May 2013 - Flabob Airport

May 2013
FLABOB AIR MAIL
The Tom Wathen Center @ Historic Flabob Airport
FAPA Senior Dinner &
Awards Night
Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy held its
first “Senior Dinner” on Friday, May 24 to
celebrate the 2013 graduating class’s
achievements and accomplishments. Site
Director Shane Wickwire along with FAPA
instructors and administrators presented
numerous awards to the seniors. Notable
awards include:
Valedictorian: Kole Drake
Principal’s Award: Dorian Crutcher
GPA Excellence:
Brittany Cain
Dorian Crutcher
Kole Drake
Cody Luna
Nancy Morales
Jacob Palmer
Shyene Shartrand
2013 Graduating Seniors
Two special awards were presented to
students by the Tom Wathen Center’s
President and CEO Bill Sawin on behalf of
Tom and Carol Wathen. Brittany Cain and
Jacob Palmer (Pictured Above) were the
recipients of the Tom Wathen Aviation
Award for “demonstrating ongoing scholastic
excellence, a focus on community service, a
volunteer spirit, a passion for aviation, and a
desire to improve themselves and encourage
others.“ Brittany and Jacob each received an
engraved trophy with a globe, a certificate as
well as a check for $500. We are very proud
of this year’s recipients.
At the conclusion of the evening, every
Senior received the traditional aviator’s scarf
to commemorate their graduation from
FAPA. Congratulations Graduates!!
~ Beth LaRock
4130 Mennes Ave. #24 ~ Riverside, CA 92509
(951) 683-2309 Phone ~ (951) 684-2309 Fax
www.tomwathencenter.org
Flabob Air Academy
Bring the World of Aviation to life for students 12 through 17 years
of age by enrolling them in the “Flabob Air Academy”. Do you
have a Scout troop, Church Youth Group, or any Middle or High
School group with whom you wish to explore the joy of aviation?
We have the four-day, “Introduction To Aviation” or the two-day
“There’s a Place for You in Aviation” programs available for
groups of 18 to 20 students. Both programs include an additional
day for flight which is provided by EAA Chapter One volunteers.
The four-day program is $95 and the two-day is $50 per student.
Both programs include lunch.
We are now taking sign-ups for August 2013 through November
2014.
For more information contact [email protected] or call 951 683-2309 X 104
Flabob is a Great Field Trip Location!
We have “Come Visit Flabob” field trip opportunities available for
your group, be it Scouts, Photography, school or social club. The
Flabob experience includes a tour of Tom Wathen’s Hangar with
his accurate flying replicas of 1930’s racing aircraft. Our docents
enthusiastically share loads of fun facts and history of the aircraft.
Then, a short walk takes your group to our 1943 DC-3 named the
“Flabob Express”, an aircraft that has carried dignitaries
throughout the world. This part of the tour includes interesting
historical and aerodynamic aspects of our aircraft.
We have accomplished aviators who love to share the History of
Aviation and the History of Flabob in interactive presentations.
For younger groups, we can plan hands-on activities.
Aviation enthusiasts and historians alike will love what Flabob has
to offer. Please contact us for ideas in planning your next field
trip.
www.tomwathencenter.org
Low and Slow
Flyin 2013
Keeps a Low
(and Slow)
Profile at Flabob
May 17-19.
The clouds were low and moving slow on the
morning Friday, May 19, 2103 to properly kick of
the first annual Low and Slow Flyin at Historic
Flabob Airport in Jurupa Valley, California. The
Low and Slow Flyin was also the third annual
Southwest Aeronca Flyin, now expanded to
welcome all low and slow aircraft, their owners,
pilots, and other enthusiasts. By noon, the clouds
had cleared enough for the first three aircraft to
appear. By mid afternoon, our signs were up and
registration was open.
The gaggle
from Santa
Maria and a
mix of planes
from around
California had
appeared in
time for their
owners to dine on lasagna and salad courtesy of
chef Jim O’Brien. This year we made sure Ray
Stits turned off the sprinklers next to the old
EAA Chapter 1 Club House so no one would get
sprayed in the early morning hours. With tents
pitched and folding chairs unfurled, the Low and
Slowers enjoyed a quite evening of hangar flying
and tall tales.
