USPA News

SUCCESSFUL NMPA FLY-IN AT DEMING, NM

ON SATURDAY19 FEBRUARY

The New Mexico Pilots Association and Desert Aviation hosted a February fly-in and WINGS safety seminar on Saturday, February 19, at the Deming, NM, Airport (DMN). Following the morning safety seminar, Desert Aviation provided a burger burn (hamburger cook-out) lunch at noon.

The safety seminar was presented by NMPA VP and FAA Safety Counselor Bob Worthington, and Ron Keller, an FAA Airways Specialist. Bob presented tips on winter flying over the deserts and survival techniques, as well as the new Sports Pilot Aviation regulations. And Ron presented an interesting discussion on which navigation aids are on the way out, what is new for the future regarding FAA thinking and planning for navigation and instrument approaches, and how it will impact pilots, especially regarding costs involved in equipping a plane to use the new aids.

This safety seminar counted as the classroom portion of the total FAA Pilot Proficiency Program, referred to as the WINGS Program. To complete the total phase a pilot to must also complete three one hour flights with a CFI. Finishing a complete phase of the WINGS program also qualifies as a BFR and counts toward any training your insurance company may require and may even qualify you for a reduced premium.

Pilots flew in from Albuquerque, El Paso, Silver City, and Columbus, and there were over 28 people in attendance. Many pilots from the Grant County Pilots Association (Silver City) stayed after lunch for a group meeting before flying home. The lunch (hamburgers grilled outdoors, all the trimmings, baked beans, chips, and coffee) was excellent and free, being paid for by both Desert Aviation and NMPA. The weather cooperated and the rain held off until later that afternoon, allowing all to return home safely. It was a very nice weekend meeting for everyone.

March 26 NMPA will hold its monthly fly-in at the Dona Ana County Airport at Santa Teresa (5T6), meeting at 5T6 Resources FBO owned by NMPA members Dick and Suzi Azar. The Safety Seminar begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by a catered sandwich lunch. After lunch all attendees are encouraged to tour the War Eagles Air Museum, on the airport. It has numerous WW II and Korean era military aircraft (most airworthy) and military vehicles. The cost is $5. The Azars will also discount fuel 25 cents per gallon to all NMPA members who fly-in.

Please note that the airport is undergoing construction on a cross-taxiway. It should be finished by then, but be sure to ask for NOTAMS when getting your weather briefing. Also note that the airport traffic pattern has been changed. Because of possible parachute jumping south of the runway the pattern to 10 is standard left hand, but the pattern to 28 is now right hand. The Azars' FBO is on the southwest end of the airport--a tall three-story building. UNICOM/CTAF is 122.8.

For more info contact Bob Worthington at 505 522 6785 or rworthin@zianet.com .


Bob Worthington