barnstorm2
07-25-2005, 11:47 AM
Mentone was great!
Here is my short personal review of my time at Mentone 05.
I had hoped to fly to Mentone but it was not in the cards for me…. only 2 hours (or less) on the new engine and a minor oil leak and bad weather.
So, I trailered my 2-place to Mentone. The trip up was hot, dry and except for the truck stalling once on the highway mostly uneventful.
I arrived about 10:30am Friday, registered and parked in the spot AirCommand had bought for new kit builders to use. Unfortunately, the other two kit builders did not bring their machines so I was the only one there to show off the new AC’s.
With much needed help from John Henry I got her off the trailer, blades on and pre-flighted. Much thanks to John.
After the pilot briefing, John and I got the gyro to the flight line. I flew for about an hour on Friday.
Friday night I got to meet Greg Mitchell and the Aussie ambassadors! :eek: What a great group! Word of advise: take it easy if an aussie ever offers you a glass of ‘Bear’ :cool: (it’s some kind of kick-ass sugar cane rum). We had some great conversations and with us were some noted clebs such as the Carter copter / GButterfly pilot Brad King and no less then HERON of forum fame!
Turns out that Heron is actually a really good guy ;) and a spirited dedicated man. I feel much enriched having met and been involved with him.
Saturday, I helped with the judging ( more to that then I thought ) and flew some more. I took up my 1st and only passenger at Mentone Parke Hoover. We took about a 30 or 40 minute flight around Mentone and he flew for awhile and did great.
I met lots and lots of people, too many to name but the best part was meeting forum members that I only knew from posts. Some of you met me during my pre-flights or untrailering so I must apologize for being so distracted! :o I also told people I would be giving lots of rides but that did not work out due to my concern over my new engine and the fact I did not arrive until Friday mid-day. I was also, supposed to give a ride to Tim Blackwell but I could not find him when I was ready to go..so I guess he was busy or got smart ;)
After the competitions were over (which were GREAT) people started getting ready for the banquet. I have all the times and winners and they will be published in the next issue of Rotorcraft.
As I was covering up my machine I noticed two dedicated soles on the flight line. I asked one if he liked the gyro that was flying and the sort of told me he did not know English. He directed me to his friend who did know English and they informed me they came all the way from Portugal for the convention! :eek: They were rather quiet and so I wondered if they had a ride over to the banquet. They told me they did not know about the banquet. I gave them my extra ticket and had them follow me over. Once at the banquet I introduced them to Rick, Bill and Rodney and they were chatting and having a good time all night. :) The guy who did not know English kinda looked on in wonder most of the time but he and I were able to make out some conversation. I think we were talking about pictures and motorcycles… :confused:
The guest speaker was Marion Springer and she gave what must be the most motivational presentation I have ever heard.
Sunday I planned to get up at 5am, pack up and be on the road by 6am. What happened was that I got to the airport by 7:30am :o packed up (with help) and BS’ed with the remaining die-hards and left about 11am.
It was depressing to leave and drive back home. I wish I could have been at Mentone all week but I know that I am truly grateful for the time I had, people I met, flying I did and what I have learned.
I have left out so many details, and perhaps I will get to them later. The interactions with the Aussies, PRA safety guy Kerry, Herron, Bill, Mark and all the other could fill many pages.
Pictures to follow later today or tomorrow…
Here is my short personal review of my time at Mentone 05.
I had hoped to fly to Mentone but it was not in the cards for me…. only 2 hours (or less) on the new engine and a minor oil leak and bad weather.
So, I trailered my 2-place to Mentone. The trip up was hot, dry and except for the truck stalling once on the highway mostly uneventful.
I arrived about 10:30am Friday, registered and parked in the spot AirCommand had bought for new kit builders to use. Unfortunately, the other two kit builders did not bring their machines so I was the only one there to show off the new AC’s.
With much needed help from John Henry I got her off the trailer, blades on and pre-flighted. Much thanks to John.
After the pilot briefing, John and I got the gyro to the flight line. I flew for about an hour on Friday.
Friday night I got to meet Greg Mitchell and the Aussie ambassadors! :eek: What a great group! Word of advise: take it easy if an aussie ever offers you a glass of ‘Bear’ :cool: (it’s some kind of kick-ass sugar cane rum). We had some great conversations and with us were some noted clebs such as the Carter copter / GButterfly pilot Brad King and no less then HERON of forum fame!
Turns out that Heron is actually a really good guy ;) and a spirited dedicated man. I feel much enriched having met and been involved with him.
Saturday, I helped with the judging ( more to that then I thought ) and flew some more. I took up my 1st and only passenger at Mentone Parke Hoover. We took about a 30 or 40 minute flight around Mentone and he flew for awhile and did great.
I met lots and lots of people, too many to name but the best part was meeting forum members that I only knew from posts. Some of you met me during my pre-flights or untrailering so I must apologize for being so distracted! :o I also told people I would be giving lots of rides but that did not work out due to my concern over my new engine and the fact I did not arrive until Friday mid-day. I was also, supposed to give a ride to Tim Blackwell but I could not find him when I was ready to go..so I guess he was busy or got smart ;)
After the competitions were over (which were GREAT) people started getting ready for the banquet. I have all the times and winners and they will be published in the next issue of Rotorcraft.
As I was covering up my machine I noticed two dedicated soles on the flight line. I asked one if he liked the gyro that was flying and the sort of told me he did not know English. He directed me to his friend who did know English and they informed me they came all the way from Portugal for the convention! :eek: They were rather quiet and so I wondered if they had a ride over to the banquet. They told me they did not know about the banquet. I gave them my extra ticket and had them follow me over. Once at the banquet I introduced them to Rick, Bill and Rodney and they were chatting and having a good time all night. :) The guy who did not know English kinda looked on in wonder most of the time but he and I were able to make out some conversation. I think we were talking about pictures and motorcycles… :confused:
The guest speaker was Marion Springer and she gave what must be the most motivational presentation I have ever heard.
Sunday I planned to get up at 5am, pack up and be on the road by 6am. What happened was that I got to the airport by 7:30am :o packed up (with help) and BS’ed with the remaining die-hards and left about 11am.
It was depressing to leave and drive back home. I wish I could have been at Mentone all week but I know that I am truly grateful for the time I had, people I met, flying I did and what I have learned.
I have left out so many details, and perhaps I will get to them later. The interactions with the Aussies, PRA safety guy Kerry, Herron, Bill, Mark and all the other could fill many pages.
Pictures to follow later today or tomorrow…