How Hot Is That?! VC99s Have a Great Time at Southwest Section Fall Meeting. Newsletter of the Ventura County Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Inc.

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1 Chairman: Karen Johnson Vice Chairman: Carolyn Brown Secretary: Linda Ehrich Treasurer: Sheila Collier Past Chairman: Lori Parker Newsletter: Pat McCollum October 2012 Newsletter of the Ventura County Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Inc. If you re reading a paper copy of our newsletter, it is printed from an electronic file that can be found in color at Register to get current notices of The Flyer via at this site VC99s Have a Great Time at Southwest Section Fall Meeting NEXT MEETING T U E S D A Y, O C T O B E R 1 6 by Mignon Gery Inside the Predator The SWS Fall meeting was held September 7-9, 2012 in Santa Maria. Due to the generous scholarship awarded me that paid for my registration fee, I had the wonderful opportunity of being a first time attendee. Thank you to the VC99s for this experience. We had a total of nine members present, some flying in and some driving. The Santa Maria Valley Chapter did a wonderful job of hosting this event. Friday night's wine tasting mixer and Santa Maria style BBQ at the Museum of Flight was a great way to meet other 99s. The wine tasting was provided by local wineries and it was fun to just mingle. Dinner was delicious and after dinner we were entertained by a Barbershop quartet. I enjoyed meeting Pat Prentiss and listening to her funny flying stories. But what was most surprising was to see some of our very own VC99s become Stealth continued on page 2 Join us Tuesday, October 16, when Tim Just, a Predator pilot and a member of the USA Unlimited aerobatic team, shares his knowledge of the Predator (drone) program, past and present. Tim flew the first Predator and continues to be the expert in that field, flying, training and lecturing the Air Force. We will meet at 5:30 for dinner at the KCMA Department of Airports office. Sheila Collier will be taking dinner orders via prior to the meeting. We will have our General Business meeting at 6:30pm, and Tim will give his presentation immediately following (approx. 7pm). Be sure to invite your 49½s and guests! Watch your for a reminder of this event! How Hot Is That?! We have Nine VC99s to congratulate! Check out pages 4 & 5

2 Great Time at SWS Fall Meeting continued from page 1 Bomber pilots, flying in under the radar, hitting their target (strawberry shortcake) and getting back out again undetected by other highly trained pilots! You will remain nameless and "shameless". Saturday morning was all about the section business meeting, with a full agenda and about 125 in attendance, the meeting was efficiently run and very informative. The Bakersfield Chapter will be hosting the spring meeting in May The afternoon was filled with the 99's Memorial Garden dedication ceremony. I cannot say enough about how wonderful the dedication was and how beautiful the garden is. The mural that Sunni Gibbons created is spectacular and if you find yourself in Santa Maria please stop by the airport museum to see this beautiful piece of art. Saturday evening was the Governor's Reception and Banquet. I again had the chance to meet and talk to many wonderful NinetyNines, what a delightful and inspiring group of women. But mostly I enjoyed getting to know even better the VC99's who also attended. We had a lot of fun, Susan was busy getting more votes and selling raffle tickets, some members got crazy on the dance floor, who knew that a business meeting could be so much fun? Fuel Your Dream To Fly SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP by Sheila Collier There are so many scholarships available from the Ninety-Nines, both on a Chapter and International level. I have been contemplating having a Scholarship Workshop (date TBD, or watch your ). I am a past Chapter FWP Scholarship awardee as well as a two-time Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship awardee, receiving over $25k in training funds. If you need financial assistance to help fuel your dream to fly, let me help you. Please RSVP to sheilaloans@hotmail.com if you would like to attend a Scholarship Workshop and let me know when would be good for you. maybe following our social breakfast? We're Everywhere Ventura County Ninety-Nines honorary brick supporting the Santa Maria Museum of Flight --2--

