Ramped up!

Like a plague of locusts, the DAF descended en mass on March AFB for a day at the March Field Air Museum. In a spectacular display of precision flying, everyone made the first turnoff from Runway 32, although some missed the subsequent turn onto Taxiway Golf. The 18 aircraft (which may be a DAF record) were marshalled in to Million Air, and filled their entire ramp area. Jodie and Lori took driving duty to ferry everyone from Million Air to the Air Museum, where the visit started with a taco lunch. Larry checked everyone off and handled coordination. 

The collection of aircraft and aviation memorabilia at the museum is massive, including an SR-71 and many aircraft rarely seen up close. The B-47 and B-52 were there with their massive landing gear, along with the Globemaster, Flying Boxcar, and an assortment of smaller aircraft. There was plenty of time after lunch to wander the grounds and check them out, before Mitch and Patti took over the driving duties to get everyone back to the airport. 

Many thanks to Million Air and their staff. They opened on Saturday just for the DAF, had everything waiting for us, and gave us the use of their crew cars for the day. They did a great job, and made us feel very welcome. The civilian Airport Manager, Gary Gosiglia, showed up as well to greet us. Great things are happening there, and it's nice to see new opportunities for General Aviation.

Finally, thanks go to Dan Delane, for setting everything up. After all that effort, he wasn't able to attend the fly-in due to work!

Steampunched

This 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!

This 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.

What Makes Pilots Special

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.

Bent, not Broken: Bend, Oregon

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.