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This web page showcases the best of the Wright Flyer Fly-In contest created and sponsored by Scott Hughes.
The three stories from myself, BJ and my Uncle, about flying on Dec 17th, 2003.
Dear Flying Fans:
Yes, only in Texas can you celebrate the Wright Brothers first flight on Dec 17th, 03 at 9:35 and also have the great smell of Shell County-Line BAR-B-Q in the Air. Dave Vandermark, Ken Wilson and I, departed BARF field about 9:20 on Dec 17th 03, to ensure we'd be airborne by the original Wright Brothers first flight time of 9:35. We were all in the air flying east, when the wonderful smell of BAR- B-Q drifted by on the cool air. The smell originated from the County-Line Shell located at Highway 290 and 362. The Shell station is about a mile from the BARF field and is also the location for our monthly meetings. Ribs and Chicken on the weekends have added pounds to a few of us.
The morning was cool and crisp, which added to the excitement of flying Powered Parachutes, which some say are less sound than the Wright Brother's first plane. The driving public has a hard time understanding how a three wheeled go-cart and a parachute can fly. The cool air was beginning to become cold, so we all landed and after a short celebration, a short trip to Shell County-Line restaurant and a pound of ribs to really celebrate.
Bill Alcorn
PS We were wondering what happened to Scott (Hughes Yo Daddy), the organizer of this event and Roger (Crash) Bailey. Scott showed up a little later and as he says he decided to celebrate the second flight and not the first at 9:35am. He had quite a story to tell about Roger (Crash), heavy emphasis on the Crash. He should win some kind of a hard luck award or something.
The following story from Capt William P. Alcorn Jr., USAF, Tyndall AFB, Florida.
I was once told by a WW II / NASA veteran "the secret to happiness (regarding a career) is to pick a job that you'd pay somebody to do". I imagine getting paid to fly a 40+ million dollar air superiority fighter, training to defend the country that produced the first powered flying machine certainly fits that advice. There are not enough words to describe the feeling of flying an F-15C/D on a cool, clear blue day in the panhandle of Florida.
Dec 17 started as most days do for young and old aviators in the fighter training business, waking up, showering, eating, putting on the flight suit, boots etc, driving to work thinking about the maneuvers you'd studied the night before and the radio calls required to make it look and sound right. Once in the squadron, I checked the schedule, weather, notes about the local areas, airfield condition, signed off any publication or regulation changes, reviewed emergency procedures for the day and casually monitored the TV where the news once again reminded us of the impending celebration at 0935.
I was going to be getting airborne at almost the same time a man 100 years earlier gently coaxed a wood and canvas covered machine to "slip the surly bonds of earth". I briefed with my instructor, put on my speed jeans (G-Suit) and vest and confidently carried my helmet out to the bus for our drive to the aircraft. Climbing in the cockpit, I'm surrounded by switches and displays and the familiar control stick. It's hard to imagine that a century ago that stick was connected to cables that "warped" the wings to make the Wright Flyer turn and now it's connected with cables to a complicated hydro- mechanical system to accomplish the same thing...control the aircraft. Start, taxi and arming were all standard for a student who has limited time in the Eagle. Every day you learn something new or learn how to do it with more haste and efficiency.
What was it really like to fly for the first time ever? No demonstrations or simulators to practice and nobody to tell you how much power would be required to takeoff? Would all the years of trial and error and wind tunnel testing culminate in success or another pile of parts? Granted those pioneering explorers practiced in their gliders honing their skills, I imagine the sound of a homebuilt 12HP motor turning two propellers at you feet would make the heart beat a little faster.
As I took the runway in my borrowed 50,000+ lb fighter I thought for a moment about what it was like pushing the throttle up on a 605 lb track guided motorized glider lying on one's belly looking forward through wires and rudders mere inches from the sandy surface below. Lifting off into the clear blue Florida morning with my back pressed into the seat from the acceleration brought a smile to my face much as it must have for Orville and Wilbur at the moment of success. One thing certainly hasn't changed since man started to fly: The feeling of leaving the ground below to explore the sky above is exhilarating and makes you feel more alive each time your blessed to look at the Earth from above. The sortie was a learning experience to become familiar with how the aircraft maneuvered, how it accelerated, decelerated and turned not entirely unlike what the Wrights were trying to do although I had the comfort of knowing that there were many before me who'd successfully returned.
What prayers did they offer before the aircraft slid down the tracks? Probably something akin to, "Lord let me takeoff and land and walk away when I'm done". December 17th was a good day to be an American flying for my country, training to protect those I love like the generations of military pilots before me. What a beautiful day it must have been 100 years ago and how warm the sense of pride and accomplishment must have been. What a beautiful day it will be 100 years from now when our offspring ponder the same questions. I only wonder what they'll be flying then
Here's my basic flying experience:
- 1250 hours total time
- 6 Hours total time in Pitts Special, Decathalon, Cessna 172/152 ~1050 Hours T-37 time at Sheppard AFBas a student and instructor training European and American UPT Students
- 180 Hours T-38 time as a student in UPT and IFF
- 2 Hours F-16 back seat time
- 14 Hours F-15C/D time
This is a response to a request from Bill Alcorn for my flying experience on December 17, 2003.
