 |  |
NORDO News
Conventional News for Unconventional People
March 2005
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY
To Liam (our 6 year old nephew) that has worked so hard to create the perfect trap to catch a Lucky Leprechaun, we hope you were successful and that the Trolls have stayed away.
To the rest of our Airport Family, may the Luck of the Irish be with you.
A Tribute to FRITZ
Some time ago, Ginger was in Madison running a list of errands that would drive anyone nuts. You know, it was the typical town hall day. First there was the license branch, then the post office, followed by several offices in the court house; all of which required time and money. You can imagine the kind of day it was; go ahead, lean back and feel the stress. Yet on that day, the woman who owns title to me had something interesting happen to her. Everywhere she went she was asked about Fritz.
Needless to say, when she arrived home, Fritz was the main subject of conversation. When I first met Ginger, Fritz had been gone six months. I was in the process of handling the estate, cleaning the house, keeping things going around the airport, and handling the title of "most junior captain". Looking back, it is probably good that I was so busy but in many ways I failed at passing on what I knew about Fritz because of it. So, as the evening progressed, I would tell Ginger anything I remembered about him and Ginger would tell me the things people in town told her. Needless to say it was a fun walk down memory lane.
Those of you who remember Fritz, knew him to be a unique and special person. But like me, I wonder how many of you never realized the effect he had on everyone he met. To this day, no matter where you go in Madison if you mention the airport, the people who hear you will smile and either ask or talk about the wonderful man that used to own the place. I seriously doubt that after another twenty years, the locals will speak of me that way. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him and remember the many great memories I have because he was such a great person.
Before he died, Fritz and I spent many days talking about the future of Lee Bottom. More often than not we would be up to three in the morning discussing the details and I would always ask him what he would or would not be happy with. Among many other things, our conversations often included what should or shouldn’t be sold or bought to expand the airport, what type of people and aircraft should be encouraged to return (origin of “All Aircraft and Most People Welcome” motto), and how the airport should be developed if it ever was. As we expand in the future, you will either be excited or shocked. If you are excited, then you knew Fritz and you know what we are about. If you are shocked then you never belonged anyway…...in case there is any doubt in your mind, this would probably only include those of you who would like to see us pave the runway.
Paid Advertisement
Paid Advertisement
Advertisements . . .
If you have attended the Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In at Lee Bottom Flying Field, 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.
We have chosen to place a limited number of PAID advertisements in our NORDO Newsletter. The fees collected from the advertisers will go toward the fly-in fund. Samples of the advertisement placement and size can be seen in this issue. Although we cannot guarantee any level of success with your ads, we can assure you they will be seen by a great big bunch of aviation nuts as we currently have over 1500 subscribers.
If you operate a business and would like to advertise with us, the cost is very reasonable and helps to support a great aviation event. Please call or email for more information.
You Make the Difference
Thanks again to every one of you who have contributed donations to Lee Bottom Flying Field’s general fund. We are once again amazed that you are all so willing to give in exchange for what we provide. Since we are aggressively pursuing plans for expansion, your donations are as motivational as they are useful. None of you will be forgotten.
Words from our readers . . .We love hearing from you. . .
Enjoy your newsletter. Thanks for keeping the fun in flying. - J
Thanks for sending us your calendar. You guys are running an asylum and I’m running a zoo! - E
Keep doing what you’re doing. I am proud of you. - L
Thanks for everything you do to keep Lee Bottom going. . . Looking forward to bringing my daughter up there in the Citabria for ice cream on Sinful Sunday. –S
I purchased a Cirrus SR20 in December, and have gotten current. And am now working on an instrument rating. I just wanted you to know how thankful I am that your enthusiasm for flying re-ignited my flying fires and got me back in the air. - G
I have been receiving "NORDO News" for some time now, I look forward to each issue because it takes me back to my roots. I started flying in the late 40s in a J-3 on a grass field. That was several thousand hours ago but those were my happiest days. I would gladly fly the 400nm (based in Maryland) just to let my wheels touch down on your lovely grass, however my wheels are now attached to a Cherokee Six. Would this be allowed? – M
(OUR REPLY: of course all airplanes are welcome)
Glad to hear things are growing at Lee Bottom. Can’t wait to bring the Yak-50 in!! -T
If everyone in General Aviation would do just a little bit of what you are doing, life for all of us in GA would be so much better. Keep up the good work. – T (of note: this is an FAA guy)
We would love to hear your comments: email us
Welcome new subscribers. . .