Saturday morning, the clouds were low and slow
again, but by 11 they had started to burn off, so
the pilots signed up for the flour drop and spot
landing contest held their safety briefing and
waited for lunch. The burgers started coming off
the grill shortly after we found the barbecue tools
and everyone was munching away thanks to the
hard work of grill masters Paul Baker, Paul
Nelson and Ryan Hendricks. Once the chips
were gone and the second batch of 40 burgers was toast,
the competitors started a leisurely stroll to the flight line.
The competitors included:
Mark Lightsey
Joe Lesmeister
Brandon Griffel
Don Ewing
Jimmy O’Brien
Jacob Palmer
Stan Hall
Hatz biplane
Aeronca Chief
Alaska Super Cub
Aeronca Champ
Champion 7EC
Aeronca Super Chief
Interstate L-6
Since we do everything low and slow, only one
competitor took off at a time. The first couple of bags
fell pretty far from the target until Mark Lightsey from
Flabob came close with a shot within ten feet. The rest
of the competitors did not get any nearer until Army
helo pilot Brandon Griffel (below) of Daggett, CA
dropped his first bag next to the gleaming red plastic
garbage can target.
After two passes at the
flour drop target, our
competitors went
around for the spot
landing competition.
While the first several
were a little wide of the
judging line, Joe
Lesmeister from Santa Maria eventually prevailed in his
yellow and white Chief, touching down just 6 inches
past the goal line.
As the afternoon wore on, sunny and warm without
getting hot, the Low and Slowers walked the line
looking over each others’ airplanes and talking shop
with the visitors who dropped by Flabob and joined us
for an enjoyable day.
Raoul and Naomi started setting up the barbecue for our
Mexican Fiesta dinner while our awards team made
some Low and Slow decisions about who to give our
random collection of bowling and baseball trophies.
Luckily, Jim O’Brien had a new label maker so we were
able to repurpose them as needed. Once everyone had
their fill of enchiladas, carne asada, beans, and rice, we
got down to the serious business of giving out the
trophies.
For his outstanding performance in the Spot Landing
(continued)
contest, Joe Lesmeister (Below) received the Spot
On Trophy.
The Best Interior trophy went to Kevin Brown (Below)
for his Interstate in Navy colors.
For dropping his bag
of flour closest to
the target, Brandon
Grissel (Below)
received the coveted
pink bowling ball
trophy and a hearty
round of applause.
Our friends Kim and
Scott Huntington had to
head back to Santa
Maria early, so we took
advantage of their
absence by awarding
Scott the Spam Can
trophy for best metal.
Our awards team wanted to mention that this was
the most expensive
trophy in the lot.
Scott’s beautiful gray
and blue Cessna 150B
taildragger won a best
Aeronca award at the
first Southwest Flyin and
That still left one trophy to give out. After a brief
conference of the organizing committee, they decided to
recognize Don Ewing for his outstanding arrival in the
Spot Landing Contest. After a gust tried to push him off
the runway, Don kept his Aeronca (Below) under control
earning him the first annual Alcoholics Anonymous Best
Recovery trophy.
We finished up dinner
well before sunset so
some of the Low and
Slowers could head for
home. Don Ewing had
to leave his Champ since
Redlands Airport was
closed for an airshow. 40,000 people showed up there to
enjoy Hangar 24 beer and watch airplanes go low and
fast. Back at Flabob, we stayed low and slow as the sun
set peacefully into the western hills.
has actually been recognized by places that do
serious judging. Joe Lesmeiter took the trophy
back to Santa Maria and promised to deliver the
can to Scott, although he did not promise the Spam
would still be in it.
Sunday morning, the campers packed up their tents,
rolled up their sleeping bags and headed for home. Get
ready for Low and Slow 2014 coming May 16-18 at
Historic Flabob Airport. We look forward to seeing you
there. Bookmark our website www.lowandslowflyin.com
We still had three trophies left, so Jim got busy
with his label maker and came up with three more
awards. The award for Best Paint went to Stan
Hall (Below) for his gorgeous olive Interstate L-6
(Below).
