Ops Mgr Update
Winter Work Programme
I am delighted to report that the Winter Work programme is almost complete! The redecoration looks amazing (thank you Karl, Nigel & Arthur), the new carpet in the Planning Room has been laid (thank you Nigel Marshall, Jonathan Smith and Karl Smith), the tatty curtains in the Bar/Crew Room have been replaced by smart new roller blinds (thank you Jonathan Lee) and the new lighting throughout is not only better for the eyes, but is more environmentally friendly (thank you Graham Bartlett). With the excellent work put in on the Spring Clean (thanks to all attendees) we also have 3 very shiny aircraft, a freshly cleaned Fuel Compound, a repainted oil store (thanks Matt Scott), a spotless kitchen and shampooed carpet in the Ops and Crew Rooms. Only the new Aircraft Cleaning Station remains to be done; Deacon is coordinating that and would welcome a couple of volunteers to help – ideally including one with plumbing experience.
Propeller Tip Covers
How many of us have “bumped into” a prop tip in the hangar? It might help if we had covers on the tips to a) make them more visible and b) soften the blow if you still walk into one! Full length Prop Covers would be hard to make (and expensive to buy), but if anyone thinks they can design and make something to go over the prop tips, please get in touch with me and we can discuss funding the materials.
Cessna 152 Parking Brakes
It remains HAC policy that the parking brakes in the Cessna 152s are NOT used and that chocks are employed instead. This is because the brakes have a tendency to stick and can be difficult to release. Student Pilots will be instructed in the use of the parking brake, but only so that they are familiar with their operation. Remember to take a nosewheel chock with you (secured behind the seats) if you are planning to land away.
Halton A/G Frequency
Halton A/G frequency wef 20 Mar 25 became 130.430 to make it 8.33MHz compliant.
Fire/IER Training
For those who were unable to attend the Fire Training session on 29th March, Dilshan is preparing 3 videos to cover Basic Fire Training, the 100l extinguisher and Basic IER Refresher. These will be made available on the HAC website as soon as they are ready.
2025 Charts
The new 2025 1/2 million Charts (mandatory for flights in the UK) are available from my office at £19.50 each. Fill out the sheet (so I know who has taken one!) and pay by account or BACS please.
Flying Rates
We regrettably had to raise the flying rates on 1 April. Still the cheapest around – and probably the shiniest aircraft and smartest clubhouse too!
G-BPRY
We expect to collect RY from her winter upgrade at the end of this week. She will have 2 x Garmin G5s and a Garmin 430. Deacon will issue a briefing note on the use of the new kit, but allow yourself time to familiarise yourself with the ac before you next fly it.