Holiday Party Celebrating 2013

By 2Lt Hollerbach and Maj Luneau, photos courtesy of Lt Col Tinnirello 

On December 21, Squadron 188 celebrated a year of significant achievements and got into the holiday spirit over dinner at Scott’s Seafood restaurant in Oakland’s Jack London Square.

Capt Rivas, Patricia Farrar-Rivas,
Maj Luneau, Sylvia Luneau

Maj Luneau highlighted the year’s accomplishments, including:

January

• We fought for a new Cessna G1000 to be based at Oakland and Concord and won!
• We finagled a hangar and spent 5 weeks painting the floor, walls, finding and moving in furniture, hooking up an Internet connection and adding a radio. 
• We hosted a UDF Course.

1Lt Hipp, Capt Coreas,
Carmelita Miller

February

• We hosted a G1000 Ground School. 

March

• With Squadron 18, we hosted the Mission Scanner School. 
• Squadron members attended the Palo Alto SAREX. 
• Because of our hangar, CAWG loaned us another new plane for the hangar.
• We put around 200 hours on 445CP in less than a year.
• We attended the Tsunami Warning Exercise. 

1Lt Chavez, Sandra Lindman,
Alicia Tinnirello

April

• Squadron members and 445CP attended the Half Moon Bay Airshow. 
• Squadron members attended the USCG Aux Aviation Safety Workshop. 

May

• Squadron members and 445CP attended the Hayward Open House. 
• Squadron members attended and flew in the CAWG EVAL where we received an “Exceptional” grade.
• We did a presentation to the 99'ers and showed them 445CP. 



1Lt Rugroden

• Squadron members connected the hangar and HQ to each other with two new wireless antennas.

June

• Squadron members and 445CP attended the San Carlos Airport Open House.
• Squadron members attended the Mountain Flying Course in CCR as Students and Staff.
• We had a number of counter drug flights in support of various counties.

July

Squadron 188 Members and
Guests at Dinner

• We hosted the Oakland SAREX.
• We hosted the Mission Aircrew School Ground School in Oakland.
• Squadron members took part in a short-notice tissue transport mission that saved two lives.
• Squadron members attended the Fourth of July flag presentation at Oakland A's.
• Squadron members attended the National Emergency Services Academy.

August

Tara Stevulak, 2Lt Stevulak

• Squadron members attended the CAWG Mission Aircrew School as students and staff.
• Squadron members and the aircraft attended the Watsonville Fly-in and Airshow.
• We hosted a G1000 for Mission Observers course in Livermore.
• We won Top Senior Squadron in GP2 and Juan won Lifetime Achievement Award for GP2.

September

Squadron 188 Members and
Guests at Dinner

• 1Lt Hipp continued to paint the squadron, thank you!
• Squadron members attended the Livermore Open House.
• Squadron members flew in two F-16 Air Interception missions.
• Squadron members attended the CAWG Conference in SMX.

October

• Squadron members attended the Auburn Sarex.
• 100% of our members achieved the Yeager award. 

Squadron 188 Members and
Guests at Dinner

December

• Squadron members participated in a National Communication exercise. 
• 445CP received its Find sticker. 
• We sold almost 200 Wreaths in support of Wreaths Across America and participated in the WAA ceremony at Golden Gate National Cemetery. 

2Lt Kelly, 1Lt Rugroden, Joan Allan, 1Lt
Michelogiannakis, Capt Eichelberger

Throughout the year, we also added a number of new members, including:

• Capt Chris Johnson
• Capt Kathy Johnson
• Capt Steven DeFord
• 1Lt George Michelogiannakis
• 2Lt Robert Kraus
• 2Lt Eric Choate
• 2Lt Karin Hollerbach
• SM Dan Lunsford

Maj Luneau, Sylvia Luneau, Carolers

The dinner was a wonderful opportunity to get to know something about fellow squadron members’ lives outside of CAP and to meet a number of their spouses and significant others, without whose support our squadron’s activities would hardly be possible.

During the dinner, we enjoyed beautiful holiday songs sung by a quartet of a cappella carolers, who even included a number of our requests.

Wreaths Across America - Coast to Coast

By Maj Misra and 2Lt Hollerbach

This year, our Squadron participated in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony coast to coast – well, at least in one East Coast ceremony in Florida and in our “home” ceremony in California!

I [Maj Misra] was able to attend and participate in the Wreaths Across America ceremony with/in collaboration with CAP Squadron 182 of Group 3 based at Albert Whittled Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida.  The ceremony was held at Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Tampa, Florida.  There is no cemetery there; however the memorial as erected has a tribute to each branch of service.

