News - 2004
************************************************
Christmas Party - December 4th, 2004
Because of our growing numbers, it was held this year at Leon Grade School gym. It was also catered by the school cooks and it was a wonderful meal. Most of the members brought a desert. Curtis set up a corner of the gym with a computer and flight simulator projected onto a large screen. George Washington Middle School band and singers performed this year and sounded great. Here are some pictures.
************************************************
Sunday, December 5th, 2004
It was a very nice day in December with clear skies and calm winds. Steve and Mickey took a cross country to Mason then on over to Gallipolis before returning just before dark. Tim flew Curtis' trike around the valley. Other members that were out included John Townsend (Quicksilver), Ed Waggoner (Pterodactyl), Ken Skeen (J3 Kitten), Captain (Hurricane and SkyRanger), John Bolton (Hurricane), Paul Knapp (Buckeye Powered Parachute), Chuck (Mini Max), Lindsey Hickman in the Pterodactyl). Tom Bloss was also there in his new (to him) Carlson Sparrow. It is now residing in the hangar behind the lounge.
************************************************
ThankGiving Weekend - 2004
Several members were in the air over the weekend. Darian and his friends from Ohio, Dave Purdin, were flying their backpack parachutes. Kevin in the Lilly Bird. Captain in the Sky Ranger. Rick Johnson in the Challenger. Rick dropped in at Curtis' and pulled right up next to the garage beside of the cars. Tim and Mickey flew the trikes.
At least one member went on a cross country, literally across the country to Seattle, Washington - not in an ultralight however. Rainy Beller and his family flew to have Thanksgiving with family in Washington. It was his first time in a commercial airliner - no doubt a little bit different than the Rotec Rally.
************************************************
November - 2004
Mickey and Gretchen are at it again. They are building another TBird, a single place this time. Readers can watch this process unfold by clicking on TBird I Construction. There will definitely not be any dispute about what color this plane is this time!
************************************************
October 31 - 2004
Even though the wind was brisk, many members were out flying. Captain (Sky Ranger), Chuck (Mini Max), Ken (J3 Kitten), John Townsend (Quick Silver), Steve (Trike), Mickey (Trike). Tim Casto's son and daughter were in the air for the first time and really enjoyed it.
Also Happy Birthday Chuck!!! There was a birthday celebration for Chuck Lewis in the lounge. Here are some birthday pictures that are on Chuck's web page.
************************************************
If you are a member and you are not currently listed on this web site's member's list, please let gretchen.watson@wvfunflyers.com know by sending her an email with the information that you want listed on that page. If you also want pictures/stories/email addresses associated with your name, send her that information also.
************************************************
Annual Men Cooking For The Women Day
On Saturday, November 6th, the club's dinner and meeting will still be held at the airfield. Inside sources tell me that the men will be serving up turkey. Everyone come out and enjoy what hopes to be a great dinner and day of flying and fun. Dinner will be held around 1:00 p.m. with the meeting immediately following.
************************************************
October 23rd/24th - 2004
Club members have continued to fly most of the month even though the weather has been rather rainy and wet. Captain was out this weekend in his Sky Ranger and John Bolton was flying Captain's Hurricane. Ken was out in his J3 Kitten, Mark and Gretchen were flying Mark's TBird, Steve Doll was flying his Trike and John Townsend was out in his Quick Silver. Mickey was out giving flight lessons to Tim Casto. Chuck Lewis was out cruising in his Mini Max.
Mickey's Geo Trike has a very different sound to it now. He added a cam and a tuned exhaust that has given it a much needed boost in power - which he is obviously enjoying. His rate of climb has been greatly enhanced. Some may not now like how it sounds compared to the quiet sound that it had. However, for now, the performance is outweighing the noise factor. It's like having a new toy!
************************************************
September 25th - 2004
The Parkersburg Air show was a huge success. The trikes (Steve with passenger Raine, Mickey) left early, around 8:10, with Gretchen chasing in the van - carrying extra fuel for the return trip. When Gretchen arrived in Parkersburg, she found no trikes and a half hour later - still no trikes in sight. The tower announcer, which you could hear all over the field, said that the winds were 40 at 7 thousand and it was certainly blowing hard already on the field. Finally the tower said "Ok ultralights, I'll try to get you in here somehow." They both landed safely and were directed to set up for the day right directly beside of the C130.
At around 11:30 the rest of those flying over arrived. Gary Price (MiniMax), Chuck (MiniMax), Captain Rogers (Hurricane) and Dave Groff (Titan). They, too, pulled in beside of the C130. What a contrast - the largest aircraft and the smallest sitting next to one another.
