the
December meeting)
February 3-9: SLSA/ELSA Repairman Maintenance Course –
Corning Municipal Airport. Click Here
Saturdays – 12 to 1:30pm BBQ at Sonoma Skypark Chapter 1268
Written by Brian Shul, Retired SR-71 Blackbird Pilot via Plane
and Pilot Magazine.
As a former SR-71 pilot and keynote speaker, the question I'm
most often asked is, “How fast would that SR-71 fly?” I can be
assured of hearing that question several times at any event I
attend.
It's an interesting question, given the aircraft's proclivity for
speed. But there really isn't a single number to give as the turbo
ramjet would always give you a little more speed.
If you wanted it to.
It was common to see 35 miles a minute. But we typically flew
a programmed Mach number.
But because we never wanted to harm the plane in any way,
we never let it run 'out' to any limits of temperature or speed.
Thus, each SR-71 pilot had his own personal “high” speed that he
saw at some point during our missions.
I saw my highest speed over Libya when Khadafy fired two
missiles my way and max power was in order.
Let's just say that the Blackbird truly loved speed, and
effortlessly took us to high Mach numbers we had not previously
seen.
So it was with great surprise, when at the end of one of my
presentations, someone asked, “What was the SLOWEST you ever
flew the Blackbird?”
This was a first. After giving it some thought, I was reminded
of a story that I had never shared before, and relayed the
following:
I was flying the SR-71 out of RAF Mildenhall, England, with my
backseater, Walt Watson. We were returning from a mission over
Europe and the Iron Curtain when we received a radio transmission
from home base.
As we scooted across Denmark in three minutes, we learned
that a small RAF base in the English countryside had requested an
SR-71 fly-past.
The Commander of air cadets there was a former Blackbird
pilot and thought it would be a motivating moment for the young
lads to see the mighty SR-71 perform a low approach.
No problem, we were happy to do it.
After a quick aerial refueling over the North Sea, we proceeded
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to find the small airfield. In the back seat, Walter had a myriad of
sophisticated navigation equipment and he began to vector me
toward the field.
Descending to subsonic, we found ourselves over a densely
wooded area in the slight haze.
Like most former WWII British airfields, the one we were
looking for had a small tower and little surrounding infrastructure.
Walter told me we were close. And that I should be able to see the
field.
But as far as I could see in the haze, I saw nothing but trees.
We got a little lower, and I pulled the throttles back from our 325
knot cruise.
With the gear up anything under 275 knots was plain
uncomfortable. Walt said we're practically over the field. Looking
hard there was nothing in my windscreen.
I banked the jet and started a gentle circling maneuver, hoping
to pick up anything that looked like a field. Meanwhile, below, the
Commander had taken the Cadets up on the control tower's cat
walk to get a prime view.
It was a quiet, still day with no wind and partial gray overcast.
Walter continued to give me indications that the field should be
below us. But in the overcast and haze, I couldn't see it.
But the longer we continued to circle and peer out, the slower
we got. With our power back, the awaiting cadets had silence.
I must have had good instructors in my flying career, as
something told me I better cross-check the gauges.
As I noticed the airspeed indicator s-l-i-d-e below 160 knots.
My heart stopped... as my adrenalin-filled left hand shoved both
throttles FULL FORWARD!
At this point we weren't really flying. But were falling in a slight
bank. Just at that moment both afterburners lit with a thunderous
roar of flame and what a joyous feeling that was as the aircraft fell
into full view of the shocked observers on the catwalk.
Shattering the absolute quiet of that morning, they now had
107 feet of fire-breathing titanium in their faces as the plane
leveled and accelerated, in full burner, on their side of the infield,
much closer than expected, maintaining what could only be
described as some sort of ultimate knife-edge aerobatic pass..
We proceeded back to Mildenhall without incident, not saying a
word to each other for those next 14 minutes. After landing, our
commander greeted us, and we were both certain he was reaching
for our wings.
Instead, he heartily shook our hands and said the Commander
had told him it was the greatest SR-71 fly-past he had ever seen.
Especially how we had surprised them with such a precise
maneuver that could only be described as... breathtaking.
Some of the cadet's hats were blown off. The sight of the plan
form of the plane in full afterburner, dropping right in front of
them... was stunning - unbelievable.
Walt and I both understood the concept of “breathtaking” very
well that morning. And we sheepishly replied that the Cadets
seemed just excited to see our low approach.
