The aerobatics presentation and practice at Greenwood Lake on April 18 went without a hitch. We had a big turnout of about fifty GA pilots to see Stephen Seidel talk about competition aerobatics. Stephen showed video clips of the Kathy Jaffe, and Rob Marsicano's Intermediate sequence that had every pilot psyched. He talked about the structure and safety of our sport and the positive impact our contests have for the communities that host them.
Scott Jordan showed-up early with his RV-8 to get Sportsman critique. He went home right after the chapter meeting to catch some z's before piloting an overnight flight to Paris.
John Fellenzer ran a debrief on who is signed-up for what for the Kathy Jaffe Challenge. John is assistant CD for the challenge this year. We had a discussion about practice safety and contest safety.
New member Marc Bornbusch showed up with his Extra 300 and politely listened to our table discussion before having a chance to get critique from Stephen, Sergei, Miriam, and Doug. Marc will show for his first contest this year.
Eddie Ruhl brought his Eagle and got two practice flights. He's going to be a contender this year in Intermediate.
FAA Inspector Harry Bishop from Teterboro FSDO was on hand to provide cautionary words during the safety seminar about runway incursions, operation at non-towered airports, and the temptation to go below minimums on GPS approaches. Inspector Bishop has been very helpful to IAC 52 and Chapter 52 members obtaining waivers and certificates. We appreciate his support and guidance.
Chris Getz and Ray Frank showed-up in Chris' Model 12 Pitts sometime during the safety presentation. Ray has taken a break from competition, but keeps his hand in aerobatic flying with the Model 12. Ray had an opportunity to fly in the practice area for us and demonstrated that he still has the touch. Stephen called him our Chapter 52 sleeper cell.
A number of the the safety seminar attendees stuck around afterward to see Eddie's Eagle, Marc's Extra, and Chris' Model 12 up close and then flying in the practice area.
We were fortunate to run-into Harley Carnes, a long time member, supporter, and former competitor with IAC 52. Harley is doing tail-wheel training at Greenwood Lake in a yellow Piper Cub.
Thanks to Tim Wagner and his crew, and Heidi in the restaurant for hosting us at Greenwood Lake. The airport is a GA stronghold with many resident airplanes in hangars or tied-down, transient traffic for the excellent restaurant, full service fuel, and flight training.
See an album with more photographs from the day.