Chairman: Karen Johnson Vice Chairman: Carolyn Brown Secretary: Susan Llewellen Treasurer: Sheila Collier Past Chairman: Lori Parker Newsletter: Pat McCollum www.vc99s.com July 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 www.vc99s.org Register to get current notices of The Flyer via email at this site A Picture Perfect Picnic by Julie Merrick A few days before the picnic, Andrew Rorke, our local NOAA Aviation meteorologist emailed me and said he'd be at the picnic and that weather would be cloudy and cool. The second he arrived I made sure to tell him, It's a beautiful day for our picnic! We had nothing but blue skies and perfect temperatures. Andrew was just one of our VIPs that were invited. Ken Coolidge, Dennis Magdelano and Paul Mosier were also in attendance with about 60 other members and guests. Our VIPs support the VC99s throughout the year with their knowledge and help with our on-going classes and programs and though most of them live out of the area, we always like to include them at this annual event. Once again, everyone enjoyed tri-tip and carne asada prepared by 49 ½, Art Phillips and Mike McCollum. Art's daughter Tracie also joined in the barbequing this year and we really appreciate their hard work. This annual event is also continued on page 2 N E X T M E E T I N G T U E S D A Y, J U L Y 1 7 Fixed Wing? Rotorcraft? Rotorcraft? Fixed Wing? Ever wonder why helicopters don't take off and land vertically? Why they have a different air-toair frequency? These and other mysteries will be revealed at our next General Business meeting Tuesday, July 17. Join the VC99s at CAVU, Santa Paula Airport's new LOCATION: CAVU RESTAURANT SANTA PAULA restaurant, at 5:30 pm for dinner, meeting beginning at 6:30 pm, and the presentation immediately following. VC99s member, Susie McWilliams, dualrated in airplanes and helicopters, will shed some light on what airplane pilots can expect from helicopter traffic in the vicinity of the Santa Paula and Camarillo airports. This is sure to be an eyeopener for FWPs and rated pilots alike. See you there! Have a Great 4th of July!
Picture Perfect Picnic continued from page 1 Year, Karen Johnson. We a member recruitment time. There were a few ladies thank Karen for in attendance that we hope will consider being a member being our as they work towards becoming a pilot. Don't wait for the treasurer last picnic to invite a potential member to one of our events. year and being We have 95 members and my goal is to be back up over this year's chair. 100 by 2013. FWP scholarships Lynn Searle, Glenda Cardona, Kitty Alegre, Carolyn were awarded to Brown and Aileen Johnson were five out of twenty two Michelle Hynds members who have been members over 20 years. They and Jocelyn were recognized at the picnic for their ongoing dedication Meyers. Sheila to our chapter. Collier was also The 2012-2013 was introduced: (L to R below) Chair, this year's Karen Johnson; Treasurer, Shelia Collier; Secretary, recipient of an Susan Llewellyn; Vice-chair, Carolyn Brown; and Past Amelia Earhart Chair, Lori Parker. We look forward to having another Memorial Scholarship from the International Ninety-Nines. More about these winners later in this issue. We had delicious side dishes and desserts galore! successful year with this dynamic group of ladies! Lots of members Judy Phelps updated us on all the new private pilots were able to take new certifications/ratings and solos that were obtained home zip lock in the past year. See the side box for a list of all these bags full of accomplished ladies. desserts! Thank Carolyn Brown announced our Woman Pilot of the you to everyone who brought a dish to share with everyone. Lastly, a special thank you to Kelly Decker, Rhonda Tahrli, Sheila Collier and Terry Piper who made dozens of phone calls to members and helped set and clean up the event to make (L to R) Eight Ventura County Ninety-Nines that have been presented this year's picnic the Woman Pilot of the Year award: 2005 Pat McCollum, 2012 Karen such a great Johnson, 2011 Carolyn Brown, 2010 Lori Parker, 2009 Aileen Johnson, 2008 Marion Nauman, 2007 Martha Phillips and 2006 Judy Phelps success. - - 2 - - The diversity of the Ventura County Ninety- Nines: Citation jet pilot, private pilot, Helicopter pilot, and 737 pilot! 2011-2012 New Certs/Ratings Sheila Collier Commercial Rotorcraft Luci Galgano IFR Karen Johnson IFR and 135 Longranger Helicopter Private Pilots Debbi Brown Yolanda Langley Susan Llewellyn Michelle Millea Mariette Coolidge Terry Piper Naree Sukumolijan Solos Michell Hynds Debbie Downey Sharon Vincent Ronda Tarli Sara Vawter
