From the Left Seat

Well, I must say that the last few weeks have shaped up to be a great start to this spring. On the last day of March, I joined Mark Long and Dave Woodcock on a journey to the Seattle Regional office to turn in our applications for Light Sport Repairman Inspection for Airplane.

Although I used to work in the former FAA Regional Office which was in Renton, I was surprised at the level of security involved at the Des Moines building. None the less, we persevered through all the hoops and were rewarded with our temporary airman certificate. While there, I asked about an FAASTeam presentation and have confirmed that a representative will join us at the April Gathering and will return in August to provide a presentation. So, the journey ended up being a very enjoyable trip with fellow 430ers.

On the last day of Winter (March 19), Lisa and I enjoyed our Stay and Play package at 7 Cedars which came from last year’s Poker Run. We used it to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Then it was time for our birthdays, and I celebrated mine on the beach at Pacific City, Oregon (KPFC.)

And then there were at least 17 aviators who were dazzled by Harry Cook’s VMC/IMC Club meeting on April 8th. The following day, 20 people showed up in Arlington to enjoy lunch together for the April fly-out at Arlington. It’s a great start to the summer flying season! I’m looking forward to George Steed from EAA 406 who will be providing our April presentation about the youth-built Sonex Electric airplane. I’m getting excited about presenting the “Flying Start” program for adults interested in learning to fly on May 16.

Please let me know if you would be willing to take one of the participants for an airplane ride.

I hope to tune up my IFR skills in the near future which will give me the most flexibility for travels this summer. I plan to reach out to fellow chapter members to make this happen. It sure is great to be part of our chapter.

Wishing you CAVU, Ray