Maj Misra and Art Stoutenberg, CAP

The event was hosted and directed by CAP Squadron 182 and was initiated with a presentation of the colors and the pledge of allegiance to our nations flag.

Then there was a salute to each branch of service followed by a descriptive narrative about the history and origins of WAA.  Unfortunately the wreaths themselves were not delivered in time by FedEx to be displayed as intended.  Nevertheless there were two wreaths that the organizers were able to use for the ceremony.

 The ceremony was approximately 15-20 minutes in length and attended by approximately 10-12 people from the local community.  This venue has a dedicated memorial to the Korean War and there was a veteran of the conflict from the Korean peninsula who was in attendance named Mr. Horace M. Clark.  He is a disabled veteran and a veteran of the unit named the “92nd AFA Red Devils” who were of the first American military presence to engage in battle during the Korean War.

Maj Misra and Mr Clark

I was immediately drawn to him on account of him uttering some unique Masonic phraseology during salute to the flag, which prompted me to approach him.  He and I belong to the oldest fraternity known today called the Freemasons and he also completed Scottish Rite as I did.  I informed him how much I appreciate his service not only to us broadly as a nation but that he also protected my family in Korea then, as my in-laws were just children when this horrible war happened.  If not for the bravery and distinction with which men like he and thousands others served, my own personal family would likely be very different today.  I am almost brought to tears when I give thought to this fact, which is why I support Wreaths Across America and all efforts that emphasize the depth that we owe these heroes who were either killed in action or gravely injured protecting our nation and its future generations – people they either never met or are unlikely to ever meet.

Honoring of Each Branch of Service

Closer to home, I [2Lt Hollerbach] and 1Lt Bitz attended the ceremony at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California, along with members of Cadet Squadron 18. This was my first time attending this event, and I found it incredibly moving.  The cadets did an exceptional job in their presentation of the colors.

Presentation of Colors by the Hillsborough County
Fire Department Honor Guard

Both ceremonies shared a lot in common with each other - and with other WAA ceremonies across the country:  At exactly noon Eastern Time, we observed one minute of silence in memory of the fallen, prisoners of war, those missing in action, and those who have served and are still serving.  Opening remarks by the Master of Ceremonies (Art Stoutenberg of CAP in Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Florida and Marston Watson at Golden Gate National Cemetery in California. Presentation of the colors by the Hillsborough County Fire Department Honor Guard (Florida) and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 18 (California).  All branches of the military were honored, as were POWs and MIA. Prior to the laying of the wreaths, we had a rifle salute, closing remarks, and taps.

The Civil Air Patrol salutes the men and women of the armed forces. Our thanks to all who support this great event honoring our veterans and those who donated wreaths for the ceremony.

NEW 2012 CESSNA 182 USAGE REPORT

Cessna 182 in its new hangar

The members of Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188 wish to thank California Wing (CAWG) for the generous opportunity to utilize a 2012 Cessna 182 with the G1000 cockpit. This report summarizes how Squadron 188 used this time and aircraft to train its pilots, promote CAP and fulfill its three primary missions.

Since the Cessna 182 was assigned to Squadron 188 and until the end of September, the Cessna 182 has flown 160 hours. The hours flown by the Cessna 182 in those six months is 74% higher than the California average, which is 91.85 hours calculated for the time period April - September 2013. This Cessna 182 is the fourth most flown CAP airplane within CAWG, and is within ten hours of the top three aircraft with the most hours flown.

G1000 for Mission Observers Course

Squadron 188 also organized a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) weekend specifically for Mission Observers to learn the G1000. This exercise and a number of others that the Cessna 182 has attended resulted in three new qualified mission observers for 13 total qualified mission observers, the second highest per squadron in CAWG. Our members have also flown the aircraft to numerous other SAREXs around California, and participated in the Evaluated Exercise. These missions, which included the Cessna 182, are key to encouraging members of Squadron 188 and other nearby squadrons to participate and earn or renew ES ratings. Their participation helps CAP members maintain proficiency in the various ES ratings required to support these missions, thus benefiting Group 2 and CAWG.

One of 300 young people introduced to CAP

In 2013, the Cessna 182 was flown to three air shows by members of Squadron 188 and used as a recruiting tool for the Squadron, as well as various Group 2 squadrons. The aircraft is a popular draw for the young and old, raised awareness among the general public, and played an important role in recruiting new members. An estimated 300 young people were introduced to the the Cessna 182 cockpit and gained a better understanding of CAP and aerospace education.

The Cessna 182 and Squadron 188 aircrew members played a key role in a real world mission when they were called to transport tissue from SoCal up to the Bay Area. This mission resulted in three life-saving awards for the crew members. The aircraft was also credited with two non-distress finds and flew a number of CD and WADS missions.

