Post Office Box 11214, Phoenix, Arizona 85061
Air Currents
c/o Carol Patterson
8903 W. Salter Drive
Peoria, AZ 85382
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2001 Contest Series
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January-February 2001
ARIZONA SOARING ASSOCIATION
The Arizona Soaring Association is a chapter of the Soaring Society of America. It is a non-profit corporation in the State of Arizona for the purpose of fostering the sport and science of soaring and educating the public on motorless flight in Arizona.
Officers and Directors, 2001
PresidentTony Smolder 602-942-6519Vice PresidentAndy Durbin602-938-8752
SecretaryJim Swauger 480-835-1475TreasurerNigel Cripps480-513-6259
DirectorCarol Patterson 623-561-5454DirectorMike Stringfellow480-595-5450
DirectorGary Evans 480-380-2431DirectorOwen Jones480-951-8724
DirectorKirk Stant 623-933-1572
Committees
Ship ManagerTo Be Annouced Contest ManagerTony Smolder602-942-6519
EquipmentRick Rubscha623-878-6750Legal AdvisorPeter Van Camp623-896-9413
MembershipArnie Jurn602-279-7840Newsletter EdCarol Patterson623-561-5454
AirspaceAndy Durbin602-938-8752HistorianGary Evans480-380-2431 Social Director To Be Annouced Safety Kirk Stant 623-933-1572 Program Director To Be Annouced Web Admin Nigel Cripps 480-513-6259
MEETINGS
Tuesday February 27, 7pm General Membership MeetingBarros Pizza - Coral Gables & 7th Street, Phoenix
Tuesday March 6, 7pmBoard MeetingBarros Pizza - Coral Gables & 7th Street, Phoenix
Nigel was awarded this honor for his ongoing contribution to the ASA website. He has created an exciting and informative site for ASA. With updates on a
regular basis, there is always something new to learn about.
“His ability to troll for golf carts and Helicopters in
one fell swoop!”
ASA Statistical Data for February 2001 Web site: Current Membership Count 101, Reciprocal Newsletters 10, Air Currents Circulation for February 2001. AIR CURRENTS is published monthly but the Arizona Soaring Association to disseminate news, opinion, education and items of interest to members. The subscription rate for non-members is $20/yr. Complimentary copies are mailed to: editors of sister publications on an exchange basis, regular members, advertisers, and non-members who have contributed materials for publication. Articles on any subject pertaining to soaring are welcome. Electronic submissions by Email, modem or IBM compatible floppy disk are preferred. Typed or clearly hand written submissions are also acceptable. Please submit to: Air Currents, c/o Carol Patterson 8903 W. Salter; Peoria, AZ 85283 623 561-5454. . ADVERTISING POLICY: Non-commercial advertising from ASA members will be printed without charge. Other advertising will be printed, on a space available basis, at the following rates: full page, $10; half page, $5; less than half page,
Date / Location / Results / CD #1 / CD #2 / CD #3March 31 / Turf / Andy Durbin / Andy Durbin / Andy Durbin
April 1 / Turf / Barbara Maclean / Barbara Maclean / Barbara Maclean
April 14 / Estrella / Doug Bell / Doug Bell / Doug Bell
April 15 / Estrella / Hans Heydrich / Alan Reeter / Bill Prokes
April 28 / Turf / Mike Stringfellow / Mike Stringfellow / Mike Stringfellow
April 29 / Turf / Bob von Hellens / Bob von Hellens / Bob von Hellens
May 12 / Estrella / Gary Evans / Mark Hardesty / Bob Blakemore
May 13 / Estrella / Bill Prokes / Bill Prokes / Bill Prokes
May 26 / Bisbee or Willcox / Alan Reeter / Wally Raisanen / Mike Stringfellow
May 27 / Bisbee or Willcox / Bob von Hellens / Mike Parker / Wally Raisanen
May 28 / Bisbee or Willcox / Wally Raisanen / Alan Reeter / Mike Parker
June 9 / El-Tiro / Mike Parker / Gary Evans / Andy Durbin
June 10 / El-Tiro / Wally Raisanen / Mike Parker / Gary Evans
June 23 / Turf / Hans Heydrich / Bob Blakemore / Barbara Maclean
June 24 / Turf / Alan Reeter / Bob Blakemore / Hans Heydrich
August 18 / Estrella / Mark Hardesty / Mark Hardesty / Mark Hardesty
August 19 / Estrella / Kirk Stant / Kirk Stant / Kirk Stant
September 1 / Turf / Tony Smolder / Nigel Cripps / Casey Lenox
September 2 / Turf / Casey Lenox / Tony Smolder / Nigel Cripps
September 3 / Turf / Nigel Cripps / Casey Lenox / Tony Smolder
