May 2018

Prepare for Ditching and Water Survival at This Month's Second Saturday!

While flying in the Pacific Northwest, we are often over terrain that makes a safe off-airport landing impossible. However, often there is a calm, flat body of water in sight that could offer a tempting alternative. Be aware that ditching events offer their own unique hazards — it probably will offer a survivable landing option, but it will take some training to remain calm while finding yourself upside down with cold water pouring into your aircraft.
 
At this month's Second Saturday Seminar, search-and-rescue expert Derek Ham will offer a review of Ditching and Water Survival. Derek is a pilot, a military veteran, and skilled in wilderness survival. In this seminar, you will learn some of the most important considerations to make prior to choosing a water landing, as well as some easy preparations that can be made before departing the airport. Derek also will review a ditching scenario that actually happened, following a first-person account and lessons learned.
 
This month's Second Saturday gets underway on May 12 at 1100 in the Education Hangar at Willamette Aviation. The event is certified for FAA Wings credit and there is no charge — drop by or sign up on the Wings website to save your spot. We'll see you there!

We've Added a Sling LSA to Our Rental Fleet!

New on our ramp this month at Willamette Aviation is the Sling LSA, a two-seat aircraft that's designed to meet and exceed the FAA's Light Sport Aircraft compliance standards. While pilots flying under the Light Sport rule will appreciate having a rental option, the Sling also is a straightforward, low-wing airplane that's ideal for primary flight instruction and VFR cruising. It's nimble, with a max-gross weight of just 1,320 lbs. The slide-back bubble canopy offers easy boarding, as well as superb in-flight visibility. Throw in a three-blade propeller, advanced avionics, and stick-and-rudder control, and the Sling might become your favorite airplane before your first hour is in your logbook.
 
Rental rate is just $149 per hour, which includes fuel and oil, no club fees or secret surcharges, and aircraft insurance that provides coverage to renting pilots. Contact a Willamette Aviation flight instructor or our dispatch desk today to schedule your check-out in the Sling!

Short Finals…

· We are delighted to welcome Logan Frasier to our team of flight instructors at Willamette Aviation! Logan began flight lessons near Boston in 1989 and relocated to California in the early '90s, where he attained private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine commercial, seaplane, flight instructor, and advanced ground instructor ratings. He majored in Aviation Science at Foothill College before moving to Oregon. His passion for flying is passed on through teaching, with his students having a 98% check-ride pass rate on their first attempt. If you don't see him in an airplane, you might see him jumping out of one! As an avid skydiver and BASE jumper, he has tandem, pro, and coach ratings. Be sure to say "Hi!" the next time you see Logan on the ramp or in the pilots' lounge.
 
· We're happy to note that summer officially gets started this month, as far as we're concerned, because Memorial Day weekend is the last weekend in May, and we're counting on excellent flying weather. We'll be hosting our first Summer Safety Briefing of 2018 that weekend as well. The briefing gets underway on Saturday, May 26 at 1100 hrs in the Education Hangar, followed by a Community Potluck BBQ — we'll start frying up the burgers and dogs at 12 noon. Drop by to get a look at the airplanes on our ramp, and please bring chips, a dish, or a dessert to share if you can.

Look for more from Willamette Aviation in the next newsletter. Until then, fly smart and safe!

David F. Waggoner
Willamette Aviation
dave@willametteair.com
(503) 678-2252

Calendar

May 5: 1100: 'Women in Aviation' Open House (Willamette Aviation Flight Lab)

May 12: 1100: Second Saturday Seminar: Ditching and Water Survival (Derek Ham) (Willamette Aviation)

May 19: FAA medical exams (Jim Tarro M.D.) (Willamette Aviation)

May 19: Monthly meeting, International Aerobatic Club, Oregon Chapter (Willamette Aviation)

May 26: 1100: Summer Safety Briefing (Willamette Aviation)

May 26: 1200: Community Potluck BBQ (Willamette Aviation)

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Willamette Aviation Service, LLC
23115 Airport Road NE
Aurora, Oregon 97002