There were many planes to look at as well as an antique car show. Jets dominated the air show with the first one making a pass at around 600 mph. A B2 Stealth Bomber made two passes over the field. However, for most the highlight of the day was the show provided by the F115. It was incredible. Then, before he landed, he teamed up with a P51 Mustang to perform several flybys - the old and the new.
************************************************
September 20th - 2004
This past Saturday, Phyllis Skeen held a birthday party for her husband Ken at the field. There was so much food and there were so many members who attended that it looked like a monthly meeting day.
from WVFF
Here is Ken's Web Page which has pictures from the party.
************************************************
September 19th - 2004
Vinton County - The visibility was incredible and so was the weather. The trikes (Curtis, Steve, Mickey, Gretchen) left Leon for the trip over to Vinton around 8:15. Because of a 10 mile an hour head wind, they stopped at Mason County for a precautionary topping off of fuel. Captain in the Hurricane and Dave in Captain's Titan left around 8:30 and, of course, blew right past the trikes while they sat at Mason. Rick left a little later but arrived in Vinton well ahead of the show time. Glen and Lucy flew there in the 150. Gwain drove there and took many pictures. Mark Payne and family drove from Leon all the way to Vinton where he encountered water over the road. He had to turn around and head for home without seeing the show. John Upton flew there in his Starduster.
The sky was full (large planes) by the time we all arrived and it was a little challenging to get in pattern and land in front of these much faster planes without causing all kinds of commotion. However, there was much zigging and zagging and at least one extra go around for a couple of those in pattern with us. We announced ourselves and those on the ground announced us also. Everyone in the air was aware of us and let us in pattern by keeping everyone in the area abreast of who was in the lineup.
Vinton had their usual chicken dinners and they were good. The air show was good one. It ended at 3:00 and then the mass exodus began, which is a show in and of itself, and of course - we waited. It was around 5:00 and very nearly all of the larger planes had departed when the WVFF finally took to the skies over Vinton. With a fairwell wave to the crowd, many of whom waited just to see us take off, we were off - this time with a favorable tailwind. Just a soon as we climbed to 3500 it was so clear that we could see all of the power plants including John Amos in the far distance. Something else we could see, however, was the rising water. When we arrived at Leon the lower end of the field was under water all the way to "Captain's" hangar. Everyone made safe landings on the shortened field. Members moved many planes before dark up onto the hill in case the water continued to rise through the night.
************************************************
September 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th - 2004
It was a wonderful weekend of flying. It started off on Friday with the trikes (Curtis, Brett, Steve, Josh, Mickey) taking a cross country that ended up in Lancaster, OH via Vinton County. The Lancaster airport loaned them a van which they used to go have lunch at Ponderosa. They then left Lancaster back to Vinton to Mason then back to Leon. The trip was 180 plus miles.
Saturday was good flying all day as well as good eating at the club dinner. Many visitors came and enjoyed the activities. Later that afternoon, around ten pilots and their planes took a trip to the Jackson county airport.
Sunday was another good day of flying.
On Monday, the Mason county airport had their annual Labor Day Breakfast. They cooked pancakes, eggs, sausage. Many members of our club flew over to eat, talk and look at the other planes that flew in. WVFF that attended were: Curtis Pack with passenger Tim Casto (trike), Steve Doll (trike), Mickey (trike), Mark Payne (TBird), Gretchen Watson (TBird), Russell Browning (150), Gary Price (MiniMax), Dorian (Infinity PPC), Ed Waggoner (Pterodactyl), Glen Beckett (701), Chuck Lewis (MiniMax).
************************************************
August 30th - 2004
Ken Skeen and his wife Phyllis finished painting his J3 Kitten. It looks really nice. Here is a picture.
************************************************
August 7th - 2004
It was a beautiful day for a meeting and competition. The food was great and the field was buzzing with club members and spectators. Pilots were flying all day from early morning until dark. Here are the results of the competition: Results and Pictures
************************************************
July 5th - 31
There has been lots of flying going on all month. It seems that every pretty day brings many fun flyers out to the field. Actually it doesn't really matter if it's pretty or not. We've been known to fly on some rather ugly days too. There have been many visitors stopping by the field lately. Many of these have taken their first introductory flights from some of the BFI's and AFI's in the club.
Mark Payne soloed his TBird during July. He is doing a great job and the plane looks really nice. Mark has been out several times since his solo getting used to different weather and wind conditions as well as gradually stretching his flight times and distance. Here are some pictures of his 1983 TBird.
Several members went to Oshkosh one of which was Curtis Pack. He held a seminar on balloon homebuilding on the first day. Apparently he had a packed house - approximately 50 people showed to hear him speak.
