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NORDO News
CONVENTIONAL News for Unconventional People
May/June 2005
What's New . . .
The month of May has been a busy one and it looks like we are entering June with an even busier schedule. . . Many new and exciting things are happening. Continue reading the newsletter to find out about them but here’s a recap of the news items this month:
Time Pieces positions itself for growth
First “Sinful Sunday” caused many pilots to re-calculate their weight and balance for return trip home;
CISS glider club sets 16 Kentucky state records from Lee Bottom
1927 Bugatti replica finds a new home at Lee Bottom
A log cabin hide-a-way is now onsite and soon to awaiting your visit
The old barrel hangar is now a thing of the past
Runway extension has started
Many additional articles in this issue so keep reading to find out how you can win a FREE Lee Bottom baseball cap.
Be sure to visit the websites of our May/June 2005 Sponsors:
BECOME A SPONSOR.
Support a great aviation event and receive an advertisement in our newsletter:
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Time Pieces Positions Itself for Growth
Time Pieces currently has several new franchises in the works. Although we are doing our best to get them up and running for summer, we are also doing our best to use what we have learned from our other franchises to make these start ups smoother. Ultimately, this means taking a little more time up front to ensure a smooth running business exists on opening day. One of these franchises will also mean a new state for us – Florida. We have been itching to get into Florida ever since we started the first franchise and now it looks as though we’re heading that way. We will keep you posted when there is more to tell.
As for other items, our exclusive insurance program (mentioned last month) has really put us ahead of any club in the country and has positioned us very well in an industry driven by liability concerns and insurance coverage. If you know anyone who is a member of a club or if you yourself are a club member and would like to know the many benefits of Time Pieces insurance over club insurance, please feel free to contact us.
Another benefit of our exclusive insurance program is the ability to insure Sport Pilot’s. We have been hearing of operations unable to get insurance for these pilots and our program makes it an option for FBO’s wanting to provide a service to these people.
Time Pieces is committed to keeping tailwheel aircraft and pilots in the air.
For more information, email Franchises@IFlyTimePieces.com
Local aviators . . . It's all in the family
This month's newsletter is sponsored by two small local aviation companies. The one thing that we always find interesting and talk about quite frequently is that good, honest aviation businesses tend to "run in the family". And these two businesses definitely live up to that tradition and therefore feel it is worth mentioning their backgrounds.
Cliff Robinson (www.CliffRobinsonAerobatics.com) has a lengthy flying career with over 6,000 hours as Flight Instructor, Crop Duster and Aerobatics Showman. You will see him at many local airshows and fly-in events in his "Steamin Stearman" - it's a modified PT-17 with a whopping 500 Horsepower, 1,000 cubic inch fuel-injected radial engine and if your are brave enough, he even gives aerobatic rides and instruction. Ginger recently completed her spin training with Cliff and found it to be a wonderful experience and we may never see her right side up again.
Cliff, who is no stranger to aviation, was raised on an airport. His father, Frank Robinson, has been a large part of our local aviation community for many years. One of the local EAA members called the "Cloud Hoppers", Frank was flying an aerobatic airplane to our annual fly-in well into his 80's. Today he still owns that grass strip just up river from us, in Vevay, where Cliff was raised.
Also sponsoring this month is Bishop Aviation (www.DavidBishopAviation.com). Originally started by his father (Ed Bishop) in 1969, David Bishop is carrying on the family tradition by starting the family business back up again. He recently built a new hangar at the North Vernon airport and hopes to not only continue in the AG business but also the maintenance of all types of taildragger aircraft. To commemorate the opening of the business, he will be hosting a Open House on July 9 with lots of activities planned for aviation enthusiasts. (click here for info on the open house)
Ed Bishop was an accomplished pilot with over 19,000 hours where he not only bought, sold, restored, and maintained all types of AG aircraft but he also flew them. David likes to tell the story about skipping school on his 16th birthday to solo a champ. I guess it was rather windy that day and he was a little nervous. But, he had, after all skipped school so his dad told him to hop in the plane and to get flying. After a go-around on the first attempt, he made a safe landing and was therefore able to call it a successful yet memorable day.
So, as you can see, these local aviation businesses have been in the family for many years and the tradition should continue for years to come.
Lee Bottom has a new car that is more appropriate for our field. Ginger found it on ebay a month ago and decided she would be willing to sell her VW Beetle to get it. So here it is. Although I will hate to see that bug go, since Ginger rebuilt most of it, she really loves the new car.
If you’re wondering, the car is a replica of a 1927 Bugatti race car. A friend of ours flew in with an appetite and drove it to town for a bite to eat. Apparently, he really enjoyed the ride and had to answer a lot of questions.
