Press Release: Tacoma Narrows Airport, Sept. 6, 2k8

[Steve Helmick]

Small group of NW Skyraiders assembled at Tacoma Narrows Airport to practise some stunt for next weekend's fabulous R.F. Stevenson Memorial "Roundup" contest.  Pete Peterson was first to arrive, with his new and cool Jaimissin (sic), currently with the High Zoot Fox from his old one. Mike and I arrived together, in Mike's truck. Mike flew his new and pretty Randy Smith "Shrike". After some fuel filter problems, he got it running well and flying pretty good. I landed from my first flight about the time Rod Claus showed up. Many flights were flown by all, few problems, no planes broken. We got hold of Randy P. by phone, but he begged off.  No Schultzies were sighted.

In summary, for Leo, I flew 4 flights on "KISS"...a Fancherized Twister with Magnum XLS .36 power. Tweeked the tank height, changed to muffler pressure, adjusted takeoff rpm, & trying to get flight time/fuel load figured out. Scarborough had better be practising, or he's in Trouble....or maybe T-rubble! I did the first 3 or 4 square 8's I've done in close to 4 decades, and they looked like Mark's...not saying that's desireable, or anything!    Wish Leo had been there, tho...he says he's never seen me fly. Point taken!  But you haven't missed much, Leo...

My good news is that I got the stitches out of my head yesterday, the biopsy was good, and I'm E! Red "E". "Ready", get it? Maybe feeling a bit giddy...and the old lady isn't home. I may order pizza soon...
   So there!     Steve

Hey, Mongo...why didn't the html code make the "E" red? What kinda hokey deal is that?!

[Mark Scarborough]

Steve,
you know its probably improper for you to make those kinds of comments about my flying considering you judge me all the time!
yeah so what if its true, sheesh,, have a heart after all, I fly by myself so I dont have a coach! jeez,, I feel so violated,, or uh, ok not really.
Looking forward to CHehalis contest next weekend. does this mean you are flying there? if you need me to I will come to circle center to help you remember the pattern? I promise I wont confuse you,, to much. lol
It would have helped if I would have had more than 3 days this year with wind less than 20 mph, or less than 100 degrees, or warmer than 40 degrees.. what a bizarre year on the palouse. Maybe I should look for a job on the west side?

[Steve Helmick]

Steve,
you know its probably improper for you to make those kinds of comments about my flying considering you judge me all the time!

yeah so what if its true, sheesh,, have a heart after all, I fly by myself so I dont have a coach! jeez,, I feel so violated,, or uh, ok not really.

Well, since you have been alone in Intermediate, I thought I'd put the cattle prod to you! That, or I'll buy a tazer!  Be happy with what you get! 

Looking forward to CHehalis contest next weekend. does this mean you are flying there? if you need me to I will come to circle center to help you remember the pattern? I promise I wont confuse you,, to much. lol

Yeah, I'm thinkin' about it. Two issues. Can I get all the stuff I'll need to carry into my truck? And will Leo come? 


It would have helped if I would have had more than 3 days this year with wind less than 20 mph, or less than 100 degrees, or warmer than 40 degrees.. what a bizarre year on the palouse. Maybe I should look for a job on the west side?

I don't remember any bad summers when I lived over there. Springs, sure. Winters, oh, yeah! But don't even think about coming over here...not that we wouldn't welcome you with open arms, but the traffic is bad enough...you wouldn't like it. And then you'd have to bring the 3 girls...which would be fine, but I think you've picked a great place to live, and loved ones that you don't want to uproot. PHS Forever! Go Greydogs! Next summer should be just fine, so plan on that. Maybe move to Moscow, ID? THAT would make sense!    Steve

[Shultzie]

Small group of NW Skyraiders assembled at Tacoma Narrows Airport to practise some stunt for next weekend's fabulous R.F. Stevenson Memorial "Roundup" contest.  Pete Peterson was first to arrive, with his new and cool Jaimissin (sic), currently with the High Zoot Fox from his old one. Mike and I arrived together, in Mike's truck. Mike flew his new and pretty Randy Smith "Shrike". After some fuel filter problems, he got it running well and flying pretty good. I landed from my first flight about the time Rod Claus showed up. Many flights were flown by all, few problems, no planes broken. We got hold of Randy P. by phone, but he begged off.  No Schultzies were sighted.