SKYWRITING SKYWRITING SKYWRITING by Karen Johnson, Chapter Chairman... cleared for takeoff. encourage someone else, the more I learn and benefit. Mentoring and collaboration are at the top of this year's Agenda, and we're off to a running start. New ideas and methods would be helpful to fuel the momentum and can be submitted at a meeting or to any Board member. Campaigns such as, 'Sponsor an FWP' or a pilot who is adding another rating to her license, and, 'Take an FWP to a Business Meeting Dinner' or for a left (or even back) seat ride, don't require a long-term commitment, but do provide a long-lasting impact on both recipient and the donor! Change is not something I'm focused on, but enhancements are. I adhere to the school of 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Consider that we are in a process of 'Sampling the Response' (with a special nod to Rod Machado's recent presentation at KCMA). That is, we're going to try doing some things a little conv while maintaining the Bylaws by which we are governed, to accommodate a higher percentage of our member- ship. A simple example is that a No matter how many times I repeat that phrase and launch off the runway or helipad, I feel profound excitement... verifying the gauges and data, watching the ground drop away... it's a calculated risk for which we've each trained. Still, as skilled and confident as we might be, it's always more safely executed with a co-pilot aboard an extra set of differently or with a little less ention, eyes on the panel or watching for traffic, maybe handling the radio calls or Mentoring and calling out the checklist. It's definitely a moment when two heads are better collaboration are than one; even most A-type person- meeting time or location may be alities agree, so long as they can give at the top of this moved, or we'll conduct it via telethe orders (wink-wink). conference. If it doesn't get positive As this year's Chapter chairman, I'm year's Agenda feedback, we'll do something more. excited that my primary responsibility In moving from piloting one type will be to co-pilot the member-ship through of aircraft to another, the best skill I can our various fundraising events. I'm so proud to be hone is flexibility. There's a reason it's called a part of this Chapter, known for the ways in which we 'death' grip and I've learned that having a light touch on foster new pilots, support the education and currency of the controls works in my favor. We have an unusually rated pilots, and champion and celebrate each others' talented group of accomplished pilots with multi-layered accomplishments and milestones. Our Chapter career backgrounds and I'd like to see every member continually receives glowing feedback from the aviation taking 'ownership' of some aspect of our Chapter's community. Our reputation and camaraderie compel activities/business. This isn't another call for volunteers; others to want to facilitate and assist us, to be associated this is your opportunity to speak up when you have an with us, and to recommend us. Our enthusiasm for idea or an interest, or see something you can improve or aviation is contagious. Our membership continues to expand. There will be opportunities for each of you to increase and it isn't simply because we award many showcase your talents throughout the coming year and I scholarships throughout the year. I believe it is because look forward to being on your crew. of the rewarding experience of being in the company of See you at the General Business meeting July 17 at such good-natured, admirable women who, personally, Cavu restaurant at KSZP to listen to Susie McWilliams inspire me to want to achieve more and nurture other answer the burning question, Are female pilots. The funny thing is, the more I help or Helicopters Really More Fun? If You Haven't Already, Please Pay Your Dues for 6/1/12-5/31/13 If You're Unsure, Email Julie Merrick or Sheila Collier To Find Out - - 3 - -
There s Always Someone to Congratulate in The VC99s First Solo! On Saturday, May 26 Sarah Vawter made her first SOLO flight. Congratulations! First Solo! On Tuesday, June 5th, one of our recent winter scholarship winners, Sharon Vincent did her first solo! Congratulations! IFR Rating On Monday, June 25 Marybeth Martin passed her Instrument check-ride! Congratulations! IFR Rating Longranger Rating On Tuesday, June 12 Karen Johnson, advanced scholarship winner, passed her instrument checkride! Friday, June 15 Karen passed her Part 135 Longranger Helicopter checkride! And, on June 23, Karen was handed over the reins as our Chairman for 2012-2013. Congratulations! "Thank you so very much for the proceeds of the Advanced Scholarship for my instrument rating. The money was very meaningful, but more so was the incentive the Scholarship gave me during those times when I thought the obstacles between me and my goal were overwhelming. The vote of confidence I received with the award of the Advanced Scholarship and the unflagging support of the Scholarship Committee eventually paid off with a successful checkride! Thank you again to the Committee, judges, and the entire membership of the Ventura County 99s who volunteer to work to raise money to fund these scholarships!" With warmest regards, Karen Johnson Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend VC99s Social Breakfast Saturday July 14 9:00am CAVU Santa Paula Just ask Susan Llewellen. She and & Terry bought a Diamond DA 40. Join the Ventura County Ninety-Nines for friendship, camaraderie, hangar talk, fun and a great breakfast! Of course, 49.5s and other pilots are welcome. - - 4 - -
