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ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:02 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi all,



I'm stuck out here in Wenatchee, Washington for about a month fighting forest fires and thought I would tell you all what I am doing.  This is really an advertisement for the Garmin handheld GPS!  I'm flying Air Attack missions for the US Forest Service in a Cessna 337 Skymaster (the push-pull or suck and blow twin engine type.)  It's the civilian version of the military O-2 that the Air Force used as a forward air control (FAC) platform.  Too many years ago I was a Forward Air Contoller in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 Bronco and I find that the Air Attack mission is very similar.  As a FAC, I directed fighter/bomber aircraft in on targets by marking with a white phosphorus (WP) rocket so they could see the targets which were usually heavily camoflaged or hidden in the jungle canopy on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  As an Air Attack I direct the helicopters and water bombers that fight the wildfires.  The only difference I see in the missions is that we are dropping water instead of bo

 mbs and nobody is shooting at me this time!

    Our aircraft are well-equipped with two FM radios and two AM radios and two Garmin 430's with terrain and traffic (TCAS).  Despite having two 430's I still bring along my personnal Garmin 296 and find it to be the most useful piece of equipment in the aircraft.  The terrain here is very rugged with peaks topping 13,000 feet and the visibility is sometimes very limited due to smoke.  Then there are up to 4 helicopters working in close proximity all day long.  The missions can last for 6 hours at a time with all these elements (terrain, traffic and poor visibility) commonplace.  I use all three Garmins at once: one on TCAS, one on TERRAIN and one for navigation.  The terrain feature is really a comfort as it is difficult with an occluded (smoke) horizon to determine by visual reference if I am higher than the terrain I plan on crossing ahead.  The TCAS feature on the 430 helps me keep track of the helo's and gives me warning of any intruders in the TFR that overlays every f

 ire.  We have had three intrusions by A-6 Intruders (appropriately named) this week as a low lever (VR) route goes right through the fire zone and they somehow don't get briefed on the TFR.   Yesterday one had two near misses with helo's.  Scarry!  So, I use the 430s for TCAS and TERRAIN while the 296 is used to keep track of navigation.  I overfly and MARK numerous spots of interest in the fire (hot spots, helo landing spots, ground troop positions, helo "dipping" lakes and TRF boundaries, etc.)  I can pass coordinates of any spot just by hitting "enter" and read it off.

    Those of you planning your panel layout would be well-advised to consider one of the Garmin -96 series in your plans.  The 430 is nice and it is IFR certified, but for ease of operation and more readable display I prefer the 296.  I put a SL-30 nav/comm in "Miss Izzy" to handle the occasional IMC approach and even with in internal GPS in my GRT EFIS I find the 296 is my most useful piece of avionics.  I'm sure the 396 with XM weather is even nicer and maybe I will upgrade when I win the lottery and send the 296 to the back seat.  I have flow with the 296 for at least 500 hours now and can't stop raving about it.  For the money there is no comparison.  (No, I am not associated with Garmin and didn't get a plug nickel for any of this!)  I just like that little sucker!

    There are 4 or 5 major fires in Washington right now and there is little chance that we will put them out before the first major rainfall or snow.  Best we can do is "manage" the fire and keep it from spreading to areas with more fuel (dead or diseased timber) or areas that threaten structures.

    I miss flying my RV-8 while I am here and I sure miss flying with you guys.  Sure would be nice to have that RV climb performance in this terrain!  I'll be back at the end of August in time for the flight to Ocracoke.  Hope to see you all there.  Kathy is really looking forward to that, too.  Keep the email coming.  Its the highlight of my day.



Y'all fly safe,



Ron Schreck

RV-8 "Miss Izzy"

Gold Hill Airpark, NC

Lenleg(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:12 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Ron:

  

 Great story ... felt my pucker factor go up as I was reading and mentally0 flying in the smokey haze !!!

  

 Please be safe !!  It is soooo HOT here that no one is talking much0 about flying ... cooler wx is forecast ... thank goodness.

  

 BTW ... I am a double card FFI Wingman ... still have yours in my pocket0 too !!  Look forward to seeing you back in NC !!

  

 Len

  

  

 In a message dated 8/4/2006 3:03:33 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,0 ronschreck(at)windstream.net writes:

 -->0   RVSouthEast-List message posted by:0   <ronschreck(at)windstream.net>



Hi all,



I'm stuck out here in0   Wenatchee, Washington for about a month fighting forest fires and thought0I0   would tell you all what I am doing.  This is really an advertisement0for0   the Garmin handheld GPS!  I'm flying Air Attack missions for the US0   Forest Service in a Cessna 337 Skymaster (the push-pull or suck and blow twin0   engine type.)  It's the civilian version of the military O-2 that the Air0   Force used as a forward air control (FAC) platform.  Too many years ago I0   was a Forward Air Contoller in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 Bronco and I find0   that the Air Attack mission is very similar.  As a FAC, I directed0   fighter/bomber aircraft in on targets by marking with a white phosphorus (WP)0   rocket so they could see the targets which were usually heavily camoflaged or0   hidden in the jungle canopy on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  As an Air Attack I0   direct the helicopters and water bombers that fight the wildfires.  The0   only difference I see in the missions is that we are dropping water instead of0   bo

mbs and nobody is shooting at me this time!

