Chuck Tippett and other Warrenton-Fauquier Airport Info
FOLKS, This is mostly a tribute to one of our Airport’s most selfless pilots — Chuck Tippett.
Chuck recently updated our Rotating Beacon to bright LED bulbs. He also somehow secured himself a large ‘Bucket-Truck’, and used it to repair and place new LED bulbs atop the North Ramp aircraft Tie-Down area. (see pics below).
If you know Chuck, you know he is a perpetual motion pilot. He flew in the special “Children’s Day” at the Flying Circus on Sunday, as well as gathered a few Wingmen to Fly a Special Tribute to John ‘KITFOX’ King over our field while 80 of his family and friends gathered at our Terminal for a very enjoyable memorial (more photos below).
So no-doubt, Chuck is in Charge ! Please be sure to offer him a note of thanks the next time you see him (he will be the one moving). I will offer this public THANKS – WE definitely appreciate your hard-working contributions to our jewel of an Airport.
ACRO-BOX — NOTE TO PILOTS
Pilots – this is a reminder that the West Acro-Box, used by the International Aerobatic Committee (IAC) has only 2 conditions — OPEN or CLOSED.
The IAC Members OPEN the box with the FAA, who issues an appropriate NOTAM. The FAA will now be informing those entering and exiting the SFRA at FLUKY GATE on the Box’s condition (since they are talking to Patomac, and not listening to our AWOS). Remember that when the box is OPEN, Runway 33 reverts to Right Hand Traffic. We also note this on our AWOS. Also note that the terms “HOT or COLD” are your local slang, and NOT official conditions. If you elect to fly Left Hand Traffic on RWY 33 while the box is OPEN, but “COLD”, you do so at your own risk. Any incidents under these conditions will not end well for the transgressor.
The IAC ACRO-BOX is getting an increase of use over the last year, and I am speaking with them to address the Box Opening Periods to the extent possible. Otherwise, it is you that must fly by the rules. You radio-less CUBS need to fly with a handheld radio, at least to receive. I am also considering a permanent change to Runway 33 for Right Hand traffic at all times, especially if Acro-Box “violations” continue this summer. I am watching closely.
AND – If you like to watch aerobatics, the IAC will be conducting their annual Competition weekend on 10-11 June. Come with your chair, hat, binoculars and camera – meet the National Airshow Pilots, – ALL FOR FREE !
HWY is experiencing its annual Spring Energizing activity. The runway has been crowded, and the pattern has been full. The Tandem Parachuters are changing their drop-zone to an area near the north taxi-way, near the Albatross. We are watching this change closely, and if you experience any concerning conditions, please let me know. We will quickly work-out any necessary corrections.
Warrenton-Fauquier Airport
Departing
Transition
Missing Man
Chuck in Charge
The High Reach Inspection