the oficial newsletter for the paciic coast aeronauts · 2020-07-02 · b. joe l recently got a...

© Pacific Coast Aeronauts — July 2020 Downwind Chase

View from the Board by Suzanne Seiler, Newsletter Co-Editor

IN THIS ISSUE:

TheOf�icialNewsletterforthePaci�icCoastAeronauts

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Wed. 7/1 @ 7pm

Tuesday, 7/21 @ 7pm


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View, continued

1. Meeting called to order at 7:01pm Pacific Daylight Time. 2. Attendance: 12

Officers: [X] Pres: David Wakefield (DW) [X] Vice-President: Tom Sharpee (TS)

[X] Secretary: Suzanne Seiler (SS) [X] Treasurer: Linda Walton (LW) [

Members: Melanee Scarborough, Joe Lamberti, Katrina Lomas, Ken Wendell, Jeanne Anson, Russ James, Jeff Downs, Alta Fernandes.

Guests: None

3. Meeting Minutes for March 4 Club Meeting: Motion to approve by TS, seconded by Ken W. All approved.

4. Treasurers Report: LW reported the current bank balance is $10,754.53.

5. Future Flying Events:

a. DW attended a coordinating meeting of the Valley Children’s Hospital. The outlook for a fall event is still not looking good. It may not be held at Clovis Fest in October.

b. Albuquerque Fiesta is not set in concrete. Many pilots have registered and the event is still accepting applications. There is apparently a national music event that was rescheduled to the usual same time frame as Fiesta, and there are not enough hotel rooms to accommodate people for both events. Remains to be seen what will happen -- stay tuned.

c. Reno: all current information points to it happening. Jeanne & Tom are not going to Reno this year & suggested Russ J. might want to connect with their sponsor. David W’s long-time sponsor, Harrah’s, is closing down, turning it into special business condos and there will be no casino amenities at all in the property.

d. Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic: moved from late June to last weekend in August [see Upcoming Events on page 13 herein for subsequent cancellation ~Editor].

e. Many European events have been cancelled.

f. Dave W. has had several events cancelled that are typically held during the month of May: Relay for Life; Meet the Machine in Rancho Cordova, Calaveras County Frog Jump; Wings of History in San Martin; San Ramon’s Art & Wind Festival; and all his previously scheduled events through the month of June.

g. Jeanne reported the Vernal, Utah event has been moved to the last weekend in August.

h. Balloons Over Angel Fire in New Mexico is cancelled.

i. Other events still “on” include: Provo on July 4th; Montague, CA at end of September is tentative; Albany, Oregon at end of August is also tentative.

6. Flying Reports:

a. The last time DW flew was on December 31st.

Happy Independence Day!


Minutes, continued

in late April and May. [See PCA’s May newsletter for more information ~Editor].

7. Old Business: none.

8. New Business:

a. New Member: LW reported that Richard Douglas, is a balloonist previously from Southern California who now lives in Montana. He attended �� and �� many years ago. Jeanne found him on Facebook. He is interested in writing historical and biographical articles and especially in connecting with Deke Sonnichsen.

b. Member Planet: Alta F sent a response test to Board Members via Member Planet regarding the club’s By-Laws. Many thanks to Pat Moore, Linda W, Jeanne A, Alta, and especially Tom S for all their time and effort on the By-Laws.

9. Committees Reports:

a. Jr. Balloonists/Youth Camp/Education: Both camps are cancelled this summer.

b. Safety Seminar/Education: PCA’s seminar in late-March was cancelled due to COVID-19. Alternative online seminars are available via B�� F�� A�� (BFA) and B�� T�� A�� (BTA).

i. The BFA seminar is not live-streamed. Afterward, attendees can contact speakers via email with questions. Russ J. did the BFA seminar; it was “alright.: Pre-recorded portions ran smoothly. Mark West did his segment from home.

ii. Alta F did the BTA seminar. It was self-paced, had historical value, and she genuinely enjoyed it. The follow-up test was simple, involved writing about thoughts and perceptions regarding the concepts presented.

iii. Jeanne and Tom attended a seminar in Indianola in early March.

iv. The W�� P�� is part of the FAA Safety Program. Pilots can earn wings for various levels of education. AF commented that the BTA approaches it as a benefit for commercial pilots. DW uses W�� for flight reviews. There are separate hands-on for flight review and online ground school. Russ J stated that W�� can be applied via safety seminars for ground school.

v. Joe Lamberti and Jeff Downs reported that their ground school test was cancelled due to COVID. They are going to use the exemption/extension to the 60-day rule for taking the test. Their February class was recorded.