FWP Awards at VC99s Arroyo Verde Picnic by Angelee Conroy and Judy McCarthy contribute to the community of women pilots, and states with encouragement and attitude that anything is possible, with equal amounts of hard work persistence. The Scholar- Above, scholarship winner Michelle Hynds ship Committee Below, Angelee Conroy presents a scholarship strongly encour- to Jocelyn Myers ages those that have applied in the past to reapply. We have had many applicants in the past who have been successful on their second or even third try. We as women pilots know.never give up! Our next deadline is November 1, 2012 for the winter awards at the VC99s Holiday Party December 1, 2012 (save the date!). Congratulations Michelle and Jocelyn! Of the many announcements at the annual picnic, the Future Woman Pilot scholarship awards are always great to announce! The VC99s Scholarship Committee received many wonderful applications for the summer awards. The applications were reviewed by the committee to make sure they met the scholarship requirements before sending to the five outside judges not affiliated with the Ninety-Nines. These scholarships are reimbursed to the flight school the student pilot is attending as they reach certain flight training milestones to achieve their private pilot license. This year Michelle Hynds received one of the FWP scholarships. Due to her work schedule, she was not able to attend the picnic. After the picnic, Judy McCarthy called Michelle and told her the good news. She was so excited, and said she was so grateful to receive the scholarship. Michelle has already completed her solo, written and just finished her long cross country. She said with relief, this financial help, will allow me to reach my first goal (of becoming a pilot) sooner, thank you, thank you VC99s, I am so happy!" Michelle's dream is to get her Certified Flight Instructor certificate so she may teach others and share her passion for flight and to become a Bush pilot some day. Our second FWP Scholarship award went to Jocelyn Myers. Jocelyn has completed her solo and cross country requirements, and is currently polishing her flying maneuvers and studying even quizzing her pilot husband. She feels that her family provided a foundation for her drive to be self-sufficient, and a special desire to outperform the boys. She wants to FWP Class by Lenny Malherb management differs for both. Also how cooling is accomplished for each. He also discussed carburetor icing and how to mitigate the risk by knowing how and when to apply carburetor heat. There were several cut away sections of various engine parts as well as non-repairable parts that enabled us to visualize what is happening when an engine problem occurs. Lastly he discussed electrical and vacuum systems. The class was both interesting and informative. Clay was avail- able for questions and answers afterwards. On Thursday, May 17th, the FWPs were educated in a class taught by Clay Phelps in the fundamental parts in the aircraft power plant, electrical, vacuum and fuel management systems. The class was conducted at one of the CP Aviation hangars at Santa Paula airport. Clay discussed 2 different types of engines and how fuel - - 5 - -
Woman Pilot of the Year 2012 is Karen Johnson! by Carolyn Brown This year's WPOY Karen Johnson is a general aviation pilot with her instrument rating as well as a commercial helicopter pilot with a Part 135 Longranger helicopter certification. She earned her Instrument rating and certification just last month when she had nothing better to do with her time. (Yeh, right.) And she also happens to be our new Chapter Chair! Karen's attention to detail and dedication to the success of our chapter and the 99s has been exemplary. She has been the Chapter Treasurer where she put hours (OK, days and weeks) into preparing the extensive paperwork for the new California tax requirements. She also balances our accounts to the penny. Karen is also one of the smiling faces out front at our annual pancake breakfast and then moves to the Silent Auction to also help there. This is after arranging numerous donations and hauling 5 gallon buckets of pancake batter in her small sports car. She is always willing to lend a helping hand. The Southwest Section has been giving out this honor for many years. In 2004, the Chair and Board determined that our chapter should also recognize some of our special ladies. This award is given to one of our members who has provided substantial support to the Chapter and made a significant impact on the Chapter and/or the 99s Organization. Occasionally our 49 ½'s or other male types also receive recognition for their outstanding support of our Chapter. We are honored to present Karen with this prestigious award for 2012. Congratulations Karen!!! Previous WPOY winners include: 2004 Susan Liebeler 2008 Marion Nauman 2005 Pat McCollum 2009 Aileen Johnson 2006 Judy Phelps** 2010 Lori Parker 2007 Martha Phillips 2011 Carolyn Brown **Judy also received the Southwest Section award in 2008 More Picnic Pictures - - 6 - -
