The Water Rudder

July 2010-Summer Issue Volume 4 Number 3

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

Commander of the Sitka Squadron, will also participate. On June 3, Sgt Tim Birt, Alaska State Trooper, Bruce Bowler of the SEADOGS and I flew to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. An on-site meeting was held at the Park Headquarters. We met with Supervisory Park Ranger Gus Martinez and his staff, LE Ranger Todd Bruno, Fire/EMS Chief Mark Barry and Airport Manager Doc Pedersen. The team reviewed airport emergency facilities, potential command post sites, and Gustavus and NPS offices. Items for discussion included ICS issues, communications, resource availability and interoperability issues between agencies. We exchanged information about the capabilities and potential needs of our various organizations. Each representative gave a short presentation on their organization. Also discussed were protocols for calling on each other for assistance. On the return trip there was a hands-on demonstration of the infra red camera mounted on the Beavers wing strut.

Commanders Call:
Lt. Col. Ken Nestler

We have had several new members join. They are working on their Level One requirements. There are a few of the older members who havent completed all of their Level One tasks. Why not see if you can get them done?? In order to be effective in our searches we need folks to act as scanners along with the observers and pilots. Scanners are the folks scanning the terrain looking for the object of the search. If interested in participating let Bob Goetz know. We have started to provide some of the pertinent training during our meetings. The Subordinate Unit Inspection (SUI) will be held on July 24, 2010. Lt Col Moyer is the new Inspector General and will be conducting the inspection. Colonel Palmer, Wing Commander, will be coming along to participate in the inspection as well as to meet our members. Andy Coykendall,

Coast Guard Award:

On April 18, 2010, our squadron received a laser etched wooden plaque from the Coast Guard honoring our assistance to them. The award was made during the Southeast Alaska Outdoor Survival exposition (SOS) at the centennial hall. Plaques were also awarded to the Alaska State Troopers, SEADOGS, Juneau Mountain Rescue, Capital City Fir and Rescue, Alaska Marine Highway System, Marine Exchange, and the Juneau PD. 1

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com

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Following is the text of the Civil Air Patrol citation:

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard

Partner in Search and Rescue
Awarded to

Civil Air Patrol

You are commended for your professionalism and continued cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard in prosecution of Search and Rescue missions and professional development of out watchstanders. You have played an integral role in ensuring newly reported personnel become familiar with the rugged Southeast terrain. You have flown several Search and Rescue missions over the past year, most notably assisting in the search for a passenger off of the M/V ZAANDAM in Stephens Passage. On behalf of the United States Coast Guard, I commend you fro your diligence and dedication in assisting those in need.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau

18 APR 2010

Gustavus Disaster Exercise:

Ariticle by Capt. Rob MacDonald Safety officer

Every 3 years the Gustavus, Alaska Airport Manager is charged with running a disaster exercise. On Saturday, May 8,

2010 they held this drill with the assistance of the Civil Air Patrols Juneau Composite Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Department of Transportation, Gustavus Volunteer Fire, Ambulance, and EMS crews, Gustavus Health Clinic, local sport fish charter boat operators, and local citizens. In all prior years the drill was undertaken on land. However, this year they planned a water-based exercise to assess their capabilities to respond successfully in such an emergency and to identify weaknesses they could address. A briefing meeting was held on the evening of Friday, May 7 at the Gustavus Fire Hall for operations planning. The Civil Air Patrols Juneau Squadron attended with Capt. Jon Ahlgren piloting a corporate Cessna 206 (N4950R) with Capt. Rob MacDonald and 1 Lt. Bob Goetz. This exercise was designed to simulate a large commercial airliner with passengers aboard crashing into the waters of Icy Passage on the approach end of Runway 29 of the Gustavus Airport. The scenario was to simulate human injuries and fatalities both on land and in the water, as well as the potential for fuel spills and possible related fires. To simulate the people involved in the crash, First Aid manikins and Styrofoam blocks cut out in the shape or people were used. These people had tags on them stating their injuries. In addition, 3 live people wearing survival suits were placed in the water to be rescued and 2 live people were placed on shore to be found. 2

