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The May dinner meeting featured Dr. Fred Bongard, Board Certified Surgeon, AME, pilot (and did he mention he’s a Bruin?). He covered flight physiology, separating myth from fact on the effects of common drugs and illness on pilots and passengers. And with an array of charts, graphs and equations, encouraged oxygen use by pilots above 10,000 feet. Thanks Dr. Fred for keeping us flying healthfully!

On a fine Friday the 13th, 26 plus DAFers set out for for Catalina Island and a weekend in Avalon. The date may have had an influence on how things went; two aircraft and one boat had to turn back to Torrance on Friday, the planes due to low clouds that moved in, and the boat due to mechanical issues. Some people made a quick turnaround and took the boat, others waited until Saturday to make the crossing, but eventually everyone arrived safely.

The April dinner meeting was the second half of “Flying the Feathered Edge: The Bob Hoover Project.” The second half of the film covered his post WWII career as a military and commercial test pilot as well as his stunt pilot and air race days. The film used a combination of interviews and historical footage to weave the story from WWII through his role as the “Guardian Angel” helping pilots flying the feathered edge at the Reno Air Races.

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.

The DAF fly-in to Rosamond Airpark was a rousing success, with 18 aircraft and 37 or more people descending on El Indio Restaurant for lunch. The weather was great, and there was plenty of time for conversation as the size of the group overwhelmed the kitchen. However, once it arrived the food was very good, and the people at the restaurant were quick with drink and chip refills while we were waiting.

After lunch, Craig and Wayne put on some impromptu fly-bys, after Craig graciously used his smoke system to give Wayne a special anti-corrosion oil bath. Unfortunately, visibility in Wayne's cockpit was reduced to the point where he couldn't find the latch to close the canopy; at least his hair stayed in place the rest of the day! Peter and Steve followed suit with a quick pass (emphasis on "quick"), and then everyone headed out for the trip home. After the headwinds on the way up, the trip home was quite a bit faster. Thanks to Linda Howard, Robert Beckwith and Maggie Smith for their work setting it up.

Once again, the Del Amo Flyers headed out to Laughlin, NV for a weekend fly-in. Some of the group flew out on Thursday to scout things out (read have some drinks and kick back), and the rest joined in on Friday. Great weather and a bit of a tailwind... what more could you ask! After the usual cocktail hour, the group headed out for a riverboat dinner cruise. Later, some of the group hit the crap table, while others made for blackjack and the slot machines. No giant jackputs were reported, but we had a good time.

Saturday, some braved the gusty winds and walked up to the dam. Others went to hike and look at petroglyphs, or headed over to the mall. In the evening, we headed over to the Riverside Casino for the Man in Black show. Shawn Barker does a great job playing Johnny Cash, and his patter between songs not only sounds like Johnny but also provides some insight into both the man and the songs.

Sunday, the group headed back. The flight was smooth, and Torrance cleared off well before our arrival. Thanks to Craig and Jody for a perfect trip!

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.