    Our0   aircraft are well-equipped with two FM radios and two AM radios and two Garmin0   430's with terrain and traffic (TCAS).  Despite having two 430's I still0   bring along my personnal Garmin 296 and find it to be the most useful piece of0   equipment in the aircraft.  The terrain here is very rugged with peaks0   topping 13,000 feet and the visibility is sometimes very limited due to0   smoke.  Then there are up to 4 helicopters working in close proximity all0   day long.  The missions can last for 6 hours at a time with all these0   elements (terrain, traffic and poor visibility) commonplace.  I use all0   three Garmins at once: one on TCAS, one on TERRAIN and one for0   navigation.  The terrain feature is really a comfort as it is difficult0   with an occluded (smoke) horizon to determine by visual reference if I am0   higher than the terrain I plan on crossing ahead.  The TCAS feature on0   the 430 helps me keep track of the helo's and gives me warning of any0   intruders in the TFR that overlays every f

ire.  We have had three0   intrusions by A-6 Intruders (appropriately named) this week as a low lever0   (VR) route goes right through the fire zone and they somehow don't get briefed0   on the TFR.   Yesterday one had two near misses with helo's. 0   Scarry!  So, I use the 430s for TCAS and TERRAIN while the 296 is used to0   keep track of navigation.  I overfly and MARK numerous spots of interest0   in the fire (hot spots, helo landing spots, ground troop positions, helo0   "dipping" lakes and TRF boundaries, etc.)  I can pass coordinates of0any0   spot just by hitting "enter" and read it off.

    Those of you0   planning your panel layout would be well-advised to consider one of the Garmin0   -96 series in your plans.  The 430 is nice and it is IFR certified, but0   for ease of operation and more readable display I prefer the 296.  I0put0   a SL-30 nav/comm in "Miss Izzy" to handle the occasional IMC approach and0even0   with in internal GPS in my GRT EFIS I find the 296 is my most useful piece of0   avionics.  I'm sure the 396 with XM weather is even nicer and maybe I0   will upgrade when I win the lottery and send the 296 to the back seat.  I0   have flow with the 296 for at least 500 hours now and can't stop raving about0   it.  For the money there is no comparison.  (No, I am not associated0   with Garmin and didn't get a plug nickel for any of this!)  I just like0   that little sucker!

    There are 4 or 5 major fires in0   Washington right now and there is little chance that we will put them out0   before the first major rainfall or snow.  Best we can do is "manage"0the0   fire and keep it from spreading to areas with more fuel (dead or diseased0   timber) or areas that threaten structures.

    I miss flying0my0   RV-8 while I am here and I sure miss flying with you guys.  Sure would be0   nice to have that RV climb performance in this terrain!  I'll be back at0   the end of August in time for the flight to Ocracoke.  Hope to see you0   all there.  Kathy is really looking forward to that, too.  Keep0the0   email coming.  Its the highlight of my day.



Y'all fly0   safe,



Ron Schreck

RV-8 "Miss Izzy"

Gold Hill Airpark,0 =========================Use0 lities0 Day0   0                        0                       

  -->0 ==================================================              - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI -

_-=0 sp;0                        0 ->0 =========================p;0              - List Contribution Web Site0   0                        0 ==================================================



[/quote]

Steve Glasgow

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 674

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:19 am Post subject: Garmin 296

I was wondering where you were.  Great story.  Be safe and call0 when you get back home.

  

 Cappy

    ---

_________________
Steve Glasgow-Cappy
Cappy's Toy
RV-8 N123SG

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:37 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi Len,



Did I mention that it is HOT here too.  It was approaching 110 degrees last week but the highs are down to high 80 this week.  Fortunately we seldom get below 9000 feet on the fire so its cool enough.  You guys need to take the formation practice up to 6000 feet+ and keep that fine edge.  The pictures from Oshkosh are super.  Looks like all that training was put to good use.  I can't get over the fine pictures James took of "Miss Izzy".  What a shot!  He should submit one of those for the 2007 Van's calendar!

I'm taking a breather this morning and expect to be back on the fire about 3 PM until it gets dark.  Fortunately the fire calms down at night, but it wakes up when the sun hits the slopes.

Who is coming to Ocracoke.  I have a rough idea, but no a firm list.  Anybody else want to come?  I think there are some rooms left at the Ocracoke Island Inn.  I hear the owner is a pilot, so he should welcome all RV folks.

Fly safe,  Ron                            do not archive

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 From: Lenleg(at)aol.com

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 03:12:16 EDT

 To: rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Garmin 296

 

  

 Ron:

  

 Great story ... felt my pucker factor go up as I was reading and mentally  

 flying in the smokey haze !!!

  

 Please be safe !!  It is soooo HOT here that no one is talking much  about 

 flying ... cooler wx is forecast ... thank goodness.

  

 BTW ... I am a double card FFI Wingman ... still have yours in my pocket  too 

 !!  Look forward to seeing you back in NC !!

  

 Len

  

  

 In a message dated 8/4/2006 3:03:33 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  

 ronschreck(at)windstream.net writes:

 

 

 

 Hi all,

 

 I'm stuck out here in  Wenatchee, Washington for about a month fighting 

 forest fires and thought I  would tell you all what I am doing.  This is really an 

 advertisement for  the Garmin handheld GPS!  I'm flying Air Attack missions 

 for the US  Forest Service in a Cessna 337 Skymaster (the push-pull or suck and 

 blow twin  engine type.)  It's the civilian version of the military O-2 that 

 the Air  Force used as a forward air control (FAC) platform.  Too many years 

 ago I  was a Forward Air Contoller in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 Bronco and I 

 find  that the Air Attack mission is very similar.  As a FAC, I directed  

 fighter/bomber aircraft in on targets by marking with a white phosphorus (WP)  rocket 

 so they could see the targets which were usually heavily camoflaged or  

 hidden in the jungle canopy on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  As an Air Attack I  direct 

 the helicopters and water bombers that fight the wildfires.  The  only 

 difference I see in the missions is that we are dropping water instead of  bo

 mbs and nobody is shooting at me this time!

