By Alan Resnick

Our 20^th annual Fly-in and reunion was an absolute success!

As the morning warmed from the 48 degree start the sky was completely clear of clouds the wind was calm, the day would be wonderful.

The Gators and guests started arriving and all the to do’s were accomplished in the usual Gator fashion. The tent was up; the lines were in place on the field. Mark Kendry brought his sound system in so Vernon Peckham could be heard all across the field.

We must thank EAA chapter 534 for starting the day with wholesome pancake and sausage breakfast. Thank you, John Weber for coordinating.

Other than to eat, we do have these fly-ins to have a little friendly competition. In our true spirit of openness we all fly together, fixed wing, trikes and helicopters.

We started the events in our usual timely manner. I believe Cindy Butlers schedule called for a prompt 9:00 am start. I think it was closer to 10:00 when we got the first batch of Bomb Droppers off the ground. Jeff of the R-22 won this one. This was followed by the Spot Landing [choppers must maintain forward flight to touchdown]. Dennis Day excelled and beat the trikes and choppers! Here we had a short pause as Charlie Almond was working his magic on the grill and Jan and Wanda were working the kitchen.

During the break we had a short Powered Parachute demo. Short because the wind though not quite down the runway had picked up a bit. It was also time for Vernon to explain why we have a candy drop for the young ones [hint: Berlin air lift].

Once the runway was cleared we resumed the activities with the Grenade Catch. I can not remember who all the catchers were but they were all in the same wonderfully entertaining class! The event involvers 2 passes over the field at 200ft. At the appropriate time the pilot releases the grenade [one per pass], the wiffle ball first followed by the tennis ball. Dennis Day’s daughter was catching for him. She did an almost great job, I’m sure she’ll do better when she starts with Leesburg PD shortly!  

The final event of the day was the Dead Stick landing [yes, the engine is off]. This one was won by Buddy Babcock of Trick Trikes. Our thanks to Buddy and all of our determined contestants.

The evening rapped up with a banquet in the tent. A wonderful feast with rousing story telling and many awards were presented to a very deserving group. I can not begin to mention all the people associated with the Flying Gators who deserve very special mention. Then there were some special sky things popping!!

I understand there will probably be a DECEMBER surprise that involves Gator Field. Pay attention the web site and news letter.

Please remember - 1-800-WX BRIEF

Fly safe!