Polaris Composite Squadron Meeting Notes  
February 27, 2007  

• The B-12 and B-17 mission pilot list from Wing for March was circulated for any input.
  
  
• National has a set of paperwork for aircraft owners who plan to fly their planes on missions.
  
  
• Flight Release Officer class will be next week after the regular meeting. The regular meeting will be short to accommodate this class.
  
  
• All MP, OB, and SC must go online and complete the SET course. The Skills Evaluator Training and Exam is under our link to e-services. Login then click on CAP Online Exams.
  
  

• Aircraft Availability
  

  • C-172   11.8 hrs/oil   11.8 hrs/100 hr (currently grounded for an electrical problem)
    

  • DHC-2   7.7 hrs/oil filter  57.7 hrs/100 hr

• If you have not already done so, please fill out the emergency notification form before flying.
  
  
• MRI tower requests when exiting the runway to include in your call the taxiway where you are located.

• Medical- Terri wanted to check whether the squadron would support a blood drive. Terri also presented a talk on Insomnia. She gave examples and causes.Lots of treatment is available. Also self treatments may be effective.

• Marc Stella presented the monthly safety meeting - Survival and Survival Equipment
  • March, April, and May are the most dangerous flying months in Alaska. It is currently cold. Expect it this time of the year. Many people start to let their guard down around this time of year.  Marc related the coldest he ever flew in was -73 degrees F at Koyukuk on April 16, 1965. Marc discussed the precautionary landing and RON (remain overnight) he made on Chakachama Lake while on a mission almost 20 years ago. Charlie Ricci and Delinda Leafdale were also on the flight. They were all comfortable due to the survival gear all of them carried. Marc's survival gear normally weighs 54 pounds plus a sleeping bag. It took 4.5 hours to get the airplane ready to fly the next day and it was still -68 degrees when they were ready to take off.
  • The hottest he ever flew in was +136 degrees F in Bahrain in August,1969. Desert survival gear is certainly required, just some of the components are different than cold weather gear.
  • Remember to plan for the worst scenario. It is always colder close to the ground. You must keep your feet and head warm to survive.
  • Noel Wien carried a stainless steel stove stuffed with survival gear. 
  • A gun is not required for survival gear. Marc stopped carrying one years ago. 
  • Observers must know about what survival gear is in our SAR aircraft. Pilots should take the lead to make sure the whole crew knows what is available on the aircraft. 
  • You must have a means of starting and maintaining a fire in a cold weather survival situation.
  • Use flight following whenever possible.
  • Be able to treat water in Alaska due to giardia.
  • Review your survival gear with fellow pilots to get ideas on gear modifications or requirements.
    
    
• Members who membership will expire in the next 30 days - Please don't forget to renew your CAP membership:

Seniors- Within 30 days of expiration

Barsalou, Michael          03/31/2007

Clement, Lucius              03/31/2007

Esper, Robert                 03/31/2007

Gray, James                   03/31/2007

Mingo, Richard              03/31/2007

Wade, David                 03/31/2007

Wainwright, Charles      03/31/2007

Cadet- Within 30 days of expiration

Graham, Jonathan      03/31/2007

Kukowski, Tyler        03/31/2007

Pereira, Tyler             03/31/2007

Vongsamath, Silas      03/31/2007

• Glider Academy - June 2 - 9 at Clear AFB
• Wing Encampment - June 24 - Aug 3