Flight Plans...

Mary and I will be heading back to one of our favorite beach stops, Ocean City Maryland (KOXB). This early August trip will have us making a quick run to 40N Chester County to pick up two "first time" General Aviation passengers. From Chester County we will again head south back towards our home base KILG, Wilmington, Delaware. From the home drome we'll continue south to Dover Delaware via the Smyrna ENO VOR. I hope we have clear skies so our passengers can get a good look at the Dover AFB and Dover Downs/Monster Mile (for the NASCAR fans). Once crossing ENO I'll dial in the Waterloo VOR at 112.6 and over fly the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes Delaware. From ATR it's a straight shot south for about 30 miles then setting up for pattern entry to KOXB.

We plan on spending two nights with a scheduled return on Saturday. If the weather looks good we'll head out one day to take the ladies shopping in cape may while the men stroll through the aviation museum. We may even saddle up and head to Millville for a museum tour also....you know the ladies will not be done shopping.

For the non-flying readers this trip by car would take about 45 minutes to Chester County from Wilmington and then another 3.5 hours to Ocean city Maryland from the Chester County Airport. By aircraft it will be 15 minutes to Chester County and then 1 hour and 15 minutes to Ocean city, MD.

Late September is shaping up for a southern run. Two stops on the flight plan drawing board will have us spend two nights in Williamsburg/Newport News, Va and adding KPHF Newport News as a new airport. As much as we both love JGG as a place to land, PHF will serve us a bit better this trip since our friend Susan is providing the wheels. We plan to attend a show at the Ferguson Center (always a must) to see the play Hairspray and of course who can resist a day at Busch Gardens. Mary and I each purchased a season pass on our first visit this year, it will provide a cost savings, which is always good for more Av gas.

The second leg of our trip will have us departing KPHF, Newport News, VA and heading further south. We made arrangements to stay on the beach in North Myrtle with a first time visit to Grand Strand Airport,KCRE. Our room will overlook the beach and we will spend two nights and three days of pure R&R. Mary checked out a few shows at the Palace theater for evening entertainment so that should be fun.

I decided to start posting drive times for the non-flying folks who read about our travels. The trip to Newport News, Va from our Home in Wilmington, Delaware takes about 5.5 hours with traffic moving steady. This flight takes about 1.5 hours en-route and I figure the pack/unpack of a vehicle or aircraft is a wash. From Newport News, VA to Myrtle Beach, SC is about 6 hours by car and 2.25 hours by air.

Change of Plans

Here I sit on Friday filing away my flight plans for Martha's Vineyard (KMVY) and instead packing a headset bag for a short hop to Millville, NJ for breakfast tomorrow morning. Mary has been dealing with kidney stones all week and just doesn't feel up to 2.5 hours in the air to KMVY. The North East Flyer's group will be heading into MVY and meet for lunch at 11am at Seafood Shanty, not to be confused with the restaurant chain. I wish them blue skies and safe flights!

Tomorrow will be a short hop to Millville (MIV)and Antino's for some breakfast. Following the morning eats will be an equally short hop home to Wilmington (ILG), then to the house in order to study for my mid-term exam. It sure will be hard to concentrate on Aviation Legislation while listening to aircraft fly over the house.

Saturday JULY 21, 2007 The Follow Up...

Well it was a short hop but it was worth it! We fired up for Millville and taxied out to runway 1 at Wilmington. I was directed to back taxi on r/w 1 then turn, position and hold. I entered off taxiway 'K'ilo and back taxied a few thousand feet. I turned into the wind and announced my position and hold. Once cleared we climbed out to 3000' and took in the scenery. Crystal clear today, you could see the Atlantic City skyline and well south into the Delaware Bay.

Breakfast as always was fantastic at the Cornerstone Grill. I had the breakfast quesadilla and Mary had two eggs bacon and toast. We walked over to Big Sky to pay our fuel bill. I decided to top off the tanks before heading home. 679er took 21 gallons to top her off and that totaled $94. We departed Millville as traffic really started to pick up. I counted 5 in line to depart on runway 10 as I turned cross wind followed by down wind in the pattern. There was a Challenger jet inbound for down wind 10 which means he would be coming at our six o'clock. I climbed out to 3000' and announced clear of the area as the jet settled in the down wind leg of the pattern (parallel to the runway).

