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NORDO News
CONVENTIONAL News for Unconventional People
April/May 2005
Spring is in the Air . . . Once Again
It's that time of the year once again . . . The runway has been rolled, the grass has been mowed, and everything is starting to look green, greener, and the greenest.
Over the past few weeks, many of our friends have been off visiting the latest aviation advances at Sun N Fun. Although we missed seeing everyone, we are excited that we actually got a head-start on mowing the grass this year.
In addition, we have also been able to start the preparation for many of the exciting events planned for this year. For example, the excavation crew hired to extend the runway is scheduled to begin toward the last part of May. We have purchased a 1940's style milkshake mixer for our Sinful Sundays and have started the search to find someone willing to take on the small job of installing a waterheater for our shower in the public restroom facilities.
So, dust off the plane, take a friend flying, and visit us a Lee Bottom Flying Field.
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David Lord - Automotive & Aviation Art
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Sponsor the 2005 Fly-In . . .
If you have attended the Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In at Lee Bottom Flying Field, you know we strive to make this a non-commercial event. The only vendor tents you see are the food tent and the registration tent where we sell Lee Bottom T-Shirts and hats.
Yes, that’s right . . . there are no fees for admission, parking, over-night camping, or registration. And, you won’t see commercialized signs from sponsors all over the field. We know that you like it that way because we continue to get emails from people telling us that is what they appreciate about our event. However, as the size and quality of the event increases, we need to find ways to subsidize the costs while maintaining the quaintness that you all enjoy.
This year, we would like to try to use our newsletter and website to help cover the cost of this event. Each $100 donation to the fly-in operation fund will be entitled to receive an ad in our newsletter for one month and your link added to our website www.LeeBottom.com.
The NORDO News e-newsletter currently has 1500+ subscribers and the website receives 10,000 - 15,000 hits per month. It is a great way to support a great aviation event, while growing your business, wishing someone a Happy Birthday, promoting your group, or any other special message you wish to send.
Please call (812-866-3211) or email (info@LeeBottom.com) for more information.
Lee Bottom Aviation Refuge, Ltd.
A Living Vintage Aviation Museum artwork by Sam Lyons
Over the past 20 years, an average of one public use airport per week was closed in the United States. When aviation began its great expansion in the 20’s, most airports were privately owned and served private individuals. Today most airports are municipally owned and serve mostly business related aircraft. With this change, only 58 of today’s remaining public use airports are privately owned and even fewer focus on General Aviation and the private pilot. Among those, even fewer have the grass runways desired by antique aircraft pilots. Therefore, by preserving an early aviation flying field we have the opportunity to attract enthusiasts from vast distances while educating today’s pilots and citizens about a little known piece of our aviation history; a history that was vital to the expansion of transportation, mail, farming, and technology of today’s society. Where would the automobile be without roads and likewise, where would aviation be without airports?
We have recently formed a new corporation called Lee Bottom Aviation Refuge, Ltd. It's purpose is to operate a Living Aviation Museum at Lee Bottom Airport. An initial Board of Directors has been formed to lead this new corporation in its decision making process. The next steps for this board are to meet and to adopt a set of by-laws and move forward with the filing status as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with the federal and state government. Plans are to use a small Board of Directors and incorporate an Advisory Board not only to assist the Board of Directors in the operation of the corporation but to develop the necessary contacts to make the organization successful.
Many of you have flown into Lee Bottom and commented on how you love the place. This museum is being formed to ensure the flying field will not only continue for you to enjoy but for the next generation as well. As we move forward with this project, it will be your opportunity to stand up and be a part of keeping this piece of our aviation history alive.
Why is it so?
A couple of issues back, I wrote a short article entitled “Why is it so?”. It questioned why the different aviation groups didn’t all work together for the good of the whole of aviation. The article spurred on great conversation and was reprinted in several other publications. There are many other topics that make me wonder “Why is it so?”, and here is another one . . .
