August 23 Member Gathering
Our speaker was Erica Gilbert (https://www.gilbertaviation.com/), a CFI / CFII, FAA Safety Team Representative, and commercial TBM pilot. Erica’s passion project is AeroSafe, her YouTube series discussing aviation weather to help pilots fly more safely. She spoke about key weather safety topics for pilots: How to obtain a complete – and legal – weather briefing; understanding various types of clouds and how to handle them; thunderstorm formation and how to remain safely clear of dangerous storms; and exercising caution around outflow boundaries.
We were also treated by a presentation from Dag Guessford about his time at Air Academy in July. Dag attended the session that was nine days long with the final three days coinciding with the beginning of AirVenture. Dag got hands on welding and rib building practice, toured the EAA Museum, rode in a helicopter and much more. We assisted with the tuition for three kids to go to Air Academy in June and July.
September 27 Member Gathering
Member Glenn Shields will lead a panel consisting of a cross-section of our membership discussing aging and flying and figuring out how and when to call it quits. This promises to be a vibrant discussion. From Glenn:
When Is It Time to Hang Up the Airplane Keys? There comes a time in each pilot’s life when it is time to leave the flying to someone else. Sometimes it is a decision reached due to a medical condition in which case the choice is made by the FARs. Sometimes it is based on finances. And there is a more challenging situation that every pilot will experience if they stay active for the long haul – it is the personal recognition that mental acuity, physical agility, knowledge of today’s complex airspace and factors unique to the pilot are waning. Contemplating this ultimate decision is uncomfortable and personal.
Our September presentation will be four pilots who will share their aviation experiences and reveal how each is determining when it is best for him to move to the back seat. They come from varied backgrounds: John Langenheim, a retired Naval Aviator and airline pilot and owner of a beautiful Christen Eagle that has strong family connections, Don Ackad whose love of flying inspired him to regain his 3rd Class Medical following open heart surgery, NTSB retiree Dennis Crider who built an RV-12 with his then teenage son and Glenn Shields – an average “run of the mill” pilot since 1978.
There will be time for you to share your story and thoughts.
Gathering starts at 10:00 AM with coffee and doughnuts at 9:20 AM.
October 25 Chili Cook-Off
Bring a pot of your favorite chili concoction to enter the contest. We also need your favorite sides and desserts. We will provide the chili toppings. Please consider being a chili judge. We need a handful of judges to rank the pots of chili.
Bob Prange