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Holding Aviation to a HIGHER STANDARD™
Aug 2007
ISSN: 1930-0131
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Who's up for a hog roast ?
OK, the time has come for us to get serious about the fly-in (Sept. 29th). Having been away for almost 2 months straight, we now find ourselves needing to go full speed to the fly-in. We had expected to be busy but have now decided it may be a little crazier than planned. The other night we received an email from a person in Las Vegas, NV who needed a room and wanted to be put on the hotel standby list. We suggested she call the hotel and she responded that all the rooms were booked. This is amazing as even in previous busy years we always turned rooms back to the hotel but this year one small wing of the Clifty Inn sold out in advance! Now we are excited but stressed as we have a ton of things to do. If we get a good weather weekend, the place will absolutely be packed.
So, if anyone is willing or wanting to volunteer for parking planes, helping get the place ready for the event, or anything else, please let us know. We’re going to need it. (Note: We definitely need the help of an electrician.) EMAIL US IF WILLING TO HELP INFO@LEEBOTTOM.COM
Second, if you really want to come for the weekend and you really need a room, rooms can be had in other hotels but unfortunately for higher rates. CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT ROOM INFO
Third, and most importantly, we need, if at all possible, to know who plans to be here for the hog roast on Friday night. We need to get a count so that the great folks at Thomas Family Winery can prepare enough food. We use the online RSVP list to tell them how much food to prepare and we don't want anyone going hungry. Please help us by signing up online by CLICKING HERE. NOTE: Booked at max capacity
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NOTE: The next issue of NORDO News will be about the fly-in only. If you know someone intending to attend, please ask them to sign-up for the newsletter so they can have the most up-to-date information. CLICK HERE TO TELL A FRIEND
Deadly Disease Sweeps Through Pilot Population
Doing my best to motivate friends who have lost their enthusiasm for flight is something I find myself doing more and more. It’s just something I feel the need to do and when someone seemingly drops off the map, I give them a call. Admittedly though, despite my best intentions, the call usually starts off very well but turns into one or both of us preaching to the choir. This is exactly what happened the other day when I contacted a friend who builds planes faster than most of us construct excuses for owning them. What made this particular sermon memorable though was what my friend said next. “I tell ya Rich, I am so tired of everyone. What’s wrong with these people; I’ll tell ya what’s wrong with these people, they all have Too’s Disease. It’s too cloudy, its too hot, gas is too much, I’m too busy, the stock market dropped too much, its too late, its too early, maintenance is too much, too many planes in the pattern, it takes too long to get the plane out, I’m too tired. Damnit, nobody around here is flying anymore”.
What could I say to this? He was right and I had to agree. Flying is one of those experiences best served up with friends. Somehow, for some reason, the rewards of flight are exponentially increased with the addition of each aircraft to the gaggle. I can’t tell you why this is but what I can say (practicing for politics) is that this is a growing problem. An increase in the rate of Too’s Disease is having a devastating effect on the population of “current” pilots and unfortunately, there is no vaccine on the horizon. Yet, the CDC cautions us not to panic. When contacted, they said most of the new Too’s Disease cases could have been avoided by simply studying a little history and taking time to slow down and reconnect with friends. Simply put, the sky is not falling so call a buddy and go flying. That sounds like great advice to me.
sinful sundays
The last Sinful Sunday of the year is August 12th. Weather permitting; we look forward to a big crowd. The growing popularity of Sinful Sundays surprised us once again last month with another great turnout. We set a new record for the amount of ice cream served. There were many first time visitors and all seemed to enjoy the ice cream sundaes, shakes, and floats.
Many thanks go out to those that helped . . .Karen Davidson, Betty Davidson, Jim Nolen, Steve Bickel, Rob Bickel and Arna Davidson. Their assistance made it so the show could go on as Rich had to work . . . he claims that he bid off and his schedule didn't work out but Ginger thinks it is a ploy to get back with her since she was on her Backpacker Magazine hiking adventure in July. Jim Nolen states it very well . . ."it takes me about three days to recover from a Sinful Sunday. . .A lot of work but a lot of fun".
It seems these unique but simple events continue to grow in favor with our Lee Bottom family members and we hope the last one of the year does not disappoint. Ginger even has a specialty milkshake planned that is made with something grown right here on the field at Lee Bottom. Don’t miss it.