Caution: Runway Extension in Process
The Lee Bottom Flying Field runway extension has started. Our contractor showed up the other day to start the process of lengthening the field. The first step was to disc the area so that it could dry. A couple of days later they began leveling the field. so it would drain like the rest and now they are already in the finishing stages of the earth work. Soon, Ginger and I will be tasked with fertilizing, dragging, seeding, dragging, and rolling. Then we wait.
Currently everyone should take extra precautions to look out for heavy equipment off the approach end of 17. Weather permitting the equipment will will be there two weeks.
Furthermore, the first 200’ of runway 17 (the North end of the field) will be cut up and unusable. This is the grass that starts at the old property line and goes to the first set of cones. The area will be cut up because it is the transition area between the old and new parts of the runway. It will remain unusable until we deem it “grown in” enough to be tolerant of traffic. This effectively makes the runway 2900’ feet long. Although that’s still enough for a DC-3, it seems barely enough for today’s 172 pilots……….so be careful.
Lee Bottom Flying Field is slowly but surely adding the little pieces everyone keeps requesting. Recently, we added a small log camping cabin. It will be here for people to use when going through our tailwheel training course, Time Pieces Franchise training, or for people who just want to get away for a night. You will need to call to see if it is available and put yourself on the list if you want to use it. We hope to have it decorated, electrified, and available for use by mid summer.
What do they have in common?
What do they have in common? - Growth. But why does that warrant the mention of FedEx in a grass roots e-newsletter? I’ll tell you why; Rich has dreamed of working for FedEx ever since his first freight run in the DC-3 and is looking for any of our “Friends of Lee Bottom” who works for them. Although he has already taken some steps toward his dream, he really feels he needs more references from within the company. Yet, because we rarely “talk business” around here, we have found many times we know someone quite well without knowing what they do for a living. If any of you happen to be FedEx employees and you’re willing to talk shop, please give him a call here at home or email. A special thanks goes out to our friend Dave Glye who without prompting has shown such a great interest in Rich’s future.
photo: Sorry, I don't remember who sent me this
May 8, 2005 was the date of our first Sinful Sunday. Envisioned as a smaller get together than our annual fly-in, the day of homemade milkshakes and sundaes was a great success.
Early on we worried how many people would show. Among our concerns was the possibility that nobody would show or everyone would show. In the end, an almost perfect number of 50 aircraft and 100 people shared the day of old fashioned treats.
Many people brought their mothers as it was also Mother’s Day and amazingly there were almost no duplications among aircraft models. The weather was perfect, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Special thanks to Ginger's parents (Wayne and Donna Gordon) for all their help in making the weekend a huge success for everyone.
The next “Sinful Sunday” is June 12.
Thanks so much for all you do. My Mom had a lovely time Sunday. She had never been in an open cockpit and she loved the ride and took lots of pictures at Lee Bottom. She said it was a wonderful Mothers Day. -- S
My buddy from work and I enjoyed the Sinful Sunday gathering on Sunday.
The place looks great! ---R
Last Month’s “Why is it so?” Column generated many great responses from our readers. Several people who commented understood what we were saying and the others thought it was an attack on airline pilots. Well, it was not an attack on airline pilots but the groups who put them in aircraft without proper training. By making the assumption an airline pilot is the "end all be all" of aviation ability, they do neither themselves nor the pilots a favor by setting them up for failure. Keep the comments coming; they are very thought provoking and may lead to another “Why is it so?”
Some asked "Why do you care"? Well, we care for many reasons . . . Our mission at Time Pieces and Lee Bottom is to ensure that these great aircraft are around for everyone to enjoy today and tomorrow. But, we wondered "why doesn't EVERYONE care" and why is everyone seemingly out for themselves? We settled on the idea that most people today never think about the other person. Unfortunately everything each of us does effects us all. The most common example is person that flies an aircraft before they are really fully qualified to fly it; the chance of an accident increases tremendously....and just one accident can send rates through the roof for everyone. We all like to complain about insurance rates and companies but it is high time we all do our part to get rid of stupid accidents. If everyone doesn't start caring, we'll find insurance unattainable. That's one reason why you should care.........