As we retired to the equipment room to change from space
suits to flight suits, we just sat there - hadn't spoken a word since
the pass. Finally, Walter looked at me and said, “I saw One
hundred fifty-six knots. What did you see?”
Trying to find my voice I stammered, “One hundred fifty-two.”
We sat in silence for a moment. Then Walt calmly said, “Don't
ever do that to me again!”
And I never did.
A year later, Walter and I were having lunch in the Mildenhall
Officer's club, and overheard an officer talking to some cadets
about an SR-71 fly-past that he'd seen one day.
Of course, by now the story included kids falling off the tower
and screaming as the heat of the jet singed their eyebrows.
As we stood there with lunch trays in our hands, the officer
noticed our HABU shoulder patch icon of a deadly snake asked us
to verify to the Cadets that such an event occurred.
Walt just shook his head and said, “It was probably just a
routine low approach, they're pretty impressive in that airplane.”
Impressive, indeed.
Little did I realize that LOW SPEED experience would become
one of the most requested of my stories. It's ironic that people now
became very interested in how slow the World's fastest jet aircraft
can fly.
Regardless of your speed, It's always a good idea to keep up
your instrument cross-check, I'm certain you'll agree.
However keep your Mach up, too.
Pilot Report – Grass Fire
(I appreciate these little reports – Bob Ferguson sent this to me
two months ago, and finally there is room for it in the newsletter...
sorry, Bob, for the delay!)
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Denise and I went for a flight on Saturday. First stop was
Vacaville where fuel is the cheapest in the area -- $5.23 per gallon.
Then up to Willows just for the practice -- a landing, taxi back and
departure for home.
We flew west down the south side of Clearlake and just as we
crossed the ridge near Hopland we spotted a grass fire. I called the
Santa Rosa tower to make a report and had surprisingly good
reception at 45 miles distance.
When we arrived on short final for 14 at STS there was a CDF
air tanker preparing to take off. The CDF website says the first
report of the fire was shortly before 2PM and I think our call was
possibly that report. Looking back at my APRS track, I see we were
just to the east of Hopland at 1:52.
Attached (see below) are two pictures that Denise took, the
first dated at 1:52 PM and the fire looks small as though it had just
started. The second picture has a time of 1:56 PM and you can see
the fire was growing rapidly.
After we got the plane cleaned of smashed bugs and back in
the hangar, we went to the CDF base at the north end of the field
and watched the tankers return, load and depart to fight the fire.
Later Saturday evening the news reported the fire had grown
to 100 acres and considerable ground equipment and fire crews in
addition to 4 air tankers were sent to control the fire, which was
given the name the "Highland Fire."
After all that excitement, we stopped at the Kaffe Mocha for
Eggs Benedict. A perfect way to end the day.
Fly Mart
Share For Sale (11-6) A 1/3 or 1/2 share of RV-9A is available
which is hangared at KSTS. TT on RV 942WG is about 850
hours. We have just ordered and will install a new Lycoming O235-L2C engine. 2WG was a "Best of Show Monoplane" award
winner at Capital Fly-in (2008). Full Garmin Stack Including a
430 GPS and 2 axis auto pilot, Catto Composite Prop,
Electronic Ignition, Electronic pitch and flaps, Slider Canopy,
Leather seats, dual controls, nice hangar, and much more. For
Details Contact: Mike Shook 707-838-2829,
[email protected]
For Sale: (8-13) RV8 – 1/3 Share. Superior IO 360/9.5 pistons,
Hartzell Blended Airfoil C/S Prop, IFR Equipped all Glass Panel,
Auto Pilot, Smoke System, Approx. 300 hours total time,
Contact: Carl von Doymi, [email protected], (415) 8456448
For Sale: (3-13) AirTech Fuel Cap Tool. This high tech tool helps
pilots open many types of aircraft fuel caps, doors and latches.
Contact Ryan Beck, [email protected] for information.
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For Sale: Taylor Titch project: (11-12) $2,500/best offer. 60%
complete by master craftsman. Covered in fabric silver painting
nearly complete. The wings were damaged in two places during
a move, Click Here for pictures. Free delivery in the greater
Bay Area. Contact Jenny Hayden 415-308-5944 or
[email protected]. Project is located at South County
Airport, San Martin.
Help Wanted: (6-12) Building a discontinued Falcon 80% build
kit, complete. Seeking experienced Falcon Builders for support.
