Editor Comments
Here we are…2014 … ready or not. We hope you had a good holiday season and have your “bucket list” all made out for the New Year. We also hope that at the top of your list is planning to attend Swift National at Dayton, Ohio….June 4-8. It should be most memorable and a lot of fun to be at the “cradle of aviation” for a few days. You will find some basic information later in this newsletter and MORE importantly your… YELLOW…. pre-registration form. This will be a critical document in helping us set up the convention and in making your visit both interesting and memorable. Please try to pre-register by May 3, this will help us get set up plus you will receive a nice bonus… a desk model of the Wright “B” Flyer with a Swift inscription. After that date we will have some models for sale at $30. (Wright “B” Flyer models are compliments of the Southern Swift Air Group …who is the sponsor of Swift National this year.)
The centerpiece of the convention will be the National Museum of the United States Air Force. But of course there are many other aviation museums in the Dayton area as well including the Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop which is quite nice. Also, in the next hanger from our location is the Wright “B” Flyer (replica) and museum. An added attraction for some of you will be the opportunity to catch a ride in the “B” Flyer… weather permitting. As you plan your trip…you may want to add an extra day to get to all these attractions and as some of you know…there is no way to see all of the USAF Museum in a single day. Lots to see, lots to do and we are hoping for a big turnout for this special fly in. Please come and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Swifters and this special opportunity in a unique setting. You will not be disappointed.
Executive Director Comments
We hope each and every one had a wonderful holiday season even with the frigid temps most of the country is experiencing. Here at Swift HQ’s is no exception… We woke up Monday morning to a temperature of I degree… a record for us. However, things here are moving along as normal as possible with no real problems other than being downright COLD!
We have begun the process of our yearly inventory which is coupled with transferring our parts into new, clean and well marked bin boxes for our stock items. This move will also enable us to accurately record, evaluate and price all of our salvage/donated parts. We are ever grateful to those of you who have so graciously donated valuable Swift parts. Your generous assistance enables us to preserve and provide support to the World of the Swift. Remember, your gifts are tax deductible.
As we burrow in and endure the next couple of months keep your eyes on the coming spring and the many Swift activities coming our way. You will find included with this newsletter your preregistration form for Swift National 2014 in Dayton, OH. This years convention is being sponsored by the Southern Swift Air Group (SSAG). Please take time to fill it out and send it in while you are cooped up from the cold. Also, mark you calendars for Sun-N-Fun, Oshkosh, RRSW Fall Gathering at Fredericksburg. TX. West Coast Swift National and SSAG at Triple Tree in September.
Board Chairman’s Report
by Bill Kientz
As we enter the last few months of my tenure as Chairman of the Swift Board I look forward to the continuing growth of Swift in 2014. We are nearly ready to move in to our new facility and have just a few items to finish before the move ….which… we hope to have complete by March. We will do a complete inventory of all parts as we move which will provide us with an accurate compilation of our assets. Swift did have a good year in 2013 and our accomplishments are readily recognized. Your Board of Directors has worked hard this past year and we feel we are on a solid footing going into 2014. Fund raising efforts are coming into focus and we hope to make good strides toward our goal to complete the Swift Museum building. Of course we will need the help of all Swifters but as I view the re-vitalized spirit of Swifters I firmly believe we will get it done. Seems like that is what we have done as an organization since 1969 …and this should be no different. It never ceases to amaze me when I view all the activities of Swifters all over the world. You folks are busy, involved, do interesting things and seem to be everywhere leading the way in Vintage aircraft.
A few updates: N3271 K (our For Sale/Raffle bird) is safely hangared at 18A where it will undergo some minor updates and improvements. A Swift team of Bo Mabry, Bud Brown, Dave Carpenter, Pick Freeman have all volunteered to get N3271 K in top shape for sale or for the potential raffle. Perry Sisson is organizing the raffle and we will have more on that next month. We do need to move on with this project to provide us needed funds for Swift operations and the hangar facility. If you know of anyone looking for a good Swift….N3271 K has a sliding canopy, low time overhauled Lycoming 180hp engine, compliant prop etc.
