By Jerry Rosie (USUA #A86096)

Well, folks, the weather in the eastern half of the continental U.S. has finally smiled upon ultralight flyers. This meteorological event was reflected in the USUA club newsletters received this month. All clubs have been very active and it was hard to narrow the field of reports for this month's edition of USUA's on-line newsletter "Around the Patch."

I'll start off close to home, however, and report that John Shreve's Fourth of July Tail Dragger Fly In more than made up for the rained out Father's Day Fly In. Most planes started arriving about 1030 -- after they ascertained that the weather was going to last. The most notable arrival was a flight of 11 RV6's and RV8's which arrived in a V formation. They peeled off and landed "in trail" in military style. Following lunch, they gave the fly-in attendees a final thrill as they flew a low pass over the field and performed a "missing man" formation as they departed for home. John Shreve provided an excellent picnic spread of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, roast pork, a dozen salads, and tea, lemonade and soft drinks. This grand feast was followed up by a patriotic cake decorated to resemble an American Flag. This entire afternoon of eating and drinking was accompanied by the Spring Garden Band of York, Pennsylvania who played at pool side to the enjoyment of all. In addition, 30 patients from the Lebanon VA Hospital were John's guests. Three World War II pilots from York, PA were honored in a ceremony commemorating their service and continuing contributions to aviation. A most enjoyable day for all and we are now looking forward to the primarily ultralight event on Labor Day.

Sunrise Serenade, the newsletter of the Albuquerque Ultralight Association, reports on the saga of Rudy and Sybelle Krebser from Switzerland. They used the facilities and assistance of some of the Albuquerque Club members to begin their tour of the Southwest. Flying their Quicksilvers, this couple took off on May 18th to make stops at Alamogordo, Santa Teresa (near El Paso), Carlsbad, Wilcox and Tombstone, Arizona. Then they flew on to Bisbee, Benson and Silver City; eventually ending up back at Belen. With some time left on their vacation, a flight to Taos seemed in order; stopping at Los Alamos for fuel in both directions. (Of interest to USUA members, Rudy was asked for an "N" number in Los Alamos and told the FBO there that he only had an "A" number, which seemed to satisfy them. See USUA membership does have its advantages!!)

Steve Clements, writing for the Top Fun Flyers of Boise, ID, reported on a trip to Wood River '03. Sounded like marginal flying weather all the way, with high winds and bumpy air - but they all made it. Some had upset stomachs, but no major problems. One Drifter II was slightly damaged on landing when the wind weather-vaned it into a fence at the edge of the runway.

The Mountaineer Fun Flyers of Glen Morgan, WV report a lot of activity as members get their airplanes ready for the flying season. The weather is giving them a well deserved and long awaited break. Lots of folks modifying their airplanes, replacing parts and just going over everything to make sure all is in operating order.

Dave Pelletier of the Black Mesa Fliers from Prescott, Arizona writes to tell us all of his "Nine Days in May." He spent his vacation flying and sightseeing. Part of this time, he was at Brian Ranch in California for the "World's Smallest Air Show." He reports that between 40 and 50 ultralights were in attendance. With a number of different models to look at, this must have been quite a sight and an excellent opportunity for someone thinking about buying an airplane.

Tri-State Ultralight Pilots Association of Blanchester, OH reports the outstanding success of their 20th Anniversary Party which brought not only a good time for all who attended, but some very positive publicity for the club and the sport of ultralight flying. Not all is sunny in Ohio, however, as they also report an attempt by the State of Ohio to require the registration of all ultralight aircraft and all runways. We hope they keep us advised as to the eventual outcome of this action by the state.

And, another airport seems to be in jeopardy. The Silverwings Ultralight Flying Club of Palmer, MA reports on efforts to assist the town of Palmer in buying the existing airport to ensure its continued use as an aviation facility before it is "consumed" by land development. Keep us advised, folks, and let us know if any outside help is needed.

Sadly, we have four accidents to report this month. The Georgia Sport Flyers Association reports two accidents - one involving a Flightstar Spider and the other involving a Phantom. Dr. Wilson Kelp of Memphis, Tennessee was killed in the crash of this Flightstar while Bill Evans was uninjured in the incident with his Phantom. The Terre Haute Ultralight Club reports the death of Timmy Crowley, 54, in the crash of his RANS S12XL when apparently his airplane impacted nose first under full power. The Black Mesa Fliers report the death of two in the crash of a Kitfox when the pilot apparently lost control and dived, inverted, into Mingus Mountain. These incidents remind us that this can be a dangerous sport, pre-flight inspections are necessary, and checklists are NOT only for whimps. Please be safe out there - check your airplane before take off, keep an eye on the weather, and only fly when you are sure you are physically capable. Even a slight headache can distract you enough to result in an unfortunate incident.

Three clubs report new or updated web sites - Chattanooga Sports Flyers has a new web site at http://csf.clicksitebuilder.com. The folks at Marietta, GA publish their newsletter at http://www.geogiasportsflyers.com, and The Ultralight Squadron of America from Stanton, California is proud of their new web site at http://www.ggfx.com/usa. Check 'em out and let them know how you like their offerings.

That's it for the month on July. As you can see it was an action packed month with the promise of more to come.

Blue Sky to all - favorable winds and keep the blue side up....