3 SKYWRITING SKYWRITING SKYWRITING by Karen Johnson, Chapter Chairman What I Did Last Summer When I was a kid (yes, many moons ago), the first assignment at the beginning of each grade school year was to write an essay about what you had done over the summer break. These days, it's all about, what have you done lately? This is certainly true in the multidimensional world of aviation, particularly as it applies to the currency of flight experience. As the long daylight hours of recreational summer flying are dwindling and greater temperature swings present more weather, I am reminded that my Instrument rating is only as good as the frequency that it's practiced. It isn't like riding a bicycle, involving muscle memory and balance that kick in when you lift your foot onto the pedal. The longer the time since I last used that IFR skill-set, my reluctance increases, my memory fades, and the greater preparation required becomes an overwhelming obstacle. And so.. more.. time.. passes, as the FAR currency requirement looms larger and becomes a pressing deadline. I know it is not only due to the FAA looking over my shoulder or an insurance underwriter's mandate it's my (and others') safety that's on the line. Obviously, this applies to all ratings, endorsements and maneuvers. Whether it's a tailwheel or complex endorsement, a type rating or the type of operation you're flying, currency is critical. Crosswind landings can be easily accomplished when armed with the confidence of recent experience. I don't stammer or say the wrong thing to ATC nearly as often (oh c'mon like you never do?) when I'm accustomed to hearing the protocol on the radio. With more frequent use, my GPS is actually a resource as opposed to a distraction. Even the print on paper charts suddenly seems larger when I'm halfway familiar with what I'm looking for. Staying current in the simplest aspects of flying can be daunting. There's the cost of fuel, availability of aircraft and/or instructor, maintenance issues/costs and of course, the weather. Time constraints combined with traffic are sure to turn my car away from the direction of the airport. But, I love... yes, I'll say it, "I NEED to fly!" My solution? Manuals, DVDs and simulators the latter being the most effective and fun! Armchair flying is helpful, but we have two Redbird Simulator operators right here at KCMA (see their ads in this issue), and with an instructor, you can log your time. For some real live flying, sharing expenses with a like-minded pilot and trading between being the PIC and the Safety Pilot is a bit like watching yourself fly. And, with the end of Daylight Savings time on November 4, you can get current in night landings and still get home in time for dinner. Online courses, conversations with other pilots and backseat ride-alongs are low or no-cost methods of keeping top-of-mind awareness. I've found many manuals and tutorials are available free online, along with practice tests and anonymous discussion blogs. Go ahead ask that 'dumb' question. Log onto for seminars in your area or somewhere else you'd like to fly. Don't forget! Each winter, the Ventura County 99s offers a popular slate of Pilot Proficiency classes with top-notch instructors. Always hot topics, some provide a Ground Study endorsement and most accrue credit to WINGS. We even offer a cost-saving Season Pass. Looking forward to meeting you there! Saturday October 13 9:00am Marie Callendar's Camarillo VC99s Social Breakfast 99s, 49.5s & Friends Welcome Join the Ventura County 99s at our monthly Social Breakfast. Come for camaraderie, hangar talk, fun and a wonderful breakfast! Hope to see you there! --3--

4 There s Always Someone to Congratulate in The VC99s Passetden Writam Ex heel nt w l i a T rseme Endo On September 6, after lots of studying, Sharon Vincent passed her written exam. Passetden Writam Ex And, Congratulations to Rhonda Tarli who also passed her written this month. On September 14th Marybeth Martin completed her tailwheel endorsement heel nt w l i a T rseme Endo And, Congratulations to Nalena Rieder who completed her Tailwheel Endorsement on September 3. On September 13 Beverly Nichols (Judy Phelps' daughter) made her first solo flight. First Solo Long lfr ntry u X-Co ht Flig Debbie Downey completed her Long X-Country this month... you know what's next? Heather Condon, our Advanced tratin Scholarship winner from this Winter completed her IFR Long CrossCountry this month Long y untr o C X t Fligh But wait! There's more... Next page please... "If you are offered an adventure, take it."

5 There s Always Someone to Congratulate in The VC99s On September 28 Karen Johnson earned her fixed-wing Commercial rating. And, on the same day, Lori Parker earned her Multi-Engine rating. Wing d e x i F ercial m m o C Multi e Engin g Ratin preparing for a cross country flight. I'm amazed at the many places our VC99s have flown to. Mark gave some great tips on how to communicate with controlling agencies in Military Operation Areas, and where to practice maneuvers in order to stay safe. In addition, he had some great tips on places to fly to, and owner/renter insurance. The big take-away for me was that once you have your license, you can go wherever you want, but should go where you feel comfortable and if you do not feel comfortable, it may be a good idea to have a CFI work with you so that you are comfortable. Getting your license is a big accomplishment, but after that, there is still a lot to learn. Thank you for your sound, practical advice Mark, and the experience and time that you share with so many of us. AT THE LAST MEETING: Flying Beyond the PTS by Debby Downey It was great to see all of the 99s and their 49-1/2s in attendance at the September 17 business meeting. I was excited to have the opportunity to listen to Mark King speak about the practical side to flying, given that I am a student pilot, nearing the checkride! I look forward to being able to take adventures to visit relatives in other states, or just participate in flyins. Mark provided a lot of great information and did a great job of answering the many questions that he was presented with. As a student pilot, it is helpful to hear what the more seasoned pilots do in Somewhere to Fly WEBSITE Kryss Crocker, member of the Monterey Bay 99s, and her husband Andrew have just opened the restaurant on the field at Watsonville (KWVI), making it a terrific lunch and dinner destination. You can follow their Facebook page for updates and view the full menu. Pick-of-the-Month Attention: FWPs Here is another scholarship opportunity!