Among other things, I fly a Piper Aerostar for a small corporation based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. On the 17th, I flew one of my corporate customers to Glacier Park Airport, Kalispell MT for a business meeting. The trip to Kalispell (about 40 minutes) was uneventful, with generally clear skies, but cold. My customer is learning to fly, so, since I am a CFII/MEI, I invited him to fly the aircraft to Kalispell, which he enjoyed. However, the weather changed, significantly, by time to return, and we were confronted with mixed rime and clear icing, low ceilings and visibility, poor runway conditions and few alternate airports within reasonable range - making the short flight fairly challenging. Everything worked out fine, but it will be a day to remember, on the 100th anniversary of powered flight.
I am a retired U.S. Air Force pilot - flew F-4's for a number of years. Had two combat tours in Southeast Asia. However, I started flying in general aviation right after receiving my Air Force wings, so have been at it for nearly 45 years. I currently own a Piper Turbo Arrow, which my wife (who is an instrument rated private pilot) and I fly frequently on Angel Flight missions. I also fly Cessna 182's on airborne fire patrol during the summer, and am checking out in a Cessna Conquest for charter work. I do some flight instructing, and really enjoy teaching formation flying, air combat tactics and aerobatics with the Red Star Pilots Association (formerly Yak Pilots Association), in Yak, Nanchang and other former Soviet bloc/Chinese aircraft. Finally, I teach mountain flying at a FAA wings program in McCall, Idaho, every summer, which is a wonderful opportunity to fly into some of our beautiful back country airstrips.
Cheers,
Buck Bender
Hello Scott!
Having been a PPC "wannabe" for over ten years, after making a solo flight in piece of flying crap that knowing what I know now, I would never have gotten into, but "oh what a feeling!" I was HOOKED!!! It was THE BEST flying! Flew in several other types of UL's after that. Rode in several other GA craft... but I kept going back to that first PPC flight. After trying to justify spending the money for a "toy", for over 10 years, I finally decided I wasn't getting any younger and the kids were pretty much raised, I found a used PPC within driving distance and eventually bought it in June of this year. I am happy to say that after finding a great instructor (Mike Cook) I completed my UFI and now have over 53 hours and absolutely love this sport! There aren't many people in this area flying PPC... yet... but I'm working on that too! Anyway, I KNEW I had to fly on 12/17 and I did! My FIRST fly in!! J
I have "followed" the PPC list for years and I have made judgments about people on the list, based on what I've read over many years. Might not be fair... but that's the way it goes with email! Anyway, there are a few names I would to meet in person, because I want to see if these people are anything like the way I imagine them, based on years of "listening to them". You are one such person! I have listened to you on UL Radio, so at least I have a voice and I've seen your picture in many places. Just wanted to say I admire you and want to encourage you to keep up the good fight! Hopefully someday I will get to meet you in person!!
One more thing... I joined EAA because that's who my instructor is certified with. Just out of curiosity... and again because I admire you... what do you guys run with down there? And why? EAA is of course a recognized name in the world of aviation, but they still don't offer insurance, so I still can't fly from the local airport because they require it now. Their magazine is usually totally irrelevant to PPC's, etc. So, I'm curious what you think of what's "out there".
Thanks!!!
Allen Kratz
Hey all,
wanted to post my Dec. 17 Wright Fly In pics... I was the only one around here that flew a PPC for the event. And when I flew, it was 10:35 central time. I stayed around the house hoping to watch the recreation, but of course it got delayed to rain. So I headed to the airport to do my flight. I had my radiator covered too much and it got wayyyy to hot. I was busy taking pics when I noticed the red light on the EIS. It got to 190 and I just about pooped my pants! I put the camera up and limped her back to the field. It stayed in the 180-187 range all the way back. Anyway... made it back...and I think the Wrights must have been watching over me!! :-)
Notice the clock in the pic is 10:35...100 years ago the Wrights were wishing they were this high!!
OHH.. I am wearing a REALLY great Balaclava from Campmor.com SUPER warm windstopper material is made to go under helmets. 30.00
At daylight it was clear, clam, and 20 degrees. There was a frost on and everything was bright and white, it looked like a "baby snow." I was hoping it would warm up some before I got ready for the "W"right flight.
At 8:30AM I got ready to leave my house, 3 miles north of Interstate 40 at Van Buren, AR, and head for Roland, OK, 15 miles west where I hanger my Pegasus #A051PEG. Before I can leave I have to scrape the "baby snow" off my truck glasses, now I am behind schedule, and hoping to be at the airstrip in time to make that 9:35 flight.