Wilmington was also getting busy as we entered the right base for r/w 1. I was cleared to land and had another jet on a long final. Neither of us had visual contact, but I couldn't see behind me. I landed very smooth with the stall horn singing. My zen moment was interrupted by the tower as he directed me to expedite to the first taxiway 'D'elta on my right, noting a jet was on short final. I acknowledged with expedite right turn Delta for 679er. I cleared beyond the hold short and flipped over to ground when the jet came roaring by thrust reverser's fully engaged.

We quickly buttoned up 679er and headed for home. It's a beautiful day out and we intend to spend it out and about, after a cool drink and short nap.

OCMD Beach Bums

Sunday Mostly sunny. Hot and humid with highs in the low 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Heat index values up to 100. The wx-man told no lie today, it was hot, hazy and humid! Mary and I spent yesterday at her cousins wedding outdoors and it was just gorgeous, all day. Today on the other hand called for the three H's and what were we planning? A Flight to the beach!

METAR KILG 081251Z AUTO 27006KT 8SM CLR 27/18 A2989

We departed Wilmington (KILG) around 9:30 local time or 1330 zulu time for you pilot folk and climbed into the haze. The plan was for 5,500 for the first leg, Wilmington to the ATR (Waterloo) VOR. The second leg I planned on descending to 3,500 from ATR to Ocean City, MD. The pattern was getting busy so I over flew OXB at midfield 1,800 feet (TPA 800') and repositioned for a 45* entry to 32 left down wind. I made an ok landing with only a short burst of stall horn, I need to work on that. We taxied off and locked up 679er then hooked up with the OXB staff for a shuttle ride to the terminal. Mary and I each downed a bottle of cold water and waited for fellow POA forum member Bob his wife Dru and baby Mackenzie. We also had the pleasure of meeting Bob's Mom Lin, she was a blast. Bob made a nice landing, very smooth and we got a few pictures of 09L as they taxied to parking.

We all piled in a taxi van and made our way to the beach. The taxi dropped us at the usual spot "Tony's Pizza" and baby Mac went for her first dip in the Atlantic. What a lucky child to have such great parents and are they lucky to have such a good baby. The group then headed north on the boards for lunch. We passed by a few places and ended up at "Shenanigans". This place had the fans going and the A/C turned on, it looked promising. The service was very good and the lunch equally as good. Full tummy's and plenty of fluids consumed we were feeling recharged, non-alcohol for the pilots of course. The ladies hit some shops, Bob and I commented on the banner tow operations and we all worked on our tans. We hopped a ride on OC's version of the "tram car" and headed south to almost the end of the boards. In our travels we checked out the Fireman's Memorial and the 9/11 tribute, both very nicely done. We also passed a few works of art created in the sand, I took pictures our last trip and of course added to the collection this go round. We walked through the rides area and all agreed to stop for some soft Ice cream or custard as some call it. I had banana which was a first,I had never seen banana soft ice cream. Tony's Pizza now in sight prompted a call for the taxi. Service was pretty fast, before you could get any shopping in, the driver was out opening up the back doors. Our group piled in, the stroller was secured in the back and we were off for the airport.

METAR KOXB 081653Z AUTO 20009G14KT 8SM CLR 30/21 A2987

Bob and I checked the weather on DUATS, thankfully Bob knew his user name and password. The Op's folks gave us a ride out to our aircraft and we said our good-byes. We each pre-flighted and then saddled up for home. Mary and I were off in 679er about ten minutes before our counterparts in 09L. Runup completed, I departed r/w 20 and climbed out over the ocean. Nice view on the cross wind and down wind of the beach and boardwalk. I made a call 5 miles north of OXB for Patuxent Approach but got a standby. A few minutes later I was given a squawk code for flight following and felt better with the extra eyes in this haze. I climbed to 6,500 through a large gap in the clouds and had a much better view now vs plugging along in the haze at 3000. I was turned over to Dover Approach and motored along requesting to descend to 4,500 to maintain VFR. A few minutes later I heard 09L request 4,500 or 6,500 from Dover and was granted the climb. I switched over to 122.75 and let Bob know I was "in it" at 6500 and was now good at 4500, he acknowledged.