If you are ready for the next Sinful Sunday, it is this Sunday, Aug 12. Weather permitting we hope to see you here. We serve Ice Cream from 1 - 3PM (ESDT) or until the ice cream runs out.
More information www.LeeBottom.com/sinful sunday.htm
Rich Davidson Takes Super Model to the Big Dance
It wasn't Ginger but she was jealous . . .
June and July were great but busy months. It started with a Canadian Tiger Moth ferry flight to Gum Creek, a private strip West of Atlanta. The plane, belonging to John Bursen, was a recent restoration and the last plane to fly out of a failed restoration shop in Indiana. I had been trying to get it to John for some time but someone or something involved with the shop’s failure had always stood in the way. Eventually though, I was able to secure enough guarantees the plane was legally ok to fly out and with the help of Charlie Laird and another friend, I was able to get it running and out of there under a ferry permit.
Then while enroute and fifteen miles outside of my first stop, I reached down to grab a chart to verify my GPS position noticed oil all over my lap. Turning the chart over revealed it was soaked in oil so I moved my leg toward the middle of the cockpit to see what was going on. What I saw was oil spewing into the cockpit through a seam on the bottom of the fuselage. Fortunately, I was just outside of a regular stopping point for my North-South ferry flights and was able to land and leave the plane with mechanics to repair and search for more issues. This also happens to be my home town so I was able to turn a negative in to a positive and visit with friends and family.
A few weeks later, I returned to pick up the Moth and continue the flight. This time at my first stop, I took time to chat with several of the aircraft’s admirers including Vaughn, the Swift rebuilder. Once refueled, re-oiled, de-oiled, and cleaned, I then continued on the way and was able to spot some new potential emergency landing spots in Tennessee; again it’s a common route for my North-South ferry flights.
Arriving at Gum Creek, John took time to show me the other Tiger Moths he owns and the Chipmunk that has to be the best of its type in the world. The owner, Mr. Bursen, is in his 70’s and going back to Iraq for a third time to offer his medical help to the military. He says it’s his duty, I think he’s a great man for doing it, and I hope he keeps his head down like I suggested. Once the plane was secure in the hangar, John then drove me to Brooke Ridge Air Park to meet our friend Ron Alexander and pick up another aircraft for the trip north. My original plan was to leave for home on the same day but gladly ended up staying for the first light of morning.
It seems the best times are the one’s where you end up spending the night somewhere you never expected and this time was no exception. While there, I met several great people, real antiquers, and new friends. The next morning I got up and took off for home in Ron’s beautiful Stearman C3-B. Some time back, Ron emailed to ask if I would be willing to fly the plane to Oshkosh for him and I am proud to say I kept my cool.
Yeah that’s right, I took a full 1.3 seconds to say yes when mere amateurs would have jumped at the offer in a humiliating one second flat. Unfortunately, I had a lot of work ahead of me before Oshkosh and had very little time to fly and enjoy the plane as Ron very kindly suggested. But hey, flying it to Oshkosh was great fun.
Charlie Laird and I had planned to fly to Oshkosh together, leaving from different points and meeting up at Morris, Illinois for lunch. I was supposed to call when I was about to leave as Charlie was leaving from Indy Metro Airport but I had Ginger call after I was in the air. This worked out great. When I turned a mid-field crosswind at Morris, I looked down to see Charlie turning off the runway. Shortly thereafter, while taxiing up to the ramp, I noticed something very interesting about operating Ron’s Stearman; flying this thing is like being the guy who brought the Super Model to the party. Everyone in the room turns to look and soon she is surrounded by the group of admirers through which you anonymously hand her drinks for the rest of the night.
Once the plane was taken care of, Charlie and I worked our way into the restaurant that has become one of our favorite stopping points while enroute to Oshkosh. Inside, we met an interesting guy by the name of Bob Bushby. He’s the Bushby of Bushby Mustang and while having lunch, he taught us what year John Deere starters would work on certain small Continental motors. When people like Bob are gone, we will all suffer because we never took time to learn all they knew.
Next we were off to Poplar Grove where each year I always make a point to stop and say hello to Tina and Steve and put some heat on them to visit the Wood, Fabric, & Tailwheels Fly-In at Lee Bottom. This year, their recently finished Bird Biplane was sitting on the ramp right next to another plane familiar to us, Jim Hudgin’s amazing Vagabond. Jim was sitting in the very same spot last year when we pulled in to Poplar Grove in a Tiger Moth and Swallow.
