Suggestions for Bensen Days 2007 [Archive]

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 09:23 AM

Starting This Saturday the B.O.D. and several members are meeting for the planning of Bensen days 2007. Now is the time to make your suggestions and concerns known. One of my goals is to make Bensen days more family oriented.

So far we have a bounce house and a small waterslide for the smaller kids. I would like to see some activities for the wife’s, any suggestions? At night quality time around the fire and so on.. Perhaps at night out on the town.. Safety seminar anyone ? Ok you all,. Help me out here!!!

Heron

01-12-2007, 09:30 AM

A stove, wash and drier machines! :D
Just kidding!
What about a large canopy so small tents can be set under?
I would like to participate and take notes on a lecture or explanation on rotor performance and strenght. This is always the first question when someone sees it for the first time.
thanks
Heron

Screw

01-12-2007, 09:56 AM

Screw-In

Please entertain my wife and kids.

1. Have a Baby Sitter (or 30) on staff so wives can fly, or all can play cards at night or something.

2. Arrange some way of transporting wives and kids away from the fly-in to go shopping, eating, or whatever women and kids like to do.

3. List of Town Entertainment available for wives and kids.

Screw-Out

gyroplanes

01-12-2007, 10:04 AM

How about a rememberence of Dr. Bensen? It is his show. Pictures, stories, rememberances?

Joe Pires

01-12-2007, 10:11 AM

Do you think there would be a decent level of interest in a day trip to Disney for family? Its less than a two hour drive. A bus rental would not be all that bad if we had at least 25 to 40 takers...think that would fly?

Doug Riley

01-12-2007, 11:27 AM

I thought the banquet-in-the-hangar last year was nice in theory, but way over-crowded and a little chaotic. It would be a mess if it happened to rain -- the hangar spaces aren't big enough to get everyone under cover.

The food was fine, but I'd vote to gather in a building or a large on-site tent with sides.

The outing to Solomon's is always a treat.

StanFoster

01-12-2007, 11:38 AM

Scott-How about a spot landing contest? A thrust test? These are simple and safe, and are good entertainment for everyone. A balloon pop is also fun. STAN

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 12:06 PM

Insurance will not allow us to do a balloon pop, However they do a permit spot landings and I would like to see that as well. Thrust test no need to do , I already know I will win LOL,,:lol: just kidding.. we are working on baby sitting remember GUYS we need volunteers, anybody with teenagers? They make great babysitters. Maybe a day at Bush Gardens for the ladies. Or Disney,(thanks Jo) Lets here from you , if enough people want It I’ll make it happen… :director:

MikeBoyette

01-12-2007, 12:57 PM

Scott,
I have one change the spelling in this thread. Dr Bensen's name is spelled with an E not an O. As for volunteering. I will. Just let me know what ya need. Except the babysitting got three of my own.

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 01:14 PM

If I Knew how to Edit the thread I would. :der: If you can please do.. & dont worry we are going to find plenty for you to do. thank's

SL

Glenn D

01-12-2007, 01:38 PM

Hi Scott,

Steve had suggested to a class of newbie's, me included, was to have all gyros lined up, place a small notepad and pencil in the seat, then have another pilot do an inspection of the that gyro. Any problems written down, then address that problem with everyone present, repair it if possible, If not that gyro is grounded for that event, Safety first!!

This Great idea will save lives period,

Glenn

StanFoster

01-12-2007, 01:40 PM

Scott: Thats great on the spot landing contest. I want to volunteer to help out with it. Also....last year I was wanting to sponsor a nice first place prize of a $50 McDonalds gift card. I feel its a fun event.

Stan

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 01:55 PM

Stan;
Great Idea, but no Big Mac

I want Outback!!!:yo: lol

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 02:11 PM

Stan;

Steve McGowan is probably most respected Gyro Pilot there is. It would be fantastic if we could talk him into doing the inspection. Understand, for liability reason Steve can only voice an opinion . With that said, if Steve gave me a suggestion, I would listen with both ears..

