October Dinner Meeting

You could cut the tension with a knife as DAFers waited to hear the results of the October 10 Mystery Fly-In at the October dinner meeting on October 18. Many DAFers had been preparing themselves for many months to face the grueling written test that would reveal the mystery fly-in location.

But before fly-in czar Mitch Taylor revealed who would win the coveted Mystery Fly-In trophy, fellow DAFer Dave Hopkins delivered a comprehensive update on the status of Santa Monica Airport. He noted that closure of the airport would set up a dangerous precedent that could affect TOA’s future. And even if SMO’s closure didn’t directly threaten TOA, the increased traffic directed from a closed SMO would certainly complicate and add to congestion at TOA.
Mitch then provided an overview of the fly-in test and provided the correct answers to both the difficult and not-so-difficult questions (the long-standing rule that anyone who contested a question would be response for organizing the following year’s fly-in kept challenges to a minimum). Finally, Mitch revealed the team with the highest test score: Team Hahn.  Congratulations to Curtis and Lisa!

And none of this would have been possible without the hard work of Mitch, Steve, Nancy, Robert, Dan, Bob and Lynn in creating and helping to administer the test. Thanks, DAFers.

Mystery Solved!

October saw another successful DAF Fly in with 19 participants, 8 aircraft, and 14 lunch participants. This year included the second annual malevolent mystery mishap by the voltage-sucking battery vampire preventing one plane (not two like last year) from participating. Of those that flew to Brackett, it is worth noting that the first plane to arrive at the destination was Kel Vanderlip in his Cessna 150. A bit of a coup considering horsepower and cruising airspeed of the later arrivals! The lunch bunch enjoyed a sunny, if fire-induced hazy, view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the airfield traffic. The group was unexpectedly treated to the Brackett Antique Aircraft Display/Car Show which is normally held the third Sunday but for some reason was Saturday (contrary to their website and published media). A hardy few walked over to view the Puddingstone Reservoir before heading back to home base.

We Call It Preskit

 Ye-Haw!  We had a wonderful time in Prescott, Arizona last month as 17 of us wandered our way around the historical town. Did you know Prescott was the first capital of the Arizona Territory?  Me neither, but now I do!  Between having beautiful weather, something for everyone to do, staying at a hotel of the 1927 era, and of course the fun of being together as DAFers, it was a great weekend!  Friday night included the “Art walk” on Whiskey Row, and dinner together. The Hassayampa Hotel was a delight, including an elevator from the 20’s, and the Peacock Dining Room gave us our own room for dinner on Saturday night.  Hmmm….did our reputation for loudness precede us??  During the day, folks went wine tasting, hiking around interesting and beautiful Watson Lake (do you know what a “granite dell” is?), checking out the little shops in town, and/or/maybe a rumor I heard about something involving guns? Happy hours were “cozy” but the company was great, and we had time to get to know new friends, and catch up with folks we hadn’t seen for awhile.

Drakesbad and Better

August is usually fly-in free, but this year we had a special treat. Steve and Nancy arranged a trip to Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Lassen Volcanic National Park. 23 DAFers flew (or drove) to Chester, CA, and then headed into the park for the weekend. The scenery was gorgeous, and there were plenty of places to hike or ride to. Eric Kinder and Roger Hoh even caught fish, if their version of things is to be believed. No photographic evidence was produced, so anything could have happened!
Some people went horseback riding, and the pool got a lot of use afterward. Dusty trails were the rule, so a good rinse was essential! At night, the pool provided a great location for stargazing, as the area is truly dark at night. No light pollution up here. The nightly campfire provided a great place for S'mores, nightcaps and a chance for everyone to share their adventures. 
The food was excellent, and the service was ideal. The staff at Drakesbad were all friendly and helpful, and right there when you needed anything. They made everyone feel right at home. 
A fantastic trip, with great weather to boot! Thanks to Steve and Nancy for setting this up.

Around the Whirled in 80 Days

This year's Hangar Party was almost the one that got away. The new policies for parties hosted by an airport business were suddenly applied to the DAF, and the requirements would have prevented the party from going ahead. Fortunately, our fearless (and feckless) president, Larry, rolled up his sleeves and went to work. With the aid of Tim Goodrich, DAF member and Torrance City Councilman, a special one time exemption for the Del Amo Flyers was passed, enabling the party to go on. And go on it did!
The original theme was slightly hijacked due to the alchohol issues to add a prohibition theme. Carry Nation's Leminade Stand was the new bar, which changed to Debbie Dunn's Dunnit Inn when the "authorities" were gone. Al Gibbs created a classic Speakeasy style lemanade serving table, which flipped over to reveal an operational roulette wheel. Unfortunatly, the chips were only worth what you paid for them, so nobody got rich.
Mitch provided smoked brisket, which was paired with grilled chicken and the usual assortment of potluck The band had a good crowd on the dance floor, and a great time was had by all!
Many thanks to the Hangar Party Committee, ably led by Linda Howard. Maggie Smith set up the bar and make an excellent lemonade, Patti LaGrelius checked everyone in, Laurice Churchill, Lori Delane and Anne O'Brien worked on decorations along with Robert Beckwith, and there were plenty of other volunteers who helped out. Thanks again to everyone!

Work in Progress

Our July dinner meeting featured special guest Dr. Perry Roth-Johnson, an aerospace engineer and informal science educator. He told us about the plans for the future home of Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center which will includes a 200,000 square foot expansion wing with three main multi-level galleries: Air, Space, and Shuttle. When completed, the Center will include over 100 artifacts and 150 hands-on exhibits. We all enjoyed his talk and hope he'll join us again soon!