10. Open Discussion Topics / Announcements:

a. Deke Sonnichsen and Kathleen Terry were married on February 20th and honeymooned in the Caribbean.

b. Joe L recently got a towing package added to their Suburban.

c. Annuals:

i. DW recently had his ReMaxx balloon done.

ii. Jeanne & Tom traveled 4½ hours to their annual location, stayed overnight, and drove the 4½ hours back home.

iii. Joe L reported both of his balloons are due in June.

d. Stolen hot air balloons: Joe L - it’s a federal felony; theft of aircraft includes all equipment. Dave W - it seems federal agencies don’t really care to expend energy on lighter-than-air thefts; the perception is that it’s not as important as fixed-wing aircraft. It’s grand theft due to the cost involved.

e. COVID Happenings: Jeanne and Tome recently enjoyed a sit-down dinner at a restaurant. Tables were set apart but not so much social distancing at the bar. Wait staff all wore masks. Iowa is beginning to open up in 70 out of 90 counties but not yet in larger towns. Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a COVID “hot spot.” They know of one balloonist who has recovered from the virus. A pork meat packing facility has finally made some adjustments; not all meat cuts are available.

11. Meeting Adjournment: Motions: First - Suzanne S; Seconded by Jeff D. at 8:40pm.


The Latest Scoop on Events

Freddie the Fox’s maiden flight in Filzmoos, Austria. Source: www.facebook.com/GOWLL

A Message from The Great Reno Balloon Race

From renoballoon.com As of 6/28/20

The Great Reno Balloon Race is thankful for the continued support from our partners, pilots, volunteers and fans. At this time, our team is working remotely, and practicing social distancing while continuing to plan the 39th annual event Sept. 11—13, 2020.

They are monitoring regulations and protocols from a national, state, county, and city-level and will adjust plans according to the guidelines set forth. Safety is always a top priority, and with this in mind, they hope to see hot-air balloons in Reno’s skyline this fall.

For the most up-to-date information on the event, connect with us through social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

VIP Parking and Cloud 9 VIP Passes for the 2020 event are on sale. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are still available. Thanks to your support, we are able to keep the event free to the community.

For any questions about this year’s event, you’re invited to contact them at (775) 391-8562 or email [email protected].

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2020 Postponed From Matt Guthrie, President, Balloon Fiesta Board of Directors As of 6/22/20

The Balloon Fiesta's volunteer board of directors staff brainstormed numerous ways to make the 49th event occur this October. They created various contingency plans but know that all of those fail if someone contracted COVID-19 as the result of attending our international event. For that reason, we are postponing the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to October 2-10, 2021. Guest reservations, tickets and RV spaces will be unchanged and can be used for the 2021 event. Organizers are asking those who have already purchased tickets for 2020 to standby for an email that will explain how to roll those tickets over to 2021. But if guests are unable to attend 2021 they can still request a full refund.

Need to practice better

social distancing

Source: www.facebook.com [Editor’s humor]

DAWN PATROL, 2019 Great Reno Balloon Race

Photo by Suzanne Seiler


continued on page 6

Balloon Federation of America PO Box 400

Indianola, Iowa 50125 www.bfa.net

Videos of live chat about interesting balloon topics during which balloonists ask questions, hear applicable and interesting stories. Take these new opportunities to connect and learn things you wouldn't otherwise. Segments feature different balloonists from around the world. To see previous chats and learn when the next one is scheduled, go to: https://bfa.net/education-training/fireside-chat-video/

Junior Balloon Camps

Instead of in-person camps there will be a first-time-ever virtual camp, which the . Camp Directors, Roger Clark and Neida Bueno, are calling CAMPINAR. No age limits. Great line up of presenters and committee members! Register today!!

