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M a r c h 2 0 1 7
T e x i n s F l y i n g C l u b • P O B O X 8 3 1 3 1 1 • R i c h a r d s o n , T X 7 5 0 8 3 ! ! ! 1
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CLUB NOTESMarch 2017
Greetings Fellow Aviators,
We have a lot of things going on right now. We are about to add another 172 to our club through a new leaseback agreement. The new plane will be nicely equipped with a G-430 and a GTX-330 transponder with traffic. With three 172’s we believe we will significantly ease the problems we have all had with scheduling time on the planes.
As previously noted we are in the midst of a progression of updates to our fleet to improve the avionics, safety, and appearance. Our goal is to plan scheduled downtimes far enough ahead that we can minimize the impact on availability. We are also planning our extended maintenance items as best we can. As of press time, mother nature has forced our hand on 737TY as the window we were planning to replace has been broken from hail damage. Very shortly we will be doing a number of upgrades on 737TY to improve the appearance and update the avionics.
Congratulations to our TFC raffle prize winners:
• Scott Kirkland - SR-71 simulator tour• Tom Guyton - $100 tach-hour credit• Chris Hill - SR-71 book
And a special thank you to Rich Graham for donating his time. We raised $430 to help promote aviation in our community. Take a look at the upcoming calendar - the club will be helping with a few events at the
airport. We are looking forward to a great Spring and many more flying hours this year.
" " Charles Galles" " TFC Communications Officer
T e x i n s F l y i n g C l u b
N e w s l e t t e r
Club NotesPage 1
Care and Safety:Taking care of the planesNon-towered Airport PatternsPage 2
Club NewsPage 3
New & Renew - Page 4-5
TFC Fleet NotesPrices, Usage, maintenance notes, events, placesPage 6-7
Board Notesboard mtg. notesPage 8
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Taking Care of our Planesby Charles Galles
Ok - you made me do it, now I gotta get up on the soapbox and remind us all of things we ought to already know ...
PLEASE! Do not push, pull, lean, hang, or step on any part of the airframe that is not designed for human contact.
We have had 3 major windstorms come through KTKI this year already. The result: a broken aileron spar, a broken rear window, and at least 2 days with winds of 35+ kts where 737TY was found without the gust lock in place. Now there’s not much we can do about a hail storm. But the broken aileron spar cost the club another $3k. That’s at least $6k we have had to spend that was likely avoidable by using more care and better post-flight checks. Every month we get regular reports of planes that are not locked, or the gust locks are not in place, or the chains are not properly secured. Please take that extra few minutes to get the tow bar out and to ensure that the plane is properly tied down before you walk away.
Thanks - I feel better now. Next up, our Chief Instructor ...Exhibit A: The leading edge of 737TY flap is not supposed to look like this - cost $2900
Non-Towered Airport Patternsby Dick Stephens - Chief Instructor
Reference AIM 4-3-3. Always enter the pattern at pattern altitude. Never descend into the pattern. Of course every pilot has the responsibility to see and avoid other traffic. Enter the downwind leg at a 45 degree angle at midfield. When departing make a straight out departure or exit at a 45 degree turn out on the beginning of the cross wind leg. As we know Aero Country recently had a mid-air collision. We all must redouble our efforts to fly safely.
Use the radio, ON THE CORRECT FREQUENCY, and tell your location and intentions. See AIM 4-1-9. Don’t rely on the other plane to make radio calls. Some planes don’t have radios and they are legal. The AIM also points out that the transmission “If anyone else is in the pattern, please respond” is an inappropriate transmission.
For the Arrow pilots, as you slow to pattern speed pull 2 notches of flaps to regain forward visibility. This is very important. You should slow to pattern speed before you enter the pattern.
Standard Traffic PatternsSource: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Ch. 7
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T e x i n s F l y i n g C l u b • P O B O X 8 3 1 3 1 1 • R i c h a r d s o n , T X 7 5 0 8 3 ! ! ! 3
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Club News
There’s a new bird in town, we welcome N739TS to our club. We are entering into a leaseback agreement on a 1978 C-172N. This plane should be available in the first week of April. Nicely equipped with a G-430W and Garmin 330 transponder with traffic (non-ADS-B).
Congratulations to our TFC raffle winners, Scott Kirkland, Tom Guyton, and Chris Hill. And thank you to Rich Graham for donating your time to the club. Here’s a photo of Chris and Rich with the new book.
