November 9, 2005 Vol 7 Issue 11
Udvar-Hazy Adventure
October 22 was a day made for adventure for nine of our local pilots to make the trip to Washington Dulles Airport to view the new Udvar-Hazy Museum. A part of the impressive Smithstonian Museum complex, this haven for rare and unique aircraft
has only been open for ten or eleven months now. Planning for this trip has been under discussion for quite some time, and some of the most ardent supporters were unable to attend. Maybe the next time will be more opportune for those of us not lucky enough to go along. Christie Schulte was of great help in getting discount tickets and making the arrangements, while Paul Giannobile was head trip master. Saturday morning, the 22nd, proved to be a rainy, disagreeable day for everyone to leave by 5:30 AM. The trip to Cleveland in Paul’s fifteen passenger van proved to be uneventful and the early morning departure was equally sanguine. Of course after the arrival things did get interesting when it came time to haggle with the local shuttle service to make the two-mile trip from the terminal to the museum. Paul used his negotiation skills to work on the shuttle companies’ rates and obtained a much better price. Had it been known that the driver had no clue as to where the museum was located, perhaps a better rate would have been forthcoming. Aircraft of interest turned out to be the atomic bomber, Enola Gay and
the Concorde SST. On the way back to the main terminal, all civility broke down with the shuttle service and the group took taxi cabs instead of paying the full price fare. Having spoken to several of those who made the trip, it seems that with all the problems encountered, they still had an enjoyable time and would probably be willing to make the trip again.
Social Meetings to Be Held
The weather for the Saturday morning after out regular meeting is predicted to be marginal for much in the way of flying activities, so a social meeting should be in order. We will plan on meeting at the Aircraft Sales hangar at about 9:00 AM for coffee and donuts. Several aviation- themed movies have been suggested and should be interesting to watch, especially if the weather is as predicted. As usual, plenty of conversation about our favorite topic, flying, will be available for those so inclined. Anyone with presentations, videos, or ideas about future meetings are encouraged to share those with the rest of us at the regular meeting.
Christmas Party Plans Underway
Tentative dates have been suggested for our annual Christmas party which is usually held in early December at a local restaurant. John Haines has suggested the Airport Restaurant and is checking on arrangements. The preferred date is for Saturday, December 10, but a discussion is sure to come up at our regular meeting. A special newsletter mailing will be sent in plenty of time to give everyone the opportunity to make reservations.
Officer Elections
The office of President and Vice-President are both due to be held this month during our Wednesday evening meeting. If you would be interested in running for either office or just voting your choice, attendance would be necessary. Nominations will be moved and any member is eligible to run.
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