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com

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The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

A combination of aircrews, boat crews, and land crews were coordinated to safely respond to the potential disaster. Although real-life scenarios are best, we decided to stage crews in various local areas to enable us to work the drill and not spend so much time arriving on scene. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter was staged a few miles away from the simulated disaster site, which is 96 miles away from their home base in Sitka. And, our CAP de Havilland Beaver was staged at the Gustavus airport, which is 42 miles away from our home base in Juneau. We all agreed that safety was the top priority. If an actual 911 call or emergency developed, Zebra was the code to stand down until further notice. Safety measures instilled for the exercise were: only one exercise aircraft in the air at a time to avoid aerial conflicts; closing the airspace in the operations area to all other air traffic; changing the traffic pattern at the Gustavus airport to keep aircraft farther away from the operations area; and staging all ground operations on shore due to the instability of the old city dock. In addition, if there was a need for both aircraft to be up at the same time, both aircrews planned vertical separation by having the USCG helicopter flying 300 AGL or lower and us at 800 AGL or higher.

The Gustavus school gymnasium was set up as the triage center and communications would be done on the Gustavus airports Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) 122.5 and VHF marine radio CH 16 and 21A. At 12:03 pm on Saturday, May 8, the exercise was initiated by the Incident Commander, Gustavus Airport Manager Mike Pedersen (aka Doc), issuing a request for assistance over the airports CTAF of an Alaskan Airlines 737 jet going down in Icy Passage mile from the Gustavus dock and 700 from Pleasant Island with 27 people on board. Weather at the time was light winds, unrestricted visibility, and relatively clear skies. A U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter (call sign Coast Guard 6036) responded to the call and began assessing the crash site for people observed, debris, and hazmat. Coast Guard 6036 then began vectoring in boats for rescuing people. Due to the relatively small area of operations, the helicopter stated theyd be more effective at vectoring in boats for picking people out of the water compared to their aerial extraction techniques. After the initial assistance by the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, they landed at the Gustavus airport and we were called to come out and assist. At approximately 1:15 pm we started up the de Havilland Beaver on amphibious floats (N5142G) and got airborn for assistance and tasking. Our aircrew consisted of Capt. Rob MacDonald Pilot In Command, Captain Jon Ahlgren Mission Observer, and Major Wallace Long Mission Scanner. We were asked to search for 2 people known missing on the northwest shore of 3

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com

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Pleasant Island. On our first pass along the shoreline, we observed them on shore waving some white debris, which really made them stand out. We gave the IC the coordinates and circled above the people until rescue boats were on scene. We were then tasked with locating a person (simulated by a light blue Styrofoam cut-out) still missing in the water somewhere between Pleasant Island and the mainland. After searching the shoreline of Pleasant Island, we located this person close to shore of the mainland near Gustavus, gave coordinates to the IC, circled the area, and vectored in the assisting boat rescue crew.

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

werent sure how to approach the idling USCG helicopter; some would have liked communications on a separate frequency due to the volume of necessary radio chatter; public participants werent sure of terminology and shop talk; and if more good Samaritans get involved in a real situation, itll be hard to control the scene.

Safety Article:
Ariticle by Capt. Rob MacDonald Safety officer

Definitions of Turbulence and Chop

Over the years, Ive heard numerous people wrongly describe wind conditions, especially reporting turbulence to Flight Service during Pilot Reports. Therefore, I thought it important to go over the definitions of turbulence and chop so we can have a better understanding of what were encountering up there. The FAAs Aeronautical Information Manual provides good insight into these windy phenomena and urgently requests pilots report turbulence as soon as practicable. Light Turbulence: Turbulence that momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude. Occupants may feel a slight strain against seat belts or shoulder straps. Unsecured objects may be displaced slightly. Light Chop: Turbulence that causes slight, rapid and somewhat rhythmic 4