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New & Renewby Curtis Conrad
During the February membership meeting, the TFC board introduced the “New & Renew” initiative that they have been working on to expand the club’s aircraft fleet and to upgrade our existing aircraft. The “New & Renew” was actually started in 2014 when the board began implementing changes to make the club financially stronger in preparation for this initiative. In 2015, we took steps to lower the cost of the Arrow to make it a viable part of the club, which has increased the monthly flight hours from 8.5 hour to 21.9 hours. In 2016, we leased a Cessna 182 to expand the fleet, and it has flown on average 27.6 hours monthly since coming on line. These steps have contributed to a significant increase in our membership, both from new members and retaining existing members. Going forward, we plan to continue the expansion of our fleet through purchases and leaseback as the aviation needs of our members grow. As for what type of aircraft we plan on buying, we will be surveying the membership for their input, but some examples include Cessna 172SP or 182T, Citabria, Pipers, Cherokees, or Mooneys.
Currently, as part of the “New” initiative, we are working to reduce the scheduling constraints on our 172 aircraft by adding a 172N as a leaseback starting in April 2017. We are also working to secure a pre-approved loan that we can use for purchasing newer aircraft for our club. We expect to have the loan approval in May and then we will work to find the right aircraft for the club.
Our existing aircraft have been in the flying club anywhere from 10-30+ years and are in need of upgrades to improve safety, features, and appearances. The Renew part of our initiative will focus on upgrading our existing aircraft with key safety features such as ADS-B In/Out (Garmin 345), Carbon Monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and 406 ELTs. Other upgrades may include new features such as engine analyzers, Garmin Flight
Stream, electronic attitude indicators (Garmin G5), or a PFD like an Aspen EFD1000. We also believe that the appearance of our aircraft is very import to members, especially new members, so we are planning on upgrading the interiors and repainting each aircraft. We would like to update our hip 70’s interiors to leather and colors for the 21st century. The same approach would also include the paint, to make the aircraft look almost like a new aircraft.
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The time frame to do all of these upgrades will be very dependent on availability of funds and the need to keep downtime at a minimum to ensure our members have aircraft available to fly. The Renew initiative is planned over a five-year period and will be flexible to take advantage of other downtimes (i.e. engine overhauls). The Renew initiative actually started in late 2016 with the new avionics and panel upgrades to 733NB. The response to the 3NB upgrades has been extremely positive and the flight hours have shown it with a record number of flights during February, and March is on track to break February’s record. Our next planned upgrade will be to 737TY where we plan to replace the interior as well as add ADS-B (Garmin 345 with Flight Stream) and an updated panel. Later this year, we plan to have the Arrow painted as it is in desperate need of a new paint job.
The funding for the “New & Renew” initiative will come from two sources and will use a combination of Rental Rates and Dues. As new aircraft are brought online, we will set rental rates to cover costs associated with the aircraft, while being aware that rates should be cost effective for our members. The monthly membership dues will be the second source of funds. Our current $45 (22.50 family) has been in place for almost 10 years and is one of the lowest of any of the flying clubs in our area. Dues primarily go to cover fixed cost, which has increased over the last five years, as well as upgrades. The board has decided to increase the monthly dues to $60 ($30 family) per month starting in April 2017. This increase will cover our increased fixed cost, as well as make funds available for the upgrades discussed earlier.
This is an exciting time for our flying club as we bring new aircraft into the club and we update our existing fleet to meet the aviation needs of our members. If you would like further information on the “New & Renew” initiative, or have other questions, please contact a board member.
The monthly dues increase to $60 will begin with the April 2017 billing period.
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EVENT CALENDAR
PLACES TO VISIT
Norman,OK(KOUN,131nm,338°) Ozzie’sDiner-onthe/ieldGainesville(KGLE,42nm,310°) DieterBrosBBQ,SmokehouseBBQ,Sarah’sontheSquare;FBOcrewcarsTyler(KTYR,78nm,126°) SkylineCafe(closedSunday)andAirMuseumWeatherford,OK(KOJA,175nm,322°) StaffordAir&SpaceMuseum;FBOcrewcarsMexia(KLXY, 92nm,175°) Kirby’sBBQ-walkfromthe/ield(closedSunday)Lancaster (KLNC, 36nm, 187°) Runway CafeandColdWarMuseumMount Pleasant (KOSA, 82nm, 090°) - niceairport;3crewcarsavailable;plentyofrestaurants3milesnorth;OutlawBBQ(closedSundays)
Apr 1 - EAA 1246 - First Saturday donuts and coffee at ! Chuck Robert’s hangar #2520. All are welcome.Apr 8 - TFC Club meeting.May 13 - AOPA Presentation - Rusty Pilot Seminar,
TFC cooks lunch, AOPA Presents: How to Start and Run a Flying Club
June 10 - TFC picnic lunchJuly 1 - EAA Cars and Airplanes, TFC cooks lunch
MILESTONES
MEMBER DATE EVENT INSTRUCTOR
Brian Relin 2/9/2017 Commercial Richard Klein
6368K Both Flap Limit Switches cleaned ... up switch was sluggish. Transponder repaired
7929U 100hour inspection complete.
