Fly-in Hints, Tips and Courtesies
Back to Home Page Back to Fly-in Schedule
Last Update Tuesday, June 27, 2006
PAFT fly-ins are designed for VFR conditions. At 8:00 a.m. on the day of the fly-in an email will be sent to all members informing them if the fly-in will take place as scheduled based on current and forecast weather conditions. If the fly-in can not be flown in VFR conditions, the fly-in will be cancelled.
However, certain fly-ins (such as those including an overnight stay) require a financial commitment and can not be cancelled without incurring substantial penalties. These fly-ins will take place as scheduled and be flown VFR or IFR as the weather permits (assuming the IFR conditions are within the capability of the aircraft).
Confirm If You Plan to Attend (Pilots and Guests)
It is very important that everyone planning to go on a fly-in let the host know as soon as possible. The host uses the headcount to make the restaurant reservation and, in some cases, arrange for ground transportation and special events. Therefore, an accurate headcount is needed. If your plans change, please let the host know immediately.
Costs
Unless the restaurant is located directly on the field, there will usually be a nominal cost per person for ground transportation (typically in the range of $5 to $20). This is another reason for needing an accurate headcount. If only a few people are no-shows, the cost per person can go up significantly for those those who do attend. There may also be a nominal landing fee at the destination airport.
Pilots
Please plan to depart early enough to arrive by the time indicated. This will ensure that we arrive at the restaurant or event without delay. Please let the host know if you will be able to take passengers.
Cost Sharing
If you have not made prior arrangements for cost-sharing, please offer to share the cost of gas with the pilot. If the pilot declines the offer to share the cost of the gas, please offer to buy the pilot lunch.
Hints for Hosting A Fly-in
If you would like to host a fly-in, please contact the PAFT president.
When planning a fly-in, please keep the following in mind:
1. The destination should be approximately within a two-hour flying time from Princeton Airport. Some hosts have arranged overnight trips to locations such as Nantucket, MA and Dayton OH.
2. The restaurant should be convenient to the airport. If the restaurant is not on the field, the host is responsible for arranging affordable transportation.
3. An added plus is a destination that offers (a) sightseeing or tourist options or (b) an aspect of navigation or flight planning that is a little bit different from the routine.
4. Designate a specific place where everyone will meet at the destination airport.
5. Exchange telephone contact information with those attending the fly-in so members can contact you if there is a question.
6. Check, double-check and verify airport, transportation, restaurant and destination tourism information. For example, investigate and confirm fuel availability and price, ramp and parking fees, the restaurant's hour's of operation and menu, etc. In short, try to do everything possible to make sure the fly-in goes off smoothly. Hosts are encouraged to check out www.airnav.com for information regarding the quality of an airport's FBO and on-field restaurant(s).