I was crossing the Delaware River at the top of the Bay and Dover turned me loose to squawk VFR but offered numbers for Philadelphia approach. We crossed the river and having "just" spotted the Salem nuke towers I then started a slow descent for ILG. Wilmington tower directed me to report a left base for r/w 27. I made out the Delaware Memorial twin spans barely and headed for a spot in the middle, between the airport and the bridges. That position always puts you on a nice left base for 27. I called out a three mile left base and was cleared to land. Nice and smooth on the way in about 60kts with stall horn letting me know I wasn't flat. A squeaker landing had us rolling out needing to add power just to make taxiway 'M'ike. As soon as we got out of 679er we heard an aircraft overhead, it was a Cessna doing pattern work. Two jets the landed, a Lear and then a Dassault Falcon 2000 (N1C). Mary alerted me to a high wing overhead and asked if it might be Bob and Dru in 09L. I checked it out but could not make out the blue stripes, although the underside of its tail looked blue. I guessed its altitude at about 3,000. We jumped around and waved like two nit-wits wondering if they saw us. Yes the heat was getting to us both! With 679er secure Mary took the keys and drove us home. We each gulped down another bottle of water as we unloaded my flight bag and the plants we left in the truck from yesterday. Maggie was happy to see us as she jumped around either from excitement or she really had to go, either way I let her out back. As I sat here starting to type the write up Bob called to let us know they were all home safe. A GREAT day with friends really made the trip worth it. I know the ladies were talking of a Williamsburg trip and a trip to midcoast Maine. I'm sure I will be posting a write up soon!

Gulfstream IV Adventures

What a GREAT day today!!!!

I think my solo flight and checkride perma-grin is back! I had the opportunity today to fly in the Gulfstream IV flight sim for an hour. I started off with a taxi test which I did just fine then everything was reset for a departure from JFK. I was there to fly so I was lucky not to have all the checklists and communications to deal with. I was rolling (without the full motion on) and rotated about 175 kts with a nice climb out over the ocean. As soon as I confirmed positive climb I took out the flaps and tucked the gear away. I maintained a VFR flight as I headed back over New York at 10,000. The sim was reset for a 6 mile final daytime. At 220kts I asked for the first notch of flaps then around 180 the second a got a warning light for gear. I was told gear before the second flap setting. OK, gear down with three in the green. My speed was a bit fast as I had to muscle that thing, good lord it was like driving a tank. I was told there is plenty of runway, don’t force it. I crossed the numbers held the nose high listening to this thing squawk out altitude. Finally the mains were down and I was pushing the nose over. I brought the Thrust Reversers (TR)in and wow do they add the stopping power. Once below 60kts I added brakes and taxied clear. Round two was a night departure and landing from JFK that was much smoother.

I was then reset for KILG, Wilmington, DE my home airport. This time he felt I could handle full motion. I cracked the guys up with a short field take off…..laying on the toe breaks as I brought the power up. The full motion now activated actually pushed you back into the seat a bit. I felt every bump in the runway. Once airborne I pointed towards KPHL and held at 2800 feet. My first try at KILG for a daytime landing had me low and slow crossing the fence and hitting on the numbers with the mains. I had a slight crosswind tossed at me and planted the left main down first followed by the right then nosed over and rolled out. TR's now engaged. I was slowing down with slight brakes at the 1000 foot marker. I made a nice turn off to the taxiway. The full motion was wild, you could feel the gear cycle through and as the mains touched down you could feel the vibration on roll out. The best was the buffeting when the flaps were added. I then did a night time take off and landing at KILG.

The last trip was from Hawaii! I took off from PHNL runway 8R and was looking at some mountains. He said please don’t crash the sim, and I didn’t! The instructor thought I did very well and decided to throw a thunder boomer at me along with heavy rain. Greaaaat, just what I needed. I told him I was working on the ground portion of my IR and was excited about getting hood time. He said you can experience actual conditions here and then we really had some fun. We were talking about systems and such as I thought he was trying to distract me (checkride memories). Sure enough I thought I was straight and level but a scan of my instruments revealed I was slowly fading off to my right. He kept talking and I went on instruments and got squared away with little altitude loss. He commented on my quick recovery. He warned me how fast people loose it in those conditions and advised me to continue with my IR, it will make me a better pilot.

