Blog Posts - SUGAR VALLEY ADVENTURES

Aviation Ground School Graduates of the Fall 2018 Session

2/3/2019

Here is another group of happy students who completed private pilot ground school on 1/25/19. Congratulations to all the participants and a special thanks to the instructors Sandra Smith and Lee Kosub, who generously share their knowledge, skills and time. SVA Aviation Ground School is a free training offered twice a year by our amazing volunteers. The next session begins on May 24, 2019. Sign up if you'd like to take advantage of this opportunity and spread the word. Learn more here.

Aviation Ground School- Class of Spring 2018

8/5/2018

Look at all these bright faces! They sure do have a reason to shine, as they've just completed the spring course of our free aviation ground school. Next session begins in October! Find more info here.

Raku Sculpture Workshop

6/18/2018

The past two Saturdays, Ray Travis and Michael Oliphant led a 2-part raku sculpture workshop. Here is a short clip for all to have a glimpse at the creative happening that took place.

ASCEND- Aviation Summer Camp

5/24/2018

Our friends at EAA Chapter 1083 in Rowan County are once again hosting the spectacular ASCEND aviation camp this Summer (June 18 thru Saturday June 23, 2018), open to youth of 13-18 years of age. The camp has proven to be a great success for budding aviation enthusiasts, and has inspired many young people to pursue aviation as their carrier.

Just recently this note was received from one of the ASCEND graduates Delante' V. Sykes (see photo), who now got his private pilot license. “Please let everybody know who helps put the camp together of my success, and I thank all of them for embracing me and helping me fall in love with aviation.”

Click here to learn more about the camp and the program offered.
You can also check out their Facebook page.

Girls in Aviation Day (September 2017)

4/10/2018

We have a treat for your eyes today. Though this event took place last September, the memories are still fresh, and this new video clip will revive the magical moments that happened then, yet can be enjoyed now. Check it out!

To read more about this fun event, see our earlier post.

SVA: where sharing and learning happens

3/24/2018

One of SVA friends, Steve Fritts, has offered 3 wonderful classes to some children (and a few adults 😊). The first class was about building a toy airplane, followed by a class in which they worked on constructing a radio. In a recent class, the theme was electricity and magnetism.

Since early childhood, Steve has been fascinated with “how things work.” What he wasn’t able to learn about electricity tinkering in the family’s garage, he made up for by joining 4-H where he discovered many opportunities to learn more. This only increased his interest in all things electric. After his service in the Air Force, Steve became involved in a career as an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant mechanic) in the aviation industry with a focus on avionics. Steve is now retired and owns and flies his Cessna 140 at every opportunity. A gifted and enthusiastic teacher, Steve continues to share his enthusiasm for “how things work” with youngsters all over the Piedmont Triad. Enjoy a few photos from these sessions, and see the children participating in and focused on learning “how things work.”

In addition to classes with Steve, children and young adults have enjoyed some pottery classes, art classes, as well as woodworking classes with local volunteers.

If you are interested in exploring what opportunities might be found at Sugar Valley Airport for you or your children, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. SVA offers a beautiful platform for people to share, connect, learn with and from each other. Come and experience for yourself!

Past Events held at SVA, 2018

1/31/2018

This is a list of past events (starting 2018) to offer the viewer a broad spectrum of programs offered here:

~ 12/4 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron welcomed Chuck Campbell as a presenter. Mr. Campbell was a World War II naval aviator, and after the war continued his service in the Naval Reserve and the Army National Guard. Before his military retirement, he was the oldest helicopter pilot in the NC National Guard. At 94, he is in the final stage of building his homemade version of a 1929 Pietenpol Air Camper. Many joined us to honor this WWII veteran, and shared in his stories of a life in aviation.

~ 11/17 Sugar Valley Craftsmen hosted another raku workshop. Ray Travis guided folks in making raku candlestick holders. No experience was necessary for this, just another opportunity to be creative with clay!

~ 10/27 an RC (radio controlled) airplane club came to SVA. Visitors were welcome to come see the planes and visit with the club members to learn more about RC's.

~ 10/2 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted the CAP speaker
Charles Willard and Chris Keon, presenting about “Unmanned Systems for Public Safety". This presentation covered how unmanned systems can be safely and effectively used in public safety applications. A variety of unmanned systems was shown, including the technologies used to stream live video to public safety agencies.
This event was open to public.

~ 8/7 The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron welcomed Major Anthony Thompson for the Speaker Series, with the topic "Preparing for Success- Flying in the Air Force and Beyond".

Major Thompson currently serves as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the United States Air Force Academy in the Air Force Reserve. Prior to this assignment he spent 12 years on active duty flying jets, including 2 tours as an instructor pilot for undergraduate pilot training.
Major Thompson received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2003. After graduation he completed undergraduate pilot training and was hand-selected as a first assignment instructor pilot. He is a senior pilot with over 3,100 hours flying the T-6, T-38, and F15E. While flying the F-15E, he deployed to Afghanistan twice and flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Maj Thompson is currently a student at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He is co-author with Dr. J. Bayne Selby, an interventional radiologist and CAP mission pilot in the SC Wing, of an article in press for the journal, Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, entitled, “Aviation and Interventional Medicine.”

