Fly In the P-51 Man 'O War

This is the perfect Fathers Day Gift.

Give him the experience of a lifetime, a ride in a WW II P-51 Mustang fighter, an SNJ/AT-6 advanced trainer or a PT-19A primary trainer. You could make a special surprise wish come true. Unforgettable!

Call the museum and make your reservation. Most airplane rides are on Saturdays.

Also special on some Saturdays is cockpit viewing with photo opportunities preserving the moments. Sometimes a pilot may take an airplane up for a test flight around the airport after some maintenance.

Now that the Royal Air Force Spitfire is part of the flyable group along with the P-51 Mustang, they will be trying to steal the attention like “new guys on campus.” The real Japanese Zero (used in the movie Pearl Harbor), F6F Hellcat and F8F Bearcat (the first two types of aircraft that the Blue Angels flew) will be stiff competition among these fighters at the air shows!

Two aircraft are in restoration. The B-25/PBJ Marine Corp. Bomber is looking more like an airplane (featured on the History Channel). The re-build project, the Fairchild 24, is getting a little more attention now days and you can watch Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The original Russian Yak 3 (the only original Yak of its type in the U.S.) is still “greeting the visitors” in the museum hangar. The C-46 transport “China Doll” is on the ramp and usually open for the visitors as part of the tour.

There are visiting aircraft added from time to time. The museum displays are always growing and changing and the library is available for research and pleasure.

Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. six days a week, closed Mondays at Camarillo Airport off the 101 frwy. Call (805) 482-0064 or see www.orgsites.com/ca/caf-socal and www.cafsocal-com.

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Flight Training Apps Inc, an emerging San Diego company specializing in high definition, affordable flight training videos and software has just released the first product for the PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

The App titled "Garmin 430/530W Approaches & Holds" is soon to be followed by a second app titled "Garmin 430/530W Enroute Use, Flight Plans, SIDs & STARs." Flight Training Apps, founded by partners Ant Bilsev and Dave Simpson has plans for 50 different topics including private and commercial maneuvers, ground school, glider training, avionics training, and checkride preparation.

The company is bringing high definition quality to the flight training market, with content configured for both traditional PC users and those with new emerging devices such as iPhones and iPads. The company will soon release their apps for the Android market, another popular format.

Both Bilsev and Simpson are active flight instructors with technical backgrounds. Because they fly with students everyday, they understand the needs of today's pilots and have incorporated this knowledge into their products.

Simpson, a Gold Seal and Master Flight Instructor has been flying and instructing for years and owns an active flight school. Bilsev an engineer and flight instructor, has been a consultant in the aviation industry for years. He brings his extensive technical background and specialized video and audio skills into the company.

Each app includes actual in flight video, simulations, and interactive content creating a superior learning experience. A free demo and access to Flight Training Apps products are available on their website at www.flighttrainingapps.com.

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Marty Martin, a well-respected helicopter pilot in California with over 31,000 hours, is making good use of a vision supplement that's been popular with aviators for years.

The product is called Claroxan, and it is widely known as the "crown jewel" of long range focus, and depth perception.

Many pilots count on Claroxan, a once daily tablet for vision improvement, as a key component to address and enhance performance on the vision testing segment of the FAA Medical examination.

Martin, who started in aviation after being drafted into the US Army in 1969 during the Vietnam conflict, began using the daily eye vitamin back in 2006, and saw such a dramatic improvement that he has been turning his clients on to Claroxan ever since.

"I noticed objects becoming dramatically clearer with my unaided vision. I was astounded at the clarity with which I was able to focus," says Martin, describing what Claroxan has done for his visual acuity.

Claroxan is trademarked and distributed by a small, customer-friendly company called Pacific Health, located in beautiful Bellingham, Wash. Pacific Health's R&D team works in conjunction with a manufacturer to create unique proprietary formulas consisting of vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants and caratenoids that have been known to be beneficial for maintaining and enhancing visual acuity.

Claroxan is available in three different all-natural formulas, including a safe formula designed for smokers and a high-powered formula used by professionals.

"We chose to create the best formulas possible," a company spokesman said.  "Take just one tablet per day, and you should see the effects in no time. Further, our customer service is top notch!

"Customers should feel free to call us and ask as many questions as they feel necessary before starting the Claroxan program."

To learn more, contact Pacific Health by calling (855) 820-4023 or visit online at www.PacHealth.com.

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Idaho Afloat of Graingevillelle, Ida. offers one-day and multi-day whitewater adventure vacations in Idaho and Montana.

A whitewater trip is an excellent way to experience the great outdoors and reconnect with those most important to you. Idaho Afloat provides everything that you will need to make your river trip the vacation of a lifetime.

Without the normal distractions of everyday life you'll leave the river rejuvenated and reconnected.

Idaho Afloat offers multi-day trips on the Snake River through Hells Canyon, the Main Salmon River and the Lower Salmon River in Idaho. If you're short on time, or not sure whitewater suits you, try a day trip In Montana on the Clark Fork River through the Alberton Gorge or the Blackfoot River.

