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Dedicated to Aviation, Safety, Friendship, Community Involvement, and Education since 1984
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DEDICATED TO AVIATION, SAFETY, FRIENDSHIP, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, AND EDUCATION SINCE 1984
propwash
April 2025
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Presidents Message 2025 Flight Safety Conference 2025 Scholarship Results Update from the Managers Desk As The Prop Turns
MISC.
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AAA Events Photo Gallery Endowment Fund Corporate Sponsors Member List 2025 Board Members
In This Issue
2025 Flight Safety Conference Poster Support AAA Endowment Join Us!
ARTICLES
INFO of INTEREST
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE: flying safe
Congratulations to Executive Director Darcy Brewer and the army of people who put on the California Capital Airshow at Mather Field. There were quite a few Auburn representatives working the booths and the crowds at the 2025 event, held this past weekend. The numbers are big: 100,000 attendees, $7.1 million of direct impact into the local economy, hundreds of scholarships over the years, and countless young people inspired by ongoing STEM and community outreach programming. What a privilege it is to have this world-class airshow right here in the Sacramento area.https://californiacapitalairshow.com. Speaking of events, on April 22nd, local flight schools and speakers will participate in the annual KAUN flight safety conference from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. If you fly at Auburn this material applies to you. Please click the link and register to attend.https://auburnaviationassociation.org/event-6088478 Bring the kids and come see airplanes on display at Auburn Airport during our aircraft display days in April and August when many plane owners open their hangers to the public. Check out the event listings for details.https://auburnaviationassociation.org/events See you at the airport! Chris Haven
Chris Haven, AAA President
this month's speaker
General membership meeting menu
Main Dish: A-L Side or Salad: M-R Dessert: S-Z
April Fools! The April Meeting is “Aviation Story and Joke Night”. Everyone should be prepared to bring an Aviation joke or a story. Jokes and stories should be relatively clean and stories should be roughly based on reality or have some element of truth to them.
5AC Meeting 04/01/2025 5:30 PM (PDT) The Barnstormer Room KAUN Monthly Membership Meeting 04/02/2025 6:00 PM (PDT)13666 New Airport Rd, Auburn, CA 95602 Aircraft Display Days at KAUN 04/05/2025 10:00 AM (PDT)13666 New Airport Road, Auburn, CA 2025 KAUN Flight Safety Conference 04/22/2025 5:30 PM (PDT)The Barnstormer Room KAUN Aircraft Display Days at KAUN 04/26/2025 10:00 AM (PDT)13666 New Airport Road, Auburn, CA Aircraft Display Days at KAUN 08/02/2025 10:00 AM (PDT)13666 New Airport Road, Auburn, CA
upcoming events:
For pilots and student pilots based at Auburn, join us for a KAUN-wide safety event, the 2025 KAUN Flight Safety Conference. Our goal is to establish and promote consistent safety procedures for the airport. This years’ lineup includes Tyghe Richardson, KAUN airport manager who will provide an airport update. Juan Browne, YouTube Blancolorio Channel, will discuss Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM). Captain Joe Sobczak, USAF Fighter Pilot, Test Pilot, and Edwards Flight Test Instructor will talk about Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM). EAA Vice President Mia McKnight CFI-I will cover radio procedures and traffic patterns at KAUN. This flight safety event qualifies for the FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency Program. * Free Pizza and Refreshments beginning at 5:30 PM * Program begins at 6:00 PM * Held at Barnstormer Room, KAUN * Raffle- Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headsets, VHF Radios, Upset Recovery Training (URT) sessions in full motion Redbird Simulator In-person seating limited. Click here to register. This annual event sponsored by: City of Auburn, Auburn Aviation Association, EAA Chapter 526, Lightspeed Aviation, Sporty’s Pilot Shop