A short while later, we headed out to Oshkosh where upon arrival I would once again become the person who brought the Super Model to the party. The next day I went flying in the Bearhawk and returned to meet up with my Oshkosh contacts, Gary Buettner and Jon Goldenbaum who made sure we could move the Stearman into the Poly Fiber workshop area. Both of these guys are first rate and I look forward to seeing each of them again in the future. Once accomplished, Jon got me a ride to Appleton where I flew home for that stuff called work.
To see a few more photos of the Tiger Moth flight CLICK HERE
To see a few more photos of the C3B flight from Atlanta to Oshkosh CLICK HERE
Insurance for all things aviation . . .
Hayes, Utley, & Hedgspeth
If you are ever on the IAC website looking at the Pitts Aerobatic Trophies list of recipients, under Sportsman Class 1978, you will see the name Cab Utley. Cab was a local guy who way back when realized a need for a knowledgeable, informed aviator in the aviation industry. This made perfect sense to him since he was already part owner of an insurance agency and with his idea in mind he moved forward. Soon, Cab had developed national association programs for seaplanes and aerobatic aircraft and was building a great following. Today, Mike Sherrard has taken the lead since Cab retired and is continuing the tradition. Currently, the aviation wing of Hayes, Utley, Hedgspeth offers insurance for all things aviation:
Airplanes - All types including experimentals, seaplanes, aerobatics, antiques and warbirds
Airport Liability Insurance (including Heliports)
Air Show Liability Insurance
Aviation Manufacturing Product Liability Insurance
Charter / Air Taxi Insurance
Seaplane Specialty Program
Aerobatic Specialty Program
Fixed Base Operations
Hangar Keepers Liability
Helicopters
Hot Air Balloons
Knowing the way aviation people behave, we understand many people will just pick up the phone and call the insurance company with the biggest ad in Vintage Magazine but we recommend you try something different by calling these people first. They have been very helpful to us.
Michael A. Sherrard, CIC
email: msherrard@huhinsurance.com
phone: 502-493-7958
If you read the last NORDO News, you will remember we shared the abbreviated story of our ferry flight from Austin, Texas to Arlington, Washington in the Bearhawk. The trip was the kind that creates lasting memories yet it was only the beginning of our Bearhawk story. Last year, Budd Davisson who was an acquaintance of ours emailed to see if we would be interested in doing some Bearhawk demo flights. Their Chief Pilot, Demo Dave, would not be able to attend some events and they needed someone to fill in. Unfortunately, we just didn’t have the time. This year though, when he emailed I jumped at the chance.
Having flown the Bearhawk to Arlington, I was quite aware of the aircraft’s long haul and load carrying abilities. Ginger and I had proven them on the way from Austin. But what I really wanted to do upon arriving back at Arlington for demo flights was to see how this baby worked out of short fields. With that said, I am going to spare you a long drawn out approach and say WOW! HOLY COW, HOLD ON, DO WE HAVE OXYGEN ON THIS THING!! That pretty much explains my first full performance take off in the Bearhawk. I was sure the air would be getting thin before I could push the nose over for a climb out. Yeah I said for climb out. This thing comes up and out of whatever hole you are in at an incredible angle, at which point you then push the stick forward to achieve what most people would consider a normal climb.
And the landings are just as great. This thing is phenomenal. Tell me again why you bought that Maule (Moose, Husky, Sportsman, Super Cub, whatever)? Neither of my very first takeoffs, and subsequent landings would have left a football field. And with only a few of each under my belt, I had both down in the low two hundreds. Yeah, I guess you could say I enjoyed the aircraft. I can’t think of another plane that can do everything this plane does. Some might slightly excel at one point or another but none do all things well like the Bearhawk.
And did I mention flying the thing around so slow and at such high angles of attack that the airspeed would go dead? Slow flight is simple, stalls are benign or often hard to accomplish, and an amateur with only a few hours in the plane can bring this thing in behind the power curve and drop it on a dime; all the while never worrying about the plane as it does nothing unpredictable. And back to the landings, at least half of my passengers thought I was doing an upwind while I was actually approaching the runway to land. Pull the power back, drop in the flaps, and even slip it if you want. You can loose whatever excess amount of altitude you have on demand. Keep the nose low enough to allow for some round out speed, pull the stick smoothly into your gut just before you think you are going to smack the ground and she just rotates about and settles nicely onto the surface with very little rollout.
