From the Left Seat

It’s been a great summer to aviate in the Pacific Northwest. There have been many flyins and flyouts, and I just returned from a great flyin at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River. During the pilot’s dinner, our own Bill Sheppard was recognized as the oldest pilot flying in with his Aero 45 twin. There’s more flying to be done, as we gather our airport stamps for the annual Poker Run!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the board of directors for their service these past two years. Our board has worked hard to provide good leadership for our chapter. Not only have we accomplished a lot, but we have had a good time doing it. There will be elections of officers for the next two years coming soon.

Nothing new to report from the building committee. We continue to look for the best opportunity to get our own clubhouse.

Congratulations to Rob Stephens on the delivery of his new VL3 which is the world’s fastest UL aircraft. Powered by a Rotax engine, his plane will go over 200 mph.

As the summer comes to a close, we will be meeting at Bud’s hangar #15 at SVA for the last time in 2025 on September 27th. We will talk about MOSAIC and have a BIG poker game! In October, we will return to the conference room at Fairchild International for our Gatherings.

Back by popular demand, we have scheduled up another Chili Bingo night in the conference room at 5:00 p.m. on October 23rd. This will be a Chili cook off, so if you would like to enter the contest with your special chili, contact Charlie or Kevin Tracy. Also, if you have a great bingo prize you would like to donate, please let me know. Not only does that increase donations, it also relieves some of the burden of putting on the event.

Wishing you clear skies and tail winds, Ray