New Airplanes at I99

CISS Tow Pilot and Instructor, Capt. Miller, is the proud new owner of a Taylorcraft L-2B. This WWII Observation craft has a swivel seat in the rear for the observer. It should be great for observing aerotows  if he can be persuaded to add a tow hook. This joins the "fleet" at CISS which also includes the Piper J-5 restored by Ed Escalon, Dan DeWitt, and and George Saunders. These folks may have the solution for the no thermal days. 

                                                                                                                                   

"Bob" Lands at Alexandria

One of Dr. Robert Gillan's last wishes was for CISS to have a Schweizer Glider to fly in his memory recognizing his many years as a club member and instructor. On October 28, after almost a year of searching for a appropriate glider, Schweizer 1-34, contest ID OE, has been purchased and has arrived at Alexandria where Ron Clarke quickly gave it the nickname of "Bob".

Beautiful blue skies and  some nice Cu welcomed Nyal Williams, Don Taylor and John Earlywine as they arrived at the Beloit Wisconsin Airport to pick up the glider on October 27th. The picture does not tell the whole story. Winds in the 40 mph range delayed loading and eliminated any chance of a test flight before departure. Comments from Judy Ruprecht and Scott Manley, two of the Beloit instructors, indicated this was their favorite glider to fly in the Sylvania Soaring Adventures fleet. It will be on the line at CISS next spring. In the meantime come on out to the airport and take a look at it. One thing is certain. Although CISS rental rates have not been determined, they will be significantly lower than the $55 per hour it has been earning at Beloit. There are some significant benefits for CISS members.

CISS Soaring Study Group News

Thanks to Ron Clarke for leading an outstanding session on "Weather Resources and Analysis" this last Sunday.  The Sunday forecast was for poor soaring conditions and unfortunately the weather lived up to the forecast.  Despite that, about a dozen members came out to Alexandria to participate in the discussion.

Below are some links to the resources mentioned in the discussion. 

DrJack's BLIPMAPs:  http://www.drjack.info/BLIP/index.html 

Air Sports Net Muncie Aviation Forecast:  http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi?Submit=Go&sta=KMIE&state=IN

 NOAA's Aviation Weather Center:  http://aviationweather.gov/

BMapper:   http://www.bmapper.com/

An easy way to try BMapper and avoid creating your own maps and setting everything up from the website, go to:

http://soarindy.info/files/BMapper/

and download the files. Complete installation instructions are in the readme file. Just double click on the readme file to get started.

As a reminder, the final 2010 session will be held on 31 October at 11am.  John Earlywine will lead a discussion on "Off-season Opportunities and Resources."  Afterwards, I will be soliciting opinions on the study group sessions.  If there is interest in continuing in 2011, we'll discuss possible topics and scheduling.

Mark Rottler

Airport Office Unlocked

Early Tuesday morning the office door was unlocked, and the security system was not armed. The door was locked and the system was armed Sunday evening.

The possible consequences of leaving the office and hangars unlocked and unattended are obvious. There are many items of significant value in the building. A conversation between some local farmers at the breakfast table overheard in a local resturant indicated there have been a number of break-ins to steal tools from locked barns in the area recently. We should not make it easier.

Please take a few moments to check to be certain the lights are off, the building is locked and the security system is armed if it appears you may be the last person leaving the airport, or if you have opened the building during the week. 

New CISS Private Pilot Glider Ratings

On Sunday 10 October, two CISS pilots earned their Private Pilot Glider Certificates.

Miller - Oberly - Rielage

Mark Oberly found the winds more favorable than the gusts into the 30's that suspended the flight portion of his check ride earlier, finished his flights and had his certificate in his pocket in time for lunch. 

His time in the spotlight as the newest CISS pilot was limited however, as Mark Rottler was waiting patiently to begin his checkride.  By late afternoon, Mark II  replaced Mark I with

Rottler - Oberly

the distinction of having the newest certificate.

Mark I and Mark II are shown at right following the rides. 


Several instructors are starting to worry about having to apply for unemployment if this rapid drain on the pool of CISS students continues. Please promote soaring with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities at CISS and replenish the group of students.