Southwest Region Fly-in

We're getting closer and things look good for a pretty nice turn out...weather permitting. Dan, what is the count? I think I have 13 planes and 17 people!

If you plan to go, hope to go, want to go or just think there is a possibility, please make your room reservation NOW, if you are going to stay over night. The Napa area is very busy in late September. Most hotels and inns are understanding with us private pilots and usually you can cancel the day of intended arrival without penalty. So lock in a room if you think you're gonna need it.

C
 
Fly-in

Chris,

I have 13 aircraft, 18 participants, with a few of those tentative.

I'm hoping that we can pick up a few more, even if it is just for the late afternoon socialization and dinner that evening. For those within a few hours or less flight time, it would be a pretty easy way to meet some of the BAC members.

Speaking of which, I finally met my first BAC member this past Friday. I flew over to Woodland (15 minutes) and met Bob Lewis. We had a nice lunch and spent some time visiting in his hanger. He has a really nice looking and maintained Musketeer Sport. He is also helping to provide some of the "entertainment" for our fly-in. As a bonus, he knew something about the history of my Duchess. Pretty Cool!!

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
Hopefully, just hopefully at this point, I will be able to make it also. So if you are counting "tentatives", ..... up the count by one or two. Interesting that Bob Lewis is in Woodland .... My wife and I fly into O41 once a month (or two). I have to go down to Woodland THIS weekend, so another 600 mile trip in two weeks would be tough, unless my work completely slows up. But it has been my hope all along to attend. Rooming is not an issue since my daughter and grandkids live in Woodland.

Hope to meet you all!
N3688Q Super III
 
Fantastic, Tom! Hope you can make it. If the SoCal members could really kick in and show up, it is possible that we could have more planes than BAC Fest '06! Wouldn't that be a hoot!

Come on you SoCal members, let's kick some butt!

Chris :D
 
Fly-in

Hey, when did we all get assigned a lower altitude?

Nine from the Southwest Group and five from the Northwest Group. A few are tentative. I'm impressed with the attendance effort by the Northwest Group, very good. Now, let's make sure that we are not outnumbered!!!

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
Re: Fly-in

CalifDan said:
Hey, when did we all get assigned a lower altitude?
Click to expand...

Center claimed there were too many planes floating around at the same (high altitudes) so some altitude changes were called for better spacing.

Sounds like you guys are putting together a great event. 2,330 miles direct is a little far for me to travel. :(
 
Orbit

I notice the change was not enough to knock Relihan out of orbit, but I guess he is no longer geosynchronis.

Tflight...probably just far enough to get you the trophy...come on, make a week of it and see the wine country...and everything in between.

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
I think Mike is trying to catch a glimpse of Pluto to make sure it was measured properly.

For as much as it would cost me to rent the Sport and fly out there I could just about buy the plane!
 
Pluto? Orbit? Was this for a Fly-In? Or a Fly-Out?!

I have already spent too much pension income on flying this year, and it's a long way to December. Still hoping to make another November 4th Anniversary flight to Gaston's, though. It will be our 39th.

I got the right girl the first time, AND the right airplane the first time. Bought Sunny B on July 18, 1988, when he was 11 years old and had 1757 hours. He now has 3957 hours, and had his 29th birthday this year.
 
The Napa fly in is less than a month away and things are shaping up nicely. Dan has some great plans and the turn out so far looks promising. Of course, we all know weather can be a problem but, for now, things are really shaping up for a terrific event!

Could we get a show of hands from California members who hope to make it up to KAPC at least for Saturday? Even if you plan to say howdy and then head out Saturday afternoon, we'd like to get some idea of what to expect.

Thanks!
Chris L.
Southwestern Regional Director (interim)
Sierra N5106M
KSLC
 
Attendance

Hey Members!

We are doing pretty well. If everyone shows we are at 16 aircraft and 23 people. The aircraft, dinner and aviation related activities are shaping up, more on that soon. Chris and I have been working on some drawing prizes too!

We want everyone to come who can. Even if it is to fly in on Saturday afternoon and stay for dinner. This will be a great opportunity to share a lot of aviation and Beechcraft experience face-to-face.

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
Napa Fly-In Participants!

Door prizes have been secured! Plans are well in hand. Airport is ready! Let's get ready to rumble!

Sept. 23-24 at Napa Airport....be there or be square!
 
Napa Fly-in Long Post

Sorry for the length of this post...the following message just went out to all those who have already indicated an interest in participating in the Napa Fly-in. If you have already indicated such interest, and did not get the email directly, let me know.

