Flying 9.6.08

Rob Kells Memorial...

To begin the day, we attended the church service for Rob Kells. It was good to see some surprise guests like Jack Simmons.

The scene when we showed up to Andy Jackson Airpark.

After the service, we enjoyed lunch with Davis and Belinda, Jack and zippy. It was cool to have 4 members of the likely 5 person US team for the 09 worlds at the same table. It was also nice to have a "French reunion." I think it's interesting that a motly group of people meet a few times a year in out of the way places and share time. It's gotten to the point where I don't worry about saying goodbye to Davis and Belinda, I'll just see them somewhere every few months.

Steve Pearson launching for the "missing man" formation.

When we arrived at the Airpark the scene was festive. We enjoyed seeing friends and meeting new people before having dinner. Soon it was time to head up the hill for a fly.

Mike Meier launching for the "missing man" formation.

Shapiro was going to join the WW boys and Ken Howell for the missing man formation in Rob's honor. They were the first group off in the evening. They launched in close interval and began forming up as they headed toward the hazy horizon.

Jeff Shapiro launching for the "missing man" formation.

There were a few aerobatic legends setting up for a loop line consisting of five pilots. Zippy, Jack, and I wanted to have a fly first so we could watch the show from the LZ.

Three of the four gliders in the missing man formation.

Jack headed off to the east, and Zippy and I just headed out toward the LZ playing. I had my camera out and was taking photos and video as Zippy flew back and forth a couple of feet over my glider.

After a few passes, Zippy had the idea to drag his hand on my glider. He tried a couple of passes, and just didn't quite get close enough. He finished off by passing underneath me my belly a couple of feet from his nosecone. I still had the camera in my hand and flew through a mild wake when he pushed out in front.

The entire flight with Zippy was rewarding. I motioned to him and we pirouetted together before doing steep wingovers stacked one on top of another. As I dove to the west, Zippy climbed vertically to the east and we passed face to face a couple hundred feet apart.

The scene we flew into.

As zippy flared, I dove through the LZ and turned around to land myself. Put a wingtip through a few leaves in a bush near the LZ, and had a nice landing. The vibe was just great. The flight was fulfilling and relaxed. I thought of Rob and enjoyed the opportunity to fly.

The evening ended with five pilots doing loops next to each other with smoke bombs. It was inspirational watching the expression session.

Mitch McAleer averted tragedy earier in the day when his parachute saved him from a low botched loop.

We stayed to drink and celebrate with friends and laugh.

Airtime:20. Flights: 1.