 Our  aircraft are well-equipped with two FM radios and two AM radios and two 

 Garmin  430's with terrain and traffic (TCAS).  Despite having two 430's I 

 still  bring along my personnal Garmin 296 and find it to be the most useful 

 piece of  equipment in the aircraft.  The terrain here is very rugged with peaks  

 topping 13,000 feet and the visibility is sometimes very limited due to  

 smoke.  Then there are up to 4 helicopters working in close proximity all  day 

 long.  The missions can last for 6 hours at a time with all these  elements 

 (terrain, traffic and poor visibility) commonplace.  I use all  three Garmins at 

 once: one on TCAS, one on TERRAIN and one for  navigation.  The terrain feature 

 is really a comfort as it is difficult  with an occluded (smoke) horizon to 

 determine by visual reference if I am  higher than the terrain I plan on crossing 

 ahead.  The TCAS feature on  the 430 helps me keep track of the helo's and 

 gives me warning of any  intruders in the TFR that overlays every f

 ire.  We have had three  intrusions by A-6 Intruders (appropriately named) 

 this week as a low lever  (VR) route goes right through the fire zone and they 

 somehow don't get briefed  on the TFR.   Yesterday one had two near misses with 

 helo's.   Scarry!  So, I use the 430s for TCAS and TERRAIN while the 296 is 

 used to  keep track of navigation.  I overfly and MARK numerous spots of 

 interest  in the fire (hot spots, helo landing spots, ground troop positions, helo  

 "dipping" lakes and TRF boundaries, etc.)  I can pass coordinates of any  spot 

 just by hitting "enter" and read it off.

 Those of you  planning your panel layout would be well-advised to consider 

 one of the Garmin  -96 series in your plans.  The 430 is nice and it is IFR 

 certified, but  for ease of operation and more readable display I prefer the 296.  

 I put  a SL-30 nav/comm in "Miss Izzy" to handle the occasional IMC approach 

 and even  with in internal GPS in my GRT EFIS I find the 296 is my most useful 

 piece of  avionics.  I'm sure the 396 with XM weather is even nicer and maybe 

 I  will upgrade when I win the lottery and send the 296 to the back seat.  I  

 have flow with the 296 for at least 500 hours now and can't stop raving about 

  it.  For the money there is no comparison.  (No, I am not associated  with 

 Garmin and didn't get a plug nickel for any of this!)  I just like  that little 

 sucker!

 There are 4 or 5 major fires in  Washington right now and there is little 

 chance that we will put them out  before the first major rainfall or snow.  Best 

 we can do is "manage" the  fire and keep it from spreading to areas with more 

 fuel (dead or diseased  timber) or areas that threaten structures.

 I miss flying my  RV-8 while I am here and I sure miss flying with you guys.  

 Sure would be  nice to have that RV climb performance in this terrain!  I'll 

 be back at  the end of August in time for the flight to Ocracoke.  Hope to see 

 you  all there.  Kathy is really looking forward to that, too.  Keep the  

 email coming.  Its the highlight of my day.

 

 Y'all fly  safe,

 

 Ron Schreck

 RV-8 "Miss Izzy"

 Gold Hill Airpark,  NC

Larry Bowen

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 802
Location: NC, USA

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:39 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Good to hear from you.  I gave the 396 similar high marks on the OSH trip --

which was ho-hum compared to your story below!



I met your colleague Jan at the RUQ breakfast last Sunday.  She said you

were headed West.....



Stay safe,



-

Larry Bowen

Larry(at)BowenAero.com

http://BowenAero.com

 



[quote] --

_________________
Larry Bowen
RV-8 SOLD,
RV-7QB in progress...

jclarkmail(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:47 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Good to hear from you Ron!



For the crew that was at the clinc, I should have the CDs from Stu any day now. I will get copies to you later.



Regarding the x96 from Garmin ... I put the 396 and the KMD 150 to good use on the way back (along with the autopilot). The viz got really low at times and when you have to cross the mountains (that would be foothills to you Ron!   ), you really want something that supports what you think you see outside. 



And with the weather being very "iffy" this past week, having weather onboard is far more valuable than most realize.



Fly safe, see ya soon for another practice.



James

 On 8/4/06, ronschreck(at)windstream.net (ronschreck(at)windstream.net) <ronschreck(at)windstream.net (ronschreck(at)windstream.net)> wrote:[quote] --> RVSouthEast-List message posted by: <ronschreck(at)windstream.net (ronschreck(at)windstream.net)>



Hi Len,



Did I mention that it is HOT here too.  It was approaching 110 degrees last week but the highs are down to high 80 this week.  Fortunately we seldom get below 9000 feet on the fire so its cool enough.  You guys need to take the formation practice up to 6000 feet+ and keep that fine edge.  The pictures from Oshkosh are super.  Looks like all that training was put to good use.  I can't get over the fine pictures James took of "Miss Izzy".  What a shot!  He should submit one of those for the 2007 Van's calendar! 

I'm taking a breather this morning and expect to be back on the fire about 3 PM until it gets dark.  Fortunately the fire calms down at night, but it wakes up when the sun hits the slopes.

Who is coming to Ocracoke.  I have a rough idea, but no a firm list.  Anybody else want to come?  I think there are some rooms left at the Ocracoke Island Inn.  I hear the owner is a pilot, so he should welcome all RV folks. 

