ROBINSON - OUR PRODUCTIVE NEIGHBOR AT KTOA!

We had a great turnout for our November 20 dinner with speaker Kurt Robinson, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. Kurt started out by sharing a bit of what it was like growing up in the Robinson household on Longhill Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. In 1973, his living room, family room and garage served as the beginnings of the very successful Robinson Helicopter Company started in their home by Kurt's father Frank. Kurt didn't think it was unusual, doesn't everyone have a budding business developing in their family home? Doesn't everyone have technical drawings all over their dining room table? Kurt shared with us about the expansion of the business that would eventually take them to a 600,000 sq. foot manufacturing facility located at Torrance Municipal Airport. Clearly Frank Robinson, trained as an aeronautical engineer in Seattle at the U of W, had the determination and vision to make it happen.

Adventurers charmed by Alamos

On Friday, November 1, seven airplanes and 21 people arrived in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico for a relaxing fun and sun filled long weekend. All entered the country officially in Guaymas, then upon arrival at Alamos, we got the party started with margaritas and snacks in the huge 12 plane hangar. The weather was warm but nice with evenings quite pleasant. The weekend included delicious dining choices at several dining locations where no one went hungry....or thirsty for that matter!

The group was entertained nightly by a variety of authentic Mexican musicians, including the vibrant Ballet Folklorico (dancers, singers and musicians, 60 people in all) from the nearby town of Navojoa. For the early risers, on three mornings we had the option of taking a guided walking tour through various parts of town, plus we were treated to an Alamos history talk one late morning. Those interesting walks and talks were led by Hacienda de los Santos owner Jim Swickard or his son-in-law Ramon Alcantar. The Sonoran Cooking Class and the Tequila Class were well attended by eager learners! Hiking, horseback riding and bicycling were popular options too as was lounging and swimming at the numerous pools. A dozen folks boarded a tram to visit the local cemetery where the Day of the Dead (October 31 – November 2 each year) traditions were taking place which included prayer and remembrance of friends and family members who have passed way. It was a memorable experience not to be forgotten! The Swickard/Alcantar families and staff at the Hacienda de Los Santos were quite attentive to the needs of the group, tending to every little detail!

After Alamos, two planes took off for more adventures, one to El Fuerte to catch the train up the mountain to visit Mexico’s Copper Canyon (larger and deeper than our Grand Canyon), and another headed to San Carlos for beach and sailing fun! Travelling to Mexico often includes additional challenges for pilots….and this trip was no exception! However, those challenges were resolved and all planes that travelled returned safely.

Thank you to Patti and Tom LaGrelius for organizing such a memorable trip.

The October 2019 Mystery Fly-In

Sightseeing and Cyclones in Sacramento

On the last weekend in September, 15 DAFers assembled in Sacramento for our September Fly-In.  The marine layer in Torrance forced some later-than-planned departures, but everyone was able to make the Friday night Happy Hour.  Our group then wandered over to the annual Farm-to-Fork street fair that was happening just a block from our hotel.  Getting hungry, most of our group met up for an impromptu dinner at the nearby Il Fornaio where we were seated in our own private dining room.

On Saturday morning, Steve Sappington made arrangements for everyone in the group to rent bikes and tour along the American River trail.  The cool, partly cloudy weather was perfect for the bike ride.  Everyone completed the 20 mile ride unscathed except for a couple of minor falls (although your author was seriously contemplating heading to the hospital after the ride for an emergency butt replacement).

During Happy Hour on Saturday night, just about everyone received an emergency blast on their phones.  It wasn't an Amber Alert, but an alert from the National Weather Service issuing a tornado warning.  That's right - a tornado alert in Sacramento!  Although advised to seek shelter, the DAFers did what DAFers do - run outside to see what was happening.  One part of the sky had a glowing green hue, the other part was black (except when lit up by the frequent lightning).  We all walked to the nearby restaurant for our planned group dinner and seated in a covered patio right overlooking the river.  Normally this would have been a perfect spot on a late September evening, but the wind and rain forced us to move to a more sheltered table (the restaurant staff was very accommodating).  Following a great dinner, we went back to the hotel and enjoyed a well-deserved nightcap.

The weather on Sunday morning couldn't have been more different - a crisp but sunny fall day.   Many in the group walked over to the California Railroad Museum (a great attraction), while some went over to the State Capitol and toured the grounds. And then everyone flew or drove home under sunny skies.

Thanks to Larry and Jodie for hosting the fly-in, and to Steve for arranging the bike ride.