Thursday, March 17, 2011

2011 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festivql Flights

The Iverson family welcomes Balloons to fly during their Tulip Festival again this year. The Festival dates are March 25th through My 1, 2011.

The launch field this year will be the grass field on the west side of the back parking lot (the "middle" grass field). With all the rain we have been experiencing the fields are VERY soft. Please avoid driving into the fields until they firm up. there is one field where corn was grown last year. Unless you want to donate your equipment as a display until later this summer, please be very careful in this area.

We are welcome to come fly weekdays and weekends. Current field conditions are posted daily on the Wooden Shoe Web Site WWW.WoodenShoe.com .

To ensure our good neighbor policy please follow these few rules:
1. Set up by backing your trailer to the edge of the field from the parking lot and avoiding driving in the field if possible. This will become increasingly important as the grass fields start to grow.
2. Consider the impact on the general public population when conducting your post-flight ceremonies. Location and use of adult beverages could cause problems if not used wisely.
3. Be friendly. Much goodwill happens when we chat with folks, pose for pictures, and offer tether rides. Promote our sport.
4. Leave only footprints. What you bring, goes home with you please.
5. Fly safe. Be respectful of landowners.

The flights are promoted by our club, but are a non-sponsored event. Let's set the stage for a fun filled 2011 flight season filled with lots of club fly outs.

See you all at the Wooden Shoe.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Still time to register for the safety seminar

There is still time to register for the safety seminar feb 26, 2011. Go to pacificnwsafetysemianr.com to register and more details

Monday, October 18, 2010

FAASafety Seminar

"Pacific Northwest Aviation Weather Questions Answered"
Topic: Local meteorologist and pilot Dave Salesky will answer questions about our unique weather.
On Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Location:
Pearson Air Museum
1115 E. Fifth St.
Vancouver, WA 98661
Select Number:
NM0934706
Description:
This 2 hour event from 11am to 1pm will be a question and answer session about the aviation weather here in the Pacific Northwest. We are proud to announce News Channel 2 Chief Meteorologist, Mr. Dave Salesky will be our guest speaker. Not only is he a native meteorologist, he is also a pilot. Please submit your questions to Theresa at pilot.nelson@yahoo.com.
To view further details and registration information for this seminar visit the FAASafety web site: http://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/event_details.aspx?eid=34706.
The sponsor for this seminar is: FAA Safety Team
The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
KEB 1.00

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

FAASafety.gov - General Information "Webinar: Thundserstorms & ATC"

Webinar: Thundserstorms & ATC
Notice Number: NOTC2378
Thunderstorms & ATC: What You Need to Know
Join AOPA's Air Safety Foundation President Bruce Landsberg in a discussion with air traffic control experts for this live Webinar, Thunderstorms & ATC: What You Need To Know, Wednesday, June 30, at 3:00 and 7:00 pm EDT.
Thunderstorms remain among the deadliest hazards encountered in flight. Over the past ten years, more than 70 percent of the accidents caused by thunderstorm encounters were fatal. Learn more about ATC radar limitations, making the system work better for you, and essential communications to help you avoid these deadly encounters.
Click on this link (or copy and paste into your browser) for more information and to register for this webinar: http://www.aopa.org/asf/webinars/
We apologize for the late notice, but felt this topic was important enough that you were aware of the webinar.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Hunter Ridge Horse Show

Hunter's Ridge is having a major horse show this weekend. Best to avoid the area this week and next. Hunter's ridge is located on Wilsonville Road about 3 miles west of Wilsonville, next to the Willamette River. Easily identified by large open area with show areans and white fences.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Landowner PZ

Wild Turkey Farm, Wilsonville

Situation: Balloon flew low over farm this morning spooking horses. Horses broke through a fence. No injuries.
Wild Turkey Farm is a large horse breeding farm located approx. 3 miles west of Wilsonville on Wilsonville Road. The farm occupies land on both sides of Wilsonville Road. For the past couple of years this farm has been transitioning into a breeding farm from a show farm. The area north of Wilsonville is being into lots with the intent of having homes with horses. A number of very large barns have been constructed on the north side and are easily identified. These barns are stall and breeding areas.
The caretaker has requested that Balloons avoid the area if possible and maintain at least 1,000 Feet AGL while in the area.
The caretaker indicated that the Owner would be moving in soon and that they absolutely did not want balloons upsetting the livestock.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Wings Safety Program