Fly safe,  Ron                            do not archive

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 From: Lenleg(at)aol.com (Lenleg(at)aol.com)

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 03:12:16 EDT

 To:  rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com (rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com)

 Subject: Re: Garmin 296

 Ron:



 Great story ... felt my pucker factor go up as I was reading and mentally

 flying in the smokey haze !!! 



 Please be safe !!  It is soooo HOT here that no one is talking much  about

 flying ... cooler wx is forecast ... thank goodness.



 BTW ... I am a double card FFI Wingman ... still have yours in my pocket  too 

 !!  Look forward to seeing you back in NC !!



 Len

 In a message dated 8/4/2006 3:03:33 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

 ronschreck(at)windstream.net  (ronschreck(at)windstream.net) writes:



 -->  RVSouthEast-List message posted by:  <ronschreck(at)windstream.net (ronschreck(at)windstream.net)>



 Hi all,



 I'm stuck out here in  Wenatchee, Washington for about a month fighting 

 forest fires and thought I  would tell you all what I am doing.  This is really an

 advertisement for  the Garmin handheld GPS!  I'm flying Air Attack missions

 for the US  Forest Service in a Cessna 337 Skymaster (the push-pull or suck and 

 blow twin  engine type.)  It's the civilian version of the military O-2 that

 the Air  Force used as a forward air control (FAC) platform.  Too many years

 ago I  was a Forward Air Contoller in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 Bronco and I 

 find  that the Air Attack mission is very similar.  As a FAC, I directed

 fighter/bomber aircraft in on targets by marking with a white phosphorus (WP)  rocket

 so they could see the targets which were usually heavily camoflaged or 

 hidden in the jungle canopy on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  As an Air Attack I  direct

 the helicopters and water bombers that fight the wildfires.  The  only

 difference I see in the missions is that we are dropping water instead of  bo 

 mbs and nobody is shooting at me this time!

 Our  aircraft are well-equipped with two FM radios and two AM radios and two

 Garmin  430's with terrain and traffic (TCAS).  Despite having two 430's I

 > still  bring along my personnal Garmin 296 and find it to be the most useful
	


 	  Quote: 	
		   piece of  equipment in the aircraft.  The terrain here is very rugged with peaks

 topping 13,000 feet and the visibility is sometimes very limited due to 

 smoke.  Then there are up to 4 helicopters working in close proximity all  day

 long.  The missions can last for 6 hours at a time with all these  elements

 (terrain, traffic and poor visibility) commonplace.  I use all  three Garmins at 

 once: one on TCAS, one on TERRAIN and one for  navigation.  The terrain feature

 is really a comfort as it is difficult  with an occluded (smoke) horizon to

 determine by visual reference if I am  higher than the terrain I plan on crossing 

 ahead.  The TCAS feature on  the 430 helps me keep track of the helo's and

 gives me warning of any  intruders in the TFR that overlays every f

 ire.  We have had three  intrusions by A-6 Intruders (appropriately named) 

 this week as a low lever  (VR) route goes right through the fire zone and they

 somehow don't get briefed  on the TFR.   Yesterday one had two near misses with

 helo's.   Scarry!  So, I use the 430s for TCAS and TERRAIN while the 296 is 

 used to  keep track of navigation.  I overfly and MARK numerous spots of

 interest  in the fire (hot spots, helo landing spots, ground troop positions, helo

 "dipping" lakes and TRF boundaries, etc.)  I can pass coordinates of any  spot 

 just by hitting "enter" and read it off.

 Those of you  planning your panel layout would be well-advised to consider

 one of the Garmin  -96 series in your plans.  The 430 is nice and it is IFR 

 certified, but  for ease of operation and more readable display I prefer the 296.

 I put  a SL-30 nav/comm in "Miss Izzy" to handle the occasional IMC approach

 and even  with in internal GPS in my GRT EFIS I find the 296 is my most useful 

 piece of  avionics.  I'm sure the 396 with XM weather is even nicer and maybe

 I  will upgrade when I win the lottery and send the 296 to the back seat.  I

 have flow with the 296 for at least 500 hours now and can't stop raving about 

  it.  For the money there is no comparison.  (No, I am not associated  with

 Garmin and didn't get a plug nickel for any of this!)  I just like  that little

 sucker!

 There are 4 or 5 major fires in  Washington right now and there is little 

 chance that we will put them out  before the first major rainfall or snow.  Best

 we can do is "manage" the  fire and keep it from spreading to areas with more

 fuel (dead or diseased  timber) or areas that threaten structures. 

 I miss flying my  RV-8 while I am here and I sure miss flying with you guys.

 Sure would be  nice to have that RV climb performance in this terrain!  I'll

 be back at  the end of August in time for the flight to Ocracoke.  Hope to see 

 you  all there.  Kathy is really looking forward to that, too.  Keep the

 email coming.  Its the highlight of my day.



 Y'all fly  safe,



 Ron Schreck

 RV-8 "Miss Izzy" james(at)nextupventures.com (james(at)nextupventures.com) .

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:50 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi Larry,



Well, the 296 is super in flat terrain too.  In the winter I do survey missions over the Atlantic for NOAA.  We are tracking the near-extinct Northern Right Whale.  The "track" function of  the 296 really comes in handy there.  If one of my observers catches a glimpse of a whale I can return to the sighting spot with great accuracy by retracing my flight and overflying the track to put us back to where the sighting was first made.  Then we circle and wait for the whale to surface again.  The Garmin 430 and 530 don't have the "track" feature.  For the life of me, I don't see why their $8000+ units don't have at least as many features as the handheld GPS???  I have a ships-power cord in "Miss Izzy" for the 296 and an antenna permanently mounted under the cowling.  I consider it "essential" equipment.



