Please save the dates of September 5 (Wednesday) to September 8 (Saturday) for the 2012 SOAPA event. This year we will be basing at Groton Airport in Connecticut
http://www.grotonnewlondonairport.com/. Rooms have been reserved at a bed and breakfast on the harbor in nearby Mystic
http://www.innatmystic.com/ where we will also have our business meeting.
Arrival will be on Wednesday with activities on Thursday and Friday, with Saturday available for other activities depending on weather and desire.
The main attraction will be a flight down the Hudson River in New York City and around the Statue of Liberty. Paul Rooy will also be making a presentation on his most recent flight around South America. We are identifying other activities too that will be available as desired:
- The Red Tails will be at Groton on that weekend
http://www.redtail.org/. At least one P51 will be flying and they will have static displays honoring the all-black flying squadron highly decorated during WWII which were depicted in a recent major motion picture. They will be selling rides on the P51.
- The Nautilus submarine and museum is open at the Groton Naval Submarine Base.
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/newlondon/index.htm
- Mystic, CT is quintessential old New England and was a hub of whaling activity in the 1800s. There are museums, shops, and sailing vessels to visit. Check out other activities at
www.mystic.org.
- Sanford, Maine (KSFM) will be hosting the Maine model jet rally and Horizon Hobby Air Meet on 9/6-9/9.
www.mainejetrally.org
- Survival Systems, Inc. is across the street from Groton Airport and provides military and civilian ditching training in the classroom and simulator. Hugh Teel (manager) has offered to do an introductory 1-1.5 hour class on fundamentals for our group.
www.survivalsystemsinc.com
Well, that's our start on this year's fun. More details will follow as things shape up.