This month I have a few different items to share and a couple calendar events to point out. With EAA AirVenture toward the end of this month [currently in progress], we will not have our monthly member gathering at the Chapter House but if you will be at AirVenture, please plan to attend the Tuesday morning Ch 186 breakfast, details in this issue. Also, there will not be IMC Club and VMC Club meetings this month.
On Saturday, August 2 the Commemorative Air Force at Culpeper is having a 70th Anniversary celebration for their TBM Avenger. They have invited Chapter 186 members to attend free of charge! The date is significant. August 2 is exactly 80 years, to the day, when their TBM Avenger rolled off the assembly line on August 2, 1945. The following day this warbird was accepted by the US Marine Corps. The CAF Capital Wing is planning a huge celebration. Their plans include a US Marine Corps color guard, a live 1940s jazz band, remarks by the last remaining person of the restoration team, remarks by the artist who painted the Doris Mae nose art and by various CAF Capital Wing members who have been instrumental in keeping the TBM flying, free lunch courtesy of food truck, Law Dawgs, and Warbird rides in the afternoon.
We’re still fleshing out our September membership gathering but the gist of it will be a discussion on aging and flying and how and when we should decide to hang up the airplane keys. Part of that discussion will undoubtedly include difficulties obtaining medical certification. We would like to begin gathering and maintaining a list of local FAA AMEs and doctor offices where you have had success getting an FAA medical certificate or a Basic Med. Please send me the contact info of your AME or Doctor office where you have had a relatively simple process of getting your medical and any pertinent comments.
Our eaa186.org website has taken on a new temporary look while we work to improve and overhaul the functionality. Member, Gladys Rodriguez, has been spending a lot of volunteer time developing a new site, which may go live in the coming weeks.
See you at Oshkosh!
Blue Skies,
Bob