Organizing Committee
Jim Spee
Jim O’Brien
Robert Jordan
Jimmy O’Brien
Volunteers
Jacob Palmer
Roberta Phillips
Stan Jajawi
Our thanks to the Wathen Center, our loyal Flabob
supporters, the Flabob chapter of the Antique Aircraft
Association, and Robert Szego of the Aeronca Aviators
Club. Thanks to the other Low and Slow type clubs for
helping us promote the event.
~ Jim Spee
“Aluminum Overcast”
EAA’s B-17G
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s B-17G,
nicknamed the Aluminum Overcast was flown into
Chino Airport, California on Monday the 29th of
April. A group of Aviators from Historic Flabob
Airport flew to Chino to see the “old bird” on May
1st. As they were walking from Transient Parking
they could see the aircraft in all its glory. Thanks to
Enrico Botteri and his crew we learned about the
history and benefit that the “Aluminum Overcast”
was to her country and others.
Flabob Aviators
Although the aircraft did not see war, she was
purchased as a surplus aircraft in 1946 for a mere
$750 dollars. When the aircraft returned to its
military roots in 1978, a group known as the “B-17’s
Around the World” wanted to preserve the heritage
and formal glory that the aircraft once knew. The
economic reality of maintaining an aircraft such as
this was difficult. So they decided to donate the
aircraft to the EAA in 1983. Since that time, an
extensive program was developed for the restoration
and preservation was undertaken to insure that the
Overcast would be a living reminder to those who
served in WWII. Ten years later, volunteers at
Oshkosh Wisconsin have made that goal a reality.
Flabob Aviators with Enrico Botteri
For More Information on
The Flabob Aviators
Phone: (951) 683-2309 or
[email protected]
“Aluminum Overcast” proudly carries the colors of
the 398th Bomber Squad of WWII, which flew
hundreds of missions over Nazi-held territories
during the war. Veterans of the 398th helped finance
the bomber’s restoration.
Beth LaRock and eight Aviators had a great
opportunity to tour the B-17G and be regaled with
stories from gentlemen with a passion for this
magnificent aircraft.
4130 Mennes Ave. #24
Riverside, CA 92509
~ Friend Deming
www.tomwathencenter.org
Internships at Flabob
My name is Audrey Cain, and I am a junior at
Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy. This year I
had the privilege of being part of the internship
program at Flabob Airport.
As one of the interns, I was involved in a number
of different fun and educational activities. These
included giving a “History of Flight” presentation,
tours in an airplane hangar on the race planes that
are housed inside of it, tours of both the cockpit
and the cabin of the “Flabob Express” (Flabob
Airport’s DC-3), reading aviation books to
younger students, and helping children make and
compete with paper airplanes.
Delete text and place photo here.
Audrey Cain in the Flabob Express DC-3
As part of the intern program, we led Riverside
Unified School District Elementary School
students on field trips around Flabob.
The visitations began with a “History of Flight”
presentation which we took all the students on an
exciting journey though the history of flight with
both visual and audio means. At the end of the
presentation, the interns asked the students if they
had any questions, answered them, then moved on
to the next activity.
After, the kids were split into groups according to
their grades. The 1st -3rd graders decorated paper
airplanes and had a flying contest. Then, the
students went to story time and completed their
session with a tour of our racing airplanes.
The 4th – 6th graders then split into two more
groups. One group of students took a tour of the
Flabob Express while the other group toured the
race planes. Then the groups switched. They
completed their session with making and flying
paper airplanes.
I have had such an incredible time working with
Flabob Airport, and have learned a lot too. The
Students making paper airplanes
internship program has been such a valuable
learning experience. I have been able to work
with amazing people, be able to help young
students learn more about aviation, and have a
fun time with it. Through this program I have
learned more about aviation myself, and I have
also become a better speaker. This program has
helped me to become a better leader, and I am
looking forward to continuing work with
Flabob Airport.
~ Audrey Cain
For more information on the Student
Visitation Program, please contact
(951) 683-2309 or
[email protected]
My Flight in the Christen Eagle II
The Christen Eagle II is pulled by 220 horses, capable of
6+ Gs, and I was lucky enough to earn a ride! Thanks to
the excellent airport staff, a welcoming pilot Norm, and
my 4.0+ GPA, I was given an experience of a lifetime.