All in all, a GREAT time. It was a great experience and I was very thankful I had the chance. I treated for lunch and that too was well worth it!!

Tangier Island

It was a beautiful day to 'bag' work! I put in a leave slip Wednesday late afternoon and Mary and I planned for Tangier Island (KTGI)that night.

Mary and I were both excited to be off to a new destination. Friday morning now finally upon us and we were quickly packing the truck and heading south to the airport. Dassault Falcon Jet had topped of the tanks as I requested which really helped us get in the air. Pre-flight completed we saddle up and taxi out. We are directed to taxiway 'M'ike at runway 27, our almost always departure point. METAR KILG 221351Z 33010KT 10SM CLR 23/11 A2990.

A slight cross wind but nothing to worry about as 679er climbs out to pattern altitude and more. When cleared for take off on 27 by the tower we also received cleared on course (VFR South). As we passed through pattern altitude I turned to 189* and tracked the SBY VOR. I picked up flight following with Dover Approach about ten miles south of Summit (KEVY). Before you know it we were handed off to patuxent approach on 27.95. Approach was busy and it sounded like R-4006 was hot so I started to descend to 3,500 feet once turned to my new heading of 229* from the SBY VOR. I could see TGI in the distance. Approach advised to continue at altitude and report TGI in sight. I did both and approach terminated services. I acknowledged and passed on a thanks for the help today.

This is were the fun started. All the reports of a poor runway with bumps, humps and cracks along with reading all the accident reports prior to my flight had me on a heightened alert. TPA is 600' and I was there as we entered the left base turn for runway 20. A quick check of the wind sock showed winds from 300 degrees with a stiff windsock dancing back and forth. Deep breath, easy on the yoke I add the second notch of flaps and that's all as I make my way for the numbers. Air speed jumping 10 knots and the winds now pushing me pretty good, I continue to crab in. Runway looks like crap, I'm landing long so I continue a slow low pass for a good look see then decide to go around. Full throttle, hold the nose level, build speed and climb out. Once clear of the runway and terrain I take out a notch of flaps. No sink, still climbing I take out the last 10* just before my crosswind turn. OK, regroup, re-evaluate and decide for another go. The sock is now favoring runway 2 but swinging back to the same cross wind for 20. Checklist complete, a notch of flaps followed by a base to final turn. Looking down the runway and glancing at the sock the winds have changed showing a full sock of tailwinds. Grrr Grumble....slowing 60 kts, floating, the 679er brick just wants to sail on and so we do. I announce going around and flow through the steps. I guess the practice is good and as long as "I" don't feel right I am not forcing it.

METAR KMFV 221502Z AUTO 30014G21KT 10SM CLR

We climb out and Mary is just taking it all in and I know better then to say anything but my radio calls. I climb out on crosswind take a look at the sock again and it's favoring runway 2 again. What the heck! may as well give it a try. I circle out to my right calling my intentions and re-enter on a right base for 2. The winds are full sock slightly favoring 2 but here we come. Over the runway, nice and easy again at 60kts, adding power, stall horn, chirps and we're in! This runway stinks! cracks, grass and bumps. We taxi to parking and secure 679er.
There is not a single person around. We walk towards the trailer homes behind the ramp but not a single person even acknowledges us. Mary and I decided to walk to town and had to dodge a golf cart coming over the bridge, again no hello's, kiss my ass, get out of the way....NOTHING!

This place is freaking us out. We stop and chat for a bit as a scooter goes by, again no hello, no response. That's it, we're outta here. Mary is creeped out by the people and the place and I am just to happy not to deal with miserable people. We walk back to 679er and bug outta there. This place should be used for some freaky Steven King novel, we will NEVER return here. They can keep their little world and its crappy airport!

We flight plan in 679er for Ocean City Maryland (KOXB) and prepare to get underway (the red leg of top photo). We depart runway 2 climbing out to 3,500 direct to SWL VOR (Snowhill). Rock solid track as we cross the Bay getting a good look at Wallops flight Facility to the South East. I tune in the ASOS at OXB and note the reported winds.METAR KOXB 221553Z AUTO 33011G25KT 10SM CLR 27/09 A2988.