After spending 15 years in the computer industry, I was always posed with the question of helping someone with their home computer. After all, I was in “the field”. But, you see, I worked on the large corporate mainframe systems – the kind that had the horsepower of hundreds of laptops, the disk space equivalent to thousands of iPODS and served millions of people. So yes, I did know “a thing or two” about computers but the little home computer was not really my specialty. Friends and relatives that would ask me technical questions about their home systems usually got the same puzzled look from me as I sent them on a search for someone more specialized in smaller computers. Yes, I knew the basics of computers and could apply the technology to the little computers but there were enough differences to make it just that - different. I’m sure that they never really understood it because a computer is a computer – isn’t it? But, I felt better knowing that they would get someone that had the “right” experience level involved with their home computer.
Believe it or not, my computer story does relate to aviation. Just as there was a difference between the larger mainframe systems and the home personal computers, there definitely is a difference between the little go “low and slow” J-3 cub used by general aviation and the faster “get me there in a hurry” 747 jet of the commercial airlines. There is a difference in maintaining them as one is made of fabric with a reciprocating engine and the other made of metal with a jet engine and there is a difference in how they are operated. Although the same principals of aeronautics allow both of them to fly, and almost every aircraft is flown in basically the same manner, there is definitely a different set of skills required to fly them. One requires you to feel the plane and fly it by the “seat of your pants” and the other operates while you feel out the gauges and monitor the systems. Eventually with enough time, many to most people in the airlines forget what flying a small tailwheel aircraft is like. In fact, many of them forget so much that one of our favorite past times is to take them up in a Cub for a small attitude re-alignment.
So, why does all of aviation look to the Airline Captain as the master of all domains of aviation? Does the experience level required to punch buttons, monitor screens and watch a plane fly by itself give you the skill sets to land a Spirit of St. Louis Replica? Amazingly, it is the ATP rating which the Airline Captain holds that most museums and insurance companies are looking for in pilot requirements for our unique, vintage, historic, and warbird aircraft. 
But, what about that crop duster that spends hundreds of hours flying close to the ground in coordinated turns, looking outside at the attitude instead of the airspeed indicator, using his “butt” to tell if his turn is coordinated, consistently monitoring the fuel consumption, listening to the sounds and smells of the plane to tell if she is sick or well, and has made thousands of landings in a tailwheel airplane within the last year? Why aren't these the people we are looking for to fly our historical and dwindling museum pieces? Aren't these the skills Charles Lindbergh used to fly the original Spirit of St. Louis. Aren’t they?
We all like to fly new and different airplanes, but I’m concerned our current method of selecting pilots is leading to the loss of many great machines. Yet, it's happening everywhere. If you are a member of a museum or similar type organization that maintains flying aircraft, the chances are that your organization is doing it too. Some say the answer is to ground these great planes as static displays. I do not agree. I think it's time we revamp the entire system and look for different ways to select the pilots. Why is this the group that are automatically chosen to fly our historic aircraft? Is it because they are “in the field”? Is it because they are the best candidates? Do they know how to fly and operate them and can they tell you the history of each machine they fly? Or is it because they are buying their way into the pilot seat, are on the right side politically, and are the only pilots the insurance companies will automatically insure (one of the world's great mysteries)?
I am not trying to belittle the ATP certificate. I rely on these professionals and trust them to get me safely and soundly to my destination when I fly on a commercial airline. They do this job very, very well. In fact, many of our friends come from this group, are great vintage pilots, and they would tell you the same thing.
But what am I really saying? Some might read this and believe I'm inferring that I should be flying these machines. But, that's not it. I think there are many, more qualified pilots out there who would love to fly these machines and would be better ambassadors for aviation than a large portion of the ones who are flying them.
As I look across the river from my office, I can see state of Kentucky. I am reminded that the owners of race horses do not ride them in the Kentucky Derby. Instead they hire a experienced jockey to fly them across the finish line and the owners get their glory from being just that. Maybe there is a lesson to be learned.
So, I ask once again, why is it so? Let’s work on ways to keep these great airplanes around and flying for the next generation to enjoy. (gdd)
Get out there and promote General Aviation
Over the past few issues, we have been stressing the importance of promoting General Aviation to the general public. Aviation is often viewed from a negative perspective by the uneducated crowd. And, the media reports on stories that sell and this usually results in more negative stories. As pilots, it is our responsibility to be sure that individuals receive positive and correct information about our passion. For example, there is a misconception that all airplanes are expensive and only the wealthy can afford them. But, most do not realize that the average motorhome or ski boat cost more than a general aviation aircraft. Take some time over the next week to tell one more person about the positive side of aviation. If you need some help finding the right words or handouts, this website has some good information:
MADISON - coming to theaters April 22
Ginger and I went to see this movie the other night and were pleasantly surprised. Our initial fears were that it would be an average film but it turned out to be a great movie. I highly recommend it. It is a great, clean, inspirational movie that everyone should enjoy. PLUS, it's your chance to see some of our great home town.
