Scenes From the Meetin’…Pancake Breakfast and Young Eagles Flights
For those of you who missed this picture perfect day, heeeere’s a recap!
After flying in from out of town the evening before, David and I did not show up too early…around 8am. What a glorious morning, sunny but cool, puffy little clouds. Ahhh, what a day to fly. By then the parking lot was full and pretty little airplanes were lining the runway. Looking at the flight line again, I recognized that “sexy tail” and profile…a Stinson! Pat Wegner flew in her post tornado, beautifully restored blue baby, 108-1. (I’m a little partial to Stinsons) Stepping out of the truck, we were met by the aroma of sizzling sausages and pancakes on the griddle…yuuum, my stomach was growling. Ok, food first, look at plane later… There was a hubbub of activity around the chapter house. Bob Masters was hauling platters full of pancakes and sausages as quick as his lovely bride Bettie Sue and Lew Mason could grill them. There was a low din in and around the Chapter House as people ate hungrily and enjoyed each other’s company. Airplane noises in the background as pilots started their Young Eagle Flights. Did I mention what a perfect morning this was. There were a slew of volunteers buzzing around to make this a success. Norris has recognized these folks by name and I add my thanx to yu’all…all was perfect. This is what it’s all about.

Stomach full and friends greeted, it was time to look around. Stan Shannon, SWRFI president and chapter member, flew in his newly completed, sans paint job, RV-9. Like any good builder, Stan was only happy to show off his new baby and talk of his building experience. Stan said we can expect a very patriotic theme when she comes out of the paint booth. Ok, time to look at Pat’s Stinson. Gorgeous! Then looking further down the line, I saw some more familiar cowlings…more Stinsons!! I was in hog heaven. Of course I called to hubby David to pull Katy, our 108-2, out of the hangar. San Geronimo is moving up in the world. Five Stinsons on the field!!!. Charlie Lorentz brought in his 108-1, Jim Feighny flew in the 108-3. Ok that’s four on the line. Where is #5? Our hangar has, Margie, a 108-3 needing restoration.

The Young Eagle line was full of eager youngster, chomping at the bit for a chance to “slip the surly bonds”. One never gets tired of looking at their excited face as they exit the airplane after their first ride. Do you remember your first ride!! I bet a smile crosses your face. The last count I heard was 74 youngsters, we’ll get a full report from our YE boss man, Brad Doppelt. Many thanx to our hard working YE volunteers. It was a long day, but you made it special. Thanx.