October 12, 2005 Vol 7 Issue 10
Back to the Future
Six aircraft flown by intrepid aviators left Harry Clever for the flight to Kingston Ulster Airport, a hop, skip, and a jump from Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Old Rhinebeck is the home of Cole Palen’s World War I and Vintage aircraft display and airshow. With near picture perfect weather and greatcompatriots, what more could you want? A breakfast stop was made at Williamsport, PA before continuing on to the destination. Arriving in plenty of time for the afternoon airshow, arrangements to be chauffeured to the aerodrome were made by Stan Segalla, The Flying Farmer, a featured performer in the afternoon airshow. Vintage aircraft were in abundance and many were able to fly. The return flight the next morning was equally as well blessed with good weather. Even a line of windmill generators stood out in stark contrast to
the gently-rolling hills of Pennsylvania. Before our remarkable journey came to an end, we made one last stop at Lockhaven, Pennsylania, home of Bill Piper’s famous line of aircraft. In fact, Lockhaven’s manager even arranged for the museum to open early and then transported the group across the field to the facility. Arriving back in New Philadelphia by about 3:00 PM on Sunday was anticlimactic. More flights like the above are being planned.
Social Meetings to Be Held
During the course of September’s Business meeting, a discussion was held as to the feasibility of having two meetings per month instead of just one. It was pointed out that several of our members had expressed the notion that we never have time to really do what we do best, namely talking about and enjoying our hobby. In addition, it is difficult for some members to attend the meetings owing to schedule conflicts. A motion was made and confirmed by the membership to hold a social meeting on the Saturday immediately following the Business meeting at the Aircraft Sales Hangar. Plans are to arrive about 8:30 with breakfast to be served at 9:00. Rather than set a general price for the breakfast, a donation will be accepted. Members and interested parties are invited to bring their families. Activities planned include flyouts, demonstrations, discussion of aviation related topics, video presentations, etc. Business matters will continue to be discussed on the second Wednesday of each month at the Aircraft Sales Hangar. It probably will be of no surprise to hear mention of business items discussed at the social meeting.
There and Back
Chapter member, Mark Dusenberry, has added more laurels to his distinguished reputation by again flying his 1905 Wright Flyer at Huffman Prairie near Dayton. As part of the Centennial Celebration of the Wright Brothers achievements, Mark has been given permission to fly again under the auspices of the FAA and National Park Service. Of no surprise to those of us who have been witness to his skills, Mark has outdone himself once again by making a complete circle turn and returning the aircraft from the postion from which it took off. However, the Park Service and FAA were not pleased as they had no idea he would be able to accomplish that feat. After Mark’s accomplishment, he was told to only fly 10-20 feet in altitude and in a straight line only. Continuing with his flight demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday, appreciable audiences were treated with this once-in-alifetime chance to see history being recreated. NASA TV was in attendance with Dr. Benson and Roger Storm as commentators. Last year’s Aviation Awareness Day attendees may remember Dr. Benson and Roger Storm as portraying Orrville and Wilbur Wright who talked to all interested about the amazing adventures of the Wrights. Since the 1905 Flyer is rather limited in its flight envelope characteristics, we can only ponder what may yet be in store for Mark Dusenberry. Congratulations Mark for taking us back to a simpler, less regulated time, even if only for the short while.
Udvar-Hazy
Further examples of how active the members are of this chapter is the long talked about trip to the new Smithsonian museum located at Washington Dulles airport and named for the man who donated the money for the new facility. Udvar-Hazy is a state-of-the-art museum housing some of the more impressive examples of the Smithsonian’s collection of rare and significant aircraft. Nine members have signed on and purchased tickets for the round-trip flight. Paul Giannobile has acted as trip coordinator and made all necessary arrangements. Those attending will be leaving Saturday morning, October 22 for the trip to Cleveland. Once there they will board Independence Air for the flight to Dulles. A day of looking and sight-seeing is planned and the return will take place later that same day.
Flyouts Galore
With the recent spate of good weather flying days, chapter members have enjoyed flyouts on the two previous Saturday mornings. On September 17, four aircraft made the trip to the Annual Fly-in hosted by the Cambridge Chapter of the EAA. One of our member pilots was the winner of $25. It must pay to be lucky! On September 24, a group of three aircraft flew to Coshocton for the 99’s Breast Cancer Fund Raiser event. The main feature of the event was the Chili dinner being served. No complaints were heard from any of our members who attended and it is reported that one member had no shame whatsoever in taking the last of the delicious Brownie desserts.
Pilot Shack the Place to Be
Saturday mornings seem to be the time to catch many of the members of Chapter 1077 at the airport. Local pilots have been meeting on an informal basis in the Pilot Shack located at the end of the T-hangars on the East High Ave side of the Airport at around 10:00 AM. Lots of late breaking news items seem to come out of these ad-hoc meetings. Come join us if you have the time.
Glenn "Check Six" Davis - Newsletter Editor