Here is what the movie's marketing department says about the film:
"Madison is a father-son action/drama movie based on the inspiring true story of the tiny, dying river town of Madison, Indiana and its legendary, come-from behind win in the 1971 race for the Gold cup of hydroplane boat racing. In addition to the thrills of 180-mph flat-bottomed boat racing, the picture captures the spirit of small town America and its turbulent struggle to transition from the 60's to the 70's."
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We will all miss you . . .
by Nancy Leslie
I didn't want to go to the funeral home... I told my husband over and over again. This is not the way I want to remember him. But there I was in the parking lot preparing to enter.
I don't remember the first time I met Dick Hayworth. He seemed to always be there, but never as a mechanic, a pilot, or a historian... more a cheerleader or enthusiast. Admittedly, he didn't turn a wrench as well as some, he didn't fly her, he wasn't a crew chief... but he was always there, kleenex in hand. We had things for him to do, running tools to the mechanics, cleaning parts, or stripping paint, he never complained about the jobs given to him. He was an older man. Tall, physically fit, always in a baseball cap. He was quick with a complement for a pretty girl. I was eager to say hello every time I saw him. He was a flirt. But he wasn't there for the girls, he had his eye on only one girl at Mt. Comfort Airport... "Hot Stuff" our PV-2 Harpoon.
Dick would attend every meeting. Dick was always the first to sign up for an airshow crew. He would show up early, ready to board the plane. He always had his beloved camcorder in hand from the moment the engines turned. One seat on the plane with a small window, we deemed "Dick's seat." He would videotape out the window the whole flight. At the airshow, he would work the PX booth and never complain, but when you heard something "interesting" coming in or starting up, he would politely excuse himself and you would see him leaving with his arm up holding that camcorder. He wanted to record every fascinating moment. A true aviation history enthusiast.
Dick Hayworth passed away last month. He will be missed in our organization. I didn't want to go the the funeral home. I wanted to remember the vibrant, enthusiastic, sweet old man I knew from the airport. He was buried in his flightsuit and baseball cap, surrounded by photos of the planes he loved so well. A fitting tribute to a man with a passion for old planes. R.I.P. Dick. You will be missed.
For more information about AMHF, membership and the PV-2 Harpoon "Hot Stuff" visit www.amhf.org.
Sinful Sundays . . .
Sunday, May 8th will be the first Sinful Sunday. We have gained 500 pounds practicing to create the perfect recipe for our "Patch Bottom" (Strawberry Shake) and Strawberry Shortcake Sundae.
We will be serving these delectable desserts from 1:00PM - 3:00PM (Indiana Time or Slow Time).
We realize that this is also Mother's Day . . . So, we hope this will be a special treat for your special lady.
Hope to see you here. . .
EAA Director Position Update
Rich's petition for election to the EAA Director position was accepted by the EAA Nominating Committee. His name will be placed on the election ballot for vote at the Annual Business Meeting. The election will be held at the Theater in the Woods on Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 10:00AM (CDT) at the 53rd Annual Convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc.
A few days ago, I was sitting at a table listening to a friend tell me how he could be a board member for EAA because he could buy his way in and therefore for the same reasons, I wouldn’t make the cut and to be ready for it. As I listened, I was not concerned with the implications about him; I’m used to those. What concerned me was the chance that he could be right.
When I began my efforts to get on the Board of Directors of EAA, I set out telling people how I was trying to win one of the “member elected” board positions. What I failed to do was educate those same people on what “member elected” truly means. I apologize, it was unintentional. What it really means is that since most people give their “proxy” votes to three board members (Tom Poberezny, John Beetham, and Louie Andrew) when they renew their membership, they have actually given away their right to vote and placed the decision in the hands of another person. So, as you can see, although it looks that way on paper, it is not actually a member elected position.
