The long-awaited LGB Expected Taxi Routes have been finalized. The expected taxi routes are a series of airport diagrams that clearly illustrate the routing which pilots might expect from several major locations on LGB. A symbol identical to a hold short sign is used on the diagram to alert the pilot when the route crosses an active runway.

These taxi routes are provided to assist in the familiarization and planning of ground operations and now that surface operations are a required topic for practical test standards, both for initial certification and flight review, Expected Taxi Routes are also an important tool to introduce pilots to surface movement procedures. The routes are not ATC clearances. The tower may issue a different route or departure point. Pilots are cautioned to proceed via the actual ATC clearance received. If any doubt exists, request clarification or progressive taxi instructions from ground control. READ BACK RUNWAY ASSIGNMENT AND HOLD-SHORT INSTRUCTIONS.

Here are the Expected Taxi Route diagrams that have been published for west traffic:

In addition to these 6 routes that have been designed primarily for piston aircraft, with intersection takeoff ability, there are 4 diagrams for jet and turboprop aircraft for the full length of Runway 30.

Available in each Aircraft Dispatch Book are the finalized route diagrams from LBFC, the Southwest Ramp. We've also assembled packets to help with lessons on surface operations, containing Advisory Circular AC91-73 Pilot and Flightcrew Procedures During Taxi Operations and the Southwest Ramp route diagrams. The Advisory Circular is recommended review for all pilots, focusing on safety awareness on the flight desk/cockpit (planning and communicating), with sections concerning operations at airports without operating control towers and use of exterior lights to make an aircraft more conspicuous to all other persons involved in airport flight and ground operations.

Statistics show that approximately 70 percent of runway incursions at LGB occur taxiing for departure. These route diagrams are the LGB of a long coordinated effort between the Long Beach FSDO and the Long Beach Tower. Your feedback would be tremendous to help with safe ground operations at LGB.

HELEN'S CORNER
Helen Ruth CRANZ, Master CFI & Master GI

Current Vs Checked Out
Everyone must be checked out to fly an airplane. You are checked out when the CFI approves of your flying and completes all the paperwork (Currency Log Sheet & Aircraft Written Exam, if you are a licensed pilot, etc.). You are current if you fly the LBFC appropriate make/model airplane every 90-days. Now we know that if you don't fly more frequently than every 3-months, you are legally current but certainly not proficient. In fact, I would set my personal minimums to fly an airplane every week or two. After you receive your pilot license, you are at a peak of proficiency and competency - it goes down hill from there unless you reserve time in your busy schedule to stay current. Set your own minimum currency standards just like you have your own personal weather minimums. You know how well you perform when you fly frequently and how lacking your skill when you don't fly frequently.

Scheduling an Airplane
If you are reserving an airplane for more than 3 to 4 hours, please place destination on schedule. If you are scheduling a local Practical Exam (Checkride), you do not need the airplane while you complete the paperwork and the oral. Also, do not schedule the airplane and then perform an hour or so ground before proceeding to the airplane. Please be considerate of your fellow pilots.

Complex Airplanes
Please do not perform more than four (4) landings in an hour. Continual gear recycling does not allow the hydraulic oil to cool and could damage the power pack, which is VERY expensive and time consuming to replace.

Aircraft Checkout Exam
There are several changes to the Standard Aircraft Checkout Exam. One of the changes is having the pilot understand that there are differences between models of the same make airplane including but not limited to airspeed, fuel & oil capacities, gross weight, etc. The loaner manuals and reference Weight & Balance forms in the cabinet are to be used to become familiar with an airplane and complete the Exam form. The approved Flight Manual in the airplane is the ONLY source for gross weights and operating fluids, etc.

Cross Country Flights
Cross-country flights are always fun but remember to have adequate oil and not minimum or below minimum oil for your trip. There is oil in the back of every airplane. If not, take a quart or two with you for a X-C flight. There is NEVER any reason to return an airplane below minimum oil levels. This is the one thing that does more damage to the life of an engine than anything else.

Landing Lights
Not a required item, but nice to have; remember they burn out frequently, especially if used while you taxi during daylight hours. This is NOT a grounding item for the airplane. Your flight is not a 'for hire' flight even if receiving instruction, you are not a charter flight.

