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Spring City Aviation, Inc. News Letter, September 2010 Hi Everyone, Thanks for checking in on this month's News Letter. Spring City Aviation has been minting a lot of new pilots lately, and I thought it might be appropriate to take a few moments to talk about giving airplane rides as a new pilot. When they're holding a fresh Private Pilot certificate in their hand, most people are anxious to complete the age-old rite of passage for pilots: giving their first airplane ride! It's a great moment for any new pilot to take their first passenger, basking in the admiration of their awed right-seater. At least, that's how we all imagine it! In reality, care must be taken to make sure that the first flight for your spouse, significant other, friend or other first-time flyer is a pleasant memory, not something they would rather forget! With that in mind, consider the following: -If you're about to take someone flying who is not used to being in small airplanes, remember that we're all more comfortable when we know what to expect going into a new experience. A few moments briefing your new passenger before the flight will be time well-invested in making him or her more comfortable. Talk about the sounds, sights, and sensations they might experience during the flight. Let your passengers know that you may have to (politely!) ask them to be quiet during takeoffs, landings, or other critical phases of flight. Remember that something as simple and routine as performing an engine run-up ("is there a problem with the engine?") or using a check list ("you need directions to run this thing?!") can be interpreted differently through the eyes of a first-timer, especially if they are not briefed in advance. -Early mornings and early evenings might provide the smoothest air and best visibility for your first-time passenger. Aim for calmer winds and high ceilings. -No showing off! While your short-field takeoff, stall or forward slip technique might be admirable, most passengers will prefer smooth, easy and gentle maneuvers for their first flights. A nice, smooth flight to a nearby airport for a soda or lunch will gain you more credibility than a perfect steep turn (save those for when you fly with your pilot buddies). -Many passengers prefer to feel engaged in the flight, and it can help you run a safer operation; don't be afraid to ask your passenger to help you scan for traffic or read checklist items for you. Who knows, you might inspire them to become a pilot as well! -Airsickness: Keep in mind that some people are more susceptible to airsickness than others, and while you may have become accustomed to the different sensations of an airplane in flight, your passengers probably will not have the same immunity. Rear-seat riders are generally more vulnerable, since they feel yaw forces more directly than those in the front. Make sure you keep the cockpit well-ventilated, and have a few airsickness bags on hand (just in case). Also, make sure your passengers know to let you know as soon as possible if they're starting to feel ill; by addressing the issue early (opening vents, finding a smoother altitude, or landing early), you can avoid a bigger problem, and still keep the flight a positive experience. -Make sure to ask if your new passengers have any questions after the flight; this could be the perfect opportunity to dispel any misconceptions they might have about flying in small airplanes, and see what they liked or didn't like about the flight (good info for next time!). Hopefully these tips will help make some of those first airplane rides memorable for the right reasons, and ensure that when you go flying, you'll never have an empty right seat! ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Thanks to everyone who participated in our fly-out to Abel Island, Iowa. Everyone had a great time, and it turned out to be a perfect day for flying! Stay tuned for our next fly-out; we've always got something in the works. As always, if you have an idea for a fly-out, just email Gavin at
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. (Thanks to Jen Delfosse for the great Abel Island photo below!) 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Descent planning: If you're wondering about events, fly-outs and Ground Schools which Spring City Aviation will be hosting, check out the new calendar on our website: click here! The calendar will be updated on an ongoing basis, so keep it in your favorites! We will post fly-outs, ground schools, our annual Christmas Party, and more. _______________________________________________________________________________ If your Biennial Flight Review is coming due soon, sign up for our BFR Refresher Course, which will be held Sunday, September 12th, 1:00pm at the Waukesha County Airport's Main Terminal conference room. Get up to speed on all the required subject areas for your BFR with our convenient and informative refresher course, taught by Certified Ground Instructor Tim Tyre. Successful completion of the course and written test qualifies as the Ground portion of your Flight Review; then, you have only to complete the flight portion with one of our qualified CFI's! The cost is $75.00, sign up today! ______________________________________________________________________________ Our next Private and Instrument Ground Schools have started; here are the details: Private Pilot Ground School (Wednesday, September 8th): Taught by Spring City Aviation for UW-Waukesha, the Private Pilot Ground School will cover subject areas like navigation, airspace, aeromedical factors, aerodynamics, and weather, in preparation for the FAA Private Pilot written exam. The class will run for ten weeks, Wednesday nights from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Waukesha County Airport's main terminal conference room. Instrument Ground School (Thursday, September 9th): This Ground School will introduce students to the IFR environment, including IFR regulations, advanced weather, instrument approaches, human factors and Aeronautical Decision Making, among other subject areas pertinent to the Instrument written exam. The cost for either ground school is $300 plus the text; please call today if you want to sign up! 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Finally, we'd like to take a moment to welcome your comments questions, concerns and suggestions: please send them to
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. We'd love to hear your input on our fleet, instructors, ground schools, your lessons and learning environment...all of it. We value your opinion and are always striving for improvement, and so...we're listening! That's it for now, fly safe! Thanks, -Gavin Spring City Aviation, Inc.   
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