So what does that mean to you and me? Well, I am passing no judgment on the EAA leadership. When I inquired about the position several months back, Tom himself called me to answer questions and has never failed to answer any emailed questions I had for him. But, I am forced to consider the board makeup of large corporations and of every airport in the country. How many of you have a local or everyday pilot on your airport board; probably very few because Mayors use this position as a thank you to their friends and contributors. And how many companies like Ford have a person on their board that actually drives their own car to the supermarket and doesn’t have a nanny to pick the kids up from school? These are the questions I keep asking myself and quite frankly, I believe my chances to be small because of them.
There is an annual meeting held every year at Oshkosh where the vote for new board members occurs. This year it is in the Theatre in The Woods, at 10 AM, July 30th. Members have to be there and have their EAA membership cards to vote. Every one of you that shows to vote will be fondly remembered. But I believe it will take more than that to give me any chance at all. What is needed is a grass roots effort of letter writing, emails, and phone calls. There is a problem though….if few of you email, write, or call, then I will appear to have no support. And knowing how few people actually do these types of things, it is risky for me to ask such a thing of you. But, it’s too late now. Do what you think is right. Below is contact info: I am not including personal emails or addresses because I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. What I am providing is a general address, phone number, and address for Tom P. at EAA. Beyond that, I am including a brief paragraph to give you an idea of my background and why I think I would be a good choice.
Call: 920-426-4800
Write: EAA Aviation Center
Attn: Tom Poberezny
PO Box 3086
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086
Email: VoteForRich@LeeBottom.com (this email will be forwarded to Tom through our email server. Place "Tom Poberezny – Board of Directors Vote” in the subject line. This email address will be valid until May 8th.
Rich's BIO
photo Michael O'Leary
Rich Davidson currently works as an airline captain, serves as vice-president of Time Pieces Vintage Fractional Company, co-owns Lee Bottom Flying Field, and is the founder of the Wood, Fabric, & Tailwheels Fly-In that hosts over two hundred aircraft annually. His family includes three other pilots. His father flew for the pure joy of it, his brother flies for UPS, and his wife is the creator and owner of Time Pieces. Rich himself, has flown everything from a Tiger Moth to a PV-2 Harpoon into Oshkosh, was the last commercial operator based at Meigs Field, and is a tireless promoter of aviation. Before taking up flying as a career, Rich worked in the field of marketing and promotions with several great successes. Today, thanks to his wide range of aviation activities, Rich comes in contact with nearly every segment of the flying community. Federal regulations involving flight and airport operation, insurance companies, local governments, aviation groups, commercial pilots, aircraft manufacturers, GA pilots, and airline management are just a FEW of the slices of aviation Rich deals with on a daily basis. Yet, all that aside, the most important thing to note is that Rich and his wife Ginger, spend close to ten hours a week mowing, countless others running their airport, and most of their free days keeping one small airport alive so that you, every day joe (or janet), have a place to go and call yours.
THE ACE LIST
Photo: Nick Stroud
One of the biggest hurdles for the Time Pieces business to overcome was the weeding out of "bad apples" in the aviation business. People were used to clubs where people had bought planes with run out engines, then charged a cheap buy-in and hourly rate and proceeded to sock it to them with maintenance fees to cover a new engine or there were the businesses that promised one thing and delivered something else. We too face these issues on a daily basis - insurance companies that refuse to provide copies of insurance policies, people trying to get information for free that we have spent years developing and researching, and others trying to purchase items over the internet through scams, and yet the list goes on. Everyone of these bad cases ends up costing us in time and or money and is frustrating to say the least.
But, don't despair, because we also come across some honest and trustworthy businesses out there in the aviation world. And, we want to honor some of these businesses because we feel like they deserve the business. So, if we have a good experience, we are going to let you know about it.
Ace is our airport dog and trusty companion. He was rescued from a shelter about two years ago and had to relearn what it meant to have a loyal and loving family. But, he pays it back to us on a daily basis and definitely knows what it is like to be loyal and trusting. Therefore, we've named this part of the newsletter after him.
