Fly up Sunday.....on Saturday

Our church has what is called fly-up Sunday in August when the kids all move up a grade in Sunday School.  For the past few years, I have done a real fly-up day for the middle school and high school kids.  My friend Ron joins in the fun and we usually spend 3 hours or so hopping rides.  Typically the kids try to get an extra ride.....I assume to compare the ride qualities of a Cessna 172 versus a Stinson.

We had about 30 kids plus some adult supervision at the compound late this afternoon and evening.  Besides providing airplane rides, we also stuffed them with hot dogs, chips, cookies and brownies (scratch baked by Debbie).  Everyone had a great time and the weather could not have been better.....mid 70's and light winds!  I made 7 hops and flew about 3 hours.  Ron flew 5 hops and 2 hours, cut short by a low tire.  Here are some shots of the fun:

Poised and ready for flight

Flying fun for all ages

Our neighborhood.  

You can see how great the visibility was.

That "I'm flying a Stinson" grin!

Last flight at sunset

Ron and the Cessna 172 from his flying club

Annual Halstead Fly-In

Today was the annual fly-in for the local antique / classic airplane group.  We serve up pancakes and have a good time until it gets too warm, then we go home.  I usually help with the pancakes, so I had to get there early.  Wheels were off the ground at 6:30 AM.  We had over 50 airplanes, so one of our better years.

I changed the oil in the Stinson this afternoon.  Hard to believe I have 25 hours on it since the annual inspection.  I broke a cowling fastener receptacle this afternoon, too.  Finally fatigued after 69 years. I have ordered a new one from Univair, plus a backup.  So, looks like I will be on the ground a few days.

There are more photos of the fly-in on the MAAG blog I maintain.  Check out this link:

Halstead Fly-In

Sunrise as I head northwest.  

It was about a 20 minute flight.

On final to runway 36

Second airplane to arrive

View from end of the taxiway.

Lots of airplanes!

Out cruising around

It has been a few days without flying.  Weather was part of the reason.  Work also seems to take at least 40 hours from each week ( but it pays for fuel).  The clouds scattered and lifted late this afternoon, so I fired up the Stinson and got some altitude.  I ended up climbing above the scattered layer for a nice smooth flight.  I didn't go anywhere; just cruised around the local area.