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May 13-15, 2011.  23 people in 9 airplanes and one car showed up for another one of Jim and Diana Moreno's great flyins. Friday evening everyone meet at the Paso Robles Inn where Jim and Diana hosted a DAF tradition, "the cocktail party", after which we all went in a few different directions for dinner. It came as a surprise to some that not only has the airport restaurant closed, but Michaels in town has also closed. Saturday morning a number of us stopped by the airport museum for the annual wings and cars show. This turned out to be one of the nicer car shows I've been to in a long time, well worth the wait to get in.

Then at noon we all meet at the Pianetta Winery where John Pianetta and his daughter Kaitlin treated us to some wonderful wines and allowed the use of their property for a great BBQ. We couldn't have had better hosts. At the end of the day most of us filled our trunks and headed back to our hotel to redo our W&B for the flight home.

The flight home was pretty uneventful for most because they chose to go VFR under the cloud deck I filed to go over the top at 11K. The only problem was the 50 minutes it took to get a clearance. Live and learn :>(

Jim and Diana, once again you've outdone yourselves, thank you again for a great trip.

...Wayne

joomplu:1619Human Pilot Disliker Roger HohFor our April program, Roger Hoh, engineering entrepreneur and DAF stalwart, presented the highlights of his just completed 10-year project to develop a stability augmentation system and autopilot for light helicopters such as the Robinson R-44. His story included the excitement of successful flight testing, the joys of dealing with the FAA, and the satisfaction of producing a system that can significantly enhance flight safety and reduce pilot workload.

I for one was disappointed in the omission of a complete discussion of quantum electromagnetic theory.

However, everyone else thought the presentation was great. Great Job Roger! Thanks.

April 16, 2011.  DAF President Mitch has done it again. DAFers came by plane and car to Agua Dulce to taste his famous "Flaming Brisket". Thirty hungry aviators showed up in 10 aircraft and one car. The weather was perfect, the flights were smooth, the food was great, and the camaraderie was unsurpassed. Thanks you Mitch. Also thanks go to all the DAFers who attended and brought all the great food to complement the brisket. Good Job!...Wayne

joomplu:1620The Admiral and One of His GroupiesFor our March program, Mitch Taylor, Admiral for Life, presented pictures from his boat trip through Venice last fall with Roger and June, Larry and Jodie and a host of others. Highlights included boat navigation (?), food and wine, and the charming countryside. Good job, Mitch!

March 12, 2011.  Mary Falstrom selected the Skidmark Restaurant at Apple Valley for our March fly-in. It seemed we may have used up our "good luck flying weather" when we meet at the General Aviation building on Saturday morning. As we sat and considered our options, the weather improved to an 1800' ceiling with 3000' reported tops and forecast to clear in the afternoon. 24 folks from TOA in 8 planes decided to go. We were meet by Sid and Joan who flew up from San Diego. Unfortunately Larry and Jodie found they had a dead battery, so the two of them along with Mitch and Jan didn't make it. In the end 22 Del Amo Flyers in 8 planes put the Skidmark Restaurant to the test. The food was good but their little 2' by 2' grill was clearly overwhelmed. After lunch we packed back into our trusty steeds and headed for home. Peter and Liz left first and I was surprised to find him doing the overhead approach just in front of me at Torrance, I thought WOW, this old Bonanza still has it! Later on I found out they'd stopped for fuel on the way home. Oh well! ...Wayne

Thank you Mary for a great fly-in!

joomplu:1637I'm sure there was a video on this DVDThe February program consisted of a video presented by our program chairman, Dave Weir, titled Flying Idaho's Back Country Air Strips. The video showed the areas from the air, approaches and landing at several of the more interesting and accessible strips, and the ground accommodations including several with lodges and guest facilities.

It was nostalgic for some and daunting for others. A great program Dave, thanks.