FLABOB AIR MAIL The Tom Wathen Historic Flabob Airport

Transcription

1 FLABOB AIR MAIL The Tom Wathen Historic Flabob Airport November 2013 Sky Siren Takes Flight Richard Zeiler On October 11 th, at Flabob Airport in Riverside, our 22+ year project was realized. At 10 AM on this calm fall Mark Lightsey lifting off from Flabob aboard the Sky Siren on its first flight. (Photo Courtesy of Richard Zeiler) morning, Mark Lightsey, the A&P mechanic extraordinaire, jack of all trades, who is responsible for considerable work, blood, and sweat, taxied the Sky Siren to the airport run-up area. After the proper engine checks, he taxied onto the runway, gave this tigress full throttle and about 700 feet down the runway, she lifted off like the beautiful graceful bird she is. What an amazing and beautiful sight. The plane has a 4" diameter exhaust and with 300 horses under the cowl, she bellows like a wild bull on climb out. This is not a plane you want take off in next to a residential community at 6 AM in the morning. As the power was pulled back on downwind, she purred. Mark cruised around the field in the pattern doing some left and right turns and then made a low pass over the field just to let us appreciate the miracle and beauty of flight. Mark's comment when he landed was "What a joy to fly her! She is gentle and responsive. He also stated he thinks we need to do a couple of hundred more hours of test flying at Flabob just to make sure everything is working properly to which I responded, "Dream on dude!" I can't believe how much dedication and work it took to complete this project, but complete it we Dan Curran and I did. Now the task is to enjoy our creation. Our special thanks to Bill Hill and Jim Bruni. Bill, for his dedication, as he has worked tirelessly making most of the parts for us from the project s inception, and Jim who is Continues on next page

2 Continued from previous page. responsible for the art deco paint scheme. The first flight went perfect. Next week we will do a more extensive flight and then make the decision as to what comes next. Can't wait to strap this puppy to "my behind" and enjoy departing terra firma to join others in the air! Above: Richard Zeiler watches as Mark Lightsey prepares the Sky Siren for flight. Above: Sky Siren s first landing Above: Sky Siren taxiing in upon completion of her first flight. Right: Pilot Mark Lightsey, gives the camera a thumbs up after a successful first flight. Photos Courtesy of Richard Zeiler

3

4 Wedding At Flabob Kathy Rohm On September 21, 2013, the grassy area in front of the EAA Chapter One clubhouse was a fitting site for Sean Marshall to share his wedding vows with longtime girlfriend, Patricia Badham. The reception was held in the EAA Chapter One Hangar where over 100 guests rejoiced with the couple. According to Sean, the wedding was A memory to last a lifetime. Sean has been participating with activities at Flabob Airport since He was one of the original students with the Aeronca Build Sean and Patricia Marshall Photo Courtesy of Andy Andersen Project through Sean was recruited by long time Flabobian Andy Andersen, who was assisted by Dave Stits in providing direction for Sean s aviation career. Currently, Sean is a commercial pilot for American Eagle Airlines, having flown with them for the past six years. Congratulations to Sean and Patricia Marshall as they embark on their new journey together. American Cancer Society Hosts Car Show at Flabob ACS Press Release The American Cancer Society and the Historic Flabob Airport teamed up to fight cancer on Sunday, October 13 th, with a Crusin for Cancer car show. This import only car show received over 500 entries, raising over $3500 for the American Cancer Society. This was a first of its kind fundraiser for organizer and manager of the American Cancer Society, Julie Pizzitola. I never expected this kind of turn out for a car show of this nature. I have seen many fundraisers with the classic cars, but this was very surprising! We are already planning for next year, to make it bigger and better. We could not have done it without the help of Chris Felton and the amazing staff at Flabob Airport. We are very grateful to them and their generosity said Pizzitola. There was plenty of entertainment throughout the day, delicious food and airplane rides. With entry fees of only $5 per person, participants and spectators were very generous with their donations. Continues on next page

5 Continued from previous page. Photos Courtesy of Chris Felton Funds raised for the American Cancer Society goes to help those battling cancer with free services and support and to medical research. You can find more information on where the money goes at or by calling our 24 hour cancer hotline at The Flabob Flying Circus Was a Hit! Alan Salgado, FAPA Student The Flying Circus began at 8 am with the Flabob Airport being full with antique and classic planes, such as the 1909 Bleriot XI. The day was a success thanks to all the wonderful people that came and helped. The weather couldn t have been better for Bleriot XI such an exciting day. This year Eric Presten brought his Bleriot XI and crowds had the privilege of seeing it fly since the wind was calm and under clear skies perfect for flying. It was great seeing an actual wingwarper fly. It was very special and majestic. The event also brought in other planes like the 1939 Waco YPT-14 flown by Peter Suarez, the Pietenpol Air Camper flown by Mick Madrid, and the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch flown by Steven Lund. Wow, is all I can say about this day. What a great weekend it was! If you weren't here, you missed a good time. I would like to thank and people who went to this wonderful show and we hope to see you next year.

6

7 Flabob Air Academy Open Dates Kathy Rohm The Flabob Air Academy program provides an amazing opportunity for students aged 12 through 17 to become inspired through the wonders of aviation. Our traditional Four-Day Introduction to Aviation Air Academy is now taking sign-ups for Tuesday, June 24 - Friday, June 27, 2014 for middle-school youth. Students will meet a Vietnam-era fighter pilot, a retired NASA medical doctor, and many more interesting presenters. The fee of $95 per student includes a field trip to the March Field Air Museum, lunches, and a program T-Shirt. The high school four-day summer Air Academy filled fast. If 20 students are interested in the program, we can schedule another high school Air Academy. Please let me know if you re interested in order to start a new registration list. Our newest Air Academy is a two-day aviation careers emphasis program. The following Thursday-Friday dates are available for up to 20 students at a time at $50 per student. Open Two-Day Air Academy Dates: 2013 NOV JAN FEB APR MAY 8-9 JUN AUG 7-8 SEP OCT 9-10 NOV Photos Courtesy of Ryan Hudson For more information or to sign-up please contact Kathy at x104 or kathy@tomwathencenter.org The Tom Wathen Center uses the fascination of flight to inspire the love of lifelong learning

8 The Tom Wathen Historic Flabob Airport The Tom Wathen Center uses the fascination of flight to inspire the love of learning... If you would like more information on our programs, please contact us at: (951) or Mennes Ave, #24 Jurupa Valley (Riverside), CA Ad Space Available! Are you interested in placing an ad in Flabob Air Mail? Did you know our newsletter reaches 5,700+ people! Contact: Chris Felton (951) Ext. 102 chris@tomwathencenter.org Photo Courtesy of Chris Felton Photo Courtesy of Chris Felton Photo Courtesy of Chris Felton