Ron Schreck

RV-8 "Miss Izzy"

Gold Hill Airpark, NC

TDY to Wenatchee, WA                        do not archive

[quote] 

 From: "Larry Bowen" <Larry(at)bowenaero.com>

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 03:39:36 EDT

 To: <rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com>

 Subject: RE: Garmin 296

 

 

 

 Good to hear from you.  I gave the 396 similar high marks on the OSH trip --

 which was ho-hum compared to your story below!

 

 I met your colleague Jan at the RUQ breakfast last Sunday.  She said you

 were headed West.....

 

 Stay safe,

 

 -

 Larry Bowen

 Larry(at)BowenAero.com

 http://BowenAero.com

  

 

 > --

rkharr(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:52 am Post subject: Garmin 296

Ron,

  

 That must be some very demanding flying!  And I thought it was hot here!!!!  Very interesting.  Good info on the Garmin x96.  Makes me want to spend even more money.

  

 Be careful out there.

  

 Ken



 

 On 8/4/06, ronschreck(at)windstream.net (ronschreck(at)windstream.net) <ronschreck(at)windstream.net (ronschreck(at)windstream.net) > wrote:  	  Quote: 	
		  --> RVSouthEast-List message posted by: <ronschreck(at)windstream.net  (ronschreck(at)windstream.net)>



Hi all,



I'm stuck out here in Wenatchee, Washington for about a month fighting forest fires and thought I would tell you all what I am doing.  This is really an advertisement for the Garmin handheld GPS!  I'm flying Air Attack missions for the US Forest Service in a Cessna 337 Skymaster (the push-pull or suck and blow twin engine type.)  It's the civilian version of the military O-2 that the Air Force used as a forward air control (FAC) platform.  Too many years ago I was a Forward Air Contoller in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 Bronco and I find that the Air Attack mission is very similar.  As a FAC, I directed fighter/bomber aircraft in on targets by marking with a white phosphorus (WP) rocket so they could see the targets which were usually heavily camoflaged or hidden in the jungle canopy on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  As an Air Attack I direct the helicopters and water bombers that fight the wildfires.  The only difference I see in the missions is that we are dropping water instead of bo 

mbs and nobody is shooting at me this time!

   Our aircraft are well-equipped with two FM radios and two AM radios and two Garmin 430's with terrain and traffic (TCAS).  Despite having two 430's I still bring along my personnal Garmin 296 and find it to be the most useful piece of equipment in the aircraft.  The terrain here is very rugged with peaks topping 13,000 feet and the visibility is sometimes very limited due to smoke.  Then there are up to 4 helicopters working in close proximity all day long.  The missions can last for 6 hours at a time with all these elements (terrain, traffic and poor visibility) commonplace.  I use all three Garmins at once: one on TCAS, one on TERRAIN and one for navigation.  The terrain feature is really a comfort as it is difficult with an occluded (smoke) horizon to determine by visual reference if I am higher than the terrain I plan on crossing ahead.  The TCAS feature on the 430 helps me keep track of the helo's and gives me warning of any intruders in the TFR that overlays every f 

ire.  We have had three intrusions by A-6 Intruders (appropriately named) this week as a low lever (VR) route goes right through the fire zone and they somehow don't get briefed on the TFR.   Yesterday one had two near misses with helo's.  Scarry!  So, I use the 430s for TCAS and TERRAIN while the 296 is used to keep track of navigation.  I overfly and MARK numerous spots of interest in the fire (hot spots, helo landing spots, ground troop positions, helo "dipping" lakes and TRF boundaries, etc.)  I can pass coordinates of any spot just by hitting "enter" and read it off. 

   Those of you planning your panel layout would be well-advised to consider one of the Garmin -96 series in your plans.  The 430 is nice and it is IFR certified, but for ease of operation and more readable display I prefer the 296.  I put a SL-30 nav/comm in "Miss Izzy" to handle the occasional IMC approach and even with in internal GPS in my GRT EFIS I find the 296 is my most useful piece of avionics.  I'm sure the 396 with XM weather is even nicer and maybe I will upgrade when I win the lottery and send the 296 to the back seat.  I have flow with the 296 for at least 500 hours now and can't stop raving about it.  For the money there is no comparison.  (No, I am not associated with Garmin and didn't get a plug nickel for any of this!)  I just like that little sucker! 

   There are 4 or 5 major fires in Washington right now and there is little chance that we will put them out before the first major rainfall or snow.  Best we can do is "manage" the fire and keep it from spreading to areas with more fuel (dead or diseased timber) or areas that threaten structures. 

   I miss flying my RV-8 while I am here and I sure miss flying with you guys.  Sure would be nice to have that RV climb performance in this terrain!  I'll be back at the end of August in time for the flight to Ocracoke.  Hope to see you all there.  Kathy is really looking forward to that, too.  Keep the email coming.  Its the highlight of my day. 



Y'all fly safe,



Ron Schreck

RV-8 "Miss Izzy"http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RVSouthEast-List

_-=================================================sp;        - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI - = --> http://wiki.matronics.com<=========================sp;        - List Contribution Web Site - bsp;                        &nhttp://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/contributio=======================================

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:04 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi Radar,



Glad you are getting some good use out of the 396.  Maybe with the coming of the 496 the price of the older models will come down.  I wish the XM subscription was less expensive.



What CD is Stu sending?  Pictures?



Speaking of picures, I mentioned to Len that you should send one of those great shots to Van's and see if it makes the 2007 Calendar.  Maybe you could even get some $$$ for it!  You should go professional.