Don Wolfe, Scholarship Director
2025 Flight safety conference
Advanced Scholarship Interview Team
(L/R) Tedd Stiles (Moderator) Shayden Eagleheart, Doug Fee, Jordan Brown, Doug McDougall, Mia McKnight (Greeter) Steve Kendall and Don Wolfe (techs)
2025 scholarship results
(L/R) Paul Mutz, Steve Kendall, Mia McKnight, Ken Dwelle, Doug Fee (Moderator), Ben Marsh, Shayden Eagleheart (Greeter) Steve Kendall and Don Wolfe (techs)
Over 60 individuals applied for the 2025 scholarships via the Auburn Aviation Association online application process. Interviews were held on 3 consecutive Saturdays for the EAA Air Academies and pilot training scholarships. The 2025 Scholarship sponsors: AAA, EAA Chapter 526, Mach 5 Aviation, Conte Foundation, Ellsworth Hovey Getchell Foundation, The Munro Family 7 candidates interviewed for the EAA Academy and 12 candidates for pilot training. The final results of the interviews are as follows. The EAA Air Academy: Aston Towne “Discover Flight” Paxx Weidert “Explore Aviation” Private Pilot Training: Danielle Colburn Auburn Aviation Association Mailyn Schackner EAA Chapter 526 Noah Brandt Mach 5 Aviation Blake Cannon Elsworth Hovey Getchell Foundation Advance Pilot Training Scholarship: Dillon Holloway Munro Family IFR Andrew VanWagner EHGF IFR Shaea Payne EHGF IFR Emily Okunami EHGF CPL The scholarship awards luncheon will be held on Saturday March 29. Look for a full report in the May Propwash EAA Air Academy Interview Team (photo not available) Doug McDougall (Moderator), Mark Cloverdale, Steve Jahr, Claire Delany, Danielle Corburn, Mia McKnight (Greeter). Steve Kendall and Don Wolfe (techs)
Private Pilot Scholarship Interview Team
An update from the managers desk of kaun
March at Auburn Airport As we move deeper into the new year, March has been a month of progress, challenges, and valuable learning opportunities at Auburn Airport. Here’s a look at the key events that have shaped our month: Annual Safety Meeting The annual safety meeting is just around the corner, if you have not already please sign up and join us for this vital discussion on safety and best practices on the AAA website. Space is limited so are the prizes! Your participation is essential as we work together to ensure Auburn Municipal Airport remains a safe and thriving aviation hub for all. Updating the Minimum Operating Standards As many of you may recall from a few months back, we embarked on updating the Minimum Operating Standards for Auburn Municipal Airport. Our goal is to craft a document that can serve the airport well for many years with little need for further changes. The updated standards could end up being drastically different from what we currently abide by—or nearly the same. Ultimately, it’s up to you! Please reach out to me or any of the team Project liaisons listed here to share your insights and opinions. Every idea is welcome your input is invaluable in shaping a robust and lasting set of standards. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making Auburn Municipal Airport a safe and thriving community. Project liaisons: Ken Dwelle, Kent English, Dan Flom, Richard Byrod, Bryan Souza, Andy Robinson Storm Repair The heavy rains of March tested the airport’s drainage system, with only a few areas experiencing issues. Just south of Taxiway A, erosion occurred but was quickly mitigated by reinforcing the drainage system’s edge. Large crushed rock was used to stabilize the area, preventing further erosion and redirecting water flow to a more suitable location. This repair helps ensure the long-term safety of the ramp. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. The door is always open! Together, we continue to make Auburn Airport a safe and thriving hub for aviation. Safe flying! Tyghe Richardson Your Airport Manager Auburn Airport City of Auburn, CA (530) 888-8174
Tyghe Richardson, Airport Manager
As the prop turns
Mike Duncan, Sunshine Flyers
CFI Dwight Stalker and Kayla Boyles, first solo!
