Traron Squadron

Its hard to believe that our summer and flying season is half over already. It has been a very busy time for Laurie and I since we have moved from Sedona, Az and are now in Ocala, Fl. That was a really long trip but we now have all our belongings in one place except for the SNJ which is now in Kenosha, WI waiting for us to arrive for the pre-Oshkosh flying. After OSH, I will be able to take it home for the first time. What a thrill that will be.

I hope all of you T-6 drivers are making progress on your AD compliance. This has been the nightmare that we have all dreaded since the T-34 problem came to the fore a few years ago. Others have written about the problem and I’m sure you have all read everything that you can find. So far, the numbers that I have heard about all indicate that the T-6, when used properly, is a very durable and tough machine. When used improperly, it is just as susceptible to breaking as any other airplane. Pulling excessive Gs and asymmetrical Gs is going to hurt the airframe. My SNJ, as well as several others that I am familiar with, have been used extensively for aerobatics but still passed the AD inspection with no problems. I hope that someday soon the FAA and the owners of the fighter pilot for a day schools come to the realization that it is misuse that is causing most of the problems. I do know that a few people have found some corrosion during the inspection and left unchecked, this will eventually cause a problem. Because of this, I do feel that the inspection has been worthwhile but I’m hoping that we don’t have to repeat it every 200 hours.

Now to more direct issues. TRARON has participated in 3 formation clinics so far this year and they have all been quite successful. Most importantly, they have been safe. Safety continues to be the most important aspect of our clinics and I want you all to keep that foremost in your minds. Formation flying is fun and challenging but ever so dangerous and very unforgiving of lapses in concentration and carelessness. Don’t fly if you’ve got other problems or issues on your mind. Work hard to keep yourself safe and our good record in tact. We need everyone’s help. Give good briefings, fly smart and debrief each and every flight. Keep every ones head in the game, and fly the flight to the level of the least experienced wingman.

We are starting to make plans for our next TRARON clinic at this time so I want you to mark the dates on your calendar and prepare to attend. The clinic will be held at Odessa, Tx just prior to CAF Airshow. The dates will be Sept. 29 and 30, 2005. I will enclose a registration form so sign up early. We will hope that Mother Nature cooperates and we can get 2 full days of flying in before Airshow. If you have the time and opportunity, attend the NATA clinic this week at Kenosha, WI. It is one more opportunity to learn and practice. Even the best improve with practice.

See you in Odessa.

Keep ‘em Flying

Rick