Welcome to our new “NORDO News” subscribers .......although most of you signed up through our website, many of you have had friends or family ask us to put you on the list. We now have over 1500+ grass roots aviation lovers signed up to get our newsletter and the numbers continue to grow. We hope you all enjoy our “almost” monthly free e-newsletter that lets you know what is going on around our area and with our airport family.
Get out there and promote General Aviation
Are you looking for a way to educate the non-flying public about aviation? It might be simpler than you think. . . We take our previous month’s aviation magazine publications – AirClassics, Sport Aviation, Vintage Aviation, Flying, Private Pilot, Aeroplane, and you know the rest of them – to our local library. They have a magazine exchange box where you can drop off magazines that are in good condition and pick up others in the box. Last month, several of the aviation magazines were gone before I got out of the building 10 minutes later. If your library doesn’t have a similar service, there might be other places for you to consider where people like to browse magazines. . . your barber, your physicians office, hospital waiting rooms, that quick-lube oil change location, a marina, the place where you get your tires rotated, just to name a few. Remember, your goal is to share your passion with those that aren’t typically involved in aviation so the airport isn’t really a good choice.
Practice makes perfect
Late last fall, while mowing the grass, I looked up to see a Decathalon coming in for a landing. I momentarily took a break from the task at hand to stop and watch the approach. It was perfect and the plane came to a rest in less than 600 feet. This definitely caught my attention as there have been many occasions where other slower aircraft have landed over half way down the field (including the ones that land into the wind). They quickly stomp on the brakes in order to get stopped in the remaining area, taxi back, and get out of the plane in a sweat. During the friendly conversations with these individuals I often hear an unbelievable comment like, “It sure is pretty here but the runway is way too short for my plane.”
Knowing our grass runway is over 3100’ long and it takes a champ less than 500’ feet to land, I am sure you can understand why seeing it done so well in a slightly hotter aircraft was such a great site to see. With one landing, the aviator had my attention and I extended my break from grass mowing to watch as the Decathlon taxied back and took off. Then, I recognized the plane. The pilot and his wife had recently purchased this plane and had regained their “real flying” legs at Lee Bottom. Momentarily, I felt like a proud parent. We had provided the nest, and they had flown.
Just a few days prior, we sat on our picnic table and watched this airline captain become re-acquainted with the basics of flying tailwheel aircraft. As he rapidly progressed in his training, the precision and exactness of the art of “stick and rudder flying” transferred from instructor to student until the logbook entries were made showing he was once again ready to exercise a skill that was once known to all. Yet, he never quit being a student of the craft. Again, sitting around our infamous picnic table, the tailwheel endorsement was bestowed on the pilot and the instructor imparted the final words of wisdom that I have heard him say many times before. . . “a wheel landing is only a maneuver and has very few practical applications . . . and, you will be fine as long as you always keep it straight on landing.”
I watched intently and smiled as the Decathalon was maneuvered into 5 perfect landings. The pilot left then left our area for a return flight home but I knew I would see him again. Feeling a new-found energy, I returned to that task at hand, all the while feeling honored that I was preserving a runway so another student of the skies could experience the joys of a grass field.
Sure enough, the next day he returned but he didn’t stop to stretch his legs. Instead, he spent his time in the pattern and practiced. I’ve noticed that he spends ½ hour (or so) in the pattern every time he visits. And, there has not been a week that goes by (even during the dreary winter months) that I have not seen him (or his wife ), visiting for a practice session. Maybe the lesson we all need to learn is that we are all really students of the sky and a little practice in the pattern is good for everyone. When was the last time you attempted to do a precision landing or spent a ½ hour practicing in the pattern? How many take-off and landings have you done in the past 90 days . . .just enough to be current or enough to be proficient?
Paid Advertisement
Paid Advertisement
Be Sure To Look ALL Ways . . .