We had purchased a B8 Pistol Stick Grip to install in our Van's RV-3(please get to know us before making any assumptions). As the airplane was being rewired, it moved homes 3 times and, as most moves go, a couple of parts were misplaced. When it came time to wire the stick grip, a small nylon disconnect fitting was missing. We were pretty sure that the fitting was an inexpensive part but the entire grip was basically useless without it. Within 3 minutes of talking to the first person that answered the 1-800 number listed on the instruction sheet, a replacement part was shipped out - overnight and free of cost. What great service! The stick grip is made by FUEL FRESH INC. (SHERMAN ENG. LAB.) 480-345-6677 MARK SHERMAN.
Time Pieces' cubs in the spotlight
The piper cubs based at Creve Coeur in St. Louis, Missouri were recently highlighted on the cover of two aviation publications. Be sure to pick up a copy of the April/May issue of the Midwest Flyer and the May issue of the Piper Flyer.
Special thanks to Robb Gessert for the photography.
2005 Fly-In Lodging
We only have a limited number of rooms available for the 2005 fly-in event and they are going fast! Do not be caught without a room.
To make a reservation at CLIFTY INN: 877-925-4389 Rates: $99/night + tax
(Be sure to tell them you are with "Lee Bottom Flying Field" and mention our code 0923LB)
These rooms will be released on Sept 3, 2005
Shuttles will be available to/from the Lodge for $3.
Click here to see information about CLIFTY INN
Sport Pilot Ready!
photo: Matt Cashore
Time Pieces is now sport pilot ready! Our custom-tailored insurance program now includes coverage for sport pilots.
OUR AIRSPACE IS CHANGING
The FAA recently revised their proposed "airspace grab" North of Lee Bottom Flying Field. Originally it was to include 500 agl to 6000 msl. Following is word for word how the airspace is now explained….TELL ME THIS ISN’T CLASSIC FAA LANGUAGE.
“ Altitudes: 500’ AGL up to but not including 6,000’MSL; excluding the airspace from the surface to but not including 4000 feet MSL”
DO ORGANIZATIONS WHO COME UP WITH STUFF LIKE THIS REALLY HAVE YOUR SUPPORT OR THE KNOWLEDGE TO BACK IT UP?
Another great example of the FAA power to confuse…….And another opportunity to speak up against governmental airspace grab. Please write or fax your comments to:
Mr. J. Mark Reeves
FAA Great Lakes Region
Central Terminal Operations
Manager, Airspace Branch, AGL-520Room 274
2300 East Devon Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
phone: 847-294-7202
fax: 847-294-7457
reference: Airspace Docket 05-AGL-018-NR
You have until May 31 to comment. Please tell them to abandon their plans to take your airspace.
So what are we talking about? The government is attempting to grab more MOA (Military Operating Area) space North of Lee Bottom. This upsets us on many levels.
1. Pilots believe you are supposed to fly around MOA's even though you are not.
2. “OUR” government doesn’t need any more space. These things creep up on you if you don’t speak out and before long you are left with little “clean” airspace.
Me, I plan to go up and fly patterns in the middle of the airspace every chance I get. I’ll have my transponder on and will be changing altitudes consistently as I practice my proficiency skills. Furthermore, I think you should know that I go right through these even when they are active. It is a big sky and there are no rules against it. If you were to fly around every airspace out there and try to get anywhere, you wouldn’t. I will not sit in my house and be afraid of the wind every time it blows. Do what you want, but this is my opinion about it. (rld)
See the proposed airspace changes: click here
The legacy continues on . . .
When I look back at my short career in aviation, there are a handful of people that have provided me with the necessary advice and knowledge to sprout my wings. Some of them are aware of their impact and others have no idea they provided such an inspiration as they have been coaching me from the sidelines. And, just as it is in life, time often passes and we take for granted the people who have been there to give us direction and inspiration. Then, one day, when we are not expecting it, they are gone.
This past month, one of the people that had played a large part of my aviation advancement passed away. I didn’t have the opportunity to tell him that he had played such an important part and that he will be missed. But, I do know that one piece of a great chain that he started will continue on. Let me tell you a small piece of this story. . .
