St. Louis Flying Club Newsletter - 23 December 2013

From The President - By Charley

Members:

Happy Holidays!

The winter weather and cold temperatures look to have put a damper on flying activity during the month. The Arrow and Cessna both flew roughly 10 hours in November down from our average of about 20 hours per month in warmer weather. Thanks to Dom for adding engine pre-heat procedures to the handbook a couple of months ago. Utilizing these procedures will greatly reduce engine wear and make your winter starts much easier!

We had a lot of good follow up from our meeting in November. Bob Zbylut ordered the Garmin hardware agreed to at the meeting and the equipment has arrived. John will be installing it as soon as he can fit it in. Todd Michal researched the Aera database update in the Arrow and as soon as the other Aera is installed, we will have a recommendation to keep the portables reasonably up to date. I know that the improvement committee has had a few discussions about upgrades to the aircraft that were presented at our meeting. I’m looking forward to that committees recommendations at our May meeting, stay tuned for more details. John and Kip installed the old (previously Cessna) JPI engine monitor in the Arrow to resolve the missing digits issue until we can decide on a longer term solution for the panel. Many thanks to all for the work accomplished in such a short time!

We will be making a small donation to Wings of Hope in appreciation and support of the good work that they do.

Although we have had some interest in Phil’s share of the club, no commitments yet. Please keep your feelers out for anyone interested in joining the club, I know that Phil would appreciate the assistance. I am happy to report that anyone who looks at our club is impressed with the aircraft, organization of the club and the great flying value provided by the opportunity….it is always great to hear positive feedback from outside the group!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and here’s looking forward to a great 2014!

Charley

Treasurer's Report - by PIC

The Personal Property Tax bill increased by ~$160 (7%). This increases the monthly dues by $1 to $126. The fuel price has finally started down slightly to $6.25 bringing the 172 down to $77/hr but the Arrow stays at $102 (explanation: rounding). The share value stays about the same at $10,639. Bob was able to purchase the Aera for the C-172 and GDL-39s (through Wings of Hope). These were purchased with Improvement funds and will transition to the aircraft values once installed.

Fly Safely!

PIC

   Maintenance - by John

Garmin Service Advisory - we received the following service advisory that could affect both aircraft. The issue is that a limited number of GPS approaches can not be selected. We will install the updated Software as soon as it is available.

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• Altimeter/Transponder Check - The two year Altimeter & Altitude Reporter Test per FAR 91.411 and Transponder Test per FAR 91.413 were completed by Mueller Avionics on 4 December. The next inspection is due in December 2015.
• Oil Analysis - The oil analysis report from the Nov 16 oil change is shown below. All readings were in the normal range.
  

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• Engine Monitor - The Arrow EDM-700 engine monitor was removed and the Cessna EDM-700 engine monitor (S/N 25223) was installed and the parameters reset for the Arrow.
• Alternate Air Knob - The broken Alternate air knob was replaced with a new 66980-00 knob.
• Heat vent control Knob - The missing heat vent control knob was replaced with a new 66980-00 knob.
• Oil Analysis - The oil analysis report from the oil change on Nov 26 is shown below. All readings were in the normal range.
  

Copyright © 2012, St. Louis Flying Club, All rights reserved. Last updated December 2013.