6 The Reno Air Races Are Back to be cancelled until the last few weeks. We all wondered how the organizers would handle last year's tragedy. I have to say it was done with much grace and sensitivity. A mention was made every day at the opening ceremonies and there was a final, moving tribute on the last day designed to bring closure. Special flags were given to the families of the 11 who died. Speakers included the head of the racing organization, mayor, a congressman, and first responders. Many of the families impacted were attending this year's event. It was very apparent that all involved were very caring and have been personally involved with all of the families who had lost or injured members. So, all that said, anyone who wants to see the 'Bad Boys of Racing' and speeds of over 477 mph should plan on attending next year's 50th anniversary. I think it is impossible to not get an adrenaline rush from the roar of these mighty engines or the speeds of the smaller categories. While I mentioned racing, that is only a part of the activities which included aerobatic shows, military fly-bys, Snowbirds, Thunderbirds, Patriots (pick one), static displays, every aviation vendor you can imagine, and every food you would want to eat. by Carolyn Brown If you follow the Reno Air Races, you know their future has been up in the air for the past year following the tragedy at last year's races. After what must have been extensive investigation into the accident, the races were allowed to continue with some modifications being made to increase the safety factor. The only changes that are visible to the public are the concrete barriers in front of the spectators, the actual race course is about 200 feet further from the crowd, and the last pylon has been moved to make the final turn softer. Aircraft are to have more extensive testing and inspections. Personally, I feel the changes made a few years ago regarding how the planes could pass had a much larger impact on the races than these latest changes. This year's attendance was definitely down but that makes sense as none of us knew whether it was going Educational Opportunities for Instrument Rated Pilots The second meeting of the IMC Club of Santa Paula was held on September 22nd at Logsdon's Restaurant. Greeting members and guests was Kristine Dawson and her delicious chocolate brownies and Omar Lala, Flight Instructor and Club Coordinator. The VC99s were well represented with Wilma Melville, Mary Beth Martin and Lori Parker attending. The IMC Club is a membership based nonprofit organization focused on instrument rated pilots and flight instructors, with a network of chapters through-out the nation. The purpose of the IMC clubs is to promote instrument flying, proficiency and safety. Through organized hangar flying, pilots network and share knowledge and experiences. The next meeting will be held at Logsdon's on October 27th at 4pm. The guest speaker will be a controller from Point Magu to discuss IFR communications. Those interested in membership information check out the website and search for the Santa Paula Chapter

7 Tucson Treasure Hunt by Carolyn Brown Future Women Pilots check out the VC99s Flyer in its new stand outside the Waypoint Cafe. It is that time of the year again. The most fun you can have with your airplane while keeping your clothes on. The Hunt is a flying event to test the pilot and crew in flying, spying, and identifying from the air. It is not a race but a scavenger hunt in the sky and is open to all pilots with at least a private pilot certificate. A second person is required as an observer but does not need to be a pilot. I have flown it every year since 1990 with the exception of the one year it was not held. It is permanently on my calendar. The event is great fun and the Tucson Ninety-Nines are great fun to be around. Put on your competitive hat and join us! The annual Tucson Treasure Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, October 27th but you will want to arrive on Friday the 26th as it starts early on Saturday. You can pick up additional info and the required paperwork on the Tucson Ninety-Nines website. Aviation Definitions Airfoil - What pilots wrap their sandwiches in. (that's the year, not the count!?) 2012 Pancake Factoids Air Mass - Impromptu religious service held on board an aircraft immediately following an announcement by the pilot that he is lost, having an engine problem, or running out of fuel. Angle of Attack - Pick-up lines that pilots use. Arresting Gear - Police equipment used for keeping order at airport parties. Cessna More than the sum of two Cessna 150's. Dive - Pilots' lounge or airport café. Fast - Describes the speed of any high-performance aircraft. Lower-performance and training aircraft are described as "half-fast." Flight Plan - Scheme to get away from home to go flying. Glider - Formerly "airplane," prior to running out of fuel. More to come when we need to fill space Total Tickets Total Meals Total Pancakes lbs of flour plus 20 gallons Total Sausages lbs of sausage Miscellaneous Other: Total Syrup gals Total Butter ¾ lbs Total OJ ½ gals Total Water bottles Way to go! Thanks once more to all who helped!

