EAA Chapter 430Fly-out to Olympic Field, June 10th
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Our fly-out this June was to Olympic Field, located just west of the south end of Discovery Bay. This airstrip is unique in that it includes a seaplane float pond next to its beautiful grass landing strip.
This fly-out was unusual in that it began by joining in a meeting of Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) members and guests at the south end of the field, and then continued with aviation enthusiasts attending the annual Olympic Field Fly-in at the north end of the field.
Olympic Field has been noticed and remembered by many pilots in the area due to its seaplane float pond, but few have visited it. This private airstrip is owned by Ryan Larrance and was constructed by his father, opening in 1994. Before the grass grew, the lone airplane landing there was a Cessna 310. Today the turf runway is smooth as a baby’s butt, and a good landing will leave the pilot wondering if he is really on the ground.
We’ll hear more about Olympic Field in a chapter presentation.
Our fly-out group made up only a part of those enjoying this event. And in addition to Cessnas and other airplanes that flew in, there were loads of taildraggers and even a couple of aircraft that operated off the water.
The fly-in itself featured hamburgers and soft drinks as well as pot luck offerings. Live music provided additional entertainment.
EAA Chapter 430 members attending included Richard Howell, Norm Nelson with his wife Myla and son Nathan, Scott Brooksby, Emiley Westcott, Aidan Lara and his grandfather Jim Pedlar, Ernie Hansen, Kevin and Charlene Tracy, Steve and Maria Emley, Mark Long, Doug Medema, John Cuny, Jay and Francois Pearlman, Bud Davies, James Russell, and Evangeline Hutchins with her father Wells. Ray and Lisa Ballantyne attended and also hosted the RAF volunteers. Terry Smith and Tracy Halsted came with me.
In addition to a great day among friends and fellow fliers, the opportunity to fly into and out of a grass strip as pristine as this one doesn’t come often and it was a delight to all who were able to do it.
Barry
