From the Left Seat

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

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

Portrait of Ray Ballantyne, the column's author

Summer is in full bloom, and it’s flying time! Lisa and I returned from Oshkosh Airventure early in August and had an amazing experience at the “Big Show”. We survived the Fisk Arrival, landed on the green dot (actually put some rubber on it) and camped under the wing for a week. We sat in the chapter’s lavender chair at the Blue Barn, saw our directional sign, and got a chance to talk directly to national leaders. We also saw Madeline Patterson there but didn’t see Bud.

We closed out our Young Eagle events in July with the rally in Pt Townsend. All together we flew 139 youth with 25 pilots donating their aircraft and expenses. Thank you, pilots, ground crew, and especially Tracy and Bud for working so hard to put on three rallies. You make a difference in young people’s lives.

Our first Build and Fly session is coming to a close, which means it will be time to learn to fly the LT-40 RC aircraft that the young people built. Rick Vaux, Richard Howell, Mike Niewiarowicz, and the Tracy’s have done a great job of organizing, assisting, and managing our first build.

The annual Poker Run is taking place now, with the winners to be announced at the August Gathering on August 26. If you have any questions, contact Barry Halsted.

It’s time for the biannual nominations for the chapter board of directors. I’m pleased to report that all the board members have agreed to serve another term. As a result, there will be no need for a nominating committee. If you would like to serve on the board, please let me know and we can include you as a candidate for the November election. However, Harry Cook said he would like to get someone else to host the VMC/IMC club, so contact him or me if you’re interested.

I would like to personally thank Rick Vaux for presiding over the last two gatherings and getting Judy Stipe to present the history of local airstrips. This month we will have a Gathering on August 26 instead of Air Affair. It will be at 0930 at Hanger 15 at Sequim Valley Airport. I hope to see you there.