I had flipped over to CTAF 122.8 and could hear clear to Williamsburg, VA. I reported my position at 10 miles out requesting an airport advisory. OXB folks call out the winds and note 32 as the active. A simple confirmation to what I had scribbled down from the ASOS. Another aircraft, a cirrus was inbound for a full stop about the same number of miles out. We looked for each other as we reported our positions. I turned to the north to reposition for a 45* entry to the left downwind for 32 and announced. The cirrus called out his base turn and I had visual. Mary and I turned base and final followed by a "firm" landing.

With 679er secure, HEY that's not me on the beach.....honest! No we were safe at OXB. The terminal ramp is being repaved so expect to park over near the Hangars. A very nice gentleman was waiting for us as we climbed out and gave us a ride on a golf cart to the terminal so we could 'take care of business' and grab a taxi ride to the boards. $11 bucks and here we are, at the boards!

We had a great time walking the boards, eating at Tony's Pizza and admiring the works of art built in the sand. We rambled through some shops and Mary added a new charm for today's destination. We decided that the only charm suitable for Tangier Island would have been a skull and cross bones. We decided to sit a spell and people watch near Ripley's believe it or not museum. Wow the sights you see....This one family was looking for their child and the young girl came out of a store close by. Well I said to Mary she's done watch this and sure enough Mom grabbed her and gave her a good wack and told her if she wandered off again she would get plenty more. She didn't hurt the kid but all I could do was laugh to myself. I could only think that she was so glad she found her that now she was going to "kill" her for wandering off. Ahhh... the memories of childhood.

Mary got a few shots of the Fireman's Memorial located on the boardwalk. The workmanship was perfect and what a sight it was. Each brick had a name of a fireman who lost his/her life in the line of duty.


It was time to head back and make way for home. We called the taxi and sure enough in just a few minutes we were on our way. We had to sit a short while while the bridge opened for boat traffic. Once at the Terminal we got another ride in the golf cart back to 679er. We saw a super clean cardinal getting fuel and said hello, the gentleman commented on the wind. Yes, he was right it was really starting to kick. The trip home to KILG followed the blue portion of the above pictured flight plan. We taxied to runway 32 and completed the "run up" while waiting for an aircraft to land. Down and clear of the active we moved into position and launched. Gusty winds but 679er kicked butt, the Archer II can really climb. I called Dover approach for the second time today this time heading north. With our squawk dialed in we were cruising at 3,500 as directed. Approaching Dover we heard traffic going every which way. We had an Archer headed to Lancaster KLNS and a Cessna headed to OXB heading south. This was a bumpy ride home today as I had to work at holding altitude. I was jumping plus or minus 300 feet what seemed like all the way up the Delaware side of the bay. I watch as a C5 gets ready to take off and the thought crosses my mind that if he turns right traffic which I know he will over the bay that we are going to get real friendly real fast. Sure enough he launches and before he turns the Cessna pilot makes this hilarious call. "um, Dover approach...there is this really big plane coming right at me, I'm ok here?" I about wet myself laughing. The controller reassures the Cessna pilot he is safe and the "heavy has a visual". Well it gets better, the controller advises ME that the really big plane will be right traffic and pass by me at 3,000 caution wake turbulence. I could not help it...I keyed the mic laughing and said I have the "reeeeally big plane in sight" and confirm the right traffic, and will give the C5 plenty of room. Not long after the fun we were cut loose. I thanked the controller for his help and for the up close look at the C-5.

With the Wilmington ATIS noted I flipped to 126.00 and advised the towwer of my intentions. I was told to report a 1 mile final for 32. METAR for KILG 221951Z AUTO 30018G23KT 10SM SCT075 26/07 A2987. Landing checks completed I make a nice landing at ILG and as directed turn right on 9-27 followed by a left on Kilo 5. Safe and secure we pack up and head home. happy with our day together flying and spending time on the boardwalk but very disappointed about Tangier Island. Mary drove home which was fine with me. With 3.2 in the book I was thirsty and tired. The Rita's lemon water ice really did the trick on the way home.

Our next trip is scheduled for July with the North East Flyers as we all head to KMVY, Martha's Vineyard.

(N57) New Garden Airshow

I spent the afternoon at the New Garden Airport (N57) Airshow. I rolled in around noon and left at 3:30 or so. I had a fun time, meeting up with Bob Ciotti (POA forum)and his daughter Mackenzie. As always great flying conversations and some future flight planning for both of our wives.