Timchick

01-12-2007, 03:11 PM

Scott,
I can bring a video projector, DVD player and a 100" screen if we can get a hanger to set it up in for evening movies.

Screw

01-12-2007, 03:24 PM

Screw-In

Thrust test no need to do , I already know I will win LOL

Wanna put a small wager on it? All I have is a little 618.:yo:

Screw-Out

GyroRon

01-12-2007, 03:42 PM

Scott, the trip to Solmons castle has to be arranged in advance of Bensen Days, and if no one arranges it they will not be able to have us show up there and feed us and so on. Not sure who to contact, but contact needs to be made if there is to be a thursday nite trip to the castle as always.

Also, my wife and Son would love a day trip to Disney or Seaworld if others want to go as well. She won't have transportation, so she would need a ride there.

Handing out awards for gyroplanes and perhaps a man and machine type of thing is also nice...

Have a designated time and place for daily cross country flights.... Such as morning flights to Sebring for breakfast. This way everyone knows that at 9am a group of gyros will leave for breakfast, and if anyone wants to go they know to be in their gyro ready to take off at 9am.

GyroRon

01-12-2007, 03:43 PM

Screw-In

Wanna put a small wager on it? All I have is a little 618.:yo:

Screw-Out

funny thing is, I bet you would pull harder Screw.... You got one powerful little 2 stroker on that machine of yours!

If someone reminds me I can bring my thrust scale with me.

GyroRon

01-12-2007, 03:44 PM

Scott,
I can bring a video projector, DVD player and a 100" screen if we can get a hanger to set it up in for evening movies.

I will make sure to bring a copy of Jackass II, the guys in tent city will love it!

GyroRon

01-12-2007, 03:49 PM

Set up the parking/camping area with numbered sites and make it where we can reserve spaces now. I already put in first dibs on the end space nearest the runway on either row 1 or row 2.... And I think Gyromike and Greg Spicola and several others of us are wanting the adjacent spaces near me. Tent City 2007 is on like Donkey Kong!!!! ;)

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 04:31 PM

John,

Absolutely... Loser buys the beverage!!

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 04:34 PM

Ron ,

Don't forget your scale:flame:

Exterminator

01-12-2007, 04:43 PM

Ron;

We are in the process of putting together a chart so reserved parking and camping with advance payment will be available . More info on Sites and cost this Saturday night after our meeting…

gyromike

01-12-2007, 04:46 PM

Hey Mike Boyette!

I fixed the title of the thread.
You can take the knot out of your shorts now. :D

RockyMeLad

01-12-2007, 05:58 PM

Ron ,

Don't forget your scale:flame:

It's ok, guys...
I'm bringing one that works. :boink: :D

Timchick

01-12-2007, 06:12 PM

Compare scales and see which one cooks the numbers.

Mark Sanders

01-12-2007, 08:57 PM

As For The Wife's Some Meaning My Wife Like's Site Seeing And Would Probably Like To Go To Town Have Lunch And A Starbucks And Look Around Some I Don't Think Shes Into Inspections But Sounds Good To Me All Way's Preflight Throughly If Someone Sees Something That Saves My Life Or Someone Els Im All For It...

MikeBoyette

01-13-2007, 04:45 AM

Mike G,
I was just giving Scott a hard time. I have know Scott since I was about 5 years old. He likes giving me crap so when I have the chance I give him some back.

gyromike

01-13-2007, 04:59 AM

Mike G,
I was just giving Scott a hard time.

I know.

But I couldn't pass up the opportunity! :D

BUD ONEAL

01-13-2007, 05:02 AM

Ron,
Would it be ok if this old F--- sets up a tent in the "Tent City" with all of you young guys? I promise not to snore to loud and will go to bed early!

Mark Sanders

01-13-2007, 05:09 AM

venders will their be any like aircraft spruce or the like? what about hats & tshirts sold for souvinearsss?