DATES AND TIMES ARE JULY 13-16, 2020 FROM 8AM - 12PM

MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME

For more information and to register, please follow this link:

www.bfa.net/campinar

COVIDUpdatesforBalloonists

FromMarkWest,PresidentoftheBFA June29,2020

As we approach our 4th of July weekend, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on several things and just a reminder that as we watch the changes in several of our states from the recovery mode to heightened numbers of cases of the virus, this situation is very dynamic and you must constantly assess what is right for you regarding masks, social distancing, gatherings and, of course, decisions to fly. As we grow weary of the restrictions and inconvenience, please consider the consequences for yourselves, friends, family-especially those that fall into the high risk categories. Please be safe in anything that you do.

I have attached a link to a document that was prepared by the FAI regarding all airsports and the effects of COVID-19 as the various segments look to begin re-opening. Their perspective is a global in nature and in that regard is interesting reading:

https://www.fai.org/sites/default/files/fai-cimp-recommendations-covid-19-v1.0.pdf

Lastly, the FAA has just published yet another revision to the Special FAA Regulation providing relief due to COVID-19. This revision extends out the reliefs previously provided for an additional three month period. As a quick review of the previously provided relief for LTA, the following is provided:

1. Any written test that was/is due to expire between March 1st and now September 30 are extended for an additional 90 days.

2. Any commercial pilot who’s Flight Review was/is due to expire between March 1st and now September 30 are extended for an additional 90 days.

3. Any private pilot whose Flight Review was/is due to expire between March 1st and now, September 30th, are extended for an additional 90 days under very limited conditions [as follows]:


at least 500 hours of total time as a pilot of which 400 hours is as PIC and 50 of the PIC hours were accrued in the last 12 calendar months.

The kinds of operations permitted are those that are:

- Incidental to business or employment

- in support of family medical needs or to transport essential goods for personal use

- necessary to fly an aircraft to a location in order to meet a requirement of this chapter, or

- a flight to transport essential goods and/or medical supplies to support public health needs.

pilots conducting charitable medical flights for a volunteer pilot organization pursuant to an exemption issued under part 11, provided the pilots continue to comply with the conditions and limitations of the exemption. For flights conducted by private pilots under this relief, no one may be carried on the aircraft unless that person is essential to the purpose of the flight, such as when transporting doctors for the purpose of providing medical care. This relief does not permit private pilots to conduct these operations for compensation or hire unless permitted under the exceptions in § 61.113(b), (d), (e), or (h) or by exemption.

The complete document is linked if you would like to review it for yourself: FAA SFAR118

I would like to repeat something that we had said in our previous email. Many pilots are out of currency and have not flown for many months. Please give yourself the gift of giving you the chance to get out and get tuned back up on everything from emergency procedures to general flying skills, equipment preparation and crew tune up. If one flight isn’t enough, take two or three or more. Waiting to fly due to the pandemic is being safe. Please remain safe when you return to flying.

Mark West President [email protected]

BFA News, continued

From your Editor’s

Photo Philes


Thanks to Billy Joel… and Alan Brandt !

Hi all ~ After our fourth 0’dark-hundred wake-up to get in line for senior

shopping at the local Safeway, I ended up with this stuck in my head.

I’m better now that I let it out.

It’s not perfect but might work OK to the tune of “The Piano Man”

by Billy Joel.

Enjoy … or not,

~ Alan Brandt

It’s 7 am on a weekday

The regular crowd’s at the door

There’s an old man in front of me

Adjusting his face mask again.

He asks, “Sir, can you find me the TP?

I’m not really sure where to go

I hope it is here and I need it at home

You know we all have to go.”