Message:

Napa Fly-in participants,

Plans are moving along. The only semi structured plans we have for the weekend are as follows:

1. Anyone arriving on Friday (and I need to know who that is) is welcome, but not required, to have dinner at my house that evening. It will give the early arrivals a chance to get acquainted.

2. Saturday morning and early afternoon you are free to enjoy whatever the Napa Valley has to offer. I engourage you to use the group email or BAC site to chime in because some of you may want to car share or pair up for certain activities (wine tasting, bike ride, etc.). Same for anyone staying long enough on Sunday prior to leaving.

3. I'm thinking that we can meet back at Napa County Airport Saturday about 2-3 pm where the aircarft will be parked. We will have an area on the Napa County Airport south ramp set aside for us. We can take a look at the aircraft and hang out until about 4:00 pm. Hopefully any late arrivals or those just planning to spend Saturday afternoon and evening will be with us by then.

4. From 4 - 6:30 pm we have use of the airport conference room. Nice room overlooking the main ramp area, located in the main terminal building. During this time we can take alook at the BAC Fest presentation, share some war stories, and hopefully have another presentation ot two (working on that). This will also be where we dispense with the business of getting rid of any door prizes we have amassed for the event. I know that there will be some BAC related items, some wine, and we are hopeful for some fuel to give away.

5. At 6:30 pm we are reserved for dinner at Jonesy's Famous Steak House. Don’t worry about the walk as it is in the same building. Dinner will be off their Banquest Menu, however, seating will be in the regular part of the restaurant with windows to the ramp area. If we are 24 or less, at the same long table, if more, perhaps several tables.

6. Dinner will be all inclusive except as noted below. One check, so I need to collect from you all prior to the dinner. I can cancel you up to as late as Friday mid-day the day prior to the event, but that may or may not allow a refund depending on the particulars of the order. I can add people near the end also, but again, the choices from the menu may be restricted at that point.

Dinner Menu Choices: Top Sirloin Steak (order this with the special potatoes if you want the full effect), Chicken Cordon Bleu, Broasted Chicken or Shrimp Louie.

Above come with Baked Potatoe (or special potatoes as indicated above), rice pilaf with the Chicken Cordon Blue, fresh vegetables, rolls and butter, choice of coffee or tea, I think ice tea is also included as a choice.

Drinks (hard, they have a full bar or soft) will be cash at the table as ordered, same for desert. Cost for the dinner (without the drinks or desert) will be about $27.00 all up.

I tried to set it up to just order off the menu with separate checks, but that got complicated and ran the risk of delaying and/or affecting the quality of the food. I want to make sure dinner can be enjoyed without those who may want to depart that evening for a short return trip home worrying about the time.

Here is what I need to know:

1. Will you be arriving on Friday or Saturday and will you be having dinner at my house on Friday?
2. How many (in your party or airplane) will be having dinner at my house on Friday?
3. How many for dinner on Saturday?
4. What is your entrée choice for the Saturday dinner?
Top Sirloin (indicate if you want the special potatoes, ** see below).
Chicken Cordon Blue
Broasted Chicken (I've been told this is very good)
Shrimp Louie

**Special potatoes - hash browns with cheese and a generous slice of onion on top. I think it's great, my wife calls it a heart attack on a plate. Use your own judgement.

More information later about the parking, arrival recommendations, etc. I'll be keeping an eye on the weather closer in to let you know how it looks around here.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
Wine Country Fly-in

OK, here are the arrival recommendations. I have several attachments that went out with the direct email to participants, so let me know if you need any of that.

Wine Country Fly-in / Napa County Airport Arrival Instructions

ATIS: 124.05
Tower: 118.7 (operates from 0700 – 2000) otherwise CTAF
Ground: 121.7

Runway 18R/36L (5,931 feet)
Runway 18L/36R (2,500 feet)
Runway 24/06 (5007 feet)

Coming From the Northwest:
Santa Rosa VOR (STS) V-108 to Scaggs Island VOR (SGD) then direct to Napa County Airport (KAPC) about 4.4 NM from SGD to KAPC. ATIS is 124.05, Tower is 118.7, and ground is 121.7.

Most of the time, either runways 18L and 18R or sometimes runway 24 is in operation. From the VOR you would make right traffic for 18R or left traffic for 24.