There were several seminars held at Oshkosh relating to the new sport pilot rule. I am sure that many of our members attended those meetings and will be able to let us know at the August meeting what was said. Make plans to be at the August meeting, not only for the food, but to learn what we can from the members who traveled to Wisconsin.
Also, since our annual flying competition was postponed last month, we will be holding it at the August 7th, meeting day. Come join in the fun and maybe take a shot at becoming this year's "Ace of the Base" winner. Last year's winner was Raine Beller.
************************************************
July 2nd - 5th
Pilots and their families started showing up on Friday, July 2nd and many stayed until late Monday the 5th. There was great flying all weekend. We only had one rain delay on Saturday afternoon and it was over by 6:00. We were then back in the air for more great flying over the entire valley from Winfield to Pt. Pleasant.
We had so many participants in the July 4th parade that we needed two trailers this year. Captain brought his trailer with the Titan on it. He and many others decorated it with flags and signs. Raine Beller also brought a trailer and club members helped to put his Rotec Rally 2B on top of it sideways. It not only looked good but provided much needed shade for the other club members who rode on it. Click here for pictures.
Weather for the parade was wonderful but ten minutes after getting the planes and trailers put up, the storm arrived. It lasted for a couple hours and then it was time for flying again. However, our annual competition was delayed for another month.
On Sunday, club members helped a new member, Gary Price and his wife Betty, attach his wings to a brand new Mini Max. Kevin test flew the plane and then Gary began taxiing it. On Monday, Gary took it himself for two flights around the field. Gary and Betty live in Lucasville, Ohio. Click here for pictures of the new Mini Max.
************************************************
6/1/2004
This coming weekend (June 4th,5th,6th) is not only WVFF's meeting weekend but it is also Hales Landing's June Fly-In. Several of our members are planning on making the trip there. Some are going on Saturday morning for a few hours while others are planning on leaving Friday, staying the night and coming back in time for our 1:00 p.m. dinner.
Next weekend is a fly-in at Lawrence County Airport. Some of the members from there flew here a few weeks ago and personally invited us to attend. It lasts all weekend with, in their words, PLENTY of food. We can camp there in tents - even in the hangars in tents if needed.
************************************************
4/21/2004 - Article by John F. Wallace
Thanks to the efforts of our friend Bill Derenburger, Upton Field has now been created as an add-on scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Created by Leon Louis, famous for his 'Quebec Short Hops' sceneries, and based on Bill's photographs, the package is a very accurate representation of our home base! Leon has done a wonderful job of recreating the 'Hen House' as well as the open style of hangars, moving flag, windsock, parked aircraft, vehicles, etc., which make our 'home base' unique. There is also a file included to add AI aircraft flying in and out as well as a background sound file for those who have LAGO. I urge all members who are also flight simmers to check out this great new package. The download can be found at www.avsim.com under FS2004 scenery, search under W07 or Leon Louis.
************************************************
4/8/2004
Spring is in the air - finally!!! We had a beautiful weekend of flying last week. Actually, for those who don't mind braving the cold weather, these past three months have been wonderful. Several cross countries were made: Brett, Darian, Mickey, Gretchen did the triangle - Mason, Jackson, Leon - enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at Jackson. Chuck, Mickey and Gretchen flew to Lancaster Ohio, stayed the night and flew back the next day. Kevin is always out and about doing cross countries - his Richwood trip was cut a little short however (ask him for details). Nevertheless, with his talent I'm sure that his plane will be back in the air as soon as possible.
Nearly every weekend one can pretty much expect to see Kevin, Chuck, Steve, Captain, Mickey, Ken, Lindsey, John Townsend and many others braving the elements to keep sharp on their flying skills.
This upcoming weekend promises some very nice weather and many WVFF will be flying at Upton Airport. However, a few will have already left to make their way to Sun and Fun. Others are not leaving until later next week. For those attending, don't forget that we are meeting on Saturday evening, April 17th, at the Ultralight tent in Pardise City (Ultralight area). Darian is arriving Friday evening with a flying buddy with hopes of flying their backpack powered parachutes very early Saturday morning in the ultralight area (if weather permits). They may be the only WVFF members flying during Sun and Fun this year so come on over and lend them support. I don't have a complete list but some of the others who are planning on attending are Mickey, Gretchen, Dave, Glenn, Captain, Ron and Marge, Rick, Gil.