I wanted to watch the B25 "Briefing Time" fly today. This B25 is from the Reading Airport, Mid Atlantic Aviation Museum. I also had a chance to see the two aircraft that are hangared at the DRBA's Millville, N.J. Airport. Mr Tom Duffy along with one of his pilots (Terry) brought over a TBM Avenger and a Corsair for the show. Both of these aircraft are show stoppers. It's always a thrill to watch the war birds take to the sky! Also featured were the trainers; PT19 pictured left and the PT23 pictured right.

Aerobatics:
Matt Chapman and his CAP 231 EX flies formation Aerobatics with Michael Mancuso in his Walter Extra 300. Matt and Mike are former US Aerobatic Team members who competed together in the 1998 Sebreniza World Championships.


Parachute:
The parachute drops featured Free Fall Adventures Dive Team.

The Alpha Squadron Model RC Aircraft Demonstration was on hand, complete with RC jets!! VERY COOL!

Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame

Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame class announced
The News Journal
Posted Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 1:03 pm

The Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame will induct longtime local player and coach Grover "Jugs" Elliott, Delaware Semi-Pro League manager Max Beheler, longtime youth coach, umpire and administrator Joe Mascelli and Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple this year.They will be honored June 7 at the Blue-Gold All-Star baseball game at Frawley Stadium.

Mascelli played at Brandywine High and began coaching Little League in 1967. He remains active in Naamans Little League, where he coached the all-star team to the 2003 Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pa., the first Delaware team to accomplish that feat.

Tonight was a great night for baseball. I was honored to attend the induction of my brother into the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame. Standing there tonight watching him receive his award brought back a flood of memories. I can remember as a ten year old playing for my fathers team watching father and son square off in a coaching duel. Pop beat my brother that afternoon and the rivalry began. I eventually played for my brother for a year or two then on to senior league where I was paired with dad again. If anyone reading this played for their father they will understand the treatment.
I know my father has been gone nine years this past April but I would bet the house he was one proud dad tonight. I wish he could have physically been there to watch my brother take his team to Williamsport in 2003 and to see him accept this induction into the HOF this evening. I know in my heart he was out there on the field in spirit nodding his approval.

Congrats Joe! For teaching the game of baseball, the code, sportsmanship and helping young chldren become young men. You are a teacher, mentor, best friend and role model. I am proud to coach with you and honored to be there to watch your induction tonight.

Special Flight, Reflections

Mary and I received news Monday that a very good friend of ours Mother had passed. I put a leave slip in to take the day off so that we could attend the services. I met our friend through my job back in September of 1990, we instantly hit it off. Her family lives just a stones throw away from where we live. 17 years....that's a long time and her parents were always very special to me. Good folks, great sense of humor and always ready to welcome you into their home.

Mary and I attended the service at our local church and I can not remember ever seeing so many people lined up for visitation in my life. The church was actually full. I guess I should not have expected any less for a person that had such a giving spirit.

My Bride, the most gentle heart I have ever known was taken back by some of the simple facts we must face. At the young age of 60 a Mother, Grandmother, sister,wife and friend leaves a void in us all. How many years will her daughters not have her around for advice and that special time when it's safe to confide in the one who knows you best. Mary thinks of all this while realizing how lucky she is to have her Mom. We can only be there to support or friends and their family.

After the services Mary and I decided to go fly, it's where we both love to be. A short hop today just to get in the air and have some quiet time looking at world from our favorite perspective while we make heads or tails of all that went on today. Mary was quiet and actually closed her eyes for a good part of the 30 minute flight. I concentrated on the tasks at hand while enjoying the very freedom of flight. A few radio calls to announce our position and look for traffic had us on final following a Caravan doing touch and goes at Millville.

We decided to eat at our favorite place Antino's. A few refreshing ice teas later and with full tummy's we were ready to head back home. Again our flight was quiet, looking for traffic and working our way into Wilmington. We were directed to enter a left downwind for one nine and we acknowledged. We called out traffic, a Rick Hendrick Motorsports Saab 2000 N511RH at our 10 o' clock, No. 1 for landing on a right down wind and shadowed her on the left down wind. Once the Saab turned base to final we followed suit, having already added the second notch of flaps to keep me slowed for spacing. Our glide slope looked good and we figured why not try a short field landing since there was an aircraft (Cessna 172) shooting an ILS approach for runway 1 (they were cleared No. 3 to land). We landed just past the numbers at 60 kts on center and needed to add throttle to make the first right hand turn off at Kilo. Over to ground point seven and cleared to taxi home (Red Eagle).