September 15 / Estrella / Casey Lenox / Nigel Cripps / Doug Bell
September 16 / Estrella / Tony Smolder / Hans Heydrich / Kirk Stant
Other Contests
Date / Contest / ASA Piots planning to attendApril 21-28 / Western Seniors / 'junior' NC
June 20 – 27 / 1-26 Championships (Ionia, MI) / 1X
July 9 – 14 / Region 9 (Hobbs NM) / GY, NC, 18, TS1, KC, KD, 1X, ME2, FTR, WA, 66
July 23 – 28 / Region 12N (Tonopah, NV) / TS1, 18
July 23 – 28 / Region 10 (Lubbock, TX) / GY, 1X, NC, ME2
August 7 – 16 / 15M Nationals Uvalde, TX / TS1, CH, KC, 1X, ME2
Okay everybody, time to take a test. This is a tow pilot test developed by the Soaring Safety Foundation and the CAP, part of an online towpilot training program they have developed. But even if you only fly on the tail end of the string, you should know everything in this test just as well as the motorhead on the other end of the rope. So please take a few minutes to demonstrate your encyclopedic aeronautical knowledge by answering these pitifully simple questions. The answers will be printed in next month’s Aircurrents, of course. Until then, show your completed test to the dog, he’ll be impressed!
Kirk Stant, ASA Safety Nazi
Fly safe, don’t crash.
SSF Tow Pilot Test (Answers in next month’s newsletter)
Question 1. What are the two types of tow hooks and rings you may
encounter?
A. Schweizer (American type) , TOST (European type)
B. Schweizer (American type) , Blanik (Czech type)
C. Blanik, LET
Question 2. What is not a part of the American Type tow hook operational check?
A. With tension on the tow line, have another person pull the tow
plane cockpit release control and check for proper release.
B. Inspect the release assembly to ensure it has remained closed
after giving the closed hook and tow rope a moderate tug in the direction of tow.
C. Ensure the tow plane end of the tow line is fitted with a TOST tow ring.
Question 3. What is the minimum tow line strength requirements?
A. 80% of the tow planes maximum certificated weight.
B. 80% of the gliders maximum certificated operating weight.
C. 80% of the gliders empty weight.
Question 4. What is the maximum tow line strength requirements?
A. Twice the gliders maximum certificated empty weight.
B. Twice the gliders maximum certificated operating weight.
C. Twice the tow planes maximum operating weight.
Question 5. The minimum allowable strength of a towline used for an
aerotow of a glider having a certificated gross weight of 700 pounds is:
A. 700 pounds.
B. 560 pounds.
C. 1,000 pounds.
Question 6. The minimum allowable strength of a towline used for an
aerotow of a glider having a certificated gross weight of 1,040 pounds is:
A. 502 pounds.
B. 1,040 pounds.
C. 832 pounds.
Question 7. When using a towline having a breaking strength more than
twice the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider, an
approved safety link must be installed at what point(s)?
A. The point where the tow line is attached to the glider and the
point of attachment of the towline to the towplane.
B. Only the point where the tow line is attached to the glider.
C. Only the point where the tow line is attached to the towplane.
Question 8. For the aerotow of a glider that weighs 700 pounds, which
tow line tensile strength would require the use of safety links at each
end of the rope?
A. 1,040 pounds.
B. 850 pounds.
C. 1,450 pounds.
Question 9. A certificated private pilot may not act as pilot in command
of an aircraft towing a glider unless there is entered in the pilot's
logbook a minimum of:
A. 100 hours of pilot flight time in any aircraft, that the pilot is
using to tow a glider.
B. 200 hours of pilot-in-command time in the aircraft category,
class, and type, if required, that the pilot is using to tow a glider.
C. 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the aircraft category,
class, and type, if required, that the pilot is using to tow a glider.
Question 10. To act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider,
a pilot is required to have made within the preceding 12 months:
A. at least three flights in a powered glider.
B. at least three flights as observer in a glider being towed by an aircraft.
C. at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied
by a qualified pilot.
