Section A·Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Thursday, December 3, 1998
The University of Kansas campus is a noticeable landmark when flying over Lawrence. During flight practice and training sessions, students often try to me campus on the way to practice areas above Clinton Lake. Photo by Jay Sheeperd/KANSAN
KU students flying the friendly skies
By Jay Sheperd Special to the Kansan
Ashley Bowen can not forget her adrenaline rush the day she lifted the nose of her plane off of the runway, left her instructor behind and was airborne on her first solo flight.
"The first time I flew a plane by myself was the most emotional experience of my life," said Bowen, Augusta junior. "I was thrilled, but at the same time terrified."
At that moment she experienced what she called the amazing feeling of flight, an experience also shared
by the 10 to 15 students taking flying lessons at the Lawrence Municipal Airport at any given time.
"It's exciting every time I get into a plane," said Kyle Spikes, Hugoton sophomore. "Before I got my license and was just practicing, it was much more stressful. Now I can just enjoy it."
The ease and speed of flying make it an attractive alternative to long car trips. Flying in the most basic single seater at more than 100 miles per hour reduces travel times by half.
Jarrod Ramsev. flight instructor
Checking off the preflight checklist, flight instructor Jarrod Ramsey, Valley Center, junior, and his student, Laurie Billars, Sioux Falls, S.D., junior, prepare for a flying lesson. This was Billars' first formal lesson. Photo by Jay Sheperd/KANSAN
and Valley Center junior, said that a lot of people with their private license will fly to different airports just to get something to eat.
"For Valentine's Day last year we got our dates and we flew to Kansas City Downtown Airport," Ramsey said.
Most people who learn to fly as a hobby get only the initial license called the private certificate. It restricts flights to periods of good visibility below the clouds.
Learning to fly can be expensive.
The total cost of flying lessons needed for a license ranges from $2,500 to $3,000.
"I've budgeted it to take one lesson a week," said Laurie Billars, Sioux Falls, S.D., junior. "You have to make it a priority with the time and money involved. It was this or a car. But it's definitely worth it."
Before going up in the air, the pilot must know the weather forecast.
Bowen's scariest flying experience occurred when the wind shifted and a thunderstorm came up around the airport where she was practicing. Because she was not certified to fly when visibility was low, she couldn't land at the airport from where she took off. After landing elsewhere, Bowen was picked up by someone who could fly in those conditions.
When problems occur while flying, instructors recommend getting back up in the air to overcome fears.
home make you realize that you need to be careful," Spikes said. "A gentleman landed his plane on a dirt road near home and then tried to take back off. He didn't make it. Safety is the most important aspect in every part of flying."
The second level of certification, the instrument rating, requires additional training and costs $2,500 to $3,000. It allows the pilot to navigate the plane entirely by the instruments. Further levels of certification allow a pilot to fly multi-engine aircraft containing up to 10 seats.
"Those accidents that are close to
Ramsey said that people who earn all of the certifications frequently plan on a career in aviation.
"The sooner you start, the better," said Karl Pittman, one of four pilots flying for the University of Kansas. "It probably takes three years to get the licenses necessary, and then another five years to get the experience."
Pittman said that anyone interested in flying should call the airport and set up an introductory ride.
These flights cost $30 and usually last an hour or less. The introductory flight allows prospective students to attempt very basic maneuvers of climbing and descending. They also get a feeling of how an experienced pilot controls the plane.
“People who want to fly love it, and either you do or you don't. I've wanted to fly since I was born,” Ramsey said.
New Web site tested for students' feedback
By Liz Wristen
Kansas staff writer
Kansan staff writer
A new prototype for the KUFACTS Web page eventually may be used to combine the information from the current page and the University of Kansas gateway page.
Julie Loats, KUFACTS Web administrator and the designer of the new prototype, said the innovation would reorganize the information available on the current Web sites, add more information and create a new Web look.
The new prototype is at http://www.ukans.edu/newku.
The gateway page is at http://www.ukans.edu, and the current KUFACT page is at http://www.ukans.edu/kufacts.
"Right now, the prototype is just an experiment," Loats said. "It's out there for people to check out and then offer feedback."
Mike Kautsch, chairman of the KUFACTS advisory committee, said that the prototype had been endorsed by the committee, but has yet to be approved by central administration. He said the prototype was part of a plan to improve the University's Web service.
"This is a way of supporting the web administrator's efforts to make continuous improvements in KUFACTS systems and make the KU Web service more userfriendly," Kautsch said.
Next, the prototype will be presented to the provost and the Provost Council. Bill Crowe, vice chancellor for Information Services and dean of libraries, said he hoped Loats would be able to demonstrate the features of the prototype to the council sometime in January.
"Partly, this will be an educational opportunity," Crowe said. "It will provide a chance to talk through issues of communication in the Webenvironment."
Crowe said the focus of the prototype was to allow students, faculty and visitors to find information quickly with the help of a clearer Web design.
Loats said she hoped the prototype would be ready for use this spring.
Students may send questions or concerns to Julie Loats at jmloats@ukans.edu.
Music Review
The Flys music grooves good for TV or parties
By T. R. Miller
Kansan music fiend
What is the music world coming to when the hit song on 105.9 comes from a band full of monkeys?
Okay, they're not monkey's, but The Flys are a goofy bunch all the same. Perhaps you've heard the frequently-played "Got You (Where I Want You)" on your car stereo lately. "Dawson's Creek" fans heard the single on last week's episode. Fitting, I say. Both are somewhat cheesy, with innocuous dramas and full of way too much enthusiasm. Which is why I am so ashamed for liking both.
But The Flys are also in a class all their own. I can't get past their lyrics. Take "Groove Is Where You Find It", for example. (The title should be an indication.) Songwriter/vocalist Adam Paskowitz half sing and half speaks, "Groove is where you find it/Takes time to realize it/Move in to the middle of your mind/No one can deny it." Such humorous lyrics should come with a silly delivery, right?
Not so.
These guys are no 311-copycats. In fact, their sound is more along the lines of Lenny Kravitz or Stone
THE FLYS" HOLIDAY
**** out of *****
★★★ out of ★★★★★
Temple Pilots. The Flys resonate a kind of late '80s, early '90s sound that makes the music merely a background to the words and Paskowitz's voice. Don't pay attention to the lyrics in "The Gods of Basketball" where Paskowitz' voice sounds like a modern version of Ozzy Osbourne's high-pitched, almost mocking strains. The lead singer's voice is the strength for this band. His songwriting abilities leave a lot to be added.
But The Flys definitely have their place in the world. Whether it be background for network TV or party music, their music has a catchy, rock 'n' roll, fun appeal. One of my favorite songs on the album is "Give You My Car." Paskowitz sings a love puppy ode with a badboy rock 'n' roll beat. "I will loan you my credit cards/I will give you my car/I will roll out the red carpet for you I'm gonna make you a star."
The combination of such adolescent lyrics and '60s guitar sounds makes for good dance tunes. A high school dance, that is.
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