This event was open to public.

~ 7/10 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted Dennis Boyd, as a monthly speaker with the topic "From a J3 to a 767: Dream It and You Can Do It!". Dennis Boyd is a retired Captain at Piedmont Airlines, who inspires cadets, senior members and guests with stories of his career in aviation. Dennis is also the grandfather of one of our new cadets.

~ 6/16 Plein Air painting one day workshop with Artist Craig Richards, 9 am- 4 pm. Please contact C. Richards at 336-655-4888 for additional info.

~ 6/9 & 6/16 Sugar Valley Craftsmen hosted a 2-part Creating Raku Sculptures pottery workshop (creating sculptures using the medium of raku clay). Dr. Michael Oliphant and Ray Travis demonstrated different techniques using a slab of raku clay, and then participants had the opportunity to see the form in the clay and create. The first session was at the Sugar Valley Pottery Studio, and the 2nd session was at Ray Travis’ studio.

~ 6/5 Zack Hutchens, former Sugar Valley Composite Squadron cadet, talked about "Beyond CAP's Core Values: Reflections and Lessons from My CAP Career." Zack is a friend of Sugar Valley Airport, and an exemplary example of one who lives his core values. We are honored to have him here again.
Zack was a Civil Air Patrol cadet from 2010 to 2015, and earned the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. He was very involved in emergency services at the Squadron and Wing levels, and was one of the organizers and instructors for the Group 4 Emergency Services Training at Sugar Valley in 2014. Inspired by CAP's aerospace education program, he pursued a degree in physics from High Point University. He is currently a PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNC Chapel Hill.

~ 6/ 9 FAA Safety Seminars: the first seminar: ADS-B for General Aviation*, the second on airplane maintenance that pilots/owners can do themselves (Maintenance - It's Just a Cub).

Speaker(s): Robbie Geer / Tim Haley
1)* At this meeting participants were introduced to some of the concepts of NextGen and the equipment that one would need before January 1, 2020. We covered ADS-B System Components & Characteristics to include ground infrastructure as well as aircraft equipment. Participants gained a new understanding of ADS-B Airspace.

~5/29 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted an open house.
More info here.

~5/1 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted John P. Fennell III as our monthly speaker, presenting on the topic "How Military Life Prepares You for the Future".
Our guest speaker, John Fennell, and Lt Mobley share something in common--they care deeply and work tirelessly for our veterans. John works for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Military Services Coordinator.
It was a Veterans Coffee hosted at the Childress Racing Enterprises where some of our squadron members first met John. He was one of the main speakers and a facilitator for the event. John is an advocate for all the veterans that he serves. With twenty-five years in the Air Force, he also cares about those young people who are considering a life in the USAF.
Speaker's Bio: Born in Burga, NC, John served as the Commander of Jr ROTC in high school, where discipline and integrity were instilled. At 17 years old, his military career began when he joined the NC Army National Guard. After graduating high school, he transferred over to active duty in the US Air Force. Starting as an Aircraft Communication and Navigation System Technician, John also held many positions, including Avionics Instructor and First Sergeant. He retired after 25 years of service. He was stationed in Mississippi, Florida, California and Washington while in the Air Force, and also traveled to England, Germany, Czech Republic, Korea, Italy and Kuwait. He now lives in High Point, and is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Military Services Coordinator. Mr. Fennell’s education includes several associate degrees from Community College of Air Force, Bachelor in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, and Masters Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University.

~ 4/14 Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) hosted a fly-in for AMA members and guests at SVA.
The Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) was chartered in 1968 and is the oldest Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned Club in North Carolina. RAMS leases property in eastern Rowan County for their home flying field. All members are required to obtain AMA membership.
Throughout the year, many neighboring clubs host fly-ins at their own home fields and several of RAMS members are regular participants. RAMS hosts a few fly-ins at locations other than their home field, which includes Sugar Valley during Spring and Fall. RC flying out of a full-scale airport adds another level of uniqueness to this hobby. RAMS welcomes any AMA member to fly with them at any of their off-site events. Any size and type of RC aircraft are welcome.
Speaking of size and type: Model aircraft have really blossomed in recent years. Virtually ANY full-scale aircraft that has ever flown has been represented as a flying model aircraft. The advent of lithium polymer batteries and brushless motors has made fully-electric model aircraft a reality and with impressive performance. Gas/glow motors still have a healthy presence and have enjoyed improved performance and reliability. Real jet engines and electric ducted fans now make model jet aircraft an option for real adrenaline junkies.
For more information please connect with John Gaskey- John.Gaskey@duke-energy.com.