Raymond Hillcrest (707)-963-9281. Angwin Airport.
For Sale: RV6A - Half partnership available. See it Here. Call Chris
Wallner at 364-1195
For Sale: Partially Built Spacewalker 2 project (1930's open cocpit
trainer replica). Wings complete less covering, Fuselage factory
welded. No Motor. Must See! Call Ted Baggett: 823-5325
CAFE Blog – Resource for Innovators
I recommend you check out the CAFE Blog Site regularly. The
Blog content is created by Dean Sigler, who writes very readable
summaries of current technical innovations – all quite applicable to
the aviation industry.
Dean has spoken at several CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposia,
and has a gift for discovering recent experimental work and for
interpreting its potential impact.
Boonville Veteran's Day Fly-In Report
(thanks Paul Trexel, EAA Chapter 1027)
Sunday, November 10th provided spectacular weather for the
Second Annual Boonville Salute To Veterans Fly-In, blessing us and
the vets with clear skies, warm temperatures, and a special "treat"
landing on runway 13 with the southeast winds.
We had a record turnout of 24 airplanes flying in, and 55
people enjoying the barbecue, and desserts, and each other's
company. Thank you all for taking the day to honor our vets and
demonstrating our freedom to fly. We hope you all can make it
again next year. In the meantime, stand by for next year's Willits
EAA Chapter 1027 events. www.eaa1027.org. (pictures below)
News/Notes From the Editor...
Elected Officers and Board Members (Congratulations!)
Here are the results from the November 6 Election.
Vice President: Jim Boyer
Secretary: Mark Tuma
Board Members:
David Heal
Steve Smith
Andy Werback
Quincy Zlotnick is now a Private Pilot!
Sunday, November 10, 2013. Congratulations, Quincy!! Let's
hear about it at the meeting!
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Interesting Aviation Links (thanks Stuart D, Larry R, Mike T,
Brien S, Donna T, Dwayne G)
MW Fly Experimental B25R 150-hp Engine – Click Here
Chambliss OK after El Salvador Crash - Click Here
Airshow Humor – “Drunk steals airplane” - Click Here
Desert Airline Crash Site Story – Click Here
49 RV Flyover at Arrowhead Stadium – Click Here
Piper Cub Build – Factory Video – Click Here
American Autumn Colors – Click Here
Homebuilt Piloted B-17 Replica – Click Here
Old Timers Fly-In Pictures – Click Here
Unique Allied Aircraft - Video – Click Here
Secret Soviet A-57 Bomber Project – Click Here
EAA Sweepstakes Fairchild 24H – Click Here
Copperstate 2013 Successful (without a control tower)
Organizers of last month's 2013 Copperstate Fly-In & Aviation
Expo report that more than 6,000 people attended the 41st annual
event - its first as a non-towered operation. Click Here for the full
EAA Article.
The Barnstormer is Famous!
Steve Barnes' “Barnstormer” is on the cover of the new Van's
Calendar! See it at the meeting, and here on the web. Also on the
Van's home page slideshow – Click Here
PCAM to Receive EA-6B Prowler
For the first time in 18 years a new plane for the PCAM
collection will fly in under its own power. Expected arrival is
December 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm, just in time for Christmas. Check
pacificcoastairmuseum.org for updates.
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(Reprinted with permission of John L Hart FLP)
Trivia – Goodyear Inflatoplane
This plane you can carry to the airport in a wheelbarrow (live
close) and uses a hand pump (give it a few hours) or powered
compressor to inflate. But – Once you've got it going, it has some
impressive specs. Take off in 200-300 feet, climbs at 800 ft/min to
a ceiling of 10,000 ft. They say if it gets a puncture in flight it has
an engine driven pump able to replace air from multiple bullit hole
leaks. It requires 7 psi inflation pressure. For a video click Here.
taken so much time and effort as to make them impractical.
One such operation is estimating wind speed and direction at
altitude from just a few simple turns and GPS readings. I have a
Magellan GPS 310 handheld unit I bought from Paul Reinders
several years ago, and it's my favorite nav tool.
Yesterday (Monday) I flew back from Columbia (O22) in the
170, and headwinds were fierce at 8,500. I toyed with the option of
descending for better groundspeed, but the smooth air made me
stay. With a true airspeed of a little over 130 statute, my GPS
groundspeed was only 85.
I knew it must be coming pretty much on my nose, but I
wondered how to get more precision with minimal effort.