Instructor Pilot 1st Lt George Michelogiannakis

Squadron 188 hosted two G1000 ground school seminars to help pilots transition to the glass panel platform. The result of the seminars, and readily available aircraft is that Squadron 188 now has six pilots qualified to fly the G1000 and seven others queued up for Form 5 checkrides. Squadron 188 has organized those trainees by matching them with instructors in order to expedite the training process, and we are proud to have six new CAP G1000 pilots, as well as a G1000 instructor, who will increase our capacity for training.

Oakland Hangar

In January 2013, Squadron 188 negotiated with the Port of Oakland for the lease of a large hangar on the North Field. Squadron 188 members volunteered many hours over four months painting and fixing up the hangar. The hangar not only shelters the plane from the elements, it also serves as a recruiting tool and a classroom. Members often practice their G1000 skills in the hangar with the aid of an APU.

Thank you CAWG for entrusting Squadron 188 with the newest Cessna 182.

Why I joined Civil Air Patrol

By SM Eric Choate, CAP
Asst Recruiting Officer and Mission Scanner
Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188
California Wing

I was at Oakland Airport for 10+ years, and Hayward for 8+ before I even noticed the Civil Air Patrol.  How is that possible? And how did I become aware of the Civil Air Patrol let alone join?  Well, 445CP was hard to miss at the Hayward open house in May of 2013.

445CP at the Auburn SAREX with Capt Eichelberger,
SM Choate, and Lt Michelogiannakis.

She was so shinny and beautiful, I had to stop and ask "What does the Civil Air Patrol do?"  I was greeted by a guy named Ken who answered with "I'll show you", as he proceeded to guide me into the cockpit.


I thought "well, this will be a waste of time, I own a plane."  Then I saw it, like the sun shining down through the clouds, the most beautiful instrument panel I'd ever seen up close.  I thought "Why is he showing me this?  Don't you have to be Military to fly this?  I assumed since everyone was wearing flight suits or camo."

As I drooled over the G1000 glass panel Ken asked if I was a pilot.  I responded "Yes!"  To which he responded "You know, you could fly this..."  I said "What? How? Where do I signup?"  Well, after he demonstrated some of the cool features of the G1000, he introduced me to Chris Johnson.  Chris proceeded to explain what CAP did, and how he participated along with his wife, and how it sounded like CAP might be a good fit for me.  Chris struck me as a real stand up guy, so that night, with the image of that G1000 still fresh in my mind, I checked out the squadron188.org website. The more I read the more I couldn't believe it.

What an amazing organization and amazing group of people.  Shortly thereafter, I attended some meetings, completed my application and before I knew it I was attending a SAREX at Oakland, then another at Auburn, then the Watsonville airshow with 445CP.  I myself, a member for only 2 months, showed off her beauty to countless individuals both young and old.  Since then, I've continued to be amazed at the dedication and commitment of the squadron188 members.

I have yet to fly 445CP due to a backlog of pilots waiting to do the same, and can only imagine the wasted talent and enthusiasm for CAP in general and squadron188 in specific if 455CP is relocated.  I for one would seriously reconsider my involvement and level of commitment to squadron188 and CAP in general without 455CP.

This would be a loss for both CAP and squadron188 as I have already contributed my skills to help provide better reporting for squadron188, and help bring internet connectivity to the squadron188 hanger.

These contributions are only the beginning, as I'm also skilled in construction, auto repair, RC planes and helicopters, model rockets, and wilderness first aid.

Not to mention, I'd be happy to spend my weekends passing on my love of flying to our youth who in Oakland, more than any other city in the country, need to be exposed to something besides guns, drugs, and violence.

Livermore Airport Open House

CAP booth at Livermore Airport

By SM Eric Choate, CAP
Asst Recruiting Officer and Mission Scanner
Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188
California Wing

Amelia Earhart Squadron 188 members Lt John Stevulak, Lt Gene Rugroden, SM Eric Choate, Lt George Michelogiannakis, and SM Karin Hollerbach attended the Livermore Airport Open House on October 5th. It was a gorgeous fall day and a lovely way to spend the late morning / afternoon. Squadron 188 shared the booth with members of Cadet Squadron 18.

It was great having the cadets there, as they were impeccably attired and a pleasure to watch in their interactions with the public. CAP can be proud of their participation.

Mustang warbird display

A number of visitors stopped by our booth and asked about both pilot and non-pilot positions. For the non-pilots, the radios in the CAP vehicle were pretty cool! Not everyone realized that CAP has a lot to offer for both pilots and non-pilots!

We loved having parents and their kids come by to learn about CAP including its cadet and aerospace education programs.

