By Jerry Rosie (USUA #A86096)
Howdy, Ultralighters!
July is upon us and brings with it come the summer weather and flying season. The season got off to a good start at one of USUA's Signature Events - John Shreve's Father's Day Fly-In at Shreveport North/Footlight Ranch in Pennsylvania. Unlike last year when the event had to be canceled because the runway was so wet it couldn't even support the tractor used to mow it, the runway was hard, dry and in beautiful condition. The weather also cooperated and, other than some marginal wind during mid-day, it was perfect. At noon on Saturday a total of 56 aircraft, ranging from a backpack powered parachute to a Piper Warrior and Mooney, were on the ground at Shreveport North. Three ultralight clubs (the sponsoring Mason-Dixon Sports Flyers, Chambersburg Millennium flyers, and Club #1) were represented. USUA was well represented. Staff, Dale Hooper and Carol Plotnick; Regional Rep, Dennis Gregory; and Chairman of the Board, Lew Clement were present.
On Friday night, John Shreve's Prime Rib and Crab Leg feast was truly a feast! Looking at unique airplanes, swapping hangar tales, renewing old friendships, and rides for Young Eagles - provided by the local EAA chapter - all ensured that everyone had a great time. We will be looking forward to next year's event. Hopefully, the gods of wind and weather will permit some of the ultralight competition that was canceled this year due to the high wind.
John Shreve also sponsored a July 4th Fly-In - an all day picnic, with patriotic band music, guests from the VA Hospital and an award to a local aviation pioneer. This helped to offset the miserable weather and the limited number of airplanes that actually flew in. Both these events should be on the calendar of anyone within flying or driving distance of Wellsville, Pennsylvania.
Now, just to show that I am not totally biased and partisan, here is some news from other areas of the country. For the folks from the Michigan area, Sta-Lite Aviation has added a flight planning program to its website. Just go to www.staliteaviation.com and click on the flight-planning link. Double click on any one of the 200+ waypoints and get airport info. When you are done, you may print out the flight plan with airport info included. You are also invited to add your favorite airport(s) to the database. It's worth a visit if you fly in that general area.
Sad news comes to us from the Top Fun Flyers News of USUA Club #45 in Boise, ID. Paul King lost his life when he lost control of his airplane in turbulence en route to Wood River to attend the annual Chicken Drop at Sluder's Field. Our deepest condolences go out to Paul's family and friends.
Sunrise Serenade, the newsletter of the Albuquerque Ultralight Association, reports that the club’s good friends, Rudy and Sybelle Krebser, from Switzerland, have returned for another visit. This time the Krebsers are planning to use their trusty Quicksilver to visit Gallup, NM; Winslow, AZ; Moab, UT; Craig, CO; Steamboat Springs, Laramie and Walden, WY; and Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills in SD. We join the Albuquerque Club in welcoming these two adventurous spirits back in the US and we wish them a most pleasant and safe trip.
That's about it for now folks. We are looking forward to receiving more reports of activities from clubs around the country so that we can share the good times and maybe pick up a few ideas about new and exciting activities for our own clubs.
Y'all take care now, fly safe, and keep the dirty side down and the clean side up!
EXTRA! News Release and Announcement, July 19, 2004
Due to recent developments, the Chattanooga Sport Flyers, USUA Club No. 423 and Host for the Annual Chattanooga Ultralight Air-Rally and Club Challenge at the Marion County Brown's Field (APT) Airport in Jasper, Tennessee is providing additional prizes for the top three (3) finishers in the planned ultralight competition sanctioned event.
This years event is scheduled for September 10-12, 2004 with the competition beginning at 8:00 EDT on Saturday September 11, 2004 just two weeks before the 2K4 Microlight Nationals. This is a one (1) day competition with five (5) events scheduled beginning with a cross country, bomb drop, spot landing, short-short, low precision flight.
Prizes are to include 1st place $200, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50 with plaques or trophies and additional items provided by event sponsors. All types of ultralight and light aircraft are invited to participate.
For complete details of the event see the Chattanooga Sport Flyers web site.
| What: | CASH PRIZES |
| Event: | Annual Air-Rally and Club Challenge |
| Hosts: | Chattanooga Sports Flyers, USUA Club 423 |
| Location: | Marion County Brown's Field (APT) Airport Jasper, Tennessee |
| Date: | September 10-12, 2004 |
| Competition: | September 11, 2004 |
| Contact: | T.L. Primm at (423) 266-6243 |
| Host Hotel: | Acuff Country Inn I-75 exit 155 and Highway 28 Jasper, Tennessee Phone: (800) 782-7217 |