Don Wolfe interviewing Fox 40
April showers….. Well you know how that goes, “bring May flowers”. But it is true. Pretty soon we will have the green fields, the purple lupine flowers along with the bright yellow poppy fields, the waterfalls of early spring and some really pretty rainbows. The flying may be interrupted by a few rain showers, but the flying for those looking out the window will be great. It is also a great time to polish up some of those rusty flying skills from winter. How is your basic airmanship? Are you nervous about control coordination, steep turns, stalls, crosswind landings? How is your pre-flight planning? Weather briefings, notams, airport diagrams, TFR’s and emergency procedures? Do you know you can get a complete briefing from one source and be able to get answers for questions you may have, for free? Now is the time to brush up on these things for your summer flying. Check with your local flight instructor for a few brush up lessons. Remember your instructor is cheaper than the deductible on your insurance, and more fun than a session with the FAA for some inadvertent violation of some airspace or regulation. Despite the bad weather this past month, the students continue to fly and many have done their first solo or earned a new rating. Kayla Boyles was soloed in the light sport with Dwight Stalker as her instructor. Dwight did not stop there. He managed to solo Benjamin Woodcock in a Cessna 152. Additionally, Mohamad Ibrahim was able to solo in a Cessna 172, under Dwight’s tutelage. Lastly, on Dwights list of accomplishemnts; he obtained his Multi Engine rating-- even as an instructor, there is always room to grow! Julian Burns squeaked in a solo between storms with Ruvim Kukhartets as his instructor. Casey Kleeschultey was able to earn his Private Pilots License with Chris Hale as his instructor. Aiden Drake completed his Instrument Checkride with Peyton Brothers as his CFII. Congratulations to all on a job well done. Drones are about the area. As of this writing I have heard of two reports of drones being flown in the area where they should not be. Legally drones should not be flown over 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or within three miles of an airport. The first of these was over Loomis at 3500 feet and the second report was at 2500’ in the traffic pattern here at Auburn. Fortunately there were no collisions involved due to dumb luck. Additionally if they are being flown commercially there is usually a NOTAM about them and ATC is also aware of those drone flights. That Notam will include where they are being flown, typically with latitude and longitude coordinates. If you encounter a drone please notify ATC and you can call The Regional Operations Center at 1-206-231-2000. For those folks who are interested in getting your drone license it is pretty easy to do. If you have a pilot's certificate, it is relatively easy, all you have to do is take a knowledge test and fill out an application online (IACRA 8710 form). This form is the same one that you fill out to get a pilot's rating. If you do not have pilots certificate it does require to take some ground instruction in the rules and regulations governing their operation and responsibilities and then take a written test on the knowledge side. With the knowledge test out of the way, then you fill out the application. For those flight instructors out there, it is also a great opportunity earn some extra money flying drones or teaching people to fly drones. There is no practical test to get a drone license. I got a license with without ever flying a drone. Well that is about all for this month, so Good Night Miss Daisy. The Prop Turner, Mike Duncan
Former United Airlines Captain Christopher Behnam gave an inspiring talk at our March Membership meeting. We heard a detailed account of how he, his first officer, and a uniquely qualified jump seat pilot safely landed flight 1175 when they lost an engine over the Pacific Ocean. On the way to Honolulu. Visit the website to order a copy of his book and read the whole story. He also has a podcast you’ll want to check out: captainbehnam.com
photo gallery
Captain Behnam
February AAA Meeting
Long time city police officer Bryan Morrison is City Of Auburn’s new Chief of Police. He and a friend attended the March general membership meeting.
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JOIN US! General membership meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month. Guests are welcome, but membership is reasonable and your support helps us to give scholarships to young people getting started in realizing their dreams. There are several membership options. A subscription to our monthly Propwash newsletter comes with membership.
