President's Message
Chris Ulibarri
It's so hard to believe June is already gone and we're into July. It must be because we've been so busy with our jobs and families. The summer heat has also settled in which is why we're somewhat dormant these hot summer months. These are normally the slow participation months but you couldn't tell it from all the flying activities we've been doing.
June brought with it a nice get together put on by Ray Parrish and also a campout at Gray's. Gary Potter and I were able to fly a few Young Eagles for TSTC student's kids out of Abilene Aero Inc. Thanks to Joe Crawford for letting us use his fine facility for this activity. Several of us flew to Snyder for their annual Fly-In and Young Eagles activity. That was quite a turnout there and all the kids had fun.
Several of us also flew to Winters for their first ever Fly-In. We were invited by Wes Hayes to participate in Young Eagles there. Winters has a fine airport and it was evident that money was well-spent on improvements there. I'm hoping to do more activities at Winters in the future. Great job Wes and thanks for the invitation of our chapter to your cities fine airport.
The Colorado City, 4th of July Independence Day Fly-In was as busy and great as they all have been. There was quite a few fly-in and drive-ins from all around. The food was finger-lickin' good and close to as good as our very own cooking done by our finest chapter members here in Abilene. It was great to see Ben Turner there from Sweetwater with his beautiful RV-4. I included a picture of him and his RV-4. I hope you all have a Safe and Happy 4th of July.
Thanks to all for participating as you do in our chapter activities and for your support on our local and off station missions. I know we can't make them all but we attend the ones we can. You can always see someone from our chapter at various flying activities and others notice as well. We do have a positive presence at these fly-ins and it shows. Kudos to all of you for flying as safely as you do and for maintaining the highest standards with your airplanes. Kudos, to all of you for your outstanding support. As I have always said, safety is paramount in our operations and you all are doing an excellent job at it.
Keep up the good work everyone and I look forward to seeing you at breakfast on July 10th.
~Chris~
*****
Group Enjoys Fun-Filled
Outing at Gray's Farm
A campout was held at Gray's house last month for all of the chapter to attend. The turnout was light with the "traditional" troops coming to join the fun. Mesquite grilled hamburgers were cooked and enjoyed by all. After the dinner, we took a couple of flights to visit the countryside. On one of the missions, a farmer was found combining his field and we had to drop in to wave. Since we were in "Texas Friendly" mindset, we snuck up below Fort Phantom dam and came over the dam to say hello to the many boaters on the lake. I'll bet there were some folks that were wondering where we came from…..Since it was a long day, nobody was interested in camping and all went home after a busy fun day. If you missed the campout, it is your fault... Pictures will be at the Christmas party in the video! Plan now to come.
~ Gray ~
*****
YOUNG EAGLES CORNER
By David H. Marten, Young Eagles Coordinator
GREAT JOB AGAIN! June was a busy for Young Eagles, which means that a lot of kids got to experience the thrill of flying. And I did too!
SNYDER FLY-IN: "Harold Slow Down!"
Thanks to Chris Ulibarri, Charlotte Rhodes, Harold Cannon, and Bobby Nichols EAA 471 was able to fly over 70 kids. I guess a couple guys from the Lubbock Chapter helped too. But seriously, great effort by all. Harold Cannon and Bobby Nichols took to the sky in Harold’s 172! Yes, both Harold and his plane survived. Way to go.
So there we were: Runway 17R three ship. Chris in the lead, Dave #2, Harold in the slot. Climbout was normal. Chris levels off at 4500' and about 120. Dave, with Charlotte right seat, hits the toggle on his trusty electric prop to pull her back into cruise and nothing. Crap, stuck in takeoff pitch. Yup, there goes the RPM right off the gage. Nothing left to do but pull back on the throttle. 15 inches and 2450 RPM. Which translates to about 90 mph. Temps and pressures are still good, so the daring aviator decides to stay in formation, but in order to do so he calls, "Lead, slow down, gimme 85 mph". Chris’ Cherokee yawed hard right as his head swung around in disbelief. But, there was his wingman whining about a stuck prop. Eventually I caught up to Chris as he did a 360 to escort me. Off in the distance split 5 miles laterally was good ol' Harold. Chris and I really pushed it up, 90 mph, to roll in on Harold. But, not before, "Harold, Dave..whine, whine, whine…Slow Down to 85 so I can catch you." We caught Harold and he lead us in, as Chris is spinning 360s around my Bonanza, just mocking me!
Not to worry, two hours of troubleshooting and a wire connector later the trusty prop was working again and I was able to take to the air. Chris Ulibarri flew an infinite number of kids. I think he was dumping them off on downwind, cause I have no idea how he did it, Airlift guy. And thanks again to Charlotte who got another great airshow sunburn.
WINTERS AIRPORT REDEDICATION
As if Snyder wasn't enough, we flew the next Saturday in support of Winters Texas and Wes Hays' efforts to rebuild the Snyder airfield. Yes, Harold flew again! So did Charlotte, Rich, Chris, Gray, and the West/Beasley duo! Wes Hays put on a great show, with great food: breakfast and lunch! 20 Kids turned out for this first annual event and yes we flew-em'. Wes could not stop thanking the Chapter for their support of aviation! In the man's words:
Just a note to express my sincere appreciation for all the guys and gals that came down from EAA Chapter 471 for the Winters Airport Open House on June 26th. Although the weather was marginal, you all did a great job in helping us to celebrate the re-opening of our airport.
The kids are STILL talking about the young eagle flights, and those who came out and took a ride are the envy of the rest of the kids in town that missed it. If we ever get to have another one, I can promise more takers.
Believe me, the open house just wouldn't have been the same with out your support.
Thanks,
Wes Hays
Update
By Gray Bridwell
Airfest is in the process of raising funds. It looks to be successful with about $15,000 in cash raised so far. Steve Krazer will continue his efforts to secure more funds. The air show is being planned and the lineup will be released the latter part of July on the website www.bigcountyrairfest.org Dick Humphrey is working on the "“wheels" part of the wings and wheels theme. Several car dealers will be placing cars on the ramp as part of the sponsorship package. Lon is working on a Friday and a Saturday night party with a country western band Saturday night. We will be having a Young Eagles day Saturday morning the 25th (in conjunction with Airfest) making Young Eagle rides available to Big Country residents. Do not forget to purchase your Big Country Airfest shirt, cap or pin at the next chapter breakfast and support your chapter!
*****
471 July Breakfast
On-Schedule for the 10th
Chapter 471's monthly breakfast is lined-up for Saturday, July 10th at 9:00 AM in the Pride Hangar at ABI. Set-up will be at 5:00 PM, Friday.