We had the chance to chat with one of our neighbors that is in a club aircraft (C-172) He was a very nice man and we spent 15-20 minutes chatting about clubs, aircraft, flight time, weather and whatever else crossed our minds.

Finally home and sitting here typing our flight review, I can only think how lucky we are to be able to look at the world from the sky above. Life is short, we should all try and live it to the fullest each day. Yes, I know, we hear this all the time but it's our plan. I know Mary and I always think of tomorrow and saving for a rainy day, but today is the day to let someone know how much you care and how much they mean to you. Mary is talking to her Mom right now, as she does every day. I think I'll go give her a big hug and smooch and remind her again today how much I really do love her.

You will be missed but never forgotten Bernie, by family and friends, blue skies.

Millville Air Show

We could not have asked for a better day to attend the Millville Airshow. Temps around 85* a nice breeze blowing all day and a big tent to provide shade. Mary and I along with John and Kim had VIP passes thanks to the DRBA. The original plan was to fly in and spend the day then high tail it outta there for KILG as soon as the air boss would let us go. After watching the weather and the chance of storms I was on the fence if to fly or drive. I read on the forum yesterday about taxi and hold time around .7 of an hour. Heck that's longer then it takes me to fly there or home (20 minutes each way). The decision was made to drive.

We started early meeting at KILG at 8:15 and heading for the bridge. A nice drive to Millville and easy access to parking. WE walked through the static displays then made our way for the VIP tent to snag good seats. We ended up right out front with a clear view to the blue angles aircraft and about center of the field. I posted the schedule of events and some info on each pilot or demonstration team.

Gates open at 9 am with Program commences at 11:10 am
0900 - Gates Open to Public
1120 - Opening Ceremonies
1140 - Red Eagle Air Sports Teaser
1150 - USAF-ANG KC-135
1200 - Greg Poe MX-2 Teaser
1220 - L-29 Demo
1227 - Warbird Flight B-25s
1240 - Rob Holland Ultimate II Demo
1255 - USAF-ACC B-1B Flyby (2-ship)
1303 - FAA Firetruck Demo
1308 - Tim Weber Geico Extra 300
1323 - L-39 Demo
1337 - P-51 Demo
1347 - USAF F-15C Eagle Demo
1400 - USAF Heritage Flight
1415 - Greg Poe FAGEN MX-2 Demo
1427 - Warbird Flight(P-47,P-51,P-40,F4U)
1440 - Red Eagle Air Sports
1500 - Blue Angels C-130 Demo
1515 - USN Blue Angels
1630 - Airshow Ends

Red Eagle Air Sports - Magic in the Air!
Providing a singular blend of low-level precision formation and solo aerobatics with fascinating transitions, Red Eagle Air Sports is nationally known for it’s eye-popping, spectacular performances


Tim Weber's Geico Extra 300
The aircraft of choice for Tim is the German built Extra 300. The Extra 300 is an unlimited-class composite monoplane stressed to handle even the most demanding maneuvers. With over 300 horsepower and a roll rate in excess of 340 degrees per second, this aggressive mid-wing aircraft provides the performance and looks to make it an instant crowd pleaser.

Rag Wings & Radials
Rag Wings & Radials' B-25J is restored as "Panchito" that served with the 396th Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force, stationed in the Central Pacific. Also flying in the group was the Mid Atlantic Airfield Museum (Reading, PA) "Briefing Time" and Tom Duffy's recently acquired B-25.

The North American B-25 was one of the most famous twin engine medium bombers used during World War II. It was produced in greater numbers than any other American twin engine combat aircraft. No doubt part of it's heroic stature derives from its namesake, the outspoken Gen. Billy Mitchell who proved once and for all that bombers could destroy targets, and that wars would nevermore be decided only on land or sea. The B-25 achieved worldwide fame on April 18, 1942 when sixteen B-25's under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle were launched from the aircraft carrier HORNET and attacked Tokyo in a daring raid.

