Roger Doesn't Really Trust Humans
For our April program, Roger Hoh, engineering entrepreneur and DAF stalwart, presented the highlights of his just completed 10-year project to develop a stability augmentation system and autopilot for light helicopters such as the Robinson R-44. His story included the excitement of successful flight testing, the joys of dealing with the FAA, and the satisfaction of producing a system that can significantly enhance flight safety and reduce pilot workload.
I for one was disappointed in the omission of a complete discussion of quantum electromagnetic theory.
However, everyone else thought the presentation was great. Great Job Roger! Thanks.
Flaming Brisket - Keeping the Flame Alive!
April 16, 2011. DAF President Mitch has done it again. DAFers came by plane and car to Agua Dulce to taste his famous "Flaming Brisket". Thirty hungry aviators showed up in 10 aircraft and one car. The weather was perfect, the flights were smooth, the food was great, and the camaraderie was unsurpassed. Thanks you Mitch. Also thanks go to all the DAFers who attended and brought all the great food to complement the brisket. Good Job!...Wayne
Dragooned in the Lagoon!
For our March program, Mitch Taylor, Admiral for Life, presented pictures from his boat trip through Venice last fall with Roger and June, Larry and Jodie and a host of others. Highlights included boat navigation (?), food and wine, and the charming countryside. Good job, Mitch!
Weather Clears for Apple Valley
March 12, 2011. Mary Falstrom selected the Skidmark Restaurant at Apple Valley for our March fly-in. It seemed we may have used up our "good luck flying weather" when we meet at the General Aviation building on Saturday morning. As we sat and considered our options, the weather improved to an 1800' ceiling with 3000' reported tops and forecast to clear in the afternoon. 24 folks from TOA in 8 planes decided to go. We were meet by Sid and Joan who flew up from San Diego. Unfortunately Larry and Jodie found they had a dead battery, so the two of them along with Mitch and Jan didn't make it. In the end 22 Del Amo Flyers in 8 planes put the Skidmark Restaurant to the test. The food was good but their little 2' by 2' grill was clearly overwhelmed. After lunch we packed back into our trusty steeds and headed for home. Peter and Liz left first and I was surprised to find him doing the overhead approach just in front of me at Torrance, I thought WOW, this old Bonanza still has it! Later on I found out they'd stopped for fuel on the way home. Oh well! ...Wayne
Thank you Mary for a great fly-in!
Flying Idaho's Back Country
The February program consisted of a video presented by our program chairman, Dave Weir, titled Flying Idaho's Back Country Air Strips. The video showed the areas from the air, approaches and landing at several of the more interesting and accessible strips, and the ground accommodations including several with lodges and guest facilities.
It was nostalgic for some and daunting for others. A great program Dave, thanks.
Borrego Springs Lunch
February 12, 2011. 14 airplanes and 28 happy souls met at the General Aviation Center for a quick briefing and we were off for Borrego Springs. We were greeted that morning with wonderful weather. Everyone enjoyed a smooth flight and great scenery.
I had been asked by a number of folks if the restaurant was still open. Well, we are all here to tell you "yes it is" Not only is it open, they have some really good food as well as a menu that goes way beyond what you'd expect for an airport restaurant, let alone one out in the middle of the desert.
After lunch we all headed back to TOA in time to stop by and say hello to Rodger who was celebrating his 100th Birthday. Way to go Rodger.
Thank you Wyn for putting on such a great event and especially for the nice weather.
Look forward to seeing everyone March 12th for the Apple Valley fly-in.
...Wayne