Polaris Composite Squadron Meeting Notes  
January 22, 2008 

• Mel Sheppard led the meeting in Kevin's absence.

   

• The Alaska Wing Glider Academy starts June 1. The need tow pilots. This is a good way to build time and help the glider program.

   

• The 2008 National Emergency Services Academy will start May 18. The notice will be posted on the bulletin board.

   

• Wing is hiring a professional grant writer to help squadrons with their capital needs. If you have any requests, give them to Mel or add them to the forms on the desk downstairs.

   

• We have two planes in the hanger, and two parked outside. The engine is nearly hung on the C-206. When maintenance clears the plane to fly, we will get to break in the engine. There is a Beaver at maintenance that is nearly done. As soon as it passes its maintenance flight we can get it, hopefully for the SAREX this weekend.

   

• Aircraft availability
  • C-172 47L 51.5 hrs/100 hr and oil
  • C-172 31CP 98 hrs/100 hr 48 hrs/oil
  • C-185 66 hrs/oil and 100 hr

   

• The check pilot course that was held in December did not have the weather to fly the check rides. Marv is planning to finish them in February.

   

• Matt Nedum has taken over supply officer duties. Thanks Matt.

   

• The new wireless system is nearly complete downstairs.

   

• The new CAP Volunteer Magazine has an article on Alaska aircrew survival.

   

• Safety Spiel – Ed Barber

  Ed talked about the horizontal stabilizer on Cessna aircraft. The nose ribs can be easily bent and crushed when pushing down to move the plane. These can cost several thousand dollars to replace. Ed brought several examples of bent nose ribs. This is also a place where aircraft typically have corrosion problems.

   

• Scott Kolstad presented the SAREX brief.
  • The SAREX will practice basic SAR skills.
  • Need survival gear, flight suit, and a current 101 card to participate.
  • Obviously this exercise will experience winter flying. Use best operating practices.
  • Plan the mission before you go fly.
  • Check for WINTER survival gear and know how to use it.
  • Practice CRM.
  • Several pilots need to update their pilot files.
  • Flight release will be Mel for Saturday and Udo for Sunday. Scott will release during the week.
  • Keep a hard copy of the 108 on the desk so we can easily track expenses, but also it is mandatory to put the flight into WMIRS.
  • Fly Safe.

   

• Phil reminded us that squadron dues are due, only $15 per year.