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joomplu:2272The February program was presented by Dave Doody, lead Engineer for real-time flight operations of the Cassini-Huygens Mission at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.  Dave showed us "How We Got to Saturn, and What Cassini is Finding" in a very interesting and informative multimedia presentation.  Peter found Dave's program inspiring, and is now exploring the idea of a Fly-In to Titan in early 2013.  Wings were presented at the meeting to Jessenia Galvan-Lloyd (Mitch and Jan's granddaughter) for creating and presenting her scathing video documentary on the inner workings of the Mystery Fly-In Planning Committee (all committee members subsequently resigned in disgrace). Nice job, Jessenia, and congratulations.

 

...Down Calexico Way

February 4, 2012.  Seven aircraft and 19 DAFers showed up for our lunch fly-out to Calexico.  The weather was perfect - blue skies, unlimited visibility and smooth winds.  After landing and politely declining US Customs service, we all headed to Rosa's Plane Food for a great lunch.  Thanks to Craig and Jody Narr for arranging a very pleasant trip.  Watch the exciting {modal url=http://www.youtube.com/embed/c5V5W3agvnI|width=560|height=315}video!{/modal}

joomplu:2188The January program consisted of a historic video featuring "Women in Aviation." Thanks to Mitch and Jan's granddaughter, Jessenia, for editing this video down to a shorter timeframe. Great job, Jesse.

The January dinner meeting was the first time for a few board members to perform their new duties.  Kelly and Ray Wolfbrandt did an excellent job at the door (much better than the previous occupants in this Editor's opinion).  And Joe Cogan chaired the meeting for the first time as President.  Joe campaigned for the presidency under the slogan "I won't embarrass you" and, for the most part, succeeded.

 

Despite All Predictions, No Stupid Questions Asked

January 13, 2012.  Over 35 DAFers showed up for a Wayne-arranged tour of the SpaceX facility in Hawthorne.  SpaceX is the private rocket manufacturer founded by Elon Musk (the founder of PayPal).  Last December, SpaceX became the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit and have it return intact.  NASA recently announced that SpaceX has been contracted to launch and dock its Dragon capsule with the International Space Station in 2012.

Our SpaceX hosts were very hospitable - starting off with a multimedia overview of the SpaceX operation followed by a factory tour.  The technology was very impressive as was the energy and passion of the SpaceX employees.  Everyone took away something different.  As he watched a giant keg-like cylinder being welded on a rotating platform, Peter was overheard to mumble "Mmmmm...beer".

Thanks again to Wayne for arranging this fascinating trip.