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The “Patrol” got off on a good
start Friday as Dale Locander and J.D. Concoby arrived from
Arkansas. With several locals, me, Mike Bealmear, Art and Rhonda
Shelton and others, we
established our WWI encampment. We pitched tents, flew all
afternoon and stayed up late telling lies. It was a good time. There is no
truth to the rumor that I was running a G23 without muffler, all night in
my tent. (That was Mike wasn't it?)
Saturday
dawned rather foggy, so the hopes of actual dawn flights had to be
scrubbed. But the weather turned out to be great, plenty of sunshine with
just a slight crosswind.
There were 20 pilots with 25 WWI
airplanes. The idea was relaxed flying and most of the day, and the sky
was filled with airplanes flying sorties, scouting missions and formation
flying. Everyone got plenty of air time. Most of the time there were 4-5
planes in the air. I can report no major mishaps. Every one went home with
what they brought.
We
had generous support from the modeling industry and were able to raffle
off some good merchandise. Overall, it was a successful first time effort.
We look forward to the 2005 edition being bigger and better, with probably
a venue change. It will be announced.
Steve Percifield
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