SM Karin Hollerbach being interviewed by KKIQ

Several people were a bit shy about approaching, so reaching out to them as they stood, watching from a distance, was well worthwhile and gratifying. One young man (17) is hoping to join the Air Force and was thrilled to find out he could join CAP now.

Livermore’s radio station KKIQ came by the booth and did a mini interview, to help spread the word. These guys are great.

Classic cars on display

Wandering around the airport was a lot of fun, as there were cool cars and planes on display, not to mention a lot of friendly people (and dogs) hanging out.

All in all it was a great day. We recruited a number of Cadets for Squadron 18 and Concord, and a few Senior members too.







Audio from a KKIQ interview with SM Karin Hollerbach.



Pictures courtesy of SM Eric Choate

Auburn SAREX and First Find

Auburn SAREX

Auburn Airport

Capt Donald Eichelberger, Lt George Michelogiannakis, and Lt Eric Choate attended the Auburn SAREX on 24-25 Aug 13.  Capt Eichelberger who flew as a Mission Pilot (MP) mentioned that the SAREX was well "worth the effort of being there" and that "being at a remote location was good practice if we have to travel for a mission."

Both Lt Michelogiannakis and Lt Choate accomplished a number of flights each and were successful in received their accompanying sign offs. Lt Michelogiannakis achieved his Mission Observer wings and Lt Choate achieved his Mission Scanner rating.

Lt Eric Choate standing in front of CAP445

Capt Eichelberger also mentioned that the Rim Fire caused extensive smoke that blanketed the area on the Saturday.  He relates that "We had smoke from fires on Saturday (almost IFR in our search area), but Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day to fly because of the front that went through."

CAP445's First Find
Written by Lt Col John Aylesworth
CAP445 was on a training sortie near the Sutter Buttes on Sunday 25 August with aircrew members Maj Randy Weatherhead (Mission Pilot Trainee), Lt Col John Aylesworth (Mission Pilot Mentor) and Chris Baker (Mission Scanner Trainee). The crew was re-tasked to land at Lincoln (LHM) airport to assist a ground team DF a "no play" 406 MHz beacon for a mission opened early the previous morning.

CAP445 at Auburn Airport

Four previous air and two ground sorties had been launched to find this Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) which was only transmitting a burst every 50 seconds on 406.03x MHz with no 121.5 MHz homing signal. This complicated finding it as the ground teams had no mobile gear to home in on a 406 MHz only signal.

After getting bearings in the air confirming LHM as the likely location the crew landed. While on approach the Becker/Rhotheta RT-600 direction finder indicated bearings pointing to the east side of the field from a group of hangers. After landing, the aircraft was taxied up and down hanger rows until they "had it surrounded" and pretty much pinpointed to one hanger based on bearings while on the ground and Intel gathered by the ground team from locals at the airport in nearby hangers.

The crew's procedure had been to taxi 10-20 feet and stop in an open intersection between hanger rows, wait until the next 50 second burst, then taxi another 10-20 feet and take another bearing, turning where appropriate in the indicated direction. This worked very well. After returning to base, the Incident Commander (IC) thoroughly debriefed the crew using Google Earth and asked them to describe procedures and bearings. The IC confirmed that the following morning the airport manager had accessed the identified hanger and found the 406 MHz beacon.

Congratulations to the crew and CAP445 on its first find!

Pictures courtesy of Lt George Michelogiannakis, and Lt Eric Choate

Civil Air Patrol's presentation to the Bay Area 99s

By Lt. Col. Juan Tinnirello, CAP

Public Information Officer

Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188

California Wing

Lt Col Juan Tinnirello

On Thursday, May 9, 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Juan Tinnirello, the Public Information Officer for Amelia Earhart, Senior Squadron 188 of the Civil Air Patrol, made a presentation of what CAP is and does. CAP is the official Auxiliary to the United States Air Force. The event took place at the monthly meeting of the Ninety Nines, Inc. the International Organization of Women Pilots founded in 1929 by 99 licensed women pilots and the first president was Amelia Earhart. The meeting took place at the Kaiser Air building located at the Oakland International Airport, North Field.

Members of the 99'ers and CAP

The meeting started at 19:00 hr. and present were six members of the organization plus one guest.  Attending from Sq. 188 were, Major Noel Luneau, Squadron Commander, Captain Luis Rivas, Deputy Commander and Captain Kathy Johnson, Mission Observer.

Lt. Col. Tinnirello's presentation included a brief history of the beginning of CAP back in December 1941 as well as its participation during WWII. The current membership of 60,000 seniors and cadets includes 8,000 aircrews and 32,000 emergency responders trained to FEMA standard.  CAP also operates one the largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft in the world, with 550 planes that fly more than 100,000 hours annually. It also has a fleet of 950 emergency services vehicles for training and mission support.