Future CFI Meetings
Thanks to all the CFIs and future CFIs for the great turnout for the May meeting to hear Nicole talk about engines. She will return in Sep to take apart a magneto and review carburetors. Other meetings planned are: constant Vs fixed pitch propellers and turbo systems. Let me know other topics you would like to review. June meeting features our own LBFC member Walters Saunders who will show a video about the Thunderbirds and Reno Air Races. We will also welcome Lynn Carlson, DPE, who will review completing an 8710 application.
August meeting will feature a Tuskegee Airman telling his fantastic stories.

Everyone is welcome at our CFI meetings.

QUIZ:

A flight review consists of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 2 hours of ground training. True or False? 

If you answered False you are correct. 14 CFR 61.56 states that a flight review consists of a minimum of 1 hr. of flight training and 1 hr. of ground training. The review must include at least a review of the general operating and flight rules of 14 CFR Part 91 and a review of those maneuvers and procedures that the instructor determines are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate that (s)he is capable of safely exercising the privileges of his/her airman certificate. The flight review should consist of maneuvers taken from the appropriate practical test standards (PTS) booklet.

EXAMPLE: A commercial pilot would be expected to perform all maneuvers in accordance with the commercial pilot PTS. Flight instructors should encourage their students to adopt a personal currency program that goes beyond the minimums specified in the regulations and to regard the minimum regulatory currency requirements to act as PIC for various operations as only the foundation for a comprehensive personal currency program. Pilots must set specific goals with their personal currency program, including such items as: minimum flight time per month, regular night operations (flight time, takeoffs, landings), practicing maneuvers appropriate for the certificate and ratings held and regular flights with a CFI. 

JUNE 2004 SAFETY TIP -- BY JOHN MAHANY

Did you know that there is an easy way to convert the temperature from Centigrade, as it is given on the ATIS, to Fahrenheit, without using a calculator? Take the temperature, multiply times two, and add thirty. The result is within a degree or two of the actual Fahrenheit equivalent temperature. For example, take a Standard Day. With a temperature of 15C given on the ATIS, 15 X 2 = 30, 30 + 30 = 60. 15C is actually 59F, so using this method you are within one degree of the actual Fahrenheit temperature, which is close enough most of the time.

Long Beach Pilots To Fight Housing Proposal 
AOPA Pilot June 2004

The Long Beach Airport Association has formally joined the ranks of those opposing plans to build 3,900 housing units on airport property. In a letter to the City of Long Beach, the association explained that it finds plans for residential development "virtually on the airport" to be "sheer folly" in terms of safety and noise. While the group does not oppose development entirely, it suggests that research and development activities, light industry or warehousing, office space, or limited retail could be appropriate and compatible uses for the land. In addition, the group suggests that, because the property in question is immediately adjacent to Runway 25R, some GA projects, such as hangars and tiedown space, would be welcomed.

This may be one case where airport supporters and neighboring residents are in agreement. The Lakewood Village Neighborhood Association recently adopted a resolution opposing the high-density housing component of the development, saying it would not be compatible with surrounding neighborhoods, which have an average density of three units per acre compared to the 25 units per acre proposed in the new development.

PRICES CHANGE DUE TO INSURANCE INCREASES EFFECTIVE JUNE 12, 2004

Our annual aircraft insurance renegotiation happened June 12th, and, like all other flight schools, we got socked with an increase -- 9 percent. To offset these additional expenses, we have raised aircraft rental rates to the following cash discount rates: 

CESSNA 152 (8 planes) $59.95/HR 
PIPER WARRIOR (5 planes) $77.95/HR 
CESSNA 172 (4 planes) $77.95/HR 
PIPER ARCHER (2 planes) $81.95/HR 
CESSNA 172RG $96.95/HR 
PIPER ARROW $99.95/HR 
SEMINOLE $159.95/HR 
There will be no price change for the AST 300X simulator.

New prices apply for flights beginning June 12th.

NOTAMS

EMAIL: If you would like to receive this newsletter or the LBAA newsletter via e-mail, send your address to club@LBflying.com.

NOTAM: LONG BEACH AIRPORT ASSOCIATION NEEDS YOU -- the time is NOW to join -- LBAA applications are available at the club. We need your support -- all LBAA membership fees go to printing
costs of the quarterly newsletter and protecting General Aviation rights at Long Beach Airport. Your Long Beach Airport Association dues donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE so sign up today!!!