LIFETIME MEMBERS
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Endowment Fund Corporate Sponsors
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HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS
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GOLD LIFETIME MEMBERS
SILVER LIFETIME MEMBERS
Mike Duncan Jay Selby Steven Hogge Keenan Kokoul & Leah Kokoul Andy Anderson David & Stephanie Holloway
BRONZE LIFETIME MEMBERS
Scott & Sharon Woodland Mark Pilkington Richard Anderson Cleve & Ida Spring Mike Sullivan Peter Hastert Joanie & Wayne Mooneyham Chris & David Haven Kyle Kokoul Gary & Darlene Mourning Richard Anderson Mark Pilkington Doug & Nancy Van Howd Joe & Ann Bittaker Chris Luvara Ken Ristuben Doug McDougall & Rosemarie La Rocca Cameron & Gina Thompson Mario & Molly Dinucci Paula Celick & Larry LaVerne Ben Marsh
Aaron & Shasta Adam Gavin Alder Nebil Almakdeshi Andy Anderson Don & Mona Anderson Thomas, Colton Arbogast Jacob & Natalie Armtrout Mark & Sharon Bateson Frank Bell Jack Bell Jordan Benedict Elina Bergstrom Brett Bickerstaff Claude & Diana Biddle Cristian Bivens Douglas & Shelli Bolsover Adrian Boyer Elen Brandt Fran and Adam Brodel Brandon Brown Michael Brown Brooklyn Brown Kelly Bruno Aaron & Heather Burns John & Hilary Burns Julia Carey Matthew Carlson Kristina Caroll Kyden Carpio Andrew Chubatenko Bill & Diann Cola Randy Crockett Pat Dallam Amanda D'Amour Collin Davis Rick Davis Sara Davis Claire Delaney Brandon Dever Helen Dobeck Micah Doe Eric & Kera Dolan John & Kathy Donlevy Will Dougherty Oscar Drahos Jessi Dreschler Rick & Linda Duste Ken & Judy Dwelle Shayden Eagleheart Kent English Jeff & Katie Erkel Michele White Family Jim and Marilyn Feller Dan & Susanne Flom Dan & Karen Foster Elmer & Mary Ann Frank Darcy Brewer & Greg Gappert Sydney Greene Akash Guha Christopher Hale Breaunna Herrera Doug & Nancy Van Howd Andrew, Susan Hufford Kadie Jacobs James Jacobson Jake Jensen Jaian Jiminez Kenneth Ferreira Jr. Lyle & Jane Kelsey Marleen Wekell & Steve Kendall Steve Kendall Clinton Keyte Chuck & Maggie Kluenker Erik & Diksha Knierim Christine Koenigsecker Luke LaHue Carey Laine Cade Lawley Steven Lease Kyle Lehr Rogelio Leon Casey Long Dion Louthan Bob & Carol Lund Ray & Linda Lux B M Brayden Maaske Renata Mackenroth Patrick Marquina Jeanie Marshall Frank & Debralyn Martinez Charlie Marzo Shane McAlister Mia McKnight Tammy Meredith Rob & Teri Miller Nick Moore Christopher Morales Chase & Natalie Morgan Karsten Murphy Michael Murphy Paul & Kendall Mutz Nathaniel Olchefske Derek & Kerri de Oliveira Derek De Oliveira Rory Ondracek Tenley Ong Adriel Palaia Elizabeth Paval Vladimir Petrovich Holly Polito Bonnie Potter Parker Pugno Bill & Nanci Radakovitz Austin Rich Alex Richardson Tyghe Richardson Bethany Robarts Andy Robinson Dave Rohlfes Steve Roselle David M. Dwelle & Jeffrey Roth Benjamin Rubash Bart Ruud Ben Samp John & Beverly Samp David Sanborn Mark Sandoval Mikaela Sawaya Martin & Dawn Scheyhing Amanda Schroeder Jay Schroeder Troy Sheldon Bob & Stephanie Snyder Tedd & Diana Stiles Shem Suleiman Randy Winn & Nicole Sunseri Sydney Sunseri-Robertson Ann Sweeney Caleb Switzer Brianna Tennis Camile Tricomo Larry Uzelac Philip Vardara Gary & Clytie Vogt Andrew Van Wagner Christian Watt Pete Hnat & Susan Webb Stewart & Roxana Wells Vaclav Vyvoda & Ingrid Westin Jeff & Melanie White Michelle, Paul, & Owen White Walt & Bonnie Wilson Randy Winn
Scholarship Winners/Lifetime Members
GENERAL MEMBERS
OFFICERS President - Chris Haven - president@auburnaviationassociation.org Vice President - Dan Flom - vp@auburnaviationassociation.org Secretary - Doug Fee - secretary@auburnaviationassociation.org Treasurer - David Dwelle - treasurer@auburnaviationassociation.org BOARD MEMBERS Past President - Doug McDougal - pastpres@auburnaviationassociation.org Scholarship Director - Don Wolfe - flyfund@auburnaviationassociation.org Assistant Scholarship - James Jacobson - skyfund1539@gmail.com Membership Director - Daniel Colburn - membership@auburnaviationassociation.org Publicity Director - David Sanborn - publicity@auburnaviationassociation.org Propwash Editor - Mike Duncan - duncan7kcab@sbcglobal.net 5AC Chair - Ken Dwelle - 5ac@auburnaviationassociation.org Board Member at Large - Joanie Mooneyham - joaniemoon05@gmail.com Donations Coordinator - Nancy Benjamin - don_benj@pacbell.net Special thanks to Brooklyn Brown for laying out the newsletter and David Sanborn for managing distribution of the newsletter.
2025 AAA Board