Take away the "why do we care" part and there is still one more thing that makes this column so volatile. When we see something about aviation that makes no sense, is outright ridiculous, or simply restricts flying we ask why and have fun in the process. Rich says it's a disease - ACCUTE BOVINE FECAL INTOLERANCE SYNDROME. He is on a mission to shed light on it so that those who are effected by it may come to be accepted in our world. The doctor that put it best into layman's terms said, "Rich has the inability to swallow BS." Therefore, inside this little square, nothing is sacred and nobody is safe. The unending supply of material concerns us............here's an example: Why does everyone always address me when talking aviation, including Ginger's business Time Pieces, even when she is standing right next to me? I know why and I bet you do too......but did you have any idea how much it infuriates me? Lucky for you, she shrugs it off and says nothing about it. Sorry, I'm not that understanding.
photo: Peter Detore
Lee Bottom Flying Field, known to many as a hot spot for Vintage and Classic Aviation, will now also be known as the launching spot for numerous Kentucky soaring records. During the second weekend of May, 2005, Lee Bottom Flying Field (64I) hosted 12 members from Central Indiana Soaring Society and 5 of their gliders for two days of fun and record setting.
Gliding has a long history in Indiana as it predates the recognized beginnings of powered flight by the Wright brothers. Attempts at gliding were actually made as early as 1897 from the Dunes in Northern Indiana by Octave Chanute, Peer Herring, and others. It was in the spirit of these early pioneers that the Central Indiana Soaring Society chose to visit Lee Bottom Flying Field and chase many Kentucky soaring records.
Started in 1960, the Central Indiana Soaring Society was (and still is) Indiana’s home to world class soaring. Today, the Indianapolis based club consists of 70 members, operates 4 club gliders and 2 Piper Pawnee towing machines along with several privately owned gliders. When Central Indiana Soaring Society first arrived at Lee Bottom Flying Field, they already had a long list of soaring accomplishments; now they have 16 more. During the two day period, 3 members set a total of 16 new Kentucky State soaring records. Ron Clarke, Scot Ortman, and Darren Bedwell all contributed records to the list.
Situated next the Ohio River and stones throw from Kentucky, Lee Bottom Flying Field was has a colorful history all its own. From wayward barnstormers, to cropdusting operations, and aircraft salvage, this beautiful strip has seen it all. Today, a favorite destination for Antique & Classic owners, the field offers a welcome trip back to simpler times.
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Yes, the props are turning again
By Doug Cross
Well, it has been a long time coming, but we finally have a “Fully Operational” Number 2 engine.
For those of you who do not remember, the last time the Number 2 engine ran correctly was July 25th, 2003. After speaking with multiple “experts”, lots of phone calls, and an untold number of very long days and nights, the decision was made last summer (2004) to replace the engine.
At approximately 9:20 this morning, with Dave Smith and Doug Cross in the cockpit, the number 2 engine was brought to life with a very successful first run. After shutting down, checking the engine and other “after first run” chores, the engine was restarted at approximately 11:00 am. This time, after a successful number 2 engine start, the number 1 engine was started. This is the first time since last fall this engine was started.
Both the Number 1 and 2 engines were put through their paces. The Magnetos were checked, props checked and mid-high powers conducted. All runs were very clean and successful for both engines.
I cannot stress enough that the events of today would not have been possible with the dedicated effort of all involved.
We still have a few airworthiness items to take of and we need to bring our pilots up to speed, but we will be back in the air soon.
Website: www.amhf.org
One of our airport family members, Ken Jordan, has a website up and running for this year’s London to Paris Air Rally. The event has been going on for many years and has always attracted a lot of interest because of its route, London to Paris. Sounds like fun hu? Well it gets even better when you find out both locations are in Kentucky. Yes that’s right; you don’t have to cross the channel to get to either of these places but you are forced to fly over some of the most beautiful land in the country. Be sure and take a look at their website and then come right back to finish the newsletter.
WEBSITE: www.LondonToParis.org
The Time Pieces cub at Mt. Comfort
Photo by Matt Cashore
Matt Cashore, one of the Time Pieces cub owners at Mt. Comfort and a professional photographer, takes the cub up for a little flight. He promises that he was practicing a commercial maneuver during this photo.
There are a couple open spots coming available within the next few weeks. Now’s your time to have some fun in a J-3 cub at a very reasonable cost. We are now “Sport Pilot ready” and waiting to hear from you. Add your name to the waiting list and be one of the pilots that have some “low and slow” fun this summer.
Email for more information: Ginger@IFlyTimePieces.com
Local salvage guys recently removed the collapsed hangar from the airport property. They did an excellent job of disposing of it without damaging all the broken pieces underneath. I must say, when the building was gone, it hurt. If you thought it looked bad before…..well the picture says it all.