Exterminator

01-13-2007, 05:15 AM

were working on it. we will keep you advised..:angel:

StanFoster

01-13-2007, 05:38 AM

Scott: I am really looking forward to Bensen days. You guys are hitting the ground running by planning this early. The spot landing contest will just add to my runways side entertainment. One of my favorite experiences down there is just walking along side the runway, soaking up the sun...and watching everyone fly by having a ball. Some like Ron even try to part my hair...... Dont stick your hands up like this guy....:peace: cause ol Ron will take that as an invitation to fly between your hands.:D

Anyway...if you guys do as good as Catfish and MJ...it will be another great fly-in. Cant freakin wait to get down there. I already decided to fly down on Tuesday instead of Wed. I checked with my boss....me...and he is letting me out of the stairshop another day.:party:

Stan

groundhog

01-13-2007, 05:40 AM

John mentioned a list of things to do in town,If you have the help available create a coupon book.This might get the town merchants excited about the upcoming event and help make it very clear the positive impact a fly in has.
Some people had no idea why a certain weekend was so busy in town till the fly in moved to a different airport last year!

StanFoster

01-13-2007, 05:46 AM

I like the idea of some nice t-shirts printed up.

I have a special source for my stairshop and gyro t-shirts. They are EXTRA heavy weight 100% cotton...and I wear mine constantly.

If someone can come up with a cool logo...I could have a bunch made up at cost.

I dont want this offer to interfere with anyone else here who may be already planning the same. I just want to have a commemorative t-shirt from this great event.

Stan

scottessex

01-13-2007, 06:15 AM

Phil Ruffin usually does the t shirts, we have to keep our own gyro guys flying.:usa:

But hey if you have a cool design I am sure Phil would be interested. (sorry Phil not trying to set anything up for ya).:lol:

StanFoster

01-13-2007, 06:29 AM

Scott: Hey..I was trying to remember who did the shirts...Phil does an excellent job. I was just offering in case there wasnt any being planned.

Stan

G.O.L.F.

01-13-2007, 06:30 AM

Will it be possible to get a shirt if unable to attend?

scottessex

01-13-2007, 06:53 AM

Timchick

01-13-2007, 09:01 AM

Is Cypress Gardens still open in Winter Haven? That would make a great day trip for some of the wives.

MikeBoyette

01-13-2007, 10:26 AM

Tim,
Yes it is open and it is has been dramatically improved. Many rides and attractions. Including roller coasters and water flumes. It is also much cheaper than the big theme parks. It is also less than an hour from Wachula.

Phil_Ruffin

01-13-2007, 10:48 AM

C'mon Phil wake up, ya got business to conduct!:eek:

Tom, I think that Phil has taken orders in the past and shipped shirts to those who wanted a shirt but could not attend. I'll let Him give the details.

I'm awake now! I have been talking with Scott about shirts already and now working on a design he suggested. I'll need a few more days to get something down and approved. Should have something to show by Friday if not sooner.

I am also now in the Embroidery business. So Hats will be available.

As for people not going to BD's I'm sure we can get you a shirt. I will work it out with Scott as to how he wants to handle it.

scottessex

01-13-2007, 11:10 AM

You are the MAN Phil!

StanFoster

01-13-2007, 12:00 PM

Phil: Sounds good......I wear the devil out of gyro shirts.:D

Stan

GyroRon

01-13-2007, 05:45 PM

Ron,
Would it be ok if this old F--- sets up a tent in the "Tent City" with all of you young guys? I promise not to snore to loud and will go to bed early!

Bud, at Bensen Days 2005, we - as in the Tent City camping club - had somehow gotten lucky to get the 4 last spots closest to the runway on the 2nd row. As you know, the spots are really 2 per slot, one on the front and one on the back... so we had the last 4 of these spaces, and since all of us were camping in tents we put up those cheap 10 foot by 20 foot portable carports and everyone put their tents up either under the carports or alongside them.

