Polaris Composite Squadron

A practice for the Guided Wing SAR exercise will be this Saturday, March 17. A sign up sheet was passed around for anyone who wants to participate to sign up. This is an opportunity for members trying to get a rating such as scanner or observer to get those tasks signed off.
Udo will be PIC on the Beaver. Call Udo or Kevin if you did not get signed up.

The 2006 Alaska Wing annual report is available. It includes facts such as the Wing flew 3254 hours last year for all flying activities. The Wing also had 10 saves.
Several safety seminars are coming up.
- "Mat-Su Pilot Safety Seminar"
  Topic: Alaskan Survival Kits, Collision Avoidance
  On Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 7:00 PM
  Location: MTA Building, downstairs
  480 Commercial Drive, Palmer, AK 99645
- "Merrill Field Pilot Safety Seminar"
  Topic: Getting Ready for the Summer Flying Season: Merrill Airport & Airspace Operations
  On Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 6:00 PM
  Location: UAA Aviation Technology Division ,2811 Merrill Field Drive
The Online Safety Reporting System will be ready in early April. This will facilitate filling out Form 78 and 79 in case of an incident or accident.
The latest Safety Sentinel is available. It reports a C-172 received prop damage when a tow bar was not removed. A C-182 received smoke damage upon starting. A GA-8 received wing tip damage. There were two vehicle accidents, and a Cadet was taken to the hospital for dehydration. Be careful out there or you will be in the next issue.

A notice was issued that the Pacific Region directive for 45 day pilot proficiency is suggested rather than required.

The SAREX this weekend is mostly to exercise Wing administrative staff. There will be minimal flying.

Safety by Marc. In last months Safety Sentinel there was a seat belt article. It opines that 50% of vehicle accident ejections are fatal. Marc said his experiences are that percentage is more like 75%. Marc suggested wearing your seat belt in your car or aircraft anytime and every time the vehicle moves.

One Polaris check bounced that was issued before March 1 but cashed after March 1 when all squadron moneys were turned in to Wing. If you have an un-cashed Polaris check, see Kevin for a replacement rather than submit.

Medical circulated a sign up sheet for health topics and looking for potential donors for a blood drive.

Carl Siebe presented the Safety Spiel. Carl played a DVD on how to build a fire using natural and man made tinders and a variety of fire starting means and methods.