We are getting close!
Hopefully you were able to attend one of the Informational meetings that provided updates on our plans for a Disbursement Policy, how to invest the easement money and what long range projects are on the horizon. Join the next board meeting for more details, which is this time:
Next board meeting 9/21/23 7:30 pm Zoom!
The meeting this month is one week later than usual.
Founders Day Picnic
Our hangar makes a great venue for a party. It was filled with people, music and good food. And watching a thunderstorm role through from it’s safety and cover was quite spectacular.
Big thanks to Beth and Lukas for organizing the event, everybody for contributing delicious food and of course the Honkin Geezers for the great music.
Prevent 2024 FOMO! Plan early to block your calendar next year for the First Saturday after Labor Day!
Simulator upgrade
Please see the detailed write-up from Alain Steven in the link below. And please do not use the simulator, unless you have read the write-up.
PGC Glider Simulator 2023
And if you are an instructor, willing to use the simulator more for primary instruction, this would open up some funds available by the SSA to do upgrades to our rig.
Classroom # 6 refurbish
You may have seen it: the siding work has started with all new doors already installed and a new window with siding giving us a hint at what this building will look like in the near future.
Only one step away from disaster
We recently had two near incidents, when tail dollies were still attached on gliders ready for launch.
The PIC and the wing runner’s responsibility is it to assure, that this cannot happen.
In the past, flying privileges were threatened, if a glider was parked with a tail dolly attached. We may need to bring this back to really drive it home that people have died because of such oversights.
Canopies continue to break
Since 2015, PGC has gone through (4) canopies. At an ever-increasing cost. Not to mention the significant downtime involved.
We are doing something wrong. And we will discuss this during the next board meeting. Expect to see some changes.
As an immediate action: Review what we stress during every year’s Ops and Safety briefing:
- Don’t lift the canopy by the window opening.
- Don’t ever force the sliding window. If it doesn’t move easily, leave it be and have it looked at
- Never ever leave the canopy open unattended
- No hats with buttons
- Buckle up well, so your head doesn’t hit the canopy during turbulence
- Lock the canopy before take-off
- And do that one more thing not listed here, that can also break or damage it!
A True Barn Find – build by a PGC member
Steve Devine found the below article about a glider built by a member and stored for years in the rafters of the Main Hangar at PGC:
https://warbirdsnews.com/vintage-aviation/a-true-barn-find-for-the-mid-atlantic-air-museum.html
PX and KG update
The recent hot weather has not helped to get our refurbished gliders closer to the flight line. But there is good progress! And should be seeing them in the air very soon.
The season is far from over
Some of the nice fall days of flying are on the horizon. And there is word of having a Fall Potluck picnic with a bonfire in late October. Look out for more details.
Trailer spots / Hangar for sale
Klaus Esser and Justin Shaw each have a trailer spot in the South hangar for sale. Asking price $6,000. A trailer spot is available in the South Hangar for rent ($500/year).
If you are interested in any of the above, please reach out to our secretary Michelle Wootton. All sales have to be approved by the board.