From the Left Seat

I started this flying season saying “I want to pour as much gasoline through my aircraft carburetor as I can this year”. And by so doing, we got to fly the GlaStar to Santa Barbara, Tennessee, Oshkosh, Canada, Alaska above the Arctic Circle, and several trips to Idaho and Montana. I think I accomplished my goal. Is this a great country, or what? Barry has been doing a great job providing a chapter flyout every month. We’ve been asking other chapters to join us. Let’s go fly — the season’s not over yet!

We had a great and very well-organized Young Eagle season. A big thanks to Tracy and all those who volunteered to help her. And a big thanks to YE coordinator Bud Davies who not only planned the three events but also flew kids in each one. He tied for most kids flown in a two-seater. Gordon Tubesing flew the most kids (26), and we received needed help from other chapters. Brian Funk of Auburn flew 17 YE’s at a single event.

The board has identified some worthy scholarship recipients and has decided to step beyond our two current scholarships and add a third. We also decided to spend our YE credits to fund Nathan Nelson to go to the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI this summer. We offered funding for Jazmin Stamper to attend this Academy also. We then announced a Chili/BINGO fundraiser for October 19 at KCLM at 1600 to help fund these bold additions. As an outreach, Richard Howell is working to introduce aviation to local youth through the Boys and Girls Club and our Build and Fly program. Contact Richard to learn more.

We transition this month to our winter location at Fairchild Airport Conference Room in Pt Angeles for our monthly Gatherings. The October 26th Gathering begins at 0930 with a yummy breakfast prepared by the Tracys. I look forward to seeing you there!