We want to remind everyone that although our field is secluded and one of the best places for tailwheel and proficiency training, it still requires you to be vigilant in seeing and being seen. There have been several times where people were trying to land or take off while someone else was doing the same. Make sure you fly your patterns over the river and when the wind is calm and you are using both runways, make an extra effort to look for aircraft in the pattern or on the ground. This will save us all a lot of heartache.
Glide into Sinful Sundays . . .
Many of you have said you are looking forward to “Sinful Sundays” at Lee Bottom this year. In fact, it seems that every day a few of you email to let us know you will be at the first one on May 8th.
Now we are getting confirmations from groups. The CISS (Central Indiana Soaring Society) has said (weather permitting), they will be here the entire weekend and even lobbed a friendly challenge at the Bardstown Kentucky glider group to spend the weekend along side them having fun.
When May 8th rolls around, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these wonderful flying machines.
My War
While acting as the wing leader for the Indiana Wing of the CAF, I had the privilege of talking with many pilots from the WWII era (that was my favorite part). John Walter is one of these pilots and the story that he shared with us at one of our meetings continues to amaze me every time that I think about it. You see, he opened my eyes to an area of flying during WWII that I had never considered . . . the logistics of launching hundreds of B-17’s into the air and bringing them together for a mission from a geographic area about the size of Indianapolis with more airports that Indianapolis has today. It really is quite a feat when you consider that they didn’t have GPS’s or collision avoidance and the weather was always bad. John was the commander of thirty-five combat commissions over Hitler’s Germany. Recently, he published a book about his experiences entitled “My War”. It is a first hand account of a WWII U.S. Army Air Force Aviation Cadet’s experiences as he works his way through the intensive pilot training program to win his silver wings. The book includes photographs, illustrations and descriptions of time of learning, times of fun and times of tragedy. Although I haven’t had an opportunity to find time to read it yet, if it is anything like his book “Cross Country in a BT-13”, I’m sure you will all enjoy it.
Available in softcover (1-4184-4725-0) or hardcover (1-4184-4726-9) from AuthorHouse books www.authorhouse.com
Jim’s Fly-In
In 2001, 2002 and 2003, we bestowed the title of “Lee Bottom Flying Field Pilot of the Year” on Jim Hartledge. Jim’s passion for aviation was evident by the amount of time that he put on his trusty white and red Aeronca Champ. There wasn’t a nice flying day that went by that Jim wasn’t visiting us.
Jim also volunteered regularly and learned many important airport operating skills (mowing, and listening to pilots) at Lee Bottom. In fact, he enjoyed aviation and the airport life so much that he purchased his own private airstrip outside of Kokomo called Indian Hills. While continuing with his job near Louisville and waiting for “official” retirement, he continues to commute to take care of his new place.
Although we miss seeing Jim as much as we used to, we are excited to have a new flying destination. He has invited the Lee Bottom Airport Family to visit him on April 2 for his Spring Fling Fly-In. We plan on going and hope to see you there. If you’d like more information give Jim a call: 502 548 6187
EAA Director Position
Thanks to many of you, Rich recently completed all the required forms to submit his application for nomination for an EAA Director position. Rich and I traveled around for several days getting all the required signatures from EAA members (all friends of Lee Bottom) and then spent a night or two going over what we felt should be included in the package to the EAA Nominating Committee.
The position would be one of several member elected board positions that are up for election. Although he met the requirements for nomination, we understand there is still the possibility he won’t be included in the final vote. We were told that they try to keep a balance of area representation and expertise on their board and therefore the nominating committee may or may not choose to forward the nomination to the member voting level. We will keep you posted so that you can place your vote when election time rolls around. Thanks to all of you who gave your signature to the effort.
Send Out The Word – Stand Up For Your People
Lee Bottom Flying Field management has decided to have some fun with a few of our friends at the 2005 Wood, Fabric, & Tailwheels Fly-In.
What are we doing? . . .
We are going to have a friendly contest between two makes of aircraft; Stearman vs WACO or WACO vs Stearman depending on which group you are with.
It is really quite simple; the make with the most aircraft here at the fly-in wins.
What does the winner get? They get to rub the other group’s nose in it.
