TOP's Flying Club aircraft are looking great thanks to a fine group effort at the annual spring Wash-N-Wax. Over 20 members we're not detered by the weather and gathered to wash, wax, and clean all four of the TOP's aircraft from spinner to tail. It was a chilly but sunny April 27th morning with a stiff northerly breeze and temperatures only in the upper 30's. (To see the image gallery from the event - CLICK HERE) Members gathered at Oakland Troy Airport at 8am bundled up in all sorts of winter attire. A warm pot of coffee, bagels, and donuts provided the fuel members needed and an antidote to the chill in the air. The purpose of the Wash-N-Wax is to get the dirt and oil off club planes and…

Tuesday, November 20th TOPS members gathered to get the latest updates on club operations. 20 or so members where in attendance and enjoyed a presentation from TOPS President Dave Londal that included a look at plans for 2019 and proposed revisions to the club bylaws and operating rules. Members voted to adopt the new rules and put a new executive board in place for the coming year. President Londal told members club leadership is considering selling N737LM in favor of an aircraft that may be more compatible with the general membership. Concerns were expressed with the cost of maintaining a complex turbocharged aircraft. Londel said the cost and availability of replacement parts is a consideration plus he indicated this plane may be more suited to an individual pilot than a…

Veteran TOPS member Joe Haas says there is now a new reason to use Flight Following when flying VFR out of Oakland Troy Airport.  New SIDS and STARS will have Detroit approach controllers pushing tin right above the airspace at KVLL. Hass says the controllers are looking forward to hearing from you each and every time you depart.  After September 13th you can reach Detroit Approach on 127.5 when traveling north and 134.3 when heading south.  Members...look for more info from Joe via e-mail.  Hass spoke with TOPS members at the club meeting August 28th, 2018 at Troy Oakland airport.    

Members of TOPS (Troy Oakland Pilots) gathered at the Troy-Oakland airport to renew friendships,  get up to speed on "Basic Med", and enjoy a hotdog or burger at the final summer meeting of 2018 on August 28.  Over 30 attended and virtually all enjoyed chatting with fellow pilots and watching club president Dave Londal captain operations at the BBQ. This all looks like fun but this is serious business as members were on hand to learn about a new medical certification program called "Basic Med" that provides club members an alternative path to meeting the FAA medical requirement.   New federal regulations now allow pilots to visit the doctor of their choice and complete an on line course vs. visiting a doctor (AME) certified by the FAA.  This new program encourages…

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING TOPICS  Club Business Updates Board of Directors Elections Safety Training TOPS MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017 7  PM AT  MIDWEST VIDEO 1515 SOUTER DR. TROY, MI 48083  EVERYONE WELCOME

It has been a long process but 7LM is new (or at least rebuilt) from the firewall forward. This makes for a great travelling machine.  Flight plan for 145 kts TAS on 13.5 gallons per hour and haul 750 lbs of people and stuff 500+ miles.  Need longer legs? No problem, trade some weight for up to 22 more gallons of fuel and dial it back a bit you can go a long way! Throw some camping gear in and enjoy nearby campgrounds, head to a fly-in, or plan on Oshkosh! It made a great way to enjoy AOPA Indy Regional Fly-in without having to join the flying circus on final approach Saturday morning! Get with your instructor and get checked out.  Don't have your endorsements yet?  Take this opportunity…