Question 11. The American style tow ring must be:
A. Two inches in diameter, 1/4 inch steel, magnafluxed with a good weld.
B. 1 1/2 inches in diameter, made of high grade 1/4 inch steel, with a good weld.
C. Two inches in diameter, made of high grade 1/4 inch steel, and
available from most hardware stores.
Question 12. Safety weak link requirements at the glider end are:
A. Minimum of 80% of the glider empty weight to a maximum of twice
the glider empty weight.
B. Minimum of 80% of the glider maximum certified operating weight to
a maximum of twice the maximum glider operating weight.
C. Minimum of 70% of the glider maximum certified operating weight to
a maximum of twice the maximum glider operating weight
.
Question 13. Safety weak link requirements at the tow plane end are:
A. Minimum strength is greater, but not more than 25% greater than
the glider safety link and maximum of not more than twice the gliders
maximum operating weight.
B. Minimum strength is greater, but not more than 15% greater than
the glider safety link and maximum of not more than twice the gliders
maximum operating weight.
C. Minimum strength is greater, but not more than 30% greater than
the glider safety link and maximum of not more than twice the gliders
maximum operating weight.
Question 14. After computing your takeoff distance from the tow plane's
pilot operating hand book, what is the rule of thumb for the takeoff
distance of your tow plane?
A. Three times the computed distance.
B. One-half the computed distance.
C. Twice the computed distance.
Question 15. What is the single most important factor in tow plane
performance.
A. Density altitude.
B. Humidity.
C. Winds.
Question 16. The tow pilot should always evaluate winds aloft and
attempt to put the glider in a position to release:
A. upwind of the glider port.
B. downwind of the glider port.
C. crosswind of the glider port.
Question 17. You see the wing runner holding his arms out with forearms
up. What is the signal?
A. Hold.
B. Stop engine.
C. Begin takeoff.
Question 18. The wing runner is moving his/her lowered arm from side to
side. What is the signal?
A. Take up slack.
B. Pilot ready.
C. Begin take-off.
Question 19. The wing runner signals with a circular motion of the arm.
What is the signal?
A. Pilot ready.
B. Begin take-off.
C. Take up slack.
Question 20. You waggle your rudder on the ground prior to takeoff roll.
What is the signal?
A. Tow plane ready.
B. Spoilers out.
C. Glider problem.
Question 21. The waggling of arms back and forth above the head of a
ground crew means:
A. ready for take off.
B. take up slack.
C. stop operations or emergency.
Question 22. If on initial take off roll the tow plane accelerates and
then slows down, the glider may:
A. not be able to take off.
B. not be able to maintain rudder authority.
C. may overrun the tow line.
Question 23. During takeoff roll, with the tow plane on the runway and
the glider airborne, the tow pilot must remain alert for:
A. the glider descending to low.
B. the glider climbing to high.
C. the glider side-slipping for crosswinds.
Question 24. What is the normal angle of bank used for turns.
A. 10-30 degrees.
B. 15-20 degrees.
C. 10 degrees.
Question 25. When the tow plane climbs out of ground effect, what are
some important relationships the tow pilot should be familiar with?
A. The tow plane will require a decrease in angle of attack to
maintain airspeed.
B. The tow plane will experience an increase in induced drag and
thrust required.
C. A reduction in static source pressure and a decrease in indicated
airspeed.
Question 26. The presence of personnel in the tow line drop area should
result in:
A. dropping the tow line beyond the drop area.
B. dropping the tow line short of the drop area.
C. an immediate go-around without dropping the tow line.
Question 27. A tow plane power failure while on takeoff roll should
normally result in:
A. the tow plane maneuvering to the left if space is available.
B. the tow plane rolling straight ahead.
C. the tow plane maneuvering to the right if space is available.
Question 28. If at any time the nose of the tow plane is pulled
uncontrollably by the glider to a dangerously high or low pitch
attitude, the tow plane should:
A. close the throttle and apply full pitch control opposite the pitch
attitude.
B. pull the cockpit release handle.
C. apply full throttle and maintain a vertical pitch attitude.
Question 29. If the glider moves out to the side and rocks it's wings,
what is the glider signaling?
A. Glider problem.
B. Release glider immediately.
C. Glider can not release.
Question 30. If the glider pilot has signaled he/she can not release and
you find you can not release, how will you signal the glider of your
problem?
A. Rock the tow planes wings.
B. Waggle the tow planes rudder.
C. Yaw the tow planes tail.
Question 31. Your rate of climb is lower than normal and you notice the
gliders spoilers are deployed. How would you signal the glider that that
his/her spoilers are deployed.