La la la, di da da

La la, di da da da dum

Find us the TP, you’re the grocery clerk

Show us the TP in sight

We’re all in the need of a package

And you can make it all right

Now John at the checkout’s a friend

He saves me some TP for free

He knows where’s the stuff and fast to pack cart

But there’s someplace he needs to be

He says, “I’m sure this virus will kill me”

As he wiped the sweat from his brow

“I’m sure I’d be in the hospital

If a test I could find…”

Oh, la la la, di da da


Now Paul is pushing his walker

Against the arrows on floor

As he’s searching for TP and rice

And maybe a little bit more

And the stocker is filling the shelving

As Grandma pushes on by

Yes, they’re much closer than six feet

But there’s no other path to the meat

Find us the TP Mr. Grocery man

Find us the TP today

We’re all in the need for a ‘movement’

So please help us out of our plight

It’s a quiet crowd for a Wednesday

And the manager flashes a smile

`Cause he knows the shelves have the TP

And some rice and beans (for a while)

And with the vegetables picked

And the meat counter full

They all wait their turn to give cash to the clerk

And say, “Wow, what are we doin` here?”

Oh, la la la, di da da


Find us the TP Mr. Grocery man

Find us the TP today

We’re all in the need for a ‘movement’

So please help us out of our plight.

“The Grocery Man” by Alan Brandt

With Sincere Apologies to Billy Joel, “The Piano Man”

~ Editor

We’re repeating this timely article -- Pass it on!


BFA 2020 O�� S�� S�� As of April 25, 2020

videos are available to registered BFA members

Dean Carlton: [email protected] https://bfa.net/2020-online-seminar

B�� T�� A�� S�� S��

Free 100% online 7-hour self-paced seminar that can be completed whenever and wherever you are. https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/course/safety-

seminar/

BFA J�� B�� ‘C��’

July 13-16, 2020

8am - 12pm Mountain Daylight Time

www.bfa.net/campinar

R�� M�� B�� F��

July 23-26, 2020

Spring Creek Sports Complex Elko, NV

www.rubymountainballoonfestival.com/

B�� O�� B��

July 23-26, 2020 Bend, Oregon

Darren Kling: [email protected] https://balloonsoverbend.com/

N�� A�� & A�� F��

August 28-29, 2020 Albany, OR

S�� C�� H�� A�� B�� C�� August 29-30, 2020

Sonoma County Fairgrounds Santa Rosa, CA

[email protected] http://www.schabc.org/

> Planning in Progress for Late June 2021

G�� R�� B�� R��

September 11-13, 2020 San Rafael Regional Park

Reno, NV

www.renoballoon.com

49�� A�� I�� B�� F��

October 3-11, 2020 Balloon Fiesta Park; Albuquerque, NM Jennifer Garcia: [email protected]

[email protected]

46�� A�� C��F�� &

H�� A�� B�� F�� F��

October 24-25, 2020

Tammi Walton: [email protected]

(559) 299-7363

Event information in this newsletter is compiled from several resources, and is not to be considered as an endorsement by the PCA, its respective officers or members.

Please advise us at [email protected] if you have new or different information than is posted below.


F�� O��, J�� H��, P��/O�� E�� P�� B��

T�� —R��:

‘H�� T�� F��’ is for sale as I am not utilizing it enough to warrant keeping it

and need to move on to other projects in my life. The Shoe has been at very

few events and I have only done one ‘free flight’ due to the fact of

transporting the crew, but it does fly well and is fun to see in the air!

A�� B��: “High Top Flier” (of course you can change the name). 2001 Cameron ‘Shoe 90’, with US

Standard Type Airworthiness Certification (NOT experimental) built in Bristol, England, and accepted

anywhere in the world. It has less than 150 hours (4 previous Cameron ‘Shoe’

balloons went 500+ hours.

Annual is current until May 2019.

Clean Title and Registration (NO issues with the ‘N’ number).

40,000 Cu. Ft. with the lift of a 90,000.

Custom Cart (Shoe Box) built on a 1200# garden cart, with solid tires (from Tractor

Supply), easy to load wooden box which is steerable with the attached handle.