737TY AI replaced but replacement tilts to the left 4 deg. Turn Coordinator replaced. 100 hour Complete 3/17.Currently grounded due to hail strike 3/26 that broke the rear window. Window ordered
733NB 3/15 Oil probe fitting tightened to stop oil leak3/27 100hr inspection in progress. Inspection found a valve problem in one of the cylinders. Repairs are currently under way.
N739TS Expected online 4/3.
7508J 2/3 New gasket installed in gascolator.3/8 Right strobe repaired3/10 Replaced brake line clamp3/20 Hose rubbing against nose wheel repositioned and left gear sensor adjusted.
N3QZ copilot PTT on order.
TFC FLEET MAINTENANCE
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T e x i n s F l y i n g C l u b • P O B O X 8 3 1 3 1 1 • R i c h a r d s o n , T X 7 5 0 8 3 ! ! ! 7
BY THE NUMBERS
N6368KN7929U
N737TYN733NB
N7508JN3QZ
$155.00$137.50$125.24$125.24
$104.61$104.61
Rental Rates - Dec 2016
15.930.1
40.265.4
24.429
February HoursN6368KN7929UN737TYN733NBN7508JN3QZ
0
53
105
158
210
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec0
75
150
225
300
Fleet Flying Hours
20172016201520142013
$3.00
$3.58
$4.17
$4.75
$5.33
$5.92
$6.50
Sep15Nov15
Jan16Mar16
May16Jul16
Sep16Nov16
Jan17Mar17
Fuel Price Trends - TKI
Pric
e / g
al
4.75
0
75
150
225
300
Jul 15 Jan 16 Mar 16 May 16 Jul 16 Sep 16 Dec 16 Feb 17
Plane Usage Trends
Hou
rsN6368KN7929UN737TYN733NBN7508JN3QZ
FLIGHTLINES
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. “... to encourage interest in aviation, to advance the knowledge of the members in aeronautical and navigational subjects, and
to bring to more people the social benefits and pleasure of flying.”http://www.texinsflyingclub.org
Texins Flying Club Board of DirectorsTexins Flying Club Board of DirectorsTexins Flying Club Board of DirectorsTexins Flying Club Board of DirectorsPOSITION OFFICER PHONE E-Mail
President Robert McLeod 214-663-0754 [email protected]
Vice-President of Operations Chris Dennis 903-718-1010 [email protected]
Vice-President of Membership Bob Niedwiecki 214-697-5266 [email protected]
Chief Instructor Dick Stephens 972-270-1769 [email protected]
Treasurer Curtis Conrad 972-998-9898 [email protected]
Controller Scott Kirkland 214-208-1000 [email protected]
Communications Charles Galles 469-222-8203 [email protected]
Safety Brian Relin 214-733-2001 [email protected]
X-Country Maintenance Hank Eilts 972-517-8273 [email protected]
Trainer Maintenance James Ballard 972-271-9728 [email protected]
Operations Report 7TY upgrade - mag overhaul, rear
window replacement.3NB flew 70 separate flights in Feb!discussing possibility of purchasing
CO detectors - CO strips available for the planes. Chris Dennis will replace Ron Myres as Ops VP, Ron has resigned.
Chief Instructor & Ground SchoolRecommendation to communicate use
of 20º of flaps with Arrow in pattern to provide better visibility to reduce problems with see-and-avoid in traffic patterns.
Safety Report Brian removed the incorrect v-speed
placard in 3NB but it reappeared. Communicate to members not to install unauthorized placards on our new panel. Request placards via the board.
TreasurerSome double billing happened when
acct firm did not post check payments in time. Researching labor charge for 3NB avionics.
Curtis’ presentation at Feb meeting was well received and members did not object to dues increase. Motion to increase dues to $60 starting in April was proposed, seconded, and approved.Controller
Scott, Curtis, and Robert continuing to work on presentation to Texins Assoc.Cross-Country Maintenance
Hank and Richard are doing many ferry flights.
Trainer maintenance/GPS updatesGPS db’s updated. A spare card for
3QZ would speed the updates up. James commented on seeing planes not properly post-flighted.
MembershipBob will present a club meeting
presentation on checking squawks and proper care for planes like protecting the doors from wind gusts.
CommunicationsCharles - raffle drawing held at Feb
Happy Hour. Work on new member orientation continuing.
Texins Flying Club Board Meeting Updates