Ron Schreck

RV-8 "Miss Izzy"

Gold Hill Airpark, NC                    do not archive

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 From: "James Clark" <jclarkmail(at)gmail.com>

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 03:47:17 EDT

 To: rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Re: Garmin 296

 

 Good to hear from you Ron!

 

 For the crew that was at the clinc, I should have the CDs from Stu any day

 now. I will get copies to you later.

 

 Regarding the x96 from Garmin ... I put the 396 and the KMD 150 to good use

 on the way back (along with the autopilot). The viz got really low at times

 and when you have to cross the mountains (that would be foothills to you

 Ron!   ), you really want something that supports what you think you see

 outside.

 

 And with the weather being very "iffy" this past week, having weather

 onboard is far more valuable than most realize.

 

 Fly safe, see ya soon for another practice.

 

 James

 

 

 On 8/4/06, ronschreck(at)windstream.net <ronschreck(at)windstream.net> wrote:

 >

 > 

 >

 > Hi Len,

 >

 > Did I mention that it is HOT here too.  It was approaching 110 degrees

 > last week but the highs are down to high 80 this week.  Fortunately we

 > seldom get below 9000 feet on the fire so its cool enough.  You guys need to

 > take the formation practice up to 6000 feet+ and keep that fine edge.  The

 > pictures from Oshkosh are super.  Looks like all that training was put to

 > good use.  I can't get over the fine pictures James took of "Miss

 > Izzy".  What a shot!  He should submit one of those for the 2007 Van's

 > calendar!

 > I'm taking a breather this morning and expect to be back on the fire about

 > 3 PM until it gets dark.  Fortunately the fire calms down at night, but it

 > wakes up when the sun hits the slopes.

 > Who is coming to Ocracoke.  I have a rough idea, but no a firm

 > list.  Anybody else want to come?  I think there are some rooms left at the

 > Ocracoke Island Inn.  I hear the owner is a pilot, so he should welcome all

 > RV folks.

 >

 >

 > Fly safe,  Ron                            do not archive

 > >

 > > From: Lenleg(at)aol.com

 > > Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 03:12:16 EDT

 > > To: rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com

 > > Subject: Re: Garmin 296

 > >

 > >

 > > Ron:

 > >

 > > Great story ... felt my pucker factor go up as I was reading and

 > mentally

 > > flying in the smokey haze !!!

 > >

 > > Please be safe !!  It is soooo HOT here that no one is talking

 > much  about

 > > flying ... cooler wx is forecast ... thank goodness.

 > >

 > > BTW ... I am a double card FFI Wingman ... still have yours in my

 > pocket  too

 > > !!  Look forward to seeing you back in NC !!

 > >

 > > Len

 > >

 > >

 > > In a message dated 8/4/2006 3:03:33 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

 > > ronschreck(at)windstream.net writes:

 > >

 > > 

 > >

 > > Hi all,

 > >

 > > I'm stuck out here in  Wenatchee, Washington for about a month fighting

 > > forest fires and thought I  would tell you all what I am doing.  This is

 > really an

 > > advertisement for  the Garmin handheld GPS!  I'm flying Air Attack

 > missions

 > > for the US  Forest Service in a Cessna 337 Skymaster (the push-pull or

 > suck and

 > > blow twin  engine type.)  It's the civilian version of the military O-2

 > that

 > > the Air  Force used as a forward air control (FAC) platform.  Too many

 > years

 > > ago I  was a Forward Air Contoller in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 Bronco

 > and I

 > > find  that the Air Attack mission is very similar.  As a FAC, I directed

 > > fighter/bomber aircraft in on targets by marking with a white phosphorus

 > (WP)  rocket

 > > so they could see the targets which were usually heavily camoflaged or

 > > hidden in the jungle canopy on the Ho Chi Minh trail.  As an Air Attack

 > I  direct

 > > the helicopters and water bombers that fight the wildfires.  The  only

 > > difference I see in the missions is that we are dropping water instead

 > of  bo

 > > mbs and nobody is shooting at me this time!

 > > Our  aircraft are well-equipped with two FM radios and two AM radios and

 > two

 > > Garmin  430's with terrain and traffic (TCAS).  Despite having two 430's

 > I

 > > still  bring along my personnal Garmin 296 and find it to be the most

 > useful

 > > piece of  equipment in the aircraft.  The terrain here is very rugged

 > with peaks

 > > topping 13,000 feet and the visibility is sometimes very limited due to

 > > smoke.  Then there are up to 4 helicopters working in close proximity

 > all  day

 > > long.  The missions can last for 6 hours at a time with all

 > these  elements

 > > (terrain, traffic and poor visibility) commonplace.  I use all  three

 > Garmins at

 > > once: one on TCAS, one on TERRAIN and one for  navigation.  The terrain

 > feature

 > > is really a comfort as it is difficult  with an occluded (smoke) horizon

 > to

 > > determine by visual reference if I am  higher than the terrain I plan on

 > crossing

 > > ahead.  The TCAS feature on  the 430 helps me keep track of the helo's

 > and

 > > gives me warning of any  intruders in the TFR that overlays every f

 > > ire.  We have had three  intrusions by A-6 Intruders (appropriately

 > named)

 > > this week as a low lever  (VR) route goes right through the fire zone

 > and they

 > > somehow don't get briefed  on the TFR.   Yesterday one had two near

 > misses with

 > > helo's.   Scarry!  So, I use the 430s for TCAS and TERRAIN while the 296

 > is

 > > used to  keep track of navigation.  I overfly and MARK numerous spots of

 > > interest  in the fire (hot spots, helo landing spots, ground troop

 > positions, helo

 > > "dipping" lakes and TRF boundaries, etc.)  I can pass coordinates of

 > any  spot

 > > just by hitting "enter" and read it off.

