Archives
December 2020
DECEMBER 2020 NOTAM
BEST FUEL PRICE
$3.69 !!
Our 100LL prices are adjusted with each shipment as we strive to give you the lowest price in New England!
This is just one way we support the general aviation community in New England!
FUEL PRICES as of December 1st
Credit Card: per gallon – $4.09
Cash or check: 10 cents off – $3.99
$500 Prepayment: 20 cents off – $3.89
$2,500 Prepayment: 30 cents off – $3.79
$5,000 Prepayment: 40 cents off – $3.69
Pump your own 24/7 with a prepaid account or between 9 & 4 daily for credit card, cash or check sales.
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NEWS FROM THE RAMP…
The Minute Man community came out in force to welcome Craig Maiman home in his recently completed Sling 4. We asked Craig about his path to building and flying this beautiful plane, and here’s what he had to say: “After getting my pilot’s license in 2012 and attending a couple of Oshkosh shows, I decided I wanted to build an airplane and considered nearly all of the popular kits (e.g. Van’s, Kitfox, Zenith, Ran’s, Sonex, etc.). After reading about the Sling line and seeing them at OSH, I decided that was the plane for me. The Sling 4 was gorgeous, could hold 4 adults and I felt I could build it in a reasonable time (well, at least compared to an RV-10, which I realized was a huge project).
I got the first sub-kits in early 2014 and began in earnest. I thought it would be a 3.5-year build, but that quickly proved to be too optimistic. Mostly because I didn’t put in as many hours per week as I expected (I know someone that built their Sling 4 in about 3 years). After 5 and a half years I decided I wanted help in finishing it, so I found a company in Oklahoma that was willing to do the work at a reasonable price. Well, they ended up taking way longer than their own estimate, but it was finally done in October of this year. After the Phase 1 testing was complete I went down to Oklahoma to pick it up and flew it back with a fellow Sling builder/flyer friend, Bob, who is a retired American Airlines captain. As a former CFI and having over 500 hours in his own Sling, he was the perfect guy to fly back with.
On the first day, we flew from Norman, OK to Dayton, OH with a stop in Illinois. On the 2nd day, we flew direct from Dayton to 6B6 in 4 hrs. 20 min. The whole trip we had great tailwinds and clear skies for most of that time.
The greeting we got on our return was tremendous and felt so great to see. After 6 and half years of building, it was such a high to taxi my Sling 4 up to my family and friends waiting (all masked!) in front of my hangar.”
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Ninety-Nines Magazine recently published this article by Sue Buena. In it, Sue recounts her interest in gyroplanes after a decades-long break from aviation. She also discusses the purchase of her AutoGyro Cavalon, passing her checkride and flying it home to 6B6 from Maryland.
It’s always great to learn more about women in aviation, and what our female community members are up to! Please send us your stories to share!
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Don and John Kinney recently flew a ‘COVID Compliant’ mission for Turtles Fly Too, a non-profit organization who facilitates the use of general aviation to transport endangered species.
Launching early last Wednesday 11/25, they transported 12 Kemp’s Ridley and 3 Green sea turtles from Marshfield, MA (KGHG) to Baltimore, MD (KMTN) in 11 banana boxes. New England Aquarium staff loaded the precious cargo into Don’s Cherokee Six (with plenty of extra insulation added to assure turtle warmth) and after a smooth, uneventful flight, the turtles were transferred to their new home at the National Aquarium.
Turtles Fly Too partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to educate students and other non-profit organizations about the importance of general aviation to our society, and specifically, endangered sea turtle rescue operations. They’re always looking for pilots, and as Don and John will tell you it’s a rewarding way to spend a day flying! Go to Turtles Fly Too for more information on how to plan your own mission!
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The Operations Office welcomes Ashley Yarnell and Eric Rolfe to the team, and welcomes back John Kinney and Bill Oakland from vacation. We’ve got a great crew working hard to keep Minute Man the friendly and safe field we are known for!
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STAYING SAFE!
Until now, our solution to COVID social distancing requirements has been to conduct all fuel sales outdoors. But with cold weather upon us, we are inviting pilots back into our Operations Office to say hello, process payments or purchase hot & cold drinks and snacks. To protect the safety of our customers and staff, we have enhanced our sanitizing measures, erected a clear partition at the desk and require everyone to wear masks inside. Thank you for helping keep our aviation community safe and flying through the pandemic!