Maj Noel Luneau and a 99's member

He also talked, in detail, about CAP's three primary missions; emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education.

During the presentation, the participants asked several questions to clarify or request more information.  The members from squadron 188 assisted by adding details of their particular specialties.

The presentation concluded by 20:00 hrs. and Lt. Col. Tinnirello invited all the participants to visit the CAP hanger to see the brand new Cessna 182 and it G1000 avionics suite.

Everyone was delighted to see the plane and took turns sitting in the completely lighted cockpit to enjoy the big screen display.

A 99's member sits in the Cessna

Mission Scanner School - Group 2

By Lt. Robert Adams, CAP

Transportation Officer and Mission Scanner Trainee

Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188

California Wing

Lt Adam's of SQ188 prepares for a sim flight

I attended a two day Civil Air Patrol Mission Scanner Training Class on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17th 2013 that was hosted by Group-2 Headquarters at Squadron 18 at the Hayward, California airport.

There were at least 25-30 people in attendance including five instructors and several Cadets. (Some of the participants that attended this weekend event came from as far away as Washington State and others from locations throughout California.

All of the instructors that taught that weekend were exceptionally proficient to teach the various subjects that encompass the Mission Scanner Training Course.
The course was presented in an interesting format, and well planned classroom manner.

Lt Mumy of SQ188 prepares for a sim flight

Instructors presented subjects systematically with personal and helpful information depicting important personal experiences that were of an additional benefit to each of us relative to their subject at hand.

Prior to the conclusion of the two-day classes, we were instructed to break up into individual groups of four or five participants plus an instructor, who thoroughly guided us through an anatomy of a real Emergency Mission.

The instructors tactfully demonstrated and explained to us the various steps including the paperwork that is necessary to complete a real Mission from the beginning to end.

CAP members receiving training

At the conclusion of the (mock) emergency mission, we were all presented with a 50 question written test that covered all of the many subjects that had been presented to us over these last two days.

All participants were later informed that they passed the test and had completed all of the Familiarization and Preparatory Training Tasks, including most of the Advanced Training Tasks.  Leaving only task 0–2018, which required Operating the Aircraft Communication Equipment and the two Exercise Participation sign-offs to complete our Mission Scanner SQTR.

In summation; this was a most successful, well designed and organized (two day) Mission Scanner Training Class.

Tsunami Exercise: An aircrewmans perspective

Lt Louie Rivas, CAP

Deputy Commander and Mission Pilot/Observer

Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188

California Wing

Speaker System

On a cloudy Wednesday morning three aircrew members of Group 2, California Wing participated in a Tsunami Exercise that extended north from Bodega Bay near San Francisco to the California/Oregon state line. The purpose of the exercise was to test the various components of the northern California Tsunami warning system.

Three aircraft were equipped with a high powered speaker system and the plan was to fly them at 1000 feet above the ground on a specific route along the California coast.  While flying they were to broadcast a pre recorded message for one hour that included a request for the public to call a phone number to report they heard the message.  A fourth aircraft known as High Bird was to circle at a high altitude and relay communications between aircraft and the command base located in Eureka.





Mission Pilot - Lt Col Brett Dolnick

Lt Col Brett Dolnick filed an IFR flight plan from Buchanan Field in Concord CA to Rohnerville Airport in Fortuna CA for an 11:00 rendezvous over Shelter Cove airport. The skies were clear at Concord but the coast was covered by a marine layer in both directions as far as the eye could see.  In the right seat Capt Paul Kubiak monitored communications and reported the flights progress to Eureka base, while 1st Lt Louie Rivas sitting in the rear of the plane prepared the broadcasting equipment.



Controller

The cloud layer covered the hilltops along the coast and prevented flying underneath the layer so the plan was to fly the approach into Rohnerville to penetrate the layer and then break off once the aircraft was beneath the clouds. The approach into the airport was executed expertly by Lt Col Dolnick but the layer was too low to safely fly underneath it. The crew then decided the best alternative was to climb and fly above the layer while broadcasting the message.



The GPS equipped aircraft has a moving map that displays the location of the aircraft relative to the terrain below. Lt Rivas was monitoring the moving map display and pushed the play button the moment the icon depicting the aircraft appeared over the image of the Shelter Cove airport hidden beneath the clouds.

Flying above the Marine Layer

The crew flew at 90 knots during the broadcast run and during this hour the crew only caught a small glimpse of the coastline below.  At 12:00, Capt Kubiak reported to Eureka Base that the aircrew had successfully broadcasted the message and that they were returning to base.  Lt Col Dolnick turned the nose of his aircraft to the south east and safely flew his crew home to Buchanan Field. 

