CASCADE FLYERS

NGPA PALM SPRINGS A SMASHING GREAT TIME

Quite a few Cascade Flyers members from the Northwest and B.C. Canada attended NGPA's winter warm-up this year in Palm Springs, California. I think nearly everyone had a great time socializing with other like-minded folks about airplanes and aviation while soaking up the delicious sunshine. 

The agenda has become fairly typical - the above photo is an informal first day lunch with some Cascade Flyers members at the Blue Coyote Grill  on Palm Canyon Drive. Thursday and Friday evenings both started off with a super-fun cocktail party at the fabulous homes of local members. Saturday was our typical conference at the hotel. This year AOPA representatives gave a fantastic talk all about General Aviation topics in the U.S. of which there is a lot to talk about.

AOPA does a fantastic job - and the fact that the incredible NGPA Executive Director (a CF member too by the way) so graciously invited them - and that they actually flew out and attended, is an encouraging testimony about the state of societal affairs.

Saturday afternoon was the airplane show-and-tell - walking about members' airplane parked on the ramp. We are so thankful to NGPA and all the members who made this event so wonderful. Many of the members couldn't stand it - and fired up their planes for some impromptu flights.

 

There was such an amazing variety of aircraft from the above little French beauty, to a helicopter. One member flew his Baron from Virginia for the event! Then of course, there is Jim and Tim's 727.

 

Once again the members from SFO flew down their B-727 VIP business jet - and offered rides to those who donated to the General and Education Funds. Incredible.

If you are so motivated - attending any NGPA event is wonderfully worthwhile - many of us local Cascade Flyers members are members of NGPA as well. In fact, NGPA offered their local mailing list to us to help us form Cascade Flyers many years ago - check them out, become a member and attend any of their events.

TYPHOON AT SANTA MONICA AIRPORT

CF and NGPA member Rob W recently introduced me to the restaurant "Typhoon" at Santa Monica Airport in Los Angeles. It was a perfectly clear day, warm and sunny. The restaurant sits directly on the south tarmac offering incredible views of the runway and airport activity.

 

(photos and logo from typhoon.biz)

They have plenty of deck space for outdoor dining or drinking. Of course Rob W. ensured our attendance during the strict happy hour time frame.

(photo by Rob W)

As an added bonus NGPA member "J.M" flew over from another LA airport in his airplane to join us for drinks and appy's, although he only had diet coke, the poor guy.

(photo by Rob W)

I would certainly recommend Typhoon to aviation enthusiast during a nice day in L.A. when you have nothing else to do there! Great during the day and of course during fine sunsets.

 

(photo by Rob W)

But, if you fly-in remember to heed the SMO curfew at 2300. 

NGPA PALM SPRINGS COMING SOON

It's time to start planning for going to the NGPA Palm Springs event in January! 

This is the location of one of the cocktail parties!

NGPA NEWS BETTER THAN EVER

The Summer 2009 issue of NGPA News is better than ever; it along with the NGPA Navigaytor have won 7 design awards for 2009 alone!! Check it out! By the way, NGPA stands for National Gay Pilots Association, and includes not just pilots but members from all areas of aviation from flight attendants to air traffic controllers to mechanics.

Great writings from Steve W and Jim G, Step Four from Henry who is building a Rans S-19 home-built in Texas, the tragic demise of NGPA member Ryan M, and a great article by Cascade Flyers member Mel R about flying to minimums using a G1000, plus a review of the Women in Aviation conference earlier this year.

On page 22 you can see a hot guy with arms so big they need an FAA license! If you dont have a copy send a note through the list serve.

And remember, the NGPA Cape Cod Classic  is quickly approaching (9/18) - sign up asap!

NGPA AUGUST NAVEGAYTOR AVAILABLE

The August NGPA Navegaytor is available - another awesome issue. If you don't get it - then contact NGPA, or Steve W via the Cascade Flyers' email list serve.

There is even a section with updates about past and future events from local clubs. As David L can attest dropping in on a local club's event is a blast! He attended the last Golden Gate Flyers' event in San Francisco.

Plus, there is information about the super-popular Provincetown, MA event coming up in September.

The Navegaytor is so up to date - it evens mentions our fly-in at Orcas Island!

PILOT NEEDED ASAP FOR HAWKER 800A JOB

Aaron sent a message needing a co-pilot on the Hawker 800A (an example is shown in the image below) that he is the chief pilot on. The information is below, but you will need to write via the email list to contact him directly. Please spread the word - or apply for the job yourself!

Position:  Full-Time Hawker 800A Co-Captain or SIC
Location:  KBNA- Nashville International Airport
Compensation:  This position is salaried, and will depend on the candidate’s level of training and experience.
Company:  Land Development/Investment Company
Requirements:  ATP Minimums/Written Exam, First Class Medical

Other Information:  We are a small real estate development company with offices in Dickson, TN and San Diego, CA.  Our main office is in the Nashville area, and the Jet is based there.  Typical monthly flight activity is 10-20 hours and 5-10 days a month.  Pilots are on call most of the time, but typically have at least 3 days notice before a trip.  Please send a resume and cover letter to the email or fax.  Please highlight pertinent past experience, current employment desires, and future goals in your cover letter.   We are hoping to find a candidate that is interested in a career in corporate aviation. Anyone with ATP minimums is encouraged to apply, regardless of experience.  This is an excellent opportunity for a lower time pilot to make a jump into a career in corporate aviation.

Also posted on www.ngpa.org website

Contact:               Aaron (send message via the email list for the contact info)

NGPA FLORIDA FLING - REGISTER NOW!

When:	Friday, Mar 20, 2009 to Sunday, Mar 22, 2009
Where:	Marriott Hotel North

Registration:	Required By Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Payment:	Payment In Advance Only

Visit:            www.ngpa.org