"99s, Oregon Pines Chapter - FAA WINGS Program/FAASafety.gov Update"
Topic: Recent updates to FAASafety.gov and the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program.
On Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Location:
Nutsch Aviation / Independence Airport
4901 Airport Road

Independence, OR 97351
Select Number:
NM0932699
Description:
Thanks to industry and user feedback, several changes and improvements have been made to the FAASafety.gov website and the WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program. An overview of FAASafety.gov and WINGS will be done real time. If you are unfamiliar with these resources, this is your opportunity to learn about them. Bring your questions, comments and suggestions.
To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here.
The sponsor for this seminar is: FAA Safety Team
The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
KEB 1.00

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

FAASafety - Powerline Strikes

Wire Strikes - Significant Danger
Notice Number: NOTC2279

Wire strikes continue to be a significant contributor to helicopter and fixed wing general aviation accidents. Although these accidents are not always fatal, about 30%do result in a fatality. Not only is there the cost of a human life, these strikes can also have enormous economic impacts on the aircraft owners, utilities, and general public.

The FAA would like to thank Southern California Edison and Helicopter Association International (HAI) for partnering on an effort to educate the flying public on "Surviving the Wires Environment" and producing and providing a video for all to view.

The FAA encourages all pilots and flight crew to watch this informative video. You can watch the video at http://www.rotor.com/Publications/HAIVideosLibrary/SurvivingtheWiresEnvironment.aspx

Saving lives through collision avoidance!!!!

MET Towers

NEW HAZARDS ON THE HORIZONS……MET TOWERS
Notice Number: NOTC2278
MET towers (Meteorological towers), are used to gather wind data necessary for site evaluation and development of wind energy projects. They can be erected very rapidly and may be on site from a few days to up to a year or longer. Towers generally range in height from 30, 50, 60 and 80 meters tall. Any tower less than 200 feet in height is not required by regulation to be lighted. At this time there is no standardized notification system in place to indicate when and where these towers are erected.
These are not posted in any Airport Facility Directory, NOTAMS, etc. unless they interfere with airport operations. BE ON THE OUTLOOK FOR THESE HAZARDS…!

For more information, please click on these links:
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/May/Met_tower_Power_Point_St._Cloud.pdf
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/May/IA_APB_09-04_Hazard_Maps.pdf
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/May/towerarticle2008.pdf
This notice is being sent to you because you selected "General Information" in your preferences on FAASafety.gov. If you wish to adjust your selections, log into https://www.faasafety.gov/Users/pub/preferences.aspx where you can update your preferences.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Barb Iverson asked me to thank everyone who flew, crewed, or just came to enjoy the Tulip's this year. She really appreciated our involvement and contributions to the event. Judging from the freeway to field lines of cars almost every weekend, and the number times my phone rang with people asking "are the Balloons going to be there?" the festival was a great success.

Thanks everyone

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Designated Pilot Examiner

I am pleased to announce that I am finally in the final stage of completing my training to become the appointed Pilot Designated Examiner for the Portland FSDO office. The final stage is performing Practical Tests for Private and Commercial applicants under the supervision of the FSDO. I have completed the Private portion thanks to Dale Justice and Robert Prinslow who permitted me to perform their Private Practical Tests.

As of now I'm a DPE in Training who is available and looking for a willing Commercial Pilot applicant. If any instructors have students prepared for their Practical Test please contact me. For now the process may be a bit confusing as exams will have to be done subject to the availability of a FSDO Examiner.

It has been a long process but I'm looking forward to offering a much needed service to balloonists in Oregon.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Wooden Shoe Update



How many pilots does it take to assemble a balloon...

Helped yesterday while Tim Gale and Jerry Gobet had over an hour flight and never left the property. Tulips are starting to bloom; just need a couple warm sunny days.
The fields are WET WET WET so come prepared to tarp. Jerry commented about seeing lots of standing water in fields around the farm so select your landing spot carefully.

Was great to get out.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Flights

The Iverson family welcomes Balloons to fly during their Tulip Festival again this year. The Festival dates are March 25th through April 25th, 2010.

The launch field this year will be the grass field on the west side of the tulip fields. The tulip fields are near the Filbert trees this year.

We are welcome to come fly weekdays and weekends. Current field conditions are posted daily on the Wooden Shoe Web Site WWW.WoodenShoe.com .

