Monday, July 19, 2010

ROOMS FOR THE FLY IN - GET THEM BEFORE THEY ARE GONE

2010 Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In 
Saturday, September 24th-26th, 2010.   




More information about the fly-in will be available over the next month but expect much of the same activities as we have had in the past  with the fly-in being on Saturday and an early arrival cookout dinner on Friday. 

In the meantime, be sure that if you are not into camping that you make your room reservations now.  There are other events happening in the area during the same weekend and the number of rooms are very limited.  These rooms are going fast  and the remaining rooms will be released in August. . .  so, don't delay!
To see information about CLIFTY INN:                   CLICK HERE
To make a reservation at CLIFTY INN:                   877-925-4389
Be sure to tell them the group code  "0924LB".    Rate is $122 - 132/night + tax

There is a 2 night minimum due to event weekend.
If you have problems, Kim Gardner is our contact person.

Note:  We ask that if you end up being unable to use a room that you have reserved, please contact us prior to calling the Inn to cancel.   Cancellations  with the Inn go back into the general pool and therefore are not available under our group listing.  Often there is someone on the fly-in waiting list and this way, they might be able to get the one you cannot use.
More information on the fly-in and other events coming soon. . .  
Be sure to check out our blog and website for the most recent information:
TheBigEvent.LeeBottom.com               NORDONews.LeeBottom.com

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Displaced Threshold Part Two - Beware the Corn

Previously in NORDO News, we discussed the meaning of the two sets of three cones at each end of the runway and how they pertained to runway lengths and displaced thresholds.  What we noted was that many people seem to believe that these sets of cones indicate the end of the runway and thus they take off with runway behind them.  This time we'd like to discuss the other side of the coin, visibility. 

The displaced thresholds at Lee Bottom are there due to trees to the South and seasonal crops to the North.  If you taxi to the very end of each runway during certain times of the year, you could be blind to approaching aircraft and approaching aircraft may not be able to see you.  Therefore, in order to help you use the recommended full length of the runway  please read the following best practices.


When taking off on runway 18, you should stop at the set of three cones to do your run-up.  Doing so will do two things for you: 
1)  If you watch people taking off of any runway at any airport, you will often see people focusing on their run-up and then immediately taking off.  This is not always wise as the pilot's attention has been drawn away from the act of flying and thus also away from what is going on around them.  Therefore, you should do your run-up and then give yourself a window of time to get back in the game and look for aircraft on approach.  
2)  Stopping at the displaced threshold will also do one other critically important thing for you; allow you to see any approaching aircraft on base and final.  If you pull onto the very end of runway 18 during a season where corn is being grown in the field next door, there is a good chance you will not be seen by approaching aircraft and that you will not be able to see the same.  

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you stop at the displaced threshold (the set of 3 cones), do your run-up, get back in the game, look for approaching aircraft and THEN taxi out and take off with no extended period of holding on the runway.

When it comes to runway 36, there are a few other things to keep in mind.  During the summer months when the leaves are on the trees, even if you stop at the displaced threshold, you will not be able to see aircraft on a wide base.  Yet with that said, you should still stop here and do your run-up, then look for traffic and back taxi to take off with no extended holding on the runway.  Aircraft on final and turning from base to final will be able to be seen by following this procedure and aircraft turning to final will be able to see you.

And don't forget, these procedures also work at most other airports.

Friday, July 9, 2010

July Sinful Sunday is Here

This Sunday, July 11th, will be the second Sinful Sunday of the year.  
Enjoy the pleasures of ice cream, flying, and good company


Currently it appears the weather will be beautiful for this event.  So fly on over to enjoy the featured flavor of July, 'Very Berry' shakes and sundaes.  This combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries is sure the hit the spot after suffering through the last few week's worth of blazing temperatures.

Serving plate lunch from Noon until 2PM
Serving ice cream from 1PM until 3PM
(or until we run out)


Also, we are looking for volunteers to help with Sinful Sundays. If you are open to volunteering, please contact us by clicking here so we'll know how many helpers to plan on.