These days' families, especially kids, are less exposed to the great outdoors than ever before. Let Idaho Afloat help you enjoy and share the beauty that nature has to offer.

On their whitewater vacations you'll be fully submerged in the natural world and its' rich history. Enjoy days spent on the river experiencing thrilling rapids, afternoons full of beach games, relaxing or hikes, and evenings around the campfire.

In these remote areas you might as well leave your laptop and smart phone at home as there is no signal to temp you. You'll be able to fully focus on your friends and family with none of the distractions of everyday life.

Of course, if you need to check in with the office, a satellite phone is on every multi-day trip.

Idaho Afloat offers something for all ages and interests, and they would love to help you decide which trip would be best suited to you and your fellow travelers.

For more information on Idaho Afloat vacations visit  www.idahoafloat.com or email: info@idahoafloat.com or call 800-700-2414.

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Single Pilot Resource Management Training helps pilots stay current and safe, but it also helps lower their insurance premiums.

Today, General Aviation pilots are finding themselves flying in a more complex airspace and flying more technically advanced aircraft then in the recent past.  Unfortunately, with these complexities comes' more pilot incidents, accidents  and violations.

According to the owner of Hawks' Nest Simulator Center Keith Larson, the insurance rates are on the rise for Single Pilot operators, whether they fly for recreation or professionally.

"If you were to look at the NTSB Accident Database, you can see that single pilot aircraft accidents are on the rise. For example, back in 2007, pilot action, or inaction, was blamed for 45 percent of all business turboprop accidents." Larson said.

"These statistics are what insurance underwriters look at when setting premiums  Professional aircrews have been using simulator-based training for years, now it's time for General Aviation pilots to think of doing the same."

Larson also stated, "Being a safe a proficient pilot is more than just learning to fly, it involves continuous education. Your family may depend on it."

At Hawks' Nest Simulator Center, it appears that the training incorporates scenario-based situations (emergency and unusual events) with techniques to safely operate an aircraft VFR or IFR. Along with Single Pilot Resource Management Training, they educate pilots at all skill levels and even offer airline interview preparation.

If you would like more information, you can view their website at www.hawksim.com. If you would like to schedule your training, please call Keith Larson at 800-763-5270, or at hawksnestsimulator@yahoo.com.

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Situated in the pristine tropical islands of Hawaii, you'll find not only scenic valleys, expansive beaches, and exotic rain forests, but also one of the country's most distinctive helicopter pilot training schools - Mauna Loa Helicopters.

Favorable weather conditions for nearly 365 flyable days per year, along with inter-island offshore operations, challenging mountain and high DA flying and even an erupting volcano, all provide diverse training environments for these lucky pilots.

Mauna Loa Helicopters specializes in operating Robinson R-22s and R-44s in surroundings varying from sea level to 13,000 feet. The dynamic training experience of Mauna Loa Helicopters is complemented by all the services of larger helicopter pilot training schools, yet maintains a highly personalized level of instruction, which makes smaller schools so productive and unique.

As an FAA Part 141 approved flight school and ACCSC accredited school, Mauna Loa Helicopters recently became the first independent helicopter school in the country to offer its students Federal Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

"This is a project that has been in the works for many years, and we are proud to see it come to fruition for the benefit of our students and our institution," said Ben Fouts, president Mauna Loa Helicopters. "We are excited that this opens the doors to a lot of great candidates that would otherwise not have the opportunity to become a professional pilot."

In addition to federal loans, other notable resources available to students are VA benefits, a job placement program and M-1 and F-1 visas for international students. Mauna Loa Helicopters is a rotorcraft flight school located on the islands of Oahu, Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai.

Helicopter training is offered from Private through ATP certificates, including External Load and NVG courses. Interested students should contact MLH at (808) 334-0234, e-mail:

info@maunaloahelicopters.com or see www.maunaloahelicopters.com.

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It seems to be getting harder to find a good flying club these days.

Well, at Palomar Airport, Pacific Coast Flyers is providing an alternative to expensive flight school rental rates and top quality instructors. Also, PCF has great aircraft to fly after the training is done and it's time to go places.

With a one hour per day overnight minimum, it is easy to plan that San Francisco, Las Vegas or Phoenix trip without much worry of bumping into the daily minimums that quite often put a damper on overnight aircraft use.

Add to that the well equipped state of PCF's fleet and you have a recipe for fun and safe flying with all the cool bells and whistles of modern GPS-equipped aircraft without the hassles. Our fleet includes everything from Light Sport for those who like to keep it simple to glass panel retracts for great cross-country flying.

Pacific Coast Flyers members enjoy 24/7 aircraft access and opportunities for group fly-ups throughout the year. PCF's recent destinations include weekend trips to California's Central Coast and Las Vegas.

At PCF you'll find a rich social environment where social activities allow opportunities to meet other pilots with similar interests and get acquainted over good food and fun. In addition to the social activities at Pacific Coast Flyers, there is an emphasis on safety with well organized safety meetings presented regularly for club members and the pilot community.

