Northrop F-5 / 1st SAMi Award
We learned all about F-5 which was created by Northrop here in Los Angeles and the special meaning it has to many of our DAF'Rs who worked on or flew in the program. We also were entertained by the film that accompanied it which was created at the Western Museum of Flight at Torrance Airport. Special thanks went to DAF'R Cindy Macha and her staff for allowing the use of the F-5A to complete the filming and commentary. Thanks also went to the film's Producer/Cinematographer/Editor DAF'R President Larry Chapman.
In addition to the F-5 program, Skyor Piper became the first recipient of a new type of recognition from DAF - the Special Aviation Milestone (SAMi) Award. The SAMi is intended to recognize special and significant accomplishments in the aviation world by a club member. Skylor was recognized for his achievements at the 2015 and 2016 Reno Air Races which included being first DAFer to race at Reno (just qualifying is difficult) and winning the 1st SLALOM Match Racing Championship (undefeated in 16 head-to-head races). Congratulations, Skylor! (Additional details and photos here).
A Gathering of Heroes: The Last Reunion
January's showing of the film “A Gathering of Heroes: The Last Reunion” was a rewarding experience for all. The film celebrated the highly decorated 352nd Fighter Group in WWII who the Germans called the ‘Bluenosed Bastards’. We learned about these special veteran’s as they told their story's in their own words with archival P-51 gun camera footage and some home movies and photos. The film was both informative and inspiring . Afterwards, Brent Wilson shared his experence in making the film and answered a few questions.Future Programs: If you have any ideas for a program or you would like to present a program, please call Maggie Smith at 310-408-2592
Showing it all at Cable
2016 Annual Holiday Party
The 2017 Board of Directors was announced and it was pretty much the same as the 2016 board with a few changed positions. Steve and Nancy Sappington will take over Photography from Linda Howard, who will take over Decorations from Maggie Smith. Maggie will be joined by Laurice Churchill to oversee Progams, replacing Steve and Nancy. President Larry Chapman advised those in attendance that although the board was able to cover all responsibilities this coming year, "fresh blood" will be required for 2018 since ther will definately people moving off the board at the end of 2017. He committed to starting the "arm twisting in earnest" early in the new year.
A special shout out to Patti LaGrelius for coordinating this very fun event.
Revelation (lunch included!)
The Annual Mystery Fly-in went off this year with only minor flaws, most having to do with dead batteries. A full crew showed up at the GAC to take the devilish test, followed by a fly-in to Bakersfield Muni and the Rocket Shop Café for lunch. This time everyone went directly to the correct airport in Bakersfield, breaking with tradition. The two teams whose aircraft were voltage challenged came up with a secondary drive-in destination, Brouwerij West in San Pedro, where as a consolation prize they were able to have beer with their lunch.The winning team this year, taking home the much coveted Mystery Trophy, consisted of Steve Sappington, Nancy Schunke, Robert Sedey and Lynne Sedey.
Special thanks to the Mystery Fly-in Committee who put the test together. Robert Beckwith, James Pavlick, Joe Cogan, Dan Delane, and Mitch Taylor came up with enough hard (or just screwy) questions that no team got them all correct. Take that, Google!
Look Ma No Gas! Or GUMPS goes to UPS?
Our November program was a presentation by fellow DAFer Dave Hopkins on Electric Powered Airplanes. We learned about the numerous developments worldwide to bring this revolutionary change in aircraft power plants to
fruition. Its potential to dramatically lower acquisition and operating costs, eliminate operating emissions and lower
noise are benefits to get excited about. Dave also answered many probing questions from the audience. Thanks Dave
for sharing with us!
Future Programs: If you have any ideas for a program or you
would like to present a program, please call Steve Sappington and Nancy Schunke
at 310-375-6598.