Today...I actually was thinking about takin' that old  Supa' Chimpmunkeee' off the wall...
The last time I drove out there with my stooooogie...including a few borrowed cones from Comcast....TO MY SURPRISE...those new hangers were being paved and the tarmac was a mess with dirt n' pebbles from truck traffic?

 WHAT'S THE LATEST SKINNEEE' and HOW DID THE SITE LOOK TODAY...
(IF YA WANNA LIVE STOOGIE....CALL 1-800 EAT MY BALSA DUST...or 857-4699

[Steve Helmick]

Schultzie...the flying site was fine...first time I've ever been there. Those hangers are closing in...I think you need to use it NOW...it won't be available that much longer.

On the other hand, I think we oughta be flying in all the parks that are suitable. They're PARKS...we're citizens! PO'd and not gonna take it anymo'...  Steve

[Peter Ferguson]

I was a little late in getting Strega #4 ready this morning. I had it together about noon and I figured you guys were about done. How would you like to try a rerun tomorrow (Sunday ) AM. I'm good to go. I'll beat on Randy.
I'm not sure I've seen you fly Steve I wish I was there today.

[Peter Ferguson]

Shultzie, you were probably trying to fly in the wrong spot. There is a painted circle on the SW corner of the lot where we are flying next to the end of the Taxiway. Last time I saw you there we were flying further north closer to the T hangers.
It is my understanding they will not build anymore T hangers but will build a larger Maintenance Hanger which will eat up most of the available space, but it will take longer to permit and build . So we are probably good for next year.
But you don't have much of an excuse for not being there. How long can it take to replace a couple of wheels on that Chipmunk.

[Randy Powell]

I plan to be there bright and early tomorrow. Maybe 9am or so.

Hey, I had duties and obligations today.

[Shultzie]

Shultzie, you were probably trying to fly in the wrong spot. There is a painted circle on the SW corner of the lot where we are flying next to the end of the Taxiway. Last time I saw you there we were flying further north closer to the T hangers.
It is my understanding they will not build anymore T hangers but will build a larger Maintenance Hanger which will eat up most of the available space, but it will take longer to permit and build . So we are probably good for next year.
But you don't have much of an excuse for not being there. How long can it take to replace a couple of wheels on that Chipmunk.

Thanks for the update on the Narrows...
Uhhh, Looks reeeeeeeeeeeaaally windy this morn...
(I "retreaded the wheels on the old Chip with O rings from Ace.)
Gotta check out the flying site later this afternoon....I have to drop off some tools for my son to finish a floor project on their new condo in Kent.

Flying in Parks...WHY NOT!

I have been looking at that nice grass area, right  next to the Gig Harbor Police Station and City Headquarters fancy building...right out front where I fly my kites.
However!!!!!!
Perhaps I should contact the Gateway News paper to be there...for a photo story as the local Sheriff hauls me and my old Chip off to jail...for disturbing the peace with my ol' ST-46!
Hummm?
I fly my kite at that nice field almost every week,on my way to Freddy Myers or the P.Office!
Really nice short grass and super-dupa' flat field.
Hey Walker!!! Looks like I should consider Electrics...

[Steve Helmick]

I was a little late in getting Strega #4 ready this morning. I had it together about noon and I figured you guys were about done. How would you like to try a rerun tomorrow (Sunday ) AM. I'm good to go. I'll beat on Randy.
I'm not sure I've seen you fly Steve I wish I was there today.

Pete...is that #4 Stregasaurus the one you got from me? I've lost count...sorry! Hmmmm. I don't think you have seen me fly either. Not that you've missed much. I'm going to be working on doing those Vertical Square 8's again, like 40 years ago.  Steve

[Randy Powell]

WE missed you Steve. It was pretty windy and with high winds, the usual turbulence at the sight. But it was fun and I got some practice in less than ideal conditions. No splatage, so it's all good.

[Steve Helmick]

Sorry you couldn't make it on Saturday, Randy. Wake turbulence was a small problem, and the overcast got a little misty for awhile, but nothing serious. I can see where the wind direction can make things really nasty, tho.  I had to ask Mike what direction was North (it's frequently a surprise in Western WA!). That gulch/bowl below the circle to the South needs to be filled!  Water, maybe?  Kinda sorry I couldn't make a return today, but had a bad night with little sleep, so decided to cool it.  Steve