Safety Briefing (continued)

Airport Security

Even more for us to understand.
Unfortunately, we now must consider that some may view our aircraft or skills in flight as a weapon to use against our country. The best thing to do is be aware of those around us at the airport. Suspicious activity should be reported to the FBO owner.

Driving on the airport - FLASHERS ON! Do not drive on the runway without a working aircraft radio (that you have confirmed is working) and announce " Terry Traffic, crew vehicle on the runway will exit at mid-point stub." " Terry Traffic, crew vehicle clear of the runway" when pulling off the runway. Airplanes have priority and right of way on the runway. Do NOT pass a taxiing aircraft. Stop your car until the aircraft is clear.

Runway incursions are high on the FAA's list of problems. Walking on the runway counts! Be aware of traffic ( listen to radios ) before getting on the hard surfaces.

Most of us should enter Terry Field from the WEST GATE. This gate is to be locked when not in use. The combination to the lock is on the crew schedule sheet and the members only website. Cars parked near the tent should be back away from the grass strip. Those with private ships or working to help the crew can enter via the main gate and park near the club room - keep the taxi way clear for aircraft - the jets parked in the West hanger have LONG wings and may taxi toward the west edge of the taxiway to clear the hangers - cars need to be an equal distance away to the west.

Again, Terry is under various political and media pressure because of recent events. There are those who would just as soon see our airport closed.

Preventing Damage to our Aircraft

Most of our damage comes from moving in or out of the hanger, or from improper storage of the planes during the week. Canopies are particularly susceptible to damage. Do not put pressure on the canopy around the ventilation openings. Damage to hinges or Plexiglas is very expensive! Fixing the PW-5 canopy cost over $5000 !

Washing canopies - Only use lots of clean water, pour it over the plexiglass, do NOT rub it into the surface. Only after all the dust etc. is clear of the plexi then use a very clean soft cloth to carefully dry the surface. Wipe in one direction only - NO circular motion - it scratches the glass.

Wingtips, tail structure are regularly contacting hanger structure, and the dents and dings can make the aircraft not flight worthy. Use CAUTION when moving planes at all times.

Walking the planes to the launch area - if possible have two people on the glider. Especially if it is windy [ consider the situation where a storm front is moving in from the SW and we have to move in a hurry!]. One person on the wingtip and one near the rudder is good practice in such high cross or tail wind situations. L-23's, DO NOT push on the rudder in any direction! Try to move the tail area by pushing down by the root of the rudder. Lifting the elevator is NOT recommended. The tail cone is easily oil canned or dented. L-23's DO NOT push backwards over rough or uneven ground. The tail wheel is not designed to go backwards. The interior construction will warp, or even break if the wheel strikes a hole or rock.