Loops, rolls, you name it, we did it. It was funny to me
because I anticipated what pulling 6+ G would feel like;
however, my anticipation was off! Nobody can fully
understand the physical strain and beauty of aerobatics
until an opportunity like this arises. Because I had so
much fun on this flight, I am now determined to get a
summer job to pay for Pitts S2C Aerobatic training at CP
Aviation in Santa Paula, Ca. Thank you generous
Flabobians!
~ Kole Drake
Help Support our Aviators
DONATE Today
$5 Pancakes & Bacon
w/O.J. or Coffee
EAA Chapter One
Picnic Tables
For more information contact
(951) 683-2309
[email protected]
www.tomwathencenter.org
June 15, 2013 8 – 11 a.m.
Flabob Café Rumor Abatement
1. Yes, the Café will be closed from June 15 through July 1. When it reopens, the Café will
be managed by Jerry Miles. Jerry has been associated with Flabob for many years,
having received his multi-engine rating from Flavio. Most recently, he has been the
manager of the Rialto Café and brings many years of restaurant and catering
experience. Greg Chavez (the current Flabob Café manager) has opened a new
restaurant called the Blue Diamond Cafe, located at 7750 Mission.
2. Yes, all of the photographs will be taken down. However, unlike the rumors, the
photographs will be cleaned, sorted (with the assistance of Andy Andersen) and the
majority will be rehung.
3. Yes, the mural on the south wall of the Café will be cleaned (if it can be done without
damaging it). It will remain hanging in the same location. We’re hoping to get can
lights focused on the mural to highlight its beauty.
4. No, there will not be a new ceiling hung. The beams and ceiling of the Café are historic
and add to the ambiance of the building.
5. Yes, the models on the ceiling will be taken down. Again, unlike the rumors, the models
that are in good condition will be cleaned and rehung.
6. Yes, the carpeting will be removed and new flooring will be installed.
7. No, the “pilot’s table” is not going away. It will continue to be a great place to get
together with your old friends, and a great way to make new acquaintances.
8. Yes, the shingles on the roof above the counter will be removed. If the structure under
the shingles is in good shape, the shingles will be replaced with corrugated metal. This
will be done for both aesthetic reasons as well as providing a surface that is easy to clean.
The current shingles are loaded with grease and dirt and are not cleanable.
9. Yes, the new menu will have many of the Café favorites as well as new items. The
pricing will be similar to current. Jerry and Aurora’s focus will be on fresh foods.
10. Yes, the kitchen will be gutted, cleaned and relatively new equipment will be installed.
The hope is that this will be a positive move for all involved. If you have any questions
about the Café, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’d love to hear your comments and
respond to your questions. Beth LaRock, 951-683-2309, x103, [email protected].
May 2013
Aviation Science at California Baptist University
As the new Chair of Aviation Science at California Baptist University in Riverside, it is an honor for me to
introduce two four-year degree programs in Aviation Science that begin this Fall. Our Bachelor of Science
degree in Aviation Flight will provide students the opportunity to earn their Private Pilot Certificate,
Instrument rating, Commercial Pilot certificate, Multi-Engine rating, and Certificated Flight Instructor
certificate. Courses in Human Factors, Meteorology, Laws and Regulations, Turbine Systems, Crew
Resource Management, and other areas are also part of the degree program. Aviation Flight graduates will
complete their degree with 215-230 flight hours, and be prepared to build additional hours flight instructing
or flying commercially in preparation for airline positions or other opportunities in the aviation industry. Our
Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management is our “non-flight” degree, allowing students to gain a
solid business foundation, while also developing in-depth aviation knowledge. Courses include Airline
Management, Airport Management, FBO Management, Aviation Consulting, Aviation Finance, Aviation
Security, and others. Aviation Management graduates will be prepared for numerous managerial positions
within the aviation industry. By Fall 2014, CBU also hopes to begin offering a Part 147 A&P program and a
Dispatch program. As a 501c3 non-profit institution, we are accepting donations of aircraft and equipment,
as well as funds, to support our students and the programs we’re developing.
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you!
Dr. Daniel Prather
[email protected]
(951) 343-4924
Are you interested in placing an ad with Flabob Air Mail?
Contact Nina Brentham (951) 683-2309 Ext. 102 [email protected]