June flyout to Tacoma Narrows

I woke up to a sunny morning sky, perfect for our June flyout to Tacoma Narrows with a 12:15 lunch at The Hub restaurant. Seven people had advised they would participate but the day was so gorgeous I advised the restaurant we would likely have ten or so arriving about 12:15. I sent out the e-mail confirming the flyout was on, and then another noting the airport’s Vintage Air Museum would be a great stop after lunch. Then I found that the museum was open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Oh well.

The flight was smooth and people in our group began arriving about 11:30. The Hub is located next to the tower and I had advised plenty of parking would be available right there. The first four aircraft parked without difficulty but more followed and the next row brought out personnel from the adjacent facility which apparently did not want people parking there; they had reserved that area for aircraft that might visit their business. I found out later that the tower told our guys trying to park there that such parking was not permitted. And even more of our guys were arriving. Oh well. We shoved airplanes in places that required sequencing for taxiing after lunch. In total twelve airplanes with 18 people attended this flyout. So much for my asking the restaurant to plan on seating for ten… They had set us a table.

So we arrived and took photos and headed for food. Scott Alair saw tables outside the restaurant and a quick change was made. The temperature was perfect, food was great and the service was excellent. The social aspect of these gatherings is a lot of fun and this day was exceptional. We had members from EAA Chapter 430, two pilots from other areas who regularly join us, and neighbors and guests, too. Attending were Bat Barrett (from Bremerton), Ken Brown with his neighbor Craig, Dave Gardner with his wife Karen, Jeff Smith (who gave a ride to Sid Vandiver), Richard Howell with his friend Rob, Scott Alair (who had offered to bring someone needing a ride but other rides had accommodated), Rick Stoffel, Harry Cook, Ray Ballantyne (with his son Dan). Tim Alentiev came from the Norman Grier airport across the Sound brought a friend (Vinnie) who spends time working for Van’s Aircraft in Oregon and the Philippines. And me. I came with an empty seat which I offered but others had accommodated. Bud Davies arrived late having come from work.

With lunch over three of us taxied down the field to the Avionics Shop (yup, that’s its name) for some transponder certs and other issues. As usual they provided excellent service and soon we were all on our way.

Barry

April 2025 Flyout to Arlington

Friday April 4 provided us with green grass, blue skies, warm temperatures and light winds. What a nice day for a flyout!  Apparently, others agreed; eleven airplanes carrying 18 adventurous soles met in front of Ellie’s restaurant at the Arlington Airport for lunch.

Our scheduled arrival was to be 11:30, allowing time for photographs before traipsing over to the restaurant for lunch. Amazingly, all were on time! Those arriving included John Ward in his Pipistrel Sinus, Ken and Skip Brown in their RV-9A, Scott Alair with Sid Vandiver in Scott’s Lancair Legacy, Richard Howell in his Sling, Carl and Deanna Hicks in their Cessna 180, Jay Pearlman in his J-3 replica, Jeff Smith in his RV-8A, Rick and Donna Stoffel in their RV-4, Bill and Dot Shepherd in their Swift, Bud Davies and Scott Brooksby in Bud’s Cessna 152, and of course Tracy and myself in our Piper PA-11.

Where was our fearless chapter president? Ray Ballantyne normally attends our flyouts even if it means missing a highly anticipated golf game, but this time his ride was in Oregon having new avionics installed. More costly than lunch!

It’s always a challenge for the restaurants we visit on our flyouts to seat people in a large group near each other. Most do a great job, as did Ellie’s this day. Seating took three tables which were adjacent, allowing visible communication for all and audible communication among most. Windows provided views of airplanes taking off and landing, what more could we ask for?  Service was excellent – hats off for Ellie’s!

Our flyouts allow get together time in a relaxed atmosphere not found in our other chapter activities. Seating arrangements result in new friendships and conversations include all kinds of subjects. Every time I attend one of these, I learn something new about the people that have come. I noticed as Tracy and I taxied for departure that several conversations were still ongoing on the ramp.

The flight home for Tracy and me was smooth with wonderful views of mountains, water and islands, and we enjoyed the memories we shared and stories we heard. I’m sure the others that gathered at Ellie’s today had a similar experience.

Barry