News
Last month closed out with good and bad news around 3CD. Let’s start with the good news first: GPSS is fixed (for real, for good!). After some more diagnostics it was determined that a few wires were missing between the GPS and autopilot unit. Although the access to the back of the radio stack is particularly difficult in a Cirrus, it was worth it. The plane will now respond to pressing NAV twice when a GPS flight plan has been loaded and the CDI mode is set to GPS. I have flown multiple entries and holdings using the autopilot and it works very well.
So, now about the bad news. Somebody sprayed something corrosive onto the interior of 3CD. I can only assume that it was some type of aggressive COVID spray or Clorox wipes. Whatever aggressive chemical was used, it destroyed the paint finish. And just to be clear: Yes, the plane has some years on it and the interior was by no means “new”, but this type of damage is far beyond normal wear&tear and clearly the use of come unapproved chemical. The person was very thorough and also wiped the transponder display. You will see in the picture, how the person missed the edges of the display and only removed about 90% of the protective coating. ?
Nobody has owned up to their mistake. So the person who did it missed the opportunity to redeem themselves in helping me fixing it. I was able to perform the repair as preventative maintenance and without involving expensive shop labor. It’s not perfect, but better than before. This is how it looks now:
I’m disappointed that whoever did this, could not find the courage to call me and admit the mistake. After all, the financial damage was rather negligible and I could have used some help in removal and installation of the parts. But that ship has sailed. We are checking with the FBO for security camera footage, and should I find out who did it before the person admits their mistake, they will be banned from flying 3CD.
As far as COVID spray-downs go, here is my unambiguous guidance how to handle COVID and 3CD:
If you are worried about contracting COVID through surface transmissions in my plane, please consider wearing PPE (e.g. nitrile gloves).
There are NO APPROVED chemicals, sprays, wipes etc. for use in 3CD.
If this does not work for you, call me and we figure out a solution.
That Elusive $100 ?
If you’re looking for a breakfast, brunch or lunch destination with some country character, as well as a rich flying history, then look no further than Hemet-Ryan Airport (KHMT). Back in the 1940’s HMT was the training location for over 14,000 Army Air Corps cadets learning to fly the PT Stearman, one of the early biplane primary trainers. Imagine what the skies must have been like back then… nothing but planes everywhere, and not one radio among them!
Hangar One Cafe, the name of the on-airport eatery at Hemet, offers not only a wide selection of food options, but the service there will be prompt, and it will come with a smile. It’s open daily 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available.
Just north of MYF about 60 nm, 3CD can easily get you there in less than 40 minutes. And you might even be able to cut a little time off that if you request a north bound Miramar transition… oops, now they call it a Foss transition, reflecting the true name of the airfield, Foss Field. Don’t forget to request flight following from SoCal when you exit the north side of the Miramar bravo… that can be a busy area.
So brush up on your untowered procedure skills, like 45 degree entries, and keeping a close eye out for mic-shy traffic. And be sure to let others know where you’re at and what you’re doing as you approach the airport. Hopefully, others in the area will be doing the same. If you’re an IFR type, remind yourself what a VOCA departure is… HMT is one of the few airports that offers one. And don’t forget to add the flight time to the cross-country column in your logbook. That’s it…. Let’s go fly!
Stay safe… and fly safe,
Ken & Gerard
Tell us about your favorite lunch spots! Send us your recommendations and stories (food pictures included!) to info@n173cd.com and we will publish them here as inspiration for others.
15/90 club
Most of you are aware of the discount offer that provides a (uncapped) $50/hour kick-back to anyone who flies more than 15 hours in any 90 day period. You can always check your refund statement, showing eligible flights and refund status by clicking the link in your refund status email. If you have not received a link, let me know and I’ll send it to you.
I do understand that with the increased popularity of 3CD, it may appear difficult to get the hours in to qualify for the discount. Please make sure to make your reservations ahead of time. Over the last months, 3CD has booked out for about 2 weeks in advance. So if you plan your trips with 2 weeks notice, you should have no problems getting the qualifying hours in.
I’m sure everyone understands this, but I want to remind everyone that this offer is ‘best effort’ and does not come with any guarantees or preferred scheduling privileges and is always subject to aircraft dispatch availability (maintenance) and change. It’s first come, first serve.
Since inception of the 15/90 club a few months ago, I have refunded more than $4,000 already. I appreciate the loyalty and take this as proof that the program is working well for the members that took advantage of it. Their increased proficiency leads to lower maintenance expenses, and I am happy to share those savings with the pilots that contribute to them.
Maintenance update
Recently completed:
- Scheduled replacement of CAPS line cutters
Here is your reminder to always book a standby schedule, even if your plans are not firm yet and may change. Lots of schedules get cancelled or rebooked. The odds are always in your favor.
Book your schedule today! Thanks for flying N173CD!
Happy Landings!
Phillip