Now we are tasked with the job of removing all the little pieces that can be saved for future rebuild or resale. We understand the natural tendency for people to look at such a site and that’s fine, but we do ask that you do NOT walk inside the building footprint. We are working hard to get it finished and there are a lot of things in there you could trip on, get cut on, or get slapped around for touchingJ
Every now and then, something happens here at the airport and you know you will never forget it. The other day, Ginger and I were outside visiting with someone when we saw a familiar plane enter the pattern. The plane was a Cessna 180 that is well known to pilots of the area. The owner, Ron Ward, is an extremely likeable guy and for as long as I’ve been around Lee Bottom, you could count on seeing him here.
Often times he even treated us by bringing his wife and dog who were also very likeable. But on that day he was alone. When he climbed out of the aircraft we’ve all come to know so well, he took an obvious look around. Having heard he was looking forward to retirement and life out West but not knowing how much longer we had to enjoy his company I had to ask.
His response was one of the little things I will never forget, “Well, that’s why I’m here. We’re moving in a month and this will most likely be my last landing here.” After that, I thought of everything I could ask him to keep him talking and around a little longer, but eventually, time won out and he had to leave. As he flew away, we just stood there silent as he flew out of sight.
Thanks Ron, for putting us and Lee Bottom on your last visit list. We wish you the best and hope to see you and your family in the future. Note: We took a digital photo of Ron and the 180 while he was here and the disk turned out to be bad; although a loss for our scrapbook, Ginger and I will always remember it.
One day after our last visit from Ron, another 180 landed on the field. This one was here for its first visit.
Alex Smith had heard so much about the place, he decided he had to visit. After leaving Janesville Wisconsin that morning, he stopped in Fort Wayne to Pick up a friend and then headed on down for a visit. While here, they looked around, talked about flying and even spoke of a recent trip to Alaska in the aircraft.
The 180 had obtained a nickname on the trip and there was a great little logo on the tail of a loaded down mule and the name “Pack Mule” on it. The story of a 180 and a 150 flying to Alaska and back together was something we wanted to learn more about but they were hungry and we were busy so we they took a car and drove into town. Apparently they really liked Madison and had a wonderful time as they told Ginger they would certainly visit again.
Photo: Nick Stroud
One of the biggest startup hurdles for Time Pieces to overcome the "bad apples" in the aviation business. When things got really bad, we started looking for ways to keep positive. What we decided on was a list of the good operations we came across along the way.
Ace's list is a way to honor those businesses that have provided us a good experience. Since it would be hard to mention them all, please don't despair if you aren't on there. We'll try every way possible to send you business.
Ace, our airport dog and trusty companion, was rescued from a shelter about two years ago and had to relearn what it meant to have a loyal and loving family. Today he pays it back to us daily and definitely knows what it's like to be loyal and trusting. Therefore, we've named this part of the newsletter after him.
During the past few months we have needed several Stromberg carbs rebuilt and each time we’ve sent them to Aircraft Systems, Inc. The guy there knows these creatures like the back of his hand and has done great work for us. If you ever need you Stromberg worked on or rebuilt, send it to him and you won’t be sorry.
Aircraft Systems, Inc.
815-399-0255
5187 Falcon Rd.
Rockford, IL 61109
Another Successful Ferry Flight
photo: Greg Wyatt
Rich recently completed another successful ferry flight. Early one recent Saturday morning, Rich, followed by our friend John Davis, took off from Columbus Indiana in an extremely nice Tiger Moth headed for Georgia. They took off at sunrise with a wind that gave them a 30 degree correction for drift enroute yet a perfectly smooth ride. Along the way, they landed at three airports. Two of them had Fokker DR1 Triplanes, and one of them a RV-3 once owned by “Pappy” Boyington. Upon arrival at the machines new home, Rich and John were treated to a collection of vintage Corvettes. The new owner rebuilds and sells some of the nicest Vettes in the country -www.vintagecorvettes.com
Thanks to great demand by you, we have ordered more “Lee Bottom” caps and shirts. In the past, we only ordered this stuff before one of our events because they get expensive in large numbers and we thought we would resell them quickly. Now, because we continually find ourselves bombarded by requests for them, we have decided to keep them in stock. Everyone who is on the “back order” list should get their items next month. Thanks for all you support and be sure to wear your caps or shirts at events you attend so we can all find each other. Does anyone out there have a cheesy photo of themselves and in a Lee Bottom cap or shirt in a strange or far away place?
A free Lee Bottom baseball cap to the best photo submitted of someone wearing Lee Bottom attire. . .
