What's New

Airport News

The runway was seeded and fertilized in May, but unfortunately the rain has not come. It is the driest summer so far in recent memory.

Areas of the taxiway and runway have been graded and filled in to eliminate some rough spots. Try to avoid these areas if possible because our success is dependent on letting grass grow whenever possible.

Good luck to Ricky Meyers who is now a 2nd Lieutenant, Air Force, Matt Sedewick, Ensign Navy. Pilot training in Pensacola has started. Mark Dischies is flying C130's, Air Force, somewhere in the Middle East?

Aircraft

We have just put a new engine with accessories in N5144L (C152). What an expense! N551PA, our Cherokee, is getting an IFR GPS installed for IFR training. It is a Garmin 150XL. Matt Miller is doing a great job of keeping the aircraft "lookin' good".

Safety Issues - Summer

For those of us from the 60's there was a musical group called the Lovin' Spoonful. I just heard the song again on a Oldies radio station and it reminded me of the type of weather we encounter here in the South for the next three months: "Hot Time, Summer in the City".

Well, for the next 100 days here in the Carolinas it will be "Hot Time, Summer in the Carolinas". "Hot Time" here means thunderstorms (airmass), high density altitudes, and radiation fog. All of these could spell disaster if not treated with respect from a pilot's perspective.

During the day, post 1:00 PM, a proper Wx. Brief is mandatory. No Exceptions! Due to the stationary Bermuda High that sits off the coast all summer, a clockwise rotation funnels moisture in from the Atlantic. When it combines with our solar heating, we get the ingredients for a fairly dangerous, strong cocktail of thunderstorm activity every day.

Instability is the root of evil here, and the evil is dangerous weather. The storms reach levels of 4-5 in strength and are of "Popcorn" variety. That means they appear anytime, anywhere with little notice from Flight Service (FSS) or Flight Watch(122.0). This could be very dangerous for the uneducated or wary pilot. The storms slide into the region normally from the west and exit into the eastern portion of the state.

As they move east, they become stronger. Due to the increased moisture content from the coastal plain combined with afternoon heat, the atmosphere becomes explosive and downright volatile. Student pilots need to be especially careful when planning cross country time with an "Eye to the Sky" looking in all directions.

With all that heat and moisture, we then encounter "High Density Altitudes". Already this year we have seen a density altitude reach over 3100' from field elevations of just 309'. Temperatures have hit 100 degrees F. this season already (June 13th). What it implies or equates to is dismal performance with all aircraft. Longer takeoff rolls, less climb to altitude and higher TAS on landing which again equates to use of more runway.

Also, there's a need to be careful with the mountain flying in the Carolinas. Density Altitudes can and will reach +7000'. Weight and balance is of most concern in the summer. Use a Koch chart and POH for performance calculations.

My last concern is the dreaded "radiation fog" that appears like magic in early mornings and late evenings Unless IFR capable, you must be vigilant of Temp/ Dewpoint spread and be patient, aware of that late night arrival or early morning departure. A good pilot is a PATIENT pilot and a patient pilot is a SAFE pilot. Remember when the temperature drops, or gains 10 degrees F., relative humidity changes 50%. Let the fog "burn off" before departing in the morning. Just a 30 minute wait can make all the difference for a safe flight.