Aircrew of Lt Col Dolnick, Capt Rivas and Capt Kubiak

All photos courtesy of Lt Louis Rivas.

N183CP - The New Excitement

Capt Lutz Heinrich, CAP
Mission Observer
Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188
California Wing

N183CP at the Cessna factory

As reported earlier, Group 2 got a new airplane, a C-182 G1000. However, after having the pleasure of flying it as an Mission Observer I have to say, it's not just a new plane, it is a real beauty of an airplane.

On March 10 our squadron commander, Captain Noel Luneau, gave Lt Bob Adams and me the chance to evaluate this beauty with him on a proficiency flight. The shiny new bird was sitting proudly in our new hangar which was recently painted and extensively renovated inside by industrious enthusiastic members of our squadron. After a thorough preflight check and flight release we wanted to push the plane the traditional way out of the hangar. But - no standard hand pushing any more - since Captain Luneau brought a motorized tow bar. Obeying the standard safety rules we then rolled it from its dedicated place in the front and center of this huge hangar. Now we could admire this glory in the sunshine. It even smelled new inside.

Capt Heinrich cleaning the windshield

Our task was to practice local flying and checking out the advanced avionics provided with the airplane. I have to say, the sophisticated dual display of the G1000 can be also very confusing when you are not intensively trained for its optimum usage. However, I even discovered a few traditional round gouges as back ups secretly mounted below the big primary and multifunction displays right in front of the pilot and observer. Taxiing from the new hangar area to Runway 27R is took a bit longer than from our squadron building tie down. Plenty of time to practice disciplined Sterile Cockpit. After run up we were cleared for a right downwind departure and aimed for Livermore airport. I was impressed when Captain Luneau engaged the autopilot soon after take off and let it follow the programmed electronic flight plan.

Capt Heinrich and Lt Adams at the Squadron's hangar

All the equipment worked fine, radio communication was clear, and we could even contact Yosemite 55 on the local repeater via the COM3 radio. While supported by ATC with radar service we also saw air traffic around us depicted on the MFD which is a great safety addition, because sometimes it is tough to see small airplanes right away. After a few smooth touch and goes on runway 07L at Livermore airport we practiced further proficiency flying near the San Pablo Bay and eventually turned to a visual approach via the Mormon Temple for our home runway of 27R.  After another perfect smooth landing, taxi, and fuel refill we had the pleasure to clean and polish the leading edges of the wings and struts.

Now N183CP, the beauty of sky, is waiting to fly more and to participate in training and real missions and is looking for more G1000 certified pilots to use it.

Multimedia
Pictures of the Aircraft are located here.
Pictures of the Hangar are located here.

Photo's courtesy of Capt Lutz Heinrich

CAWG New Aircraft Day Four

Lt Col Brett Dolnick, CAP
Commander of Diablo Squadron  44
California Wing

The following diary was written by Lt Col Brett Dolnick chronicling his adventures transporting a brand new C-182 G1000 from the Cessna Factory in Wichita Kansas to Concord CA. Lt Col Dolnick was accompanied by Capt Jeff Ironfield.

Day four

This is my next to last post and I thank all those interested enough in my ramblings to still be following. I think everyone knows our route from today. We went from Independence and had filed a number of VORs but ATC gave us direct routing to BGD. It became apparent around the time we passed BGD that we would need "services" prior to Double Eagle (AEG). That extra 1.5 hours just didn't sound comfortable, so a detour to Tucumcari (TCC) was in order.

I shot the GPS 21 approach (finally under the hood). After a quick turn, we were back off to AEG. I shot the ILS and circled to 17 since a Blackhawk was doing hover tests on 22. Unfortunately when we got there, the self-service fuel island was broken and the restaurant had just closed. So, they rolled the fuel truck and we borrowed the crew car for a drive to town to grab Subway.

Then we were off to Prescott. No, we didn't see Meteor Crater, couldn't find it on the map. But we did take a look at the airport (KINW) and discussed singing the song (Take it easy) but were afraid of the distribution should it have gotten out.

Got some great shots of the mountains and plains as we crossed the country and the red rocks as we flew over Sedona. I'll put a few in here and will post all pictures this weekend. We wrapped the day with Jeff shooting a very nice GPS 21L at night into PRC.

Anyone who thinks there's overcrowding and not enough room in our great country need only fly across it. There's an amazing amount of nothingness.

We met up with my dad who got me into CAP. He had been a Cadet for a short period in 1950 and he's a private pilot. I showed off the amazing G1000 and our new plane and then we went to dinner.

Tomorrow will be from here to KWJF and then on to KCCR. It'll be about 5 enroute and we should be on the ground around 3:00. If you're interested, please come on out to see the new plane.

