[Pilots] updated weight and balance calculator and funded CFI program

[Greg Bestul]

Hello MN wing pilots,

A couple of items I wanted to pass along to you.
First, we have an updated version of the weight and balance calculator on
the MN wing website. Lt Col Al Matson now has provided us with version 3 of
his planning calculator. Here are a few words that Col Matson included:
"The CAP Sortie Planning Calculator has been updated to show landing
distance calculations. These calculations are based on using the
Short-Field landing procedure and are for the one weight shown in the POH
for both C172s and C182s. A "Safety-Factored" distance is also shown, using
a multiplier of 1.6, as used by the airlines. This safety-factored distance
takes into consideration variables in pilot technique and the condition of
the braking system.

Example display of landing distances:


If you use this calculator, please delete older versions and use this new
version (Rev. 3). You can download this new file from the MN wing Intranet
site" Its located under the Operations tab>Flight planning
I thank Col Matson for his great contribution. Now we have a quick easy
place to complete all our required performance planning calculations all in
one program. When you are asked on the ORM what the Take-off ground roll +
landing ground roll will be, it will be very easy to calculate, even adding
a safety margin in!!

Second is the CAP funded CFI program. This program started last year and we
had one of our wing members, Capt Efoe Akolly complete his CFI license just
last month through the program. I have had several others ask me how the
program works, so I did some digging and found the following about the
program.
Last year for the first group they had 20 members that were granted the CFI
funded scholarship, this year they are hoping to increase to 40 members.
There are two options with the program.
One is to travel to Texas and complete an accelerated program which lasts 3
weeks. The CAP scholarship covers all costs, including travel, lodging,
food and all flying and checkride expenses.
Two is to work locally with a CAP CFI to complete training at your own
pace. The scholarship still covers all flight costs and checkride. (This is
the option Capt Akolly used, as he was unable to get out of work for three
weeks to travel to Texas.)
The selection process is all done through NHQ. They look at all members
that have a commercial pilot certificate, but not a CFI. (there are about
1000 members in the nation that meet that qualification). From there they
give each member a score based on numerous factors , including but not
limited to
How many CFI's there are in the area the member lives in
How active the member is in CAP
Length of CAP service
and several other categories that were not elaborated on.
When they get the list narrowed down they will contact the wing CC and DOV
to inquire about a recommendation for the member they are considering for
the program, after that they would contact the member to set up training.
If you are interested in this program, let me know and I can find out where
you are on the list (and hopefully get you moved up)

Thanks for all you do
Take Care and Fly Safe,
[image: image.png]

*Capt. Greg Bestul, CAP*

DOV, MN Wing

612.251.4786

gbestul at gmail.com

U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

GoCivilAirPatrol.com <http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/>
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