McMinn County Mayor Gentry is completing an extension of our lease for the old buildings which we will be able to use until we can get the funding to complete our museum hangar. No word yet on the perimeter road construction which will pass near our new facility and provide us good access. The wheels of progress seem to grind slowly sometimes.
And last but certainly not least is Swift National at Dayton, Ohio… Jun 4-8. This is setting up to be a great fly in and from reports I am hearing we will have a big group of Swifters in attendance. This is particularly significant this year as it will present the opportunity to meet and greet some old friends and of course welcome our new members. So get your registration in early and take advantage of a tailor made reunion at Swift National in a significant aviation setting.
“Icing”
Flying in icing conditions is almost always a bad idea in almost any aircraft….but especially in GA aircraft with minimal performance. So.. once in a while you may encounter ice when you least expect it as it may not be in the forecast.
First, the potential for icing exists ANY time you have moisture (clouds) and freezing temperatures…which is nearly every day in some parts of the country in the winter months. Does that mean you can’t fly? No, but it may mean that if there are no PIREPS early in the morning… YOU may be the pathfinder for others. If so, it is essential that you… I )Know where the freezing level is … 2)Have an idea where the tops are … 3) Know where VFR conditions are under the clouds and 4)Have a number of airports along your route you can divert to if necessary. ALL of these are essential in case you encounter ice. Keep in mind your minimum enroute altitude (MEA) on the route whether you are IFR or VFR. IF the MEA is above the freezing level you’ve just eliminated one of your escape plans. If you did file IFR use caution when in the area of busy airports as ATC may well put you (or try to) right back in icing conditions.
So what does all this mean for you and your Swift? Be aware of when icing may form. If in doubt… don’t fly or take a different route clear of potential icing hazards. Keep as many backup plans viable as possible…and in the end just head back to the FBO for another cup of coffee. Swifts are better looking when they aren’t covered with ice and you have no airport in sight.
Red River Swift Wing Leadership Change
Editor Note: Wherever you are in the Swift world we all owe a great deal of thanks to Stan. His leadership for the RRSW has been excellent and that expertise has spilled over many times into our Swift world. Stan has always been a true blue Swifter and his work at Oshkosh, Swift fly-ins, West Coast activities, Sun n Fun etc. plus his generous funding of the new shelving for our new parts department is testimony of his passion for all things Swift. Good news is that Stan is not going far … just taking a well earned break. He surely has earned it. Blue skies Stan….and thanks.
It Has Been a Long Flight to Get There
by Jim Minor
It all started in the spring of 1999, when I answered an ad in the Dallas Morning News for a 1946 Globe Swift GC- I B for sale. It turned out that the plane was in the small town of Hillsboro, Texas. A friend flew me down to see it and it was a sad sight. Not painted … just dull aluminum, 1 100 hrs. on an original C-125 with rusted bolts and nuts, one comm, needing an interior and it looked like it had not had a real annual inspection in 5 years. I made him an offer but it was too low to suit him. I gave him my card and told him that if he didn’t sell it give me a call….which he did two months later. “Bring cash” was about all he said.
And now for the rest of the story….Jim’s Swift N3370K won the EAA Classic Aircraft & Outstanding Swift award this year at Oshkosh. There are many such stories out there in Swift land … and the fact remains that our Swift fleet just keeps getting better every year. Well done to Jim and the rest of you Swifters.