Envelope bag included if you wanted to ‘bag’ it. Envelope and cart weigh about

1000 pounds.

T�� T��: 2000 Wells Cargo 6X10 Trailer TW-101 (rear cargo doors) with 30” side

door.

8-foot Aluma shield awning on the side, rolls up so the awning is protected by

aluminum slats.

New tires, bearings recently replaced (preventative).

Set up to haul this system, with a detachable ramp to move the ‘Shoe Box’ inside.

T�� B��: Older (refurbished) Raven/Aerostar Classic basket with all new HDPE

Skids, new reinforced corner brackets and new rope handles.

Dual HPII burners; 2 lay-down 20-gallon tanks recently certified; new hoses in 2017;

miscellaneous other stuff that goes with the bottom end; drop line; instrument

bracket, etc.

Have the FMS (Flight Manual Supplement) from Cameron to approve the Aerostar

under the Cameron ‘Shoe 90.’

I� A��: ‘High Top Flier’ web domain through Go Daddy, paid until 2020. I never did

anything with the web site. It goes to the new owner; I assume it is transferable.

C��: Complete system including all of the above: $35,000. Envelope only: $30,000. Trailer: $3,000. Basket:

$2,000.

Only serious offers will be entertained.

E-mail at: [email protected]

Or call me at (775) 853-4109 home number/land line (please don't text; the

machine is always on).


We are actively looking

for a buyer for our

thermal airship

system! It is a GEFA

FLUG AS105 GD-4.

The primary envelope

has less than 20 hours on it and the entire system has just 2:40 hours on it since last annual

inspection. It is clean (we always use tarps, even on green grass) as you can see in the included

images, taken September 2017. It is ready to �ly on delivery.

The airship comes with

all accessory equipment

necessary to in�late and

�ly including the tarps

and trailer. A second

envelope is included; it

needs some work but is

serviceable or a resource for parts.

Included are three 15-gallon Titanium fuel tanks and one 15-gallon Stainless Steel fuel tank. It also comes with 10 airship main banners (used) in their own bags and two unused nose banners. The fuel hose panel seen in the pictures is mounted in the trailer.

The pictured truck is NOT included but can transport the trailer and equipment to a buyer anywhere in the contiguous USA if desired.

Addedbonus:

I can teach a new pilot or be available for hire as a pilot.

Please share this with anyone you think may have interest or contact me any time for more information.

Also, more info at: http://www.cheersaerialmedia.com/forsale.htm

Thanks,

David Wake�ield [email protected]

Primary envelope (approx. 20 hours) Secondary envelope

Trailer 8.5 feet by 20 feet

Gondola (Car)

Banners & Fuel Adapter Panel

$120,000 Offers Considered


Custom Built

Triangular Basket with Woven

Rainbow Accent

ENVELOPE: 1993 Balloon Works Firefly 7-15 with 395 Hours

Basket: Triangular with Woven Rainbow Accent

Burner: Mirage

C��-B�� E�� W�� C�� T�� C��: 5 hp Inflator Fan: Mach Zero Utility & Tool Box Rug & Blankets

Blankets protect grass on basket and grass under burner from being damaged Rug under fan keeps rocks, rocks and other debris out of envelope.

Spare Tire Tether Ropes: 3@ 100 ft. Tether Harness Tie-off Ropes: 1 @ 15' & 1 @ 24' E-Z Squeeze Helium Tank Tanks(4) - with Fuel Large Parachute Tarp: Lightweight, Custom Made, Bagged 1 Aircraft Radio: I-Com IC-A6 Transceiver 3 Hand Held Radios

$8,000

Orval Choate / 714-343-9317 / [email protected]

B�� T��


Note measurements are HxW.

Moved last year to a smaller home -- there’s not enough wall space for all our balloon posters, pictures and décor!

We do not want to send these off to a thrift shop!

If interested, please make a reasonable offer. For purchased items, we can meet up somewhere down the road. Hoping to go to Reno in September. Or if you’re driving past Lodi ….

