Traron Squadron

1) There is a "National FAST Manual" floating around that might replace the old T-34 Manual, this decision is being reviewed by the FAST Board, having read it, I think it’s an improvement over the T-34 Manual but would require a CAF/TRARON supplement, which is how the manual was designed. For now, the T-34 book is the approved solution, so standby for changes.

2) Our website is finally linked from the CAF site. More and more we are going to end up electronic. I urge you to use this forum and get your information here. As we get closer you will find sign up sheets for clinics, info on said clinics, etc. Speaking of info, there is a CAF insurance requirement for anyone that operates a private aircraft at a TRARON clinic or CAF airshow, must have proof of naming the CAF as an addition insured and we’ll have that wording posted soon.

3) The National Capital Squadron and the Stars and Stripes Squadron, up around NoVA (Northern Virginia) and Maryland had their clinic, actually held it in Culpepper, VA and it was fairly successful. While no one got their card there was a lot of good practice and the folks there have a foundation to build on. Remember, the purpose of FAST is Safety and there’s no sense in practicing the wrong thing. Most people don’t get their card at their first clinic but you can learn the fundamentals and practice safety, outside the "clinic" arena so the next time you can be more proficient.

4) The Multi-engine Formation Working Group is producing a standard for photo flights, right now it’s in review/edit. There will be more on that later. This is of importance to the Check Airmen out there as you may be giving a checkride for this non-FAST rating. Emphasis on "non-FAST", this rating is only for the CAF, it does not apply in waivered airspace and it is to provide for the CAFR that states that, in formation, in a CAF aircraft, you must be formation qualified regardless of the airspace you’re in.

4) Congratulations to our Sec./treas Doug Matthews on being selected for the Navy Tailhook Legacy Flight. In March, he was named Legacy Lead! Go TRARON!

5) Airshow season is upon us, fly safe!

Anybody interested in more should contact me at skipperh@earthlink.net and please put "FAST" in the subject line before I spam you out.

Skipper Hyle

TRARON Lead