VFR into IFR Conditions
by Todd Bengtson, RRSW
I think we are all familiar with the terms VFR and IFR flight. VFR means that we are controlling the aircraft referencing visual clues outside the aircraft in legal VFR weather. Instrument Flight Rules.. I FR..means that we are controlling the aircraft referencing cockpit instruments and should be plugged into the air traffic control system. In order to legally fly IFR..BOTH pilot and aircraft must be certified to do so. In the Swift, I would imagine that many of our planes are NOT IFR equipped and many of our pilots are not IFR trained or current. My Swift is IFR certified but does not have an autopilot. I fly a good amount of IFR in my C310 but I am very cautious about flying a trip that will be mainly IMC in my Swift… especially when I am alone. The Swift is not a stable platform when you are trying to read charts or find waypoints in bumpy clouds by yourself. I think it is probably safe to say that the majority of flight time in our Swifts is VFR. This is great because VFR flying gives us a large amount of freedom related to headings, altitudes, etc… But… problems can arise when we are pushing the limits of VFR … say on a long cross country flight when suddenly we are IFR! This scenario happens many times a year across the country and the outcome is often fatal. VFR into IFR accidents just doesn’t happen to VFR pilots … often they involve IFR rated pilots. Here are a few ideas to limit our risk: 1) Obtain a thorough weather briefing prior to your flight and pay particular attention to route of flight, alternate airports and where the good weather is supposed to be. When conditions are deteriorating … that is NOT the time to be figuring out plan B. 2) Decide whether your flight will be VFR or IFR and fly it accordingly. Trouble often arises when we attempt a flight that is ambiguous as to which path you are going to follow. If the decision is to fly VFR then commit to maintain safe and legal visibility and cloud clearance and DO NOT comprise in flight. Compromising on safe altitudes and visibility in flight puts you at risk of either hitting something on the ground or losing control of the aircraft in the clouds. 3) Refresh your skills at flying the Swift by instruments using a hood with a safety pilot or instructor. 4) When flying along…if the weather is increasingly making you less that comfortable it might be a good time to land, relax and look the weather over. Remember the saying: “It is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air… Than … to be in the air wishing you were on the ground.” There is a lot of truth and wisdom in that saying.
Other News
Paul and Sandy Mercandetti were prominently featured in a nice article and full front page picture in General Aviation News. Meg Godlewski’s article is a nice two page spread on Paul, Sandy and their Swift. Well done and lots of pictures of this beautiful Swift plus some nice information on the Swift Museum Foundation and how to become a member. Well done!!! http://issuu.com/flyermedia/docs/gan_24_web/1?e=1075890/6112772 is the link to view this great article [page 21 of the issue].
SocialFlight. For those of you who use this good source for information via the internet or Free App you know of its ability to publicize your event or for you to find out about fly ins, pancake breakfasts, general aviation events, airshows, FAA Safety Seminars and a lot more. Now they have added Facebook and Twitter integration to the Suite of SocialFlight web and mobile apps. If you are not using SocialFlight … give it a try … its free and easy to use.
3rd Class Medical Bill: This bill has been introduced to eliminate the 3rd Class medical certificate for many pilots who fly recreationally. This would allow a pilot to use a drivers license in lieu of the traditionally medical certificate. This would have the following requirements: Non commercial flight… VFR… at or below 14000 ft. MSL … no faster than 250 Kts and in aircraft with no more than 6 seats and not more than 6000 lbs. FAA still has to comment but this is a step in the right direction. Don’t’ get your hopes up too high just yet….FAA has still not replied to the joint EAA/AOPA third class medical exemption submitted in March 2012. This may take some time … but with Congress pushing… it could happen.
Lead Free AvGas? – Over the years lots of companies have looked at this as have all the ruling and membership organizations in aviation. Let’s face it….AVGAS is NOT cheap and there is no indication that the price will come down anytime soon. But there is always hope for a tech breakthrough that would more nearly align AVGAS with our auto gas. Shell Oil is the latest to give this a shot and they have made some progress that looks promising. After more than 10 years of research and development they have successfully tested their product and two OEMs will now begin the strict regulatory approval process. They did their testing in conjunction with Lycoming and Piper on the most demanding engine and it met all the requirements and is very close to I OOLL performance. Now comes the arduous task of passing tests with FAA, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). More work is planned with other OEMs as well. Hopefully we have a viable breakthrough that once all the bureaucratic hurdles are jumped we will have a product we can use and enjoy at lower cost.
Jack and Pam’s Excellent Adventure
As for Lt. Candice Nunley, she is continuing to fly the EA-6B Prowler out of NAS Whidbey Island Washington with the VAQ- 142 Gray Wolves. Later this year she and her squadron will begin transition to the E/A- 18G Growler which is the newest high tech electronic warfare aircraft for the Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. This transition will take several months but ultimately she will be stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. NOTE: We will be looking for an article from her after the training to let us know what it is like to fly the Super Hornet. (Flies just like a Swift?)
Ed. Note: Checking out in the newest and latest aircraft is always a challenge, fun, hard work….but in reality a blast! Every pilot wants to fly the latest, neatest equipment….and from all I have read … the EA-18G Growler certainly fits that role. Good luck to Candi (I mean to Lt. Nunley). We are looking forward to the “Sea Stories” on this new adventure.
