Laughlin's on a Roll: Oh, Craps!

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 Pilot's Pilot

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.

Cable is for Maniacs

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.

Blimp 101

The 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.