In my airplane, I am the source of reliability—or unreliability. The flight doesn’t leave without me. If I don’t like the weather, I don’t go. If I need to divert, I can. I choose my departure time. I build in margins. And most importantly, I have the authority—and practice—to say “no.”
The rain finally broke, and the brave at heart finally started arriving at the remote fly-in. Individuals lined the runway to enjoy planes of all sorts performing fly-bys. All done for no other reason then to enjoy the machines in their natural environment. This T-6 kept the radial engine purring and provided a bit of smoke for ambiance. No one complained.
My wife and I participated in our second AirVenture Cup. The Wisconsin mornings proved to strong of a pull to avoid a morning flight. The event draws many people, and an occasional fly-over for the local fans is encouraged. So, with an empty pattern and a beautiful sunrise for the backdrop, I was able to grab a quick snapshot of our host airport, Wausau Downtown.
I fly for fun. No competition. No performances. But, I’m always striving to get better. So, an early morning, before a departure on the airlines, provided a perfect setting to get some seat time. The loop wasn’t perfect. The upline wasn’t perfect. But, the scenery, morning, and memory was spectacular. I’ll continue to enjoy seeking the unattainable “perfection.”
Pilots in this area are so fortunate to have private strip owners who will share their beautiful landing locations. I was lucky enough to make landings at three of the available strips. There have been times when the wildlife refused to leave their grazing spots, as I’m forced to enjoy a low pass. Still, never a bad way to spend the evening.
Two F/A-18 Hornets, the Blue Angels, on low approach, sped towards the runway on final. They made their “carrier break,” circling to land. We were excited with our vantage point for the early show. A Blue Angel viewed from pattern altitude is not something one sees every day. Allie gave us a “pretty cool, huh” over the intercom. We were all smiles as continued on our extended downwind.
With full parental consent, and a long discussion with my granddaughter, Maddie, of expectations, we got to go for our first aerobatic ride together. I think the photo shows how much she loved it. I will always remember the end of the flight when she said, “paw paw SA, can we do some more?”
Half Cuban Eight with a 1 1/2 roll over Springdale, Arkansas.
The Ozarks, with the hills, rivers, and lakes, have some of the most beautiful grass strips around. The long evenings of summer make it a great location for a relaxing flight.