Swift Museum Foundation, Inc.
2014 National Convention
June 4 —June 8, 2014
Wright Brothers Airport, Dayton, Ohio (MGY)
Wednesday June 4, 2014
Early arrivals and Registration
Wright Brothers Airport (MGY) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hotel Sign In
Hilton Garden Inn 1 1:00 AM
Hangar Flying
Wright Brothers Airport (MGY) All day
Aircraft Arrivals
Large Hangar near North end- You will be parked by ground crew
Facing the hangar on the grass. Watch for the Swift banner (Bring your tie downs) .
Automobile Arrivals
Airport (MGY) Address is: 10550 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342
right off of N. Springboro Ave near Austin Blvd.
There is a large parking lot in back of the hangar. Follow the signs
Hilton Garden Inn address is: (To Be Provided)
Lunch
Sandwiches will be available at MGY or you can select your own?
Evening meal
Your registration package will highlight some selected restaurants within a mile or so from the airport and hotel.
Swift Shuttle
Available from Airport (MGY) to Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn
Thursday June 5, 2014
Board Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 AM in Hangar Conference room – 2nd Deck
Wright Flyer Tours
Wright Flyer Flights
9:30 AM & 1:00 PM Hangar next to Swift hangar. Meet in Swift Hanger 15 min prior Available to those who want this adventure. They can accommodate up to 6 on Thursday and 6 on Saturday. Sign up in advance with your registration package. Cost $80 (if we get 6 signees.)
Formation Ground School
Local Tours
Available all day at your convenience. See your registration package for details. If you anticipate wanting more than a day at the AF Museum, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday afternoon would be a good time to do it.
Shopping
Available anytime. Large mall is minutes from the hotel or airport.
(The AF Museum has a large facility in the main building with many books, memorabilia, clothing, etc. Very nice and complete.)
Evening Meal
At the Hangar (meal TBD.) Shuttle available to hotel. Beer, wine, soft drinks, tea, water available. Setups furnished …BYOB.
**Flying anytime
*** Shuttles to hotel available see your arrival package for schedule.
Friday June 6, 2014
Main Event:
Tour buses, to the Museum of the United States Air Force
Depart from Hilton Garden Inn at 8:30 AM
Drop off at AF Museum at 9:00 AM.
See your registration packet for details of Museum’s layout and displays. There may be a special display in that this is the 70th anniversary of D Day at Normandy, France
IMAX theater will have several movies. See your registration packet for featured films.
Lunch will be on your own on the second floor at the cafeteria. Sandwiches, salads etc.
1:00
For those who signed up in advance for the tour of the “Restoration and Presidential Aircraft” areas… buses will take you to these areas. Tours will be approximately 2 hours total long. You will need to pre-register with ID information for this special tour as it involves crossing into the active Air Force areas. Check your newsletter for the required data.
3:00 and 4:00
buses will depart for the airport (MGY) or the hotel
5:00
Relaxation time at the hangar with Swifters
6:30
Dinner served in hangar. Please register for this meal.
A Guest speaker will provide a short (20 min) aviation presentation.
Saturday June 7, 2014
9:00
Swift General Membership Meeting — Swift Hangar
10:00
Swift Board Meeting, Hangar Conference Room (immediately after general mtg)
10:00
Forum: Parts and Maintenance
11:00
Forum: TBD
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Revisit Museum, shopping, flying
2:00
Formation Flying contest
3:00
Balloon Busting and Spot Landing contest?
5:00
Swift Happy Hour … same set up as Thurs. Fri
6:30
Banquet and Awards. Speaker subject TBD (20 min max)
Sunday June 8, 2014
Departures begin. We hope you had a great time.
**This is a preliminary schedule.**
You will be updated each month in the Newsletter with additional and updated information.
Please fill out your enclosed Pre-Registration form and send it in to the address on the form.
DOWNLOAD YOUR REGISTRATION FORM HERE.
Late News: We are saddened to report the passing of long time Swifter and friend “Buzz” Winslow. We will remember Buzz properly in next month’s issue. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and his many friends and family.