Polaris Composite Squadron Meeting Notes  
May 29, 2007  

• The monthly Mission Pilot roster for pilots flying B-12 and B-17 missions was circulated for any corrections.

   

• Kevin circulated a message from the Wing Safety Officer requesting any safety issues to be sent to him so they can be corrected before they cause any issues. Here is the letter --> Reporting

   

• Squadron Leadership School information is on the national web site. Go to www.cap.gov/sls <http://www.cap.gov/sls>. This site provides information to help people get ready for staff duties.

   

• There will be road construction at Post and Viking roads for those traveling between Merrill Field and Elmendorf.

   

• Ops - we will try and borrow the C-206 from Elmendorf for the SAREX. The Elmendorf squadron may try to borrow the Beaver, but are also encouraged to fly the Beaver out of Merrill Field.

   

• Aircraft availability
  • C-172  94.3 hrs/100 hr 44.3 hrs/oil
  • Beaver 37.9 hrs/100 hr and oil

   

• SAREX briefing. The SAREX is scheduled for June 1-10. We have $3,800. There will be a single point flight release each day. Scott Kolstad will be flight release during the weak. Kevin will release on Friday and Saturday and Sunday TBD. Review pilot and crew status. Participants must have a member card, a 101 card, and flight suit to participate. Practice crew coordination. A couple of the scenarios involve mountain flying, so watch the normal hazards for flying in the mountains.

   

• There will be a reception for Betty Bacon, the first woman air traffic controller in Alaska to be held Thursday at the Alaskan Aviation Heritage Museum.

   

• The cadets will have a glider encampment June 2-9. At least one Polaris Cadet is participating.

   

• Skip transported FAA and FCC personnel to Iliamna on a mission today. RCC had 17 hits in the Iliamna area, but nobody could hear an ELT. The crew found an ELT in an aircraft that was transmitting a carrier only with no modulation. Mission was closed successfully.

   

• Marc reports that Jim Rutsela passed away in Juneau. Mr. Rutsela served at one point as the Wing historian and was an author of aviation books.If anyone has loaned Mr. Rutsela research material please notify Marc if you wish the material back so the heirs can be notified.

   

• Safety Spiel by Marc Stella - Some say the 101 critical days of aviation lie ahead. Marc says any single day can be a critical day. It is all in how you approach it. Critical elements of any flight are the pilot, crew, aircraft, and the environment. Don't get in trouble helping someone else. Follow the IMSAFE checklist. If on medications, don't go. They could make you sleepy at altitude and impede your performance. If you are under stress, that can detract from your effectiveness as a pilot or observer. And remember the minimum of 12 hours between consuming alcohol and serving on a flight. Fatigue could be a factor if you did not get enough sleep. And lack of proper food can also adversely affect performance. If you are a pilot, make sure you are current and proficient. That is your responsibility before accepting a flying mission. A pilot and crew must also have the proper attitude that they can do the mission before accepting it. And last, the preflight is the key to a safe flight. Do not take an airplane that will not get you back. File a flight plan so your flight area is known.

   

• The squadron has a new phone system donated by Bob Dole. Both voice and fax lines are active.

   

• If you see smoke, report to FAA FSS or ATC so they can report to the proper authorities. Stay 5 miles away so that you do not impede fire fighting aircraft.

   

• Update the pilot and crew qualifications sheet posted on the bulletin board so copies can be distributed where needed.

   

• Derwin Hammond offered a great web site. Go to www.thecfi.com <http://www.thecfi.com/> as a good source for pilot references. Non CFIs can use the site.