From what I can remember we had Gyromike and Mike Morgan, Doug Riley, Bob Simmons, Rocky, Rudy, Greg Spicola, Mike Boyette, Tim Chick, Todd Powell and who knows how many others. We had a blast that year!!!

This year I imagine all those same people will be back again, plus I think Scott Essex and Phil Ruffin and John Stevens will be joining us. As long as Scott Lewis will allow us to prepay and reserve those last 4 or maybe even 6 spots - we can probably fit into 4 spots as most of us won't need power - then I say bring the tent and come join us!!!

Joe Pires

01-13-2007, 05:48 PM

Will it be possible to get a shirt if unable to attend?

You sure can. Once the prices have been established one of us will post a link here showing you how to get one.

Exterminator

01-13-2007, 06:14 PM

Phil and I have been in touch and he's working up some things for us. We wiil when available post what we have so whoever interested can place an order in advance.. :yo:

StanFoster

01-13-2007, 07:31 PM

I was wondering if there is any kind of memorial in remembrance of our loss of Terry Eiland and Bill Finnegan last year being considered ? I would like to help out or contribute to something.

Stan

Exterminator

01-14-2007, 02:02 AM

It has not been discused but needs to be... Stan, I will get back to you on that. Thank you,

Sl

Exterminator

01-14-2007, 02:12 AM

:first: Tom , we hope to make this the Biggest and best Bensen Day yet, it would be a shame for you to miss it..

Exterminator

01-14-2007, 02:17 AM

Last I heard cypress Gardens closed Shame too..:violin: :rip:

Heron

01-14-2007, 02:51 AM

A flower drop at the site would be nice!
Heron

dragonflyerthom

01-14-2007, 03:43 AM

A totally safe Bensen Days would be better. Maybe a plaque there at BD in memory of both pilots.

Exterminator

01-14-2007, 04:03 AM

I need to run it by the Board, but I would like Bensen Days 2007 Dedicated in memory of Terry Eiland and Bill Finnegan .

Input requested....

SL

StanFoster

01-14-2007, 04:34 AM

Scott: If a plaque is to be made.....can I have the honor having it made and bringing one down with me? Bill and Terry were close friends of mine. Bill was my roommate at the motel in Wauchula. I have Terrys last endorsement he made in my logbook for my flight review I had with him. To anyone that didnt know those two...they were very special people. Anyone that did know them does not need to be told this...they already know.

Stan

Joe Pires

01-14-2007, 04:41 AM

Cypress Gardens is alive and kicking.

http://cypressgardens.com/welcome.asp

Exterminator

01-14-2007, 05:04 AM

Thanks Jo,

Good to know...

Timchick

01-14-2007, 05:12 AM

Maybe someone could make up a list of area attractions (Cypress Gardens, Disney, The air museum North of Lakeland, etc.) and post links to them from Sun States' web site so those coming from out of town can check them out before they arrive.

GyroRon

01-14-2007, 04:23 PM

Another suggestion.....

ABSOLUTELY no running of engines from the taxiway inwards.

In other words, no driving gyros in and out of the camping area..... No driving gyros to and from the hangars..... and no driving gyros even onto the pavement ramp area.

There is too many kids and people not paying attention, walking all over the place, even on the ramp area, and turning props can be big trouble if someone walks into one.

My opinion is...

1. to leave the row where Ernie Boyette normally sets up his tent and trailer open to the Gyro CFIs. And since they are busy giving rides all day long, make it where they can pull into the grass between the taxiway and the ramp - where the helicopters usually land - and they can have the passengers get in and out and so on and not worry about engines running etc. Put all the vendors on the row closest to the hangars.... By Vendors I mean, Ernie... Sparrowhawk.... Aircommand... and whoever else shows up. They aren't in and out all day with gyros so they will be better served over there.

2. Anyone who wants to park their gyro on the ramp, they are to push it out to the taxiway before starting engine.

3. any where past the orange ribbon would be okay for engines running, and people could choose to park in these areas if they want to taxi in and out under power. The area I am talking about is the grass area west of the main tent and campers towards the runway.