 > > Those of you  planning your panel layout would be well-advised to

 > consider

 > > one of the Garmin  -96 series in your plans.  The 430 is nice and it is

 > IFR

 > > certified, but  for ease of operation and more readable display I prefer

 > the 296.

 > > I put  a SL-30 nav/comm in "Miss Izzy" to handle the occasional IMC

 > approach

 > > and even  with in internal GPS in my GRT EFIS I find the 296 is my most

 > useful

 > > piece of  avionics.  I'm sure the 396 with XM weather is even nicer and

 > maybe

 > > I  will upgrade when I win the lottery and send the 296 to the back

 > seat.  I

 > > have flow with the 296 for at least 500 hours now and can't stop raving

 > about

 > >  it.  For the money there is no comparison.  (No, I am not

 > associated  with

 > > Garmin and didn't get a plug nickel for any of this!)  I just like  that

 > little

 > > sucker!

 > > There are 4 or 5 major fires in  Washington right now and there is

 > little

 > > chance that we will put them out  before the first major rainfall or

 > snow.  Best

 > > we can do is "manage" the  fire and keep it from spreading to areas with

 > more

 > > fuel (dead or diseased  timber) or areas that threaten structures.

 > > I miss flying my  RV-8 while I am here and I sure miss flying with you

 > guys.

 > > Sure would be  nice to have that RV climb performance in this

 > terrain!  I'll

 > > be back at  the end of August in time for the flight to Ocracoke.  Hope

 > to see

 > > you  all there.  Kathy is really looking forward to that, too.  Keep the

 > > email coming.  Its the highlight of my day.

 > >

 > > Y'all fly  safe,

 > >

 > > Ron Schreck

 > > RV-8 "Miss Izzy"

 > > Gold Hill Airpark,  NC

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 

 

 -- 

 This is an alternate email. Please continue to email me at

 james(at)nextupventures.com .

paulf(at)ncsu.edu
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:06 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Ron:



Good to hear from you.  Certainly sounds like interesting (though demanding)

flying.  Yes, I too like the x96 series and would highly recommend them.

They just introduced the 496 at Oshkosh (it includes full ground US ground

maps and the AOPA AP database). 



BTW, I have pretty much decided to replace my (dead vacuum) AI with a Dynon

10 EFIS.  Though the GRT unit seems to be the best one out there, I would

rather not have to do the major panel surgery required to fit it in.



Paul D. Franzon

Alumni Distinguished Professor of ECE

443 Monteith GRC

paulf(at)ncsu.edu 919.515.7351 fax. 919.515.2285

www.ece.ncsu.edu/erl/faculty/paulf.html

USPS : ECE Box 7911, NCSU, Raleigh NC 27695

FedEx: EGRC 419, 2410 Campus Shore Dr.,  Raleigh NC 27606



--

Ed Anderson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 475

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:27 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Gee, Ron and here I thought you were retired - talk about someone who can't 

keep away from the action {:>).    Fly safe!!



Ed

---

_________________
Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson@carolina.rr.com

jclarkmail(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:45 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Paul,



There are a lot of good reasons to make modular panel that would accomodate the "new stuff".



James

On 8/4/06, Paul D. Franzon  <paulf(at)ncsu.edu (paulf(at)ncsu.edu)> wrote:[quote]--> RVSouthEast-List message posted by: "Paul D. Franzon" < paulf(at)ncsu.edu (paulf(at)ncsu.edu)>



Ron:



Good to hear from you.  Certainly sounds like interesting (though demanding)

flying.  Yes, I too like the x96 series and would highly recommend them. 

They just introduced the 496 at Oshkosh (it includes full ground US ground

maps and the AOPA AP database).



BTW, I have pretty much decided to replace my (dead vacuum) AI with a Dynon

10 EFIS.  Though the GRT unit seems to be the best one out there, I would 

rather not have to do the major panel surgery required to fit it in.



Paul D. Franzon

Alumni Distinguished Professor of ECE

443 Monteith GRC

paulf(at)ncsu.edu (paulf(at)ncsu.edu) 919.515.7351  fax. 919.515.2285

www.ece.ncsu.edu/erl/faculty/paulf.html

USPS : ECE Box 7911, NCSU, Raleigh NC 27695

FedEx: EGRC 419, 2410 Campus Shore Dr.,  Raleigh NC 27606 



--

sportav8r(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 2:42 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Ron,

    

   I like my 296, too, but never imagined I'd want to consider keeping it in the panel when I upgrade to GRT dual EFIS and internal GPS.  Quit messing with my made-up mind, will ya?!  I've already cut my panel blanks!

    

   (I am considering adding an AvMap EKP-IV with its beautiful display on the passenger's side for added situational awareness.)

    

   I have this mental picture of someone out there at the mission control saying on the radio, "What the hell - we've got a Mix-master out here shooting white phosphorus rockets into the forest!"   

    

   "That's gotta be Schreck having a flash-back!  Miss Izzy, break off, I say again, break off!"

    

   Don't work too hard out there, Ron.  Your R&R is coming up soon.  Keep your noodle cool!

    

   Thanks again for the nice card you and Kathy sent after the fly-in.

    

   -Stormy

    

   

 --

paulf(at)ncsu.edu
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

James:

  

 Thanks.  You are making good points.  I0 also dont want to end up with an 1994 RV-4 with too much invested in the  panel.