CAWG New Aircraft Day Three

Lt Col Brett Dolnick, CAP
Commander of Diablo Squadron  44
California Wing

The following diary was written by Lt Col Brett Dolnick chronicling his adventures transporting a brand new C-182 G1000 from the Cessna Factory in Wichita Kansas to Concord CA. Lt Col Dolnick was accompanied by Capt Jeff Ironfield.

Day Three

Our time at Cessna is just about up and today was a wonderful way to wrap things. We started the day the way it should be done, with a nice flight with lots of failures (simulated, of course). There was no ground school today, so when we got to the factory, we jumped right into our briefings with our instructors. For me, we were going to simulate an MFD, PFD, and ADC/AHRS failure and since I'm a REAL glutton for punishment, I asked if we could do a DME Arc. Sure, we can do that! And hand-fly it too!

It was then off to the Delivery building for our preflight. Once we got our tow out, we were off starting with a short-field landing. For those following along on your flight simulators, KIDP to KCNU for the GPS 36 with a low approach. During this approach we simulated an MFD failure.

We were then off to KCFV for the VOR/DME-A. Once the autopilot had guided us onto the arc, oops, the PFD failed. Unfortunately, with that comes a loss of the autopilot (along with a few other things). So, it was a nice hand flown arc and then approach with a circle to land for a short field landing. After a soft field takeoff, we flew to Bartlesville where I shot the KBVO GPS 17 with a failed ADC/AHRS. Fun stuff!


KICT to KCFV  Photo Lt Col Dolnick

Jeff dropped our new plane, 183CP off for an oil change, so he flew back to Independence with me and my instructor. Then we went to lunch with the Administrative Assistant for the Flight Training department. After lunch she gave us an amazing factory tour. She knows so much about how everything works she could easily the running the place!

Capt Ironfield piloting the new CAP plane. Photo Lt Col Dolnick

Corvalis

The Corvalis line is just starting at this factory and we got to see the first few on the line. They look significantly different from everything else on the floor since it's composite and everything else is metal. The fuselage and wings are brought in as whole pieces and the fuselage is placed right on top of the wing, which is one single piece. The first new Corvalis is about ready to roll out to the paint shop and may even be there by Monday.

High-wing

We got to see everything from the wing skins being formed onto the spars, the insides of the wing being sealed, to the cockpits being built from just a bulkhead, the wiring, cables, fuel lines, etc being added, to the controls being installed. We got to see the interior shop where they were hand making seats (they were doing a back bench for a 182) when we were there, sewing leather, stretching leather onto a new yoke, and making plastic panels for doors and other interior parts. Boy, I wish I could have snuck out some new stuff for my plane!

Then we got to see them mate wings to fuselages. While there, they put the right wing on a 172. It took 5 people to lift the wing and hold it in place while another lined it up and another got all the tubes, cables, and wires into the right holes. They got a stand under the wing to hold it while they then riveted it into place.
Flight building

We then went to see the planes when they just come out of paint and having the engine hung. They have Mustangs and many high-wing planes. Did you know that red spinners denote planes still undergoing flight testing? And they don't install most of the interior (carpet, nice seats, etc) until they're ready to deliver the plane.

Mustang

Then we went back to the factory floor where we got to see them make Mustangs. It was similar to the high-wing build. Except bigger!  They build the wins and then mate them with each other to form a single piece wing. They build the tailcone, empennage, and nose separately and then mate the three pieces. When we got there Monday, the first Mustang 2 was in three pieces and ready to be mated. Today, it was all together and in he next step, ready to be joined with the wing.

Needless to say, seeing the first new Corvalis and first new Mustang 2 being built was pretty cool. And it's amazing the amount of handmade work that goes into the planes. The pride they have here is amazing!

After this, Jeff and I made a nice cross country flight to Wichita. I flew there under the hood and shot the KICT GPS 1R. We went to Yingling Aviation to the gift shop. The airport is pretty busy, being Cessna's home and the Citation factory, Lear Jet factory, and an air carrier airport. After getting some gear, Jeff flew the leg back under the hood and shot the KIDP GPS 17.

Then back to the B&B for flight planning. Tomorrow morning we will take final delivery of our new plane and head back. The plan is for a stop in Dalhart, TX and then an overnight stop in Prescott, AZ. More to come tomorrow night!

CAWG New Aircraft Day Two

Lt Col Brett Dolnick, CAP
Commander of Diablo Squadron  44
California Wing

The following diary was written by Lt Col Brett Dolnick chronicling his adventures transporting a brand new C-182 G1000 from the Cessna Factory in Wichita Kansas to Concord CA. Lt Col Dolnick was accompanied by Capt Jeff Ironfield.