So I tried the following: Turn 45 degrees to the right and read
groundspeed, turn 90 degrees to the left and read groundspeed,
turn back on-course and read it again.
Rough readings were as follows: To the right I got 105, to the
left 115, and on course it was back to 85. I figured if the winds
were head-on then the two readings would be the same at 25
above the straight ahead, and the 5 mph difference from that in my
actual readings might be proportional to the number of degrees the
wind was off of the nose.
Because there was almost twice the degree change from left to
right as there was mph change (and the change was less to the
right), it made intuitive sense to me that the wind angle changed
at something like twice the speed difference to the right of the
nose. So, I estimated it was a little under ten degrees to the right.
At the end of the flight I provided a pilot report, and felt fairly
confident the wind at 8,500 was about 40 knots out of 290.
This was the first time I'd performed a groundspeed estimate
using that method, so I'm curious if any of you readers think: “He's
Loony”, “He's totally Wrong” or “That's a good idea.”
Please let me know your candid opinion at the meeting...
maybe I'll take a poll or something :-).
Thanks! (yeah, maybe this is just a test to see who reads the
newsletter, right? Hahah, and it's late to boot!)
Wing Tips
Winds Aloft Estimates Using GPS
The accuracy and fast response of GPS receivers makes many
flight operations possible which, a generation ago, would have
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I love those who can smile in trouble,
who can gather strength from distress,
and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the
business of little minds to shrink, but
they whose heart is firm, and whose
conscience approves their conduct, will
pursue their principles unto death.
EAA Chapter 124 Board Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2013 (Mark Tuma, Acting Secretary)
Call to order, 1745 by President Cook
Roll Call
President – Wayne Cook – Present
Vice President – Mike Tovani – Present
Secretary – Mark Tuma, acting sec. – Present
Treasurer – John Whitehouse – Present
Old Business – President reports the 2-year lease extension was
signed and delivered to the Airport. He also has a meeting on the
13th with John Stout, Airport Manager to see if they would be
willing to allow the club to erect temporary ClearSpan fabric
hangers on the empty tie-downs.
- Leonardo da Vinci
Bob Nickolson, our neighbor has now gotten permission to go
ahead with his septic field. He was agreed to install a hook-up
valve for us if we need to use or tie into his septic field at some
point in the future.
Anecdote (Thanks Jim Duvander)
His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly
used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight. He was
told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside
a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and
shouted, 'Let's go'.
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took
off. Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, 'Fly over
the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires
on the hillsides.'
'Why?' asked the pilot. 'Because I'm a photographer for CNN',
he responded, 'and I need to get some close up shots.'
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he
stammered, 'So, what you're telling me, is... You're NOT my flight
instructor?'
Facility – Larry Rengstorf – Reports Member Jim Long donated a
carpet cleaner to the club.
Treasurer – John Whitehouse – Reports we had black month last
month, and he made some calls to a few folks who were behind on
their hanger rents.
Vice President – Mike Tovani – There will be a fly-out to Boonville
on Sunday the 10th… One of the Willits EAA chapter members is
doing a BBQ for a nominal charge.
Young Eagles – Ray Shipway reports we flew 54 youths at the
Sonoma Jet center open house last month. He thanked all the
pilots and ground crew for their participation and work.
CAFE – No report
New Business – Vice President suggested it is time for a
committee to review our by-laws. They have not been updated for
close to 10 years. He also suggested that we create a volunteer
business manager position in the club. This person would report to
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the board and work closely with the treasurer handling things like
renewing the lease, tie-downs, what we charge for rents, and
general business needs so the board would be freed up more to
work on things that would create more interest in the club. etc.
program was local author Jeane Slone, who has written two
historical novels about women’s roles in the WWII war effort. Titles
are She Flew Bombers and She Built Ships. The books use fictional
people, but the events are factual.
Another board member brought up maybe seeing if anyone would
be interested in being the club’s social director to help plan events
and fly-outs. It was also discussed that we should buy the tables
and chairs we talked about. Mike Tovani will get updated prices
from Costco.com and will bring the information next month.
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Roundtable – No reports
Adjourned – 1830 hrs.
Respectfully submitted, Mark Tuma, Acting Secretary.
Meeting resumed… 2030 hrs
Elections – Bob Gutteridge ran the election. Offices of VicePresident, Secretary and 3 board member positions open.
