SOAPA 2009 Branson

[John Hoffman]

Herb - thanks to you and the crew for the meeting work. We had a great time and Branson was a nice suprise, the waterfront there is a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next meeting.

[hharney]

We started out with a genuine southern convective monster. At about 8:30 Friday morning I checked the radar on-line and there was a major cell bearing down on us. The airport had said that if there was any bad weather we could possibly go into a hanger with the Skymasters. I talked to Ed and John and we decided to high tail it out to PLK to check the planes. Once there the storm looked really close so the line crew said that it would be too risky to try to move the planes or open the doors on the hangers. Ed, John and I secured the ramp the best we could checking not only our birds but the aircraft around us too. Just about the time we decided we could do no more all HE_ _ broke loose. We just barley made it into the FBO before it got so dark we could not even see the airplanes that were right next to the windows. Sirens were squealing, the TV was telling everyone to take cover and the people in the FBO were screaming to get everyone to the center of the room and away from the windows. That is when I got worried and started praying. Just 1 1/2 miles to the north a tornado was spotted and things were just getting worse. Well after about 20 minutes things started to lighten up and we could start to see the planes on the ramp and all was OK. The wind only peaked 40 MPH at the airport yet where the tornado was spotted they had gusts to 85 MPH. We checked the planes and headed back to the hotel for the meeting.

Later that day we all had lunch together at a great place. The College of the Ozarks has a work program that allows students to pay for their education. Well part of the curriculum is hotel / restaurant management. They have the most beautiful building, lodge, restaurant on the campus by the airport that serves a fantastic fare of goodies. We really had a nice gathering. Then it was off to the airport to see the machines. Not only Skymasters but a collection, private, of the most unique aircraft I have ever seen. It was a great day.

[hharney]

In this photo:

Jim and Peggy Hoffman (Indiana), Ed and Shirley Kalis (Michigan), Jack and Maria Wybenga (Texas), kneeling Paul Rooy, Mary Lightfine, Herb Harney, in the back our speakers Capt. Denis Murphy and Craig Griswold.

[hharney]

How about the original Grumman Wigeon that was used in the TV show Fantasy Island? A Ryan PT-22, Waco cabin'd, and the only Breezee on floats in these here states.

[hharney]

All in all it was a great show, in fact many of us went to shows. Branson is famous for them so that was the little extra treat for picking this spot. On Saturday there was a big airshow and Thursday night on the water with a big paddle boat. The landings area was really a treat too. Shops, food, drink and a fountain show from the same guy that did the Las Vegas strip fountains.

Next year is coming before you know it so don't wait to make plans too late, stay tuned for information coming up on this message board about SOAPA 2010.

[Skymaster337B]

Any hints on next year's location?

[hharney]

Stay tuned