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NANCY’S AIR FIELD CAFÉ
FLY IN AND TAKEOUT DINNER!
Friday & Saturday 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Call or order online and pickup “planeside”
Nancy is also offering special meals for Christmas and New Year’s dinner.
Check the website for details!
The Air Field Operations Office is open daily from 9-4 and offers Café snacks, hot coffee and drinks for sale.
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Boosting the ECONOMY – Serving the COMMUNITY – Nurturing the ENVIRONMENT SINCE 1969!
NOVEMER 2020 NOTAM
BEST FUEL PRICE
$3.79
Our 100LL prices are adjusted with each shipment as we strive to give you the lowest price in New England!
This is just one way we support the general aviation community in New England!
FUEL PRICES as of November 1st
Credit Card: per gallon – $4.19
Cash or check: 10 cents off – $4.09
$500 Prepayment: 20 cents off – $3.99
$2,500 Prepayment: 30 cents off – $3.89
$5,000 Prepayment: 40 cents off – $3.79
Pump your own 24/7 with a prepaid account or between 9 & 4 daily for credit card, cash or check sales.
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COVID UPDATE and MORE…
Airports across Massachusetts are considered ‘Essential Services’ and as such, are required to remain open and conduct their businesses in strict accordance with CDC guidelines to keep everyone safe!
We are now inviting pilots back into our Operations Office to conduct their business. When you come in, you will not only receive our famous ’Warm 6B6 Welcome’, you’ll also find enhanced sanitizing, plenty of room for social distancing and a transparent partition at our counter. We have also opened up a little ‘Snack Bar’ in an adjoining room and offer Nancy’s remarkable George Howell coffee, soft drinks and Café made pastries. Thank you for visiting and helping to keep our community intact, safe and flying through the pandemic!
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NEWS FROM THE RAMP
Late last week, based pilot and part time Airport Concierge, Bill Oakland planned a very early morning departure for Florida the day after our first (and way too early) snow storm with his wife and three cats! Getting them out safely and on time was a challenge we could not resist! First, Don vacated his T-hangar two days in advance so that Bill could pack for his trip in comfort and depart with no worries about a cold engine start and icy wings. Then our well seasoned plow team went into action to clear the ramps and runways and maintain their reputation as having “the fastest plow in rugged Northeast!” Bill and family are now enjoying some well-earned vacation time on the beach – with no preheating required!
Call OPS at any time to make your request, no matter how unusual, and we’ll do our best for you!
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WE’RE HIRING!
We’re looking for part-time help in our operations office. As an Airport Concierge, you’ll be an ambassador for the air field. You’ll greet pilots via radio, meet incoming aircraft and process fuel sales. This is a great job for a multi-tasker who has a knack for customer service, a strong attention to detail, works well independently, and who would like to spend their days talking aviation with our customers! While primarily a customer service position, you will also be involved in administrative and other tasks to support Air Field. This is a great job for a pilot who is retired or someone currently undergoing flight training who wants to be immersed in a great aviation community! Please send a letter of interest to [email protected].
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JOIN THE MINUTE MAN FAMILY!
Leasing a hangar at Minute Man means you’ll never lift a shovel before you fly! Sign up today. We also have tie-down pads available, and for a small fee we’ll keep your plane cleared off all winter. Please contact [email protected] for information. Welcome to our community!
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NANCY’S AIR FIELD CAFÉ
That’s all, folks! Nancy’s daytime operation is now closed for the season. She continues to offer a takeout dinner menu on Friday and Saturday nights, and will be offering a special Thanksgiving menu for those who choose not to cook! Click here for menus and links to order online! Nancy will be back in the Spring with all your favorites and new operational plans. Stay tuned! Meanwhile….
FLY IN AND TAKEOUT DINNER!
Friday & Saturday 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Call or order online and pickup “planeside”
The Air Field Operations Office is open daily from 9-4 and offers Café snacks, hot coffee and drinks for sale.
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Boosting the ECONOMY – Serving the COMMUNITY – Nurturing the ENVIRONMENT SINCE 1969!
OCTOBER 2020 NOTAM
BEST FUEL PRICE
$3.79
Our 100LL prices are adjusted with each shipment as we strive to give you the lowest price in New England!
This is just one way we support the general aviation community in New England!