  

 Paul D. Franzon

Alumni Distinguished Professor of ECE

443 EGRC

paulf(at)ncsu.edu 919.515.7351, fax.0 919.515.2285

www.ece.ncsu.edu/erl/faculty/paulf.html

USPS0 : ECE, Box 7914, NCSU, Raleigh NC 27695

FedEx : EGRC 419, 2410 Campus Shore0 Dve., Raleigh NC 27606



 [quote]   ---

bburril(at)carolina.rr.co
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 6:27 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Ron,We are all sitting here on the east coast just going to work at the pie

factory tasting pie for a living in the air condition.Your having to fly

someone else equipment in washington st were the senarey is out of a post

card.I think i will go cry myself to sleep now.Be careful out there and

don,t worry about kathy.I,am sure you will know everybody that calls to

check on her for you.LOL



  Ben ---

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi Ed,



I'm easing my way into retirement.  Of course the retirement checks from USAF and USAir help, but this job is strictly as a contract pilot.  I tell my boss when I want to fly and he tells me when he could use me.  It's a great retirement job.  I'll never be an employee again!



Ron                             do not archive

[quote] 

 From: "Ed Anderson" <eanderson(at)carolina.rr.com>

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 05:27:14 EDT

 To: <rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com>

 Subject: Re: Garmin 296

 

 

 

 Gee, Ron and here I thought you were retired - talk about someone who can't 

 keep away from the action {:>).    Fly safe!!

 

 Ed

 ---

bill(at)repucci.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:27 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Ron,



I would like to thank you and help you.



First the thanks.  It is good to know someone is out West helping

protect all of those beautiful trees!  Just think in few years they will

all be cut down to make copy paper.



Second, the help.  As you are most likely very concerned about your

beautiful RV-8 sitting in the hanger corroding out here in the high

humidity that is Gold Hill and the rest of the Piedmont.  I will be more

than happy to offer my services to fly it a few times a week just to

keep the cylinders from rusting and to blow the moisture out of the

fuselage.



You can email me off list with the location of your keys and credit card

number.  (For the fuel, of course, you don't think I would do this on my

own nickel do ya?)



No need to thank me for my generosity.  Oh, and don't worry, I'll cover

the gas it takes me to drive from Huntersville to Gold Hill.  That is

the least I can do for someone who is helping to protect our natural

resources.



Bill



Seriously, it sounds like you are doing some very demanding flying out

there.  Best of luck!



--

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:31 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi Bill,



If you recall, I did not build my 296 into the panel.  I made a bracket for it at the base of the panel so I can swivel it for best viewing and easily remove it to another airplane.  



Ron                                      do not archive

[quote] 

 From: sportav8r(at)aol.com

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 06:41:46 EDT

 To: rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Garmin 296

 

 Ron,

  

 I like my 296, too, but never imained I'd want to consider keeping it in the panel when I upgrade to GRT dual EFIS and internal GPS.  Quit messing with my made-up mind, will ya?!  I've already cut my panel blanks!

  

 (I am considering adding an AvMap EKP-IV with its beautiful display on the passenger's side for added situational awareness.)

  

 I have this mental picture of someone out there at the mission control saying on the radio, "What the hell - we've got a Mix-master out here shooting white phosphorus rockets into the forest!"   

  

 "That's gotta be Schreck having a flash-back!  Miss Izzy, break off, I say again, break off!"

  

 Don't work too hard out there, Ron.  Your R&R is coming up soon.  Keep your noodle cool!

  

 Thanks again for the nice card you and Kathy sent after the fly-in.

  

 -Stormy

  

 

 --

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:33 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Thanks Ben.  I know I can count on you!



Ron                      do not archive

[quote] 

 From: "ben burril" <bburril(at)carolina.rr.com>

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 10:07:25 EDT

 To: <rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com>

 Subject: Re: Re: Garmin 296

 

 

 

 Ron,We are all sitting here on the east coast just going to work at the pie

 factory tasting pie for a living in the air condition.Your having to fly

 someone else equipment in washington st were the senarey is out of a post

 card.I think i will go cry myself to sleep now.Be careful out there and

 don,t worry about kathy.I,am sure you will know everybody that calls to

 check on her for you.LOL

 

   Ben ---

ronschreck

Joined: 04 Aug 2006
Posts: 192
Location: Gold Hill Airpark, NC (NC25)

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:37 pm Post subject: Garmin 296

Hi Bill,



Wow!  With Ben looking after my wife and you looking after my airplane I will surely feel a warm fuzzy every night when I go to bed.  Such friends are hard to come by. 



Ron                do not archive

[quote] 

 From: "Bill Repucci" <bill(at)repucci.com>

 Date: 2006/08/04 Fri PM 11:09:45 EDT

 To: <rvsoutheast-list(at)matronics.com>

 Subject: RE: Garmin 296

 

 

 

 Ron,

 

 I would like to thank you and help you.

 

 First the thanks.  It is good to know someone is out West helping

 protect all of those beautiful trees!  Just think in few years they will

 all be cut down to make copy paper.

 

 Second, the help.  As you are most likely very concerned about your

 beautiful RV-8 sitting in the hanger corroding out here in the high

 humidity that is Gold Hill and the rest of the Piedmont.  I will be more

 than happy to offer my services to fly it a few times a week just to

 keep the cylinders from rusting and to blow the moisture out of the

 fuselage.

 

 You can email me off list with the location of your keys and credit card

 number.  (For the fuel, of course, you don't think I would do this on my

 own nickel do ya?)

 

 No need to thank me for my generosity.  Oh, and don't worry, I'll cover

 the gas it takes me to drive from Huntersville to Gold Hill.  That is

 the least I can do for someone who is helping to protect our natural

 resources.

 

 Bill

 

 Seriously, it sounds like you are doing some very demanding flying out

 there.  Best of luck!

 

 --

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