Home
  • You are here:  
  • Home

DSCN1301-7614This year's Hangar Party took a real dive, with the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea providing a fantastic backdrop for the Steampunk partygoers. The crowd at Nemo's bar was ordering Steampunch from it's smoking dispenser, while the band provided music for a crowd on the dance floor. Mitch, Larry and Tom worked the grill and the smokers, turning out chicken and tri-tip to go with the wide assortment of sides brought by the DAFers, while the rest of the DAF board tended bar, checked people in, and generally made sure that things went off smoothly. DAFer Norman Cowell sat in (stood in, actually) with the band for a number, getting the dancers going for a candlelight tribute!

DSC 0090-7504This year's party was a great success, and most of that is due to all the volunteers that make it happen. The whole DAF board worked hard to put it together, chaired by Linda Howard and with help from Wayne and Maria Grau, Liz Broen, Gary Palmer, and more people that I'm sure I've left out. There were also all the people who showed up to set up on Saturday and clean up on Sunday. Lamby and Sally graciously volunteered the use of their hangar, even though they couldn't make the party. The person who probably worked the hardest of all, though, was Al Gibbs. His backdrop of the Nautilus wheelhouse was a labor of love, and he put the time in to prove it. Thanks to everyone involved, and special thanks to Al! 

If you have suggestions for a theme for next year's party, or would like to get involved in organizing it, please talk to any board member. We can use all the help we can get, and it's a lot of fun as well.

At our July dinner meeting we were treated to a thought provoking presentation by USAF Air Medal recipient, Dr. Richard Barry. Dr. Barry, shared his insights into how, through pilot training and flying we gain valuable skills that help us throughout life, at home and at work. With honed skills and that flying attitude we have a tool box and life perspective that promote order, strength, vision and wonder. Aren’t we something!

Future Programs: If you have any ideas for a program or you would like to present a program, please click on the ‘Suggest a Dinner Program’ link on the Home Page or call Steve Sappington and Nancy Schunke at 310-375-6598.

For our July excursion, twenty plus DAFers made the flight to Bend Oregon, home of the Sisters Quilt Show, the Bend Ale Trail, Lava Butte, and a host of other activities. A number of people either came early or made Bend part of extended trips, so there was plenty going on. There were some low clouds and a little rain for those arriving that afternoon, but nothing that required a clearance. The traditional cocktail hour in Larry and Jodie's room was followed by a breakup into smaller groups for dinner; some more adventurous DAFers briefly attended the adjacent music festival. 
Saturday, the group dispersed to enjoy kayaking, bike riding, fishing (as opposed to "catching"), hiking, and touring Lava Lands. The weather was beautiful, with perfect temperatures for outdoor pursuits. After the day's action, another cocktail party was followed by a group dinner at Greg's Grill in the Old Mill District. Good food and good company, with a great view of the river.
Sunday, the weather was back to some low clouds and a little rain, but again nothing that prevented a safe VFR flight. Everyone had a safe trip home, including those who made a few other stops on the way. 
Thanks to Larry and Jodie for arranging the trip, and special thanks to Nancy Schunke for setting up Saturday's dinner.

This month’s Flaming Brisket fly-in fell afoul of June gloom, with marginal conditions at Torrance and even worse at Ague Dulce. However, all was not lost! The crack Volunteer Party Brigade swung into action, setting up tables and chairs by the picnic table in the East Ts. Food was unwrapped, the brisket was sliced (well, hacked really), and the picnic began. 45 or more DAFers ate, drank and generally had a good time. Somehow, thirty pounds of brisket disappeared, along with a large assortment of sides.

The sun made a bit of an appearance as the day wore on, and the temperature was about ideal. Despite the lack of aviating, it was a great day. Many thanks to all the volunteers who got not only got everything set up, but stayed to take it down and put it all away. It couldn’t have happened without them.