FUEL PRICES as of October 1st
Credit Card: per gallon – $4.19
Cash or check: 10 cents off – $4.09
$500 Prepayment: 20 cents off – $3.99
$2,500 Prepayment: 30 cents off – $3.89
$5,000 Prepayment: 40 cents off – $3.79
Pump your own 24/7 with a prepaid account or between 9 & 4 daily for credit card, cash or check sales.
We strictly follow CDC guidelines to keep everyone safe.
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NEWS FROM THE RAMP
Our first Saturday of the month ‘Hangar Talk’ & ‘Meet with the Manager’ came back IN PERSON for the first time since March!!! It’s so great to see folks enjoying themselves on Nancy’s terrace again. Here are some of the highlights:
Our new, state supplied rotating beacon (Thank You, Kate Hogan & MassDOT-AD) is now operating with our old baffles installed, which protect our neighbors from unwanted light. Thank you to the many EAA Chapter 196 members who brought these modifications ‘on line’.
Our next project is installing our 4 solar powered obstruction lights on the RNWY 3 Approach (again, Thank You, Kate Hogan & MassDOT). Again, Chapter 196 members have stepped forward to assist with this fun, but very important safety project.With COVID making ground school impractical, Aptis Aviation has opted to give up their classroom space, which has now been subdivided in two. The new (old) space is being occupied by Vickie Evarts and her team from William Raveis Real Estate. Stop by and welcome them to our unique community.
Alakai has now flown their hydrogen fuel cell powered eVTOL, Alakai, in development here, in excess of 30 minutes! Way to go team!!!
Welcome to Bill Oakland, a Piper 180 owner based here, who is now helping out in OPS. Thank you Bill for your cheerful demeanor and your eye on safety.
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WE’RE HIRING!
We’re always looking for qualified part-time help in our operations office, aka, ‘OPS’. As an ‘Airport Concierge’, you’ll be an ambassador for the air field, Stow and Massachusetts. You’ll greet pilots via radio, telephone and in person to assist them with parking, buying fuel, food, ground transportation, and lodging.
This is a great job for a multi-tasker who has a knack for customer service, a strong attention to detail, works well independently, and who would like to spend their days speaking ‘aviation’ with our visitors! While primarily a customer service position, you will also be involved in administrative and other tasks to support our airport manager and the air field. This is a great job for a pilot who is retired or someone currently undergoing flight training who wants to be immersed in a great aviation community! Please send a letter of interest to [email protected].
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AIRCRAFT STORAGE OPTIONS AT 6B6
If you store your ‘Baby’ in a hangar at Minute Man, you’ll ‘never have to lift a snow shovel’ before you fly. If you store your ‘Baby’ on a concrete tie-down pad with us, you might want to also sign up for our snow removal option. We’ll keep your plane and pad cleared of snow all winter. Drop in any day from 9 – 4 for a tour or reach OPS at 978-897-3933 or [email protected] for information.
RNWY 3/21 – 3,110’ Paved, Lighted, PAPI, RNAV
Full Length Parallel TXWY – Solar Lighted
RNWY 12/30 – 1,600’ Turf, VFR
* EAA Chapter 196 meets at 19:00 hrs on the last Monday
*IMC Club meets at 19:00 hrs on the third Tuesday.
*Hangar Talk & Meet the Manager on the first Saturday at 08:30 hrs
*Wee Dram club meets at 4:44 pm on the Fourth Friday (BYOS)
Come join our amazing aviation community today!
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Turtles Fly Too’s mission is to facilitate stranded turtle rescue and relocation efforts made possible through the generosity of “first responder” volunteer pilots/aircraft owners.
Turtles Fly Too partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to educate folks about the many ways volunteer pilots/aircraft owners benefit our society, including rescue of stranded, endangered sea turtles.
If you are interested in learning more about the ways pilot volunteers nurture the environment or becoming a volunteer “Turtle Flier”, visit Turtles Fly Too for further information and to complete an application. Here are links to a few other pilot volunteer opportunities:
Angel Flight
Pilots n’ Paws
Coast Guard Auxiliary – Aviation
Civil Air Patrol
Air Care Alliance
Young Eagles
Women in Aviation International
Above the Clouds Kids
LightHawk
And so many more…
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NANCY’S AIR FIELD CAFÉ
Fly in this weekend and enjoy a walk on the Stow Conservation trails adjacent to 6B6. Pick up a personal picnic from the Café to take with you, or come back to the Café for a well-earned brunch or lunch!
