September 14, 2005 Vol 7 Issue 9
What a Day!!
The September Fly-in is now in the history books. The theme for this event was “A Salute to All Veterans on the 60th Anniversary of the End of World War II” and a significant number of veterans were recognized. As usual the crowds were enthusiastic and numerous aircraft were in attendance. There was lots of good food and plenty of interesting people to talk with. Numerous people need a hearty round of applause from Chapter members. In particular, thanks are in order for Colonel Turnbull and her Civil Air Patrol Cadets who did a fantastic job in assisting with table and seating chores. Sharon Gibson and her class provided the flower centerpieces for our tables. The Bargain Hunter gave us several nice write-ups with a feature article written by Karen Wilson being the focal point of their reporting. Vane Scott was instrumental in providing the large American Flag that was prominently displayed in the Main Hangar. WJER was there doing interviews. Quite a few Iraq Veterans from the 1485th were easy to spot wearing their uniforms. Finally, ProAv provided the Main Hangar as well as putting up with some inconveniences directly attributable to our Fly-in.
Way to Go, Amber!
Our very first flight scholarship recipient has joined the fellowship of aviators by passing her Flight Exam on August 23rd. After smoothing a few bumps along the road to success, Amber aced her check ride in grand fashion. It was a very long day, but all ended well. Our warmest congratulations and hopes for continued success are extended to Amber.
A Feat of Daring Do.
Harry Clever airport was graced by the presence of a couple of rather unusual young men. Once in July and again in August. Seventeen year old cousins, Nick Reed and Ben Dunkerly completed a 6,000 mile continent-spanning flight from coast to coast and back. Recreating the flight as described in the book, “Flight of Passage,” seemed to be the thing to do for these young men. On the trip to California, they were sheltered in Alan Sickinger’s basement and slept in the Pilot Shack when making their way back to Hampton, New Hampshire. Engaging in a flight of that duration in an Aeronca Champ is quite a feat regardless of the ages of the participants.
Warmest Wishes of Welcome for our New Members
Chapter 1077 takes this opportunity to extend our hands of friendship to four new members who joined during the Fly-in Breakfast. Mark Mathias of Gnadenhutten, Charlene Gillam of Akron, Craig Wisnieski and Allen Graham of New Philadelphia have all submitted their applications along with the first year’s dues. It is hoped that the word is getting out that we are here and are worthy advocates for the pilot and enthusiast community. As more people see what we are about, it is hoped that more people will swell our ranks and help us make genuine progress toward making general aviation more than just a hobby.
Not-so-great Weather but Good Food the Highlight at our Annual Family Picnic.
Paul Giannobile’s hangar was alive with table loads of good food and the smell of chicken cooking on the grill when the Annual Chapter Family Picnic was held on Sunday, August 14. While the exact number of attendees was never ascertained it was difficult to find an empty seat when all our hungry pilots and family members started feasting on all the goodies. Late afternoon thunderstorms were predicted, but that did not stop a contingent of chapter members showing up with their planes. Alan Sickinger’s Navion, Gary Slutz’ RV-4 and Ron Prince’s Citabria were there as was John Haines’ Cessna 170. High Speed flybys certainly were attention getters.
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 Davis - Newsletter Editor