There is a stately and rather straight-forward-speaking retired USAF instructor that restored several warbird airplanes in the Indianapolis area. He was one of the founders of EAA Warbird Squadron 3, the comptroller of EAA Warbirds, and a very active aviator holding numerous ratings. During the restoration of his T-28 and TBM Avenger, he acquired the help of numerous individuals to bring the great birds back to life. But, there was one helper that was steadfast and always available and eager to help. No, it wasn’t me but I often wish that it would have been. Although this person was already an astute mechanic and pilot, he learned the ins-and-outs of working on airplanes during these restorations.
As a result of these projects, the volunteer was able to obtain his A&P certificate. But, he lacked an important piece of equipment needed to make his shop in his garage complete . . .an air compressor. So his mentor and friend indicated that there was one sitting in the corner of the hangar . . . why don’t you take that one? . . . and his shop was complete.
Jumping ahead several years, I acquired my first airplane and was told by another one of those figures that I look-up-to for guidance that I needed to be involved with the airplane and this included washing it, taking care of it, and working on it. I was sure that I could handle the washing part but working on it, I was not an A&P nor a mechanic. Yet, I did not want to be an outcast by these people who seemed to be such a close knit group and I saw them at the airport “all the time” intently fine-tuning their aircraft for the next flight. What could I do?
So, the volunteer that had learned so much by working on the T-28 became my mentor and helped me rebuild a VW bug engine. After all, it is almost the same as an air-cooled engine in an airplane. And, I was well on my way to not only understanding the mechanical workings of an airplane but the tools and techniques necessary to do the job. Just as his mentor had done, he helped me acquire a basic set of tools. And, then one day, an air compressor showed up in my garage. I was told the story of how the air compressor was given to him by someone that dearly loved aviation so that he could have a complete shop. I, too, can have this air compressor if I abide by one simple request. . . .”When I no longer need this air compressor, I should pass it on to someone else in aviation.”
For several years, I used this air compressor in my little garage. But recently I moved and not only have an official shop at my disposal but an air compressor. So, I stored the air compressor in my parent’s shed while going on a search for someone who met the requirements for this special piece of equipment. Earlier this year, while chatting with a fellow aviator about my dilemma, I knew that I had found the perfect person to become the new owner of the air compressor. He had ferried a cub for me, previously worked for Burt Rutan, recently received his CFI rating and was a true advocate of general aviation.
Now the air compressor has yet another a new home but the same basic rules apply . . . “if you ever find that you don’t need it, please pass it on to someone else in aviation”.
Even though he has gone west, the memories of this great aviation mentor continue on and his legacy continues to yet another generation of aviation through a simple yet much needed piece of equipment used to take care of airplanes. Rest in peace Dick Ervin . . . your legacy continues on. . . (gdd)
Another Successful Ferry Flight
Within the past year, requests for me to ferry vintage/tailwheel aircraft became so frequent that the little free time I had was consumed by cross-country flights in a wide array of aircraft in which, up to that time, I had never sat. There was even a time I had so many requests that I considered quitting my job to pursue it full time; I needed a solution. The two part answer was 1. I would fly only the rarest most valuable aircraft for strangers or 2. I would ferry anything with a tailwheel for people I called friend. This insured I would either get to spend my time in legendary aircraft or helping great people. This is how I came upon my latest ferry flight. 
Jim Glasgow, a friend of Lee Bottom who lives in Frankfort Kentucky, purchased this little pistol at the end of last year and because of my schedule, the weather, and other commitments, I was just able to move it a few weeks back. Jim has dreamed of the plane for so long and with such desire that he took up yoga and lost a considerable amount of weight so that he could get in it comfortably. Now that's dedication.
For me, the plane provided a memorable trip that took me to many historical airports and was capped off with the sun on my shoulders and a perfectly calm sunset five minutes after landing. A special treat for me was Curtiss Pitts' signature on the baggage door. .
If you ever need something moved, give me a call. (rld)
Another BIG THANKS to those members of our Lee Bottom Family that have recently sent in donations. These generous donations have been added to our 2005 airport operation fund. Thanks again !
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Lee Bottom Flying Field
Identifier: 64I
7296 S. River Bottom Rd.
Hanover, IN 47243
812-866-3211
Time Pieces
7296 S. River Bottom Rd.
Hanover, IN 47243
317-501-2773