A. By waggling the tow planes rudder.
B. By rocking the tow planes wings.
C. By yawing the tow planes tail.
Question 32. You have just lost power at 1500 feet AGL with a glider in
tow. How would you signal an immediate release?
A. Waggle your rudder.
B. Rock your wings.
C. Yaw the tow plane.
Question 33. You see the glider off your left side and notice your tail
is being pulled to the left, pointing your nose to the right. What is
the glider trying to tell you?
A. Turn right.
B. Turn left.
C. Speed up.
Question 34. You look in the mirror and see the glider pilot rocking
his/her wings directly behind your tow plane. What is the signal?
A. Speed up.
B. Slow down.
C. Release immediately.
Bonus Question: What is the approximate density altitude (to the nearest 1000ft) at Turf or Estrella on a nice, balmy 100 degree summer day?
A. 2000ft
B. 5000ft
C. 17,999ft (Answers in next month’s newsletter)
List of Attendees
Officers & Directors /Attendance
/ Committees /Attendance
President – Tony Smolder / Present / Aircraft Manager - TBDVice President – Andy Durbin / Present / Oxygen Maint– Rick Rubscha / Present
Secretary – Jim Swauger / Present / Oxygen Training – Andy Durbin / Present
Treasurer – Nigel Cripps / Present / Membership – Arnie Jurn / Present
Director – Owen Jones / Present / Airspace – Andy Durbin / Present
Director – Carol Patterson / Present / Social Director – TBD
Director – Kirk Stant / Present / Meeting Programs - TBD
Director – Mike Stringfellow / Absent / Contest Series – Tony Smolder / Present
Director – Gary Evans / Absent / Legal Advisor – Peter Van Camp / Absent
Newsletter – Carol Patterson / Present
Historian - TBD
Safety – Kirk Stant / Present
Web Admin – Nigel Cripps / Present
Other ASA members present
Jeff Reynolds
James Butler
Mike McNulty
Matthew Coulliette
Discussions
/Action
Outgoing President Rick Rubscha brought the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.Treasury
Outgoing Treasurer Mike McNulty handed out a 1-page balance sheet of the ASA incomes and expenses for the year 2000. This sheet also included the Year-End Checking and Money Market Account Balances. See Attachment “A” / Mike M to paste information into Attachment “A” prior to 1/12/01Membership
Arnie Jurn reported that we have 108 members for 2001. There was some discussion on providing the members with a membership card. This card could show the members status with regard to club aircraft checkouts and oxygen approval. / Tabled for discussion at next board meetingNewsletter
Carol Patterson reported that the newsletter hard copy distribution is still being made to some members who have e-mail. Carol and Owen Jones to call each member and ask if they want the newsletter e-mailed or hard copy mailed. There was some general discussion on the newsletter distribution method and ways to notify members of news and events in a timely manner. Each officer and board member to present a possible solution at the next board meeting. / Carol and Owen to complete calls and report at next board meetingAll Officers & Board members
Discussions
/Action
.Officer Elections & Board for 2001The 2001 officers were elected and a vacant board position was filled. See page 1 top for the 2001 officers and directors.
Club Oxygen System
All oxygen-training materials, list of signed off trainees, and set of keys was handed over to Andy Durbin. Andy agreed to continue oxygen training and approvals. The next training class will be scheduled for February. Andy to set date prior to next newsletter so members can be notified.Rick Rubscha agreed to continue maintenance on the oxygen system, including changing the bottles when the pressure drops below a usable value. / Andy D.
Rick R.
Airspace
Mike McNulty said he could no longer do it. Andy Durbin agreed to take over. Mike to send Andy all materials he has. / Mike M.Discussions
/Action
Web Administration
Jim Tagliani stated at the previous membership meeting that he just doesn’t have the time to do it. Nigel Cripps agreed to take over. Nigel will come to the next board meeting with some proposed solutions for ASA web services. / Nigel by 2/6/01Secretary
Mike Stringfellow will be traveling more and asked to be replaced. Jim Swauger agreed to take over. Tony to send Jim an example of meeting minutes and a meeting agenda. / Tony by 1/12/01Safety
Kirk Stant agreed to take over.Club Post Office Box
Carol Patterson graciously volunteered to check the box bi-weekly. Key given to her. / Carol to check P.O. box bi-weeklySocial Director
Meeting ProgramsHistorian
Officers and Board to solicit for candidates. More discussion at next board meeting. / Officers & board
New Business