Suzanne Seiler / 209-986-6208 / [email protected]

V��B��P��A��A��F�� P��B��PCA

Please Contact

20th Reno Balloon Race (2001) 20”x24”

Reno Balloon Race (2004) 24”x34”

Reno Balloon Race (2002) -- Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

10th Sonoma County Classic (1999) 24”x20”

Histoire des Ballons 18”x26”


“Crew Safety Quick Reference,”

also by Schwontkowski & Murray, available for $3.50 each

including postage.

(Contact the PCA for quantity discounts)

“Crewing Essentials”

Excellent, well-organized book with great details

about all aspects of crewing, authored by

Gordon Schwontkowski and Alyson Murray.

Copyright 2008, paperback.

$18 each or 2 for $35.

If you’re interested in acquiring these resources, or have some favorite ones to share, please contact Linda Walton

at [email protected] or [email protected]

Sunrise Chart for Tracy, CA (Morgan Hill will be approximately 1 minute later)

SIX MONTH SUNRISE CALENDAR

Apr 2020 5 6:44 May 2020 3 6:07 Jun 2020 7 5:44

12 6:34 10 6:00 14 5:43

19 6:24 17 5:54 21 5:44

26 6:15 24 5:49 28 5:47

31 5:46

Jul 2020 5 5:50 Aug 2020 2 6:10 Sept. 2020 6 6:40

12 5:54 9 6:16 13 6:46

19 5:59 16 6:22 20 6:52

26 6:04 23 6:28 27 6:58

30 6:34

Use seasonally available paper plates

OR

Color paper plates with

RED, & BLUE

for a patriotic decoration!


Please print clearly. You may use this form to update your contact information as well. _____Pilot _____Crew

Name (s): _______________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ (Number) (Street) (Apt) (City) (State) (Zip)

Phone — please check preferred: (Home) _______________________ (Mobile) ________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________

D��

The PCA is a non-profit incorporated organization. Information contained

within this issue of the D�� C�� is the most up-to-date and

correct information available at the time of publication. The PCA, its

Officers and Directors are not responsible for the accuracy of the

material enclosed herein. Opinions expressed in the D�� C��

are solely those of the individual authors and should not be perceived to

be those of the PCA, the Editor, Publisher, or its leadership.

Membership & Merchandise: Cost:

Pilot or Crew: $20.00

Family Membership: $30.00

For Postal Delivery of the Newsletter: $5.00

PCA Pins: 1 for $3.00 or 2 for $5.00

WHAMOBASS #50 Pins: $10.00

Shipping for Pins: $1.00

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $____________

Please make checks payable to:

Pacific Coast Aeronauts

Mail to:

Linda Walton—Treasurer

Pacific Coast Aeronauts

14938 Camden Ave., Suite 76

San Jose, CA 95124

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION / RENEWAL

P�� B��:

T�� P�� Y�� F��

Tracy AWOS 209-831-4335

San Martin AWOS 408-918-7724

Flight Service 800-992-7433

If you have a favorite flight planning resource,

send us a note at [email protected] and we’ll

publish it here.

Name Board

Position Year BoD Term Ends

Club Position

Patrick Moore Chairperson,

Secretary 2020

David Wakefield President 2021 President,

Co-Secretary

Tom Sharpee Vice President

Linda Walton Treasurer 2020 Treasurer

Suzanne Seiler Board Member,

Co-Secretary 2021 Co-Secretary

Alta Fernandes Board Member 2020

Bob Locklin Board Member (AL) 2020

Jeff Downs Board Member 2021

Committee Chairperson Assistants

Awards Bob Locklin Jeff Downs

Christmas Party Linda Walton Host:

The Coffman’s

Junior Balloonists Jeanne Anson

Newsletter Co-Chairs: Jeanne

Anson, Linda Walton & Suzanne Seiler

David Wakefield

And All Members!

Website/Facebook David Wakefield Jeanne Anson, Linda Walton

WHAMOBASS Currently Open

2020 PCA C��

the oficial newsletter for the paciic coast aeronauts · 2020-07-02 · b. joe l recently got a...

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