What more could you ask for? Heck, we may even devote a full page on our website to the make that wins. Whatever the case, we will accept no excuses. Rich has been ferrying a lot of WACOs over the past few years and there are plenty of them out there and a lot of the Stearmans which we know of never fly. Basically put, the winner of this contest will boil down to which group is most willing to stand up for the honor of their make.
Time Pieces at Creve Coeur
by Ron Dillard (co-owner of Creve Coeur Time Pieces Operation)
The Creve Coeur Time Pieces Operation is beginning to come back to life after a relatively mild winter that has allowed some Cub flying for a few hardy souls. The second Cub is on the line and has been met with enthusiasm by the new owners. There are still positions open in this beautiful 1946 J3. My partner, Bob May and I are among the luckiest people on earth, we get to fly what is arguably the most fun to fly airplanes ever built, Piper J3 Cubs.
We are joined in this delightful activity by a group of like minded flying enthusiasts who share in the ownership of the Cubs. Among this group of friends is an active corporate pilot who flies a Citation X, an aircraft salesman who owns and operates his own jet sales business, a furniture salesman, a former corporate pilot who is now a telecommunications specialist, a small businessman who owns a travel agency, and a professional photographer. The reasons each of these individuals joined together are different, but all share a common theme; the joy of flying a Piper Cub.
David Allan is a telecommunications specialist who grew up and worked in Texas and was recently transferred to the St. Louis area. David said, “When I moved to the St. Louis area, one of the first things I did was to visit the local airports and get acquainted with aviation in the area. When I found Creve Coeur airport I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. This is one of the most interesting airports I have ever seen, home to all kinds of old and unique airplanes, just walking around it is a lesson in aviation history.” When David learned there was a Time Pieces Cub to share at Creve Coeur Airport, he was the first to sign up and is the most active share owner. “Flying the Cub is a sheer joy. Going out on a warm evening with the door open and the wind in your face is the ultimate in flying fun.
It is common, on a nice evening, to find several pilots sitting at our hangar. The hangar faces the main runway at Creve Coeur Airport which provides a great position to watch the interesting airplanes come and go. Creve Coeur Airport is the home to scores of antique airplanes including Pipers, Wacos, Stearmans, Fairchilds, and it even has a 1929 Zenith, the only one in existence. Although our group did not know each other before entering the Time Pieces program, our shared passion for fun flying in a Piper Cub has brought us together in a way few other activities could. Bob and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this unique business and group of people.
2005 Fly-In Lodging
The 2005 lodging arrangements have been made for this years fly-in and you better book your room while they are available. We only have a limited number and they are going fast! Do not be caught without a room.
This year, we are excited to be working with an Inn that has as much ambiance, beauty, scenery, and history as our little airport. Clifty Inn has reserved a limited number of rooms in their “2005 remodeled”, river-view rooms for our event. If we had an Inn at Lee Bottom, it would be just like this Inn . . . the rooms have a rustic lodge feel with a modernized flair.
NOTE: The Madison Chautauqua Arts festival is the same weekend as our event. Therefore, nearby lodging is not only limited but at a premium.
We would recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to stay in Madison to participate not only in the 2005 Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In but also to enjoy the festivities in town.
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
IMPORTANT:
PRINT THIS SECTION AND GIVE IT TO YOUR SPOUSE
The Madison Chautauqua Arts Festival occurs the same weekend as our fly-in. This wonderful arts festival is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2005. Stroll the tree-lined streets of Madison's Historic District and enjoy this juried fine arts and crafts show featuring painting, sculpture, stained glass, textiles, folk art, and more. Stop by the Riverfront Food Fest for delicious treats and a stroll along the Ohio River.
Information on the Chautauqua Festival of Art.
Once you have enjoyed all Madison Chautauqua has to offer, venture outside of the festival to explore notable architecture, tour historic sites, and visit antique malls, specialty shops, wineries, unique restaurants and Fall Old Court Days--an antique and craft market located around the courthouse (also downtown Madison).
This year, we will be running a shuttle bus (for a nominal fee) from the airport to the arts festival on Saturday. We are looking to fill all 14 seats so if you plan to bring someone who would want to do this, please let us know as soon as possible.