Nominating committee offered the following – Vice President, Jim
Boyer – Secretary, Mark Tuma – Board David Heal, Ron Cassero,
Steve Smith, Andy Werback, Kevin Quirk, and Al Vega.
No nominations offered from the floor. Nominees were given an
opportunity to introduce themselves. Vote on Vice President and
Secretary done by voice since only one candidate for each office.
Board voted on by secret ballot. The Following were elected: David
Heal, Steve Smith and Any Werback.
Treasurer – John Whitehouse – We were in the black this month.
He also announced that from this point forward he will be accepting
the 2014 dues from members… $30.
EAA Chapter 124 General Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2013 (Mark Tuma, Acting Secretary)
Facility – Larry Rengstorf – Reports that Jim Long donated a
carpet cleaner to the club.
Call to order, 1915 by President Cook
Roll Call
President – Wayne Cook – Present
Vice President – Mike Tovani – Present
Secretary –Mark Tuma, acting sec. – Present
Treasurer – John Whitehouse – Present
Vice President – Mike Tovani – Boonville fly-out, Sunday the
10th… leave when fog lifts
CAFE – Brian Seeley – no report
Welcome Guests – Thanks to Liz for cooking tonight. Several
guests introduced and welcomed.
Young Eagles – Ray/Sher Shipway – reports 54 youths given rides
at SJC open house.
A presentation was made to the club by Gay Barner, who was
member David Lynch’s partner. In memory of David, she presented
a check to the club for $1,500 to be used for our Young Eagles
program. She also brought a box of books that belonged to Dave,
for us to enjoy.
Webmaster/News Letter – John Parmerlee – Reports always
looking for articles. Copies of newsletter at front desk.. Check out
the newsletter on-line. Newsletter was 9 pages this month.
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Adjourned – 2105 hrs.
After this item the meeting was suspended for the program. The
Respectfully submitted, Mark Tuma, Acting Secretary.
Builder Reports – Several members reported on their projects.
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Chapter 124 Contact Information
President:
Wayne Cook (13/14)
(707) 217-4439
Vice President:
Mike Tovani (12/13)
(707) 321-2740
Secretary:
Austin Rennard (12/13)
(707) 326-4452
Treasurer:
John Whitehouse (13/14)
(707) 539-5549
Board:
Ray Shipway (13/14)
(415) 584-9682
Frank Higdon (13/14)
(707) 537-9850
Mark Tuma (12/13)
(707) 953-2403
Jason Wildman (12/13)
(707) 523-4361
Tim Peterson (12/13)
(707) 538-8860
Jim Duvander (13/14)
(707) 838-2174
Facilities Chairman: Larry Rengstorf (12/13)
(707) 575-0331
Facilities Committee:
Dwayne Green, Dale Wittman, Jim Long
Technical Counselors:
Flight Adviser:
Bob Gutteridge
(707) 539-5188
Jerry Rice
(707) 431-0206
Kevin Quirk
(707) 539-8589
Doug Dugger
(530) 526-4997
Rolf Unternaehrer
(707) 763-7729
CJ Stephens
home: (707) 836-1458
cell:
(707) 799-2878
Newsletter Editor, Webmaster: John Palmerlee
[email protected]
(707) 566-8560
Young Eagles:
Sher & Ray Shipway
(415) 999-0949
Librarian:
Walt Ferris
(415) 482-8331
EAA Chapter 124
5550 Windsor Road
Windsor, CA 95492
Chapter meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month
at 7:00 pm. FOOD ($7) AND SOCIALIZING (free) from 6:15 to
7:00pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Directions: The site is located on the west side of Sonoma County
Airport. Take the Shiloh Road exit from Highway 101 in northern
Santa Rosa. Turn left at the stop light (west) and continue to a “T”
intersection. Turn left again and follow the road to the EAA sign on
the left.
Members are invited to submit articles of interest. You will be
notified whether or not an article will appear in the current issue.
Please email articles to: [email protected]
or mail to:
John Palmerlee
1209 Hexem Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Deadline for newsletter submissions is the 20th of each month.
Articles submitted after that date will be included in the newsletter
at the discretion of the editor. All articles are copyrighted. To
reproduce any article, please contact the editor.
EAA CHAPTER 124 is not responsible for any modification or
maintenance items appearing in the newsletter or in any other
correspondence. It is the responsibility of the reader to get
approval for such items from the appropriate A&P, FAA or other
government official.
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