Still knowing all this, the thing that really made me realize what the plane was doing was the reaction from people at Arlington. As the weekend wore on, people coming by the tent or people I would run into would ask what brought me there and I would tell them Bearhawk. Without fail they all would immediately say something along these lines, “That was you in the Bearhawk? How did you get so lucky? Man that thing’s impressive. I’ve been watching you take off and land for days and it looks like fun.” “It sure is”.
Thanks goes out to Budd for offering me the demo pilot slot. The entire weekend was great fun. I’m not sure exactly but I believe I flew around 25-30 demo flights; two with three passengers, five with two, and one with a guy who was 6’5” closing in on 300’lbs. Oh yeah, did I remember to tell you how much room this thing has? I mean, this thing took that 6' 5" guy with room to spare and……….
CLICK HERE for the Bearhawk website
WHAT'S YOU'RE REACTION?
Robert Forsythe's Great, Great Grandaughter's reaction when he takes her for her first flight
An enabler or a doer ? ? ? ?
This year, more than any that I can remember, visitors will look at me and say, “You are so lucky”. Define lucky. Despite Rich’s best efforts to assure me they are referring to my marriage to him, I’m pretty sure they are referring to their dream of someday living on an airport and the lifestyle they think goes along with it. I just look at the visitors, smile and nod my head. Inside I’m thinking. . . if you only knew. The grass is always greener over the septic tank and on someone else’s runway.
Just to illustrate a point, here’s a synopsis of the past 8 years of my 17 years in aviation:
In 2000, I put 200 hours on a Citabria.
In 2001, I put 150 hours on an RV-3 and 50 hours on a Landpride Mower.
In 2002, I put 50 hours on an RV-3 and 150 hours on a Landpride Mower.
In 2003, I put 20 hours on a Cub and 180 hours on a Landpride Mower.
In 2004, I put 15 hours on a Cub and 185 hours on a Landpride Mower.
In 2005, I put 5 hours on a Cub, 2 in a Champ and 193 hours on a Landpride Mower.
In 2006, I put 200 hours on a Landpride Mower.
In 2007, I put 100 hours on a Landpride Mower, 150 hours on a Progressive Batwing Mower.
A quick study will likely see a pattern and determine when I moved onto an airport full time? Those with a keen eye will see that although the lack of flying time quickly entered the picture, I kept working the system and eventually upgraded to a batwing mowing deck. At least I can now say I’m back into something with ‘wings’.
In scrutinizing this transformation, I decided that I have changed from being a “doer” of aviation to an “enabler” of aviation. While building time in the Progressive Batwing Mower last night (which I need several hundred more hours in order to qualify for the next tier level of management at the airport), I analyzed this situation very carefully. With a half gazed stare and my brain in deep thought, I followed the line laid down from the previous sweep of the batwings and wondered if any of it was appreciated. Was I giving up what I enjoyed in order for others to have enjoyment? If it is appreciated, maybe there is joy to be had in that.
But amidst a turn, on the North end of the runway, it dawned on me. The enabler part is appreciated but once a doer, always a doer. I realized at that point I had to find a way to transition from being an enabler back to a doer. It was just something I missed. So, as I finished out my grass mowing think tank session, I quickly moved my thoughts into creating a job description. I needed to place a Help Wanted Ad so that my enabler position could be filled by someone else and I could move back into being a “doer” of aviation. Here’s what I came up with. Do you think I’ll get any takers?
Wanted Airport Manager
Flexible Hours: Weekdays 6:30AM -1:30AM & 24 hour on-call
Every weekend plan on working a little longer because everyone else is off work and expects you to be there.
Vacation: You now have “the” life. You are on vacation 365 days a year.
Corner office with river view.
Physical requirements: Quick reflexes needed in order to quickly change hats as needed between 6 (or it might be 7) full-time jobs.
