Month: June 2024

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Golfing Network with Cirrus Pilots


A number of Cirrus pilots have started a fly-in golf group via the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). They have few dozen pilots and would like to expand by finding Bonanza pilots with a similar interest in golf. This group is largely comprised of pilots east of the Mississippi with most being in the northeast.

Two weeks ago they hosted a fly-in golf event in Stowe, Vermont and are hoping to eventually organize one or two events per month. If you have an interest in being added to the distribution list please contact me and I will forward your name.

Alternatively, reach out directly to the pilot organizing these events – David Dwyer at davidkdwyer@gmail.com.

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VPOs

Taking Flight for Hope: Volunteering as a Pilot for Medical Missions

Several of us have flown for these Volunteer Pilot Organizations (VPOs) Have you ever dreamed of using your piloting skills to make a real difference? Consider volunteering for medical flight organizations that transport patients in need to critical medical care. These organizations offer a unique opportunity to combine your passion for aviation with helping those facing serious health challenges.

The direct operating costs (fuel and oil) are tax deductible if you own your aircraft. If you are leasing or renting, then the entire cost of the flight is tax deductible.

I find flying these folks brings a great deal of joy and helps keep your skills sharp. There’s nothing like flying a family in need somewhere that’s difficult for them to get to. All patient legs are flown IFR, frequently to larger class bravo airports that I would never pay the landing fees to go in. I can say I am much more comfortable going in an out of Logan than I used to be.

We few PPE to rural areas during COVID

Giving Wings to Hope

Several volunteer pilot organizations operate in our area, including Angel Flight East, Patient Airlift Services (PALS), and Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. These groups coordinate free air transportation for patients who require specialized treatment often unavailable in their local area. The reasons for needing medical flights can vary, from follow-up appointments for chronic conditions to critical surgeries. They are all high-quality, well run organizations.

I was privileged to fly Liam and his mom up North

More Than Just Flying

While pilot qualifications are essential, these organizations also welcome volunteers with various skills. You can assist with mission coordination, patient screening, fundraising, or even public outreach to spread awareness about these vital services.

Becoming Part of the Solution

If you’re a pilot with the necessary certifications and a desire to help others, volunteering for medical flights can be incredibly rewarding. These organizations provide comprehensive training and support for their volunteer pilots.

Taking the Next Step

To learn more about becoming a volunteer pilot or exploring other ways to contribute, visit the websites of Angel Flight East (https://angelflighteast.org/), Patient Airlift Services (https://palservices.org/), or Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic (https://www.mercymedical.org/angel-flight-mid-atlantic).

Your skills and compassion can make a life-changing difference for someone in need.

–paul

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From the President June 2024

Mike

Newsletter JUNE 2024

As near as I can tell, it’s been 15 years since I’ve had the privilege of taking the helm as President of the Northeast Bonanza Group. There have been challenges but mostly great times with great people.

Volunteer organizations like this do better when new blood brings new ideas. The board of the American Bonanza Society is forced into constant turnover by their by-laws. The president is only there for 1 year with him being on the board prior and staying in an advisory role for a few years after.

Northeast Bonanza Group is in fine shape with money in the bank, a good web site and solid membership. Thanks to the team of:

  • Brian Seltzer, Treasurer
  • Aram Basmadjian, Secretary
  • Paul Stavides, Web hosting.

Our next election is in November in Reading. Hopefully someone else will be interested in taking the helm. I will still be around to support.

NEWFOUNDLAND

Newfoundland is one of the places I have enjoyed the most in my travels over the years. In a few weeks a group of us will be going there again. 4 couples are signed up and committed reservations. You can still go, contact me if you are interested.

We plan to fly into Deer Lake airport (CYDF), spend 3 nights in Twillingate and 3 nights at Gros Morne National Park. Twillingate is the iceberg capital of the world, and a boat trip is already booked for the 8 of us. This is iceberg season. We are also booked at a dinner theater comedy event.

CHATHAM, MA

May 30 to June 2, Michael Madigan, my wife and I spent a lovely weekend in Chatham on Cape Cod. Beautiful beaches, and a great little town with fabulous seafood restaurants were enjoyed. We went to the shark museum and found out that Chatham is the Great White Shark capital of the world. The good news is that real sharks are not as big as the one in the movie Jaws.

Michael Madigan asked about ocean swimming. The shark expert at the museum said, if seals are around, get out of the water. Sharks eat seals.

We also learned that sharks are snowbirds. They stay south until the water warms up.

We also took a nice boat ride out to the deserted Monomoy islands to see the seals and we visited the Marconi Museum, which was very worthwhile. There are several nice beaches worth visiting.

WESTFIELD, MA

On May 11, Michael Shehl and I visited the great little EAA museum on the field and had lunch in the restaurant in the terminal building. The museum has a great collection of flying airplanes, and the members spent a lot of time showing us around and discussing the various aircraft. I picked up Michael at Poughkeepsie; his airplane is in the process of having the engine replaced.

GPS ANTENNAS

On May 11, with very nice weather, I flew from my home base at Pottstown, PA to Quakertown to fly Young Eagles; then to Poughkeepsie, NY to Westfield, CT to Poughkeepsie and home. Great weather.

I run 3 GPS systems, a Pro Max Iphone on the yoke, an Aera 660 hard mounted, and my trusty Garmin 530W, installed 18 years ago. I also keep an Ipad in my flight bag. I have power cords for both the Iphone & Ipad. My airplane has a backup generator. What can go wrong?

The first indication was my Iphone, which lost position at my first stop in Poughkeepsie. By the time I got to Westfield, the Iphone was back but Aera lost position. By the time I was on my last leg I lost all 3 GPS position sources including the Garmin 530W. I learned that when the magenta line goes away on the G5s, the GFC500 autopilot reverts from NAV mode to ROLL mode. Interesting.

Because this was happening across several states, I ruled out a ground-based problem, so I knew the problem was in my airplane. I had installed nothing recently. I decided to look out the window and find my way and land.

Apparently, avionics shops know of this problem where old Garmin 530W antennas have a failure mode where they turn into GPS jammers. I didn’t. It is an active antenna. Check the weather seal around the antenna (mine was deteriorated). Ask your local avionics guy about the antennas prior to a certain serial number that do this.

Mike McNamara

610-220-3140
mikemcnamara88@aol.com