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airplanevolcanoThe July dinner meeting was a movie night, with film editor Larry Chapman showing his special "Critic's Cut" of that classic aviation film, "Airplane vs Volcano!" FAA approval for Wings credit will surely be coming soon, as the essential rules of volcano flying were delivered in a clear and cogent form. 

For those who were unable to attend, and need to get this vital information before their next flight to Reykjavic or Krakatoa, contact Larry for more info.

In other news, Maggie Smith was applauded for passing her check ride and becoming the clubs newest pilot!

We had a great turnout for the June dinner meeting featuring Tom Heinsheimer, a pioneer in scientific ballooning.  Tom had some great stories of his experiences with super-pressure balloons, as well as long distance ballooning. His work reviving the Gordon Bennet Balloon Race was of particular interest, as well as his experiences with Malcom Forbes attempting to balloon across the Atlantic. All in all, an exciting evening.

Once again, the Del Amo Flyers returned to Agua Dulce Air Park for the annual Flaming Brisket Fly-in. Mitch smoked 20+ pounds of beef brisket for the occasion, and about 30 DAFers, 14 aircraft and 1 car came to make sure there were no leftovers. The weather was ideal, and this year we had the airport to ourselves. All in all, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Group6ATHe first Del Amo Flyers Meet and Greet of the year was held May 3 at Pacific Skies Aviation. Reza Birjandi hosted the event, and got a thoroght workout at the grill! Membership chairman Anne O'Brien signed up several new members, making the event a rousing success. Before the meet and greet,  Fifty of the Flyers, along with a representative assorment of their aircraft, for the first DAF group photo shoot. The weather was perfect, and the photos were even in focus! Thanks to Reza and Pacific Skies for hosting, and thanks to everyone who showed up for the photo.

The photo will be available for download, along with information on how to get prints. Details to follow. Meantime, click the photo for a larger version.

Group7A

The program for our May 20th Dinner Meeting featured fellow DAFer Cyndhi Berwyn, who presented her experiences as a volunteer pilot for Orbis, the world's only flying eye hospital. Every year, Cyndhi and a crew of volunteer doctors, nurses and support personnel fly to remote parts of the world to treat the local population suffering from eye problems, and as importantly, help enhance the skills of local doctors and nurses through training and observation. All of the volunteers use their personal vacation time to support the Orbis program. It was difficult not to tear up when watching a video of a recent Orbis mission that highlighted just a few of the thousands of children that Orbis has helped over the years.

Joe Cogan was presented with the prestigious Wings Award for all of his efforts and planning (along with Craig Ekberg) associated with the club's 2012 trip to Alamos, Mexico.  This trip was the first time many of us had flown ourselves into Mexico.  Joe helped make the trip for the newbies a problem-free and very fun experience, which in turn helped pave the way for an equally successful fly-in to Loreto, Mexico this past February.  Congratulations, Joe!

IMG 1873-5362On Friday May 16th approximately 25 DAFers flew into Nevada County Airport near Grass Valley for a weekend of fun in the Sierra foothills. The flight up the San Joaquin Valley was scenic with good weather. Happy hour Friday evening was in the lobby of the Gold Miner's Inn, followed by dinner excursions in nearby historic downtown Grass Valley. Saturday lunch was catered at the Lucchesi Winery. The view of the mountains was panoramic and the wine tasting and gracious owner/hosts added to the ambience. Dinner Saturday evening was at Roger and June's lovely home in the residential airpark at Alta Sierra. A highlight of the evening was the remarkable guitar playing of John Girton who has played with several well known groups including Benny Carter and Kenny Burrell. Sunday included visits to the Empire Mine and other sightseeing in the area. Some lucky ones got a ride in Roger's R44 helicopter on Sunday morning!