CAFE HOURS OF OPERATION
BRUNCH/LUNCH: Saturday & Sunday 9:00 – 2:00 pm
Order from the takeout window and enjoy under a tent!
TAKEOUT DINNER: Friday & Saturday 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Order online and pickup curbside ~ enjoy at home or under a tent at the air field.
Click here for menus and links to order online!
The air field operations office is open from 9-4,
7 days a week. ‘Café Light Snacks’ and cold drinks
are for sale when the Café is closed.
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Boosting the ECONOMY – Serving the COMMUNITY – Nurturing the ENVIRONMENT SINCE 1969!
JULY 2020 NOTAM
BEST FUEL PRICE
$3.69!
Our 100LL prices are adjusted with each shipment, giving you the lowest price in New England! This is just one way we support the General Aviation community in the region!
FUEL PRICES as of JULY 1ST
Credit Card: per gallon – $4.09
Cash or check: 10 cents off – $3.99
$500 Prepayment: 20 cents off – $3.89
$2,500 Prepayment: 30 cents off – $3.79
$5,000 Prepayment: 40 cents off – $3.79
Pump your own 24/7 with a prepaid account or between 9 & 4 daily for credit card, cash or check sales.
We strictly follow CDC guidelines to keep everyone safe.
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Once Around the Pattern…
June saw National Aviation Academy, our resident aviation maintenance training school, welcome back their students with ample social distancing measures in place. They’re now utilizing both the South and the North hangars for their classes so you may see them more often than in the past. We couldn’t be happier to have the students, noticeable in their red and black shirts, back on campus and we hope you’ll say “Hi” when you bump into them on the ramp.
Spring tree and brush clearing has made way for summer mowing and gardening and we’re loving how lush and beautiful the property is looking. A big thank you goes to Steve, Jared, & Ethan for all their hard work over the last 4 months! We’d also like to give a shout out to John Kinney, our UFO-CFII weekend fuel ramp manager who has taken it upon himself to keep our runway lights (that require non-stop maintenance) in perfect working order! Thank you, John.
Due to the pandemic, fuel sales were down 50% in March and April, but have seriously bounced back since then. We had all-time record sales in May, while June was our second busiest month ever! Pilots clearly love our low prices and friendly service and we love them, too!
Meanwhile, ‘Fly Away Snacks’, available through our Ops office, have been well received while the Café has been closed due to Covid-19.
In appreciation of your loyal and ongoing support, we’re hosting a little Thank you / Birthday Party on Saturday, July 25th (rain date Sunday, 6/26) outdoors from 12-3pm. We hope you’ll join us, with plenty of space for social distancing, and enjoy live music, birthday cake, ice cream and and even a ribbon cutting! Drop in anytime, hang out, listen to some music and stick around until 1:00 when we cut the ribbon and cake. The Café will be open for takeout lunch between 9-2 if you want a ‘Nancy’s Fix’ or a cold beverage.
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Nancy’s Air Field Café, Currently Closed for Vacation,
Re-Opens on July 10th!
On Friday, July 10th the Café will reopen for pre-order and pickup dinner, which can also be enjoyed outside under one of our tents. To view the menu, review the ordering instructions and place your order, go to www.nancysairfieldcafe.com.
Saturday and Sunday, July 11th & 12th and weekends thereafter, the Café will be open 9-2 for Nancy’s famous brunch/lunch. Fly in any weekend, order at the new take-out window and enjoy your lunch under one of Nancy’s many tents!
The menu will include Café fan favorites including Nancy’s “Not Your Average Hundred Dollar Hamburger,” Pilot Grove Farm lamb burger, quiches, Belgian fries, salads and wraps. There are also a variety of snacks, cold drinks and of course, decadent desserts.
One day, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, you will be able to enjoy Nancy’s in the way you remember best, by dining inside. Stay tuned for news of this exciting return to ‘normalcy!’
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Boosting the ECONOMY – Serving the COMMUNITY – Nurturing the ENVIRONMENT SINCE 1969!
AUG 2020 NOTAM
BEST FUEL PRICE
$3.69
Our 100LL prices are adjusted with each shipment as we strive to give you the lowest price in New England! Pre-payments earn a fixed discount, not a fixed price. This is just one way we support general aviation in New England!
FUEL PRICES as of AUGUST 1st
| Credit Card: | per gallon – $4.09 |
| Cash or check: | 10 cents off – $3.99 |
| $500 Prepayment: | 20 cents off – $3.89 |
| $2500 Prepayment: | 30 cents off – $3.79 |
| $5,000 Prepayment: | 40 cents off – $3.69 |
Pump your own 24/7 with a prepaid account or between 9 & 4 daily
for credit card, cash or check sales.