But wait, there's more! For those of you interested in exploring aviation PCF is offering a discovery flights for $50. All you have to do is bring a copy of our ad in this month's Pacific Flyer and we'll give you a chance to see if the pursuit of a Private or Sport Pilot certificate is for you.

For more information, go to our web site at: www.pcflyers.org.

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Flying the majestic Colorado River from Laughlin, Nev. to Parker, Ariz. offers some of the most picturesque views in the southwest.

The Colorado River flows south from Laughlin through agricultural fields of cotton and fresh cut hay; remember this is in the heart of the southwest desert.  Just south of Needles, Calif. you will be flying over the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, please watch your altitude.

The views of Topock Gorge are spectacular; you can see the Colorado wander around cliffs and sand bars and on to the south you will be entering the Chemehuevi Valley, home of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe that settled this region.

Continuing south your flight will take you over Lake Havasu City, the home of the famous London Bridge. The river now begins to narrow again offering great panoramic views of the Whipple Mountains to the west and the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge to the south.

The Colorado River turns west through the Gibraltar Mountain wilderness Area and gently flows past Parker heading then south on to Mexico.

If your time permits I recommend stopping at Desert Skies Executive Air, located at the Lake Havasu City Arizona Municipal Airport (KHII). Desert Skies is a Conoco Phillips branded FBO and offers the "Lowest Fuel Prices Always" in the region.

And if you are hungry Waldo's BBQ, located next door to Desert Skies, will have just the meal for you! Waldo's offers a wide selection of finger licking BBQ from mouth watering pulled pork, beef and chicken sandwiches to baby back ribs and falling apart beef brisket.

Waldo's also provides catering and can handle large group fly-ins. Make our bad habit your bad habit too!

For more information please contact Desert Skies at desertskiesexecutiveair@yahoo.com, call (928) 764-8000 or check us out at  www.airnav.com. KHII.

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There are many opinions formed in the world of Aviation when the subject of accelerated flight training is brought into the conversation.

The opinions are as varied as the aircraft we fly. The question most often asked is; does it work?

The answer is resounding yes! While accelerated flight training is not for everyone, it is an effective way for most people to receive superior flight instruction, at often times lower cost than traditional flight training.

Accelerated programs offer superior instruction. Flight instructors who work in an accelerated environment are highly experienced, highly skilled, dedicated individuals who train more pilots in a year than most traditional instructors train in many.

This translates into experience that allows accelerated instructors to break through learning plateaus and tailor instruction for each individual more readily. Learning to fly is like building a brick wall.

Each block represents a skill, lesson, or some knowledge. Progress is made with hard work, dedication, and study as the mortar.

When these things are put into place in the right order by dedicated professional instructors, a strong wall that is the future of aviation is built. It is important to note that accelerated instruction is only as good as the instructors who run these programs, and the dedication you can commit to achieving your dreams.

It is also important to do your research before choosing between traditional, and accelerated flight training. Finding out what other people have to say, and what their experiences have been is crucial to finding the best option for you.

If do the research properly I think you will find that accelerated flight training is not as bad as it is made out to be by its competition. In fact, I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised!

Courtesy of Tailwheels Etc., (863) 327-6880 or (863) 401-3592. www.tailwheelsetc.com

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“Listen to your customers; they will tell you which way to go with your business.”

These are the words of Kent Pramhus, entrepreneur and pilot.

“When we first started the Flying Club idea, back in 2007, it was to enhance our opportunities in the aircraft sales business. Today the Flying Club has taken the front seat and is the driving force behind most everything we do”.

Foothill Flying Club is the collaboration of Curtis Cable, Kent Pramhus and Tony Settember of Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service, Inc. All are pilots and all love airplanes and aviation.

“Good business today requires us to move and change with the times. Nothing can go stale. Nothing is engraved in stone. Everything is on the table.”

“Take the club,” said Settember. “We took the traditional flight school and threw the model out the jump door. Yes, you can train for a certificate here, but there is so much more to it than that.

“It is about how you treat people and how you put their experience first,” he continued. “Take, for instance, the business pilot. Normally you see him as the aircraft owner/pilot who uses his plane like a car, or personal airline.

“Most of these guys shy away from flight schools, because of the minimum daily hour requirements (penalties) imposed upon them. Well, no penalties here!”

“And how about the flying enthusiast,” says Pramhus. “We have tail draggers you can actually fly someplace. Take the Legend Cub on a ‘Walter Mitty’ trip across highway US 40. Feel the freedom of a Cub pilot from the 30’s and 40’s.

“Some places won’t even let you fly the plane solo, leastwise take it on a trip. One of the member’s father got his private ticket in a Cub, and he is about ready to take his private check ride in a Cub, like Dad did.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Foothill Flying Club is about pilots, by pilots and for pilots. Join today and see for yourself. Visit us at www.foothillflyingclub.com, or call (909) 917-5851 at Cable Airport, Upland, Calif.

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