I arrive at the hanger at 9:05, The thermometer in the hanger says it is 32 degrees. I do my preflight and warm-up. Then taxi to the west end of the 50 ft. wide airstrip and turn east looking down 2000 ft. of runway that is covered in brilliant white frost, with the sun flickering in every crystal.
I do my chute layout and inspection. Then at 9:28AM I call 800-WX-BRIEF to check the weather and NOTAM's. Wind should be clam until 10:30AM and there is a strobe light out on a tower 11 miles east of me. That should not be a problem, as the area I fly in looks like a radio tower farm and I don't plan on getting over 5 miles away from airstrip this morning.
I clear the prop and start the engine at 9:33AM waiting for my watch to tick over to 9:35AM, wondering what the Wright brothers were thinking at this moment one hundred years ago. At 9:35AM I start my roll and take off in less than 50 feet and climb to about 100 feet. I circled back and did a touch and go at the point of lift off in less than a 1 1/2 minutes, in memory of that first flight one hundred years ago.
Then it is off into the wide blue, over trees and fields of bright white, with the crisp air making my eyes water and my nose run. WOW....... what a view. The sun is just at the right angle and there are rainbow and diamond reflections on everything.
I fly east out of Oklahoma and into Arkansas as I cross the Arkansas River just west of Fort Smith. I then fly north to Van Buren, AR and cross the Arkansas River at Mount Vista, near the mouth of Lee Creek. I am getting cooled off by this time and decide it is time to head west back to airstrip, flying between railroad tracks and Interstate 40.
I circle the field with a right hand pattern and do a touch and go. I do another pattern and land near the hanger to pack up my chute. Time in flight 45 minutes, the thermometer in the hanger says it is 38 degrees .........what a great morning.
Jay L. Gill
Rudy, AR
479-474-049
Hi All,
Yesterday was a grate day in the Sacramento Valley. High thin clouds spotted around and about sixty degrees and no wind. Bill Kinorr and I met at the Yuba Co airport and set up for out fly with the Wright Bros. We flew about forty-five minutes. Was a lot of G A traffic and I kept them posted as to our position. They were grate talking to. Kirk was there but had flown before we got there. He stayed around for support. Only bummer was that they wear not successful at Kitty Hawk.Our ground crew was J M,My wife, she handled the radio as always.
Take Care;
Sac Tony
Hello,
A group of Southwest flyers met in Monument Valley, Gouldings airstrip on Dec. 16, 2003. They flew that evening for 1hour, then stayed in the aviators suite right at the airport.
The next A.M., Dec, 17th 2003, they awoke to perfectly calm air, frigid temps (20 degrees) and blue skies. At 7:45 they took off and went into the monument for a spectacular 2 hour flight! Thank goodness for those warm packs in boots and gloves!
It was perfectly uneventful, except for the beauty of the southwest desert, the great flying conditions and the fun friends, with whom to fly!
Thanks to all and especially the Wright Bros.!
Flyers: Jerry Larson, Bluff UT; Perry Pahlmeyer, Durango, CO;
Chuck Wales and Amy Wiley, Pleasant View, CO.
Well....like many of you....I had to get up in the air. Our local airport was giving free rides all day, the radio constantly talking about the Wright Brothers. It was just too much! So I bugged out of work early, hustled home fast, grabbed some heavy clothes (20 degrees F!) and headed to the airport.
Five minute warm-up while the PPC was still on the trailer and all seemed great. Offloaded the SR-2, and taxied across and through 4" of snow (some a little crusty). Laid out the chute, reported on Unicomm, and took-off. I had to smile during my ground roll because it was longer (due to the snow) then the actual 1st flight of one hundred years ago!
Some of my Dive/Rescue members were testing a new system for dragging an inflatable Zodiac across Lake Winona so I headed that direction, did a low pass near them, and while flying by I "motioned "how thick was the ice" and with hand signals they replied 10". One more go-around and I landed on the lake. Said "hello" to them (and the crowd that was now forming!) and we talked briefly about this past 100 years of flight. From Kittyhawk, to the moon....and beyond. Where I had a late start I could not stay long so I gave a friend my camera and asked him to take a photo of me leaving (see attached). Back to ONA airport, straight in final on "35" and that was my flight. Absolutely perfect.
Thanks Orville and Wilbur!
Blue Skies Aviation
Russell L. Marsolek
1176 West 5th. Street
Winona, MN 55987
507-452-6888
Scott, at 9:35 I was flying a 1974 model UH-1H Huey helicopter to Jefferson City Missouri with some VIPs from the Missouri Army National Guard on board. We were enroute to a mobilization ceremony for “Charlie Company”, a unit of about 65 soldiers who are deploying to Iraq to combat terrorism.
It was a beautiful day – sunny and clear, but cold. I keep thinking of modern aircraft and realize that we have come a long ways in 100 years, but there still is nothing like flying a powered parachute!!!!
Pray for our military folks as we enjoy the freedom of flight and freedom to worship as we choose to.
Thanks
Ralph McClurg
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