Duties & experience required: web design, computer and network management, budgeting, accounting, taxes - (sales, property, income), ability to meet and communicate with local & civic officials, Public Relations, marketing, grass mowing, turf management, landscaping, bed & breakfast experience, diesel mechanic (also versed in woodworking, plumbing, electrical, and horticulture), auto mechanic, previous aircraft maintenance experience beneficial, event management skills a definite must, cleaning, organizing, goal setting, volunteer coordination, HR hiring practices, management experience, ice cream dipping, copy editing, photography, multi-media, non-profit/museum set-up and operation, sponsorship sales, airport operations, airport planning, knowledge of all FAR's, prior civil engineering experience is beneficial, retail store product design & purchasing, good project and time management, experience setting up a fuel system, ability to operate large pieces of equipment, negotiating and contract management, commercial pilots license, previous tailwheel CFI experience helpful and other duties and opportunities as they present themselves.
Benefits: the title
Salary: Very unique opportunity…your savings will be utilized to cover expenses
Prediction
from the Ginger
Marian Blakey retires and gets a job within the airline industry. This is not a joke. This is a serious prediction. Mark it down and let’s see how close she comes to being correct.
Dave and Jeanne Allen in their 1930 ASO Waco
photo courtesy of American Waco Club
Dave and Jeanne Allen dropped in to see us a while back after trying to stop by for a few years. Always on the go in their 1930 ASO Waco, the Allens had been trying to make us a stopover point between WACO fly-ins and this year they finally succeeded. Unfortunately, I was out of film and Ginger had our digital with here while hiking on the Continental Divide so I don’t have any photos. Additionally, they landed only minutes before I had to leave for work so I did not get to visit with them as long as I would have liked. Another member of our Lee Bottom family was here though in his extremely nice 170 and was treated to the sight of their well known WACO on the field. Our thanks go out to everyone, like the Allens, who makes an effort to drop in to our little corner of the world.
Someone Everyone Should Know
The other day, after months of waiting, I finally went to pick up a set of wings we had bought for the long awaited rebuild of the Avalanche Champ. I had been trying to get there for some time but finally just had to pick a day and go or else I never would have made it. Now I wish I had gone much earlier.
Brian Safran, who sold us the wings, had been trying to tell us we would like the place and it turns out he was right. Valley City Airport (Ohio), where Brian lives, was created and is still run by Don Helmick. If you’ve never met Don, you should. Although, I have always enjoyed talking those affectionately known as “old timers”, I have to admit some of them have not been the easiest people with which to communicate. You know what I am talking about, some of them are cranky, other’s just don’t have much to say, and a few of them seem to be speaking their own language. But that’s not Don.
Don is someone you immediately like, who makes you want to grab an oily bucket, turn it upside down, and sit there for hours “talking shop” and learning. Rarely have I met someone who so quickly put me at ease and made me feel right at home despite the fact everywhere I looked in his buildings I blurted out “Oh wow, where’d you get that!” Don even let me ride his Cushman that he bought new in 1945. Then he offered three times to pull his Fairchild out so that we could go flying. He had no idea how much I wanted to take him up on it but I just couldn’t. I had chosen the hottest day of the year to visit (100 degrees) and there was no way I was going to let him pull that plane out, even with my help. So like any self respecting pilot would do, I took a rain check.
My time with Don was probably only 45 minutes but I wish it had been hours. If you are near Valley City on August 18th, drop in to say hello. Family and friends are having a little get together for him to celebrate his being awarded both the “Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award” and the “Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award”.
A BIG STEP -
Lee Bottom Aviation Refuge a reality
(Artist rendition of the museum complex by David Lord)
Back when Fritz was still alive, he and I often talked about forming an organization on the field that would focus on flying in the region (The Ohio Valley). The organization would cover the region and also focus on the airports of yesterday. As time went on, our focus and ideas for this organization came around to being more of an organization that would celebrate airports and include everything that went along with them. Once the core ideas were decided on, we then set about moving forward.
Now with the help of several friends and several hours of hard work, we are pleased to tell you that just last week we received a letter from the IRS informing us our organization has been granted 501(c)3 non-profit status. We would love to give you more information at this time but there is little to share. This is a big day for the Lee Bottom Family and we look forward to working with you to grow the organization.
What’s it Like to Fly a C3-B
“What’s it like to fly?” emanates from all vectors when you are tasked with flying and escorting an antique aircraft. Ratchet that up to operating one of only a handful of flying Stearman C3Bs and the question takes on new meaning and offers up opportunity. When flying another plane, one that is one of hundreds in the air, attempting to give an educated explanation of the flight characteristics almost always falls victim to the more glamorous “a buddy of mine, who has more time than Bob Hoover, says they are really hard to fly and squirrelly on the ground.” But, when you are flying a plane that only a very few numbskulls, such as myself get to fly, your explanation becomes one of those rare opportunities to put good quality information into the loop. This also makes it very tricky to get right. Do you answer the obvious question of its flight characteristics or the more sentient one of “how does it feel to fly it” by describing the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies a plane like this. Separately, they both have their problems.