After the disaster exercise was completed all participants met at the Gustavus Fire Hall for a debriefing. Here are some of the main points: overall the operation went very smooth and was a success; everyone operated safely; there were good communications between all; survivors on shore stood out better due to their waving some white debris making themselves Bigger, Brighter, or Different; it was suggested people use GPS coordinates and distances from formal place names instead of local names; the importance of a pre-arranged rendezvous site; some

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com

The Water Rudder

bumpiness without appreciable changes in altitude or attitude. Moderate Turbulence: Similar to light turbulence but of greater intensity. Changes in altitude and/or attitude occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes variations in indicated airspeed. Occupants feel definite strains against seat belts or shoulder straps. Unsecured objects are dislodged. Moderate Chop: Similar to light chop but of greater intensity. It causes rapid bumps or jolts without appreciable changes in aircraft altitude or attitude. Severe Turbulence: Turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. It usually causes large variations in indicated airspeed. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts or shoulder straps. Unsecured objects are tossed about. Extreme Turbulence: Turbulence in which the aircraft is violently tossed about and is practically impossible to control. It may cause structural damage.

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

Photo by Capt. Brook Daly

Cadet Activities: Cadet Promotions:

Cadets Alyssa Fisher and Kassandra Eyre were both promoted to Cadet Airmen.

Taking Flight on O rides:

Training Mission:
Capts. Marx, Ahlgren & Goetz on a training mission 4/18/10 on which they were working on their scanner/observer qualifications.

Photo by Capt. Brook Daly

Lt. Col. Nestler & Capt. Marx taking cadets Kirstian & Kassandra Eyre on an orientation ride.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com

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Fourth of July Parade:
Cadets were a big part of the Juneau and Douglas forth of July parade activities with C/CMsgt Leo Buzzard as the Grand Marshall and cadets C/CMsgt Miles Kieffer, C/CMsgt Chatham Holt, C/CMsgt Matthew Abrams and C/A1C Justin Hatch marching in the honor guard. Our cadets did an outstanding job and are a credit to the wing!

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

Glider Academy 2010:

Photos and article by C/CMSgt Holt

The 2010 Alaska Wing Glider Academy took place in Clear AK May 28th June 6th. The academy is a great opportunity for cadets to learn about gliding and work towards soloing. This year nine Alaska Wing Cadets had the opportunity to attend the 2010 AK Wing Glider Academy. Out of those cadets seven were able to presolo and one was able to solo. During The days cadets would be found at the Clear Airport where they would spend their time either gliding or helping on the ground crews launching and recovering gliders. During the evenings cadets would be engaged in Ground School Classes or Studying about their glider manuals. The Academy stays at Clear Air Force Station which is located between Healy and Nenana AK. This allows cadets to learn what life on an AF Base is like. The Academy used four gliders, a Schleicher ASK 21, L-23 Super Blanik, Schweizer 2-33 and a Schweizer 1-34 (solo glider). Having different gliders is great because cadets are able to try different gliders out. Two tow planes were used, a C-172 and a C-182.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com

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CAP Supporters & Sponsors:

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska

Terry Papf, owner of See Gee donated their Weight & Balance Calculator for both the U206 and the Beaver that we fly here in Juneau. The device makes a weight and balance calculation before every flight an easy operation.

During the week and a half, each cadet was able to take between 25-30 flights and in every flight cadets took the controls and fly 50-100% of each flight. The 2010 AK Wing Glider Academy was only made possible by the Time and Effort that 10-15 Senior Members gave, making the Academy a huge Success!

Aircraft Status:
Beaver N5142G Mission Ready at JNU Cessna N19MJ Mission Ready at JNU

Meet Our Members:

On June 21st Steve & Jean Sztuk celebrated 44 years of wedded bliss! Jean wonders where did the time go? She attributes their marital success to Steve's great sense of humor, love, understanding, and his extreme intelligence. I would bet that Jean had a lot to do with it too! Congratulations!

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For information or to submit articles contact 2nd Lt Daniel Holt, Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs.ak022@gmail.com