Coming From the North
V-87 until you get past POPES intersection, then just fly down the Napa Valley direct to KAPC. ATIS is 124.05, Tower is 118.7, and ground is 121.7.
If runways 18R and 18L are in operation expect a straight in to either. Keep in mind that both are over hills north of the airport, especially setting up for a straight in on 18L, so keep your eyes open. If you are more comfortable with the pattern, stay west of the airport and either enter downwind or on base.

From the Northeast through Southeast
You will notice on the chart that there are two alert areas from northeast through southeast just to the east of Napa County Airport. These areas serve the Travis Air Force Base area and encompass their Class D airspace as well. Frequencies for flight following through their area are 119.9 (south) and 126.6 (north). They are very helpful with flight following; however, watch your position as you near Napa (KAPC). The KAPC Class D extends right to the edge of the Travis Alert Area and they (Travis) do not hand off to Napa County Airport. You have to cancel flight following and leave time to contact Napa Tower prior to entering their Class D. It helps to get the ATIS while still talking with Travis Approach.

If you are coming in this way either stay north of the Travis Alert Area or talk with them. They seem to appreciate you staying clear of their Class D airspace, so I usually go around the north side of that. Their traffic pattern is usually, but not always on the south side of the runways, so the north side is usually pretty clear.

If coming in more from the southeast, you might want to skirt their area entirely on the south side. If you head to Concord VOR (CCR) and then take the 270 radial out for 8 or so nm a right turn puts you towards the airport and you avoid both the Travis Alert Area and the SFO Class B.
If runways 18R and 18L are in operation expect a left downwind to 18L (2,500 feet long). If 24 is in operation, expect a “report two mile left base” clearance.

ATIS is 124.05, Tower is 118.7, and ground is 121.7.

From the Southeast through Southwest
SFO Class B airspace. Normally, getting a clearance through while VFR might be unlikely. You can skirt it to the east but watch the area between San Jose and Livermore as the space is heavy with approaches into Oakland. You can usually do well to the west and they will have you stay west of SFO, but you will need clearance through Class B on that side unless you are scraping the ground or more offshore than most single engine flyers are comfortable with. If you can get through on that side the views are great!

If coming around the west side you will wind up near SGD VOR so follow suggestions for Northwest above. If on the east side, you will be near the same as the Southeast suggestions above.

ATIS is 124.05, Tower is 118.7, and ground is 121.7.

From the West
I’m assuming if you are coming from the west you either already know the way or are flying something large enough that I don’t need to give you any hints.

Let’s talk Weather
This time of year we often get morning stratus. Sometimes, although not usually, it lasts into early afternoon. Today (9/11) it was clear from early morning. A week ago it was not clearing off until noon.

If you fly in after noon and plan on departing after noon, you probably will have a nice VFR trip. If your arrival is planned for earlier, keep an eye on the METARS for KAPC to see how it is unfolding. Unfortunately, we do not have TAFs for guidance, I wish we did. TAF’s exist for KOAK, KSTS, and KSUU in the immediate area. On a day with stratus, the KOAK’s TAF might be the best predictor for the time the stratus will clear. The KOAK conditions are similar to KAPC, while KSUU is often clear when we are not, and KSTS can clear earlier or later depending on local conditions.

Several good alternates exist if you have to wait out a few hours. These include Vacaville, Livermore, Concord. If you need someone to come and get you, Concord is best followed by Vacaville. Livermore gets out nearly an hour drive each way.

There is always a chance that we could get early rains. In that event, conditions can vary from acceptable VFR underneath to not much fun IFR, although tougher IFR conditions are usually not an issue until into December through early March. I’ll be watching weather as the weekend approaches and generally, there would be several days warning about IFR conditions other than the coastal stratus.

Parking At KAPC
We are going to be parking on the South Ramp. I’m attaching a pdf file of the airport diagram. The South Ramp is marked and we will be occupying the first few rows of open parking to the west of the shade hangers.

When contacting ground ask to taxi to the South Ramp. They may assume that you know the way, so don’t be shy about asking for specific directions.

Arriving at the South Ramp, you will be a bit of a walk back to Bridgeford Flying Service. That is the likely contact for your rental car. Just cut through the hanger area to the north and you will get there. Don’t carry your bags. Get the car and then get a gate code to drive back out and get your stuff.