************************************************
1/1/2004
Darian flew approximately 4 hours starting at around 8:30 in the morning when he flew from Leon past Winfield. Glen also flew early as well as did Curtis. Mickey and Gretchen showed up around 10:00 and flew until lunch. Brett, Josh and Steve showed up to fly their trikes. Raine flew in about everything at the field except his own - too windy for the Rotec Ralley. Captain, Kevin, Chuck and Lindsey also flew during the day. Gwain was also at the airfield.
Kathy Pack's Famous Cabbage Roll(s) (casserole) was a success this year. It tasted great as well as all of the other food that people brought - corn beef cabbage, potatoes, cornbread and deserts.
Then it was back to the airfield where the four trikes (Brett, Mickey, Steve, Curtis), the Mini Max (Kevin) and the TBird (Gretchen & Raine) all flew up the river past Buffalo to Chuck's house then back to Leon. Everyone flew until dark then headed back to the Pack's for leftovers.
What a great way to start off the new year!!!
************************************************
12/27 - 12/28
The last weekend of the year 2003 was absolutely wonderful with the temperature in the 50's and 60's. The winds were calm and the skies were completely clear - except for the many small planes buzzing around the valley. Brett was out in his trike as well as Curtis, Mickey, Josh and Steve. Kevin and Chuck were out in their Mini Max's. Ken Skeen was out in his J3 Kitten. Roger flew his Flight Star and Rick was out and about in the Sky Ranger. Gretchen flew the TBird. John Koch flew his Hurricane and John Townsend flew his Quick Silver. Raine Beller flew his Rotec Ralley. Paul and Mickey flew parachutes around the valley. Tracy continued training in the TBird.
************************************************
12/21/2003
Gretchen, Mickey and Darian were out early and flew off and on until dark. The runway was completely frozen and still snow covered in the morning but by the mid-afternoon it had melted off nicely. Kevin Showed up about noon and flew to Mallory. Chuck took to the skies later that day.
Darian flew his new backpack parachute. With a 28 horsepower motor on his back he took off like a rocket - two steps and he was gone!!! He flew off and on all day. He had great landings in the snow that morning as well as in the wet grass later that day. His "powered retractable landing gear" (feet) handled the terrain extremely well. Looks like loads of fun!
************************************************
12/20/2003
Jim Stephenson's presentation regarding Sport Pilot issues was extremely informative. We would like to thank you for coming all the way here on this snowy weekend. We appreciate it all greatly. As a result, two WV Fun Flyers took the ultralight pilot's test the next day. They are also becoming ASC members. Several others have asked to be scheduled for the test in the next couple of weeks.
Also that day, the skies were buzzing with ultralights. Kevin, Chuck, Brett, Curtis and Mickey (hopefully nobody's left out) flew out of a snowy runway throughout the day.
************************************************
12/17/2003
Leon Airport 2:00 p.m.: Today Rick Johnson and Paul Knapp reproduced the Wright Brothers first flight at 10:35 a.m. from the Leon Airport. Of course they were not limited by 1903 technology and chose to fly a Challenger and a Buckeye Powered parachute respectively. Not to be out done, Kevin Pauley flew a few hours later braving both snow and carburetor ice to honor the Wright Brothers epic flight. The fun flyers score again to keep our tradition of flight alive in the mountain state and beyond.
Fly safe,
Curtis
************************************************
12/17/2003
In the News - Literally. In Section "C" of the Charleston Gazette, there is an article about the WV Fun Flyers as well as a picture of Chuck Lewis' two Mini-Max airplanes. This all comes as a result of today being the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight!!! Watch the news from Kill Devil Hills today to see the flight in the replica of the Wright Flyer.
************************************************
Our Annual Christmas Party was a great success. Thank you Curtis and Kathy Pack for hosting it again this year. Thank you Buffalo Show Choir for attending the party and giving such a great performance. Also, thank you Santa - you were wonderful - pretty sure you will be keeping that job!!! Pictures of the party.
************************************************
11/20/2003 - 12:00 p.m.
Many calls were made to members regarding the rising water. Part of the runway and two hangars, Captain's and the Lounge hangar, had water in them already. Several members worked until past dark wading through water in order to push, drag and pull airplanes onto the hill adjacent Henry's house. These planes were then tied down securely in case of windy weather. Much care was given in the transport of these planes so that there was no damage.
11/22/2003
The river was back within its banks and what was left was some standing water in a few hangars. Members spent most of the day helping each other return all of the planes back into their hangars.
The weather throughout this whole ordeal was remarkably great. They skies were clear and the temperature was in the sixties and lower seventies.
11/23/2003
A great day of flying. The temperature was still warm even though the field was somewhat soggy. Most takeoffs were on the upper side of the windsock. However, members flew from early morning until shortly after dark.