From the Left Seat

From the June 2023 newsletter, by Ray Ballantyne, page 2

Open the PDF at page 2 See the whole June 2023 issue

Portrait of Ray Ballantyne, the column's author

Isn’t living on the Olympic Peninsula exquisite this time of year? The Strait glistens and the mountains are magnificent in the sunlight, and we get the additional benefit of seeing them from above. We are truly fortunate to live and fly here.

Last month’s Flying Start was a great success! Several participants have expressed interest in learning to fly. We may be looking for people who want to help them with a ground school program in the coming months.

Young Eagles is always productive for the kids who are excited about aviation. Such was the case in Port Angeles last month. Our next rally is at Sequim Valley on June 17th. Come out and help or just come to see the excitement. Our last rally will be at Port Townsend on July 16th which will be a Sunday. We always need pilots!

Congratulations to Richard Howell for getting the aircraft airworthiness certificate for his new Sling II! He has also already completed his type training in California. Now for the task-based Phase I requirements. Richard is also helping with Build and Fly and the young aspiring aviators will soon have completed their LT-40 electric RC aircraft. Congratulations for birthing a real and baby airplane!

We have some exciting events coming up soon. My wife Lisa and I are planning an extended airplane camping trip to Idaho the last of June. We’ll join a bunch of GlaStars at Smiley Creek, spend a night at the Big Creek lodge, and maybe camp in the wilderness areas on the way back. As a result, I won’t be at the June Gathering and the Halsted’s will be absent also. But you’ll be in good hands as Vice President Rick Vaux will officiate the meeting and Judy Stipe from the Sequim Museum will provide a presentation on the history of aviation and airstrips in and around Sequim. It should be very interesting and informative.

Airventure 2023 in Oshkosh, WI will begin on July 24 to the 30th.
Air Affair has been cancelled for this year, so we will have an August Gathering at Bud’s hangar on August 26th.
The annual EAA430 Poker Run will be conducted in July and August and prizes awarded for the best hand at the August Gathering. Let’s make hay while the sun shines and go flying!