Exterminator

01-14-2007, 05:30 PM

Ron ,,

You need to pay close attention to this….. SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY

Ron this is going to be a first class fly in. Now, don’t get me wrong, were are not going to make a bunch of rules, but safety is first and if people have a problem with that please stay at home.. Sunstate is sponsoring this event and for our insurance to be affective the pilots must be legal and there aircraft Airworthy. Our objective is for everyone to have a great time and return home safe. As for the fatality I’m surprise you brought that up. Terry was a GREAT PILOT and was killed due to a catastrophic failure. It had nothing to due with SAFTY. Matter of fact I know ifTerry Eiland was here today he would agree..
Also if somebody needs to brought to currant status Steve McGowan is available.

Also I don’t believe, I could be wrong if Gyros are under light sport a medical is not needed. I’m not that currant on the FAR yet… also if it’s an ultra light a License is not required. If your flying a single place all you need is a logbook solo endorsement.. Ron all I’m saying to fly at Bensen days you must be legal… If anyone has any question in this matter please ask. We will do everything in our power make sure you can fly and be safe… That’s All…

SL

Steve McGowan

01-14-2007, 05:39 PM

Thats the best safety idea I've heard so far...

Yall mark my spot too,, I'll be there the week before.. Take care of the Turkey Hunters and Buzzards..

I 'm gonna bring my uncle's Bluticks and Walkers,,

Gonna have one hell of a Coon Hunt.....:suspicious:

You do have good intentions Ron,, But sometimes you can put your
FOOTS KNEE DEEP in your OWN Mouth....

....so PLEASE think about whom you are dis-respecting ...

Two things will always stand out,,,, Gravity and STUPIDITY

"I" have a full season ticket to both games.

gyromike

01-14-2007, 06:10 PM

Ron,
Would it be ok if this old F--- sets up a tent in the "Tent City" with all of you young guys? I promise not to snore to loud and will go to bed early!

Bud,

We can probably squeeze you in!

BUD ONEAL

01-14-2007, 07:05 PM

Thanks Mike and Ron,
I'll have my wife and kid with me so I may have to pitch the tent on the outskirts of your bunch.Just to keep the pressure off of all of us!
Bud

RockyMeLad

01-14-2007, 07:20 PM

Ron,
Would it be ok if this old F--- sets up a tent in the "Tent City" with all of you young guys? I promise not to snore to loud and will go to bed early!

Why, thank you Bud...
It's nice to be one of the "young guys" for a change.
Besides, if we let Ron in...
it's hard to turn anyone away. :D :flame: :D
And they tell me that my snoring will wake the dead, so be warned. :p :p

Heron

01-15-2007, 05:02 AM

C´mon you guys . . .stop picking on Ronnie! :)
Heron

Steve McGowan

01-15-2007, 05:17 AM

"you Do All The Sign-offs"

Doug Riley

01-15-2007, 05:27 AM

The "missing man" flight in memory of Charlie Presnell was very moving. That, combined with a flower drop at the crash site, would be a fine memorial to Terry and Bill.

Ernie_B

01-15-2007, 05:47 AM

After reading the above, it looks like to me we ARE saying the same thing with different words! Bensen Days will be modeled after Mentone. this to mean we will use the PASS card method, the one where you sign a statement that you are in complaince with the rules. then YOU are the person that is responsible for you actions.
ANY person that signs this and has a PASS card or get a Vouch from a know person WILL fly! Any gyro that is found to be UN-AIRWORTHY, will be ASKED not to fly and will recorded as NOT in compliance with our rules and NOT a participant! WE can not stop anyone from fly at a public airport, BUT because of our insurance rules WE can declare them a NON Participant!
All this means is that with SAFETY FIRST all are welcome to come and fly with the FEW restriction we MUST have!
Anyone not willing to comply with this will be SAT ON by Michael Boyette