8 Watsonville Air Show by Carol Vautin It seems to be air show season because one week after the Camarillo Air Show, Watsonville had their annual fly-in and air show. Martha and Art Phillips along with myself and 49½ Jack Vautin attended and were greeted by the air show hosts, the members of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the Ninety-Nines. The Watsonville Air Show isn't as big as Camarillo's is but there was no less enthusiasm shown by the attendees. They had antique airplanes on display and flying as well as an aerobatic air show. Jack's and my Endeavor by Lindsey Bell (Condensed version.) Despite the fact that one my favorite childhood haunts was the National Air & Space Museum, I'm not someone who's ever wanted to go into space. I followed the online postings of her schedule. Last night, I read that due to wx, her anticipated "around 10:30" arrival had melded into "around 11:30." No problem. As the time got closer I scoured the internet, but been unable to ascertain whether she would pass over the beach or inland... and as I live in northern Malibu, well above the city proper, I wondered if she'd pass over me at all. I even made sure my camera had enough battery power to sustain me. At 11:35 I considered the possibility that I wouldn't have a chance to see her, and actually felt a pinch of sadness. By 11:45 I was starting to feel faint in the hot sun, and wondered if it was worth another few minutes. And then...there she was. Our majestic shuttle, enthusiasm was even greater when our 1939 J-3 Cub was awarded Best Monoplane Classic Era. Of course, Martha couldn't resist helping out and spent most of the day on Sunday working with the Ninety-Nines in their booth. A President's work is never done! Photos: (L to R) Reno 99s are huge supporters of the Air Races, Raptor and war bird fly-by, Carol and Martha with the awardwinning J-3 Cub being escorted by jets - piloted by men or women prepared to die for her...and I felt this incredible sense of pride and joy and sadness all at once. I watched until she was out of sight. What a rush! But I actually felt SAD for her retirement, as my thoughts turned to all of the people who gave so much to build her, fly her, and maintain her. 25 missions into outer space. WOW. And yet, somehow it took her flyby to make that tangible, and to broaden my horizons. What a coup that we got her.

9 Upcoming Calendar of Events OCTOBER: 2 Board meeting 11:30am - Marie Callender's Camarillo 13 Social Breakfast 9am, Marie Callender's Camarillo AOPA Palm Springs (99s booth) 16 - General Business meeting, KCMA Dept. of Airports, 5:30 pm dinner (with pre-order), 6:30 pm Meeting, 7 pm Presentation NOVEMBER: 6 Board meeting 11:30am - Marie Callender's Camarillo 10 Social Breakfast 9am, Logsdon's, Santa Paula 20 - General Business meeting, TBD, 5:30 pm dinner, 6:30 pm Meeting, 7 pm Presentation EVERY First Sunday of the Month Aviation Museum of Santa Paula Open House and antique aircraft on display and EAA Young Eagles flights at Santa Paula Airport (10am-3pm) EVERY First Saturday of the Month EAA Young Eagles Flights at the EAA Hangar, CMA starting at 9am EVERY First Monday at 7pm The Aviation Advisory Commission meets at Camarillo City Hall EVERY Second Thursday at 7pm The Aviation Authority meets at Camarillo City Hall EVERY Second Saturday (except December) The Camarillo Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) meets at the EAA Hangar at CMA. For more information about the Ventura County Chapter or any local chapter of the Ninety-Nines call our Membership Chair, Julie at Article and Photo Submission Address: vc99sflyer@vc99s.com Please submit all articles and photos to this address. This address is dedicated to our newsletter. And, don't forget to put your name on your articles. Credit where credit is due! --9--