To ensure our good neighbor policy please follow these few rules:
1. Set up by backing your trailer to the edge of the field from the parking lot and avoiding driving in the field if possible. This will become increasingly important as the grass fields start to grow.
2. Consider the impact on the general public population when conducting your post-flight ceremonies. Location and use of adult beverages could cause problems if not used wisely.
3. Be friendly. Much goodwill happens when we chat with folks, pose for pictures, and offer tether rides. Promote our sport.
4. Leave only footprints. What you bring, goes home with you please.
5. Fly safe. Be respectful of landowners.

The flights are promoted by our club, but are a non-sponsored event. Let's set the stage for a fun filled 2010 flight season filled with lots of club fly outs.

See you all at the Wooden Shoe.

Is spring upon us??

My trees are in full bloom, the sun has shown its bright face for the past two days, and many in our area got current yesterday, so spring must be just around the corner.

As we dust off the cobwebs and get ready to start the flying season it is a great time to do a thorough check on our equipment and ourselves. Please take time to refresh yourselves on the reg's and your personal minimums before that first flight. Take extra time on that first inflation using your checklist and checking your equipment. Let's also remember that the landing areas are still soggy and be extra careful to avoid causing damage to fields.

Fly safe.

FAA Safety Event

A new event has been scheduled on FAASafety.gov. Following is a brief overview of the event:
"10 Things Other Pilots Do Wrong"
Topic: 10 Things Other Pilots Do Wrong
On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Location:
Holiday Inn Portland Airport
8439 N.E. Columbia Blvd.

Portland, OR 97220

Select Number:
NR0330023

Description:
Let's be honest: When it comes to our fellow pilots, we've all got our pet-peeves.
Here's your chance to air those grievances, learn a thing or two about safety, and - just maybe - get a new perspective on your own (undoubtedly minor) imperfections.

To view further details and registration information for this event, click here.

The sponsor for this event is: FAASTeam

The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
KEB 1.00

Click here to view the WINGS help page

Monday, February 15, 2010

Sad news

Today I learned that Energizer has cancelled their Balloon program. That big pink bunny will be missed by kids young and old. Over the years Glo has provided uncountless entertainment to so many. They will be missed, but forever in our fondest memories.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

"All Questions Answered about Pacific NW Aviation Weather"

Topic: Avid pilot and TV meteorologist, Mr Dave Salesky, answers questions about aviation weather here in the Pacific Northwest.
On Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Location:
Pearson Air Museum on Pearson Field
1115 E Fifth Street

Vancouver, WA 98661
Select Number:
NM0929717
Description:
Our guest speaker began flying in Alaska. Flying through challenging weather launched his career in meteorology. Please join us as Mr Salesky explains weather through the eyes of a pilot. He will address topics such as katabatic winds, turbulence, local wind patterns, and much more. The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:KEB 1.00

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Tigard Festival of Balloons

The Tigard Festival of Balloons will be held June 25-27, 2009.

Planning for the event is underway starting with invitation letters being sent to prior participants. If you would like to attend and we somehow missed you on the e-mail distribution send me a note and I will get the information to you.

Mark your calendars for JUNE 25-27th for a fun weekend in TIgard.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Changes in WINGS Program scheduled for December

FAA WINGS

A resource for users of the Federal Aviation Administration WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program to ask questions, make suggestions for improvement, and offer best practices.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Initial WINGS Changes Announced
The WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program requires that six (6) separate tasks be completed to a standard proficiency level (using an appropriate FAA Practical Test Standard) to earn a phase of WINGS. These tasks are determined after a review of primary accident causal factors reported in aircraft accident reports. These tasks presently fall into one of the following areas.
Knowledge Tasks
a) Aeronautical Decision Making
b) Performance and Limitations
c) Preflight Planning

Flight Tasks
a) Takeoffs and Landings
b) Aircraft Control
c) Basic Flying Skill

The typical user of the WINGS program fulfils these task requirements by taking online courses, attending seminars and events, and flying with an instructor. Currently there are three phases or levels in the WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program: Basic, Advanced, and Master. For each phase or level of WINGS, the six activities specified by the FAASTeam must be completed within a twelve-month period to earn that phase of WINGS.

The FAASTeam will modify the system to work as follows:

There would still be three levels in the WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program. However, the word “Basic” will no longer be used, as it connotes a meaning not intended by the FAASTeam.

In addition, within each level, pilots will be able to earn phases each time they complete the six tasks required by the FAASTeam. For example, when an airman completes the six tasks specified (three knowledge, three flight), they will have completed the first level and phase of WINGS, or WINGS Phase I. The airman can complete a phase of WINGS, consisting of six activities, as often as they would like. For each additional six specified activities an airmen completes, they will receive another phase of WINGS, for instance, WINGS Phase II. This will continue in like manner each time the airman completes an additional six activities, for instance, WINGS Phase III, WINGS Phase IV, etc.