Allen H. Smith III L-39C Albatross
Allen is a native of Wynnewood, PA just west of Philadelphia and has been flying since he was 17 years old. After graduation from Lower Merion High School he entered Penn State University at College Park, PA as part of the first Pre-Med class to graduate through the Hershey Medical Center. During his freshman year he literally bumped into the Naval flight recruiters that were on campus and offered to take him for a ride. The hop was in a T-34B, just like the one Allen now owns, and after just 15 minutes of aerobatics, Allen’s life was changed forever. He passed all of his testing and medical exams that same week and sworn into the Navy at the age of 17 as part of the AVROC Flight program. In very quick order Allen changed his major to Aerospace Engineering and started taking flying lesson at the local airport.

Today Allen is a retired Vice President of Engineering for Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals in St. David’s PA . Along with his son Chris they live in Glenside PA and own 2 immaculate museum quality aircraft. The first, a NAVY T-34B with a 285 hp engine that had 1650 hours TTSN in 1974 when the FAA zero timed the plane after Allen’s restoration. Most T-34’s have between 7 to 11,000 hours on them. Their second plane is a Soviet L-39C Albatross Jet Fighter that they imported directly from Estonia, Russia in late 1996. Allen and Chris spent 1950 man-hours, and most of 1997 & ‘98 restoring the L-39 to better then new condition with all new US avionics and electrics.

Marine's Dream FG-1D Corsair
Along with Tom's TBM-3E Avenger, the 2007 Wheels & Wings Airshow and Car Show would like to welcome "Marine's Dream" and the TBM to this year's event!
Tom will also static display his newly acquired P-47D Thunderbolt and B-25 Mitchell in attendance with his L-4, Beech Staggerwing, Cessna 170, Grumman Widgeon, and SNJ during the event as well.

Warbirds Over Long Island Robert & Chris Baranaskas
Everyone in attendance is certain to enjoy P-40 Warhawk, SNJ-5 Texan, and P-51D Mustang that are owned by this family.
Following in his father’s footsteps; Bob learned to fly at the age of 17. He is a Commercial Pilot with Single, Multi Engine Instrument Ratings and has a Formation Waiver.
Bob developed a real passion for flying the same "Warbirds" his dad flew in WWII after purchasing his SNJ-5, a WWII Naval Advanced Trainer. He soon added a PT17 Stearman, an open cockpit WWII Army Air Corps Primary Trainer and eventually a P51 Mustang, the ultimate WWII Fighter, to his collection of Warbirds".

USAF F-15 Eagle Demonstration Team
The F-15 West Coast Demo Team is just one of the six single aircraft Demonstration Teams assigned to Air Combat Command (ACC). The Team is comprised of one Demo Pilot (Captain Tony "Baron" Bierenkoven), nine Maintenance personnel, and four Flight Safety Officers. The Aircraft themselves are not assigned to the team, but are actual operational fighters from the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
The U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command Single-Ship Demonstration Teams perform precision aerial maneuvers, demonstrating to the public the unique capabilities of the Air Force’s high performance aircraft. ACC Single-Ship Demonstration Team members also exhibit the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. Check out http://www.stevesairshow.com/ Video by Airshowfansh.

Jim Beasley Jr.
One of the most effective aircraft of World War II, the North American P-51 Mustang was first developed to meet a British requirement of 1940. Needed desperately because of the grave situation in Europe, the project was completed ahead of the 120 day schedule set by the United Kingdom. The first Mustangs were powered with Allison engines, but while this engine performed well at lower altitudes, power output rapidly declined above 12,000 feet. This power problem prompted North American to look at the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine to power the Mustang. The Merlin engine was found to perform extremely well at all altitudes and rapidly increased the flexibility of the aircraft. The P-51B was the first variant to use the Merlin engine. Check out http://www.stevesairshow.com/ Video by Airshowfansh

US Navy Blue Angels
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, is stationed at Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, Florida. The squadron is scheduled to fly 70 air shows at 35 locations in the United States during the 2007 season. The squadron spends the winter (January through March) training pilots and new team members at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California. The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting and to represent the naval service to the civilian community, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. VIDEO Thanks John for shooting the video!