~ 2/17-18 & 3/24-25 CAP Wilderness Advanced First Aid class.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or WAFA, is a 32 to 38 hour class that covers nearly all aspects of advanced first aid for both injuries and illnesses that occur more than 1 hour from rescue or higher level health services.
During the course, participants explored techniques for assessment, triage and response to injuries or illness involving all body systems under a wide variety of circumstances. Whether the rescuer is involved in a multi-victim incident or working with a solitary individual, the fundamental approach emphasizes observing, thinking, planning and personal safety.
In addition to the didactic or book-learning material, participants experienced a wide variety of illness and injury scenarios that provided hands-on opportunity to develop and practice the skills necessary to helping those who are victims. WAFA is especially designed for those situations where the victim(s) need to be cared for, stabilized and potentially transported to locations where more advanced health care can be made available.

~ 3/6 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron hosted author Ray Haas, who talked about the poem “High Flight,” and the book he has written about the poem’s writer, John Gillespie Magee. His book, “Touching the Face of God,” explores the life of Magee and how he was able to capture the essence of flying in his poem:
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…”
Ray Haas developed a passion for aircraft and flying at an early age. He earned a private pilot’s license for both gliders and aircraft while serving in the US Navy as an electronics technician. He is a member of Civil Air Patrol and EAA, also a member of the EAA Speaker Bureau.
This fascinating evening about history, aviation and one man’s mission to serve was open to public.

~ 1/30 The CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron’s annual Awards Banquet. This was the squadron’s time to honor the hard work and accomplishments of senior members and cadets in the past year. Along with great dining and some entertainment, family members and invited guests from other squadrons joined in fellowship and fun.
Our keynote speaker was James R. Gorham, retired Brigadier General from the NC National Guard. He is the first African American to achieve the promotion to General in the NC National Guard. Most of his adult life has been in service to the country, as an enlisted soldier in the US Army, followed by serving in the NC National Guard as an officer.

Congratulations to our newest instrument-rated pilot!

11/2/2017

Congratulations to our own “SVA local,” Lee Kosub, who on October 24th became an instrument-rated pilot, one who is certificated to fly an aircraft in conditions of reduced visibility, as in the clouds, depending primarily on instruments for navigation rather than on visual observation of external surroundings.
She studied and practiced, practiced and studied with that tremendous focus and determination which are among her many gifts. She did this while being pregnant and having a toddler to raise, among other responsibilities. It was not a walk in the park. In fact, Lee admits that it was definitely more challenging and took longer than she expected.

However, as often happens when one is serious about pursuing a heart-felt dream, things magically line up, challenges are transformed into doors of opportunities and one is a step closer to the destination. Lee’s achievement is just another example of that “magical” process.
Lee shared that behind her pursuit of the instrument training was her interest in becoming a flight instructor. Achieving an instrument rating is one of the requirements on that path. “Becoming a flight instructor was inspired by the gift and joy of flight and wanting to be a part of passing that on to the next generation. So many people have been so generous on my journey as a pilot. People in aviation want to see people learn how to fly and experience the joy of it. I'm looking forward to being a part of passing that joy on and paying it forward,” said Lee.
She shared that with a lot of support and encouragement, she was able to achieve her instrument rating. “And when I say support, I mean way above and beyond what is ‘normal.’ Susan, one of the airport managers at SVA, took care of my 2-year-old daughter two mornings a week for nine months so that I could fly! Definitely not in the usual airport manager’s job description! And my instructor, Gary, really had to be as dedicated to my success as I was. He made time in his schedule to fly with me 4-8 hours per week for nine months. He had just retired from a successful career as pilot and trainer with American Airlines when I connected with him to start the instrument training. Not only did he make the time, but the instruction was absolutely topnotch. Better than money could buy. So the story is really about the people at places like Sugar Valley and the inherent generosity and good character in the aviation community. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of passing that on?”
This is a well-earned and a significant achievement that is inspiring to many of us.
May this story serve as an encouragement to all of us in navigating our paths towards worthwhile pursuits.

Rowan Aero Modelers Society Fly-In

10/22/2017

On 10/21/17 Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) hosted a Fly-in for AMA members and guests at SVA.
The Rowan Aero Modelers Society (RAMS) was chartered in 1968 and is the oldest Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned Club in North Carolina. RAMS leases property in eastern Rowan County for their home flying field. All members are required to obtain AMA membership.
Throughout the year, many neighboring clubs host fly-ins at their own home fields and several of RAMS members are regular participants. RAMS hosts a few fly-ins at locations other than their home field, which includes Sugar Valley during Spring and Fall. RC flying out of a full-scale airport adds another level of uniqueness to this hobby.

RAMS welcomes any AMA member to fly with them at any of their off-site events. Any size and type of RC aircraft are welcome.
Speaking of size and type: Model aircraft have really blossomed in recent years. Virtually ANY full-scale aircraft that has ever flown has been represented as a flying model aircraft. The advent of lithium polymer batteries and brushless motors has made fully-electric model aircraft a reality and with impressive performance. Gas/glow motors still have a healthy presence and have enjoyed improved performance and reliability. Real jet engines and electric ducted fans now make model jet aircraft an option for real adrenaline junkies.

We had some visitors... :)

10/14/2017

A flock of white egrets stopped by the Sugar Valley Lake this past Thursday. Such beauty around!