How do you explain a plane's flight characteristics in a manner that is relative to someone of any experience level? And if you choose the other, how do you make them feel the highs and lows that include the joy of flying something so historical while simultaneously conveying your concern for its wellbeing while in your care? Which would you choose when given limited amounts of time?
If antique planes weren’t my passion it would be a much easier decision. Unfortunately though, I just can’t give a clean cut description for a plane of this caliber to people who are going to go out and tell their buddies what it’s like to fly. So, I choose both. This way the choice falls on their shoulders. If all they want to know is a few characteristic buzzwords to share with friends, then they get what they need right up front. “Well, she’s flies like she’s on rails. Solid, kind of like the way a Monocoupe feels as if it were milled out of one piece of metal. She tracks straight, goes where you want her to, and resists change. Cruise speed is around 100 mph, and the approach speed, if I had to guess is in the seventies while the stall speed, again a guess, is in the high forties. Oh, and the landings are three points that roll straight out with no effort.
But, and this is a big one, if they are the kind of person that wants more, they can follow me around while I wipe her down and listen to a voice that moves from down in the cockpit, to inside the cowling, around the plane, and under the belly. Along the way they’ll here why I think the plane is so nice to fly and how I believe that planes are like dogs, often smelling someone they don’t like from a mile away. “Yeah, this one and I get along great.” If they listen close enough, they might even hear the emotion in my voice. “She sure is fun to fly……and easy too. That cockpit’s so comfortable I could’a gone to sleep in flight. It’s like home in there.” “But you want to know what’s really neat about this thing? When you’re out there flying across the corn fields, this plane just seems to tap into some sort of extra power that allows you to look through the eyes of someone doing the same thing back in 1928. Heck, I even caught myself hoping for a beat up Phillips 66 fuel truck when I got here because I just can’t stand those Red Crown guys.” That’s what it’s like to fly this plane.
Fortunately for you, I gave the brief description because there is one other thing that made this plane fun to fly that I have to tell you about. Right before I took off for home in the Stearman, Ron stopped me and said, “Rich I have had planes come and go and have really liked them all but planes are meant to fly and they are rebuildable.” At which point I tried to throw in the words, “Yeah, ok I understand.” But before I could finish he said, “No I’m serious. What I’m trying to say is that I want you to take this plane home and enjoy it and don’t worry about it. If something bad happens, we’ll fix it, and if not, then I want to make sure you have fun while you have it.” I wonder how many other people would have said or thought such a thing. If you are ever in the Atlanta area and need a friendly place to set down, you should drop into Ron’s place, Peach State Aerodrome.
Having long dreamed of flying every model Stearman in existence, the C3-B has done wonders for my goal. Thanks Ron and congratulations on winning the Silver Age (1928-1936) Outstanding Open Cockpit Biplane Award at Oshkosh.
The Bearhawk, Arlington, and a trip to Oshkosh
If you ever get a chance to visit the Arlington Fly-In, we highly suggest it. It’s a different world out there. Beyond the unique scenery, people value flight, planes are actually used for pleasure, and everyone has a quality tent to go with their machine. Yeah, we really enjoyed it. I’ve often wondered what it is that makes some places such a hot spot for aviation and this is one of them. What those of us in the Midwest consider flying weather lasts only about three months long in the Northwest, yet everyone tells me they fly more months of the year than many of the people we know here.
While at Arlington we saw some really great aircraft and had several of those small world moments that make you feel right at home despite the thousands of miles between you and your pillow. A specific plane that stands out is the New Standard I flew a while back that also visited Lee Bottom. It was on the field giving rides. As for people, one particular Bearhawk demo flight ended with the discovery the couple I had just flown were friends with the Ramsey brothers from Parkersburg. If you never knew the Ramseys, you missed out. Then there were those that saw our Lee Bottom shirts and stopped to ask if we had ever been there “Yeah a few times, some strange people live there but it’s still pretty nice” was my first answer. Because there were so many nice people, it also went by too fast.
