Enjoyment of Flight Comes First for Aspiring Instructor
By Joe La Valle

From the start of his Private Pilot training in 1978, Richard Peters knew he had found his passion, and after retiring from a career in electrical construction, he knew how his time would be spent. Richard says that without goals, “what’s the point of living?”

Richard has been busy practicing what he preaches; with his instrument rating complete in February 2008, he is now only days away from his commercial pilot checkride. While Richard admits it’s challenging, he also says that’s what makes it fun. After his checkride, he plans to take a break from training where he will be able to fly for fun and “just enjoy being up there”.

Richard’s ultimate goal is to attend the CFI Academy and work as a flight instructor. He says he would relish the experience of teaching and “getting others to love aviation as much as I do”. Eventually, Richard hopes to have his own airplane so he and his wife, Tami, would be able to journey around the country and enjoy the experience of flight.

Pilot’s Hard Work Pays Off
By Joe La Valle

Ever since Carlos Abanto, 27, was a child in Peru, he knew he wanted to fly. However, he had no means to fund his dream. But through hard work and dedication, Carlos was able to save up and pursue his passion. His hard work paid off on May 17th, 2008 when he passed his private pilot checkride. But Carlos is not done. He is currently an instrument and commercial student, and is hoping to have his coursework complete in time for his birthday in July.

To talk to Carlos, you can’t help but hear the excitement in his voice, “I love what I’m doing right now”. Carlos says he is very happy with his decision to fly, and has enjoyed the flight training experience. The most satisfying experience so far has been night flying. Carlos says he enjoys the sight of the moon and the stars from the air, and the simple peace that comes from being aloft.

When asked about his goals for the future, Carlos says he looks forward to an airline career. His airlines of choice are American Airlines, the Peruvian carriers LAN or TACA, or perhaps European giant KLM. But as for right now, Carlos is just looking forward to next week, when he will take his first flight into the clouds.

July Destinations
By Joe La Valle

With summer upon us, the outdoors are calling; the best way to answer is by experiencing the Minnesota Northwoods like never before at Madden’s on Gull Lake. This lush peninsula is surrounded by 9,418 acres of pristine Gull Lake, which provides the backdrop for outdoor summer recreation. Celebrating its 79th year, Madden’s offers something for everyone with rooms available for every taste and budget. The in-house bakery serves up fresh pastries and breads every day for three fine-dining and four casual-dining restaurants for a wide range of dining opportunities. After meal time, indulge in Madden’s outdoor activities; there is on-site trap shooting, spectacular scenery for boating as well as guided fishing expeditions. Finally, try your hand at golf on some of the 63 available holes. Access is easy from Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, (BRD), East Gull Lake Airport, (9Y2), or for you seaplane pilots, you can touch down on Gull Lake itself for door-to-door service. It will be an adventure to remember!

How Can You Forecast Tomorrow Morning's Low Temperature?
In our "Horizons" video series about weather, airline pilot and meteorologist Gordon Barnes gives us a tip on forecasting tomorrow's low temperature. He says the dew point on today's 1:00 PM METAR will be tomorrow morning's low temperature.

I tested Gordon's theory for accuracy. The June 4th, 1:00 PM METAR stated a dew point of 48.0 degrees F. The lowest temperature on June 5th was recorded on the 6:00 am METAR as 48.0 degrees F. It works! Now you can use this little known tip for your next early morning flight.

The Benefit of Practical Flight Instruction
By David Menconi, Chief Flight Instructor

You have been waiting all week for an opportunity to get with an instructor and receive some badly needed flight instruction. You may have even taken some time off from work or delayed or rescheduled a meeting in order to complete this flight training session. When you arrive at the airport you find out that there is an obstacle. Be it a thunderstorm, icing, low ceilings, low visibility, or an equipment malfunction, there always seems to be an obstacle present that can be used to prevent you from accomplishing your mission. An instructor that understands the benefits of practical flight instruction will take advantage of such situations in order to train a student in decision-making and risk management. Reviewing all available options and determining the risk associated with each will often allow the flight session to be conducted safely. Developing the student's knowledge and skill to safely exercise the privileges of their pilot certificate comes from gaining experience in dealing with the practical realities that pilots deal with on a daily basis. If an instructor only trains in a sterile environment, they are not preparing the student for the practical, real life, situations that they will face when they encounter an obstacle after they are certified. Instead of disappointing a student by canceling the flight training session, the student will learn and understand how to apply their knowledge to maintain a safe operation. Isn't that what it's all about?

This Month in Aviation History
by Joe La Valle

CThe Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress has become an enduring symbol of the aerial conflict in World War II; however, it almost never left the drawing board. During the mid 1930’s, the U.S. Army Air Corps was looking for a multi-engine heavy bomber. Three companies designed and built entrants: Boeing, Douglas and Martin. Originally known as the Boeing Model 299, it first flew on July 17th, 1935; this was the first flight of a mass-produced four-engine bomber. During competition flights, the 299 lost to the Douglas DB-1. However, on October 30th, 1935, the Army Air Corps gave it a second try, and it won the competition with the Army ordering thirteen aircraft, now designated as the YB-17. With production accelerated at the onset of the war, Boeing eventually produced 12,700 of the venerable aircraft by 1945. After the war, B-17s served as airliners, reconnaissance aircraft, and aerial firefighters. Only 15 are still flying, with the remaining few relegated to museums and memories.

Ask the Pilot Professor
By Dr. Michael Bliss

Q: If you depart on a cross country and encounter weather conditions that delay your return trip two days, does the flight still count as one cross country?

A: Yes, it still counts as one cross country. The regulations do not require a cross country flight to be completed within any certain time frame, nor does it make sense that a pilot should be penalized when acting prudently concerning weather.

Please send your questions to dr_bliss@af.tv

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