WV FUNFLYERS

March 2006

by Gretchen Watson

March 4^th Dinner/Meeting

    The dinner and meeting that day was held at the clinic across from the airfield.  It was cold, in the 20's, that morning which kept the flying down to just a few brave souls - Darian Fields for one.  Kevin flew one of his radio controlled planes from the field in back of the clinic.  The dinner was soups of various types, meatballs and sandwiches.  After the meeting, several headed for the field to begin preparations for takeoff.

    At around 3:30, Chuck and Raine took off in their Mini Max's, Mickey in the trike, Glen in the 701 and Gretchen in the TBird.  Within 15 minutes they all returned from a bumpy ride.  Darian had his powered paraglider wing laid out and waiting on the ground for the next two hours.  The wind finally calmed down and most everyone returned to the air, including Dorian in the powered parachute and Darian in the paraglider. 

    Rick called from Florida to say hi before the dinner/meeting.  Ron and Marge were also there.  They were leaving to attend another flying club's dinner.  Rick said that it was colder than usual there that morning, in the 50's, but that it turned out to be shorts and tshirt weather by noon.  However, I'm sure that none of the WVFF here in WV are feeling sorry for him.

     Club Business: John Townsend got a new flag.  Curtis is making a new windsock.  Chuck and Ed brought up the possibility of getting a plaque for Henry to be placed at the airfield.

Next Meeting - April 1^st, 2006

    The weather flirted with us giving us a couple nice warm days and then dashed our hopes of a warm March by thrashing us with ice showers, snow flurries and cold weather.  Hopefully by our next meeting on April 1st things will look a little brighter.  The dinner/meeting is scheduled to be at the airfield at 1:00 p.m.  However, if the weather doesn't improve, look for it to be held at the clinic.

Leon Stuff

March 18th, 2006

    It was not warm and certainly not calm most of the day but that didn't stop several from flying.  Glen flew the 701.  Kevin stopped by and flew his Mini Max.  He then showed off his latest radio controlled creation - a very pretty 1909 replica (the name escapes me).  It has a double rudder, above and below the elevator.  He added ailerons where the original employed wing warping.  Actually, he said that the original also used warping for the elevator.  He said that his replica flies very well, no doubt due to his obvious improvements upon the original design.  It seems to me that the 1909 pilots were truly flying by a wing and a prayer.

    Mickey and Gretchen left early and flew to Kenna where they landed on top of a friend's pasture field.  Well actually, Mickey landed on top, Gretchen landed somewhat on the side of it - didn't realize from the air that it was peaked with just a very narrow strip of flat on top.  It was a nice trip over there even though it was chilly.  However, talking too long made for a nice bumpy ride back to Leon. 

    Several people from various locations around the US were there looking at and inspecting Henry's 172.  It's doubtful that it will be here much longer.  It is a nice plane and anyone who buys it will certainly enjoy flying it for a very long time.

    Roger sold the purple and green Flightstar, aka Mud dauber's old plane.  It apparently went across the US to Washington State, via trailer that is. 

March 26th, 2006

       The weekend was a bad one with rain sleet and snow both days.  Steve Doll, Curtis Pack and Mickey Watson took this lull in the flying weather to have a Sport Pilot study session.  If you have any questions regarding sport pilot and how to get yourself and/or your plane legal, get in touch with Mickey.

Quilt Raffle