VC99s Get Wet! Water Rescue Techniques for Pilots Workshop by Susie McWilliams and sponges were for our cell phone, to keep it dry and provide buoyancy. The florescent paper went in the ziplock with the phone, so we could find the bag later as it floated by. The aluminum foil was our handy signal mirror and radar reflector. The red shirts made us more visible to the rescuers, because once you are in the water you are nearly invisible. Filling the garbage bags with air would give us "water wings" and provide some thermal insulation. But more than anything else, the WILL to survive was the most important. Once you're in the water, don't even think about those charts that show you how many hours you can survive in water below 80 degrees. Set your goal on surviving, don't let panic get a grip on you. It's a mental game, admittedly a tough one. Real life stories of survivors, one man rescued after 17 hours in 70 degree water, show the power of positive thinking. A tasty lunch was provided, and then we worked on flight planning considerations, regulations, and communications. Tina, a Lifeguard and American Red Cross instructor for 20 years, presented the lesson on how not to drown, and then it was time to jump in the pool. After 30 minutes of lap swimming and floating in different configurations in our street clothes, with and without our life vests, we were introduced to the life raft. Sheila, Rick and I had never seen a real life raft up close. The reality of successfully deploying this 40 pound water- bed-in-suitcase out of the baggage compartment of a sinking aircraft wasn't looking too promising. It had "systems" we had to learn. Like any new aircraft, we gave it a thorough preflight. It was a single buoyancy tube, 10 man, single arch, zipper covered raft with strobe lights designed for GA aircraft, and generously provided by the Winslow LifeRaft Company. The instructors made it easy by allowing us to stand in the shallow part of the pool for our first entry attempts. First we had to locate the outer straps for hoisting ourselves, then figure out the best entry technique. I rolled myself in, and kept on rolling to the rear of the raft to make room for the next victim. Rick and Sheila both demonstrated their superior upper body muscle and got in by the pull-up method. It was very cozy with all 13 of us in the raft. Nice to know the raft had a safety factor allowing 3 more on board. But it is not a yacht. Always on the lookout for more fun and adventure, Sheila Collier and Rick McWilliams and I drove south for more than 2 hours to jump in the Laguna Niguel community swimming pool for an all-day water safety workshop. The class was hosted by the H2O(2) Foundation as part of a new series of classes tailored to GA pilots and flight instructors, with support from the US Coast Guard and the FAA. Our instructors, William "Willy" Pass and Tina Dittmar were awesome and really worked us. Special guest speaker, Bret Nichols, from the USCG Los Angeles Air Station provided great info along with some helicopter sea stories. Our workshop emphasized survival techniques for coastal flyers and island hoppers, but the Foundation is already planning a class in the fall for pilots who intend to make ocean crossings. This class was FUN! We had 13 people in our workshop, and for the classroom part of the class Willy would divide us up into "crash teams" and give us timed tests for different ditching scenarios. We soon learned that a water ditching is not a controlled "crash," but a controlled "splash." It's estimated that 90% of water ditchings result in only a few injuries to the pilot and passengers. The real danger comes after you exit the plane. He gave us a shopping list for his "poor man's" coastal survival kit, which consisted of a couple ziplock bags, 3 neon colored dish sponges, a few sheets of florescent colored paper, a few large trash bags, a sheet of aluminum foil, a couple of cheap red T-shirts, a $7 Walmart Type II life vest, and your cell phone. By the end of the day all of us were in love with our new best friend, the life vest. The ziplocks Then the real fun began. continued on page 8 - - 7 - -
VC99s Get Wet! continued becoming a test of will-power. I rolled myself in again, but page from it took much more effort. This time Rick and Sheila found the roll-in method worked better. It was faster, and While the crew moved the raft to the deep end of the pool, worked better since you had to keep rolling once inside Tina made us practice diving into the pool with our life the raft. We posed for a group picture inside the raft, then vests on, ankles crossed, with a splashed our way out of the pool and firm grip on the vest. First we into the nearby hot Jacuzzi. After jumped in from the deck, then getting all 13 of us in the life raft, the the 1 meter diving board. My Jacuzzi seemed roomy. Everyone was neck was feeling abused, and smiling, tired, tested, and enlight- Sheila's ears complained about ened. After a quick change to dry all the extra noise it made on clothes, Sheila fired up her ipad and the entering the water. Then we Yelped our way to an excellent Tina made us jump in from the sushi restaurant down the road. We 3 meter diving board. Wow, also brought home six FAA FAAST kind of bouncy, what a view! Wings credits! The weak swimmers in the If you're planning to fly to Catalina, class demonstrated exceptional courage, and everyone or fly farther from shore than you can glide, then check cheered them on. For our last exercise we jumped from out http://h2o2foundation.org/ for more workshops. the 3 meter again, formed into groups, and swam as a Workshops are limited to 15 participants, and our earlygroup to the raft. It was nearly impossible to make bird registration cost was $138 per headway as a group. The desire to get to the raft was person. Fancy swimsuit not required. - - 8 - -
