Monthly Archives: March 2016
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March 31, 2016
At the 2002 15-meter Nationals in Tonopah, Nevada, Dr. Philippe was using his new pulse oximeter to test pilots' oxygen saturation while on the grid before takeoff. I remember his comments that many were so low he would not have let them out of his office.
§ 91.211 Supplemental oxygen.(a) General. No person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S.
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March 24, 2016
1.4 PARACHUTE SERVICE LIFE
Independent testing of aged nylon materials has proven that its strength degrades over time, therefore, Para-Phernalia, Inc. and Free Flight Enterprises have established a 20-year service life from the date of component manufacture for the Softie Pilot Emergency System and the Preserve line of emergency parachutes.
This week we got some points
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March 17, 2016
Cruising through the middle of the night I heard an odd clanking noise. After a few miles I pulled over to notice the round tongue had broke with less than an inch of metal remained.
Turns out that the round tongue was not strong enough when being towed by a RV. The theory being that the leverage caused by the long arm between the rear axle of the RV and the ball, would bounce the trailer.
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March 10, 2016
Glider pilots will spend $7,000 on a new flight computer without thinking about it. But do not want to spend $450 to replace their sun decayed belts. The ones that will be the last line of defense keeping you alive in an accident.
Most manufactures have a 12 year life. It will be clearly marked on the belts. If it is no longer marked it is assumed to be expired. The sailplane manufacture
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March 03, 2016
Canopy Care
Flying into the sun near the end of the day you quickly determine the quality of your canopy.
A well polished canopy could make the difference seeing another glider or bird circling. It might be the difference seeing the other traffic and avoiding a mid-air. Someone walking out on the runway might be completely invisible.
It is a good idea during your winter maintenance