Thanks to Judy Birchler and Mamie Williams for offering to organize this trip into town for all of the wives interested in a fly-in with a shopping mission!
Calendar
Thanks to all of you who have been sending us thanks for the calendars. It is exciting to know that everyone still enjoys them.
This year though, do to unforeseen changes, many people seem to be missing the Fly-In date that was printed directly on the calendar. If you look just above the right side of the calendar pad, you will see it.
We will fix it next year but for now we suggest you take a sharpie and circle it. Then write the date in your daily planner, and call all your friends and tell them to do the same.
Immediately after that, you should go ahead and clear your schedule for the last Saturday of September and plan a trip for your significant other (to some other country) on the same weekend. If that does not work, start your efforts to get them believing the fly-in is a great way to get some quality time together. Or, you could tell them how excited you are that the 2005 Wood, Fabric, & Tailwheels Fly-In falls on National No Honey-Do’s Day. Do whatever it takes, because this year’s fly-in actually falls on National No-Excuses Day.
For Sale . . . c-85-12 engine
C-85-12 engine 600 hours SMOH $3600 minus accessories. Recently flown, removed after airframe was crushed by collapsed hangar. Engine was not touched in collapse.
Call 812-866-3211 for more information.
Fly a cub for less than $6 per day . . .where else?
After over 2 years of operation at a consistent pricing structure, Time Pieces is increasing the price on its Vintage Fractional Cub Shares effective April 1, 2005. One of the primary goals of Time Pieces was to provide a consistent and known price for all of the owners – no hidden surprises in the form of increases due to engines that need new cylinders, dings to the aircraft, annuals that cost 3 times the budgeted amount, equipment that needs to be updated, or . . . the list goes on and on. As many costs increased over the 2 years of operation, most companies would have passed on their increases to the owners. Believe it or not, we have been able to stick to our original price.
However, as we move into the future, it is evident that the costs associated with the management of our aircraft fleet will continue to rise. Additionally, the price increase reflects changes in the insurance program Time Pieces has for its franchises. A new insurance program developed exclusively for Time Pieces offers much greater coverage and protection for every current and future share owner, greater coverage than the insurance any clubs provide, and allows Time Pieces to continue offering the cheapest form of vintage ownership in existence; less than six dollars per day. Many of us easily spend over $6 per day on luxury food items without thinking twice about it . . . what about that Grande Espresso and pastry that you had at Starbucks this morning?
Currently the rate per share is $3750 and it will be going up to only $3950 (for new shares only). If you have been thinking of participating in one of the cubs, now is the time to purchase your share!
Tailwheel Survey Results
The side of aviation many of you do not know
Many of you have been asking about the tailwheel research project and survey we were working on most of last year. Some of the things we found through our research were extremely interesting, informative, eye opening, and expected. As we progressed through the collection process and more and more people found out about it, more and more information came in.
Yet unfortunately, we also started to get a lot of complaints, questions, and roadblocks thrown in our face. Some people read the survey and immediately thought it was a plot to overthrow aviation with more regulation when it was just the opposite.
One of the largest aviation alphabet groups (who by the way, has a focus on safety in aviation) complained to the FAA about our efforts to make people better pilots and improve safety. Apparently, we were a threat to aviation as a whole and thus led to the scuttling of an FAA approved tailwheel safety program that was in the works, and to the scrapping of an insurance discount that would have been given to anyone who completed the program. We were both members of the group at the time yet neither of us were contacted by them to see what we were trying to accomplish. They just went straight up the ladder to the Administrators Office to put an end to it.
This is the real aviation that many of you don’t know about. Keep doing what you are doing and don’t rock the boat and you will never experience it.
As you can imagine, this really took the wind out of our sails and quite honestly made us both want to get out of aviation entirely. The next day, we naturally decided otherwise but also made the decision to set the project aside for a while. In a future newsletter we will publish the results of the survey which many of you will enjoy. A few months down the road we will put the rest of the research to work at the Lee Bottom Tailwheel School.
A BIG THANKS to those members of our Lee Bottom Family that have sent in donations over the past several weeks. These generous donations are have been added to our 2005 airport operation fund. Thanks again !
Paid Advertisement
Paid Advertisement
Sign up for our newsletter, click here
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