Barry, You've Been Had! Susan Liebeler A Prankster! Who Would Have Thought? by Carolyn Brown I am not going to go into all of the gory details but will summarize what led up to this opportunity. We got wind that a lunch date with Barry Schiff would be a silent auction item at Section. All VC99's, who were attending Section, with special emphasis on Martha, were tasked with buying that certificate. Martha managed to gain control of it with only a few scratches from the ensuing scuffle. Then the fun began! Susan thought it would be fun to have someone (relatively obnoxious) say they bought the certificate and schedule a lunch. A persona was created Marty and communication started. After a couple of reschedules, today was the day for the lunch. Barry arrived expecting to have lunch with Marty, an aspiring aviation writer who gained all of his knowledge from reading and watching TV. Marty was hoping Barry would review his manuscripts and provide feed-back. Marty did have a few additional quirky personality traits to add to the suspense. Luckily, I have a wonderful neighbor who has a sense of humor and was happy to play the part of Marty. Sondra, at the WayPoint, had reserved a table for us and Marty was seated while the rest of us flitted about. Barry came in and met Marty. His first question put a look on Barry's face that was priceless. He asked if Marty was a pilot. When the response was 'no', the next hour loomed ahead as a very loooong time. Then, Karen, Martha, Susan, Carolyn, and Ken Coolidge appeared and saved the day. Marty went off to have lunch with his wife. We had all worried that Barry was on to us but he was caught totally off guard and seemed to really enjoy the prank. He said we may read about it in AOPA PILOT. In honor of Barry Schiff's good natured response to the Ventura County's prank, we deem his website as our pick of the month! www.barryschiff.com W E B S I T E Pick-of-the-Month Check our his "virtual hangar" with photos dating back to his childhood; drool over the list of over 330 planes he's flown; read his "sentimental journey' when he flew his last flight for TWA because of a federal mandate saying he was too old to be in the cockpit of an airliner. Of course you can purchase his books and videos online, but I'll bet we'll have a few at the silent auction at the Air Show in August...?! - - 9 - -
Cowboy Caviar Susy McWilliams Great Appetizer from the Picnic Ingredients 1 (11oz) can Green Giant white Shoepeg corn, drained 1 (15oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained 2 firm-ripe avocados, large dice. 1 large tomato, seeded and diced 1 bunch green onions (6-8), thinly sliced 1/4 cup good olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt) ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon cumin tortilla chips (I prefer Tostitos Scoops) 1. Combine all ingredients (except chips) and toss together gently 2. Serve at room temp. with tortilla chips or? Note: Best result with the canned White Shopeg corn. I tried regular canned corn and it was not as great. I also rinse the black beans 3 times and roll them in a paper towel to absorb most of the liquid. I don't rinse the corn, just drain and lay the corn on paper towels to absorb much of the liquid. If avocados are too soft, just spread the diced avocado between layers of the other mixed ingredients as you prepare the serving bowl. JULY Upcoming Calendar of Events 3 -- Board Meeting Teleconference, 5 pm 13-14 -- Ninety Nines International Annual Conference, Providence, RI 14 -- Social Breakfast 9 am, CAVU at SZP 17 -- General Business Meeting CAVU, Santa Paula Airport, 5:30 pm Dinner; 6:30 pm Meeting; 7 pm Program: Susie McWilliams presents the Real World Flying Habits of Helicopters from the Airplane Perspective! AUGUST 6 -- Board Meeting 11:30 am -- Mupu Grill, Main St, Santa Paula 11 -- Social Breakfast 9 am, Marie Callender's, Daily Dr., Camarillo 14 -- General Business Meeting Pizza Night, Dept of Airports KCMA, 5:30 pm Dinner and Open Forum; 7:00 pm Meeting 18-19 -- Wings Over Camarillo Airshow - VC99s Annual Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction/Raffle GET READY FOR SEPT 7-8 -- SWS 99s Fall Conference, Santa Maria 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 Thursday at 7pm The Aviation Advisory Commission meets (location changes) EVERY Second Thursday at 7pm The Aviation Authority meets (location changes) EVERY Second Saturday (except December) The Camarillo Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) meets at the EAA Hangar at CMA. - - 10 - - For more information about the Ventura County Chapter or any local chapter of the Ninety-Nines call our Membership Chair, Julie at 805-660-8996