Email your photo submissions to: info@LeeBottom.com
Last week, one of Lee Bottom’s biggest supporters dropped in to bring us a little something for the field. He knew of our desire to make the field “a trip back in time” and had found something he knew we had to have – a runway light. Now before you say “big deal, a runway light,” you should understand that this is no ordinary runway light. This nifty little runway light is an original Army Air Corps runway light. But maybe now you are saying, “big deal, an Army Air Corps runway light.” If you are, then you should know this “runway light” is from the era when they “lit the runway” and not the outline. This original Westinghouse Floodlight even has the standard 30’s era black and gold colors that eventually lost out to the “International Orange and White” colors we all are so familiar with on towers and airport buildings today. Although the donor wishes to remain anonymous, we want to thank him for the great gift. Sometime in the future, we hope to get some great footage of vintage aircraft appearing out of the dark to land on an illuminated flying field.
Indiana/Ohio Valley Aviation Hall of Fame
Many of you know we have been working on a museum for the airport that would focus on preserving vintage flying fields and the methods and machinery used at such an airport. But, what you may not know is that we have been working hard at founding and placing the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame on the field. One of our primary goals for Lee Bottom has always been uniting the multitude of aviation groups throughout the area to improve our effectiveness. Everywhere you look, groups are chasing the same dollars, duplicating efforts, and using precious assets to accomplish what the next group six miles away did last year. If we can get groups working together, we can accomplish much more. And if all goes well, the Ohio Valley Aviation Hall of Fame is next.
Here at Lee Bottom HQ, we have long considered calling it the Ohio Valley Aviation Refuge. Why? It seems there are a lot of great unwanted people and machinery in aviation looking for a welcome sign and here in the Ohio River bottoms, we have the refuge they’ve been looking for. If you are an aviation nut and can’t tell a 172 from a 182 but can recite which Wright J series engine the Spirit of St. Louis had, then you have a home after all. If your Inland Sport is unappreciated by today’s pilots and airports shun you because you don’t buy jet fuel, then you too have a home. Maybe your JU-52 is being forced out into the cold by an uncaring, uneducated, mayor elected board and you just want to keep it safe and flying, then you also have a place to call home. Simply put, if you, your vintage aircraft, or your group is looking for refuge from the ongoing attacks on your passion, then give us a call. Maybe we have the place you’ve been looking for. If not, then we’ll do everything we can to help you find it.
Herbie the Love Bug is FOR SALE
Ginger’s VW Beetle is for sale. Anyone interested in a 1971 Super Beetle with a newly majored engine, new tires, new ball joints, new brake lines, new interior, new fuel tank, and a rare sunroof option should give us a call. I hate to let it go but it has to find a good home now that our new airport car has arrived. Me personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it to California.
For more information: click here
Another Friend Featured in Magazine
photo: Michael O'Leary
Another one of our Lee Bottom family members, Alan Reber, is beaming with pride as his award winning Tiger Moth is featured in this month’s Warbirds International. If you get a chance to pick one up, please do. The article tells the truly fascinating story of how a Tiger Moth played an important role in ending WWII.
Alan’s aircraft was rebuilt by Mike Williams (www.MikesHangar.com) to represent this machine and is easily one of the most eye catching aircraft you will ever see. If you live within 300 miles of Indianapolis you can expect to do just that; he flies it over 100 hours a year.
Many of you have asked about the possibility of camping on the field. We think it is great! There are several people who camp here throughout the year and they always swear they'll be back. Let us know when you want to camp and we'll answer any questions you have.
How old is Grandma???
I never like receiving those forwarded "facts" over the internet. You can't believe any of them and they are one step short of a virus........yet, the other day we received this one and had to break a long standing rule and pass it along. If you find anything incorrect, let us know. We're sure it was put together by someone with nothing better to do than try to make a statement by creating a fake email but it still seems to hold up and is fun for those of us who love history.
Here goes.....
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events.
The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The Grandma replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:
- television
- penicillin
- polio shots
- frozen foods
- Xerox
- contact lenses
- Frisbees and
- the pill.
There was no:
- radar
- credit cards
- laser beams or
- ball-point pens
Man had not invented:
- pantyhose
- air conditioners
- dishwashers
- clothes dryers
- and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
- man hadn't yet walked on the moon
Your Grandfather and I got married first, . . . and then lived together.
Every family had a father and a mother.
Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir."
We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.
We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios.
And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk.
The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford one?
Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day:
- "grass" was mowed,
- "coke" was a cold drink,
- "pot" was something your mother cooked in and
- "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
- "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
- "chip" meant a piece of wood,
- "hardware" was found in a hardware store and
- "software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap... and how old do you think I am?
This Woman could be in her sixties!
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July 9, 2005
North Vernon Airport (OVO)
click here for information on open house/fly-in
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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