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Unread 05-08-09, 07:27 AM
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SOAPA Day Two

Today it was around 95 degrees and I finally got to say "wow it's a little hot out here". We started the day with a breakfast gathering here at the hotel.

The meetings started at 8 AM with introductions and Capt. Denis with his ditching an airplane and surviving a crash. It was a very good presentation and kept all the spectators asking questions. Denis had some interaction with the group by creating some contests of using some of the safety equipment. Ed and I competed to beat the clock in wearing life vests and smoke hoods.

We then filed down to the swimming pool and re-enacted a real "in the water ditching". Paul and Mary jumped in the pool and pulled the rip cord on the raft while Craig and I donned our life jackets in the water with our clothes on. It was the real thing. We baled water, pulled ourselves in and out of the raft, released air and pumped air back in. All in all this burned up the whole morning so it was time to have lunch.

Down the hill, lot's of up and downs here, to the Irish Pub for bangs and mash. After lunch we were entertained by Stan Smith of Aveo Tech. Stan had a dog and pony show with LED aircraft lights. Wow are these things cool and soon to be certified. Paul stepped up next to create some real good discussion on Single Pilot IFR. Good interaction with the group as he went through basics of IFR prep, depart, flight, arrival. Good stuff!

Next, Jeff Bennett with Pilots and Paws had a really interesting presentation about rescue efforts for animals. They have an internet based data base that pilots can volunteer to transport dogs and other pet animals to adoption centers. Jeff has flown 50 some animals since October last year. He even transported pythons and pot belly pig.

Craig and I talked about the 2JF Skymaster restoration project. We showed some photos and Craig went through the process that was done on the airplane. Lot's of interest here as most people are interested in upgrading their aircraft in some fashion.

After a full day of meetings we all headed back down the hill to the lake (3 block walk) and boarded the Lake Queen paddle boat for a two hour ride down the once White River which is now a lake. An absolute gorgeous boat, great service, snacks and drinks. The crew was great and we even played some games to win free drinks. On the way back up the lake we were treated with a show from the AeroShell Flight Team practicing for the airshow this weekend. After the boat ride we found a nice steak house near the $7 million dollar fountain and fire show. They had a live band playing in the courtyard creating a big celebration. The fountain and fire show is the same design and engineering as the Bilogio (sp) hotel in Las Vegas. Apparently the same guy did this fountain. While we had dinner we met the group at the table next to us and learned they had just arrived today in the B17 Yankee Lady from Michigan. They learned we were Skymaster group and there were pilots from Michigan and it was fun to talk to them.

More to come, out for now, Herb
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Herb R Harney
1968 337C

Flying the same Skymaster for 47 years
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