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MASSACHUSETTS COVID-19 TRAVEL ORDER UPDATE
We have good news! Governor Baker has recently instituted new travel orders, and most 6B6 customers are not affected! Fortunately, there are two exemptions that relate to general aviation and your ability to fly into Minute Man. First, if you are coming from within Mass or If you are coming from lower risk states such as New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island or New York you only have to wear a mask if not able to socially distance yourself from others.
The other exemption has to do with people who are passing through Massachusetts “and permits travelers to drive through the State or to connect to their airplane… or make use of travel services such as at a highway rest stop.” The full text of the Order and information about completing the online travel form for those who the exemptions do not apply may be found here. If you are from out of state, take advantage of the exemptions and don’t hesitate to fly into Minute Man! We’re safely greeting customers with masks and strict sanitizing protocols and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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NEWS FROM THE RAMP
The new rotating beacon has finally arrived! It will be a challenge to get the baffles on before the beacon is installed, but we’ll not be deterred. The 6B6 team is always up for a challenge so keep an eye out for the new beacon soon!
Steve and Jared finished laying the brick walkway outside of Alakai’s office and it looks great! Thanks to these two troopers who worked through the heatwave to get the job done!
Our waiting list for hangars is not long and we have tie downs available for rent. Please contact the ops office at 978-897-3933 or [email protected] for further information.
We’re Hiring! Are you, or do you know someone who loves general aviation? Are you passionate about customer service? Want to be part of a great community? If so, we want to talk to you about becoming a member of our operations team! Go here to see the job description and apply, or drop your resume off in the Ops office before August 21st.
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FLYING LOBSTERS!
We’ve had word that Nancy has arranged for lobsters to fly in from Maine! But how do lobsters fly? Don’t their large claws cause too much drag? So many questions!! Keep your eyes on the sky on the afternoon of Sunday, August 23rd; you may just see flying lobsters! Mark your calendar and watch for details on our first 6B6 Lobsterfest!
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2020-2021 NEW ENGLAND FLYING GOURMET CHALLENGE
We’re thrilled to once again participate in the New England Flying Gourmet Challenge! Have you taken the challenge? It is “a joint marketing event between the participating Restaurants, FBOs and flight schools whose goal is to reintroduce our New England pilots to the great airport restaurants in our area, while also building friendships between pilots from different airports.”
This year’s Challenge runs from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Quarterly prizes will be given and a grand prize will be awarded at the conclusion of the Challenge. QR Codes are used to track your participation and points are given for each check-in at participating restaurants, airports and fight schools. Points may also be earned for other aviation activity such as nautical miles flown, adding a rating or an endorsement to it, upgrading your license, aircraft rental and fuel purchases, attending an in-person FAA Safety seminar or providing an aircraft to a Young Eagles event once they are running again. You’ll even receive points for posting a picture of yourself enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants!
The New England Gourmet Challenge is a fun (and delicious!) way to support general aviation! For further information, go to https://www.facebook.com/neflyinggourmets/ .
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THANK YOU!
Last weekend’s Party on the Patio was a huge success, with well over 100 people safely enjoying lunch from the Café, live music by Jae Mannion and free birthday cake and ice cream!
There was plenty of space for social distancing, folks wore their masks and generally enjoyed good food, good music and one another’s company in the sunshine. Nancy, Don and the team were thrilled to have the opportunity to thank their loyal supporters, and to celebrate the air field’s
51st birthday.
A special thank you goes to State Representative Kate Hogan, who cut a ribbon to mark the opening of Nancy’s new takeout operation. She was ably assisted by Nancy, Don,Stow and Boxborough Selectmen and members of the Airport Commission.
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HOURS OF OPERATION
BRUNCH/LUNCH: Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Order from the takeout window and enjoy under a tent at the air field.
TAKEOUT DINNER: Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Order online and pickup curbside ~ enjoy at home or under a tent at the air field.
Click here for menus and links to order online!
The Air Field operations office is open Monday – Friday from 9-4 and offers wraps, light snacks and cold drinks for sale.
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Boosting the ECONOMY – Serving the COMMUNITY – Nurturing the ENVIRONMENT SINCE 1969!
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June 2019 NOTAM19.3.23
