Website: http://co-opa.com	          April 2012, Vol. 12, Issue 4

President's Message:

A/V issues caused a reschedule of Jay Bunning' Lift talk from last
month to this month.  Let's hope the A/V gods are kinder to us this
time!

As always we'll have the usual 6:00pm hanger flying , chow down at
the 6:30pm pot luck and 7:00pm meeting.  All taking place downstairs in
the KBDN Flight Services Building.

Calendar:

19 April – Monthly Meeting
21 April – Monthly Flyout

17 May – Monthly Meeting
19 May – Monthly Flyout

21 June – Monthly Meeting
23 June – Monthly Flyout

15 July – Monthly Meeting
17 July – Monthly Flyout

Web doings:

There is a little known but convenient shortcut to the City of Bend's
airport web pages where there is some usefull information:

bendairport.org

Check out current and past CO-OPA newsletters, view our membership   
list and view hot aviation links on our website at: co-opa.com          

To access the members only areas the username is "BDN" and the
password is "123.0 

March Flyout:

Z21 claims that before last week there were 5 straight weeks of
crummy weather, with just one good day in the middle.  The March Flyout
got caught by one of the crummy days, but the Hanger Cafe provided a
wonderful alternative.

The forecast for the April Flyout is for SUNNY weather, so top up
your tanks.  We are flying somewhere.

My INBOX:

Sometimes as important as what shows up in my INBOX is what does
not arrive.  The Bend Municipal Airport master Plan has been in a
holding pattern waiting for an economic and zoning study of nearby land.
While not technically part of the master plan it has been requested by
Deschutes County to aid them in their land use planning.

Now that the West Side Parallel Taxiway A project is now in the hands
of the contractors Gary Judd has been pushing to get the economic study
done so the master plan can be completed.  The FAA master plan funding
only lasts until the end of the year but let's hope we do not even get
close that that level of delay.

By the time you read this Phase 1 (the north end) of the taxiway
project should be complete and Phase 2 underway.  Phase 2, adjacent to
the Fuel Pumps and the Six Pack should be done by June.  As always,
check the ATIS, local NOTAMS, stay alert for construction workers and
keep your head on swivel.

Has anyone else noticed how the Bend Airport has been looking just a
little better kept lately?  We can thank local pilot Steve Viera, and
his son, for a lot of that.

On his own time Steve has been cutting trees in the North end
approach zone, grading and graveling the access road parking, striping
the parking lot as well as many other little things to brighten up our
airport.  If you see Steve, please give him a hearty thanks for all his
volunteer efforts.

In other news, Ken Sandine is finishing up his homebuilt airplane.
See below for the proud father and his baby.

Random Thoughts:

The FAA has requested comments for the congressionally mandated new
drone testing sites.  Docket No. FAA–2012–0252

You can read the request, and submit your comments online.  Go to:
	www.regulations.gov

Then search for FAA-2012-0252.  Comments are due by 8 May!

Answer To Last Month's Quiz

Richard Benson last month asked: What is the sheet metal on the nose
wheel for????

Answer: To keep the mice from climbing up the wheel and nose strut to
nest in the cowling.

Newsletter Inputs:

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	gem@rellim.com