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The March dinner meeting was the first half of “Flying the Feathered Edge: The Bob Hoover Project.” The film took a look at the early influences of R.A. Bob Hoover that helped make him the “greatest pilot that ever lived.” We saw how he shoveled coal to buy flying lessons and how he taught military instructors aerobatics while in basic training. With historic footage and interviews the film showed us how in WWII he went from depot pilot to combat aviator to a German POW.

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.

A crowd of 25 plus DAFers descended on Cable Airport for lunch at Maniac Mike's Cafe. The skies at Torrance cleared in time for ten aircraft to make the trip, and three cars braved the freeway traffic to join them. We had a great reception there, with the Cable family out to direct the parking for the group. Cheap fuel, with an additional discount for DAFers, got plenty of people's attention. After an excellent lunch at the cafe, everyone successfully avoided the TFRs for a safe flight home.

blimp101The February dinner meeting's presentation was by Senior Pilot (and tire salesman) William Bayliss with Goodyear Airship Operations. He presented an overview of the fascinating 90 year history of Goodyear airships and provided a quick “Blimp 101”. We leaned how hard it is to become a blimp pilot, When to perform an emergency takeoff, the incredibly low pressure the blimp inflates to, why it takes 26 people to travel with the blimp, how to sell tires and have fun flying a 230 foot billboard.

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.

For the January meeting, our own DAFer Cliff Tatum, retired Col. USAF, USN Carrier Aviator and Alaska Airline Captain, educated us about the evolution of the USAF and USN Fighter Bombers and their weapon systems of the latter half of the 20th century. He regaled us with stories of the capabilities of the aircraft and added color and humor with his own observations and experiences. 

Our first "fly-in" of 2016 was a great success.  Almost 50 DAFers convened at the GAC on the morning of January 23 and tool a luxury tour coach to the California Science Center.  Although the predicted rain didn't appear, the morning of the 23rd was not VFR-friendly - so the decision to have the traditional bus trip in January versus a fly-in was the right one.

First on the itinerary was an IMAX Theater showing of "Journey to Space".  This 3D movie highlighted the history of the Space Shuttle and Hubble telescope programs as well a detailed exploration of the challenges presented by a future trip to Mars.

This year's Holiday Party started the season with a bang! About 60 DAFers got together at the PV Golf Club for a great night of dining, dancing and conversation. The Time Machine Band provided the music with their usual flair, and the dance floor saw plenty of action. Wayne handed off the DAF presidency to Larry Chapman, after a term which saw the club gaining members and momentum. For his part, Larry took the helm and promised to keep the velvet glove on his iron fist until at least March. The new Board of Directors was introduced to great fanfare (well, a rimshot anyway). After the formalities, everyone got back to the celebration and a good time was had by all!