If you let me know an expected arrival time, I will try to be there to get you parked, transported and organized. If you want to get fuel prior to parking, the self-serve fuel is on the main ramp to the north of the terminal building. Once you are fueled you can taxi to the south ramp without contacting ground as long as you do not leave the ramp area. If you want to taxi on Alpha, you must talk with them. You can also push the aircraft into adjacent parking and arrange your rental car prior to the taxi to the south ramp too.

I think that single engine parking is $5 per night.
 
Well boys and girls of the western USA, the Southwestern Regional Fly-in in Napa, CA is just a few days away. There is a good chance the weather is going to be favorable and I know the wine will be good. CalifDan has done a great job of getting a special parking area, delicious dinner and a meeting room all lined up. Now all we have to do is show up and enjoy!

As a reminder, there will be a drawing for gifts, a brief show-and-tell by me about BAC Fest 2006 and possibly some comments from a guest speaker that knows our planes and can provide some insight.

Of course, the most important thing is that we all get to meet each other face to face and see all the planes. So even if you aren't planning to spend the night and have dinner with us, if you can make it just of the day Saturday, that would be great!

We hope to see you there!
Chris
 
Weather

I promised weather updates as we near the fly-in date.

Today there was a marine layer, but it was gone by 10:00 am. Severe clear otherwise and expected to remain so through at least Friday, looks to me like even through Sunday, but will keep you updated.

The biggest issue will be the marine layer. It is typical for this time of year and is usually gone by mid morning, sometimes not there at all, and occaisonally hangs around until mid day.

Plan your arrivals if VFR for mid-day or later, same for departures. If you are IFR, the marine layer is often high enought o allow approaches.

That said, there are approach radar repairs currently under way and consequently, IFR approaches and departures are seeing delays during actual conditions. I flew out IFR the other day without a delay, but they did not pick me up on radar until above 3,000 feet. Without the radar they need more room (time) between the movements.

Also, we have room for more...fly-in for the Saturday event!!

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
Well, the weather here in NE Oregon has been looking too "iffy", but it appears as if it now might break for myself and co-pilot/wife to plan on attending. Don't know for sure about Friday, but are planning on Saturday/Sunday. Hopefully they will be able to accomodate us at Jonsie's. Are there "group" plans for a winery tour? Or are we on our own? Either way, the 5th and 6th seats will likely be full on the trip home!!

Will check on hotel/car availability manana. Looking forward to it!
 
Winery Tour

No group plans for a winery tour yet, but some of the Friday arrivals may be able to put together a few cars worth to do some Saturday visits.

The loose plan is to meet back at the airport around 2:00 pm on Saturday. Some will be flying in just for this get-together. We have the airport conference room from anytime after that until 6:30 pm and then dinner at Jonesy's.

We just need to figure out where everyone is. And, any of you who can give me an approximate arrival time, that would be useful too. I'll be the one waving his arms at the south ramp.

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
Napa Fly-in

What a beautiful day it is today. Clear skies, the marine layer has retreated! The forecast is for clear on Friday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. It is so nice, I'm flying today even if it is to just go to do some circles.

it is warm, the sugar levels in the grapes are optimum and they are picking like mad and crushing at many to most wineries. The wineries smell so good during crush. I'm surprised you guys aren't canceling work plans and heading this way already. Anyone wnat to extend their stay into Monday, Tuesday?

The Fly-in is getting more interesting. Chris Linderman is doing a presentation on the BAC Fest Fly-in and event. That will happen on Saturday afternoon during our meeting prior to dinner.

We will also have a special guest for about 30 minutes. We are calling it the "30 Minutes With Mike" portion of our Fly-in. Yup, Mike Rellihan has agreed to join us by speaker phone and field some questions and thoughts on maintaining our airplanes. Those of you attending and who have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Relihan, will have an opportunity to put a voice with the posts we all read so religiously.

Mike, thanks again, we appreciate the time you are taking to do this.

Also, door prizes. We have some BAC stuff to give away. We will have two bottles of Etude pinot noir. In fact, we can arrange an Etude Winery visit for Saturday if anyone is interested. This is good wine my friends. I've known the winemaker for over 20 years and had the opportunity to pop the cork on one of the first bottles, pre-release, many years ago. There will be a story to go with the wine, which I will relate at the Fly-in.

Also, we will have three bottles of a surprise wine. These three bottles will also come with a story which is aviation and airport related.

Current estimates of participation are 12 aircraft, 21 or 22 people, 20 for dinner on Saturday evening. Come on, add a few more!!!! This may be one of the best fall weekends in the Napa Valley.

Dan Jonas
Napa Valley
 
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