An airmen who wishes to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency can earn the Advanced level of WINGS. They do this by demonstrating a higher level of proficiency while completing an additional set of six activities. An airmen can complete as many Advanced phases of WINGS as they would like, for instance, Advanced WINGS Phase II, Advanced WINGS Phase III, etc.

In addition, airmen can also complete a Master level of WINGS by completing an additional six tasks by demonstrating even greater proficiency. The Master level can also be completed as many times as possible and the airman earns phases just like they do for the previous levels.

This change will be implemented as part of the WINGS Upgrade planned for launch in December.
Posted by WINGS Webmaster at 10:45 AM 15 comments Links to this post

FAA Safety Seminar

"All Questions Answered about Pacific Northwest Aviation Weather"
Topic: Avid pilot and TV meteorologist, Dave Salesky, will be addressing weather questions specific to flying in the Pacific Northwest.
On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Location:
Aero Maintenance - Main Hangar/Pearson Airport
101 E Reserve

Vancouver, WA 98661
Select Number:
NM0928779
Description:
How many times have you as a pilot departed on a VFR flight with a full weather briefing and encountered completely unexpected weather? This seminar is designed to address aviation weather specific to our playground here in the Portland area.
Please feel free to submit questions you may have for Mr. Salesky to Theresa star777777@aol.com
To view further details and registration information for this event, click here.
The sponsor for this event is: FAA Safety Team
The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
KEB 1.00

Monday, November 2, 2009

BFA Online Safety Seminar

The BFA will once again be offering the BFA online safety seminar. It is scheduled for Feb 6, 2010. There is a chance to attend the safety seminar at no charge. If you call the BFA office and renew your membership or join the BFA by Dec 1, 2009 you can attend the online safety seminar at no charge. Another way to attend at no charge is if you are a life member.

If you would like to attend the safety seminar, but do not wish to renew your membership at this time, BFA members can attend for $20.00. Non BFA members can attend for $95.00

Goto www.bfa.net for more details

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

9th Annual Hillsboro Airport Open House

A new event has been scheduled that meets your notification criteria on FAASafety.gov. Following is a brief overview of the event:
"9th Annual Hillsboro Airport (HIO) Open House"
Topic: Celebrating 74 Years as a Public-Use Airport. Airport tours, children's activities and aircraft displays.
On Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Location:
Hillsboro Airport Terminal
3355 NE Cornell Rd.

Hillsboro, OR 97124
Select Number:
NM0928297
Description:
This free, open-to-the public event will feature fun aviation activities and educational opportunities for the whole family. Take an airfield tour and visit the future location of Runway 30R-12L, with construction anticipated to begin by 2011. Learn about the Hillsboro Master Plan and discover what changes you can expect to see in the near future at Oregon's busiest airport (by number of operations).
To view further details and registration information for this event, click here.
The sponsor for this event is: Port of Portland, FAA Safety Team

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

News Post from FAA Safety today:

New Control Tower at OTH North Bend with associated change in airspace to Class "D" airspace.

Letter describing new operation:

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Portland Tower / TRACON
Portland International Airport
Portland, Oregon 97218

ISSUED: September 01, 2009
EFFECTIVE: September 24, 2009
PORTLAND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 09-03

SUBJECT: North Bend, Oregon Tower (OTH) opening.
CANCELLATION: September 24, 2010

This Letter to Airmen announces the opening of North Bend Oregon Air
Traffic Control Tower on September 24, 2009.
Hours of operation:
0700 to 2100 (local time) 1500 to 0600Z+

Frequencies:
Tower 118.45 (VHF) 229.4 (UHF)
Ground Control 127.1
AWOS 135.075
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) 118.45 (effective August 27,
2009)

If you have any questions please contact Jim Pieser of the Portland, Oregon
Tower/TRACON at (503) 493-7514.
Scott Speer
District Manager,
Oregon Terminal District

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Prosser Balloon Rally 2009 Day 2


This morning 34 balloons graced the skies over Prosser. Many of the balloons did a splash and dash on the Yakima river. Hoping that the wind slows down for a glow.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Prosser Balloon Rally 2009 Day 1

This morning 28 balloons launched from the Prosser Airport. Conditions were calm and many balloons were able to dip in the river for a splash and dash. The weather looks great for the next couple days as well. There are a few photos posted on facebook as well.