Day Two

Ground school is done. We started the day in the lab practicing setting up

more standard settings on the map, finding lots of information like current
weather, using terrain, stormscope, traffic, etc and then practiced loading
and flying approaches and missed approaches.

Then it was off to the classroom to review the MFD pages available which was
a review of what we had just done in the lab,the many systems in use along
with many acronyms that start with 'G', and where the systems are located. Then
we wrapped the ground portion with a review of what happens when different things fail.

For lunch, we met with one of the maintenance inspectors in the Delivery
department. He has been there since the single engine line restarted in 1996
and built most of the first couple planes off the line, rebuilt all the rigs
and machinery to build the planes, and has served in many roles and trained
others at Cessna. It was a very interesting conversation and we heard some
stuff about how they take care of common squawks after planes are built.

After lunch, we went out to fly. For those following along at home, our
route was KIDP KMIO flying the T-route for the GPS 17 approach, KPTS vectors
to the GPS 22 approach circle to land on runway 4, NALLY V132 KCNU VOR-A
approach pilot NAV from CNU with the published missed, V131 TYROE direct
VOVRE KIDP ILS 35 for the second full stop landing. All of this was done
without a hood on (oh well) and with the autopilot.

Tomorrow we will be doing the Emergency Procedures flight, simulating both a
PFD failure and ADC/AHRS (Air Data Computer (airspeed, altitude, vertical
speed), and Attitude Heading Reference System (attitude, turn rate,
slip/skid)) failure. We'll fly these again without a hood (but Capt Ironfield and I
will put each other under the hood plenty on the way home). I may get to do
an MFD failure and DME Arc too, depending on time.

We're planning a factory tour, trip to the company store. Then we'll be
getting ready for our last night here in Independence. Our plan is to launch
Thursday morning for our long day with an overnight in Prescott, AZ.

CAWG Group 2 New Aircraft!

Lt Col Brett Dolnick, CAP
Commander of Diablo Squadron  44
California Wing

The following diary was written by Lt Col Brett Dolnick chronicling his adventures transporting a brand new C-182 G1000 from the Cessna Factory in Wichita Kansas to Concord CA. Lt Col Dolnick was accompanied by Capt Jeff Ironfield.

Day one

We arrived at Cessna headquarters and got our badges and notebooks and met the head of pilot training. Then we got to sit through a 4 hour ground school similar to the CAP ground school, going over a G1000 overview, standard setup, and full function of all VFR functions. This was about 3.5 hours. 

Cessna factory. Photo Lt Col Dolnick

Welcome Lt Col Dolnick Photo Lt Col Dolnick

Welome Capt Ironfield. Photo Lt Col Dolnick

Then we went into a room with a bunch of simulators and got to practice some button-ology, setup, flight plans, and VNV.

G-1000 Simulator. Photo Lt Col Dolnick

After that, we went to lunch with the Value Stream Leader for the single engine line, who has 37 people working for him building the 172, 182, and 206s. He said right now, they're producing 5-6 planes per week and the most they've ever done is about 25 in a week. He's been on the line until shortly after they restarted in 1997.

He said the most popular is the 172 and it takes about twice as long to make a 206 as a 172. He said it's about 13 days for a 172, 7 for the build, 3 for paint, and 3 for test flight, fixes, etc. He said they're just starting on the new 182 JT-A. The first one is on the line now. They also have the first Mustang 2 on the floor (sorry, they don't allow pictures on the factory floor). They make the 172, 182, 206, Corvalis, and Mustang here. They do some final assembly of the 162 here, but they're made in China.

Capt Jeff Ironfield. Photo Lt Col Dolnick

After lunch, we went to fly. We picked up our planes (2 of the many CAP planes they have here) in the Customer Delivery Center. While the plane Capt Ironfield flew had a rudder trim issue, my plane flew VERY well. Luckily we got to do our preflight in the center, since it was about 20 deg outside. They took us out on a tug, while we were nice and warm inside (ahhhh, that new plane smell).

Capt Ironfield Preflights. Photo Lt Col Dolnick

After start, I took off, flying to 3O9 - Grand Lake Regional (Monkey Island, OK). After a full stop there, we went to KBVO - Bartlesville. We did steep turns, slow flight, and power off stalls.

We added points in our flight plan, did VNav profiles and descents different ways, rerouted, and then went in to land. After a full stop there, we took off for KCNU - Chanute. While en route we practiced with the Nearest function, setting all the radios and an approach up back to KIDP. we shot a practice approach (no hood today) followed by a full stop landing and taxi back to the Delivery Center.

It was a fun day!  Enjoy the pictures and look forward to more tomorrow.