As soon as our Arlington weekend was winding down we were on our way to Oshkosh. This time, the tops of the mountains we had flown over weeks earlier were obscured by clouds, rain showers, and people who seemed nervous about us going through Snoqualmie Pass. Heading cautiously toward the go-no-go point, Ginger and I soon realized it was about to fly by having seen no turbulence, rain, or low visibility. That was fine with us and we pressed on as the mountains disappeared behind us. Soon, we found ourselves over our stop for the night, Spokane.
Addison Pemberton had offered to put us up and there was no way we were going to pass through the area without seeing the Model 40 he and his family are working on. Needless to say, it was a good decision. Addison quickly set to showing us around, and introducing us to all the pilots present on the field. While there, I got to sit in one of my dream planes and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. The Pembertons have done an extraordinary thing with the Model 40 and I’m absolutely sure you will soon see them in every aviation publication in the world because of what they are doing in their shop.
After climbing back out of the Boeing, we spent the rest of the night visiting with some wonderful people at a small hangar gathering. Everyone there was really into flying and we were made to feel right at home. Behind our table was a 195 with an L6 engine that is reported to be like fire in the sky and in most of the hangars around us were vintage planes that are regularly flown. This is another one of those “hot spots” I was talking about earlier. How can one area have a couple of Lairds going and four C Model Stearmans going together? If I knew it was in the water, I would import it and give it freely to anyone within a hundred miles of Lee Bottom.
Anyway, the Bearhawk slept the night away in great company; a Stearman Model 4DM and a well modified 985 A-75, or would that be E-75, Stearman. The next day, Ginger pulled (pried) me from the Boeing and we continued on our journey to Oshkosh. Along the way, we saw some interesting scenery, learned what green squares on a 496 Garmin represent, and dealt with extreme heat. We spent the night in Miles City, famed for many things including the destination of the last true cattle drive, stopped at few places the next day for bladder preservation, and then regrettably passed by Greg Herrick’s place despite his kind offer to let us look around. Taking just enough time to eat and gas up at Anoka, we managed to sneak through a gap in the weather before it closed up and finished the flight to Fond du Lac with ease.
LEE BOTTOM ONLINE STORE
We had such an interest in "The Bottom Line" apparel before the holidays that we had to put in a special order. Therefore, we have more of the "Winged T Shirts" including the ever popular "I Did It In the Grass" T Shirt.
Winged T Shirt - Half Fast Aircraft Asylum™
Winged T Shirt - Where Old Planes Go To Fly™
Winged T Shirt - I Did It In The Grass™
Winged T Shirt - USER FEES SUCK™
Note: Shipping is calculated on a per item basis and valid for United States shipments ONLY. Multiple item shipping discounts available - contact us info@LeeBottom.com.
Are you interested in sponsoring one of aviations great old fashioned fly-ins? If so, then give us a call. Each year, we add a few additional sponsors and with the growing number of early fly-in inquiries, it looks as though a few more sponsors would help us handle the crowd. If we were to suggest something specific for you sponsor, it would be this year's fly-in shirt that will be handed out to all pilots flying in. On the front will be the Lee Bottom logo along with fly-in wording and on the back, will be the sponsor's logos. It's a great way to contribute to the event.
Official 2007 Wood, Fabric, & Tailwheels Fly-In T Shirts:
Display your logo on the back of these shirts which will be distributed to 500 pilots & visitors during the event. Choose the package that fits you best as these shirts will be worn by pilots in all corners of the
US.
1. Large size logo $500
Includes 4 tickets to Friday night dinner.
2. Small size logo $250
Includes 2 tickets to Friday night dinner
email us if you'd like to be a part of the T Shirts
DON'T FORGET OUR SPONSORS
These are the companies who help make this publication possible.
Be sure and thank them with your business.
The Flying Machines Company (an ebay store)
Let NORDO News help you advertise your business for $25 per issue or 5 issues for $100
email info@LeeBottom.com
We are guessing that each of you know at least one other pilot that would like to see aviation continue for future generations to enjoy. If you do, NORDO News asks would like you to forward this newsletter to a friend and ask them to Sign-Up. Let's grow our group that is focused on
"Holding Aviation to a Higher Standard".
Sign up for our FREE e-Pub, click here
NORDO News is published by:
Lee Bottom Flying Field Identifier: 64I 7296 S. River Bottom Rd. Hanover, IN 47243 812-866-3211
Contact Us: info@LeeBottom.com
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